Price Paid:  $2300.00 from Costco

Summary:
On third bulb in less than 2 1/2 years. Bulbs cost $325. Very poor Customer Service. The TV is very high cost to operate. They are JUNK!

Strengths:
NONe

Weaknesses:
Very poor quality

Price Paid:  $2435.00 from Best Buy(theypaid fo

Summary:
I love my T.V. I knew Iwanted this model when Thewife and I decided to get a new widescreen television, but I agreed to stay under $2k. So that left rear projection crap, and thanx to BB the PT40LC12 was surrounded by a wall of sets that even in the dim light looked retched. I pointed & "That's the one I want." She loves it too! Iknow a few people with hdtv's and they all agree I have the best picture, sure they paid $500-1k less and got more screen, but as they say "A pictures worth a 1000 bucks." Panasonic will replace that bulb if it "BLOWS UP"(mine did) in the first year. Itmay take 6 weeks te get it done but they are ready to help with "any of your other problems" during your wait.

Strengths:
Exceptional picture from ANY angle(not just 6' out no more than 25°of cl), very light, less than 18" deep,eye catching style, good sound. I mention that I Love my T.V.

Weaknesses:
No sleep timer, image retion could really screw up The love I have for my T.V., ther is only 2 component inputs and I need 4, the optional stand is overpriced unless you really search for it.

Similar Products Used:
Sony 51" widescreen hdtv rear projection(father-in-laws), Toshiba 50 something wide rear hdtv(dads), others

Price Paid:  $2000.00 from costco

Summary:
Set has light circles noticeable when dark object is on screen. Found out they're dust particles. Warranty technician got rid of most by disassembling lower unit and vacuuming fan tract but tv needs complete disassembly, some particles are further in! Didn't realize bulb was so expensive. Trying to return set

Strengths:
aesthitics

Weaknesses:
engineering,quality

Similar Products Used:
?

Price Paid:  $2900.00 from Circuit City

Summary:
Take in exceptional video with a progressive scan DVD and HDTV Channels.. Price has dropped and Circuit City has delievered on refunding difference..Also look at rebate @ Panasonic.com for HDTV turner for free for recent purchase thru 02/2003 to 03/2003

Strengths:
Excellent picture Quality with good source video and HDTV channels.

Weaknesses:
Bulb replacement expensive $300.00)..Anyone know where to get these bulds cheaper please email me at kipdozier@yahoo.com

Similar Products Used:
N/A

Price Paid:  $2900.00 from Circuit City

Summary:
While viewing scenes with black background there are (4) scattered circles about 1-1/2' diameter that are brighter than the rest of the screen. The number of these circles on the screen continue to increase. Store manager claims that guns might need to be realligned. I have this problem after 34 days from delivery???

Black display is more of dark grey rather than true black(level 0). Pictures are sharp, but color is not as vibrant as newer CRT or Plasma based tvs.The base unit only has controls for Power, Channel, and Volume. $300 bulb that lasts from 3,000 to 5,000 hours depending on use/abuse. Even with BBE on, sound levels change between commercials or channels. Consider a Mitsubishi WT-A42 for less than $1800 ...

Strengths:
Sharp display due to 1280x720 resolution. Unit is less than 100 lbs.

Weaknesses:
Sound level changes between channels/commercials. Not capable of level 0 black. 1-1/2" grey-filled circles scattered on the screen when viewing scenes with black background/images.

Similar Products Used:
Mitsubishi's WT-A42 ($1799.00). Compare both from a retailer then decide which one is better with picture.