Panasonic TX-P42G30 vs S30 - any real difference? (non-3D)

[havoc]

Trying to decide whether I need to spend the extra to get the G30 or not. Aside from the ability to hook-up an offboard HDD directly, the only real differences seem to be a slightly different (better?) screen, "THX mode", and some different software.

But...does it make a real difference?


Note that I'm talking about the cheaper-end 2D TVs here, not the latest 3D ones.


Thanks guys,

Martin.

[headcase]

The cabinet is different too, the G30 is alot slimmer, i think the S30 has a glass panel in front of the display where the G30 dosent, due tot he cab design the G30 lends its self to wall mouning better than the S30, G30 has side facing sockets S30 has rear facing sockets.

[doolie]

Don't discount the 3D ST30. Yes it lacks thx mode but it's not just a 3D version of the S30 (no matter what the model numbers would have you believe). The ST30 has the same panel and filter as the GT30. The G30 I might add, does not have the same filter.

Horses for courses and all that, are you going to use the extra options available on the G30? If not, the ST30 would have my money. Best value TV out there.

edit - All the above is assuming you are considering the G30....which it seems you are

[havoc]

THX mode aside, what ARE the extra options that the G30 / GT30 have? Even the Pansonic website isn't particularly clear.

[doolie]

the comparison tool on panasonic site should show notable differences. As i recall, both g30 and gt30 have a dlna client builtin....which the st30 does not....therefore they can stream media from your home network. If you purchased st30, you either rely on usb devices for media or an external media streamer.

Arguably they also look better than st30, as well as aforementioned detailed customisations (eg thx mode)

The G30 lacks the infinite black pro filter of the st30 and gt30, and 3d.

The s30 i believe lacks all features mentioned here and has a basic screen filter

hope this helps

Edited by doolie on Wednesday 28th December 22:20

[havoc]

Been out and about today, but failed to make it to anywhere good (e.g. Richer Sounds or Sevenoaks - local S'oaks weren't very helpful over the phone and the local RS's only had one or another in for demo, none more than one).

But have seen the S, ST and GT30s. GT30 looks fantastic, but since we missed Amazon's Boxing Day giveaway (£599.99!!!!!!!), it's over-budget. S isn't worth it, and the two STs we saw (Currys and Comet) looked very uninspiring. This could just have been set-up and/or cabling, but without a way of doing a back-to-back comparison against the ST, there's no way of being sure.


So looks like it is the G, just need to find the cheapest source inc. extended warranty. That said, still haven't seen one in the flesh...

[cod man]

I ordered the S yesterday from Amazon (A ball having been kicked into our 4yr old 37" Toshiba LCD a couple of weeks ago smashing the screen!)It arrived today (on free delivery). Cost £399.99.
I've been playing with it all afternoon and I have to say I'm really pleased with it. Picture is excellent. Tomorrow i'm going to investigate using the squeezebox to stream pictures and videos to it.