I just ordered the 42PWD8UK with whatever blades it comes with by default. I use a Philips DSR704 from DirectTv for a receiver and a Sony surround system. I have never hooked up a plasma tv before and don't even know if i have a receiver that will hook up properly.

1. Will this receiver work until I can upgrade to DirectTv's HD receiver?
2. Do I need any special adapters to make it work?
3. Please let me know everything I will need to ensure I am using this set properly.

Thank you!!

I posted the following in Display Calibration, but thought I might have more chances for answers here.

I received a couple of days ago my SpyderTV and I started playing with it and the excellent rader's Excel file. (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=587485)

With my Panasonic display (model in thread title) I have, probably, too many options at my disposal and I've got some doubts regarding what is what, basically. Even more so because of the apparent overlap of some settings in both regular and service menu.

The Panasonic has, in its regular menu, the following settings:

Contrast - Brightness- Colour - Tint - Sharpness (for these I don't need info).

In the regular menu advanced settings we find:

Black Extension - Shall I play with it or not?
Input level - Again, what is this?
W/B High Red - I *suppose* this is Red Drive (the manual defines it as "adjusts the white balance for light red areas).
W/B High Blue - The same for blue
W/B Low Red - "Adjusts the white balance for dark red areas". Is this Red Cut?
W/B Low Blue - Same as above, for blue
Gamma - Where I have S Curve, 2.0, 2.2 and 2.5 options. I chose 2.2.

In the service menu there are even more settings. Here we find, clearly labeled:

Panel W/B Adj.
Red Drive - Green Drive - Blue Drive
All Drive
Red Cut off - Green Cut off - Blue Cut off
All Cut off

Chroma Control
R-Y Axis Angle
B-Y Axis Angle (these two are for me a total mistery)
Sub Tint
Sub Color

Sub Adjust
Sub Bright
Sub Contrast (what the heck are these supposed to be?)

So far I have acted on the main menu brightess and contrast settings for the basic calibration and on the main menu advance settings W/B High Red, W/B High Blue, W/B Low Red and W/B Low Blue for trying to calibrate the grayscale.

Is this correct? Should I be using directly the service menu settings for grayscale (they appear to have direct control on Green, which is lacking from the main menu)?
Should I be using the All Drive and All Cut off service menu settings instead of the main menu Brightness and Contrast?
Should I take advantage of the Sub Tint and Sub Color settings in the service menu, given that the Panny doesn't allow you to regulate Color and Tint when you input a PC signal (as is the case from my Lumagen HDP)?

Entirely too many questions, probably. Bear in mind that, had I lived in the States, I wouldn't have hesitated hiring an ISF calibrator... but, alas, in Italy they are totally non existant.

Thanks in advance to whomever will help me to shed some light on all these doubts.

PS
I will try my best to stay away from the fact that both the Lumagen and my Pioneer DVD-747 DVD player have each their own settings too...

Hi folks-

I moved from one state to another back in October. Around that time, I could find the TH-50PX50u delivered for about $3300 and the 500u delivered for around $3800. But with the move I was too busy and decided to hold off. Electronics always gets cheaper, right? Big mistake!

Nowadays I can't seem to find anyone reputable who has either in stock, at least not for a whole lot more than they cost last October.

Any ideas where to buy? I live near Indianapolis, and prefer a local purchase, but I'm open to online buys from reputable dealers. Shipping or sales tax usually are about the same, so that's a wash. Looking for a good deal, but I'd spend a few hundred more for a local buy. The best price I can find is Sears, who doesn't even stock it, at $3800. Best buy sells their floor displays for $3599 but I'm not willing to buy used. Plus >$200 sales tax on these prices.

I'd kind of prefer the 500u, mostly since it has a VGA port on it (don't care about the better speakers; I'll have a surround sound anyway). But nobody local seems to carry it.

I wish I could just buy a monitor-only version of the set, really, rather than as a whole TV. The main AV sources will be a Sony HD DVR and an HD cable box. I'll be feeding it via component cables.

Any suggestions? I've been patient so far but I'm starting to lose that patience...

What's going on with supply of these?

Thanks in advance!

Marc

Marc, if you already have surround sound why don't you just get a PHD monitor and be done with it? Not sure what ATSC or HD source you are using, however, and if you need a tuner in the display. Anyway, I chose one of the sponsors of this forum, visual apex. Get the warranty and save the box. Very reputable and credible. It will probably be close to the price you are looking for, and the 8UKs are awesome, so I understand. Good luck.

Hi folks-


I wish I could just buy a monitor-only version of the set, really, rather than as a whole TV. The main AV sources will be a Sony HD DVR and an HD cable box. I'll be feeding it via component cables.

Any suggestions? I've been patient so far but I'm starting to lose that patience...


Marc

What billt1111 said.... that would be the monitor only! no speakers.. no tuner...

I wish I could just buy a monitor-only version of the set, really, rather than as a whole TV. The main AV sources will be a Sony HD DVR and an HD cable box. I'll be feeding it via component cables.


Sorry. I did not see this part of your post earlier. If you already have the video tuner/source and an AV surround sound amp, why do you need the extra speakers and tuner? It would sure simplify things and get you a killer 50" display for your price.

I am in the same boat and decided to wait as it appears the 2006 models will be cheaper and available in march 2006.. i have been waiting since october the 50u at a cost plus shipping price of 3200.. but alas there are none..

Hi guys-

Thanks for the feedback!

As it happened, I went to Circuit City yesterday and the guys there cut me a good deal. They had none in stock but there was one in the next city over, so they are trucking it over and it is due here anytime in the next hour or two.

Thanks for the feedback about the display-only options. I seriously considered it but in the end decided to get a true TV.

Appreciate the help.

To the moderators: only after I made my original post did I see that price discussions aren't appropriate here. I apologize for my error; I'll understand if you edit that stuff out. Error noted; won't happen again.

Marc

Hi guys-

...Thanks for the feedback about the display-only options. I seriously considered it but in the end decided to get a true TV....

A "true" tv in the sense of built in tuner and speakers? Yes.

But if you already have a STB, stereo and a decent set of speakers - there is no doubt you should get a monitor-only - you can upgrade the size for just about the same price

anyone know if there is a way for to program my standard comcast remote with my Panny th-50phd8uk? How else are people setting up their tvs? I will eventually get a harmony remote or something for everything, but for the time being would like to only have to use 1 remote to turn on the tv/cable. As it stands, I turn on the cable with one remote and then the tv with the dinky panny one. Any ideas?

Does anyone know a vendor that has the Panasonic TY-42PHD8UK in stock? Can't find a single one. Is there some type of shortage on these plasmas?

Thanks

Does anyone know a vendor that has the Panasonic TY-42PHD8UK in stock? Can't find a single one. Is there some type of shortage on these plasmas?

Thanks

Did you mean the Panasonic TH-42PHD8UK 42" Plasma Display? I don't know what the "TY" version is.

Typo

Yes thanks Bill. I actually meant the TH-42PHD8UK 42" Panny plasma display. Thanks for the correction. :D

Typo

Yes thanks Bill. I actually meant the TH-42PHD8UK 42" Panny plasma display. Thanks for the correction. :D

Google that model number and you will come up with a variety of online vendors. My recommendation is one of the AVS forum sponsors, Visual Apex. Just remember to get the extended warranty and save the box.

I lost power after installing new lighting in my kitchen, seems like too many things were on one circuit. Now, my tv (50px500u) has the infamous flashing red light, though mine blinks ten times as opposed to the seven others have mentioned. If you hold the power on, for about 5 seconds, once you depress the button you can hear the tv attempt to turn on, but no picture.

I do know the circuit tripped.

I have had this model for about 6 months with no issues previously. Any help?

Just bought my first plasma, Panasonic TH-37PX50U, last weekend and having it delivered Saturday. I've been reading this sight since I first began research and I want to thank you guys for the unbiased information. You guys are an invaluable resource. Now for my question, I know that in my first 100 hours of operation I need to keep my contrast and brightness levels below 50%, but what else do I need to watch out for or do to ensure a great, long viewing experience? I plan on having the tv calibrated after the 100 hour period.

Now for my question, I know that in my first 100 hours of operation I need to keep my contrast and brightness levels below 50%, but what else do I need to watch out for or do to ensure a great, long viewing experience? I plan on having the tv calibrated after the 100 hour period.

Read the FAQ on Plasma Burn-In. You should keep from watching 4:3 material to about 20% of your total viewing time. Although the issue with burn-in is something of a non-issue with today's plasma screens.

As for calibration, I'd wait after 1000 hours rather than 100.

Does Panasonic ever run a US mail-in rebate program on the 8UK models?

Here we go again. I went from the Sony SXRD to LCD flat panel to plasma, then specifically to Pioneer or Fujitsu, and now I am seriously considering a Panasonic. If anybody ever gets kicked out the Forum for driving its members crazy for advice, then I am a prime candidate.

I am going to make this as simple as possible. I have finally decided to go with a plasma. I do not know sh-t about TVs and their technology. It appears to me, from being on the Forum for some months now, that Panasonic, the world's leader in having the worst customer service, is going to provide me with much more value than a Pioneer or Fujitsu. It appears that Fujitsu and Pioneer have the best PQ of all the consumer plasmas, but that Panasonic is so close that the difference between the three is negligible when taking the premium that one must pay for the other two into consideration.

Ok, here it goes. I want the best that Panasonic has to offer, whether it is consumer or commercial. I am not a gamer, I do watch some movies and DVDs, I am not a Surround Sound person, and the most important use for my TV is watching a ton of different sports. I want at least a 42" inch screen, but might consider going larger if I do not have to sacrifice quality. I would rather get a smaller screen size with better PQ, than a larger screen for the same price with lesser PQ.

I need a TV like yesterday. I have no idea when 1080p plasmas are going to be for sale, and whether or not that is going to matter at all for my needs.

Can someone just pick a TV for me and make my life much easier!!! I live in Miami, Florida. The PQ of the TVs on display in the stores here is so horrendous that I do not think even I can make them look worse if I tried. More importantly, I cannot make any sort of real judgment as to any of these products because of this problem.

As always, all of your help, guidance and assistance is much appreciated for this technical idiot.

Here we go again. I went from the Sony SXRD to LCD flat panel to plasma, then specifically to Pioneer or Fujitsu, and now I am seriously considering a Panasonic. If anybody ever gets kicked out the Forum for driving its members crazy for advice, then I am a prime candidate.

I am going to make this as simple as possible. I have finally decided to go with a plasma. I do not know sh-t about TVs and their technology. It appears to me, from being on the Forum for some months now, that Panasonic, the world's leader in having the worst customer service, is going to provide me with much more value than a Pioneer or Fujitsu. It appears that Fujitsu and Pioneer have the best PQ of all the consumer plasmas, but that Panasonic is so close that the difference between the three is negligible when taking the premium that one must pay for the other two into consideration.

Ok, here it goes. I want the best that Panasonic has to offer, whether it is consumer or commercial. I am not a gamer, I do watch some movies and DVDs, I am not a Surround Sound person, and the most important use for my TV is watching a ton of different sports. I want at least a 42" inch screen, but might consider going larger if I do not have to sacrifice quality. I would rather get a smaller screen size with better PQ, than a larger screen for the same price with lesser PQ.

I need a TV like yesterday. I have no idea when 1080p plasmas are going to be for sale, and whether or not that is going to matter at all for my needs.

Can someone just pick a TV for me and make my life much easier!!! I live in Miami, Florida. The PQ of the TVs on display in the stores here is so horrendous that I do not think even I can make them look worse if I tried. More importantly, I cannot make any sort of real judgment as to any of these products because of this problem.

As always, all of your help, guidance and assistance is much appreciated for this technical idiot.

Get the Panasonic TH-50PHD8UK with a wall mount kit. You can use your exsiting stereo system if you insist, with the audio feed from your cable or satellite STB. It would be better to get a nice 5.1 surround sound system, ala a "Home Theater in a Box". Watching sports is better in surround sound.

I'm having a picture issue I sure could use some help with. Panasonic 42ED connected via component cable to Comcast single tuner HD dvr(getting dual tuner next week) and also via component to Panasonic receiver/dvd player. I've followed the suggested settings in this FAQ and forum, tried all sorts of alternative settings and I just can't get the colors correct. Right now I've got it set at what I think is a fairly common setting for the folks on this forum (Standard, +7, +12, +5, -7, -1, -1) and it looks way off. Watching the UNC-Maryland bball game on ESPN HD, the blue of the Carolina players looks about right, maybe a little too bright blue, but the Maryland red is way, way off--it looks completely brown or sepia toned--not close to red at all. Also, faces have a slightly greenish hue, and graphics I know should be bright yellow look more green. But when I switch to DVD, the red is beautiful, faces look great etc. So I'm assuming it's something to do with my cablebox to TV setup rather than the display, right? Any thoughts? Bad cable between set and cable box? Should I try HDMI instead of component for the cable to diplay connect? I have read about "green push" in other threads, but I would assume that would affect my dispay with DVD as well as TV, correct? If I should post this question in a different place, by all means let me know. Many thanks in advance!

Hi: Please somebody knows as I can change to the TV system in Plasma Panasonic TH42PWD8UK, has several systems NTSC, Secam, PAL-60, PAL-N, I want that its work in PAL-B (Germany). In the Set-up I cannot change to PAL-B, only PAL-60 and PAL-N.
Thanks a lot

Anyone know if the Panasonic TH-37PX50U has a screensaver? Thanks.

My Panasonic TH-42PD25 after 14 months won't power up. Turn on power and it sounds like is going on and then it dies. Red light appears to blink 12 times and on the twelth time it goes solid for a few seconds and then repeats blinking sequence. Any idea as to what the problem might be? Cheap or expensive? Panasonic said to call in a service tech to get an estimate and then call them back? Do they know something/possible recall.. and might be willing to go beyond their 1 year warranty....
Thanks.

Hi, I appreciate any help that can be offered with this question!

I have a new Panasonic TH-50PHD8UK plasma with a Scientific Atlanta HD8000 cable box/DVR and a Denon 3806 receiver. I run the DVR through the Denon via HDMI and then output HDMI from the Denon to the Panasonic.

My dilemma is as follows: My panasonic does not allow the aspect ratio to be adjusted when receiving an HD signal. This means that for all my cable stations (except for the 10 HD stations), I'm stuck viewing at a 4:3 aspect ratio. This doesn't bother me all that much except that:

1) My wife prefers the picture to fill the whole screen by utilizing one of the stretch functions.

2) I'm concerned that by viewing too much 4:3, I will risk burn in on my plasma.

I have taken all the precautions regarding burn-in including enabling the wobbler, screensaver, adjusting the sidebars to grey and adjusting the contrast and brightness settings to about 30% of max. I also try to vary the viewing between TV and DVD's, but I'm guessing that most of our viewing will be non-HD TV stations.

My question is as follows: Is there a way to easily adjust the resolution being sent to my TV from the Scientific Atlanta cable box? I'm assuming that I would have to adjust it downwards so that my TV wouldn't be receiving an HD signal and would then be able to adjust the aspect ratio. I realize that I may also have to connect the TV using S-VHS or other non-HD cable. I know this kind of defeats the purpose of having an HD cable box, but I'm figuring that I could make this adjustment when watching the non-HD material and then adjust it back when viewing HD material (which naturally fills the screen anyway.)

Or, does anyone have any better suggestions? Is this a common problem with other plasmas, i.e, not being able to adjust the aspect ratio on an HD source?

The TH-**PHD8UK models do not allow the aspect ratio of any HD signal to be altered. However, you can use the SA8000HD to "stretch" and "zoom" the picture. Press the # button on the remote to view the options.

Check the Panasonic Plasma FAQ. It's been discussed many times.

Hi, I appreciate any help that can be offered with this question!

I have a new Panasonic TH-50PHD8UK plasma with a Scientific Atlanta HD8000 cable box/DVR and a Denon 3806 receiver. I run the DVR through the Denon via HDMI and then output HDMI from the Denon to the Panasonic.

My dilemma is as follows: My panasonic does not allow the aspect ratio to be adjusted when receiving an HD signal. This means that for all my cable stations (except for the 10 HD stations), I'm stuck viewing at a 4:3 aspect ratio. This doesn't bother me all that much except that:

1) My wife prefers the picture to fill the whole screen by utilizing one of the stretch functions.

2) I'm concerned that by viewing too much 4:3, I will risk burn in on my plasma.

I have taken all the precautions regarding burn-in including enabling the wobbler, screensaver, adjusting the sidebars to grey and adjusting the contrast and brightness settings to about 30% of max. I also try to vary the viewing between TV and DVD's, but I'm guessing that most of our viewing will be non-HD TV stations.

My question is as follows: Is there a way to easily adjust the resolution being sent to my TV from the Scientific Atlanta cable box? I'm assuming that I would have to adjust it downwards so that my TV wouldn't be receiving an HD signal and would then be able to adjust the aspect ratio. I realize that I may also have to connect the TV using S-VHS or other non-HD cable. I know this kind of defeats the purpose of having an HD cable box, but I'm figuring that I could make this adjustment when watching the non-HD material and then adjust it back when viewing HD material (which naturally fills the screen anyway.)

Or, does anyone have any better suggestions? Is this a common problem with other plasmas, i.e, not being able to adjust the aspect ratio on an HD source?

You can switch the aspects that your cable box sends. If you screw around with this menu, you should be able to find something that works. Also, press "menu" on your remote and you should be able to adjust the cable box stretch modes (normal, zoom....etc.)


http://www.scientificatlanta.com/ExplorerClubGuides/getting_started/4003114B.pdf

In order to switch between aspect ratios using the the SA 8300 with SARA software, I had to configure the STB to output all the different signal types that my Panny can display. To do this, I turned the STB off and then simultaneously pressed the INFO an GUIDE buttons on the STB. This took me to the setup screen. I followed the directions for advanced setup, chose WIDESCREEN as my display type, and then selected all of the signal types that I could view (if my monitor couldn't display a specific signal, I got a 'No Signal' message in the top right corner of the monitor... I have the 42-PHD8UK, so your results may vary). After I selected all the appropriate signal types, I exited out of the setup.

After performing all those steps, when I watch SD channels (which are broadcast as 480i), I can change my aspect ratios between Normal/Full/Just/Zoom.

Hope that helps.

Not an answer to your question, but I had a similar thing happen. I accidentally turned power on then off very quickly. Ever since, I have had blinking red light (10 times w/3 second pause) and no picture. My set is only 45 days old, so warranty repairman is coming on Thursday. If I learn anything, I will let you know.

P.S. This response was intended for "jkeener".

See my response to "jkeener" below.

This response intended for "smetal41".

I am in the same boat and decided to wait as it appears the 2006 models will be cheaper and available in march 2006.. i have been waiting since october the 50u at a cost plus shipping price of 3200.. but alas there are none..

Does the same go for the commercial models? Spring 2006? Later? Cheaper?

Also, after reading through the forums it looks like (please confirm):

If I have my DTV HR10-250 outputting @ 1080i that the TH50PHD8UK will not automatically or otherwise allow 4:3 content (from non-HD channels) to be stretched - that will have to be done by the HR10-250. And I understand this is not an issue with the commercial models?

Does the same go for the commercial models? Spring 2006? Later? Cheaper?

Also, after reading through the forums it looks like (please confirm):

If I have my DTV HR10-250 outputting @ 1080i that the TH50PHD8UK will not automatically or otherwise allow 4:3 content (from non-HD channels) to be stretched - that will have to be done by the HR10-250. And I understand this is not an issue with the commercial models?


You are correct, there is no problem. The 4:3 format SD channels are stretched to fill the display regardless of if 720p or 1080i format is selected on the H10-250 and the TH-50PHD8UK.

Typo

Yes thanks Bill. I actually meant the TH-42PHD8UK 42" Panny plasma display. Thanks for the correction. :D

I am looking for this also for one of my sons. The sponsors here all say "coming in about 3 weeks". No one seems to have the previous model. May go with the Pioneer 42", which costs more but seems to have lots more inputs.
I learned here on AVS after my last purchase NOT to get the desk mount. Will buy it off Ebay for 1/3 the price fm. someone who got one w. their unit but used a wall mount instead.

...mike

Just spoke with someone over at TV Authority and the Panasonic TH-42PX50U has been on backorder since October. I was told it would be easier to wait on the release of the new models in April before I buy. Good luck finding your Plasma!

Corey

Hello all,

I am having trouble with my 50" panny px50u. I have had this same problem and found a fix for it here on this board last year. Unfortunately, I forgot what I did! and I searched the forum but cant seem to find help.

Maybe there is a new fix for this now. I was thinking about calling panasonic, but thought I would post it here first.

The Aspect button on the remote does not work. When I hit the button the TV button just blinks. I think I reset the tv last time, but I dont remember exactly.

I do remember other people having the same trouble. It seem that once you get it worrking, it works for a while than quits. All other functions are workning properly and I love the TV!

Any help here would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks,

Dave

OK, sorry. I just realized what I was doing.. I have a Directv HD DVR and I can select the video signal ie; 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i. Apparently if its on 720 or 1080 I cant use the tv aspect control.

I do, however have a concern. Can someone help me make sense of this..

When watching a standard tv signal (via directv) the aspect control on the tv cannot make the picture fill the screen. I always have the bars on the side. However, in the video setup in the DirecTV receiver, If I tell it I have a 4:3 tv, I can than (using the tv aspect control) make the standard broadcasts fit the screen (using just, zoom etc..). The drawback is, if I change to an HD channel it doesnt look very good and I get bars on the top and bottom. :confused: This is all so confusing!

I just want to enjoy the HD channels and still be able to use the tv controls to change the aspect.

As I see it, the only way to do it is to use the "ratio" button on my DirecTV receiver and change from "full" to "panel" but the distortion is not watchable for me in this mode.

The tv's "full" and "just" modes look very good compared the the receivers full mode.

What are your thoughts on this?? Did I just confuse everyone?



Thanks!

Dave

I just purchased a Panasonic 50PX50U. Where do I find out whether it's native resolution is 720p or 1080i? Or both. Thanks.

I just purchased a Panasonic 50PX50U. Where do I find out whether it's native resolution is 720p or 1080i? Or both. Thanks.

Actually...it is neither. The native resolution of the 50px50u is 1366x768.

a 1080i signal is 1920x1080 - interlaced scan
a 720p is 1280x720 - progressive scan

The 50px50u is capable of scaling either signal (1080i or 720p) to it's native resolution of 1366x768.

***edit corrected 720p signal

Are the various desk stands that are available interchangeable between commerical and consumer models in the same screen size? IOW, if I buy a stand for a soon-to-be-ordered 42" 8UK model, can i buy any of the stands on ebay even if they came w. a consumer model display?

Thanks.


...mike

OK, sorry. I just realized what I was doing.. I have a Directv HD DVR and I can select the video signal ie; 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i. Apparently if its on 720 or 1080 I cant use the tv aspect control.

I do, however have a concern. Can someone help me make sense of this..

When watching a standard tv signal (via directv) the aspect control on the tv cannot make the picture fill the screen. I always have the bars on the side. However, in the video setup in the DirecTV receiver, If I tell it I have a 4:3 tv, I can than (using the tv aspect control) make the standard broadcasts fit the screen (using just, zoom etc..). The drawback is, if I change to an HD channel it doesnt look very good and I get bars on the top and bottom. :confused: This is all so confusing!

I just want to enjoy the HD channels and still be able to use the tv controls to change the aspect.

As I see it, the only way to do it is to use the "ratio" button on my DirecTV receiver and change from "full" to "panel" but the distortion is not watchable for me in this mode.

The tv's "full" and "just" modes look very good compared the the receivers full mode.

What are your thoughts on this?? Did I just confuse everyone?



Thanks!

Dave

I'm a noob, but I believe the solution for this that I've read elsewhere is to run *2* feeds from the stb to the panel:

1 - SVGA cable to the built-in SVGA in on the panel;
2 - DVI or HDMI to compatible blade on panel;

Since you can configure each input on the panel seperately, you can set the full or just mode for SD configuration for the SVGA input, and not have that affect the mode you set for HD on the DVI or HDMI input.

Then you set up your remote to switch the panel's input for SD (SVGA) or HD (HDMI) modes.

Caveat: I don't have my 50PHD8UK yet; it should ship from VA end of this month. But above is what I think I understand from reading this forum and the manuals for the motorola 6200 STB and the 8UK.

bw

Add a high quality component video cable to this as well. Blue Jeans makes excellent component cables for reasonable prices.


I'm a noob, but I believe the solution for this that I've read elsewhere is to run *2* feeds from the stb to the panel:

1 - SVGA cable to the built-in SVGA in on the panel;
2 - DVI or HDMI to compatible blade on panel;

Since you can configure each input on the panel seperately, you can set the full or just mode for SD configuration for the SVGA input, and not have that affect the mode you set for HD on the DVI or HDMI input.

Then you set up your remote to switch the panel's input for SD (SVGA) or HD (HDMI) modes.

Caveat: I don't have my 50PHD8UK yet; it should ship from VA end of this month. But above is what I think I understand from reading this forum and the manuals for the motorola 6200 STB and the 8UK.

bw

I'm a noob, but I believe the solution for this that I've read elsewhere is to run *2* feeds from the stb to the panel:

1 - SVGA cable to the built-in SVGA in on the panel;
2 - DVI or HDMI to compatible blade on panel;

Since you can configure each input on the panel seperately, you can set the full or just mode for SD configuration for the SVGA input, and not have that affect the mode you set for HD on the DVI or HDMI input.

Then you set up your remote to switch the panel's input for SD (SVGA) or HD (HDMI) modes.
bw

Unfortunately, if that set top box is like mine (SA8300), I believe that the SVGA and the component outputs are disabled when the HDMI connection is sensed. Additionally, even if the additional output could be used, that would necessitate changing the active input on the panel.

While it's not perfect, I find that at least for the SA8300 the STB zoom mode works nicely. I just either zoom or stretch the 4:3 content and leave the panel in "full" mode.

:)

Although it is not a huge difference, when side-by-side, the Panasonic plasma 50" HD certainly seems to have the sharpest picture. I like the Samsung for a lot of its features, particularly the pixel shift, but the picture is just slightly darker and less sharp.

I did try adjusting the Samsung picture via the on-screen controls and still it just did not quite match up to the Panasonic. I noticed that the Samsung seemed very comparable to almost every other model with the exception of the Panasonic and the Pioneer. I noticed this same difference in three different stores where I was able to see the pictures side-by-side.

Is there a downside to the Panasonic picture being that sharp? Would that increase burn-in potential?

Caveat: I don't have my 50PHD8UK yet; it should ship from VA end of this month. But above is what I think I understand from reading this forum and the manuals for the motorola 6200 STB and the 8UK.

bw


The advantage of the Moto 62xx box is that there is a setting to "override" SD signals to 480i or 480p, which is output over the DVI connection.

The only time you need to have a second SD connection with the PHD8UK is if you are concerned with SD PQ, as some have said it is better over S-video... or you have one of the new 6412 Phase 3 boxes with HDMI. The HDMI blade for the PHD8UK won't accept the 480 i/p signal.

What is the difference between the consumer versions of the Panasonic 50 inch plasmas - TH-50PX50U and TH-50PX500U? Only thing I can see is that the 500U appears to have a thinner silver speaker at the bottom.

Do both of these models have split-screen, picture-in-picture?

Unfortunately, if that set top box is like mine (SA8300), I believe that the SVGA and the component outputs are disabled when the HDMI connection is sensed. Additionally, even if the additional output could be used, that would necessitate changing the active input on the panel.

While it's not perfect, I find that at least for the SA8300 the STB zoom mode works nicely. I just either zoom or stretch the 4:3 content and leave the panel in "full" mode.

:)

My point was directed toward having more flexibility for input sources to the panel with no regard to the problems with the specific cable STB in question.

What is the difference between the consumer versions of the Panasonic 50 inch plasmas - TH-50PX50U and TH-50PX500U? Only thing I can see is that the 500U appears to have a thinner silver speaker at the bottom.

Do both of these models have split-screen, picture-in-picture?

Only the 500u has PIP. The 500u also has a VGA input port and better speakers. This was the set I really wanted, but eventually I settled for the 50u at a decent price and am still quite happy. The 500u wasn't locally available ANYWHERE near where I live. And, the extra features weren't of much use to me, not worth the cost.

Marc

Marc_G:

You said that the 500U has PIP. I looked at a 50U in a store and it was advertised as having both split-screen and picture in picture. I was told that it had two inputs and that the cable lead-in could be split to enable PIP ability.

Is that not your understanding nor personal experience with your model?

Does your model have the "wobbling" feature (similar to pixel shift)? Another post said that the commercial model (PHD50U) has that feature.

Marc_G:

You said that the 500U has PIP. I looked at a 50U in a store and it was advertised as having both split-screen and picture in picture. I was told that it had two inputs and that the cable lead-in could be split to enable PIP ability.

Is that not your understanding nor personal experience with your model?

Does your model have the "wobbling" feature (similar to pixel shift)? Another post said that the commercial model (PHD50U) has that feature.

I'm still pretty new with the unit and don't have an immediate response. I'll try to check into these tonight. Right now I'm at work so this will have to wait. :-)

Marc

I'm still pretty new with the unit and don't have an immediate response. I'll try to check into these tonight. Right now I'm at work so this will have to wait. :-)

Marc

I just reviewed the manual which I have an electronic copy of (it's the same manual for the 37/42/50 inch "50u" models).

Nothing in there at all about wobble or PIP. I believe both of these are only on the 500u model, but I'm very open to corrections by others.

Marc

Little Help. :)

P-I-P:...Both Commercial and Consumer 500U Models

ScreenSavers: Commercial Models only




Nothing in there at all about wobble or PIP...

Wobble = Wobbling (Screensavers) -> on Pages 29-30-31

P-I-P = Multi- PIP -> on Pages 21-22

http://service.us.panasonic.com/OPERMANPDF/TH37PWD8UKJ.PDF


:) :) :)





.
BruZZi's Panasonic Plasma FAQ (http://www.bruzzi.ws/plasma-faq/index.php?) - Read First
The FAQ plus links to Plasma Stands, Wallmounts, Speakers, Frames, Bezels & More.
Also links to Audio/Video Faqs, Comparisons, Reviews, Shootouts, Tweaks & Many More.

Just purchased a TH42PX50U Out of the box I changed it from Vivid to Standard and Picture +12 Brightness 0 Color 0 Tint 0 Sharpness +4 I saw a thread somewhere regarding Panny settings but I cannot seem to find that now.

Little Help. :)

P-I-P:...Both Commercial and Consumer Models

ScreenSavers: Commercial Models only





Wobble = Wobbling (Screensavers) -> on Pages 29-30-31

P-I-P = Multi- PIP -> on Pages 21-22

http://service.us.panasonic.com/OPERMANPDF/TH37PWD8UKJ.PDF


:) :) :)





.
BruZZi's Panasonic Plasma FAQ (http://www.bruzzi.ws/plasma-faq/index.php?) - Read First
The FAQ plus links to Plasma Stands, Wallmounts, Speakers, Frames, Bezels & More.
Also links to Audio/Video Faqs, Comparisons, Reviews, Shootouts, Tweaks & Many More.

Hi Guys-

I think the original poster was asking about the TH-50px50u, not the 8uk model. The manual for the 50 u model has no references whatever to the following search terms:
Wobble
Screensaver
PIP
P-I-P

And I went through it manually and found no similar functionality. If I'm wrong on this for the TH-50px50u model, someone please post...

Marc

Hi Guys-

I think the original poster was asking about the TH-50px50u,

Oops, for some reason the "500U" didn't paste on my post.

It should read "P-I-P: Both Commercial and Consumer 500U Models."

Sorry about that.

:)


.
BruZZi's Panasonic Plasma FAQ (http://www.bruzzi.ws/plasma-faq/index.php?) - Read First
The FAQ plus links to Plasma Stands, Wallmounts, Speakers, Frames, Bezels & More.
Also links to Audio/Video Faqs, Comparisons, Reviews, Shootouts, Tweaks & Many More.

Has anyone confirmed how many HDMI inputs will be on the 2006 60u/600u plasmas??
(i called panasonic and the unhelpful dude said "don't know"...) :eek:

this will help me decide whether to get this or a pioneer 4360.

thanks much...
:)

I've got a Panasonic TH-37PX50U which is 1024 x 768 pixels. I read another post which stated:

"If you get an HDTV Plasma just make sure it has a native resolution of 1280x720 or better since that is the minimum 16:9 aspect ratio ATSC HD signal. Some Plasma manufacturers in order to save money do have units with 720 rows or better but only have 1024 pixels per row instead of 1280 therby discarding 25% of the HD detail."

Any truth to this? I'm starting to wonder about the choice I made.

It's true, but no one makes a 37" or even a 42" plasma with 1280 X 720 resolution...they have not been able to make the pixels small enough to accomodate the extra lines of resolution. They are on the drawing board now and will probably be commercially available in the next couple of years, but at this point the only way to get HD resolution, either 1280 X 720 or 1920 X 1080 is to buy a 50" or larger panel.

The part about "discarding" 25% of the HD detail is not quite correct, in that the HD signal coming in is "scaled" to fit the available pixels...some detail may be discarded but it isn't the same thing as the issue currently being discussed regarding the way that Panasonic and others handle the 720 input signal. The Gary Merson article identified a number of sets that down-res the 720 signal to half the number of lines, and that is a disappointing outcome. There is a separate thread about those articles.

I'll bet your set has a MUCH better picture than mine!!!!

You are correct, there is no problem. The 4:3 format SD channels are stretched to fill the display regardless of if 720p or 1080i format is selected on the H10-250 and the TH-50PHD8UK.

Which format gives you the better picture via HDMI output? I would imagine 1080i selected from the HR10-250, correct?

automatic stretch feature is great! yet another reason for me as a D* user to get the 8UK :cool:

automatic stretch feature is great! yet another reason for me as a D* user to get the 8UK :cool:

Hi guys-

I must be missing something on this. I've always felt that a 4:3 picture stretched to fill a widescreen is unwatchable. Having heads and other objects stretched to unrealistic proportions drives me nuts.

Do people really watch TV this way?

Marc

Hi guys-

I must be missing something on this. I've always felt that a 4:3 picture stretched to fill a widescreen is unwatchable. Having heads and other objects stretched to unrealistic proportions drives me nuts.

Do people really watch TV this way?

Marc

Yes, for these reasons.

1. The stretch modes on most new widescreen TVs include a mode where only the outside part of the picture is stretched -- and not the central part (where most of your viewing is). So it generally doesn't look to weird.

2. Regardless of whether its weird or not, you get used to it, and don't even notice it after awhile. In fact, most people in a bar watching a plasma or other widescreen technology, don't even realize they are watching a stretched image (just ask them).

3. The stuff in 4 x 3 (i.,e not shown in HD, is stuff where you really dont' care what it looks like -- ie., TV news shows, MTV, etc. However, the really good stuff: like major sporting events, just about all prime-time dramas, movies, etc. -- are all in HD now, so you don't need to stretch, you just watch in HD.

I mean, does it really matter if Jerry Springer, your local news, or Wheel of Fortune is stretched?

Hi guys-

I must be missing something on this. I've always felt that a 4:3 picture stretched to fill a widescreen is unwatchable. Having heads and other objects stretched to unrealistic proportions drives me nuts.

Do people really watch TV this way?

Marc

I agree for the most part with Caesar1. The stretch mode he is referring to is called "Just" on my panny plasma, probably short for "justify". But there are two other stretch modes, including zoom. They all have their advantages and disadvantages. However my point is that the receiver/STB makes all the difference. On my old Samsung HD 360 receiver all SD in all stretch modes was very uninspiring. I found myself only watching HD shows and skipping anything in SD due to PQ. However, now the same exact pictures and stretch modes on my new H20 look acceptible/terrific. The colors are more vibrant and the picture is sharper and more defined. I am slowly coming back to SD stretch only because of my new H20 and its PQ for OTA and D* programming.

I agree for the most part with Caesar1. The stretch mode he is referring to is called "Just" on my panny plasma, probably short for "justify". But there are two other stretch modes, including zoom. They all have their advantages and disadvantages. However my point is that the receiver/STB makes all the difference. On my old Samsung HD 360 receiver all SD in all stretch modes was very uninspiring. I found myself only watching HD shows and skipping anything in SD due to PQ. However, now the same exact pictures and stretch modes on my new H20 look acceptible/terrific. The colors are more vibrant and the picture is sharper and more defined. I am slowly coming back to SD stretch only because of my new H20 and its PQ for OTA and D* programming.


OK, I set my TH-50PX50u to "Just" mode and watched some traditional 4x3 material for a while. I don't think I'll ever actually like it, but setting it this way is probably less annoying than having to flip around modes all the time.

Now the big problem is programs that are broadcast in SD 4x3 but that incorporate top and bottom bars to create a pseudo-letterbox effect. Specifically I'm thinking about Battlestar Galactica. I have previously experimented with different modes just for this show, and haven't found a perfect mode. using ZOOM, a little bit of the top and bottom of the picture is cut off. The stretch modes made it look awful with extra-wide heads.

Any thoughts on this one? Zoom is supposed to be the answer for this, but perhaps the sizing of the letterboxing SciFi uses is nonstandard.

Marc

OK, I set my TH-50PX50u to "Just" mode and watched some traditional 4x3 material for a while. I don't think I'll ever actually like it, but setting it this way is probably less annoying than having to flip around modes all the time.

Now the big problem is programs that are broadcast in SD 4x3 but that incorporate top and bottom bars to create a pseudo-letterbox effect. Specifically I'm thinking about Battlestar Galactica. I have previously experimented with different modes just for this show, and haven't found a perfect mode. using ZOOM, a little bit of the top and bottom of the picture is cut off. The stretch modes made it look awful with extra-wide heads.

Any thoughts on this one? Zoom is supposed to be the answer for this, but perhaps the sizing of the letterboxing SciFi uses is nonstandard.

Marc
On the 500u, the zoom mode can be adjusted in the menu. Top and bottom can be backed down from 15 to what fits the screen.

Hi folks,

read parts of the FAQ and did a search, but haven't been lucky yet...

Are there any common pixel-perfect timings for the Panasonic PHD8 50inch 1366x768 using a HTPC with a Radeon card (Powerstrip etc)?

And is a pp timing also possible when using the HDMI input card? Or only with the D-15 RGB input.

Thanks a bunch, sorry if this has been covered 1000 times before.

Best regards
Bjoern

Hello everybody,

I'm new on this forum. I just finished building my own HTPC with an MSI 6600GT graphics card. This card has an component output.

The TH42-PW6EX has a native resolution of 853x480, according to the manual it can handle 480p, 576p, 720p and 1080i.

When I connect the HTPC to the plasma, thru the component input on the tuner (AV4C), there is no image at all whatever the resolution the 6600GT sends (480p ou 720p or 576p). But my DVD player (a JVC XV NA77) gives an image (it outputs 576 pal progressive).

I did a lot of tweaking (timings, front and rear porches, # of pixels) to no avail :mad:

Could anyone help me out of trouble ?

Thanks a lot in advance

jacky

On the 500u, the zoom mode can be adjusted in the menu. Top and bottom can be backed down from 15 to what fits the screen.


That did it. The 50 also has this feature and I backed it down to about 11 or so. Fits great.

Thanks guys!

Marc

Hi folks-

I've been meaning to register my TH-50PX50u with Panasonic, but I don't have the serial number handy. I had the delivery guys remove the box and hang the TV before I thought about jotting down the serial number from either the box or the TV back sticker.

Is this information stored in the TV and available via any of the menus? I haven't found it in any searches.

NEW EDIT: I used a mirror to look around the back-bottom of the unit, but couldn't find the serial number anywhere. Could some kind sole let me know where the serial number tag is? Thanks

Marc

Hi Marc

Check out Bruzzi's web site for the 411 and instructions on how to get into the service menu of your Panasonic at:

http://www.bruzzi.ws/plasma-faq/showthread.php?t=142

The serial number should be available from the service menu.



Hi folks-

I've been meaning to register my TH-50PX50u with Panasonic, but I don't have the serial number handy. I had the delivery guys remove the box and hang the TV before I thought about jotting down the serial number from either the box or the TV back sticker.

Is this information stored in the TV and available via any of the menus? I haven't found it in any searches.

NEW EDIT: I used a mirror to look around the back-bottom of the unit, but couldn't find the serial number anywhere. Could some kind sole let me know where the serial number tag is? Thanks

Marc

Hi Marc

Check out Bruzzi's web site for the 411 and instructions on how to get into the service menu of your Panasonic at:

http://www.bruzzi.ws/plasma-faq/showthread.php?t=142

The serial number should be available from the service menu.

Thanks for the link. I was able to get into the service menu, but didn't see the serial number anywhere. Admittedly the service menu is not the easiest thing to navigate through and I might have missed it.

And more details will be greatly appreciated.

Marc

Hi, I had a TH-42PX50u about two weeks ago. I returned it because after using the DVE calibration DVD I noticed a white line across the middle of the screen. It was faint but definitely there. I noticed it when my SA8300HD would switch channels from the guide and show a full grey screen. Now, CC is completely sold out and has no idea when new one's are coming in. I read that the next generation is due out in a few months. I then checked Costco and they have the TH-50PM50U (consumer) and TH-50PHD8UK (professional) plasmas. I read the FAQ and read around and they appear to be very similar. I noticed the professional had advanced color controls. After using the DVE disc I noticed there wasn't a color choice (cinema, standard, vivid) that I believed to be the one they were asking to use. Does the professional model have the right one? As far as pure picture quality is there any real difference? After having my plasma I feel like a chump watching my old CRT LOL! Would you guys recommend one of these costco one's over the other or should I just wait for the next gen to come out? Thanks.

Hi,

first i want to thank BruZZi for his fine FAQ-Page!

in addition I have a few questions about the PX500/PV500:
(I read almost the whole thread, but didn´t found the right anwers)

1) I have the problem, that my Panny has the "Black Level Fluctuation" -problem I think, because the brightness changes sometimes (when in a light screen a dark area appears) very shortly.
So I have the question, if there is a solve for th PX500/PV500. The solve for the TH 37/42PHD8UK and "7UY" Displays doesn´t work.

2) Is there any possibility to use the speakers of the Panny as the center-speaker. For example to wire direct into the Panny at the right point, because my family won´t see the center speaker.

3) Has anyone the servicemanual for the PX50/PX500, because i think there must be more than the 3 Servicemenu´s we all know, to manage the overscan, pictureposition, and so on. I only found it for the TH-42PHD5 and 42PW4.

Thanks for the info.

I'm looking at getting a 42PHD8UK monitor. The installation will be using a HTM RF remote for control. Can anyone tell me where the IR sensor is on the unit and whether or not it will be possible to use an IR blaster to control the TV?

Thanks.

I'm looking at getting a 42PHD8UK monitor. The installation will be using a HTM RF remote for control. Can anyone tell me where the IR sensor is on the unit and whether or not it will be possible to use an IR blaster to control the TV?

Thanks.

if my mem serves me correctly, the IR window is on face, bottom left corner.

click here (http://catalog2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/images/LargerPhoto/L_TH-42PHD8K_front_R.jpg) for a pic of the unit

Hi, I had a TH-42PX50u about two weeks ago. I returned it because after using the DVE calibration DVD I noticed a white line across the middle of the screen. It was faint but definitely there. I noticed it when my SA8300HD would switch channels from the guide and show a full grey screen. Now, CC is completely sold out and has no idea when new one's are coming in. I read that the next generation is due out in a few months. I then checked Costco and they have the TH-50PM50U (consumer) and TH-50PHD8UK (professional) plasmas. I read the FAQ and read around and they appear to be very similar. I noticed the professional had advanced color controls. After using the DVE disc I noticed there wasn't a color choice (cinema, standard, vivid) that I believed to be the one they were asking to use. Does the professional model have the right one? As far as pure picture quality is there any real difference? After having my plasma I feel like a chump watching my old CRT LOL! Would you guys recommend one of these costco one's over the other or should I just wait for the next gen to come out? Thanks.

the panels themselves should be the same. the consumer version has the inputs integrated into the unit while the PHD models have modules that you plug in. the modules offered for PHD are numerous and can allow you to do alot more with a PHD model as opposed to the consumer model(s), etc.

i noticed that when i switched my PHD from s-video to hdmi input, the color menu items disappeared.

hope this helps.
DK

Hi Marc

Check out Bruzzi's web site for the 411 and instructions on how to get into the service menu of your Panasonic at:

http://www.bruzzi.ws/plasma-faq/showthread.php?t=142

The serial number should be available from the service menu.

let me caution. one should know how to work the service menus before entering it. changing a setting in the wrong menu by mistake, or unknowingly, can damage the plasma.

i learned from Bruzzi that the volume key on the remote will change setting of some menu items, so be very careful when mucking around in the service menu.

DK

OK, I set my TH-50PX50u to "Just" mode and watched some traditional 4x3 material for a while. I don't think I'll ever actually like it, but setting it this way is probably less annoying than having to flip around modes all the time.

Now the big problem is programs that are broadcast in SD 4x3 but that incorporate top and bottom bars to create a pseudo-letterbox effect. Specifically I'm thinking about Battlestar Galactica. I have previously experimented with different modes just for this show, and haven't found a perfect mode. using ZOOM, a little bit of the top and bottom of the picture is cut off. The stretch modes made it look awful with extra-wide heads.

Any thoughts on this one? Zoom is supposed to be the answer for this, but perhaps the sizing of the letterboxing SciFi uses is nonstandard.

Marc

"just" stretches just the ends of the source. what does "full" look like?

It's true, but no one makes a 37" or even a 42" plasma with 1280 X 720 resolution...they have not been able to make the pixels small enough to accomodate the extra lines of resolution. They are on the drawing board now and will probably be commercially available in the next couple of years, but at this point the only way to get HD resolution, either 1280 X 720 or 1920 X 1080 is to buy a 50" or larger panel.

The part about "discarding" 25% of the HD detail is not quite correct, in that the HD signal coming in is "scaled" to fit the available pixels...some detail may be discarded but it isn't the same thing as the issue currently being discussed regarding the way that Panasonic and others handle the 720 input signal. The Gary Merson article identified a number of sets that down-res the 720 signal to half the number of lines, and that is a disappointing outcome. There is a separate thread about those articles.



exactly! IMHO panels that cannot support the 2 HD canvas resolutions natively should not be tagged as a "HD" set, but rather "HD Compatible".

i believe the industry needs to use "TRUE-HD 720" and "TRUE-HD 1080" to distinguish the panel as one that supports the resolution(s) natively.

want to really know if they (panel sales folks at the retail stores) have any clue what HD is? simply go into the retail store, grab a plasma sales guru and ask "is this panel a true HD panel?". then inquire about the native resolution.... then feel free to educate.

DK

Hello all,

I am having trouble with my 50" panny px50u. I have had this same problem and found a fix for it here on this board last year. Unfortunately, I forgot what I did! and I searched the forum but cant seem to find help.

Maybe there is a new fix for this now. I was thinking about calling panasonic, but thought I would post it here first.

The Aspect button on the remote does not work. When I hit the button the TV button just blinks. I think I reset the tv last time, but I dont remember exactly.

I do remember other people having the same trouble. It seem that once you get it worrking, it works for a while than quits. All other functions are workning properly and I love the TV!

Any help here would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks,

Dave

i dunno if your Q was answered or not, but the aspect feature wont work when the input signal is in certain modes (like 1080, etc). when in 480p it lets you pick several aspect modes.

was there really a "fix"?

DK

I just purchased a Panasonic 50PX50U. Where do I find out whether it's native resolution is 720p or 1080i? Or both. Thanks.

Actually...it is neither. The native resolution of the 50px50u is 1366x768.

a 1080i signal is 1920x1080 - interlaced scan
a 720p is 1024x720 - progressive scan

The 50px50u is capable of scaling either signal (1080i or 720p) to it's native resolution of 1366x768.


HD 720 is 1280x720
HD 1080 is 1920x1080

a 1366x768 is natively 16:9, scaling is much easier to do. the 42phd8uk has 4:3 native pixels but on a 16:9 canvas, scaling on this panel is a tad more difficult.

Hi,
Can anyone tell me what the default settings are for:

H-Pos, V-Pos, H-size, V-size

As accessed in the IIC service menu on the series 6 50" panel TH-50PHD6UY/TH-50PHW6 ?

I'm trying to set 1:1 pixel matching using a new input board and changed these settings over a year ago - without noting the defaults !

I wonder if there is a service setting to reset all settings to defaults ?

Thanks
mupi

HD 720 is 1280x720
HD 1080 is 1920x1080

a 1366x768 is natively 16:9, scaling is much easier to do. the 42phd8uk has 4:3 native pixels but on a 16:9 canvas, scaling on this panel is a tad more difficult.

Denon_Kid

Thanks for the correction... I knew that! :)
I must have been thinking of the native rez width of the 42...while I let my fingers do the typing.

Andy

Hi BruZZI:
I was all set to get Panny 500 but there has been a lot of posts about Panny losing resolution for 720p. I think it's published in home theatre magazine. Is this indeed a problem with Panny. Can you know at what resolution the PDP is disaplaying the picture using SM? Looks like a serious issue. Any thoughts??
-Sam

I know an answer to this must be located somewhere..but I sure can't find it.

What are the powerstrip setings I need to run my ATI 9800pro video card into my Panasonic 500u TV. I am going DVI out to RGB in on the tv. I have the latest catylst drivers (6.03?). Do I even need powerstrip to achieve a great picture output on my HTPC?

I have a panasonic TH-50PX50U tv. I use analog cable from Comcast. I'm trying to figure out what the actual channel number is for some of the local HD channels sent in QAM. It looks like the local channels are virtual channels. Anyone know how to find out what the real channel is? Thanks.

let me caution. one should know how to work the service menus before entering it. changing a setting in the wrong menu by mistake, or unknowingly, can damage the plasma.

i learned from Bruzzi that the volume key on the remote will change setting of some menu items, so be very careful when mucking around in the service menu.

DK

Thanks for the cautionary info. I poked around very carefully in the service mode but was not successfull in finding the serial number.

Can ANYBODY tell me where on the back of the unit the serial number info is? I've done some checks with a small mirror, but haven't found it yet. I don't have any practical way to unmount the screen as I'm new in town and don't have strong friends yet.

If somebody can tell me just where the info is, I can probably probe more deeply with the mirror and get the number.

Thanks!

Marc

"just" stretches just the ends of the source. what does "full" look like?

Hi Denon-

Full wasn't quite right either, but I adjusted the settings of Zoom mode and got a perfect fit!

:)

Marc

Thanks for the cautionary info. I poked around very carefully in the service mode but was not successfull in finding the serial number.

Can ANYBODY tell me where on the back of the unit the serial number info is? I've done some checks with a small mirror, but haven't found it yet. I don't have any practical way to unmount the screen as I'm new in town and don't have strong friends yet.

If somebody can tell me just where the info is, I can probably probe more deeply with the mirror and get the number.

Thanks!

Marc

I FINALLY found it! If one is facing the screen, it's about a foot from the left and about 8-10 inches down. Careful probing with a mirror revealed it after I found that general area is where the stickers are on display models at local retailers.

Marc

Hi folks,

read parts of the FAQ and did a search, but haven't been lucky yet...

Are there any common pixel-perfect timings for the Panasonic PHD8 50inch 1366x768 using a HTPC with a Radeon card (Powerstrip etc)?

And is a pp timing also possible when using the HDMI input card? Or only with the D-15 RGB input.

Thanks a bunch, sorry if this has been covered 1000 times before.

Best regards
Bjoern

I would also like to know this, albeit with an Nvidia 6800GT card :)

Can anyone tell me if the TY-ST50PX500 stand is compatible with the TH50PX50U PDP? It swivels and the TY-ST50PX5W stand doesn't.

Thanks

Hi Guys-

I think the original poster was asking about the TH-50px50u, not the 8uk model. The manual for the 50 u model has no references whatever to the following search terms:
Wobble
Screensaver
PIP
P-I-P

And I went through it manually and found no similar functionality. If I'm wrong on this for the TH-50px50u model, someone please post...

Marc

I'm also curious about the so-called "Wobble" and "screensaver" settings on the TH-50PX50U. If these features exist, how do I access them? I want to make sure I utilize all features available to help prevent burn-in.

I'm also curious about the so-called "Wobble" and "screensaver" settings on the TH-50PX50U. If these features exist, how do I access them? I want to make sure I utilize all features available to help prevent burn-in.

I don't believe these features exist on the TH-50-PX50u, only on the commercial models and possibly the 500u. I've got a 50u, and I haven't found either wobble or screensaver anywhere in the documentation or menus.

Marc

I don't believe these features exist on the TH-50-PX50u, only on the commercial models and possibly the 500u. I've got a 50u, and I haven't found either wobble or screensaver anywhere in the documentation or menus.

Marc

Other than the general tips (reducing the brightness/contrast, avoiding static images, etc.) are there any features specific to the TH-50PX50u that will help avoid burn-in?

Other than the general tips (reducing the brightness/contrast, avoiding static images, etc.) are there any features specific to the TH-50PX50u that will help avoid burn-in?

Side bar intensity level and the aspect features come to mind. I don't watch much material at 4:3 these days, so burn-in isn't a likely event anyway.

I just got my 50phd8uk yesterday and it looks great!!! I noticed that when watching dvd, though, it tends to stretch the picture on the sides, especially with widescreen dvd's. Am I using the wrong setting? How do I make this go away?

Yes, you are likely using the wrong setting. Read your manual, it should be clear which setting to use.

I just got my 50phd8uk yesterday and it looks great!!! I noticed that when watching dvd, though, it tends to stretch the picture on the sides, especially with widescreen dvd's. Am I using the wrong setting? How do I make this go away?


Change the aspect to "Full".



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I'm also curious about the so-called "Wobble" and "screensaver" settings on the TH-50PX50U. If these features exist, how do I access them? I want to make sure I utilize all features available to help prevent burn-in.


The Consumer Models don't have screensavers.



ATTENTION: The New Domain for BruZZi's Plasma FAQ is www.bruzzi.ws
If you have a direct link to the site please uptade to the new Domain Name.

The Consumer Models don't have screensavers.



Do they have the pixel shift feature?

Do they have the pixel shift feature?

Nope.

The Wobbling is the pixel shift feature.

You don't really need screensavers (unless you're a heavy gamer).

Image retention/burn-in won't be an issue if you:

- Break-in your Plasma at least for 100 hours.

- Don't leave a same static image for long period of time.

- Use "full screen" as much as possible.


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My mom and dad (their 80) just got the TH-42PD50U. I've read and understand the black bars can't be gotten rid of in 4:3 material on OTA HD channels. The manual says not to use any black bar material for the first 100 hours and then 15% for the next 900 hours. I called Panasonic and the CS guy said they could still watch material with black bars even during the first 100 hours, but keep it down to something like 4 hours straight before switching to full screen material for 20 minutes or so. Then after the first 200 hours you can do whatever you want, "200" is the magic number he says. I repeated the manual to him and he said that was a very conservative estimate. Does what the CS guy told me sound reasonable?

Also I had my mom go into the channel program table and assign numbers 2-6 to some channels in the favorite column, but when she presses the favorite button on the remote all she says she sees is a "1". How does this favorite feature work?

I'd also be curious about what settings others find that look best with this TV. I see in FAQ there is one user's settings, but he has Contrast at 30 which is 100%, isn't that hard on the TV? TIA

My mom and dad (their 80) just got the TH-42PD50U. I've read and understand the black bars can't be gotten rid of in 4:3 material on OTA HD channels.

Is it also true that on the TH-50PX50U the black bars can't be gotten rid of in 4:3 material OTA HD channels? Thats gonna suck.

Is it also true that on the TH-50PX50U the black bars can't be gotten rid of in 4:3 material OTA HD channels? Thats gonna suck.

Yes it's true and yes it does suck. But that's only for occaisonal commercial and all HD programming is widescreen anyway, unless you're watching the network hd channels displaying regular content during their off-peak programing hours, then you may as well switch to the regular SD channel.

Is it also true that on the TH-50PX50U the black bars can't be gotten rid of in 4:3 material OTA HD channels? Thats gonna suck.


Not just the TH-50PX50U but all other Commercial and Consumer Models as well.



ATTENTION: The New Domain for BruZZi's Plasma FAQ is www.bruzzi.ws
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Yes it's true and yes it does suck. But that's only for occaisonal commercial and all HD programming is widescreen anyway, unless you're watching the network hd channels displaying regular content during their off-peak programing hours, then you may as well switch to the regular SD channel.

I live in Los Angeles and I am looking at Black Bars all the time on lots of HD channels. It is lame. Last night ABC, Fox, and another local channel KTLA were all in beautiful HD but with black bars on the side. Very strange. I know the TV and cable is set up properly as CBS and NBC and PBS were all full screen and gorgeous HD. Strange.

I live in Los Angeles and I am looking at Black Bars all the time on lots of HD channels. It is lame. Last night ABC, Fox, and another local channel KTLA were all in beautiful HD but with black bars on the side. Very strange. I know the TV and cable is set up properly as CBS and NBC and PBS were all full screen and gorgeous HD. Strange.
The shows with black bars on HD channels are actually not filmed in HD. They are SD content that is upconverted and then broadcast on HD channels.

The upconversion is pretty good though and looks a lot better than the same shows on the SD channels. Shows what a decent scaler can do.

Most people will sacrifice the better quality of watching SD shows on HD channels because they don't want to deal with the risk of burn-in with black bars.

Has anyone installed the firmware updates now available at http://www.pasctraining.panasonic.com/SpecialApplications/ProductFirmwareDownloads/downloads1.asp ?

I have a TH-50PX500U and while I am not using a cable card I was interested in the optical out pass through. Any special cautions other than those on the web sight?

Has anyone installed the firmware updates now available at http://www.pasctraining.panasonic.com/SpecialApplications/ProductFirmwareDownloads/downloads1.asp ?

I have a TH-50PX500U and while I am not using a cable card I was interested in the optical out pass through. Any special cautions other than those on the web sight?

There's another thread on the firmware update. Basically, the update is supposed to resolve problem with optical audio and CableCard use. For those not interested in CableCard and also don't plan on using it, it should not be a concern. As for optical pass, I'm not sure I follow. But the optical audio out seems to work just fine. When I watch 24 on Fox-HD OTA I use the optical out of the TV and receiver indicates that it is receiving Dolby Digital.

I am not planning to update firmware on my 50px50u. Seems like more trouble than it's worth.

As the saying goes, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Has anyone installed the firmware updates now available at http://www.pasctraining.panasonic.com/SpecialApplications/ProductFirmwareDownloads/downloads1.asp ?

I have a TH-50PX500U and while I am not using a cable card I was interested in the optical out pass through. Any special cautions other than those on the web sight?

This should only effect you if you are using a cable card (and running optical out to an a/v receiver from the TV).

With a cable box you run the audio from the cable box to the a/v receiver.

If you are getting HDTV over the air, you shouldn't have any issues with copy protection and digital audio out.

There's another thread on the firmware update. Basically, the update is supposed to resolve problem with optical audio and CableCard use. For those not interested in CableCard and also don't plan on using it, it should not be a concern. As for optical pass, I'm not sure I follow. But the optical audio out seems to work just fine. When I watch 24 on Fox-HD OTA I use the optical out of the TV and receiver indicates that it is receiving Dolby Digital.

I am not planning to update firmware on my 50px50u. Seems like more trouble than it's worth.

As the saying goes, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Over the air channels wouldn't be effected by the issue. In fact, even with a cable card ONLY the local broadcast digital channels were NOT effected by this issue.

All other digital channels (100 and above) -- including INHD, Discovery HD, etc. were effected by this due to copy protection.

I assume the local broadcast channels (whether received over the air or via cable -- and whether the analog or digital broadcast version) -- do not include this copy protection in the data stream.

I've just ordered the Panasonic TH-50PHD8UK. Now I need an audio system. Any suggestions? THANKS!

I've just ordered the Panasonic TH-50PHD8UK. Now I need an audio system. Any suggestions? THANKS!

I'm using an Onkyo TXSR603 receiver. It switches AV inputs for me. I've got a DVD player, a Sony DVR, and the cable box DVR, all connected to the receiver via component and digital audio. I output the component to the TV. Also have a VCR that will eventually be hooked up to one of the s-Video inputs.

The speakers I'm using are Athena Point5 ones along with an Athena subwoofer. For rear surrounds in the back of the room I'm hooked up some old speakers I had laying around.

I haven't completely calibrated the system yet but so far it sounds great.

Marc

I've just ordered the Panasonic TH-50PHD8UK. Now I need an audio system. Any suggestions? THANKS!

There raving about the Panasonic xrs-55 ($230) in the audio forum.

I've just ordered the Panasonic TH-50PHD8UK. Now I need an audio system. Any suggestions? THANKS!

I have the same pdp and I'm using a Yamaha YSP800 sound projector. It has the advantage of being a single speaker system and having excellent sound. We chose it to fit in with the minimalist "look" we wanted.

It has the disadvantage of needing flat side and rear walls to bounce the sound off to create really convincing surround sound. I'm pretty easy-going when it comes to surround; as long as there's a noticable difference, left, right and center, I'm happy. With my room configuration, I don't have a left wall, so the surround is a bit lop-sided, but we really don't notice this.

The bass out of the speaker is excellent, full and deep. It can also run a powered subwoofer if you want.

Its music reproduction is likewise very good.

The YSP is a great way to have good (say, B+) sound without needing a bunch of speakers all over the room. We like it, but we're not audiophiles, so take it for what it's worth.

bw

I bought the 50" at costco a few weeks ago (I don't know the model number because I don't have it anymore) . But I had the first one, exchanged it and the 2nd one had the same issue. It would randomly move the image to the left and have a part of the screen blank, and also the image to the left was distorted when it was turned on. It only seemed to happen with my ReplayTV unit and I've had several HD tv's before with no problems like this... I was using the HDMI connection. I called support and they suggested I update the firmware (I did, via the onboard USB port) and no luck. They said the first one was defective, so that's why I exchanged it 2 days after buying it. Just FYI for anyone with a ReplyTV.

Hello,

How/why does a panasonic plasma display (42" 1024x768) nicely deinterlace 1080i footage from a video source such as a HiDef camera or HD player, but not deinterlace a video file playing from a computer. How does it work, and is there a workaround to "trick" the display into deinterlacing the HD file playing off the computer?

Thanks,
Mike

It would probably get you better quality to deinterlace the signal in software on your computer than to rely on the panel's deinterlacer anyway. The assumption with VGA signals is that they are already progressive (VESA VGA modes do include a few interlaced ones, but they are by vast majority progressive).

If you're doing DVD or MPEG-2 playback, the NVidia PureVideo Decoder (http://www.nvidia.com/page/purevideo.html) [aka. Nvidia Video Decoder] does excellent decode and auto-IVTC (pulldown removal) for flagged (and maybe non-flagged?) DVD & MPEG-2. Excellent AnandTech review with test results here (http://www.anandtech.com/printarticle.aspx?i=2551).

If you're using another format and want fast realtime deinterlacing, Dscaler (http://deinterlace.sourceforge.net/) is probably a good DirectShow filter that can be put in your chain.

For non-realtime IVTC and deinterlace, Telecide is probably a good start (newest Decomb package here (http://www.avisynth.org/warpenterprises/))

Just got my 8UK, I'm currently using it mostly to watch DVDs from
a Sony progressive scan (480p) player connected by component video
cables.. Question I have for you folks is: Since this is an analog signal,
the quality of the cables will matter right? But will the cable quality
matter to the point of being able to see a difference with a 480p signal?

thanks

I orderd the panasonic 50phd8uk from Costco last week. I also ordered the Yamaha YSP-1000 to make my wife happy and get rid of all my NHT super 0's collecting all over our family room. I am trying to sort out the best way to run the video end of things. I have Time Warner cable with the HD DVR. I need to buy new DVD player and am thinking of the Oppo. With that in mind would it be best to run both DVR and Oppo to YSP-1000 then on to the 508uk or run the Oppo straight to the Plasma. Also with this setup would you recomend getting a DVI blade. Thanks

I orderd the panasonic 50phd8uk from Costco last week. I also ordered the Yamaha YSP-1000 to make my wife happy and get rid of all my NHT super 0's collecting all over our family room. I am trying to sort out the best way to run the video end of things. I have Time Warner cable with the HD DVR. I need to buy new DVD player and am thinking of the Oppo. With that in mind would it be best to run both DVR and Oppo to YSP-1000 then on to the 508uk or run the Oppo straight to the Plasma. Also with this setup would you recomend getting a DVI blade. Thanks

I am not sure Panny makes a DVI blade any more, just HDMI. If your cable box is like the older Comcast phase II Moto 6412 boxes, it has DVI out. The phase III have HDMI out. There are cables that convert from DVI<>HDMI. Our cable box is a phase II hooked up to a y.o. Panny 7uy via DVI. I used the component input for the DVD player.

...mike

Hello,
I get my 50" panny 8uk from Visual Apex tomorrow and after doing a search I didn't find a quick answer so I figure I'd post it here. I know this has probably been asked 1,000 times but can I use my 8uk for a cpu monitor? I thought I read a couple months ago someone saying I can't, but I figure it is worth asking. Also, I do not have HD service, just standard satelitte thorugh DirecTV and I will be using a S-Video line for my out to the tv. Is my picture quality not going to blow me away when I finally get the thing turned on, will there really be that big of a difference? Also, I plan on calibrating it myself (since I am not rich :rolleyes: ) and just taking the advice from one fo the categories in the first post of this thread, that should be sufficient enough right ... I guess I just have down to the wire jitters and hope my pennies saved will be what I expected.

Also, besides calibrating the televisions picture quality and setting my side bars to gray, is there any other setting I need to change in order to get the best experience with my tv? any resolution changes or things like that? Thanks.

When watching SD, set your Panny in the "just" mode. It will fill the entire screen. I guarantee (having had a Panny for 4+ years) that after a few days, a week at the most, you will think the picture is perfectly normal. Virtually all of us here use the "just" mode on the Panny. From what i gather, it does this better than most other mfrs.
I must say, tho, having an 8uk w.o. HD is like having a Porsche that never leaves the parking lot.

We watch(ed) D* on our 42". Our D* service is not HD. We got an HD DVR and HD service from Comcast Cable last year. We have had HD via BEV (Canadian sat.) for 4+ years.) Problem is 2 fold: (1) once you watch HD it is hard going back to watching SD. We rarely watch any movie that isn't HD now. (2) Once you have a DVR, you can't watch TV any other way.
You will notice that SD via D* is not great, but o.k. for most people. I have no problem w. it. D* will be coming out w. an HD DVR in the next few months. (The one they have now is not able to pick up any of the new HD channels they have.) DISH has just released there new model (622) which also will be rendering their old HD DVRs obsolete.

thanks for the info, i am not going up to HD just yet because I figured for the cost of the box for a HD DVR (I think $400 or so) plus the extra fees with DirecTV, I have been told there just aren't enough programs in HD yet to make it worth my wild. Is this true? If so, I also heard in the next year or so all this will be changing and most all programs will be sent in HD and in the nearby future most shows will be broadcasted in widescreen format, is this true?

what about the CPU monitor use from the 50" 8UK model?

Virtually all primetime shows are HD. Also, if you can get cable, they just rent the box for between $5 and $10/mo. No capital outlay! We do virtually all of our watching on Comcast via the HD DVR. Will probably cancel BEV. Would have upgraded but it looks like more of their signals will be lost to us as they aim some new old satellites further north.

The new shows, as mentioned are mostly HD now. Old shows, of course, have to be shown in the format they were made in. You can't transmit a 4:3 picture "widescreen" w.o. distortion. What you may be thinking of is that all TV stations have to surrender their present "spectrum" in a few years and will be broadcasting all digital signals. They do not, under present law, have to use this new bandwidth for an HD stream. They are allowed to transmit several, different, low quality streams. Some are already doing that by doing wasteful things like transmitting weather charts 24/7.

...mike

...what about the CPU monitor use from the 50" 8UK model?

Yes - VGA input for your PC is there.

Oh and as for the grey bars - try to "just" SD so there are no side bars.

I recently bought a Panasonic TH-50PM50U from Costco (note to self - don't do that again!) It was their last one and it was a display model. Unfortunately thay ran material with black bars on the screen for a couple of weeks. Now the set has image retention. Before I bring the set back, is there a white bar scroll that I can run from the service menu? What a shame. Costco ruins their display models by not properly breaking them in and running 16X9 material.

I recently bought a Panasonic TH-50PM50U from Costco (note to self - don't do that again!) It was their last one and it was a display model. Unfortunately thay ran material with black bars on the screen for a couple of weeks. Now the set has image retention. Before I bring the set back, is there a white bar scroll that I can run from the service menu? What a shame. Costco ruins their display models by not properly breaking them in and running 16X9 material.

Unfortunately not. No Screensavers on the Consumer Models.

Do you watch a lot of full screen material (like regular TV using "JUST" Mode)???
If yes, the image retention will eventually go away.


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Anyone know how to view the hours in use on a 50PM50u ?

Unfortunately not. No Screensavers on the Consumer Models.

Do you watch a lot of full screen material (like regular TV using "JUST" Mode)???
If yes, the image retention will eventually go away.


ATTENTION: The New Domain for BruZZi's Panasonic Plasma FAQ is bruzzi.ws
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Yes, I've been watching everything in full screen. The TV had 280 hours on it when I bought it. I've only put about 20 hours on it so far. I guess break in is more important than many people think. Thanks for the input.

Bruzzi,

I noticed that you removed the picture of the TH-42PD60U from the list of images. Was it because the picture was incorrect? I really liked the very thin bezel of that set and was starting to think of it as a possibility, but have seen pictures of the PD60 elsewhere that showed the bezel as thick as the PD50...didn't like that look at all. Please tell me that the PD60 looks just like the PX60 except that it's all silver !!!

Hi! I just got my 42PD50U today and will be ordering an HD Cable DVR and probably a new DVD Player since my old one isn't progressive scan.

Since I only have 1 HDMI Input, should I use that for the HD Cable DVR or the DVD Player - I assume the other one would be connected via Component Video.

Was thinking if I got an OPPO, maybe I could connect that via DVI->HDMI and then the HD Cable DVR via Component.....any recommendations?

Thanks for you help!

Bruzzi,

I noticed that you removed the picture of the TH-42PD60U from the list of images. Was it because the picture was incorrect? I really liked the very thin bezel of that set and was starting to think of it as a possibility, but have seen pictures of the PD60 elsewhere that showed the bezel as thick as the PD50...didn't like that look at all. Please tell me that the PD60 looks just like the PX60 except that it's all silver !!!

tomboyter, I'm not sure yet on how the TH-42PD60U will look like. :confused: :confused: :confused:

Panasonic posted a pic of the 42PD60U with the same design as the 42PD50U. I though it was a wrong photo since they made a mistake with the pic of the 50PX600U in the same CES press release (It's from the 50PX60U):

http://www.panasonic.com/consumer_electronics/ces_2006/popup_prod_televisions.asp


So I made that pic of the TH-42PD60U myself. :D

But now I'm waitng for a confirmation on the design. And just like you I'm hoping that the PD60U will have the newer look which is WAY better than the previous design.


BruZZi's Panasonic Plasma FAQ - bruzzi.ws
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Oh Man, I hope you sent your picture to Panasonic. It was SO MUCH better looking than the PD50 that it's not a contest! I have noticed that looking at the PD50 in the stores, the silver surround and the fact that the picture comes up right to the edge of the bezel makes the panel look bigger than the other 42" sets around it. I would buy your version even though it's silver. Have you ever tried to make an all black PX60? Post your pix of THAT !

Have you ever tried to make an all black PX60? Post your pix of THAT !


I'll do that when I get home. :)

Take a look at the all-black 50" 1080p prototype pic below. The bezel is thicker than on the PX60 but at least you can have an idea.

http://panasonic.co.jp/corp/news/official.data/data.dir/en051004-1/en051004-1-1.jpg



BruZZi's Panasonic Plasma FAQ - bruzzi.ws
Lots of info for all Plasmas ion General.

BruZZi-
My TH-50PHD8UK is shipping on Monday and D* is coming Friday :D

what I have planned right now is-

D* HR10-250 DVR via HMDI to 8UK (found a TY-FB8HM board)
Oppo 971 DVD via DVI to 8UK (TY-42TM6D DVI board)
Sony HT receiver STRK502P via S-video to 8UK (just for VCR and PS2)

then I will hook up my HT speakers via digital audio inputs from the STB and Oppo.

Do you think I should buy also the Avia or DVE disks? good idea? I want to have everything ready to go next week, thanks

Anything I'm forgetting here? (STB and Oppo both come with cables I believe)

thanks!

Anyone know the exact dimensions and the number of HDMI inputs of the 37PX60U?

A few questions:

Are the consumer models based on commercial tech? Or vice versa?

Are the new commercial models coming out in August? I am moving around that time, so I can wait until then, but if nothing new is coming out I may just go for the TH-42PWD8UK right now..

Anyone know the exact dimensions and the number of HDMI inputs of the 37PX60U?

I don't think that's been published yet as this is a new model coming out in spring 2006. Maybe BruZZi would know?

Anyone know the exact dimensions and the number of HDMI inputs of the 37PX60U?


Look here (catalog2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/vModelDetail?storeId=15001&catalogId=13401&itemId=96290&cacheProgram=11002&cachePartner=7000000000000005702&surfModel=TH-37PX60U&catGroupId=24973&surfCategory=Plasma%20TVs&displayTab=S)

And dimensions are:

57.2 lbs
36 x 25 1/4 X 3 3/4

per a post by Hidephonish on another thread.

BruZZi-
My TH-50PHD8UK is shipping on Monday and D* is coming Friday :D
what I have planned right now is-
D* HR10-250 DVR via HMDI to 8UK (found a TY-FB8HM board)
Oppo 971 DVD via DVI to 8UK (TY-42TM6D DVI board)
Sony HT receiver STRK502P via S-video to 8UK (just for VCR and PS2)

Anything I'm forgetting here?


Just a little problem...

To use a DVI and HDMI Boards (Or 2 DVIs - 2 HDMIs) you must sacrifice the S-Video/Composite. Only the Component and PC Boards can be used in the slot 3.


Do you think I should buy also the Avia or DVE disks? good idea? I want to have everything ready to go next week, thanks

I think you should get a calibation disk. Or you can use one of the THX Optimizer available on few DVD Titles (Pirates of Caribbean is one of them) and get DVE or AVIA later.



BruZZi's Panasonic Plasma FAQ - bruzzi.ws
Lots of info for all Plasmas in general.

A few questions:

Are the consumer models based on commercial tech? Or vice versa?

Are the new commercial models coming out in August? I am moving around that time, so I can wait until then, but if nothing new is coming out I may just go for the TH-42PWD8UK right now..

Both Models use the same Glass (Plasma Panel) and many electronics.

The Commercial Models are always released around August-September.



BruZZi's Panasonic Plasma FAQ - bruzzi.ws
Lots of info for all Plasmas in general.

Just a little problem...

To use a DVI and HDMI Boards (Or 2 DVIs - 2 HDMIs) you must sacrifice the S-Video/Composite. Only the Component and PC Boards can be used in the slot 3.




I think you should get a calibation disk. Or you can use one of the THX Optimizer available on few DVD Titles (Pirates of Caribbean is one of them) and get DVE or AVIA later.



BruZZi's Panasonic Plasma FAQ - bruzzi.ws
Lots of info for all Plasmas in general.


I thought all three slots are interchangable with any type of blade? (The inputs on the end (VGA and Serial) would be "fixed", however)

Also (per Citman's setup), when using a stereo reciever, why bother with an HDMI blade?

I thought all three slots are interchangable with any type of blade?

Unfortunately not:

http://www.bruzzi.ws/plasma-faq/showthread.php?t=25


BruZZi's Panasonic Plasma FAQ - bruzzi.ws
Lots of info for all Plasmas in general.

OK now I'm mad. I ran the THX video setup thats on the Pirates of the Caribbean DVD. When I ran the grayscale test, i get green on the darker shades of gray. Now I understand that the set is not professionally calibrated, but there is so much green that I can't believe that Panasonic would let it out of the factory like this. Does everyone have this problem? I have about 300 hours on this TV. I have a TH50PM50U.

it seems that the 42 inch HD commercial sets are now widely available online again... mine shipped today.


sweet.

it seems that the 42 inch HD commercial sets are now widely available online again... mine shipped today.


sweet.

Renfield!! What's up dude, haven't seen you on the line lately. Stilll enjoying your Xbox 360?

When are you expecting it?

OK now I'm mad. I ran the THX video setup thats on the Pirates of the Caribbean DVD. When I ran the grayscale test, i get green on the darker shades of gray. Now I understand that the set is not professionally calibrated, but there is so much green that I can't believe that Panasonic would let it out of the factory like this. Does everyone have this problem? I have about 300 hours on this TV. I have a TH50PM50U.
My TH-50PX500U is like that, too. I had to set the Color down to around minus 10 in order to dial out the green. Sometimes I think I still see a green push in yellows and especially in gold tones, but setting Color any more negative makes the skin tones too red/brown. I've heard of a few people here that have had the same problem and some said it gets better/less noticable with time... but my set also has around 200 or 300 hours and still shows.

OK now I'm mad. I ran the THX video setup thats on the Pirates of the Caribbean DVD. When I ran the grayscale test, i get green on the darker shades of gray. Now I understand that the set is not professionally calibrated, but there is so much green that I can't believe that Panasonic would let it out of the factory like this. Does everyone have this problem? I have about 300 hours on this TV. I have a TH50PM50U.
Did you try setting black level to Dark ???

What's your DVD Player???




My TH-50PX500U is like that, too. I had to set the Color down to around minus 10 in order to dial out the green. Sometimes I think I still see a green push in yellows and especially in gold tones, but setting Color any more negative makes the skin tones too red/brown. I've heard of a few people here that have had the same problem and some said it gets better/less noticable with time... but my set also has around 200 or 300 hours and still shows.


Did you try turning Advanced Color Management off ???


BruZZi's Panasonic Plasma FAQ - bruzzi.ws
Lots of info for all Plasmas in general.

I'm having an issue with my Panasonic 42 Commercial Model Gen 7. I get a vertical bar approximately 1/3 of the height of the screen that scrolls slowly up the screen with a slightly different shade than the rest of the picture. It almost looks like when you are watching a computer screen on TV and you see the refresh rate differences between the TV and the computer which gives the visual of a scrolling line running through the computer screen. It is hooked up via a D* HD TIVIO.Any ideas?

Did you try setting black level to Dark ???

What's your DVD Player???






Did you try turning Advanced Color Management off ???


BruZZi's Panasonic Plasma FAQ - bruzzi.ws
Lots of info for all Plasmas in general.

Yes, black level is set to dark

DVD player is a progressive scan Panasonic model number DVD-S35 hooked up with component cables.

Look here (catalog2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/vModelDetail?storeId=15001&catalogId=13401&itemId=96290&cacheProgram=11002&cachePartner=7000000000000005702&surfModel=TH-37PX60U&catGroupId=24973&surfCategory=Plasma%20TVs&displayTab=S)

And dimensions are:

57.2 lbs
36 x 25 1/4 X 3 3/4

per a post by Hidephonish on another thread.

2 HDMI slots for the 37

http://www.panasonic.it/_ftp/catalogs/VIERActlg_EU_06.pdf

Panasonic EU 2006 32 page brochure w tech specs (metric)

Hideph
---------------
ordered a 42PX60U

Renfield!! What's up dude, haven't seen you on the line lately. Stilll enjoying your Xbox 360?

When are you expecting it?


the plasma should be arriving on the 16th of march... can't wait for the 360 in FULL HD GLORY.

the plasma should be arriving on the 16th of march... can't wait for the 360 in FULL HD GLORY.

I expect a detailed report including pictures of your new setup. Are you gonna baby it for the first 100 hours? I'm curious to see how long that will last. As you know I sort of broke it in, but the blood lust and call to arms was more than I could bear.

I'm new and I'm sorry for asking this. When will the 8UK be replaced? And what new features will the next generation have?

Thanks,
Khoi

When is this going to hit the brick and mortars?

And, any thoughts on what they'll be going for? Is Panny going to drop in price compared to the 500's?

When is this going to hit the brick and mortars?

And, any thoughts on what they'll be going for? Is Panny going to drop in price compared to the 500's?

when?? who knows...

price, well from how the 60U were priced I'd say ~3K for the 42" and ~4K for the 50"

and if Panasoninc offers 10% off,w no shipping even less.

Hideph.

pcconnection.com has the 60 series 37" for a ridiculously low price. Let's put it this way; I bought the 50 series (TH37PX50U) for more $$$ several months ago from buydig. The difference I see in this one is more colors, no cablecard, but 2 HDMI. I would have gladly given up the cablecard for the extra HDMI.

Love my 37px50u, though. Anyone interested in feeding a PC signal to it via a transcoder box (Audio Authority) and component cables, look at my post at EntechTaiwan.com (http://www.entechtaiwan.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=3260)

I'm feeding the Panny from a Dell Laptop, with absolutely no overscan. All the details and Powerstrip settings are in the link above.

Checking your post I found that you only got 960x514... to pay thousands of dollars for a 1024x720 display and not even get its native resolution is unacceptable to me.

So I decided that in 8 months i'll be buying a TH-37PHD8UK, which accepts VGA input at (among others) 1366x768, and has controllable overscan. It may even work at 1280x720, though the manual doesn't mention that mode (certain online reviews have pointed out that the commercial Panasonics accept almost every mode through the VGA port).

Have you tried to get native resolution or higher modes that use square pixels working through either component or HDMI?

I'm not sure you understand resolutions that well. 960 is progressive, meaning it would be 1920 interlaced. 1080i (as in Hi-Def) is 1920x1080. My resolution works out to 1920x1028. 1028 is a correction for vertical overscan, and it's a perfect fit. I don't know what more you want from a display. So, it's essentially a 1080i input from the pc, with slight correction for vertical overscan. I used 960 because that's the limitation of my laptop video chip. It won't output 1920x1080i. If you check, most laptop LCD's can't do interlaced output without totally fuzzing up their own LCD screens. 960x540 Progressive is the functional equivalent of 1920x1080 Interlaced.

By the way, my display is 1024x768, not 720.

This panel only accepts certain signals over hdmi and component. It's looking for essentially 480p, 720p or 1080i. It scales anything then to its native.

I think you're misguided if you think that your panel will automatically fit whatever input you send it to its 16x9 format. You're going to have to do some overscan correction. Hey, I could be wrong, but I'm betting I'm not.

No, I haven't tried HDMI input vs. component. My one HDMI input is dedicated to my HD DVR. My laptop only outputs DVI via it's port replicator. I'd need a converter cable for starters, and I'd be giving up my HDMI input without a switchbox.

The 60 series consumer models have the extra HDMI input.

By the way, I didn't pay "thousands of dollars" for a gaming panel. I bought this for PQ on HDTV and DVD's, for which it's awesome. The pc input is secondary.

You seem to be assuming that I'm some uninformed person - you're wrong. First, your display is 1024x720:

http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/vModelDetail?storeId=15001&catalogId=13401&itemId=93337&cacheProgram=11002&cachePartner=7000000000000005702&surfModel=TH-37PX50U&catGroupId=24973&surfCategory=Plasma%20TVs&displayTab=S

Second, I'm not talking about interlaced. Your graphics card is sending 960x514 progressive to a panel which physically has 1024x720 progressive pixels. So you are losing 6.25% horizontal resolution and 28.61% vertical.

In other words, your graphics card is outputting a total of 494,440 pixels, while the display can show a total of 737,280. So, your available resolution is only 67% of the panel's capabilities.

I just purchased the 42PD50U. A couple questions.

I have dishnetwork and receive 480P/720P/1080i signals. The first question is should I keep the native resolution on the set top box to 480P to match the Panny's 480P?

Second question is about the built in HD tuner. How do I receive OTA HD signals using this tuner? I tried scanning for the signals but only get none found.

Is there a trick to this??

Thanks.

I just purchased the 42PD50U. A couple questions.


Second question is about the built in HD tuner. How do I receive OTA HD signals using this tuner? I tried scanning for the signals but only get none found.

Is there a trick to this??

Thanks.

Are you hooked up to an OTA antenna?

well, my panny plasma arrived, but i can't find the BNC adapters in the box... any help?

edit: from visual apex.

Are you hooked up to an OTA antenna?

I think that's the problem. I can see the dishnetwork satellite, but it doesn't look like there is an additional OTA antenna. Can I assume that there is not OTA antenna if I run a coax straight from the wall to the tv and not be able to pick up channels?

well, my panny plasma arrived, but i can't find the BNC adapters in the box... any help?

edit: from visual apex.


What exactly is a BNC adapter? I just got mine today and there is an additional adapter that looks like it goes on the coax with just a grounding type connector on it. Is that it or what is it used for?

What exactly is a BNC adapter? I just got mine today and there is an additional adapter that looks like it goes on the coax with just a grounding type connector on it. Is that it or what is it used for?

BNC/RCA Adapters:

http://img103.imageshack.us/img103/8036/bncplugs0gt.jpg


__________________________________
BruZZi's Panasonic Plasma FAQ — bruzzi.ws
Lots of info for all Plasmas in general.

You seem to be assuming that I'm some uninformed person - you're wrong. First, your display is 1024x720:

http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/vModelDetail?storeId=15001&catalogId=13401&itemId=93337&cacheProgram=11002&cachePartner=7000000000000005702&surfModel=TH-37PX50U&catGroupId=24973&surfCategory=Plasma%20TVs&displayTab=S

Second, I'm not talking about interlaced. Your graphics card is sending 960x514 progressive to a panel which physically has 1024x720 progressive pixels. So you are losing 6.25% horizontal resolution and 28.61% vertical.

In other words, your graphics card is outputting a total of 494,440 pixels, while the display can show a total of 737,280. So, your available resolution is only 67% of the panel's capabilities.

I'll spot ya on the 1024x720...even though I have a printout from Panny that says 1024x768 and found many other websites that tout it as such, lol. Nevertheless, can't argue with the spec sheet from the source that's posted now.

But as far as native resolution goes, what am I really missing? My panel may very well do 1024x720 native from a pc. But it's my notebook that has limited resolution output. There's only so many custom resolutions you can try with success, and even then you have to get the horizontal and vertical rates spot on for the panel to accept them. My Dell notebook uses the Radeon Mobility 9000 chipset. Before I could do anything with it, I had to mod the drivers to use standard Catalyst, but even that's no guarantee the thing will output what you want. 960x514 looks damn good on this thing. Now, if I had a desktop pc hooked up that had a much larger gamut of output resolutions, I might very well be able to do native resolution input to the Panny. So, that's an open question.

The panel you want to buy is still a 1024x720. Even at a 1366x768 input, you're still going to get scaled down.

Additionally, my panel has ATSC and NTSC tuners built in, plus speakers. Yours will be bare bones. So, while I'm sure it will look great, you do get what you pay for. Not even sure the one you want will be available in the timeframe you're talking about, because mine has already been superceded by the 60 series most places.

But all in all, it really doesn't matter. I couldn't be happier with mine. Ok, I'd like better zoom/just/full aspect looks (think they could do a more intelligent job stretching/scaling SD), and a couple of other minor issues. But like I said, I bought it primarily for watching HD and movies, with the PC just an added extra. I'm happy.

meh... i just went to radioshack and purchased 3 of them.... the picture is incredible... love the HD DVR. and the 720p trailers on the xbox 360 are incredible.

time from in the house to on the wall... approx 1 hour!

I have a question as far as connections are concerned. Is there an HDMI to VGA cable? If there is, would there be a distinct difference in PQ over component to component? HDMI board is not an option for me at the moment($$)LOL.

Thanks,
Russ

I think that's the problem. I can see the dishnetwork satellite, but it doesn't look like there is an additional OTA antenna. Can I assume that there is not OTA antenna if I run a coax straight from the wall to the tv and not be able to pick up channels?


You will need OTA antenna. How good will depend on how far you are from the TV stations. Some people can get a way with a cheap indoor model. Good luck!

You will need OTA antenna. How good will depend on how far you are from the TV stations. Some people can get a way with a cheap indoor model. Good luck!

I have the winegard (2000 series?) from a previous Voom installation. I am wondering if I can install that along with my Dish Sattellite. Any ideas on this OTA antenna?

I have a question as far as connections are concerned. Is there an HDMI to VGA cable? If there is, would there be a distinct difference in PQ over component to component? HDMI board is not an option for me at the moment($$)LOL.

Thanks,
Russ

Trouble is: HDMI carries a digital signal while VGA carries analog. VGA ports cannot accept digital signals... It'd be like playing a CD on your record player. :)

matt

Trouble is: HDMI carries a digital signal while VGA carries analog. VGA ports cannot accept digital signals... It'd be like playing a CD on your record player. :)

matt


Thats kind of what I was thinking! It looks like I might go the component to VGA route, does this give better PQ than component to component?

Russ

Thats kind of what I was thinking! It looks like I might go the component to VGA route, does this give better PQ than component to component?

Russ

nope.. it's the same signal... just a different connector.

Is it possible to turn off PSIP on my TH-42PD50U through the service menu? The TV is mis-mapping one of the OTA locals, I'm guessing the local recently changed their PSIP signal and the Panny is confused. I have tried rescanning and even unplugging and reseting the Panny with no improvement.

My Dish Vip211 correctly maps the channels. It also shows much higher signal strength and less pixelation on OTA locals than having the Panny decode the signals. Not sure why that would be, the Panny and the Dish box are receiving the feed from the same antenna through a splitter.

Any ideas?

Is PSIP the same thing as the TV guide feature? I want to disble the TV Guide feature. Can anyone help?

I've got an issue with my 42PX50u that I got a couple of months ago. I'm using it with a Scientific Atlanta HD cable box through the HDMI input, but it does the same thing through any of the component inputs. The problem is that the the top half of the screen is slightly darker than the bottom, divided perfectly across the horizontal center of the screen. It's hard to see on moving images, but everytime I change channels it's quite obvious on the "gray screen" between channels, and when I pull up the OSD on my Arcam processor. It didn't bother me much until I recently had the screen wall mounted (it had a fair amount of glare in it's last location) but now it's starting to get on my nerves. It has done it since new, and I've been especially careful about break-in, static images and burn-in, so I'm confident that this isn't the cause. I was wondering if anyone else had a similar issue, and if so, what was involved in repairing it.

Cheers!

JM

2 questions:
I just got my first plasma last week (50" 500U), traded up from Sony 42" RP LCD. I'm taking people's advice and keeping the contrast setting at 0 or below and the white level is lousy. Do the Panny's need to be cranked higher to get a decent picture or did I get a dim set somehow? Or does panasonic somehow dial down the achievable contrast for the first 100 hours of use as a burnin prevention measure?

Ok that's my first question. 2nd: Should I spend $100 for HDMI cables for Comcast HD Box? I'm using component cables and have a great picture. Will it improve noticably w/ HDMI?

Third (bonus) question: Any opinions on Dish vs Comcast vs DirecTV? Comcast gives away the hidef DVR so I started with them. Maybe this is it's own thread, if someone could direct me. Thanks much

Just go to monoprice.com and buy your cables there. It only takes a couple of days to get them and they are really, really cheap compared to Monster, Belkin, or any othres.

Can someone please advise me... I have an old Panasonic dvd player, I think it's the A110, only S-video out that currently hooked up to my 50PHD8UK. Last nite I bought the Denon 1920 and component cables, don't have the HDMI blade as yet, didn't know that I had to get BNC adaptors to connect the cables.

My question is, would the picture quality be significantly better with HDMI than component that I should get the HDMI blade and cable than buy BNC adaptors?

Can someone please advise me... I have an old Panasonic dvd player, I think it's the A110, only S-video out that currently hooked up to my 50PHD8UK. Last nite I bought the Denon 1920 and component cables, don't have the HDMI blade as yet, didn't know that I had to get BNC adaptors to connect the cables.

My question is, would the picture quality be significantly better with HDMI than component that I should get the HDMI blade and cable than buy BNC adaptors?

IMHO, no. I had component hooked up to my 50PHD8UK from my HD STB while I waited for the HDMI blade to arrive. When it came in, I connected the STB via HDMI and the DVD via component. I didn't see any change of PQ for the HD from the STB. I'm no videophile, but I'm fairly picky.

bw

I'm heavily considering getting the Panny PD50U.

However, I want to use it with my HTPC. I would be willing to get the content from the HTPC via a DVI-to-HDMI cable or a VGA-to-Component cable.

I've heard this plasma doesn't play well w/ HTPCs. Any truth/non-truth to this, or any experiences either way? Thanks!

bump?

I just bought this plasma, wow what a picture, I am floored. All the research I did indicated this model is not reccommended for HTPC or to be connectd to a pc.

AM

I am considering the panny TH-42PX60U vs the TH-42PHD8UK all else being equal they will cost the same, I could use the tuner in the px60u, but it is not critical. Any thoughts on the relative merits of the two and will I see the difference in picture

Just went to BB to see the new Panny Plasma 60 U series and all the faces looked chalky. My sony's do not have this chalky look on faces. I have 32" Bravia and 60" SXRD. No such smearing in my pictures. Is this in the Calibration after you get them home.
Thanks Glen

the chalky is bescause the tv is set to vivd, set it to standard and it will be perfect

whoops.. posted in wrong place. Sorry.

Could someone explain how the screensaver works on the th50phd8uk? I mean, what is the show duration and savr duration values used for exactly?

The manual seemed kinda vague and I couldnt find this anywhere on the forums/google.

Thanks.

How do you check hours used on a 42PX60U? Tried the PX50U way but didn't work.

How do you check hours used on a 42PX60U? Tried the PX50U way but didn't work.

How do you do it on a PX50U?

Marc

any veiws here on the panny TH-42PX60U - i need some advice

I'm pretty much set on purchasing the 42PX60U now I need to decide where to put it. Does anyone know if I could put this TV with the stand on a Gas Fireplace Oak Mantle? I have about 6" to work with.

Problem is right now I have a 36"x36"x24" deep hole built into the wall above the fire place where I have my SD 32" Sony flat screen. Any other suggestions on how I might be able to mount this TV?

I just bought this plasma, wow what a picture, I am floored. All the research I did indicated this model is not reccommended for HTPC or to be connectd to a pc.

AM
-------------

I believe it's just the opposite. It should work very well with your HTPC!

I have my 50 7UY connected to a media center PC. Works very well

Just went to BB to see the new Panny Plasma 60 U series and all the faces looked chalky. My sony's do not have this chalky look on faces. I have 32" Bravia and 60" SXRD. No such smearing in my pictures. Is this in the Calibration after you get them home.
Thanks Glen
-----------

BB usually set their Pio sets to look the best. Set the Panny to standard or cinema mode. Also, feed may be poor quality

I am considering the panny TH-42PX60U vs the TH-42PHD8UK all else being equal they will cost the same, I could use the tuner in the px60u, but it is not critical. Any thoughts on the relative merits of the two and will I see the difference in picture
-------------

Yo get more for less with the 60U! more colors, more contrast, more connectivity, more features (tuner, speakers etc)

Although, I prefer the sleek lines and good solid construction of the commerical Pannys.

To hookup my new 42px60u. 4 questions?
1. Is all I need from cable box to tv: 1 HDMI cable?
2. To connect dvd-r to tv: 1 (3 jacks) component cable with 2 audio rca jacks as well?
3. 20 ft. run, so are 25ft. monoprice.com cables truly as good a deal as some say?
4. Can I run power cord and signal cables on wall together or do they need to go different directions?
Thanks! Everyone have a good safe day.

-------------

Yo get more for less with the 60U! more colors, more contrast, more connectivity, more features (tuner, speakers etc)

Although, I prefer the sleek lines and good solid construction of the commerical Pannys.

Besides being flexible in the type of inputs you want to use, I believe that the commercial models have more in depth picture setting capabilites than the consumers do also FWIW. :)

Besides being flexible in the type of inputs you want to use, I believe that the commercial models have more in depth picture setting capabilites than the consumers do also FWIW. :)

Also dont forget the PIP!

Can somebody please confirm if the Peerless tilting wall mount(that comes with
the 8UK/commercial model from a reputable online retailer) will also work on
the 50PX60U/consumer model?

Or does a different mount need to be purchased?
If so, can someone point me to which mount(s) work with the 60U line?

I too am trying to decide which model to purchase commercial or consumer.
Both are similar in price.

How do you do it on a PX50U?

Marc

On the first page of this thread, #13

Got the Panne yesterday. Bought the BANC adapters--connected to the Comcast box...and no color...beautiful black and white. Clear as a bell, but black and white. Switched out the cable...still black and white...evetually ran a cable to over and connected to other adapter and got some color. Since I am a novice and not explaining it well, I suspect that the Composite video input (BNC x 3) is bad. Any suggestions?

humbug,
It sounds like you got the Pr Pb and Y (red blue green) mixed up. I'm sure you checked it but give it another look just in case.

I recently got a TH-50PHD8UK.

Love the picture, but I have notice some artifacts that do not make me happy.

There are several pinkish/redish lines that are about 4 inches apart rising up the screen.

Can anyone explain what is happening? I have added a monster power conditioner but that has not helped.

I purchased this version of Panasonic's 50" plasma from Costco a few months. I recently noticed a low level hum from the back of the set which I can hear when I'm listening at low volume levels. The hum seems to kick in when a signal is supplied to the display. This is my first plasma display... is this typical? Any similar experiences out there before I have a Panasonic service rep perform an in-house service? I have the option to lug the set back to Costco (liberal exchange policy) and pick up a replacement or go with another display. Suggestions?

I have a TH-50PM50U that I bought from Costco. I like the picture but there is an issue with the HDMI input. I get green horizontal lines that flash randomly. I swapped out my cable box and my HDMI cable and I still have the problem. Cable box works fine with component inputs. Does anybody have any suggestions?

I purchased a Panasonic TH-37PD25 plasma TV 1 year ago. Recently we could not turn it on. When we push the power-on button, the power LED blinks but the TV does not turn on. The power LED blinks in red, 11 short blinks followed by 1 long blink. Does anyone know what that means?

Page 19 of the operating instructions manual refers to this LED as the power-indicator. It says:

Power on: Red
Power off: No Light

Thanks...
**************************************************
March 27, 2006
I am out of town on business (San Francisco). I get a call from my wife (Houston). She says the Panasonic plasma TV will not turn on. She wants to watch a recording of American Idol and our DVR is attached to that TV. I suggest a few things that might make it appear as though the TV is not turning on. She attempts my suggestions and nothing works. I'm thinking that it does seem like the TV is not powering on, but sometimes my wife gets confused and is doing something wrong. I don't know why she gets confused - must have something to do with the 137 buttons on the 5 remote controls. I tell her she'll have to wait until I get back home on Friday. She is really mad. Somehow this is my fault.
**************************************************
March 31, 2006 7:00pm
I'm back home in Houston. I check out the TV (after checking in with the family). It does seem to be broken. I try unplugging the TV and plugging it back in. I try the remote, I try the on/off button on the TV. I try a lot of different things. Nothing works.
I do a few Google searches on the internet. Seems to be a lot more references to power problems on Panasonic plasma TVs than I would have thought. Not any information that is useful - though.
I search Panasonic's web site for a phone number to call - I can't find one. Later I find out that there is one buried a few web-page levels down - it's just hard to find. I spend a couple hours looking for the owner's manual - I finally find it in the family-room credenza. A phone number is on the front cover (that was handy). I call the phone number - a recording says they are closed - call back later.
**************************************************
April 1, 2006 10:00am
I called Panasonic Customer Assistance at 888-843-9788 and described my problem. They tell me that they have in their records that I purchased the TV on April 1, 2005. They tell me I'm covered under warranty.
They said that they couldn't do anything on a Saturday - they will call me back on Monday.
**************************************************
April 3, 2006, 5:00pm
I called Panasonic. They said they hadn't received my problem report until 10:00am, so they hadn't had a chance to call me. They transferred my call to a different department. This Panasonic department said they would call me back within 48 hours with arrangements for a repairman to come to my home to fix the TV.
**************************************************
April 4, 2006, AM
Panasonic called and gave me the name and phone number of the local shop that will fix my TV. They said that the local repair shop would call me and schedule a time within 48 hours to come to my home to work on my TV.
**************************************************
April 4, 2006 PM
The local repair shop called. I arranged for a repairman to meet me at home between 3:00pm and 5:00pm on April 5. They tell me I must have a copy of my purchase receipt proving that I have purchased the TV within the last year. They say if they show up at my house and I do not have a copy of my receipt they will not work on my TV and I will not get any additional free warranty work.
**************************************************
April 5, 4:30pm
A large truck full of plasma TVs pulls up in front of my house. Two men get out - a repairman and an assistant. The repairman asked me to demonstrate the problem. He says they see the problem from time to time and it would have to be taken to the shop for repair. It will take about 7 to 10 days.
They did not know what the 11-short-blinks-1-long-blink meant and had never noticed the odd sequence.
The repairman leaves to get a dolly. The assistant stays to prepare the TV for transport. The assistant says the most frequent plasma TV problem they see is Panasonic plasmas with bad power units.
**************************************************
April 5, 5:35pm
The local repair shop called. They said my Panasonic plasma TV was 1 day out of warranty and that they couldn't repair it. I told him that Panasonic had told me that I was still covered. We had been working on the issue for almost 2 weeks and that it had just gone by the 1 year period on April 1. He said that 888-843-9788 was not Panasonic, they are National Electronics Warranty Corp. He said that they couldn't authorize the warranty work. He suggested I call 800-973-4326 and try to work out the situation.

I called 800-073-4326 - it is a recording and provides no assistance. I call back the local repair shop and tell him the phone number he gave me is a recording. I tell him I will call 888-843-9788 and discuss the situation with them.

I call 888-843-9788 - the recording says they are Panasonic, a lady answers after I spent a few minutes punching buttons in response to questions. She announces herself as Panasonic. I asked her if she worked for Panasonic or National Electronics Warranty Corp. - she doesn't answer the question. She puts me through to the repair department. I ask the gentleman in the repair department if he works for Panasonic or NEWC. He obviously doesn't want to answer the question. I don't think it is a relevant question anyway. I don't know why the local repair shop made such a big issue about that. Anyway, the Panasonic repair department guy says he will have a fax sent to the local repair shop authorizing the warranty repair.

I call the local repair shop and update them on my conversation with Panasonic. They are intrigued. They ask which phone number I have been calling. The local repair shop tells me they will call 888-843-9788 and discuss the situation with them. They explain that they normally communicate with Panasonic via fax.
**********************************************
April 5, 2006 7:55pm

Panasonic called. They requested that I send them a copy of my purchase receipt (I had purchased the TV at Fry's).

I emailed a copy of the receipt to xxxxxxxx(at)us(dot)panasonic(dot)com
**********************************************
April 5, 2006 10:55pm
Panasonic sends me an email confirming they received the copy of my purchase receipt that I had emailed to them.
**********************************************
April 17, 2006
I called the local repair shop to see how things were going. They said they had called Panasonic and had been told that my warranty repair request was under review.

I called Panasonic to find out what was going on. They said that the waranty had been authorized. They said they would call the local repair shop and get the situation worked out.

I called the local repai shop. They said they would start repairing my TV that day.

**********************************************
April 19, 2006
I called the local repair shop. They said a part had been ordered on April 17.
They were not sure when the part would be arriving.

**********************************************
April 26, 2006
The local repair shop called today. They said that the part they ordered did not fix the problem. They have ordered a different part.

**********************************************
May 04, 2006
I called the local repair shop today. They said they have now replaced the power supply and 2 circuit boards. They are waiting for a 3rd circuit board to arrive. They said that over-the-air channels were not displaying correctly during their last test.

**********************************************
May 12, 2006
The local repair shop called today and left a message on the answeing machine. They will call back on Monday and arrange for a time to return the repaired TV.

**********************************************
May 15, 2006
They called at 8:00am as promised. They will call me this afternoon and give me 30 minutes notice of when they will arrive.

**********************************************
May 15, 2006
They call around 2:00pm - they are on their way.

**********************************************
May 15, 2006
I arrive at my house. They are unloading the TV from the truck.
They hook it up to my TimeWarner Cable SA8300HD DVR box with component cables. The display is a complete red background with black video. We think the component cables are not hooked up correctly. We work for about 20 minutes trying different tests with different video components and cables (the DVD payer with different component cables displays correctly). We are starting to think that there is a problem with the DVR - then, the the TV will not power on.

The power-on light is a steady red (no blinking).

I point out to them that they have chipped the bezel at one corner.

They take the TV back to the truck. They tell me it will have priority for repairs.

**********************************************
May 16, 2006
I reproduce the red screen problem with a different TV. Seems to be some problem with the component comming from the DVR. I pull all the gear out from the cabinet, untangle dozens of cables. I hook-up the DVR component cable to the test TV. It works perfectly. I guess something was loose or shorted or something. Anyway, there doesn't seem to be a problem with the DVD player or DVR or amplifier, etc. It all checks out.

**********************************************
May 19, 2006
I look at some of the paperwork that the repair shop left at my house on Monday. It looks like they have replaced 6 parts. Each part cost about $150 to $500. Each order required about $40 shipping. It looks like the repair shop gets a $150 rebate if they return the old/broken part. I see about $2,100 worth of parts.

**********************************************
May 19, 2006
I call the repair shop to get a status. He said he found some loose cables inside the TV. He has been testing it for several days. He plans to call back on Monday morning to schedule delivery.

Thanks

I was looking at the plasma FAQ's on the first page for picture setting and found these setting for hd and dvd

Pic Mode:.. Vivid
Picture:.. 25
Brightness:.. 6
Color:.. -11
Tint:.. -2
Sharp:.. 12
Color Temp:.. Normal
Color Management:.. Off
Color Matrix:.. HD (locked)
Black Level: .. Light
Mpeg NR:.. Off
Video NR:.. On

I have a px50u and I'm just concern on high the picture and sharpness settings are. Can someone please educate me why it must be this high and will this kill my plasma? Thank you.

can anyone please explain this to me, I don't want to ruin my new plasma.

I just got my new Panasonic 42PHD8UK and have set it up with a Scientific Atlanta Explorer 8300HD cable box going through a Denon AVR-1706 receiver though component cables. I have the following questions with my set up:
(1) It looks like I can change the signal for every channel (480i, 1080i, 720p, etc.). What would be the optimal signals to use for HD channels, regular network programming, etc.? What would be the optimal aspect ratios to set the display to?
(2) Once that is done, how can I tell that the display is showing that exact same signal (i.e. there is no degradation, etc. when going through the receiver)?
(3) What is the best display setting for optimal picture viewing?

Any input/pointers will be very helpful.. Also, any other suggestions on settings for the Denon AVR 1706 will be great. Thanks!

1) set the hi-def channels to whatever their native resolution is - as per Ken H's thread:
720p - ABC HD, ESPN HD, ESPN2 HD, FOX HD
1080i - Everything else

set SD channels to whatever looks best for you. your TV has a native resolution of 768p, so it will have to process any signal into that format. You might have the best luck with a 480i signal, but you might find 1080i or 720p or 480p look better to you too.

I have read that the "just" setting for SD programming is what is preferred, and it fills the whole screen so you won't have to be concerned with burn in. As for HD, your TV lacks the capability to resize the image, so what you see is what you get (keep this in mind when sending a 720 or 1080 signal to your TV even when it is from a SD station.)

2) you can always switch beween "through the receiver" and "straight to TV" in order to see if you notice any difference, but since you have 100 (mhz??) bandwidth for your component cables, you should be fine (it's the same as the denon 4806).

3) at least get the avia disk and do some calibration, but if you want the most out of your TV, pay to get it professionally calibrated

I was looking at the plasma FAQ's on the first page for picture setting and found these setting for hd and dvd

Pic Mode:.. Vivid
Picture:.. 25
Brightness:.. 6
Color:.. -11
Tint:.. -2
Sharp:.. 12
Color Temp:.. Normal
Color Management:.. Off
Color Matrix:.. HD (locked)
Black Level: .. Light
Mpeg NR:.. Off
Video NR:.. On

I have a px50u and I'm just concern on high the picture and sharpness settings are. Can someone please educate me why it must be this high and will this kill my plasma? Thank you.


anyone out there have any input on this question?

anyone out there have any input on this question?

in the first 100 hours you should avoid high white and black levels in your settings. picture (white level) and brightness (black level) should be at 0 or lower. 25 is a standard vivid setting (default) and should be avoided.

Bruzzi has a ton of great info for you to read here-

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

Bruzzi, Are the new 60 series more ISF friendly than the 50 series?

Bruzzi, Are the new 60 series more ISF friendly than the 50 series?


Don't know yet. I'm trying to get the service manual for the 60/600 Models. But unfortunately the place that I usually get SM is not answering my emails. :(

Maybe they got arrested or something... :D :D :D


__________________________________
BruZZi's Panasonic Plasma FAQ — bruzzi.ws
Lots of info for all Plasmas in general.

Thank you Sir I will stay tuned.

1) set the hi-def channels to whatever their native resolution is - as per Ken H's thread:
720p - ABC HD, ESPN HD, ESPN2 HD, FOX HD
1080i - Everything else


OT:

How is this done? Isnt there only passthrough and upconvert-1/2?

Hello, new member here. Been doing my research and I had pretty much decided to purchase a Panasonic TH-50PX60U. Spent this afternoon visiting my local Best Buy, Circuit City and Sears. Sears was the only one with the set on display. Then the Sears salesman starts bad-mouthing the set. He says:
1) it won't last as long as a LCD
2) it uses a lot of electricity
3) images will burn in
4) non high-def channels look like crap

It's #4 that worries me the most. We have about a dozen high def channels. I estimate about 1/3 of our viewing is on non-high def channels. How is a non high-def signal on this set?

Then the Sears guy starts pushing a Sony set with "3LCD." Way cheaper too. But...the picture looked flat and dull compared to the Panny plasma. And the viewing angle on the Panny was much better.

Tonight, doing some research, I learned that Samsung has a 46" LCD, the LN-S4692D. This set seems to be about the same price as the Panny. How would you rate the Samsung 46" LCD versus the 50" Panny?

Low resolution images will always look bad when 'exploded' to a big screen. Just the way it is. Some will argue that at 42, ED does a better job than HD, but you are talking 50, so thats a mute point.

Low resolution images will always look bad when 'exploded' to a big screen. Just the way it is. Some will argue that at 42, ED does a better job than HD, but you are talking 50, so thats a mute point.

Its also has a lot to do with the quality of the signal. Only recently something happened to the SciFi channel where the picture really improved.

... Then the Sears salesman starts bad-mouthing the set. He says:
1) it won't last as long as a LCD
2) it uses a lot of electricity
3) images will burn in
4) non high-def channels look like crap

It's #4 that worries me the most...
Given that he was totally wrong on points #1-3, why should he have any credibility on #4? :rolleyes:

reason1 and JimP are absolutely right. SD signals look (even) worse when displayed on a larger screen and some channels and/or shows look better than others. Add to that the likelyhood you'll quickly get spoiled watching HD and before long, you'll probably find yourself watching only a few favorite shows on SD. They may not look great, but most of them will be more than acceptable.

In addition, each generation of plasmas has had better deinterlacing and scaling circuitry than it's predecessors, so the quality of SD presentation has improved over the years.

Of course, the only answer is to watch some SD programming on the set you are considering and see for yourself. ;)

Of course, the only answer is to watch some SD programming on the set you are considering and see for yourself. ;)
Will do. As you say, it's the only way. I believe our SD signal is good, so I'm hopeful the SD channels will look fine.

may i ask what kind of brackets you all are using to mount your 50inchers?

Don't know what bracket, but it was FREE. It can't hurt to ask, those things cost next to nothing, and its where they make a lot of money.

OT:

How is this done? Isnt there only passthrough and upconvert-1/2?

depends on your cable/sat box. some will have different settings for each channel, some will only let you choose one. His post stated that he could choose the resolution for each channel, but you may not be. If you have a question about that specific cable box I am afraid I can't help you as I don't have it, but you should be able to call customer service or get a service manual from the manufacturer online.

hello:

I am thinking of buying panni 37xx50u . But I have concern about connecting a pc to it. can I hack a good connection to ti with a dvi to hdmi adapter. I have a radeon 9800pro card and I believe ther is something called powerstrip to get all the video modes. Is it possible to get and display a 720p signal from computer?

thanx

Hi BruZZi,
excellent job.
I recommend a Panasonic Plasma due to your support here @ AVS.
We've bought a brand new model, please see:
http://www.produkte.panasonic.de/product/product.asp?sStr=5@-@1@13@40@41@@@@@TH-50PV60E@Viera|Plasma-Bildschirme@&altMod=N&upper=&prop=
Non of your factory menu access works on this model.
Any idea? I realized that the image is not centerd. Grayscale is also a bit off. I lke to do a perfect greyscale tracking, i own Progressive labs CA-6x and be ready to do the job.
I like to share my results to the community as soon as i finished my calibration.

Best
Armin

Hi BruZZi,
excellent job.
I recommend a Panasonic Plasma due to your support here @ AVS.

Thanks. :) :) :)


We've bought a brand new model, please see:
Non of your factory menu access works on this model.

The access codes are different, Try this:

How to enter Service Mode 1:
In sound menu, set Bass to Maximum and set Treble to Minimum
Simultaneously press index button on the remote control and " Volume - " button on the TV.

How to enter Service Mode 2:
Set Channel to CH99
Select the EQ 12kHz
Press Hold button on the remote.

To exit, press exit or power buttons on the remote.

I realized that the image is not centerd. Grayscale is also a bit off. I lke to do a perfect greyscale tracking, i own Progressive labs CA-6x and be ready to do the job.
I like to share my results to the community as soon as i finished my calibration.

Best
Armin

Do you have the Service Manual ???


__________________________________
BruZZi's Panasonic Plasma FAQ — bruzzi.ws
Lots of info for all Plasmas in general.

I know this question has been asked before can someone point me in the right direction.

I just got my 50" Panny from Visual Apex on wed. got all hooked and am very happy. But I noticed one thing thats has me wondering. I notice a really subtle fluttering on the screen. It almost looks like small smooth waves on a pond. Its not always noticeable but I catch it more on darker screen images. I have the unit hooker up to a Panamax power conditioner. Since I don't have my HD box from Comcast, I currently have the video feed going from my Pioneer 74thxi rec. to the Panny via an AudioQuest S-G S-video cable. I have changed cables around and have noted no difference.

Could this be a frequency setting issue? Any suggestion would be great. I have checked Buzzi's site but didn't find any anwsers, not saying its not there... I did use some of the info there to do some color calibration though.

my bad I meant Bruzzi in my last post.

Not sure a power conditioner will fix a ground issue if you have one in your house. Try it without the ground (not saying you should keep it that way if it fixes it).

Hey Bruzzi,

I've been following this forum for awhile and I believe you must be a Panasonic guru when it comes to plasmas. I just recently returned a Sammy(hpr5072) for a Panny (th50px500u) because of all the great things I've read about it (SD picture is like day and night difference when compared to the Sammy). I'm very satisfied with the quality and have gone through the 100 hour break in period.

My question is about the VGA input. I've recently tried hooking my PC up directly to the plasma with the VGA port. The picture came up and everything looked good but not great. A lot of the colors seemed too bright, especially the red color. The plasma ghosts out the color funciton when viewing from VGA and I couldn't get the bright red to dim down even through contrast and brightness settings that remained available from the tv. I tried fooling around with the video card (Gforce FX5200) setting but I couldn't get it right because it'll look good when viewing some movies but looks too dark or too bright when viewing others.

I was wondering if you ran into similar problems when hooking a PC up to the the plasma or is there any way I could download a monitor driver that Windows XP can detect if it is a plasma monitor rather than using the "default monitor."

well I pulled all the power cables and signal cables, reorganized everything, keeping power cables away as much as possible from the signal cables. Problem is no longer there, power conditioner is still plugged into to same outlet as before. So its really hard to say what the problem may have been exactly. I think it may have been power cables running parallel with my signal cables.

well I pulled all the power cables and signal cables, reorganized everything, keeping power cables away as much as possible from the signal cables. Problem is no longer there, power conditioner is still plugged into to same outlet as before. So its really hard to say what the problem may have been exactly. I think it may have been power cables running parallel with my signal cables.

Uh...S-Video....are you serious? :rolleyes:

My question is about the VGA input. I've recently tried hooking my PC up directly to the plasma with the VGA port. The picture came up and everything looked good but not great. "

I will try hooking up mine this weekend and let you know how VGA is on my 500u.

Bruzzi,

Just saw the pic of the PD60U. Looks the same as the PD50U but the specs on the width of the 60U show that it is 42" where as the 50U is 42 3/64"

Also the 60U looks like a darker shade of grey than the 50U. Can you confirm if there is an actual difference between the 50U and 60U?

I'm kind of disappointed in Panasonic that there is no change in the look. Maybe the 42"ED is reaching near the bottom on the price/margin scale so they are trying to invest as little as possible in R&D for the ED to remain profitable.

I am buying one of these. Which one should I buy and why?

I am not sure if this is the right place for this question, but here it goes.

First off, thanks to all who have input, I am a longtime reader, but first time forum participant.

I recently purchased the new Panasonic Plasma and while out visiting a local electronics store I was told that I should have both a line conditioner and a ups hooked up to this in the case of any powerline surges, blackouts or lightning. The sales person mentioned that the bulb needs to cool down and with the power cutting off, it does not have a chance to do this and that I risk ruining my tv. Can someone tell me if this is necessary or is someone trying to sell me a product I do not need. I have regular panamax surge protector on it now, however, that is about 5 years old, do you think it may be time to purchase something newer and perhaps more current to products being produced?

I have considered buying both a conditioner/proctector and a ups for this, also, I have a Samsung DLP in my theater room, which I was also told by the sales person would require the same protection setup.

I do not have a problem purchasing these items, my question to the forum is, which direction should I be looking at and what would be the best to invest in, I know this open alot of personal opinions, but I am willing to listen to all input you may provide. I have been considering Monster, Panamax, and Belkin PureAV.

If you could offer me any advice, it would be greatly appreciated.

^^^ Good question.

I was told that I should have both a line conditioner and a ups hooked up to this in the case of any powerline surges, blackouts or lightning. The sales person mentioned that the bulb needs to cool down and with the power cutting off, it does not have a chance to do this and that I risk ruining my tv.

LOL. Sure all that would be nice to have I guess...

IMO, Commercial power delivered to the home COULD produce a spike powerful enough to damage electronic equipment throughout the house. The source of such a spike could be man made or natural and it would have to be in the thousands of volts to arc inside the equipment enough to cause damage. The UPS is isolation and insurance against that. If you feel like having that insurance, spend the money. Personally I think its a waste of money intended only for those who have an excess of it. I have a homeowner's policy that covers that. I wouldn't mind if that happened because I would get to replace my 2 year old 42" 6UY plasma with a brand spankin' new 50' PHD8UK for a $100 deductible. If I get a surge that takes out my equipment, so be it.

As far as the 'bulb' in a plasma. You have got to be kidding. What bulb? There is nothing to cool down. I wouldn't routinely yank the plug out of the wall on an expensive piece of high tech electronic equipment but there is no inherent design flaw that would damage the unit if the power would shut down once or twice in 10 years or so. Its not a PC running MS Windows or anything like that.

As far as a line conditioner goes, most UPS would include that. But what evidence do you have that your commercial power is noisy and what evidence do you have that any piece of equipment you have would be adversely affected by noisy AC? Again, sure it would be nice to have just to guard against that one pixel out of place one time in 10 years, or for bragging rights around the water cooler.

I am not sure if this is the right place for this question, but here it goes.

First off, thanks to all who have input, I am a longtime reader, but first time forum participant.

I recently purchased the new Panasonic Plasma and while out visiting a local electronics store I was told that I should have both a line conditioner and a ups hooked up to this in the case of any powerline surges, blackouts or lightning. The sales person mentioned that the bulb needs to cool down and with the power cutting off, it does not have a chance to do this and that I risk ruining my tv. Can someone tell me if this is necessary or is someone trying to sell me a product I do not need. I have regular panamax surge protector on it now, however, that is about 5 years old, do you think it may be time to purchase something newer and perhaps more current to products being produced?

I have considered buying both a conditioner/proctector and a ups for this, also, I have a Samsung DLP in my theater room, which I was also told by the sales person would require the same protection setup.

I do not have a problem purchasing these items, my question to the forum is, which direction should I be looking at and what would be the best to invest in, I know this open alot of personal opinions, but I am willing to listen to all input you may provide. I have been considering Monster, Panamax, and Belkin PureAV.

If you could offer me any advice, it would be greatly appreciated.
----------------

I do not use a power conditioner and am quite satisfied with the set up of my system - I use a normal surge protector though.

I recently saw that at CC they had a demo of their power conditioner and the 'noise' that needs to be supposedly eliminated. The guy at the store said it was totally authentic and that 'unconditioned' electricity did 'sound' like that. Not sure how magnified that sound was, but after the power conditioner it was gone..... it didn't convince me to get the product though :rolleyes:

I am buying one of these. Which one should I buy and why?
----------

Well you can't really buy the 600 (yet). My personal rankings are:

1. 600U (if it is available, since it addresses one of the two major gripes I have with the 60U - aesthetics. The 600U looks attractive from the pictures I have seen, plus has the VGA input. I also liked the 500U. However, not sure if it includes some of the advanced picture controls that the 8UK has.

2. 8UK. I like the fact that you can adjust the picture and get (IMHO) probably the best PQ I have seen in a plasma at a great price! I also like the way it looks - very minimalist with the thinest bezel and in charcoal grey. On the downside you have to pay extra for HDMI and table stand. I like the fact it has no TV tuner or speakers. Very good build quality.

3. 60U. I think this set produces an excellent picture quality and also looks decent when mounted on a wall. But my edge goes to the 8UK because it does not have the advanced picture settings and overall construction and aesthetics is inferior to the 8UK (JMHO). Best value for price in plasmas (if you can get past the plastic) by quite a margin!

...is someone trying to sell me a product I do not need...
Yes! ;)

A good clue would be his statement about the "bulb." :rolleyes:

Your present surge protector should be just fine. If it makes you feel better, a "upgraded" one wouldn't hurt. It's just not necessary. The same applies to a line conditioner.

I suppose if you are determined to keep watching TV through a (short) blackout, a UPS might be worthwhile, but most people get along fine without them. Admittedly, I've considered one for my TiVo, but it's a low priority.

Essentially, these things might be worth buying if they give you enough peace of mind to justify their cost, but most of us have better places to put our money.

I will try hooking up mine this weekend and let you know how VGA is on my 500u.

Thanks Elemental1. Lemme know how it looks and if you had to adjust the colors to tone down the red.

BruZZi, Just saw the pic of the PD60U. Looks the same as the PD50U but the specs on the width of the 60U show that it is 42" where as the 50U is 42 3/64"
The dimensions in mm are basically the same:

PD50U= 1068mm x 701mm x 97mm
PD60U= 1068mm x 701mm x 96,5mm

It's kinda hard to convert mm to inches. :)

Also the 60U looks like a darker shade of grey than the 50U. Can you confirm if there is an actual difference between the 50U and 60U?
It does look darker but I think it's just that pic.


I'm kind of disappointed in Panasonic that there is no change in the look.
Me too. The 60U design is much better IMO.

Maybe the 42"ED is reaching near the bottom on the price/margin scale so they are trying to invest as little as possible in R&D for the ED to remain profitable.
That's pretty much it as the 42PD60 comes with only one HDMI input. :(

BTW: The Manual for the TH-42PD60U is already available for download:

http://service.us.panasonic.com/OPERMANPDF/TH42PD60U-MULTI.PDF



__________________________________
BruZZi's Panasonic Plasma FAQ — bruzzi.ws
Lots of info for all Plasmas in general.

Just a big thank you to everyone here... got my first plasma, 50PHD8UK, initially set-up today. The choice was made primarily upon input here at AVS forum.

WOW!! :)

I've got a lot of setting up left to do, having gotten some new A/V gear as well. You can be sure I'll be posting stupid and hopefully-not-so-stupid questions along the way. ;)

BTW, one more thank you for Visual Apex... a pleasure to deal with. Due to some drop-shipping luck, the panel got delivered within 72 hours of my order!! Unfortunately, the stand came separately and SIX DAYS later, so I stared at a big box for almost a week. :lol:

PLEASE ADVISE:

I have the 42px60u and love the picture but for some reason on dark shows or movies (expecially HBO-HD), I see rainbow colors on occasion. What is causing this. Should I adjust something in the settings, i.e. picture?, brightness?, color?, tint?

Need help.

Just a big thank you to everyone here... got my first plasma, 50PHD8UK, initially set-up today. The choice was made primarily upon input here at AVS forum.

WOW!! :)

I've got a lot of setting up left to do, having gotten some new A/V gear as well. You can be sure I'll be posting stupid and hopefully-not-so-stupid questions along the way. ;)

BTW, one more thank you for Visual Apex... a pleasure to deal with. Due to some drop-shipping luck, the panel got delivered within 72 hours of my order!! Unfortunately, the stand came separately and SIX DAYS later, so I stared at a big box for almost a week. :lol:

Visual Apex and an commercial Panny monitor. A great combination! Enjoy.