What is the difference between panasonic vt30 and gt30

There's also a new automatic ISF mode calibration available via Calman, our TV calibration software, which supposedly adjusts all of those controls automatically. The TV firmware supporting it is not yet available, however, and we doubt its results would be replicable via the standard menu controls, so we didn't try it for this review.

As for THX, since it lacks most controls our "calibration" consisted of simply increasing light output to our standard 40ftL and tweaking a couple of other basic controls. Afterward average gamma and a few other picture characteristics actually measured slightly worse than before we made any adjustments, due we assume to the increase in light output. Again, if THX offered better controls, or if the ones in Custom worked as well as they do on competing high-end TVs, we'd see better results.

As with previous Panasonic reviews we've included both our Custom and THX picture settings linked above so you can see the differences for yourself. For our evaluation we lined up the comparison models below and watched old favorite "Avatar" on Blu-ray.

Of course the VT25 which we measured at 0. If that's the case, then the VT30 is the new plasma black level runner-up to the Pioneer Kuro, but we won't know for sure until we can test how the VT30 ages.

The difference in absolute depth of black was quite subtle between the VT30 0. While the VT30's gamma measurement was inferior to the Samsung's, the latter obscured details in shadows, such as the plants at and the back of Jake's avatar's hair at Such details were a bit too bright on the VT30 compared to our reference, but still closer than the other two.

Black areas appeared inky and deep, lending the customary pop to every scene. We looked for fluctuations in the level of black and gray but couldn't find any in "Avatar.

Color accuracy: Although colors in THX mode looked very good on the VT30, with great saturation and accurate color points, the Samsung was superior overall in this area. The Panasonic seemed to have a slight greenish cast to many scenes when compared side-by-side with the Samsung and a few of the others, a difference that was visible primarily in skin tones--such as the face and arms of Jake as he wheels toward Quaritch's harangue in Chapter 2, or the faces of the cafeteria-goers in Chapter Near-black on the VT30 was the best in the room, but the Samsung was also very good so the difference in color between the two wasn't as noticeable as during brighter scenes.

Furthermore, we noticed the same kinds of false contouring artifacts in 96Hz mode on the VT30 that we've seen on earlier so-equipped Panasonic plasmas, like the VT25 see that review for more details. For these reasons we decided to use 60Hz mode for our evaluations and calibration.

There were some slight differences between the two in terms of black level and color, but nothing on the scale of, for example, CinemaSmooth on the Samsung PND On the "Digital Video Essentials" test Blu-ray we noticed shifting lines and minor instability in the downtown Philadelphia buildings during an upward-facing pan. We didn't see any similar issues during "Avatar," but assume they might crop up. In short, neither mode is perfect, but both do the main job--correct film cadence--properly.

Panasonic introduced dejudder processing this year with a setting entitled "Motion smoother. As usual we found both relatively distasteful.

The GT25 from last year had a "Blur reduction control" that, when engaged, delivered full motion resolution. That control has been dropped for , but Motion smoother basically does the same thing: when it was engaged, either Weak or Strong, we saw an increase in motion resolution in our test pattern see the Geek Box. It's worth noting again that THX doesn't allow you to turn on Motion smoother at all, and as usual any blur was impossible for us to discern with real program material.

The VT30 passed our i deinterlacing test with pull-down set to On, but not when we used the default Auto and, despite what the menu explanation says, this setting does affect HDMI sources. Bright lighting: Compared to the Samsung the VT30's screen was a bit more reflective, with brighter highlights when we turned on the lights.

On the other hand it did a slightly better job at preserving black levels under bright lights, although the Samsung was still very good in that area. We ended up slightly preferring the bright-room picture of the Samsung, but the two were very close.

Text and other fine objects looked relatively soft. During "Avatar," crosstalk was infrequent, but we saw it occasionally. Faint extra outlines appeared at edge of the weights and the vertical equipment rack behind Quaritch in Chapter 6 , for example, and they were more noticeable on the VT30 than on the Samsungs. The head of the rightmost spook talking to Jake over his brother's casket also showed a stronger outline on the VT30 than either Samsung, especially the UND The outlines appeared a bit more noticeable on the GT30 then the VT30, but the difference was subtle.

So what, exactly, are the differences? You can even illuminate some of its keys, which are superbly responsive. To be clear, this comes on top of the new louvre filter and other advances found on the lower GT30 range. The nasty double ghosting issue crosstalk still found on some LCD 3D models this year is here just not an issue of any significance. Not for the first time, I was struck by how much size matters for 3D viewing.

Black level response during dark sequences such as the main ballet sections of Black Swan is even more intense, deep and rich than it is on the GT30 models. Colours are richer and more natural than those of any previous Panasonic plasma generation. Better even than the much-missed Pioneer Kuros?

Well, the last of the Kuros perhaps achieved a more dynamic picture, but the Panasonic has deeper black levels, and of course many more features. Still, most potential P55VT30 buyers will use a separate surround system. Pop along to the plasma forum and read the info above the posts There are also reviews of both models in the review section Viewing distance influences the size you should choose, sit too close and the quality suffers And this very question was also asked yesterday ok about the 50" - have a look through recent posts - this gets asked a lot.

Click to expand Depends what you are watching. Casterthedog Standard Member. Hi Veriac - my views as follows:- Plasma Q2 - Personally, I don't think on the latest models there's as much chance of burning screens as on previous models - unless of course you're going to leave it on a certain screen for a couple of days! Basically, turn it off when you're not watching it. Plasma Q3 - Just follow the set up instructions in the manual for the set you get.

In my view, quality depends on how far you're away from the set and what size it is - really near to a big set and dodgy IQ - too far from a smaller one and can't see the detail.

Also school of thought that 3D under 50" is not as good as 50" and over ie not as much depth. All a matter of what's best for you and your setting. Is price difference worth it? Things to consider before choose - hopefully GT's and VT's will get a web browser soon supporting flash with a bit of luck - if that's important now you might want to consider say a Samsung D if in a rush to buy!

Is there a vt30 now too? What's peoples best prices on All 42" of gt30 vt30 or vt20? Prefer warranty? Don't mind bindle of blu ray player and glasses if good offer? I don't think the OP is based in the UK, could be wrong though. Now that many retailers are including 3D glasses with the GT30, what are people's thoughts on whether the extra for the VT30 is worth it?

Any thoughts? Mikewebb Active Member. I've got the exact same Dilema Mike with the 42" models. Read every post in both threads, read numerous reviews but still can't decide. I'm just going to have to try them both and decide there and then - always dangerous with the credit card in my pocket. Last edited: Jun 18, Also included 5 yr Panasonic warranty currently only available to sets bought before 30 June. My main use will be for Sky HD and 3D inc football together with YouTube and network file viewing and, in my opinion, the GT is certainly a good enough picture for those needs from what I've checked in Stores and read about but, if it doesn't deliver after a week or so of use at home I'll endeavour to swap it for a 42VT or even a 50VT if the Mrs can be persuaded the latter's not too big!

All the best with your own choice s. Also they said theyd take it back for 1 dead or stuck pixel. All in all pretty impressed with the service, now I just hope the set lives up to it when I colelct it tomorrow.

Scooby Distinguished Member. Now my room is pretty light large window to the right and patio doors to the left of the TV so good performance in a bright room would be useful and I do like the design of the VT30 too Think I better track one down