For BBB, Gel, and other GT50 owners

Thanks Strapped, they do look good, but a quick glimpse at the football shows the dse is there as clear as ever. Also, the higher contrast makes me nervous about IR too.

I'm going to ring JL tomorrow and see where I stand. I'm sure I'm not in such a good position as yourself, seeing as I rejected the offer of the replacement set, but hopefully they'll be able to do something, or at least tell me my position.

Is your third GT as bad as the others?

Not quite, but I remember the first two didn't look too bad to begin with.

I'll do as before, clock up hours on the TV as quickly as possible.

Incidentally, the US price for the Samsung 51F8500 is $1,999. At the current exchange rate, that's £1,330. Since prices tend to be higher in the UK, we could perhaps expect to pay £1,500-1,600. If this genuinely rivals the ZT65, I want one. I hope John Lewis will stock it.

Yes, definitely call John Lewis tomorrow. In my experience, the softly, softly approach works well (I'm not suggesting you'll go in like a bull in a china shop). They have a record of your problem, so hopefully you'll be good.

EDIT: Oh, and the F8500 goes on sale in the US later this month. Hopefully it'll be available in the UK at the same time or soon after.

I've learnt from experience that the polite, but firm approach works best. 

My wife's been complaining about Korea today, something to do with a statue of buddha or something, so I don't think I'll be suggesting the Samsung for the forseeable future. 

With me working away, and my wife's paranoia of damaging the GT with still images, the GT is hardly being used at the moment, so I think I'll start running the scrolling bar throughout the night on full brightness and contrast. Do you think that's a good idea?

I've been put off Panasonic TVs after reading all these problems & Panasonic's attitude towards them.

I've been put off by experiencing the problems first hand. I have zero faith now that this year's models won't have a glaring fault that Panasonic refuses to acknowledge or take any action to rectify.

That's why I'm hoping there's a genuinely viable alternative this year.

I should probably start a dedicated F8500 thread. If you haven't read much about this TV, it's worth investigating. People over at AV Forums are getting quite excited, while HDTV Test's David Mackenzie says it's a shoot out this year between the ZT65 and F8500, having been granted an extended audition of both at CES. 

You should be OK using the Professional preset, since it has a brightness cap. If not, I'd say that alone is reason for complaint.

Running the scrolling bar at full contrast/brightness can't do any harm, but it doesn't sound a viable long term solution.

Maybe you could buy the F8500, nick a Sony badge and stick it over the top of the Samsung logo...

She doesn't like Sony either. 

Pioneer or Apple would be my safest bets.

F8500 sounds like a winner, let's hope it delivers all that it promises.

You're running out of options, then. GT60 and a prayer sounds your best bet.

That said, I've no reason to place greater faith in any other manufacturer. At least some have better customer service.

I haven't been able to watch any football yet. MOTD in 15 mins; that'll be the acid test.

We're watching the final Harry Potter now. 

If the F8500 is as good as they claim, as long as JL give me a refund, I'll buy it,happy wife or not. 

There's a storm coming...

I'm hoping John Lewis will stock the F8500. I'd like to buy from them again; honestly one of the best retailer experiences I've had. Plus, arranging an alternative purchase from the same retailer is less hassle than asking for a refund and buying elsewhere. There's also the issue of what happens to the freebies we got (BDP, glasses, 3D films).

By the way, I can clearly see DSE watching MOTD, though slightly less of the screen seems affected than with the last GT50, at this stage...

Hi strapped for cash, thanks for these settings have just tried them looking good so far, had my 50 GT for nearly a year.  Still looks amazing to me,hope you have better luck with your next purchase all the best Steve.

Thanks Steve; and I'm glad you're enjoying your TV!

Sounds like you got one of those elusive, problem free GT50s. I'm envious...

Cheers Strapped - appreciate it.  

Still no luck with your third one?  Keep us updated what you decide to do.  Can't think of many suggestions at the moment.

Not sure about that elusive part, someone like yourself with a good eye for these things  would probably pick all the faults out. I'm just happy only a little DSE noticed on Game of Thrones, no buzzing. Coming from a 10 years old CRT this set is amazing.Steve