[Bronse]

For a long time, at least in my location, Panasonic products are well known for their durability. I remember the first Panasonic product we bought was a black and white television. It lasted for more than 15 years. I wonder if Panasonic home theater system is also inherit the quality. I know with the fast growing gadget technologies, durability of a product may not be an important factor to consider anymore; I am just curious

[Phil A]

I have not heard horrible complaints. The problem with any mass market brand (and you can name the brand - Sony, Panasonic, Onkyo, Yamaha, etc.) is that they are typically contracted out to be made in multiple factories in the Far East. They may be making microwaves on the production line one week and audio receivers the next. If they run out of a part, they may choose a substitute which will work but may not be as optimal as what was original spec. Some brands like Rotel for instance, a Japanese company in business since 1955, have their own factory in China. So they can at least have a greater say over quality control. Yes, technology changes rapidly with video and digital. Something that is not overly expensive now a few years down the road may not be worth fixing due to the costs vs. buying something new. For example, you buy a $150 Blu-Ray player today and it goes three years from now. Probably by then you can buy something of comparable quality for under $100. It may cost you $80 plus parts to pay a technician to fix an old unit. Buying a new one with a new warranty is probably a better deal.

[Brian]

I'd definitely place Panny in the upper half in terms of quality. I'm not sure there's a better way to measure most of these guys, as Phil says, hardly any do their own work. It really comes down to service if/when there is a problem.

[Phil A]

Brian, on 22 November 2009 - 08:38 PM, said:

I'd definitely place Panny in the upper half in terms of quality. I'm not sure there's a better way to measure most of these guys, as Phil says, hardly any do their own work. It really comes down to service if/when there is a problem.

That's pretty much what separates a company from the pack. Anything that has ever been made breaks. What makes a really good company shine is how they handle the problems.

[kurt]

We have a Panasonic DVR that we bought a couple years ago, and so far so good. I typically think highly of the company.

The discussion above of whether it's worth repairing components reminds me that I spent about $200 to repair my first Teac CD player years ago... But it's still working. I forget what the new prices were at the time. That seems crazy now.

[Bronse]

Yeah, it is typical in electronic products that the more advanced the technology, the cheaper the price of the products will be. So people tend to go for a new gadget than fix the old one. Yet, some people still keep their old products for romantic reasons.

[dez]

Brian, on 22 November 2009 - 08:38 PM, said:

I'd definitely place Panny in the upper half in terms of quality.

I know many others who feel the same way but then I question why some people talk so much crude about them? I can not honestly thing of many others that could survive my household (we moved tons as kids, and we were rough sometimes too). Maybe close would be a Sony, not saying it worked as good but it did last almost as long.

[Chasity]

My family has purchased Panasonic for years. In fact, we recently purchased our first home theater system and it was a Panasonic. I haven't had it long enough to judge it's durability but we didn't hesitate to buy it. If fact, we chose Panasonic because we knew it was a name we could trust.

[TVrelax]

I have a Panasonic TV and it's great. I do agree that their customer service (tech) people are awesome. I had to call once because I was having a problem and they were very helpful. I always think brand name and quality when I hear Panasonic.

[noisie]

Actually most of my electronic products from home theater system to refrigerator and air con are Panasonic. I am so confident with the brand, to the point that I don't care about the price as long as I can afford it.

[thechnojunkie]

Phil A, on 22 November 2009 - 11:56 AM, said:

I have not heard horrible complaints. The problem with any mass market brand (and you can name the brand - Sony, Panasonic, Onkyo, Yamaha, etc.) is that they are typically contracted out to be made in multiple factories in the Far East. They may be making microwaves on the production line one week and audio receivers the next. If they run out of a part, they may choose a substitute which will work but may not be as optimal as what was original spec. Some brands like Rotel for instance, a Japanese company in business since 1955, have their own factory in China. So they can at least have a greater say over quality control. Yes, technology changes rapidly with video and digital. Something that is not overly expensive now a few years down the road may not be worth fixing due to the costs vs. buying something new. For example, you buy a $150 Blu-Ray player today and it goes three years from now. Probably by then you can buy something of comparable quality for under $100. It may cost you $80 plus parts to pay a technician to fix an old unit. Buying a new one with a new warranty is probably a better deal.

Wow, I was surprised to hear that when they run our of parts they would chose the next best thing. Maybe that is why sometimes you buy something it works for a week then you take it back and get the same thing on return and it works for a long time. Is this something ALL electronic companies do or are their any brands who dont follow that line of thinking? Id be interested to know.

[Phil A]

thechnojunkie, on 06 June 2010 - 12:42 PM, said:

Wow, I was surprised to hear that when they run our of parts they would chose the next best thing. Maybe that is why sometimes you buy something it works for a week then you take it back and get the same thing on return and it works for a long time. Is this something ALL electronic companies do or are their any brands who dont follow that line of thinking? Id be interested to know.

Many don't maintain dedicated plants. I remember many years back a dealer pulled out an amp, preamp and tuner all from the same brand and same series and they were all slightly different shades of gray and obviously not made in the same place upon further examination.