1. Wait until on 30 minutes with the TV on before auto convergence and 9 point convergence. Also make sure to lower contrast and get out of vivid mode on TV, Cable ,and DVD modes (IMPORTANT)...start with all on cinema. Find otherpeoples settings on this thread.

2. The cable to have (Component) is a 5 cable setup, Red, Green Blue (Video), Red, White(audio)...an composite cable is yellow red white.

3. No. SD will not be better through the HD box. The way I have found is best is to connect a splitter from cable from wall....take 1 into the box and the other straight to the TV...use the straight to TV connection for all SD viewing, and the one to cable box for all digital.

4. Connect DVD player with best possible connection. I recommend and use component and it works great.

5. Haven't done this yet.

6. Best in order, HDMI, DVI, Component, S-Video, Composite. You can get by very nicely by using Component Cables for all connections. If one of your devices doesn't support component, use S-Video or Composite.

Originally posted by satnj

2. ... ( the cable box appears to have composite, not component). ...

5. How do I connect by 5 speaker home theatre system to the TV?

Hopefully when your HD cable box arrives, it will have component video outputs to connect to the TV for HD video and a digital audio output to connect to your home theater receiver for 5.1 sound.

I was looking at the x54 at Sears today and the picture seemed very soft compared to the other RP-CRTs I was looking at (Toshiba, Sony, Hitachi). I tried the obvious stuff, like auto convergence and sharpness, but everything seemed a bit fuzzy. This was true on the HD channels as well as the SD ones. Does anyone know what might have been going on? It doesn't seem that others have had this problem because searching this forum hasn't turned up much. I'll probably check out some other stores, but I would like to know if there is something I can do in the store to fix this so I can compare it to other sets fairly.

Originally posted by radorsch
I was looking at the x54 at Sears today and the picture seemed very soft compared to the other RP-CRTs I was looking at (Toshiba, Sony, Hitachi). I tried the obvious stuff, like auto convergence and sharpness, but everything seemed a bit fuzzy. This was true on the HD channels as well as the SD ones. Does anyone know what might have been going on? It doesn't seem that others have had this problem because searching this forum hasn't turned up much. I'll probably check out some other stores, but I would like to know if there is something I can do in the store to fix this so I can compare it to other sets fairly.

I suppose you could do a 9 point convergence to see if the colors are WAY off...

You may want to see what inputs they are using for the signal to the TV. It may be an HD program being fed via composite or maybe just RF. If it is connected via component or HDMI, check the picture mode to ensure it is either standard or cinema and that the value for normal is "set".

Thanks guys,
I'm not sure what the Panny was hooked up with. I assumed all the sets were the same because all the TVs were on the same feed, but I should definitely check. I'll also try the 9 point convergence. Is that easily done from the remote? I'll look for an owner's manual. Thanks for the advice.

I love my 47X54, but it had a bit of blue "bleeding" around the edges of regularly shaped objects (like lines on basketball court) visible, mostly in the lower left hand corner (viewed from the front). After a bit of research, it was suggested I needed to do a service mode convergance adjustment. I was a bit nervous, but with the help of the instructions in this thread, I got it done.
The problem is much better, but still a bit noticeable. I am pretty good at doing the adjustments, but it seems like the areas of the grid OUTSIDE the edges of the screen still need adjustment. I can move the cursor to those areas (signified by it's "jumping" action) but can't see (or visualize) what I need to do. Any tricks/tips? Thanks all!

Here are links to the panny owners manual.
Originally posted by moxie1617
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.

I just wish there was more knowledge about the service menu and what to adjust when you want to reduce red push and blue push; nobody seems to know. Panny.tv doesn't tell you what to adjust to compensate for that stuff either.

Jay

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone posting. I am now the proud owner of a 53" x54. Reading all the posts have been extremely helpful in the selection of my first big screen.

Initial response: I don't have cable or satellite (just antennae), so my comments are only pertaining to viewing DVD's. I was slightly disappointed with the picture quality on the initial viewing, but after tweaking the settings after about an hour (setting color matrix to HD instead of SD, hooking DVD up via component cables, etc) I was very, very pleased. I have a cheap Sanyo DVD/VCR combo player, and I'm using cheap component cables, so I'm anxious to see what the picture will look like with a nicer DVD player and better cables (time to do some more research). I have to praise my wife for allowing me to get the 53" instead of the 47". I was a little worried that it would be too much tv for the room, but it's SWEET!

Thanks again for all the posts.

a7mac1, get something like AVIA to set your color,brightness,picture,tint and sharpness controls using the color filters included.Sharpness you should turn down to "0" or as I leave it about 15.Turn off VM.HD on for DVD's like you did.Make sure progressive scan is turned on your DVD player using component cables for widescreen anamorphic DVD's.If the DVD is regular 4:3 then I have to shut off progressive scan or I can not get the "Just" (stretched 4:3) aspect to appear on the X54.It will look even better once set up properly

Thanks Ripper64 for the advice.

I've posted a question about banding on another thread but thought I would put one here since there haven't been any responses.

I'm seeing horizontal banding (lighter and darker bands that cover the screen, usually in dark backgrounds). I noticed this while watching LOTR - Fellowship Extended last night. I saw one post saying an individual fixed this problem by isolating a grounding issue. Could there be other reasons? Bad cables? DVD Player? Bad TV? It is not all the time, just enough to be distracting. Thanks.

Hmm...on a completely dark screen through my Samsung H850 I see a dark blotch through the center, I also noticed there's a yellowish tint on the bottom right corner on the screen. I'm trying to determine if it shows up with other sources right now.

I saw a 53x54 at Sears and it too was soft.

I later saw a couple of 47x54's and a 53x54 in other stores that were razor sharp. In fact, very impressively sharp, looking very good right next to Panasonic 50" HD plasmas.

Diversion,
You may find this thread helpful.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?&threadid=318977&perpage=20
Someone bumped it recently. I haven't had a chance to browse the entire thread but there was at least one response regarding red push and calibrating the color decoder.

My 47X54 will be delivered in the AM!! Got a great deal on the last boxed unit at FRY's, even though I cringe at the thought of shopping there at times. I haven't seen anyone state if they thought the extended warranty was worth the money. This one goes in the room where the kids are so I plan to make a plexiglass 'finger shield' to keep the 1 yr old from turning it off like a toy! Any gotchas I should look out for?

Tom,
Interesting that you saw a soft 53X54 at Sears also. Were you able to sharpen it up? I haven't been back yet to play with it, but I saw an 47X54 at another store that had a great picture. I wonder if it is the way Sears is setting up these sets or handeling them or what.
-Rob

I looked at the 53X54 at Sears here (Kaneohe, HI) a couple of weeks ago. It was not displayed to advantage. It was on the floor, so walking along the aisle you looked down at it (the digital sets were elevated) and was showing an SD cable picture in FULL mode. Very blurry, hardly any color, fat faces, and the picture hardly even visible unless you hunkered down in front of the set.

I reckon you guys are just gonna have to take our word on the greatness of this TV....

Especially If you get it for under 4 figures...

Diversion - i'm working on an update to panny.tv that i will hopefully get posted there if I can reach the owner and he is agreeable. that site is horribly out of date with some incorrect info, but still a great resource. Make sure you check their forums. If I don't hear from him relatively soon, i'll post it up somehwere else.

I saw that Walmart is now carrying an interesting version of this beast ... the PT-47WXD64. The cabinet still looks like the 47WX54, or older 47WX53.

However it now has an integrated ATSC/QAM tuner and HDMI. The specs look just like those for the official PT-47XD64, but the pictures of the cabinets don't look the same.

Could Panasonic have taken the old X53 series and upgraded with the tuner and HDMI for large mass market outlets? Hard to believe they would bother with putting all of that new circuitry into an old series. Although I guess they could use the new cabinet w/tuner & HDMI and put in the older CRTs and glass.

Or could this be a 47XD64 in a slightly different cabinet and sourced out to Walmart, Costco, etc.

The price from Walmart is very aggressive. It is lower than the MSRP for the non-tuner 47X54 (which has been lowered to $1399 MSRP) and it seems to sell for $200-$300 less than the 47XD64.

I bet it's last year's WXD63 targeted for Walmart (much like the WX54 is last year's WX53 but for Walmart/Costco/etc)

I wasn't familiar with that model. Yes, the specs and pictures for the 47WXD64 look just like those for the 47WXD63. It probably is the same set.

BTW, I'm now wavering on the 47X54. I've been on HD hold for 5 years. Now that I've seen some of the 2005 microdisplays, I'm still not that happy with what one can get for $2500. Meanwhile the 47X54 keeps getting cheaper. MSRP has been dropped to $1399 & I can get a 20% discount w/free delivery (on a real 47X54, not the 47WX54) until this Sunday from a local B&M retailer. I've looked at this set several times and have always liked it.

So I may take the plunge and wait to see what happens with other technologies over the next 3-4 years. Join this happy family of Panny owners.

The WalMart 47WXD64 is not the same as the47XD64. It is the older model with tuners, etc. One look at the picture will tell you that plus they are now discounting it meaning it is on its way out.

Saw some 60LXD15's in the stock room of Walmart the other day. Interesting.

Question: Why does hardly anyone (B&M stores) sell the PT-47XD64? HD tuner, cable card and SD slot. What more can one ask for?

masbama - like i said, it's the old WXD63 in disguise. as for the rarity, i think that there's not a lot of demand for a CRT (ie a budget display for the most part) with a tuner (a higher end feature).

I don't think the 47WXD64 is on closeout at Walmart because they just recently started carrying it. I believe this is their regular, on-going price. In fact, a couple of months ago they had the 47WX54 non-tuner model and it has been closed out and dropped, replaced by this one.

All >36" HDTVs have to have a tuner after July 1, by FCC mandate. It is the non-tuner models that are being closed out. A link to a magazine that listed all 2005 models had an extensive list of Panasonic HDTVs, including the 47XD64 and 53TWD64, but did not include the 47X54 or 53X54.

If you look at the prices on LCD RP, DLP, and even the 47WXD64, you'll see that the inclusion of the tuner doesn't increase the price hardly at all. It only costs about $20-$30 to include a tuner. This past year everyone jacked up the prices for integrated tuner models, but now the tuner is simply thrown in.

Take a look at Panasonic's LCD RP units. Last year the 43" PT-43LC14 w/o tuner had a MSRP of $2499. This year the 44" PT-44LCX65 w/tuner has a MSRP of $2199.

Look for Panasonic to drop the MSRP on their 47XD64 sometime this summer.

BTW - here is a positive, but not too comprehensive, review of the PT-53TWD64 from Consumer Guide, who has it on their "Recommended" list:

http://products.consumerguide.com/reviews/product.epub?productId=28504

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Ripper64
[B]Mine goes to 63.Here are the steps how to set up your Convergence in the Service Menu.This should work but its for the (WX model I believe).Do this at your own risk.

1) select the input you will be using, e.g. the component input your DVD player is hooked up to.So we will be using 480P mode. (X54 is 540P)

2) On the remote get roller guide menu up and select "setup".Roll to PROG. CHAN. and arrow over to MODE, make sure it says cable.press down action button.

3) Press down action button till your at the Roller Menu and roll up to "TIMER" .Arrow down to SLEEP and arrow over till HOW LONG? says 30min.

4) Press down action button till your out of the Roller Menu.

5) On the remote key in channel 124.

6) Adjust VOLUME on remote to zero.

7) Press VOL (arrow left decrease) on the Panny and you will be in SERVICE MODE.

8) With "CHECK xxxx" on, enter Roller Guide menu and go to TIMER icon and shut off the timer.Exit Roller Guide.

9) Press POWER button to enter SERVICE MENU.

10) Take down on your paper all settings HPOS, VPOS, HSIZ and VSIZ and other relevant figures you will encounter on the way.

11) In the service menu, arrow down until you get to ST icon.Press down the action button and you will see the ST dialog box in the lower right hand corner.Press VOL (arrow right) and you will be in the static convergence screen.Check the Static Convergence is lined up on on picture frame dimple marks or the center lines on the template.

12)Go to GREEN icon, press ACTION, press VOL (right arrow) and you will see the Convergence Grid.Press "0" on the remote and then Action.In TEST POS ADJ line up the cursors to the template center lines.

13) Press TV/VIDEO and in DATA PHASE ADJ mode make the curve symmetrical by using the volume arrows.

14) Press TV/VIDEO and in OSD POS ADJ mode line up the cursors to the template center lines.

15) Press "0" on the remote to get back to Convergence grid.

16) Press "1" on the remote and cycle to GREEN lines only.

17) Press TV/VIDEO to get to Line mode.Set up all the green lines to the template.

18) Press TV/VIDEO to get to Easy2 mode and use this to straighten out every other line.

19) Press TV/VIDEO to get to Point mode and get the GREEN lines as straight as possible.

20) Press "1" on the remote and cycle to BLUE lines only.Repeat steps 17-19.I've started doing this because the blue lines are hard to see.

21) Press "1" on the remote and cycle to YELLOW lines (red + green) and converge using Point mode.

22) Press "1" on the remote and cycle to WHITE lines (all 3 colours) and use Point mode to get clean white lines.

23) Press "7" on the remote to save settings.

24) Press POWER button on remote twice to exit to service mode, you should only see "CHECK xxxx".

25) On the TV panel press POWER and ACTION and the same time, this will exit you from Service mode.Your TV will power back on in a few seconds with a self check screen.Press the VOL arrow to get rid of the check screen.

26) Use Video Essentials or AVIA to set your picture settings, better yet they should have already been recorded by you.

27)Enjoy your sharper picture.Completetion time (with practice) about 45 minutes.

I also have the service manual for the 53WX53 model which should give you an idea and should be about the same.If anyone wants it i will forward the service manual to you. [will you please send me the service manual to dlitty@socal.rr.com.][frogbird is my username here. i also tweaked a lot of settings in the service menue that i need to get back to default.]

Man, I'm still afraid to enter the service mode! :o

That said, is there really no point in doing so without the "template"? When I adjust convergence via the user menu, I put up the grid found in the DVE display references, and using it is very helpful. The only real drawback is the lack of discrete control with the 9-point convergence. But I gather that I reference such as this one on DVE will not be helpful for a service menu convergence, and that an actual physical template is required?

(FWIW, the auto-convergence on my set doesn't come very close at all to a well-calibrated user menu adjustment, much less what I'd hope to achieve via the service menu.)

Doing the "fine convergence" in the service menu did wonders for me, including correcting the Auto convergence results.

I'm gonna have to try fine convergence again, the first time I saw nothing out of whack?

Question...is it better to follow the instructions in the service manul or the directions listed a few posts above?

The only thing I was brave enough to do was the fine convergence. Everything else I didn't touch.

Fish, what did you use as a reference? A physical template? A DVE/Avia reference pattern? Something else that comes up in the service menu (just the "+" thing)?

I basically used (just the "+" thing), and as someone suggested earlier, try to have printing in the background. Some credits at the end of a movie or something like that. This helped me adjust the final touches.

Originally posted by FISH18
I basically used (just the "+" thing), and as someone suggested earlier, try to have printing in the background. Some credits at the end of a movie or something like that. This helped me adjust the final touches.
Hmmm... so I can display something in the background and this is a suitable reference? That's good to hear. I find that going by the "+" alone in the user menu convergence isn't necessarily the best guide.

White credits against a black background is great, but would that be better than the DVE reference grid? Perhaps for a bit more fine-tuning (all those areas within the grid blocks)?

I can't comment on DVE since I haven't had a chance to pick it up yet. The point is, like you said about it being tough to just line up the "+" for accuracy, having something displayed behind, grids etc. gave me better results.

Originally posted by a7mac1
Thanks Ripper64 for the advice.

I've posted a question about banding on another thread but thought I would put one here since there haven't been any responses.

I'm seeing horizontal banding (lighter and darker bands that cover the screen, usually in dark backgrounds). I noticed this while watching LOTR - Fellowship Extended last night. I saw one post saying an individual fixed this problem by isolating a grounding issue. Could there be other reasons? Bad cables? DVD Player? Bad TV? It is not all the time, just enough to be distracting. Thanks.

I just saw the same effect on a 47x54. It is easy to spot in dark scenes, but still there in many scenes, just harder to spot on light backgrounds. And it was there on all sources, DVD player through component & s-video, HD receiver through a different set of component cables and input.

You've gotten a lead that this could be due to improper grounding, i.e. a ground loop of some sort?

i was all about to purchase a 53wx54 at costco today until i read this entire thread and have come to the conclusion that its not the same tv as the 53x54? has anyone been able to compare these 2 models side by side and see a difference in quality or picture? or is the x54 that much better than the wx54? thanks for any answers, this would be my first RP purchase.

First time poster but long time lurker. This forum rules! Just got an open box 47xd64 and brought it home to find that the Channel Lock is on! Anyone know how to reset the password? Also, do the directions for removing the first surface panel on the 53x54 also apply to the 47xd64 and how dangerous is it to do this if you have small kids? : ) Thanks for any help you guys can provide!

here's another post from me. if i can purchase the 53x54 for around $800 or so, but may be scratched on the top of the box, is this a good deal? its listed on a big online auction site, but i'm in Los Angeles so i can by pass the $250 pick up fee.

That's a good price... but used? A scratch on top of the box wouldn't concern me, but someone running it in torch mode while playing video games would. I'd only do this with a return guarantee in writing if it's used and not from an official retailer. You need to just use your good sense here regarding whether this is a seller you can trust and who's willing to stand behind the sale. As always, be smart, be cautious, and take absolutely nothing for granted.

As for your previous post, it's my understanding that the wx-series is a completely different animal, and doesn't have the same video quality as the X54 series.

Question.

Do any of you use an upconverting DVD player with your 53x54? If so which one and i it worth it?

Also, what surround sound system do you have? I bought an el cheapo Koss and haven't even set up speakers yet.

I use the Samsung HD-841 with an AR HDMI -> DVI converter . I got the HD-841 from Costco.com and for $100 it was worth it. You can only get 1080i over the DVI connection. It doesn't pass blacker than black and won't play Lost in Space. Here is a thread I found helpful with this player.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?threadid=498380&highlight=hd841+help

Hey guys, I'm brand new to this site but I went through all these posts and the x54 looks like a good deal.

It looks like I can't post a link to where I have the deal, but I will give you the basics.

MSRP is 1699, I can get it for (1/2 of MSRP) + 200 shipping for the Panasonic PT-53WX54 - 53" 16:9 HDTV Ready CRT Projection TV

My main question is how bulky and deep is the unit and should I pull the trigger?

TIA

The WX54 isn't the X54. The differences I remember is that the CRT's are not the same, native resolution of the WX54 is 480p and 1080i vs 540p and 1080i for the X54's, and DVI vs HDMI.

Originally posted by BadMojo11
Also, what surround sound system do you have? I bought an el cheapo Koss and haven't even set up speakers yet.
Probably you'll get better sound for your money, and certainly you'll have more fun, if you put together a sound system from a receiver plus separate speakers and sub. Go over to the audio area for advice. I have a Kenwood receiver, Sony sub, Axiom center, and other speakers from the Salvation Army.

The WX models are always significantly less expensive than the X models, usually $200-$300 less. And they are being discontinued too. So it isn't surprising that you are finding a very low price. It certainly is a lot of TV for the money at that price.

To my eyes the WX models aren't quite as good as the X models, but they are still decent sets.

Huskies06 said:
My main question is how bulky and deep is the unit and should I pull the trigger?

i have looked at this set and it's hard to get a hard and fast reason not to buy but i get the feeling that the x (not wx) is the better product, it has hdmi which i really must have

the wx is a lot heavier and includes a bigger speaker setup and the components seem similar on specs but they appear to have cut corners versus the x version, if i am wrong somebody please correct me

good luck

Huskies06 said:
i have looked at this set and it's hard to get a hard and fast reason not to buy but i get the feeling that the x (not wx) is the better product, it has hdmi which i really must have

the wx is a lot heavier and includes a bigger speaker setup and the components seem similar on specs but they appear to have cut corners versus the x version, if i am wrong somebody please correct me

There's no reason to suspect the WX is inferior. It's merely last years model, which means the following differences (old vs new):

*DVI instead of an HDMI connection
*480P support vs 540P support (arguably better to have 480P since it can display SDTV/EDTV without scaling)
*a different chassis, which IMHO doesn't look as good
*no autoconvergence

In terms of PQ - both sets, properly adjusted, will look equally as good. Of course the X54 maybe easier to adjust with the autoconvergence if you don't really want to put some effort into it.

According to Panasonic, the "X" series models use upgraded CRT guns and upgraded screens from the "WX" models. If you look at them side by side, there is a difference in image quality. If you move off-axis, there is a large difference. The "WX" doesn't have near the horizontal off-axis viewing angle of the "X." I doubt the CRT guns differ very much, but Panasonic does assign a different part number to the ones in the X series and does advertise them differently.

This is in addition to changes in the electonics, where different scalers & convergence methods (and who knows what else) are employed. Different cabinets & speakers too, but probably more just cosmetic changes than anything else here.

Given that the "WX" models were still in production alongside the "X" models, but commonly sold for $200-$300 less, is a clue that the cost to manufacture is not the same in both. The "WX" was made to sell through mass market discounters, like Wal-Mart and Target, and Panasonic cut some cost corners to get it to them at a lower price.

The WX54 is actually last year's WX53, not last year's X53. The same issues held true last year, when the WX53 was the lower cost, mass market version of the X53. I believe the WX54 is a WX53 with a HDMI port instead of a DVI port.

Viewed straight on and properly adjusted, the pictures are probably very close.

As one who has twice seen these side by side, I would much rather have the X54, but if there was a great deal on the WX54, I would think about it.

According to Panasonic, the "X" series models use upgraded CRT guns and upgraded screens from the "WX" models. If you look at them side by side, there is a difference in image quality. If you move off-axis, there is a large difference. The "WX" doesn't have near the horizontal off-axis viewing angle of the "X." I doubt the CRT guns differ very much, but Panasonic does assign a different part number to the ones in the X series and does advertise them differently.
Well they are definitely different CRT's, but the main difference is that the X54's CRT's only support one scan rate - the one that's used for 540p and 1080i. It's actually a cost saver for panasonic, both on the CRT's and on the electronics. There's no difference in PQ from the CRT's themselves. I haven't observed the same difference in off-axis viewing that you mention.

Given that the "WX" models were still in production alongside the "X" models, but commonly sold for $200-$300 less, is a clue that the cost to manufacture is not the same in both. The "WX" was made to sell through mass market discounters, like Wal-Mart and Target, and Panasonic cut some cost corners to get it to them at a lower price.
The WX54 is actually last year's WX53, not last year's X53. The same issues held true last year, when the WX53 was the lower cost, mass market version of the X53. I believe the WX54 is a WX53 with a HDMI port instead of a DVI port.
Actually, that's not quite right. The WX54 is the same as last year's WX53, which was the main line they sold everywhere, not just "mass market discounters." There was no X53 without the W. The price difference is actually due to the fact that panny is trying to clear out last year's models (they're not making them anymore, or if they are, they're not making the CRT's themselves any more. they may have cut other corners, but I doubt it). Wal-Mart, target, etc. all have much lower margins than most other stores and that's a big part of the price difference too.

I'm pretty sure the WX54 has a DVI input, but if it was in fact changed to HDMI, that is the only change. That change would actually not be as trivial as it may seem at first.
*edit* Actually according to the specs (http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=3932559&cat=3996&type=19&dept=3944&path=0%3A3944%3A133276%3A3996#long_descr) at walmart.com, the WX54 does indeed have a DVI input.

You are right on several points. I used google to look some things up, and found prices to a 47X53 and references to 47WX54's having HDMI, but now I think those were retailers who got confused by Panasonic's number playing game.

In any case, I have twice compared the 47WX54 to the 47X54 side by side. I found the images to be sharper on the X54. The easiest difference to find was the viewing angles on the horizonal axis. The WX models have a very narrow viewing angle, as noted in the Sound & Vision review of the 47WX53 (quoted below). The X models are far improved. DVDs looked better on the X models to my eyes too.

Likewise as noted earlier, there are changes in the electronics - scaling, convergence, etc. Plus the X models have a HDMI input.

So we know there are changes in the CRTs, the screens, inputs, and the electronics. And the cost for the X series is higher, when in today's manufacturing, new models usually come out at a lower cost. Thus there is a lot of info that suggests there are key differences between them.

Here's the quote from S&V:

"Considering that you can buy it for less than $1,500, the Panasonic’s performance was impressive overall, but its line doubling of standard video programs was slightly noisy, and its “beamy” screen made the image darken when I moved more than a foot or two from dead center. You can avoid the first problem, at least for DVD movies, by using a progressive-scan player. Unfortunately, the only way around the beaming is to sit directly in front of the TV."

Just found a summary of Panasonic's announcement from the 2004 CES on the new CRT RP models. It notes quite a few changes in the electronics:

Panasonic today introduced six new HDTV rear projection TV sets at the International Consumer Electronics Show that are sure to whet the appetite of any serious video aficionado. Four of these high-quality, widescreen sets include the company’s new Digital Platinum Package, a set of features that enhance viewing pleasure and increase functionality. The 2004 line-up also features Panasonic’s unique P3 Technology - Precision Picture Processing - that provides auto convergence, a 540p progressive doubler, a new 3D comb filter, HDMI (High Definition and Multimedia Interface) input with HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection), new digital noise reduction, a new sharpness circuit and a new contrast circuit.

this is completely not worth arguing about, so I'm going to stop after i leave you with this statement - properly calibrated both TV's will look excellent and I think you'd be hard pressed to tell the difference. I firmly believe that the WX53/54 are just as good as the X54 and you obviously do not.

I wasn't arguing, I was merely attempting to accurately state the differences, which I believe are much more substantial than earlier messages portrayed, including what seems to have been a near complete replacement of the electronics - the extent of which I did not know until finding it just a couple of days ago. In those areas where I was wrong, I freely admitted it.

Frankly, the current year X54 series is the first line of CRT RPs from Panasonic that have ever impressed me. I've always considered Hitachi, Mits, Sony, and Toshiba above Panasonic. I didn't even bother to look at the X54's when they first came out because I'd looked at many Pannys before. But after seeing some rave reviews on this and other forums, I took another look and was very surprised by what I saw. Now, after finally getting CRT RPs "right", IMHO, they are exiting the market. Too bad.

A couple of months ago, a local retailer had a blowout sale on the 47WX54 and I stopped to take a longer look at it. Turns out that they also had a 47X54J on the floor and I was able to spend an hour tuning and comparing the two. The WX54 was $250 cheaper. I found that while the price was extremely tempting, I could not bring myself to buy it after the direct comparison. I'm sure many others would have decided otherwise.

if you ask any calibrator, they'll tell you that Panasonic has always had excellent hardware, including the CRT's, they just weren't as consistently adjusted from the factory as some other brands. Once calibrated, they've always been considered on par with any other manufacturer's calibrated image (excluding 9" CRT based TV's). I personally believe the major improvement with the X54 was consistency and quality of factory calibration and most likely accounts for any picture quality differences you may have seen. As we all know, in-store comparisons are often next to worthless and even a precalibration (i'm not talking an Avia calibration here either, i'm talking the real deal) in house comparison may not be particularly useful.

You do realize that the scaler for the X54 had to be new since it can't natively display a 480p signal. The older TV's don't even have a scaler per se, just a line doubler since they only take 480i/p and 1080i inputs and display them natively (or line doubled for 480i). Panasonic's electronics for their RPTV have never been very good and the X54 may be slightly improved in this regard, but they're still behind other manufacturers. I'm thinking mainly in terms of zoom modes, user mode adjustments, the lack of 720p input support, etc. that are far more important than any small tweaks in the scaler, etc.

For those not interested in calibration or even self-tweaking and looking for the best out of box picture, by all means go for the X54. For those that are willing (or planning) on putting some time in to adjust things fully and willing to deal with the WX series cosmetics and HDMI port, I would not hesitate to save the money.

Today the picture on my 53x54 suddenly went south. The most noticable difference is in white lettering on the screen. There is red bleeding through on all sides, but more pronounced up and right. It doesn't seem to be a convergence issue. Just glancing through the rear of the TV, it looks like the blue and green are bright, but the red bulb seems dimmer and has more of an orange tinge to it. Could the red bulb be going out on me? I've only had the TV for a couple months. Any ideas?

Today the picture on my 53x54 suddenly went south. The most noticable difference is in white lettering on the screen. There is red bleeding through on all sides, but more pronounced up and right. It doesn't seem to be a convergence issue. Just glancing through the rear of the TV, it looks like the blue and green are bright, but the red bulb seems dimmer and has more of an orange tinge to it. Could the red bulb be going out on me? I've only had the TV for a couple months. Any ideas?
well it's still under warranty, so I wouldn't do anything other than call for service. Maybe the electrostatic focus for the red gun went bonkers for some reason.

Anyone here notice a big difference between a regular progressive scan DVD player and an Upconverting one with this TV? I'm buying a new DVD player for the set and my wife is balking at the price of a player like the s77s as this is eventually going to be our secondary TV when I finish the basement. Is it worth the extra $100 or so for upconversion with the 47X54?

I am also looking for a new DVD player...

WHat is a good value for under $300?

Has anybody else had a problem with the zoom on their 53WX54?
I have found that using the 16:9 widescreen zoom feature chops top and bottom of the image when viewing a 16:9 formatted image (HBOs Six Feet Under). I have a 65" Toshiba in another room that I can compare images which is how I found the problem. Has anybody found a way of adjusting the zoom settings to get the correct ratio?

The Zoom setttings can be adjusted on the X54 series, probably the same on the WX54.

It is in the standard user menu. You have to put the TV into ZOOM mode, go into the menu, parse over to SETUP, then down to Zoom Adj and hit the right arrow key on the remote.

Once you have done this, you will see a parameter/setting for "SIZE." This can range from 0 to 4. The one that comes closest to zooming a 16:9 letterbox to full screen size is 3, but you can play around with it. A setting of 4 will cut off more of the top and bottom.

An aside - I have found that when stretching 4:3 images, that a Size setting of 2, with a horizontal setting of -3, produces a zoomed image that I find preferable to using the "Just" mode. You lose more off of the bottom of the image, but the aspect ratio across the image is closer to 4:3 than the variable zoom nature of the "Just" mode.

Does anyone know *for sure* whether the 53X54 is capable of 540p? I am hooking up a HTPC to my 53X54 and can only get a good picture with 480p.

The Panny specs say it will do 1080i and 540p. A lot of my research also implies that TVs of this type typically convert everything to 540p or 1080i, but it will not do 540p at all (even after messing with PowerStrip). The 1080i looks like ass but I think that due to the interlacing. Get a good 480p signal (720x480p) and it looks awesome, but the screen res is just a little low to make the PC side of the HTPC usable.

Basically, I'd like to know if any X54 oweners can confirm that their TV has displayed an attractive 540p signal that they know has not been converted to anything else.

Thanks

Robin

You can check the spec but I'm sure the x54 only accepts 480i, 480p, and 1080i as input. If the incoming signal is 480i or 480p it is upconverted to 540p. It doesn't accept a 540p input.

So it upconverts everything to 540p, but won't accept 540p native? Thats weird, is that "normal" to convert to a picture type it cannot display as an input?

I think it's done because it's cheaper to build that way. The earlier models had a native screen resolution of 480p and 1080i. I remember the wx54's I looked at last fall had the 480p/1080i native screen resolution.
I know when I had my Samsung SIR-T361 pumping HD into my x54 the picture would blow you away at 1080i. During the HD broadcast of the Superbowl you saw individual blades of grass and in the stadium lights reflection on the players helmets you saw the bulb itself, not a smear. It was so good that I was looking to see if I could see the bulb filaments.

It is disappointing that the HTPC doesn't do better. The way DirectTV is going I may wind up having to go the HTPC route to build my own HD DVR system. I wish you luck and hope you can resolve your problem.

I believe they do it this way because they can optimize all of the electronics to 540/1080 without having to deal with 480. This is very common amongst CRT RP manufacturers. Panasonic was one of the last to go this route. I believe the 2004 X54 series was their first to do this, it was one of the reasons why they put in all new electronics in this model.

I agree that it does not accept 540p via its inputs. And this is "normal" for a CRT RP.

Anyone try the panny s77 dvd player with this set and make it look good? I got one last week and don't like it at all my 5 year old RV-30 looks better. Any hints would be appreciated.

I have the Panny DVD S77 connected to my Panny 47x54J and it looks good. The only thing I did was a Auto Convergence when I hooked up the S77. I run a HDMI cable that came with the S77 for Video and Optical out to my Panny XR55 Receiver.




Rob

I'll try that, maybe that'll help. Thanks,

Andy

Does anyone know if you need to converge every input separately and/or do you need to converge each display setting separately? eg. 480I, 480p,1080I. I have the PT47x54

Fish18:

It is one converge setting for every input.

Fish18:

It is one converge setting for every input.
Thanks, It seems when I switch to a different input the convergence seems to be out a little. I maybe dreaming.

It seems that whenever color and brightness is the majority, the screen looks fine - amazing, even. But if dark colors and blacks are more dominant, the picture doesn't look quite as stunning. What can I do to fix this? More detailed advice than "run a THX calibration test"?

Is anyone using a Rocket "Bigfoot" on the shelf of the x54?

I have a 55 pound center speaker that I am definitely NOT using on the X54's shelf. I believe that shelf is rated at 25 pounds.

I'm sure the shelf would appear to hold it, but I am concerned about long-term effects. I've known of frames that warped under too much weight over a period of time.

Anyone? :D

AVIA or Video Essentials. Get your tv professionally calibrated.

I haven't done any of these things myself but that seems to be the way people make their sets look better. I just copied other members settings.

I need to buy another DVD player now.

My question is this...Does or does not this TV have only one HDMI connection?

I already have my cable box hooked up via HDMI>DVI so is there another HDMI/DVI connection to use for a DVD player? Or is Component the only option?

What DVD Player under $200 do you recommend?

It has one HDMI connection. Personally I would plug in the DVD player into the HDMI (because most upconverting players will only upconvert via DVI/HDMI). The cable box on the other hand will work fine over component.

I'm happy with the Panny S97.

It has one HDMI connection. Personally I would plug in the DVD player into the HDMI (because most upconverting players will only upconvert via DVI/HDMI). The cable box on the other hand will work fine over component.

I'm happy with the Panny S97.
Ah thats a great idea. Does the Panny 97 play all formats well? Is it quiet? Is it even available in retail stores anymore? Or do I have to get the Panny 77?

Hi guys great site been reading it for a while just recently joined as I just received my PT47X54 tv a couple days ago. Only complaint I have is when watching a dvd (i don't know the model number of my dvd player its a Panasonic 5 disc surround system bought last year which has progressive scan) anyways when the image is darker I can see horizontal lines of red green and blue, with red being the dominant color visible throughout the entire image. These lines are from the top of the tv to the bottom and are visible all the time but especially during the darker scenes. I tried using progressive scan on my dvd player but that changed nothing. I did the auto converge on the tv as well as the 9 point converge. I'm really out of ideas and have searched and haven't found much on the subject :o I would really appreciate any help!! Thanks!!! I will check this thread and if any more info is required I will try to get it for you!

Longroad, what type of cables did you use? Sounds like an interference problem to me.

Thanks for your reply. Well they are what future shop called medium quality component cables ( with monster presumably being the best ) I'm not sure of the brand name but when I get home I will check and see if it is written on the cable or not. You mentioned interference... what could cause that? I hope its not my surround system doing it... :o :confused:

Is the TV hooked up with a composite, component or HDMI cable?

It is hooked up with just the regular cable line (can't afford anything else :p ) my xbox component cables and the composite cables for the dvd player.

You will need component for your DVD player. Progressive scan can't be enabled when hooked up by composite. Anyways component or better I would recommend to solve your problem.

Ok excuse my dumbness but I do have my dvd player hooked up through component cables sorry for that mistake :( I really don't have a clue what the problem is I'm really not impressed so far with this tv, unless i'm doing something wrong... :(

Longroad, Buy a Panny S-77 DVD player. Then you will begin enjoy your TV.
For this TV, you need an upconverting DVD player like S-77, progressive scan player is NO good for this TV.

Longroad, Buy a Panny S-77 DVD player. Then you will begin enjoy your TV.
For this TV, you need an upconverting DVD player like S-77, progressive scan player is NO good for this TV.
I was wondering if you could tell me what your settings are for this setup? I have the X54 & S77 and I'm not pleased at all. My old nonprogressive scan dvd player looked better than the S77.

I've got an older Panasonic RP82 progressive scan player and the picture looks wonderful on my 47X54. My settings can vary by DVD, but on most I have to turn the color down to around 24, on Shrek I had it down to 20. Brightness at 32, Picture at 25. These settings are too dark for my HDTV channels. If you don't have a calibration DVD, then use the THX Optimizer that is found on several DVDs.

I assume you've done a manual 9 point convergence. Mine drifted a bit for the first 100-150 hours then settled in. The warm reddish hue on darker scenes is only eliminated via a professional calibration. The set's color balance is too warm at low brightness.

When set up correctly, the picture is fabulous. To my eyes, it blows away $3000 sets like the new Sony LCD RP and the JVC x86-series LCOS, and I'm very picky on video quality.

I was wondering if you could tell me what your settings are for this setup? I have the X54 & S77 and I'm not pleased at all. My old nonprogressive scan dvd player looked better than the S77.

My tv is Panny 47WXD63 - X54 w/ Built in HD Tuner. I have the S97 and use HDMI connecton to tv, output from S97 is 1080i. BTW, the S77 like S97 is good at 1080I by hdmi connection.

I have it using HDMI outputting 1080i and it looks lousy on my set.

My tv setting
Color 22
Tint 38
Brightness 32
Picture 29
Sharpness 0
Color Temp Normal
Nature Color Off
Video NR Off
VM Off

And you'd better check the S77 setting in DVD forum. BTW, you may need DVE and/or Avia
to fine tune your tv/ dvd settings.

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.

Just received it last night. Looks really good but Sears seems to have delivered a used one. There was no manual of converter with it and other clues point to a previously opened unit. So I'm negotiating a better price. Was hoping to get it replaced but they said there are none left! They offered me the Hitachi 51" and Sony 51" for the same price but I think I'll decline these.

Does anyone else besides "Idiotcanuck" have any knowledge of the "J" version? Mine states a manufacture date of April 2005 from Mexico on the back. I'm hoping it is an upgraded version. The Pany site does not give any info for this version. Also, can I do a proper set up without the remote?

This is a great site ... thx guys.

Forgot to mention that in the setup menu for more options for the video, the "Comb filter" on /off selection is greyed out or not selectable. It is set in the "off" setting. Is this normal? Should I be able to change this to the "On" setting? Please let me know ....

Does anyone else besides "Idiotcanuck" have any knowledge of the "J" version? Mine states a manufacture date of April 2005 from Mexico on the back.

The X54J is the full model number. You'll find it discussed very early in this thread.

Forgot to mention that in the setup menu for more options for the video, the "Comb filter" on /off selection is greyed out or not selectable. It is set in the "off" setting. Is this normal? Should I be able to change this to the "On" setting? Please let me know ....

If you are feeding a progressive or 1080i signal through component or HDMI, the comb filter isn't available. That is normal.

Also, can I do a proper set up without the remote?

Not really. You will need a remote to do service menu adjustments. There is another thread here for tweaks and trouble shooting. If you haven't seen it yet it is here. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6382085

The model number for the remote is EUR7603ZF0 and is $40US at the panasonic website. Sears should give you at least $40US for the expense and a few more bucks for the inconvience.

Moxie1617, thanks for your input. Sears has since found the remate and manuals which I will pick up today plus they gave me $200 off!

I noticed when I watched the DVD "Seabiscuit" last night, a horse race scene showed some blurry sort of large pixalation stuff going on during the action close ups on the riders. Is this something that can be remedied thru a setup step? I have a JVC XV-310B DVD player. I think it is set to 480i. Any ideas?

I would recommend that you at least do the nine point convergence in the user menu and see if that helps. Ensure that the set has been warmed up at least an hour before doing the convergence. In the picture menu under other, turn off all of the options listed, Natural Color, Video NR, 3D Y/C Filter, VM, and MPEG NR. When you get a chance, pick up DVE or Avia calibration DVD's and adjust your color, tint, brightness and picture.
Enjoy your set for a while and when you get a chance, read over the instructions for doing a service menu convergence in the tweaks thread. It should make a difference in your viewing enjoyment. Until you get a calibration DVD try these settings for a 480i input over composite or s-video:
Color 33
Tint 28
Brightness 35
Picture 23
Sharpness 0
Color Temp Warm

I can't guarantee you'll like it but it's what I use for my s-video and composite inputs.

BTW, it took me three months to get up enough nerve to go into the service menu and do the convergence there.

pixelation is most likely an artifact on either the DVD or from the DVD player...convergence shouldn't affect that at all.

I took a look at the manuals instructions for the 9 point covergence last night. I plan to attempt this over the weekend. Aren't the options, Natural Color, Video NR, 3D Y/C Filter, VM, and MPEG NR, useful? Their descriptions sound like they add some good things like sharpness and noise reduction (snow). Or is this just hype?

I tried watching some golf and hockey (Leafs won!) last night on some network stations, and was very disappointed in the PQ. Much clearer on my 19 year old Toshiba. When I looked at the HDPBS station it was simply spectacular! I wish all stations were like this.

I'm using a SA3250HD STB with 1080i output. Is this wrong? The STB has a setup routine to select 1080i, 720p, and 480p, 480i in wide or standard (4:3). It also has a DVI cable output. Will it help if I use the DVI to HDMI to the TV?

I really appreciate your input ... thanks!

How can I determine if the pixelation is coming from the DVD player or the movie? Can you recommend a DVD movie that I can use as a standard to check this artifact and maybe a few more quality issues? I would expect some action genre film. Your's or anyone else's favourite i would like to know about.

I'm using a JVC XV-310B player.

Thanks for your help ... Pat

I took a look at the manuals instructions for the 9 point covergence last night. I plan to attempt this over the weekend. Aren't the options, Natural Color, Video NR, 3D Y/C Filter, VM, and MPEG NR, useful? Their descriptions sound like they add some good things like sharpness and noise reduction (snow). Or is this just hype?

I felt the same way about these features until I went thru the intro on the DVE disc where they explain some of these features and read through a lot of the threads here on tweaking. I was left with the impression that. at least for watching DVD's, none of the features was required and may in fact add undesirable artifacts to the picture. The majority of my TV viewing is with SD DirecTivo. I usually watch sports and PBS in HD when available.

The model number for the remote is EUR7603ZF0 and is $40US at the panasonic website. Sears should give you at least $40US for the expense and a few more bucks for the inconvience.

Sears called and said they had the remote which I picked up and it seems to be working fine except it's a EUR7603ZB0 :rolleyes: not the ZF0. Front what I can find on the net it came with some of their plasma sets. Is this an issue, will it do the job for me, if you know? :o

Sears called and said they had the remote which I picked up and it seems to be working fine except it's a EUR7603ZB0 :rolleyes: not the ZF0. Front what I can find on the net it came with some of their plasma sets. Is this an issue, will it do the job for me, if you know? :o
It should be okay.
I did a google search for EUR760 and it could be that it is the general model for the remote.

This is primarily for anyone in the Toronto area that uses Rogers cable. I checked with Rogers about using the DVI output from my SA 3250HD STB for a DVI - HDMI connect to my 53X54. They do not support DVI yet. So I'll have to settle for the component connections for the near future. They couldn't tell me if the 3250HD had a DVI-I or DVI-D output either. Anyone know?

Also, does anyone know how much better the DVI-HDMI would be over the component connection? Is it worth the extra bucks for these expensive cables?

Thanks ...

This is primarily for anyone in the Toronto area that uses Rogers cable. I checked with Rogers about using the DVI output from my SA 3250HD STB for a DVI - HDMI connect to my 53X54. They do not support DVI yet. So I'll have to settle for the component connections for the near future. They couldn't tell me if the 3250HD had a DVI-I or DVI-D output either. Anyone know?

Also, does anyone know how much better the DVI-HDMI would be over the component connection? Is it worth the extra bucks for these expensive cables?

Thanks ...
probably DVI-D, which is all your TV will take anyway via HDMI. If you want responses from people in Toronto, might i suggest the Regional HDTV forums and try posting in the Toronto thread.

This is primarily for anyone in the Toronto area that uses Rogers cable. I checked with Rogers about using the DVI output from my SA 3250HD STB for a DVI - HDMI connect to my 53X54. They do not support DVI yet. So I'll have to settle for the component connections for the near future. They couldn't tell me if the 3250HD had a DVI-I or DVI-D output either. Anyone know?

Also, does anyone know how much better the DVI-HDMI would be over the component connection? Is it worth the extra bucks for these expensive cables?

Thanks ...

First, Rogers may not "support" DVI with the 3250HD, but I'm pretty sure it works. Just don't call them if you have problems. It's the same type of DVI connection that a video card has (the full-size one... whichever that is).

And DVI-HDMI cables aren't expensive if you know where to look.

http://svideo.com/dvihdmi2.html

US$10 for a 6-foot cable and US$13 for a 10-foot. Shipping is free... I'm in Ontario and it takes about 2 weeks to get your order.

I've noticed a slight quality different on my CRT, but you should notice even more difference on a fixed-pixel display. Some people claim that for their specific TV model, HDMI looks worse than component, but I think that was mostly older models that had a first-generation HDMI interface.

Is gamma adjustable in the service menu of a 47X54? There's two options in the "Other" category of the service menu, but I don't know what exactly they do nor how to keep them permanently adjusted.

Is gamma adjustable in the service menu of a 47X54? There's two options in the "Other" category of the service menu, but I don't know what exactly they do nor how to keep them permanently adjusted.
AFAIK there's no direct adjustment of gamma on this set. I thought most CRT's were unable to set gamma directly? Maybe this can be handled with cuts/drives? Take these thoughts with a grain of salt as I'm just getting into this level of calibration myself and still have A LOT to learn.

My 53x54 looks fine for HD signals. WHen i put in a DVD it often still has the bars across the top/bottom even though it is the widescreen version. What am i missing, I'd have thought it would adjust. thanks

You said often, so I assume it is not all the time so maybe it is the way the movie is supposed to display?

I've been told that when you have the side bars visible (4:3) the green gun will burn out more quickly than if you had wide screen mode all the time. Does anyone know if there's any truth to this?

My 53x54 looks fine for HD signals. WHen i put in a DVD it often still has the bars across the top/bottom even though it is the widescreen version. What am i missing, I'd have thought it would adjust. thanks
The aspect ratio of your television is 1.78:1. HD television shows are always filmed in this same aspcet ratio. Not all movies are filmed in the same aspect ratio. Technically they can be filmed in aspect ratio they wish, but the most common aspect ratio's are 1.78 or, I think, 1.85 for anything without much action (which will fill the whole screen) and 2.35 for anything wit alot of action (which will leave black bars because it is wider than a 16:9 tv.

I have a 53x54.. i've been messing around in the service menu a lot and I've sort of screwed some things up and was wondering if there's a "reset to default" somewhere.. The standard auto-converge doesn't fix anything.. I want a true factory default so it'll move the guns back to where it had them.

Thanks,

Jay

I think you are in trouble. My understanding is every tv has it's own default values. That is why you need to write down the values before changing anything.

from a post i made in the calibration forum:

From the X54 service manual, with defaults for 480i and 1080i:

DESCR REGISTER NTSC (480i) HD (1080i)
MTS INPUT LEVEL MTSIN 21 N/A
LOW SEPARATION SEPAL 06 N/A
HIGH SEPARATION SEPAH 19 N/A
CLOCK ADJ CLOCK 128 N/A
COLOR COLOR 1F 17
MAGENTA TINT ADJ B-Y_G 40 46
TINT TINT 89 82
YELLOW TINT ADJ R-Y_A AA 87
SUB-BRIGHTNESS BRIGH 02 9C 02 C6
SUB-CONTRAST CONT 03 0E 02 BD
RED CUT-OFF CUT R 01 C0 01 C0
BLUE CUT-OFF CUT B 01 C0 01 C0
RED DRIVE R DR 50 N/A
BLUE DRIVE B DR 50 N/A
INDIVIDUAL ABL CHECK I-ABL VARIABLE VARIABLE
CUT OFF ADJ C_OFF 00 00
HORIZONTAL POSITIONING H POS 04 32 01 83
HORIZONTAL WIDTH H WID 8A 51
PINCUSHION CORRECTION PCC 55 40
TRAPEZOID TRAP 81 81
BOTTOM CORNER PINCUSHION BTMG 58 B0
TOP CORNER PINCUSHION TOPG 5A B4
VERTICAL SIZE V-AMP 9B 00 94
VERTICAL LINEARITY V-C 88 87
VERTICAL S CORRECTION V-S 56 59
VERTICAL TEST POSITION TEST POS V N/A 13
HORIZONTAL TEST POSITION TEST POS H N/A 13
LOW PHASE PHASE LOW N/A A0
HI PHASE PHASE HI N/A 05
HORIZONTAL OSD POSITION OSD POS H N/A 45
VERTICAL OSD POSITION OSD POS V N/A 6A
MUTE CONVERGENCE MUTE 00 00
COARSE ADJ COARS 00 00
FINE ADJ FINE 00 00
H DAF ADJUSTMENT H-PAR 0 0
V SAW DAF ADJUSTMENT V-SAW 0 0
V DAF ADJUSTMENT V-PAR 0 0
ID* ID 00 00
AREA AREA FIX FIX



A few notes:

As always, use at your own risk, I take no responsibility, etc. etc.
ALWAYS WRITE DOWN YOUR DEFAULT SETTINGS BEFORE TOUCHING ANYTHING!
IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT SOMETHING IS, DON'T CHANGE IT!
Sorry for yelling, but it had to be done.
I wouldn't use any of these default values unless you've completely screwed something up in your TV and you're just trying to get back to something reasonable.
C_off will allow you to turn on just one gun at a time, perfect for making color decoder adjustments without having to strain to look through blue/red/green filters. Should be more accurate too.
mute convergence turns off the convergence board essentially. If I remember right, this is only temporary, but there's no reason to mess with it, so leave it alone.
Coarse and Fine adj get you into coarse and fine geometry/convergence setup modes.
sub-brightness/contrast are really just the service menu version of brightness/contrast and are no different in functionality. I centered my user controls and used the service menu to adjust everything. Same goes for tint/color.

That's all I've got for now. The WX53 series has essentially the same adjustments, but different default values. I'd have posted those instead (since that's what I have), but nobody seems to care about that model any more :( <sniff>

If the Panny.tv dude ever gets back to me, I'll try to have the whole service manual posted there, as well as quite a few other tips I have for the panny CRT RPTVs.

mikea28,

thanks for the info and anything further you might be able to add, especially regarding my post, or anyone else that wants to add.

For panny.tv do you think my set would look better adjusting for the "Red Push".


I've owned my PT53WX54 set for a good 1.5 + yrs now. And last week was the first time I'd been in the service mode. I'd done VE stuff and minor changes, but nothing major.

Well I effed it up big time. For whatever reason, namely haste, I accidenly "CLEARED" my 1080i settings in convergence. I hit button 6 or 9 or whatever it is to CLEAR settings and confirmed...OUCH.

Really jacked my TV up. I did take all the settings down prior, but that has nothing to do with the convergence. So needless to say the guns were not lined up anywhere close. Then I tried to do the Copying EXT/INT stuff, to see if I could get stuff closer than it was, I then effed up my 480p settings.

Well since then I've litterally spent 10+ hours trying to get things back to normal/better. And actually the bulk of my picture, 2 inches from the border and in, the picture does look better, because I got all of the convergence pretty good. But my borders are still not perfect. Have a little bleeding of blue and red. and Even some picture either overlapping or no picture at all in small places. And I did all of this by "EYE" I do not have a templete.

I believe it's the SKEW, PIN, etc.. settings in the COARSE adjustment.


Anyone have any ideas on how to go about fixing these settings? The steps, what I need to line it up with etc...Do I need the templete to do truly correct this?

And now after my debacle, I am noticing on the top two most right and left lines of my red grid, are curving upwards, and nothing I do to adjust them are getting them straight. Suggestions?

Finally, I could return this TV to Costco, because of their great return policy, but I don't think I'll find anything with the same picture for the price.

Thanks in advance to anyone that can help.

Dave

I was just wondering if anyone was able to use 1080i with the X54 (or X54J) and actually get a good picture with an HTPC? At 480p the HTPC displays really well, just a bit of overscan (of what I have read the TV actually upscales the 480p to 540p).

At 1080i the picture is blurry and has a black bar on the right side which is a little curved. If it is possible with a workable picture, please share your settings. Also, has anyone tried to use powerstrip? If yes, please share the success and also please share your setting.

Thank you in advance,

Dirk

I was thinking about connecting the XBox 360 to my Panny 47x54 RPTV. Is this safe for the tv will I get burn in?

Ok, I need some help, this is what happened:Weird thing happened when I tweaked the convergence last night, after I saved and turned the tv back on suddenly I had green blooming in the left top and middle area and the convergence was all out of wack. I had to basically re-do it all and still the cross hairs are blurry for most of the left side of the screen. It is just over a year old could it need cleaning inside? It is only the green causing me grief. I wondered if anyone else has experienced this?

Ok, I need some help, this is what happened:Weird thing happened when I tweaked the convergence last night, after I saved and turned the tv back on suddenly I had green blooming in the left top and middle area and the convergence was all out of wack. I had to basically re-do it all and still the cross hairs are blurry for most of the left side of the screen. It is just over a year old could it need cleaning inside? It is only the green causing me grief. I wondered if anyone else has experienced this?


Did you wait at least a half hour before doing the convergence? also wait a half hour do a auto convergence than do the 9 point convergence. I have my 47x54 for around a year with no issues.

Rob

Yes I waited. I have done this a bunch of times in the service menu and no problems. I have no clue what happened this time but it's driving me nuts. And like I said it's just the green. Even if you pull up just the green grid it has lines that are fatter than they should be.

You may need to get Panny Service support involved. Did you get the extended warranty for this TV? If you did then call and get the TV serviced.

Rob

I had the warranty doubled through the credit card I used, so with any luck? Thanks. I thought maybe someone else would have run into this. Not sur how good the warranty will be since I was in the "Service Menu".

Sorry I cannot be any help good luck

Rob

What version of HDMI does the Panny 47x54 have? Is it 1.1 or 1.2?


Rob

I have the PT53TW54 and was hoping to hear from anyone who has any info on connecting a PC to it.
I cannot get 1080i to work over a DVI connection using a nvidia 6600 GT HDTV vidoe card. 480p works fine.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I have the PT53TW54 and was hoping to hear from anyone who has any info on connecting a PC to it.
I cannot get 1080i to work over a DVI connection using a nvidia 6600 GT HDTV vidoe card. 480p works fine.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
make sure you have it set to 1080i and not 1080p. if you're just setting the res to 1920x1080 in windows, it's probably trying to do 1080p. the other thing is that you'll probably hvae better luck with component if you can get a video card that supports it. These CRT based displays are analog at heart anyways, so no major benefit to going DVI.

otherwise, try the HTPC forum...you'll likely get better advice there.

Hello,

I have a 47X54 that I've had for a couple of years. Initially I set it to Cinema mode for SD viewing, and everything looked good. Now I have an HD satellite box and routinely flip from SD to HD channels. The problem is that the same settings don't seem to apply to both.

If I set up the TV to look good for the HD channels then the SD channels are way out of wack. I am using the DVI-HDMI connection from the satellite box, but I get the same results using component.

Am I missing something? Is there a way to adjust them seperately? Maybe it's my satellite?

I also have a 47x54 and you will have to sacrifice SD quality but man wait until you see this tv do HD it's worth giving someuality in hd

Rob

Am I missing something? Is there a way to adjust them seperately? Maybe it's my satellite?
I think it's the TV, because I have the same difficulty with my 47x54 on cable. I haven't heard of anyone adjusting HD or SD modes to fix the difficulty. One way I have to get around it is to set my 8300HD stb to upconvert 480i and 720p to 1080i (downside being I can't use TV stretch modes).

One way I have to get around it is to set my 8300HD stb to upconvert 480i and 720p to 1080i (downside being I can't use TV stretch modes).
So you have to watch SD with the black bars all the time?

Hello,

I have a 47X54 that I've had for a couple of years. Initially I set it to Cinema mode for SD viewing, and everything looked good. Now I have an HD satellite box and routinely flip from SD to HD channels. The problem is that the same settings don't seem to apply to both.

If I set up the TV to look good for the HD channels then the SD channels are way out of wack. I am using the DVI-HDMI connection from the satellite box, but I get the same results using component.

Am I missing something? Is there a way to adjust them seperately? Maybe it's my satellite?you could adjust them separately in the service menu, at least if your STB is outputting 480i or 480p for SD and 720p or 1080i for HD. Not 100% sure if the service menu saves different settings since it's been a while since i've been in there.
an alternative is to setup cinema (for example) for HD and vivid for SD and just switch when you need to.

I think it's the TV, because I have the same difficulty with my 47x54 on cable. I haven't heard of anyone adjusting HD or SD modes to fix the difficulty. One way I have to get around it is to set my 8300HD stb to upconvert 480i and 720p to 1080i (downside being I can't use TV stretch modes).So you have to watch SD with the black bars all the time?

Well, you can use the STB's stretch modes, if it has any. The 8300HD Greg listed definitely does.


PS - i hope your name "wankel" is referring to Mazda's rotary engine :P

The only thing that I can suggest is to also run an S-video cable from your STB to the panny. Hopefully your box will output s-video(480i) and DVI(1080i) at the same time. Assign a different Pic Mode to each input-the Pic Mode will stay with that input, and set the Pic Mode to optimize the picture for each output. When watching SD, switch to the s-video input and when watching HD switch to the HDMI input. What I found out with the Panny is that the color space for SD and HD are different and watching SD material over HDMI from a DVI source really enhances the red push with this set. This method will at least give you the correct color matrix

an alternative is to setup cinema (for example) for HD and vivid for SD and just switch when you need to.
Ya, that is what I am doing now. I have a Harmony remote and it would be nice if I could train it to accept the multiple commands needed to do this, so that I only need to push one button to switch between display settings. Doesn't appear possible, however.

PS - i hope your name "wankel" is referring to Mazda's rotary engine :P
You got it!

Lately, my picture has been getting worse. The convergence seems to be off, despite my attempts at setting it, and more importantly, the focus is terrible. Text is very difficult to read and is very blurry, even on HD channels. I went away this weekend and when I got back I noticed the power had gone out, so I wonder if that had something to do with it.

Anyway, can these issues be fixed easily from the service menu? I am a little hesitant to play around in there. The TV is still covered under extended warranty, but I have a feeling they would just send out some guy that knows less than I do.

Lately, my picture has been getting worse. The convergence seems to be off, despite my attempts at setting it, and more importantly, the focus is terrible. Text is very difficult to read and is very blurry, even on HD channels. I went away this weekend and when I got back I noticed the power had gone out, so I wonder if that had something to do with it.

Anyway, can these issues be fixed easily from the service menu? I am a little hesitant to play around in there. The TV is still covered under extended warranty, but I have a feeling they would just send out some guy that knows less than I do.


If you have the extended warranty than go ahead and use it and try to get it fixed. I have had the x54 for 2 years now and love it. But yes try to get it fixed you paid for the extended warranty USE IT.

Rob

So sad... Does anyone here have burn in with their panny 53x54? I have some minor burn-ins, probably from dumass roommates who used it to watch vhs with black bars and left the damn tv on all night...

I just purchased a PS3 and considering my 53x54 does not accept 720p, am I only going to be seeing my games in 480P?

Mike

I just purchased a PS3 and considering my 53x54 does not accept 720p, am I only going to be seeing my games in 480P?

Mike
actually your tv does 540p/1080i. i would set your ps3 to 1080i for best picture and use hdmi or componet. the native resolution of the pt-53x54 is 1080i

I believe the probloem is that the PS3 does not upconvert to 1080i, so I believe I may only be bale to see 480P. Can anyone confirm?

Thanks,
Mike

I do not own a PS3 but an Xbox 360 and also have the Panny 47x54 RPTV I believes that the PS3 does 1080i. The Xbox does 1080i and it looks awesome on my TV

Rob

I understand that the PS3 is capable of 1080i, however many games are 720p only. The PS3 lacks the ability to upscale that to 1080i. Hopefully this problem will be fixed in a later firmware update.

Mike

I understand that the PS3 is capable of 1080i, however many games are 720p only. The PS3 lacks the ability to upscale that to 1080i. Hopefully this problem will be fixed in a later firmware update.

Mike
actually if you go into the ps3 display setting and only select 1080i then it will show it in 1080i, the reason it's showing it in 720p is most games out right now are 720p and you have to go into the display setting and unselected 720p and just select 1080i. i know that what i did anyway for fall of man and a message popped up and said for maximum viewing set display to 720p ,but it played fine at 1080i. i did go back and select 720p though later along with480p for when i'm viewing regular dvd's. hope this helps

actually if you go into the ps3 display setting and only select 1080i then it will show it in 1080i, the reason it's showing it in 720p is most games out right now are 720p and you have to go into the display setting and unselected 720p and just select 1080i. i know that what i did anyway for fall of man and a message popped up and said for maximum viewing set display to 720p ,but it played fine at 1080i. i did go back and select 720p though later along with480p for when i'm viewing regular dvd's. hope this helps

hate to tell you but you were playing in 480p. Its a shame SONY couldn't support 1080i HDTVs.

I believe the probloem is that the PS3 does not upconvert to 1080i, so I believe I may only be bale to see 480P. Can anyone confirm?

Thanks,
Mike
Was going to buy a ps3 to play on my x54 but decided to check this thread, glad I did. It seems the ps3 does convert all 720p games to 480p.

Now my question is, how is the blueray image quality on your panny? From what I read the ps3 does display the blueray movies at 1080i but do you consider the image way better than a good progressive dvd? TIA

I've had this set for over 3 years now and I've generally been very happy with it. SD stations are mediocre as expected but HD programing looks great. I will in the future upgrade to PLasma as I feel it has the best over-all picture, but I'm content to wait till prices drop more on the 1080P sets.

The question I have is, has anyone here who was originally happy with the picture out of the box, seen a major improvement with a professional calibration?
Will a professional calibration make the already good picture on this set even better?
So far the only problem I've noticed is that the far right and far left areas on the screen seem to be not as focused as the center, but that's only a minor issue, for me anyway.

I'm also curious as to how HD DVD movies look on the Panasonic. Anyone?

So far the only problem I've noticed is that the far right and far left areas on the screen seem to be not as focused as the center, but that's only a minor issue, for me anyway.

I have the same issue with mine. Both the focus and convergence seem to be off at the sides. I plan on getting a professional calibration if it's covered under my extended warranty.

Overall, I'm happy with the TV, but it's nowhere near as good as my dads Pioneer PDP-5060 plasma. I'm hoping the calibration will fix that.

i plan on buying a PT-61LCX65 tomorrow from my local CC for 920. assuming this is a good deal. i dont have an hd source to hook up to it yet ad since they dont exactly have a dedicated source in the store i cant really gauge its quality. anyone here have experience with this set?

In regards to the 720p/1080i issue.... true, that the PS3 does not "up-convert" or scale the 720p to 1080i. Hopefully, they will come up with a fix/solution for us. I'm not buying a PS3 until there is.

but, that got me wondering. Many sports events are broadcast in 720p (ESPN, FOX, etc.) If the Panny can't do 720p, then what resolution am I watching the HD broadcasts in? 1080i or 720p or 480p? Or does the Panny take the cable signal and up-convert it to 1080i?

Quigs, presumably, your cable box is upconverting from 720p to 1080i.

I was just wondering if anyone was able to use 1080i with the X54 (or X54J) and actually get a good picture with an HTPC? At 480p the HTPC displays really well, just a bit of overscan (of what I have read the TV actually upscales the 480p to 540p).

At 1080i the picture is blurry and has a black bar on the right side which is a little curved. If it is possible with a workable picture, please share your settings. Also, has anyone tried to use powerstrip? If yes, please share the success and also please share your setting.

Thank you in advance,

Dirk

The x54 can't fully resolve a 1920*1080 picture, that why it looks so blurry. I've had good luck just using the stock nvidia drivers and an HDMI->DVI cable, the nvidia driver gives me the options of 1080i or 480p, and it does have some settings to adjust for overscan etc.

From what I remember, the x54 can take a 720p signal as an input. I'm pretty sure it upconverts that to 1080i.

You can try it by setting your cable box to pass the native resolution of the content thru, then switch to a 720p station.

From what I remember, the x54 can take a 720p signal as an input.
It cannot.

Has anyone successfully paired the X54 with the Oppo 981HD? Any of the HDCP "handshake" problems? Greenish tint?

I have mine paired with the 970HD and have no handshake problems. I am running through a Monoprice HDMI switch also. I don't know if the HDCP circuits are the same in both units but no problem with the 970.

Hard to know for sure, but I suspect the 970's HDMI implementation is probably the same as the 981's. Glad to hear it's working out for you! I suspect I'll be ordering a 981 in fairly short order unless someone posts any problems with this combo.

I've been using a Panasonic S77 via HDMI for some time now with no problems. If only it had PAL capabilities I wouldn't need the Oppo! The Tosh 4900 I've been using for PAL conversion has served me well, but I'm really looking to upgrade to a player with better MPEG decoding and upscaling. The 981 looks like a good bet, my only real hesitation being the HDCP handshake problem that so many folks seem to be having (though no reports of problems specifically with an X54, at least to my knowledge).

Quick question. I own the 47wx53 and finally became brave enough to play in the service menu (Don't worry my default settings are written down). Anyways, I'm trying to correct the Red Push issue with the TV specifically over DVI where I use an upconverting DVD player. The problem I'm having is I can only adjust Color, Tint, BYG, and RYG over DVI. I adjusted the BYG and RYG and was able to get Blue and Red spot on using Digital Video Essentials and their filters. Is this correct way of adjusting? If I were to go into where I can control Red or Blue (probably at 480p?) would this also adjust those colors over DVI?

I don't believe adjusting your red or blue will fix the red push. It appears that it is a greyscale issue. If you haven't seen the tweaks and trouble shooting thread there is talk about it there. Here is link to that thread and the post regarding greyscale and red push. Hope it helps you.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6038316&&#post6038316

I'm a Comcast HD subscriber and never had a bit of trouble viewing HD 1080i on my 2-year old Panny 47WX54.

Last week, for some inexplicable reason, all 1080i programs are appearing as 480p.

I am using a Comcast DCT3412 DVR as my cable box which is connected to the Panny via an HDMI-to-DVI cable.

To ensure that it was not a problem with my cable box, I tried another DCT3412 and got the same result. The menus in both were correctly set to DVI/YbYgYr 1080i.

I am going to try hooking up an DVD player with HDMI upconvert to see if I can get 1080i through it.

Anyone have any ideas as to why the TV is no longer showing HD?

I'm a Comcast HD subscriber and never had a bit of trouble viewing HD 1080i on my 2-year old Panny 47WX54.

Last week, for some inexplicable reason, all 1080i programs are appearing as 480p.

I am using a Comcast DCT3412 DVR as my cable box which is connected to the Panny via an HDMI-to-DVI cable.

To ensure that it was not a problem with my cable box, I tried another DCT3412 and got the same result. The menus in both were correctly set to DVI/YbYgYr 1080i.

I am going to try hooking up an DVD player with HDMI upconvert to see if I can get 1080i through it.

Anyone have any ideas as to why the TV is no longer showing HD?


I would try connecting the 3412 to the Panny with Component cables if that works ok then there may be a problem with the HDMI port. I have my Panny connected to my Moto 6412 with Component cables and also have a Panny S77 connected to my HDMI port. If I were you I would use component for the Moto box and the HDMI for DVD so that if your DVD player upconverts you can take advantage of the HDMI port because most DVD players do not upconvert via component. You can also try a diffrent HDMI cable.. I thought that the 3412 had the option in the setup for HDMI and DVI/YbYgYr options?

Rob

I would try connecting the 3412 to the Panny with Component cables if that works ok then there may be a problem with the HDMI port. I have my Panny connected to my Moto 6412 with Component cables and also have a Panny S77 connected to my HDMI port. If I were you I would use component for the Moto box and the HDMI for DVD so that if your DVD player upconverts you can take advantage of the HDMI port because most DVD players do not upconvert via component. You can also try a diffrent HDMI cable.. I thought that the 3412 had the option in the setup for HDMI and DVI/YbYgYr options?

Rob

Well, it's not the cable. I hooked the 3412 via component and it still does not show anything higher than 480p.

To prove that it is not the 3412, I just hooked up one of the new Panny DVD Recorders with HDMI upscale -- the DMR-EZ27K -- and it does not give me any display option higher than 480p. The higher resolutions are greyed out, as if I hooked the DMR up to a non-HD TV.

So, basically, the TV has lost its ability to show HD, and if none here know the answer, then I guess I'll have to pick the brains of some Panny techs.

Well, it's not the cable. I hooked the 3412 via component and it still does not show anything higher than 480p.

To prove that it is not the 3412, I just hooked up one of the new Panny DVD Recorders with HDMI upscale -- the DMR-EZ27K -- and it does not give me any display option higher than 480p. The higher resolutions are greyed out, as if I hooked the DMR up to a non-HD TV.

So, basically, the TV has lost its ability to show HD, and if none here know the answer, then I guess I'll have to pick the brains of some Panny techs.


You may need to call Panasonic and have a service call opened. let me know how it turns out.

rob

Hey all,

I know this tread is real old but thought I would post my question anyways. I have had my panny PT47X54 for about 2 yrs now and has been great. I decided to have a service tech come out and do a simple geometric calibration, and to minimize the overscan which was buggin me a little. Well he brought down the overscan a little but now the blue really seems to bleeding along the edges of the picture. I really notice it when there is a close up of somebody and their shoulder is near the edge of the screen.

Anyways, I commented on this when the tech was over but he just said its "within spec". Is there anyway the blue can be more focused to correct the blue bleeding? I asked the tech but he said if he focused the blue it would cause the whites to look yellow. I was really hoping someone else could give some input.

Thanks!!

Jeremy

I'm a Comcast HD subscriber and never had a bit of trouble viewing HD 1080i on my 2-year old Panny 47WX54.

Last week, for some inexplicable reason, all 1080i programs are appearing as 480p.

I am using a Comcast DCT3412 DVR as my cable box which is connected to the Panny via an HDMI-to-DVI cable.

To ensure that it was not a problem with my cable box, I tried another DCT3412 and got the same result. The menus in both were correctly set to DVI/YbYgYr 1080i.

I am going to try hooking up an DVD player with HDMI upconvert to see if I can get 1080i through it.

Anyone have any ideas as to why the TV is no longer showing HD?

Please excuse my ignorance, as I am a NOOBIE in this area. How did you determine that your TV is displaying 480P? Is this evidence, by any chance, by an image that would appear to be TOO LARGE for the TV? Like, there is material that is being cut-off on top and bottom?

I am running into this issue, and I am trying to determine the problem. I am connected via HDMI to a 3416 on a panny 53x54.

Help???

You can tell the resolution being fed to the TV by using the aspect button. At 480i, you can toggle thru all aspects: 4:3, Zoom, Full, and Just. At 480p the Just aspect ratio isn't available, at 1080i you can not toggle thru any aspect, it is always on Full.

The image being cut off is from overscan, that is normal for a CRT based display. I have about 7% on the bottom and 5% on the top. If you want to reduce it you can have a pro come in and calibrate your set and reduce the overscan.

I checked my overscan by using test patterns found on the DVE calibration DVD.

OVERSCAN! Got it.

Ok, I have no aspect change options, so it looks like I'm getting 1080i picture. Now, using the guide option to adjust the picture, it appears I'm losing about 3 to 5 inches of pictures, which seems like a LOT. Are calibration professionals the only option I have to get this adjusted?

Thank you all for your help...


-Jonny

It doesn't have to be a calibration pro, a service tech can adjust the overscan. I don't suggest doing it yourself. If you mess up while in the service menu it may cost more to have the tech fix what you mess up than just adjust the overscan.

Sorry to cross post, but I'm not sure the right thread for this one...

Hello,

I realize that this is an old thread, but I have a 53X54 and in my efforts to fix up the fine convergence, I messed up all the rest of the geometry settings, specifically, the screen height and various "stretches" I cannot seem to get back to a perfect circle with my Avia disc... Can anyone tell me what the default settings for my model are... I found them in this thread, but the numbers are not even close to my unit. I do not have settings this high on my tv. the highest they go is 3f... I also need to know how to set the V-S and horizontal Width and stretch... Should I be doing this in 4:3 mode with the Avia disk, or do I use the widescreen enhanced avia test patterns and set the tv to full?

Not achievable on my as taken from this thread

VERTICAL SIZE V-AMP 9B 00 94
VERTICAL LINEARITY V-C 88 87
VERTICAL S CORRECTION V-S 56 59

The model # on my set is PT-53WX54 and I do not have an auto-convergence feature. It would be nice to see the HEROS logo in a circle again...

Thanks in advance!

Richard

i have a panasonic PT-47X54J RPHDTV

these are my settings so far.

color: 30

Tint: 30

Brightness: 43

Picture: 18

Sharpness 0


i feel picture and sharpness might be way too low,

but i don't really understand what avia wants me to do when adjusting white level. am i supposed to increase the picture until the bottom half of the screen is sort of white? like borderline grey/white? or is it supposed to be like very bright white?

also the sharpness image test. the demo says that the patches on the bottom and part of the scale at the top should get darker depending on if i adjust sharpness up or down.

thing is, it doesn't do that for me, image looks the same whether i have sharpness all the way down or up, very hard to tell a difference.

do my settings look anywhere near correct?

When people mention a service tech, is that a panasonic service tech? Direct from Panasonic? What is the average cost for their service?

When people mention a service tech, is that a panasonic service tech? Direct from Panasonic? What is the average cost for their service?

Call Panny they will give you listing for a certified tech in your area. Cost of service I do not know depends on the issue.

Rob