Originally posted by david8613
hey guys, here is a tid bid, the newer panasonics coming out the px50 and px500 series are in fact 8th generation panels check this link and click on view televisions and you will see in the specs that these are 8th generation, funny thing is it doesnt show the pd50 at all, i wonder why?http://www.panasonic.com/consumer_electronics/ces_2005/product.asp

That link doesn't show the 42PX50 and 50PX50, either, and we know those are 8th gen.

Sorry, I have to agree with jrock. All I see are the 42PX500 and 50PX500, not the PX50s.

Also, this site has been around since CES in January.

sorry about that, i got a little excited and mixed up at the same time, please disregard what i said...

I preordered the 42PD50U from BB with a quoted delivery date of 3/22. I canceled the first confirmed date of 3/15 and accepted delivery on 3/17.

The model plate is labeled Made in Japan. The huge delivery box has a China Airlines shipping label. Mexico? The delivery guys spoke spanish.

I set it up and watched analog cable in Just aspect. Good picture with good color, good blacks and good color balance. I have an RCN cable feed with no STB. The channel scan did not capture any digital signals even though a digital package is available.

Today I set up for OTA using rabbit ears and was able to capture all the digital channels but WGN(9). I watched the Gonzaga/TT game on CBS which was, I think, a full HD program from camera to signal. The full screen
picture was great and my untrained eye did not detect a thing to complain about. I am watching the Illinois/Nevda game and it is in 4:3 mode with gray side bars so it does not appear to be HD. It is still a great picture.

I have not compared the manual to the one posted here. I don't think you will be positively surprised by feature carryover from the 25's.

-There is no PIP.

-Only one antenna input which aggravates me because without an STB it will be inconvenient to switch from OTB to cable. Need to rescan.

-Nothing indicates the glass generation.

-The capture of digital signals and the manual indicate ATSC capabilities but no evidence of QAM.

-Anti-glare and anti-reflection are evident.

-No one button input mode change.

-The silver bezel works for me. The speakers are on the bottom.

-No front inputs.

I'm sure there might be questions. I'll do what I can to answer within the limits of my time and knowledge. This is my first plama/HD experience.

If you have it on the table stand, could you measure the height from the feet to the top? I'm going to exchange my Zenith for a PD50 if it'll fit in my entertainment center. Thanks!

gpl505:

That 's exciting. Apparently you are the first one on this forum to really experience the new Panny PD50U. Thanks for the quick report.

How is the "sub pixel control" technology. They said you won't see the screen door effect standing 4 feet from TV. Is it true?

plasma_user: do you recall where you read / heard that? Sounds like a lot to expect if the actual glass (pixel size, inter-pixel space) hasn't changed. I've asked a few times if anyone understands and can explain the advantage of the vaunted sub-pixel control, but no replies. I've also seen no confirmation that the PD50U has it.

Anyone know either answer?

Grats gpl505!

I have to wait until Friday to get mine (3-25-05). I guess that is OK because I still have some work to do to get ready for the unit.

Anyway, thanks for sharing your thoughts:)

ccdengr - The set is 42" wide and 30" high including the base which adds 2.5".

plasma user - I do not have the best eyes but you really have to work to see the screen door affect even up close. At 4 feet I can't see it. At the least it is a significant improvement over some of the stuff I've seen.

The WV/WF game is on and appears to be full HD and the colors are sensational even though I'm in Cinema mode with everything flat.

gpl505,

The online manual seems to incorrectly state the power consumption at 390 Watts. Could you confirm from the back of the PD50 what the stated power consumption is?

You mentioned using the picture mode of cinema. If you adjust the picture mode setting on 1 input for cinema, does it carry that same setting change over to the other inputs.

I am trying to determine if each input can have its own memory setting.

I am afraid there is a limitation of only 3 memory settings for all inputs: Standard, Vivid, or Cinema. Most other manufactures allow per input memory of picture settings.


JCPZero

hoodlum:

The power consumption on the back of the TV is 390 watts the same as in the manual I received. This may be more a peak level than an average.

jcpzero:

I tested the inputs by varying the specs and each input seems to stand on its own. E.g., TV is cinema and cool and component input one is standard and warm. Also component input two is independent of the settings for component one. Ergo, each input can have its own memory setting that includes picture mode, color, brightness, sharpness, etc.

One thing I did not mentioned is that the Viera logo is on the upper left hand corner of the set. This was never visible on the promo pictures.

Originally posted by gpl505
One thing I did not mentioned is that the Viera logo is on the upper left hand corner of the set. This was never visible on the promo pictures.

You can see the Viera logo if you look closely at the picture of the 50u that appears at the beginning of this thread.

I can't stand the anticipation. I feel like a little boy on Christmas morning :D

PerryU:

You probably read this announcement at CES 2005 from various threads in this forum:
http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ModelDetail?displayTab=O&storeId=11301&catalogId=13251&itemId=87489&modelNo=Content12302004122339691&surfModel=Content12302004122339691

(3rd paragraph from the top, there is a mention of the sub pixel control).

With the old PD25 most of us with reasonable eyesight can see the pixels screen from 3 to 4 feet. If you do not see them, maybe it is time to have an eye checkup,:-).

Also worth to mention, with the contrast turned on max and other setting combinations like sharpness, you will probably see better color saturation but the pixels also appear more pronounced.

For me, I sit about 6 feet or more from the screen so the grain only bothers who like to sit close.

plasma_user, I've read the announcement, and while it implies that sub-pixel control is in all the units, it's not stated specifically. "The new line builds upon... with technologies such as..." does leave it somewhat ambiguous.

Maybe I'm just dense, but it also doesn't shed any light on how it works, or what it really does, or how they can equate it to 30% increase in resolution. "...individually addresses the red, green and blue charges within one pixel..." Seems to me all panels must already do this, or how can they produce colours other than grey? :confused:

Re my eyesight and SDE on the PD25, I never said I can't see it... I see it quite clearly from 7'. I'm just sceptical that an internal change in processing could make it invisible at 4', and wondered where you'd heard that.

Cheers... Perry.

PerryU:

I heard you. I found this link on Google. Apparently, the sub pixel control has been used in the Panny Onyx series. See a quick explanation of how it works here:

http://www.panasonic.ca/English/audiovideo/plasma/xvs.asp

The term sub pixel is for marketing. The implemenation is an optical illusion since the pixel resolution is still ED.

Cheers.

Originally posted by PerryU
Re my eyesight and SDE on the PD25, I never said I can't see it... I see it quite clearly from 7'. I'm just sceptical that an internal change in processing could make it invisible at 4', and wondered where you'd heard that.

Big ditto here.
I gotta see this to believe. Pixel structure would seem like pixel structure regardless of what goes on within (or behind) it. But that's just a skeptical guess.

cheers...

Originally posted by shane55
Big ditto here.
I gotta see this to believe. Pixel structure would seem like pixel structure regardless of what goes on within (or behind) it. But that's just a skeptical guess.

cheers...

Think of two pixels adjacent to one another. They will appear something like this (imagine each letter is representative of a single color element):

R G B R G B

Typically we think of these as two discrete entities, producing two discrete elements of the pixture. So, for a simple example, if I wanted the first one black and the second one white I could display this:

_ _ _ R G B

But what if I, instead, did this:

_ _ B R G _

Now, I've still got black and I've still got white, its just that I've used the B (blue) element of the first pixel in tandem with the R (red) and G (green) elements of the second pixel to get my white. There are other ways I could do this as well:

_ _ _ R G B (as in my first example above)
_ _ B R G _ (as in my second example above)
_ G B R _ _
R G B _ _ _

The trick is in the realization that the order of the individual color elements does not matter as far as producing a color. Your eye will see the same color regardless of the order.

Comments from any other new owners?

how come people are reporting receiving their displays already, but yet none of the online stores seem to have them available? Even for pre-order? and its not available on bestbuy.com yet either.

Is the panel truly silent as stated in Panasonics earlier CES release staemtent? Does it have a fan? If so, any audible fan noise, buzzing anything?

Ooops. I believe Panasonic said quiet, not silent.

Why does the PD50U require 5 more watts than the PA25? The new generation glass was suppose to require significantly less power. Even the 42ED 7UY only requires 290 Watts, a significant improvement from the 395W required with the 6UY. If almost looks like the PD50U is still using the 6th Generation glass with maybe some small improvements.

It'll be interesting to see if the 42PX50 requires less power than the PD50U. If this confirms my suspicions I will skip the consumer ED.

Agreed. I suspect the TH-42PD50U consists of "left-over" 6th generation glass with perhaps some updated electronics; in order to be in-line with "low-end" price competitors.

Originally posted by optivity
Agreed. I suspect the TH-42PD50U consists of "left-over" 6th generation glass with perhaps some updated electronics; in order to be in-line with "low-end" price competitors.

Maybe its the 6th generation Viera glass.

plasma_user, thanks for the link! Explained fairly clearly there:

"Sharp, Crisp Pictures with Smooth Lines - Sub-Pixel Controller
In conventional contour correction, processing is applied at the pixel level (one pixel is formed by 3-RGB dots). The new Sub-Pixel Controller goes a step further by correcting the contours at the single dot level. This greatly improves control precision and you get crisp, clear images with outstanding definition."

mkoesel, thanks also... brilliant, lucid, well-illustrated explanation.

Both of these confirm my half-formed ideas based just on the name 'sub-pixel control'. If it works well, I can see definite advantages for smoothing lines and enhancing edges.

What I can't see is how this could have any impact on SDE. What I perceive as SDE is a perfectly even grid, regardless of the image (though it's more obvious in light areas). It's not the same as jaggies in lines, which sub-pixel control (can we settle on SPC for that one??) should address; it's the physical structure of the pixel matrix. Unless I'm still missing something.

Thanks again... Perry.

wow thats great, can you guys post some pics of the unit to see how it really looks?

Originally posted by optivity
Agreed. I suspect the TH-42PD50U consists of "left-over" 6th generation glass with perhaps some updated electronics; in order to be in-line with "low-end" price competitors.

Might be.

Still, it wouldn't seem to make economic sense for them to manufacture two different kinds of ED glass. It's more likely that the 50U would have been designed to use the same glass that the 7u does, because that simplifies production, which in turn lowers costs.

The Japanese don't stockpile inventory, so they wouldn't have any "left-over" in that sense.

Until they find a way to build glass that eliminates SDE, the glass generation may no longer be especially significant to the consumer anyway. The other big glass problems have largely been solved. Things like half life and burn-in resistance already equal or exceed CRT levels and Panasonic's black levels are close.

Not that there won't continue to be refinements and improvements, but at this stage, the most noticeable PQ improvements are more likely to come from the electronics than from the glass itself.

So who is next in line to receive the 50u?

I don't get mine until the 25th and I am eager to hear more about the unit. I even plan on making a trip to BB tomorrow night. BB is only 10 minutes away :cool:

I'm gonna want to see one sitting next to a 25U in order to compare "SDE."

And I won't be satisfied until my own two eyes have rendered their own decision. :)

I may be completely wrong here ... but from certain distances ... I think SDE will always be a problem with 42 inch ED plasmas ... no matter what gizmo's the marketing dept claims ... I can't see how the new 480p pdp's can change this ...

The pixel structure/size being what they are in this product type.

My .02

jls

i just came back from bb cancelling my preorder for the pd50u, and i brought the pd25u... i really wanted to like the pd50u it has a good looking bezel, very vibrant picture colorwise but...

here are things i did not like about the pd50u
1 of course no cable card dumb move panasonic
2 only 1 antenna input
3 no pip
4 you can only reach the menu with the remote, what happens 10 years down the road when the remote breaks, i have a sony like this, its a pain
5 sde looked more obvious with pd50 vs pd25 but i couldnt mess with the settings to maybe midigate this on the pd50
6 no inputs in the front of the panel to hook up digital/video cameras or what ever
7 no pc input

things i liked about the pd50

1 nice bezel very clean looking
2 colors were beautiful more vibrant then the pd25
3 good speakers sounded very nice
4 blacks were very black
5 very high contrast
6 no black edging on the screen it goes straight from bezel to picture, it makes the screen look bigger than it really is

to tell you the truth if this unit at least had the cable card, another antenna input, access for menu on the front panel i might of taken it home but i couldnt buy this set missing these basic features, even if i dont use all the features of the pd25u, i know i have them

You're right, David, that's a shame that it's that many features missing from the pd50. Does anyone know if the px50 will have the two antenna inputs and access to the menu on it, and/or pip? Also, it has the cable card, right?

Originally posted by david8613
i just came back from bb cancelling my preorder for the pd50u, and i brought the pd25u... i really wanted to like the pd50u it has a good looking bezel, very vibrant picture colorwise but...

here are things i did not like about the pd50u
1 of course no cable card dumb move panasonic
2 only 1 antenna input
3 no pip
4 you can only reach the menu with the remote, what happens 10 years down the road when the remote breaks, i have a sony like this, its a pain
5 sde looked more obvious with pd50 vs pd25 but i couldnt mess with the settings to maybe midigate this on the pd50
6 no inputs in the front of the panel to hook up digital/video cameras or what ever
7 no pc input

things i liked about the pd50

1 nice bezel very clean looking
2 colors were beautiful more vibrant then the pd25
3 good speakers sounded very nice
4 blacks were very black
5 very high contrast
6 no black edging on the screen it goes straight from bezel to picture, it makes the screen look bigger than it really is

to tell you the truth if this unit at least had the cable card, another antenna input, access for menu on the front panel i might of taken it home but i couldnt buy this set missing these basic features, even if i dont use all the features of the pd25u, i know i have them

5 sde looked more obvious with pd50 vs pd25 but i couldnt mess with the

Wow, you have me intrigued with this statement. By your comments, I am assuming that your viewed the pd25 and the pd50 side by side? Why would the 25pd perform better in this respect (SDE)? Maybe the sub pixel control leads to a reduction in quality and thus is actually a disadvantage?

Grrrr, I only have until Thursday to make up my mind and there was NO 50u to view at BB today :rolleyes:

EDIT:
Why do you want two antenna inputs? If you have a signal coming through a STB (via component) then you can have an antenna input. Do you want to have the cable coming in and then also have an OTA signal? Just curious here.. thanks.

hey jspirate, i was puzzled about the sde thats why i put the comment about not being able to adjust the pic, no remote at bb to play with, they were not side by side, but i went to both stores 4 times today and i kept seeing sde on the pd50 more, to me it looked as if the pd50 had higher contrast and this made the sde more darker and noticable. maybe if i had the remote i could have adjusted it. about the 2 antenna inputs i plan to use one with comcast cable and a cable card, and the second to grab ota hdtv. i have the cable box in another room and dont want to move it, so it stays there. dont get me wrong its a nice set, i just couldnt get myself to buy it with those missing features...if decide not to get the pd50 and get the pd25 you better do it quick the 6th in my area only had 3 left in inventory, you wont be able to find one especially with the price lower than the pd50 i got it for...

Thanks for the reply David8613. My setup is Comcast through a STB /DVR (component) and DVDs (HDMI). Thats all I use my TV for so the 50u features are actually appropriate for me. Although I agree about the menu through the remote. Anyway, I need to see the set before I can consider the SDE effect. I guess I will check back at bb tomorrow and Wednesday. I think my bb wasn't supposed to get the 50 until Wednesday, but I can't remember for sure.

Thanks again for taking the time to provide your thoughts :)

For the love of God, can we get some pics of this set?!?!

Originally posted by iBleedGarnet
For the love of God, can we get some pics of this set?!?!

Hmmm, I can't find the pic now, but someone provided a link to a fairly decent (resolution wise) shot of the 50u.

Can't you just use a two way splitter in reverse as a combiner? That way you can have two separate coax feeds going into the same antenna input.

gpl505 how are you enjoying your pd50, post some pics and give details...
jcj i dont think you can do it like that, if you did it like that i think you would have to rescan for channels each time you wanted to switch from ota to cable, the only way i can see avoiding that is getting a cable box with component, and use the rf input for ota. thats one of the reasons i opted to to get the 25u vs 50u...

Originally posted by jspirate
Hmmm, I can't find the pic now, but someone provided a link to a fairly decent (resolution wise) shot of the 50u.

Try the first post in this thread... that's the only pic I've seen. I downloaded the same pic from Panny's site in mega res (2894x2557).

IMO, it's no prettier in hi-res, but maybe in person...

its prettier in person...

Originally posted by iBleedGarnet
For the love of God, can we get some pics of this set?!?!

I guess I didn't look hard enough before. Anyway, I found a downloadable pic and uplaoded it to my "picture service" for easier viewing.

http://jspirate.smugmug.com/photos/18007068-O.jpg

Here's a link to the high Resolution Image.

42PD50U High Resolution Image (http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/images/Content/pressroom/42PD50screen.zip)

Panasonic, I believe, was quoted as having said that the 37PX50U (HD unit) would also come out in March along with the 42PD50U's? With the 42PX50U and 50PX50U to follow in April.

Has anyone seen the 37PX50U; who has been able to see the 42PD50U? Wanted to get any thoughts on sub-pixel control, does it have PIP, is there a 2nd antenna input?

Thanks
Jeff

Sorry, I give up, I looked but could not find what 'sde' means

OK, OK, Screen Door Effect. Still doesn't mean I know what it means or looks like. I am looking at getting a 42" ED in April and have liked all the Panasonics I have seen. I am hoping the 42pd50u will 'be the one'

Originally posted by NikeMan
Sorry, I give up, I looked but could not find what 'sde' means

"Screen Door Effect." Caused by the black edges of the plasma cells, which can make the picture look like it's being viewed through a screen.

Originally posted by hoodlum
Here's a link to the high Resolution Image.

42PD50U High Resolution Image (http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/images/Content/pressroom/42PD50screen.zip)

I've seen that one, of course. I was talking about an actual picture from the guy who says he owns this set already.

What kind of pictures would you like to have and what method of delivery?

i just pm'd you gpl505, so how are you liking your new set, give us all the details, i think your the first and only one with the pd50u home using it. tell us all about it, do you have it hooked up to hd, have you watched any dvds yet on it, how do you like the menu system, avsforum members want to know!

Take several pics of the actual set (if you have the new PD50), and post them on this site. Or load them at www.imageshack.us and link them in your post.

So what is the concensus on the PD50's Glass. Is it the same as the PD25 or has there been an upgrade ? CC in Southern Calif. has the PD50 for 10% off list this week. I can live without the cable card & PIP but don't want to buy 2 year old Glass.

well the new panasonic th 42pd50u is out, anyone get it home? how do you like it? tell us avsforum members all about it, we want to know every detail....post some pics too of the unit, i am sure we would all like to see it in action....

An interesting note: if you look at the specifications section of the operating instructions for the TH-65XVS30U (http://service.us.panasonic.com/OPERMANPDF/TH65XVS30U.PDF) panel, you will see under the No. of pixels entry there is 1366(W) x 768(H) or (4098 x 768 dots).

Panasonic's Press Release States:

"sub-pixel control, which individually addresses the red, green and blue charges within one pixel, resulting in a 30% increase in horizontal resolution over previous models."

Perhaps the 4098 (dots / i.e. 1366 X 3) specification for the number of horizontal (1366) pixels indicates "sub-pixel control?"

I don't see this specification for the TH-42PD50U (http://service.us.panasonic.com/OPERMANPDF/TH42PD50U.PDF) ED panel. Hence, it may be 6th generation glass.

Originally posted by srssd
So what is the concensus on the PD50's Glass. Is it the same as the PD25 or has there been an upgrade ? CC in Southern Calif. has the PD50 for 10% off list this week. I can live without the cable card & PIP but don't want to buy 2 year old Glass.

No one knows for sure, but panasonic. Some people are claiming that the 50u has the same glass as the pd25, but improved electronics. I think this is a legitimate possibility and also the worse case scenario (for people who won't buy if its not new glass). The catch here is that even with the worse case scenario the 50u is supposed to come with some improved specs:

The new line builds upon the superior quality and reputation Panasonic has established in the flat-panel display arena with technologies such as sub-pixel control, which individually addresses the red, green and blue charges within one pixel, resulting in a 30% increase in horizontal resolution over previous models. The new panels are capable of reproducing a maximum of 8.6 billion colors, with thousands of gradations within the red, green and blue spectra, and the highest contrast ratio in the industry, to render an incredibly vivid picture with enhanced detail in dark scenes. Further advancements have been made in optimizing color purity with 3D color processing, and in ensuring outstanding picture quality in a wide range of ambient lighting conditions.

I interpret this statement in the following way: not all the models have sub pixel control, but they all have (including 50u) an increase in the number of colors that can be displayed. This would lead you to believe the the graduations in gray have also been improved.

Since panasonic has not been clear on this issue it is best to assume that this is the same glass as the pd25 with some improvements to technology (electronics not glass). I think this can be supported by the comments of those that have viewed the 50u (the picture looks different). Other than that there just isn't much that can be verified. You gotta love these corporate giants :rolleyes:

I like:rolleyes: to see the following quote: (for example) from the bottom of page one of the brochure for the TH-50PHD7UY (ftp://ftp.panasonic.com/pub/Panasonic/Drivers/PBTS/brochures/B_TH-7Series.pdf)

"Specifications are subject to change without notice."

It seems while you are expected to pay $$$$ for a PDP, manufacturers hold "all the cards" with caveats like this. Specifications appear to be purposefully vague to make comparisons between PDPs more difficult. Who "really" knows what they are getting with a TH-42PD50U? as evidenced by this quote:

"Note: Design and Specifications are subject to change without notice."

found at the bottom of page (45) in the operating manual for the TH-42PD50U. (http://service.us.panasonic.com/OPERMANPDF/TH42PD50U.PDF)

Thanks for the input. I guess I will wait until I can see a display & let my eyes decide. Does any one know the power draw on the PD25U, they are all gone in my area. The PA25U is 425w. A recipient of the PD50 stated 390w. Does this just reflect the loss of features?

Is it true that the sub pixel control is in the Onyx series as well (see Onyx spec).

If so for those who are curious, just visit your local dealer and take a look at that plasma line. I know in the Bay area, Anderson Audio and Video has quite a few of Onyx on display

Originally posted by srssd
Thanks for the input. I guess I will wait until I can see a display & let my eyes decide. Does any one know the power draw on the PD25U, they are all gone in my area. The PA25U is 425w. A recipient of the PD50 stated 390w. Does this just reflect the loss of features?

The 42PD25U draws up to 395 watts: the 37PD25U, 345w. These figures are maximums, of course. The big improvement here is in standby mode, which was 18 watts on the 25U, but less than 1 watt on the 50U.

Originally posted by optivity
..."sub-pixel control, which individually addresses the red, green and blue charges within one pixel, resulting in a 30% increase in horizontal resolution over previous models."

...I don't see this specification for the TH-42PD50U (http://service.us.panasonic.com/OPERMANPDF/TH42PD50U.PDF) ED panel. Hence, it may be 6th generation glass.

Sub-pixel control is more likely a function of the electronics than the glass.

Originally posted by Macfan424
Sub-pixel control is more likely a function of the electronics than the glass.

Do you really think so? Entirely? Seems like it might be a combination of the two.

But I'm no tech guy. :)

Originally posted by srssd
Thanks for the input. I guess I will wait until I can see a display & let my eyes decide.

I finally got to look at the 50u. I spent about 20 minutes messing with the RC and picture settings.

Positives:
Excellent picture
Silver bezel is handsome and makes the screen appear larger compared to other 42s
Better than expected sound (maybe not great sound, but better than I expected)
I could not see SDE at 6 feet* (see note below)

Negatives:
Selecting inputs w/remote was nothing short of painful
I THINK sde inside of 3 ft was more apparent than the models that were close by


The strangest issue was the sde. To my eyes, it was noticably better at 6 ft or greater than anything next to it. This includes some off-name HD models that were adjacent to the panny. On the flip-side, the sde was more apparent inside of three feet when compared to the adjacent models. I may not have noticed it, but bb was playing a scene with some clouds in it. The white clouds caught my eye as I was standing right next to the unit. After noticing the sde on the white I did a close inspection at 3 feet of all the floor models. I am not sure that the sde was really any all that bad, but I do think it was worse than the other models. I am really boggled. I do not understand how the 50u can beat the other models at 6 feet and then under-perform at 3 ft. One note - I never rechecked the 3ft sde after tweaking the video settings.

On a positive note, the 50u pulls your eye to it when you walk up to the display area. Maybe the other models are already losing some of their punch, but anyway you slice it the 50u was the eye grabber. Of course they had the "vivid" settings active, but I fixed that for them :p

I think this visit to bb sealed the deal for me. I think the 50u has a really nice picture.

Originally posted by yobob
Do you really think so? Entirely? Seems like it might be a combination of the two.

But I'm no tech guy. :)

Me neither, but the description reads like electronics.

Significantly, it's on the Onyx series, and I never seen any indication that they used 8th generation glass.

Actually, it's probably a combination of both...

http://www.soundscapeav.com/plasma/plasma.html

"Plasma panels are an array of cells, known as pixels, which are composed of three sub pixels, corresponding to the colors red, green, and blue. Gas in the plasma state is used to react with phosphors in each sub pixel to produce colored light (red, green, or blue)... Each sub pixel is individually controlled by advanced electronics to produce over 16 million different colors."

Perhaps "sub-pixel control" is nothing new... and just pure marketing "hype!"

Originally posted by jspirate
I THINK sde inside of 3 ft was more apparent than the models that were close by


The strangest issue was the sde. To my eyes, it was noticably better at 6 ft or greater than anything next to it. This includes some off-name HD models that were adjacent to the panny.

Noticeably better? Now THAT got my attention!

Originally posted by jspirate
On the flip-side, the sde was more apparent inside of three feet when compared to the adjacent models.]

You're not really gonna sit this close during the playoffs, are ya? :D

Originally posted by jspirate
I am really boggled. I do not understand how the 50u can beat the other models at 6 feet and then under-perform at 3 ft.

I for one, wouldn't care. I can see SDE at eight feet on the 42" 25 series panels. If I can't see it on the 50 series, that will seal the deal for me as well.

Thanks for your input!!!!!!

Originally posted by optivity
... Each sub pixel is individually controlled by advanced electronics to produce over 16 million different colors."

Perhaps "sub-pixel control" is nothing new... and just pure marketing "hype!"

I think this reinforces the view that it's electronics. Panasonic is probably just using an updated circuit. What's "new" seems to be that some part of it can be turned on and off, at least in the Onyx.

But, yes, marketing hype prevails. Plasmas are pretty refined by now. A lot of "advances" are going to be more visible in the brochures than on the screens.

Originally posted by Macfan424
I think this reinforces the view that it's electronics. Panasonic is probably just using an updated circuit. What's "new" seems to be that some part of it can be turned on and off, at least in the Onyx.

But, yes, marketing hype prevails. Plasmas are pretty refined by now. A lot of "advances" are going to be more visible in the brochures than on the screens. Agreed. Most likely they enhanced the processing power or chipset that enables the PDP to display more colors and steps of gradation. It would be nice if they could publish a "white paper" or two explaining the technology used to render the picture. (with all copy-rights and patents protected of course) When spending $$$$ is this too much to ask for?

Originally posted by yobob
Noticeably better? Now THAT got my attention!


I really do think it was better, but I should clarify that I was trying to view sde at 6 ft and that this was my perception. As some have stated, everyone's vision is different and you should always have a "look-see" for yourself (as I am sure you will - if you can).

For those that have seen the set at B&M stores: Which stores? I have yet to see one locally, and have been to CC, BB and Cusa in the past couple of days.

I really want to play with the picture settings to confirm per input setting memory. ie setting both input 1 and 2 set to "standard" picture mode and being able to have different contrast, brightness on each input.

Thanks,

JCPZero

Originally posted by jcpzero
For those that have seen the set at B&M stores: Which stores? I have yet to see one locally, and have been to CC, BB and Cusa in the past couple of days.

The BB closest to me said they would "never" get one for display. As a result, I called the one across town and talked to a friendly and knowledgable sales guy. The across town BB had the 50u so I went and had a look-see.

Originally posted by jcpzero

I really want to play with the picture settings to confirm per input setting memory. ie setting both input 1 and 2 set to "standard" picture mode and being able to have different contrast, brightness on each input.

Thanks,
JCPZero
I tried to do this but I could not. They only had one input setup so when I changed inputs (which was not as slick as I would like) there was no signal to test with. I was short on time otherwise I bet I could have talked the guy into hooking up a dvd player or something.

Originally posted by jspirate
The across town BB had the 50u so I went and had a look-see.

Just for reference sake, what was the MSRP on the 50u?

Thx,
B

$2,499.

Originally posted by iBleedGarnet
$2,499.

-124 in the store

Originally posted by Macfan424
I think this reinforces the view that it's electronics. Panasonic is probably just using an updated circuit. What's "new" seems to be that some part of it can be turned on and off, at least in the Onyx.

But, yes, marketing hype prevails. Plasmas are pretty refined by now. A lot of "advances" are going to be more visible in the brochures than on the screens. True, especially when you think about where current 720p PDP technology (made in Mexico) can go. As we near the end of the first quarter of 2005... we anticipate seeing 1080p SED FP "monitors" to be released beginning in 2006. One way the PDP makers may be able to compete will be to produce something like the Fujitsu plasma tube. (http://www.audioholics.com/techtips/specsformats/Fujitsuplasmatube.php) For those who wait until next year to buy their 720p PDP (or LCD), you can expect current FP prices to be cut in half.

hi i just recieved my pd25u today i havent plugged it up or anything, still painting the room, but i remember the only member who recieved the pd50u mentioning that his plasma was made in japan, and my pd25u was also made in japan this past dec., so i am wondering what model is panasonic producing in mexico, anyone know?

jcpzero:

I tested your last set of input constraints and Standard picture specs are the same for each input. I.e., they are not unigue to each input. You can set unique settings to the 3 picture modes, Std, Cinema, and Vivid, but they are independent of the Input. E.g. Standard is the same for all inputs. The only work around is to modify a picture mode and attach it to and use it for only that input which is clunky.

Question about the modes: are there any differences between Std, Cinema and Vivid that you can't eliminate with settings? I.e. could you make Vivid or Cinema look exactly like standard by adjusting the settings to the same values, or is there some basic difference underlying them that you can't adjust out?

I'm assuming they're just names for 3 different factory defaults, and you can set them up any way you like, e.g. identical to one another.

Originally posted by gpl505
jcpzero:

I tested your last set of input constraints and Standard picture specs are the same for each input. I.e., they are not unigue to each input. You can set unique settings to the 3 picture modes, Std, Cinema, and Vivid, but they are independent of the Input. E.g. Standard is the same for all inputs. The only work around is to modify a picture mode and attach it to and use it for only that input which is clunky.

Thats how my panny PA25 is and i LOVE it!!
I had a Akai [samsung] and every input you used you would have to set the settings differently, i use DVI for my STB and the color/tint was GREYED out!!

So if you use say Avia setup dvd you only get the results for THAT input....useless in my book.
This new PD is looking like a turd!!

No PC input!!!, but i HATE the front input on mine, i took off the front cover and now i have a pc connection to stare at...WHY did they do that?..NO other plaz manufacturer has a FRONT ONLY pc connection!!

Also NO QAM tuner?, why bother as you can only get over the air HD material, thats like living in the 50's with rabbit ears! totally bogus in my book.

Only 1 antenna input?....no biggy, just get a splitter for $3.

Only good thing ive read here about the new panny is the Speakers sound better than them tin cans mine has, when i brought home the new panny and turned it on, my wife said...."What happened to the sound"?, the Akai had some good DETACHABLE speakers with a bass port so they sounded pretty good.

Originally posted by PerryU
Question about the modes: are there any differences between Std, Cinema and Vivid that you can't eliminate with settings? I.e. could you make Vivid or Cinema look exactly like standard by adjusting the settings to the same values, or is there some basic difference underlying them that you can't adjust out?

I'm assuming they're just names for 3 different factory defaults, and you can set them up any way you like, e.g. identical to one another.

I played with this in BB and you are correct in assuming that they're just names for 3 different factory defaults and you can set them up any way you like.

Originally posted by Bud-man
Also NO QAM tuner?, why bother as you can only get over the air HD material, thats like living in the 50's with rabbit ears! totally bogus in my book.



Hmmm, where did you get this info? I was under the impression that the 50u gad a QAM tuner. It wouldn't surprise me if it didn't though. I think the 50u is aimed at people like myself who watch TV via a DVR or DVD player. In that scenario, the QAM tuner is just not all that important. Anyway, evreything I've read indicates the 50u has one.

Here is the info from the 2005 CES release:

The company is introducing six digital models for 2005, all with integrated ATSC1/NTSC/QAM tuners and all featuring the latest plasma panel technology for unsurpassed performance.

TH-42PD50U EDTV 480p
42" diagonal ATSC/QAM/NTSC tuners; 720p/1080i/480p/480i video in; 16:9 screen; contrast ratio up to 4000:1; HDMI, optical digital audio out; The Director Lighted Disc Home Theater remote. Quiet, power efficient.

http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prModelDetail?storeId=11301&catalogId=13251&itemId=87489&modelNo=Content12302004122339691&surfModel=Content12302004122339691

Originally posted by jspirate
I played with this in BB and you are correct in assuming that they're just names for 3 different factory defaults and you can set them up any way you like.

Not sure about this at least with my TH42PD25. There appears to be some special processing not available to the user going on with Vivid. Cinema and Std can look identical but not Vivid.

Originally posted by caeguy
Not sure about this at least with my TH42PD25. There appears to be some special processing not available to the user going on with Vivid. Cinema and Std can look identical but not Vivid.

That's my experience with the TH42PD25, too. I read somewhere that each mode has different gamma settings. Whatever accounts for it, each mode has a distinct "look," even when adjusted.

You're better at adjusting the settings than I am. I can get Cinema and Std close, but not identical.

Is worth to exchange my $2k VIZIO P42HDe (42" HDTV w/ 5000:1 CR) to this new PAN 42" 50U ?? Since it is confirmed all the 3 tuners in there... only thing missing is CABLECARD (which i dont plan to use, since using the Cablecompany DVR box) and the PC INPUT (no use for me).

Originally posted by caeguy
Not sure about this at least with my TH42PD25. There appears to be some special processing not available to the user going on with Vivid. Cinema and Std can look identical but not Vivid.


Ahhh, this could very well be the case. In my 20 minute RC time I didn't really get to know the settings that well. I did verify that I could change each of the three to whatever I liked, but thats all I can really verify.

I know all my 4 modes on my PA25 are different, no matter what you set it at they wont look the same with the same settings, it's programmed into the eprom.
Which i'm sure is the same as a PD25.
I leave mine on Standard with a tweaks, brightness down to 12.
Sorry if i thought it didnt have a QAM tuner, just been reading earlier post's few weeks ago when somebody here said it wasnt going to be included, but i remember reading the spec's on panny's site and didnt see QAM listed.

Originally posted by Bud-man
I know all my 4 modes on my PA25 are different, no matter what you set it at they wont look the same with the same settings, it's programmed into the eprom.
Which i'm sure is the same as a PD25.
I leave mine on Standard with a tweaks, brightness down to 12.
Sorry if i thought it didnt have a QAM tuner, just been reading earlier post's few weeks ago when somebody here said it wasnt going to be included, but i remember reading the spec's on panny's site and didnt see QAM listed.

Bud-man,

Don’t be sorry on my account because I really don’t see any need for apologies. Anyway, Panasonic has really been lame with its release of info on the 50u. I was just curious as to whether or not something more had popped-up that I might have missed.

With some of the new 42PD50s in stores now, you would think Panasonic might replace (at least some of ) their 25 series sets on their website.

Soon?

Originally posted by gpl505
jcpzero:

I tested your last set of input constraints and Standard picture specs are the same for each input. I.e., they are not unigue to each input. You can set unique settings to the 3 picture modes, Std, Cinema, and Vivid, but they are independent of the Input. E.g. Standard is the same for all inputs. The only work around is to modify a picture mode and attach it to and use it for only that input which is clunky.


Thanks for making the test. My local BB has one in the back stockroom, but not yet on display.

Some of the other deficiencies I can live with, still on the fence about the lack of per input memory settings.

Most other manufactures do not have a limitation of effectively "3" picture settings. And iirc, the 25U had 4 picture modes - so yet another downgrade in the 50U.


JCPZero

I have never owned a plasma before so I should not try to make any determinations until I have some home "play-time" with the 50u. That being said, I don�t think I need many features in DPD (based on how I watch TV), but I can not believe how painful panny makes it to switch inputs. The settings associated with these inputs are also very important.
If there is any reason to consider a different model or manufacturer, this painful process of switching inputs is it (at least in my mind).

Please tell me this isn't a problem with all DPDs?

mpsan,
Would you please PM me with the store's name. This is mentioned in your 3/14/05 comment qouted below.
Many thanks.
yoost


QUOTE: "Yes, a B&M. They are in Wash.,OR, and California. They have been running a very good ad. They had a few left and the salesman I spoke to said he just returned from vacation and he would make me a killer deal if I would wait. I have bought many times from them.

I got it delivered and set up less than an hour ago. I can't begin to count the dead Pixels...there are none!

I think that is all I will say about this here (PM) but they just got their shipment in and they have a ton of them...actually I bet they have more than a ton by weight! " UNQUOTE

I wonder if some of the problems with switching inputs and with individual memory settings are fixed with the hd px50 version. That might be worth looking into, since it's coming out in a month or so.

Thanks for your comments re the picture modes. I do wonder if the differences could be eliminated in the service menu, but I'm not likely to play around in there anyway.

I thought I'd read that the commercial models (7UY) had per-input memories. Can anyone here confirm that? I know they have "advanced picture controls", which I think means some of the service menu settings are accessible in the user menu.

I thought I might see something in the new consumer models to make me consider them over the commercial, but so far I haven't.

Originally posted by jspirate
but I can not believe how painful panny makes it to switch inputs. The settings associated with these inputs are also very important.
If there is any reason to consider a different model or manufacturer, this painful process of switching inputs is it (at least in my mind).

Please tell me this isn't a problem with all DPDs?

Sometimes there are discrete input codes that you can program into a universal remote.

It seems most other models have easier methods for switching inputs.


JCPZero

Originally posted by PerryU


I thought I'd read that the commercial models (7UY) had per-input memories. Can anyone here confirm that? I know they have "advanced picture controls", which I think means some of the service menu settings are accessible in the user menu.

I thought I might see something in the new consumer models to make me consider them over the commercial, but so far I haven't.

I can confirm that the pdf manual for the 7uy indicates per input setting memory. I have read the 7uy manual and 50U manual carefully for this function. 7UY manual indicates each input has its settings saved, where as the 50U does not clearly state memory for each input. Based on comments here from avs members checking out the 50U , the 50U does not have dedicated picture settings for each input.

The 7uy pdf manuals are easily available on the panasonic website if you would like to double check, or possibly a 7uy owner will confirm.

JCPZero

Good news... thanks, JCP.

Originally posted by jcpzero
Some of the other deficiencies I can live with, still on the fence about the lack of per input memory settings.


Does the PD25 remember settings per input? The manual doesn't say it does.

Originally posted by ccdengr
Does the PD25 remember settings per input?

Only if you use different Picture Modes (Standard, Vivid, Cinema & Auto) per input.

Originally posted by jcpzero
Sometimes there are discrete input codes that you can program into a universal remote.

It seems most other models have easier methods for switching inputs.


JCPZero

you can set the panasonic so that it "skips" the inputs you don't use. That saves a LOT of time. And remember that pressing the "channel" button at any time switches you back to the tuners.

We finally saw the new ED panny at BB yesterday and found it even uglier in person than we had expected! Amazingly, we found that the reduced width with the speakers on the bottom made the picture appear smaller than the other 42 inch sets nearby. Like many, we had considered waiting to see what the new model had to offer. However, when we were able to pick up a new 42PD25 several weeks ago for a couple hundred $'s less than the new stripped down version, our decision became a no-brainer. (Sorry – I guess we're gloating a little.)

When I mentioned this to one of the BB salespersons, he didn't understand the big deal until I pointed out how the new model was missing the cable card slot, PIP, menu buttons on the set, etc. He hadn't noticed! It's hard to find a TV costing that much without PIP. Are there any? Maybe we're putting too much emphasis on features, but if we were shopping for a new EDTV today, the new panny ED would no longer be a contender!
:D

....and PQ??

i wonder who is going to take over this spot, i mean as far as features the pd25u was a clear winner even against units costing way more. when panasoic stripped the pd50u of its features it left a huge market wide open in this price range....curious, i think panasonic should have 2 versions like they did with pd25u with the costco version with no cable card so people would have a choice. in defense of the pd50u i liked the way it looked with the all silver bezel and the picture was nice, if it had the features of the pd25u i would have been all over it, but since it didnt i opted for the pd25u...ps i thing i like about the pd50 was if you look at the edge of the glass it goes directly from picture to bezel there no black masking at all, and to me it made the screen look a little bigger than it is

PQ on the new panny looked very good, but then so did the 42PD25 when we saw it on previous visits. Without comparing the two side by side, it's impossible to tell if there're any improvements. Certainly, nothing jumped out to make us say "ooh and ah," or to make us regret not waiting for the new model.

We did, however, compare PQ on the new ED panny to the old HD panny right beneath it, and could see no appreciable differences! The BB's we frequent only use HD feeds, or so they say, but it may not have been much better than run-of-the-mill DVD. Sorry, but we have nothing positive to say about the new panny other than it costs less than the old one. As far as appearances go, it's the old cliché, "in the eye of the beholder."

Originally posted by david8613
i wonder who is going to take over this spot, i mean as far as features the pd25u was a clear winner even against units costing way more. when panasoic stripped the pd50u of its features it left a huge market wide open in this price range....curious, i think panasonic should have 2 versions like they did with pd25u with the costco version with no cable card so people would have a choice. in defense of the pd50u i liked the way it looked with the all silver bezel and the picture was nice, if it had the features of the pd25u i would have been all over it, but since it didnt i opted for the pd25u...ps i thing i like about the pd50 was if you look at the edge of the glass it goes directly from picture to bezel there no black masking at all, and to me it made the screen look a little bigger than it is

Well, I am a little biased because I choose the 50u over the pd25, but I agree with david on the bezel. I think it made the screen look a little bigger compared to the other 42s and I think the silver is nice looking (not sure how it will look in our room though). I am also very impressed with the picture quality, although I do not have it at home yet. I will know more today because it is supposed to be delivered any minute now :)

I think the pd25 is a good looking set also.

Originally posted by Turtledoves

We did, however, compare PQ on the new ED panny to the old HD panny right beneath it, and could see no appreciable differences! The BB's we frequent only use HD feeds, or so they say, but it may not have been much better than run-of-the-mill DVD. Sorry, but we have nothing positive to say about the new panny other than it costs less than the old one. As far as appearances go, it's the old cliché, "in the eye of the beholder."

Hmmm, are you saying that the only reason the ED panny looked as good (no appreciable differences) as the HD model is because you think BB is not running an HD feed? You think they are doing that to boost ED TV sales? Or just because they don't care about paying attention to details?

Originally posted by jspirate
Hmmm, are you saying that the only reason the ED panny looked as good (no appreciable differences) as the HD model is because you think BB is not running an HD feed? You think they are doing that to boost ED TV sales? Or just because they don't care about paying attention to details?
----
I don't have a clue why the ED looked so good next to the HD. It could be that the ED is just that good, or it could be that the feed they're using doesn't quite showcase HD all that well. Then again, maybe our visual acuity isn't all that swift or we're just plain stupid!

Anyone who's ever been to BB (and similar stores), should know that there's room for a little more attention to details. But we won't get into that here.
:D

Originally posted by Turtledoves
PQ on the new panny looked very good, but then so did the 42PD25 when we saw it on previous visits. Without comparing the two side by side, it's impossible to tell if there're any improvements. Certainly, nothing jumped out to make us say "ooh and ah," or to make us regret not waiting for the new model.

We did, however, compare PQ on the new ED panny to the old HD panny right beneath it, and could see no appreciable differences! The BB's we frequent only use HD feeds, or so they say, but it may not have been much better than run-of-the-mill DVD. Sorry, but we have nothing positive to say about the new panny other than it costs less than the old one. As far as appearances go, it's the old cliché, "in the eye of the beholder." Originally posted by jspirate
Hmmm, are you saying that the only reason the ED panny looked as good (no appreciable differences) as the HD model is because you think BB is not running an HD feed? You think they are doing that to boost ED TV sales? Or just because they don't care about paying attention to details?Originally posted by Turtledoves
I don't have a clue why the ED looked so good next to the HD. It could be that the ED is just that good, or it could be that the feed they're using doesn't quite showcase HD all that well. Then again, maybe our visual acuity isn't all that swift or we're just plain stupid!

Anyone who's ever been to BB (and similar stores), should know that there's room for a little more attention to details. But we won't get into that here. Perhaps we are beginning to see the end of any "dramatic" improvements regarding the picture rendered by 480p and 720p PDPs? Instead only "refinements" of the glass and electronics to add "marginally" improved picture quality over 6th and 7th generation panels. The future of display technology is the 1080p SED format and PDP makers will respond with their own 1080p displays. Therefore, I do not anticipate much, if any, additional improvement for 480p or 720p TVs. However, in order to remain competitive, the price to acquire current plasma technology will continue to decline.

thats the whole thing that confuses me, if the improvement in pq is at its peak with plasma thats all the more reason this pd50u should have been crammed with features, look at cars today they have 4 wheels and they all take you from point a to point b, but as time goes on you get more and more standard features like power windows, airconditioning, abs braking, side impact air bags that were once extras you had to pay for but now are standard features on alot of cars, even on some low budget cars. it just urks me, what was panasonic thinking when they took so many awesome features out of an otherwise excellent line. the only thing i can think of is that maybe panasonic is going to slash the heck on the price on this unit before christmas to compete, thats why they released such a barebones set, make money now, give them away later....

Originally posted by david8613
thats the whole thing that confuses me, if the improvement in pq is at its peak with plasma thats all the more reason this pd50u should have been crammed with features, look at cars today they have 4 wheels and they all take you from point a to point b, but as time goes on you get more and more standard features like power windows, airconditioning, abs braking, side impact air bags that were once extras you had to pay for but now are standard features on alot of cars. it just urks me how panasonic just took so much out of an otherwise excellent line. why? The trend appears to be one of "dumping" current 480p/720p PDP formats. PDP/LCD makers have invested big time into plants and equipment during the past few years but have received little or no return for those investments. With SED coming, PDP makers need to come up with an answer, perhaps something like the Fujitsu Plasma Tube? (http://www.audioholics.com/techtips/specsformats/Fujitsuplasmatube.php) So there is no real incentive to invest any additional $$ into a technology that is beginning to fade. The only way PDP makers can begin to recoup their investment is to cut the price for current FPs so when the masses begin to snap them up... a lot of revenue will be generated. I would not hesitate to buy a quality 720p 50" PDP for say $2000, even if 1080p SEDs were available at Ferrari prices. Right now I own a 36" 4:3 CRT HD ready TV which I know is destined for the bedroom and I suspect a 720p PDP is becomming an interim solution too.

You mean 768p PDP. Just being technical.

It's hard to find a TV costing that much without PIP. Are there any?

Quite a few, actually. The best selling Plasma in the U.S., Sony's KE42M1, for starters. It currently lists for $1000 more than the PD50U and doesn't even have an ATSC tuner. (Then again, not many other ED plasmas have an ATSC tuner, either.)

I agree, though, that Panasonic has left a big gap in the market. It was the plethora of extra features that caused me to opt for the PD25U rather than the Sony. I suspect part of Panasonic's motivation behind dropping so many features from the PD line was to give customers more reasons to step up to the more profitable PX series. The increase in PQ alone hasn't been enough to justify the PX's higher cost for most people .

As others have noted, the big effort is to get the price down. Panasonic allegedly will release a stripped down version of the PA25U (which currently lacks an ATSC tuner) this fall with a MRSP less than $2000. There is a huge market for $1000 plasmas, and manufacturers will keep striving to produce them.

Originally posted by jrock65
You mean 768p PDP. Just being technical. Just to confuse the issue more... from Panasonic:

"TH-50PX500U (HDTV 720p 50" diagonal... 720p/1080i/480p/480i video in...)"

scaled to 768p?

Now I'm on the fence...
If the 25U does not support 720p, as the 50U does, does this mean you can't get OTA FOX or ABC in 720p? I'm also confused on whether it really has a QAM HDTV tuner for cable as well. The same issue would apply here, if there is one. Maybe there is no issue except when inputing through Component from a cable box that can't be set to 1080i.

Can anybody confirm this? Thanks!

My TH42PD25 accepts 720P through it's QAM and ASTC tuners. Meaning, via cable or OTA.

Carey - I get OTA FOX and ABC just fine on my 25U.

480p,720p,1080i it all looks good, very small if any difference even noticed.
Like the guy on Tv says...Set it and forget it!!

Great! Thanks guys. That helps a lot in my decision, as I didn't want to get a separate OTA tuner box.

Maybe there is no issue except when inputing through Component from a cable box that can't be set to 1080i.


That's right, and I don't believe there are any of those. Someone once said there are game boxes like that, though.

Anyone who has a th-42pd50U try to tune in Comcast Digital Cable Channels?

My local Best Buy is suppose to get some th-42pd50U's in this weekend and I want to do some homework. The one thing my wife wants(this is going to be her TV) is getting the channels like Bravo from Comcast Digital Cable. I know I need a set top box or a model with a cable-card to get HBO and such but will the pd50u(which is suppose to have a QAM tuner) get the channels like 181? I thought that is what the QAM is for. What about the HD channels in the 700 number range(ABC, NBC, Discovery HD Theater, INHD1 and 2) Thanks

Now I'm depressed. The local Costco only has the TH42PA25U/P, not the "PD" version with the ATSC tuner. My local BB's don't have 42" PD's and won't drag out the 50U for display. Guess I'm out of luck on that idea.

NikeMan,
I certainly hope the 50U can tune in all Comcast cable digital channels as well as QAM free stations. I expect to get INHD1&2, ESPN, CBS, FOX, DiscoveryHD, and UPN here, as long as it's unencrypted QAM.

Hey Carey, have you tried the CC on Broadway?

Originally posted by yobob
Hey Carey, have you tried the CC on Broadway? Nope. The one on Oracle, and they only had the 42HD model. I'll have to call the other one.
[EDIT] I checked the one on Broadway. All they have is an open box PD25u, but are asking way too much for it.

Thanks Carey P, I don't have any channels like HBO and I don't get any Pay-per-View so I was thinking getting a TV with a cable-card would not get me anything over a TV with a QAM tuner.

Of course I'd feel better to hear from someone with the 42PD50 confirm that it gets the digital channels.

i talked to comcast asking questions about the qam tuner and from what i understand if its not encrypted you will get it, but anything worth watching on cable is encrypted needing either a cablecard or box to watch it, i think the only thing thats qam in the clear is your local digital channels like cbs, fox, abc but nothing like hbo hd, or inhd, or discovery hd...but it might be different in your area...

I got my 50u today and so far I am am loving it. I am watching the NC State and Wisconsin game (Duke halftime) and I am simply amazed. This is my first EDTV and I have never owned a HDTV. Anyway, I am sure the HD models have a better picture, but without having another set next to the 50u I have to ask why? Any improvement in HD content would have to be visible in a side by side comparison only.

I will try to give some feedback over then next couple days, but for now I am blown away by the PQ.

Originally posted by jspirate
I got my 50u today and so far I am am loving it. I am watching the NC State and Wisconsin game (Duke halftime) and I am simply amazed. This is my first EDTV and I have never owned a HDTV. Anyway, I am sure the HD models have a better picture, but without having another set next to the 50u I have to ask why? Any improvement in HD content would have to be visible in a side by side comparison only.

I will try to give some feedback over then next couple days, but for now I am blown away by the PQ.

Congrats jspirate...take a few pictures for us :D

here, here, congrats jspirate! you did it! i know you must be very happy, please give us some details what kind of signal are you feeding it? damn my pd25u has been sitting in the box since wednesday,i am still painting my room, man i want to mess with it so bad, you lucky dog...

I originally had the much touted Zenith but returned it for this Panasonic when I couldn't get the rear input to accept sound from my TIVO DVR. CableCard and PIP weren't an issue since I'm using the DVR, which precludes using either.

I just got the Pana this morning and noticed something odd - it's made in Japan. I've read a lot of posts mentioning something about it being made in Mexico. Is only the glass made in Mexico? Mine clearly states on the back mfg Feb 05 and made in Japan.

Also, my first impression is that the unit looks great and that there is definitely a lot less false contouring than the Zenith. It was very noticeable on the green TIVO recorded menu background. On the Pana it looks smooth with no gradations.

Has anyone posted their picture settings for this unit?

Thanks!

Has anyone heard anything on a release date for the PX50? I know it is scheduled for April but I am looking for an actual date. Thanks.

Originally posted by caeguy
Congrats jspirate...take a few pictures for us :D

Pictures of the 50u (not on wall mount yet etc). These are not my best photographs, but I was trying to get shots of the screen image and bezel in less than adequate lighting conditions. Anyway, here you go:

Regular A:
http://jspirate.smugmug.com/photos/18250040-O.jpg

Crop A (large image):
http://jspirate.smugmug.com/photos/18250041-O.jpg


Regular B:
http://jspirate.smugmug.com/photos/18250042-O.jpg

Crop B (large image):
http://jspirate.smugmug.com/photos/18250044-O.jpg


Regular C:
http://jspirate.smugmug.com/photos/18250037-O.jpg

Crop C (large image):
http://jspirate.smugmug.com/photos/18250038-O.jpg


Regular D:
http://jspirate.smugmug.com/photos/18250034-O.jpg

Crop D (large image):
http://jspirate.smugmug.com/photos/18250036-O.jpg

Thanks for the pics, js. I've got to say, it looks a whole lot better in a natural setting than in the original white-background Panny picture. And it is kind of neat that the image extends right out to the bezel like it does.

Originally posted by david8613
here, here, congrats jspirate! you did it! i know you must be very happy, please give us some details what kind of signal are you feeding it? damn my pd25u has been sitting in the box since wednesday,i am still painting my room, man i want to mess with it so bad, you lucky dog...

Thanks david, I am very happy and the added bonus is that the wife is also very happy. The wife being happy is bigger than it sounds because she has been virtually silent during both the research and purchase phases. I think she was a bit surprised at the image quality and is subsequently jumped on-board with the purchase.

Anyway, I am running the 50u through the Motorola 6412 dual DVR (Comcast cable). Yesterday, I played around with the cable going directly to the TV, but I never checked anything but the analog channels (duh). I just assumed that the HD stuff needed the box Motorola box so I hooked it up before trying. My ultimate plan is to split the cable prior to the Motorola box and then run one signal to the Panny and one to the STB. I understand that I might get better SD performance this way. The current performance on SD is fair enough, but I always like tweeking for optimum performance.

Good luck with the painting... If you are like me you probably want the paint job to look nice, so try not to rush it to much and please post some pics when you are done :)

How's the SDE on this panel in person?
from lets say ... 6,7 feet ?

That was supposedly improved ...

jlsavs

Originally posted by jlsavs
How's the SDE on this panel in person?
from lets say ... 6,7 feet ?

That was supposedly improved ...

jlsavs

I can't really compare the SDE to anything else except what I saw in-store, so I can't really talk about whether or not its improved. I can say that I don't see it at 6 feet. Maybe others could see it, but I don't. I asked my wife is she could see a "screen door effect" when she was sitting on the floor (about 6ft) and she said "whats that?"

On a very interesting note, when I was taking the pics that I posted earlier, I got a couple photos (2 out of 19) where I could see the SDE. I had to view the 7.2 mega-pixal image at full resolution to see it though (camera optics are probably better than my eyes). This was not reproducable at will. In other words, the focal length was not the cause. I am not sure why I could't reproduce the effect.

Since we are not supposed to post links to other retailers search Google
for 42pd50u it will be the link on top of second page and starts with a V. The link may move position as web bots find more sites. On the home page you should find the set, if not click on new and hot.
If these specs are correct then it has most of everything that was thought to be missing,cable card slot,PIP,mentions G8 glass in the details section, I see nothing about sub pixel control but might be called something else.
Make sure to use the u at the end of 42pd50u.
Old Mike

can you pm me the link, i tried the google thing i didnt find anything starting with v.

No!... OFFICIAL FEATURES list:

http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prModelDetail?storeId=11301&catalogId=13251&itemId=87489&modelNo=Content12302004122339691&surfModel=Content12302004122339691


OFFICIAL SPECS:

42" diagonal ATSC/QAM/NTSC tuners; 720p/1080i/480p/480i video in; 16:9 screen; contrast ratio up to 4000:1; HDMI, optical digital audio out; The Director Lighted Disc Home Theater remote. Quiet, power efficient. March 2005
TH-42PD50U EDTV 480p
42" diagonal

These specs might be false alarm if you look at 42pd25u specs on this site they are the same except for the mention of G8 glass on the new one but who knows for sure until Panasonic puts up official specs. Old Mike

Originally posted by jspirate
I can't really compare the SDE to anything else except what I saw in-store, so I can't really talk about whether or not its improved. I can say that I don't see it at 6 feet. Maybe others could see it, but I don't. I asked my wife is she could see a "screen door effect" when she was sitting on the floor (about 6ft) and she said "whats that?"

On a very interesting note, when I was taking the pics that I posted earlier, I got a couple photos (2 out of 19) where I could see the SDE. I had to view the 7.2 mega-pixal image at full resolution to see it though (camera optics are probably better than my eyes). This was not reproducable at will. In other words, the focal length was not the cause. I am not sure why I could't reproduce the effect.

So I guess you're saying you'd have no problem watching this panel from 6 ft ?

If so, then that's pretty impressive for a 480p edtv !!

thanks.

You cannot believe random specs. See the big official 2005 panny thread for the link to the manual for the 42PD50U plus reports from people that have taken delivery of them. They lose cablecard, PC input and front inputs.

Threads Merged!

Dave

Originally posted by jlsavs
So I guess you're saying you'd have no problem watching this panel from 6 ft ?

If so, then that's pretty impressive for a 480p edtv !!

thanks.

When watching at 5 feet it is not apparent to me, unless I try to identify it. That means I have to ignore the TV show and look for SDE. Although I have done this to get a feel for its presence, it no longer comes to mind. Six feet is not an issue in any way (at least not to my eyes). The only time this is an issue is when my son wants to watch TV right up next to the DPD. We never approved of this even with the CRT TV, but when I ask him to move back he moves to about 3 feet away. Anyway, every once in while I will get down on the floor with him and watch one of his shows. At 3ft the SDE is noticeable without looking for it.

EDIT: Ack! The threads are merged!

jspirate...
Congrats to you! Use it in the best of health.
Jealous, envious... oh yeah baby! ;)

Very glad to hear about the lack of noticeable SDE at 6'. When you can drag yourself from it, please keep us apprised of your experience and observations. I’m sure many will greatly appreciate it.


cheers

On sale at vanns.com (free shipping).

Please excuse the mess. This room is still under construction (though almost finished) so its still a little messy. If all goes as planned, by next weekend I will have the wires running through the wall and the DPD on a wall mount. I will post pics when its complete.

Hmmmm, maybe I need to get a programmable remote?

http://jspirate.smugmug.com/photos/18273554-O.jpg

Just went to BB in Milpitas, Bay area today. They have the PD50U on display. To me, it is a far cry from no SDE at 4 feet.

That being said, I think it is noticeably improvement from the old PD25U at the same distance. In fact, The philips 42" 9966 and the Zenith next to it showed more SDE than the the pd50U. The color saturation is excellent and the video noise is much lower than the other two 42" plasma.

BB does not leave the remote out for me to verifyf the settings of each plasma but I have to say I like the new video quality of the PD50U. By the way, the PD50U is also on sale this Easter weekend.

I too just came back from Milpitas BB. I just ordered the 42pd50u. It will be delivered to my house on wed. Salesperson told me they won't stock them so I ended up ordering it. It's free shipping tho. One funny thing is that I was at BB Milpitas yesterday and a different salesperson told me they will have 3 in stock this noon and the shipping is $35. But the salesperson today told me they wont' stock them and it's free shipping. Who should i listen to? ;)

Anyone know if COSTCO is going to carry the new 50U ? Thank you.

I was wondering the same thing. The feature set of the 50U is more in line with the PA25U than PD25U.


JCPZero

Just an FYI, the specs at Vanns look like the 25U - not the 50U.

JCPZero

Threads Merged!

Dave

Big Question for anyone with this panny! Does it have aspect contol over 720 and 1080 source signals?
First post all!
You guys have been very helpfull. Im deciding on 42xr3, 37px50u, 42phd7u
I only have 40.3" width.

Originally posted by Sheldon186
Big Question for anyone with this panny! Does it have aspect contol over 720 and 1080 source signals?
First post all!
You guys have been very helpfull. Im deciding on 42xr3, 37px50u, 42phd7u
I only have 40.3" width.

You should be able to download the pdf manuals at the panasonic website to verify: Per the manuals, the 50U and 7UY do not allow aspect changes on 720p and 1080i. This is a feature I was hoping for on the 50U as many of my local broadcasts are 4:3 with black bars.

JCPZero

yeah the vanns specs are 25u specs look at the demisions....

jspirate i had no idea you were so young!!!lol!!!

jspirate, good pic! Cute as a button, and looks smart too!

p.s. the kid's also kinda cute...

Originally posted by jcpzero
You should be able to download the pdf manuals at the panasonic website to verify: Per the manuals, the 50U and 7UY do not allow aspect changes on 720p and 1080i. This is a feature I was hoping for on the 50U as many of my local broadcasts are 4:3 with black bars.

JCPZero

I am not 100% sure, but I think the 50u will allow aspect changes on both 720 and 1080, but not when running component. I was playing around with the S-video connection today to compare SD performance with respect to component hook-up. I was able to manipulate aspect ration when I was running S-video, but that was with the STB feeding 1080. I didn't try it with the STB feeding 720.

EDIT: Errrr, I assumed the 50u ment the TH-42PD50U

Originally posted by jspirate
I am not 100% sure, but I think the 50u will allow aspect changes on both 720 and 1080, but not when running component. I was playing around with the S-video connection today to compare SD performance with respect to component hook-up. I was able to manipulate aspect ration when I was running S-video, but that was with the STB feeding 1080. I didn't try it with the STB feeding 720.

EDIT: Errrr, I assumed the 50u ment the TH-42PD50U

Yes, I mean the TH-42PD50U:

If you are using s-video that is 480i, no matter what the STB says. You only get the 480p, 720p. 1080i via component. Therefore you are stretching 480i, not 720P or 1080i via s-video.

JCPZero

post two

post three

I need to get 5 post so i can link a review. Post 4

Post five

Ok sorry about that. I can't decide betwwen the NEC xr3 the 37PX50u or the 42phd7uy. If the panny cant control aspect in HD that could be a real pain. Some review show certain model from the that has control. At least i thought. I think the NEC can! I dont need a tuner. I'll always, mostlikely have some sort of box attached to the tv externally. Dont like comcast. Ive been Dish fan for a long time. Just ditched VOOM satellite because of there horrible Equipement and service. They never once got the equipment working after 6 boxes. Still they are charging me $115 for those months (6) and havnt had there service for 2 months and are still charging me. Anyway, It seemed as though watching there HD channels most of the time were in a 4:3 format. Which totally drove us nuts. I love the Idea behind the phd7uy swithable cards in the back. Buy What you need as you go. I would of bought this PSP 2 weeks ago until finding details about HD aspect contol. I currently have the Sony kv-34xbr910, which is being replaced because of a bad tube. I was going to buy the updated 960 with the return money until look at the screen of ALL sony CRTS. JUNK! Everey one of them. They all have convergence problems at the top of the screens and at the left bottom. Shame Shame on SONY. Ive been loyal customer until dealing with there and CC advantage protection plan WARRATY. Replace after 3 trip of fixing try 10. They could send out a tech 5000 times and you'll still have the same refrence number. You need 3 before they'll replace your TV.
Check this link on the XR3..
What you guy think. and is there any other good reviews on the NEC.

http://66.218.71.231/language/translation/translatedPage.php?tt=url&text=http%3a//www.areadvd.de/hardware/nec_42_xr3.shtml&lp=de_en&.intl=us&fr=FP-tab-web-t

Sheldon, please read the thread title... this is the Official New Panny thread. There are other threads like this one (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?threadid=523990) that compare NEC / Panny etc.

The 50U is now listed on BB webpage.

jspirate,

If you have a chance at all, could you check to see if you can access the service menu with the 50u as outlined here (http://216.180.241.242/~glaucob/forum/showthread.php?t=23)? This should allow you to change picture size to adjust for overscan and such. I don't think you can do this through the normal menus like you can with the PD25u. Just wondering if this is a way to get around the limited adjustments offered by the new model. Thanks!

Originally posted by Carey P
jspirate,

If you have a chance at all, could you check to see if you can access the service menu with the 50u as outlined here (http://216.180.241.242/~glaucob/forum/showthread.php?t=23)? This should allow you to change picture size to adjust for overscan and such. I don't think you can do this through the normal menus like you can with the PD25u. Just wondering if this is a way to get around the limited adjustments offered by the new model. Thanks!

Hmmm, I tried Carey, but the remote buttons are different and some of the buttons on the unit appear to be absent. I didn't really mess around trying any other buttons though...

Originally posted by jspirate
Hmmm, I tried Carey, but the remote buttons are different and some of the buttons on the unit appear to be absent. I didn't really mess around trying any other buttons though... Thanks for trying. Maybe there is no service menu. :(

Originally posted by jspirate
Hmmm, I tried Carey, but the remote buttons are different and some of the buttons on the unit appear to be absent. I didn't really mess around trying any other buttons though...

Try this sequence:

Press MENU button to access regular menu.
Select CABLE mode
Select TIMER and set SLEEP time for 30 minutes
Press ACTION/OK button twice to exit menus
Tune to the channel 124
Turn VOLUME all the way down (remote control)
Press down the VOL button on the Plasma



.

Originally posted by BruZZi
Try this sequence:

Press MENU button to access regular menu.
Select CABLE mode
Select TIMER and set SLEEP time for 30 minutes
Press ACTION/OK button twice to exit menus
Tune to the channel 124
Turn VOLUME all the way down (remote control)
Press down the VOL button on the Plasma
.

Ok, I will start with my first hurdle. There is no way to select anything that says "cable" I can hit the "menu" button and I then get these options:
- picture
- audio
- timer
- lock
- setup

Or, I can select the "TV/Video" button and get access to the input options:
- TV
- Component 1
- Component 2
- HDMI
- S-video 1
- S-video 2

I tried to run through your instructions by going selecting "TV" as my input selection, but nothing special happens.

Originally posted by jspirate
Ok, I will start with my first hurdle. There is no way to select anything that says "cable" I can hit the "menu" button and I then get these options:
- picture
- audio
- timer
- lock
- setup

Or, I can select the "TV/Video" button and get access to the input options:
- TV
- Component 1
- Component 2
- HDMI
- S-video 1
- S-video 2

I tried to run through your instructions by going selecting "TV" as my input selection, but nothing special happens.

Ok, press SETUP and see if you can select/press CABLE mode .

Don't have the remote so It's very hard. :(

Hi guys - thanks for the info on this board - good stuff.

I suspect I'll be buying either the TH-42PD50U or TH-42PX50U between now and the end of April. I was about to order the TH-42PD50U today - after finding great prices (below MSRP) on the web...

But then I found a price for the TH-42PX50U (even though there were zero listed in stock and no posted specs) that was much lower than I expected for what I think is supposed to be a true HD model (vs. ED).

The price I found is at a reputable online computer and electronics retailer. Is the MSRP for the TH-42PX50U public knowledge yet? Can anyone else search the web for this model and confirm that they'll be sold in the high-2's? (google this: sku#S4060964)

They even have a price listed for the TH-42PX500U which is significantly lower than what I would have expected.

Originally posted by BruZZi
Ok, press SETUP and see if you can select/press CABLE mode .

Don't have the remote so It's very hard. :(

I know its tricky when you can't see the options :)

Anyway, here are the options under "setup":
- Language
- Clock
- Program Channel
- Input labels
- Other adjustments
-----Auto power on
-----Side bar
- About
- Reset

I can't find the word "Cable" anywhere on the menu.

Oh boy...

Just guessing here... :D

exit the all the menus and then

press the [DBS/CBL] button on the remote and the the rest of sequence

megaptera: wow, thanks for the information...I think the PX50 is the way to go for the price difference. Do you have any experience with that vendor? I too am looking at the PD50 and didn't consider the PX50 due to the perceived price, but now I'm getting excited. True HD! We are building a house and will want this around the end of April also.

I hope the PX50 is a good performer, because then my decision has been made!

Originally posted by megaptera


The price I found is at a reputable online computer and electronics retailer.



Not so great reviews at reseller ratings:

http://www.resellerratings.com/seller1835.html


I've done business with them only one time. They sent me a wrong processor. :rolleyes:

Too bad because thats a great price and cheap shipping. I think the biggest issue with them is not that you will get ripped off, but that they make take forever to ship and offer little if any support.

I really hope these new 50 inch pannies are "better" than the old when it comes to light within the room. I am currently on the fence and may soon pull the trigger on the NEC 50XR4 but I am a little put off by its image retention that many say it exhibits. So now I must wait to see if the new panny can deliver what the NEC currently does but without the image retention. I cannot really control the light in the room so that was why I was leaning to the NEC.

Curtis

Originally posted by BruZZi
Oh boy...

Just guessing here... :D

exit the all the menus and then

press the [DBS/CBL] button on the remote and the the rest of sequence

Yeah, thats what I thought also, but it didn't work :eek:

Maybe we can find a better vendor to match the price. Or, I would imagine it might be a good power buy candidate. I'm trying to decide if the PX500U is worth the extra bucks...interesting, PCMCIA slot...anyone know what they are planning to do with the PCMCIA slot?

jspirate,

What is your opinion on the following, in regards to the single RF input:

If you use an RF switcher to switch from Cable to OTA, how long would it take to go through the channel scan or select the type of RF input in the menu system? Is there maybe a fast way to do this?

A typical scenerio would be to go from a local DTV signal OTA to an analog station like TBS on cable. Even if I have a cable box with component hookup, I may want the better SD signal with direct cable and also allow the stretching of the image. What do you think?

I tried the Broadway BB in Tucson on Saturday. No 50Us to see, even though the salesman claimed theirs was the fifth busiest BB in the chain. Hmmmmm.

"But we will carry almost everything that's out there in the next couple months." The skepticism must have been written all over my face, because he continued, "Magnolia is going to set up shop in here, and be open sometime in June."

Interesting.

Originally posted by Carey P
jspirate,

What is your opinion on the following, in regards to the single RF input:

If you use an RF switcher to switch from Cable to OTA, how long would it take to go through the channel scan or select the type of RF input in the menu system? Is there maybe a fast way to do this?

A typical scenerio would be to go from a local DTV signal OTA to an analog station like TBS on cable. Even if I have a cable box with component hookup, I may want the better SD signal with direct cable and also allow the stretching of the image. What do you think?

Here is an outline of the quickest method for changing input sources.

1. Select “TV/Video” button, this brings up the 6 input options (these can be re-labeled)
- TV
- Component 1
- Component 2
- HDMI
- S-video 1
- S-video 2
2. Hitting the number “1” will select TV

Hitting the button takes about 1 second because you do not have to wait for the visual to come up on the display. The unit then takes about 2 seconds to get the input switched and display it on the screen. So, the whole operation can be done in about 3 seconds.

Still no new Pannys on display in Northern NJ.....

On Sat. I hit all the retailers in Paramus : the two BB, the CC, the two 6th Ave, the Electronics Expo and the Sears, then the BB in Paterson, Costco in Hackinsack and on Sun morning (roast in the oven) the BB and CC in Nyack (NY).

At most places sales clerks had no idea what I was talking about... I guess they just don't care to look smart or informed.

Hopefully next weekend TH-42PD50U will start to show up in my area.

:mad: :mad: :mad:

BTW I checked Sears as well. They still have the 42" and 37" 25PDs on the shelf. I didn't ask whether they had any in their stockroom.

But NO 50 series yet. So what else is new? ;)

price has gone up at vanns

Originally posted by jspirate
Here is an outline of the quickest method for changing input sources.

1. Select “TV/Video” button, this brings up the 6 input options (these can be re-labeled)
- TV
- Component 1
- Component 2
- HDMI
- S-video 1
- S-video 2
2. Hitting the number “1” will select TV

Hitting the button takes about 1 second because you do not have to wait for the visual to come up on the display. The unit then takes about 2 seconds to get the input switched and display it on the screen. So, the whole operation can be done in about 3 seconds. Thanks for the info.
However, I was more worried about using the single rf input for two types of rf sources. One being OTA digital and standard cable. If I switch between the two externally, then I imagine you would have to go through some auto channel scan so that the 50u knows it is one type or the other. I'm thinking now, there may be a way to manually program the channels so that at least the lower analogs on cable would be recognized with the same input setting for OTA signals. Sorry for the confusion. I'm just wondering if I really need the 25u and solve this problem best. Though I'm afraid the 25u may have an older generation ATSC tuner which may not bring in the stations as good as the newer model. :rolleyes:

Originally posted by Carey P
Thanks for the info.
However, I was more worried about using the single rf input for two types of rf sources. One being OTA digital and standard cable. If I switch between the two externally, then I imagine you would have to go through some auto channel scan so that the 50u knows it is one type or the other. I'm thinking now, there may be a way to manually program the channels so that at least the lower analogs on cable would be recognized with the same input setting for OTA signals. Sorry for the confusion. I'm just wondering if I really need the 25u and solve this problem best. Though I'm afraid the 25u may have an older generation ATSC tuner which may not bring in the stations as good as the newer model. :rolleyes:

Ahhhh, I see Carey. Tonight I am going to disconnect the VCR (coming in on coax) and hook the cable directly to the TV. I think this would usually provide the feedback you are interested in; however, our electricity went out last night and I wonder if this might confuse the issue. When the electricity came back on the 50u was acting like this was it's first time being fired up. It was going through the routine and asking me what language I wanted ect. I just exited out of this process and all my settings were as they were prior to the outage.

Anyway, this change of coax should provide some information relative to your question. I will let you know...

Originally posted by Carey P
... I'm afraid the 25u may have an older generation ATSC tuner which may not bring in the stations as good as the newer model. :rolleyes:

I wouldn't worry about that too much. I seem to have fewer problems with my 25U's tuner than many people do with their external boxes, from what I read in the local reception thread, so the 25U's tuner seems pretty good.

I gave up watching local analog channels years ago because of severe ghosting, but the 25U's digital reception with my same 40 year old antenna has been excellent, even on CBS which broadcasts on channel 3 (2.1) and generates a lot of complaints locally. (Admittedly, specific location and antenna quality are big factors, so comparisons are imperfect.)

The 50U's tuner does have a more complete XDS display though, showing program name and ending time, which mine doesn't.

FWIW.

Opinions welcome please:

I'm trying to decide between a 50u which is brand new for the usual discounted price, plus another 10% off with a BB coupon. or...

A display model 25u which has 2,525 (calc. with tax)?

Is the 25u worth another $300 over the 50u, even used? No pixel defects or burn-in was noted. I never got to see the 50u in person. Can't tell if there is any degredation in picture brightness on the display model. I checked the picture modes on the 25u and noticed the Standard and Cinema seem fuzzier than Auto or Vivid, even when Sharpness was turned way up on an HD signal. Looked like color smearing almost, but maybe it was normal for these modes. Not too crazy about the side speakers, but interested in the dual RF inputs. What should I do? :confused:

Originally posted by Foos-Man
...interesting, PCMCIA slot...anyone know what they are planning to do with the PCMCIA slot?

They had this on on the 25, too. With appropriate adapter, it allows you to use any kind of memory card for the Photo Viewer function, not just Panasonic's SD type.

Originally posted by Carey P
Opinions welcome please:

Is the 25u worth another $300 over the 50u, even used?... I checked the picture modes on the 25u and noticed the Standard and Cinema seem fuzzier than Auto or Vivid, even when Sharpness was turned way up on an HD signal. Looked like color smearing almost, but maybe it was normal for these modes... :confused:

You'll have to decide for yourself if the 25U is worth the extra money. It would have been for me, as I'm addicted to PIP and love the auto mode (which many do not). I also just like the idea of a lot of extra features. But that's me.

BB managers seem to have a lot of discretion on closeout pricing, so it might be worth asking for a better deal. They certainly closed out the 25U's for much less in some stores.

I can say with some certainty that the PD25U's Standard mode should not be "fuzzier" than the others. Cinema is another matter, although Panasonic prefers to call the effect "soft, film-like."

i can recommend the the 25u, i hooked mine up yesterday. antenna a has my comcast cable, and antenna b just got some cheapy rabbit ears, and i got on antenna a 8 hd channels couple of locals, and on antenna b i got all the locals plus an extra one thats not on my cable. the thing is i havent orderd the cable card yet, i should get even more hd coming into my house...and to top it all off i got all these on demand channels, i cant control it but it just comes on, i am lovin my pd25u... there on close were i got mine, i wish i had the loot i would buy another for bedroom... best bang for the buck imho...

Thanks for the replies. I should have pointed out that the display model was at Sears.

So you don't think it's a problem having been run over 2500 hrs in VIVID mode?

Originally posted by Carey P


So you don't think it's a problem having been run over 2500 hrs in VIVID mode?

I didn't see that part before. Yes, that would be big a problem for me. I'd have to have a huge discount and an iron clad return guarantee before I'd consider any plasma that had run in VIVID for 2500 hours!

Still, if it looks good at home, there is no sign of burn-in and the price is right, it might be okay.

i have both the 25u and 50u. the 50u was made feb 05 in japan, not mehico

50u has a noticeably better picture. colors more vibrant, contrast is better. built in speakers are better too, not so tinny. the pictures goes all the way to the edge unlike the 25u

the silver bezel looks okay, kinda cheap IMO, would have much preferred black

Originally posted by mspeed76
i have both the 25u and 50u. the 50u was made feb 05 in japan, not mehico

50u has a noticeably better picture. colors more vibrant, contrast is better. built in speakers are better too, not so tinny. the pictures goes all the way to the edge unlike the 25u

the silver bezel looks okay, kinda cheap IMO, would have much preferred black So you're not bothered by not having sizing controls or access to a service menu on the 50u? In other words, do you find the 50u picture satisfactory out of the box? No need for tweaking? Do you see any overscan with the 50u compared with the 25u? Thanks!

Originally posted by Carey P
So you're not bothered by not having sizing controls or access to a service menu on the 50u?

One presumes that the secret of how to get to the service menu will be discovered eventually. I assume this info on earlier models came from the Panasonic service manuals or other service documents, I can't see someone stumbling on it experimentally.

My Zenith goes back to BB tomorrow and my PD50 arrives, supposedly.

The thing that kept me from buying the 25U was the lack of punch. It felt like you traded off better blacks for less vibrant colors (as compared to other brands: NEC, Sony, etc). If the 50U has more vibrant colors, as mentioned earlier, then it would be my preference. However, I'm looking for a general purpose family room display that will often not be in a light controlled setting...so brightness and vivid colors are important to me, but at night time when the kids are in bed, I want something that has also has good blacks.

just got back from BB - Panny MFR#TH-37-px50u, SKU#S4060961, BB SKU#7117915 is on the computers. The gentlemen Even pricematched the best price found online so far. I saw the cost of the Panny on there computer as he said he'd match. I had walked in with a price on a piece of paper. Try matching about 300 lower then this and they're still making $.

Originally posted by Sheldon186
just got back from BB - Panny MFR#TH-37-px50u, SKU#S4060961, BB SKU#7117915 is on the computers. The gentlemen Even pricematched the best price found online so far. I saw the cost of the Panny on there computer as he said he'd match. I had walked in with a price on a piece of paper. Try matching about 300 lower then this and they're still making $.
did you manage to get any release date?? thanks

Originally posted by Carey P
Thanks for the info.
However, I was more worried about using the single rf input for two types of rf sources. One being OTA digital and standard cable. If I switch between the two externally, then I imagine you would have to go through some auto channel scan so that the 50u knows it is one type or the other. I'm thinking now, there may be a way to manually program the channels so that at least the lower analogs on cable would be recognized with the same input setting for OTA signals. Sorry for the confusion. I'm just wondering if I really need the 25u and solve this problem best. Though I'm afraid the 25u may have an older generation ATSC tuner which may not bring in the stations as good as the newer model. :rolleyes:

Hmmm, I am not sure if I really checked what you wanted, but here is what I did tonight.

To start with, my incoming cable line went straight to the TV (TV input no STB). I scanned for channels and although the 50u scanned for both analog and digital (both were identified during scan), it did not find any digital channels. Maybe Comcast scrambles the digitals? Later, I got my Comcast box and I hooked it up via component and then used the antenna in for my VHS (composite). Tonight, I unhooked the VHS and ran my incoming cable straight to the TV. I did not need to rescan for any channels. All the channels that were found by the original scan were still accessible.

So, I am not sure if the 50u would remember the scan for separate sources under the same input. The unit does have the ability to "manually" program the channels during the scan process, but I don't know if that will get you what you want.

Originally posted by jspirate
Yeah, thats what I thought also, but it didn't work :eek:

:(


Well, if Panasonic really changed the sequence to access the Service Menu,
the only way now is buying a Service Manual.

Originally posted by BruZZi
Ok, press SETUP and see if you can select/press CABLE mode .


Panasonic seems to love this service menu sequence (they used it on all their CRT-based sets too, so I doubt they've changed it now) so perhaps SETUP/AUTOPROGRAM/Ant In = CABLE is the equivalent to setting "cable mode"?

jspirate,
Thanks. That does help. Seems it doesn't care what source the analog channels are from (1-100) between the two. I still doubt it will keep UHF digital channels and cable digital at the same time. Thanks again.

jspirate,
Actually, it is odd that it didn't find any digital channels on your Comcast cable directly. It is supposed to have a QAM tuner. I assume you have some local stations that are broadcast in the high 100's that are DTV (720p or 1080i)? These should be QAM clear (unencrypted). At least, that's what I'm hoping to find here.

If you get Comcast cable internet then they take off a certain "filter" that allows the unencrypted locals to come through so you can watch them with the QAM tunner. If jspirate doesn't get comcast internet that might be the problem. If he does, then it's something totally different.

Originally posted by Carey P
jspirate,
Actually, it is odd that it didn't find any digital channels on your Comcast cable directly. It is supposed to have a QAM tuner. I assume you have some local stations that are broadcast in the high 100's that are DTV (720p or 1080i)? These should be QAM clear (unencrypted). At least, that's what I'm hoping to find here.

Well, I thought it was a bit strange that I didn't get any of the digital channels. The scanning process clearly identified two scanning processes, analog and digital. During the scan the 50u went through and found the analog channels relatively quickly. It then spent about twice as much time trying to find the digital channels.

I do have Comcast internet.


EDIT:
Hmmmm, I was perusing the 50us manual and found this:
Direct program number selection buttons
PROG -: When tuning digital channel, press the button to enter the minor number in a compound channel number.
To enter the channel number
ex. CH 15-1: [1] [5] [-] [1] [OK]

I am at work now... I will mess with this tonight and report back :)

jspirate, careyp he is right, i have comcast here in jersey and after the scanning process of ananlog and digtal, i get inhd, espn hd, pbs hd, cbs hd, abc hd, fox hd, nbc hd all from my comcast cable without a card being used...are you sure the pd50 has a qam tuner, does it state it in the manual? my eyes are sore from all the hd i have been watching these past 2 days....lol

Originally posted by david8613
jspirate, careyp he is right, i have comcast here in jersey and after the scanning process of ananlog and digtal, i get inhd, espn hd, pbs hd, cbs hd, abc hd, fox hd, nbc hd all from my comcast cable without a card being used...are you sure the pd50 has a qam tuner, does it state it in the manual? my eyes are sore from all the hd i have been watching these past 2 days....lol

I don't recall the manual mentioning a "QAM" tuner, but then again, I don't think the 25u's manual mentions anything either? I do know the 50u manual mentions tuning "digital" channels. So that leads to me believe that they can be tuned. Anyway, I was really surprised when I ran the test last night and it completed the digital scan without finding anything. The unit definitely tried to find the digital channels, but was not successful.

Can anyone verify that it has a QAM tuner?

[EDIT] It appears from earlier posts that it does not! This is not good.

Best Buy's website shows that it has an NTSC/ATSC tuner, but says that to recieve digital cable one must have the digital cable STB...down below the tuner comments it does list "other features" including sub-pixel control. No mention of the QAM tuner anywhere.

It's kind of interesting that the TH-42PD50U is listed on Best Buy's web site but not on Panasonic's.:confused:

Originally posted by tomboyter
Best Buy's website shows that it has an NTSC/ATSC tuner, but says that to recieve digital cable one must have the digital cable STB...down below the tuner comments it does list "other features" including sub-pixel control. No mention of the QAM tuner anywhere.

EDIT: Disregard info below... I was a little confused and have since seen the light :)

I don’t think the 50u has a QAM tuner; however, the BestBuy info does not appear to be 100% accurate. For example, BB claims that the 50u has 2 composite inputs, but it does not (at least not by the way I understand “composite� to be defined). The 50u inputs include:
Input select
[1] TV (composite)
[2] Component 1
[3] Component 2
[4] HDMI
[5] Video 1 (s-video)
[6] Video 2 (s-video)

BB say there are:
2 s-video
2 composite
2 component

Originally posted by jspirate
[1] TV (composite)
[2] Component 1
[3] Component 2
[4] HDMI
[5] Video 1 (s-video)
[6] Video 2 (s-video)

BB say there are:
2 s-video
2 composite
2 component It clearly shows in the manual back panel diagram that there are 2 composite video conectors. One below each of the S-videos. So I assume that these composite inputs would be selected for Video 1 or 2, if there was no S-video cable connected. But why would anyone connect composite video to a plasma anyway :confused:. I don't understand the term "Composite" after TV, however.

Originally posted by jspirate
I don’t think the 50u has a QAM tuner; however, the BestBuy info does not appear to be 100% accurate. For example, BB claims that the 50u has 2 composite inputs, but it does not (at least not by the way I understand “composite� to be defined). The 50u inputs include:
Input select
[1] TV (composite)
[2] Component 1
[3] Component 2
[4] HDMI
[5] Video 1 (s-video)
[6] Video 2 (s-video)

BB say there are:
2 s-video
2 composite
2 component

I think [1] TV is the Ant input, not composite. I think [5] and [6] can either be S-video or composite. S-video will over ride composite. So BB is sort of right.

JCPZero

JCPZero

Originally posted by Carey P
It clearly shows in the manual back panel diagram that there are 2 composite video conectors. One below each of the S-videos. So I assume that these composite inputs would be selected for Video 1 or 2, if there was no S-video cable connected. But why would anyone connect composite video to a plasma anyway :confused:. I don't understand the term "Composite" after TV, however.


Ahhh, I think you have summarized it correctly Carey. I was multi-tasking here at work and just got a little confused. In fact, I am not sure I understood it correctly to start with.

Originally posted by Carey P
But why would anyone connect composite video to a plasma anyway :confused:.

Do you have a VCR? I do, and mine only has RF :( and composite outs. Although I don't use it much, I do have a small library of tapes I haven't yet replaced with DVDs (and probably never will).

Does anyone have any info on when any of the new 50 inch models will hit the stores, other than the info from the original press release?

Originally posted by yobob
Do you have a VCR? I do, and mine only has RF :( and composite outs. Although I don't use it much, I do have a small library of tapes I haven't yet replaced with DVDs (and probably never will). Sorry, I was only making light-hearted comment on the inferior quality of Composite used on an expensive plasma display. In any case, I didn't even realize there were still VCR's around with only Composite outputs. Mine have certainly died many years ago.

No apology necessary! :)

Mine doesn't get used very often at all, so maybe that's why it's still around!

And yes, it's a terrible signal. But like I said, I don't intend to replace those old tapes (by the way I have some betas as well ;) ).

Originally posted by optivity
It's kind of interesting that the TH-42PD50U is listed on Best Buy's web site but not on Panasonic's.:confused:

I'm with you op!

Hey, I noticed BB's Product Features list shows sub-pixel control as one of the "other image enhancement technologies" found in the set.

Thought I'd stir the pot!!!!!!! :cool:

Originally posted by Carey P
Sorry, I was only making light-hearted comment on the inferior quality of Composite used on an expensive plasma display.

You're right about the quality, of course, but, thankfully, the manufacturers are still making the new displays backward compatible for those of use who still choose to use some of our old equipment.

It's not just tape. I have over 100 laserdiscs I am not willing to scrap (a bigger investment than my plasma! :( ). While most LD players have S video outputs, the discs themselves are composite. Modern Y/C filters are far superior to the one built into my player, so my player's composite output gives better results on my plasma than its S video output.

I guess I've tried most of the technologies, as I have a small collection of laserdisks as well. Can't seem to throw anything away. :rolleyes:

I find it interesting that composite gives the superior PQ! I'm going to have to look behind mine to see if it even has S-vid.

Originally posted by yobob
I'm with you op!

Hey, I noticed BB's Product Features list shows sub-pixel control as one of the "other image enhancement technologies" found in the set.

Thought I'd stir the pot!!!!!!! :cool: If this is true... it is indeed good news for those interested in the ED model. It will be very interesting to do a side-by-side comparison of the PD and PX 50Us.

Originally posted by Macfan424
...so my player's composite output gives better results on my plasma than its S video output. Good point! I remember that to be the case with mine as well. However, having replaced them all with DVD's, they now sit in the closet. :(

I believe I read some posts in this thread farther back (at 24 pages already I'm NOT gonna go back) where the posters did some in-store side-by-side comparisons with other 42 inch panels, and this one was superior. Seems like SDE was not apparent at the "normal" distances, whatever that is.

Still waiting to see one for myself.

NOTE to anyone in Tucson: whoever first sees one there, please post the location, and I'll drive up on the weekend. I really would like to see one with my own two eyes.

Carey P?????

Plasma Concepts has finally listed the 42-PD50U and list it with a ATSC/QAM/NTSC tuners.

Hi all,

I sent a message to a person I know at Comcast, they forwarded my question to a tech person there. They replied, "We encrypt all our digital channels"

They said it takes a set-top box or cable-card to get the digital channels. I doubt they would encrypt the digital channels here in Portland, OR but not in other regions.

Of course I saw the post today from david8613 that said he can pickup the digital channels without a cable-card so it is still very confusing

Originally posted by NikeMan
Of course I saw the post today from david8613 that said he can pickup the digital channels without a cable-card so it is still very confusing

My PD50 arrived today, and yes, I can see the local HD channels (NBC/CBS/ABC/PBS/Fox) on it straight out of the cable, so the tuner is clear-QAM capable.

I do have Time-Warner digital cable, not sure if that makes any difference (the low channels are still analog.)

Originally posted by ccdengr
My PD50 arrived today, and yes, I can see the local HD channels (NBC/CBS/ABC/PBS/Fox) on it straight out of the cable, so the tuner is clear-QAM capable.

I do have Time-Warner digital cable, not sure if that makes any difference (the low channels are still analog.) What??

Are you saying you have a 42PD50u and it definitely has a QAM tuner?
And what do you think of the picture if we might ask?

The deal with Comcast, at least here locally is that you must pay $5/mo to get the HD channels enabled. You don't even need the digital service for this. It can be just Basic service. However, all you will get is the local channels in HD (as well as 1-99 analog). The others, like INHD1/2, Discovery, ESPN are all encrypted along with all the digital channels. This is available only via cable card ($38 one time setup fee for a 25u) or STB/DVR for $10/mo and also an upgrade in service (Digital Classic minimum). Note, even if you have digital service, you need to pay the extra $5 for HD.

Sorry! I was going to get the 50U but got a great deal on a Hitachi 42HDT51 at a local B&M. So, what does that have to do with Beaverton/Comcast?

I have an ATSC/QAM tuner in my Hitachi and can tell you that in my area (a few miles from Nike), with my ComCast Expanded Basic service I AM getting the "in the clear" HD signals. ABC, NBC, Fox, PBS...and others that I get...from the cable!

Originally posted by NikeMan
Hi all,

I sent a message to a person I know at Comcast, they forwarded my question to a tech person there. They replied, "We encrypt all our digital channels"

They said it takes a set-top box or cable-card to get the digital channels. I doubt they would encrypt the digital channels here in Portland, OR but not in other regions.

Of course I saw the post today from david8613 that said he can pickup the digital channels without a cable-card so it is still very confusing

Originally posted by Carey P

Are you saying you have a 42PD50u and it definitely has a QAM tuner?
And what do you think of the picture if we might ask?


Yes, that's what I'm saying. That is, I am picking up unencrypted HD channels directly off my cable.

As for PQ, my only basis for comparison is the Zenith P42W46X I just sent back. My main complaints with the Zenith were posterization in dark scenes and blurry zoom mode, and the PD50 is far better in those regards.

And in response to an earlier question, the zoom size and position can be changed from the normal menus, so that motivation to want to get into the service menu is gone.

In my case TWC encrypts most digital channels. The ones they do not encrypt are the local channels, and HD versions of the basic cable channels like Discovery HDT, TNT-HD, Fox Sports, etc. They also seem to have a channel or two of the digital tier not encrypted for one reason or another. My Panasonic (TH-42PD25u) can pick up all the unencrypted channels without a cable card.

maybe this can help, this is what im getting with no cable card being used yet. with comcast cable going directly into my panny pd25u. on antenna A i have pbs-hd 80-2, fox-hd 80-7, abc-hd 81-1, nbc-hd 81-2, cbs-hd 88-1 and 88-2, inhd 90-1, inhd2 90-2, espn- hd 114-1 plus a few on demand channels, although i cant control it but its cool anyway... on antenna B using rabbit ear antenna i got wnyu-hd 5-1, abc-hd 7-1, cbs-hd 2-1, nbc-hd 4-1, upn-hd 9-1, wpix-hd 11-1, njn-hd 50-5... i will be getting my cable card tomorrow at no charge because i have a box in another room with the
digital package so the first cablecard is at no charge, FREE! i love free! you have to ask about it or else comcast wont tell you about that, its a secret shhhhhhhh.....anyway i hope this helps....

Originally posted by ccdengr
And in response to an earlier question, the zoom size and position can be changed from the normal menus, so that motivation to want to get into the service menu is gone.

So size and position cannot be changed under Normal or Just aspect? Only Zoom aspect?

Originally posted by jrock65
So size and position cannot be changed under Normal or Just aspect? Only Zoom aspect?

Yes, that's right. The function is called "zoom adjust". Presumably there are other adjustments in the service menu, but I've not felt the need to make any tweaks yet.

For what it's worth, I've played with the PD50 for several hours now, watched DVDs, HD, and SD from various sources, and I'm quite satisfied.

Amazon has all of the new models posted on their web site. You will need to click on 'add to wish list' to see the pricing. It is interesting that the PD50 pricing is very close to Panasonic's pricing from CES, yet the the PX50 and PX500 pricing is significantly less than Panasonic's pricing.

Either there is a lot more margin on the PX50/PX500 or more likely we will see MSRP's, at the time of release for the PX's, that are $500 less than what Panasonic originally said (Amazon pricing is still below this). Many months will have elapsed between CES and the release of the PX models, so this makes some sense.

Vanns sucks, i placed an order for the 42PD50u, i called them before and they said they had 4 in stock, so i placed the order. They had me waiting 4 days now. WHen i call they tell me that it is on backorder, and will arrive next week. Anyone know where i can get one for a better price than the $2299? Never again with vanns

Did you try bsless

Originally posted by hoodlum
Amazon has all of the new models posted on their web site. You will need to click on 'add to wish list' to see the pricing. It is interesting that the PD50 pricing is very close to Panasonic's pricing from CES, yet the the PX50 and PX500 pricing is significantly less than Panasonic's pricing.

Either there is a lot more margin on the PX50/PX500 or more likely we will see MSRP's, at the time of release for the PX's, that are $500 less than what Panasonic originally said (Amazon pricing is still below this). Many months will have elapsed between CES and the release of the PX models, so this makes some sense.

I couldn't find either model on Amazon, the closest I came was the 50PX25U. Could you post a link or at least how to find them on Amazon's site? Thanks.

I put in panasonic plasma in the search box under electronics, and it was the third page or so when they new models started being listed.

OK now I found em. I guess my search terms were too specific. Those prices look pretty good.

some time ago i had emailed panasonic asking several questions like what generation the pd50u had, what type of tuners it had, if it had subpixel control, cable card and they finally answered here is my email, better late than ever, very interesting...



glDO NOT use your Reply button to respond to this e-mail.
To reply to this e-mail, please click the link below.
http://www.pasc.panasonic.com/epartCC/comments.asp?k=4934911135981684001

Dear MR NUNEZ

Thank you for contacting Panasonic. Your link is not working for us.
The
TH42PD50 is a 2005 model and it replaces a TH42PD25. The main
difference
is the TH42PD50 does NOT have a Cable Card. Otherwise, they are very
similar.

Thank You,
Panasonic Consumer Support

In our effort for continuous improvement, we would appreciate your
evaluation of the service we have provided. Please take a minute to
complete a brief four question survey by contacting us at:
http://www.pasc.panasonic.com/epartCC/survey.asp?k=4934911135981684001ass

I just received my 42pd50u today and I am able to pick up like 5-6 local HD channels by plugging my cable wire to the tv. I don't see any cable slot tho. Hope this helps.

Edit: Mine is also Feb 05, made in Japan. :)

Well, I finally took the plunge! I went to BB to buy the one PD50u they had in stock site unseen. Turned out they put it on display yesterday. I was able to see it and compare to what I saw with the 25u at Sears. I definitely like the picture better and the sound was better too. I didn't mind the silver bezel since it looks good with the picture out to the edges.

I had them wrap it up and got it home tonight. Sorry yobob, you didn't get to see it. They have 40 more at the warehouse and could get one in Friday, so they may put another on display soon. I just couldn't wait any longer and saw this one had no bad pixels or other problems. Besides, I could fit it in my Jeep standing up, without the box to deal with.

Did a scan of my Comcast cable, and to my surprise, it got all the locals available, along with two sports channels and the InDemand preview channel. I don't subscribe to digital, nor am I paying an extra $5 to get HD, so that probably was a story to get more money out of me for nothing.

I then tried my outside antenna for OTA digital stations and scanned for them. It found them all and tuned them in with 97% or better signal strength, which seemed better than my MYHD tuner.

In any case, I did find the need to rescan the channels each time when changing from OTA digital to Cable which would be a pain. I tried to manually add analog signals to my OTA list so I could use those for cable, but that idea did not work. I've decided to use the VCR tuner for cable stations (and not bother with the QAM tuner) and use the input select to switch over to TV mode for OTA DTV locals.

The one thing I don't care for is not being able to zoom or stretch on an HD signal. Though it does work on NTSC and S-video inputs. This forces me to have black bars on many DTV broadcasts that don't show HD content. I suppose others have lived with this before. I don't mind it with my LCD projector, but now I'm afraid of burn-in.

I could not figure out how to access a service menu and don't know how you would check the hours on this unit to tell when it's "broken in."

All in all though, it's a nice looking set. Watched several HD shows and it looks stunning! From my viewing distance of 8 to 12 ft, there is no SDE at all. Can't wait to get it mounted on the wall!

P.S. It does say Made in Japan (Feb '05).

Can someone tell me what exactly a QAM tuner does? Thanks.

Originally posted by Carey P
Well, I finally took the plunge! I went to BB to buy the one PD50u they had in stock site unseen. Turned out they put it on display yesterday.

Yesterday, that would be Wednesday? Figures! :rolleyes: BTW, was this the Broadway BB or the northwest store?

Originally posted by Carey P
Sorry yobob, you didn't get to see it. They have 40 more at the warehouse and could get one in Friday, so they may put another on display soon.

Another ONE on Friday? Like as in ONE?????? :mad:

Napple,

The first page of this thread was based on an incorrect version of the Panasonic Release. Here is a link to the post describing the correct information.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=5409693#post5409693