Panasonic sued over plasma TV picture quality

Panasonic is being sued over its plasma TVs' black levels, and calls the charge "baseless."

(Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET)

A class action lawsuit against Panasonic was filed February 12, claiming an increase in the brightness of black levels, as well as a corresponding decrease in contrast ratio that is detrimental to picture quality.

The suit, filed in federal court in New Jersey, alleges that "the television is no longer producing the same image quality that [Panasonic] represented it would produce."

We first learned of the suit when we contacted a Panasonic representative while seeking comment regarding our most recent test results on black-level performance. That test did find worse performance in two aged 2009 Panasonic plasma TVs.

The company could not comment on the results, citing the pending litigation. Here's the full text of Panasonic's response:

Unfortunately, after our discussions about providing you with further information, a lawsuit regarding this issue was filed. While we believe that the lawsuit is baseless, since this is now a matter in litigation, Panasonic company policy prohibits us from responding to your questions.

If you are interested, the lawsuit is pending in federal court in Newark, N.J., filed under docket number 2:10-CV-00846.

For the record, a report on this blog quoting Panasonic's response was cited in the suit.

[kaibelf]

*yawn*
So essentially they are upset that plasmas burn out, and they are suing Panasonic because they couldn't alter chemistry and physics for someone's television.... lovely.

[JustiCar]

Actually Panasonic has admitted that it is built into the firmware of the device to automatically alter the black levels after a set period in order to expand the life of the sets. They have also admitted that they accidentally set the levels to adjust at far too sharp a level instead of a gradual decline as was intended and is incorporated in their newest model TV's. The issue is a firmware update could fix the problem but Panasonic has stated they won't release one, not that consumers want a company to alter the laws of physics.

[nofinway]

*yawn* You don't bother to read source articles and make embarrassingly uninformed dismissive comments about a group of people that includes some of the most knowledgeable custom installers and calibrators in North America.

Nothing to do with burn-in, dude. Nothing at all. Nice try though.

[Cman666]

Whats with all these ***** and their *yawn* comments? what with these losers?

[jaguar717]

Hey, I don't know why anybody's complaining.

With all these "green" tvs, pretty soon all of them are going to be trading a garbage picture for a buck a year in energy savings.

The Luddites march on!

[sharok42]

Rising black level may have nothing to do with plasma burn out, but the black level should'nt rise after you purchase the TV. THAT IS WRONG. I'm happy that Panasonic was sued, it was about time. Panasonic admitted the black level will rise gradually. THAT WAS NOT WHAT I PAID FOR. I WAS NOT INFORMED OF THIS PROBLEM WHEN I PURCHASED THE TV.

[tlsivart]

They admitted that the greying was due to software that is supposed to counteract the effects of aging in Plasma, but I would have probably looked for a different TV if I had known that it'd do this in less than two years. I have noticed a big difference and I'm not in a position to get a new TV anytime soon. I'd like something for my troubles - even if it's just a software fix to put it back to normal.

[biffhenerson]

I have had my Panasonic for 4 years. The picture is brilliant and looks as nice as the day I bought it. Blacks are black and contrast is great. Perhaps my model is too old to have the firmware problem.

[technologyRules]

Would be interesting to know if this was just an effort to enrich the pockets of a law firm. Consumers gain little if anything from a class action suit and the attorneys get richer.

[invisible21]

I hope this gets their attention. While I DETEST class-action lawsuits in general, hopefully this will result in Panny coming up with a fix of some sort for people affected by this. Honestly I don't want money of any kind. I want the product I invested in to perform AS ADVERTISED and for this nonsense "technology" that increases black levels to be killed. I don't see how panny can advertise any type of contrast ratio (regardless of how it's manipulated) if that ratio changes over time. Is that what "dynamic" means? Panny needs to get their heads out of their butts and realize that people buy plasmas PURELY for their picture quality. They cater to a market of people who are exceedingly harsh on underperforming technology and they should know that. So many people are mad at Panasonic right now and they're only hurting their bottom line when they keep this up.

[rc4bs]

I totally agree w/invisible. I was originally sold on a Panny because of picture quality. However, after doing my homework, through hours of online comparisons, including reading countless bloggs describing the loss of Panny picture quality (contrast/depth of blackness, etc.) built into the software to increase lifespan) I finally settled on a Samsung plasma (despite claims of "buzzing" noises - which haven't occurred so far). What blows me away, however, is that Panasonic has the gall to admit the problem is there, but tries to minimize the "damage" by insisting that the difference in image (after so many hours) is negligible and shouldn't be worthy of a complaint. "Who are you going to believe; me or your lying eyes?"

[LividLazan]

I remember saying the exact same thing was required in order to get their attention and to make sure they don't kick their customer in the teeth after they are done taking their money: http://www.cnet.com/8705-4_1-0.html?username=LividLazan&tag=contentMain;contentBody#9030749

I am not fan of mindless class action lawsuits, however, this does provide a window of opportunity for Panasonic to come clean and acknowledge it as an issue and not play coy and fix it. It's also a good indicator that they will be cautious with 2010 panel voltage control AI as well.

Lastly, I think it's only fair to expect that Cnet should do a progressive review on the Panasonic model to send a clear message that it stands to guide consumers for betterment and not exist for underhanded deals with manufacturers.

[chrkeller]

I agree 100%. As an owner of a 2008 Panasonic plasma I am highly upset with the black levels continuing to get brighter, given the black levels were a huge reasons I paid 3k for the TV in the first place. If I would have known I would have gone with Kuro. Panasonic knows this, which is why they tried to keep this black level issue a secret. Panasonic needs to refund some money or come up with a fix. I'd love to join in on this class action lawsuit, anybody know how I can do so?

[geevett]

I bought a 2009 P54G10 but I brought it back the next day when I found about the black fade issues. So I ordered a 2010 P50G25 online. I thought I would avoid the black fade issues with the 2010, but after reading on these posts it seems that might end up having the same issues. Maybe I should refuse the TV when it gets here next week.

[EvanSei]

yea glad I have an olevia....wait didn't they go bankrupt...oh well anyways...at least my picture is good.

[adasha76]

I was assured the weather today would be bright when in fact it is overcast. Expect a call from my lawyer.

[henty]

Did you pay thousands of dollars for that assurance? And receive it in written contract? If so, you might be pissed.

[givemeaname]

I have a 54G10 with over 2,000 hours & have seen a small incress is brightness in the blacks ( yes I do watch it in a total dark room) but not as bad as some peoples I have read. I still can see all the blacks agenst the true black background on this website ( http://www.lagom.nl/lcd-test/black.php ) some people can not see # 15 , maybe it is because I have one of the 1st 54g10 made?

There should be a fix & the part where they say the hours is trade secret is BS!!!

Give us a fix or an option in the menu to turn OFF this setting, I do not care if the tv lasts 100,000 hours if it just going to end up in the end looking like a LCD tv, I rather it last 50,000 hour (half-life) & have the blacks that us plasma owners expect. Most of us that have PQ at the top list when shopping replace their TV's every 'few' years anyway, we do not care that it has a 15-20 year panel life, mostliky the motherboard or power unit will die long before that, so the 100,000 hours planel does not matter!!!

[quiquem]

Im a current owner of a Panasonic TC-P65V10 that i purchased in December and this makes me upset. I agree that something needs to be done i spend to much money for the tv for it to go bad so fast. I wish i could of waited a little bit longer i could of bought something else or waited for the 2010 models. I too would love to join in on this class action lawsuit can anybody give me some info or tell me what to do thanks.

[givemeaname]

As long as you register your tv with panny your fine. I have been part of a class action lawsuit unknowingly & one day I got a check in the mail (a whopping .15c on something that cost me $200) with a letter from the company explaning on what it is for.. It went in the recycle, waste of a tree & not worth my time/gas going to the bank.

If you got any money it would just be a few dollars like $10, a fix would be better!!!

[StinkeyB]

I bought my TC-P58V10 two weeks ago after extensive searches and comparisons. This is heartbreaking to know that my almost 3,000 dollar purchase is not going to perform as expected. I hope that this lawsuit will push Panasonic into releasing a fix. Whether that fix is reversing the effects through a firmware update or by a tech coming to your home and doing it themselves. Ironicly the first thing I noticed when I fired up Viera Cast for the first time was their consier service. I hope they do right by their costomers because the guys/gals who buy Plasmas are the educated bunch that expect alot out from their sets. If this isn't fixed then they are goiong to loose a bunch of money to Samsung. I hope this doesnt' happen to my TV. BTW is the lighter black level inevitable? or is it isolated reports. like I said I have a 58" V10 09 model and It's only been in my house for 2 weeks today.

[hatmon]

I'm glad this is being addressed. It is embarrassing working in a television shop and explaining that plasmas have a deeper contrast ratio when it is plain to see right there in front of the customer that the demo panasonics are all grey.

[geevett]

I just ordered a 2010 P50G25 online. Maybe I should refuse accepting it when it gets here, because what I understand from reading these posts is that I might be subject to the black fade issue even with the 2010. I bought the panasonic because of superior blacks.

[GLSTRATFLY]

I feel for all you guys. I would be livid if I spent big bucks on a TV that crapped out after 1500 hours, but what are the alternatives? Does anybody (except Kuro) make a tv with comparable specs that won't get lighter over time?
Class action suits are a joke, It could take years to settle. A BOYCOTT is the answer.

[zgabea]

not sure if it was mentioned, however, there was a firmware update a week ago on the viera cast.

[POC54g10]

Can someone please validate exactly what this firmware update on viera cast may accomplish? I have a 54in G10 and have been very happy with it for my first two months of ownership. I am in the minority of individuals that are well below the 1500 hour threshold and it would be great if this Viera cast firmware update solved this picture quality / black level / programming error. I too am upset with Panasonic for this severe oversight / omission of the truth!

Thanks!

[Thorbecke]

From what I was told, the recent firmware update was to address the THX settings. There was a noticeable geenish/yellowish tint to the colors in THX display setting. The fix had been available for a while using a service call, but downloading it is so much easier.

[aznjigg824]

Can someone help?

I talked to the salesperson at best buy in San Rafael and he said that the black level issue is non-existent with the TVs and that CNET has retracted their statement about the Black Levels rising on the Panasonic Plasma TVs?

Is that true? I haven't seen any retraction on this from you or CNET.

He also said that there are rumors that a competitor of Panasonic planted this information in order to get ahead of Panasonic.

And finally the BB guy said that the rep said it was also a non-issue as well. But of course he would say that!

I'm really close to pulling the trigger on panasonic's TC-P50G20 Plasma TV....what should I do?? The specs on it are amazing too, 600Hz and 5,000,000:1 Native Contrast Ratio. Although I've noticed the price on this drop twice in the past 5 days!

Thanks for any help!

[Magas2]

aznjigg824 you have been lied to. The G10/V10's have real issues with fading. Its unknown, I believe, if the issue continues on with the G20's so the tv you are looking at could be fine...

CNET isn't going to retract anything about the 2009 models because they have seen real results on this issue and are not making baseless claims. Could that affect your 2010 model? ...I own the G10 and until Panasonic changes their tune about this I would not recommend them.

AVS has great information on this..all you need to do is search their forum.

[sgrigory]

I was within a few hours of ordering the 2009 TC-P46G10 and decided to up to 50" if we could fit it. As I was checking your review I noticed the change in ratings with a "click here" link. Needless to say I am gratified you posted the black fade fiasco but it should be more prominent.

My question is with the asian techical pagerism habits, have other brands been looked at for fading. Samsung has not come out with 2010 top line plasmas and I am wondering if they are working on a fix to a similar screwball engineering with their 2009 line. I am very hesitant to buy a plasma but hate to spring for the added price of an LCD.

[video272]

Can anyone tell me what law frim is handling the Class Action?

[POC54g10]

David Katz had the details under his news (above)
Here it is for your reading pleasure....
"If you are interested, the lawsuit is pending in federal court in Newark, N.J., filed under docket number 2:10-CV-00846."

I have a TC-P54V10 and have been having issues with the TV shutting itself off. First time I contacted Concierge they sent a technician to change the panel with all the connections. Two weeks later it happened again..the TV was taken to a repair center (outsource of course). They had it on th test bench for a week and claimed they could not find the problem. I got the TV back with the base and front glass scratched. I worte to concierge about the my frustration and anger about the situation and they chose to ignore my email. Very professional don't you think?? I noticed that the Vivid setting was not as vivid after I received the TV. I started to put 2 & 2 together and realized that the problems I have been having are related to the Vivid setting. The TV shuts itself off due to overheating so I believe that the repair service's very amateur solution was to reduce the level on the Vivid setting...again very professional!! When I use the THX or Standard setting, I don't have a problem but when I use the Vivid setting, that's when it overheats. I wrote to my dealer and that didn't help as they suggested to call instead..to be continued. Thanks Toyota,....I mean Panasonic!!!