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(More customer reviews)I bought this TV from Amazon. That was a decision arrived at only after a long and meticulous research about plasma vs LCD-LED. I also did a comparison between Panasonic S1 and V10 models. I used extensive reviews of postings by owners at the AVS forums. I already owned a Panasonic 50" plasma, a Samsung LCD 52" so I have a pretty good idea of what I want and need.
First and foremost I want a TV which is reliable and free of defects. So in comparing Samsung and Panasonic plasmas, I have to say that the reports of buzzing noise from Samsung sets turned me off. About 34% of those onwers polled a avs forums reported the problem. Although this was based on only a few hundred people and thhe sample was not random and statistically meaningless, it does indicate a potential problem. So I ruled out the Samsung plasma.
The difference in price between the S1 and V10 Panasonic is substantial for me. You can see for yourself at Amazon depending on the size you prefer. In addition, the S1 has the same glass panel as the V10 being a 2009 model. What the S1 does not have is Viera Internet connection and more picture control in the menu. The V10 is also thinner and is reported by reviewers and owners to have a better picture.
Most people already have Pandora, Netflix, youtube etc... internet connection through their BD players or Tivo. So internet is really something I do not want nor need. I figure that with Service Menu (SM) adjustements, called offsets of the various parameters posted by professional calibrators, the S1 picture can be tweaked to about 95-98% of the V10 at a substantial savings.
I ruled out LCD-LED because of the size limitation.
So how did I make out.
1. Delivery was made by Pilot, two persons who helped setup the set and plug in the power to see if everything is working. I was very grateful and gave them a significant tip.
2. I used the breakin slided and turned down the contrast and brightness settings during the first 120 hours. Then I adjusted the SM offsets and the result is a picture a bright as my Samsung LCD and with far better black and color. No green or red push.
3. I have no use for Viera Cast available from my BD player. So S1 was the right choice for me.
4. I have windows facing the TV so there is reflection and glare.
5. The TV is 20% heavier than the Samsung for the same size, but it is really well built. No buzz. No dead pixels.
I am pretty content with my choice of the S1. the V10 is a better set but I did not regret my purchase.
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