For what it's worth, we got a Panasonic this year (to replace a dodgy Toshiba) and within hours of unpacking and installing and tuning it, it went back in the box and back to the supplier for a refund (which I was given in full).
Toshiba, the only other competitor in this market, fares much better in my experience. I had the Toshiba repaired (at their expense) and it is now back in service.
However, since I'm in the UK that might not help you at all.
