Home > Consumer Reviews > Panasonic PT52DL10 52-Inch DLP HD-Ready Projection TV

I loved the technical features of this TV when I bought it in 2001. But it was bad news from the start. It took 4 months to get from FL (I'm in CA) and I think I got a floor model. The picture wouldn't come on half the time. It was in for service twice for the same symptoms before it was finally returned in working order. Warranty service replaced the color wheel and lamp.

Here's a really stupid design flaw that's bound to cost you money: The TV can be turned off from set as well as from the remote. But the cooling fan only runs when the remote-off is used. This fan must run or damage will occur to the bulb and color wheel. So we have been told by the factory service shop to NEVER shut it off from the set. Although we didn't do this, what do you suppose happens with demo models? Of course, customers and sales guys likely power-down at the set.

I bought four expensive lamps ($500+ each) since I had the TV. One lasted only a week, last year. So I sent the unit back for service thinking something else may be causing these million dollar bulbs to blow. For good measure we replaced the ballasts and the bulb. If this fifth bulb fails soon I'm tossing this $10,000 pile of junk out the window.

If, by now, you're still considering this TV keep in mind that it doesn't have HDMI ports. I suppose they weren't around back in 2001. But they're kind of important today.

I purchased this TV in Dec 2001 for $9,000 (+or-). They gave me the floor model for the upcoming Olympic Games until mine arrived. I paid over $20,000 for an entire system from Tweeter in Dallas. Nothing but problems- receivers, Direct TV and other issues. This TV has been turned on no more than 50 times in 5 years. Every time the system was used there was a problem, but until two weeks ago I had at least a picture. I too, was promised this was simple and time tested- the lamp might have to be replaced in a few years with heavy use. Since I do not watch much TV, I was not concerned. From one expert it is the Color Wheel. I am waiting for two more reports and Tweeter will be out this week to give me their opinion. I have contacted five high end customer service oriented stores in Dallas and they all had horror stories about the problems even the floor models in the showroom. I was informed that this product had been on the market for awhile when I purchased it-not so. Contact me through e-mail if you want more details. I may end up in Small Claims Court (recovery under $10,000). The positive review must have come from Panasonic's public relations Dept.

The lamp only lasts about 500 hours. Fails every 6 months. Will junk
when warrenty over. Was told it would last 3500 hours. Will try and sue Panasonic/Ken Crane store. Don't know what else to do.

I bought Panasonic PT52DL on October 10, 2003. It worked fine for a while then all of sudden, on January 10, 2004, there was no picture. I called the company and they directed me to a local facility. They came and picked up the TV. First they told me the light bulb was out and it was backordered. After three weeks they got the light bulb and now they are telling me it is not the bulb, it is some other part that is still backordered. As of March 2, 2004 they have no idea when they will get my TV fixed. DO NOT BUY till Panasonic has fixed its problems with service.

Features:

HDTV monitor with 16:9 aspect ratio
Two-tuner picture-in-picture with split-screen display
1,280 x 720 resolution
Extra-wide viewing angle
Ultra-compact, lightweight, and elegant design
Very awesome tv,just got it today. I couldn't believe my eyes.
I hooked up a ps2 to it it was incredibale. I also watched the goonies dvd movie on it it was like going to the movies.As a matter of fact I'm not going to go to the movies any more,I got my very own theater at home AAAAHHHHH.........