You will not find it on Sears site, that would defeat the purpose of after Thanksgiving day sales. ;) That is not the web site that is reporting this price.

Web sites are now beginning to report on day-after-Thanksgiving sales. Use google to find the links. I found that Sears is offering the 53x54 at the above price ($300 under msrp).

Big Worms,

Will this sale be for black friday only? Or will it be a few days?

I ask because I bought my 53x54 in MN @ Ultimate Electronics, but I will be in Dallas over Thanksgiving weekend. Which will suck if this sale is only for black friday. I don't know if they will match the price when I am back in town that Sunday if the sale is over with.

Matt

Friday & Saturday only.

Any experts care to comment on how this set compares to the [Direct Dealer Link Removed] currently on ?

(Reference this thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&postid=4682747) by dustman52)

I bought the PT53X54 in September from Sears, on a price match which was slightly less than the prices being quoted above. It is my third HD set (Toshiba 40h80 in my den, and Samsung TXP2675WHX in my bedroom).

Out of the box it was OK but after slight convergence adjustments and a run through with Video Essentials..it really looks very, very good. I am having it ISF'd in February and will give an additional opinion then.

I discovered the PT53X54 from this thread and am extremely pleased with it. The LG 3510 combo HD receiver and upscaling DVD player is connected to the TV with a DVI - HDMI cable. The PT53X54 puts out a very solid HD and DVD image. I don't have cable or DSS but OTA SD is watchable.

The cabinet is sleek, it weighs only 185 lbs. and it is on wheels. The glare-screen is brutal. You can't put it opposite a window, the reflection will drive you nuts. A minor complaint about this best 'bang for the buck' TV.

If your thinking of getting into HD, give this set a good look.

-Gary

After reading this thread and some others, and then doing some comparisons, I opted for a 53x54. One thing I have noticed and nobody here has mentioned it... Watching basketball I notice an odd effect on motion. This is watching SD via the component inputs. I've yet to notice this on HD programming altho I'm not sure I've watched anything HD that has the same type sustained motion and camera work. What I am seeing is most noticable on a closeup of a player running down the court and the camera panning along quickly to follow him. You will see the background not scroll smoothly at all. It almost is like the background is melting. It isn't macroblocking like you see on bandwidth starved HD. This is different.
It is very hard to describe. My other HD set never had the issue.

At first I thought it might be something like the MPEG filter but I've since turned that off.

Is anyone else seeing this or familiar with it? Do I have a defective set or is this a quirk?

-AKH

I went ahead and purchased a 47X54, and it's being delivered in less than an hour! Until I have time to read through the whole thread and dig out my DVE disc, what quick adjustments should I make right out of the box?

I'm having a bit of trouble with my new PT-47X54.

Not sure why no one has jumped in to this thread... was I too vague?
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=472138

I still need some help. I can't explain the weird "line" that appears across the screen just inside the border of the black bars, top and bottom, when watching a widescreen DVD.

Jason

I went ahead and purchased a 47X54, and it's being delivered in less than an hour! Until I have time to read through the whole thread and dig out my DVE disc, what quick adjustments should I make right out of the box?

From the main menu, take the set out of the VIVID mode and put it into CINEMA mode. That will suffice until you can calibrate it.

-Gary

Do you need a calibration disc? The auto-convergence feature isn't enough, then?

Jason,


I still need some help. I can't explain the weird "line" that appears across the screen just inside the border of the black bars, top and bottom, when watching a wide-screen DVD.

Did you set your DVD player to output to a 16X9 TV? Your player should have a setting allowing you to change the output to either a 4:3 or 16X9 display. Easy way to check this is to play an anamorphic 1.85:1 DVD (Shrek for example). If you see black bars on top and bottom, your DVD player is set incorrectly.

As someone stated before, if you have the $$$, there are some inexpensive progressive DVD players that will put out a great image. Even the cheapie CYBERHOME CH300 or CH320 will output progressive scan through component cables and the unit can be bought for $30.00 - $40.00.

Poke around through the DVD hardware section of the forum, there are always posts about good deals on DVD players. If you can swing it, get a progressive player and you'll see how good the set really is

Regards,
-Gary

Are there any incompatibility issues with this set and a PC? After a video card upgrade I'll be going DVI-HDMI.
Is there any reason this would not work?

Thanks.
George

Originally posted by Dougmeister
Do you need a calibration disc? The auto-convergence feature isn't enough, then?

I would also like to have an answer to this. I plan to buy The 53x54 Friday if possible.

What are the recommendations from X54 owners on this?

Anything else besides taking it out of Vivid mode and turning on Cinema mode?

I'm dying here guys.

Has anyone actually hooked up thier Panny 47x53, 53x54, 53wx54 etc etc to thier computer?

I NEED TO KNOW BY TOMORROW THROW ME A BONE HERE!

Also, is it safe to assume that the PT47x54 is, other than the size, the same set as the PT53x54?

I can confirm what Carpbflo is saying as I'm looking at the PDF right now of CompUSA's pricing. I'm on my way to Sears right now to see if they want to price match.

Originally posted by Touchdown
I can confirm what Carpbflo is saying as I'm looking at the PDF right now of CompUSA's pricing. I'm on my way to Sears right now to see if they want to price match.
Were did you find the pdf?

I'm debating between getting the PT-53X54 or PT-47WX54. I've found both of them for a pretty good price and there's only a $100 difference. I'd list price but it's against forum rules I believe.

So the question is which one should I go with? If the small size difference isn't significant to me, is it worth the extra $100? I know the PT-53X54 has HDMI and the PT-47WX54 has DVI so I'd have to buy a HDMI->DVI converter to use the PT-53X54 w/ my Zenith DVB318. Any input would be greatly appreciated. TIA!!

Originally posted by Big Worms
Were did you find the pdf?

[Direct Dealer Link Removed]

Originally posted by Touchdown
I can confirm what Carpbflo is saying as I'm looking at the PDF right now of CompUSA's pricing. I'm on my way to Sears right now to see if they want to price match.

Why would you go NOW to pricematch since CompUSA's sale doesn't start 'til tomorrow?

WOW!!!!!! What is the chance of them having them in stock! I had heard they were getting rid of them.

Originally posted by Dougmeister
Do you need a calibration disc? The auto-convergence feature isn't enough, then?
I have used the nine point convergence available through the normal menu and it improved the picture quality. It didn't require a calibration disc.

Also, the Operating Instructions manual provided by Panasonic is for the 47X54, 53X54, 53TW54, and W4734X.

In the manual, the feature chart is identical for the 47X54 and 53X54. I own a 47X54. I would say for these two it's just about size.

Also, there is a tweaking thread for X54 sets. I can't post the link because I'm still a newbie but it's there and details how to do the full calibration through the service menu with a calibration DVD.

Originally posted by video321
Are there any incompatibility issues with this set and a PC? After a video card upgrade I'll be going DVI-HDMI.
Is there any reason this would not work?

Thanks.
George

I have not hooked up a PC to my 47X54 but the Operating Instructions say
"The HDMI input terminal is not intended to be used with personal computers"

Guys, does Sears price match?

Sears supposedly pricematches if the other store is local.

Define "local"... :)

Originally posted by Big Worms
WOW!!!!!! What is the chance of them having them in stock! I had heard they were getting rid of them.

Slim to none. I was on the phone with several CompUSA departments (Store Customer Service, E-Commerce, Corporate) trying to find a single one in stock anywhere, with no luck. There are some - the warehouse in TX shows them in stock, but not the Pittsburgh warehouse.

Any in stock turned out to be the display models, not worth $[MSRP ONLY] IMO.

Maybe the best bet is to try and get a price match. Anybody having any luck? Sears says they don't match "clearance" sales or specials. This is a one-day sale, so it might be a tough sell.

If you DO have luck with a match, please let us know!

Thanks.

- Ben

That's what I thought. The problem with price matching is that since it is so low of a price they are going to want to verify stock levels.

Sears priced matched the Toshiba 46H84 without blinking an eye on Sunday night. I'll let you know how it goes in a few hours

TD, again, why are you going tonight?

I'm calling local Compusa and trying to put in a product # and is says "they don't recognize that Compusa product number"

DOH Its in the FLYER

Do you think I should pick up the 3 year Sears warranty on this? Renewable after 3 years. Its $289 but I have the TV pricematched to CompUSA so I'm saving a lot

Originally posted by bilybobjef
Do you think I should pick up the 3 year Sears warranty on this? Renewable after 3 years. Its $289 but I have the TV pricematched to CompUSA so I'm saving a lot

Does this mean they are honoring the Compusa AD and pricematching?

I may get my butt over to Sears tomorrow with this printed out flyer in hand. Its damn well worth the effort.

Sears Price Matching Plus Policy


If you find a lower price on an identical branded item with the same features currently available for sale at another local retail store Sears will match that price Plus, give you 10% of the difference. Just tell your sales associate at the time of, or within 30 days after, your purchase.

If you find a lower price (including shipping, handling and delivery) on an identical branded item with the same features currently available for sale and delivery in your area from a local retail store's online site, Sears will match that total price Plus, give you 10% of the difference. Just print the ordering page, including shipping, handling and delivery, and bring it to your Sears store at the time of, or within 30 days after, your purchase. If you are purchasing the item from sears.com, email the information to order@customerservice.sears.com

Exclusions

Sears will not match competitors' bonus or free offers, special offers, rebates, financing offers, clearance or closeout prices, or prices on used, damaged, returned, open box or display merchandise, service contracts or automotive services, or installation, delivery, or assembly services. Sears will not match competitors' prices that result from a price match.

Sears Price Match Plus Policy does not apply to parts, Sears licensed partner websites, digital services, "Sears Presents" and Shop At Home catalogs.

Stores in Puerto Rico, Alaska and Hawaii will not match any online prices.

Originally posted by moxie1617
I have not hooked up a PC to my 47X54 but the Operating Instructions say
"The HDMI input terminal is not intended to be used with personal computers"
Yes, I saw that. However, don't most RPTV sets say this about their HDMI/DVI inputs and people still use a PC? This is what I wanted to verify.

I just had my new 47X54 TV delivered yesterday and I'm having a ton of trouble trying to adjust it so everything looks right. I even tried using DVE with little success. I'm going to post my current settings. Would someone be willing to compare their settings with mine and tell me what is different on your TV?

Color: 20
Tint: 25
Brightness: 33
Picture: 33
Sharpness: 10
Normal: No (I think this changes to know anytime you change the defaults)
Color Temp: Warm (Maybe this would help? I haven't tried any other settings for this)
Natural Color: On
Video NR: Off
3D Y/C Filter: On
Color Matrix: SD (This is dimmed with my current settings)
VM: Off
MPEG NR: Off
Image Shift: On

I have been using Just for 4:3 material and Full for DVDs. I don't have any HD channels yet but I will be getting a bunch next Monday (ABC, CBS, NBC, Bravo, PBS, ESPN, DISC, HD Net, HD Net Movies, Showtime).

I did the auto convergence, but haven't tried the manual one yet. My biggest complaint is the color, but I'm sure all of my settings could use some adjustment.

Also, there is a small particle (looks like a tiny piece of white paper) that is stuck between the protective and normal screens. It's not noticeable when I'm sitting on the couch, but as I walk closer to the TV I can see it. I called the store about it (H.H. Gregg), and they have arranged to have a technician come out. They said he can remove the protective screen and clean it, and if he can't fix it he is supposed to arrange to have the TV exchanged.

Any help with these settings would be greatly appreciated!

Originally posted by BadMojo11
Does this mean they are honoring the Compusa AD and pricematching?

When I called my local sears the manager knew right away the price from the CompUSA sale and said he'll leave a bill of sale with the guy working tonight for me so I don't have any trouble. I pricematched no problem but now the trick is to get the energystar 10% off coupon to work too

I don't really need a new TV at this point but I'm wondering if I should jump on this. My wife won't be pleased, that's for sure. :(

Originally posted by edstalnaker


I did the auto convergence, but haven't tried the manual one yet. My biggest complaint is the color, but I'm sure all of my settings could use some adjustment.


I didn't feel I got the color right until I did the manual convergence. The initial line up of the green to the lines on the edge of the screen was the hardest for me. I didn't even know the notches were there until I read about them in the tweaks forum. I was also moving the set alot and it seemed that every time it was moved the convergence was knocked off a little.

watching plain old cable?
Will be watching dvd's and regular cable. How does regular 4:3 look on this widescreen. Would like to jump on the sears price match if possible... Great for those that did...

Originally posted by Gary E
Jason,

Did you set your DVD player to output to a 16X9 TV? Your player should have a setting allowing you to change the output to either a 4:3 or 16X9 display.

Thanks for the tip. Just to show you how much of a newbie I am, I've had my SD-2200 player for 4 years and didn't even realize that menu option was there. The PQ is MUCH better with the player set for 16x9. Maybe I don't need a progressive scan or upscaling dvd player now. The picture doesn't look interlaced anymore.

The only weird thing now is I'm not sure if the geometry is correct when in 16x9 mode. The image may be horizontally squished a bit. Is this commen when switching the DVD player mode (from 4:3)?

More on the weird line problem I described earlier, the more I look at it the more I think its a faint blue glow along to the top edge of the picture (widescreen). Its LESS noticeable in 16x9 mode, but still there, and more noticeable on lighter backgrounds as opposed to dark. Could this just be the vertical blue convergence off a bit?

Hey I'm not taking anything for granted, I printed off the 2 posts of the guys that got the deal already. Every piece of info helps.

Sears here in DFW just agreed to match the CompUSA price less 10% of the difference as well, although they were going to hold me to Wednesday only per the flyer. Guess I get to return in the morning...

We checked and first availability was 12/13, so I guess a little patience is also required, at least in this market.

John

Im thinking about trying to get in on the sears/compusa deal. Is it possible to hook up a notebook to this tv? I know you can get dvi -> hdmi adapters, but can you get vga -> hdmi adapters?

Well, that USA place wants to switch buyers to an AKAI!!!!
They are clearing out the line.

Originally posted by video321
Well, that USA place wants to switch buyers to an AKAI!!!!
They are clearing out the line.

yup, we're out of the panasonics
we're substituting an akai 55"

I ordered the 53" at the local Sears today. Went in last night as well, but they wouldn't do the compusa price match until the day of sale. Delivery is about dec 20 (last night they were saying dec 12, so they must be selling some of them...). Last night, one of the sales people was claiming that Sears would have the same price as compusa on friday; the black friday sites are not listing a price that low. Got them to do free delivery as well. Total cost delivered after tax started with a "9" and not a "1". :-)

This is my first projection tv, may look into getting a better DVD player and maybe comcast hd digital cable (have the regualr digital cable now, argh). I'll probably look into glare screen removal.

I don't believe that compusa actually is selling this tv, so in that sense it isn't a fair price match --oh well.

Worked out well for me too. I worked with the same guy that I was chatting with last night and everything went smooth. I told him the truth...I would rather buy this set from Sears which is why I was there last night. However, I didn't have the actual flyer last night.

I did purchase the warranty, but I do have a tough time justifying the cost since I used a card that doubles the manufacturers warranty. I sold EWs for years and never cared for them personally, but this isn't something I could pack up and ship out; like my Marantz receiver that had problems and was replaced with a 2-year newer unit (Thanks Marantz!!!). Sorry...had to do it!

Originally posted by video321
I did purchase the warranty, but I do have a tough time justifying the cost since I used a card that doubles the manufacturers warranty.

Cards like that don't double extended warranties, too, then?

I did not purchase the extended warranty, but may do so later. I think I have 30 days to decide.

I don't believe that compusa actually is selling this tv, so in that sense it isn't a fair price match --oh well. [/B]

If they are, it isn't in very many of their stores, that is for certain. Otherwise why did they even list it in the flyer? A mistake maybe?

You're in for a treat when you get your 53X54.
With minor tweaks on your part, you will be dazzled at it's DVD and HD image.
The 53X54 warrents an upgrade to a progressive scan DVD player, if you can afford it or if you were planning to upgrade to High Def, the HD image is excellent.

GREAT set that you got at a GREAT price.

woo hoo. i just picked up this tv for a great price at bethesda, MD sears. they did let me PM to CUSA!


* according to the managers at the store, they said that they weren't supposed to be using the $30 when you pricematch. so YMMV!

Has anyone here who owns the 53x54 had the set calibrated by an ISF tech yet? I'm interested in what exactly I could expect to see if I had it done. So far, the only noticable problems I see with my set are a slight geometry problem, as well as a bit of overscan.
I'm actually quite happy with the picture, but as always, it's intriguing to know how much better it could be.:)

Please stop posting prices that are not MSRP.


I don't want to remove this thread, so can we only discus MSRP? Posts with sale prices will be (and have been) deleted.

Read this post from the Admins of the forum.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=300703

Thanks and have a great holiday!!

Just bought this set and am looking for any recommendations for a DVD player to go with this set? Would having one with HDMI hookups be more beneficial or just a waste of money at this point? Thanks

Get a Panny S97 dvdplayer (MSRP $299).

I have the LG DV7832NXC, and although the loading time is a little slow, watching movie's upconverted to 1080i on the Panasonic is amazing.

What Cable Setup Do You Guys use with the 53X54? (HDMI, Component, S-Video)

I mean from TV to STB and from DVD player to TV? How About with Home Theater added to the mix? Thanks...

I use component. HDTV looks great. SDTV not so great. Coax has a better picture for SDTV do to the TV's comb filter being better than the cable box.

HDMI is reserved for the S97.

I'm using component inputs although I will get a DVI to HDMI adaptor/cable and try that for the Hughes Directv STB one of these days.

My SDTV looks worlds better than it did on the Samsung 4715 HDTV (and it was a 47" and the Panny is a 53").

HDTV looked good on the Sammy... even better on the Panny.

-AKH

I have a 47x54 panny CRT, I will be purcahsing the Panny xr70 receive and the S97 DVD player. My question is can I fit these 2 items along with the Motorola 6412 box on top of the 47x54 or do i need to purcahse a video stand?



Rob

The shelf is rated for 25 pounds IIRC. I would be more worried about heat. Assuming the 6412 vents from the top, you would want that as the top most item in your "stack". But I dunno how the XR70 vents. If it's from the back you should be OK.

The A/V receiver also vents from the top. Is there a stand I can buy for the 47x54 so i can put my components on the shelves below?

Rob

Originally posted by rob316
The A/V receiver also vents from the top. Is there a stand I can buy for the 47x54 so i can put my components on the shelves below?

Rob

Ditto. My wife nixed the purchase of the 47" or the 53" 'cause she didn't want to stack the DVD Player/VCR/Replay TV on top of it or on the floor beside it.

Are there any TV stands avaliable that can hold the 47x54. The reason why I am asking is that I have limited space to put my DVD/AV receiver and HD cable box.


Rob

Originally posted by rob316
Are there any TV stands avaliable that can hold the 47x54. The reason why I am asking is that I have limited space to put my DVD/AV receiver and HD cable box.
Rob

I also have the problem of Having the DVR Box and Receiver with venting on the top. I don' thave my TV yet. What is the solution here for having both units on this TV?

Is there speaker in that builn cabinet box?

I have hook up my PC to the TV using DVI->HDMI

i'm using Pstrip at resolution 1776(?)x1000. I have an ATI 9500 PRO

I'll post the timings when I get home.
Anybody tried doing the convergence adjustment using the service menu yet? I want to try that.

I do not know the solution for the DVR and A/V receiver on top of each other hopefully someone has an answer




Rob

Since the X54 lacks 720p, what happens to 720p HDTV signals that are received on the X54 series? For instance, ABC HDTV is all 720p (except for Dallas).

The signal gets converted, up or down. On my Satellite cable box, I have the option of setting the output to either 480p, 720p or 1080i, and I set it to 1080i. Because the set isn't capable of displaying 720, it just totally screws up the picture so it's unwatchable. In fact, I had to call my satellite provider to change the setting back to 1080i after some experimenting.

Even though ABC is broadcasting the game in 720, the signal is upconverted to 1080i on my Bell Expressvu box, producing an amazing picture. I can't get over over how much more enjoyable it is to watch football in high definition.:)

FYI..for anyone considering purchase of this set in Canada, BB has a sale on right now ( at least in Vancouver area ) for the PT-53X54 ( deal on 47 as well ) at a price a bit less than $1800 C. Fortunately I had a price match on my recent purchase so was able to get back the difference.

Had mine now for about 2 weeks and I am very impressed to date. Excellent value for this price and not a bad way to wait out the LCD, DLP, LCOS, Plasma, etc... technology ( & price!) revolution that is now underway.

stupid question buit i am new to hdtv getting this set and cox hdtv they want to charge me about 120 for RGB adapter and cables what is this adapter and where can i get them cheaper then the 120
thank you

I have a Panasonic 47x54 Rear projection HDTV. I am having an issue with where to put all my components (HDTV Cable Box, A/V Receiver, DVD player.) Since the Panny already has a built on stand is there any stand I can purchase to sit the Panny on top of so I can put my components on the bottom shelves?


Thanks


Rob

I am having a slight problem with horizontal lines like mini-blinds on my 53x54. Anyone else having this problem? I have standard definition Dish Network. Not as noticable on progressive scan DVD. Otherwise love the TV.

Originally posted by vegastaco
stupid question buit i am new to hdtv getting this set and cox hdtv they want to charge me about 120 for RGB adapter and cables what is this adapter and where can i get them cheaper then the 120
thank you

RGB adaptor would perhaps be needed if you were running some kind of older front projector, all you need is the Cox HD box, they should supply that with component cables, which will hook up to the x54 just fine.

Sears was supposed to deliver my 53x54 today. After calling them this morning they informed me that the shipment was delayed and delivery would not happen until 12/20.

Thanks for letting me know, Sears.

Originally posted by BadMojo11
Sears was supposed to deliver my 53x54 today. After calling them this morning they informed me that the shipment was delayed and delivery would not happen until 12/20.

Thanks for letting me know, Sears.

Sears has cancelled on me twice now, the second time they called at 7:00 am the morning they were supposed to deliver, after confirming I would be home the night before. I am now "scheduled" for delivery on 12/17/2004. As near as I can tell, they are just pushing the delivery out 7 days hoping the TV will show up so they can deliver it, which is what they have done to me twice now. I Also noticed that this set is no longer offered by Sears.

Has anyone that bought this set from Sears in November had it delivered yet?

EDIT: I see it's back on their web site again, maybe there is hope for a Friday delivery.

Originally posted by DidlySquat
Sears has cancelled on me twice now, the second time they called at 7:00 am the morning they were supposed to deliver, after confirming I would be home the night before. I am now "scheduled" for delivery on 12/17/2004. As near as I can tell, they are just pushing the delivery out 7 days hoping the TV will show up so they can deliver it, which is what they have done to me twice now. I Also noticed that this set is no longer offered by Sears.

Has anyone that bought this set from Sears in November had it delivered yet?

EDIT: I see it's back on their web site again, maybe there is hope for a Friday delivery.

I was at one of the local Sears stores here in Dallas and they only had a floor model but more were on order. He didn't know how long before they would get more either. I hope they will get more as I want to buy one in Jan.

I bought one at Sears.com on 11/27

Delivery date is 12/30 and my CC has been charged.

Been reading a lot of other forums and a lot of people have had these cancelled or delayed. The electronics guy in store said their delivery date is 02/02/05.

Nice of Sears to charge me over a month ahead of time and not have the product in stock.

Someone reported getting a 53x54J. Anyone know what the J stands for?

I ordered from Sears.
------------------------
Date Ordered : 11/24/04
Location : Fresno, CA
Purchased: In store
Expected Date : 12/13/04
Delivered Date : 12/13/04

mine has the "J" at the end of the model number too.....however, as Bruno Puntz suggested on FW.....I doubt it is for "Just Made", probably just a production date code.

p.s. I love this set....been playing with it all day....it was nice out of the box....but after some tweaking it is better.

akaricke posted this on FatWallet:

Got mine today. I noticed on the label with serial number next to the inputs it says model number 53X54J
What the heck is the J?
Said manufactured Oct 2004

Update: After a 20 min hold with Panasonic a nice customer rep looked it up. The 53X54J is an updated model. She said they fixed a convergence issue on this set. She said they doubled the bit-rate processor for the convergence. She said they slightly changed the cabinet making it smaller 1" in almost all directions.

I figured it was an updated model that had to do with something being corrected.It kind of bums me out cause I have a little bit of convergence issues.I might call Panasonic and see what they can do for me.

Originally posted by BadMojo11
I also have the problem of Having the DVR Box and Receiver with venting on the top. I don' thave my TV yet. What is the solution here for having both units on this TV?

Don't know about any stands for the whole set, but I am using a small shelf unit over my center channel speaker with the cable box on top of it on the built-in shelf. Not real pretty, but it works.

Originally posted by busbeepbeep
akaricke posted this on FatWallet:

Got mine today and it has the "J" with an Oct 2004 production date. Ordered and paid on Nov 25, Sears match to COMPUSA.

Now I just have to figure out all of the connections. I was using several switch boxes with my other set to go between TV, cable, DVD, and VCR so I could tape while watching something else. Oops meant record, usually burn, not tape. Old habits die hard!

Bought a DVE disc from deepdiscountdvd.com and once I get the DVD player hoked up I'll give it the once over and then get serious in about a week after 100 hours.

Thanks for hosting this thread and links to other good info.

My 47x54 has the J and it was manufactured in September. Great set!

I got my 53X54J manufactured in Nov 2004 from Sears a few days ago. I just hooked up my PS2 through the Component 2 inputs last night and while playing I heard a weird popping sound come from the TV set two times within about 4 hours of use. I have not used the set very much and I did not notice this noise while playing the Xbox on the Component 1 inputs. It happened on 2 different games, so I know it is probably not a sound issue with the game. The sound kind of reminded me of a light bulb going out but the colors and everything still looks fine on the set. Any advice would be appreciated as this could be just my own paranoia and maybe it is just something that is common with rear projections or at least new sets breaking in.

Originally posted by Pradeep
RGB adaptor would perhaps be needed if you were running some kind of older front projector, all you need is the Cox HD box, they should supply that with component cables, which will hook up to the x54 just fine.


I am also having this problem. Did you find a solution?

It is definitely more noticable on cable. I switched to higher-quality cables on my DVD player and it got much, much better, so I am thinking it is an interference issue.

I am going to try an power-cleaner/cable signal isolator and possibly new coax cables too.

Originally posted by jlseagull
I am also having this problem. Did you find a solution?

It is definitely more noticable on cable. I switched to higher-quality cables on my DVD player and it got much, much better, so I am thinking it is an interference issue.

I am going to try an power-cleaner/cable signal isolator and possibly new coax cables too.

As an update, I bought THIS POWERSTRIP ON AMAZON (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0000E2PMA/qid=1103738081/sr=8-2/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i2_xgl23/102-1142599-3400139?v=glance&s=electronics&n=507846) .

I got the MonsterCable HTS 2000 MKII powerstip today and hooked it up, and it made things about 95% better.

Could I have discovered the one MonsterCable product that's actually a good value????

:eek:

I'm confused a bit with the Aspect button.

I was just watching a DVD that had small bars on top and bottom and I wanted to see what it would look like in just mode, but the aspect button didn't do anything. How do I use Just mode for a DVD with component inputs?

I have no problem using the aspect button when using my HD Cable box via HDMI input.

Why is that?

Edit: Nevermind, I figured it out. The DVD player upscales to 1080i and the aspect button has no effect on a 1080i input. I guess I could have turned off upscaling and then used Just in 480p if I wanted.

"Just" aspect only works in 480i mode.

Doe your dvd player have a zoom mode? If it does, you can get rid of the bars by using the zoom and leave it in 1080i.

Originally posted by Quivox
Doe your dvd player have a zoom mode? If it does, you can get rid of the bars by using the zoom and leave it in 1080i.
Pretty sure. I'll try that. I don't mind the letterboxing much, I was just more curious what was going on.

I purchased my first PT47x54 from Fry's the first part of November. They delivered the TV which had dust and scratches on it. It had either been a floor model or in someones house for awhile. I had them load it back up on the truck and take it back. I had a Fry's gift certifuicate for $300 so it was going to be a good deal for me.

*Mental Not To Myself: Use Fry's for small items and rebate buys, not big ticket items.*

Well I went to the electronics retailer I usually go through and always have good experiences with and they gave me an even better deal of $1179. This did not include tax. They delivered it (minus the extended warranty they always push so hard) and everything has gone fine. One reason I elected to not get the extended warranty is because I have always had exceptionally good luck with Panasonic products. Hopefully this TV will be no different.

I have the Comcast two Tuner HD DVR box hooked up through component hookup and the HBO HD is really good in my opinion. I wonder if I would notice a difference going through the HDMI? Come to think of it I'm not sure if the cable box is DVI or HDMI. Hmmmm...

By the way, as far as I know the 47 and 55 models both have seven inch guns so I'm thinking the 43 might be a tad sharper although you would probably have to have them both side by side to tell. My TV is in a large room and the 47 is definitely big enough even when watching SD in non-stretch mode. This is my first RPTV and so far so good. I wanted a Samsung DLP but couldn't justify spending two and a half times as much for it. I'll get rid of this when the DLP's drop in price.

Last thing... I'm looking for an upconverting DVD player for this TV. Has anyone got any suggestions as to what might work good with my 47x54? By the way I still have that Fry's certificate so if you know a good one they sell that might be even better. Sorry to be so long winded... ;)

Just a few questions...i got my panny a few days ago and I love the HDTV pcs.


What is considered contract on this tv.

It has color,tint,brightness,picture and sharpness. Is Sharpness the same thing as contract.

Im really worried about burn in. Im trying to watch all my SD TV in stretch mode although it really sucks lol.

What are most everyone's settings currently that avoids the burn in.

Thanks for all your help.

Picture is contrast. Sharpness is sharpness (i.e. have too much sharpness and you will start seeing artifacts)

I purchased the 53" model. It arrives today (12-27-04), and I've very excited. I got a great deal. (I am editing the price myself). I'm sure I'll be spending the next 2/3 days getting things set up the way I want. I have a lot of cables/interconnects here, but it appears that I'll need a new cable, to get the best image reproduction, as well as an update on my cable box.

I already have a HD box from my cable company, but it's just the standard, stripped down model. I realize there's supposed to be a PVR model w/2 tuner capability. That sounds pretty good for now.

MJM

Originally posted by MJM3000
I purchased the 53" model. It arrives today (12-27-04), and I've very excited. I got a great deal. I'm sure I'll be spending the next 2/3 days getting things set up the way I want. I have a lot of cables/interconnects here, but it appears that I'll need a new cable, to get the best image reproduction, as well as an update on my cable box.

I already have a HD box from my cable company, but it's just the standard, stripped down model. I realize there's supposed to be a PVR model w/2 tuner capability. That sounds pretty good for now.

MJM

Wow! It's here, and a little early.

MJM

Originally posted by cweemin
Is there speaker in that builn cabinet box?

I have hook up my PC to the TV using DVI->HDMI

i'm using Pstrip at resolution 1776(?)x1000. I have an ATI 9500 PRO

I'll post the timings when I get home.
Anybody tried doing the convergence adjustment using the service menu yet? I want to try that.

Please post any comments on you PC dvi-hdmi experiences. I have a laptop with an ATI 9200 that I'm planning on using with PowerDVD6 via DVi out with this set. Audio will be run SPDIF.

In theory, this setup should be just as good as an upconverting DVD player and I can save myself $300 correct?

p.s. I don't own the 47x54 yet, but I'm planning on buying one in the next 72 hours or so. Could anyone with a good deal in the RI/MA area pm me. Thanks in advance.

Awaiting my Panny PT-47X54 to be here around Jan 04.. all of my local stores were out of them except for the floor models. I got mine from Good Guys at $1275 shipped and taxed, which i think is a pretty good deal.

I also picked up a pair of Energy Encore speakers, which includes the center, sub and 4 satellites. To go with that, i also picked up an Onkyo TXSR702 at circuit city, which has probably been my worst shopping experience to date.

Okay, one more favor to ask besides the info on connecting my ATI 9200 mobility via DVI to the HDMI input:


Can anyone tell me how far it is from the bottom of the set to the bottom of the screen?


I'm ordering my TV on line, haven't found a store that carries them so I've never seen one in person, going on the recomendations of this forum. I have to con a neighbor into helping me haul it, so I'd like to have the necessary cinderblock/plywood riser built and ready when the TV arrives. If I could get info on the screen height, that would be a tremendous help.

Thanks,

Marshall

I found a large retailer selling the 47x54 for $1099 which is the cheapest I have heard of. Since I cannot post the place here you'll have to email me for it. Sorry... not my rule. :(

Can anyone tell me how far it is from the bottom of the set to the bottom of the screen?


The actually viewable part of the screen starts about 25" (or 62 cm) up from the ground on the 47x54

Any1 knows the remote control code samsung HDTV tuner?
I tried to set up the remote control for samsung tuner (DTV) but the panny manual does not have the code fro samsung.
Thnks

Originally posted by voyager6868
The actually viewable part of the screen starts about 25" (or 62 cm) up from the ground on the 47x54

Thank you very much. I tried going on the images available on the internet, knowing that the unit is 49" tall, estimated 20" where the viewing area starts. Guess I was wrong.

So, the picture is about 20-22" tall then. A couple cinderblocks to raise the TV 8" should be just about right for my eyelevel of 34".

The screen is 23" high, and then there's one more inch from the top of the screen to the top of the unit.

My TV was delivered today...!

Some questions gang...

What is the remote code for the Motorola 6412? Also I have a Koss DVD player seems impossible to get this code. Any clue on what to do here?

When I split my cable to get PIP, I lost 2 HD channels. Any idea why?

SD channels are pretty bad. What did you do to make them better? Right now I have HDMI to DVI cable with the audios from composite...

On ESPN and CBS HD channels, there are black or grey bars on the sides. I thought I could use a stretch feature to stop this?

Did Auto Converge, now should I do 9 point converge? I have Avia to be delivered in a few days also..

Regarding Panny to PC experiences here's mine:

Personally, I've had my 47X54 since November. I ordered a 'generic' 3 foot HDMI to DVI cable (around $20) and hooked it up. First I used a Geforce 5700 and now I'm using a Geforce 6800 GT. Both cards worked equally well just using the Nvidia interface and display utility. The cards 'saw' the Panasonic no prob and it should be listed as a monitor choice. I use single display setup, choose the Panny and clic 'apply'. (set the Panny on HDMI!) It flickers a bit and there should be a beautifully sharp picture in 480p. There is a bit of under/overscan but it's desktop workable at least for starting games. A little resolution tweaking will fix this no doubt. However if I could reach the icons, I just wanted to let the games begin! And it's well...AWESOME. Halflife2 is absolutely gorgeous (using built in 16x9 res). All games looked great. Many games can use 1920X1080i and if that wasn't available I used 640X480!

Bottom Line is HOOK IT UP and use it.

Hmmm: Why in the world does the manual say the HDMI interface is 'not for use with PC' - time for a revision I would think!!

Hope this was useful folks!!

Originally posted by scumdog
Regarding Panny to PC experiences here's mine:

Personally, I've had my 47X54 since November. I ordered a 'generic' 3 foot HDMI to DVI cable (around $20) and hooked it up. First I used a Geforce 5700 and now I'm using a Geforce 6800 GT. Both cards worked equally well just using the Nvidia interface and display utility. The cards 'saw' the Panasonic no prob and it should be listed as a monitor choice. I use single display setup, choose the Panny and clic 'apply'. (set the Panny on HDMI!) It flickers a bit and there should be a beautifully sharp picture in 480p. There is a bit of under/overscan but it's desktop workable at least for starting games. A little resolution tweaking will fix this no doubt. However if I could reach the icons, I just wanted to let the games begin! And it's well...AWESOME. Halflife2 is absolutely gorgeous (using built in 16x9 res). All games looked great. Many games can use 1920X1080i and if that wasn't available I used 640X480!

Bottom Line is HOOK IT UP and use it.

Hmmm: Why in the world does the manual say the HDMI interface is 'not for use with PC' - time for a revision I would think!!

Hope this was useful folks!!
I'm glad to hear your PC experience is going well. I'm still waiting on my cable from RAM Electronics. It's my understanding the manual states that because they understand the damage (burn-in) that could be done when using a computer and try to deter it.

double post

Here's my dilemma:

I can either get a Panasonic PT47x54 from a well reputed online dealer (47"), or get a 51" Toshiba 51H83 from tweeter, both delivered for the same price. Which should I go with?

Panny seems more highly regarded, but Tosh has a couple extra inches and a local retailer to stand behind it.

Should I get a TV Stand for my Panny 47x54 Rear projection? I am having a problem storing my A/V receiver and DVD player. Can anyone recommend a stand?


Rob

I just look at pt 53W54 at costco. Its screen look smaller than my
53x54. My panny frame is bigger but still the costco screen does look smaller.. special its screen height. Does any1 know ifthey both have the same size screen? I was thinking Costco is displaying the Wrong Panny.

Originally posted by FireDragon064
I just look at pt 53W54 at costco. Its screen look smaller than my
53x54. My panny frame is bigger but still the costco screen does look smaller.. special its screen height. Does any1 know ifthey both have the same size screen? I was thinking Costco is displaying the Wrong Panny.


Could it look smaller, since you are in a huge warehouse?

I have this tv, 53WX54, and yes it looks huge in my living room, but tiny when displayed on the floor.

Peace,
Dave

Originally posted by video321
I'm glad to hear your PC experience is going well. I'm still waiting on my cable from RAM Electronics. It's my understanding the manual states that because they understand the damage (burn-in) that could be done when using a computer and try to deter it.

Ahhh! That makes big time sense. I need to add that 720p is a big NO-NO on these RP's. From what I've read - DON'T mess with 720p! The Panny's cannot handle it and will be adversely affected.

Public Service Mess. of the day is "Don't mess with 720p on your Panny!"

Be Brave... Scumdog

I've been checking out the current crop of HDTV sets, I've done this every year for the past 5 years or so. I decided to look at CRT models while I was at it. So in three different stores, I set up a comparison of multiple sets. I tinkered with every one of them, adjusting the color temps, brightness, contrast, running the auto-focus, etc. Many of them looked much better after I tinkered.

I compared the following competitive sets:

Panasonic 47X54 (2); Sony 46WT520 (2), Sony 51WT20 (2), Hitachi 46F510 (2), Hitachi 51F510 (1), Toshiba 46H84 (1), Toshiba 51H84 (1), a Samsung 47", a RCA 51-52", a Magnavox 51", and Mitsubishi 48315 (1).

The best picture was undoubtably the 47X54. Both of them were excellent. In one of the stores one of the new Sony 55" LCD RPTVs was just a couple of sets away from the 47X54 ... the Panny was clearly better than it too.

Second best was the Hitachi 46F510 with the Mitsubishi and Toshiba essentially tying for 3rd (hard to be that precise). One of the Sony's was very good, the other two were not as sharp as any of the better sets.

I've browsed this thread before and noted all of the positive comments, but must say that I was still surprised by how good of a picture this set threw up. It's quality reminds me of when I've evaluated top notch audio equipment, when you start to forget that you are comparing and begin to focus on the music. The 47X54's picture drew me into the HD program.

I hope the rumors that Panasonic is going to get out of the CRT RPTV game this coming summer are not true. This is a real bargain.

I've hooked up a dvd/vcr combo unit to my panny PT-47x54. I used an S-video cable for the VCR side and component cables for the DVD side. I've noticed that the colors stand out much more in the DVD mode than in the VCR mode - even when I stop the DVD and I watch regular TV with the feed running through the DVD player (component side). Sometimes the colors are so bright that I have to adjust them. Is it normal for the colors to be that brighter just by using the component cables. Note: If I watch the DVD through the S-Video cables, the colors aren't as bright. Is this normal?

I got this TV about a month ago. So far so good, especially using component cables. HDTV looks great for th 1080 broadcasters. Not having 720 native seems to be an issue i.e. Fox. Yes, I know it upconverts it but it's just not as clear. It has a graininess to it that dvd's and 1080 doesn't have. does anyone see this difference? Any fixes?

When you use this tv for Standard signals do you find the pic is better with component or standard coax (TV) input? just curious.

Also for you folks who are reading for an education...just because you are in the high HD channels on your cable box doessn't mean it's coming in as an HDTV signal. Typically unless you're in prime time the major networks don't send an HDTV signal, and believe me you can tell the difference.

720p upconverted by my SA8300HD STB to 1080i look pretty much the same as 1080i to me. A lot of it depends on the programming. Some HD is content is better than others. Does the football on Fox look grainy to you? The Football looks amazing to me.

Maybe your STB does a bad upconversion or maybe I'm just not as perceptive as you.

SD pic is WAY better via s-video for me. Over HDMI and componenent, the SD pic is way to red and too dark.

Over s-video I'd say it's slightly better than coax directly into the TV.

Originally posted by waits211
I got this TV about a month ago. So far so good, especially using component cables. HDTV looks great for th 1080 broadcasters. Not having 720 native seems to be an issue i.e. Fox. Yes, I know it upconverts it but it's just not as clear. It has a graininess to it that dvd's and 1080 doesn't have. does anyone see this difference? Any fixes?



The 53X54 doesn't upconvert 720P... at least mine doesn't....
The STB does the upconverting. If I send a 720P signal to the set it will just be garbled. The TV doesn't know what to do with it.

The problem you are seeing must be with the source and/or the upconversion that is done wherever that may be before the TV sees it.


The native 1080I should be sharper than 720P anyway I would guess. I haven't really noticed a problem with the upconverted material I've seen. The difference is marginal (to me). I don't have the ability to do a native to native comparison tho.

-AKH

Any one notice this problem?
model 53x54J
Regular TV audio is fine. When using any other external device, audio drops down. If I'm watching a football game the announcers voice is so low you can barely hear them. Yet when I pull one of the 2 auido input cables out, sound is fine (of course now mono).
Happens with any device, Replay, DVD player or Cable HD box.
Checked all cables which are okay.

Think I may have to place a service call.

Hah. This thread is fantastic - and funny as heck.

I haven't spent much time in the RP forum, as I bought a set about 12 months ago and am "out of the market" for the next couple years or so. When I purchased a year ago, I bought the PT-56WX33, which according to several posts over at the Spot (http://www.hometheaterspot.com/htsthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=595700&Main=593550) is (unsurprisingly) exactly the same internally as this years x54 models (sans the HDMI).

The funny part is, last year there was only a handful of us (like 2 or 3) active in threads for this model, as everyone was (still is) "holding out" for DLPs. In the meantime, I've been enjoying *tremendous* PQ from this set. (As a side-note, a highly respected ISF pro, Robert Jones, had some conversations with me where he stated that he felt a properly calibrated Panny was certainly the equal of *any* other RPCRT).

I'll spend some time reading the whole thread, but I'll just say "hi" and add my voice to the other sensible folks who say the very next purchase after your set is a copy of AVIA or DVE. Well worth the money.

(BTW...any other folks with 6412s, I've found setting 4:3 material to 480i is vastly superior to the other modes - plus you can then use the just aspect setting which, to me, is as good a stretch mode as I've seen)

Look forward to seeing more folks enjoy this tremendous value... (might want to see if they're still making the x33 (I guess it'd be x34? now) if you want an even better value. The x33 was a Circuit City specific model where they replaced the x53 speakers with some lesser quality ones - but as I run 100% of my audio through my HT, this was a non-factor for me and ended up saving me another $200)

Cheers,

Brian

I have serious doubts about the x54 models being exactly the same as the x53 models, except for the HDMI input. The pictures from them are not the same, to my eyes the x54 has a better picture with less hotspotting.

The wx54 is the same as the x53, and perhaps the wx53. These were part of a deal that Panasonic cut with some large retailers.

It's a confusing numbering game by Panasonic.

I am glad that you are still enjoying your set. Mine is in the shop due to problems with the component inputs. Do you use the DVI input? Mine was connected because of the component problem, but it has a lousy picture. From several posts on another thread, that seems to be a common problem with several brands.
My understanding is that this year's models have an improved picture. I do not believe that Panasonic makes any 56 inch sets any longer.

Originally posted by noeffort
Any one notice this problem?
model 53x54J
Regular TV audio is fine. When using any other external device, audio drops down. If I'm watching a football game the announcers voice is so low you can barely hear them. Yet when I pull one of the 2 auido input cables out, sound is fine (of course now mono).
Happens with any device, Replay, DVD player or Cable HD box.
Checked all cables which are okay.

Think I may have to place a service call.

Sounds like one speaker is out-of-phase when using external inputs? This would cause any sound centered in the middle to become much quieter.

Regarding the Picture Setttings for a Model PT-47x54

Can anyone tell me what the best settings should be regarding the color, tint, brightness, sharpness, etc. for this model.

I know everyone is going to have a different opinion obviously but I have been told that I should turn down the brightness so I don't burn out the set. Is that true? If so....what is the ideal setting.

Thanks

Originally posted by Touchdown9699
Regarding the Picture Setttings for a Model PT-47x54

Can anyone tell me what the best settings should be regarding the color, tint, brightness, sharpness, etc. for this model.

I know everyone is going to have a different opinion obviously but I have been told that I should turn down the brightness so I don't burn out the set. Is that true? If so....what is the ideal setting.

Thanks

Generally speaking you want to enjoy the TV so put set the brightness where it is pleasing to you. To watch a picture you don't like and constantly be in fear of the brightness and set life doesn't seem like a good thing to me.

If you are running the brightness at or near max then you would seem to be pushing things tho.

The Cinema settings out of the box are IMHO workable if you don't have a Calibration DVD of some sort. If you are using those stock settings, or anything close, then I wouldn't be worried about torch mode.

Some commercial DVD's have a calibration section you can find in the menu and this can help somewhat.

One thing you might find is that you've grown accustomed to overly bright pix but if you use the DVD calibration routine the pic may look a little dark to you initially. I'd give yourself some time before tweaking that brightness higher. Even if after a day or two you still think you need more you might find you don't need as much brightness to please you as where you originally were at.

Now, this isn't speaking to a finely tuned ISF calibrated set. Just speaking in general to minimize fears of torch mode type settings out of the box.

Most people in this thread seem to have used "Cinema" mode as their baseline and as said earlier, if you are within a few clicks to the baseline of this setting then you should be fine.

-AKH

Thanks to everyone that has responded. Because of this thread I 've chosen to go with this TV and since I've already hooked it up for a friend, I know it'll look amazing.

I too, want to say thanks to everyone for their posts.

I have been following this thread for about two months, and when I finally went to buy the Panasonic, I ended up buying a Hitachi 51F510.

Read About it here! (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&postid=5057902#post5057902)

I do not think that my time was wasted, as the hunt for the Panasonic, led me to the Hitachi.

As nice as the Panasonic looked, my Dad and I felt that the Hitachi looked better, both the physical box, as well as the picture!

Do yourself a favor, if you like the Panasonic, at least check out the Hitachi!

Many Thanks again for all your comments!

I too was down to the Hitcahi and the Panasonic...
The Hitachi looked better on the showroom until I ran the autoconvergence routine on the Panasonic. The race then tightened immensely.

The pic was so close that the winning factor was price and screensize. ( I believe price was nearly identical but Panasonic had the bigger screen).

-AKH

You must have been looking at the 53 inch Panny vs the 51 Hitachi.

The end result is if you are happy with your decision.

It is funny, I have read several "panasonic looked better than hitachi" posts.

For my dad and I, it was just the opposite, and we stayed there for about 2 hours before making the decision.

Tweaked both sets, watched different sources, and for us, the hitachi won.

It could come down to the individual set or just personal preference.

Anyway, Dad is thrilled, and so am I, cause he got a good quality product, and didn't just go into Sams or Wal-mart, and say "looks good, I'll take it!"

Originally posted by BuddTX
You must have been looking at the 53 inch Panny vs the 51 Hitachi.

The end result is if you are happy with your decision.



Actually, it was so darned close (on these 2) that I could never truly be happy with the decision always wondering whether the other would've been better sitting in the living room.

I do still have some question about fast motion not appearing smooth on this set. I can't decide if it's just me... Directv (or receiver) and DVD compression (or player)... or the TV.

The first thing I noticed has turned out to be Directv and one of the locals (unless it is a combination somehow). I can watch the same local OTA, even using the tuner in the DTV box and upconverting to 1080i and the problem is not there. Watching basketball on the local via Directv with fast motion (such as the ball going to the hoop) you'd see trails (for lack of a better word). Also, a fast pan of the crowd wouldn't be smooth at all but leave 'trails'. If a player is in the foreground and the camera following him running the player would be OK but the background would be like it isn't able to be drawn fast enough). (It doesn't have to be basketball but that is where it is most obvious).

But that got me looking and now I see fluidity issues (not talking about macroblocking) on fast left-right or right-left scenes. Like too many frames are being dropped.

I'm wondering about the 3-2 pulldown...

But I was using the built in tuner last night (rarely have used the built in tuner) and it dawned on me I hadn't noticed anything that way which leads me back to wondering if the issue is happening before the TV on my digital sources. OTOH, I wasn't 'trying' to see anything like that and might've not been anything with fast panning.

-AKH

Hey everyone. I appreciate all this good info. I just bought an 53wx54 from Costco but haven't taken it out of the box yet. I had done minimum research, but this was sitting next to the Samsung DLP and the pictures looked equal to me (I had previously liked Sony and Toshiba).
One concern is that this model is 480p, 1080i and I still don't understand (after reading a little) if this is a disadvantage to the 540 or 7??. How important is this if at all? It seems that this would indicate that it is quite different from some of the newest models discussed here. Anybody that can help out a newcomer?
Thanks! Bruce

sweetbruce,

Look at this thread.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=2205299#post2205299

I do not believe there is any RPTVs that do 720p natively - only LCDs, DLP's and plasmas do 720p. Fox/ABC broadcast in 720p hd and NBC/CBS broadcast in 1080i. Your STB is the one that does the conversion from 720p to 1080i. I'm new to HD so I might be wrong on some of this stuff.

By the way, I'm a very happy owner of 53x54j Panny and I love it's HD PQ. My parents have a DLP and both look gorgeous but I give the slight edge to my Panny.

Thanks Calavera! That posting that you sent me to answered all my questions. Great, I can keep it! That is if I can get over the fact that it's taking over the room size-wise!
I was very impressed with the picture. That was the first opportunity I've had to see the Sammy and the Panny side-by-side (and with a pretty good input).
Great info!

I've been trying to figure out the various display modes of the x54 models by reading this and other forums, as well as the Panasonic specs. I think I have most of it, but I'm sure that there are HD gooroos here who can confirm my speculation. As far as I can tell, there are 3 display modes: 480p, 540p and 1080i.

Here is how I think it all works:

1. Standard composite video input (480i): a signal received at the coax or composite video inputs is line doubled by the set's decoder (comb filter?) to produce output at 480p.

2. Progressive DVD connected via svideo or component video: DVD outputs at 480p so this is displayed without conversion.

3. EDTV (540p): not really sure what this is all about or who would use it.

4. HD at 720p: Some stations provide their HD signal at 720p which is upconverted to 1080i...is this done in the settop box or in the TV?

5. HD at 1080i: Displayed as broadcast...no conversion needed.

Any corrections or comments are welcome :)

bogen2
I've followed this thread since September and have a 47x54 and this is what I figured out with the help of all the contributers here.
Your x54 can only accept inputs of 480i, 480p, and 1080i. It will display in 540p for the 480i, 480p inputs. It display 1080i with a 1080i input. With that said,
1 and 2 display the picture at 540p.
3 doesn't happen as an input, it is the native resolution of the set.
4 and 5 happens in the set top box. You set the STB to output 1080i.

I really like the picture quality the set provides with it's internal conversion with my old 480i DVD player(via component video), as a result I have not been anxious to go out and buy an upconverting DVD player. The HDTV picture quality over component is awsome, I am going to get an HDMI cable to see if it will be better than awsome. Hope I helped.

Originally posted by moxie1617
bogen2
I've followed this thread since September and have a 47x54 and this is what I figured out with the help of all the contributers here.
Your x54 can only accept inputs of 480i, 480p, and 1080i. It will display in 540p for the 480i, 480p inputs. It display 1080i with a 1080i input. With that said,
1 and 2 display the picture at 540p.
3 doesn't happen as an input, it is the native resolution of the set.
4 and 5 happens in the set top box. You set the STB to output 1080i.

I really like the picture quality the set provides with it's internal conversion with my old 480i DVD player(via component video), as a result I have not been anxious to go out and buy an upconverting DVD player. The HDTV picture quality over component is awsome, I am going to get an HDMI cable to see if it will be better than awsome. Hope I helped.

That does remind me of a question I've had...
Since the set upconverts 480i and 480p to 540p (which is how I understood it as well) should I even use my DVD in progressive mode? I'm not sure if there is a potential benefit or detriment to that or not.

Comparing the two with my DVD player is not all that easy when looking for subtleties because my DVD has to be totally STOPPED (not just paused) to switch between 'interlaced and progressive' modes.

-AKH

Originally posted by akh
That does remind me of a question I've had...
Since the set upconverts 480i and 480p to 540p (which is how I understood it as well) should I even use my DVD in progressive mode? I'm not sure if there is a potential benefit or detriment to that or not.
-AKH

Yes... P mode and I would recommend to use component cables. ;)

My dvd player does P mode in 520P. I also have set the matrix option on the x54 to HD and the DVDs look awesome. I just saw "The Village", which it sux azz by the way, and I could see every detail on the so called creatures.

Originally posted by ca1avera
Yes... P mode and I would recommend to use component cables. ;)

My dvd player does P mode in 520P. I also have set the matrix option on the x54 to HD and the DVDs look awesome. I just saw "The Village", which it sux azz by the way, and I could see every detail on the so called creatures.

If your DVD is outputting something other than 480i or 480p (or 1080i) you mean the TV is able to handle it? I though the conventional wisdom in this thread was that the TV accepted 480i, 480p and 1080i inputs only and then upconverted 480 to 540p (and of course left 1080i alone).

I guess what I was asking in my other post was if the DVD player was doing line doubling (480p), and then the TV did it yet again and upconverted to 540p, was that creating any issues or would it be better letting only one device handle the doubling? (Which I guess would have to be the TV since AFAIK there is no way to force it to use native 480i/480p).

Am I making sense and asking that properly?

-AKH

Originally posted by akh
If your DVD is outputting something other than 480i or 480p (or 1080i) you mean the TV is able to handle it? I though the conventional wisdom in this thread was that the TV accepted 480i, 480p and 1080i inputs only and then upconverted 480 to 540p (and of course left 1080i alone).

I guess what I was asking in my other post was if the DVD player was doing line doubling (480p), and then the TV did it yet again and upconverted to 540p, was that creating any issues or would it be better letting only one device handle the doubling? (Which I guess would have to be the TV since AFAIK there is no way to force it to use native 480i/480p).

Am I making sense and asking that properly?

-AKH

Let me take a stab at this one.... I believe the DVD player does the convert and the TV just displays it. Therefore the TV does not do any conversion. I believe most Progressive DVD players do 480p, mine does 520p and the TV handles up to 540p.

I take delivery on my 53x54 today! I'm so excited.

Jay

We just got a PT-53WX54 about two days ago, and I'm confused about all this HD business. Well i hooked up my Sony DVD progressive scan player to the Tv with component cables and honestly i see very little difference in the picture. Is something wrong with the TV?

Originally posted by LJ25
We just got a PT-53WX54 about two days ago, and I'm confused about all this HD business. Well i hooked up my Sony DVD progressive scan player to the Tv with component cables and honestly i see very little difference in the picture. Is something wrong with the TV?

Very little difference between your picture now with component cables and what?

-AKH

Isn't the picture supposed to look better with progressive scan? The picture I'm getting from the WX54 with progressive scan is worse than my old panasonic TV. Any suggestion about what I should do to make the picture quality better? Any recommended color/brightness/sharpness levels?

Make sure progressive scan is ENABLED in the DVD's menu.. they are always defaulted to OFF because conventional tube televisions cannot display progressive scan. It makes a very noticeable difference on my 53X54.

Jay

I take it you can't manually change what mode you are in, 540p to 1080i?

Jay

Originally posted by LJ25
Isn't the picture supposed to look better with progressive scan? The picture I'm getting from the WX54 with progressive scan is worse than my old panasonic TV. Any suggestion about what I should do to make the picture quality better? Any recommended color/brightness/sharpness levels?

What is 'worse' about it? I have an idea....

While watching a DVD go into your video settings on the TV and make sure the color matrix is set to HD and see if that helps.

Also, if you are not running the 'CINEMA' settings try that and then change the color matrix to HD.

-AKH

Originally posted by ca1avera
Yes... P mode and I would recommend to use component cables. ;)

My dvd player does P mode in 520P. I also have set the matrix option on the x54 to HD and the DVDs look awesome. I just saw "The Village", which it sux azz by the way, and I could see every detail on the so called creatures.
How do you set the color matrix?

Originally posted by BadMojo11
How do you set the color matrix?

On the remote:

Press: Action button

Picture settings will come up. Use remote to scroll to bottom and get to "Other Adjustments" and choose it.

Color Matrix will be on that page. It will be greyed out with some inputs but should be available to a progressive DVD input. Choices are SD or HD.

-AKH

Interesting. When I put it to the input where the DVD player is, it is still grayed out.....

What does this mean?

Originally posted by BadMojo11
Interesting. When I put it to the input where the DVD player is, it is still grayed out.....

What does this mean?

On mine it means my DVD player is not in progressive scan mode.

-AKH

Originally posted by akh
What is 'worse' about it? I have an idea....

While watching a DVD go into your video settings on the TV and make sure the color matrix is set to HD and see if that helps.

Also, if you are not running the 'CINEMA' settings try that and then change the color matrix to HD.

-AKH


I did set the color matrix to HD but that only makes the picture a little brighter and less color. Also my DVD is also set to P-Scan but I have no choice on what i can put it in, whether is 480p or higher. I went to see on the DVD menu and under "Progressive Mode" there is only "Auto" and "Video".

Originally posted by LJ25
I did set the color matrix to HD but that only makes the picture a little brighter and less color. Also my DVD is also set to P-Scan but I have no choice on what i can put it in, whether is 480p or higher. I went to see on the DVD menu and under "Progressive Mode" there is only "Auto" and "Video".

I assume you did set that to Auto.

Describe what it is wrong or bad that you are seeing?

-AKH

Consumer reports gave the 47X54 a great rating :)

http://www3.sympatico.ca/asmackay/pics/cr-hdtv.jpg

Originally posted by voyager6868
Consumer reports gave the 47X54 a great rating :)

http://www3.sympatico.ca/asmackay/pics/cr-hdtv.jpg

Is there a link to a full review anywhere? I own the Toshiba 51h83 and I'm wondering why it got such a low score.

Thanks

How about the PiP feature?

I can't seem to get mine to work...is there some other equipment that I have to buy. Right now, i just have a digital tv box (hd box coming tuesday WOOHOO :D) and can't get the PiP to work...

figured you guys could help me out.

Thanks!

-chl

You need another source connected for PiP, i.e. if you only have the digital cable box, then what is it going to display in the other picture?

Love my new Panny 53wx54! Haven't even hooked up a DVD yet and don't even have HD cable yet, but I love it already! I can't believe that people complain about regular cable; ok it's not the best but it's still so much better than my 35" crt Panny or anything else I've ever had.
Anyway, I get that people on this string are saying to use component cables, is this better than using the DVI connections on DVD and TV?

Is it better to use component cables than the dvi connection for a cd player? I just got my new panny 53wx54 hooked up to Cox cable and I'm thrilled with it! Great set!

Originally posted by sweetbruce
Is it better to use component cables than the dvi connection for a cd player? I just got my new panny 53wx54 hooked up to Cox cable and I'm thrilled with it! Great set!

Clarify what you're trying to do? CD Player as in audio? That would have nothing to do with DVI or component cables. If you meant a DVD player, if it has a HDMI connection, that would net the highest quality picture, if not then you would want to use the component video cables.

Jay

After I get 100~ hours on my 53x54.. I was thinking about entering the 165-pt Service Tech convergence and fine tuning the screen.. are there any settings in the 165 pt that you can eyeball to create a sharper image without needing the template? I've noticed some ghosting here and there.. like something isn't focused right.

Jay

Back to a previous question that was mentioned as well......

How many of you have been able to remove or solve the yellowing that occurs on mostly white screen shots on the left and right sides of the screen. I've done some reading, and see that it may be a result of the close proximity of the screen to the color guns, but there must be a reasonable solution, right?

I've looked into lens striping, but i'm not comfortable opening up my brand new $1,000+ TV to solve something that should be fixable under warranty. But before i call a Panasonic Tech out, i thought i'd see if there was a simple solution, or somethign some of you have done to solve the problem. Is calling a tech out a good idea?

Thanks

Originally posted by SailRace
Back to a previous question that was mentioned as well......

How many of you have been able to remove or solve the yellowing that occurs on mostly white screen shots on the left and right sides of the screen. I've done some reading, and see that it may be a result of the close proximity of the screen to the color guns, but there must be a reasonable solution, right?

I've looked into lens striping, but i'm not comfortable opening up my brand new $1,000+ TV to solve something that should be fixable under warranty. But before i call a Panasonic Tech out, i thought i'd see if there was a simple solution, or somethign some of you have done to solve the problem. Is calling a tech out a good idea?

Thanks

Lens striping here.... worked for me.

-AKH

Did you do it yourself, call panasonic, or have an ISF come out? How difficult was the process....

Can you post some sort of how to? Any help would be very appreciated.

Originally posted by SailRace
Did you do it yourself, call panasonic, or have an ISF come out? How difficult was the process....

Can you post some sort of how to? Any help would be very appreciated.

Did it myself.

There's 10-12 or so screws along the lower portion rear of the set. That removes an access panel where you can get to the lenses.

I used black gaffers tape folded into about a 1"-1.5" strip (Since it was folded there was no sticky part and both sides were black). I simply laid that over the edge of the offending lenses. The tape rests on the edge of the ring around the lenses... it is not actually touching the lens. That allowed for easy 'fine tuning' and experimenting on best position with no trouble.

It's been a while but I worked with one side at a time. (Yellow tinge to begin with) On the right side I believe I covered green first and that turned the 'tinge' to reddish and so I then covered the edge of the red. Then I did whatever was needed on the left using the same process. I don't remember whether if both sides got the same treatment or not.

I used a black and white movie on a bright scene as my reference as I did this. Any bright white scene should work. Just pause the DVD on it. Actually, I used a black and white still pic scene from Sea Biscuit now that I think about it. I just paused the DVD on one.

I'm doubting a service tech would know to do this or would even bother. I'm guessing he'd just tell you it is the nature of the beast.

Really, there's not much that can go wrong unless you are extremely clumsy and/or have metal objects that you drop down into the electronics. You're not actually working close to the electronics anyway.

I'd be curious to know what a service tech has said or done about this issue. My Samsung had it as well and I did the same on it.


-AKH

Excellent, that doesn't sound too bad at all. Have you noticed any significant change in brightness of hte screen because of it, or are you 100% satisfied?

If you folded the tape in half, how did you get it to stay in one place. did you end up taping it there once you were satisfied, or does it just rest there on its own?

Sorry for all the questions, but once i get through my 100 hour burn in, and go through the AVIA setup, i'm going to attempt this to solve the tintiing issue.

Thanks for all the help.

Originally posted by SailRace
Excellent, that doesn't sound too bad at all. Have you noticed any significant change in brightness of hte screen because of it, or are you 100% satisfied?

If you folded the tape in half, how did you get it to stay in one place. did you end up taping it there once you were satisfied, or does it just rest there on its own?

Sorry for all the questions, but once i get through my 100 hour burn in, and go through the AVIA setup, i'm going to attempt this to solve the tintiing issue.

Thanks for all the help.

The gaffer's tape is heavy enough that it can be shaped a little so between gravity and a bit of a downward bend on the sides it stays where put.

I'm sure a small piece of tape could be used to secure the strips if needed. Just attach it to the metal ring around the lens BUT make sure and don't move the ring since this is where you adjust focus. The ring should be secured with a wingnut anyway so this would be hard to do unless you have 'ham hands'.

I only noticed the improvement of the color balance throughout the screen improving from one side to the next. No problems.


-AKH

Before I stated that the HD picture on my set for fox and other 720 broadcasts weren't as good as 1080. I have to say i was wrong. after watching the superbowl i now realize that dispite the fact I was watching fox in HD i wasn't watching an HD broadcast.

I can't be more clear than that for those of you who dont' have HD yet and are reading for information. Let me repeat even though you are watching an HD channel doesn't mean you are getting it in HD. Period.

All in all love this set, but i wish the screen protector could be removed without major surgury. If you sit too close it tends to give you a "textured feel"

Cheers

quick question...

i ordered and shall soon be recieving the DVE disc and was wondering what correlation this has, if any, with auto-convergence.

i'm just a little confused on the subject and figured you guys could help..

thanks.

-chl

I asked earlier about connections from DVD. I take it there isn't much difference in quality of picture between using component video or HDMI. Jay responded that HDMI would be better if the DVD has that option. But then I'm thinking of buying a theater system (instead of just DVD player), and I haven't found one yet that has an HDMI connection. Is this because it just doesn't matter that much?
Thanks!

Originally posted by sweetbruce
I asked earlier about connections from DVD. I take it there isn't much difference in quality of picture between using component video or HDMI. Jay responded that HDMI would be better if the DVD has that option. But then I'm thinking of buying a theater system (instead of just DVD player), and I haven't found one yet that has an HDMI connection. Is this because it just doesn't matter that much?
Thanks!

Check the DVD Players Forum (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=18) . I like the Panasonic S97, which will upconvert to 720p and 1080i using HDMI.

sweetbruce,

I second Didlysquat's nomination of the Panasonic S97. I have this paired up with my Panasonic 53x54 and it's been a nice match. I just recently upgraded the S97's firmware from Panasonic and hopefully can test that out to see the improvements others have raved about. But certainly, HDMI between the S97 and 53x54 is nice IMHO.

Can anyone tell me how reliable Panasonic RPTVs are compared to Sony? I'm trying to decide between the 47x54 and the Sony KP-51WS520 Hi-Scan series. The Sony is 51" and about $230 more, compared to the 47" Panasonic.

Does anyone know where I can find more detailed specs for the 53X54? I am trying to hook up my MythTV box (Linux-based PVR) to the X54 via a DVI to HDMI cable. In order to do so, I need the following info:

Supported resolutions
SupportedHorizontal and Vertical sync frequencies
Active video
Front porch
Sync Pulse
Back porch

I can't find it in the manual, and my googling is coming up dry.

Better yet, does anyone have a Linux modeline that works?

Seem to be having a problem..

I'm noticing a line, nearly invisible most of the time, but when it gets on fleshy tones or redish tones it's very prevelent.

It's basically a line going down the middle of the screen where the PiP would be split in two...

I can't seem to get rid of it...

any ideas?

Just ordered my 53x54. I can't wait for it to be delivered!!:cool:

I think you will be very pleased! I got mine for a very very good price and the quality of the 53X54 is excellent. I am so glad I went with the 53 over the 47 as well.

I got a good deal too as my dad works for Panasonic so I got the employee price. :)

I have been reading about this TV PT 53x54 and i had a quick question. Does this model have a built in HDTV Tuner, i know that it is HDTV Ready/Compatible but do i need a set-top receiver to see DTV? I went to their website and under technical the following is written. Please explain. Thank you


1 For models with built-in ATSC/QAM/CableCARD: Optional external over-the-air antenna may be required for ATSC reception. Contact your local cable company for information regarding the availability and costs of CableCARD-related services.

For models without built-in HDTV tuners: Optional HDTV set-top receiver required to view DTV programming. Optional external over-the-air antenna may be required for ATSC reception. If your cable company passes through a network DTV signal unchanged, an optional HDTV set-top receiver can decode and tune the program. However, FCC must-carry regulations for cable DTV pass-through have not been finalized. :confused:

The PT53x54 does not have an HDTV tuner, you will need a set top box(or HD Cable or Satelite box) to see HDTV.

I'm experiencing extremely poor 480i performance.. my friend's Toshiba looks better at every mode 480i, 480p, 1080i.. Not sure what gives with my 53x54.. manual convergence doesn't help. Sigh.

Jay

Sorry to hear about the poor PQ you are experiencing. You may want to post/read the Tweaks and Troubleshooting thread http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=452174
but it sounds like you may need a service call. I only use use 480i inputs: component for DVD, S-video for DirecTv, composite for the VCR, and RF for SD OTA television. In all cases the PQ is very good. It did require doing the manual 9 point convergence, I have not done a service menu convergence nor a DVE or Avia setup. I had a HDTV STB for a month and PQ was awesome at 1080i.

Originally posted by Diversion
I'm experiencing extremely poor 480i performance.. my friend's Toshiba looks better at every mode 480i, 480p, 1080i.. Not sure what gives with my 53x54.. manual convergence doesn't help. Sigh.

Jay

Did you run the auto convergence routine (button on the front of the tv)?

-AKH

Originally posted by Diversion
I'm experiencing extremely poor 480i performance.. my friend's Toshiba looks better at every mode 480i, 480p, 1080i.. Not sure what gives with my 53x54.. manual convergence doesn't help. Sigh.

Jay
I have an SA8300HD STB and my 480i performance over HDMI or Component is pretty bad. 480i over S-Video or Composite looks fine. It's got way too much red and too dark when over HDMI.

HD over HDMI looks amazing, so I'm sure the set is set up/converged fine.

I just have both inputs connected and switch back and forth. No big deal really since I set up 2 buttons on my remote for switching.

Have you tried 480i over S-Video or Composite?

Got my 53x54 delivered on Fri. OMG I love it. PQ is great from the 1080i from my HDTV box and movies look good on the ol Xbox/DVD player. Next up I think I'll add the panny S97 for a better DVD player and use the HDMI into the TV.

Originally posted by Diversion
I'm experiencing extremely poor 480i performance.. my friend's Toshiba looks better at every mode 480i, 480p, 1080i.. Not sure what gives with my 53x54.. manual convergence doesn't help. Sigh.

Jay

What is your source and how is it connected?

-AKH

Originally posted by akh
Did you run the auto convergence routine (button on the front of the tv)?

-AKH

Yes, I have done this already.. then I went into the more advanced (green line alignment, big center X color alignment, and 9 point color cross alignment) and while they were a tad bit off, the PQ didn't improve all that much. I notice a ghosting type outline around objects or people's faces on the screen.. it's like the whole TV is out of focus or something..

Jay

Originally posted by lexluthor
I have an SA8300HD STB and my 480i performance over HDMI or Component is pretty bad. 480i over S-Video or Composite looks fine. It's got way too much red and too dark when over HDMI.

HD over HDMI looks amazing, so I'm sure the set is set up/converged fine.

I just have both inputs connected and switch back and forth. No big deal really since I set up 2 buttons on my remote for switching.

Have you tried 480i over S-Video or Composite?

I am using 480i over component and it looks horrible.. 480P and 1080i look better sure, but when I compare it to my friends Toshiba 51H94 his 480i looks GREAT and his 480P/1080i looks so much more sharp over my 53x54. Maybe i'll make a service call since I paid for it for 3 years.. it's through Sears, I wonder if they have any experienced TV techs that will come out and crack open my unit under warranty and make it look right.

Jay

My PQ using HDMI with my upscaling DVD player at 1080i looks pretty good though... I've messed with a few settings with the service mode but nothing helped what appears to be a focus problem where i'm seeing a faint outline around people's heads on cable TV and DVDs.. although it's less noticeable on DVDs. I'm approaching my 100 hour break-in period so hopefully things get sharper on the display or im going to make a service call.. and I doubt Sears can bring in a ISF tech to do anything under warranty.

Jay

How is your DVD player connnected? You sure the TV is over component and not composite?

My Toshiba Faroudja dvd player is connected via HDMI.

Like I said (I think) that DVDs are the only thing that look great on this television so far.. everything else looks blurrier..

Originally posted by Diversion
My Toshiba Faroudja dvd player is connected via HDMI.

Like I said (I think) that DVDs are the only thing that look great on this television so far.. everything else looks blurrier..

You're going to have to tell us how your HDTV STB is connected (what inputs are you using)? ...And what is your STB (Cable, Directv, DISH...etc?)? Nobody can help you without that info.

If your DVD player is using your HDMI input and it looks good that would seem to imply all is well with the TV and the problem is either with the signal you are feeding it OR the way you are feeding that signal (or both).

Don't assume a cable or satellite installer hooked the components up properly. You MUST use HDMI or COMPONENT inputs for your HDTV. Otherwise you are not getting the 1080I signal regardless of what your STB might say. You'll get a picture... even a 16:9 picture on HD channels... but it won't be 1080i.

You DO NOT want to be using the composite (yellow) video in nor do you want to use the S-Video input for HDTV viewing.

I'm assuming you actually have a STB and a subscription to an HD package, or a STB that allows you to receive HD OTA (and that any OTA digital broadcasters you receive are actually ever sending HD). Digital doesn't always = HD. Some people still don't get that concept.

I apologize if you've covered all those bases but without direct answers to the above questions it is all a guessing game. You've pretty much described to a 'T' what usually turns out to be either:
A: The components connected via S Video or Composite inputs
B: Not actually having an HD receiver or tuning in HD programs
C: STB not set to 1080i output mode

-AKH

Is it true that you need to purchase a separate HDTV tunner with this Panny? If so, what are you guys running?

Yes, you must get a tuner. Its a monitor only.

I Have the Dual Tuner DVR from Comcast

Originally posted by Gaius Caligula
Is it true that you need to purchase a separate HDTV tunner with this Panny? If so, what are you guys running?

Your cable/sat provider will provide you a Set top box (STB) with an HDTV tuner at a nominal monthly charge (around $5/mo).

Actually I don't even have HDTV service for my television yet.. just been using the tv for DVD and videogames at the moment.. I do have coaxle basic cable hooked up.. I never expected regular cable to look all that great anyways.. even though my friends Toshiba looks better even on coax cable. I'll have to hook up a true 1080i source to my television and see if the quality is there.. I have gone into the service menu and did a FINE convergence tune up and it helped a lot for the most part. I was shocked how badly convergence was off.. that auto-convergence is crap on these sets.

Does anybody know which option in the service menu will reduce red push and blue push? I thought it was R_CUT and B_CUT but they don't seem to tame the colors at all.

Jay

Originally posted by lexluthor
How is your DVD player connnected? You sure the TV is over component and not composite?

Diversion, so that was it?

So, is there a conclusion that the WX54 and the X54 are basically the same?

I can tell that the WX54 has the older cabinet, only 480p capabilities, and DVI instead of HDMI. Are the "guts" still the same though?

I originally posted this in the Tweaks and Troubleshooting thread. My conclusion is that they are not the same. Hope this helps.
Originally posted by moxie1617
The WX54 is not the same set as the X54. I believe it is the prior years model and is only available at Costco and Sams. When I was looking at the WX54 I found the CRT's used are not the same as the X54. I decided to take a pass on the Costco version and went with the X54. All of the "good" features you read about in this thread you may not find in the WX54.
I would also recommend you get an HD ready TV and use an external box for an HD tuner. It appears that the ATSC tuner technology is advancing every year-why get stuck with a third or fourth generation tuner that is built into the set. I had a Samsung SIR-T351 which I tried to live with for a month before returning it. My problem was multi-path and the current generation of HDTV tuners don't like it.

Thanks moxie - making me think long and hard.

I saw the picture on the 53WX54 and I liked it, so that's a good thing. Even in the terrible lighting of the warehouse, it looked good. The 53X54 is about $100-150 more right now, and my untrained eye couldn't tell the difference. The lack of a need to buy an extended warranty at the membership warehouses (due to great return policies) might sway me.

Anyone have the 53WX54 or the 47WX54 that would like to share their experiences with it? There was a good review on opinion website, but that review indicated it was basically the same as the 53X54, which conflicts with moxie's experience.

Can you tell me where you are seeing the 53X54? I'm in Los Angeles and they all seem to of disappeared. Not sure if I want to mail order one yet. I guess it could work.

I sent you a private message with the details of where I found it.

Here is the link for the WX54 series operators manual(6.7MB). http://service.us.panasonic.com/OPERMANPDF/PT53WX54J.PDF

the link for the X54 series operating manual(5.4MB).
http://service.us.panasonic.com/OPERMANPDF/PT53TW54.PDF

Hopefully this will help those interesed in these models make a decision.

Has anyone gone into the service menu and done some fine tuning? (53x54 only)

Did it help at all? How hard is it? Is there documentation (not for the 53wx54 or other models)

Thanks!

Here is the link to the X54 tweaks and trouble shooting thread. You can find the "how to" there as well as members experiences.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=452174

Thanks for the links moxie... I haven't been able to fully download the WX54 manual though... Progress bar gets about 75% done and then dies every time. Tried in the morning and evening. If you have it, do you mind quickly rehosting it somewhere or emailing it to me?

Well I did it, finally took the plunge and ordered my 47X54, I got it at Circuit City with a nice pricematch. Getting it delivered on Tuesday! Now just have to figure out what DVD player to match it to...

Andy

Can someone please write the ModeLine for PT53X54 so that I can hook it up to my MythTV bo. I will really appriciate your help. Thanks in Advance
-Harit

Hello,
I am deciding which model to buy...the 47" is $200 cheaper & 6 ins smaller screen, however it seems to be a better quality set, especially for HD. Any opinions would be greatly appreciated! Thank you.

I called HH Gregg today to find out if they carried the PT-53X54 model and they said this model has been discontinued.

Circuit City and Sears are still selling it. Can someone clarify if it is discontinued. Thanks.

- Neil

Frank123,

Depends on your needs, viewing distance, source etc.
They are completely different units though, the WX54 is essentially last years WX53 with some slight modifications, sold primarily through the big box stores. The X54's are a new design this year and have a reputation as as the best bang for your buck in that price range. That's not to say that the WX54's are bad units by any means, just that side by side the X54's win in most peoples eyes.

I.C.

Thanks for the advice Idiotcanuck; I agree that the X54 is the smarter choice and I have went ahead and ordered it.

one thing to note - the X54 series only does 540P/1080i, as opposed to 480P/1080i that last years models did. this was done as a cost saving measure (same scan rate for 540p and 1080i), but is probably worse for the picture quality of 480i/p sources since they won't be displayed at native res. otherwise, as far as i know, there was very little changed for the x54 model internally other than the addition of autoconvergence (which doesn't do a very good job anyway).

Although I've noticed that no one has posted on here for a few days, I was wondering if anyone had any input for someone considering the following RPTVs:

Panasonic PT47x54
Hitachi 46f500 (or 46f510 since I don't know the difference)
Sony KP46WT520

I've spent hours at a local store messin' with them and I find myself leaning towards the Panasonic. However, my luck with other Panasonic products has been poor in the past.

I won't be playing any video games or hooking this up to my computer. It will basically just be for standard/digital cable and a LOT of DVDs.

So, who got suggestions/feedback/opinions?

Thanks in advance to all of you. This thread has been extremely informative thus far.

I compared the same units about six months ago, my eventual decision was the X54. No regrets as yet. Reliability has been outstanding, PQ is quite good, even with analogue SD cable. From what I can gather, from this and other forums, overall reliability seems high. I've only seen a few complaints of defects, given the number of units sold I would say this seems extremely low. The only issue that is (or was) widely discussed is
a minor edge convergence problem. Typically solved with a service level convergence or a service call to do the same. Since the introduction of the "J" model (PT-47X54J), with an upgraded convergence board, incidents of these complaints seem to be less frequent so I would say it may no longer be an issue.

Good luck with your purchase.
I.C.

Thanks for your reply and input. What is this PT-47X54J that you mentioned? I checked panasonics web site and google with no answers. Is this a change to the TV without a model # change? And, if so, will it be labeled as such on the back of the TV?

Thanks again!!!

I am in love with the 53X54. I cherish it when I am home. I miss it when I am away.

This love is for real.

GizmoDuck,
Yes it is a model update. My understanding is that it entails an upgraded convergence board and a small change to the case dimensions. Though the later has never been confirmed. Try the X54 Tweaks and Troubleshooting thread, I believe there was some talk there a few months back about the J model. Yes I believe it will be on the label, and I believe every unit produced in the last 3-4 months? will be one.

Happy Hunting,
I.C.

True love is such a rare and beautifull thing isn't it BadMojo.

GizmoDuck,
I received my 47x54 in early October and it is labeled 47x54J.

BadMojo11,
I saw your post in tweaks and am curious if the love you express is after going into the service menu. If you didn't make it there yet, you will blow your socks off after doing the service menu convergence. I finally got my feet wet early last week and just did the service menu convergence( actually had to do it four times) and I was amazed at the results. I thought the PQ was outstanding before I played, but now it is beyond that. It was worth the trouble.

After yet another visit to local stores, I'm leaning towards the 47x54. But before I drop a thousand bucks I was hoping to get all of your input on a few more topics.

It's my understanding that I would only need 720p support for gaming. Is this correct? I haven't the slightest interest in playing games on this thing.

If, for some reason, the model # does NOT end in "J," should I still purchase the 47x54? It seems to me that even if it's only a slight improvement that I should be paying for the latest revision.

I'm currently sporting a Panasonic DVD-S35. From what I can find (since I bought it a year ago), this supports both 480p and 480i. However, I've found that it has over 500 lines of resolution. How is that possible? Does it have anything to do with upscaling it to 540p?

Lastly, should I consider buying a new DVD player as well? Do DVDs even have more than 480 lines of resolution? I've seen DVD players with HDMI ports and the like, but should the investment be made? I mean, I understand "i" is interlaced and all, but I suppose I'm still a bit unclear as to what this means to a home user... can anyone recommend a site or forum that describes the differences (i.e. 480i, 480p, 540p, 1080i, progressive scan)?

I apologize for the bombardment of questions. It's just one of those things you'd like to see in your living room by the weekend. ;)

Once again, thank you all for you replies, input, and recommendations.

Originally posted by GizmoDuck
If, for some reason, the model # does NOT end in "J," should I still purchase the 47x54? It seems to me that even if it's only a slight improvement that I should be paying for the latest revision.
I just bought one at Circuit City which was advertised as a PT-47x54, but when I got it home, I was pleased to see that the model stamped on the back of the set was PT-47X54J.

Anyone with Starz/Encore have you noticed they have placed annoying burn-in eyesores at the bottom right of the channel

eg. ENCORE WESTERN, STARZ ?, ENCORE ACTION

Those JERKS

Originally posted by GregLee
I just bought one at Circuit City which was advertised as a PT-47x54, but when I got it home, I was pleased to see that the model stamped on the back of the set was PT-47X54J.

was it on sale at CC?

i'm not actually convinced that there is a non-J model. If you look on Panasonic's parts website by model #, they only list the X54J. The same goes for my PT53TW53G. It's possibly (and maybe even likely) that the J may be something specific to the U.S. and has nothing to do with a revision. Whether that something has to do with the convergence board is anyone's guess....

Thanks for you replies. Can anyone else throw in their two cents in reference to my previous post?

Thanks for all your help recently!!!

Originally posted by mingus
was it on sale at CC?
Yes, but no huge discount. As advertized on the CC web site. My choice in retailers here in Honolulu is limited. CC was the only local store that had this model.

Originally posted by GizmoDuck

It's my understanding that I would only need 720p support for gaming. Is this correct? I haven't the slightest interest in playing games on this thing.


Correct.

Your STB will convert 720p programming to 1080i and pass that on to the TV.

Mikea28,

I see what you mean about the parts list. You would think if there was a model change, there would have to be two parts lists or at least some distinction as to which model a specific part was for.
So I may be guilty of spreading disinformation.
I haven't been able to find the posts that discussed this "upgrade", but either way I think you're right.
My Bad!!

I.C.

Does anyone think 720p upscaled to 1080i and/or 480p upscaled to 540p is going to make a discernable difference?

I'm convinced I jumped the gun when I purchased the Sony KP51WS520, not that I think it's a bad TV but more that I couldn't stop thinking about the PT53x54. I also wanted 720p support for my XBox gaming but when I really thought about it, many of the games I want or have aren't 720p. My HD Reciever also converts 720p to 1080i so I had to rethink my purchase. The Panasonic's PQ was pretty amazing at the default settins in the store and the cabnit really has a nicer look to it, looks more high end. The top shelf is also a plus for a center speaker and it's same price in my area as the Sony. 53" does seem better than 51" when PQ is pretty similar(in my eyes)

I did get a $50 cut off the price off the Sony from BB and free shipping but my heart was with the Panasonic so tomorrow i'm off to try to get some sort of discount and free delivery, two local retailers with the same price means one is bound to crack. I just hope my account is credited back by tomorrow so I can enjoy some HD content an a bigger screen that my current 32".

Also, in my research regarding the next XBox is a lot of rumors of 1080i standerd and/or the XBox itself will actually scale 720p to 1080i. I don't know how concrete that is but it's enough for me to go with the TV I lust for.

caliph - interesting about the next xbox rumors. I had hypothesized that they'd do something like that simply because there are a fair number of displays that don't take 720p and it'd be crazy for them to exclude all those people from the HD glory, especially if HD for all games or almost all games is one of the goals for that machine.

time will tell...i hope it's true though...

btw - if you have your Sony ISF'ed, it should look just as good as a panny after ISF calibration. If you were local, I might actually trade you just to get the 720p support.

Originally posted by mikea28
caliph - interesting about the next xbox rumors. I had hypothesized that they'd do something like that simply because there are a fair number of displays that don't take 720p and it'd be crazy for them to exclude all those people from the HD glory, especially if HD for all games or almost all games is one of the goals for that machine.

time will tell...i hope it's true though...

btw - if you have your Sony ISF'ed, it should look just as good as a panny after ISF calibration. If you were local, I might actually trade you just to get the 720p support.

I hope it's true about the next XBox and they would be alienating many people if it isn't.

I went with the Panasonic. I went to Fry's Electronics and they actually knocked $100 off their price which was already $60 lower than the Sony. The discount was contingent upon me getting a two year extended service plan but I figured I could get a refund for that once I have the TV. I think i'm going to keep it since I ended up paying the same but now have extended service or I can get a refund and get a DVD player that upconverts. Either way i'm content and got the TV I wanted. Delivery is tomorrow morning, i'm so excited it's pathetic.

Well, put me down as another satisfied customer of this spectacular TV. My son and I watched the Incredibles on it after I ran my DVE disk through and we got some great results.

This thread is really great. I need help though

Electronics Expo in NJ advertised PT47X54 for $ 888 and I jumped at it. Of course, they then said that is OOS and is expected soon, so I paid the full amount and have been waiting for a month. Now they are saying that this model has been discontinued. Is that true? CC and other stores have stock

Also 6ave has PT47WX34 for a similar price. What is the difference between the 2 models

Pls, any help would be most appreciated

If you mean the PT-W4734X, the only difference I could see in the manual was 127V line voltage vs 120V line voltage for the 47X54 and 53X54.

I'm pretty sure 127V must be a typo because the U.S. is all 120V 60Hz AC power. I actually didn't know there was a 34X, seems that it would be an old model if there is one based on Panasonic's numbering scheme. Maybe a WX54, which is the same as last year's model, but sold at places like Walmart/Costco/Sams/etc and features DVI-HDCP and native 480P instead of HDMI and upconversion to 540P.

The PT-W4734X model designation is included in the operating instructions manual that includes the 47X54, 53X54, and 53TW54. The info is found at the bottom of page 4. I don't even know where in the world they have 127v 60hz AC.

mikea28,moxie1617

thanks for your replies. The model advertised by 6ave is PT47WX34 and not PT-W4734X. Not sure if they are the same models. I searched around on the internet and did not find anything on this model. I have seen this in a store and it looks older than PT47X54. Any idea how I can figure out the difference?

Originally posted by mikea28
one thing to note - the X54 series only does 540P/1080i, as opposed to 480P/1080i that last years models did. this was done as a cost saving measure (same scan rate for 540p and 1080i), but is probably worse for the picture quality of 480i/p sources since they won't be displayed at native res.
Would it follow, then, that an upscaling-via-HDMI player that sends a 1080i signal should look better than a regular DVD player sending a 480i/P signal?

I guess a follow-up question (or maybe a threshhold one) would be whether the x54 rescales a digital signal from HDMI, thus possibly negating any improvement?

(Yes, I'm trying to determine whether an upscaling DVD player would be a good much/provide much improvement with the x54 series!)

Rich Malloy - Depends how good the scaler in the TV is vs the scaler in the DVD player. I know that lots of people with older Toshiba's with bad scalers find the image quality MUCH improved with an upscaling DVD player since they can bypass the TV's scaler. With that said, I feel the picture on my PT-53TW53 (which does native 480P) still looks noticably better upscaled via a Zenith DVB318 (faroudja based). Mainly with the loss of visible scanlines, but there does appear to be a small increase in detail.

so to answer your quesiton directly - YES the Panasonic will upscale the digital 480p signal via HDMI to 540p. Whether it's kept all digital or if there are any other A/D & D/A conversions involved is unclear. You'd have to look at a schematic to be 100% sure.

Thanks, Mikea28! Good thoughts.

Certainly, any 480i/p signal fed to the x54 will be converted to 540p (either via component or HDMI), but I'm specifically wondering whether a 1080i signal sent via HDMI will undergo any further processing by the x54 that could potentially render the DVD upconversion-via-HDMI superfluous? Does anyone know what the x54 does to a player-upconverted 1080i signal fed via HDMI? Is this the bestest, simplest signal path with the fewest subsequent conversions/reconversions, or is it treated just like any old 480i/p signal via component/HDMI?

It seems that the answer to this question would go a long way toward determining whether an upconverting DVD player would allow for any improvement at all for this monitor. (Yes, I just read the sticky discussion on this stuff!)

If you have all VSM, Sharpness, Natural Color, etc. turned off on your X54, I would think the 1080i signal would go straight through unprocessed. That appears to be what happens on my PT-53TW53. It will of course be converted to analog at some point for display since CRTs will only take an analog signal.

mikea28,I have the same set as you 53TW53.From what I understamd VSM is not totaly shut off on this model.Even with the setting on "off" in the menu.I read somewhere about people unplugging or cutting the VSM wire,but I can't find that post anymore.It was from a different site.Have you unplugged yours?.

Can anyone provide some advice to a complete HD neophyte? I just purchased the 53X54. The way I currently have it hooked up is via coax thru the cable company supplied HD tuner. I have a cheapo DVD player hooked up with component cables (I think that's the correct terminology - Red, White, and Yellow cables?). My questions are:

May cable box has a DVI output. Should I get a DVI-HDMI cable? If I do that, do I no longer run the coax from the tuner to the TV? Will DVI-HDMI provide me with the best input? As opposed to monster cable, component, etc.

For split screen use, I assume I just split the coax prior to the tuner and run that directly to the TV. So, I can only do that if I'm using some other input to the TV (i.e. DVI-HDMI)?

I've run the auto convergence from the front of the set. Is there anything else I should do?

I've read thru many of the posts, but they've only gotten me more confused. What about 480I, 480P, 1080i, etc. Is there anything that I need to do to ensure I've have things set up correctly?

Thanks for any and all input.

Originally posted by FastDan
Can anyone provide some advice to a complete HD neophyte? I just purchased the 53X54. The way I currently have it hooked up is via coax thru the cable company supplied HD tuner. I have a cheapo DVD player hooked up with component cables (I think that's the correct terminology - Red, White, and Yellow cables?). My questions are:

May cable box has a DVI output. Should I get a DVI-HDMI cable? If I do that, do I no longer run the coax from the tuner to the TV? Will DVI-HDMI provide me with the best input? As opposed to monster cable, component, etc.

The usual color-coding convention is to use red-white-yellow cables for a composite video connection (plus analog sound), and to use red-blue-green cables for a component connection. But what matters most is what sockets the cables are connected to. Look at the colors of the sockets. If they are also red-white-yellow, you do not have a component connection.

As among the four alternative connection types for video (composite, Svideo, component, digital (= HDMI/DVI)), which is best depends on circumstances. But for high definition, you have to use either component or digital, and for picture quality, it probably doesn't matter which. I compared component video with HDMI on my 47x54 and couldn't see any difference except in the way I had to adjust the brightness and picture controls.

The RF connection from your cable box will not get you high definition. Use a component connection (red-blue-green) or the DVI connection.

I have been doing a lot of research. Spent about 2 hours this AM reviewing the posts to this thread. I am convinced now that I want to buy the 53" Panny. My problem is that I would prefer to buy it at Costco, however their model is the 53wx54, NOT the 53x54 (which is sold here by CC about $200 higher price).

Are the differences between the 53wx54 and the 53x54 worth the $200 difference? I will have a Comcast digital/hd package with their STB. I do no gaming or computer on this set. I really prefer to use Costco, their price is cheaper and their return policy is the best I know of.

Any thoughts? Thanks a lot.

I went with the x54 for the newer technology of the lens and the HDMI vs DVI. Another factor is that I have a very reputable dealer I was able to buy the set from, not Best Buy, that gave me a 3yr service contract for a penny and they did the delivery and in home set up free. If my choice was between Best Buy and Costco, I would have picked Costco as the vendor. But even with that, I wouldn't want to return the TV-it's too much a a hassle. I did buy my STB from Best Buy and did return it, but it wasn't a RPT either.

Greg,

Thanks a bunch. I hooked things up using the component connections. The picture with HD content is spectacular. I can't quit watching. I don't even care what's on as long as it's in HD. All I need to do now is get a decent DVD player.

Woohoo!

All: I did finally get the PT47X54 yesterday!! Looks great OOTB. Anyway, I am a neophyte as well and need help to set this up. Any help would be greatly appreciated

1. Do I need to do auto convergence in the very beginning?
2. I am still waiting for the HD box from Cablevision (iO). I bought Monster Component video cables yday and currently have the iO box (Scientic Atlanta). Currently I have directly connected the cable from the wall into the RF of the TV. I am unable to connect the component cable from the cable box into the TV ( the cable box appears to have composite, not component). The component wire I have has 3 wires, do I have the correct wire? Do I need one with 5 colored wires?
3. Will my SD signal be better with the HD box?
4. What do I connect by DVD player with to the TV?
5. How do I connect by 5 speaker home theatre system to the TV?
6. I read the threads about component, composite, S-video and DVI connections. Is this all relevant only while connecting from the HD box? or even from the cable box?

Thanks for reading..pls help