All this should be so, but only my subjective impression of the image quality and the equipment to be technically-detailed analysis to black levels, color temperature settings.
Note: On both devices, I played on the (unofficial) firmware 1520 and 1313 to escape the lot called floating-brightness bug (largely).
The Floating Brightness was after the firmware updates in the "Normal" image mode still noticeably present in the "THX" - and "Professional" modes I've never seen them.
Basically, a potential buyer is of course first before choosing between the three types of devices LCD, LED (here the distinction: Edge LED or Full-LED) or plasma.
Elsewhere will be discussed in detail by more experienced specialists on the differences of the types in detail, from my perspective, just as much:
Before the VT30 / GT30 TVs I spent three years of satisfied Panasonic LCD TV users.
LCD and LED TVs have basically a lighter and "more colorful" image than plasma TVs, the LED models offer also the lowest energy consumption of all three basic types.
However, I have decided to go for plasma, because the image of homogeneous and authentic taught here in my opinion, the reality and the cinema feeling and "beautiful" color displays.
Both the VT30, and the GT30 offer a strong light, colorful, high-contrast image that can, however, develop its full splendor only after a running of about 100 hours and at (at least slightly) darkened environment. My previous experiences with other TVs (even from different manufacturers) reinforced in me the impression that the plasma technology for me provides an important "smoother" and more stable viewing pleasure especially when the result of Blu-ray playback very important 24p mode, to the LED / LCD for me so far does not reach.
Now for the detailed comparison and the reviews:
1. Design:
The immediately noticeable main difference between the two devices is the One-Sheet-glass pane or the lack thereof used in the GT30 VT30, which around the panel has instead a small silver frame on the housing.
Clean design technically me the appearance of the VT30 like something better than the GT30. The disc seems a bit more noble and high quality, the silver framing (the while looking in particular in a darkened room is not visible) and a nice idea is that singles out the GT30 from the usual TV monotony.
2. reflections:
The pleasant-looking glass when VT30 is clearly mirror vulnerable than the "naked" panel of the GT30.
Who wants to look even in daylight or by using subtle backlighting on when watching movies, is the VT30 probably not really happy.
Even in completely dark room may already be reflected by the self-illumination of the panel a bright clothes of the viewer in the VT30.
This is the GT30 significantly less pronounced, has also been for me personally what the rash, I opt for the GT30.
3. Image Quality:
Often it is argued that the VT30 must have a better picture, better black level, etc.. Therefore, he is also more expensive.
To be honest, I can not share this view.
Those who value a comprehensive professional IRE calibration, must pick up the VT30, because the options are missing in the GT30-screen menu.
Except for the IRE settings of GT30 has otherwise completely identical items in the Picture menu, including normal color, contrast, brightness, and also white balance, color balance and gamma.
For normal users, this results in my opinion, more than enough possibilities to adjust the image to your personal taste (most will be limited anyway to brightness, contrast and color).
Curiously, the image in the unaltered "Professional" settings on the GT30 seems to me much more harmonious and coherent, than I had ever got it right when VT30 in countless experiments with white and color balance, and gamma. The VT30 had a penchant for the for me to "warm" yellows and greens, which does not exist as to the GT30. This may now have been due to specially my VT30, but can not be denied.
I find the picture quality of the GT30 anyway excellent and authentic film (IFC deactivated!).
The native 24p playback (without 24p Smooth Film) is phenomenal on both models. Such a plastic picture rest I've never seen.
The same applies to the 3D experience, which I have to admit here that the passive 3D technology from other manufacturers (eg LG and Philips) lighter and cheaper by a multiple glasses and a brighter, totally flicker-free picture makes here, where the actual 3D effect with the Panasonic plasma seems somewhat more pronounced and also takes place in real Full HD.
For the 3D mode I personally recommend the genuine Panasonic 3D glasses TY-type EW3D10E. Why, we read in my local detailed review.
4. Sound Quality:
The TV speakers come with me only in cable tuner mode used. In all other situations, I use a surround sound system from Onkyo / devil.
I could find no relevant difference between the VT30 and GT30 the here. Perhaps the VT30 has at higher volumes, I can not conjure up a slightly stronger bass, but that.
5. Panel whirring / fan-volume:
My subjective impression is that the panel whirring when GT30 is slightly more audible. Without sound, it can be from 3.5 m still clearly make out, especially in bright / white image. In VT30 it was not so clear.
Here may provide the additional glass pane for some insulation forward towards the viewer.
The fans are, at least in my GT30 also more audible than was the case with the VT30. It seems that one of the three fans run slightly out of round.
But as soon as the normal film sound is on (even with something quieter, but not completely silent sequences), disturbing neither the panel whirring, nor the fan movie enjoyment.
7. Cable Tuner Quality:
In this discipline, there is a clear point win for my TechniSat DigiCorder K2 receiver.
The built-in GT30 / VT30 cable tuner is fine and well for a "normal" TV useful (news, reports, shows, etc.), the picture of my TechniSat but markedly crisp, color fidelity and sharper. For movies, series, sports and documentaries HD, I would not use the built-in tuner.
8. Remote Control:
The (black) remote control of the VT30 looks classy, is heavy in the hand and has good key pressure points.
In contrast, the (silver) plastic remote control of the GT30 looks downright miserable and feels with its light weight and the "flabby" buttons (especially volume and program change) exactly like that.
A pity that Panasonic has made here between the two models a distinction in this regard.
7. Equipment:
The included accessories is identical for both TVs, except that the VT30 just two 3D glasses and wireless dongle are included, ie also the VT30 has the detailed instruction manual unfortunately only on CD.
Functionally, so in terms of Viera Connect, etc., the models are also equipped the same.
Conclusion:
Both TVs have technical advantages and disadvantages.
The VT30 currently costs around 550 EUR more than the GT30. But it must still (approximately) 2 x 110 EUR for the 3D glasses and EUR 80 for the Wi-Fi dongle will be deducted. Stay under dash quite exactly 250 EUR additional costs for the VT30, which allow a slightly quieter operation, (in my opinion, negligible) additional image options, a nobler remote control and the (theoretically) better sound, the VT30 being but is more prone to reflections.
Who is sensitive to noise and looking in a constantly darkened room in which can minimize reflections occur, should opt for the VT30.
Who emanates incl. Sound of "normal" operation and without any reflections wants / needs, may well take the GT30 eye. I'm going to my GT30 anyway keep (the "cheaper" remote's perfectly usable).
Who is both sensitive to noise, as well as in its environment sees the danger of reflections, rather none of the two models should consider.