Panasonic Plasma TV 50"

The boards in these sets are fairly expensive. They are serviced mainly at the board level only. After replacing any boards the performance of the set must be checked, and any necessary calibrations performed.

When considering the time and labour, most of the time these TV sets may not be cost effective to service. I have done estimates on TV sets and found that the parts alone come to more than the value of the set. The manufactures charge a lot for the boards and parts, and the transport. Then there is the labour.

The prices of the newer TV sets are dropping, and at the same time they are giving more options and better performance at the lower price. I would not have any idea of how far down the prices can go.

One suggestion that I always follow is to stay with name brand TV sets only. This way there is authorized support. This way, during the warranty period it is easy to have service.

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JANA _____

First time post to this group. I'm trying to help my Daughter. She has a Panasonic HD Plasma TV ( 50" purchased in 2005) that has stopped working. It was on, operating normally and there was a brief noise and the screen went off & didn't come back on.

Called an authorised Panasonic repairer (we are in Melbourne, Australia) who is giving a quote. He first said a "board" had blown & quoted A$650.00 for the repair. Now he has called back & said replacing that didn't fix it, that another board had also gone & is now quoting a total of A$1380.00 to fix it & said there still could be more.

Wondering if anyone would know how many boards these things have and whether this sounds like a rip-off. A new full HD 50" Panasonic is around A$2200.00 on special. I'm told the earlier models such as my Daughter's were built to a higher standard - I know it cost around $4,500.00 - where they much better?

I know this is a vague question but would appreciate any comments. Thanks.

JANA:

Wouldn't you say that Panasonic is a name brand set?

Bob Hofmann

We had our 50" Panasonic die also. And likewise, the repair person said it was the power supply board, $600+.

Luckily, we had it on an extended warranty from the dealer, ended up with a new (and better) set.

Re: prices: we paid just under $4000 for our first Panasonic plasma. Just over two months later, we saw the newer sets selling for about half that price. Are the older sets really built that much better? I doubt it. I'd wager it's more to do with the market.

Good luck with it.

Thanks very much for the comments, very helpful. Looks like my Daughter will opt for a new one. BTW, in case anyone is interested, have been told there are 12 or 13 boards on their TV.

Thanks again.