[Nick]

Panasonic Issues Bold Plasma Prediction

Given the fact that many, many flat screen TVs have been sold on the premise that plasmas are brighter but LCDs are longer lasting, Panasonic's assertion last week that its latest line of 1080p VIERA plasma HDTVs "might outlast their owners" came as something of a shock.

What's next? VHS is better than Beta? MP3s sound better than CDs (or LPs for that matter)?

"There has been a lot of misinformation circulating about Plasma HDTVs and longevity, and we're happy to once again set the record straight on the durability of Panasonic Plasma," said Robert Perry, senior vice president, Panasonic Display Products Company. "Quite simply, our Plasma TVs are built to last a very long time -- as much as 100,000 hours to half their brightness."

According to Panasonic, those 100,000 hours will account for more than 42 years of average viewing, before the sets reach half of their original brightness levels.

Source: MediaBiz.com

Ed. Note: In 42 years, I'll most likely be at half of my original brightness as well. :shrug:

 

[phrelin]

My old Pany already has 5 years on it. It's possible it could outlast me but it might get moved to another room. Like all cutting edge technology, I bought it before HDMI was created which I have even in a small newer LCD in my home office. So the ability to "outlast" doesn't mean much in this fast changing world. And if I drop it on my head while trying to move it resulting in my untimely death, does it still get credit for outlasting me?

 

[Nick]

My old Pany already has 5 years on it. It's possible it could outlast me but it might get moved to another room...if I drop it on my head while trying to move it resulting in my untimely death, does it still get credit for outlasting me?

Phrelin, I checked with Panasonic on that -- they said yes, but only if the display itself survives the drop. Otherwise, it would be officially categorized as a SEOL (Simultaneous End Of Life) event.

 

[paulman182]

That's 20 years of viewing at my house.

 

[bigwad]

That's 20 years of viewing at my house.

+1

 

[Ken S]

Yes, but can it withstand 2500 showings of Toy Story 2

 

[phrelin]

Phrelin, I checked with Panasonic on that -- they said yes, but only if the display itself survives the drop. Otherwise, it would be officially categorized as a SEOL (Simultaneous End Of Life) event.

:lol:

 

[Nick]

From The Retail Bridge:

Letter To The Editor:

I..agree with Mr. Kabrich. Stating that your plasma display will last 100,000 hours is very misleading. In any TV -- whether it be CRT, LCD, DLP, or plasma -- you will often have a power supply or some other electronic failure long before the core display device fails.

100,000 hours is over 11 years if left on continuously. How about a 5-year warranty? That seems more than reasonable. Hey Panasonic, put your money where your mouth is!

Jason Brown
Audio Advisors

 

[MIKE0616]

From The Retail Bridge:

A reasonable request. If they are sure that the set will last that long, why not a longer warranty?

 

[lee635]

Here here!! A longer warranty instead of having to pay too much for a cheeezy "point-of-sale" extended warranty.

On warranties, I'd love a trend towards longer warranties, even with some sort of modest deductible after a period, i.e. 2 years full coverage, then 3 more years with a $50 flat charge per repair. Of course, that's for each new defect, I don't want to pay another $50 if the power supply you installed 2 weeks ago goes out again. Just my two cents.

A reasonable request. If they are sure that the set will last that long, why not a longer warranty?