Received my 50PX500U yesterday and am VERY pleased with the choice. ..
Absolutely 2 people to move/unpack/mount at a bare minimum, preferably one should not be a 5 foot tall 110 pound Italian with a hot temper that you are married to..............

MG

I just received my 42px500 also from TVA last Thursday. At least you had a 5' 110lb helper. My helper was my 4 year old daughter. Believe it or not, she really did help, up to the point of mounting the TV onto the stand. By then I had to get my wife out of bed (she was sick with the flu) to help put the TV in it's final place

Should I be worried about people saying that the resolution is not true HD because it is only 1024x780?...!
Don't worry about what people say. It meets the Consumer Electronics Association's criteria (http://www.ce.org/shared_files/resources/95DTV%20Definitions.pdf) for an HDTV, which is the official industry standard.

Should I be worried about people saying that the resolution is not true HD because it is only 1024x780? I really like the 42"and with the price reduction, it seems to be a good fit for me. Is there a big difference between the 50"and 42" in PQ. Thanks guys!

1024 x 720 = 720p thus it does qualify by definition as true HD.

The pixel size limits the resolution in the plasma panel currently according to size.

1920 x 1080 panels are in the works but none smaller than 50 inches yet that I've heard of.

The bigger displays have more pixels because there's room for more and they help the bigger panel look good for it's size. The smaller HD plasma should look just as good (or maybe even better inch for inch).

1024 x 720 = 720p thus it does qualify by definition as true HD.

The pixel size limits the resolution in the plasma panel currently according to size.

1920 x 1080 panels are in the works but none smaller than 50 inches yet that I've heard of.

The bigger displays have more pixels because there's room for more and they help the bigger panel look good for it's size. The smaller HD plasma should look just as good (or maybe even better inch for inch).


I agree, in fact some would argue that the larger the panel the less the PQ. While that may be true for some makes I didn't find much difference with the pannys. I compared the PQ of both the 42" and 50" in SD, HD and dvd feeds and to be honest the pictures were pretty much the same to my eye. For me the viewing distance and cost became the only differences between the two pannels.

If you've read my earlier posts here, you've noted that I'm concerned about background noise I'm seeing especially in darker areas that I've desribed as "macroblocking'.
It looks like pixellation but only in darker areas do you notice and it doesn't necessarily depend on movement of the image. It especially seems to show up in dark red backgrounds.

After more time with the 50u, I'm seeing that this is variable and although it does occur with what *should* be a high quality signal (i.e. OTA HD through the TV's tuner) there are definitely times when it's not present. For example "Deperate Housewives" looked absolutely spectacular earlier in the week as did CSI Miami and NFL football last night. I see the artifacts clearly on the D* HD Movie channels as well as HDNET, DiscHD through D* as well. DVD looks like DVD but without the macroblocking.

I'm thinking that maybe this isn't the 50u's fault and it's signal quality related. Also, I think it's possible that the increased black level and shadow detail this thing provides makes artifacts easier to see. The blacks are simply awesome (compared to my GWIII) and I'm not sure I can go back to a display technology that doesn't provide them.

I still have around 3 weeks left to decide, but I'm leaning towards keeping the 50PX50U. My wife is a little more convinced as well. :)

I also considered a Cable card but I don't want to lose my on demand ability....

Apparently totally missed my post/point... :confused:

As I earlier stated, my fiancee and I bought a 42PX50U at CCity this past Sunday. Now, with one day before delivery, I'm wondering if the 42" is too small.

The problem is that, although I used to be a home theater guy, recent years have seen me lean much more toward audio. My equipment is reference, as is the look of the room (I realize that this might, no offense, be more of a concern for some of your SOs than for you)...I'm concerned that the 50px50U will look stuffed into the space between and behind my speakers while the 42PX50U will yield an image that is "not quite large enough". Oh, Panasonic, I lament the unavailability of a 46PX50U...

I've only got a few more hours to decide. Drat! (No returns, unless there are problemswith either unit...I'm not paying for back and forth because of my indecision!)

I've only got a few more hours to decide. Drat! (No returns, unless there are problemswith either unit...I'm not paying for back and forth because of my indecision!)

You may a consider a 507UY since it does not have speakers, costs less. You would need to have a cable box or satellite to get High Def. Also, it is rumored the there is a major price drop happening in the next couple of weeks.

-- Rich

My 42px50u has had a minor but noticable problem since I got it. The black level changes with program source material. I was not sure if this was normal for a plasma so I have been delaying calling panasonic service. One other person on this site has had this problem and CC replaced his TV and he found the new one to be much better. The local service rep. wants to take mine in.

The brightness level of the black parts of the screen, especially noticable on black bars, gets brighter then back to a nice dark level when the overall picture becomes brighter then darker. This is notcable on 16:9 material as a flicker. It is especially apparent on HD unpconvert comercials, but not all do it. It changes in a step up step down form...not just a smooth gradual increase...but a quick change then change back. Althought a gradual change up and down can be seen in low light conditions.

Is this normal?

As I earlier stated, my fiancee and I bought a 42PX50U at CCity this past Sunday. Now, with one day before delivery, I'm wondering if the 42" is too small.

The problem is that, although I used to be a home theater guy, recent years have seen me lean much more toward audio. My equipment is reference, as is the look of the room (I realize that this might, no offense, be more of a concern for some of your SOs than for you)...I'm concerned that the 50px50U will look stuffed into the space between and behind my speakers while the 42PX50U will yield an image that is "not quite large enough". Oh, Panasonic, I lament the unavailability of a 46PX50U...

I've only got a few more hours to decide. Drat! (No returns, unless there are problemswith either unit...I'm not paying for back and forth because of my indecision!)

CC has a 30 day no question return policy. Whether that covers delivery I don't know. It's not that big for two guys, especially the 42. My neighbor and I unloaded and installed my 50 with no problem.

For those of you with the 50" PX...What is the maximum spread of the feet for the stand? Is the stand spread larger than that of the 42"? If you measure the width and depth of the furthest four points of the spread, what are your L*D measurements?

Thanks!

My 42px50u has had a minor but noticable problem since I got it. The black level changes with program source material. I was not sure if this was normal for a plasma so I have been delaying calling panasonic service. One other person on this site has had this problem and CC replaced his TV and he found the new one to be much better. The local service rep. wants to take mine in.

The brightness level of the black parts of the screen, especially noticable on black bars, gets brighter then back to a nice dark level when the overall picture becomes brighter then darker. This is notcable on 16:9 material as a flicker. It is especially apparent on HD unpconvert comercials, but not all do it. It changes in a step up step down form...not just a smooth gradual increase...but a quick change then change back. Althought a gradual change up and down can be seen in low light conditions.

Is this normal?

The TV tuner is set to default "light" on the black level and this can't be changed.
If you have other sources set to "dark" this could be the source of what you're seeing as the level would obviously change when changing inputs. Also if you've saved a certain picture setting i.e. vivid, standard, cinema for one input the TV will revert to that setting when that input is selected.

Other than that, it might be a problem with the set if you're seeing it while watching only one input.

My 42px50u has had a minor but noticable problem since I got it. The black level changes with program source material. I was not sure if this was normal for a plasma so I have been delaying calling panasonic service. One other person on this site has had this problem and CC replaced his TV and he found the new one to be much better. The local service rep. wants to take mine in.

The brightness level of the black parts of the screen, especially noticable on black bars, gets brighter then back to a nice dark level when the overall picture becomes brighter then darker. This is notcable on 16:9 material as a flicker. It is especially apparent on HD unpconvert comercials, but not all do it. It changes in a step up step down form...not just a smooth gradual increase...but a quick change then change back. Althought a gradual change up and down can be seen in low light conditions.

Is this normal?

Not normal. This is a sporadic issue on some models of Panny PDP's - though yours is the first report I've seen on a PX50. My previous generation TH-42PD25U was replaced for just this reason. My new PX500 doesn't have this issue. You might confirm what inputs you've seen this on - My old unit had this issue on all analog inputs but HDMI was fine. I'd recommend seeking service if you find this bothersome.

For those of you with the 50" PX...What is the maximum spread of the feet for the stand? Is the stand spread larger than that of the 42"? If you measure the width and depth of the furthest four points of the spread, what are your L*D measurements?

Thanks!

32 inches wide by 14.5 inches deep max for the stand's footprint on the 50PX50U

32 inches wide by 14.5 inches deep max for the stand's footprint

Thanks so much, CPCAT!

Apparently totally missed my post/point... :confused:

No I read it, and thanks, both responses I got pretty much covered the same thing. I'll have to deal with the work- around until Comcast comes out with an HDMI out-put on their STB's.

Thanks macfan and cpcat for your reply's!

Hello everyone.

I'm a 3 day 42PX50u owner (first HDTV, big screen purchase) with a extended 3ry warranty and a $300 rebate in the wings; purchased from cc. The picture is everything I hoped it would be; breakin her in now. However, after hearing about the price drop after 8/29 I'm thinking about doing some deals. Here are my options within my 30day window:

1) Take the tv back and get a 50" 42PX50u; if the price drops to the current prices of the 42"

2) Take the tv back and get a 42" PX50u at the cheaper price (post 8/29)

3) Take the tv back and get a 42" PX500u (PIP, and PC connectivity reasons) if the price drops to what the 42PX50u is now

4) Keep the tv cause it has no defects, an awesome picture, I have my 3 year warranty, CC or BB does not carry the 500u so ordering online will be a crap shoot + shipping fees + additional warranty fees, and $300 bucks coming to me when I mail it; not having PIP is not Life or death :-)

Thanks.

Hello everyone.

I'm a 3 day 42PX50u owner (first HDTV, big screen purchase) with a extended 3ry warranty and a $300 rebate in the wings; purchased from cc. The picture is everything I hoped it would be; breakin her in now. However, after hearing about the price drop after 8/29 I'm thinking about doing some deals. Here are my options within my 30day window:

1) Take the tv back and get a 50" 42PX50u; if the price drops to the current prices of the 42"

2) Take the tv back and get a 42" PX50u at the cheaper price (post 8/29)

3) Take the tv back and get a 42" PX500u (PIP, and PC connectivity reasons) if the price drops to what the 42PX50u is now

4) Keep the tv cause it has no defects, an awesome picture, I have my 3 year warranty, CC or BB does not carry the 500u so ordering online will be a crap shoot + shipping fees + additional warranty fees, and $300 bucks coming to me when I mail it; not having PIP is not Life or death :-)

Thanks.

If the price drops within 30 days of your purchase, you'll get the difference back. You just need to contact them as that's part of their price match guarantee.
You won't need to return your current set.

Whether to get a different set just depends on what you wanted in the first place. If you really wanted the 50 inch, get it if the drop allows you to afford it.
If you really wanted the 500u for the features (it's the same PQ), get it.

Otherwise, assuming you're happy with your current set, just sit tight and wait on your refund.

Thanks cpcat!

So it would appear that the price drop will be atleast $500! So thats atleast $800 (Price drop + 300 rebate) total back for me =o)
Sounds like a winner!

IF the rebate requires you to send off the UPC code, then I would recommend holding off on mailing the rebate till you're sure you want to keep the TV.

And CPCAT is right, you don't need to exchange the TV to get the price guarantee...just ask for the difference and they will give it to you (plus and additional 10% of the difference actually). In most cases, keep in mind that they compare the final AFTER REBATE price that you actually paid to the new lower price. So MSRP may drop below what it is now but if you got the TV on sale this week that might not be much different than what the new non-sale MSRP price will be after the 28th. The simple way to think of it is...What was your after rebate price, including whatever the sale price was...now compare that to the after rebate price someone would pay after the 28th. If the latter is lower then get your difference back.

CC is very good about honoring their 30-day price guarantee without hassle. Any associate at the customer service desk can do it. They'll just pull up your ticket in the system and change the price to the current selling price and refund you whatever balance results from the price change.

Any news if the 37PX50 will have a price drop too? How much of a price drop do you guys expect?

Thanks,

JP

Shark, the 37PX50U can currently be had for $$$$ after rebate at one of the big chain stores.

It's been hinted that the MSRP might drop to $2,499 on the 28th. If so, you'd then be able to get it for $$$$ because they always run 10% off sales. If you're going to buy it, go ahead and get it now. And if you find it's cheaper within 30 days, that store will likely refund you the difference.

Got to have it in time for football, man. :)

Thanks...I've seen the price and rebate from that BIG chain store. My problem is that I have a $1000 gift card for the other BIG chain store and they are still $300 above the other stores price.

Does BB give a 30 day price match like CC? I couldn't find anything on their website.

Thanks again for the input!!!

Walmart is now saling the following Panasonic plasma TVs:

1) 37-, 42-, and 50-inch 50U
2) 42- and 50-inch 500X

Prices are not all that great. Previuos posts have the MSRP being lowered up to $1000. If so, count me in.

Just checked wally world website and the 500u is no longer listed. I was hoping to use their price to have one of the big electronics chains to price match.

Mods Note:

Speculation on MSRP Pricing is allowed, but all the Coupon, Rebate, 10% off, etc is starting to cross the line.

Please be mindful of the AVSForum Rules and Guidelines on Pricing.

Thanks and have a good night.

Dave

I should quit reading this forum. Price drops, MSRP changes arrrrggghhhh
I have had my 50PX50U for 3 weeks now and love it. The speakers could be improved upon and to be honest, I would have gladly saved a few hundred $ and gone with nothing but a monitor, but I didnt see that.
I have one question for the group. In anyones humble opinion, how does the 50px50u stack up against other 50" plasmas in the sub $5000 range? Did I buy the lower end plasma? I had read up on the industrial Panasonic plasmas and how thier picture was superior to the set I have. I started with a Mitusu 55" DLP, then ran through 2 50" Hitachi LCD projections before loosing my mind in CC and dropping significant coin for this one.

Incidentally, where did this rumor of MSRP dropping begin? Do we have a reliable source to base this on? It seems like we're almost expecting it at this point, which will lead to a disappointment if it doesn't happen.

Incidentally, where did this rumor of MSRP dropping begin? Do we have a reliable source to base this on? It seems like we're almost expecting it at this point, which will lead to a disappointment if it doesn't happen.

I believe a poster quoted a CED source.

When I called CC's 1-800 number tonight the guy specifically said price-matching was taken pre-rebate. Of course he also said that they price-matched Amazon.com which to my utter-non-surprise, they refuted in the store this evening. When I got a CC guy on the phone while in the store, the rep said he had never heard of the guy I had dealt with earlier and that they definitely did not price-match Amazon.com.

I guess we'll know around 8/28.

Thanks again everyone. I appreciate all the responses.

-p-

Hello everyone, this is my first time posting....
I went into the service menu of my brand new 42px500u to check for how long it's being on.
I'm not sure if I followed the right sequence at first, but I eventually got in. Ok, to the point, I want to make sure I didn't change any of the settings in the service menu or screwed anything up in the process. I swear the picture looks a bit "different" now, but it could be my mind playing tricks on me. Can someone please post or email me the default settings for the service menu on the 42px500u? I know is kind of asking a lot, but it would be greatly appreciated. I even bought the service manual for it, but I'm not sure if the values shown for the different options are default values or sample data. I feel like an ass asking for this, since I'm usually a lot more carefull and write things down, but I guess I was way too excited playing with my new toy.
Thanks in advance.

Bump....

They definately do not price match amazon.com. The price guarantee specifically says any "local" competitor. They will only match website prices for companies that have an actual store locally (i.e. target.com, bestbuy.com, etc).

Keep the tv cause it has no defects, an awesome picture, I have my 3 year warranty, CC or BB does not carry the 500u so ordering online will be a crap shoot + shipping fees + additional warranty fees, and $300 bucks coming to me when I mail it; not having PIP is not Life or death :-)

Thanks.

Actually, Best Buy is carrying the 500U, as I posted above. If your local store does not have it, my guess is they can order it, as they use a central warehouse system along the east coast. Tell them it is in the Towson, MD store, and see if they can look it up, or call if they can't find it in their system.

Darren

I have had my 50PX50U for 3 weeks now and love it. The speakers could be improved uponthe speaker system is definitely a disappointment considering this is a $5000 [MSRP] TV.how does the 50px50u stack up against other 50" plasmas in the sub $5000 range? Did I buy the lower end plasma? I had read up on the industrial Panasonic plasmas and how thier picture was superior to the set I have.Trust your eyes... I purchased my 50PX50U, sight-unseen, from CC on May 1st. What gave me the confidence to "pull the trigger" was seeing the PD50U at Tweeters where the picture it rendered looked every bit as good as any Onyx, Pioneer or LG PDP being displayed.

Guys, as someone who needs PIP for his first big HDTV would it be worth it to spend extra and get the PX500 version. Thoughts? Thanks!

Hi, all,

The new 42PX50U was delivered this morning to much fanfare. After quickly dumbing down the image, I think the contrast, sharpness, and color saturation is far better than what I ever got from a set in a B&M store (those horrid store conditions!).

...However...

When watching programming various programming (DVD, SD, and HD), there is a rather obvious line that runs horizontally across the entire screen. Up close, I've examined it to be about 1 full pixel in "depth" and another feathered pixel (so, roughly two pixels in "depth"). This literally splits the screen into two halves, with one half appearing to be slightly lighter than the other half (the upper is slightly lighter).

Here's another kicker: the line's color is not constant. When switching channels on a Comcast HD box, the line is superimposed/embedded in the grey screen and is a cream color. When there is an image, the line is closer to white, especially in highly contrasty scenes, but is sometimes a very dark grey (as in some of INHD's ocean programming).

I absolutely love the image that the screen otherwise puts out, but I'm curious as to whether anyone else has seen this, experienced it, dealt with it, or returned a set because of it. I did a search for "lines on screen" in a few different forms, but as you might expect, I got text regarding just about everything *save* lines. I didn't pay this type of money for a set with a line in it!

For the record, and to make it easier for all of us to deal with this, here is the requisite info:

Model: 42PX50U

Age: ~2 hours (at 11.56am EST on 08.17.05)

Problem: 1-2 pixel line runs horizontally across screen without interruption. Line is mostly whitish, but sometimes darker. Additionally, area above line looks slightly brighter than area below line.

Affected inputs: have tested that the problem exists on COMP1, COMP2, VID1.

Affected programming: HD & SD primarily, but discernable on DVD source material, as well.

Status: Set is currently on a zoomed, chapter 7 loop of "The Abyss Collector's Edition" for break in.

Resembles: Lighter, thicker version of the classic filament of Sony CRT screens (saw this filament in an XBR910 recently, though this PX's line is more noticeable.)

Purchase: CCity (past Sunday)+delivery (today)

Hi, all,

The new 42PX50U was delivered this morning to much fanfare. After quickly dumbing down the image, I think the contrast, sharpness, and color saturation is far better than what I ever got from a set in a B&M store (those horrid store conditions!).

...However...

When watching programming various programming (DVD, SD, and HD), there is a rather obvious line that runs horizontally across the entire screen. Up close, I've examined it to be about 1 full pixel in "depth" and another feathered pixel (so, roughly two pixels in "depth"). This literally splits the screen into two halves, with one half appearing to be slightly lighter than the other half (the upper is slightly lighter).

Here's another kicker: the line's color is not constant. When switching channels on a Comcast HD box, the line is superimposed/embedded in the grey screen and is a cream color. When there is an image, the line is closer to white, especially in highly contrasty scenes, but is sometimes a very dark grey (as in some of INHD's ocean programming).

I absolutely love the image that the screen otherwise puts out, but I'm curious as to whether anyone else has seen this, experienced it, dealt with it, or returned a set because of it. I did a search for "lines on screen" in a few different forms, but as you might expect, I got text regarding just about everything *save* lines. I didn't pay this type of money for a set with a line in it!

For the record, and to make it easier for all of us to deal with this, here is the requisite info:

Model: 42PX50U

Age: ~2 hours (at 11.56am EST on 08.17.05)

Problem: 1-2 pixel line runs horizontally across screen without interruption. Line is mostly whitish, but sometimes darker. Additionally, area above line looks slightly brighter than area below line.

Affected inputs: have tested that the problem exists on COMP1, COMP2, VID1.

Affected programming: HD & SD primarily, but discernable on DVD source material, as well.

Status: Set is currently on a zoomed, chapter 7 loop of "The Abyss Collector's Edition" for break in.

Resembles: Lighter, thicker version of the classic filament of Sony CRT screens (saw this filament in an XBR910 recently, though this PX's line is more noticeable.)

Purchase: CCity (past Sunday)+delivery (today)



I just took delivery of my PX50U on Monday and I had read something regarding this earlier this month so I knew what to look for. I really don't think I would have noticed it right away if I had not read this forum. In your case it seem to be a bit worse case because I only see it on the grey in between chanels. I did get super close to the screen and saw it a tiny bit. Its Interesting because the previous posts on this give no conclusions on what ever happened(Traded, serviced). It is caused because each half of the screen is controled by different boards. I am going to look a little closer tonight and see just how bad it is for me. The picture that I see thus far is incredible even knowing about the tiny line. If I notice it while watching shows then I will exchange mine. If I only notice it when I change chanels, then I will prob keep it.

All of us are going to be staring at the screen looking for perfection for the first couple of weeks, then hopefully we will just enjoy the content. From just trading from the Samsung, this line is the least of my worries.. this Panny so far for me, looks great!..

Delligatti-

Thanks for responding...

I, too, recall reading something about the line...However, I'd totally forgotten about it. The reason that I noticed it was because my fiancee and I both saw it - plain as day.

Is what you are suggesting that two different panel segments comprise the pdp? Something along those lines would go a long way toward explaining why there is not only a line, but an apparent luminance difference between the upper and lower screen elements.

It sounds like there will be a quick turnaround of this set in order to find another.

The last thing I want to do is start a panic over this, nor do I wish to imply that more than just a few of us might have this problem. However, I would really appreciate hearing from others after they've scanned their pdps.

It took us nearly 8 months of on-and-off research to decide on this set between moving, studies, and work. At this point, we're both really quite disappointed. To this point, we'd never experienced a problem with anything Panasonic until last night, with my fiancee's cellular phone, and this morning, with this brand new pdp.

[The set was purchased at Circuit City in Bailey's Crossroads, Arlington, VA this past Sunday.]

Hi, all,

The new 42PX50U was delivered this morning to much fanfare. After quickly dumbing down the image, I think the contrast, sharpness, and color saturation is far better than what I ever got from a set in a B&M store (those horrid store conditions!).

...However...

When watching programming various programming (DVD, SD, and HD), there is a rather obvious line that runs horizontally across the entire screen. Up close, I've examined it to be about 1 full pixel in "depth" and another feathered pixel (so, roughly two pixels in "depth"). This literally splits the screen into two halves, with one half appearing to be slightly lighter than the other half (the upper is slightly lighter).

Here's another kicker: the line's color is not constant. When switching channels on a Comcast HD box, the line is superimposed/embedded in the grey screen and is a cream color. When there is an image, the line is closer to white, especially in highly contrasty scenes, but is sometimes a very dark grey (as in some of INHD's ocean programming).

I absolutely love the image that the screen otherwise puts out, but I'm curious as to whether anyone else has seen this, experienced it, dealt with it, or returned a set because of it. I did a search for "lines on screen" in a few different forms, but as you might expect, I got text regarding just about everything *save* lines. I didn't pay this type of money for a set with a line in it!

For the record, and to make it easier for all of us to deal with this, here is the requisite info:

Model: 42PX50U

Age: ~2 hours (at 11.56am EST on 08.17.05)

Problem: 1-2 pixel line runs horizontally across screen without interruption. Line is mostly whitish, but sometimes darker. Additionally, area above line looks slightly brighter than area below line.

Affected inputs: have tested that the problem exists on COMP1, COMP2, VID1.

Affected programming: HD & SD primarily, but discernable on DVD source material, as well.

Status: Set is currently on a zoomed, chapter 7 loop of "The Abyss Collector's Edition" for break in.

Resembles: Lighter, thicker version of the classic filament of Sony CRT screens (saw this filament in an XBR910 recently, though this PX's line is more noticeable.)

Purchase: CCity (past Sunday)+delivery (today)


I took delivery of the same plasma on the 10th and have fortunately had no such problem. The best I could tell you is to check your input connections which you probablly already did. Beyond the obvious checks, I would call CC and have them exchange it out.

ivyinvestor, sorry to hear. I think someone mentioned that this problem got a lot of attention on the British forum (AVForums.com? Not sure if that's the one...). You might try searching there to see what (if anything) has been done to resolve it.

Good luck... Perry.

Problem: 1-2 pixel line runs horizontally across screen without interruption. Line is mostly whitish, but sometimes darker. Additionally, area above line looks slightly brighter than area below line.

This is NOT normal, but has been reported sporadically. Either exchange the set or seek service w/ Panny. They'd likely have to swap some internal boards to resolve the issue.

This is NOT normal, but has been reported sporadically. Either exchange the set or seek service w/ Panny. They'd likely have to swap some internal boards to resolve the issue.

Thanks, all, for your replies...CCity, sadly, doesn't have any remaining PXs in the area, so I don't think they'll be swapping out this set before Friday/Saturday.

One thing that I found interesting was that the woman with whom I spoke had most definitely heard of the line problem. And, after reading the recommended UK postings, I actually suggested that it might have been a problem more there than here. She suggested that she'd seen it here, too, and that I wasn't the only one to return to this CC because of the problem (Bailey's Xroads, Arlington, VA).

ARGH!

If you want to exchange it, you can go to CC and ask them to "special order" you a replacement on the same ticket so that when they do get a shipment in one will be automatically reserved for you. All they need is your ticket number. You can even do this over the phone if you talk to a manager. Tell the manager you're aware that they don't have any more but you'd like to exchange yours since it appears to be defective. Ask him/her if they will zero-down special order one for you (they'll know what that means) and you'll do the exchange when it comes in. If you had the TV delivered then they can bring you the new one for no additional charge and haul away the defective unit. If you brought it home yourself then you'll need to bring your set it into the store and exchange it there when it comes in.

Just so you know, when the CC distribution center that services your CC store gets a shipment in they first fill all the orders that exist in the stores serviced by that center. Then any remaining units are distributed among the stores for on-hand inventory. The point is, having the TV ordered will often get it to you quicker than if you just wait for one to be available in the store, especially when it's a model that is in short supply like this one.

Hope this helps.

Hi, NTL,

Thanks for your response...I didn't see your missive before I called CC, but the associate did essentially what you asked me to do. She did it professionally and expeditiously - making reference to that "bit of news" which I previously posted.

They ultimately paid a CC rep (but they identified him as what amounts to a sub contractor) to bring me the set tomorrow morning, as my fiancee and I are having a party tomorrow night and we'd intended to display a pretty spiffy slide show (don't worry...I built it with stretching in mind!) during the evening.

I am quite happy re: the service I've received from CC, and am already pleased that we purchased from a B&M as opposed to an online retailer. While I cannot yet say that I'm pleased with the product, I know that, if I'd had to have handled this remotely, I'd have been livid by now!

Thanks...

If you want to exchange it, you can go to CC and ask them to "special order" you a replacement on the same ticket so that when they do get a shipment in one will be automatically reserved for you. All they need is your ticket number. You can even do this over the phone if you talk to a manager. Tell the manager you're aware that they don't have any more but you'd like to exchange yours since it appears to be defective. Ask him/her if they will zero-down special order one for you (they'll know what that means) and you'll do the exchange when it comes in. If you had the TV delivered then they can bring you the new one for no additional charge and haul away the defective unit. If you brought it home yourself then you'll need to bring your set it into the store and exchange it there when it comes in.

Just so you know, when the CC distribution center that services your CC store gets a shipment in they first fill all the orders that exist in the stores serviced by that center. Then any remaining units are distributed among the stores for on-hand inventory. The point is, having the TV ordered will often get it to you quicker than if you just wait for one to be available in the store, especially when it's a model that is in short supply like this one.

Hope this helps.

They definately do not price match amazon.com. The price guarantee specifically says any "local" competitor. They will only match website prices for companies that have an actual store locally (i.e. target.com, bestbuy.com, etc).

I understand and I'm not surprised. Amazon's was a decent amount cheaper so I figured I'd give it a shot. I was surprised when the rep told me they do. Then I asked him "what happens when I go to the store and they say they don't?"

That's when he said to have the store call the 1-800 and reference the file attached to my phone-number (which, as my previous post indicates, they said "what file? never heard of that representative.")

I called CC corporate today to basically state that I don't care that they don't match, I just don't like being given false information and then told that the person that gave me the information doesn't exist. CC corporate confirmed that they don't price match, but told me that they send all incoming calls first to India and that's why they had no record of who handled my call; the systems aren't connected.

Unreal.

-p-

ivyinvestory - I'm glad things worked out well for you.

This is my first on this site and as of today I am now headlong into HD TV. Arrrrrrrgghh!
I plomked down my credit cards for a TH-50PX50U and assorted other stuff. They might deliver it tomorrow? Thank goodness I made arrangments to have instalation done by my retailer. REX. Stand mount not wall and I'm glad not to look forward to that little saga. Cant wait to see real images and TV how it's suppose to be. Anyway hello to all hope to be in here learning from everyone and will let you know how the next few days go.
Regards
Mashuga

I understand and I'm not surprised. Amazon's was a decent amount cheaper so I figured I'd give it a shot. I was surprised when the rep told me they do. Then I asked him "what happens when I go to the store and they say they don't?"

That's when he said to have the store call the 1-800 and reference the file attached to my phone-number (which, as my previous post indicates, they said "what file? never heard of that representative.")

I called CC corporate today to basically state that I don't care that they don't match, I just don't like being given false information and then told that the person that gave me the information doesn't exist. CC corporate confirmed that they don't price match, but told me that they send all incoming calls first to India and that's why they had no record of who handled my call; the systems aren't connected.

Unreal.

-p-

I called the local CC here and they said they price match against the local stores...BB, Wally, & Srs. Lookin forward to the end of the month; aka within my 30 day purchase =o)

Does anyone here think the Px500u's are going to drop also or just the Px50u's and everything else below?

I'm looking for more advise as I prepare to purchase either the 50" 50U or 500U. This will be the very first time for me in the HD digital TV realm. My house is currently being prepared, a cabinet to house the video sources and to mount the display to. The current dead TV is feed an OTA signal via coax to my outdoor antenna and a direct video signal from the DVD player.

I plan to use this HD display the same way, OTA HD reception and likely a new DVD player with HDMI output. I am looking for info as what to do to prepare a new HD antenna so when the Panny arrives, I can plug it in and get a signal. Perhaps I can ask here what to look for in terms of an antenna for the San Francisco Bay Area (Mid Peninsula location), what kind of cable is used from the antenna in case I need to rewire, etc. Maybe someone can recommend what they have or a thread here on one of the forums.

Thanks! Nelsun

I'm looking for more advise as I prepare to purchase either the 50" 50U or 500U. This will be the very first time for me in the HD digital TV realm. My house is currently being prepared, a cabinet to house the video sources and to mount the display to. The current dead TV is feed an OTA signal via coax to my outdoor antenna and a direct video signal from the DVD player.

I plan to use this HD display the same way, OTA HD reception and likely a new DVD player with HDMI output. I am looking for info as what to do to prepare a new HD antenna so when the Panny arrives, I can plug it in and get a signal. Perhaps I can ask here what to look for in terms of an antenna for the San Francisco Bay Area (Mid Peninsula location), what kind of cable is used from the antenna in case I need to rewire, etc. Maybe someone can recommend what they have or a thread here on one of the forums.

Thanks! Nelsun

antennaweb.org is a good start for recommendations. I think you will find that digital TV is a little more finicky about distance and line of sight.

Comcast is coming 8/27 to "install" my cablebox. I've also opted for the cablecard too since it's only $2.00+ a month and everyone says it offers the best PQ. Now the question: Suggestions for inputs?

Comcast says they are bringing me a DCT6412, back seen below

http://broadband.motorola.com/consumers/images/dct6412_back.jpg

XBox is taking up one component input on the TV. Not really that negotiable since I play a lot of XBox (or at least I care more about PQ when playing XBox than my wife does with other things). That leaves the following inputs open on the TV:

1x component
1x HDMI
2x S-video

I do not have a receiver or sound system (I live in a condo), I will likely be getting a DVD player, possibly a Mac Mini. Current plan is to hook component from cablebox into component on TV, and DVD player (or Mac Mini to serve as the DVD player? <edit>just realized Mac Mini is probably terrible for this since it doesn't have a hardware MPEG decoder nor all the necessary components to replace a dedicated DVD player </edit>) into HDMI. S-video gets, I dunno... Playstation 2 or something.

This is based on something I read here that I thought said that the DVI out on the cablebox is limited if it goes into the HDMI port, but not the component. Sounded odd, which is probably why I remember it.

I watch a lot of movies, my wife does not. I want her, however, to be blown away when we pop something in the DVD player.

So... comments?

Bonus points if you could tell me the best way to hook up a DVD player, the cable box AND a mac mini </dreaming>

Thanks!

-p-

Thanks Marty. I've also just discovered the Local HDTV Info and Reception thread on this forum.

Nelsun

are you sure you want the cable box and the cable card?

Comcast is coming 8/27 to "install" my cablebox. I've also opted for the cablecard too since it's only $2.00+ a month and everyone says it offers the best PQ. Now the question: Suggestions for inputs?

Comcast says they are bringing me a DCT6412, back seen below

http://broadband.motorola.com/consumers/images/dct6412_back.jpg

XBox is taking up one component input on the TV. Not really that negotiable since I play a lot of XBox (or at least I care more about PQ when playing XBox than my wife does with other things). That leaves the following inputs open on the TV:

1x component
1x HDMI
2x S-video

I do not have a receiver or sound system (I live in a condo), I will likely be getting a DVD player, possibly a Mac Mini. Current plan is to hook component from cablebox into component on TV, and DVD player (or Mac Mini to serve as the DVD player? <edit>just realized Mac Mini is probably terrible for this since it doesn't have a hardware MPEG decoder nor all the necessary components to replace a dedicated DVD player </edit>) into HDMI. S-video gets, I dunno... Playstation 2 or something.

This is based on something I read here that I thought said that the DVI out on the cablebox is limited if it goes into the HDMI port, but not the component. Sounded odd, which is probably why I remember it.

I watch a lot of movies, my wife does not. I want her, however, to be blown away when we pop something in the DVD player.

So... comments?

Bonus points if you could tell me the best way to hook up a DVD player, the cable box AND a mac mini </dreaming>

Thanks!

-p-

The whole concept behing Cable Card is that it obviates the need for a cable box.
The cable input simply goes in the back of the TV and the Cable Card allows de-encryption of the scrambled QAM signal.

Now the question: Suggestions for inputs?



XBox is taking up one component input on the TV. Not really that negotiable since I play a lot of XBox (or at least I care more about PQ when playing XBox than my wife does with other things). That leaves the following inputs open on the TV:

1x component
1x HDMI
2x S-video


This is based on something I read here that I thought said that the DVI out on the cablebox is limited if it goes into the HDMI port, but not the component. Sounded odd, which is probably why I remember it.

I watch a lot of movies, my wife does not. I want her, however, to be blown away when we pop something in the DVD player.

Thanks!

-p-

This is how I would set it up.

X-Box = Component
DVD = Component
Cable Box = DVI -->HDMI


You should be using the HDMI port for the highest quality picture since it will be coimg at you in 720P. Then the DVD should be on a Component since it can only go up to 480P.

OR

X-Box = Component
DVD = HDMI
Use the cable card for 95% of your tv viewing (best picture). And then connect your STB with Component cables to view the 5% veiwings of ON-Demand.

The whole concept behing Cable Card is that it obviates the need for a cable box.
The cable input simply goes in the back of the TV and the Cable Card allows de-encryption of the scrambled QAM signal.
A cable card obviates the need of a cable box for TV viewing, but the cable card does not have the on-demand or DVR functionality of the cable box.

I'm getting the cable card because it doesn't take up an input that would otherwise be needed, has the best PQ, and costs about $30 over the course of a year.


You should be using the HDMI port for the highest quality picture since it will be coimg at you in 720P. Then the DVD should be on a Component since it can only go up to 480P.


I thought (admittedly no clue on this) that DVD quality was up to 720p. If it is in fact only 480p, then the set up you described sounds like the best


Use the cable card for 95% of your tv viewing (best picture). And then connect your STB with Component cables to view the 5% veiwings of ON-Demand.


Well for me on-demand will be more like 40% of my viewing (hence the NEED for a cable box) because I tend to work late or have school during prime-time. Most of my TV watching is around 11 or 12 at night and if it isn't recorded or on-demand, I probably am not going to see it.

Thanks everyone for the input.

-p-

The whole concept behing Cable Card is that it obviates the need for a cable box.

The DCT6412 "cable box" he's talking about is actually a two-tuner DVR which is infinitely more useful than a CableCard. Some people like to have both as HD will look a little better through the TV's QAM tuner for the times they're home to watch live HD.

I have two DVRs on my plasma (HD and SD) and i also tried a CableCard for a few weeks, but i pretty much never watch live TV so it's not worth the bother or the $1.75 per month for that matter. I ended up returning the CableCard as it was pretty much useless to me since i watch everything time-shifted with the DVRs.

Another odd thing is that HD through the TV's tuner looked a little better than through the HD DVR, but the analog and digital SD channels look better on my SD SA8000 than they do with the CableCard. SD on this TV's tuner doesn't look all that great (grainy and a bit noisy where it's clean and clear through the DVR).

The DCT6412 "cable box" he's talking about is actually a two-tuner DVR which is infinitely more useful than a CableCard.

Another odd thing is that HD through the TV's tuner looked a little better than through the HD DVR, but the analog and digital SD channels look better on my SD SA8000 than they do with the CableCard. SD on this TV's tuner doesn't look all that great (grainy and a bit noisy where it's clean and clear through the DVR).You're kidding... right?

Panny50PX500U vs. Pioneer 5050 and Panny 7UY

I've narrowed my search down to these 3 displays. Aside from the different inputs on these, does anyone have any thoughts as to which one you would pick? I have the new Sony 400 disk dvd changer with HDMI and was planning on using a cablecard if I got the 500U.

Thanks in advance,
Larry.

Thanks for the response, Comcast dosen't offer an STBs with HDMI outputs yet but the serivice rep said that he suspects they will soon. I think your right, now that I've thought about it, HD -DVD is on the near horizon and if the gain of an upconverting player is minimal, it would be a waste of $$$ to get one now. I also considered a Cable card but I don't want to lose my on demand ability, as far as I can tell, I'm in one of the only areas that offer HD programing on demand. I'll either have to deal with the work around or go to a componant hook up untill Comcast offeres the HDMI output. Thanks again for everyones help.

I had a similar problem with an LCD and a Time Warner box. I found that unplugging the DVI connection on the back of the box and re-plugging it back in (sometimes I have to do it 2-3 times) will cause it to start working. Still a pain, but quicker than re-booting.

We have the Pan PX50U and the Pioneer 5050HD in our showroom and I would give the slight edge to panasonic in picture quality, probably mostly because of a small advantage in black levels. both displays are really nice though! I don't have any experience with the 7UY though so I can't comment there. the Panasonic also seems to be a little more resistent to burn-in (but again only by a small margin)

Panny50PX500U vs. Pioneer 5050 and Panny 7UY

I've narrowed my search down to these 3 displays. Aside from the different inputs on these, does anyone have any thoughts as to which one you would pick? I have the new Sony 400 disk dvd changer with HDMI and was planning on using a cablecard if I got the 500U.

Thanks in advance,
Larry.

It really boils down to feature set preferences... :)

The 50PX500 and 50x50 are 8th gen consumer units whereas the 7UY is a 7th generation commercial display.

The consumer models come with built-in features (such as speakers and tuner), with the 500 having the most.

With the commercial unit you need a complimentary sound system, but have more options for inputs and settings. :)

Thanks for your comment. Do you have any views on the relative pq and color on these units? I've heard one poster saying the 7uy has a better picture than the 8th gen 500U. the pioneer 5050 is a bit more pricey, but is the pq any better?
Thanks again.

Not normal. This is a sporadic issue on some models of Panny PDP's - though yours is the first report I've seen on a PX50. My previous generation TH-42PD25U was replaced for just this reason. My new PX500 doesn't have this issue. You might confirm what inputs you've seen this on - My old unit had this issue on all analog inputs but HDMI was fine. I'd recommend seeking service if you find this bothersome.

I am also noticing this problem on my 50PX500, happens most often on the PC input, but also noticeable on Component Inputs 1 & 2.
Called customer service and they recommended I "reset" the TV:

Hold "Volume (-)" + "Sleep" for ~ seven seconds....
Unplug the TV...Plug back in
DONE

I haven't tried it yet, though I doubt it will solve the problem.

As a newbie, I dont know much about cable cards and HD boxes. I am looking into the 42" 500 Panny and it comes with a cable card. I have Direct TV, so I would have to call them so they can set up my cable card?

And for pay per view movies and such I would need a box?

The box is so expensive so the cable card would come in handy over spending money for the box right?

Can I get a free box from a retailer?

Thanks to anyone who can clear this up for me :)

First time poster. I am 95% sure I will be purchasing the Panny TH-50PX50U
this weekend. After reading many posts about CableCards and digital audio out, I still have a basic questions. Here is how I understand it.

Panny TH-50PX50U HDTV
DVD Player with HDMI out

I connect the DVD player to HDTV through HDMI cable. If I still want surround sound I then need to somehow connect the audio (that goes through the HDMI cable) back to my AV Receiver. This requires an audio cable out of the back of the Plasma HDTV (through the digital audio out) back to my receiver. Now I have two wires going from my Plasma (one HDMI to DVD Player and 1 Audio cable to my receiver). Doesn't this negate one of the selling features of HDMI (only one cable needed)?

Also, my understanding is that the digital audio out from the Plasma TV does not carry full 5.1 surround sound, but rather just 2 channel audio (because that is what the TV can only reproduce). So even if I run the digital audio out cable to my receiver the full 5.1 surround will not be heard because the TV (while it does receive 5.1 sound through the HDMI cable) it cannot output it back to my receiver. Is this correct?

I have the same questions as it pertains to my CableVision DVR Cable Box with HDMI out. I would also think this would be the same for someone who uses a CableCard.

Audioholics.com: "CableCARDs - A Primer" (http://www.audioholics.com/techtips/specsformats/CableCARDprimer.php)

"The HUGE advantage comes in the picture quality. For those of you under the impression that the local cable company cares about quality and such things as accurate scaling, you are sorely mistaken. Local cable companies charge a small monthly fee (and usually no installation fee) for those utilizing their equipment. What this means is that they are concerned about features but certainly not about quality, since most of their customers are not aware of what they are missing.

CableCARDs allow the user to decrypt digital cable and use higher quality components to handle scaling and display of the cable channels. Mitsubishi showed off two televisions displaying standard definition cable channels side by side at the 2004 CEDIA Expo. One unit was displaying digital cable via a provided set-top box, the other was using CableCARD. The difference was astounding. The Mitsubishi's integrated scaler was of so much higher quality then the one provided by the cheap set-top cable box that clarity was improved, ghosting was dramatically reduced and (real) edge detail was preserved - so much so, that I wondered how I was conned into thinking that it was simply broadcast that way to begin with. THIS is why CableCARD is such a significant development."

I had a similar problem with an LCD and a Time Warner box. I found that unplugging the DVI connection on the back of the box and re-plugging it back in (sometimes I have to do it 2-3 times) will cause it to start working. Still a pain, but quicker than re-booting.

Thanks for the input, and your right it works better than re-booting. However, based on one of the responses to my original post I stumbled onto a fix for the problem. Strangely if you turn the cable box on before the panel, the DVI to HDMI connection will not be recognized by the panel and you won't get a picture, however if you turn the panel on before the cable box the connection is then recognized when the cable box is turned on. I'm not a 100% sure why this is, but I am fairly certin that it's not a fault of the panel or cable box, but rather of the DVI to HDMI cross connection.

Audioholics.com: "CableCARDs - A Primer" (http://www.audioholics.com/techtips/specsformats/CableCARDprimer.php)

"The HUGE advantage comes in the picture quality. For those of you under the impression that the local cable company cares about quality and such things as accurate scaling, you are sorely mistaken. Local cable companies charge a small monthly fee (and usually no installation fee) for those utilizing their equipment. What this means is that they are concerned about features but certainly not about quality, since most of their customers are not aware of what they are missing.

CableCARDs allow the user to decrypt digital cable and use higher quality components to handle scaling and display of the cable channels. Mitsubishi showed off two televisions displaying standard definition cable channels side by side at the 2004 CEDIA Expo. One unit was displaying digital cable via a provided set-top box, the other was using CableCARD. The difference was astounding. The Mitsubishi's integrated scaler was of so much higher quality then the one provided by the cheap set-top cable box that clarity was improved, ghosting was dramatically reduced and (real) edge detail was preserved - so much so, that I wondered how I was conned into thinking that it was simply broadcast that way to begin with. THIS is why CableCARD is such a significant development."

Thanks for the link, I might need NBA league pass though. So it is possible to use both at certain periods of time? Thanks!

Thanks for your comment. Do you have any views on the relative pq and color on these units? I've heard one poster saying the 7uy has a better picture than the 8th gen 500U. the pioneer 5050 is a bit more pricey, but is the pq any better?
Thanks again.


Have no opinion, but here's one thread that discusses these different versions:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=569304

But I have also seen opinions that the older generations are better....

:) :confused: :)

Just bought the above from a local (Panasonic approved) Vancouver dealer. Unit failed 4 days later with a permanent red vertical line appearing on the RHS of the screen.

On checking for the Warranty I found there was nothing in the box. Only documentation was Uer's manual in 3 languages.

As a result I felt that unit had been previously used, perhaps as a rental. No seals on the box appeared to be broken.

Further checking with Sales Manager at Panasonic revealed that Panasonic Plasmas are shipped in unsealed containers - anyone can open the box. The end user consumer can not therefore be assured of a sealed unit straight from the factory.

Any comments. This is a bizarre way to ship such an expensive product and simply plays into the hands of the gray market dealers.

Hello, I am just about to order a px50 and just wanted to make sure of a few things before I buy the wrong tv for me. My main use for this set will be hd sports and xbox , xbox360. I am not worried about burn in but I cant seem to find any info on refresh rates for this tv. Can anyone that does any gaming on this set tell me if there is any motion blur or any other problems with gaming. Also any pics would be a great help. THANKS

Hello, all,

I failed to mention yesterday that the 42PX50U that had the 1-2 pixel variable-color band was manufactured in May 2005 in Japan.

CCity managed to get me a replacement today (a day prior to the expected replacement) and this set has the same type of problem, but worse (rather than a 1-2 pixel line, it's 3-4)!.

And, to make matters worse, these delivery guys called to ask me to let them into my building only after they had removed the unit from the box in the parking lot, attached the stand, and fit it into a cart in which you wouldn't haul used, rusted paint cans (unbeknownst to us)! The set is dirty, with a number of marks, and at least one large scratch on the back that I couldn't see until after they left. The pdp's box had damage, but it wasn't considerable.

Statistically, this set (July 2005 Mexico build) shouldn't have had a problem. I managed to get the one with an even worse problem - and cosmetic ugliness, too.

When this one is returned, my fiancee and I are seriously thinking about not asking for a replacement. Heck, I wonder if this unit is used or new.

Although I appreciate CC's haste in getting us a "replacement", I believe that this is a situation where haste made waste...



Just bought the above from a local (Panasonic approved) Vancouver dealer. Unit failed 4 days later with a permanent red vertical line appearing on the RHS of the screen.

On checking for the Warranty I found there was nothing in the box. Only documentation was Uer's manual in 3 languages.

As a result I felt that unit had been previously used, perhaps as a rental. No seals on the box appeared to be broken.

Further checking with Sales Manager at Panasonic revealed that Panasonic Plasmas are shipped in unsealed containers - anyone can open the box. The end user consumer can not therefore be assured of a sealed unit straight from the factory.

Any comments. This is a bizarre way to ship such an expensive product and simply plays into the hands of the gray market dealers.

PS: We tried to refuse delivery, but they were unable to fit another pdp into their truck (this one plus yesterday's)...that's why it's still in the media room.

Sorry to hear about your problems, I've had a 50PX50U since May 1st (Osaka April 2005 build) purchased from Circuit City that has performed flawlessly.

There has been ?'s regarding the product build quality regarding PDPs coming from Mexico versus Japan.

During 2002 I purchased a Panasonic CT-36HL42 CRT HD-ready TV that was assembled in Mexico and there was a problem with the picture tube right out of the box but a replacement TV (also made in Mexico) has worked fine.

Hello, all,

I failed to mention yesterday that the 42PX50U that had the 1-2 pixel variable-color band was manufactured in May 2005 in Japan.

CCity managed to get me a replacement today (a day prior to the expected replacement) and this set has the same type of problem, but worse (rather than a 1-2 pixel line, it's 3-4)!.

And, to make matters worse, these delivery guys called to ask me to let them into my building only after they had removed the unit from the box in the parking lot, attached the stand, and fit it into a cart in which you wouldn't haul used, rusted paint cans (unbeknownst to us)! The set is dirty, with a number of marks, and at least one large scratch on the back that I couldn't see until after they left. The pdp's box had damage, but it wasn't considerable.

Statistically, this set (July 2005 Mexico build) shouldn't have had a problem. I managed to get the one with an even worse problem - and cosmetic ugliness, too.

When this one is returned, my fiancee and I are seriously thinking about not asking for a replacement. Heck, I wonder if this unit is used or new.

Although I appreciate CC's haste in getting us a "replacement", I believe that this is a situation where haste made waste...


Shame on them! I know you were hoping for the best for that party slide show. I watched Hostage last night and although I knew the line existed, I was hard pressed to find it, and was extremely happy with the PQ... My Picture setting was Pict + 3 Brightness 0 Color -2 Sharpness -15 tint 0 Color Manager off Black level Dark Video NR off Color temp normal

I'm keeping mine as I said,, I'm still floored by the picture and coming from the Samsung I already swaped out in the same pricerange.. I feel I can get any better. Maybe yours is more difinitive than mine. Try one more and use the extra savings now advertised to cover your hassle.

Delligatti

Cablecard vs. Straight Line

I've got a PX500 50 inch. Right now, its hooked up to a SA3250 for cable. I've got a splitter running on the line coming in with a second straight cable run directly into the TV. So I get HDTV, on demand, and all channels using the box. On the straight TV hookup, I get nearly all the regular channes (non digital I believe), plus some really odd channels at various points like 85-1, 85-2, 119-35, etc. No rhyme or reason for those channels. Some are in HD. I can't really tell a major difference between NBCHD on the straight run vs. on the cable box. I definitely am keeping a cable box as Comcast gives great free on demand kids stuff.

My question is would a cable card improve over a straight line hookup? As I mentioned I'm keeping the cable box so its not a matter of cable box vs. card. I know the cable card would work for giving me digital channes through it, but I don't need that. So does the cable card improve regular analog channels dramatically?

You're kidding... right?

No, i'm serious.

So does the cable card improve regular analog channels dramatically?

The CableCard does absolutely nothing with analog channels. It is a device to work with the television in descrambling the scrambled digital channels.

The CableCard does absolutely nothing with analog channels. It is a device to work with the television in descrambling the scrambled digital channels.

But to clarify, I assume he's referring to a comparo between analog channels on CC vs. a STB. SD via CC looks and sounds notably better than SD on my STB from my experience - regardless of input. Randy is the first I've seen to find the opposite, so YMMV. But yes, you're right - you don't need a CC to watch unencrypted SD.

Hello, all,

I failed to mention yesterday that the 42PX50U that had the 1-2 pixel variable-color band was manufactured in May 2005 in Japan.

CCity managed to get me a replacement today (a day prior to the expected replacement) and this set has the same type of problem, but worse (rather than a 1-2 pixel line, it's 3-4)!.

And, to make matters worse, these delivery guys called to ask me to let them into my building only after they had removed the unit from the box in the parking lot, attached the stand, and fit it into a cart in which you wouldn't haul used, rusted paint cans (unbeknownst to us)! The set is dirty, with a number of marks, and at least one large scratch on the back that I couldn't see until after they left. The pdp's box had damage, but it wasn't considerable.

Statistically, this set (July 2005 Mexico build) shouldn't have had a problem. I managed to get the one with an even worse problem - and cosmetic ugliness, too.

When this one is returned, my fiancee and I are seriously thinking about not asking for a replacement. Heck, I wonder if this unit is used or new.

Although I appreciate CC's haste in getting us a "replacement", I believe that this is a situation where haste made waste...

We're these line defects easy to notice or did you have to look for them?

The CableCard does absolutely nothing with analog channels. It is a device to work with the television in descrambling the scrambled digital channels.

To add to marty's post, my understanding from this thread, and the forum in general, is that the Cable Card also provides information which allows correct mapping of the channel signals. that is why you are seeing bizarre channel locations etc. Also, the TV's internal QAM tuner can only get the descrambled signals without the Cable Card.

Darren

But to clarify, I assume he's referring to a comparo between analog channels on CC vs. a STB. SD via CC looks and sounds notably better than SD on my STB from my experience - regardless of input. Randy is the first I've seen to find the opposite, so YMMV. But yes, you're right - you don't need a CC to watch unencrypted SD.

By eliminating the STB, you are eliminating a potential source for signal degredation (by eliminating the extra connections which allow signal loss, not to mention any internal processing the STB may be doing), so the analog channels should look as good if not better with the Cable Card as opposed to the STB.

Darren

"The HUGE advantage comes in the picture quality...

allow the user to decrypt digital cable and use higher quality components to handle scaling and display of the cable channels. Mitsubishi showed off two televisions displaying standard definition cable channels side by side at the 2004 CEDIA Expo. One unit was displaying digital cable via a provided set-top box, the other was using CableCARD. The difference was astounding. The Mitsubishi's integrated scaler was of so much higher quality then the one provided by the cheap set-top cable box that clarity was improved, ghosting was dramatically reduced and (real) edge detail was preserved... THIS is why CableCARD is such a significant development."

I'm asking about a cable card vs. a straight coax cable input for a comparison of analog channels. I know some people's views are a cable card is better than a set top box for those channles. My question is whether a cable card adds anything simply for analog channes. Seems like it should not so for my situation, where I will definitely have a set top box for a separate input, there doesn't seem to be an advantage in having a cable card. I'll use a straight coax cable for a second feed (primarily for split screen although it will let me do some comparisons of same channels from the two sources).

Which brings up an interesting comparison possibility, what will look better, HD on a straight coax feed to the TV or the same channel through the SA3250? Will looking at them through split screen be a valid test? Should you be using split screedn during the break in period under 100 hours?

DanP and all,

CCity is coming to pick up this 42PX50U...We did not request a replacement as yet, as we're unhappy enough with this situation as to not replace this screen with a Panasonic.

The problematic line with 42PX50U #1 was visible, plain as day from 10.75 feet on program materal, our sitting distance. You could see the line across the gray screen between Comcast channel changes, though, from 16+ feet (the end of the room). Today's 42PX50U #2, now that I have viewed it several more times, is viewable from a slightly lesser distance, about 8 feet. However, this line is overall darker, so it tends to stand out more in darker scenes (where as the other did not do this as much) as well as light ones.

Woe are we...


We're these line defects easy to notice or did you have to look for them?

a cable card vs. a straight coax cable input for a comparison of analog channels.There is no advantage to using a CableCARD to view analogue channels, CableCARD's are used to decrypt digital signals. Because CATV providers still use the same physical wire to transfer both analogue and digital channels, the CableCARD enables you to receive all the channels with one physical wire connected to the TV.HD on a straight coax feed to the TV or the same channel through the SA3250?You cannot get HD channels (over coax) without either a CableCARD or STB.

With cable TV the picture will always look better using a CableCARD instead of an STB because your TV's internal tuner/scalar is superior to what Scientific Atlanta builds into their cable boxes.

CCity is coming to pick up this 42PX50U...We did not request a replacement as yet, as we're unhappy enough with this situation as to not replace this screen with a Panasonic.

Ouch, 2 in a row. Sounds like you CC got a bad batch considering so few others have had this issue. If you like the set otherwise I'd suggest to give it another shot - hard as that may be.

Optivity - Not sure your correct. Seems to me that with a coax cable plugged into the back of my PX500, after a scan of channels, I get a few channels that are HD. Specifically, Discovery and the networks. I thought the internal tuners in the PX500 were designed to allow this. It sure seems to be a sweet picture plus the recall says the signal is 1080i.

I'm asking about a cable card vs. a straight coax cable input for a comparison of analog channels. I know some people's views are a cable card is better than a set top box for those channles. My question is whether a cable card adds anything simply for analog channes. Seems like it should not so for my situation, where I will definitely have a set top box for a separate input, there doesn't seem to be an advantage in having a cable card. I'll use a straight coax cable for a second feed (primarily for split screen although it will let me do some comparisons of same channels from the two sources).

Which brings up an interesting comparison possibility, what will look better, HD on a straight coax feed to the TV or the same channel through the SA3250? Will looking at them through split screen be a valid test? Should you be using split screedn during the break in period under 100 hours?

Yes, SD will look the same with straight coax or a CC. CC just decodes/labels/arranges channels.

A split screen isn't an accurate comparo since virtually all sets (panny included) use cheaper processing on the split screen. You'll find the pic in the left window is always better on a PX500 for example.

You actually have a solid idea though. Use the coax directly in for analog and the STB for HD. I still prefer the CC since I've found HD looks slightly sharper via CC and I like only having to switch to my DVR when I want to watch something I recorded.

...Which brings up an interesting comparison possibility, what will look better, HD on a straight coax feed to the TV or the same channel through the SA3250? Will looking at them through split screen be a valid test? Should you be using split screedn during the break in period under 100 hours?
I think the split screen process degrades the picture enough that it probably isn't a valid test. Quick A/B-ing between inputs would probably be a better way to compare.

I did use the split screen to help me adjust my picture from D* (through an outboard processor) to get it as close as possible to OTA HD, but found when I went to full screen, I had to do additional fine tuning.

While I wouldn't use the split screen for extended periods during break-in, brief use to make this kind of comparison should be harmless. I used it as described above with no ill effects.

Optivity - Not sure your correct. Seems to me that with a coax cable plugged into the back of my PX500, after a scan of channels, I get a few channels that are HD. Specifically, Discovery and the networks. I thought the internal tuners in the PX500 were designed to allow this. It sure seems to be a sweet picture plus the recall says the signal is 1080i.That would be either your QAM tuner that enables the TV to receive unscrambled HD channels OTA, or your coax if the Cable provider is sending unscrambled HD content. With my CableCARD the local HD channels have no ECMs passed but channels like TNT-HD, INHD & ESPN-HD do.

To reiterate your question... your analogue/HD channels will always look better with a straight coax connection because you will be using your TV's internal tuner/scalar rather than some junky SA STB.

With cable TV the picture will always look better using a CableCARD instead of an STB because your TV's internal tuner/scalar is superior to what Scientific Atlanta builds into their cable boxes.

If the cable box delivers the native rate of the program and that is sent digitally, there should not be much of a difference. Most cable supplied boxes do not allow this so you get multiple scaling some of the time.

Of course, the cable boxes may be pure crap too :)

-- Rich

Optivity - Not sure your correct. Seems to me that with a coax cable plugged into the back of my PX500, after a scan of channels, I get a few channels that are HD. Specifically, Discovery and the networks. I thought the internal tuners in the PX500 were designed to allow this. It sure seems to be a sweet picture plus the recall says the signal is 1080i.

If your TV set has a QAM tuner, you can receive any channel on the cable that happens to not be encrypted on your cable system without a CableCard. Typically these will be the HD local channels, but it is dependent on the particular headend you are connected to. I am surprised that Discovery wouldn't be encrypted, but hey you get a bonus.

The improvement in reception on the analog channels is due to the fact that they are going straight into the RF input on the TV, not to anything the CableCard is doing. You would get the same result with and without the CableCard on this. I think we are all saying the same thing.

And finally looking back, I see that "poster" asked a question about CableCards and DirecTV. There's no such thing as a CableCard or a tuner inside the TV for satellite. You need a satellite receiver, and that's that.

One more thing, some of those channels you are seeing that have the odd numbering are other people's video on demand movies. So if you have children around, do be aware they could be any type of program material.

The CC vs. cable box discussion continues to be interesting (esp. as I have my PX500 on order!). Clearly the cable card is the better hardware option than the crappy old motorola cable boxes for viewing digital channels and HD, but what about the newer MOXIE HD cable boxes? I guess I'm just looking forward to the HD DVR capabilities of Moxie. I checked the picture out on a friend's tv and I have to say it looked great (though I didn't have the CC image to compare). Do you guys think it's any better? Is there a way to have both?? (not that my cable company would let me have both I'm sure...)

The CC vs. cable box discussion continues to be interesting (esp. as I have my PX500 on order!). Clearly the cable card is the better hardware option than the crappy old motorola cable boxes for viewing digital channels and HD, but what about the newer MOXIE HD cable boxes? I guess I'm just looking forward to the HD DVR capabilities of Moxie. I checked the picture out on a friend's tv and I have to say it looked great (though I didn't have the CC image to compare). Do you guys think it's any better? Is there a way to have both?? (not that my cable company would let me have both I'm sure...)

Can I ask where you ordered from. I like the extra features of the PX500U, but I cant find it at any stores in my area so I want to order from a place I can trust. Thanks!

er well, I actually got thru a friend who gets a panasonic discount thru his company. Bad news is I have no idea when the hell it will arrive but was told sometime towards mid to late september...good luck though, sorry this is not helpful to you.

suspect0-
When was your TV ordered? I also have access to discounted products direct from Panasonic and I just set up a fake order in an effort to help you narrow down your window of arrival but it's showing that if I order the TV now it won't ship till October 3 and will be shipped via Standard Home Delivery (they basically drop the box off inside your front door and you take it from there). I didn't check to see if an upgraded delivery option was available.

The CC vs. cable box discussion continues to be interesting (esp. as I have my PX500 on order!). Clearly the cable card is the better hardware option than the crappy old motorola cable boxes for viewing digital channels and HD, but what about the newer MOXIE HD cable boxes? I guess I'm just looking forward to the HD DVR capabilities of Moxie. I checked the picture out on a friend's tv and I have to say it looked great (though I didn't have the CC image to compare). Do you guys think it's any better? Is there a way to have both?? (not that my cable company would let me have both I'm sure...)Eventually there will be HD-DVRs available that include a 2-way CableCARD interface. In theory these devices will be the best of all worlds, enabling features like: on-demand, PPV, EPG, digital video recording and built with higher quality components (e.g. tuner/scalar).

Perhaps Scientific Atlanta / Motorola will catch-up enough so CATV subscribers will not have to take as big a performance hit with picture quality if leasing their STBs.

TiVo has entered into a 6 year contract with Comcast so we can expect dual tuner comcast TiVos next year ;)

-- Rich

Eventually there will be HD-DVRs available that include a 2-way CableCARD interface. In theory these devices will be the best of all worlds, enabling features like: on-demand, PPV, EPG, digital video recording and built with higher quality components (e.g. tuner/scalar).

Perhaps Scientific Atlanta / Motorola will catch-up enough so CATV subscribers will not have to take as big a performance hit with picture quality if leasing their STBs.

How 'bout the one integrated with the LG plasma which is available now? I'm not sure if it's functional with cable but I'd be surprised if it's not.

How 'bout the one integrated with the LG plasma which is available now? I'm not sure if it's functional with cable but I'd be surprised if it's not.Since I own a 50PX50U it's not an option for me, but...

considering the LG 50/60PY2DR is a DCR-TV with an integrated DVR, it would be interesting to know just how functional the video recorder is within the context of ECM/CCI content protection?

(edit)

Just "confirmed" per the owner's manual, that the DVR feature is not operational for "copy protected" programs. This is the BIG "catch-22" for CATV digital subscribers with DCR TVs.

http://home.nycap.rr.com/nessus/lg50py2dr_dvr.JPG

suspect0-
When was your TV ordered? I also have access to discounted products direct from Panasonic and I just set up a fake order in an effort to help you narrow down your window of arrival but it's showing that if I order the TV now it won't ship till October 3 and will be shipped via Standard Home Delivery (they basically drop the box off inside your front door and you take it from there). I didn't check to see if an upgraded delivery option was available.

Ordered it last week and was was told it would ship "within 45 days" which pretty much means the end of september. I actually had several delivery options. Basically you get a call from a local delivery company when they receive it and you can schedule a delivery at your convenience. That part I like...

Ok, dumb question here, but I'll ask it anyway. I'm just about finished with the 100 hr break in period for the px50u and wondering if it's safe to watch dvds in their native formate now. I would also love to hear others experiences during the early post break in period, I.E. do's, don'ts, and any heads up type of info you guys have would be appreciated.

shasta-
I'd recommend still being mindful of what you're watchingfor another 100 hours or so, but to help ease your soul a bit we never properly break in our display sets in our showroom and the only plasma that has any amount of burn-in at all is our Pioneer that has Lord of the Rings running in 2.35:1 all day long non-stop. My point is, it's not as big of a concern as one might think. I highly doubt you'll cause burn-in by watching 2.35:1 DVDs as long as it's not all you're watching. I'm sure you've got some TV watching or possibly game playing that you're doing as well.

If I was to split my signal to a cable card and a dvr, would the dvr only be able to record analog channels that aren't encrypted since all my subscription information would be in the cable card? With that in mind, is there a fairly inexpensive DVR that anyone recommends to be able to record the few shows that air at the same time? I'm assuming that you just switch inputs to start recording something and then switch back to the CC input to watch something else, is this correct?

[QUOTE=optivity]That would be either your QAM tuner that enables the TV to receive unscrambled HD channels OTA, or your coax if the Cable provider is sending unscrambled HD content. [QUOTE]

Actually that is incorrect. The ATSC tuner built into the set decodes the OTA HD channels. The QAM tuner is for decoding cable HD channels that are unscrambled. The built-in NTSC tuner of course gets all your old fashioned analog channels.

Darren

I'm trying to understand the NTSC/ATSC/QAM thing. I composed a long post, but figured rather than take this thread further OT I'd start a new thread in the HDTV Hardware forum (hope that's the right place...) Please take a look over here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=571481) and help me out.

Thanks!

...Perry.

I was glancing over at the Monster Cable Thread, and there was a reference to a test of different brands of cable tested by PC World, and a link to an online article. (Sorry I do not know how to post links- you would think I would after after 80 posts.) The upshot was what I alsway suspected, that all cables produce the same picture, and that there is no real difference that is visible. (Read the article before you flame me).

Anyhow, an interesting side note was related to impedance and signal quality. Apparently, cables transmit signals at 75 ohms impedence. But RCA connectors have 50 ohms impedence (hope I am getting the terms right here.) Bottom line: signal loss anytime you use RCA cables. So it makes sense that the direct cable connection into the Panny PX of your choice should yield a better picture on analog channels. Since digital signals are transmitted as 1's and 0's, there should be no signal loss.

.
Sorry I do not know how to post links- you would think I would after after 80 posts..

To insert a link, select/highlight the url on the address bar, copy (CRTL-C) and then paste in the message (CRTL-V). :)

To insert a link, select/highlight the url on the address bar, copy (CRTL-C) and then paste in the message (CRTL-V). :)

Sorry. What I meant was I don't know how to do them in the fancy way that you can put a whole link in one word.

I was glancing over at the Monster Cable Thread, and there was a reference to a test of different brands of cable tested by PC World, and a link to an online article. (Sorry I do not know how to post links- you would think I would after after 80 posts.) The upshot was what I alsway suspected, that all cables produce the same picture, and that there is no real difference that is visible. (Read the article before you flame me).

Anyhow, an interesting side note was related to impedance and signal quality. Apparently, cables transmit signals at 75 ohms impedence. But RCA connectors have 50 ohms impedence (hope I am getting the terms right here.) Bottom line: signal loss anytime you use RCA cables. So it makes sense that the direct cable connection into the Panny PX of your choice should yield a better picture on analog channels. Since digital signals are transmitted as 1's and 0's, there should be no signal loss.

Most cable connections are made using 'F' style connectors crimped on to 75 ohm cable. Those 'F' connectors are 75 ohm.

I think the only time to worry about RCA connections being 75 ohms is when you're using digital audio over coax. There are special 75 ohm RCA crimp connectors, one can make the cables pretty easily.

RF coax=75 ohms
Digital coax=75 ohms
RCA=110 ohms

I'm trying to understand the NTSC/ATSC/QAM thing. I composed a long post, but figured rather than take this thread further OT I'd start a new thread in the HDTV Hardware forum (hope that's the right place...) Please take a look over here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=571481) and help me out.

Thanks!

...Perry.


It seems like you've got it, but you make it a little more complex than I think it has to be. NTSC=traditional analog whether cable or OTA
ATSC=digital whether cable or OTA
QAM =ATSC approved digital cable format
Scrambled=encrypted which requires de-encryption before viewing, applicable to some QAM (cable) signals while others are "in the clear" and require no de-encryption.

It seems like you've got it, but you make it a little more complex than I think it has to be. NTSC=traditional analog whether cable or OTA
ATSC=digital whether cable or OTA
QAM =ATSC approved digital cable format
Scrambled=encrypted which requires de-encryption before viewing, applicable to some QAM (cable) signals while others are "in the clear" and require no de-encryption.

This is it, except we often see "ATSC" used to mean "ATSC with 8VSB modulation" for OTA signals; and "QAM" used to mean "ATSC with QAM modulation".

I searched the thread, I really did. So don't hit me if this has been covered. :D

Can I use the 42PD50U speakers as a center speaker in a 5.1 sound system? Is it possible? Is it wise?

Optivity - Not sure your correct. Seems to me that with a coax cable plugged into the back of my PX500, after a scan of channels, I get a few channels that are HD. Specifically, Discovery and the networks. I thought the internal tuners in the PX500 were designed to allow this. It sure seems to be a sweet picture plus the recall says the signal is 1080i.I also get the network HD channels with cable straight from the wall to the TV's tuner and no CableCard. I get CBS-HD, NBC-HD, ABC-HD, FOX-HD, TNT-HD, and KCET-HD. The channel numbers are not mapped correctly without the CableCard, but i added them to my favorites so they were easy to find.

When i had the CableCard i was also able to get all my digital channels (Speedvision :-) and all of my Hi-Def package channels (HDNet, ESPN-HD, DiscoveryHD, INHD1 & INHD2, and HDMovie and they were all mapped correctly (same numbers as my SA8000HD and 3510HD).

There are some people here and on the tube TV forum who said that they get their local HD stations on the analog tier, like channel 74 and 77 for instance so it really depends on one's particular cable company.

I know it doesn't make sense, but all my analog channels (2-99) look a little better through my SD SA8000 connected via S-Video than they do using the same RF cable connected directly to the TV's RF input no matter how i configured it or swapped cables and inputs. I had the exact same results with my 32" HD-ready tube TV. A TWC tech that came to the house for a VOD problem says this is normal with their system, something about their STBs making better use of their encrypted signal compared to the signal sent in analog form. I don't know how all that works but all i know is no matter what i do the PQ is a bit grainy through the internal tuner. No amount of user-menu tweaking could make it better with either TV. I know this is not the norm but that's how it is with my cable company and my two HD TVs, as well as my 20" Sharp LCD TV.

HD on the other hand does look a little better through the TVs tuner than it does through my SA8000HD but about the same as my old 3510HD connected via Component on all three TVs.

Sorry. What I meant was I don't know how to do them in the fancy way that you can put a whole link in one word.
Go to the Advanced editor (either hit the quote button, or hit the 'go advanced' button below the 'quick reply' editing box). There's an Insert Hyperlink icon under the Color dropdown; looks like a little globe with a little chain. Clicking this will bring up a dialog box to enter the text you want displayed, then another to enter the url.

The resulting code is something like this (ignore the fancy colours):
test (http://my.link.com/something.html)
...which you can type into the quick reply box if you'd rather.

HTH... Perry.

Small semi-related update on the reported Panny price drop coming 8/28...

Monday's CED is reporting that Samsung will be dropping prices on all LCD and plasma FPDs, effective...

...wait for it...

8/28.

The blurb focused mainly on LCD FPDs, but they initimated that the 50" model would drop $1,000 to match the Panny drop (the 63" model will stay the same, though). Unlike the original Panny story, CED implied that this was a done deal.

If I was to split my signal to a cable card and a dvr, would the dvr only be able to record analog channels that aren't encrypted since all my subscription information would be in the cable card? With that in mind, is there a fairly inexpensive DVR that anyone recommends to be able to record the few shows that air at the same time? I'm assuming that you just switch inputs to start recording something and then switch back to the CC input to watch something else, is this correct?

You can still record any channel with the cable split. The DVR can unencrypt all channels just like the CC. The cheapest option is the DVR from your cable company. And actually, most DVRs are dual tuner so you can enjoy PIP and record one or two shows at the same time. I typically just set my DVR to record what I'm interested in and watch normal TV via CC since it both looks and sounds better.

Housecor,

Are you recording HD with the DVR? Or non-HD CADTV?

Thanks

I've had my PD50U for about 2 months now and am very impressed with the performance to date. Until this week when I started getting the weirdest problem:

While watching SD (and even sometimes HD) content, the picture would loose a lot of its red content. You could tell this was happening as all the "flesh tones" on people's faces would go dull. This would last for a few seconds (up to 10) and return to normal. Sometimes a red horizontal line would flash in and out of the picture too. Very odd.

I have not seen this effect when watching my TiVo or DVD player. I view my SD and HD programming via the Comcast DCT 5100. I'm hoping this is a STB issue and not a problem with the TV.

Has anyone else seen this problem with their displays? If so, were you able to isolate the problem and how did you fix it? Thanks...

Most cable connections are made using 'F' style connectors crimped on to 75 ohm cable. Those 'F' connectors are 75 ohm.

I think the only time to worry about RCA connections being 75 ohms is when you're using digital audio over coax. There are special 75 ohm RCA crimp connectors, one can make the cables pretty easily.
I was talking about connections between an STB and the TV. If you use component, aren't those RCA cables? Sorry for the confusion, but I did not mean the cable than comes from the service provider, only the interconnection cabling. On my sets I use RCA for all of those.

It says that RCA cables are 50 ohms here (http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/article/0,aid,121777,00.asp)

Thanks for the tip PerryU!


Darren

When I called CC's 1-800 number tonight the guy specifically said price-matching was taken pre-rebate. Of course he also said that they price-matched Amazon.com which to my utter-non-surprise, they refuted in the store this evening. When I got a CC guy on the phone while in the store, the rep said he had never heard of the guy I had dealt with earlier and that they definitely did not price-match Amazon.com.

I guess we'll know around 8/28.

Thanks again everyone. I appreciate all the responses.

-p-


Question, I see where the local CC is advertising the TH-50PX50U for several hundred dollas less than I paid. This reduced price is taking into account a rebate. Does anyone know if they will pay the difference in cost including the rebate?
Thanks

It went back to CC today. I just can't put up with the background noise and I also began to notice a color hue shifting (especially with scene changes). It's subtle and at first I thought I was imagining it, but confirmed by the wife.

Anyway, back to square one. I guess I'll just wait and research a bit more.

It sure seems like the price drop is going to happen on schedule next week. I am curious how much discount to MSRP will be available, though. Part of this is going to come from margin compression, I bet.

Thanks for the input, and your right it works better than re-booting. However, based on one of the responses to my original post I stumbled onto a fix for the problem. Strangely if you turn the cable box on before the panel, the DVI to HDMI connection will not be recognized by the panel and you won't get a picture, however if you turn the panel on before the cable box the connection is then recognized when the cable box is turned on. I'm not a 100% sure why this is, but I am fairly certin that it's not a fault of the panel or cable box, but rather of the DVI to HDMI cross connection.

This used to work for me as well. Actually, I turned on the panel, turned on cable box, turned off cable box, turned it back on and it would work. Suddenly, it no longer works. I do not believe it is the DVI to HDMI and here's why: I have a direct DVI to DVI connection and experience this problem. I have a Samsung DVD player with HDMI to DVI conversion and it works just fine with the panel. The issue is definitely the cable box.

First time poster. I am 95% sure I will be purchasing the Panny TH-50PX50U
this weekend. After reading many posts about CableCards and digital audio out, I still have a basic questions. Here is how I understand it.

Panny TH-50PX50U HDTV
DVD Player with HDMI out

I connect the DVD player to HDTV through HDMI cable. If I still want surround sound I then need to somehow connect the audio (that goes through the HDMI cable) back to my AV Receiver. This requires an audio cable out of the back of the Plasma HDTV (through the digital audio out) back to my receiver. Now I have two wires going from my Plasma (one HDMI to DVD Player and 1 Audio cable to my receiver). Doesn't this negate one of the selling features of HDMI (only one cable needed)?

Also, my understanding is that the digital audio out from the Plasma TV does not carry full 5.1 surround sound, but rather just 2 channel audio (because that is what the TV can only reproduce). So even if I run the digital audio out cable to my receiver the full 5.1 surround will not be heard because the TV (while it does receive 5.1 sound through the HDMI cable) it cannot output it back to my receiver. Is this correct?

I have the same questions as it pertains to my CableVision DVR Cable Box with HDMI out. I would also think this would be the same for someone who uses a CableCard.

Checkout this article
http://news.designtechnica.com/talkback45_page1.html

The answer to your first question is: Yes. You still need to run a cable for the audio back to your receiver (fiber optic cable). The only reduction in cables (I can think of) is in the case where you want to sometimes use surround sound via your receiver and other times the TV speakers. Without HDMI it would require and extra set of RCA cables going from DVD player to the TV.

I believe you are also correct on your second question. I thought I read this in the manual somewhere but cannot find it anymore. I ran an experiment with my Samsung HD950 and PX50U. I could only get 2channel audio. However, the HD950 was only outputting 2channel audio. When I switch the HD950 audio option to output fully digital bitstream, it actually gives me a message telling me the HDMI audio is disabled. It will only pass PCM (2channel) over the HDMI. So, I am not positive the PX50U does not pass 5.1 out the digital out, but would be surprised if it did.

Housecor,

Are you recording HD with the DVR? Or non-HD CADTV?

Thanks

Both HD and SD with a SA 8300HD DVR

Quick question. A friend picked up the 42PX500U and is using it on Cablevision with a Cablecard. He say's he can't figure out how to get the Channel Guides working with the Cablecard. Any ideas? He's worked with Panasonic, but they were of no help. I'm sure someone here has figured it out.

Thanks in advance.

I just picked up the 42PD50U. When first plugged in I could change aspect ratio using only 480i inputs. Now it seems stuck and will no longer switch. Any ideas?

Pete

...I believe you are also correct on your second question. I thought I read this in the manual somewhere but cannot find it anymore. I ran an experiment with my Samsung HD950 and PX50U. I could only get 2channel audio. However, the HD950 was only outputting 2channel audio. When I switch the HD950 audio option to output fully digital bitstream, it actually gives me a message telling me the HDMI audio is disabled. It will only pass PCM (2channel) over the HDMI. So, I am not positive the PX50U does not pass 5.1 out the digital out, but would be surprised if it did.

This is what the Panasonic TH-XXPX50 User Manual has to say [P 14]:
"For a full Home Theater sound experience, an external Dolby Digital decoder and a multichannel amplifier must be connected to the DIGITAL AUDIO OUT terminal on the TV.
• Dolby Digital 5.1 channel surround sound delivers digital-quality sound. Dolby Digital provides five discrete fullbandwidth channels for front left, front right, center, surround left and surround right, plus a LFE (Low Frequency Effect) subwoofer channel.
• When ATSC channel is selected, the output from the DIGITAL AUDIO OUT jack will be Dolby Digital. When NTSC channel is selected, the output will be PCM."

Got it working again.

Interesting....
Did a reset thru the menu and it worked as it's supposed to. Went into the menus and set it back up to my settings. Still worked. Did a channel scan to erase all saved channels since I don't use RF input. Stopped working. Added channel 4 manually and it is now working again. Seems you can't have it set up w/o at lest 1 RF channel in memory.

Pete

Question, I see where the local CC is advertising the TH-50PX50U for several hundred dollas less than I paid. This reduced price is taking into account a rebate. Does anyone know if they will pay the difference in cost including the rebate?
Thanks

OK, here's the thing: I've seen places on this forum (this thread even I think) where people have said that CC takes the rebate into account. So, for example, if CC _hypothetically_ (not real prices mods :)) had the TV listed for $3,000 with a $500 rebate (making it actually $2,500), and you came into the store with a listing for $2,750 CC would NOT price match because your "price" is $2,500 including the rebate.

Unsure of this, I've called India^H^H^H^H^Htheir 1-800 number and have been told TWICE by separate individuals that $3,000 was the price and that they WOULD price match. The big poster my local CC has on the wall at the store does not mention rebates other than to exclude other store's rebates.

But who knows? I expect a different answer when I get to the store.

That all said, can someone point me to CED? I keep seeing references to it, but don't know what it is. Consumer Electronics Digest by Warren publishing? Thanks.

-p-

Mods Note:

Please be mindful of Pricing Rules.

No Discount, Pricing, Coupons, Rebates, Etc Talk Allowed!

Thanks.

Dave

Quick question. A friend picked up the 42PX500U and is using it on Cablevision with a Cablecard. He say's he can't figure out how to get the Channel Guides working with the Cablecard. Any ideas? He's worked with Panasonic, but they were of no help. I'm sure someone here has figured it out.

Thanks in advance.

Have your friend call the provider and verify that CableCard use does not nullify Channel Guide.

I was warned of this by my provider when I inquired about upgrading to Digital Plus with Comcast. If you use the box however all is well. I still went with CableCard for the better PQ and sound.

I just picked up the 42PD50U. When first plugged in I could change aspect ratio using only 480i inputs. Now it seems stuck and will no longer switch. Any ideas?

Pete

TV-wise, how are you feeding it? Did you make any changes/upgrades since you first tried it out and changed the ratios?

When you play a DVD can you change the ratio then? If your player is Progressive set the toggle to off or manual to verify.

Quick question. A friend picked up the 42PX500U and is using it on Cablevision with a Cablecard. He say's he can't figure out how to get the Channel Guides working with the CablecardHave your friend call the provider and verify that CableCard use does not nullify Channel Guide.

I was warned of this by my provider when I inquired about upgrading to Digital Plus with Comcast.Sounds like either user error or a CATV provider blowing smoke to me... ;)

EPGs are typically sent within the broadcast transport stream. The ATSC standard for DTV uses tables sent in each station's PSIP. The Program and System Information Protocol is the ATSC digital television standard for carrying data about each channel.

Originally Posted by handydave
Quick question. A friend picked up the 42PX500U and is using it on Cablevision with a Cablecard. He say's he can't figure out how to get the Channel Guides working with the Cablecard

Originally Posted by ClarkeBar
Have your friend call the provider and verify that CableCard use does not nullify Channel Guide.

I was warned of this by my provider when I inquired about upgrading to Digital Plus with Comcast.

Sounds like either user error or a CATV provider blowing smoke to me... ;)

EPGs are typically sent within the broadcast transport stream. The ATSC standard for DTV uses tables sent in each station's PSIP. The Program and System Information Protocol is the ATSC digital television standard for carrying data about each channel.

I use Comcast with cablecard (no box) on my 50px500u and have no problem with the Channel Guide operation. After initial setup, the info is downloaded, usually overnight.

I just picked up the 42PD50U. When first plugged in I could change aspect ratio using only 480i inputs. Now it seems stuck and will no longer switch. Any ideas?

Pete

The # sign on your remote control is what changes aspect. If you are viewing HD channels you cannot change the aspect ratio.

I am looking to purchase a UPS to protect my PX50 and receiver, DVD, sat box. With my TV and reciever I am looking at 800 watts, add the dvd and sat rec and im sure im close to 900. Im not looking to keep everything running in case of an outtage, but more interested in surge protection and voltage regulation. I was thinking of getting a 500VA unit. Even though its not rated at 900 watts, more like 530 watts. I believe the wattage rating is for when its running on battieies , right? Shoudnt a 500VA take care of my needs? Any opinions?

Thanks

Did anyone notice that Amazon has the TH-50PX50U?

[MSRP ONLY - Marketing/Prices Are Not Allowed]

Mods Note:

Please be mindful of Pricing Rules.

No Discount, Pricing, Coupons, Rebates, Etc Talk Allowed!

Thanks.

Dave

I know that you folks can read!!!!!!

Dave

Did anyone notice that Amazon has the TH-50PX50U?

[MSRP ONLY - Marketing/Prices Are Not Allowed]


That's a scam. Read the reviews.


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

I am looking to purchase a UPS to protect my PX50 and receiver, DVD, sat box. With my TV and reciever I am looking at 800 watts, add the dvd and sat rec and im sure im close to 900. Im not looking to keep everything running in case of an outtage, but more interested in surge protection and voltage regulation. I was thinking of getting a 500VA unit. Even though its not rated at 900 watts, more like 530 watts. I believe the wattage rating is for when its running on battieies , right? Shoudnt a 500VA take care of my needs? Any opinions?

First suggestion is that this is probably a thread for Audio Accessories, but given that it's here...

Most UPSes don't do very good voltage regulation and even worse line conditioning. How much that matters is a religious debate. IF you believe that pure wave forms are important, a Panamax or similar (i.e. Monster) is a good bet. They don't include a UPS, but they condition, regulate and protect.

If you don't believe the actual waveform is so critical, a cheap UPS for a PC would be sufficient. But realize an entry-level Panamax isn't all that expensive either; you save on not having a battery. And the protection guarantee is nice.

All that said, my view is:

Digital equipment (and many tubes, but I explicitly omit tubes from this analysis) typically convert AC to DC, with the help of a variety of components including capacitors and transformers that smooth it out nicely. And with the help of voltage regulators that then dissipate excess voltage as heat, further smoothing it out.
But I bought a Panamax. The guarantee is nice.
No, I can't hear a difference. I have a home, not an acoustic laboratory.
And I will scoff at anyone buying a $200 power cord and plugging it into a wall terminated in 500ft. of unshielded Romex attached to City Light.

Feel free to come to your own conclusions, such as that...
TechnoCat has schizophrenia
TechnoCat is undermedicated
That large glass of Bookers Bourbon must have been exceptionally well distilled
and of course any conclusion you reach on UPSes and power conditioners.

Sorry to burst your CableCard bubble Op...

All I know is I have no Channel Guide operation. When in DTV mode and pressing my Guide button all I ever get is 'no Guide Channel available' on the screen. This is precisely what I was told would happen...and sure enough it does. Here in 'Monkey' County, Md. this is the way things are with Comcast CableCard delivery. They still provide the 'pathetic rolling screen of torturous death taking about an hour to go through the listings' on one or two channels but that is it...and that ain't much.

Sorry to burst your CableCard bubble Op...

All I know is I have no Channel Guide operation. When in DTV mode and pressing my Guide button all I ever get is 'no Guide Channel available' on the screen. This is precisely what I was told would happen...and sure enough it does. Here in 'Monkey' County, Md. this is the way things are with Comcast CableCard delivery. They still provide the 'pathetic rolling screen of torturous death taking about an hour to go through the listings' on one or two channels but that is it...and that ain't much.It's interesting to discover these providers don't follow their own protocols to deliver program information. Can you bring up a program guide on one of their STBs? If not, I'd be interested to know how/why your Comcast provider has decided to implement DTV this way.

I do not use any kind of box from Comcast but I know that guides are available through them. I have no idea why removing the stupid box from the delivery path should result in loss of Guide with CableCard use but it does. I can't imagine what systemic technical problem with guide delivery could account for this situation with CableCard...and the CSRs don't seem able to explain it in any technical sense. They just apologize for the inconvenience and say it won't appear.

does everybody leave the audio settings on default? If not can you post what you set it to? I have a 50px500u, and when im watching tv i can barely hear the dialog. If i make it loud enough to hear the dialog, then when any music plays or sound effects, is is wayyyyyyyyyy too loud. Anybody that knows more about audio then me have any advice?? I end up sitting there with the remote in my hand becuse i constantly have to change the volume. thanks

I am looking to purchase a UPS to protect my PX50 and receiver, DVD, sat box. With my TV and reciever I am looking at 800 watts, add the dvd and sat rec and im sure im close to 900. Im not looking to keep everything running in case of an outtage, but more interested in surge protection and voltage regulation. I was thinking of getting a 500VA unit. Even though its not rated at 900 watts, more like 530 watts. I believe the wattage rating is for when its running on battieies , right? Shoudnt a 500VA take care of my needs? Any opinions?

Thanks

Flying finn, i use a APC Back-UPS ES 500 which is 300 watts. I have my denon receiver, dvd, vcr, plasma all hooked up. Where i live they are always having power peaks. I have been using it for over a year and it has been great. It will hold power for up to 10 minutes to allow you to power down if needed.

does everybody leave the audio settings on default? If not can you post what you set it to? I have a 50px500u, and when im watching tv i can barely hear the dialog. If i make it loud enough to hear the dialog, then when any music plays or sound effects, is is wayyyyyyyyyy too loud. Anybody that knows more about audio then me have any advice?? I end up sitting there with the remote in my hand becuse i constantly have to change the volume. thanks

Are you using a STB, or are you running sound directly from the TV? I have the TH-42PD50U and if i turn the Surround ON in the Audio Menu, the volume is low and when background noise is sounded it is very load. I prefer to have the Surround feature Off. If you are running your sound through a receiver make sure your cables are ok as faulty cables can cause problems. I use a receiver for the majority of my sound but i also use the plasma's speakers for when i don't want to be to loud as 5.1 can sometimes be to loud if you know what i mean. I have had to reset my STB on occasion because the sound from the TV's speakers don't work as they should. Good ole Time Warner STB. If it only had a CC slot. :(

Are you using a STB, or are you running sound directly from the TV? I have the TH-42PD50U and if i turn the Surround ON in the Audio Menu, the volume is low and when background noise is sounded it is very load. I prefer to have the Surround feature Off. If you are running your sound through a receiver make sure your cables are ok as faulty cables can cause problems. I use a receiver for the majority of my sound but i also use the plasma's speakers for when i don't want to be to loud as 5.1 can sometimes be to loud if you know what i mean. I have had to reset my STB on occasion because the sound from the TV's speakers don't work as they should. Good ole Time Warner STB. If it only had a CC slot. :(
i am using stb, no receiver (yet). I will try to turn off surround sound, thanks

Well - my 42px500 arrived just before noon today - didn't take too long to set up, although i was missing one of the screws for the base....

anyway, besides that minor issue - the thing looks fantastic - it makes the old 27" look ridiculous - just need to figure out how to increase storage space in the comcast DVR - too bad you can't zoom 4:3 HD content

thanks again for helping me with this decision!

Well - my 42px500 arrived just before noon today - didn't take too long to set up, although i was missing one of the screws for the base....

anyway, besides that minor issue - the thing looks fantastic - it makes the old 27" look ridiculous - just need to figure out how to increase storage space in the comcast DVR - too bad you can't zoom 4:3 HD content

thanks again for helping me with this decision!

Rick,

I was wondering if you see any line such as the one that I ultimately saw on a 42PX50U set (and two replacements) purchased - and returned - to my local CC in Arlington, VA last week.

Rick,

I was wondering if you see any line such as the one that I ultimately saw on a 42PX50U set (and two replacements) purchased - and returned - to my local CC in Arlington, VA last week.

I didn't remember reading your posts, funny how I have selective memory with this TV stuff....

After reading your post again, I really started going over the screen - I've got the little league world series on, and I'm happy to report that, while I CAN see the coach's nose hair, I cannot see the line you encountered.

Are you going to keep trying? Good Luck!


I can't get over how big this thing is in my living room....

I didn't remember reading your posts, funny how I have selective memory with this TV stuff....

After reading your post again, I really started going over the screen - I've got the little league world series on, and I'm happy to report that, while I CAN see the coach's nose hair, I cannot see the line you encountered.

Are you going to keep trying? Good Luck!


I can't get over how big this thing is in my living room....

Rick,

I am *very* happy to hear that you, nor many other folks have had this problem! :)

In fact, my fiancee and I have decided to put the pdp purchase on hold indefinitely, possibly waiting to determine whether the new 6th gen Pioneer panels are going to be single drive panels, and possibly to consider other options.

Some folks here pm'd me and urged me to try another panel, which I did, over the weekend after having CC pick up the second one. However, the third one not only had a very thick line that the service folks saw when they arrived to return it, but it buzzed incredibly. I swear that the third one wasn't "new", but I had no way to prove that...Anyway!

After three units, there've just been too many resources diverted to what should have been an easy, fun project. We're disillusioned, and disappointed. But we'll find something...Eventually!

Wishing you continued enjoyment!

BTW: Thanks to all who offered friendly support during the last few days. Most kind.

Rick,

I am *very* happy to hear that you, nor many other folks have had this problem! :)

In fact, my fiancee and I have decided to put the pdp purchase on hold indefinitely, possibly waiting to determine whether the new 6th gen Pioneer panels are going to be single drive panels, and possibly to consider other options.

Some folks here pm'd me and urged me to try another panel, which I did, over the weekend after having CC pick up the second one. However, the third one not only had a very thick line that the service folks saw when they arrived to return it, but it buzzed incredibly. I swear that the third one wasn't "new", but I had no way to prove that...Anyway!

After three units, there've just been too many resources diverted to what should have been an easy, fun project. We're disillusioned, and disappointed. But we'll find something...Eventually!

Wishing you continued enjoyment!

BTW: Thanks to all who offered friendly support during the last few days. Most kind.

not sure exactly what line you see, but are you sure its not the signal or cable box or another factor??

not sure exactly what line you see, but are you sure its not the signal or cable box or another factor??

Hi,

Please look back at my postings from last week...I tried multiple inputs for many different pieces of equipment. The lines were a result of pdps still being dual-, rather than single-drive displays. The line was omnipresent, and varied in color. Plus, on two of those three displays, the upper half of the pdp was brighter than the lower half.

The only equipment problem was of the pdp, either caused by delivery (three sets??) or manufacture (two from July 2005/Japan, one from earlier in Mexico). I confirmed this through research, the fact that you could see the unbroken lines from across the room regardless of source (one was roughly two pixels "tall", while the other two were about four), and with two Panasonic techs.

Again, thanks to those who assisted me!

Hi,

Please look back at my postings from last week...I tried multiple inputs for many different pieces of equipment. The lines were a result of pdps still being dual-, rather than single-drive displays. The line was omnipresent, and varied in color. Plus, on two of those three displays, the upper half of the pdp was brighter than the lower half.

The only equipment problem was of the pdp, either caused by delivery (three sets??) or manufacture (two from July 2005/Japan, one from earlier in Mexico). I confirmed this through research, the fact that you could see the unbroken lines from across the room regardless of source (one was roughly two pixels "tall", while the other two were about four), and with two Panasonic techs.

Again, thanks to those who assisted me!
ok fair enough - just seen that you had a problem on 3 different displays that nobody else (at least nobody that i have seen) seems to have. Stay away from vegas.

ok fair enough - just seen that you had a problem on 3 different displays that nobody else (at least nobody that i have seen) seems to have. Stay away from vegas.

You're telling me!

Two of our intrepid members did direct me to a few UK websites where the line problem was, while not exactly common, more prevalent.

Argh!

Hi All,

I came home tonight to find my px500 with a message on the screen "Firmware upgrade in progress - Cablecard firmware upgrade in prog". I thought, "okay, well it can't hurt, should only fix things, right?" Well, that darn message has been up on my screen now for hours! I'm having burn-in anxiety! The "cocks communications" guy said it had to be on to receive the upgrade, but has no idea why it's stuck in a loop. Been over 2 hours. Throughout these hours, i've turned it off for about 45 minutes, left it on for about 1:15 hours, turned it of for like 45 seconds and even unplugged it! Has anyone experienced this? Or better yet, what the hell do you all think i do? The earliest they can come out is Thursday night!! No cable for 2 days? What do I do, please help!!! optivity, I know you have SOME thoughts on it! i mean it IS a cablecard after all!;)

hi all,
I'm new here so forgive me if my questions seem noob-ish!
I recently bought a 50px50u and I have a few questions/minor problems:

1) The STB (or the TV, I don't know which) seems bent on upconverting all SD content to 1080i. I see this when I press the Recall button on the remote. The HD channels are outputting correctly (FOXHD in 720p, TNTHD in 1080i, etc). But the only way I can get SD channels in anything other than 1080i is to uncheck 1080i in the output formats in the STB settings. I'd then have to uncheck 720p to get SD to output in 480i or 480p. I've heard of a passthrough feature, but my STB (Pioneer 3150HD connected by component) doesn't seem to have it. Any ideas?

2) I can't seem to adjust the aspect using the panasonic remote, even when the output is 480i/480p. I press the Aspect button and the TV button flashes but nothing happens. I can only adjust aspect on the cable channels using the STB remote. However, I want to be able to zoom in when my PC is connected via S-video. The PC display doesn't take up the whole screen on the plasma (there are black borders all around). I was thinking zooming would do the job of getting rid of the borders, but I can't do it at all! Is there a fix for this?

3) Some channels, particularly SD content, show a black border on the right side of the screen (the picture fills up everywhere else). Is this an example of underscan? Is there any way to get the picture to take up the whole screen? I'm afraid of the border causing burn - in effects.

i'd appreciate any help! :)

Hi All,

I came home tonight to find my px500 with a message on the screen "Firmware upgrade in progress - Cablecard firmware upgrade in prog". I thought, "okay, well it can't hurt, should only fix things, right?" Well, that darn message has been up on my screen now for hours! I'm having burn-in anxiety! The "cocks communications" guy said it had to be on to receive the upgrade, but has no idea why it's stuck in a loop. Been over 2 hours. Throughout these hours, i've turned it off for about 45 minutes, left it on for about 1:15 hours, turned it of for like 45 seconds and even unplugged it! Has anyone experienced this? Or better yet, what the hell do you all think i do? The earliest they can come out is Thursday night!! No cable for 2 days? What do I do, please help!!! optivity, I know you have SOME thoughts on it! i mean it IS a cablecard after all!;)

I'd switch to another input and watch something else.

If that's not an option maybe you should wait until it's no longer "stuck in the loop" to get the upgrade.

Mscappa,

Sounds like a defective Card...it happens. Tell them you want a new one and to test it before bringing it out.

You might try popping the Card out, waiting a bit and reinserting it...can't hurt.

Mscappa,

Sounds like a defective Card...it happens. Tell them you want a new one and to test it before bringing it out.

You might try popping the Card out, waiting a bit and reinserting it...can't hurt.


thanks for the advice, but doesn't it have some kind of localization settings? i was under the impression that if you pulled the card, it wouldn't maintain the initial setup? is that not correct? no harm in pulling, really? have you done it before?

Hi All,

I came home tonight to find my px500 with a message on the screen "Firmware upgrade in progress - Cablecard firmware upgrade in prog". I thought, "okay, well it can't hurt, should only fix things, right?" Well, that darn message has been up on my screen now for hours! I'm having burn-in anxiety! The "cocks communications" guy said it had to be on to receive the upgrade, but has no idea why it's stuck in a loop. Been over 2 hours. Throughout these hours, i've turned it off for about 45 minutes, left it on for about 1:15 hours, turned it of for like 45 seconds and even unplugged it! Has anyone experienced this? Or better yet, what the hell do you all think i do? The earliest they can come out is Thursday night!! No cable for 2 days? What do I do, please help!!! optivity, I know you have SOME thoughts on it! i mean it IS a cablecard after all!;)My impression is an over the wire CableCARD firmware upgrade can take hours. If you want to receive the firmware upgrade I'd recommend you leave the TV plugged in but turned off to avoid the risk of static image retention. Obviously, you can turn the TV on periodically to check the progress. I’m not sure how long the upgrade takes but your cable provider should know. I thought there was a firmware upgrade from Panasonic for 500U CableCARD slots that had something to do with remote access to CableCARDs installed in the host node TV? I’m not really sure about this; I believe I found that information from the Forum discussions at ecoustics.com.

It's not a problem to pull & reinsert the CableCARD; I've done this a number of times. When reinserted the CableCARD will contact its head-end to retrieve the channel mappings. I believe using the 'reset' option under your setup menu will achieve the same result.

when swithcing channels w/my cablevision cable card it seems to "lag" and get "hung-up"in displaying the next channel. Is this a problem w/the card or the TV?

That all said, can someone point me to CED? I keep seeing references to it, but don't know what it is. Consumer Electronics Digest by Warren publishing? Thanks.

-p-
Can anyone point me to who/what is CED?

I also was looking for a DVD player and came across this thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=477740) that really made me rethink getting a progressive scan DVD player (if I understood Bob correctly). I posted a question regarding what sort of DVD player to get depending on how I would hook it up to the Panny 42px50u since the TV has only one HDMI input. If anyone has any comments, I'd appreciate them (here or in the other thread).

-p-

when swithcing channels w/my cablevision cable card it seems to "lag" and get "hung-up"in displaying the next channel. Is this a problem w/the card or the TV?

Probably neither. A lot of sets take a little longer to change digital channels. There's a little more to do.

Comcast STB
- I did a quick search, but didn't find what i was looking for - the 130+ pages of info is incredible....


I know cable card would be the best, but I was curious which setting you guys use for the output of the Moto cable box (720p or 1080i) It's not ideal, and I can try it both ways to see for myself, but I imagine many of you have already been down this road - and I figured I'd save myself a few minutes of headscratching and "dumb questions" for my wife's opinion...

I picked 720p yesterday when I set it up, thinking it was closer to the TV's resolution, but I've read the TV's scaler is superior to the STB's - so maybe 1080i is better given that most HD is in 1080i....?

any thoughts?

What model Motorola STB are you using and what connection interface (e.g. component or HDMI)?

Rick, I prefer the 1080i on my ED Panny, and leave the 480 override at 480i. I really think the Moto scaler isn't that hot. Too bad the box won't output native resolution, I think that would be ideal. Maybe next revision...

I'm using the Moto 6412 DVR over DVI to HDMI.

MScappa,

I see Optivity has already addressed this but I thought I would still reply directly. Yes I have pulled the card and reinserted several times when I was trying to track down a minor noise associated with CableCard usage on my set. I was advised by an AVS member that it was likely a small fan associated only with Cablecard usage. The reinsertions have never caused a problem with Comcast Digital Plus. Likely if one were to insert a completely different Card there might be an issue...but I don't know.

Likely if one were to insert a completely different Card there might be an issue...but I don't know.You are correct, the CableCARD and TV are paired using the physical hardware address. Once paired they cannot be changed or swapped to another device unless reconfigured by the cable provider.

What model Motorola STB are you using and what connection interface (e.g. component or HDMI)?

I'm using the 6412 DVR box hooked up with both DVI to HDMI cable and component in - I think the picture is a bit better with the digital interface, but it might just be in my head - my wife can't tell the difference - I figured for the analog stations, the component might look better (less digitalized???) so i used both inputs

I think right now the STB is streching 4:3 content to 16:9 too, which i'm def. going to change... I think i prefer the TV's justify mode better

Thanks,
Rick

...I picked 720p yesterday when I set it up, thinking it was closer to the TV's resolution, but I've read the TV's scaler is superior to the STB's - so maybe 1080i is better given that most HD is in 1080i....?

any thoughts?
Most plasma displays are optimized for 1080i input and some convert all incoming signals to 1080i prior to internal processing. Panasonic seems biased to 1080i, as witness the fact that they only recently added 720p capability to their external inputs. It seems safe to assume their panels are among those optimized for 1080i, so that would seem to be the place to start.

That said, the difference may be more theoretical than visible, just as you found relatively little difference between component and HDMI inputs, even though the latter theoretically should give a better picture.

After 2 weeks with my 50PX500 I'm really happy with the set. The only minor thing that I noticed is the
HDMI input which produces a noise like an electric drill if I set my HD TIVO to DOLBY DIGITAL. I had to set the HDMI audio to "analog" and link the RCA cables to the HDMI audio in ,otherwise the AUTO or DIGITAL set would produce a big noise .The noise only happens if the program actually is DD 5.1. Setting the TIVO to "regular sound" instead of dolby digital also solves the problem but I want to leave the TIVO on DD.

I second the opinion that 1080I setting produces a better picture on my Panny for most channels.

HDMI seems to be a bit sharper than components but maybe it's just my imagination.

My biggest surprise was the SD picture. Much better than I was expecting.


Sergio

"Most plasma displays are optimized for 1080i input and some convert all incoming signals to 1080i prior to internal processing."

It is more correct to say that many will accept 1080i input, but not 720p input. If a plasma accepts 720p input, it's not going to convert that to 1080i and then process it. Not how it works.

"Most plasma displays are optimized for 1080i input and some convert all incoming signals to 1080i prior to internal processing."

It is more correct to say that many will accept 1080i input, but not 720p input. If a plasma accepts 720p input, it's not going to convert that to 1080i and then process it. Not how it works.
I'll bow to your superior knowledge of these matters, but the explanation I gave was one I read somewhere, although I've long forgotten where. It was not a forum post of any kind, though. It was a seemingly legitimate site.

The problem is, I visited too many of those during my year-and-a-half search for a plasma. Apparently, some may not have been as accurate as they seemed at the time. :o

After 2 weeks with my 50PX500 I'm really happy with the set. The only minor thing that I noticed is the
HDMI input which produces a noise like an electric drill if I set my HD TIVO to DOLBY DIGITAL. I had to set the HDMI audio to "analog" and link the RCA cables to the HDMI audio in ,otherwise the AUTO or DIGITAL set would produce a big noise .The noise only happens if the program actually is DD 5.1. Setting the TIVO to "regular sound" instead of dolby digital also solves the problem but I want to leave the TIVO on DD.


Sergio

I have the 42px500 with HD tivo and have the exact same problem. I've left messages on the tivocomunity board and was told that my plasma wasn't able to decode the dolby digital signal. To me that sounds strange because why would you have the option in the audio section to receive digital or analog.

Hello all, just wondering if anyone has had any experience with the Scientific Atlantic HD 8000 stb provided by Comcast Cable. I've had the TH-PX50U for about three weeks now and just had my previous HD stb changed out for the newer 8000 w/record ability. In short the PQ on SD channels is now way above what it was with the old stb, in fact on some of the digital channels the picture looks very near HD quality. One note however, it's seems that now I have to format hd channels to the fit the screen, with the old box it automatically fit the screen with no manual adjustment. This also leads me to the question of Aspect changing for for HD content, I remember reading on here that the panny I have couldn't change aspect for HD content, yet I have no such problem with mine, I have all aspects available to me on the panel with DH content, as well as through the stb itself. Did I miss-read?

Quick question:

It states in the Panny manuals that Digital channels will be downconverted to 480i and then passed on to VCR/DVD recorder when using the Monitor/Program out.

Can anyone with experience verify this capability for me? Most sets Monitor Out connection, including the Zenith I now own, only let analog channels pass sound and video. On DTV only audio passes. DVD quality video would be a step up if true.

I'm using CableCard and my own DVRs.

Thanks a bunch.

Quick question:

It states in the Panny manuals that Digital channels will be downconverted to 480i and then passed on to VCR/DVD recorder when using the Monitor/Program out.

Can anyone with experience verify this capability for me? Most sets Monitor Out connection, including the Zenith I now own, only let analog channels pass sound and video. On DTV only audio passes. DVD quality video would be a step up if true.

I'm using CableCard and my own DVRs.

Thanks a bunch.The Panasonic PX50U owner's manual states:

"• When a device (STB, DVD, etc.) is connected to the HDMI, COMPONENT, or S-VIDEO terminals (see page 12), only audio signals will be output. No video signals will be output.

• When receiving digital channel signals, all digital formats are down-converted to composite NTSC video to be output through Program Out terminals."

This means you can record NTSC programs of composite video quality. My question is... why would anyone want to? Just rent a DVR instead.

I already have plenty of excellent recorders.

Since they are not HD capable anyway, it wouldn't be too bad a thing if I could record at least most DTV content albeit in NTSC quality. From the sound of it even HD gets down-converted. As it stands now I cannot record any DTV video...only audio.

A provider HD-DVR will be the only solution for full recording capability, I know. But I'd still like to get some use from the ones I already have for more than just analog. Comcast Digital Plus has a good many non-HD channels I wouldn't mind recording. Using CableCard up to now has meant a severe limitation on recording but this capability find with Panny at least allows for a greater measure than I have now.

Most plasma displays are optimized for 1080i input and some convert all incoming signals to 1080i prior to internal processing. Panasonic seems biased to 1080i, as witness the fact that they only recently added 720p capability to their external inputs. It seems safe to assume their panels are among those optimized for 1080i, so that would seem to be the place to start.

That said, the difference may be more theoretical than visible, just as you found relatively little difference between component and HDMI inputs, even though the latter theoretically should give a better picture.
The difference on my panny is substantial. I mentioned it here a few days after getting the Panny and the Denon 2910. Realize that the 2910 is a DVD player and DVDs are inherently 480i and therefore there should be no discernable difference between 720 and 1080 signal going to a near-720 display except for motion, in which the 720 should have the advantage. But the Panny clearly prefers the 1080.

My impression is an over the wire CableCARD firmware upgrade can take hours. If you want to receive the firmware upgrade I'd recommend you leave the TV plugged in but turned off to avoid the risk of static image retention. Obviously, you can turn the TV on periodically to check the progress. I’m not sure how long the upgrade takes but your cable provider should know. I thought there was a firmware upgrade from Panasonic for 500U CableCARD slots that had something to do with remote access to CableCARDs installed in the host node TV? I’m not really sure about this; I believe I found that information from the Forum discussions at ecoustics.com.

It's not a problem to pull & reinsert the CableCARD; I've done this a number of times. When reinserted the CableCARD will contact its head-end to retrieve the channel mappings. I believe using the 'reset' option under your setup menu will achieve the same result.

MScappa,

I see Optivity has already addressed this but I thought I would still reply directly. Yes I have pulled the card and reinserted several times when I was trying to track down a minor noise associated with CableCard usage on my set. I was advised by an AVS member that it was likely a small fan associated only with Cablecard usage. The reinsertions have never caused a problem with Comcast Digital Plus. Likely if one were to insert a completely different Card there might be an issue...but I don't know.

Thanks guys, but still nothing. Popped the card out and even re-set from the menu and no luck, it still gives me the same damn message. i;ll keep ya posted and will check our ecoustics, thanks op.

I have the 42px500 with HD tivo and have the exact same problem. I've left messages on the tivocomunity board and was told that my plasma wasn't able to decode the dolby digital signal. To me that sounds strange because why would you have the option in the audio section to receive digital or analog.

It does accept digital audio but not a 5.1 DD. Most of the SD channels work well even when Dolby Digital is selected on the TIVO but when a real DD 5.1 comes up all we can hear is the electric drill sound. No big deal because you can leave the TIVO outputing DD and select ANALOG on the Panny but in this case a pair of good old RCA cables is required .

One more thing. The PX500 model has a lot of sound options and I realized that the sound effects work much better when I use the analog connection. I suspect that some "surround" modes don't even work when only the HDMI is used.

Sergio

I seem to recall that digital sound from my STB using HDMI to my PX50U was pretty awful.

It states in the Panny manuals that Digital channels will be downconverted to 480i and then passed on to VCR/DVD recorder when using the Monitor/Program out. Can anyone with experience verify this capability for me? Most sets Monitor Out connection, including the Zenith I now own, only let analog channels pass sound and video. On DTV only audio passes. DVD quality video would be a step up if true. I'm using CableCard and my own DVRs.

I have my PROG OUT video jack connected to a 15" Sharp 4:3 LCD TV on my desk. This jack will output a vertically stretched image if the TV's tuner is on an "HD channel". People look tall and skinny and there are black bars on left and right. I'm reasonably sure if you record it to DVD it will still be vertically stretched. Dunno if you can unstretch it during DVD playback though.

If i'm watching an "HD channel" through my SA8000HD DVR or Pioneer 3510HD (connected with Component), no picture is outputted at all - only audio. LCD TV turns to blue screen.

If the image i'm watching is from a 480i source (like a VCR or SD DVR) i get a normal picture from PROG OUT. This is how i watch my desktop LCD TV mirroring what's on the plasma across the room.

It's odd that the 42PX50U manual says "When a device (STB, DVD, etc.) is connected to the HDMI, COMPONENT, or S-VIDEO terminals (see page 12), only audio signals will be output. No video signals will be output." but i have my SD SA8000 connected to the TV via S-VIDEO and the picture does indeed display on my LCD TV despite what the manual says.

Thanks to Op and Randy for the quick replies.

I know it's silly as I could simply pay the $15/mo. for the stupid HD-DVR, plug it into my already split line and be done with it. Just trying to make use of what I've already got. I'd still keep the CableCard to the set though as it costs me nothing with my local Comcast.

I have the PD50 ED plasma. I'm trying to train the remote to operate my Samsung TS360 D*TV HD reciver but there is no Samsung code under "DBS" in the manual. Has anyone got this combination and found a 3 digit code that works?

Jack

It does accept digital audio but not a 5.1 DD. Most of the SD channels work well even when Dolby Digital is selected on the TIVO but when a real DD 5.1 comes up all we can hear is the electric drill sound. No big deal because you can leave the TIVO outputing DD and select ANALOG on the Panny but in this case a pair of good old RCA cables is required .

One more thing. The PX500 model has a lot of sound options and I realized that the sound effects work much better when I use the analog connection. I suspect that some "surround" modes don't even work when only the HDMI is used.

Sergio

Does your Tivo have an option for PCM output instead of DD 5.1? It looks like the HDMI to digital out path only supports 2 channel digital audio and not DD 5.1. The interesting thing is based on an earlier post w/ manual excerpts, it looks like if you use the ATSC tuner then the digital out supports DD 5.1.

Hey Op: with all these CC problems you should think about re-stating your stance. Maybe: "Superior video quality if you can get it to work." Or maybe, "$1.75, what do you expect." :) Who needs re-runs of Joey when you've got "Updating CC firmware." to watch with a run-time of 3 hours.

Sounds like they put that in there like that for two purposes.

First, to save money on having to put a second converter (or parallel bypass) on the signal to be able to output it to another device. With some digital signals, I would imagine that the cost of hardware for such a conversion would be high.

Second, it makes it so you cannot simply convert a DVD or other media through your TV. You could not take a disk from Blockbuster and rip it to digital media using just your standard components.


I may be wrong about this, but it seems to make sense. Why spend extra $$ on something that will only get you grief from the MPAA?

Hey Op: with all these CC problems you should think about re-stating your stance. Maybe: "Superior video quality if you can get it to work." Or maybe, "$1.75, what do you expect." :) Who needs re-runs of Joey when you've got "Updating CC firmware." to watch with a run-time of 3 hours.LMAO, I feel like a "pioneer" who is blazing a trail for others to follow... :D

I have the PD50 ED plasma. I'm trying to train the remote to operate my Samsung TS360 D*TV HD reciver but there is no Samsung code under "DBS" in the manual. Has anyone got this combination and found a 3 digit code that works?

The Panny remote sucks. I can't get it to work my Scientific Atlanta SA8000 DVRs nor my Pioneer 3510HD cable box. Many others have reported that it doesn't have codes for their devices either.

So instead i use a $29 Radio Shack learing remote (15-2116) that handles my Panny plasma, two DVRs, a Philips VCR and a Panny VCR, Panny DVD player, Panny CD player, and Panny H/T reciever. All for 29 bucks.

Randy,

Thanks for the reply. I have a Universal Remote Home Theater Master SL-9000 and was unable to get it to learn the Panasonic "Voume" button. The same thing happened on my NEC plasma that I had before the PD50. The PD50 and NEC remotes would did not have the 3-digit DBS codes and the DBS remotes nor the SL-9000 would learn the plasma codes. Did you try to reach Panasonic tech support? Maybe they have the code.

Jack

Have your friend call the provider and verify that CableCard use does not nullify Channel Guide.

I was warned of this by my provider when I inquired about upgrading to Digital Plus with Comcast. If you use the box however all is well. I still went with CableCard for the better PQ and sound.


I have the same problem with my 50PX500U with CableCard and RCN Cable in NYC. It all seems pretty silly to have to give up the guides for a better picture.

BTW, I don't usually say nice things about online merchants, but I had a really good experience with one this week where I bought my panny. Price was the lowest I've seen anywhere on the net, they have a physical store in Brooklyn, and super nice guys (it was a close subway ride so I went out to see the bricks and mortar which gave me some piece of mind). I was VERY leary about ordering such an expensive and fragile thing from the internet. I've heard of the scams. Oh yeah, I received the set 2 bus days later (earlier than estimated) from a nice guy that helped set it up even. Email me if you would like the name. And no, I have absolutely no relationship with them. As for RCN, i'm bitter at them though for not warning me about not having the guides with the cablecard.

"Most plasma displays are optimized for 1080i input and some convert all incoming signals to 1080i prior to internal processing."

It is more correct to say that many will accept 1080i input, but not 720p input. If a plasma accepts 720p input, it's not going to convert that to 1080i and then process it. Not how it works.

As evidence that I wasn't offering totally misleading information, here is a quote from the page 13 of Panasonic 42PD50 and 42/50PX50 owner's manuals: "Note: 720p signals will be converted to 1080i format and output to the display."

I forgot where I had seen this until today.

As it stands now, 90% of my TV viewing is off the HD-DVR.

As such, CableCard is out of the question for me, superior PQ notwithstanding.

[QUOTE=Foos-Man]Does your Tivo have an option for PCM output instead of DD 5.1? It looks like the HDMI to digital out path only supports 2 channel digital audio and not DD 5.1. The interesting thing is based on an earlier post w/ manual excerpts, it looks like if you use the ATSC tuner then the digital out supports DD 5.1.

Yes, the TIVO can output PCM and in this case the DIGITAL HDMI works but I want to leave the TIVO always in DD to output 5.1 to my receiver.

Thanks

Sergio

I played with the settings on my Comcast 6412 - you guys were right on....

I've got the box set to output 1080i (and the 4:3 override feature set to 480p) hooked up with both DVI/HDMI and Component cable - If I have the remote, it's HDMI input for HD, component for SD - for all others (wife included) it's component across the board....

Thanks again for good advice!

[QUOTE=Foos-Man]Does your Tivo have an option for PCM output instead of DD 5.1? It looks like the HDMI to digital out path only supports 2 channel digital audio and not DD 5.1. The interesting thing is based on an earlier post w/ manual excerpts, it looks like if you use the ATSC tuner then the digital out supports DD 5.1.

Yes, the TIVO can output PCM and in this case the DIGITAL HDMI works but I want to leave the TIVO always in DD to output 5.1 to my receiver.

Thanks

Sergio

Gotcha...yeah that would be a pain switching back and forth when you want DD 5.1. It angers me slightly they aren't supporting DD 5.1 thru HDMI on most devices.

Does anyone have any suggestions on universal RF remotes? My equipment is behind solid wood doors and I could get an IR repeater, but I fell in love with the Dish 6000 RF remote (not having to aim the remote). Also, is it just me or is the IR sweet spot on the PX50U quite small. I have to aim the remote right at it...a few degrees off and no-go...almost as bad as aiming a satellite dish.

URC 200 unifier and rf base good little remote

[QUOTE=slimoli]Does anyone have any suggestions on universal RF remotes? My equipment is behind solid wood doors and I could get an IR repeater, but I fell in love with the Dish 6000 RF remote (not having to aim the remote). Also, is it just me or is the IR sweet spot on the PX50U quite small. I have to aim the remote right at it...a few degrees off and no-go...almost as bad as aiming a satellite dish.

My 37PX50U has a very narrow IR sweet spot. I've been using a URC 200 (love it) with the MRF-100 IR base for a long time. It came with extenders; never needed them before because the base is super-powerful. But with this TV I need an extender. (It came with six.) But works great now.

Another advantage of the URC200 is that I was trivially able to create input buttons for PVR, DBS, etc., which the stock remote doesn't have. (e.g. Input+3)

The Panny remote sucks. I can't get it to work my Scientific Atlanta SA8000 DVRs nor my Pioneer 3510HD cable box. Many others have reported that it doesn't have codes for their devices either.
There's a market cut-off, probably around $1000, where the TV manufacturers simply assume you're gonna use your own universal remote anyhow. That's why they don't make them backlit, programmable, etc.; because it would be money down the drain anyhow.

As evidence that I wasn't offering totally misleading information, here is a quote from the page 13 of Panasonic 42PD50 and 42/50PX50 owner's manuals: "Note: 720p signals will be converted to 1080i format and output to the display."

I forgot where I had seen this until today.

I hate to even post this, but the manual is wrong. The TV does not take 720p signals and convert them to 1080i.

I hate to even post this, but the manual is wrong. The TV does not take 720p signals and convert them to 1080i.I'll have to agree with "rogo" on this... the 'Recall' button on your remote can be used to display the "signal resolution:"

http://home.nycap.rr.com/nessus/sig_res.JPG

If you have the 'fine eye for detail' you'll notice programs broadcast in 720p HD appear to have a wee bit softer resolution than those shown using 1080i.

Quite often manuals contain errors... especially if the instructions must be translated from Chinese to English!

I'll have to agree with "rogo" on this... the 'Recall' button on your remote can be used to display the "signal resolution:"

If you have the 'fine eye for detail' you'll notice programs broadcast in 720p HD appear to have a wee bit softer resolution than those shown using 1080i.

Quite often manuals contain errors... especially if the instructions must be translated from Chinese to English!

I'm not trying to be defensive here or engage in an extended debate as I'll be the first to admit I have no technical knowledge, only what I read. However, it is my impression that the channel banner displays the resolution (or "program aspect") of the incoming signal. My 25U only shows "Program Aspect" for the built-in tuner, so my experience with it is less than those who have a 50U, which displays the info for other inputs as well.

Your comment about 720p broadcasts would seem to support the premise that Panasonics are optimized for 1080i input.

I've been victimized by more than my share of faulty manuals, so I wouldn't argue that they are infallible, but they remain the most reliable information source available to most of us. Panasonic's seem more carefully written than most, and the quote in question was quite deliberately inserted, replacing the 25U manual's statement: "1080i signals will be reformatted to view on your plasma display." They could more easily have changed the 50U manual to read: "720p and 1080i signals..."

(The 50U manual is an edited version of the 25U's, word for word identical except where changes have been made. The 25U would not accept external 720p signals, and the the STB Connection section was edited to reflect the change in the 50U allowing them to do so.)

Again, you have a better knowledge of what is going on inside the set than I do, but between the manual and empirical evidence, it still seems that Panasonics "prefer" a 1080i signal, and that would be the first one to try when connecting a STB of any kind.

What was the consensus on getting a DVD player to go with the TH-42PX50U? Am I better off with a "regular" or upscaling DVD player? I was thinking of getting the $200-300 Sony or Panasonic (S77 I think) player for the TV, but am still a bit unclear if it will actually improve the picture vs an SD player.

Hello all, just wondering if anyone has had any experience with the (Scientific Atlanta 8000HD) stb provided by Comcast Cable......

One note however, it's seems that now I have to format hd channels to the fit the screen, with the old box it automatically fit the screen with no manual adjustment. This also leads me to the question of Aspect changing for for HD content, I remember reading on here that the panny I have couldn't change aspect for HD content, yet I have no such problem with mine, I have all aspects available to me on the panel with (HD) content, as well as through the stb itself. Did I miss-read?

I have an SA8000HD with my 42PX50U.

There is no way you can change the Panny's aspect settings (JUST, ZOOM, 4:3) if the TV is getting an HD signal (720p or 1080i) because the TV is specifically designed to NOT do this. If you are tuned to an "HD channel" and your Panny remote's ASPECT button changes the TV's aspect then your STB is sending either a 480i signal or a 480p signal to the TV. Press your RECALL button and see what the incoming signal is. If it is indeed 480x then you need to go into the SA8000HD's menu and enable the HD formats.

Also, exactly how is your SA8000HD connected to the TV? Component? S-Video? Composite? RF? If it's not Component, then there's your problem right there.

I've been victimized by more than my share of faulty manuals, so I wouldn't argue that they are infallible, but they remain the most reliable information source available to most of us. Panasonic's seem more carefully written than most, and the quote in question was quite deliberately inserted, replacing the 25U manual's statement: "1080i signals will be reformatted to view on your plasma display." They could more easily have changed the 50U manual to read: "720p and 1080i signals..."As their 2005 'press announcement' (http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prModelDetail?storeId=11301&catalogId=13251&itemId=87489&modelNo=Content12302004122339691&surfModel=Content12302004122339691) clearly indicates the PX50/500U 8th generation 720p PDPs are the first plasma TVs built by Panasonic capable of accepting native 720p digital input, which means the HD digital signal is not automatically being scaled to 1080i.I'm notYour comment about 720p broadcasts would seem to support the premise that Panasonics are optimized for 1080i input.It's more likely that 1080i appears to render a higher resolution picture than 720p and I believe most people share this opinion. I still agree with "rogo" the note in this manual is wrong or the way in which it is worded unintentionally misleads a communications protocol 'neophyte.'

I played with the settings on my Comcast 6412 - you guys were right on....

I've got the box set to output 1080i (and the 4:3 override feature set to 480p) hooked up with both DVI/HDMI and Component cable - If I have the remote, it's HDMI input for HD, component for SD - for all others (wife included) it's component across the board....Thanks again for good advice!

Most of the time the SD/non-HD channels will look even better via S-Video or Composite Video than they do over Component on various HD STBs (like on my HD DVR and my 3510HD box). SD looks better over S-Vid or Composite than it does on Component on my Plasma as well as my Sharp LCD and former 32" HD tube TV. Major improvement on all TVs in my case.

You might want to try both these outputs and compare the SD picture to what it was over Component. You might be pleasantly surprised to get a further improvement :)

What was the consensus on getting a DVD player to go with the TH-42PX50U? Am I better off with a "regular" or upscaling DVD player?



I own a Panny TH-37PX50U as well as a Fujitsu P42HHA40US and wondered whether the new dvd players with upconverters would offer an improvement over a run of the mill $100 progressive scan player. After extensive research the answer seems to be dependant on many factors, mostly how the quality of the scaler in your panel compares to that of the DVD player. The consensus seems that DVD players with upconvertors can offer better quality *if*they are of very high quailty (read expensive).

One brand that many people recommend is the Oppo DV971H. It seems to offer the quailty of some very expensive models at a cost of "only" $200. I purchased one online and tested it extensively against a $100 Sony progressive scan player using both my plasma displays. It quite clearly improved the picture when used with the HDMI input. I recommend it.

There is a huge thread on the oppo which you can easily find by searching:

Just did some experimentation with my panny 42" 500U model.
I usually use media center pc connected via pc input at 1024x768.

I tried using a DVI to HDMI cable instead, because I thought the quality may be slightly better. The 1280x720p looks like crap, the text isn't very legible, and I tried 1080i. The 1080i looked pretty good, but SD looked even worse for some reason, and dvds looked approx the same.

After much experiementation, I decided to stick with vga to vga at 1024x768 at 80hz which is the televisions native resolution. Games work best using pc input as well, because for some reason dvi to hdmi doesn't fill the screen at 800x600 or 1024x768. I guess outputting the televisions native resolution does the best job.
I just hope I don't run into any problems down the road using HD (720p/1080i) through the computer.. may be it will downconvert it to 1024x768 automatically?

Oh well..

Mo!

As their 2005 'press announcement' (http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prModelDetail?storeId=11301&catalogId=13251&itemId=87489&modelNo=Content12302004122339691&surfModel=Content12302004122339691) clearly indicates the PX50/500U 8th generation 720p PDPs are the first plasma TVs built by Panasonic capable of accepting native 720p digital input, which means the HD digital signal is not automatically being scaled to 1080i...
I'm aware of the press release, having read it when it was first published. I'm also aware that press releases are even less reliable than manuals, written, as they are, for a different audience with a different objective in mind. In any case, I don't think that release necessarily confirms or contradicts either interpretation.

Previous consumer Panasonics did not accept 720p from external video sources (although, some published misinformation to the contrary, they did from their built-in ATSC tuners and from their VGA input). The 50/500U (both PD and PX) panels do, which is what Panasonic was communicating.

As I'm sure you recall, that press release was somewhat misleading in it's own right, creating confusion for awhile by implying that the new PX panels would be native 720p devices, while, of course, they remain 768p displays.

I'm not denying that you and rogo may be right, only stating that I've not seen anything from Panasonic that contradicts their manual.

By the way, Hitachi hints at something similar in their literature: "Hitachi’s proprietary Virtual HDTM 1080p processor converts [signals]... to 1,080... lines... This... enables the processor to make extremely accurate determinations when optimizing the signal for display." This circuit is used in their 480p, 768 and 1024 displays. While it's p not i and could serve an altogether different purpose, it reinforces the notion that the input signal may be subject to some manipulation from it's original format as part of the internal processing prior to being scaled to the screen.

I own a Panny TH-37PX50U as well as a Fujitsu P42HHA40US and wondered whether the new dvd players with upconverters would offer an improvement over a run of the mill $100 progressive scan player. After extensive research the answer seems to be dependant on many factors, mostly how the quality of the scaler in your panel compares to that of the DVD player. The consensus seems that DVD players with upconvertors can offer better quality *if*they are of very high quailty (read expensive).

One brand that many people recommend is the Oppo DV971H. It seems to offer the quailty of some very expensive models at a cost of "only" $200. I purchased one online and tested it extensively against a $100 Sony progressive scan player using both my plasma displays. It quite clearly improved the picture when used with the HDMI input. I recommend it.

There is a huge thread on the oppo which you can easily find by searching:
The Oppo has the faroudja chip in it. I thought those were a problem for the Panny?

Per Macfan's point, is it not possible that they scale all input resolutions to a single internal resolution for processing purposes, then re-scale to panel-native for display? Seems to me when I first started researching HDTV nearly two years ago that some of the tube sets (Toshiba?) were said to do just that. I can imagine that would make the processing and display logic much simpler; only the initial scaling of the input signal would need to handle all the various resolutions. Why Panny would pick 1080i for their 768 panels is a puzzle, but perhaps there's some technical reason?

I freely admit I don't know what I'm talking about; I'm just extrapolating possibilities from bits I've gleaned and my knowledge of systems (though not video-processing systems specifically). Still, I agree with Macfan: given the specific info in the manual, I'd appreciate a more lucid explanation than just that the manual's wrong, or a stinging dismissal of 'communication protocol neophytes'. ;)

The Oppo has the faroudja chip in it. I thought those were a problem for the Panny?

From what I have read, the faroudja chip can have a problem with macroblocking, and that the degree to which this might show up is somewhat dependent on the display. I, too, had read that it can be more of a problem with Pannys. I went ahead and bought it anyway, figuring if it were excacerbated when displayed on my Panny, then I would use it with my Fujistsu.

All I can say is that *so far* I have not seen it on either display. I have only viewed a few movies, so the jury is still out. Currently I have it hooked up to the Panny and will keep a close eye out for the problem. If I do see it, I will try the same scene using the oppo and my Fujistsu then report my findings.

I'm not denying that you and rogo may be right, only stating that I've not seen anything from Panasonic that contradicts their manual.What, are you implying that "rogo" could be wrong? How could this be possible, without throwing our AVSF universe into an utter state of 'chaos?' :eek:

Trust me (I mean us.) ;)

Hey, I've been wrong more than once. But not about this.

Two things:

(1) If optivity and I agree, there's a high likelihood whatever we're saying is correct.

(2) Panasonic ran two years of manuals mentioning fans in their plasma when the plasma had no fans. It's not like they're going to correct the manual for being ambiguous.

Purchase a 50XU about three weeks ago, and at the same time purchased a Hughes DirecTV HD DVR. After the TV has been on about five minutes the screen goes black for about 5 seconds then returns to normal programming. Last night this happened four or five times during the local broadcast of the Bengals vs. Eagles football game.

I am wondering if anyone else has experienced this problem, and if I should be concerned enough to try to exchange the unit for a new one. Unfortunately because I purchased the new receiver at the same time, I am not sure if it is a problem with the TV or receiver.

Purchase a 50XU about three weeks ago, and at the same time purchased a Hughes DirecTV HD DVR. After the TV has been on about five minutes the screen goes black for about 5 seconds then returns to normal programming. Last night this happened four or five times during the local broadcast of the Bengals vs. Eagles football game.

I am wondering if anyone else has experienced this problem, and if I should be concerned enough to try to exchange the unit for a new one. Unfortunately because I purchased the new receiver at the same time, I am not sure if it is a problem with the TV or receiver.I can't ever remember seeing such a problem in any of the hundreds of PX50U posts so hopefully it's a problem
with the DTV DVR (easier to replace).

Have you tried watching the DVR through a different input/connection and see if it happens?

Does it happen only when watching live TV or only when watching recordings?

Do you have another DTV reciever you can connect to the Panny and see if the problem still happens?

Can you connect the DVR to a different TV and see if that one blacks out like the plasma does?

What, are you implying that "rogo" could be wrong? How could this be possible, without throwing our AVSF universe into an utter state of 'chaos?' :eek:

Trust me (I mean us.) ;)


(1) If optivity and I agree, there's a high likelihood whatever we're saying is correct.

You've got me there! :D

(2) Panasonic ran two years of manuals mentioning fans in their plasma when the plasma had no fans. It's not like they're going to correct the manual for being ambiguous.

The thing I find puzzling is that they could easily have kept their old vague but uncontroversial statement (modified to include 720p), but instead rewrote it in what seemed to me less ambiguous terms.

...is it not possible that they scale all input resolutions to a single internal resolution for processing purposes, then re-scale to panel-native for display?...

That's what I read somewhere, too, although I no longer know where. It always made sense to my non-technical mind, as it seemed that would let them produce a single processing chip that would work in several different configurations.

(1) If optivity and I agree, there's a high likelihood whatever we're saying is correct.This is one "heck of an endorsement" ;) which means there is not much else to say other than if the PX50/500Us scale everything to 1080i why does my 50PX50U indicate a 720p signal resolution whenever I'm watching ESPN-HD? :confused:

BTW... I don't believe there is any mention of 720p --> 1080i scaling in the 500U manual.

Once again... it's reporting the input signal resolution. Nobody's suggesting that the input signal isn't 720p.

"That's what I read somewhere, too, although I no longer know where. It always made sense to my non-technical mind, as it seemed that would let them produce a single processing chip that would work in several different configurations."

Macfan, my thoughts exactly. Anyway, it's just suppositions around some odd wording in the manual. Whatever they're doing with scaling and processing seems to do the job quite nicely, and I'm not going to lose any sleep over it.

But with all due respect to Rogo and op (and I mean that quite sincerely), I find Macfan's logic compelling, and I'd prefer a lucid explanation of why it wouldn't make sense to do it that way, or at least a definitive "I've seen the logical schematics and they don't", over a bald statement (however well-informed) that they don't.

After all, that's how we poor neophytes (still stinging) learn.

Cheers all... Perry.

I can't ever remember seeing such a problem in any of the hundreds of PX50U posts so hopefully it's a problem
with the DTV DVR (easier to replace).

Have you tried watching the DVR through a different input/connection and see if it happens? No, but I will test this. Presently connected via HDMI.

Does it happen only when watching live TV or only when watching recordings? Both

Do you have another DTV reciever you can connect to the Panny and see if the problem still happens? Yes I do, but I will not be able to hook up via HDMI

Can you connect the DVR to a different TV and see if that one blacks out like the plasma does? Yes I can test that too. Good suggetions, guess I need to do a little more troubleshooting.

Purchase a 50XU about three weeks ago, and at the same time purchased a Hughes DirecTV HD DVR. After the TV has been on about five minutes the screen goes black for about 5 seconds then returns to normal programming. Last night this happened four or five times during the local broadcast of the Bengals vs. Eagles football game.

I am wondering if anyone else has experienced this problem, and if I should be concerned enough to try to exchange the unit for a new one. Unfortunately because I purchased the new receiver at the same time, I am not sure if it is a problem with the TV or receiver.

Is this your first time with satellite tv?

A co-worker switched to cable because of outages due to weather conditions and such.

I find Macfan's logic compelling, and I'd prefer a lucid explanation of why it wouldn't make sense to do it that way, or at least a definitive "I've seen the logical schematics and they don't", over a bald statement (however well-informed) that they don't.I've been wrong often enough to know it doesn't pay to be too adamant with one's opinion(s) and is best to keep an open mind about all things. It is interesting that Panasonic modified their note: for the "Digital TV - Set-Top Box (DTV-STB) or DVD Connection" section in the 50/500U manuals from:

"720p signals will be converted to 1080i format and output to the display."

to:

"All signals will be re-formatted for viewing on your plasma display."

Which is a more accurate description considering these are both 1366 x 768 fixed-pixel displays.

http://home.nycap.rr.com/nessus/50U_scaling.JPG

http://home.nycap.rr.com/nessus/500U_scaling.JPG

I thought all the price talk was interesting. What is the harm?

Been reading this thread for a quite a while, and finally decided to take the plunge and ordered a 42pd50u. I watced it many times in the store, and think the difference between the ED and HD is too small to worth the extra 1k. The TV be delivered next saturday. What are the most important tests I should do on the TV before I sign off? I currently subscribe to comcast analog cable, but hopefully they should have the ota channels in the clear.

One thing I'll check is the number of hours it's been used, just to make sure it's new. How do I get to the service menu? Thanks in advance.

BTW, the price has come down quite a bit. I got it for 1k under the old MSRP plus delivery.

[QUOTE=BruZZi]TIME = The Hours Used.
COUNT = How many times the Plasma was powered on

:)

Going to update the FAQ with that info. :)


For a new TV, what should be the range of these? Did any owner remember what were the reading when their TV arrived?

I thought all the price talk was interesting. What is the harm?


No Harm!

Pricing, discounts, coupon, etc. talk is not allowed per the AVSForum Rules & Guidelines that you agreed to abide by when you registered as a member.

See No Harm:)

Dave

So I decided on the TH-50PX500U. I also decided, based on glowing reports to go with TVAuthority. But lo and behold they don't have it listed on their web site. Where do I buy - recommendations?

The MSRP was supposed to drop today. Did it? The Panasonic web site is the same.

So I decided on the TH-50PX500U. I also decided, based on glowing reports to go with TVAuthority. But lo and behold they don't have it listed on their web site. Where do I buy - recommendations?

I don't think TVA or Visual Apex carry the consumer lines. I do think that Plasma Concepts (another forum supporter) does, I'd look there.

The MSRP was supposed to drop today. Did it? The Panasonic web site is the same.

Yes, all the B&M's are showing the new MSRP on their ads and websites (Sears, CC, BB, etc.)

Yes, all the B&M's are showing the new MSRP on their ads and websites (Sears, CC, BB, etc.)
Those B&M's don't even carry the TH-50PX500U

Yes, all the B&M's are showing the new MSRP on their ads and websites (Sears, CC, BB, etc.)

And the new MSRP is not what was predicted. :-/

Oh well, I still have 2 weeks before my 30 days is up... here's hoping for a deal somwhere.

For anyone thinking of getting a cable card and cable box/DVR from Comcast, here's a bit of advice if you cannot see video-on-demand or premium channels on the cable box: Disconnect the cable card (unscrewing the cable at the splitter point was easiest for me), wait a few minutes, and try accessing VOD from the cable box. I called Comcast and they said that the Cablecard "overpowers" the cable box and the cable box will think you are not supposed to have VOD or premium channels. By disconnecting the cable card, you are removing the "overpowering" signal and the cable box realizes you have VOD/premium channel capabilities. Reconnect the cable card after this happens and you should be all set.

For the record, after having the cable card and the cable box/DVR, I'm thinking of dumping one, though I haven't figured out which yet. I think the DVR stinks compared to my TiVo (which now lives in the bedroom) so I want to ditch that, but I think the cable card's lack of VOD stinks too.

One last thing: no matter what a Comcast rep says, you will not be getting a DVI/HDMI cable from them. I was told I would. Not believing the technical rep because my HD "install" costing me only $15,
I repeated:
Me: "Are you sure I'm getting an HDMI cable because those are like $100."
Rep:"Yes, sir, the technician will give you whatever cables you need."
Me: "Including HDMI?"
Rep: "Including HDMI."

Technician shows up, no HDMI.
Me: "I was told that I would be getting an HDMI cable"
Tech: "Sir, we just give you component cables. HDMI is like $100."

*sigh*

-p-

The MSRP was supposed to drop today. Did it? The Panasonic web site is the same.
I still don't know what's the new MSRP is, but ordered a 42PD50U today for 1k below old MSRP. Supposed to be the sale price next weekend.

So I decided on the TH-50PX500U. I also decided, based on glowing reports to go with TVAuthority. But lo and behold they don't have it listed on their web site. Where do I buy - recommendations?

I bought my 42px500 from them. Since they didn't have it on their website, I emailed them about it, and they called and emailed me back within a day...which is when I placed my order. So give them a call or go to their website and email them, they'll get back to you right away

I read too much - just got my new px50u and wanted to get it set to the "norm". What is the link to the normal settings people start out with (not factory) - I can't find em now...

Galen.

"And the new MSRP is not what was predicted. :-/"

Yes, it is what was predicted. There was an initial error on the 42-inch HD, but once that was corrected, the prices were forecast to be $2K, $3K and $4K and they are.

I read too much - just got my new px50u and wanted to get it set to the "norm". What is the link to the normal settings people start out with (not factory) - I can't find em now...

Galen.Read the 'Plasma Facts and Myths Panasonic Presents Advice From the Video Purist Perspective' (http://www.fcw.com/vendorsolutions/panasonicplasma.pdf#search='panasonic%20white%20paper%20plas ma%20myths%20facts') for information regarding the proper procedures to use during the break in period of your new PDP.

And the new MSRP is not what was predicted. :-/


One last thing: no matter what a Comcast rep says, you will not be getting a DVI/HDMI cable from them. I was told I would. Not believignt the technical rep because my HD "install" was costing only $15,
I repeated:
Me: "Are you sure I'm getting an HDMI cable because those are like $100."
Rep:"Yes, sir, the technician will give you whatever cables you need."
Me: "Including HDMI?"
Rep: "Including HDMI."

Technician shows up, no HDMI.
Me: "I was told that I would be getting an HDMI cable"
Tech: "Sir, we just give you component cables. HDMI is like $100."

*sigh*

-p-

Ho, ho, ho! Isn't that so typical. Customer service ain't what it used to be. Whatever you do, don't spend B&M money for the HDMI cable. Plenty of online sites to get you the cable fast and as low a just a few bucks.....though I sprung $15 for mine.

"And the new MSRP is not what was predicted. :-/"

Yes, it is what was predicted. There was an initial error on the 42-inch HD, but once that was corrected, the prices were forecast to be $2K, $3K and $4K and they are.

What was posted here was that the 42 was expected to be $2499.

I wanted to see this for myself, so I asked twice on this thread what CED was or where I could see these rumors and no one responded to point it out. All I had to go by was people's initial reports that CED, whatever it is, stated that the MSRP on the 42 was going to be $2499. My decription is what it is for a reason.

This is why courts exclude hearsay. Relying on what people say other people said is, well, unreliable.

[EDIT: went back and searched the forums again for CED. Found what it was, no it didn't help me because as the person describing it pointed out, without a subscription, you can't see anything older than today's headlines. I stand by my "not what was expected" comment. No one "updated" the rumor of it being $2499.]

[EDIT EDIT: Don't get me wrong. AVS has helped me soooo much in the past year. I am very thankful. I was just very stoked to possibly get the 42 for a lot less than I paid for it and the information I had didn't pan out. Oh well. I still love my new tv.... though I wish I had gotten it a little bigger. :-) ]

-p-

I believe all of the models have hit the expected reductions in terms of MSRP. What discounts exist from there is always up to the vendor. Panny and Philips are stride for stride with 42's and 50's at the Big Boxes. Hitachi's are still more expensive but less so. At least CC has the reductions online today. BB is more than lackluster in this regard except for the PD50U. I find it hard to believe they will not follow CC as they will get killed otherwise.

has anyone used a sharpshooter ant for ota hd and did it work , live in townhome so big ant out of the question. using rabbit ears with limited success. px50 seems to have good tuner.

Dangit...I bought my 42PD50 from CC back in mid/late June, and I carefully watched all the deals for the next 30 days to see if I could find a lower price...nada...then after my 30 day pricematch window expired, the rebate happened, then this price drop...oh well.

"What was posted here was that the 42 was expected to be $2499. ... No one "updated" the rumor of it being $2499."

In fact, someone did, indeed update the rumor in another thread specifically about the price change. If you search, you will find. It was the one detail CED got wrong. And the 42 HD, is, indeed, the "worst buy" by far of the line.