Panasonic and their redheaded (silver) consumer stepchild’s

[AGA Audio]

I suspect that I am not alone in my aversion to the silver bezels found on all Panasonic plasma consumer displays. The PX60U seems to have most visually obtrusive (read: lurid) lower bezel in their current product range. I have recently been looking closely at the PX600U and now the PX6U because of their more discrete bezels. I was curious about why the PX6U is not commonly discussed on these forums. However, after having doubts about the correctness of the photographs of the PX6U displays at www.panasonic.com, I began searching for other images only to learn that the displays are actually silver. Is the PX600U really the best Panasonic can do in the consumer market to deliver a less "in your face" silver bezel?

I am interested to hear feedback on the 600U or any suggestions you may have.

[GBFreek]

The 6U??

I always thought it was the 60U, and the 600U.

You have a link to a 6U? Never heard of such a thing.

[AGA Audio]

For more information on the PX6U displays see:

TH-50PX6U (http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/vModelDetail?storeId=15001&catalogId=13401&itemId=97744&catGroupId=24973&modelNo=TH-50PX6U&surfModel=TH-50PX6U&cacheProgram=11002&cachePartner=7000000000000005702)

TH-42PX6U (http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/vModelDetail?storeId=15001&catalogId=13401&itemId=97743&catGroupId=24973&modelNo=TH-42PX6U&surfModel=TH-42PX6U&cacheProgram=11002&cachePartner=7000000000000005702)

I am also curious if the BLACK TY-ST07-K or TY-ST08-K (TY-ST10M) stands are compatible with the TH-42PX600U display?

[optivity]

[QUOTE=AGA Audio]I suspect that I am not alone in my aversion to the silver bezels found on all Panasonic plasma consumer displays.[/QUOTE]Cheer up! :) Forum members use to say the bezel of my 50PX50U was ugly too! :eek:

http://mysite.verizon.net/vzequg9f/50px50u.JPG

Rogo vs. Rogo on Panasonic 37-inch Plasmas... (http://archive.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?threadid=452811)


[size=1]But that didn't stop me from buying one.[/size] ;)

[billybob_jcv]

The 6U has been reported to be at some Costcos. I think there is more info in the Costco sticky thread.

[AGA Audio]

If anyone is able to provide more images of the PX6U displays (including the rear) I would be interested in seeing them because I question the accuracy of the photo that is currently being used by Panasonic.


Thank you.

[orbital517]

I've had my 50PX60U for about a month now and the silver bezel doesn't look bad to me at all. I've had many guests, friends, and family come over to visit and they all thought it looked great. I have it wall mounted and think it looks great. Different strokes for different folks.

I think a lot of people who hate on it is because they went with another model and want to feel good about their purchase, so they crap on what they don't have and praise how cool/good looking their plasma is instead.

[c627627]

I've stood in front of the consumer versions at electronics stores many a time trying to convince myself it's just a bezel, it's the picture quality that counts -- no go, silvers are just ugly enough to ruin the experience...

I'm waiting for the commercial black bezel versions, though I'm not ready to pay the same price for them since they have no tuners & speakers, etc.


Hopefully they'll be here in July as promised.

[mconstant]

Personally I watch almost everything in the dark so I don't notice it. Some people have said that a silver bezel can effect the picture around the edges but it doesn't concern me.

[Mister Mxyzptlk]

I've seen the 6u at Costco, and I must say, it had a very "plastic" look to it. I like the price, but it looks like it came at a cost. The speaker holes are VERY noticeable. They make no attempt to hide them. The photo on Panny's website appears to show a darkened bezel, the set at Costco was all the same color of silver.

Another thing about Costco. I spoke with one of their "TV specialists" at a Costco Home Store, and he said that the manufacturers typically have to cut corners to get the sets in at the price Costco wants. He mentioned glass specifically as well as a few other areas. Has anyone else heard of this?

[PatMcNJ]

It's not all the same color, I have the 6U.

I need to take more of a close up shot:

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i270/PatMcNJ/raquel002.jpg


While shopping, I preferred a black non-glossy bezel. But, this one is fine. I think I like that it is a medium color, not too dark or too light.......... It is not as light as some silver plasma bezels.

[c627627]

...yes and even with the darker background and relatively dark pic you took, here's your set vs. the 9UK commercial set, black vs. silver:

[optivity]

Why get all "hot & bothered" over a little silver in the bezel... when you're married to a silver SA8300? :confused:

http://mysite.verizon.net/vzequg9f/sa8300.JPG

[mkoesel]

[QUOTE=optivity]Why get all "hot & bothered" over a little silver in the bezel... when you're married to a silver SA8300? :confused: [/QUOTE]

Because you have no choice to look at the display - it has the picture on it. My silver Moto 6412 sits completely out of site in the basement about 10 feet below my very nice charcoal colored 50" 7UY. :)

Regarding this 6U, it appears to be a 60U without the SD slot and front inputs, and with a bezel similar to the 50U (Edit: I guess I should say similar to the 42" ED 50U, since its silver).

[VFR]

[QUOTE=Mister Mxyzptlk]Another thing about Costco. I spoke with one of their "TV specialists" at a Costco Home Store, and he said that the manufacturers typically have to cut corners to get the sets in at the price Costco wants. He mentioned glass specifically as well as a few other areas. Has anyone else heard of this?[/QUOTE]


The front glass and PDP are the same as the PX60.

[Billdemart]

[QUOTE=c627627]I've stood in front of the consumer versions at electronics stores many a time trying to convince myself it's just a bazel, it's the picture quality that counts -- no go, silvers are just ugly enough to ruin the experience...

I'm waiting for the commercial black bazel versions, though I'm not ready to pay the same price for them since they have no tuners & speakers, etc.


Hopefully they'll be here in July as promised.[/QUOTE]

I feel the exact same way. Once I went to the stores, after doing all the online research and WANTING to buy a 50 inch Panny plasma, I couldn't convince myself that that was the tv I wanted to drop 3 large on.

Not only is it silver, but its design at the bottom is ugly beyond being just silver. The big bump sticks out like a sore thumb imo, especially sitting next to the Sammy 5053.

[Dagg21]

Can I get an age check on the folks with the Silver Bezel aversion? All my other components are silver personally for me the 600u is a perfect mix. I wouldnt want all black and I wouldnt want all silver.

[jrbd90]

[QUOTE=Dagg21]Can I get an age check on the folks with the Silver Bezel aversion? All my other components are silver personally for me the 600u is a perfect mix. I wouldnt want all black and I wouldnt want all silver.[/QUOTE]

31 and hate the silver on the 60u.

Currently have the 42" 6uy looking to get a 50"-60" replacement by december.

[Revolutionary]

28 and I hate silver bezels.

[tangfoot]

[QUOTE=Revolutionary]28 and I hate silver bezels.[/QUOTE]

32 ixnay on the ilversay.

[mkoesel]

I'm 33 but I've hated silver bezels since I was 5. ;)

[Cholerabob]

39 and like the silver gives it more class

[Revolver]

30 and dont really mind the silver on the 60U.
I have yet to mount it on a painted wall though. I guess I don't really notice while watching it.

[amarnj]

I believe when the bezel is completely black vs. silver, it DOES make differene while viewing. I think the black blends in well and silver might be slightly distracting. This is only my personal preference. But as long as there is thin bezel surrounding the screen (not at the bottom) it won't matter if its silver.
I compared 600U with others at 6th ave and 600U looked fine to me.

[abzy2004]

600U looks better Wall mounted. With it's huge (and ugly) silver stand, it really put me off. I also think that border around picture makes a difference in viewing experience. That's why I prefer Matte Black instead of Piano black as well. 29!

[Billdemart]

[QUOTE=optivity]Why get all "hot & bothered" over a little silver in the bezel... when you're married to a silver SA8300? :confused:

http://mysite.verizon.net/vzequg9f/sa8300.JPG[/QUOTE]

When is the last time you sat and stared at your SA8300 for 3 straight hours? :cool:

[Billdemart]

[QUOTE=Dagg21]Can I get an age check on the folks with the Silver Bezel aversion? All my other components are silver personally for me the 600u is a perfect mix. I wouldnt want all black and I wouldnt want all silver.[/QUOTE]

32 although I don't understand how age would effect not liking the design on the Panny.

Components are one thing... You don't watch your components. Some people don't even have them in view.

[DoomQue]

These are the models for wherehouse stores like costco and sam's. Sony does thisi also. Saw a sony flat panel lcd with model number specific for Sam's the other day. Instead fo charcoal cabinet of s2000 series it had a off white cabinet. Not even on sonystyle. Cant remember the model number. Will post when i get it.

[jdmclemore]

I LOVE the look of my new 50PX600U as compared to the 60U. That huge silver area under the 60U looked so industrial.

Here are some pics...

(My components, if you're interested)
Panasonic TH-50PX600U
Denon 2807
Panasonic RP-91
Klipsch Synergy SF-2(Fronts), SC-1(Center), SS-1(Surrounds) and KSW12 (Sub)
Waiting on Tivo Series 3 (HD)...

[Billdemart]

[QUOTE=jdmclemore]I LOVE the look of my new 50PX600U as compared to the 60U. That huge silver area under the 60U looked so industrial.

Here are some pics...

(My components, if you're interested)
Panasonic TH-50PX600U
Denon 2807
Panasonic RP-91
Klipsch Synergy SF-2(Fronts), SC-1(Center), SS-1(Surrounds) and KSW12 (Sub)
Waiting on Tivo Series 3 (HD)...[/QUOTE]

Yeah that looks much better than the 60U IMO.

That center channel right there would drive me nuts though... :eek:

[dmaument]

If you have to have the unit but hate the color....PAINT IT. Krylon makes paint specifically for plastic, I've used it and it works like a champ.

my .02 cents Dave

[AGA Audio]

After reading through some of interesting responses in this thread I began to ask myself, "Why Panasonic?" Is the reason that we debate Panasonic's consumer silver bezels because the displays stand alone in a category of best performance and leaves us with no second choice? Certainly other manufactures like Samsung have come closer to making consumer LCD and Plasma displays that fit our aesthetic pallets. So why do we insist on Panasonic? For people reading this thread, I am curious what is your, better looking, as good (or better) performing, second choice consumer display?

[MSAGRO]

I hardly notice the silver bezel. Granted those "piano black" Pios are sexier than Hell, but not that sexy considering the price.

My 60U is gorgeous in my opinion, and i get many complements on the image quality rather than the frame that surrounds it.

[mkoesel]

[QUOTE=Billdemart]32 although I don't understand how age would effect not liking the design on the Panny.[/QUOTE]

I think the implication was that silver components would be appreciated more by the younger folks.

[ws6whiteshark]

You hardly notice the silver bezel? It looks like a Guillotine on the bottom with the sun reflecting off of it.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=59499

[00GT]

[QUOTE=optivity]Cheer up! :) Forum members use to say the bezel of my 50PX50U was ugly too! :eek:

http://mysite.verizon.net/vzequg9f/50px50u.JPG

Rogo vs. Rogo on Panasonic 37-inch Plasmas... (http://archive.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?threadid=452811)


[size=1]But that didn't stop me from buying one.[/size] ;)[/QUOTE]


haha..that's my uglyazz tv....and today i still hate looking at that bezel lmao

[c627627]

[QUOTE=AGA Audio]After reading through some of interesting responses in this thread I began to ask myself, "Why Panasonic?" Is the reason that we debate Panasonic's consumer silver bezels because the displays stand alone in a category of best performance and leaves us with no second choice?

Certainly other manufactures like Samsung have come closer to making consumer LCD and Plasma displays that fit our aesthetic pallets. So why do we insist on Panasonic? For people reading this thread, I am curious what is your, better looking, as good (or better) performing, second choice consumer display?[/QUOTE]

Of course Panasonic is not the best choice, Fujitsu, Marantz, Runco, etc. are better.

We insist on Panasonic because: did you see the price of the TH-42PHD8UK one of forum sponsors listed recently?


Please post a model that can come close in quality at similar price.


All things being equal, with sets being calibrated to offer the best Picture Quality they were made to offer, Samsung may not be (and for me, is not) a match.

[AGA Audio]

[QUOTE=c627627]Of course Panasonic is not the best choice, Fujitsu, Marantz, Runco, etc. are better.

We insist on Panasonic because: did you see the price of the TH-42PHD8UK one of forum sponsors listed recently?...[/QUOTE]

The PHD8UK is a professional display that does not include loudspeakers and cannot be compared to consumer versions of Panasonic displays, especially those from other companies in terms of physical design.

[optivity]

[QUOTE=dmaument]If you have to have the unit but hate the color....PAINT IT. Krylon makes paint specifically for plastic, I've used it and it works like a champ.

my .02 cents Dave[/QUOTE]Or you could FRAME IT. (http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/vBYOPHomePage?catalogId=13401&storeId=15001&langId=-1) ;)

[Artwood]

Anybody got pics of a painted 60u?

[tydriver]

I have one system with all black components, one system with all silver. My TH42PX50U's work well with both (but that's not why I bought them!). I chose Panny because I was buying mail-order and I felt the Panny was my best bet (for the money) of having a successful experience given that returning a unit would have been a major PIA.

I agree the black bezel seems to compliment the PQ better than the silver framed displays I've watched. I have to admit, I am very tempted to paint the silver areas on my "all-black" system TH42PX50U black... pretty much every time I sit down in front of it.

I am 48 and am not a fan of silver. My silver system is closed behind wood doors when not in use (but, had to get components to match the Oppo, y'know...). The black system is the one on 'permanent display'.

[c627627]

Right. Many of us are connecting our sets to a cable box or a satellite box so there is no need for a tuner which many of us would never use anyway so saving many hundreds of $'s is a bonus.

Further savings for the lack of speakers can be applied toward purchasing (vastly) superior speakers which can be connected to the set if you are not using your current speakers. So not only do you save $, you get better sound in the process.


So yes, that's just an explanation of how you end up with superior picture (and sound) quality for less money.


That still means there is no alternative anywhere near the $1xxx price range, right?


All I'm saying is if you use a satellite box and don't drink coffee...what difference does it make if the set has a tuner or a coffee maker built in (j/k)


[QUOTE=AGA Audio]The PHD8UK is a professional display that does not include loudspeakers and cannot be compared to consumer versions of Panasonic displays, especially those from other companies in terms of physical design.[/QUOTE]

[billybob_jcv]

I think we spend so much time on the Panasonic because it does represent an outstanding VALUE. Is it the BEST picture? Probably not - but it is very, very good, and outstanding for the price. Does it have the BEST features? No, but it does have everything most people need. So, if performance, features and price all combine to make it an outstanding choice, what could be wrong? In a brilliant show of marketing idiocy, Panasonic decided to take this outstanding value display and make a design statement that a large silver bezel is the design of choice for the cost-conscious buyer. Because the look is such a personal thing, and because we generally all agree that the Panny is a great value - the color & design of the bezel divides us. Panny isn't the only mfr to make this bewildering decision - go read some of the "dumbo ears" comments about the SXRD in the RP forum.

It does make me wonder how they came to this decision. You have to believe their design team received tons of feedback on dozens of proposed designs from management, marketing consultants and consumer focus groups. Either they were all overpaid, or we just don't represent their target market. :)

[Billdemart]

[QUOTE=dmaument]If you have to have the unit but hate the color....PAINT IT. Krylon makes paint specifically for plastic, I've used it and it works like a champ.

my .02 cents Dave[/QUOTE]

Someone mentioned that in another thread and I thought they were joking... I'm assuming its not spray paint?

[Billdemart]

[QUOTE=AGA Audio]After reading through some of interesting responses in this thread I began to ask myself, "Why Panasonic?" Is the reason that we debate Panasonic's consumer silver bezels because the displays stand alone in a category of best performance and leaves us with no second choice? Certainly other manufactures like Samsung have come closer to making consumer LCD and Plasma displays that fit our aesthetic pallets. So why do we insist on Panasonic? For people reading this thread, I am curious what is your, better looking, as good (or better) performing, second choice consumer display?[/QUOTE]

Samsung HP-5053 is beautiful. Both in PQ and bezel.

[Billdemart]

[QUOTE=optivity]Or you could FRAME IT. (http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/vBYOPHomePage?catalogId=13401&storeId=15001&langId=-1) ;)[/QUOTE]

Ugh... Lee...

[AGA Audio]

[QUOTE=c627627]Right. Many of us are connecting our sets to a cable box or a satellite box so there is no need for a tuner which many of us would never use anyway so saving many hundreds of $'s is a bonus.

Further savings for the lack of speakers can be applied toward purchasing (vastly) superior speakers which can be connected to the set if you are not using your current speakers. So not only do you save $, you get better sound in the process.


So yes, that's just an explanation of how you end up with superior picture (and sound) quality for less money.


That still means there is no alternative anywhere near the $1xxx price range, right?


All I'm saying is if you use a satellite box and don't drink coffee...what difference does it make if the set has a tuner or a coffee maker built in (j/k)[/QUOTE]

Certainly your comments have merit in that I have long considered the PHD8UK because of its outstanding physical design. However, in my application I will require a display that includes integrated loudspeakers as my primary audio system is powered by mono-block tube amplifiers. It is not feasible to use these amplifiers when viewing regular television programming. I do realize that Panasonic does produce accessory TY-SP__P8WK side loudspeakers however I cannot increase the width of the display in my space. The included 8 WPC amplifier is not completely ideal to power other loudspeakers. As such, I must choose a consumer display. I am very concerned with performance and product design and I feel the Panasonic displays only meet one of those concerns.

Perhaps my earlier reference of Samsung display design fell short of illustrating my point. The Pioneer PDP-5070HD may be a much better example of a display that does an exceedingly good job of satisfying aesthetic and performance goals--I suppose I will have to settle for it as my "second choice".

[billybob_jcv]

IMHO having a nice & powerful <25 hz subwoofer as part of at least a 5.1 audio system is a huge part of the HT experience. Without that it's just a TV.

[Raistlin_HT]

Can someone post the differences between the 60U and 6U models?

I know someone mentioned that the info is in the Costco thread, but that thread is just huge. Even using the search, I'm getting a huge amount of 'hits' in that thread.

Thank you.

[mkoesel]

[QUOTE=Raistlin_HT]Can someone post the differences between the 60U and 6U models?

I know someone mentioned that the info is in the Costco thread, but that thread is just huge. Even using the search, I'm getting a huge amount of 'hits' in that thread.

Thank you.[/QUOTE]

I alread did. I got my answers simply by going to the Panasonic site and using the compare feature.

[miked2023]

Not me, I hated on it so much I waited almost a year for the 600U - Different strokes indeed! :D


[QUOTE=orbital517]I've had my 50PX60U for about a month now and the silver bezel doesn't look bad to me at all. I've had many guests, friends, and family come over to visit and they all thought it looked great. I have it wall mounted and think it looks great. Different strokes for different folks.

I think a lot of people who hate on it is because they went with another model and want to feel good about their purchase, so they crap on what they don't have and praise how cool/good looking their plasma is instead.[/QUOTE]

[optivity]

[QUOTE=Billdemart]Ugh... Lee...[/QUOTE] :confused:

http://mysite.verizon.net/vzequg9f/classic_black.JPG

[tdavis21484]

[QUOTE=optivity]:confused:

http://mysite.verizon.net/vzequg9f/classic_black.JPG[/QUOTE]

I've seen one of these in person - my mother's office has that same frame. It actually looks pretty dang nice, although I would have picked another color.

[optivity]

[QUOTE=tdavis21484]I've seen one of these in person - my mother's office has that same frame. It actually looks pretty dang nice, although I would have picked another color.[/QUOTE]It galls me to think of paying $$$$ for a PDP TV/monitor and then spend an additional $$$$ for an iScan VP20 (http://www.dvdo.com/index.php) or a Panasonic framed plasma package (http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/vBYOPHomePage?catalogId=13401&storeId=15001&langId=-1) to improve the video processing performance and cosmetics of these lovely units. :rolleyes:

[howe]

I have a 50" 600U and like the design a lot. Black is cool but not if it is glossy and reflective like the Pioneers. Poor choice for a display bezel. I actually must say, didn't like the 60U design and preferred the 50U. However, comparing the 500U to the 600U, both are cool in different ways. Build quality looks equivalent with the exception of the remote and the diamond base no longer swivels.

Black is nice if done with a charcoal matt finish or the like. The 600U has a wide frame of such a black. The silver is so thin at the top I don't notice it. Black collects dust, fast. The 600U has silver where it does the most good and black where it it does.

Dark colors and light colors go in trends. After the public has had enough years of one, designers have to break loose and go the other way to look "fresh." I suspect this is where Panasonic is coming from. Also, you may notice, the more money you pay with Panasonic, the more black you get. This serves to distinguish each notch up in product. The 65" will have the most black of the consumer line up.

Again, I like what they did with the 600U series. ;)

[Artwood]

What if someone made a frame that had rainbows on it?

[gwave]

I was all set to swap out my vizio 50" for the Panasonic 50" at costco but now knowing that the TV will not look like the picture on the Panasonic website (black frame) I might have to reconsider cause the Vizio looks so much sexier on my wall then a silver Panny would. And I'd save a few hundred dollars.

Vizio by day (http://www.dragonhelp.com/xterra/vizio_day.JPG)
Vizio by Night (http://www.dragonhelp.com/xterra/vizio_night.JPG)

[abc1]

There are no 8th gen. pannys near me to view and despite the heralded reviews and the obvious better looks (ymmy) I'm not spending that much dough unless I see the set. That leaves me with the 60U, or pay over a grand more for the 600U (with less silver, but no better video processing and picture, just extras I don't need or use) or wait for the commercial 9UK. I've been to many stores and imo three things stand out.
1. The 60U has the nicest picture I've seen for models that are up to $1500 more.
2. The 60U silver, especially with the stand is just not attractive.
3. Refer back to 1. Black would be nice, but not for that kind of price difference.

[optivity]

If the bezel is so important, why not just buy a 65PX600?

http://mysite.verizon.net/vzequg9f/th-65px600u.JPG

[c627627]

Yup, a step in the right direction. Does all that silver at the bottom still manage to screw things up for some of us?

I'd say whoever has a problem with 60U bezels is going to go with TH-65PHD8UK instead for the same reasons they would not go with 60U series.

There is no room for silver in a classy Plasma display. If you disagree, you are in luck: all the retail stores in the land are there to accommodate you.

[Artwood]

Is it hard to paint the bezel? Has the Forum ever had a picture of a painted bezel?

[schwett]

honestly i have to say, even though the picture quality is reported to be excellent, i didn't even consider a single panasonic plasma. the bezel designs are simply unacceptable. i don't understand what they're thinking.

[optivity]

[QUOTE=c627627]There is no room for silver in a classy Plasma display. If you disagree, you are in luck: all the retail stores in the land are there to accommodate you.[/QUOTE]Funny... how the same "logic" doesn't apply to your silver SA8300. ;)

http://mysite.verizon.net/vzequg9f/sa8300.JPG

[schwett]

[QUOTE=optivity]Funny... how the same "logic" doesn't apply to your silver SA8300. ;)

http://mysite.verizon.net/vzequg9f/sa8300.JPG[/QUOTE]

the set top box, or dvd player, or amplifier don't actually frame the image.

would you put a piece of art in a frame that was twice as wide at the bottom as the top and sides and was an arbitrary silver color?

[optivity]

[QUOTE=schwett]the set top box, or dvd player, or amplifier don't actually frame the image.

would you put a piece of art in a frame that was twice as wide at the bottom as the top and sides and was an arbitrary silver color?[/QUOTE]Why worry about the bezel... when most people watch SD anyway? :confused:

[c627627]

I believe a poll would address that question.

I'm going to start one if I can then post a link.

[QUOTE=optivity]Funny... how the same "logic" doesn't apply to your silver SA8300. ;) [/QUOTE]

How did you know I had that cable box?

After my last unsuccessful attempt to try justify to myself buying a consumer version, that's exactly what occurred to me: if you take a large picture and put a sufficiently thick frame around, there is no way that frame is not going to influence your viewing experience... significantly.

Other displays with a black frame have a lower PQ quality but the dark bezel brings out the picture.


It is difficult to objectively talk to most people who had already spent the $ on a silver bezel, because psychologically they would be going against a major purchase decision they already made.

[Artwood]

I'm for real--how would it look if someone DID spray paint the bezel flat black and only left the chrome Panasonic logo? Is there anyway to do a do it yourself paint job like that and have it come out looking good?

If car enthusiasts can paint cars--why can't video enthusiasts paint bezels?

[c627627]

There was a link I saw here about a special paint for this but nobody wanted to do it, I don't know if it was speaker holes or what.

By the way, here's the poll:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7967367

[iahawkeye]

Honest to Pete, if you don't like the silver bezel then don't buy it!

I have the silver-bezel TH-42PX60U. Would I have preferred a different bezel design? You bet. Did it stop me from buying Panasonic? No way. And I've never noticed the bezel to be distracting during use...day or night.

To put it another way, I have always loved the looks of the Bose Acoustimass speakers. To this day I've yet to see another design more elegant.

But I wouldn't buy them. Performance and value are first. Appearance is a distant second.

Silver components appear to be making a comeback. Almost all the new DVD players and recorders are silver these days.

[billybob_jcv]

[QUOTE=Artwood]I'm for real--how would it look if someone DID spray paint the bezel flat black and only left the chrome Panasonic logo? Is there anyway to do a do it yourself paint job like that and have it come out looking good?

If car enthusiasts can paint cars--why can't video enthusiasts paint bezels?[/QUOTE]

They can:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=546442

[billybob_jcv]

Here's another option:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7340434#post7340434

[Artwood]

I think on non Panasonic Plasmas even if you paint their screens flat black they still won't have as good a black levels as the Panasonics!

[optivity]

[QUOTE=iahawkeye]Honest to Pete, if you don't like the silver bezel then don't buy it!

I have the silver-bezel TH-42PX60U. Would I have preferred a different bezel design? You bet. Did it stop me from buying Panasonic? No way. And I've never noticed the bezel to be distracting during use...day or night.

To put it another way, I have always loved the looks of the Bose Acoustimass speakers. To this day I've yet to see another design more elegant.

But I wouldn't buy them. Performance and value are first. Appearance is a distant second.

Silver components appear to be making a comeback. Almost all the new DVD players and recorders are silver these days.[/QUOTE]I just don't get it... I own a 50PX50U with a silver & black bezel, an OPPO sliver DVD player, an Onkyo HTIB all black, a gray finished TV stand and rent a silver finished SA8300HD-DVR :eek:

Everything blends well together and when the TV is on I'm more interested in watching HD then having conniptions about the color of its bezel. When the TV is off... I'm not in family room admiring its unframed picturesque beauty. ;)

[cajieboy]

This is pretty much my feeling on the silver/black bezel subject, but w/the big money spent on displays you would think the mfg'ers would follow Fujitsu's idea of allowing customers to pick depending on their preference. There have been companies that have paid attention to appearance & style, and two come to mind...the Danish company Bang&Olufsen (B&O) and the German company Loewe. These TV's looked fantastic even when turned off! As for peripheal components, I prefer them to be unseen and unnoticed enclosed in a credenza or something similar.

[c627627]

[QUOTE=optivity]I'm more interested in watching HD then having conniptions about the color of its bezel. When the TV is off... I'm not in family room admiring its unframed picturesque beauty. ;)[/QUOTE]
That's great. I wish I could have that opinion so I could buy a consumer Panasonic. I used to find it difficult to admit it.

Please address this: how can a sufficiently thick frame color not affect the painting?

1. Some people don't think about it & don't notice it, I wish I could be like them.

2. Most people, given a choice before spending all that $, would not choose silver. Most people according to the poll so far: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=696802

3. People who made the decision to go with silver at Panasonic probably did so because they looked at Plasma bezel color the same way as they look at the color of any other piece of equipment (what are the trends, etc.)


But a TV set is different because color of the frame affects the impressions of the picture, any picture.

[Artwood]

I think the Japanese like Silver more and the Americans like black.

[schwett]

i think the point is, that a large television, and particularly a flat panel television, is akin to a piece of furniture or a painting on the wall. it has a substantial presence in the room.

until manufacturers offer (and i hope they never do) 10 different coordinating finishes (cherry, oak, black, white, silver) the reasonable choice is black.

why?

black goes with everything. very few people have silver furniture, or silver picture frames, or silver shelves. the combination of most woods and silver is unappealing, whereas black and maple, black and oak, black and almost anything is a reasonable combination.

for those who argue that silver 'blends in' to the wall better, i would say that a picture frame is not supposed to blend into the wall. it's supposed to frame and enhance the image inside it. this is why you will rarely see silver frames in a museum unless the piece is paticularly enhanced by the particular tones in the frame.

in my case, the black happened to coordinate extremely well, http://www.431.org/miscPics/toob/5506-800.jpg but that's not by chance. it's because black goes with everything and silver (especially silver plastic, which is really grey) does not.

[Artwood]

Silver goes good with Early American Tacky, Velvet Elvis, and Pink Flamingo.

[trich]

Well I have a silver stb, a silver dvd player and a silver panny plasma and the best BLACKS on this planet.

[cajieboy]

[QUOTE=c627627]That's great. I wish I could have that opinion so I could buy a consumer Panasonic. I used to find it difficult to admit it.

Please address this: how can a sufficiently thick frame color not affect the painting?

1. Some people don't think about it & don't notice it, I wish I could be like them.

2. Most people, given a choice before spending all that $, would not choose silver. Most people according to the poll so far: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=696802

3. People who made the decision to go with silver at Panasonic probably did so because they looked at Plasma bezel color the same way as they look at the color of any other piece of equipment (what are the trends, etc.)


But a TV set is different because color of the frame affects the impressions of the picture, any picture.[/QUOTE]

There has been a solution to your problem for several years...but there's a rub...you'll have to pay for it. If you google the topic in the internet you'll find several excellent places to buy bezels made of whatever kind of wood, metal, color, etc you could ever possibly want. Your choice.

[c627627]

Panasonic themselves sell frames btw. Of course the price of doing this is too high. Black (dark grey) commercial Panasonics are there as an alternative to me.

But this debate appears to be over, Panasonic is abandoning the silver bezels, BruZZi just posted 50" 1920x1080 Panasonic Prototype here
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7971174
and it's Black.

Check it out! Here's the pic:

[jrbd90]

http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/vBYOPHomePage?catalogId=13401&storeId=15001&langId=-1

Link to pick your own frame Panasonic

[johnsojs]

Anyone have any idea when that 50" 1080p panasonic might be available? Any guesses? Looks nice.

[c627627]

It's July 2006, it'll be a while before it's affordable.

If $ is no object, then next year you'll probably be able to get it.

[optivity]

Panasonic 1080p PDPs will most likely have black bezels to further differentiate them from their 720p counterparts, which can be all yours for 7, 8, 9, $10,000. :eek:

It’s interesting that despite the uproar of disapproval regarding Panasonics silver (& black) bezels... they have no problem selling out their entire inventory each year. :D

Of course Pioneer, NEC, Samsung, etc., don't have the same problem. :rolleyes:

I guess a PDPs picture quality and the price/performance remain the most important criteria that drives a buyer's purchase decision. ;)

[johnsojs]

I like Panny, but just would rather go with the professional model for the charcoal frame.

[Inferno73]

My 6U sits on a a glass Stand that has silver accent, its a great compliment to the T.V.

[rto]

[QUOTE=optivity]If the bezel is so important, why not just buy a 65PX600?

http://mysite.verizon.net/vzequg9f/th-65px600u.JPG[/QUOTE]

I plan on doing just that. I seem to be in the minority in preferring side-mounted speakers on flat panels. Accentuating the width, enhances the cinematic appearance of the display, IMO.

[billybob_jcv]

[QUOTE=rto]I plan on doing just that. I seem to be in the minority in preferring side-mounted speakers on flat panels. Accentuating the width, enhances the cinematic appearance of the display, IMO.[/QUOTE]

IMHO, ditching the built-in speakers and getting a good 5.1/6.1/7.1 audio system would enhance your cinematic experience much more. ;)

[rto]

[QUOTE=billybob_jcv]IMHO, ditching the built-in speakers and getting a good 5.1/6.1/7.1 audio system would enhance your cinematic experience much more. ;)[/QUOTE]

Been there, got that......but I don't always like to fire up the Pre/Pro, just for watching the news.

[c627627]

Have you guys seen the 1080p Panasonic plasma's froom electronics shows in Japan?

They did not ditch the silver. Am I missing something here, will there be another model in black?

[schwett]

[QUOTE=rto]... seem to be in the minority in preferring side-mounted speakers on flat panels. Accentuating the width, enhances the cinematic appearance of the display, IMO.[/QUOTE]

i think the trend towards center mounted speakers must be more about economics, space utilization, and audio quality (?) than aesthetics. i think anyone would agree that side mounts enhance the proportions of the display. a major reason i got the pio 5060 instead of 5070 was the side mounted speakers!