FAQ & RULES LINKS_ Plasma & Panasonic Plasma FAQ - Read First! [Text View] - Page 3

JonStern

10-06-05, 08:01 AM

The changing numbers on the screen after you press 1, 1 are normal as I have that on my 37PX50U, too. It's a constantly updating readout similar to what you get for signal strength for the antenna. But, as you probably know, you didn't finish the procedure to get to the hours display... after pressing 1,1, you then have to press and hold the mute button for a few seconds to get to the hours screen. After you're finished just power off to get out of the service menu.

I bought a new Pany TH37PX50U and I tried to check the number of hours currently on the TV by going into the service menu. Well it did not work out like I thought it would and after going into the service menu and pushing "1" and "1" again, some whacky numbers started changing very fast. I have no idea what it was for (I seem to recall numbers like 3E7Y or something weird like that and possibly Y axis something). The TV looks good right now but I am worried that I may have accidently adjusted some of the factory defaults.

My question is: Does Panasonic adjust each Plasma individually at the Factory?
And could someone who knows what they are doing with the service menu provide me default or your adjusted settings for the TH37PX50U or even the 42" version (should be the same??).

Is there a way to go back to the factory defaults and should I even bother?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

wjr

10-06-05, 08:01 AM

Do any of you who own the 50PX500U or the 50PX50U use the TV's speakers as a center channel? How does it sound?

xandypx

10-06-05, 09:21 AM

Just moved from Phoenix (and my 50in 7th gen panny plasma) to New Mexico. Was ready to buy an 8th gen panny until guy installing my dish said he had seen some problems with plasmas installed at 6500 feet in altitude and above. I'm at 6231 feet here. Anybody familiar with how this display works at higher altitudes? Cripes, do I have to go to LCD?

Sorry to see you go... I can't tell you exactly about 6200'.... but if you notice where I'm from... no problems at all at 5300'... and actually... just a little bit higher than that. I live "above" the "City".

nzl8dc

10-06-05, 10:14 AM

xandypx

10-06-05, 10:29 AM

i seem to be stuck... have a Motorola 6412 DVR, connected via Component to 50phd8uk, also a Pioneer 434 DVD connected same (thru denon 3300 receiver)...
1) when viewing HD channels, 6412 set to 16:9, either 720p or 1080i, picture is great - but aspect is stuck on "full" on 50phd8uk - i think the 50phd8uk is expanding the picture from the STB - enlongating it- not passing it thru? it seems stretched from side to side as if it thought it was a 4:3 signal?
2) when viewing a DVD - again setting the DVD Pioneer DV434 to 16:9, either progressive or interlaced, the 50phd8uk lets me use 4 modes, Normal (which displays a 4:3 picture that is also letterboxed...with white bars on the sides, AND black bars top and bottom), zoom (which enlarges the picture, but cuts off the top/bottom of picture) , full (which stretches the picture sideways) and Just (which stretches only the edges sideways )... the auto does not work at all...

it seems like the 50phd8uk is stuck thinking it's getting only 4:3 aspect pictures... i reset it once back to "shipping", but got same result...

any ideas... or ideas who i could ask for help - i bought it from visual Apex...

The problem of not being able to use the aspect controls while using your DVR, is in the set-up of the 6412. There is a setting in the set-up of the Moto box for a SD override. I would suspect that this is currently set at "Stretch".. other options are Off, 480i and 480p.

In order to have aspect control of SD content, it must be set to 480P or 480i.

HD content will always force the PDP to "lock" at FULL.

To access the Moto's set-up... with the box off, press and hold the "Menu" button on the front of the DVR.

JonStern

10-06-05, 10:33 AM

Check your manual... I believe the TV's aspect adjustment works only when you're inputting 480i or 480p... it will not affect 720p or 1080i. Doesn't matter if the source is dvd, stb, ota, whatever.

i seem to be stuck... have a Motorola 6412 DVR, connected via Component to 50phd8uk, also a Pioneer 434 DVD connected same (thru denon 3300 receiver)...
1) when viewing HD channels, 6412 set to 16:9, either 720p or 1080i, picture is great - but aspect is stuck on "full" on 50phd8uk - i think the 50phd8uk is expanding the picture from the STB - enlongating it- not passing it thru? it seems stretched from side to side as if it thought it was a 4:3 signal?
2) when viewing a DVD - again setting the DVD Pioneer DV434 to 16:9, either progressive or interlaced, the 50phd8uk lets me use 4 modes, Normal (which displays a 4:3 picture that is also letterboxed...with white bars on the sides, AND black bars top and bottom), zoom (which enlarges the picture, but cuts off the top/bottom of picture) , full (which stretches the picture sideways) and Just (which stretches only the edges sideways )... the auto does not work at all...

it seems like the 50phd8uk is stuck thinking it's getting only 4:3 aspect pictures... i reset it once back to "shipping", but got same result...

any ideas... or ideas who i could ask for help - i bought it from visual Apex...

USCTrojan

10-06-05, 11:42 AM

If someone has had their Pany TH-37PX50U or 42" versioncalibrated, could you tell me what you have your picture mode settings set to. Like Bruzzi stated to prevent burn-in, I have turned down the contrast (Picture) setting and the brightness but obviously the picture is not as "vivid". I was just curious as to the settings of others who have had their sets calibrated what the settings are.

Pic Mode(Cinema, normal,vivid)
Picture (contrast)
Brightness
Color
Tint
Sharpness
Color temp

The local TV/home theater shop wanted to "replace" my video board because I got into the "service menu" and might have messed things up beyond repair!!!
This forum has been a big help.

royr

10-06-05, 01:22 PM

I just got a 42PX500 set from Future Shop in Toronto and I am trying to find the cool L-shaped stand with wheels (TY-S42PX500W).

But all I've been able to find is the generic squarish TY42PX500T stand. Does anyone know where in Canada (or at least the US) I can get the TY-S42PX500W stand? All I've been able to find are european and asian resellers online.

Thanx, Roy

nzl8dc

10-06-05, 03:17 PM

The problem of not being able to use the aspect controls while using your DVR, is in the set-up of the 6412. There is a setting in the set-up of the Moto box for a SD override. I would suspect that this is currently set at "Stretch".. other options are Off, 480i and 480p.

In order to have aspect control of SD content, it must be set to 480P or 480i.

HD content will always force the PDP to "lock" at FULL.

To access the Moto's set-up... with the box off, press and hold the "Menu" button on the front of the DVR.

ALRIGHT... i set the 6412 to 480i and now i can change aspect of 4:3 stuff on the Panny... thanks! still no option for "auto" , but i can live with expanding the picture on 4:3 stuff...
called Panny tech support... they said to connect DVD to Plasma directly, haven't tried yet, but will...

liberec

10-07-05, 04:34 PM

Hello,

I recently added the HDMI board to my TH-42PHD7UY and while the HDMI works well off of my directv HD DVR, the component input no longer seems to work.

My setup is as follows:
ARCAM AVR300 (acting as a video switch connected to Panasonic) via Component Input
HD DVR and DENON DVD-2900 connected to ARCAM via component inputs
HD DVR connected to Panasonic via HDMI input

As neither my arcam or dvd player has HDMI output, I need to be able to use both types of inputs on the TV. The HDMI is in the '1' slot and the component in the '3' slot.

Does anyone know what I need to do to make this work? Everything worked well without the HDMI board in the TV, but I'd really like to use it for equipment that has that capability.

Please advise.

Cheers.
Alan

sanket19

10-09-05, 08:52 PM

Can someone explain the S-Video & Composite inputs issue ?

S-Video and Composite inputs on Panasonic Plasmas (Consumer & Commercial) are shared.
Must use either one. And the S-Video input is always the priority.

If the S-Video is plugged to the plasma input (No matter if the other end of the cable is connected or not)
the composite input will be automatically disabled.

So to use The Composite Input, S-Video cannot be plugged to the Plasma Display

kyun7128

10-11-05, 07:25 PM

Forgive me if this has been asked before.

I connected my Sony digital camcorder to my 50PHD7UY using the composite cables. It is going through my AV receiver first and the video is going into the Panny with the video composite cable. The image fills the entire screen but I get a lot of big blocks. I don't believe this is called microblocking because the blocks are pretty big. The whole image is not like this but just small clusters on different parts of the screen. It is not always in the same location either but it is there all the time, just at different locations and different degrees of blocking.

Any idea what this is and how to fix it? Thanks.

Ken

jnelaine

10-11-05, 08:39 PM

I had a similar problem with my Sony camcorder and my Panasonic plasma. It turns out it was electronic interference. The camcorder was too close to the screen. As soon as I moved the camcorder further from the screen, the pixelation went away.

Hope this helps.

Tomriv

10-12-05, 07:34 AM

Hi everybody!

This is my first post on this very informative forum :) I would have a question regarding the different resolutions of Plasma TVs.
I'm living in France, and there are two models I am interested in: the 42 PA 50 (852x480) and the 42 PV 500 (1024x768) . Most of all, I want to be able to see my SD DVDs with the best possible picture according to my configuration. HD comes second for me. So I would like to know if it is best to perfectly match the resolution of the source (so 720x480 DVDs in the 853x480 plasma) or if the internal upscaling of the PV 500 (1024x768) is the best choice and the best compromise. I used to think that too much internal upscaling would show the limitations of the source and that a perfect matcing to the resolution source was preferable. However, 1024x768 is not too much an upscaling, and maybe it offers better picture: filling the same screen size with more pixels, without showing the limitations of the source. I just don't know, I couldn't compare them side-by-side yet...
Please if anybody know what is the best choice, apart from the price of course :D
Just whats is the best Panasonic picture for a 480P DVD player (Sony DVP-S9000ES so there would be just the internal upscaler of the screen )? 852x480 or 1024x768? Would there be definitely little defects with this upscaling?
Thanks a lot, any comment appreciated!

Tom.

Macfan424

10-12-05, 12:05 PM

...Please if anybody know what is the best choice, apart from the price of course :D ...
The operative work here is "know", to which the honest answer is "no," but you will get lots of opinions (some heated!). :rolleyes: Here's mine:

If you watch from more than 8 or 9 feet, chances are the 480p set will look every bit as good or better than the 768p unit. Inside that distance, SDE may be a distraction, although people have varying tolerance for it. Typically, ED (480p) plasmas have a better contrast ratio than HD (768p) versions from the same manufacturer, which can help give them a "richer" look. For that reason, many people find ED pictures more pleasing than their HD brethren, even though the latter are undeniably "smoother."

In addition, as you pointed out, current DVDs are limited to 480 vertical resolution. Current scalers are good, but they still can't create data that isn't there, so the actual amount of detail you can see won't increase on an HD set, although the apparent smoothness might, due to the increased number of pixels.

Purists argue that resolutions should match. I've never accepted that particular bit of conventional wisdom even though it makes perfect theoretical sense. Internal scalers are much better than they were a few years ago, and conversion loss is minimal if not indiscernible to the eye on a 42" screen. Empirically, 1080i input looks better on my ED set than 480i/p, so clearly other factors are in play.

I'm not saying that an ED plasma is "better" than a HD, but for your use, it's probably just as good, and costs a lot less. I'd suggest you try to watch a 42 PA 50 from the distance you usually view TV (bring a tape measure). If you like what you see, buy it. You'll like it even better at home. :)

Naylia

10-13-05, 03:02 PM

Hey guys,

I just began researching the Pannys today and have read most of the FAQ and the entire thread. I'm still not quite sure what happens when the VGA input is used by a computer on a display with rectangular pixels? From the panasonic website it looks like only 4:3 resolutions are accepted and then scaled to 1024x768...is the picture just stretched?

Would I be better off using a component dongle on the pc and then using a component to vga cable? Thus confusing my pc and be allowed to send a 720p timing to the display? but then hopefully in proportion...?

or get an HDMI or DVI blade and send an HD timed signal through one of those inputs?

kyun7128

10-13-05, 07:11 PM

Stocky

10-15-05, 03:04 PM

I've searched and probably missed it, I did look for it under Bruzzi's links. Could someone direct me to the descrete codes for the Panasonic 50PX500U.
My alarm/HT guy is trying to set up my Universal remote and is running into a few problems and he asked me to try to find them.

It's the MX800

caesar1

10-17-05, 10:44 AM

I will be getting a 50px50u delivered next week.

In reading the manual for using a 5.1 receiver with this TV, the manual indicates you should use the digital audio out from the back of the Panasonic. (see page 14 of the manual).

http://service.us.panasonic.com/OPERMANPDF/TH37PX50U.pdf

However, if you use component cables from your set top box, there wouldn't be any sound from the Panasonic would there? Why wouldn't you use the digital out directly from the cable box to the receiver (or am I missing something)? Is this just a poorly written manual?

Also, if you use an HDMI connection from your cable box, in that situation should you use the digital audio out from the Panaonic or from the cable box? Not sure if the HDMI cable will pass on the 5.1 audio to the digital out on the Panny?

I had thought that the only time you would use the digital audio out from the back of the Panasonic was if you used a cable card? Am I wrong?

Macfan424

10-17-05, 11:21 AM

...Not sure if the HDMI cable will pass on the 5.1 audio to the digital out on the Panny?

I had thought that the only time you would use the digital audio out from the back of the Panasonic was if you used a cable card? Am I wrong?
The Panasonic digital optical audio output only works with the internal tuner. This includes OTA and CableCard. The HDMI audio input does not pass the 5.1 signal.

caesar1

10-17-05, 11:32 AM

The Panasonic digital optical audio output only works with the internal tuner. This includes OTA and CableCard. The HDMI audio input does not pass the 5.1 signal.

Ahh. That's what I thought - poorly worded manual then.

GQB

10-18-05, 04:17 PM

Macfan424

10-18-05, 05:15 PM

Is it feasable or possible for Panasonic to make a Cablecard plug-in that would go in the expansion slot of the commercial models? Just wondering if that might be something that may be showing up in the future...
I'd guess it is extremely unlikely. The chip seems to produce enough heat that a fan is activated when a CableCard is used (at least with some Plasmas). Then there is the question of whether it is physically small enough to fit into the available space. I'm not sure any QAM modules are even produced independent of an ATSC tuner.

More significantly, it would probably be a low volume board, which might make it cost prohibitive. These sets were not designed for home use, and commercial users have relatively little need for CableCards. If there were a significant demand, designers of commercial sets would have provided for it by now.

More likely, there will be separate external CableCard-ready ATSC/QAM tuners available when we get closer to the analog broadcast shutdown date. When demand rises, the prices of those should become reasonable.

SammiK

10-20-05, 11:24 PM

Check it out! Da boyz over in Rear Projects sez Plasma looks like stone crapola now dat da Sony SXRD iz da bomb, Dudes :p

Swank

10-20-05, 11:46 PM

I originally was set to purchase a 34" tube HD set (Panasonic CT-34WX15 or Sony KD-34XS955) but am now seriously considering the 42" Panasonic ED Plasma. I previously had a 51" Hitachi RPTV and while the brain keeps telling me that there is no way an ED display will satisfy me after having an HD set, I realize my eyes prob won't see too much difference at a 9' viewing distance.

I've checked out the 42" PDP's at all the major stores in my town. Of course source material is key to being able to evaluate a display, and finding a store that actually has a true HD feed into their sets seems to be difficult. One sales rep at my local Circuit City claimed that the input was a DVD player upscaling to 1080i. I come back another day and a difference sales rep claims they have an HD DVD player (yes, not an upscaling SD DVD). The same sales rep tries to make me believe their PD50U is on sale at $1999 until saturday when it returns to $2499 after I point out that MSRP has been $1999 for a while.

Finally, on to the questions. In order to check whether an input signal is HD (or at least 720p/1080i even if it is upscaled), can you just try to change the aspect mode of the Panasonic PDP? You can only change the aspect on a 480i/480p feed, correct? If that's the case, then my local Best Buy and Circuit City are full of BS since I could easily select any of the zoom modes on their Panny PDPs. I guess they are just playing a recorded SD DVD through a progressive scan player. It looks good, but it sure ain't HD. On my Hitachi RPTV there was an "info" button which would tell you what type of source input you were using. Anything similar on the PD50U?

Also, is there any way to access the on-screen menu without the remote on the TH-42PD50U? There certainly isn't a menu button so it would have to be some combo of the 5 buttons.

GQB

10-21-05, 03:19 PM

...codes for the Panasonic 50PX500U.
...
It's the MX800

If you're talking about the Home TheatreMaster, then here's the link to their panny component files. Work great.

http://www.remotecentral.com/cgi-bin/files/rcfiles.cgi?area=mx700&db=devices&br=panasonic&dv=plasmadisplay&fc=

Macfan424

10-21-05, 03:40 PM

...On my Hitachi RPTV there was an "info" button which would tell you what type of source input you were using. Anything similar on the PD50U?
Use the "Recall" button.

Also, is there any way to access the on-screen menu without the remote on the TH-42PD50U? There certainly isn't a menu button so it would have to be some combo of the 5 buttons.
Not that I'm aware of.

Stocky

10-21-05, 08:05 PM

If you're talking about the Home TheatreMaster, then here's the link to their panny component files. Work great.

http://www.remotecentral.com/cgi-bin/files/rcfiles.cgi?area=mx700&db=devices&br=panasonic&dv=plasmadisplay&fc=

Ya know I had found that link previously, but I don't see a link for the Panny 50PX500U .
Did I miss it ?

Jerrym303

10-22-05, 02:53 PM

A simple question:

Does the TH-50phd8k come with a variable audio ouptut. If so, rca?

Until I get a directv HD DVR, the only input will be a from a remote directv SD DVR that will be modulated and sent over a coax line. I would like to pass the audio from the tv to a receiver or amp that has not remote contril so, I want to control the volume from the set and its remote.

Eventually, I will locate a directv HD DVR with the set and will be able to get audio directly from the the directv unit.

Thanks in advance.

xandypx

10-22-05, 06:05 PM

A simple question:

Does the TH-50phd8k come with a variable audio ouptut. If so, rca?

Until I get a directv HD DVR, the only input will be a from a remote directv SD DVR that will be modulated and sent over a coax line.

Eventually, I will locate a directv HD DVR with the set and will be able to get audio directly from the the directv unit.

Thanks in advance.

First answer is No, it has absolutely no audio output, variable or fixed.

Secondly, the TH-50phd8uk does not have a tuner... so it does not have the capabilities to accept any type of input from a coax, (this is assuming you mean an RF signal). You need to rethink what you want to do.

Out of the box, for video, you have the choice of:

1) Composite Video (yellow RCA w/ BNC adapter) or S-video but not both
2) Component Video (Y,Pr,Pb w/ BNC connectors)
or
3) PC input - 15pin D-sub - (DDC 1/2B-compatable/ adaptable to Component with the appropriate adapter)

Analog Audio (Red/White RCA connectors) can be connected to any of the inputs, (mini stereo pin adapter required for the PC input), but the audio input to the blades are only for audio to be output from the L/R speaker terminals of the monitor. You would need to attach optional speakers for these to do you any good.

Jerrym303

10-22-05, 11:27 PM

Thanks for the bad news.

I can get around this for now. I have some of these things laying around that they referred to as "VCRs" years ago. I can just insert one of those in the system and get sound, tuning and and an s-video feed.

Thanks again.

guimotta

10-23-05, 01:40 AM

teamhennesey

10-23-05, 12:22 PM

First of all, thanks to everyone for all of the great information contained in this thread.

Based on the information in these posts (and other research) I recently purchased a Panasonic TH-50PHD8UK. Overall I'm very happy with it, but I have noticed an issue in which the bottom half of the screen is lighter than the top half of the screen. During darker scenes, the line dividing the upper half of the screen from the lower half is quite visible. Now that I've noticed it, I can't help but focus on it!

Has anyone else seen this issue? Is this something that can be fixed by tweaking the settings or do I need to take it to a service center?

Any help/suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

aznboi04k

10-23-05, 11:38 PM

excellent post. thank you!

BruZZi

10-24-05, 09:54 PM

Have MANY difference between PANASONICs with 853x480 (EDTV) and 1024x768??? I need plasma TV to play new generation videogame 70% to my time and the other 30% to my time I WATH MOVIES.

What I Buy???

hum... the TH-37"PH7DUI is a good choice???

Sorry but it's one of the few things I cannot help cause I don't play games... At All !!!

.
Check Out the all-new BruZZi's Panasonic Plasma FAQ (http://www.glaucobruzzi.com/plasma-faq/index.php?)
The FAQ plus links to Plasma Stands, Wallmounts, Murals, Lifts, Speakers, Frames, Bezels & More.
Also links to Audio/Video Faqs, Comparisons, News, Reviews, Shootouts, Tutorials, Tweaks & Many More.

BruZZi

10-24-05, 10:09 PM

The TH-50PHD8UK (Like other HD Plasmas) uses Dual-Scan Technology. The Top Half and Bottom Half of the screen are driven by different Circuit Boards. You're not supposed to see the line in normal viewing. And the brightness should be the same on both halves. Sorry but you must call Panasonic support to get your Plasma serviced / replaced.

.
Check Out the all-new BruZZi's Panasonic Plasma FAQ (http://www.glaucobruzzi.com/plasma-faq/index.php?)
The FAQ plus links to Plasma Stands, Wallmounts, Murals, Lifts, Speakers, Frames, Bezels & More.
Also links to Audio/Video Faqs, Comparisons, News, Reviews, Shootouts, Tutorials, Tweaks & Many More.

Stocky

10-25-05, 10:26 AM

Bruzzi, Can you give me any help in finding the codes for my HT Master MX800 remote for my Panny 50PX500U ?

We're having trouble programming the remote.

teamhennesey

10-25-05, 03:47 PM

Ugh...I was afraid I'd have to get it serviced/replaced. Thanks so much for your reply!

GQB

10-25-05, 06:20 PM

Ya know I had found that link previously, but I don't see a link for the Panny 50PX500U .
Did I miss it ?

Have you actually downloaded any of these and tried them? I'm willing to bet that if you download, say, the TH-50PHW5 file, it'll work out of the box for 90% of your functions, and probably 99% of the ones you really need.

For the few that aren't there, just train a new button.

My friend who turned me on to Pannys went from his 42" consumer to the new 50" commerical and hasn't changed a thing on his HT-700. Within a general product family, these codes tend to stay pretty unchanged.

Try it and post your results back.

Stocky

10-25-05, 11:41 PM

Have you actually downloaded any of these and tried them? I'm willing to bet that if you download, say, the TH-50PHW5 file, it'll work out of the box for 90% of your functions, and probably 99% of the ones you really need.

For the few that aren't there, just train a new button.

My friend who turned me on to Pannys went from his 42" consumer to the new 50" commerical and hasn't changed a thing on his HT-700. Within a general product family, these codes tend to stay pretty unchanged.

Try it and post your results back.

My friend who installed the TV and does HT installs, tried a few of them and has had no luck.

cbrownkc

10-26-05, 11:47 AM

I have had my two TH-42PWD7UY's for about six months and just got into this thread a couple of weeks ago. After reading through the bruzzi's link from Housecor on overscan adjustment I thought I would give it a try. Anyone who does not do this to there plasma is missing out big time. I do not know if it is just me but I feel my HD looks at least 50% better. Truly amazing. am currently looking through other posts on color tweaks.

Thanks for the help!!!!!

texasred

10-26-05, 12:19 PM

Hi everyone - first thanks for the thread...I recently purchased the TH37PX50U and am in the middle of my burn-in period. The posts on this site helped my research greatly and I'm confident in my purchase. I'm anxiously awaiting this weekend when my 100 hours will be up and I can slightly raise the brightness to a more liveable level.

One question I have actually relates more to my Motorola 6412 HD box - I had to switch to this from TIVO so I'm getting used to a new remote. The best thing the TIVO remote did was have a way to set it up so that the volume button controlled your AV receiver. With this MOTO remote, you actually have to press "AUX" to control the receiver, and then "CABLE" again to go back to the box...so it is incredibly annoying and takes to many steps to simply adjust the volume, which is something we continually do through a broadcast.

Any suggestions? Has anyone seen any posts before on this topic? I realize it is menial, but from a practical use standpoint it is kind of a big deal.

Lastly - any suggestions on how much I can raise the brightness after I get through 100 hours? I know I still need to keep them lower if possible for the first 1000 hours...

D-Money

10-26-05, 04:51 PM

texasred - check your PM

essencedesign

10-27-05, 04:40 PM

Macfan424

10-27-05, 07:03 PM

...I just got my first plasma last week. I went for the new Panny ED 42" after looking at all the others just because of the richness in the picture.

My question is , I want to make to most of the internal HDTV tuner, but I'm not sure where to start and what to do next. I am under the impression that I might be able to get free HD signals but really I don't know how...
Congratulations. I'm sure you will be pleased with your purchase.

Using the internal tuner is not much different than using the one on your old TV, but maybe less predictable. If you have an outdoor antenna that gave you good analog reception, all you have to do is connect it to your plasma, run the scan sequence as described in the manual and you should be fine.

If you've been using an indoor antenna, it could be problematical. The first thing to do is try it as described above. If that doesn't work, you may have to get a better antenna.

If you don't have an antenna, and you live close enough to the transmitters, you can try an indoor one. Some are sold as being made for digital reception, but that is marketing hype. Just be sure you can return whatever you buy. It may take several tries to find one that works.

The surest solution is an outdoor antenna. Second best is an attic mount. The easiest is an indoor. Where you live determines what you'll need.

The biggest difference in reception between analog and digital signals is that a poor analog signal will be received even though it is full of snow and/or "ghosts." A digital signal is likely to either be clear or not come in at all. There can also be a borderline situation where a digital signal will come in erratically and be "pixelated," but it is more likely to be an yes or no proposition.

I'm using a 40 year old antenna that's been on my roof since I got my first color TV. Works great, even though reception on many analog stations has been terrible every since the Sears Tower went up. :)

If you have antenna problems, there is a section on this board that deals with OTA reception in various cities. Find the one that applies and tell them your reception conditions and they'll be able to offer specific advice.

Enjoy your new plasma. :D

sdtab

10-27-05, 08:20 PM

First off, many thanks for all of the insight I have received for these threads.
I just got my first plasma last week. I went for the new Panny ED 42" after looking at all the others just because of the richness in the picture.

My question is , I want to make to most of the internal HDTV tuner, but I'm not sure where to start and what to do next. I am under the impression that I might be able to get free HD signals but really I don't know how.

The manual is very unclear in this respect. Any experiences or tips with this model and HD reception would be great.

Thanks in advance everyone

cheers
Jeremy

In addition to over the air broadcasts from having an indoor or outdoor antenna you can also get HD broadcasting with basic cable without having to pay extra or get a cable box. I purchased the Panasonic 42" ED model (TH42PD50U) a couple of months ago and am able to get "free" HD broadcasts with my San Diego Time Warner basic cable package ($12.79/mo) just by taking the cable from the wall and plugging it directly into the TV or through my DVD recorder. Do a scan of channels and you should get the network (ABC, FOX, CBS, NBC, PBS) HD broadcasts just fine. For example, my FOX digital/HD channel is 6-1 and the analog channel is just 6.

Of course if you want Discovery HD theater or other premium HD channels you will have to pay extra.

Todd

BruZZi

10-27-05, 10:51 PM

Bruzzi, Can you give me any help in finding the codes for my HT Master MX800 remote for my Panny 50PX500U ?

We're having trouble programming the remote.

Stock. I don't have that info yet. :(

Have you tried setting up the codes manually ???

.
Check Out the all-new BruZZi's Panasonic Plasma FAQ (http://www.glaucobruzzi.com/plasma-faq/index.php?)
The FAQ plus links to Plasma Stands, Wallmounts, Murals, Lifts, Speakers, Frames, Bezels & More.
Also links to Audio/Video Faqs, Comparisons, News, Reviews, Shootouts, Tutorials, Tweaks & Many More.

essencedesign

10-27-05, 11:18 PM

sdtab

10-28-05, 12:58 AM

Strange , perhaps I am scanning wrong, because I am not receiveing or picking up any HD channels, and I know my local cable company (Shaw in Van. BC Canada) offers HD with a Set Top box upgrade. Jeeze they sell them here at FS for hundreds of $'s

All I did is unplug the cable from the back of my phillips and plug into the new set.
I suppose I will call the local cable co. in the morning and see what they have to say, although I figure that I am getting better advice from you all here :)

Thanks again for the help.

You are correct in that you should be able to just plug the cable directly into the TV because the QAM tuner is built in, and the scanning is very straightforward and probably not the problem; just choose the Auto function under the Program Channel menu. Strangely enough with my unit when the analog channels are being scanned I see the channels in the small window rapidly flipping by, but with the digital channels I don’t see that, however they are there during regular use when the scan is done.

Also, are you maybe getting the digital channels but they weren’t broadcasting an HD program when you happened to change to that channel? In this case there would be two channels with the same broadcast. If you see the two channels you can tell the difference between the analog and HD channel by pressing the Recall button on your remote and if it says 480I it is analog, if it says 720P or 1080I it is digital even though the program is not HD.

If you call the cable company ask if the network HD stations are broadcast unscrambled. I think this is where your problem probably is. I am now stretching a bit but I believe that in the US the network station HD channels are required to be broadcast unscrambled but the cable companies won’t readily admit to that. I don’t know if that is the case in Canada. In fact on the local San Diego HDTV forum more than one person called Time Warner here asking about this and multiple customer reps had no idea that those stations were even being broadcast unscrambled so don’t be discouraged if the first person on the phone doesn’t know what you are talking about!

Good luck!

Todd

ErnieW

10-28-05, 06:30 PM

In Canada, don't the HD channels have to be broadcast over the air locally, before the local cableco puts them on their system in unscrambled form?

--Ernie

Bud-man

10-29-05, 03:06 PM

deharry

11-01-05, 01:22 PM

I need to set my overscan on my new TH-42PM50u,the service menu isnt very helpful, seems as the newer they make the less settings we can adjust.
Compared to my old PA25 there isnt many settings at all.
Bruzzi's FAQ doesnt have much that i can find about the newer panny's, only how to access the service menu, nothing on what and how to adjust

Hey Bruzzi! I also got your info on how to access the service menu for my TH-50TX500u, but what goes on next??? Can you tell us what and how to use it??

kyun7128

11-03-05, 03:42 AM

I have my Panny S97S connected to my 50PHD7UY via HDMI cable. My HDMI blade is in Slot 1. I was just looking at the Picture Settings tonight and noticed that my 7UY allows me to adjust the TINT setting. I thought that was not possible with a digital connection.

Stranger still is that slot 2 is the S-video blade. When I check the Picture Settings, it will not allow me to change the TINT setting. I should be able to adjust the TINT because this is an analog connection.

I'm very confused. Have I overlooked something? Thanks.

Ken

BruZZi

11-03-05, 11:07 PM

Hey Bruzzi! I also got your info on how to access the service menu for my TH-50TX500u, but what goes on next??? Can you tell us what and how to use it??

I'm still looking for that info. :(

.
Check Out the all-new BruZZi's Panasonic Plasma FAQ (http://www.glaucobruzzi.com/plasma-faq/index.php?)
The FAQ plus links to Plasma Stands, Wallmounts, Murals, Lifts, Speakers, Frames, Bezels & More.
Also links to Audio/Video Faqs, Comparisons, News, Reviews, Shootouts, Tutorials, Tweaks & Many More.

BruZZi

11-03-05, 11:16 PM

I have my Panny S97S connected to my 50PHD7UY via HDMI cable. My HDMI blade is in Slot 1. I was just looking at the Picture Settings tonight and noticed that my 7UY allows me to adjust the TINT setting. I thought that was not possible with a digital connection.

"Color" and "Tint" cannot be adjusted with RGB (signals) or DVI. You should be able to do it with the HDMI Board.

Stranger still is that slot 2 is the S-video blade. When I check the Picture Settings, it will not allow me to change the TINT setting. I should be able to adjust the TINT because this is an analog connection.

I'm very confused. Have I overlooked something? Thanks.

Ken
What source ???

As per Manual (Never tried myself... I've always used composite) The “TINT” setting can be only adjusted for NTSC signals when using S-VIDEO.

.
Check Out the all-new BruZZi's Panasonic Plasma FAQ (http://www.glaucobruzzi.com/plasma-faq/index.php?)
The FAQ plus links to Plasma Stands, Wallmounts, Murals, Lifts, Speakers, Frames, Bezels & More.
Also links to Audio/Video Faqs, Comparisons, News, Reviews, Shootouts, Tutorials, Tweaks & Many More.

kyun7128

11-04-05, 12:51 AM

"Color" and "Tint" cannot be adjusted with RGB (signals) or DVI. You should be able to do it with the HDMI Board.

What source ???

As per Manual (Never tried myself... I've always used composite) The “TINT” setting can be only adjusted for NTSC signals when using S-VIDEO.

.
Check Out the all-new BruZZi's Panasonic Plasma FAQ (http://www.glaucobruzzi.com/plasma-faq/index.php?)
The FAQ plus links to Plasma Stands, Wallmounts, Murals, Lifts, Speakers, Frames, Bezels & More.
Also links to Audio/Video Faqs, Comparisons, News, Reviews, Shootouts, Tutorials, Tweaks & Many More.

That's bizzare since HDMI is essentially the same as DVI (minus the audio). The user manual did not mention that HDMI could be adjust but now that I think about it, the HDMI blade is not included in the standard package so I guess they had no reason to mention it. Any advice on adjusting TINT?

I had both S Video and composite video connected to my slot 2. When I unplugged the composite video, the TINT control was active again. Now that makes sense.

Thanks for all your input BruZZi...I thought I was losing it...or something was wrong with my display.

Ken

deharry

11-05-05, 03:27 PM

I'm still looking for that info. :(

.
Check Out the all-new BruZZi's Panasonic Plasma FAQ (http://www.glaucobruzzi.com/plasma-faq/index.php?)
The FAQ plus links to Plasma Stands, Wallmounts, Murals, Lifts, Speakers, Frames, Bezels & More.
Also links to Audio/Video Faqs, Comparisons, News, Reviews, Shootouts, Tutorials, Tweaks & Many More.

The reason I asked about the service menu settings, I have a problem with my QAM tuner on my 50px500u, it will not pick up channels on 93 and 94, scanning returns "NO" in the lineup. That is where the major network channels lie, Fox, PBS, NBC and ABC. If I enter manually 92 and 93, it will decode only 92-1 and 93-1. I miss NBC and Fox on 93-3, 93-4 and 92-2. Is there an adjustment within the service menu, where maybe the QAM tuner can get on the ball on this?

Also, the digital non HD channels I receive are 4:3 and cannot be "zoomed" or set to adjust" I will settle for $:3, but how can I make the black side bars gray? I can do this for analog within the menu, but for digital, the menu is grayed out and not adjustable. Thanks.

tomboyter

11-07-05, 10:11 AM

The commercial panels have the ability to do 14-bit processing via HDMI/DVI connection, giving those sets double the grayscale steps to 4096 and billions more colors in the pallette. The advantage as I understand it is the reduction of banding, or false contouring, that results in artifacts such as "clayface" and the artifacts that appear in the fog scenes in Captain & Commander. Do the PX50 and the PX500 have this same capability????

zim2dive

11-09-05, 09:35 AM

Looking for anyone that has tried to connect the DVI video output of a Mac Mini to a TH37PD25U (or I imagine the TH42PD25U would be the same)... wondering if it works or not, and/or if one of the resolution switching tools is needed.

Thanks,
Mike

Buddha79

11-09-05, 06:21 PM

Hi, I'm a newb here.

I just got a Panny 42 8UK. I just received my hdmi blade and plugged it into slot 1 (the one that comes covered when you purchase). How do I know if the blade works?

All I did was unscrew the expansion slot cover, plug in the blade snuggly, and then screwed the blade in securely.

Then I plugged in an hdmi dvd player and turned on the TV.

When I toggle through the different inputs, the TV doesn't show any additional inputs available. Is the plasma supposed to recognize the hdmi blade by itself (plug/play)?

Is the blade defective? Or the slot defective?

darcraver

11-10-05, 01:04 PM

I just received my 8UK yesterday as well and also purchased the HDMI terminal board. Mine went into slot 1 which corresponds to input 1. If you also have an HDMI output on your DVD player (which I presume you have) then you must instruct the DVD player to use the HDMI output. On my Denon 2910 I just needed to select the HDMI button on the remote control.

IMO the HDMI did produce a better picture than the component. I also set the DVD player to output at 720p and 1080i. Picture looked fine, but the panny cannot zoom the picture to fill the whole screen on 720p and 1080i mode (it can on 480p mode). I like to see the whole screen being used, so I'm going to scan these forums to see if there is something I can do.

Still tweaking the TV. So many settings... :-)

xandypx

11-10-05, 11:23 PM

Then I plugged in an hdmi dvd player and turned on the TV.

When I toggle through the different inputs, the TV doesn't show any additional inputs available. Is the plasma supposed to recognize the hdmi blade by itself (plug/play)?

If the 8Uk is like the 7UY as far as input switching... and I have to assume that it is. The blade must sense an "active" signal on the input, or the input toggle will just bypass the input.

Buddha79.. in your case, the DVD player needs to be turned on, and the output set to HDMI on the DVD player, before swithching to Input 1 on the monitor.

worldwide

11-12-05, 02:18 AM

I'm about ready to purchase a Pan. 50" and I have a few questions:

1) Is the 8UK worth the extra $ over the 7UY?

2) I'll need a stand for it, which model and Ebay or Reseller?

3) I'll need a DVI card for it to hook up my OPPO and, again, Ebay or Reseller?

4) Perhaps the biggest ? of all, where should I buy it online?

Thanks,

Steve

worldwide

11-12-05, 02:54 AM

I answered my own first question with this little comparison tidbit:

TH-42PHD8UK vs. TH-42PHD7UY

The new (8UK) series replaces the (7UY) series in the late summer/fall of 2005. Little has changed between these products and technical specifications remain unchanged.

For the (8UK) series display Panasonic replaces the Super Real Gamma System with the Advanced Real Gamma System, which they claim improves brightness levels. The buzzword change was the only definitive difference we could read in the panel specifications between the new and previous generation TVs. Contrast ratio, resolution, and panel-life remain the same. The number of displayable colors and grayscale shade count remain the same as well.

Major changes in the (8UK) series were made to the remote control. The 21-button remote control used in the older (7UY) and (6UY) series TVs was replaced with a 45-button remote control. The refreshed design includes discrete on and off buttons located at opposite corners at the top of the remote, replacing a single on/off button. The new remote also has separate buttons for each input, eliminating the need to repeatedly press a single input button to switch inputs as required with the older remote. A numeric keypad, absent on the old remote, makes its debut with the 8UK series and greatly eases the task of changing channels with the optional TV tuner.

Control buttons were removed from the panel making operation possible exclusively with the remote control.

The bezel on the 8UK series is now beveled along the outside, eliminating the sharp edge found on the TH-42PHD7UY series.

Power consumption dropped modestly to 275 watts from 290 watts.

Merconium

11-13-05, 07:14 PM

renfield33

11-13-05, 09:47 PM

i'm thinking of getting the 42px50u, and i was wondering how far apart the pedestals are on the stand... i'll temporarily be putting it on a tv stand until i get the wall mount.

anyone had any luck with the elcheapo ones on ebay? or are they not sturdy enough.

edit: elchepo wall mounts, that is.

larjim

11-14-05, 10:03 PM

Has Panasonic been pretty consistent with timing of releases of next generation panels, e.g., every 6 months? Annually? (7th gen was out in ~Aug '05, 8th Gen likely summer 2006...?)

kriscad

11-15-05, 03:53 AM

worldwide

11-15-05, 02:33 PM

No, but it's on the way. I ordered an 8UK from DTV City because they were the only ones that had it in stock. TVA and VA both had waiting lists. I found that the least expensive price for a TY-ST08K stand was at Nerds.net and the least expensive TY-42TM6D DVI-D card was at Buy.com. Both were cheaper than TVA, VA, DTV and Ebay.

lurpak

11-16-05, 09:24 AM

Bruzzi (or anyone else),
do you have some fresh news about the 1024x768@50Hz problem via DVI or HDMI of the PHD8 ?
Reading forums it seems that the problem is far from being solved
I live in a PAL land and i would like to use DVI instead of VGA...

kyun7128

11-16-05, 01:41 PM

Does anyone have any problems with the brightness on their plasma? I have the 50PHD7UY and when I watch anything on the composite video input (VCR, camcorder & XBox), the brightness of the whites is completely out of control. When displaying the Pluge pattern from DVE, the top 2 boxes (the column of boxes in the middle of this test pattern) completely bleed together and they are the same level of white. When watching a video, whites are completely too bright and washed out. I have brightness set at about -10 and contrast set at about -15 and it doesn't fix the problem. I tried a different composite video cable and it did not help.

On this same blade (as the composite video) is the S-video imput and when using S-video, everything looks good. I am using the component blade and also the HDMI blade and everything is perfect. I can't figure out why just the composite video is like that.

Any imput would be appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Ken

alexb76

11-16-05, 06:10 PM

I posted in main with no response...

I am deciding between 8UK and PX50 and was wonderign if there's a difference in burn-in prevention on those two? Meaning, would one be better than the other?

When I look at manuals... 8UK has quite a few things, moving pixel protection, white scrolling bar, reducing brightness on stationary picture, etc...

Are those also implemented in PX50 but just not user adjustable? I do not see any of them in the menus... not even in the service menus (although I cant make sense of quite a few options).

I apprecite a quick response as I am about to put an order and this is the last point I am considering.

kjpliny

11-23-05, 01:10 PM

Whenever I turn on my 42PX50U, a CAS screen comes up with 2 options, "Hard Test" or "SD Download". Hitting EXIT or RETURN gets me to normal channel surfing mode. How can I stop this screen from popping up?

I think it may have been something that changed while I was in the service menu checking hours of use. Can anyone help me? Thanks!

kjpliny

11-23-05, 10:07 PM

Nevermind...found a link to another thread with the answer. Had to reset the TV by holding volume down and holding sleep key for 3 sec, then unplug tv after self test came up to reset.

is4b2rd

11-23-05, 11:37 PM

I am enjoying my new 50px500u, it does a great job of masking what is probably a bad cable signal coming into the house. However, it seems like a LOT of tv shows look so dim. Put on a cartoon, or a show that has lots of colors, the picture is great. But any scene that may be dark or even just a tad dark, the whole image is pretty flat. I've tried increasing the brightness, but that really doesn't do a whole lot for me and sorta degrades the image. Torch mode gives me a nice bright pic, but of course skin tones are way off.

Any advice on settings? Why are some shows/programs/commercials fine and others just come across as very dark/dim?

Thanks!

jimp444

11-27-05, 11:36 AM

Ein

11-27-05, 03:57 PM

Why are some shows/programs/commercials fine and others just come across as very dark/dim?

Thanks!

It is the intend of the director, comedies (bright and colorful), dramas (dark and dull)

adm

11-28-05, 11:16 AM

After reading almost a gazillion posts (which were great) trying to learn what is real/myth and reasonable achievable, I am finally in the market for a Plasma (probably a Panny 50 --still playing with either the PX500U or the PHD8UK- yeah I know they can be as scarce as hens teeth) and have been reading the various threads talking about it. If everything falls into place, I am looking towards a potential mid-winter or early spring purchase. Maybe the shortage will have been addressed by then.

I realize that the PX500 has speakers & PIP, Jpeg view, HDMI/HDCP interface, stand +in house warrantee; while the PHD8UK does not have any of these items as shipped but with the options to add after market purchase. The difference seems to be about $1200 before you factor in the cost of blades for Tuners, stand/hanging and the like.

About two years ago, I got the HK 7200 AVR for an upscale audio/home theatre feeling. The sound is wonderful as I feed the sound output from Cds DVDs & 'old' TV (when not watching News) through it to BW 604s speakers.

As I read the plasma threads I am seeing a lot of referencing to HDMI. Based on what I see in the HK manual, I do NOT believe that the HK has HDMI but it does have several Optical and coax inputs/outputs. Additionally the HK 7200 has inputs for both composite and S-Video inputs. According to the manual, it also has, "two-input, wide=bandwidth, low-crosstalk component video switching"

Since I have the current audio setup, I am looking to have the Plasma feed through the HK 7200 for the DVDs, most TV programing except for the news. Which I could then feed through the speaker system of the PX5000 (if I went that route) or have it totally run through my own audio system.

Some of the questions that are hitting me are:
1. Based upon my current audio system (HK 7200 + speakers) will I be able to have the Panny operate through the HK7200 by using the coax &/or optical input/outputs?

1.1. Can the speakers on the Panny 500 be switched on and off (or programmed to be switchable) allowing me the option of using either the Panny speakers or the HK 7200 connections to my BWs --depending on my preference for sound?

2. Is the lack of an HDMI connector on my HK going to severely limit the sound or will my other input options allow me to make a decent connectivity?

3. I am currently using Optonline (Cablevision on Long Island -please don't hold my location against me) for cable input and it is directly connected into a spliter for my TV and Computer online connection. Will I need to buy a Top box for Digital HDTV connectivity or will the same cable to that I am using just go directly into the Panny?

3.1. Is this where the HDMI blade comes into play for connectivity to the Panny?

3.2 And if so, does the interface connection out to he AVR (HK 7200) matter as to the type used?

4. Any other thoughts that might be there regarding things that I might have overlooked? All comments will be appreciated.

5. Are there particular threads that I might have missed that would be appropriated to assist me in this situation?.

I realize that what I am asking might be covering a whole slew of things. So, any support, guidance and comments would be appreciated in my education so that I buy once (and correctly --which can be subjective) rather than getting the wrong combos or units that are either overly and unduly redundant or conflicting or unnecessary.

Thanks,
..Mark

vdmai

11-29-05, 01:56 AM

BarnacleBill

11-29-05, 03:27 AM

I'd like to buy/pick up a 50" or 65" from a seller about an hour away. The box may be too big (on the 65") to have it stand upright. Would I be able to lay down for transport? Any risk of damage? It'd be either in its box or out of the box.

Thanks!
NO. Do not lay it down. The bigger it is, the more risk of stress and breakage in transit and it will be your fault and not covered by warrantee. Here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=525090&highlight=costco) is a thread on the subject.

tony57

11-29-05, 09:37 AM

I just hooked up an HDMI to my 7UY and connected an SA8300. No color or tint adjustment available. The manual states that this is true for DVI, so I would think that this would also be the case for HDMI, but I've read conflicting reports here on getting color and tint adjustments over HDMI with the 7UY.

So, are color and tint adjustments available on a 7UY through HDMI?

Tony

karmicfreak

11-29-05, 05:36 PM

Hey everybody. I've looked throughout this forum and all the FAQ's and various links, and found great information regarding the service menu adjustments I want to make. There's just one problem - The instructions to get to the menu don't work for me! I have a TH-42PD25UP ED Plasma, and here's what the instructions from the FAQ say:

---snip---
TH-37PA20UP / TH-42PA20UP / TH-42PX20UP / TH-50PX20UP
TH-37PD25UP / TH-42PA25UP / TH-42PD25UP / TH-42PX25UP / TH-50PX25UP

Using the Remote Control:

Select CABLE (CBL Button)
Select TIMER and set SLEEP time for 30 Minutes
Press ACTION/OK button twice to exit menus
Tune to the channel 124
Turn VOLUME all the way down (Remote Control)
Press down the VOL button on the Plasma.
"CHK" will appear in (red color) on the top-left corner

Press the power button on the Remote Control to select one of the Serviceman Adjustment Modes

Press the power button on the Plasma to exit the Service Mode
(Turns off the unit but doesn't erase your user mode settings)
---snip---

-Problem #1: Selecting CBL makes my remote want to control the Cable box... (is there a missing step 1.5, to re-select the TV?)
-Problem #2: I can select TIMER and set SLEEP to 30 minutes, but I have to use the MENU button, to select TIMER. There is no TIMER button on my remote.
-Problem #3: Pressing ACTION/OK does not exit the menus. Pressing EXIT twice does.
-Problem #4: I can't tune the TV to channel 124 - the highest channel it will tune on Antenna A is #69.

Am I living in an alternate reality, or does my TV have a different remote and ROM version? Can anyone help me enter the service menu?

Thanks,

karmicfreak

PS - I am most interested in adjusting the Zoom Vertical Overscan (VW_OF) setting, so I don't have chunks of the picture cut off the top and bottom when watching letterboxed shows on SciFi. For the love of God, please help!

karmicfreak

11-29-05, 07:27 PM

Am I living in an alternate reality, or does my TV have a different remote and ROM version? Can anyone help me enter the service menu?

Well, maybe not an alternate reality...

Okay, Using info I found in another post that clarified that selecting CABLE is not done with the CBL button, but in the Antenna A setup, I have finally accesed the menu and made the proper adjustments. I'm sooo pleased that the letterboxing in Zoom now gives me the correct aspect.

With that said, I'd like to suggest the following change to the FAQ so n00b's like me (really, i just appreciate clarity) can access the menu without making guesses, like I had to:

---

TO ACCESS THE TH-42PD25UP SERVICE MENU

USING THE REMOTE:
-Set the input to ANTENNA A
-Press MENU, select SETUP, PROGRAM CH, INPUT SETUP.
-In INPUT SETUP, select CABLE ONLY. TV will try to autoprogram if this is not your default setting. You may press EXIT while it does this.
-Reenter MENU, select TIMER, and turn the SLEEP option from "NO" to "30"
-Press EXIT to exit menu.
-Tune to channel 124
-Reduce the VOLUME to 0

ON TV:
-Press the VOL - (down) button.

"CHK" and hexadecimal numbers will apear atop the screen. You are now in the service menu.

-Press the power button on the remote control to select one of the serviceman adjustment modes

TO EXIT SERVICE MODE:
-Press the power button on the Plasma. Adjustments you've made are now saved.

---

Thanks to everybody for all the info on the site. I couldn't have made the adjustments without it! Next, I may dare to dabble in the color settings... we'll see.

kf

Jerrym303

12-02-05, 05:11 PM

I was ready to order, actually placed the order and held off shipping, for one of the industrial 42" models with Visualapex.

The cable/phone installer in my new home warned me that Panasonic customers had long waits in our area (near Denver) for service, in fact around 8 weeks. I took it with a grain of salt since he also sells equipement. but I tried to check just the same. I called visualapex to see what they could find out, but hey never called back as promised.

I tried it on my own. I called Panasonic support as though I had a problem. After getting bounced around a while, they sent me to line where I was supposed to get the address of a local servicer - but the estimated wait time was 48 minutes.

Right now, I think that I'll avoid problems before they start.

assJack1

12-03-05, 09:29 PM

I'd like to buy/pick up a 50" or 65" from a seller about an hour away. The box may be too big (on the 65") to have it stand upright. Would I be able to lay down for transport? Any risk of damage? It'd be either in its box or out of the box.

Thanks!

Seriously consider renting a small U-haul truck or trailer. You'll be much happier that way.

zielijo1

12-07-05, 11:28 PM

Hi, great site, lots of info. I'm jumping into the plasma world and would like to hear comments regarding these 2 Pannys:

TH-42PX500U vs TH42PHD8UK

I know the 8UK is a plasma monitor, without speakers, tuner, cable card slot.
I was "told" it has a slightly better picture.

Based on what I've read on this site, I'm also considering a Tosh 42HP95.

All comments welcome !

Thanks
jz

BatKing

12-08-05, 12:26 AM

Seriously consider renting a small U-haul truck or trailer. You'll be much happier that way.

Will, if you chose to ship it, there is no way to garrenty the trucker won't lay it down. My 50-8UK got here yesterday. when the delivery guy open the truck, the TV is laid down flat. but when I open the boxes to check the TV, everything is fine. and I have it up on the wall now and everything turn on fine also. so.... my point is, before you pick up the TV, it might have been laid down flat for many times and periods already.

xandypx

12-08-05, 08:51 AM

Will, if you chose to ship it, there is no way to garrenty the trucker won't lay it down. My 50-8UK got here yesterday. when the delivery guy open the truck, the TV is laid down flat. but when I open the boxes to check the TV, everything is fine. and I have it up on the wall now and everything turn on fine also. so.... my point is, before you pick up the TV, it might have been laid down flat for many times and periods already.

The reason for attempting to not lay the monitor down, while being transported, is the glass. Just by the nature of glass, it is more likely to crack under it's own weight when bounced around in a vehicle while layed flat, due to stress created at the center of the glass, verses when in an upright position.

By "bounced around", I am not talking about major jarring around. You just need to find the right pothole. The Glass will have a slight flex under it's own weight when layed flat and supported at the edges. The larger the piece of glass, the more bend it will have at the center when layed flat. In an upright position, the glass remains in a parallel plane, with no bend.

Avatar8481

12-08-05, 09:45 AM

I am looking at purchasing 8UK. Does anybody know if you can use two HDMI blades? I am thinking one for the cable STB and the other for a progressive DVD player such as the Oppo. I am pretty sure that by using two HDMI's I will lose the S-video, but think I would be ok with this. If anybody has a better idea, please let me know.
Thanks in advance.

I'm a first time poster, long time lurker with a similar question. I'm just coming out of the first 100 hours with my 42PHD8UK. I want to hook up two digital devices (computer and Oppo DVD) to the panel, and I'm thinking the easiest thing to do is install 2 DVI blades. I can't find any other posts on the topic, though I thought I remembered reading that there were some restrictions on which blades could go in which slots.

In what I'm suggesting possible?

Thanks everybody this forum has been a huge help to me in making my decision.

JeffWilson

12-08-05, 12:03 PM

Lephturn

12-08-05, 04:32 PM

Hi, great site, lots of info. I'm jumping into the plasma world and would like to hear comments regarding these 2 Pannys:

TH-42PX500U vs TH42PHD8UK

I know the 8UK is a plasma monitor, without speakers, tuner, cable card slot.
I was "told" it has a slightly better picture.

I found the TH-42PX50U, same as the 500 but without the more powerfull speakers, SD slot, and some of the other toys. The 50 is $500 cheaper than the 500 and I didn't need any of the extra things the 500 has on it.

Lephturn

cnewsgrp

12-08-05, 05:16 PM

Quote:
Originally Posted by zielijo1
Hi, great site, lots of info. I'm jumping into the plasma world and would like to hear comments regarding these 2 Pannys:

TH-42PX500U vs TH42PHD8UK

I know the 8UK is a plasma monitor, without speakers, tuner, cable card slot.
I was "told" it has a slightly better picture.

I found the TH-42PX50U, same as the 500 but without the more powerfull speakers, SD slot, and some of the other toys. The 50 is $500 cheaper than the 500 and I didn't need any of the extra things the 500 has on it.

Lephturn
Specs from Panasonic website say that 8UK has 4096 shades of gradation when connected to HDMI or DVI input ---- compared to 2048 for 500U or 50U.
Iguess that will make color gradations better like in blue sky or skin tones when watching film material

BarnacleBill

12-09-05, 03:48 AM

Is ther ANY difference in features between the TH-37PX50U and TH-42PX50U besides the screen and pixel size. I am pretty sure that I am going with the 37" as that is already stretching my budget at $2,300, but if there was a really good reason (besides a slightly bigger screen), I might be able to talk myself into the 42". Are these sets identical besides the smaller pixel size in the 37"? And isn't that kinda better? Thanks!

Jeff
The only difference that I know of is the 42" is 1024x768 and the 37" is 1024x720. Even with the slightly lower resolution, the smaller 37" should look a little sharper just because it is smaller.

JeffWilson

12-09-05, 11:42 AM

Great...thanks Bill...jsut waht I wanted to hear...

~Ohdee~

12-09-05, 12:19 PM

Hi,

A week ago purchased a Panny TH-42PX50U. I’ve been reading the forums and I’m starting to understand yet I’m still lost. :( I’d really appreciate it of someone could tell me specifically where all the picture settings should be. The brightness should be set to where, the picture mode should be cool or warm or whatever. I’m looking to get the best picture quality possible without damaging my new tv.

For me, Panny settings for dummy’s would be so helpful. I’ve spent hours on the boards but I haven’t been able to find a post that recommends specifically what these settings should be.

Thanks! :)

robostock

12-11-05, 08:08 PM

Hey Ohdee, I'm in the same plasma boat as you.

I've been searching on what settings my Panny 42PX50U should be at. I know this is a subjective setting being everyone's taste is different, but at least it's a starting point.

I've read read Rich's "Steaming Rat" method, but it was a little intensive for me.

TIA

~Ohdee~

12-12-05, 11:18 AM

Phaid

12-12-05, 11:45 AM

I just got my TH-42PX50U last week. I looked at the steaming rat thread and some other similar posts and it just seemed too involved, especially since I realize these are likely temporary settings which I will change once I am out of the breaking-in period.

Also, I have to emphasize that these are the settings I thought looked good, with my dvd player (a Sony DVP-NC80V/B), in my living room. I would never claim that these are "the" correct settings.

I decided to use the THX Optimizer tests on the Aliens DVD (from the "Alien Quadrilogy" box set) as a starting point. Since it's a brand new TV I decided to err on the side of darker. Here are my settings:

Mode: Cinema
Color Temperature: Medium
Picture: 5
Brightness: 9
Tint: 0
Color: -4
Sharpness: 0

Depending on your lighting conditions, setting Picture to 4 and Brightness to 8 may be fine, but I thought it was a bit dark on some movies.

I had a hard time with the Picture settings, honestly. The THX Optimizer uses a grid of squares which range from light grey to bright white, and you are instructed to set your Picture control to the level at which all of the squares are distinct -- if the Picture setting is set too high, the lighter grey squares will wash out and look completely white, and melt into each other. The problem is that regardless of how high or low I set the Picture, the squares remained distinct. So I settled on 5, as the was the setting at which the white square looked white without being excessive, and the power loader scene at the end of the optimizer looked the best.

On the other hand, the Brightness control had an obvious impact on the black level calibration. The default Brightness level for Cinema mode is just too dark, and too much detail disappears. At a setting of 8 or 9 you definitely see a lot more shadow detail.

With these settings I thought movies like Aliens and the IMAX version of Apollo 13 looked great. I don't think I'm anywhere near "torch mode" with these, but I'd be happy to hear feedback from more experienced members on this forum.

Wasabi Shiba

12-12-05, 03:58 PM

Hello:

I just installed an HDMI blade into my PDP Slot 1, and connected my SA8300HDPVR using HDMI. For some reason I don't have Colour and Tint settings when using this connection when others have claimed that it is enabled and works for them.

Is there something I should do to my setup to allow me to get these setting options enabled? I find the colour is far too saturated and I can't make an adjustment. I know that VGA disables this option, but I don't understand why I don't have it using HDMI when others do.

I have the language setting to English UK, and have labeled Input 1 as Digital 1, and even if I change it to CATV1 or STB1, I still don't have colour or tint settings available. Is it something I have to change in the Service Menu?

Much appreciated to anyone who can help.

BTW, I love my PDP. Break-in was a breeze (although i don't really worry about burn-in) and am now at 500 hours use.

Macfan424

12-12-05, 06:37 PM

I’d REALLY appreciate it if somebody could take the time to point me in the right direction. :(
Actually, someone has. The Panasonic engineers.

Try the presets (other than Vivid, which is designed for abnormally bright rooms). They really work quite well for most people.

I found that with my DVD player, "Standard" was almost dead on with the DVE test disk. (Actually, I have last year's model, and use "Auto" which adjusts to a wide variety of ambient lighting conditions encountered in my room.)

Much is dependent on the viewing environment and associated equipment, but the engineers' settings are at least as good a place to start as any suggestions someone else might make. You can always tweak from there if you are not satisfied.

recliner

12-14-05, 09:46 AM

billt1111

12-14-05, 10:36 AM

Hi all, great site, lots of info. I'm this close to getting a plasma for family but can't seem to find an answer to a pretty mundane question: Which set is going to produce the best SD picture? This is going to be our primary tv and my guess is that we'll only be using it to watch HD sources (DVD's, cable movies, broadcast sports events) about half the time. The other half we'll be watching standard definition programs from our local cable company (Cox). I understand more and more programs are being broadcast in HD, but in the meantime I'd like to have a set that can do a decent job with standard definition. I was in Tweeter last night and they had a few plasma sets tuned to an SD program and frankly the picture was terrible. Any thoughts? Thanks.

IMHO the answer to that question is subjective. I have the Panny 42" 6UY. The SD picture is ok, I guess. However I now find myself not bothering to watch programs I would normally watch if they are in SD. A good example is NFL Sunday Ticket. I will watch and flip through all the HD games. However if a game is only in SD I will not even bother to take a look. In addition, I find myself watching HD programming I would not normally watch, just because they are in HD. Two examples are the HD movies and HD Net programs.

Its not that the SD picture is that bad on my 6UY. Its just that by contrast the HD is so much better that it is painful to go back and forth.

Just my $.02

Bill

zmansbr

12-14-05, 11:33 AM

Does anybody know the sequence or codes to the HP PL5000N service menu? Its identical electronically to the 50PX500U except for the remote codes - doh!

recliner

12-14-05, 04:34 PM

IMHO the answer to that question is subjective. I have the Panny 42" 6UY. The SD picture is ok, I guess. However I now find myself not bothering to watch programs I would normally watch if they are in SD. A good example is NFL Sunday Ticket. I will watch and flip through all the HD games. However if a game is only in SD I will not even bother to take a look. In addition, I find myself watching HD programming I would not normally watch, just because they are in HD. Two examples are the HD movies and HD Net programs.

Its not that the SD picture is that bad on my 6UY. Its just that by contrast the HD is so much better that it is painful to go back and forth.

Just my $.02

Bill

Thanks Bill. What you're basically saying is once you've had HD it's tough to go back to SD. I understand. Do you find you now are watching less broadcast tv, or have you just switched to different shows?

Watching only HD programming would be fine with me as my viewing is pretty much limited to sports, the Discovery channel, and an occasional dvd. But my wife and 3 teenagers watch more tv than I do and I would like to replace our 10+ year old 27" Sony with something larger.

billt1111

12-14-05, 07:34 PM

Thanks Bill. What you're basically saying is once you've had HD it's tough to go back to SD. I understand. Do you find you now are watching less broadcast tv, or have you just switched to different shows?

Watching only HD programming would be fine with me as my viewing is pretty much limited to sports, the Discovery channel, and an occasional dvd. But my wife and 3 teenagers watch more tv than I do and I would like to replace our 10+ year old 27" Sony with something larger.

Good point. My opinion above about HD vs. SD on my plasma refers to me, the HD enthusiast. I will rarely watch anything on my 42" plasma in SD, including OTA digital TV. I would rather walk into our other room and watch an SD show on our 32" flat screen generic CRT, or find something in HD on the plasma, or not watch anything at all. HD Discovery and HD sports are major attractions for me now. I hate NASCAR for instance, but NASCAR in HD is spectacular, just for the images and production value.

My wife and 6 year old daughter however could absolutely care less whether a show they want to watch is SD or HD on the plasma. They notice the difference too but just ignore it as inconsequential.

Bill

bjmiller48

12-15-05, 01:51 AM

I have the Toshiba 42HP95, which uses a Panny screen and some other parts, and it has a terrific SD picture through CableCard, or component. I am using the Panasonic DVD s77, upconverted to 720P, and am very happy. I have a feeling the SD quality depends more on the cable quality..?digital vs analog? than the set. But check out the Toshiba or Panny and I think you will be pleased. There are amazing deals on the Toshiba now with rebates, and with no interest until 2008, yes 8, so it is a steal. good luck.

slffl

12-15-05, 06:55 PM

I bought a TY-ST42PA20 table top stand since I saw in the FAQ it was compatible with 50" commercial pannys. I finally was able to test it out on a 50PHD8UK today, and boy does it seem wobbly. It doesn't even sit straight up, it's tilted forward slightly.

In the manual it has instructions for assembling it for a 42/50 in screen and a 37 incher so assume it can be used for 50's.

Does anyone have any experience with this model?

BarnacleBill

12-16-05, 04:33 AM

Which set is going to produce the best SD picture? This is going to be our primary tv and my guess is that we'll only be using it to watch HD sources (DVD's, cable movies, broadcast sports events) about half the time.
Yes, it is subjective, but some sets are much better at SD than others. In my opinion, plasmas as a group are the best big screens for SD by far. They are close to CRTs. I have the Panny 42PD50U ED set and it's probably the best picture you can get with SD because the resolution of 852x480 is closer to SD that the HD sets are. When watching an HD source you don't lose as much as you would think. At 9 feet away, most people can't tell an 42" ED from a HD set.

Phaid

12-16-05, 03:22 PM

Thanks Bill. What you're basically saying is once you've had HD it's tough to go back to SD.

I'm still at the breaking-in stage with my 42PX50U. Last night I was flipping through the dozens of 7X-XX channels that it had located during the automatic channel scan. I have only the 0-99 basic cable from Comcast, so I figured there was nothing really there. Most of them came up with "channel unavailable", but lo and behold, I do have all of the local broadcast HD channels also. I thought the picture was good with DVD's, but PBS-HD is just breathtaking.

I don't know that I'm going to get digital cable yet, I had ordered it with Comcast but they decided to move the install date without telling me, so I wound up canceling the order. I'm not sure it's worth it for just a handful of HD channels, but I am looking forward to there being more real HD programming out there. It's hard to look at SD, even as good as the picture is, compared to this.

USCTrojan

12-16-05, 06:34 PM

Digital cable from comcast is worth it especially if you subscribe to their HD channels. Just down right breathtaking!! Discovery planet HD is worth the $10 alone. After watching HD it is hard to go back to the regular TV.

DickK

12-17-05, 11:44 AM

I have only the 0-99 basic cable from Comcast, so I figured there was nothing really there. Most of them came up with "channel unavailable", but lo and behold, I do have all of the local broadcast HD channels also. I thought the picture was good with DVD's, but PBS-HD is just breathtaking.

I don't know that I'm going to get digital cable yet... I'm not sure it's worth it for just a handful of HD channels...
:cool: You might be surprised at how many people never know the OTA HD stuff is even there. The cable companies love it if you believe that the only way to get HD is by paying them more money. And I agree, the PBS stations' HD material looks great on the plasma TV.

One thing to keep in mind is that going to their digital service isn't the same as getting HD service--at least it's not for me or most I know of. In my case, Cox is the cable company and with the digital upgrade only there are a couple dozen channels that show up and a fair number of them are worth having. Those plus the OTA HD channels that became visible thanks to the QAM/ATSC tuners in the new TV are, for now at least, enough. I don't intend to upgrade again to their HD box for still more $ for awhile -- maybe once a few more channels start offering HD material. Oh, and, don't forget that the OTA HD channels you get via the cable aren't all that are probably available if you go the antenna route.

As others have mentioned the only "downside" to the new Panny Plasma is how bad the analog SD channels now look. Well, not always -- heck, from about 20' away they look pretty good ;)

llzink

12-17-05, 11:51 AM

I have the Panny 42 ED industrial plasma and it has worked great for about 5 months. I have all my equipment running through my audio receiver and one set of component cables running to tv.

New problem

I am trying to use a video baby monitor on the tv. Basically, the camera is in the babies room and uses a 900mZ signal to transmit to the base stations. The base stations plug into the tv so you can see the camera image on the tv. All it has is 2 cables (one yellow video composite cable and one white audio composite cable). I plug them in directly to the tv in the (video in) slot using a BNC connector. I go to the settings and select tv input and select it component in the settings and all I get is a flashing screen. I am able to make out the picture and it is showing the image from the camera in the babies room. However, it flashes every tenth of a second so it is useless to me. I am kinda out of ideas since I have limited connections to this tv. I can try the S-video input if there is some kind of composite-to-S-video convertor available. I am not even sure if that exists.

Has anyone else had a similar problem that can provide any assistance? I was hoping someone else has seen the flashing screen and has a solution. I can provide more details about setup if needed. Any help would be appreciated. It is so nice to flip a channel to check on baby compared to going up the stairs every time.

Thanks in advance

USCTrojan

12-18-05, 03:14 PM

Over the air HD broadcasts only include the abc, PBS, nbc, cbs. You wont be able to get the inHD1, inHD2 and discovery HD theater or the TNT, HBO, CinmaxHD, or even ESPNHD. That is what the comcast HD upgrade gives you. In my area it only costs $10/month so I think it is way worth it. The other thing is that the over the air HD broadcast will display the channel right next to the regular channel which is annoying flipping through two of the same channels each time.

Suzook

12-18-05, 06:27 PM

jimp444

12-19-05, 01:26 PM

just a quick hello and a post to tell you for those who are interested, 2 HDMI blades will work in the commerical units. MUst be in slot 1 and 2 and the cord must be unplugged. If you have any questions please let me know
Now here comes the hard part - finding one let alone two HDMI blades!
Actually after much searching and help on the AVS forum, I found one at Visual Apex.

KurtC

12-21-05, 12:56 PM

I searched this forum for "hour meter" but came up blank. I have a 50px500U and I'm trying to get to the menu that will tell me how many hours I have watched the TV. Will someone please inform me how to get there?

Thanks

Kurt

worldwide

12-21-05, 02:05 PM

Here:

http://www.glaucobruzzi.com/plasma-faq/showthread.php?t=81

The rest of his site is very informative as well.

spinninhye

12-22-05, 02:00 AM

Hey guys! I know this is kind of an annoying question but could some of you all post your recommended basic settings from the panasonic 37px50u (I believe) normal menu. You know, just the color, brightness, sharpness, picture etc. I'm sure you guys get this all the time but I don't have the time to go through the forums and find it. If anyone just happens to see this and have the settings on hand any help would be great! Thanks again guys and happy holidays!

dpp99

12-22-05, 10:59 AM

Hi Folks, I just got my 42PHD8UK and of course, it's incredible! I'm currently running my Panny DVD-RP82 at 480p output via component connection but am thinking of upgrading to either the Panny S77 or the Oppo 971H. I have read that MB issues have been experienced with both units but am looking for some additional feedback from users on their preference.

Cheers,

mstern88

12-22-05, 01:54 PM

caesar1

12-22-05, 02:16 PM

I was just at the local Circuit City playing with the PX50U and found something disturbing to me. With anything other then a 480i/p signal you are not allowed to change aspect ratios while all the other brands did. Thus, if you have a 1080i signal from you digital cable box and are watching a 4:3 telecaset you are stuck with black bars on both sides of the screen. I’ve confirmed in the manual there is no way to change this with either the PX50U or the PHD8UK. Someone please comment, why would Panasonic do this, it is not a limitation of the other brands I looked at. I was sold…and now I’m not.

Not exactly correct. With the Comcast cable box (and I assume most others), you can choose what is called a "480i override setting" when setting up the box.

This can be set to "off"; "480i", "480p" or "stretch". If set to off, you will see all 4 x 3 content with side bars (no stretch capability on some TVs) -- essentially all channels are seen as 1080i. If set to 480i, it passes through the 480i content, and you can use the aspect control ON THE TV to stretch (i.e, no bars). With 480p, same thing, you can stretch ON THE TV. If set to "stretch", all channels are seen as 1080i, but then the cable box does the stretching for the analog channels, and you won't be able to use the stretch modes on your TV.

So it is easily handled by using either the 480i, 480p or "stretch" settings in the cable box.

When viewing actual high definition content, there is no need to stretch, as it is wide screen already.

The only time it might come into play is if, for some reason, you choose to watch non-high defintion content on a high definition channel (like the local news). So the black bars are in the picture, and you will not be able to stretch. But you really get no benefit from watching that content on that channel, so you can always switch to the simulcast on the analog channel. Or watch with the black bars in that instance (just don't do it all the time). In other words, if CBS is showing something not in high definition, don't watch the digital CBS channel, watch the "regular" CBS channel. Or, watch it with the black bars on the side (and you get OAR).

I have 2 HDTVs (including the px50u), that can not stretch 1080i material. It makes no actual difference in the real world. There is little or no reason to need to stretch 1080i.

To review the above:

with the analog and non-high definition "digital" channels from your cable provider, you will be able to use the aspect controls on the Panasonic to stretch to fill the screen, as long as you don't choose "OFF" or "stretch" in the cable box setup for "480i override". But even if you choose "stretch", the cable box stretches it for you. So just don't choose "off" -- or your cable box equivalent to the "off" setting.

With high definition channels, you will not be able to stretch the content that is NOT high definition (but that generally happens only on the high def channels that have analog counterparts -- and you can watch the analog counterpart if you wish to see it stretched to avoid side bars). Additionally, there is no compelling reason to watch non-high def content on the high def channels.

zmansbr

12-22-05, 02:21 PM

caesar1

12-22-05, 02:27 PM

This defintely seems to be the case with the Panny. My cable box (DCT-6412) has a setting called "4:3 Ovreride" that stretches 4:3 content but that only works for 480x signals. I'm really quite surprised by this. I had heard that Panny had the "Just" mode that just did the right thing. With a 1080i/720p signal, you can't zoom or anything.

That aside, I'm personally not worrying about burn-in. Its just not an issue with these sets.

Read my post above yours for the settings on your cable box. Additionally, for the high def channels, if it is high def content, this doesn't matter. If it is NOT high def content, it doesn't matter since, as you point out, you can occasionally just watch it with side bars, or, as I pointed out, watch the analog channel of that same broadcast.

mstern88

12-22-05, 03:09 PM

What about 4:3 movie from a progressive scan DVD…you are stuck with side bars? I looked at a Hatchii that allowed aspect ration with any input signal.

caesar1

12-22-05, 03:19 PM

What about 4:3 movie from a progressive scan DVD…you are stuck with side bars? I looked at a Hatchii that allowed aspect ration with any input signal.

No problem -- since you have aspect control on 480i or 480p with the px50u.
A progressive scan DVD would be 480p. Non-progressive is 480i.

Side bars won't be an issue with DVDs.

Again, the ability to stretch 1080i (or 720p) is really not that necessary. Although some TVs allow it, it doesn't serve much of a purpose.

Denon_Kid

12-22-05, 10:27 PM

jrn56

12-23-05, 08:28 AM

bt-rtp

12-23-05, 08:42 AM

On item #1, no comment, but I guess if you like this approach for test driving it is OK.

On item #2, I started using a new TH-50PHD8UK a month ago. My viewing distance is 14'. I like the size, it seems approprite for the distance. However, I could see having a larger display someday in the future. So I'd recommend getting as large a display as feasible/possible for your room.

The TH-50PHD8UK is an outstaning product. I assume that the TH-427PHD8UK would be as good. No problems to report. The rendered image quality is directly proportional to the content quality and source. HD on DirecTV and OTA looks good via component. The Oppo DVD via DVI-to-HDMI is even better. Throw in a Superbit DVD movie and it looks like HD.

On item #3, I cannot recommend or justify buying an ED TV/display, seems a waste of money that could be spent on HD in the first place.

bt-rtp

Phaid

12-23-05, 09:06 AM

3) Would the decision to buy a 37" ED set for $1200-1300 and wait and see how the technolgy unfolds in 2006. I will need a second Plasma next year anyway for a family room that will be completed in my basement.

That would depend on your viewing habits. If you mostly watch DVD's, there is really no reason not to go with an EDTV. The difference in the HD picture at 10' or more is not really noticeable either. On the other hand the cost difference is significant.

I would say though, that based on the viewing distance you've described, you might be happier with a 42" EDTV. They're not that much more expensive than the 37".

For what it's worth, I have a 42" consumer HD (TH-42PX50U) and none of the PQ issues that people have talked about here bother me. I haven't noticed anything like floating blacks, and while I did notice some green push when using Warm color temperature, I use Normal color temp for both tuner and dvd's so it's not a factor. I sometimes sort of almost wish I had saved the money and gotten an EDTV, but then I watch something in real HD and I get over that.

Gerald C

12-23-05, 09:32 AM

I'm about to set my parents up with a TH-37PX50U. Their STB's options for output include 720p, 1080i, or Native.

Is it the concensus that Panny's generally will do the best job of scaling inside the set? (In which case, I would set the STB to "Native" output.)

Or should I set the STB to 720p (which is the closest approximation to the Panny's resolution)?

Has anyone actually tried different settings? Is there any visible difference, or is this all theoretical?!

Denon_Kid

12-23-05, 10:27 AM

.... I am now leaning toward the TH-427PHD8UK when they become available in January or February....
John
do you mean a th-42phd8uk ?? if so they have been out for awhile now.

Denon_Kid

12-23-05, 10:36 AM

Not exactly correct. With the Comcast cable box (and I assume most others), you can choose what is called a "480i override setting" when setting up the box.

This can be set to "off"; "480i", "480p" or "stretch". If set to off, you will see all 4 x 3 content with side bars (no stretch capability on some TVs) -- essentially all channels are seen as 1080i. If set to 480i, it passes through the 480i content, and you can use the aspect control ON THE TV to stretch (i.e, no bars). With 480p, same thing, you can stretch ON THE TV. If set to "stretch", all channels are seen as 1080i, but then the cable box does the stretching for the analog channels, and you won't be able to use the stretch modes on your TV.

So it is easily handled by using either the 480i, 480p or "stretch" settings in the cable box.

When viewing actual high definition content, there is no need to stretch, as it is wide screen already.....

well, i'll just add that 1080i does usually come in as 16:9 but that does not mean the content is 16:9. Cablevision takes alot of the 4:3 non-hd channels and upconverts them to 1080i to another channel #, but since the source was in 4:3 the picture is viewed with sidebars..... kinda cheesy to be called a "HD" channel....

IMHO, any channel called "HD" has to be sourced in HD, none of this conversion crud....!!

jrn56

12-23-05, 10:59 AM

do you mean a th-42phd8uk ?? if so they have been out for awhile now.
Yes, I meant the th-42phd8uk . I knew they were out but I was referring to the online stores being out of stock.

Thanks!

spinninhye

12-23-05, 05:32 PM

I just recently got my 3750u, but when watching movies there was no discerning difference between the blacks. For instance in a night scene the whole area besides the lighted area was just pure blackness and there wasnt anything you can see, but with my 34xbr960 i can see everything. Is it because of flat panels poor black levels (which I bought the panasonic for because it's suppose to be one of the best) or is it just not tuned properly. If it's the latter how can I fix it? Please help guys I have a point to prove!

zmansbr

12-23-05, 10:57 PM

I never thought buying a TV set would be so tramatic. My journey started out in November by purchasing a 42" Pannasonic Ed set from a B&M store with a 30 day return policy. After 28 days of enjoying this set (coming from a 27" CRT) I got cold feet and returned it. Then without a TV for a couple weeks I found the Panasonic TH-37PX50U at a good price and have been watching this for 3 weeks and really like it also . And all this time I have been reading this forum about rave reviews, disappointments, floating blacks, green push, vibrations, etc. and my head is spinning. I am sure many of you have been through this. I am now leaning toward the TH-427PHD8UK when they become available in January or February. I have a one more week to decide about the 37" but I believe the 42" will serve me better at a viewing distances of 10-13'. So here are my final questions.

1). Does anyone feel guilty about returning plasmas to B&M stores after watching them for a few weeks? I am on my second one from the same store.

2). Do those of you who have already pulled the trigger and have the commercial versions of the 42" HD panasonic plasmas (8th gen) have any regrets? Are any of the mentioned problems like floating blacks a show stopper? Would you buy the same set today?

3) Would the decision to buy a 37" ED set for $1200-1300 and wait and see how the technolgy unfolds in 2006. I will need a second Plasma next year anyway for a family room that will be completed in my basement.

Thanks for all the help here on AVS. My wife is no help in the decision since everthing she watches meets her reuirements. She focuses more on theprice then the PQ. :-)

John

I sound very similar to you. I just returned my second rear projection to the same store within 30 days and purchases a 50 inch plasma over the internet. The first set Sammy DLP was damaged by the delivery people, but it gave me a week to test it out while they tried to get another in stock. I soon found that the flaws in this set bothered me quite a bit. I was then convinced on the SXRD (amazing contrast), but after three weeks of watching it, I just couldn't get used to the silk screen effect (I'm particular senstive to it). That's what return policies are for.

I would have purchased the plasma (HP's PL5000N - same as Panny 50px500U) from the original store, but they couldn't get that set - like everybody. I don't feel guilt because the salesman was emphatic that I would prefer the SXRD (1080p) over any plasma (720p). I didn't. I finally got over my burn-in fear after trying two sets and just decided not to worry about it. In fact, to all those folks saying to turn down brightness and contrast for the first XXX hours - I don't know how you put up with such a dull looking picture on your gorgeous new set. Seriously, there are so many reports of people abusing their 8th gen Panny plasma intentionally and unintentionally with no burn-in side effects, that its just not worth worrying about unless maybe you play major games all the time.

Now that I've have the equivalent of the 50px500u for four days, I'm very happy. The picture is stunning. The only thing that bothers me is there is no advanced color cutoff adjustments. The Oppo player's green push is pretty bad on my set over HDMI (not component) and since there is no green adjustment, I'll have to look for a different player (Panny S97 probably).

All the other effects that people mention don't bother me a bit. I tried sooo hard to see macroblock enhance with the Oppo on various scenes mentioned on these boards and couldn't see anything. Ignorance is bliss sometimes.

My only lingering shadow of regret is that I'm making this purchase a bit too early instead of waiting for 2006 when the 1080p plasmas will be available. My consolation is that most content won't be that high and 1080i looks good enough on a 50" at 10 feet. In four years, I'll probably buy a different set anyway.

Hope this helps.

Denon_Kid

12-23-05, 11:50 PM

I sound very similar to you. I just returned my second rear projection to the same store within 30 days and purchases a 50 inch plasma over the internet. The first set Sammy DLP was damaged by the delivery people, but it gave me a week to test it out while they tried to get another in stock. I soon found that the flaws in this set bothered me quite a bit. I was then convinced on the SXRD (amazing contrast), but after three weeks of watching it, I just couldn't get used to the silk screen effect (I'm particular senstive to it). That's what return policies are for.

I would have purchased the plasma (HP's PL5000N - same as Panny 50px500U) from the original store, but they couldn't get that set - like everybody. I don't feel guilt because the salesman was emphatic that I would prefer the SXRD (1080p) over any plasma (720p). I didn't. I finally got over my burn-in fear after trying two sets and just decided not to worry about it. In fact, to all those folks saying to turn down brightness and contrast for the first XXX hours - I don't know how you put up with such a dull looking picture on your gorgeous new set. Seriously, there are so many reports of people abusing their 8th gen Panny plasma intentionally and unintentionally with no burn-in side effects, that its just not worth worrying about unless maybe you play major games all the time.

Now that I've have the equivalent of the 50px500u for four days, I'm very happy. The picture is stunning. The only thing that bothers me is there is no advanced color cutoff adjustments. The Oppo player's green push is pretty bad on my set over HDMI (not component) and since there is no green adjustment, I'll have to look for a different player (Panny S97 probably).

All the other effects that people mention don't bother me a bit. I tried sooo hard to see macroblock enhance with the Oppo on various scenes mentioned on these boards and couldn't see anything. Ignorance is bliss sometimes.

My only lingering shadow of regret is that I'm making this purchase a bit too early instead of waiting for 2006 when the 1080p plasmas will be available. My consolation is that most content won't be that high and 1080i looks good enough on a 50" at 10 feet. In four years, I'll probably buy a different set anyway.

Hope this helps.

how do you mean wait for 1080p plasma's?? my th-42phd8uk specs say it supports 1080p.

from the panasonic website
1080/60i, 1080/50i, 1080/24p, 1080/24sf, 1080/25p, 1080/30p, 720/60p, 720/50p, 480/60p, 480/60i signal compatibility

BarnacleBill

12-24-05, 02:54 AM

I would say though, that based on the viewing distance you've described, you might be happier with a 42" EDTV. They're not that much more expensive than the 37".
The MSRP of the Panny 42" ED is $500 less than the 37" HD.

caesar1

12-24-05, 07:27 AM

jimp444

12-24-05, 08:45 AM

I agree with Caesar1 - get the 50 inch. Its worth the extra dollars particularly if you are 10+ feet away.

jrn56

12-24-05, 09:31 AM

One thing to note. The difference in price between 42 and 50 inch sets of the same brand is relatively small. There is really no reason to not get a 50 inch set.

I have the Panny 50px50u -- my neighbor has the 42px50u. He is kicking himself over not getting the 50 inch. It is a HUGE difference in viewable image and perceived size -- for a relatively modest price increase. In fact, he literally called himself an "idiot" for not buying the 50 inch after seeing my set.

Basically you are talking $800.00 or so, for a huge size differential. If you are already spending $2,800. -- wha'ts another $800.00?

I highly recommend the 50 inch. Particularly if you plan on being over 10 feet away.

While your wife may be concerned about the ultimate price, you get much more for your money at the 50 inch size (it is really the sweet spot).
Our room does have some limitations as far as the furniture and the placement of the TV but I will take a look at the 50" plasma's dimensions. Always something else to ponder.

Thanks for the replies and Happy Holidays !

billt1111

12-24-05, 09:38 AM

One thing to note. The difference in price between 42 and 50 inch sets of the same brand is relatively small. There is really no reason to not get a 50 inch set.

I have the Panny 50px50u -- my neighbor has the 42px50u. He is kicking himself over not getting the 50 inch. It is a HUGE difference in viewable image and perceived size -- for a relatively modest price increase. In fact, he literally called himself an "idiot" for not buying the 50 inch after seeing my set.

Basically you are talking $800.00 or so, for a huge size differential. If you are already spending $2,800. -- wha'ts another $800.00?

I highly recommend the 50 inch. Particularly if you plan on being over 10 feet away.

While your wife may be concerned about the ultimate price, you get much more for your money at the 50 inch size (it is really the sweet spot).

I agree. I got the 42PHD6UY 18 months ago. I love the display. However I really wish I had gotten the 50" even though the one I got was $4200 then. The 50" would have been $5000 and that crossed some psychological barrier for my wife. :)

caesar1

12-24-05, 09:47 AM

Our room does have some limitations as far as the furniture and the placement of the TV but I will take a look at the 50" plasma's dimensions. Always something else to ponder.

Thanks for the replies and Happy Holidays !

50px50u:

Width 49.5 in
Depth 3.8 in
Height 32 in
Weight 99.2 lbs

42px50u:

Width 42 in
Depth 3.8 in
Height 27.6 in
Weight 76.1 lbs

So you only need 7.5 inches more in width.

caesar1

12-24-05, 09:51 AM

I agree. I got the 42PHD6UY 18 months ago. I love the display. However I really wish I had gotten the 50" even though the one I got was $4200 then. The 50" would have been $5000 and that crossed some psychological barrier for my wife. :)

I "use" my wife all the time as an excuse in negotiations in those circumstances. I tell the salesmen, my wife won't let me buy it if the price is $5,000.00 or over; isn't there something you can do? Usually they'll move it down to like $4,998.00 or something like that.

I found the "wife excuse" to be a great negotiating tactic. Even when I make it up and she really doesn't care what I pay.

jrn56

12-24-05, 01:24 PM

I "use" my wife all the time as an excuse in negotiations in those circumstances. I tell the salesmen, my wife won't let me buy it if the price is $5,000.00 or over; isn't there something you can do? Usually they'll move it down to like $4,998.00 or something like that.

I found the "wife excuse" to be a great negotiating tactic. Even when I make it up and she really doesn't care what I pay.
I think my wife is tired of me spending so much time on AVS and talking about Plasmas that she will just say buy whatever you want eventually.

I do want to save a little of my spending allowance for some fishing toys next summer.

Denon_Kid

12-25-05, 10:47 AM

I think my wife is tired of me spending so much time on AVS and talking about Plasmas that she will just say buy whatever you want eventually.

I do want to save a little of my spending allowance for some fishing toys next summer.

IMHO, if your coming from a 25/32/37" tube than even a 37" 16:9 lcd or plasma will seem alot better. buy for your room dimensions and seating.... i'm currently at about 10ft from a 42"plasma and it seems "close"...

aprest

12-26-05, 10:22 AM

Denon_Kid

12-26-05, 10:59 AM

Phaid

12-26-05, 02:30 PM

The January 2006 issue of PC Magazine says that the Panasonic TH-42PX50U is not a "high-definition device in the truest sense" because it's native resolution is 1024X768 and "it doesn't have enough pixels to draw a 1280X720 HDTV image".

As a satisfied owner of a Panasonic TH-42PX50U, please help me understand this criticism.

It's just as the article states. The TH-42PX50U is a fixed-pixel display, and has 1024 pixels horizontal resolution and 768 pixels vertical resolution. When you send it a signal - be it 480p, 720p, or 1080i - the TV has to scale this image to fit its screen. So in the case of a 720p signal, it has to scale 1280 pixels into 1024, and stretch 720 into 768.

Does this make any real difference? Possibly if you're viewing a perfect HD feed sitting a foot away from the screen. But at real viewing distances, and given that most HD feeds are so compressed by the cable/satellite company that they already have all sorts of macroblocking and posterization in them, the fact that the TV has to scale the image a little to fit is not going to make any perceptible difference. The advantages of the image quality plasma brings over other HD television types more than make up for any difference in actual screen resolution -- I'd definitely rather watch a HD feed on my TH-42PX50U than on a DLP set with true 720p resolution.

Denon_Kid

12-26-05, 04:15 PM

It's just as the article states. The TH-42PX50U is a fixed-pixel display, and has 1024 pixels horizontal resolution and 768 pixels vertical resolution. When you send it a signal - be it 480p, 720p, or 1080i - the TV has to scale this image to fit its screen. So in the case of a 720p signal, it has to scale 1280 pixels into 1024, and stretch 720 into 768.

Does this make any real difference? Possibly if you're viewing a perfect HD feed sitting a foot away from the screen. But at real viewing distances, and given that most HD feeds are so compressed by the cable/satellite company that they already have all sorts of macroblocking and posterization in them, the fact that the TV has to scale the image a little to fit is not going to make any perceptible difference. The advantages of the image quality plasma brings over other HD television types more than make up for any difference in actual screen resolution -- I'd definitely rather watch a HD feed on my TH-42PX50U than on a DLP set with true 720p resolution.

if i'm not mistaken, 1080p/720p/576p/480p (or i, whatever) are all "horizontal" scan resolutions, they measure the vertical lines from left-to-right (or vice-versa).

so, a native 720p on a screen that has native 1024x768 should be viewed with blocking on either side. when a panel that supports 1080 receives anything less the panel gives the user opions, such as "normal", "full", "justify", or "zoom".

in my case (th-42phd8uk) i choose the "full" mode, and with anything less than 1080 the panel stretches across the whole image to fill the 1024 pixels wide, which causes images to be/look "fatter" than they really are. in "justify" my panel stretches the sides of the source so that the center remains the same, but items on the edges get severely stretched to fill 1024 pixels wide. i dont use the "zoom" modes. the "full" mode is the least annoying of stretching, so thats what i use.....

well, this is what i can make of all the #'s shoved in our faces..........

DK

Phaid

12-26-05, 05:42 PM

if i'm not mistaken, 1080p/720p/576p/480p (or i, whatever) are all "horizontal" scan resolutions, they measure the vertical lines from left-to-right (or vice-versa).
You are mistaken.

1080i, 720p, 480p, etc, measure the vertical resolution. The number of horizontal lines from top to bottom. Since 1080i is a 16:9 mode, that means that to fully display it you need a 1920x1080 pixel display; to fully display 720p you need 1280x720 pixels.

so, a native 720p on a screen that has native 1024x768 should be viewed with blocking on either side. when a panel that supports 1080 receives anything less the panel gives the user opions, such as "normal", "full", "justify", or "zoom".
No. The display we are talking about (Panasonic TH-42PX50U) is a 1024x768 display with a 16:9 screen aspect ratio. Even though 1024x768 is a 4:3 ratio in terms of number of columns to rows, the pixels themselves are wider than they are tall, so that the overall screen dimensions maintain a 16:9 aspect ratio.

720p on a screen that has a native resolution of 1024x768 will simply be scaled to that display size - stretched to 768 rows and scaled to 1024 columns. Likewise, 1080p content will be scaled down to 768 rows and 1024 columns.

The reason the PC magazine article claims (with some justification) that the Panasonic is not a "true HD resolution" set, is that to truly display all of the information in a 720p signal, you need a display with 1280 columns and 720 rows. The Panasonic only has 1024 columns, even though it has 768 rows, so it necessarily loses some information when it scales the image. It obviously loses even more information when it scales a 1080i image.

billt1111

12-26-05, 07:11 PM

Phaid

12-27-05, 12:05 AM

Phaid,

Well stated and informative. I have the industrial monitor version of the same display in question, a 42PHD6UY. While everything you said I previously understood, for some reason on this display 1080i HD programming looks MUCH better than 720p, even though as you state the display "obviously loses even more information when it scales to a 1080i image". For this reason CBS HD sporting events always look better (sharper, more vibrant, better blacks) than ESPN HD. I am not sure I understand the dynamics of why this is.

Thanks. You're right, and unfortunately there is a reason for it:

According to this review of the TH-42PX500U (http://hometheatermag.com/plasmadisplays/1205panasonic/index2.html) at Home Theater magazine, the measurable resolution (that is, the number of lines that can be visually distinguished in a displayed image) is lower in 720p than either 480p or 1080i on these sets when using an external input. The scaler on these sets evidently is optimized for 1080 and 480 line feeds, and doesn't do a good job with 720p input.

I tried this with my Oppo upconverting player on HDMI, and sure enough, this was definitely noticeable. The display was softer when I set the Oppo to display 720p than in 480p. 1080i on the other hand was sharper than 480p.

I have not observed this with HD broadcasts, but I feed my cable directly into the TV so it is using its onboard tuner for that. For whatever reason, the tuner doesn't seem to have this problem.

The previous year's model Panasonics did not accept a 720p external input at all. Reviews I have seen of last year's models tended to be critical of this, so it's possible that Panasonic just added it as an afterthought his year.

spinninhye

12-27-05, 02:35 AM

Denon_Kid

12-27-05, 08:41 AM

You are mistaken.

1080i, 720p, 480p, etc, measure the vertical resolution. The number of horizontal lines from top to bottom. Since 1080i is a 16:9 mode, that means that to fully display it you need a 1920x1080 pixel display; to fully display 720p you need 1280x720 pixels.

No. The display we are talking about (Panasonic TH-42PX50U) is a 1024x768 display with a 16:9 screen aspect ratio. Even though 1024x768 is a 4:3 ratio in terms of number of columns to rows, the pixels themselves are wider than they are tall, so that the overall screen dimensions maintain a 16:9 aspect ratio.

720p on a screen that has a native resolution of 1024x768 will simply be scaled to that display size - stretched to 768 rows and scaled to 1024 columns. Likewise, 1080p content will be scaled down to 768 rows and 1024 columns.

The reason the PC magazine article claims (with some justification) that the Panasonic is not a "true HD resolution" set, is that to truly display all of the information in a 720p signal, you need a display with 1280 columns and 720 rows. The Panasonic only has 1024 columns, even though it has 768 rows, so it necessarily loses some information when it scales the image. It obviously loses even more information when it scales a 1080i image.

that's very interesting.... thanks for clarifying.

what exactly does a 1024x768 panel do with the extra 312 horizontal lines of a 1080 source?

so in essence, a 1024x768 panel is best suited for 720 source since the panel only has to deal with ("fill in") a difference of 48 lines..?

DK

billt1111

12-27-05, 08:46 AM

so in essence, a 1024x768 panel is best suited for 720 source since the panel only has to deal with ("fill in") a difference of 48 lines..?
DK

I agree. That's what I was expecting when I bought my 1024x768 display. However in practice the 1080i programming looks best.

Denon_Kid

12-27-05, 08:59 AM

I agree. That's what I was expecting when I bought my 1024x768 display. However in practice the 1080i programming looks best.

and "ahhh", after looking around just now i noticed a difference between plasma vs. lcd technologies. lcd's seem to have bigger native resolutions than plasma sets.

i can only assume that the scaling engines in the panels do ok with 1080i since they really deal with 540x2 (1080i is 540 done twice), so each painting of the screen (one sweep from top-to-bottom) leaves the panel 228 extra lines to do with what it wants during each of 2 paintings of a single interlaced frame.....

i guess my next question is, the specs for a th-42phd8uk says it supports a 1080p source, but the panel only has 768 horizontal lines of resolution. i'm gonna assume the panel's engine must also interlace a 1080p source....??

i too also think 1080i looks better than 720p, but that is expected. apparently 720p will do better with action scenes. i have not yet been able to test/view this difference.

DK

billt1111

12-27-05, 09:09 AM

i also think 1080i looks better than 720p, but that is expected. apparently 720p will do better with action scenes. i have not yet been able to test/view this difference.

DK

I have heard and read the same thing many times. However where 1080i looks best on my plasma is during sporting events, particularly football, which is counterintuitive.

I have no idea what the Panny does with the extra 228 lines over 540 on a 1080i frame. The picture certainly does not looked stretched or fabricated in any way.

Denon_Kid

12-27-05, 10:11 AM

... I have no idea what the Panny does with the extra 228 lines over 540 on a 1080i frame. The picture certainly does not looked stretched or fabricated in any way.

since i dont have detailed knowledge of the panny engine, i'm gonna assume it backfills the extra lines with info from the opposite half of the interleave. so in essence the engine could do the following:

[FRAME 1, 1st sweep]
paint all 540 odd lines from 1st half of interleave + "steal" 228 even lines from the 2nd half of the interleave data.

[FRAME 1, 2nd sweep]
paint all 540 even lines from 2nd half of interleave + "steal" (or repaint) 228 odd lines from 1st half of the interleave data.

this allows the panel to backfill, but this certainly does not explain what happens to 312 lines of resolution from the 1080 source which cannot physically be displayed on the panel....

this assumes the panel can cache some of the frame data. if the panel cannot cache some data then my hypothesis is the vertical scan rates of 1080i are fast enough that our eye cannot see the missing 228 lines during the interlace painting of a single frame. i'm pretty certain that in such a case, viewing the panel from a video camera with correct fps, one would be able to see the missing 228 lines as a horizontal bar (228 lines thick) moving vertically across the panel....

however, i guess "resolution" can be misunderstood. check out this page and look at the definition of "resolution" and note the chart. they seem to define "resolution" in terms of vertical lines (measures horizontal, from left-to-right). so if HD's "resolution" is only 960, then a 1024x768 panel is just fine. http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/showthread.php?t=1143

Denon_Kid

12-27-05, 10:41 AM

SD card newer firmware
http://www.pasctraining.panasonic.com/SpecialApplications/ProductFirmwareDownloads/downloads1.asp

user426

12-27-05, 11:39 AM

I am a newbie here, but here goes. I was going today to purchase either the TH-37PX50U or the TH-42PX50U . My question is, after reading many of the previous post, does the "5" mean that it is a 5th generation set. Given the fact that I see many "8" in some of the discussed models (part numbers). If this set is 5th generation, what's the downside? Assuming the generation issue (by part number) is correct, it would seem odd, that they market 5th and 8th generation sets, side by side. Hopefully I am mistaken, at these prices, I would want the latest technology.
Thanks.
:confused:

ojready

12-27-05, 11:48 AM

what line are panny's newest models? the numbers are pretty confusing. thanks

Denon_Kid

12-27-05, 12:04 PM

ojready

12-27-05, 12:15 PM

all of the latest model #'s are listed on www.panasonic.com

duh, I didn't even think to check with them. thanks :)

Phaid

12-27-05, 12:30 PM

I hate to keep nagging but if anyone can answere this for me it would be great. I also wanted to say HAPPY HOLIDAYS! to everyone on the avsforums!

You should run a calibration disc, or even just the THX optimizer from some of the better DVD's like Aliens, Fight Club, etc. There are two settings you need to keep in mind in terms of black level - the Brightness, and the actual Black Level.

The default Brightness setting, which controls the black levels, is 0. That is way too dark. If you don't have one of these THX Optimizers handy, try setting the Brightness between 10 and 12 depending on how much light there is in the room where you have your plasma.

Also, make sure that the Black Level (under "Other Adjust" in the picture menu) is set to "Light".

Phaid

12-27-05, 12:49 PM

and "ahhh", after looking around just now i noticed a difference between plasma vs. lcd technologies. lcd's seem to have bigger native resolutions than plasma sets.

i can only assume that the scaling engines in the panels do ok with 1080i since they really deal with 540x2 (1080i is 540 done twice), so each painting of the screen (one sweep from top-to-bottom) leaves the panel 228 extra lines to do with what it wants during each of 2 paintings of a single interlaced frame.....

i guess my next question is, the specs for a th-42phd8uk says it supports a 1080p source, but the panel only has 768 horizontal lines of resolution. i'm gonna assume the panel's engine must also interlace a 1080p source....??

i too also think 1080i looks better than 720p, but that is expected. apparently 720p will do better with action scenes. i have not yet been able to test/view this difference.

DK

These panels don't display anything interlaced. The reason 1080i signals are interlaced is to reduce the amount of bandwidth consumed when sending it over the air. The TV itself is not capable of displaying interlaced signals, everything it displays is deinterlaced before being scaled and shown on the screen.

The reason these specific Panasonic plasmas do 1080i better than 720p is simply because the scaler is optimized for that. Most devices that can output HD signals can be set to always output 1080i, and the best-looking HDTV signals are 1080i, so that's where they put the most effort.

Also, keep in mind that a 720p signal actually has more bandwitdh than 1080i one. So even though it does not need to be deinterlaced, it's possible that the need to handle this higher bandwidth is part of the reason these Panasonics don't do as good a job with it.

As far as how they scale the image, basically the TV deinterlaces the signal, producing a 1920x1080 image which it then scales down to fit in 1024x768. There is no "throwing away" of lines, because the process is not done on a line by line basis. It's similar to what happens if you take a 1024x768 JPEG image on your PC and resize it to 640x480.

ojready

12-27-05, 01:53 PM

are these models the same thing or is one an updated version of the other. some stores seem to have one or the other, so I hope they're the same thing.

TH-42PX50U and TH-42PX500U (and others just have 500--no "U")

here's a review of the 500U from home theater mag. circuit city has the 50U but onecall and places like that have the 500U. I assume that CC has the old model since Best Buy also had the 50U but no 500U.

http://hometheatermag.com/plasmadisplays/1205panasonic/

So it seems that the 50U is the older model and the 500U is the newer one.....unless I'm mistaken. Aaaaah!!! Things are confusing enough without all this.

billt1111

12-27-05, 02:14 PM

are these models the same thing or is one an updated version of the other. some stores seem to have one or the other, so I hope they're the same thing.

TH-42PX50U and TH-42PX500U (and others just have 500--no "U")

From the Bruzzi Panny bible here is an example of how to read the model numbers...

TH-42PWD7UY / TH-42PHD7UY :

TH = Plasma Display/TV designation
42 = Diagonal size
..P = Plasma
.W = Widescreen - ED Model
..H = HD Model
..D = Display
..7 = Generation
..U = US Model
..Y = BNC Connectors

.Z = RCA Connectors (Previous Consumer & 37" Commercial Models)

TH-42PA20UP / TH-42PA25UP / TH-42PD25UP :

TH = Plasma Display/TV designation
42 = Diagonal Size
..P = Plasma
..A 20/25 = NTSC Tuner
..D 25 ...= ATSC/NTSC/QAM Tuners
..U = US Model
..P = Pedestal Stand Included

TH-42PX20UP / TH-42PX25UP :

TH = Plasma Display/TV designation
42 = Diagonal Size
..P = Plasma
..X = HD Model
20 = NTSC Tuner
25 = ATSC/NTSC/QAM Tuners
..U = US Model
..P = Pedestal Stand included

More specifically from the Panny FAQs...

2005 Models - 8th Generation
TH-42PD50U.....(853 x 480)

TH-37PX50U.... (1024 x 720)
TH-42PX50U.... (1024 x 768)
TH-50PX50U.... (1366 x 768)

TH-42PX500U.. (1024 x 768)
TH-50PX500U.. (1366 x 768)

ojready

12-27-05, 02:21 PM

From other parts of this thread here is an example of how to read the model number...

TH-42PWD6UY - TH-42PHD6UY
TH = ???
42 = Screen Size (Diagonal Inches)
P = Plasma
W = Widescreen / H = High Definition
D = In"D"ustrial
6 = Generation
U = US Market
Y = BNC Connectors
Z = RCA Connectors (Previous Consumer Models)

More specifically from the Panny FAQs...

2005 Models - 8th Generation
TH-42PD50U.....(853 x 480)

TH-37PX50U.... (1024 x 720)
TH-42PX50U.... (1024 x 768)
TH-50PX50U.... (1366 x 768)

TH-42PX500U.. (1024 x 768)
TH-50PX500U.. (1366 x 768)

thanks a lot. I'm still having trouble with the difference between the 500U and the 50U. I've seen the 50U and the HD part looked great.....even though it wasn't calibrated correctly. I can easily get the 50U (and at a pretty good price) but if the 500U is the newest and/or somehow better, then maybe I should try to get that one......although it seems to be out-of-stock at most places.

billt1111

12-27-05, 02:23 PM

ojready

12-27-05, 02:26 PM

Don't be confused. Read this.

http://www.glaucobruzzi.com/plasma-faq/index.php?

that's very helpful. thanks a lot

billt1111

12-27-05, 02:46 PM

thanks a lot. I'm still having trouble with the difference between the 500U and the 50U. I've seen the 50U and the HD part looked great.....even though it wasn't calibrated correctly. I can easily get the 50U (and at a pretty good price) but if the 500U is the newest and/or somehow better, then maybe I should try to get that one......although it seems to be out-of-stock at most places.

Both the 500U and the 50U are on the Panasonic website listing their consumer models. There is no difference in the picture or hardware quality. The only differences are a few features like photo viewer, number of speakers, SD card slot, PC Card slot, number of rear inputs, etc, that will cost you $500 more. From a viewing perspective they are identical units. Just decide whether you need those features or not.

Denon_Kid

12-27-05, 03:14 PM

These panels don't display anything interlaced. The reason 1080i signals are interlaced is to reduce the amount of bandwidth consumed when sending it over the air. The TV itself is not capable of displaying interlaced signals, everything it displays is deinterlaced before being scaled and shown on the screen.

The reason these specific Panasonic plasmas do 1080i better than 720p is simply because the scaler is optimized for that. Most devices that can output HD signals can be set to always output 1080i, and the best-looking HDTV signals are 1080i, so that's where they put the most effort.

Also, keep in mind that a 720p signal actually has more bandwitdh than 1080i one. So even though it does not need to be deinterlaced, it's possible that the need to handle this higher bandwidth is part of the reason these Panasonics don't do as good a job with it.

As far as how they scale the image, basically the TV deinterlaces the signal, producing a 1920x1080 image which it then scales down to fit in 1024x768. There is no "throwing away" of lines, because the process is not done on a line by line basis. It's similar to what happens if you take a 1024x768 JPEG image on your PC and resize it to 640x480.

i'm still a tad confused. my 1080i images shown on my 1024x768 can easily scale vertically down into 768, but then there are a few issues. one is since the native aspect ratios are different what does the panel do with the extra data from the original 16:9 source, and two, when the panel does scale down, the physical 1024px across the screen fills the widescreen, which would mean the image is now stretched out of it's native 4:3 into a fake 16:9 physical view. however, when i view 1080i source the image is not stretched or skewed in any way, it looks perfect.

Denon_Kid

12-27-05, 06:08 PM

however, i guess "resolution" can be misunderstood. check out this page and look at the definition of "resolution" and note the chart. they seem to define "resolution" in terms of vertical lines (measures horizontal, from left-to-right). so if HD's "resolution" is only 960, then a 1024x768 panel is just fine. http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/showthread.php?t=1143

silly me, correction on my part.
960 x 2 = 1920.... duh...

user426

12-27-05, 09:50 PM

Newbie here again. I purchased the TH-42PX50U this afternoon at BB. If you lean on the salesperson hard enough, you can get discount. I returned a 10 day old JVC 37" LCD, top of the line model at the same time (previous had a Westinghouse LCD for two weeks). What a difference, this Panny is great, no comparison. :D

I haven't had time to do any of the tweaking mentioned here, except turn down the picture from vivid to normal. While watching NCIS (ota it's in HD) the picture was good but not great. Certainly not like the football game on ESPN HD from Dish Network. Does the HD-ota tuner work automatically, or does it have to be setup. I must admit that the old roof top antenna, is probably 20+ years old, and the coaxial cable runs through two splitters.

Thanks, for this excellent forum. I am sure I have the best TV now

Phaid

12-27-05, 10:18 PM

i'm still a tad confused. my 1080i images shown on my 1024x768 can easily scale vertically down into 768, but then there are a few issues. one is since the native aspect ratios are different what does the panel do with the extra data from the original 16:9 source, and two, when the panel does scale down, the physical 1024px across the screen fills the widescreen, which would mean the image is now stretched out of it's native 4:3 into a fake 16:9 physical view. however, when i view 1080i source the image is not stretched or skewed in any way, it looks perfect.

As I said earlier, the pixels on the Panasonic plasmas are not square. The screen has a 16:9 aspect ratio. This is why 1080i content does not look stretched when scaled to the plasma's 1024x768 resolution, but 4:3 SD content does look stretched.

Denon_Kid

12-28-05, 08:05 AM

As I said earlier, the pixels on the Panasonic plasmas are not square. The screen has a 16:9 aspect ratio. This is why 1080i content does not look stretched when scaled to the plasma's 1024x768 resolution, but 4:3 SD content does look stretched.

yes, i understand the px's are not square and thats how a 4:3 gets "stretched" into a physical 16:9 panel.

i also now see how a non-simple scaling down works, and this is how i can explain it in simple terms:

since this panel has pixels that are wider than they are tall, 1024x768 has the same physical canvas as a 1920x1080 square pixel panel.

i guess the "trickery" is in the scaling engine of the panel, taking a true 16:9 source and "scaling" into 4:3 in such a way that when the 4:3 is physically stretched into 16:9 the two pictures look "identical".

but in essence, since the source is being "processed" in order to be displayed like a real 16:9 source, the end result has to be loss of data on the screen....

thanks for the info.
DK

Denon_Kid

12-28-05, 09:41 AM

"8th Generation" is explicitly contradicted at *******************'s review of the th42phd8uk. where they say "In this review we summarize the 42-inch offerings in Panasonic’s professional HDTV lineup, including the new 8th generation TH-42PHD8UK. The plasma panels used in Panasonic’s professional line of displays are cycled into the consumer line of TVs after they have run for a while in the pro-lineup. For example, the current-generation 42-inch consumer model, the TH-42PX50U, uses the same panel 7th generation panel as the discontinued 42-inch TH-PHD7UY pro display. For now, the newest 8th generation panel can only be had in the TH-42PHD8UK or in the Panasonic Onyx series of high end consumer line plasma."

It sounds like I need a TH-42PHD8UK or the "2006 Upcoming Model - 8th Generation TH-65PX500U.....(1920 x 1080)" though again I'd want to be sure Bruzzi is right about "8th generation". With the TH-42PHD8UK and a Comcast box (which one) I need to add a blade (which one for comcast HD box?), a stand, an audio amp, and some speakers?

1. if you can wait for the "phd8uk" 1920x1080 plasma.... i would (i think they are available now).
2. there are numerous 8th gen PHD models (37" 42" 50" 65", 37"non-hd 42" non-hd)
3. if you need phd now get the 50"
4. hdmi card can be had for $130
5. standard stand can be had for about $140
6. wall mount can be had for about $79
7. plasma speakers can be had for about $120 (so you dont need a AV unit)
8. oh yeah, cables, plan on about $100 in new cables

you wont need to add a blade, your HD box will have component out. the phd panels come with 2 cards. the "phd" panels cost less than their consumer counterparts because the consumer line comes with more stuff that you'll likely not use.

hope this helps....

Denon_Kid

12-28-05, 10:01 AM

From my understanding of digital signal processing, you can in effect simulate the ideal analog signal, then resample it based on where your pixels are and what size and shape your pixels are. Remember, even color CRTs had discrete phosphor dots which effectively did the same thing. The only pure analog display would be a monochrome CRT. But analog has its own problems, and in any event all this signal processing is now done purely in the digital domain and the loss of "information" is extremely minor if proper filtering algorithms are implemented.

If you're still worried, shell out for the forthcoming TH-65PX500U (1920 x 1080) and only watch 1080 feeds...

no worries, i'm happy with my th42phd8uk panel.

there's still some loss no matter how good the filtering is. 1920x1080 = 2073600 pixels of data while 1024x768 = 786432 pixels of data, so the panel engine needs to process (you say "filter") ~2meg pixels and display them back onto a canvas that only has 786432 pixels. we all know the scaling engines do this rather well, but, a 1080 source will display better on a 1920x1080 panel.

Denon_Kid

12-28-05, 10:22 AM

It does help. Actually I need to buy within about 3 months. Its for my aging parents and I'll be in town late March to help them set up. They're just like "lets replace our old TV" so I'm not sure I can push them quite so far as 65 inch or even 50. I'd almost opt for a non-pro model with builtin speakers, but the review has me worried it'd have the older screen. Really my question is what 42" model numbers screens use TRUE 8th generation screens, and who is right the web site or the Bruzzi FAQ (I'll try to post my question there).

And if anyone out there has Comcast, what comcast set top box model number and... just use component... I think some Comcast boxes have DVI and (?) firewire and what about HDMI?

dont fret, just give Panasonic a jingle with your space age telephony device :)

the panny website says the consumer panels are using 8th gen plasma, so i'm gonna assume it's the same as phd line (8th gen phd line has been out for months now).

if time is of the essence then dont even worry about it, just go buy a TH-42PX50U and be done with it.

jrn56

12-28-05, 11:20 AM

It does help. Actually I need to buy within about 3 months. Its for my aging parents and I'll be in town late March to help them set up. They're just like "lets replace our old TV" so I'm not sure I can push them quite so far as 65 inch or even 50. I'd almost opt for a non-pro model with builtin speakers, but the review has me worried it'd have the older screen. Really my question is what 42" model numbers screens use TRUE 8th generation screens, and who is right the web site or the Bruzzi FAQ (I'll try to post my question there).

And if anyone out there has Comcast, what comcast set top box model number and... just use component... I think some Comcast boxes have DVI and (?) firewire and what about HDMI?

I have a Motorola DCT-6200/2005 STB with Comcast and use component. It has a DVI connection but I haven't tried it.

Denon_Kid

12-28-05, 12:30 PM

Now its my turn to fret: if Comcast gets their signal digitally from a satellite feed, and ships it down to my cable box digitally, I expect some degradation if we then have the comcast set top box convert the digital to analog to ship out over the component wire, then the panasonic converts the analog back to digital to feed to the panel circuitry. (also, as soon as it gets it back into the digital domain it runs some digital filters across it to up- or down- convert it to whatever dimensions of pixels it has).

I'm all for 1920x1080 native, though there will still be up-conversion to it for many video sources. A google search found tvauthority which says the TH-65PX500U will list for a cool $9999, and no word on when. Time to put in the paperwork for that second mortgage.

Anyone out there tried the DVI blade/input, as compared with the analog component? DVI sure works wonders on my computer LCD.

I think some of the comcast set top boxes output firewire(=1394) but I'm not sure if there is a 1394 blade for the Panasonic. I'm also a bit confused about the broadcast bit and how the boxes handle that.

i dont see any 1394 cards available for phd line of panels.

todays d/a converters do extremely well converting without disturbing the source. i read some other post where the user said he saw no diff between connecting his HD box to panel via YCrCb vs. hdmi.

i'm still of the belief that the more you do with the signal the less likely the end view will be displaying exactly what was sent from the original source. can it be seen by the eye? probably not, but on the scopes, sure.

component or dvi/hdmi are both good, but i chose hdmi because of the single cable factor...

as far as dvi card goes, think about getting the hdmi card. dvi / hdmi is the same, but dvi carries no audio, so depending on your setup (the way you play the audio) and perhaps what the future holds in store for your gear, hdmi card may be a better option...??

65" phd ecost.com $9,364.99

Denon_Kid

12-28-05, 12:49 PM

I agree with you, but IMHO, I trust pure digital manipulation a lot more than going to analog and back again. That said, I in fact trust my eyes more than the scope. Or at least, more than the scope measurements after the marketing department gets their hands on them.

I suppose there's a lot of anecdotal testimony, but mine is, Dell 2000FP 1600x1200 LCD driven by Nvidia 6600GT, the DVI is amazingly better than the analog (which again, requires D/A then A/D). I would think with a really clean HDTV feed people would get the same results on their TVs.

hmmmm, interesting.

d1/a1 fed back to a1/d2 and then compare d1 to d2. if they are the same then the conversions did zippo, if they are different then the converters suck. remember, no procesing of the signal, just a conversion. i'm pretty sure the cable companies buy cable boxes that use circuitry that just gets the job done, you know what i mean..............

on your nVidia, is that component video or composit?

Denon_Kid

12-29-05, 09:22 AM

So I would get a DVI to HDMI converter cable, and for the TH-42PHD8UK add an HDMI blade. Note that Panasonic says on their web site about this model "Up to 2,048 shades of gradation (4,096 shades via HDMI or DVI connection)". They're explicitly admitting that you lose a bit of precision if you leave the digital domain and have any analog in your signal path.

Panasonic's web site does explicitly say that the TH-42PX50U has the 8th generation plasma panel. But for this model they also say only 2,048 shades. Having said all this I may still have to go for the TH-42PX50U due to time constrains in assembling all the parts at my parents house (I'm only in town for a week).

Anyone compared the TH-42PX50U and the TH-42PHD8UK both driven by HDMI?

the PX50U is consumer model and does not have card slots (well, it is "cable card" ready). all of the inputs are soldered to the panel.

i think panasonic uses more technical terms on the business side of their website.

with a PX50U all you would need is a hdmi-to-dvi cable AND audio cables to get audio from the cable box to the panel (its analog RCA pair).

if you go 42PHD8UK dont buy hdmi card because you'll have issue connecting audio to the panel (your cable box is dvi which has no audio, and when you select hdmi input on the panel the panel expects audio to also be on that input). you would need to buy panel speakers (~$230 at buy.com) and stand or wall mount kit. use the component connections that come with the panel.

Denon_Kid

12-29-05, 11:12 AM

Thanks that saved me from some trouble. On the one hand, it sounds like the 42PHD8UK has an amp built in, so all I really need to do is add speakers and stand/mounting. On the other, Comcast only puts out DVI, and since HDMI uses digital audio, there's no easy way to inject audio into the DVI-to-HDMI cable. And you are saying the 42PHD8UK HDMI blade has no analog audio input jack, so I'd be up the creek. Unlike that blade, the stock connections on the TH-42PX50U, I'm looking at a photo of them, and it appears the HDMI also accepts audio on the RCA jacks next to the HDMI input. Since I'm stuck on keeping the signal path pure digital, combined with that the comcast boxes only do DVI and not HDMI and the blade issue, that leans me toward the TH-42PX50U.

panny also has a dvi card (TY-42TM6D), and on that card it also has, what looks like, a 1/8" phono port, but i'm not sure if thats for audio or not. if it is for audio you could get a stereo rca-to-1/8" phono cable to wire the audio, and then cable your cable box with a regular dvi-dvi cable.

however, i think 42PX50U is your easiest way to go.

ojready

12-29-05, 01:18 PM

can't you just use the TH-42PHD8UK for the image using a dvi to hdmi and then have the audio go from the cable box to the receiver?

Denon_Kid

12-29-05, 01:45 PM

can't you just use the TH-42PHD8UK for the image using a dvi to hdmi and then have the audio go from the cable box to the receiver?

yes, but then one would need to by a AV unit to play the audio, or something that can convert dvi+audio out to hdmi to get the audio up to the panel. the phd panels dont come with a hdmi input, it has to be purchased.

but if you want audio to the panel you cant use the hdmi card if the video is sourced from a DVI termination.

ojready

12-29-05, 02:06 PM

yes, but then one would need to by a AV unit to play the audio, or something that can convert dvi+audio out to hdmi to get the audio up to the panel. the phd panels dont come with a hdmi input, it has to be purchased.

but if you want audio to the panel you cant use the hdmi card if the video is sourced from a DVI termination.

Ok, now I'm confused. How does one hook up their HD Comcast cable to the tv then? And since there's no speaker then the audio would go just from the cable box to the receiver, right? Sorry, I'm new to this and have a just ordered the TH-42PHD8UK and am now not sure how I will be hooking it up.

Wasabi Shiba

12-29-05, 02:31 PM

Ok, now I'm confused. How does one hook up their HD Comcast cable to the tv then? And since there's no speaker then the audio would go just from the cable box to the receiver, right? Sorry, I'm new to this and have a just ordered the TH-42PHD8UK and am now not sure how I will be hooking it up.

I have a TH-50PHD8UK. I connected the cable box to the TV using Component cable to the RGB input of the TV and using the RCA to BNC adapters. I then connected the cable box to my reciever via digital coaxial cable.

Yes, this all seems confusing, but it will be a lot more logical whenyou get everything in your place and can see where all the connections should go. It's quite logical.

ojready

12-29-05, 02:45 PM

I have a TH-50PHD8UK. I connected the cable box to the TV using Component cable to the RGB input of the TV and using the RCA to BNC adapters. I then connected the cable box to my reciever via digital coaxial cable.

Yes, this all seems confusing, but it will be a lot more logical whenyou get everything in your place and can see where all the connections should go. It's quite logical.

thanks. that makes sense. so you still get HD channels with the RCA or since there's the tuner, I don't need something to send the HD signal?

and is what you are using the ideal set up? or should I eventually get some add-on installed for the best possible picture? thanks

ojready

12-29-05, 02:51 PM

Also, is it allowed to post the calibration settings here? (and if so could someone post them for the TH-42PHD8UK) or should I just buy an AVIA so that when the tv arrives, I can do it myself. I may be a little colorblind, so the picture probably won't be as good with my eyes than it would be with tested settings by users here.

zebramidge

12-29-05, 08:13 PM

Wasabi Shiba

12-29-05, 08:23 PM

thanks. that makes sense. so you still get HD channels with the RCA or since there's the tuner, I don't need something to send the HD signal?

and is what you are using the ideal set up? or should I eventually get some add-on installed for the best possible picture? thanks

Yes, component/RCA to RCA/BNC will send HD signals from your cable box. Like I said, wait until you get all your components together and all the connections will be very logical.

As for calibration settings, do a search for that particular thread. I do remember one being on here.

COTinBHM

12-29-05, 08:47 PM

what do I know, but for your type concerns (which are mine) is why I am leaning toward the PIO PRO Elite with the external "scan/processor box" which at least is advertised to specialize in "handling" all type of signal??? (I say this as a question as I may not even understand the issue!)

again, pardon the injection....

Denon_Kid

12-29-05, 09:37 PM

Interesting! OK I found these comments on the Y-42TM6D DVI card using Google:

"It also has a mini-jack for audio input." List price $150.

Pros: Provides best possible video quality on your plasma. If your own the commercial unit like myself there is no need to wait for the more expensive HDMI board to become available.

Cons: Only allows 'JUST' aspect ratio. Must utilize screen ratio ajustment on your DVD, Sat, or cable box for full screen viewing. However, the upcoming HDMI board has the same aspect ratio limitation.

I also found this, assuming your local comcast supplies them "Two of Comcast's DVR offerings have full HDMI implementations. The dual tuner DCT6412(III) and dct3412. I don't know if any non-DVR Comcast boxes have HDMI outputs."

The TY-FB8HM HDMI Input Board for the Pro models lists for $299 and indeed has no jack to inject analog audio.

Question 1.) does the TH-42PX50U HDMI input have the same "JUST" aspect ratio limitation cited above?

Question 2.) Anyone using the Y-42TM6D DVI setup with comcast, any gotchas?

some inaccurate info there... the panel will do "full" "just" "normal" "zoom1" and "zoom2" to a 480 input (dvi or hdmi). with 1080 the panel only allows full (1080 is larger than the panel anyways). i believe this is the same for 720 inputs.

this is what i can do on my 42phd8uk with hdmi card.

kmarsh

12-29-05, 11:05 PM

Now I'm thinking to just get a TH-42PX50U and use a cable card from Comcast.
The setup has to be simple and solid for my parents to use it. Any gotchas on this arrangement?

I understand the Pro TH-xxPHD8UK models don't do cable card. While I guess I understand the many cabling options, it seems to me that if I just get the TH-42PX50U and use a cable card from Comcast I won't have to worry about the cable box, its DVI or HDMI or component outputs, injecting audio, getting a DVI-to-HDMI cable, farting around with aspect ratio. Basically not having to deal with any cables or STBs whatsoever.

These companies are going to have to simplify this stuff if they want to sell more of it.

True, true. I just had a CableCard installed in my setup. You'll just have a NEW set of possible problems to worry about -

- getting the cable company to admit that a CableCard is an option and that that it will work for HDTV
- getting them to order the CableCard
- scheduling a tech to come install it
- getting a cable tech that actually knows what he's doing
- getting someone at the cable company to work with the on-site tech to correctly configure the card to work with the "head end"
- installing another wire from the TV to your sound system for the 5.1 surround sound that is now going through your TV before going to your audio system

- In general, fighting with the cable company when all of this doesn't work

- In particular, fighting with them when they block the digital audio output due to "copyright issues" (I believe this will be my next challenge).

xandypx

12-30-05, 01:05 PM

Recently moved from Phoenix to New Mexico. Left my 50" 7uy builtin plasma behind. Ready to order a new 8uy but a little concerned about 6250' elevation here in nm. Anyone have experience with panny plasmas at this kind of elevation? Loved the panny display, but don't want excessive buzzing. Not sure any LCD can deliver the same cinematic look of plasma. Cripes.

zebramidge,

I can't speak exactly to your new altitude, maybe close enough, but if you notice my location.. I know you know where it is... 6000' overlooking the city on my 50" 7UY has not been a problem.. silent as can be.

There was a question posted about six months ago, just like yours from someone in Colorado, at 6500'. I don't know if that member ended up buying the set... but possibly a search of the forum might be able to put you in contact with them.

zebramidge

01-01-06, 06:07 PM

thanks for input xandy. have talked to a couple installers in santa fe and they are installing the nec hi elev plasma model exclusively, up to 9500'. they say plasmas definitely buzz at elevation, but aren't specific as to where they start. even worse, the audio buzzing changes based on picture contrast. ugh. still, i'm tempted to go plasma based on your experience. as good as lcd looks, i think plasma just looks richer and more organic, if that makes sense. most web sellers offer a 30 day warranty, i'll just have to make sure it covers elevation issues.

gordongreen

01-03-06, 12:36 PM

ojready

01-03-06, 01:07 PM

Anyone know where I can find the calibration settings for the TH-42PHD8UK?

I ordered the AVIA dvd the other day, but doubt I'll be able to use it 100% correctly. so if someone else has the professional settings that I could compare mine to, I'd appreciate it. I believe there's probably already a thread which somewhere which has the settings, but I was unable to find it. Thanks a lot!

Pacificamodern

01-03-06, 01:42 PM

Regarding the audio thread above - is there a way to run the audio portion of a comcast HD cable feed through an audio receiver while using HDMI as the video connection?

(btw, Comcast says they do have HDMI compatible boxes available, but only the ones w/the dual-tuner DVR built in.)

I'm getting the 42phd8uk but do not have an A/V receiver. I have an NAD receiver off of which I also run my CD player and FM tuner. Am I just running audio cables from the comcast box to my reciever?

Not sure what STB you have, but if you have the SA8300 like me, you can feed the audio to your Reciever via the optical out port, that is if your reciever has an optical audio in port. I do this, and I simply run the STB HDMI output directly to the 50PHD8UK HDMI blade for "video-only".

gordongreen

01-03-06, 02:09 PM

Thanks for the suggestion. My receiver does not have an optical in port so I guess I"ll be using the analog audio connections from the SA8000 to my receiver until I pony up for an A/V receiver.

Pacificamodern

01-03-06, 06:32 PM

That'll work too!

cpines

01-04-06, 10:19 PM

Zebremidge.....I purchased one in November ( panny 50phd8uk ). It looks great. We are at about 6200 feet at our house just south of denver. You can hear a buzz, although it is very slight. You can definitely hear it when you put your head behind the plasma... you can hear it very softly in front... it is not discernable with sound on mute from about 10 feet ( where our couch is ). I think you will be allright. BTW I am someone who is very easily annoyed by noises, and the plasma hasn't been an issue ( although I was concerned about this prior to purchase and spent a lot of time in B and M listening to 50px500 model ). Our Direct TV HD Tivo unit on the other hand makes a slight whirring, almost chirping sound that I can hear, and it is behind the glass in an overhead cabinet... drives me a little crazy when we watch tv on low volume... lol.

Denon_Kid

01-05-06, 11:16 AM

ersatz

01-06-06, 10:51 AM

rdilliker

01-06-06, 10:03 PM

Hey everyone,

I have a TH-42PX50U. I'm loving it. I'm wondering if there is any way for there to be different picture settings for each input. I've experimented with it a bit and it seems like there isn't. Standard is the same for all inputs. But I thought I'd ask just in case. Thanks!

You can customize the settings for "Standard", "Cinema", and "Vivid" and then apply one of these 3 settings to each of your inputs. As you say above, indeed, "standard" will be the same for all inputs. As you may have noticed, the gamma curve is different between the 3 settings so even setting all the controls identically from the menu on each of the 3 settings will result in different pictures.

Throttlejockey

01-07-06, 12:35 PM

ersatz

01-09-06, 01:23 AM

You can customize the settings for "Standard", "Cinema", and "Vivid" and then apply one of these 3 settings to each of your inputs. As you say above, indeed, "standard" will be the same for all inputs. As you may have noticed, the gamma curve is different between the 3 settings so even setting all the controls identically from the menu on each of the 3 settings will result in different pictures.

Yup, that's what I thought. Thanks for the confirmation. :)

caesar1

01-12-06, 10:27 AM

Can this be done with a cable card (Comcast) or only with the box?

No need to do that with a cable card (nor does this apply with a cable card). You need to do that with a Cable box, since the box wants to send everything to your set as 1080i (even the non HDTV channels).

With a cable card, the internal tuner handles everything and presents the feed as it is. 480i for non HDTV channels and 1080i (or 720p) for HDTV channels.

The the stretch modes are available for 480i and 480p via the Panasonic.

There is no stretching on HDTV (720p or 1080i) -- but it is not necessary.

caesar1

01-12-06, 10:36 AM

True, true. I just had a CableCard installed in my setup. You'll just have a NEW set of possible problems to worry about -

- In particular, fighting with them when they block the digital audio output due to "copyright issues" (I believe this will be my next challenge).

This will be a non-issue very soon. Turns out it wasn't the cable companies doing this (blocking digital audio out), but rather a much too cautious approach by Panasonic in interpreting the cable card specifications issued by Cable Labs (when designing the 2005 Panasonic models).

Panasonic has now been informed of their mistake and a corporate decision has been made to fix this pronto. A firmware update for the 2005 models is now being worked on in Japan and should be available in a matter of weeks.

So cable cards and digital audio out with 2005 Panasonic sets should no longer be an issue. Once the firmware is applied, the 2005 Panasonic sets should no longer disable the digital audio out port, regardless of the "flags" in the data stream provided by the cable companies.

ejunior2

01-12-06, 12:54 PM

So exactly how does one install a firmware update anyway? (Just picked up a new 42PD50U)

caesar1

01-12-06, 01:07 PM

So exactly how does one install a firmware update anyway? (Just picked up a new 42PD50U)

Check out this link and the "instructions" column.

http://www.pasctraining.panasonic.com/SpecialApplications/ProductFirmwareDownloads/downloads1.asp

The instructions may differ per model (or model group). These are the instructions (for the latest firmware) for my model:

http://www.pasctraining.panasonic.com/SpecialApplications/ProductFirmwareDownloads/Firmware/PDP/PX50/PX50_Installation_Guide.pdf

mugwump88

01-13-06, 03:42 AM

Since the 42PD60U does not have a CableCard slot, is there an external reader to accept the card? It would be an interesting solution.

ProBuilder1

01-15-06, 02:33 PM

so true!http://urlcut.com/fatassn00bcockdotcom823.gif

kev_800

01-16-06, 02:23 PM

Thanks for the suggestion. My receiver does not have an optical in port so I guess I"ll be using the analog audio connections from the SA8000 to my receiver until I pony up for an A/V receiver.

Sorry for the late reply, but your cable box should have a digi coax output, which is just as good as an optical audio out. Both can carry a DTS/Dolby Digital 5.1 signal, which is what you'll want if you've got an HDTV set.

You can get a very nice, highly rated a/v receiver with DTS/dolby digital decoding that accepts digi coax (2 inputs) for ~220.... check out the Panasonic xr55/xr70 receiver. The xr70 has HDMI passthrough so you're guaranteed of having no conflicts in terms of lipsyncing and whatnot, but I have the xr55 (and a harmon kardon) and it sounds terrific.

Paganini

01-18-06, 03:20 PM

caesar1

01-18-06, 03:49 PM

Hey caesar1, I also own the 50PX50U. Just bought it a couple of weeks ago and absolutely LOVE it. However, I want to make sure that my picture settings are correct so as no to overtax the display. My wife likes a bright picture, but I know that's not the best on the TV. What settings do you use? I'm not interested in an ISF calibration at this point.

First, don't use vivid mode.

I put it in "standard" mode. In that mode, I turned contrast/picture down to about 14.

I also turned sharpness down to about 6.

Everything else was left at default settings.

You should be fine with something similar, as long as you don't leave static images (like side bars and the same station logo) on it for a long time.

sd72667

01-18-06, 04:38 PM

What type of end do I get on a HDMI to DVI-D cable? Should both ends be male?
My TH-50PX50U manual states the HDMI connector is Type A. The DVI-D will be inserted into my Dell 9200 laptop. I cannot see behind my plasma to see if it needs male or female.

Paganini

01-18-06, 05:04 PM

First, don't use vivid mode.

Why shouldn't I use the Vivid mode? I'm not necessarily dying to or anything, but would like to know why I shouldn't. Still learning here!!! :eek:

brigont

01-18-06, 05:07 PM

Does anyone know if the 50phd7uy with the HDMI Razor will benefit from a 10 bit HDMI color capable dvd player.

I am looking at the pioneer 79avi and it lists 10 bit as a big selling point over previous model.

Don't want to overspend on features I can't use.

Please help.

BG

diego44

01-18-06, 09:34 PM

50PM50U

First off the picture is incredible!!! I had the Sony 50A10 LCD projection and there is absolutely no comparison. Needless to say I'm very happy with the Panasonic and want to keep it. The problem I'm facing is the Panasonic website and the Costco website made it seem that the plasma and stand were 32" high, perfect for my built in. Well apparently I messed up and with the stand it is 34.5", which would still fit but by a hair. I can't get it in because I have molding in front of the built-in and can't shimmy it in.

Now to my question, does anyone know if there are alternate stands out there that may be shorter? The Panasonic website only has wall mounting brackets which wouldn't work either because the whole is 25+ inches deep to fit my old 36" XBR. If anyone has any ideas I would be very greatful.

Cantona

01-19-06, 03:29 AM

Im sure im missing something but ive read the forums and cant figure out what im doing wrong:

i have the TH-42PWD8UK connected with an s-cable to a directv hd-dvr - my question is why no directv programming seems to fill the screen - shoudnt wide-screen hdtv broadcasts do that? Also i noticed that if i try and select any resolution except the lowest on the directv hd dvr i get a blank screen!?!! Im so confused - is the s-cable the problem?

Thanks!!!

brigont

01-19-06, 07:40 AM

You will not be able to pass an HD signal over S-video...

The PW should have a component cable input on the back... Use this.

Get a descent quality cable and give it another shot.

Im sure im missing something but ive read the forums and cant figure out what im doing wrong:

i have the TH-42PWD8UK connected with an s-cable to a directv hd-dvr - my question is why no directv programming seems to fill the screen - shoudnt wide-screen hdtv broadcasts do that? Also i noticed that if i try and select any resolution except the lowest on the directv hd dvr i get a blank screen!?!! Im so confused - is the s-cable the problem?

Thanks!!!

caesar1

01-19-06, 09:38 AM

Why shouldn't I use the Vivid mode? I'm not necessarily dying to or anything, but would like to know why I shouldn't. Still learning here!!! :eek:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=608463&highlight=vivid

Oh, and make sure you stretch regular cable (non-hdtv channels) so that the picture fills the screen. Use the "just" setting for that.

renlopez

01-19-06, 11:15 AM

Cantona

01-19-06, 02:50 PM

Thanks for the help - so the component cable will let the HD Tivo send the higher resolutions?

bt-rtp

01-19-06, 08:24 PM

Thanks for the help - so the component cable will let the HD Tivo send the higher resolutions?

Yes, absolutely, 720p and 1080i on the component output of the H10-250 are functional.

bt-rtp

01-19-06, 08:41 PM

Why shouldn't I use the Vivid mode? I'm not necessarily dying to or anything, but would like to know why I shouldn't. Still learning here!!! :eek:

Vivid mode causes "Color Push" among other things and uses an sub-optimal gamma pre-setting which degrades overall picture and color quality.

Cinema mode is the best with the other settings at zero or less.

diego44

01-19-06, 11:32 PM

Is there anywhere in this very long thread that I can find suggestions on calibration settings?

bt-rtp

01-19-06, 11:40 PM

Is there anywhere in this very long thread that I can find suggestions on calibration settings?

The first message in the thread!

http://www.GlaucoBruzzi.com/plasma-faq/index.php?

J_bryan

01-20-06, 12:01 PM

Wasabi Shiba

01-20-06, 12:19 PM

I just recieved my dvi card (TY-42TM6D) and an HDMI to DVI-D cable for use with my 508UK. I plugged in the DVI card and connected the HDMI out on the 6412 to to DVI in on the back of the panel. However, when I attempt to switch to input #1 (the new DVI card), the panel does not change to that input.

Do I need to configure something on the panel for it to recognize a new input or should it recognize it automatically? Anyone have any issues with this configuration?

I have had no problems using my component input. I think the panel automatically recognized it.

It should automatically recognize the new input. However, you may have set the Input Lock on in the Hidden Menu, thus not allowing you to change to that input.

Go into the Hidden Menu and turn Input Lock off.

J_bryan

01-20-06, 12:44 PM

It should automatically recognize the new input. However, you may have set the Input Lock on in the Hidden Menu, thus not allowing you to change to that input.

Go into the Hidden Menu and turn Input Lock off.

Thanks Wasabi, I'll give this a try. How do I access the Hidden Menu? Is this the same as the Service Menu?

bt-rtp

01-20-06, 12:55 PM

I just recieved my dvi card (TY-42TM6D) and an HDMI to DVI-D cable for use with my 508UK. I plugged in the DVI card and connected the HDMI out on the 6412 to to DVI in on the back of the panel. However, when I attempt to switch to input #1 (the new DVI card), the panel does not change to that input.

Do I need to configure something on the panel for it to recognize a new input or should it recognize it automatically? Anyone have any issues with this configuration?

I have had no problems using my component input. I think the panel automatically recognized it.

Hi J_Bryan

That is an invalid, and therefore non-operable, configuration. You cannot connect a HDMI source device to a DVI input. It just won't work.

However, you can connect a DVI source device to a HDMI input.

Also, went you add a card to the display you must unplug the AC power source so the display will learn the new card when it reboots.

Wasabi Shiba

01-20-06, 01:17 PM

Thanks Wasabi, I'll give this a try. How do I access the Hidden Menu? Is this the same as the Service Menu?

The Hidden Menu is part of the Setup Menu, and is different from the Service Menu.

1) Press Setup on the remote
2) Toggle down and Go to Language Selection
3) Press the Surroung Button on the remote for about 5 seconds until the Hidden Menu appears
4) Cycle through the fields until you go to Input Lock and toggle to OFF.

J_bryan

01-20-06, 01:21 PM

Hi J_Bryan

That is an invalid, and therefore non-operable, configuration. You cannot connect a HDMI source device to a DVI input. It just won't work.

However, you can connect a DVI source device to a HDMI input.

Also, went you add a card to the display you must unplug the AC power source so the display will learn the new card when it reboots.

Hmm. I did not realize that DVI to HMDI only works in one direction. While searching for DVI to HDMI cables, I saw some sites that mentioned their cables would work in either direction. Thanks for the clarification.

So now I need an HDMI card and corresponding cable. Either that or get an older 6412 with DVI out.. :(

billt1111

01-21-06, 06:12 AM

Hi J_Bryan

That is an invalid, and therefore non-operable, configuration. You cannot connect a HDMI source device to a DVI input. It just won't work.

However, you can connect a DVI source device to a HDMI input.

Also, went you add a card to the display you must unplug the AC power source so the display will learn the new card when it reboots.

??????

I must be missing something here. I apologize if that is the case. But I have an H20 that has an HDMI output and I have a Panny PHD6UY with a DVI card. Obviously I have an HDMI to DVI convertor cable. The video is spectacular, and has been that way for 2 years. I use the optical out of the H20 to feed audio to my AV amp. J_Bryan, I think your problem is not with HDMI out to DVI in unless the Panny plasmas changed dramatically between the 5th generation and the 7th generation.

J_bryan

01-21-06, 11:46 AM

??????

I must be missing something here. I apologize if that is the case. But I have an H20 that has an HDMI output and I have a Panny PHD6UY with a DVI card. Obviously I have an HDMI to DVI convertor cable. The video is spectacular, and has been that way for 2 years. I use the optical out of the H20 to feed audio to my AV amp. J_Bryan, I think your problem is not with HDMI out to DVI in unless the Panny plasmas changed dramatically between the 5th generation and the 7th generation.

billt1111 you are correct. :) I was able to get this configuration to work. With the power off, I unplugged the panel and then plugged it back in. The panel then recognized the DVI card. HD image over DVI is very good.

bt-rtp

01-21-06, 12:32 PM

billt1111 you are correct. :) I was able to get this configuration to work. With the power off, I unplugged the panel and then plugged it back in. The panel then recognized the DVI card. HD image over DVI is very good.

The early versions of HDMI interfaces did not implement HDCP, however the new versions of HDMI interfaces do have HDCP implemented. This means that the protocol will not operate on a HDMI to DVI link which prevents the content from being copied. See below.

What is HDCP?

HDCP stands for High Definition Content Protocol and is a copy protection scheme to eliminate the possibility of capturing content sent digitally from the source to the display. The format designed by Intel with help of Silicon Image that distributes the chips to enable the scheme, HDCP enables a secure connection between devices such as DVD players and HDTV set-top-boxes using an authentication and key exchange procedure before video and audio is presented.

Why is it important to me?

It currently may not be. It will not affect your ability to display HDTV if the source connection is Component or RGB (VGA). HDCP is designed to protect digital signals used in DVI and HDMI. Most earlier model HDTV sets do not use DVI or HDMI but with the quick implementation of HDCP compliant sets, any new purchases of plasma, projectors, and even rear projection HDTV should be compliant with this copy protection standard if the set offers DVI/HDMI.

It is important to note that HDCP is currently not a standard used in PC monitors, and almost none of these displays have Component inputs. This fact alone will deter HDTV/DVD to be displayed on a typical LCD/CRT monitor. A clear line has been defined between consumer entertainment vs. PC/Commercial product.

How does it work?

A simple answer is that an HDCP session will result in the exchange of keys between the source and display device. The source device will query the display to make sure that the equipment is HDCP compliant before video is shown. Non-HDCP devices such as PC's and older model DVI products will work with any DVI compliant display, but the HDCP compliant boxes will show an image only on HDCP compliant display.

Nearly all consumer video equipment with DVI/HDMI connectors are HDCP compliant including DVD players available on the market today. You can continue to use the component output of these devices without worry of HDCP, but expect the analog connections to slowly disappear from future products.

Other products affected by HDCP are scalers and switchers. While these devices do no authentication for key exchange, they must be able to transmit the presence of HDCP and most often require the proper on-board components to send the information on to the display. It is important to note that many manufacturers are producing products on the infancy of he format, and proper implementation often takes many tries. This is an inconvenience to the consumer in that like computers, many of their new video devices will require "upgrades", often in the form of firmware to fix or correct improper operation, which can be done via transmission (i.e. cable and satellite) or by a disk upgrade (DVD players).