Please visit: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=452174 as this is the official tweaks and troubleshooting page.

Panasonic has released there new 2004-2005 crt rptv lineup. http://www.panasonic.ca/English/audiovideo/television/projection/index.asp

These sets are a huge improvement over Panasonic's previous efforts and includes features such as:

NEW High-Definition CENTAUR IV CRT (exclusive to Panasonic)
The new high definition Centaur CRT utilizes a reduced beam spot to increase resolution and reduce flare effect. The result of this is a clear image from corner to corner with increased definition. The improved phosphor screen delivers consistent colour purity for an extended length
of time.

P3 (Precision Picture Processing)
High definition signals place new demands on TV video processing circuits to enable the display of high definition images. Panasonic HDTV Televisions improve the picture in three ways:

Improved signal-to-noise ratio thanks to a new 3D algorithm, double pixel processing and MPEG (digital) noise reduction that reduces block noise.
Improved sharpness without the halo effect with new 2-dimensional edge correction circuitry.
Improved contrast at high picture levels because of a new gradation compensation circuit, which enhances the dynamic range of the picture tube.
PRO-FOCUS Picture Tube

Anti-Reflective Screen Shield
This new Screen Shield dramatically reduces ambient light reflections from bay windows and lamps, allowing for a more natural viewing experience. The unique diffusion system produced by using our .52 mm fine pitch screen and the new AR Screen Shield offers superior brightness, even at extreme viewing angles.

Artificial Intelligence Picture Control
This feature continuously monitors signal conditions to maintain a high degree of contrast in the picture. It looks at all areas of the picture at the same time. If a particular area is too light, AI Picture Control can darken that area without affecting the black level or brightness in the overall picture.

Auto Convergence
A typical projection television uses three picture tubes (red, green and blue) to produce the image we see on screen. These picture tubes must be aligned correctly to achieve a sharp, detailed image. Panasonic’s new line of Projection Screen Televisions now features Auto Convergence to make image alignment fast and easy. Misalignment of the image can be caused by placement next to an unshielded speaker, the earth’s geomagnetic field or movement. Simply press the button on the front
panel of the television, any time the TV set is shipped, repositioned or jostled, to achieve optimum picture performance.

Motion-Adaptive 3D-Y/C Digital Comb Filter: designed to eliminate hanging dots, and works on diagonal patterns to eliminate the colour rainbow effect in closely spaced patterns by compensating for the motion that occurs between fields. As a result, bright colours and fast action scenes are displayed with incredible clarity.

Digital Velocity Modulated Scan (selectable)
This feature provides sharp black-to-white transitions for exceptional picture quality. Advanced circuitry along the neck of the CRT senses shifts from black to white in the video signal. The black and white portions of the signal are sped up and slowed down, respectively, resulting in improved transitions. When viewing movies, you can easily turn off this feature to achieve a more film-like picture.

HD Enhanced Wide-Band Video Amplifier
The industry standard Wide-Band Video amplifier was designed to work with regular video signals. Today we have video sources that offer significantly higher resolution. The new HD Enhanced Wide-Band Video Amplifier, from Panasonic, is specifically designed for HDTV and other digital sources. This new video amplifier offers three times the bandwidth to ensure that every image detail is displayed with stunning accuracy, regardless of the source.

High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI)
HDMI is an uncompressed digital video and audio interface that is the
new standard digital connection between home theatre devices, such as
a set-top box, DVD player or A/V receiver, and a digital television. HDMI offers exceptional video quality while supporting multi-channel digital audio and extended cable lengths in excess of 15 metres.

I have started this thread because some of friends from the Hitachi thread, reccommended I do so.

I have personally seen the PT-47x54 and I was totally blown away by the picture. I spent 2 hours at Best Buy (they were all running very good HD feed through component cables on all of these tvs) tweaking the Panny 47x54, Toshiba 51H84, and the Hitachi 46f500 and the Panny produced the best picture by far. It had the brightest, sharpest, best colour reproduction, and the most detailed picture from all the sets. It rivaled the Sammy DLP in terms of brightness and overall detail in the picture.

Don't take my work for it. Go to the store and check them out yourself before buying a Hitachi, Toshiba, or MITS. I was a hairs breath away from pulling the trigger on the Hitachi, but noticed the Panny at the last minute. Now I have a Panny on order at BB and I should have it delivered sometime this week.

And at 2000.00 CDN, thats about 1400 for ya yanks, It's quite a steal.

Please post any thoughts and I'll be back with my in home review.

Here's some more links:

features http://www.panasonic.ca/English/audiovideo/television/projection/features.asp

Detailed Spec's
http://www.panasonic.ca/English/audiovideo/television/projection/specs.asp

and was very impressed with it, based on the comparable Sony and Hitachi sitting next to it. Now this one was new and the others had been in the shop for over a year, so that may have had something to do with it.

I'm waiting to compare against the new 46f510 and will make my decision after that.

Looks good on paper. We'll be awaiting the in-home reviews.

Conan, will this be your first HDTV?

Conan, will this be your first HDTV?

No, I own a 34" Sony HS510. This will be my first RPTV. I also own an old Zenith front projector which is in my basement.

FYI: Best Buy in Canada is offering a free Xbox with the purchase of the Panny! Im not sure if they have this deal in the states, but you should look into it.

Originally posted by conan48
No, I own a 34" Sony HS510. This will be my first RPTV. I also own an old Zenith front projector which is in my basement.

FYI: Best Buy in Canada is offering a free Xbox with the purchase of the Panny! Im not sure if they have this deal in the states, but you should look into it.

that sounds like a great deal!

I ordered mine from onecall.com, great price and great reputation.. should get it next week, I'll have a write up if anyone is interested.

Consider getting Michael TLV to calibrate the panny. He's based in Canada and is an expert on the pannys.

Originally posted by Raph
that sounds like a great deal!

I ordered mine from onecall.com, great price and great reputation.. should get it next week, I'll have a write up if anyone is interested.

I'm always interested in another write-up! Especially since I'm still deciding whether to go crt or fixed pixel.

I'm thinking about selling my panasonic 42" EDTV Plasma for this TV, and would like to read a more detail user review also.

Uh, the Panasonic Canada web link you provided lists the PT-47X54 and
PT-53X54 models WITHOUT Anti-Reflective Screen Shield !

Uh, the Panasonic Canada web link you provided lists the PT-47X54 and

Yeah, it looks like only the PT-53TW54 has the Anti Reflective screen sheild. But most people don't like the screen shield and remove it anyway. It seems to make the picture worse, then better. Do a search and You'll find coutless threads on people asking for help to remove the screen shields. This is more of a bonus! and saves you the hassle of having to remove it yourself.

Originally posted by conan48
Yeah, it looks like only the PT-53TW54 has the Anti Reflective screen sheild. But most people don't like the screen shield and remove it anyway. It seems to make the picture worse, then better. Do a search and You'll find coutless threads on people asking for help to remove the screen shields. This is more of a bonus! and saves you the hassle of having to remove it yourself.

Sounds like a... (http://www.webster-dictionary.org/definition/rationalization)

:D

Originally posted by SonyAteMyBaby
Sounds like a... (http://www.webster-dictionary.org/definition/rationalization)

:D Not quite :rolleyes:. More like fact. :cool:

I noticed that Walmart has the 47WX54 listed online for CHEAP. I went to Circuit City to price match (beat) Walmart, but Circuit City had the model number 47X54 beside their 47" Panny. Now I know that both Walmart and Circuit City are selling the same TV, but how do I convince Circuit City of this? Panasonic lists the model number as 47X54, so technically Circuit City is right...

Any ideas or experience with a similar situation? Thanks.

I believe the one the Walmart carries is exclusive to them and I think Costco. It's basically the same model as last years x53 models but they added HDMI. This is not the same as the new PT-47X54 that CC carries

thanks conan... i went to a walmart to double check and found it was a different model. ah well....

I want one... but is 720 important?

I was glad to see this thread today. I am very interested in these new Panny RPTVs. I've seen them in stores a couple times now and i've been very impressed so far.

The bummr is that i'm really interested in the models with the cable card and HD tuner included and those models won't be out for a month or two according to my local store. :( I don't know why Panasonic would put them all on their site now when some of the tvs won't be in stores for months. Doesn't make any sense to me.


I've read conflicting reports that the front panel hides a shelf for placement of a DVD player or reciever. However, when I was in the store I found this to not be true. Anyone hear anything about this?

There is no shelf in the front panel. Well, not that I've noticed, but I've had the set for all of 24 hours. I may have overlooked something.

The important question I have is.. Does anyone know how to disable Red Push on these new sets? The instructions on panny.tv do not work for the new x54 models.

Help! It's driving me nuts!

Good thread. Keep it up.

I'm contemplating my first CRT RPTV purchase. I've already owned a 42" Sony GW III and a 60" Sony XBR950 LCD Projection.


I'm really considering a CRT RPTV for several reasons and these new Panasonic models have really caught my eye.

First off, a CRT RPTV doesn't suffer from vertical banding or motion artifacts from fast panning from left to right. They also don't have rainbows like DLPs. They also have better black levels which is a big advantage. When you throw all these things together and then you realize the price is a couple thousand dollars less i'm beginning to wonder how anyone could buy a DLP or LCD Projection instead of a CRT RPTV.

I know of the CRT RPTV drawbacks but overall I just don't see them as serious as the drawbacks of the DLPs and LCD RPTV.


Am I nuts?

Absolutely not, just read this article !!!

http://news.designtechnica.com/talkback38.html

Hi everyone,

My 53x54 arrived yesterday (Wahoo!). This is my first RPTV. I have to say that when I started researching TV's I was dead set against RPTV and didn't even consider them for a couple of months. After reading the pros and cons on LCD and DLP I wasn't sure they were worth the money to me.

Then I saw the panny 53x54 in a store. I tried to research it but it's new and not a lot of info out there. I took a chance and to make a long story short, I love it.

I have Directv and it is somewhat grainy but it is what I expected from an RPTV (actually a little better). Viewing distance is very important. I'm about 10' and for SD content. I wish I was 11' or 12'. Then I put in the Matrix Revolutions in my Zenith DVB318 and WOW! This is what I wanted a great movie machine! Very clear. All of this is right out of the box. I did turn down the brightness and switched it to cinema mode.

Anyway I just wanted to throw in my experience with this TV but keep in mind it is my first RPTV.

Matt

Does anyone know if there is any reviews of the X54 series on the web or in a magazine ????

Matt,

Once you get your Directv HD package up and running, you'll find yourself watching SD less and less. I was actually quite surprised at how well the x54 handles the SD directtv images. I thought i'd been spoiled by my wega 36xbr400, but the x54 gives VERY comparable performance!

I just hope some weathered tweakers get their hands on this set. I think it's capable of producing a truly beautiful picture. (I was flooered at how great it looks out of the box.)

Neglekt,

Did you use Avia or DVE?

That's a bummer to here about the red push fix not working on the new sets. Mine isn't too bad but I would like to tone it down a little.

Does anyone know if Avia or DVE will help that at all?

Thanks.

I used Avia.. and it helped for basic settings.. and my colors/levels look pretty dead on. There's just this extra redness to skin tones that seems prevalent. I've only watched 3 movies so far (time has not been on my side this week) so I need to sit down with some reference films that I know well, so I can truly judge what's what.

I'm not really comfortable in the service menu area.. so I haven't tweaked too much in there. I've only used the user adjustments so far.

However the process to enter the service menu is the same as previous sets. To exit and save, well.. i had to try different combinations of action and power to get it to dump out of the service menu. I don't remember what combo worked, however..

Second question.. has anyone had a chance to hook an xbox up to an x54 yet to see if it supports a 720p source? The press release claims that it does, however the specs on the website say it's 540.

I too am thinking of getting either 47'' or the 53''. I just have a couple of questions. First, I was almost stuck on getting the Sony KP46WT510. After seeing this 53'' Panny though for only a hundred bucks more and getting 6'' more inches. What is the major differences between the two? Also, I see mentioned is a LIne doubler on the panny set, does this come with all RPTV's or just this brand?
Secondly, according the their website the TV only does 540p. What happens when a DVD progressive plays at 480p, or the Xbox which does 720p?
Plus, I'm dying to hear reviews about this set, please say anything you can.
Thanks

Chad,

I have the 53" and a DVB318 dvd player. I highly recommend the DVB318. Anyway it has the option of changing the output to 480p/720p/1080i. I had Nemo in and switched it from 1080i to 480p successfully however the picture is not as clear. I tried 720p and it wouldn't display. I don't know if there are other settings in the tv or not but I didn't have time to play with it. Some have reported that Xbox will work but I don't have Xbox. The DVB318 has done a great job with up converting the dvd's I have tried so far to 1080i, Terminator 3, Matrix II, Nemo, Men in Black II. It looks GREAT on the panny!! I know everybody has different opinions and I am certainly not an expert but I have never liked RPTV's and I am quite happy with my first one.

How far will you be from the TV? This seems to be more critical with viewing regular video feeds. I can sit 4' away while watching a dvd at 1080i and it is still great to me. Viewing distance might help you decide what size TV to look for.

Right now I can get a KP46WT510 (http://www.sonystyle.ca/commerce/servlet/ProductDetailDisplay?storeId=10001&langId=-1&catalogId=10001&productId=167623&navigationPath=32050n32053) for 2300. And I can get a PT-47X54 (http://www.panasonic.ca/english/audiovideo/television/projection/pt47-53x54.asp) for 1900. The panny is bigger but all I see missing is that the Sony has a DVI input, and can accept 720p. Which one would you guys go for? Also to mention, the 53'' Panny is only a 100 bucks more than the sony 46''.
Thanks

I don't know where you are getting your prices dude but they are very high. Just search for that Sony model on Sears site and you'll see what I mean. :D

I thought the same when I saw the prices but he must be from Canada.

The panny has HDMI input which I believe you can get an adapter to use DVI. Hopefully some one will explain the pros and cons of DVI vs HDMI.

I don't think you can go wrong with either. I actually went to Sears to buy the Sony 51" but they were out.

First, sorry bout the double post. Now the SOny one excepts pretty much all types of signals i and p wise. IS that really a bonus? Also, has anyone compared the two? There must be a reason why the price difference is so great. And yes, those are Canadian prices.
Thanks

The Sony accepts 720p...but downconverts it to 480p. The Panny's generally do not accept 720p at all. This is only a concern for Xbox gamers.

Originally posted by Marc Alexander
The Sony accepts 720p...but downconverts it to 480p. The Panny's generally do not accept 720p at all. This is only a concern for Xbox gamers.

I read Panasonic x54 upconverts 720p to 1080i.

ON games that support it does the Xbox do both 480p and 720p? Also, would you notice a quality difference at all between the two settings when it's converted to 1080i?

Originally posted by Chad Ferguson
ON games that support it does the Xbox do both 480p and 720p? Also, would you notice a quality difference at all between the two settings when it's converted to 1080i? Yes, Xbox does both 480p and 720p on games that support them (almost all games support 480p). To gain the benefit of enhanced resolution of 720p games, you need a set that displays 720p natively or converts it to 1080i. Neither sets you mention do this.

Take a look at Hitachi and Toshiba in CRTs

Although I think the SOny does support 720p to 1080i. I guess the only thing I have to think about now is which has better video quality then? And size I supposed. If anyone here had to make a choice between the two which would you go for?
THanks

Originally posted by Marc Alexander
Yes, Xbox does both 480p and 720p on games that support them (almost all games support 480p). To gain the benefit of enhanced resolution of 720p games, you need a set that displays 720p natively or converts it to 1080i. Neither sets you mention do this.

Take a look at Hitachi and Toshiba in CRTs

Marc, are DLP sets the only ones that can do 720p natively?

There are some posts on this forum from ppl that experienced less-than-great Xbox displays on their TVs via 1080i upconversion. How can that be worse-looking than 480p? I dont get it.

Marc,

Thanks for your input! I heard that CBS HD is 720p. Does this mean that if I had the Directv HD receiver with this panny I wouldn't be able to watch CBS HD?

If that is true is there external component that can convert 720p first and then display it on a TV in 480p/540p or 1080i?

Originally posted by meustice
Marc,

Thanks for your input! I heard that CBS HD is 720p. Does this mean that if I had the Directv HD receiver with this panny I wouldn't be able to watch CBS HD?

If that is true is there external component that can convert 720p first and then display it on a TV in 480p/540p or 1080i?

CBS broadcasts their shows and sports in 1080i. ABC and Fox (Sept 12) broadcast in 720p and your DTV will convert that to 1080i. NBC and WB also broadcast in 1080i. The DTV rec you have has the option to upconvert everything to 1080i and it goes to your Panny that way. That is how I have my DTV rec set. Your tv or STB (set top box) will do all of the necessary conversions.

The only thing you have to worry about as far as 720p is concerned, is if you use an XBOX. There are several games that send a 720p signal, and there is nothing in the chain to convert it to a usable format for the tv.

However, I don't think anyone has tried an xbox at 720p on the x54 yet.

Anyone?

I highly doubt the new Panasonic models accept a 720p signal. Last year's models didn't and all the info i've read for this year's models make no mention of it accepting that signal.

Originally posted by ndahbar
Marc, are DLP sets the only ones that can do 720p natively?

There are some posts on this forum from ppl that experienced less-than-great Xbox displays on their TVs via 1080i upconversion. How can that be worse-looking than 480p? I dont get it. DLPs and older Panasonic CRTs are the only RPTVs that display 720p natively.

Upconverted Xbox 720p to 1080i looks good to me on the Hitachis. Definitely better than 480p.

Think they would support 720p since it's the one of the two ways HD is displayed at correct?

I can get this TV for $1780 Can. Is this a good deal?

I have the 47x54 and have an xbox, it looks great but I've never seen anything other than a regular crt :p

How would I set it to upconvert from 480 to 1080? or will this be done all by itself?

the 47x54 is a great TV so far, im very pleased :D

since the 53" model is about $150 different. I'm deciding on getting that instead. Will there be much different? I know smaller TV usually have better quarlity. Any comments for the 53" version?

As the screen gets bigger, imperfections are enhanced. It's not that the quality is necessarily better at the smaller size.. It's just the way the human eye works.

One thing you may want to consider is proximity to the TV. That's one area where you may notice a difference.

Brightness for PT47x54??

I bought this set 2 weeks ago after much comparison with similar Toshiba and Hitachi sets and so far have been happy. I am considering ISF calibration in next few months.

However, until I get that done- I used DVE and the user adjustable settings to get the set as close to ideal as I can.

My only concern is that after all the adjustments were made my brigtness setting is at 37 (out of 60). Should this be cause for concern (ie burn-in) or are other owners having the same results. All the other settings are in the 20- 30 range.

Great forum- thanks for the info.

Right now I'm really favoring the 47x54 cause of the price.(Little under 2g's Canadian) Just wondering if anyone has changed their opionin on the set since some people have owned it for a while now? Also, please state any downfalls you see with this set, that would be amaizng, Thank you

Originally posted by outtacash
Brightness for PT47x54??

I bought this set 2 weeks ago after much comparison with similar Toshiba and Hitachi sets and so far have been happy. I am considering ISF calibration in next few months.

However, until I get that done- I used DVE and the user adjustable settings to get the set as close to ideal as I can.

My only concern is that after all the adjustments were made my brigtness setting is at 37 (out of 60). Should this be cause for concern (ie burn-in) or are other owners having the same results. All the other settings are in the 20- 30 range.

Great forum- thanks for the info.

Actually, brightness setting will vary based on how adjustable your dvd player. My dvd player has its own brightness settings and that was helpful in getting the right balance between the player's settings and the tv settings. When I used the Pluge pattern from Video Essentials, the "below black" stripe was still visible based on the 32 brightness setting on the Panny. It's not supposed to be like that. I had to go into the dvd player's user menu and adjust the brightness so that Pluge pattern was displayed correctly. That is how you properly set your brightness. There is a good explaination on how to do this on Video Essentials. Having said that, 37 appears somewhat high but somewhere around 30-33 should be okay, but remember that the Picture (contrast) setting is the one that plays a larger role in terms of burn-in. As I stated above, using the Pluge pattern on VE will help you get a brightness and contrast settings that should be right for your television. That is where I would start.

Got this TV yesterday. Did some minor adjustments to brightness and contrast and it looks better than my calibrated Toshiba 55HX70. SD channels especially look better. I have MSNTV which caused burn-in on the Toshiba. On the Panasonic my settings when using MSNTV are 20 for brightness and 10 for contrast so maybe I won't get burn-in. The TV can also stretch the picture which should help. I'm impressed with this TV.

apesma,
Congratulations!

Pulled the trigger and bought the 53x54 yesterday. Should get it Tuesday.

I saw the 53 on the showfloor. Great looking TV, better then Sony and I would say very comparable with Hita.

I will post my opinions on the TV once I get it. Just to you all know, I'm not a huge movie watcher, so my decision was based on this TV's performance for normal TV viewing.

Hello:

How does a 4-element lense differ from a 5-element lense? Why is a greater number of elements important? I know the current Hitachi S series has 5 element lenses. Will this effect overall picture quality greatly?

For the record, I too have been impressed with this television. Not only does it seem to have very good picture, it has very attractive styling and is cheap to boot.

Thanks,

John

Got the new TV. I won't get all my thoughts up right yet...

However I must point out to those that indicated there might be a problem with the XBox..... I have tested about 40 Xbox games and they all look FANTASTIC with no problems running them.

If someone could post what 720 XBox games have caused problems I will try and get my hands on it to test.

Originally posted by icodeit
Got the new TV. I won't get all my thoughts up right yet...

However I must point out to those that indicated there might be a problem with the XBox..... I have tested about 40 Xbox games and they all look FANTASTIC with no problems running them.

If someone could post what 720 XBox games have caused problems I will try and get my hands on it to test.

ico,

interesting news. I am torn between the f510 hitachi and the panasonic. One of the key selling points was the ability to upconvert 720 to 1080 in the hitachi vs. what i thought was the ability of the panasonic to only convert 480 to 1080.

did you set up your xbox to output 720 on games that support it? or was it set to 480?

looking forward to more comments.

I don't believe anyone has had problems with Xbox in 720p on the X54. I think the problem is that noone (up to this point) has had an Xbox to test with. Your news is very exciting!

How does this set honestly compare with a DLP or Sony XBR LCD set?

Originally posted by SlackerX
How does this set honestly compare with a DLP or Sony XBR LCD set?
how does a Porsche compare to a Chrysler?

What a wonderfully detailed and unbiased answer...

I just got the 47x54 yesterday and love it. I am very impressed with the SD so far, it has exceded my expectations. Can anyone help me with the settings? What are you all finding to be the best tweaks so far? I'm very new at all this so any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Hi, I got the 47x54 two weeks ago and so far there is nothing to complain about it. HD looks awesome just like any other high end tv I have seen.

Ok TV update.... I have had it for about 2 weeks now so around my house that means It's got lots of viewing time on it....

XBox -
It works perfectly and looks outstanding. I'm not sure about the 720 conversion. I don't have any game packaging (wink) to be able to know what games are 720 and see if it works correctly. All I can say is everything I have played, from Halo - GTA - All ESPN Sports - Moto GP2 & Project Gotham Racing have looked stunning....

Settings -
Well the auto convergence setting is a blessing, it works perfectly. Only problem with it is that the manual is not clear that first thing you should is get the TV hookedup and run this setting (the button is on the front of the TV). The manual really walks you through the initial setup wizzard when you first turn on the TV. Its should tell you to auto converge first.
I'm running my DSS signal via s-video. Now I have it in Vivid mode, cool colour temp (personal preference) and... crap I will have to check the rest of the settings. The picture is very bright and clear even in a room where glare is an issue.

Likes:
1) That you can skip AV modes you don't use. I mean I only hook up 2 items, I don't want to have to scroll through 8 items one of the two.
2) Just Mode - This is what I use to watch DSS and cable. WOW, it strechs really well and keeps a good focus in the middle so people don't look distorted.
3) The fact that each AV mode keeps it settings. For example my DVD is connected on component 1 - It stays in "Full" mode while I run my DSS is "Just" mode.
4) The stand on top of the TV is perfect for DVD & DSS boxes as well as my center channel. Its very handy.

Dislikes:
1) The sound is not very good. I expected more based on my prior experince with Panny's on my 32' Gauo. This is fine since I have a receiver but when I just connect the Xbox to play I don't have all the cable to connect to the receiver, and that is why I don't think the sound is the best
2) Panny still does not have a code that works Marzntz recievers even though the code list shows an entry for it. I have a Marantz 6000 and remote will not work it.
3) The manual is not all that great and does not really explain all the features in enough detail. Everything is covered in the manual, but a very high level.

All it all, things are going well right now and I'm happy with my purchase. Will keep you updated and try and answer any questions that come up from other users.

That's an excellent review--you hit the nail on the head with your comments. I'm a relative newbie but I had just about all of the same likes/dislikes you had. I've had my 47x54 for about two weeks now and am very happy with the set. One question I have, though, is how you are watching cable in "Just" mode. I'm using TWC HD digital cable with a Pace box. The HD channels look great at 1080i. However, the SD channels will only run at 1080i (4:3) or 480p (in Full mode). Using the Panasonic remote I can toggle between 4:3, Zoom, and Full at 480p. But if I'm reading that terrible manual correctly, you can only get the Just mode at 480i. How can I set this thing up so that I can get HD channels at 1080i and the SD at 480i?

I'm not familiar with the TWC box, being a D* user myself. However, does your box have an analog RCA out? You can route that to one of the video inputs and simply go to video 2 or whatever when watching SD. That's what I do, for the limited times that I do watch SD.

As for the auto convergence. It's passable. I've found that it does do an OKAY job, but if you pull up an AVIA 100 IRE cross hatch, you'll see a lot of Red and Blue. Also I've found some drift on my set. This is somewhat normal for the first couple months of ownership, but I'm saying so as an alert that you may want to reconverge every so often.

Anyone had any luck with getting the cover off? I wanna get in there and do some manual tweaking.

Anyone with a service manual?

Hey Everyone...
Just got the 47 inch an hour ago. I'm very impressed so far, but need to get some help with the connections. I'm going from the Comcast cable box ---->reciever with RCA. I need some help with going from the reciever to the TV. Should I go Composite or Coax or S-Vid.? How about going from the tv to the reciever? do I even need to since I have sound going from the Comcast box to the reciever. I'm just a little confused. Thanks y'all!

tmflem - Not sure, but are you using the HDMI interface? Something in manual about having "just" mode for that. But since I don't have HD signal, I'm just using S-Video. I would suggest running a second feed out of your HD box into component or S-Video so you can at least check out the "just" mode.

Chris - Component is best. But S-Video is good as well. Both are better then coax. Personally, I run all video directly into my TV and not through the receiver. Only my sound for everything routes though the receiver. The TC has lots of input options and its newer then my marantz reciever.... besides this way it takes less cables to get everything connected.

Neglekt - I have noticed that the convergence shifts, right now I'm planning on running the auto converge ever 2 weeks, until the end of the year when I have a pro come in and adjust the settings.


Does anyone know where in Canada a guy can get the tuning DVD's? I would like to check one out.. but I don't want to spend a forture.

Actually, I have figured out a "workaround" to check out the "just" mode. I set the Pace box to "pass thru" in the resolution settings. This way the SD channels come through in 480i, and most of the HD channels still come through in 1280i. However, a couple of the HD channels don't come through at all when setting the Pace box to "pass-thru" so I'm looking for a better fix--preferably, I'd like to be able to use 480p and the Just setting. I am using component outs from the Pace box into the TV. Maybe I'll try HDMI. Or maybe I'll try using the S-video out for the SD channels and the component outs for the HD channels. Best thing about having a new toy is getting to experiment a little, right?

BTW, I find the "just" mode is a big improvement on the other alternatives (4:3, Zoom, Full) for the SD channels.

nm

I would base your settings on anything that's posted in here. The settings are relative to your tv and input.. .therefore what works on my tv may be vastly different on yours. This will also vary on whether you are using a dvd player with blacker than black, or an OTA NTSC signal.

Using an AVIE or DVE will help you get in the right ballpark... but it somewhat becomes a matter of taste after that point.

Quick question for owners...Should I be concerned about the black bars onthe top of the screen when watching certain movies in Just/Full mode? Theonly mode that doesn't have the bars on some movies is zoom, and that picture just looks bad. I'm worried about burn-in. Thanks.

if a majority of your watching is either sd or hd and the screen is full i wouldn't worry about. there should be nothing wrong with watching a 2 hour DVD with black bars once in a while. however, if all your watching are DVD's than you should vary wether or not you have the black bars. meaning alternate, one movie with zoom and one with the bars.

**** Was having problems with the volume control from the Comcast remote not working..

Called Comcast Tech Support and here is the fix.

push the [CABLE] button
hold down [SETUP] till it flashes the CABLE light twice
enter 999

oops. I posted on the wrong "Official site".. Duh!

Hey guys,

I took the plunge and put a deposit on a 47x54 today, I'll have it delivered on saturday. When it arrives I'll try running a 720p Xbox game on it to see if it actually supports it or not.

Any basic setup tips for this unit, it's my first RPTV and I want to make sure it has a long lifespan.

Anyone in Ontario know where I can get AVIA or DVE? I can't seem to find it locally.

TIA for any advice.

Grego,

I had the same problem with finding DVE in Ontario (London). The easiest way seemed to be chapters.ca. I ordered mine from the States and it was delayed at the border for 4-5 days. Didn't even think about chapters until it was too late.

From a setup standpoint- my higest setting seems to be brightness @ 32- 36 depending on the source. Everything else in teens to low 20's.

Are you supposed to tip these delivery guys???? I didn't....:( But I get over these things pretty quickly.

Regards.

Originally posted by outtacash
Grego,

I had the same problem with finding DVE in Ontario (London). The easiest way seemed to be chapters.ca. I ordered mine from the States and it was delayed at the border for 4-5 days. Didn't even think about chapters until it was too late.

From a setup standpoint- my higest setting seems to be brightness @ 32- 36 depending on the source. Everything else in teens to low 20's.

Are you supposed to tip these delivery guys???? I didn't....:( But I get over these things pretty quickly.

Regards.

Chapters eh? Good idea. I'll check that out tomorrow, I've spent almost all the money I made in the summer on this tv, so I hope its not too expensive.

As for tipping delivery, I won't lol, I'm paying 50 bucks for delivery anyways, its the same guy that sold me the tv that's delivering it. :p

Can't wait til tomorrow :D

Hey guys. I'm having problems with the Convergence feature. Whenever I go to the convergence screen and adjust manually, I can get it right for that particular source. But when I change the channel I need to go back and readjust. Like when watching ESPN, I can get the adjustments right for the 28/58 updates (scrolling bars on the bottom for in-game updates), but when I pop in a movie, and hit play, the "play" image is literally off the screen. Its like the image is just to big for the screen, because I always have to go in and move it up for this, move it down for that, etc.
Any thoughts? I'm really confused as to how this is supposed to work.

This TV is awesome for it's price!

Anybody got a PC hooked up to this RPTV with the DVI-> HDMI cable? I can get the 960x540 resolution working but I'm seeing alot of overscan? I'm using the Radeon 9800Pro.

If you have a working resolutions/timing, could you please let me know? Thanks

Okay, so I checked the TV's support with 720p by running an xbox game that supports 720p.
I enabled the 720p function in the xbox dashboard and then proceeded to run Amped 2 which is listed as one of many games that support 720p.

Here's the list from Microsoft's website:

"Amped® 2 (Xbox Live™-enabled)
Crash Nitro Kart™
Delta Force®—Black Hawk Down™ (Xbox Live-enabled)
ESPN Major League Baseball (Xbox Live-enabled)
ESPN NBA Basketball 2005 (Xbox Live-enabled)
Freedom Fighters™
MVP Baseball™ 2004
NBA® 2K3 (Xbox Live-enabled)
NBA® Ballers™
Sega Sports™ World Series® Baseball 2K3
SoulCalibur® II
Steel Battalion™—Line of Contact (Xbox Live-enabled)
Street Hoops
Terminator® 3: The Redemption
The Sims™ Bustin’ Out
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4
Tony Hawk’s Underground
True Crime: Streets of L.A. "

Couldn't get a picture out of it, just blurry lines. When I switched off the 720p compatibility in the dashboard, it ran fine, so I guess that ends that lol. Oh well.

i just purchased this TV over a Hitachi 57X500. This an excellent TV at a wonderful price.

Jk

Do you think I need an ISF calibration and what's that?

Regarding the "Tweaking" of this set, does anyone have any references for this specific model?

As I will probably purchase this TV this weekend.

Peace,
Dave

Hi. I have been looking for a HDTV for 6 months and finally found the best balance between price/PQ in the Panasonic 53X54. My limitation is that in the family room where the TV will go, I have a media niche that is 57" wide and 25" deep. The Panny will fit in there, with no room for other equipments. I just have a few questions and would appreciate any input.

1. The manual describes an external equipment shelf. What is this shelf? Is this included? How many components can you fit on this? It would be great if anyone can post a picture of this shelf.

2. How is the horizontal viewing angle? Half of the people will be watching from the side sofa.

3. How is the quality of analog cable, VCD? The previous posts have been praising the quality of SD, but we watch quite a bit of VCDs which are generally poor but acceptable on the 27" direct-view JVC we currently have.

Thanks for the help. I should be ready to purchase the 53X54 this weekend if all goes well.

Rob

The shelf is on the top of the TV. It's just a normal platform with a weight limit. No shelfs or anything.

Well this TV is not the best out there, but for the price...it's best in it's class. For VCD playing. I thinkg you should be rest assured that i'll be good provided you have the best quality VCD first, not the "pirated" version.

As far as viewing angle goes, I'm not sure...you should look at the showroom model at circuitcity to decide....look and feel is always better.

IceBlade

Here's a pic of the TV in my room, you should be able to make out the shelf, my dvd player is sitting on it along with the control unit for my speakers.

Originally posted by grego9198
Okay, so I checked the TV's support with 720p by running an xbox game that supports 720p.
I enabled the 720p function in the xbox dashboard and then proceeded to run Amped 2 which is listed as one of many games that support 720p.

Couldn't get a picture out of it, just blurry lines. When I switched off the 720p compatibility in the dashboard, it ran fine, so I guess that ends that lol. Oh well.


So what is the conclusion?? Does this set ACCEPT a 720p signal? And if so does it up or downconvert??

Anyone??

Panasonic's website talks about DVI and accepting 720p, but I don't know if they mean DVI in general or their specific sets.

Peace,
Dave

I think we can safely say that it does not accept a 720p signal.

Originally posted by Neglekt
I think we can safely say that it does not accept a 720p signal.

SO what does that mean for OTA ABC broadcasts? It will not display?


Still trying to understand the nuaiances. I understand if I had a STB the box would do the converting, but if I dont, then what?

Thanks,
Dave

You need an STB to receive, because it doesn't have a decoder built-in. Which you could set to 1080i. It's prob not the best choice if you are planning on decoding via PC.

The top "shelf" is perfect for center channel placement.

Would one reccomend this TV over the Toshiba 46H84? I'm debating between these two models and I can't make up my mind.

Originally posted by tmflem
Actually, I have figured out a "workaround" to check out the "just" mode. I set the Pace box to "pass thru" in the resolution settings. This way the SD channels come through in 480i, and most of the HD channels still come through in 1280i. However, a couple of the HD channels don't come through at all when setting the Pace box to "pass-thru" so I'm looking for a better fix--preferably, I'd like to be able to use 480p and the Just setting. I am using component outs from the Pace box into the TV. Maybe I'll try HDMI. Or maybe I'll try using the S-video out for the SD channels and the component outs for the HD channels. Best thing about having a new toy is getting to experiment a little, right?

BTW, I find the "just" mode is a big improvement on the other alternatives (4:3, Zoom, Full) for the SD channels.

You can't use Just with 480p via component. The option isn't there. I can only assume it would be the same via HDMI.

I got the PT-53X54 delivered this afternoon.I decided to go with the 53 inch model.They dented the side corner of the bottom panel so they are replacing it.They offerd $50 off but I said no thanks.Its not that bad.I would take $100 off.Maybe I'll ask them.If not I want a new panel.Once I turned VM off (velocity Modulation) and set my picture adjustments,its looking pretty good.I also did the auto convergence first,then did the manual service menu convergence.The vertical needed to come over left a 1/8th of an inch or slightly more and horizontal needed to come down about the same in the first step of the manual convergence.Right now I am watching The Fifth Element Superbit version and it looks damn good.I'll check out cable and satellite viewing later tonight and see how that looks.:D

Thanks for the info Ripper. Please keep us updated on this TV.

Could you post a picture? Would you recommend it to others?

I'll take a pic or two later tonight and and post an attachment:).My batteries are dead on my camera.As much as I like the set I am wondering if I should have grabbed the 47" instead.I just think they have a little crisper picture.So far I am finding the cable and satellite viewing a little hazy,slightly out of focus it seems or a little too soft.Not as good as my 48" JVC.I am running composite jacks for satellite and cable.I found down grading the connection from S-Video to composite on my JVC improved the picture.I might try the S-Video with this set and see how it goes.I will post a couple pics later on tonight around 11PM eastern.

Looks like I won't be posting a pic for an hour or so.I had the wrong button pressed on my camera dock:p .Here is a tip for you guys.If your cable or satellite picture looks a little blotchy or could be a little cleaner.Downgrade your connection.What I mean is if your using S-Video change it to composite (yellow,red and white cables) or even to a coxial connection (scew on type cable).Thee was a reason why S-Video doesn't look as good as the downgrade connection.Someone explained it to me one time but I forgot the reason for it:D .Anyways,I bet this will help a few of you people out.Give it a shot and you might be surprised.Its improved my picture on cable and satellite.Ventro,you have a PM.

Here are Ripper's TV pics:

http://members.shaw.ca/storage_4/cimg0109.jpg
http://members.shaw.ca/storage_4/cimg0114.jpg

looking good.

Have any people had success sending this TV a PC signal at any decent resolutions?

what do you mean by "decent" ? somebody has been outputting at 540p from his PC IIRC...

Well, I just got back from looking at the 53X54 again. This time it was next to the new Hitachi 57S715 and the winner is...
The Panasonic 53X54 by a nose. The showroom was running HDnet on all of the TVs and with both tvs set up similarly, The panasonic was slightly sharper. The only area I could find where the Hitachi seemed to prevail was convergence. The blue gun seemed to be a little more finely focused on the hitachi (this ofcourse produced a purple hew, but it was unnoticable form 10 feet). The difference in convergence accuracy wasn't significant, but the price sure was - $1,329 vs. $2,359.

I will say that the new Sony's look great as well.

Again, I am constantly amazed at how good this TV is. There is no better TV for the money. I can't wait until mine is delivered.

JK

I noticed when I took those couple pics ventro posted for me that I had an option in the user menu set to SD.This was causing a tint to the picture.SD is suppose to be more for cable and regular satellite feeds.I put it on HD and its better now.The color is more natural and clearer.I have also done some more tweaking and its even a little better now.I'll be taking some more shots and will get ventro to post them for me.I been busy and didn't have a chance earlier.

For the person who asked earlier about using a composite cable instead of a S-Video cable for analog sources. The reason for doing this with the x54 (or any higher end tv, for that matter) is because of the comb filter. A S-Video cable will pass the signal as processed by the source (cable box) comb filter. A composite cable will pass an unprocessed signal that will be handled by the TV's comb filter. Usually high end tv's have a much higher quality comb filter than that of a 60 dollar cable box.

I have added this to the "Popular Threads" sticky near the top of the forum thread list.

I just bought the 47 inch from ****** for $[MSRP Only]. It has the same model number but has DVI instead of the HDMI (is that right). Is the same TV that every one is talking about or did I get something else. The DVI is actually better for me since I will want to connect a computer to the TV.

Sorry Im trying to put this is the Panasonic thread. Mode please move if possiable.

Neglekt, thanks for the clarification. I'm still trying to figure out the best way to switch between HD and SD channels. Using a S-video cable, as you pointed out, actually makes the picture look worse for SD channels. Last nite, I noticed that my digital cable was "off" and that I was just getting an analog signal in and the picture actually looked much better (using composite cables out of the Pace cable box). After I reset the cable box (turning it off and on again), the SD channels didn't look as good. So now I'm thinking I'll just run analog cable straight into the x54 for SD channels and switch to the cable box for digital cable channels and HD channels. Would that yield the best results?

maxflia:

If you are referring to the 47x54. The tv you purchased is not the same. I think the one you purchased is the 47wx54 which is an updated version of last year's model. It is only manufactured for the Warehouse stores. I have heard that these tvs put up a nice picture, but I would doubt that it is as nice as this year's model (the 47x54). This TV offers, in my opinion, one of the best pictures available regardless of cost. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles of the more expensive TVs, but the picture quality is right up there with the best of them.

John

In you opion would you take it back and get the 47x54. I think cc has it for about $300. I would rather have the DVI. Do you know of any post referencing the wx to the x. Thanks for helping me out

maxflia:

The following thread compares the 47x54 with the 47wx53 (which is last year's model - should be very similar to the one you are looking at @ costco).

Panasonic 47X54 Thread (http://www.hometheaterspot.com/htsthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=599763&page=1&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=365&fpart=1)

In answer to your question, I think the new series of tvs offers much better picture quality. Whteher that is worth the additional $300 only you can decide. FYI: ******* is currently selling the 47X54 for ~ $[msrp only] w/ free shipping.

John

The model says PT-47x54. The born on date is from June 2004. Is this the same? I thought I was confused before. I might just back to the ole b/w with aluminum foil rabbit ears.

Max:

Does the TV look like this one (see link)? If so, the tv you are looking at is from the new x54 series. Its a great tv.

Panasonic 47X54 (http://catalog2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ModelDetail?storeId=11251&catalogId=11005&modelNo=PT-47X54)

Thats whats it looks like. The only thing that throws me is the DVI port. Isnt the HDMI? port a lot smaller. I know what a DVI port looks like and its a dvi port. Does the manufacture date explain anything. June 2004. That seems pretty recent to me. Im picking it up tonight or tomorrow.

Here is the thread I made on downgrading your connection here http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=4331203#post4331203

maxflia,atleast you know you can return the TV if you don't like it.Costco is pretty good for that.I think you will like it.I don't know if there will be any majow picture differences between the WX models and the X models.The one your loking at is this years model.My PT-53X54 mas made in April of 2004.

I've spent a little bit of time really trying to figure out the internal differences of the two models. I know a major one at least between the X54's and WX54's, is that the X's will display 540p(I guess upconvert all 480i/p signals) where as the WX's are limited to the standard 480p.

And of course the X's have the HDMI port and have a "full" base (not 'T' shaped).

The features, convergance, menu settings (options), from what I could tell were all indentical.

I'd doubt the internals are that different. Retailers don't want people coming to their store and saying Costco or Sam's has this same TV for $200-300 less. Like this they can simply say, well it's a different model, and in this case, the retail model is a tad better.


I'll be picking up a 53WX54 this week sometime, when I can borrow a truck for the transport of it.

Peace,
Dave

Originally posted by nohjy


Nohjy,


Does your tv accept OTA or direct input 720p signals?

Dave

Maxfila, you can buy a 40 dollar cable from better cables that will convert DVI to HDMI.

I think you'd want to have HDMI vs. DVI as it looks that a couple years from a now HDMI will be the de-facto standard.

Hey all

First of all, yea, I'm new, but I'm glad I found this thread. I bought my 53x54 from Sears like 3 weeks ago and had to wait til this Monday for delivery. I'm lucky - I bought it just from looking at it without reading this forum first. Glad I made a good decision. I love the set. Nothing more specific to post right now other than I've learned a few things (like downgrading my SVideo to RCA cables).

Currently I use DishNet (SD only - I'd love to get the HD pack but then I'd lose my PVR capability without spending $999 for the HDPVR receiver.) I do have a really cool Philips DVD player that plays DivX files - we watched both Ginger Snaps and Passion of the Christ on the Panny last night in DivX format and its very good - not quite DVD quality, but close. Especially with 5.1 encocded DivX. My PS2 is amazing on the Panny - this is my first ever large tv, I went from a 27" Sanyo Tube to this, hehe.

I've been thinking of hooking up the G5 to it but haven't gone there yet.

Anyhow, thanks everyone again.

Greg

Check Ebay for the cheaper DVI->HDMI cables.

Do you think the Monster version will be better? (siginicantly?)

Wow, never thought I would buy a Panny TV. :o

Just got back from my local authorized Panny dealer.

Dealer gave me the PT-47X54 (new in box), Monster Component cables, Free Del & Setup, and a 3 year in-home warranty for $100 less than MSRP. :D

How much of a markup is on these TVs?

Delivery is Monday 3:00pm. :cool:

Couldn't believe the PQ, awesome. Checked out Analog, HD, also hooked up my kids Gamecube and a DVD player and played Finding Nemo & LOTR.

I tried to get the 53" model but no luck. The local distribution center said no more tvs for 2 months. Shortage of tvs. I called Sears, Circuit City, Best Buy, etc... no one could get me a Panny.

I then went to this local dealer and he had (4) PT-47X54 in stock. Picture was awesome, even at twice the price. How the hell does Panny do it?

He had last years model next to it, didn't even come close IMHO. I hate the old style cabinet and the PQ is better on the new model along with more features such as HDMI.

I also compared it to the Toshiba RPTV which were $1,000 more. Again, no contest.

Dealer said the Panny is his Hottest selling TV.

Thanks for the words F-Trader.

I'm about to pull the trigger on this set. Saw it at Best Buy and it was comparable to a DLP sitting right next to it. VERY impressed.

F-Trader:

I know what you are saying!! I chose this TV over what many people refer to as the best CRT RPTV ever made - The Hitachi 57X500 (Director's Series). I made the choice in favor of the Panny for two reasons:

1. I didn't think the overall PQ of the Hitachi was significantly better than that of the Panasonic.

2. The additional features that the Hitachi offered were not worth more than 2X the price of the Panasonic.

Panasonic has outdone themselves with this TV. Its an unbelievable value.

I think it is funny when people say "it is not possible that Panasonic could build a ~$1,400 TV that rivals a TV costing $3,000." My answer has been this: "why couldn't they? They built a DVD player which cost $200 that actually bested numerous dvd players of $2,000 + in performance and picture quality tests." Let's not forget that even now the venerable Panasonic RP-82 is still considered by most videophiles to be one of the best DVD players ever made. It is Strange that this sentiment still exists when the RP-82 was manufactured 3 years ago. I wonder if that sentiment may carry over into the X54 line of CRT TVs.

John

Originally posted by Neglekt
For the person who asked earlier about using a composite cable instead of a S-Video cable for analog sources.

The reason for doing this with the x54 (or any higher end tv, for that matter) is because of the comb filter.

A S-Video cable will pass the signal as processed by the source (cable box) comb filter. A composite cable will pass an unprocessed signal that will be handled by the TV's comb filter. Usually high end tv's have a much higher quality comb filter than that of a 60 dollar cable box.

Ok, now I'm confused. :confused:

I have the 47X54 coming Monday and my dealer said to have all my cables ready.

I have the Motorola 5200 HDTV Cable box, with a Sony progressive scan DVD/VHS combo player.

I bought 2 sets of Monster Component Video cables.

Do I need to get Composite cables?

I have a 47" Panny coming Monday pm. At the showroom I played with this set for about 2 hours, awesome PQ for the $$$.

The 53" is only $150 more.

Here's my dilemma. I would love to have the larger screen size, however Picture Quality is most important to me.

I'm guessing the inside guts are Identical, difference is most likely the size of the box/screen.

I would love to have the more Cinema like feeling, however I am NOT willing to sacrifice PQ.




Has anyone seen these sets side by side? I saw the Panny 47X54 next to last years 56" model and the larger set had a far worse picture. Looked like totally different sets.

Will there be more artifacts, screen door, convergence issues, etc...?

What happens when you increase the size of the box/screen and keep identical innards?

Will I lose PQ with a larger set assuming the innards are identical?

Originally posted by F-Trader
Ok, now I'm confused. :confused:

I have the 47X54 coming Monday and my dealer said to have all my cables ready.

I have the Motorola 5200 HDTV Cable box, with a Sony progressive scan DVD/VHS combo player.

I bought 2 sets of Monster Component Video cables.

Do I need to get Composite cables?

It depends on whether you're happy with SD channels coming out of your Moto HD STB. If you're feeling experimental, you can try:

1) composite (RCA jack) video out of the HD STB, if it has it, and comparing your PQ for the SD channels with what it looks like out the component video connection fromt the STB. As mentioned earlier, you're comparing how your TV upscales vs. how the STB upscales.

2) take coax cable directly into the TV (split it off - just be careful you don't compromise your STB's PQ by splitting). You can compare the analog SD cable channels v.s. the STB, too. Digital SD channels won't be viewable through this method.

-Kat

Does anyone know how many lines or resolution the PT-53X54 has? I thought I read somewhere that it only had 850, but that doesn't seem right. The new Toshiba HX84 has, according to the spec, 1600 lines.
How could the Panasonic display a 1080 high definition signal with only 850 lines of resolution?

TTT

After reading these forums for awhile and debating between an LCD or DLP and the bulb issues, I decided on a CRT-RP. Found this thread and just returned from my CC, and looking at the Panasonic PT47X54, Hitachi 51F510 and Sony KP-46WT520 and in my opinion the Panny wins with a more beautiful picture all the way around and will be in my house for sure.

As for the top rack, it is 32” wide 16” deep with a max load of 25lbs, the cabinet is also on wheels for easy moving. Beautiful cabinet beautiful picture a must see. Thanks for this forum and all of the knowledgeable people on here.

."Does anyone know how many lines or resolution the PT-53X54 has? I thought I read somewhere that it only had 850, but that doesn't seem right. The new Toshiba HX84 has, according to the spec, 1600 lines.

Here is the Panny reply:
"The whole issue of resolution is a numbers game. It all depends on what is measured, and how. For example, you could claim horizontal resolution based on the number of pixels, on the bandwidth of the video amplifiers, or on a special resolution pattern (our method).

Since there is no standard way of measuring resolution in the industry, manufacturers can claim whatever benefits them the most. Therefore, it is up to you the customer to view the sets in person."

Originally posted by 2thumbsup
After reading these forums for awhile and debating between an LCD or DLP and the bulb issues, I decided on a CRT-RP. Found this thread and just returned from my CC, and looking at the Panasonic PT47X54, Hitachi 51F510 and Sony KP-46WT520 and in my opinion the Panny wins with a more beautiful picture all the way around and will be in my house for sure.

As for the top rack, it is 32” wide 16” deep with a max load of 25lbs, the cabinet is also on wheels for easy moving. Beautiful cabinet beautiful picture a must see. Thanks for this forum and all of the knowledgeable people on here.

Couldn't have said it better.

My CC had the Panny 47" and the Hitachi 51F510 directly next to one another.

Even thought the Hitachi is nice, it is not as good a PQ as the Panny.

The Sony was not worth considering, IMO. :o

I just got mine delivered today. The delivery guys took in out of the box, conected the cable box, dvd player with component cables and WOW! :D

Beautiful PQ in one second. I was floored.

Can't wait until I get a hundred or so hours so I can calibrate with DVE and Avia.

I never thought I'd buy a Panny, nevermind a 47" for less than $1,499 with this good a PQ.

Unbelievable.

Monday Night Football is awesome right now. My son played Gamecube for about 10 minutes and kept laughing at how great the picture was.

I don't think there is a better deal on the planet as we speak.

I figured I'll keep this set for 3 years and then pick up a new DLP when they finally get it right. I'll most likely get a better set for less money than they are today.

Good Luck with your set. :cool:

F-Trader, does the TV have wheels?

Also, you have a HD box? Does your son have the component cables for the Gamecube?

Originally posted by ventro
F-Trader, does the TV have wheels?

Also, you have a HD box? Does your son have the component cables for the Gamecube?

Yes, it rolls like it is on Ice. :D

Would have made my decision much easier if I knew it had wheels. :mad:

I didn't realize there were Component cables for Gamecube? Are they any different than the regular Component cables that I used for the cable/dvd hookup?

Gamecubes manufactured after May 2004 (or is it 2003?) don't have component out, because nintendo said "Only 1% of our users actually use it, screw that". But if your Gamecube has a digital video out, you have to buy a special component cable from nintendo that goes Nintendo Digital Out > Component In.

Nice that you are all so happy with your Panasonic CRT RP sets, but I thought the thread was for the X54 series DLP sets. (?) Correct me if I am wrong.

I agree the CRT PQ is quite nice as long as you are in the "sweet spot". But my experience with the CRT RP sets is that they are extremely unforgiving once you leave the perfect axis- up or down or to the sides. Some units even have a "hot spot", probably the cheaper sets. But then you are paying way less than for the newer technologies, right?

Bottom line is there is nothing perfect yet. Each technology has it's trade-offs.

Originally posted by photobrad
Nice that you are all so happy with your Panasonic CRT RP sets, but I thought the thread was for the X54 series DLP sets. (?) Correct me if I am wrong.

I agree the CRT PQ is quite nice as long as you are in the "sweet spot". But my experience with the CRT RP sets is that they are extremely unforgiving once you leave the perfect axis- up or down or to the sides. Some units even have a "hot spot", probably the cheaper sets. But then you are paying way less than for the newer technologies, right?

Bottom line is there is nothing perfect yet. Each technology has it's trade-offs.

I can agree about the Sweet Spot, however these Pannys look pretty darn good even standing up or on an angle.

Since I am sitting down 99.9% of the time when I watch TV it doesn't really bother me.

The only time I notice is when I get up to go to the refrigerator. :D

BTW, this thread is NOT about DLP, although I thought the Panny 50" DLP looked awesome. :cool:

Someone at Panny deserves a pat on the back for all these good sets comimg out.

Well, I finally received my 53x54 after waiting for three weeks, but I think the wait was worth it. I have had a chance to play with the TV a little and have developed some additional impressions:


The Good

1. The Standard Definition (In my instance digital cable not HD) on this TV is the best I have seen on any current HD CRT RPTV without exception.

2. The stretch mode (Just) for 4:3 material is much better than I expected.

3. The colors on this TV just seem to be more vibrant than the Hitachis I had previously. This may have just been as a result of inaccurate color decoding.

4. The TVs sound is also better than expected.

5. The convergence and geometry on the TV are as good as I have ever seen. The Hitachis I had in the house (S500 and S700 series) all seem to have real problems with convergence/geometry that could not be fixed in the service level convergence or by mannual or electrostatic focus.

The Not-so-good

1. The upscaling (480P to 540P or 1080i) in the TV leaves something to be desired. It brings with it some artifacts I don't recall seeing with my Hitachi 57S700(i.e. some snowyness in dark scenes). That said, the artifacts are very hard to see. I really didn't expect the upscaling in this TV to be perfect.

I am still breaking the set in and it seems to be getting better every day. I love the TV. It isn't perfect, but it is best all around CRT RPTV I have been able to find.

John

I'm thinking of getting this set, but I wonder - how many of you are getting the extended warranty?

I know that's where the salesman makes their money, but is it worth it to get the 3 or 4 year insurance for this model?

Thanks!

My 47X54 arrived today!

Great PQ. I'm very impressed.

Questions:

1. My cable TV comes out of the wall as a single coaxial cable. I screw it into the ANT port on my TV, but my TV doesn't recieve any of the signal; all I'm seeing is the antenna signal. What am I doing wrong?

2. How come when I'm changing the video settings, they only go from 0-50? Aren't they supposed to go from 0-100 ?

Anyway, great TV. Easily rivals DLP/LCD and if I get this thing ISF'd, it could probably beat them.

Thanks!

Out of all the treads I've read on Televisions, this might be the first where nobody has anything terribly bad to say about these Televisions. I went down to CC today to view this set. It looked bad with Finding Nemo on it. I can say with some certainty that this was caused by the feed and not the TV. One thing I am wondering is with a little re-inforcement can the top shelf support more weight than 25lbs? I have the Paradigm CC570 Center which weighs 45lbs. Maybe by applying more weight to the front frame rather than on the rear of the shelf?

Well, I visited Futureshop yesterday and they only had the 53" version on site. The PQ was quite terrible compared to the Sony and Hitachi nearby. I'm almost certain this was because they hadn't calibrated the set (ever - according to the salesman) and they had even just moved it the day before (the salesman said he wouldn't be surprised if they had dropped it during the move). The blacks were too black and there was shadowing.

However, the price was good and I could tell that if it were setup correctly it would rival any of the other models on the floor. So I bought the 47x54. :) I should get it tomorrow. I didn't get the 3yr extended warranty though. Was that a Bad Idea? I can change my mind of course, but it's $250 here.

One other thing -- I had visited Futureshop last year looking to buy a tv (never did though) and I seem to remember DLP as being just amazing. This time around they weren't very impressive, and certainly not worth an extra 3 grand. Maybe those weren't calibrated? But it just surprised me that my memory had so played them up that I was dissapointed when I saw them again. Interesting, no?

One Q: what initial calibration needs to be done after shipping? I'm worried that the shipping process would seriously throw the whole system out of whack. Is this true, or I shouldn't worry about it until after 100 hours?

First do the auto convergence on the button on the front of the TV.After its done it will take you through a series of steps to fine tune the convergence.Just follow the directions on screen,very basic.There are 4 notches on the inside of the TV frame.Their hard to see so look carefully for a small line.You actually only use the top one and the left one when you get 2 green lines to adjust your picture centering.The 0 button switches between red and blue convergence when you adjust the + .

Here is a tip to get your convergence even better.Display something with a lot of writing on your TV up top and even on the bottom and as far right and left as possible.You can see the picture in the background when adjusting the menu covergence which I find is a real plus.My JVC I couldn't do that.You will find that the convergence isn't perfect.Sometimes you will have to set,say a red + or blue + just slightly off to one of the 4 directions.What I mean is you don't want the + perfectly alligned behind the main + that you use to adjust red and blue.Some will be properly alligned perfect right in behind the +,but some + you will have to offset it a little.Thats how I got my convergence looking better especially when you see something with writing displayed.You won't see hardly any bleeding of red or blue.

Thanks for the info. but I have some questions.

How do I do the 165 point convergence?

How come in my settings, the bar only goes from 0-50? isn't it supposed to go 0-100? or is that a TV safety thing?

I have the same question as DynamiteD....What about adding more weight to the top shelf with additional reinforcement? Has anybody tried that?

I was 2 seconds away from buying this model. I was at Futureshop and I realized that I was looking at the 53WX54 and not the 53X54. the give away was when I noticed in had DVI input and NOT HDMI.

Can anyone from Canada (especially in Montreal) tell me the BEST price they got and where? You can PM me of course. I would like to hear of the "deals" you got because there is no way I am paying $2300 for this baby.

thanks.

I got the wx54 , what is the difference between that and the x54? besided having DVI instead of HDMI? Also when doing convergences is it best to do the fine conversion first or the course conversion?

Originally posted by ventro
Thanks for the info. but I have some questions.

How do I do the 165 point convergence?

How come in my settings, the bar only goes from 0-50? isn't it supposed to go 0-100? or is that a TV safety thing?

The 165 point is the "auto convergence".You don't manually adjust 165 points.Not in the user menu anyways.As far as the settings going to 50.I am not sure what your talking about?.

Originally posted by Ripper64
The 165 point is the "auto convergence".You don't manually adjust 165 points.Not in the user menu anyways.As far as the settings going to 50.I am not sure what your talking about?.

My settings go to a max of only 50. Like the maximum value for say, BRIGHTNESS is 50. Usually this type of setting goes from 0-100, from my experience.

Do you know how to get into the service menu? I'm sure 165 pt manual convergence is in there.

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.

I believe that the wx54 model is the same as the wx53. It seems that when the x series came out the 2003 models were rebadged. Costco, for instance, sells last year's model as a wx54. The 2004 (x) models supposedly have new and improved optics.

Originally posted by Dillon
I believe that the wx54 model is the same as the wx53. It seems that when the x series came out the 2003 models were rebadged. Costco, for instance, sells last year's model as a wx54. The 2004 (x) models supposedly have new and improved optics.

Ripper, I also have a wx54 model, I screwed up my convergence real bad and need to get redo everything. You keep refering to a "template" is this some sort of overlay? If so where can I get it?

Ripper64:

Can you get me the service manual for the 53wx53? I have the 53X54, but I have a feeling it will work. I am not sure how to get it from you as I am sure its is a large PDF file and none of my email providers will allow large files to be hosted. Any chance you might be able to have the thing hosted somewhere so anyone interested can download it?

John

jrtalon,Template is a grid that goes over your TV.You have to order one from the TV manufacturer,Panasonic or elsewhere.They might be $100 too.It looks like the convergence grid I believe.Its for straightening out the main convergence grid.If you know how to do it you can tape string lines.Unfortunately i don't know where the strings have to be.There are line dimples on the inside of the frame.On the top and bottom frame and left and right frame too.Thats just for the center verticle and horizontal.

nohjy,PM me your email address and I will email it to you.For some reason I can only forward the email with the service manual that my friend sent to me.If I take it out and send it it won't open or partially.I think because a password was needed to get at it.

ventro,your goes to 50 probably because your's is the 47" model where mine is 53".Bigger screen bigger area I guess.

Originally posted by ventro
My settings go to a max of only 50. Like the maximum value for say, BRIGHTNESS is 50. Usually this type of setting goes from 0-100, from my experience.

Do you know how to get into the service menu? I'm sure 165 pt manual convergence is in there.

My 47X54 maxes out at 63 for brightness and picture.

Ripper,

Thanks for posting you simple instructions. The access to the service menu is the same as you posted- as is the exit.

I fumbled around in the convergence settings last night for close to 2.5hrs and got things looking pretty good :cool:

I was amazed at how out of whack the factory settings are and is was great to be able to correct the convergence at seemingly unlimited points (as opposed to the 9 points offered through the regular menus).

All for the low cost of my time- which I gladly donate to this hobby anyway.

This was my first time in those menus- and I gotta tell ya that I was sweating every minute of it thinking that I might screw it up bad. I would say that it was a challenge, but not impossible.

Definately TAKE IT SLOW when navigating through the menus and making the adjustments...... Thanks again.:cool:

As our x54 set don't display 480p natively- I was wondering about experiences with an Upconverting player @ 1080i over HDMI input.

Does the Denon scaler do a better job than the panny? (I assume yes... but I'd like to hear actual experiences.)

Cheers.

Ripper, I tried those instructions and they aren't 1:1 with the X54 model settings. After a bit of work, I made it to the 165 pt convergence and played around with it, but I couldn't get that far. I exited out, thinking I could just press the auto convergence button and have it back to normal. To my horror, when I pressed the auto convergence, the images were way off! I could see the misaligned images pretty well. I had to go to the 9 point convergence to put it back to workable settings, but it doesn't look nearly as good as before (before my trip to the service menu) :( any idea how I can reset EVERYTHING back to factory settings?

also, outtacash or somebody, how do I move this little "cursor" around on the 169pt screen so I can edit the other intersections?

http://members.shaw.ca/storage_2/169pt.jpg

ventro- mute button

Ripper64:

I never did get the 53WX53 service manual. Did you ever email it to me? Also, you own a 53X54 do you not?

For All:

I think it is time we start a tweaks thread for the X54 series CRT RPTVs.

Does anyone else think this is a good idea?

JK

I would love a tweaks thread. It could include alot of the information from the service manual, since I don't have access to that.

I noticed last night that I'm starting to get a bit of coloured ghosting around HD text, so I'm going to do some convergence tweaks sometime this week. Wish me good luck. :)

I have created the following thread for tweaks and troubleshooting of the X54 Series CRT RPTV. If anyone would like to propose changes to the lead message, please PM your recommendations.

**Official** Panasonic X54 series TWEAKS & TROUBLESHOOTING Thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=452174)

If conan48 could update the lead message on this thread to include information on the Tweaks thread, it would be greatly appreciated.

Finally, if someone could put together a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet on the various service menu fields, I would like to post it as an attachment in the tweaks thread. This will be helpful for people looking to make changes in the service menu. It should provide a log to enter the original values as well as any changes the user might make. There are good examples of this type of spreadsheet in the Hitachi Tweaks Thread. If no one is able to do this, I will try to get it done over the weekend.

John

When people are making reference to DVE are they using the NTSC version or 1080i version for the X54 TV's. I just purchased the PT47X54 and would like to get AVIA or DVE but I don't know which version of DVE to get. It appears that AVIA only has one.

Lumpy

Is anyone concerned that this tv does not translate 720p?

Does the hitachi 51F510 display 720p?

if i'm not mistaken the 1080i DVE is S-VHS

Originally posted by DCJ98GST
Is anyone concerned that this tv does not translate 720p?

Does the hitachi 51F510 display 720p?

The hitachi 51F510 does accept 720p as an input, which it upconverts to and displays as 1080i.

Keith

Originally posted by LVKeith
The hitachi 51F510 does accept 720p as an input, which it upconverts to and displays as 1080i.

Keith

And the X54 tv's downconverts to 540P ??

I thought I would pose this question in the Panasonic expert area. I posted this question a while back and didn't get much of a response, so here goes. Are the new CRT's in the PT47x54's (called Centaur IV), the same as the Pegasus IV, fomerly in the Toshiba X83 series. The description on the Panasonic website is very similar to the description on the Toshiba website of the Pegasus IV. If this is true, it would make the Panasonic's an even better value. Any input would be appreciated.

Originally posted by DCJ98GST
And the X54 tv's downconverts to 540P ??

The X54 does not accept a 720p signal at all. This should only be a problem if you are an XBox gamer. Your set-top box should convert 720p to 1080i.

Keith

My future in-laws had their 53x54 delivered yesterday, after my suggestion and this TV is just stunning. It looked great at the store and after some tweaking, it's just amazing. I'm also amazed at how wide the viewing angle is. If I didn't live on a third floor walk up, I'd consider returning my PT-50LC14 and get this TV.

well here's my setup.

the 47X54: http://members.shaw.ca/storage_2/tv.jpg
Screenshot 1: http://members.shaw.ca/storage_2/tvs1.jpg
Screenshot 2: http://members.shaw.ca/storage_2/tvs2.jpg

As you can see, the blue is a bit blurry, but other than that, i'm extremely impressed with the picture.

Greetings all, consider me part of the PT53X54 family!

After many weeks of research and a lot of following these forums, I was pretty settled on going for a Hitachi 51f510 or the comparable 'S' series. Possibly a Toshiba as well. After homework was finished and I actually started visiting some showrooms, I came across this Panasonic model which I hadn't even considered initially.

At the first store where I encountered this set, it was next to the 51" Toshiba. I spent a lot of time trying to make each one look the best I could with the user settings in the store. Judging from both a HDTV and SD source, the Panasonic clearly looked better, especially in the detail with a normal SD picture. Something about the way the Toshiba was handling the signal made the SD broadcast look a lot more noisy.

Another store had this same Panasonic calibrated pretty nicely in their home theater room. I took in the whole range of pictures from Mits sets (which the Sales person was pretty fond of) to $4000 DLP sets and this Panasonic was an eye catcher from across the room. No other TV in this price range was coming close to the picture on this screen.

My mind was made up, and for two weeks I've been enjoying this set in my living room. Some initial reasons why I chose this set other than picture quality over competing models:

-Styling. Some may take issue with the silver cabinet, but I think it looks great, leaps ahead of the boxy black Mits sets and old Hitachi S Series sets. Plus the design of the cabinet, with the notched area below the screen gives the appearance of a tabletop DLP set on top of a stand, giving off a more pricey look than it actually is.

-Compact Cabinet. I had pretty strict size requirements for my TV space--other people planning on placing this in a corner of a room might want to take note that the shape of the cabinet, tapering off from the screen to the narrow back, actually lets you push this set pretty far back in the corner--a lot further than would be allowed with other smaller sets that carried the same depth from side to side.

-Center Channel shelf. Yeah, it's minor, but the fact that it's an included freebee is a nice touch. Similar sets just don't have the space up top for a nice sized center channel speaker, or force you to buy an add-on accessory shelf.

This thread really convinces me to get a Panny x54 model after I returned my Toshiba 52HM84 DLP recently for some reasons. I am seriously looking for big-screen tv with no-glare screen such as dlps, lcos, and lcd since my living room have a lot of lights come in from the windows and sliding door. But this Panny tv changed my mind. Is there a way to remove the glossy screen from this rptv?

Yes it's removable, but nobody has done it yet and we don't know exactly how to do it.

I'm thinking of purchasing this TV from ShopSunshine.com, has anyone had any experience buying from there? I'm picking up the 53x54.

Looking at the specs on the Canadian Panasonic site, the only differences that I can see are in the Lens systems:

The 53X54 has a " Digital HD Shortwing" system, while the 53TW54 has a "Digital HD Short Throw " system. What if any discernable difference would this make? Or are they just different names for the same thing?

Also, the 53TW54 has an Anti-reflective shield, while the 53X54 does not.

As far as audio, the 53TW54 has 6 speakers to the 53X54's 4, as well as having twice the wattage.

The 53TW54 is slightly higher and wider , and is much heavier (67lbs)

I believe the price difference is almost $500.00. Are the differences worth the extra cash?

I just purchase a 47x54 from onecall. Welcome me to the club.

Welcome to the club. Even though I'm not in the club just yet. I'll be purchasing mine very shortly and I think my bastard friend is gonna pick one up too (probably before I'm ready to purchase mine).

I just bought the 53x54 and had my girlfriend with me. I usually never buy extended warranties but my girlfriend is a sucker and insisted on getting it. It was $300 bucks for 3 years. I am seriously considering returning to where i bought it and having the money refunded (could use the extra cash to get a better DVD player). ANy thoughts on what i should do. ANy input would be greatly appreciated.

Well I purchased a new antenna from Radioshack this past weekend, set it up, got some decent RG6 QS and strung it up. Switched on my TV (I have a PT 53WX54...which apparently has an integrated HD Tuner..although I don't see this noted ANYWHERE in the manual)...and alas! I couldn't get any HD signals! What the hell is going on, I turned to my manual, and it states that I HAVE to have an STB to get an HD signal.

Although it doesn't state this, the reason is apparently, because the only place the TV will look for/accept an HD signal is from the component or HDMI inputs.

ARGHHH...needless to say I was quite disappointed I didn't get to see any HD football games this weekend...

any suggestions on a nice CHEAP STB?

Question for the 53X54 guys, is this the same case with your TV's? And is this NORMAL for most HD tv's?


Peace,
Dave

Weird problem.

When I go into the service menu when I'm watching SD, 480i is highlighted, telling me that the signal is a 480i signal.

When I go into the service menu when I have my computer connected w/HD, 1080i is highlighted, telling me that the signal is a 1080i signal.

But when I watch DVDs via component, the TV says 480i. Shouldn't it be 480p?

65notch,
Most HDTVs are HD-Ready. Meaning, you need a STB. This line of Panasonic's does not have an HD tuner built in. If someone told you otherwise you were lied to.

ventro,
Just watching DVD's through component cables does not make them 480p. Is your DVD player set to progressive? Some have switches on the back of the DVD player for progressive or interlaced.

Drew, i'm disgusted. My DVD player doesn't do 480p. No switch on the back, and nothing in the menus.

I mean seriously, it's called a progressive scan DVD player, and it only does 480i. Mind you, this player was purchased back when DVD was pretty new on the scene. But really, I thought component out on back automatically equalled a progressive signal.

Do you think it's worth spending the extra cash on a player that can actually do 480p, or should I wait for Blu-Ray/HDDVD? Does the 3:2 pulldown on my HDTV do the same thing as whatever the DVD player does to boost the signal to 480p?

I don't have my HDTV yet so I've yet to experience 480p DVDs. Supposedly, the upscaling on the newer DVD players with 1080i is better than what most TVs do so maybe. Again, no actual hands-on experience yet.
As for HD-DVD, I don't think a format has been settled on yet. So, who knows when that will happen. All I know is that Sony is gonna use blue-ray in their PS3 and I believe they are pushing for blue-ray as the HD-DVD format.

ventro, can you post the model of your dvd player?

The official tweak thread isn't getting much attention. So, let me ask here whether people have been able to fix the red push on this set. I've been comparing in-store and it is really noticeable in greys and greens from what I've seen.

Just to clarify the red push is the mean red tint this set has. Not that "red push" isn't self-explanatory

Hey Drew,

I thought I had the exact same problem, as it turns out after me flipping about my brand new 53wxd63 having a problem I borrowed another DVD payer, the red push was gone. I have found with my POS DVD player (Philips, waiting for good upscaling) when it plays anamorphic widescreen DVDs it has a serious red push. If you put in a real widescreen disc you do not get this. None of these were present with my friends Panny DVD player, either RP82 or 62 I think.

- Mike

PS: I just bought a service manual so I can get some internal work done, it cost me $13 shipped from Panasonic.

My 53X54 has a little blue and red push.Seems like most X54 do.I get a little more blue push than red.The X54 is 540P and 1080i.I guess it would upconvert a 480P signal to 540P.I have a progressive scan RP82.There is a quite noticeable better picture when I kick in progressive.It also appears to tame the blue and red push when its on.

So, in layman's terms:

CAN the improvements of this set over "last year's model" can be summed up as:

* Better picture (clearer, higher resoution, consistent colors, reduced block noise)
* Anti-Reflective Screen Shield
* Auto Convergence (easier to tweak)

???????????????????????????????

Has anyone seen the new 56 inch models yet?

I wasn't aware of any 56" models yet.

Yes, they had the new model on the Panasonic .ca site last week, but it's seems to have been removed. I believe the 56 inch model was pretty much the same as the PT-53TW54.

Ahh, I see.

Also, does ANYONE KNOW HOW TO REMOVE THE PROTECTIVE SCREEN SHIELD ?

Edit: emailed panasonic and they said that the screen shield is not removable. :(

Just got my 53x54 about 30 minutes ago... what out of the box adjustments should I make???

I'm curious how people feel about purchasing RPTVs online.

I've decided to purchase a new Panasonic 47x54, in town I'm looking at MSRP + sales tax ($1,603) while online I've found a retailer I trust which is selling them for $320 less than MSRP. Of course there's $100 extra for shipping, but since I'm not paying sales tax the amount of money I'm saving is still the same.

The dilemma is of course if something goes wrong. I assume that'll mean I'm going to be paying $100 to ship it back and another $100 for the shipping of it's replacement. If that happens I'll still have saved money buying online, but the hassle of shipping and recieiving concerns me.

I know a lot of people around here have money to burn, and would say to just buy in town no question. But unfortunatley, I don't have money to burn. Saving $300 is a really big deal for me, even though the 47x54 is one of the least expensive RPTVs out there, it's still a very big purchase for me.

Again let me restate I will be purchasing from a retailer I've done business with before and trust 100%, as not being ripped off by an online dealer seems to be a concern of many people. My main concern deals with the item being damaged during shipping. What're the chances of such a thing happening, and if it does does the shipper/retailer cover the cost of shipping back to the retailer or do I? What about the shipping cost of it's replacement?

I'd like to hear people who've had both good and bad experiences shopping online to really get a feel for what I'd be getting myself into. Thanks in advance!

If all you're worried about is shipping, I'd say go for it. Just make sure they have a good return policy and possibly shipping insurance.

After months of dithering, I finally took the plunge tonight and bought the 53X54.:) At $1800.00 Canadian ($1440.00 U.S.) at BB, I couldn't pass it up.
Delivery Friday and then we shall see...............:)

I'm in the market for another TV (got a 60" LCD LG) anyhow.. want
something under $1500.

Went to sears tonight to check out the PT-53X54.

They didn't have one on the floor so I made the guy go get one from
the back (brand new in the box) and set it up.. surprisingly he did, lol.

anyhow, he plugged in a zoom HD feed and just turned the TV on.

i was amazed at how good this TV looked "out to the box" quite literally..

it was next to a sony CRT RPTV, hitachi CRT and a Panasonic LCD RP.
Blew all three away.

Set itself is very good looking too.

i'm going back tomorrow to pick it up.

Everyone seems to like both the 47x54 and 53x54, what a relief.

Has anyone bought the 53tw54 (the Tau series)? Is it that much better?

anyone?

Originally posted by edamon
I'm in the market for another TV (got a 60" LCD LG) anyhow.. want
something under $1500.

Went to sears tonight to check out the PT-53X54.

They didn't have one on the floor so I made the guy go get one from
the back (brand new in the box) and set it up.. surprisingly he did, lol.

anyhow, he plugged in a zoom HD feed and just turned the TV on.

i was amazed at how good this TV looked "out to the box" quite literally..

it was next to a sony CRT RPTV, hitachi CRT and a Panasonic LCD RP.
Blew all three away.

Set itself is very good looking too.

i'm going back tomorrow to pick it up.
Good for you. I think I'll be picking up my PT-47x54 on Wed. I got an old entertainment center and TV I've got to be prepared to do something with before I can move a new TV in.

Can someone comment on the PIP functionality on the X54 series, specifically POP and split screen?

Are there any limitations to the split screen functionality? For example, can it do split screen with one HD signal? With two HD signals? When doing split screen, will the X54 preserve the aspect ratio of a HD signal as shown below (pic from Toshiba manual)?

http://home.comcast.net/~bklfowler/toshiba_pop.gif

Or do the X54s squeeze a HD signal into a 4:3 frame in split screen mode?

The 53X54 is now on sale at Boscov's for $1,299 + Tax. get em while you can!

My 53X54 will be here on Tuesday... and I went ahead and got the Sony HT6800DP to compliment it.

I am chomping at the bit here...

What about the CableCard and PIP? If you have CableCard can you watch say one channel and another premium channel.

Does the PIP even apply to CableCard channels?

World Series in HD nothing like it

Go Cards!

toy,

The CableCard model only has one QAM tuner, meaning you can only tune one digital cable channel at a time. You could do split screen with one digital cable channel (any channel >100) and one analog cable channel (any channel <100), however. You can also do split screen with two analog cable channels (<100), because all the Panasonics have two NTSC tuners.

I would still like to know how the split-screen functionality works with HD channels (i.e. from component or HDMI input). Does it display the correct aspect ratio or does it squeeze HD channels?

I was a little unimpressed with the HD performance the first week, until I discovered that the guy who installed my system (Bell Expressvu) had the receiver set to 480p. doh! Set to 480p, the picture was a little on the soft side, but that changed when I switched to 1080i.

I changed it to 1080i, and I experienced the wow factor!:) I'm watching CBS football right now and the picture is unbelievable!!
There isn't a lot of HD material yet, but my first impression is that CBS does a better job than Fox with their HD coverage of Sunday football.

ABC so far seems to be the winner in primetime when it comes to quality, but I only had my satellite hooked up on Friday, so I could be wrong.

For any people that are also using Expressvu, here's a tip about playing around with the output settings of your HD receiver. DON'T change the receivers output to 720p, because it's impossible to change it back, unless you wrote down each step you took with your remote. The picture becomes unwatchable, making it impossible to find the menu on the screen. I had to phone Bell's service tech to get my screen back. I was a little surprised that they actually had someone available at 2 A.M., but I was sure glad they did.

DVD performance OTB was pretty good, but it got even better when I bought the 1080i upconverting LG DV7832NXC. I have a few issues with the player, but watching Pirates of The Carribean last night was an awesome experience.

Honestly, I'm extremely happy with the display now, but I'm intrigued about what a professional ISF Calibration can do. I believe Michael TLV is located in Calgary, just a couple of hours South, and I may have to soon give him a call.:)

Did prices on these sets go up?

I was seeing sets for $1300 for the 53x54 a few weeks ago now only sets for $1500?

I've noticed the same here in Calgary. Pricing from $1999 - $2199 a few weeks ago now seem to have settled at $2399 CDN. Perhaps the stores are setting us up for the Christmas shopping season to make the markdown look more desireable.

I finally went ahead and got the 53X54, it was delivered yesterday...

HOLY *&^%... it's HUGE!

So far I've noticed a lot of glare during dark scenes from even the subdued lighting in my basement but it may be because I'm actually looking for it. I turned off all the lights and it was amazing but I soon found I was getting a headache...

Right, forgot to turn off torch mode. I've been fiddling around with a couple of picture settings but won't go too far until the set's had a chance to break in.

The difference in sharpness between this and a tube TV is noticible but I guess you can't have it all!

I'll have to go through this and the tweaking thread again for help on ways to make this great set even better (VM is already off).

Thanks to all here that helped me make this decision... and I got a friend of mine into the 47 at the same time which saved us both a bit more coin.

I wanted to thank everyone who contributed to this thread. I took delivery of a 47x54 this past Thursday.
I had started looking for my first widescreen TV, starting with DLP RPT's, then ED plasmas. After a visit to Costco I was impressed with the 53WX54, both picture and price. After searching the AVS forum for the WX54 I ran across this thread and as a result bought the 47x54.
Again, thanks everyone.

Ripper64,

That looks like a Digm' Studio CC in front of your set, correct?

I am looking at getting the 53x54, you have the 47x54, correct?

Do you know if there is enough weight support for a studio CC? Or if there is added weight support for the 53" or did you already have the stand for your CC from a previous setup?

I ask because I have a 51hx40(3yrs old~) with my Studio CC sitting on top of my set and it is no lightweight. Having it sit in front of my TV would be a bummer. But, I feel it is time for an upgrade. I really wanted a DLP but for the price I cannot justify it. But, these new Panny's are sweet. I still haven't seen a better pic than mine on the DLP, LCD. They all have something fake about them. Plus, I can justify this cost for an upgrade to WS.

Can anyone tell me what type of weight support the 53" has over the 47" if any?

My 53X54 supports the weight of Studio CC just fine. The shelf is pretty sturdy. By the way, nice choice of speakers! Paradigm rules!!

JK

SteroMAdMAn,

From the manual, the 53X54, 53TW54 and 43X54 all have a 25 pound limit for their top shelf.

nohjy,

Yes they are fantastic speakers! I love them, prolly have them around for aloooonnnnnngggggggggg time.

Thanks, good to know that your 53 holds it.

Woot!

Well, I just pulled the trigger on the 53x54 set. I went to ultimate electronics to buy. I checked out CC also. The set looked great! I thought it was a bit better in sharpness than the Sony, plus 2" more screen size and HDMI over DVI and $360 cheaper. The Hitachi wasn't in the same area but as far as price I wasn't really looking at it anyway.

Although, I'm not to hip to the silver look of this set. The graphite look of my 51hx40 goes with my components alot better, but oh well. Can't win them all I guess. I'm sure the added resolution of the widescreen for my DVD's will be excellent.

I was really leaning to the Toshibas but reading these threads (and a great price) has me taking a second look at the Panny BUT, and this is a BIG but, I'm an xbox nut and the lack of 720p support or upconvert really concerns me. Has anyone made any progress in this area with the panny?

I have an Xbox, but I don't have any games that are 720p. From all the reading I've done this won't support 720p at all. no up or down conversion of 720p.

No big deal to me. 1.) I don't play xbox all that much and 2.) most of the games in 720p are not games I would likely buy anyway.

That's the whole thing for me. I play ESPN Sports titles the most in the area I plan to put the TV. I want to get the best picture I can get. I wish there was some little black box I can put between the xbox and the tv to do the 720P to 1080i convert. If there was, and it was cheap enough, I could then think about this set but it seems that wont happen.

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). :)

Wow, I love this set.

You know, I'm suprised at how good the deinterlacer or line doubler is on this thing.

I popped in Ice Age and at the very end of the movie there is a great close up of the little guy who always tries to get the acorn. Anyway, I toggled my Panny CP-72 between 480i/p and could find no jaggies or stair stepping around the eyes and teeth of the critter, with the player on 480i.

The color did change somewhat, probably fom switching from HD color matrix to SD, but wow. I honestly could not tell a difference other than that. If someone else was doing the controlling I would not be able to tell you if the Farouja chip was deinterlacing or the TV was.

Awesome set.

For DVD's you want it on the HD setting.SD causes a some kind of color tinge.HD brightens it up a little and looks more natural.

Originally posted by Ripper64
For DVD's you want it on the HD setting.SD causes a some kind of color tinge.HD brightens it up a little and looks more natural.

Oh I know. I was saying when you toggle between 480p(HD matrix) and 480i(SD matrix). When it changes to SD matrix for 480i, that is the only noticable change I could see in PQ, was the color. If 480i would stay in HD matrix I doubt I could tell any difference at all between the CP-72's deinterlacer or the TV's.

Maybe it is the time to buy a new Panny S97 dvdplayer for your guys.
The S97 works great on my panny 47wxd63 (w/ built in HD-tuner).

SteroMadMan,
Does the x54 series always double the 480i input to 480p or does it depend on the input, S-video, component, or composite? I haven't been able to figure it out from the specs in the manual. I was impressed with the video quality from both my DVD player, non-progressive scan using component video input and my DirecTivo(non-HD) using S-video. The reason I ask is that I was thinking about replacing the DVD player to one with progressive scan, but may defer that to replace my Bose speakers.

Originally posted by moxie1617
SteroMadMan,
Does the x54 series always double the 480i input to 480p or does it depend on the input, S-video, component, or composite? I haven't been able to figure it out from the specs in the manual. I was impressed with the video quality from both my DVD player, non-progressive scan using component video input and my DirecTivo(non-HD) using S-video. The reason I ask is that I was thinking about replacing the DVD player to one with progressive scan, but may defer that to replace my Bose speakers.

Yes it line doubles all video inputs even antenna. All HDTV's feature this. Its just some have better line doubler's than others.

With my previous panny 51hx40, there was noticable PQ improvement at 480p through my CP-72 versus leaving it at 480i. The jaggies(or stair steps) were very prominent when left at 480i. Circular shapes were much smoother at 480p. This is all eliminated with the x54 except for the color rendering which was stated before.

Originally posted by geekrule
Maybe it is the time to buy a new Panny S97 dvdplayer for your guys.
The S97 works great on my panny 47wxd63 (w/ built in HD-tuner).

I know, I was just reading Paul's post on it. I can't imagine the picture getting any better for DVD than this though. The CP-72 is a heck of a DVD player.

Well I just got back from buying the S97 and.... I'll be taking it back. I cannot see a $350 increase in PQ over the CP-72. In fact the PQ suffers from the S97.

I popped in LoTR FoTR in the CP-72 and the EE version in the S97 so I could toggle between Component 1 and HDMI input.

First, the digital noise is bad, real bad. The instant the New Line Cinema intro comes on it is very apparent. I don't know what mpeg decoder is in the S97, but it doesn't touch the CP-72.

Second, the color seems to have a green push to it, the picture is bright but has a greeness to it and the detail just isn't there.

These are just first impressions, I will tinker around some more with this player, but as of right now there is 90% certainty this player is going back to the store.

I heard nothing but good things about the S97.Its suppose to use Faroudja.

Originally posted by Ripper64
I heard nothing but good things about the S97.Its suppose to use Faroudja.

Yes, it was actually user error on my account.

If you look at the Official S97 thread you can see where I made some changes. 1st and most important was taking the HDMI input off of vivid. I always forget that you need to turn your color settings to normal with each input. That made a *DRASTIC* improvement on PQ.

Then also some other settings that Paul recommended in FAQ as how to eliminate the MB.

I may hold onto the S97 after all.

Hi, I am interested in buying a 47x54 set.

But I'm not sure I fully understand the 720p "problem". Is it a problem?

When I eventually add an HDTV satellite receiver to my system (I have Bell ExpressVu service - Canada), will HD not display at all, or will it display in 1080i format?

(I don't currently have an Xbox and probably won't ever. If I get any gaming console I'd probably be a PS2.)

Its looking like my final decision is between the Sony KP46WT520 and the Panny PT-47x54.

Thanks.

You should be able to switch the set top box to output 1080i only. So, not having 720p shouldn't be a problem.

There is no 720p problem. The xbox looks great on 480p. Sure, it would be nice if it upconverted 720p, but it wasn't a deal breaker for me, an avid Halo 2'er.

Just got the Pt53x54 delivered today!

It looks absolutely incredible. The SD channels look alot better that I thought they would. I have a friend over who just bought a Hitachi 51F510 he said my tv has a noticably better picture with SD. HD looks incredible too. It appears the x54 models have more depth to the picture than the hitachis. It kindof looks 3D a little. Very crisp and clear. I have only did the autoconvergence.

Funny How Things Work

Sears only Carries the 53X54
Circuit City Only Carries the 47X54

I would be interested to see where the fellow saw the Sears ads for 300.00 off?

Originally posted by BadMojo11
Funny How Things Work

Sears only Carries the 53X54
Circuit City Only Carries the 47X54

I would be interested to see where the fellow saw the Sears ads for 300.00 off?

He said that Sears has the 53x54 for 300 off.
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).

...and he is quite right. Many thanks...

For those with a COMPUSA near you I was in a store in Chandler Az. last night and they had a 47x54. Price was $350 below MSRP. I asked a guy and he said it WAS NOT a sale price or misprint. Those interested may want to take a look but I don't think they have a very good return policy if you have problems, 14 days is all I beleive.

Anyway just a heads up.

yeh i didn't want to say anything with anyone thinking its advertising on my part but now that its said for some reason corporate here at compusa it seems wanted to carry the x54 series and now decided to stick with lcd, plasma, and dlp as our future line and discontinued the projections. they are ridiculously cheap now and will be marked down even further soon.
good deals if you can find any left

I'm about to buy a 47X54. I will put my center-channel speaker on top of the TV. But I'm looking for a component stand that will compliment the TV. I noticed the Tech-Craft NVH480 stand at my local store, and the manager will knock $15 off of their regular price if I buy it at the same time as the TV. I have 6 components (receiver, VCR, DVD recorder, cable STB, cassette deck, and CD changer). Does anyone have this stand? I'm wondering if I can put 2 components on each shelf and not have any problems weight or stability-wise.

If anyone can recommend a different stand that would match the TV and be a better choice, I would love to hear your opinion.

I hope this TV lives up to what people are saying about the picture quality. Most of my viewing will be in SD, but I am going to subscribe to the HD versions of NBC, ABC, CBS, Bravo, DISC, ESPN, HD Net, and HD Net Movies. And I watch a fair amount of DVDs on my Panasonic DVD recorder, which is progressive scan.

FYI, my couch is about 12 feet away from the TV.

I'm planning to skip buying an extended warranty and use my Amex card instead to double the Panasonic warranty to 2 years. I figure by then DLPs will be much better and much cheaper, and then it might be time to upgrade again.

just want to say thanks to everyone who contributed to this thread. There is a lot of good info here if you have the time to go through it and it made my decision to pull the trigger on a PT53X54 even easier.

I should be in for quite a change once I go from my current 27 inch philips tv to this monster.

Question: I am thinking of buying the Panny 53X54.

What about warranties? Is the extended one worth it? If bought at Sears, does Sears have a good warrany?If you buy from Sears, can you buy an extended warranty somewhere else?

Any comments would be appreciated.

Get an American Express card and it will double the manufacturer warranty to 2 years on parts and labor. I'm doing that instead of buying an extended warranty.

Lets say I forego the extended warranty for now. What If I change my mind 11 months from now. Can I get the extended warranty then?

I believe Visa will also double your warranty.

As for adding extended after the fact, most places I know give you 30 days to add it on.

Originally posted by BadMojo11
Question: I am thinking of buying the Panny 53X54.

What about warranties? Is the extended one worth it? If bought at Sears, does Sears have a good warrany?If you buy from Sears, can you buy an extended warranty somewhere else?

Any comments would be appreciated. Just subscribed, been reading here for a couple of weeks and decided to get this TV at Sears the Friday after Thanksgiving. Will be $300 under MSRP. I plan on using my Amex card which will double my warranty, and then transfer the balance to a Citibank card which has 0% financing for transfers until mid 2006.

So best of both worlds, 1 year additional warranty, and 0% financing.

Now to go to the direct view forum and gripe about my Sony Wega it is replacing. Wega died 1 month out of warranty, Sony wanted $450 to fix it. 32" which was only $1000 when I bought it new...told them where to stick it.

What is MSRP on the 53X54? I looked at Sears.com and they only showed a discount of $80, but I'm not sure if the price they listed was MSRP.

Some Visa cards extend the warranty, but not all.

MSRP = $1600 according to Panasonic's website (http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/vModelDetail?displayTab=O&storeId=11251&catalogId=11005&itemId=71400&catGroupId=null&modelNo=PT-53X54&surfModel=PT-53X54)

Then $300 under MSRP would be a very good discount. But I can't find anything to indicate this on Sears' site? Just wondering where this info. came from.