Owners Manual:

http://service.us.panasonic.com/OPERMANPDF/TH42PZ80Q.PDF

Owners Manual:

http://service.us.panasonic.com/OPERMANPDF/TH42PZ80Q.PDF

Does anybody know if Panasonic will make this model in a 58 or 65 inch??

Not as a 80 series :)

Not as a 80 series :)

How about the 800/850 series??

Owners Manual:

http://service.us.panasonic.com/OPERMANPDF/TH42PZ80Q.PDFPretty :cool: Johnny! :)

Too bad I am in the market for a new AVR w/speakers instead, and have little WAF so far as that goes. :(

BTW... I also have a $5400 :eek: school tax bill due next Tuesday. :mad:

When will these be available?!?!?!

Probably very soon, because the manual was posted. I would guess this or next week.

Is Time Warner offering tru2way digital services... doubtful.

Time Warner may not be, but Comcast is in bed with tru2way.

Time Warner may not be, but Comcast is in bed with tru2way.Does your local Cable TV provider offer this service?

Is Time Warner offering tru2way digital services... doubtful.

http://www.cablelabs.com/news/pr/2008/08_pr_tru2wayMOU_060908.html

"The cable operators that have announced support for the tru2way platform on their networks are Comcast, Time Warner, Cox, Cablevision, Charter and Bright House Networks, together representing over 80 percent of all cable subscribers and 105 million homes passed."

"Time Warner Cable has already distributed nearly a million tru2way devices, and this agreement further supports the industry's efforts."

http://www.cablelabs.com/news/pr/2008/08_pr_tru2wayMOU_060908.html

"The cable operators that have announced support for the tru2way platform on their networks are Comcast, Time Warner, Cox, Cablevision, Charter and Bright House Networks, together representing over 80 percent of all cable subscribers and 105 million homes passed."

"Time Warner Cable has already distributed nearly a million tru2way devices, and this agreement further supports the industry's efforts."These are the same folks who also support CableCARDs, correct?

Does your local Cable TV provider offer tru2way?

These are the same folks who also support CableCARDs, correct?

Does your local Cable TV provider offer tru2way?
I am not aware of which MSOs offer tru2way boxes in any specific markets, just that TW does in general.

For me, I don't care that much about tru2way boxes, whether rented or retail purchased, though I am sure they will be improved. Rather, I want the ability to buy a TV and rent a CC.

I have read this on the support of tru2way:

"By July 2009, Comcast, Time Warner Cable, Cox, Cablevision, Bright House are to support tru2way in all their systems. Charter has committed to do so by July 2010."

http://panasonic.broadcastnewsroom.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=416986

Now that the TVs/CCs will do the same as a cable box, I expect the MSOs to support them fully.

For me, I don't care that much about tru2way boxes, whether rented or retail purchased, though I am sure they will be improved. Rather, I want the ability to buy a TV and rent a CC.What do you mean by a "tru2way box?" Is tru2way internal to the TV or will it require an external STB?

Like you, I would prefer to use a CableCARD considering I have (2) PDPs, which are equipped with CableCARD slots.

My desire is to support a direct digital connection to each TV. When Time Warner deployed SDV I dropped my CableCARDs and started renting an SA8300HDC & SA4250HDC.

My Panasonic 50PX50U lacks an external USB port and I doubt that Pioneer will issue a firmware update to support an SDV tuning adapter. My best shot at going direct digital again seems to be with Verizon FiOS TV when it becomes available in my area.

What do you mean by a "tru2way box?" Is tru2way internal to the TV or will it require an external STB?

Both.:) MSOs will deploy tru2way boxes, just like TW already has, according to the article. Also, retailers will supposedly sell tru2way boxes. The best part is indeed, that there will be tru2way TVs soon.

According to Panasonic's web site, these 2 TV's are being sold in the Chicago and Denver areas. I called Panasonic and they said that these would be available in the rest of the US by the end of the month.

Anyone in Chicago or Denver seen a price on them yet?

I see that these TVs are carrying a $300 MSRP premium. I wouldn't have thought it would be that much. It doesn't sound like it is based on cost and markup. Rather, because it is a new feature valuable to some. Still worth it, I guess, to save the ever increasing box rental fees, and not have a box. The CC fees are very little, if anything, in many areas.

Anyway, I don't need a 42" or 50" TV with tru2way, since I use a DVR. However, I am following the tech., hoping next April there will be 32" and 37" LCDs with this tech.; I doubt there will be such a premium on those TVs; I would guess $100, at most.

I see that these TVs are carrying a $300 MSRP premium. I wouldn't have thought it would be that much. It doesn't sound like it is based on cost and markup. Rather, because it is a new feature valuable to some. Still worth it, I guess, to save the ever increasing box rental fees, and not have a box. The CC fees are very little, if anything, in many areas.

Anyway, I don't need a 42" or 50" TV with tru2way, since I use a DVR. However, I am following the tech., hoping next April there will be 32" and 37" LCDs with this tech.; I doubt there will be such a premium on those TVs; I would guess $100, at most.
I am hoping for a larger tru2way to replace my one way 50" plasma....

You will still need a cablecard in order to get the tru2way service.

I see that these TVs are carrying a $300 MSRP premium. I wouldn't have thought it would be that much. It doesn't sound like it is based on cost and markup. Rather, because it is a new feature valuable to some. Still worth it, I guess, to save the ever increasing box rental fees, and not have a box. The CC fees are very little, if anything, in many areas.

Anyway, I don't need a 42" or 50" TV with tru2way, since I use a DVR. However, I am following the tech., hoping next April there will be 32" and 37" LCDs with this tech.; I doubt there will be such a premium on those TVs; I would guess $100, at most.

Expect some boxes with tru2way. I think it's a great idea and it might eventually allow for a Dual tuner TV with DVR capabilities by plugging in an eSATA drive.

Press release:

Panasonic Announces Arrival of First Tru2way(TM) HDTVs at Retail

Comcast customers in the Chicago and Denver areas will be the first in the U.S. to have access to tru2way digital cable service with additional cities expected to go live in the coming months.

The tru2way VIERA HDTVs will be available in the Chicago area at Abt Electronics in Glenview and at Circuit City locations as well as at Ultimate Electronics and Circuit City stores in the Denver area.

Panasonic's first tru2way enabled VIERA Plasma HDTVs will be offered in 42-inch class and 50-inch class sizes with integrated tru2way cable receiver capability within the set's chassis.

The TH-42PZ80Q will have an SRP of $1,599.95 and the TH-50PZ80Q will have an SRP of $2,299.95.

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/panasonic-announces-arrival-first-tru2waytm/story.aspx?guid=%7BA85E8A94%2D3B2B%2D47E7%2DB8A1%2D9C5E756FA 088%7D&dist=msr_6

zdnet blog:

Both the Panasonic Viera TH-42PZ80Q ($1,599.95) and TH-50PZ80Q ($2,299.95) are 1080p plasmas with 1,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ranges. They carry a $300 price premium over their non-tru2way-enabled, but otherwise similarly spec’d, TH-42PZ80U and TH-50PZ80U siblings.

http://blogs.zdnet.com/home-theater/?p=138

You will still need a cablecard in order to get the tru2way service.

Are you sure? It is my understanding that two-way cable cards have never been implemented, mainly because they didn't work. I thought this technology was to replace cablecards, not make them work the way they should have all along. Having to pay extra for a cable card (assuming they even work as they should) on top of the premium for the Tru2way feature would probably put me off this model, so I am hoping you are mistaken.

Are you sure? It is my understanding that two-way cable cards have never been implemented, mainly because they didn't work. I thought this technology was to replace cablecards, not make them work the way they should have all along. Having to pay extra for a cable card (assuming they even work as they should) on top of the premium for the Tru2way feature would probably put me off this model, so I am hoping you are mistaken.
There is no such thing as a two-way CC per se, (all CCs are one/two way), rather there is now a two-way CC host integrated into the TV (and soon boxes, as well.)

OCAP is implemented through CC, and is now called tru2way, of course.

In the future, they hope to implement OCAP through DCAS.

At least with Comcast, one CC is free in many areas, some areas are as high as $2. Other MSOs are typically similar or a bit higher, like $2.75; but there are a few MSOs/areas that are rip-off priced. However, indeed, right now, the TVs are $300 extra; but expect that price to decrease with more TVs on the market.

In the future, they hope to implement OCAP through DCAS.I wonder how many more monthly STB rental fees Cable TV subscribers will have to incur before OCAP w/DCAS becomes reality... my guess is 120.

There is no such thing as a two-way CC per se, (all CCs are one/two way), rather there is now a two-way CC host integrated into the TV (and soon boxes, as well.)

OCAP is implemented through CC, and is now called tru2way, of course.

In the future, they hope to implement OCAP through DCAS.

At least with Comcast, one CC is free in many areas, some areas are as high as $2. Other MSOs are typically similar or a bit higher, like $2.75; but there are a few MSOs/areas that are rip-off priced. However, indeed, right now, the TVs are $300 extra; but expect that price to decrease with more TVs on the market.


So you are saying a separate CC is NOT required with these Tru2way Panasonics? If so, that is what I am wanting to hear.

I wonder if anyone will implement these with 2 CC's so that they could be capable of HD PiP...this would be a first.

So you are saying a separate CC is NOT required with these Tru2way Panasonics? If so, that is what I am wanting to hear.
As I said tru2way is implemented through CC, so a CC is still needed, otherwise the CC host in the TV or DVR is useless.

My other point was that the CC hasn't changed; it is the CC host integrated into the TV (or DVR) that has changed, in that it is now tru2way (OCAP) capable.

http://www.abt.com/product/37817.html
http://www.abt.com/product/37818.html

Available for pre-order at ABT at MSRP price - may be worth waiting for a sale though...

I wonder if anyone will implement these with 2 CC's so that they could be capable of HD PiP...this would be a first.

They have M-Cards so there is no need for 2 CC slots. M-Cards can decode up to 6 streams. HD PIP can be done with 1 card.

They have M-Cards so there is no need for 2 CC slots. M-Cards can decode up to 6 streams. HD PIP can be done with 1 card.

Wow, so is this going to be a feature of tru2way "1.0" (the initial release)? Not much detail inside the manual to suggest either way...

A TV requires either two internal tuners (ATSC/QAM) or 1/1 internal/external tuner (e.g. STB) to support PIP/PAP/POP/Split screen applications.

Wow, so is this going to be a feature of tru2way "1.0" (the initial release)? Not much detail inside the manual to suggest either way...

Yep you can have 2 tuners and only use 1 Cablecard. M-Cards have always been a part of the tru2way spec. M-cards haven't been new. Even the Tivo HD/HD XL can support 1 m-card for both tuners. It's been finalized since 2006. Infact OCAP/tru2way DVR's only use 1 M-card and they have 2 tuners. So yes it's possible to do that.

That's really cool, hopefully one of the vendors is working on a dual-tuner TV.

That's really cool, hopefully one of the vendors is working on a dual-tuner TV.

It's possible to have Dual tuner TV with an eSATA port for DVR features. Imagine a dual tuner TV that can allow you to plug in an external eSATA HDD for recordings. Then add MoCA, DLAN, and uPnP and you could offer a Multi room experience to other STB/TV's that use those protocols.

Can DirecTV customers take advantage of tru2way TV's?

No, satellite is not compatible.

ABT now has them in stock, anyone planning to purchase?

I've been reading these forums for a few years and found lots of great info and helpful information. Finally I have something to talk about so I joined up.

I got my 42" delivered by Abt and installed by Comcast Thursday 10/30 and was told I was the 1st customer in the US to have this TV and the new Tru2way! Who knew!

There is a cable card - but let me say it works. Smooth channel changing, easy (and faster if you ask me) On Demand access, and PERFECT picture (thanks from the tips about setting on the comparable 80ZU's

The set up took a while - but Comcast took great care into making sure it was working perfect.

I even got a call from a Panasonic rep to say Thank you, which I thought was pretty cool.

This is my 2nd Panny (I have a 60" Rear Projection LCD, Which I LOVE!) and when I found out Panny had this new TV with the Tru2way I just had to get this (wife agreed, as she didnt want a box sitting around collecting dust).

I'll keep updated about how things go - But if anyone is interested in getting this TV and like the convienence of no cable box and all the features (except no DVR, which I never used anyway) - get this TV.

Only thing I notice so far is that some setting are not accessible on the TV and some features such at Messages and the ability to change the colors (and some other things) are not on the new guide/menu with Comcast. But its a sleeker looking guide...it greys out the the menus you dont subscribe to (of course I just have Digital Classic, so I see alot of the grey)

But channel switching seems alot smoother than on my current HD box.

Okay, need to go run the TV some more to give it a break in period.

Abt is great by the way. Had some troubles with the order and had to call a few times, seems nobody knew what I was talking about with the Tru2way both with Abt and Comcast, but I'm sure it will improve as time goes on.

I give the TV and the Tru2way a thumps up!

I've been reading these forums for a few years and found lots of great info and helpful information. Finally I have something to talk about so I joined up.

I got my 42" delivered by Abt and installed by Comcast Thursday 10/30 and was told I was the 1st customer in the US to have this TV and the new Tru2way! Who knew!

There is a cable card - but let me say it works. Smooth channel changing, easy (and faster if you ask me) On Demand access, and PERFECT picture (thanks from the tips about setting on the comparable 80ZU's

The set up took a while - but Comcast took great care into making sure it was working perfect.

I even got a call from a Panasonic rep to say Thank you, which I thought was pretty cool.

This is my 2nd Panny (I have a 60" Rear Projection LCD, Which I LOVE!) and when I found out Panny had this new TV with the Tru2way I just had to get this (wife agreed, as she didnt want a box sitting around collecting dust).

I'll keep updated about how things go - But if anyone is interested in getting this TV and like the convienence of no cable box and all the features (except no DVR, which I never used anyway) - get this TV.

Only thing I notice so far is that some setting are not accessible on the TV and some features such at Messages and the ability to change the colors (and some other things) are not on the new guide/menu with Comcast. But its a sleeker looking guide...it greys out the the menus you dont subscribe to (of course I just have Digital Classic, so I see alot of the grey)

But channel switching seems alot smoother than on my current HD box.

Okay, need to go run the TV some more to give it a break in period.

Abt is great by the way. Had some troubles with the order and had to call a few times, seems nobody knew what I was talking about with the Tru2way both with Abt and Comcast, but I'm sure it will improve as time goes on.

I give the TV and the Tru2way a thumps up!

That's great news, good to hear. I figured the guide would be a lot sleeker and smoother feeling. Is there any committment from Panasonic to update the software if things end up being buggy on the TV end? Did you get the 42" or 50"?

That's great news, good to hear. I figured the guide would be a lot sleeker and smoother feeling. Is there any committment from Panasonic to update the software if things end up being buggy on the TV end? Did you get the 42" or 50"?

42" - which is perfect for my room I think.

Actually Comcast has updates and actively working on it as it was explained to me. I have the latest update which was from 10/22 (I dont recall the number). As I understand it, Comcast will be providing the updates for the TV along with their updates as new software/programs wil be deployed. I was told of course that this is the very early stages and to expect some bugs/problems...but other than the time being off by 1 hour (it's an hour behind, but I think by Daylight savings time on Sunday it should even out...I hope!) the whole experience has been great so far. I found it odd that I cannot access the internal TV's clock and something called Zoom in the settings..as well at the Colour x.z (something like that) settings, but I think thats just due to being connected to the comast card.

What was a bit weird was that they were testing playing an HD movie and the comcast people on the phone (this high level rep, really nice guy, was on a conference call with all the high ups in Chicago and Denver and they instantly knew which movie he was playing! Kinda creeped me out a little!)

I dig Panasonic and I am a Comcast fan as I have never had major problems with their service (other than the few calls to deal with thier customer service reps, which I feel are hit or miss as far as service). I never found the dish appealing to me...never tried it...never felt I needed to... so I may be Comcast biased...but I dont feel that way. I would switch in a heartbeat if I felt I wasnt getting what I pay for. Same for Panasonic, execpt for their DVD/VCR surround sound system I had a few years ago, which was junk and locked up my DVD's and I ended up throwing it away ($300 + down the tubes) - but my TV since 04 has been running great (1 dead pixel that I've learned to live with) - and I just needed to replace the lamp which was covered under my way too expensive Circuit City warranty, but they were easy to work with and sent my replacement in just a few days, but overall I think Panasonic makes a good product in my experience. So I was confident in purchasing another Panny and the Tru2way seems like its going to take off for people like me who dont do DVR. I dig On Demand and use it alot. How great is it to just choose a movie in full HD and enjoy without any hassel of dealing with a rental store, returning movies. Every time i've gone to the video store I always have to get the speech to join their different deals and I just want to get out of there. And returning movies in Chicago winter to avoid any late fees...just was too much pain for my taste. I like the On Demand to be able to enjoy a movie. But again, its just personal taste.

I just ran thru all the menus again and its really smooth. The HD picture is just great...can't believe there is no HDMI cable..lol... sound is nice..but an external sound system would sound so much better I think. But for my needs, its okay.

I have my settings down low but not too low...for now...on the TV

Other weird thing...the Comcast rep, when I asked him, said that the HD is only 720p or 1080I and NOT 1080p for the OnDemand channels and the HD channels... and with the TV there is no function to see what the signal is coming in...so until I hook up a blueray (which I only have on my computer on my 60") I dont know really what is coming thru. That bummed me out a bit.

Also, they are going to do a media blitz on some dude downtown on Lakeshore Drive that officially "bought" the first TV... I didnt even get a T-shirt or anything saying I was the first - what's that about! Oh well... it is what it is...I dont care really...I was suprised I was the first install anyway. As the Abt delivery guy said "It sounds like Nasa in here" with them all on their cell phones and the echo coming out..lol..it was kind of funny really. It took about 3 to 3 1/2 hours from initial TV in the door to everyone out of my house. It was worth the wait to make sure it was working right. Too bad Panasonic wasnt here to set up my TV, would have been nice.

I'm on Comcast but living outside of the rollout areas for Tru2Way. Would one of these Panasonic TVs work in my area, with a CableCard installed?

I'm anticipating that someday soon Comcast would catch up, seeing how they just transitioned us to their "Comcast digital" system anyhow.

I'm on Comcast but living outside of the rollout areas for Tru2Way. Would one of these Panasonic TVs work in my area, with a CableCard installed?

I'm anticipating that someday soon Comcast would catch up, seeing how they just transitioned us to their "Comcast digital" system anyhow.

It will work once Comcast offers the service in your area. Right now I think it is just the Chicago and Denver areas. Comcast provides the card, and it works a bit like an internet connection thru the cable. The TV has a "mac" address and so does the card and they then link them up in their system. It's not the same as the old cable cards they used to offer out.

Does anybody know if Panasonic will make this model in a 58 or 65 inch??

I'd like to get a 58 inch Panasonic with Tru2Way as well. Hopefully these models aren't too far behind.

Scott

It will work once Comcast offers the service in your area. Right now I think it is just the Chicago and Denver areas. Comcast provides the card, and it works a bit like an internet connection thru the cable. The TV has a "mac" address and so does the card and they then link them up in their system. It's not the same as the old cable cards they used to offer out.

Yep, all that's been released with regards to committing to other regions is the July 1, 2009 date...Comcast is saying that the entire network will be ready by then.

Matthew2008: Can you comment on whether Comcast has enabled any of the new features that tru2way advertises on their site:

http://www.ctam.com/tru2way/gallery.htm

I'd like to get a 58 inch Panasonic with Tru2Way as well. Hopefully these models aren't too far behind.

Scott

Maybe next year with the new 12G panels. 2009 models will get the new 12G neoPDP panels.

Matthew2008: Can you comment on whether Comcast has enabled any of the new features that tru2way advertises on their site:

http://www.ctam.com/tru2way/gallery.htm

With the exception of the Comcast Cable Guide, none of these featured applications on the gallery are as of yet being provided.

From what I was told while they were setting up, features like on the gallery will come as they are ready since they will be 3rd party programs.

But even without these features in the gallery; I still think this is great. I have this up on my wall now and no box, no wires, and my wife is happy. lol
I'll try to post some pics of the guide if someone would be interested.

With the exception of the Comcast Cable Guide, none of these featured applications on the gallery are as of yet being provided.

From what I was told while they were setting up, features like on the gallery will come as they are ready since they will be 3rd party programs.

But even without these features in the gallery; I still think this is great. I have this up on my wall now and no box, no wires, and my wife is happy. lol
I'll try to post some pics of the guide if someone would be interested.

That would be awesome, would love to see them. I just noticed ABT dropped the price down to $1377 (down $222 from MSRP). Too bad the rest of the Comcast network isn't ready for the technology.

Whats the name of the guide software? Is it I-guide, J-Guide or some unnamed guide that looks like i-guide but with spiffy looking graphics.

Whats the name of the guide software? Is it I-guide, J-Guide or some unnamed guide that looks like i-guide but with spiffy looking graphics.

Actaully, I don't know what its called. It looks like the old guide, but better graphics, and it fills the entire screen (be it stretched, even on the HD channels, if you ask me) but clearer and No Ads anywhere like the previous one. There is no option for reminders, to change colors, no messages, and also Comcast Central and News Central channels are not part of this.

So it's not that guide that can show 8 channels. I have seen that guide and it does look like I-guide. All the tru2way guides are being shown in 16:9 which is nice since it's about time for HD optimized guides. It still looks nice even though it's stretched.

I'd like to get a 58 inch Panasonic with Tru2Way as well. Hopefully these models aren't too far behind.

Scott

I wonder when they are going release them in California.....

It will work once Comcast offers the service in your area. Right now I think it is just the Chicago and Denver areas. Comcast provides the card, and it works a bit like an internet connection thru the cable. The TV has a "mac" address and so does the card and they then link them up in their system. It's not the same as the old cable cards they used to offer out.Are you receiving SDV channels on your PDP equipped w/tru2way technology?

Are you receiving SDV channels on your PDP equipped w/tru2way technology?That's the whole point of tru2way :)

That's the whole point of tru2way :)Correct... but does it work in the "real world?"

BTW... whatever happened with the SDV tuning adapter?

Correct... but does it work in the "real world?"Yes

BTW... whatever happened with the SDV tuning adapter?I already pre-ordered one from TWC.....although I'm almost positive I'll be getting D* before Christmas (waiting on the HR-23 and SWM Slimline to both be available locally).

You might want to check your local TWC website (do a search for SDV).

Yes

I already pre-ordered one from TWC.....although I'm almost positive I'll be getting D* before Christmas (waiting on the HR-23 and SWM Slimline to both be available locally).

You might want to check your local TWC website (do a search for SDV).What will the HR-23 do differently than the older HRs?

P.S. It is past early november, and this is a Panasonic thread. So is there any news that you could slip about the NEOpdps.

Remember.... I have a LOT more info on the Neo-PDPs. However, I've been told to quote "keep fingers off the keyboard on AVS for now".

There is good new and bad. nudge me in late November and I should be able to spill some of the beans....some. I guess it's not late november yet :(

What will the HR-23 do differently than the older HRs?http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=144256

P.S. It is past early november, and this is a Panasonic thread. So is there any news that you could slip about the NEOpdps.I have no comment on anything dealing with NeoPDPs at this time.

That's the whole point of tru2way :)
No, it is just one of them. Others being the MSO's Guide, OD, and PPV. I think that is it, I don't recall any others.

Bump!

So has Comcast implemented any more of the tru2way features in Chicago or Denver?

Economy of scale will have to kick in to make this price competitive but I would really love a Tru2way or cable card TV in a small size suitable for using in the kitchen or other area where a cable box is really a problem.

Does anyone know how to get into a "service menu" or "debug" menu on this model of Panasonic? I want to see the DHCP / TFTP communication on startup with the cable system. The menu / setup / about / CableCARD section does not provide everything I am looking for.