Guys,
Some very good news but should be taken in a positive manner.
1. 4 gentlemen (Management, Sales and Marketing, Service Engineer and Panel Engineer) from Panasonic visited my residence.
2. We had a lengthy converstation and I explained them the phenomenon.
3. They acknowledged the issue and offered me a brand new 2007 make Panny with the latest board, I.C and firmware. They didn't want to replace the parts in the existing Panny as it might have consumed a bit more time and so they offered me a new set. The fix will contain a board replacement with I/C and software change. The previous fix wasn't successfull as some step was missed out by the service engineer.
4. I tested the new TV for the purple snakes and it was almost gone. To me the fix was 90% successful and I am extremely happy with it. I was hardly able to spot the purple snakes with my DVD collection though I observed a bit of fizzing pixels. The engineer mentioned that they have put some software check in place to eliminate the purples to the best extent and they have done their level best. They also mentioned that many HDTVs from manufacturer like Philips, LG, Pioneer etc had similar problem or the some other issues and it's upto the customers to decide if these issues are within their tolerance level. As a manufacturer they are ready to bow to customer's demands and they will try their level best to address these situations though it may not be 100% perfect. At the end I was offered a gift box that had many cookies. I asked them if this was a quality issue for which they replied that this was a quality issue to an extent and the customer support was the biggest problem they faced.
5. The fix will first be available in U.K soon (dates were not mentioned) followed by other countries in Europe. The fix will be carried on case-by-case basis which means that it will be available to only those who have reported the problem (Not 100% sure but it looks like that).
6. I was the one and only person in Japan who had complained about this issue as most of the viewers in Japan usually watch TV with very high picture settings in bright room and care less about picture flaws.
7. The Plasma Panel Engineer mentioned that both PH9 and PX60/600 uses the same panel but the feature set in the Japanese models were advanced when compared to other geographies owing to cost factors (for ex, one the fly firmware upgrades through broadcast-frequency without needing to download it from the internet, advanced picture controls like the ones featured in the PH9, aspect ratio functions, remote layout etc).
8. Panasonic is keeping track of this forum and the comments being made.
9. I have given them many feedbacks from a customer standpoint which they took it in a postive manner.
Overall it was very nice talking to 4 intelligent people and get the problem fixed. There is absolutely nothing to worry and I wish you guys all the best for a successful fix. It is guaranteed to work and enrich your viewing experience.
My hands are numb and I am so excited at the moment that is preventing me from typing further.
Thanks a ton PANASONIC. Appreciate your hard efforts. I will never let you down and will continue patronizing your products.
Will come back later.
