Panasonic plasma black level loss over time causes concern

In response to the complaints received, Panasonic have issued the following statement:

"Panasonic Viera plasma HDTVs deliver exceptional picture performance throughout the lifetime of these products. Various elements and material characteristics of all electronic displays change with use over time. In order to achieve the optimal picture performance throughout the life of the set, Panasonic Viera plasma HDTVs incorporate an automatic control which adjusts an internal driving voltage at predetermined intervals of operational hours.

As a result of this automatic voltage adjustment, background brightness will increase from its initial value. After several years of typical use, the internal material characteristics will stabilize and no additional automatic voltage adjustments are required. The Black Level at this stabilized point will yield excellent picture performance.

The newest Viera plasma HDTVs incorporate an improved automatic control which applies the voltage adjustments in smaller increments. This results in a more gradual change in the Black Level over time."

So, basically they are saying that these changes are expected but will settle and still provide high quality images. However, they fail to mention how this can be fixed for those dissatisfied owners. Further questions have been submitted to Panasonic regarding this issue as consumers wonder if they are worth buying plasma TVs from in the future.

Panasonic plasma TVs have been very successful and they are one of the few companies that are continuing to manufacture them. Panasonic have also said that the newer models from the Plasma range include 'a more gradual change in black levels over time'. So, probably not worth ruling them out completely.

Links: Panasonic TVs