Panasonic TC-P65VT60 3D Plasma HDTV Test Bench

Test Bench

Full-On/Full-Off Contrast Ratio: 28,500:1

All measurements were performed in the Professional2 picture mode for 2D and the Custom (3D) mode for 3D, through an HDMI input with the set adjusted for a darkened room. The peak white level to achieve the measured contrast ratio was just over 34 foot-lamberts, and the black level 0.0012 ft-L. (The full-on/full-off contrast ratio measured on the Pioneer PRO-141FD Kuro for the comparisons in this test was 22,400:1 with peak white 33.6 ft-L, black level 0.0015 ft-L.)

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The pre-calibration RGB Balance shown in the chart was taken in the THX Cinema mode, adjusted for approximately the same peak white level mentioned above with the Color temp. control on Warm1. The pre-calibration gray scale Delta E values in this mode averaged 4.98; post-calibration, the Delta E averaged 0.60, with a high of 1.01 at 100 percent brightness. (Delta E is a figure of merit that indicates how closely a display adheres to the Rec. 709 HD color standard. Experts generally agree that levels below 3 are visibly indistinguishable from perfect color tracking.)

In the Rec. 709 Color Gamut setting, the pre-calibration color point Delta E averaged a respectable 3.11. After calibration, it averaged an exceptional 0.60. Post-calibration, the average measured gamma across the full brightness range was 2.26, achieved from a baseline setting of 2.4 with minor tweaking of the Gamma Detail controls.

A 3D calibration of the VT60 was also performed (charts not shown). Before calibration (THX3D Cinema mode, Color temp. set to Warm1), the 3D grayscale Delta E averaged 5.71, the color Delta E 3.53, and the gamma 1.9 (minimum 0.82 at 90 percent!). Post-calibration, the 3D gray scale Delta E averaged 0.99, the color Delta E averaged 2.38, and the gamma averaged 1.8 (minimum 0.46 at 90 percent!). Manufacturers often use a low 3D gamma to pump up the visible brightness level.

The TC-P65VT60 passed all our standard video processing tests except for the 2:2 cadence tests for HD and SD, common and largely inconsequential failures.—TJN

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COMMENTS
Samsuri's picture

I recently bought a 55VT60 here in Singapore, while making changes to the settings I realise that the HDTV is missing some 2D and 3D setting options such professional2 for 2D and custom for 3D. These options are missing totally on my new HDTV therefore i am not able to have the same setting as given here. I do however have the others options. What settings do you recomend for my HDTV in this case, thank you.

acpryor's picture

Hey! I love these reviews, they're so helpful.

My AV installer is recommending I go with the LG 60PN5700:
http://www.lg.com/us/tvs/lg-60PN5700-plasma-tv

I was thinking of getting this Panasonic based on your reviews and I can't find a review of the LG. The Panny is more $, I can get the LG for $900. I don't know what to do since I can't see them side by side. This will be our primary TV in our family room, lots of windows with minimal light control during day.

Recommendations?

Andrew

tailwhip's picture

If you go into the Settings part of the menu you can find the switch to unlock the isfccc mode. Once you do the Pro modes will show up in the Picture Settings menu, where you select THX ect.
Now you will see the additional adjustments.

globus's picture

Hi there
I have a question regarding your W/B Detail adjustment
Obviously you are reffering to Panel Luminace Setting by splitting it on Mid and Hig but TV it self have option to set:
R Gain
G Gain
B Gain
R Cutoff
G Cutoff
B Cutoff
and in you settings you are giving only 1 number for each colour
W/B Detail Adjust. (2D)
Mid
Red –7
Green –1
Blue 14
Could you advise me how that should be set up?

Thanks
Sebastian

Visions's picture

Hi there, thank you for a great review of the TV. It's spot on.

I'm a little confused about the listed settings could you explain to me.

Is the Mid and High referencing the high and low? on the tv the option goes first r/g/b high and r/g/b low, so I am not sure if I mixing up the two settings.

W/B Detail Adjust. (2D)
Mid High
Red –7 10
Green –1 4
Blue 14 –3

Are these the 3D settings, is 32D a typo? Same things I am not sure which is mid (high or low)

W/B Detail Adjust. (32D)
Mid High
Red –15 11
Green 0 0
Blue –6 –1

Given that I did possibly mixed up these settings completely I really like your adjustment. Thank you for posting it.

globus's picture

I also noticed that you are missing
Gamma Detail Adjustment
Input Signal Level
100 ?

Thanks

cooloregon's picture

Mid = Low and High is High.

cooloregon's picture

Thanks for your VT60 calibration post. I have one question though, where is the 100 IRE setting for the Input Signal Level? As it is also missing in the ZT60 calibration post also. I left mine at the default setting of -0-.

shield's picture

R Gain:10
G Gain:4
B Gain:-3
R Cutoff:-7
G Cutoff:-1
B Cutoff:14

If you say mid and high.if i use this settings then i have too much blue in the blacks where you can check with AVS HD709.so whats right.this or the other way around?

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