I used to own a JVC TV (model LT-32DS6BJ) which I got in April 2006. During ownership, the picture developed what I can best describe as "shadows" which were patches of dark colour on various parts of the screen. These were permanent and most visible for example during golf coverage where the camera was tracking across a light background. It became more noticeable as time went on and was one of the reasons I replaced it.

Having read the recommendations on this forum, I chose to replace it with a Panasonic as they are only one of four manufacturers to still make their own screens. Unfortunately, it was only after purchase that I discovered that some of their entry level TVs have a non-Panasonic screen, and guess which one I had just bought (Viera TX-42A400B).

A few months after purchase, I noticed the image was also suffering from this shadowing problem I had experienced with the JVC and it would appear to be getting worse although this could just be because I know it's there.

I'm going one day to have a word with the place I bought it from for their advice, but as it's eight months old they might be reluctant to accept it back as faulty so would like to ask the forum whether this is a common symptom and what causes it - is it a back-light fault or something wrong with the actual panel?

As the TV was on an end-of-the-line offer, I know I'm not going to get a direct replacement, nor would I want one given the issue with the current screen, but I'll aim for a "trade-in" against another screen.

Thanks in advance.

It sounds like the LCD panel was faulty, perhaps something as 'simple' as dust or contamination inside it (LCD panels aren't sealed).


It's not just a non-Panasonic screen (which various of their other sets have as well), it's a completely non-Pansonic TV.


Assuming it's contamination, then it probably is getting worse - smoking is a prime cause, as are coal fires and even gas fires.


As it's 8 months old they are unlikely to replace it with a new TV, but as it's under warranty it would be repaired (or possibly replaced? - I've no idea what Panasonic do with the Vestel models) by Panasonic service.

First off contact your retailer about it though, see what they say.

Definitely not smoke or as a result of a coal/gas fire, although I guess it could be a dust issue.

I know they wouldn't replace it with a current model (not sure if there is an equivalent model as they don't seem to do that size any more) so best I can hope for is a discount on a new one. But I wont know until I speak with them.

Thanks.

Went to see the retailer today and was offered differing opinions. One member of staff (who had "Trainee" on his badge) said I should contact Panasonic. However another member of staff gave me the contact details for their Customer Services department who should arrange pick-up and "repair".

Obviously if it can't be repaired they will either offer an exchange model (I'm not sure there is an equivalent model for at the same price range) or perhaps a refund. Not clear whether this would be the full purchase price or adjusted to allow for owning the set for eight months.

Would also be TV-less for maybe two weeks while they look at it.

Finally got a call-back from Customer Services who said I should take it back to the shop and they'll have a look at it to confirm the fault and then arrange for repair (if applicable).

Got the TV back today with a new panel and replaced under warranty. However I can see some of this shadowing on the new panel - while it is much less than what I was suffering with before, it is rather disappointing to find issues with a brand new panel. Maybe it's just something I'm going to have to put up with, not sure I'd get a refund at this rate although I might send off an email to customer services to show my disappointment.

So, don't buy an entry-level Panasonic.

Especially when it isn't a Panasonic

How can you tell if a Panasonic is a Panasonic? I was thinking about getting a Panasonic 50in or over TV but am worried now.

Indeed.


Wish I knew the answer to that last May when I bought mine.

2 fairly easy ways:

Country of origin - the Turkish built sets are Vestels. The Czech built are Panasonics.

Also look at the remotes / OSDs etc. If you compare the 300 and 400 series with a 500 or 600 series, you can easily see which are related. I bought a CS620 last year (which was a Dixons exclusive) but *very* similar to the 520 - the only difference I could find was 3 x HDMI rather than 2. But the controls and operation were quite different to the 300s and 400s which were also on display.

From what I can see it's only the 300s and 400s which are Vestels.

The other option is to buy the set in a shop that knows about their product and will be able to tell you which ones to avoid.

Having the knowledge and sharing it are two very different things.

The reality is a salesman is a salesman regardless of who they work for.

The key is to understand what the customer's requirements are and what the customer's budget is - and work to that. Which means there will genuinely be times when the right option is a cheap set.

If a customer is that bothered about avoiding a product from a particular source, in this day and age with the internet, it's not unreasonable that the customer should do some investigation of their own. I suspect 99% of customers aren't bothered.

Update: took the set back again last week for a second repair. It has been returned to me with a new mainboard and LVDS cables, but I can still see shadowing under certain circumstances.

To my inexperienced eyes, it looks more like a backlight issue as there are definite columns of shadowing and distinct straight edges down the screen.

Not sure what I'll do with it now. The new parts have a three month warranty so I might see what it's like at the end of that and if the issue is still bothering me, go back and ask for a trade-in on a new set. And I know which sets will be off that list.

This is for anyone considering an entry-level Panasonic - in my experience, don't.

I had a similar sounding issue with an actual Panasonic-made Panasonic.

Sent mine in for repair, but thanks to a foul up by the geniuses at Currys, (they lost half the TV) they ended up replacing the thing with a brand new one anyway.

Net result is a much better picture that what I started with.

So don't hold on. They've had opportunities to put it right. Just push for a replacement now.

I have an A400 and that was made in the Czech Republic, though it is a couple of years old so things might have changed.

It has, it's only the very recent sets (last 12 months or so?) that were bought from Vestel - and according to Panasonic dealers they will cease later this year.

Mine says "assembled in the Czech Republic" but it is >12 months old now.

Lately I've noticed shadows on my TV picture too - its not that bad but I cant "unsee" once I've seen what looks like a faint strip on the right hand side of the screen (I can only really see it when there's solid blocks of colour). Kind of the opposite of DSE during football.

Perhaps the back-lights are at that side? (or the other side?) - once the sets been on a while try feeling the edges of the set, the edge where the back-lights are will probably be warmer than the other three.

Thanks I'll try that as you say, I dont know if theres a way to get rid of this (could be backlight bleed?)

I think it's fairly obvious?, that with panels lit from one edge only there's likely to be problems with imperfect back-lighting

I'm not sure which side theyre on actually I hope nothing has burnt into the screen or anything, like I damaged the TV (sometimes I do clean the screen with wipes and a microfibre cloth). I even saw a video where something cold was put on one part of the screen which according to them, at least, stops shadows
Dont think it worked for me.

Also weirdly, I noticed what looked like "judder" in an old episode of QI (the one just on now on Dave about Common Knowledge), near the start, like at one point the screen moved up and down ever so slightly

It will be nice when LCDs are finally off the market. Except for their brightness they are inferior junk.

The problem with LCD TVs is that they are more than good enough, for the vast majority of people watching them. So many people are swayed by the overly bright images they can give that they fail to see a lot of the bad things they do at the same time.

I still won't go out and replace the Plasma I've got with an LCD because they just annoy me. I just hope my set lasts long enough to see OLED really make an impact and see the prices become more pocket friendly (note, not cheaper, just lower price! I'm also sick of all the "cheap" TVs on the market!)