Stopped at CC today. I watched some of the boring HD loop that CC and Sears plays. The sales associate said it was a DVD, as someone else pointed out. I watched it for awhile, then he switched over to Lara Croft on Showtime HD off DirectTV feed. The 42PD50 did not look bad at all on either source from a viewing distance of about 8' - 9'. The 42PX50 was better, had nice skin tones, and a little smoother picture. Worth $1000 more for PQ? I don't konw. However I know I don't like the silver bezel, and for that along would spend the money to get the PX50. BTW, we set both models in Standard mode w/ Tint at -7, just in case the green monster was present. Setting Black Level to Dark on the PD50 looked good. Looked better on the PX50 using Light.

They had a 42PX50 on clearance, and the floor stand was going for only $149! I almost bought the stand, in anticipation of picking up a 42PX500 when they came out, but neither my wife nor I liked the shiny black fluted bezel on the PX25, which I believe is being carried over to the PX500. The PX50 charcoal grey almost disappears from the screen -- no annoying reflections or silver distractions.

I want the two RF input on the PX500. Why, oh why, did Panasonic skimp with only 1 RF on the PX50? Even the $200 HDTV tuner card for my PC has cable and antenna RF inputs. My 15 yr old Mitsu CRT TV has dual antennas, too. I don't have satellite, so have to feed my TV standard cable (no STB) and broadcast OTA antenna for HDTV. I don't see a good solution with only one RF. Can I use a coax splitter/combiner and feed both inputs to the single RF connection? Or will the incoming signals conflict with each other for similar channel numbers?

Originally posted by azarby
It's both. Buy turning the tint to -3 -5, I can get rid of the green tinge in the other colors, The super bright "GREEN" is just there and appears to be content dependent. Some shows have it, and others look perfect. With HDMI, the supper greens are not a strong as with the component connections. My source for all material is the Samsung HD Directv (SIR-TS160) receiver which is currently putting out 1080i, I even tried 720p with no difference. OTA broadcasts act the same. I haven't had time to do anything with the DVD which is 480p.

azarby

As a suggestion from another thread i turned off the "color management". This seemed to help a great deal but am still evaluating. I agree that some programs had the problem and others didn't..haven't watched enough to form an opinion as to why some do and some don't ( just purchased the 42PD50U May 3rd). I also notice when watching the NBA playoffs with Dallas and Houston that Houston wore red jerseys and Dallas white,,,the white jerseys looked to be somewhat pink...haven't been able to watch a program with the similar circumstances since i turned off color management to see if this is a recurring problem

Scott

Originally posted by Geordon

I want the two RF input on the PX500. Why, oh why, did Panasonic skimp with only 1 RF on the PX50? Even the $200 HDTV tuner card for my PC has cable and antenna RF inputs. My 15 yr old Mitsu CRT TV has dual antennas, too. I don't have satellite, so have to feed my TV standard cable (no STB) and broadcast OTA antenna for HDTV. I don't see a good solution with only one RF. Can I use a coax splitter/combiner and feed both inputs to the single RF connection? Or will the incoming signals conflict with each other for similar channel numbers?

Can you not just get a STB? I know it's not the ideal solution but it would solve the problem without too much $$$$$ pain. In my case, I'll not use the RF connection at all. I have DirecTV with a STB so the satellite cable connection goes to the box and I plug the OTA attenna into the same box.

I don't have an answer to the dual feed but I too would be interested in this possible solution. Perhaps you could give Ratshack a call and maybe they have a contraption that combines cable/TV signals.

Originally posted by DanP
Can you not just get a STB? I know it's not the ideal solution but it would solve the problem without too much $$$$$ pain. In my case, I'll not use the RF connection at all. I have DirecTV with a STB so the satellite cable connection goes to the box and I plug the OTA attenna into the same box.

So, I would plunk down severl hundred bucks for something link a Samsung SIR-T151 or LG LST-4200A, and connect my cable and antenna to it and use its tuner, instead of the Panany's internal ATSC tuner, which I just purchased?

I suppose another option would be to use the RF input for OTA HD, use my VCR for SD reception connected via S-Video, DVD player to component input, and PC DVI to HDMI input for HDTV recordings I have made on my computer. Does this sound like I have all the bases covered?

These are all valid solutions for multiple inputs (OTA via the RF input) and an STB (either cable or satellite) into the HDMI, component, S-video, or composite depending on what is available.

The only thing missing is PIP, POP or whatever.

Originally posted by Geordon
So, I would plunk down severl hundred bucks for something link a Samsung SIR-T151 or LG LST-4200A, and connect my cable and antenna to it and use its tuner, instead of the Panany's internal ATSC tuner, which I just purchased?

I suppose another option would be to use the RF input for OTA HD, use my VCR for SD reception connected via S-Video, DVD player to component input, and PC DVI to HDMI input for HDTV recordings I have made on my computer. Does this sound like I have all the bases covered?

Don't A/B switches for RF inputs cost less than $10. Heck, back in the day, cable companies used to give them away.

Originally posted by Geordon
So, I would plunk down severl hundred bucks for something link a Samsung SIR-T151 or LG LST-4200A, and connect my cable and antenna to it and use its tuner, instead of the Panany's internal ATSC tuner, which I just purchased?

I suppose another option would be to use the RF input for OTA HD, use my VCR for SD reception connected via S-Video, DVD player to component input, and PC DVI to HDMI input for HDTV recordings I have made on my computer. Does this sound like I have all the bases covered?

Several hundred bucks? Ok, that's more expensive than I guessed for a cable HD box. Direct TV has theirs for $300, but admittedly a work in progress.

Originally posted by mlewie
Don't A/B switches for RF inputs cost less than $10. Heck, back in the day, cable companies used to give them away.

The problem as I understand it is not switching between sources, but that you have to re-scan every time you do. The Panny apparently does not remember the cable channels when you switch to OTA, and vice-versa.

Darren

Originally posted by DarrenK
The problem as I understand it is not switching between sources, but that you have to re-scan every time you do. The Panny apparently does not remember the cable channels when you switch to OTA, and vice-versa.

Darren

Darren...

Is this true for the PX50 and PD50?

Also... sorry, but I don't remember reading in this thread if these models have individual input memory. Does anyone know?

TIA

shane

Originally posted by ccdengr
Obviously color is somewhat subjective, but I think people may be overreacting a bit. On my PD50, yellows are yellow (to use the standard calibration image, the Simpsons are yellow :-) and the greens are in some cases a "vivid" green (grass on golf courses, for example) but I don't think there's anything freakish or even unusual about it. If I wanted a less saturated image I would turn down COLOR, not mess with TINT.

It may be true that some Pannys are greener than others, but until confronted with really hard evidence I think it's just as likely that some people are more choosy about color rendition than others.

If you can find a display that suits your needs better, go for it!
Whatever you pick, I would suggest that you buy it in such a way that you can send it back and get something else if you don't like it. I know it's a hassle, but given variability between sets and personal preference you may get stuck with something you don't like otherwise. I have observed no "green push" on my 50PX50U when using either the HDMI interface connected to a SA8300HD-DVR or a component interface connected to a progressive scan DVD player.

Originally posted by DanP
Several hundred bucks? Ok, that's more expensive than I guessed for a cable HD box. Direct TV has theirs for $300, but admittedly a work in progress.

Dan, I think you misunderstand my situation. I don't have a cable or satellite box, nor do I need one. I don't pay for digital cable, and my little cable company (Millenium) does not offer HD cable, so there is no such thing as a "cable HD box" for me at this point. I need analog cable and OTA HDTV inputs.

I visited a local CC that had the 42PD50 and 42PX50 side buy side.
Their was no yellow/green problems with the 42PD50.
The 42PX50 had neon green shading on all yellow content.

Originally posted by Stunz
I visited a local CC that had the 42PD50 and 42PX50 side buy side.
Their was no yellow/green problems with the 42PD50.
The 42PX50 had neon green shading on all yellow content. Interesting. Did you have an opportunity to determine the panel's adjustments? My 50PX50U displays no evidence of a yellow/green problem.

Originally posted by Geordon
I need analog cable and OTA HDTV inputs.

Use the tuner in a VCR and run it into the set via composite or S-video.

Originally posted by optivity
Interesting. Did you have an opportunity to determine the panel's adjustments? My 50PX50U displays no evidence of a yellow/green problem.

No remotes available, or sales help.

They had about a dozen Plasma's on the wall, and the PX was the only one that could not display the yellows correctly.

The "neon green over yellow" was observed in both SD and HD.

Originally posted by empire_of_one
According to CC, delivery includes:

Basic ($39.99)—Includes unboxing your new TV, hookup to one existing video source (cable, satellite or antenna), checking for power and a picture, and removing the cartons and packing material.

Doesn't say anything about attaching stands, but you'd need to do that to hook it up, turn it on and check picture. Anyway my father is gonna be here to help move the old heavy direct-view CRT out of the way, so if CC doesn't put it on the stand I'll have some help.

CC will connect the Panel to the Stand included in there basic $39.99 delivery/install.

Originally posted by Geordon

I need analog cable and OTA HDTV inputs. Originally posted by ccdengr
Use the tuner in a VCR and run it into the set via composite or S-video. one step forward & two steps back...:D

Originally posted by schmendrick
i need some help here, when using hdmi from dvd to plasma display will you still get sound through your av setup or only through tv? i have the th42pd50u with hdmi, i will be using a denon 4800 receiver that does not have dvi or hdmi out, so before i invest in a new dvd player with hdmi how does this all work.

thanks.

I am running Component(Video) and Optical(Audio) from my DVD to my Denon 4800. I have to also run Component(Video) from the PD50U to TV/DBS on the Denon and set the Denon to TV/DBS in order for it to work for me. That way i get Progressive Video and Digital Sound when playing DVD's. I can't help you on HDMI Input/Output as my DVD player only has Component.l I hope this helped.

Originally posted by Geordon
Stopped at CC today. I watched some of the boring HD loop that CC and Sears plays. The sales associate said it was a DVD, as someone else pointed out. I watched it for awhile, then he switched over to Lara Croft on Showtime HD off DirectTV feed. The 42PD50 did not look bad at all on either source from a viewing distance of about 8' - 9'. The 42PX50 was better, had nice skin tones, and a little smoother picture. Worth $1000 more for PQ? I don't konw. However I know I don't like the silver bezel, and for that along would spend the money to get the PX50. BTW, we set both models in Standard mode w/ Tint at -7, just in case the green monster was present. Setting Black Level to Dark on the PD50 looked good. Looked better on the PX50 using Light.

They had a 42PX50 on clearance, and the floor stand was going for only $149! I almost bought the stand, in anticipation of picking up a 42PX500 when they came out, but neither my wife nor I liked the shiny black fluted bezel on the PX25, which I believe is being carried over to the PX500. The PX50 charcoal grey almost disappears from the screen -- no annoying reflections or silver distractions.

I want the two RF input on the PX500. Why, oh why, did Panasonic skimp with only 1 RF on the PX50? Even the $200 HDTV tuner card for my PC has cable and antenna RF inputs. My 15 yr old Mitsu CRT TV has dual antennas, too. I don't have satellite, so have to feed my TV standard cable (no STB) and broadcast OTA antenna for HDTV. I don't see a good solution with only one RF. Can I use a coax splitter/combiner and feed both inputs to the single RF connection? Or will the incoming signals conflict with each other for similar channel numbers?

I think they make an A/B Switch that uses RF iput/output. The only problem is you would have to switch the input everytime you wanted to use either antenna input.

Originally posted by schmendrick
i need some help here, when using hdmi from dvd to plasma display will you still get sound through your av setup or only through tv? i have the th42pd50u with hdmi, i will be using a denon 4800 receiver that does not have dvi or hdmi out, so before i invest in a new dvd player with hdmi how does this all work.

thanks. Originally posted by catslick
I am running Component(Video) and Optical(Audio) from my DVD to my Denon 4800. I have to also run Component(Video) from the PD50U to TV/DBS on the Denon and set the Denon to TV/DBS in order for it to work for me. That way i get Progressive Video and Digital Sound when playing DVD's. I can't help you on HDMI Input/Output as my DVD player only has Component.l I hope this helped. My DVD set-up is similar. I have the component interface from the DVD player connected to the PDP and the digital audio optical output connected to an Onkyo 6.1 DD receiver (no HDMI inputs). If you are going to use the HDMI interface from your DVD player to the PDP, the TV has an optical digital audio output you can connect to your DD HT sound system but the manual has noted this audio interface:

"Depending on your DVD player and DVD-Audio software the copyright protection function may operate and disable optical output."

I bought a PX50 am expecting delivery early next week. A basic question: What is its native resolution? Do plasma's have native resolution like DLPs and LCDs? On the D* HD Tivo what would be the best setting: 720p or 1080i or does it make little difference. Thanks.

FYI, J&R Music World in downtown NYC now has the 50PX50U on display, selling at MSRP. First time I've ever seen it in person. Looked very good, but the greens looked mighty green to me on the loop they are playing. Grass looked super green. I don't know the settings.

They also have the 42PD50U on display with a different loop, now selling below MSRP (price on their website). That one seems to be on a stretch mode which makes people look wide and weird, but I didn't notice the greens leaping off the screen.

Does anyone know a more specific delivery date for the 500u's?

I think I have resolved most of my th-50px50u green problems. The first step was to change from component input to HDMI. This took care of a lot of the "Neon" effect. Second, but probably most important thing is to turn off color management. After this I made the following adjustments;

Standard mode
Picture 10-12
Brightness 3
Color -5
Tint - 5, -6
Sharpness 8-10
Color temp normal
Black Level light

With these settings i would say that 98% of the green problems have been taken care of.

azarby

I noticed a difference in the "Black Level" section of the manual between the PD50 and the PX50.


In the PD50 it says (Page 25):

"Black Level: Select Light or Dark. [Light: Video/YUV 480i, Dark: 480/VGA 1080i] Valid only for external input signals."


In the PX50 it says (Page 25):

"Black level: Select Dark or Light. Valid only for external input signals."


First, what does "Valid only for external input signals." mean? Aren't all signals external input signals?

Second, why is "[Light: Video/YUV 480i, Dark: 480p/VGA 1080i]" omitted from the PX50 manual? An oversight?

Anyone have any insight on this?

http://service.us.panasonic.com/OPERMANPDF/TH42PD50U.PDF

http://service.us.panasonic.com/OPERMANPDF/TH37PX50U.PDF

Originally posted by shane55
Darren...

Is this true for the PX50 and PD50?

Also... sorry, but I don't remember reading in this thread if these models have individual input memory. Does anyone know?

TIA

shane

Shane,

I don't own either set, so all my knowledge is gleaned from what I have learned here, and by reading the owner's manual online. My understanding is that there is only one (1) coaxial (RF) input into the PD50 and the PX50. That is why I am holding out to see the inputs on the PX500. So far we only have info about the Japanese version. I have yet to see anything with the US specs.

Darren

Originally posted by bobpenn
I bought a PX50 am expecting delivery early next week. A basic question: What is its native resolution? Do plasma's have native resolution like DLPs and LCDs? On the D* HD Tivo what would be the best setting: 720p or 1080i or does it make little difference. Thanks.

This has been covered at length earlier, but here's a quick response: The native resolution is 1024 x 768 for the 42PX50 and 1366 x 768 for the 50PX50. (You didn't specify which one you bought.)

According to the manual, the set converts 720p signals to 1080i internally, so you might as well use the 1080i setting to begin with. However, some people are more comfortable using 720p as it is closer to the set's native resolution. In the real world, you probably won't see much difference either way.

Originally posted by Macfan424
This has been covered at length earlier, but here's a quick response: The native resolution is 1024 x 768 for the 42PX50 and 1366 x 768 for the 50PX50. (You didn't specify which one you bought.)

According to the manual, the set converts 720p signals to 1080i internally, so you might as well use the 1080i setting to begin with. However, some people are more comfortable using 720p as it is closer to the set's native resolution. In the real world, you probably won't see much difference either way. The PX50U does not support 1080i or 720p signals in their native mode... the manual states:

"1080i and 720p signals will be re-formatted for viewing on your plasma display."

When using the HDMI interface connected to an SA8300HD-DVR set for 1080i/720p/480p the display on the STB shows the signal being passed to the TV and the PDP reports the same signal information via the recall button on the remote.

Originally posted by optivity
The PX50U does not support 1080i or 720p signals in their native mode...

Sorry, thought I had mentioned that. :rolleyes: Guess it was in response to the same question in a different thread.

All plasmas have to reformat 720p and 1080i signals to their native mode as none (that I am aware of) are built with exactly 1280x720 or 1920x1080 pixels.

Geordon,

If you take a splitter and connect it in reverse, it will act as a combiner. However, as you mentioned, similar/same (sloppy tuners will usually cause adjacent channels to bleed over and interfere) channel numbers will conflict with one another.

I think the manual also states that 720p from a cablebox via component will be converted to 1080i. (Then, although, it doesn' t say, it will be converted to 768p.)

"When using the HDMI interface connected to an SA8300HD-DVR set for 1080i/720p/480p the display on the STB shows the signal being passed to the TV and the PDP reports the same signal information via the recall button on the remote."

What does the PDP report if you use component?

Originally posted by jrock65
...What does the PDP report if you use component?

Nothing. At least my PD25U doesn't.

Originally posted by jrock65
First, what does "Valid only for external input signals." mean? Aren't all signals external input signals?

I presume they are considering the internal NTSC/ATSC/QAM tuners as internal signals, and the HDMI/component/composite signals as external.

Originally posted by Geordon
Dan, I think you misunderstand my situation. I don't have a cable or satellite box, nor do I need one. I don't pay for digital cable, and my little cable company (Millenium) does not offer HD cable, so there is no such thing as a "cable HD box" for me at this point. I need analog cable and OTA HDTV inputs.

How about something like this from RATSHACK:

http://www.radioshack.com/images/ProductCatalog/Manuals/OME15-1968.pdf

http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F003%5F010%5F011%5F000&product%5Fid=15%2D1968&hp=search

Minx,

Now you are talking. It appears you guys really want me to spring for the PX50 and not wait for the PX500. You might have me convinced. Thanks for the help on the RF solutions.

Originally posted by Geordon
Now you are talking. It appears you guys really want me to spring for the PX50 and not wait for the PX500. You might have me convinced. Thanks for the help on the RF solutions.

As far as I can tell, you're going to have to rescan every time you switch inputs, a process that will probably take 3-4 minutes each time.

If you really want two RF inputs and don't want to use anything more complex than an A/B switch, you won't be happy with the PD50/PX50.

Originally posted by ccdengr
As far as I can tell, you're going to have to rescan every time you switch inputs, a process that will probably take 3-4 minutes each time.


Maybe not. He could add the channels to the manual mode list from two seperate scans and label them accordily. Since it sounds like he has only analog cable, and limited OTA channels, this might not be to unwielding to do.

However, I don't have this set yet to be able to confirm whether this would work or not. Maybe he could get someone to try it?

Originally posted by MinxMeister
Maybe not. He could add the channels to the manual mode list from two seperate scans and label them accordily. Since it sounds like he has only analog cable, and limited OTA channels, this might not be to unwielding to do.


I don't think this will work, because I don't think you can add an arbitrary channel and which channels you can add depends on the mode (cable or antenna). Cable channel 19, for example, is an entirely different frequency than OTA channel 19.

I have a PD50 but I don't have an antenna, only cable. Maybe someone else can try it?

Of course, it's possible that there might be clear HD channels on your analog cable. As noted previously, that's pretty hit-or-miss at this point.

Originally posted by ccdengr
As far as I can tell, you're going to have to rescan every time you switch inputs, a process that will probably take 3-4 minutes each time.

If you really want two RF inputs and don't want to use anything more complex than an A/B switch, you won't be happy with the PD50/PX50.

I think this is what I have been saying all along. You did it so much more elonquently. Nice job :-)

Darren

Originally posted by ccdengr
I don't think this will work, because I don't think you can add an arbitrary channel and which channels you can add depends on the mode (cable or antenna). Cable channel 19, for example, is an entirely different frequency than OTA channel 19.

I understand that Cable channel 19 is an entirely different frequency than OTA channel 19, but when you add them to the list in the manual mode won't it just store the frequency and whether it's ATSC/QAM/NTSC? I believe the number in the list of channels is just a label.

Then again, maybe I don't understand what the "manual mode" or "channel list" is for. The manual doesn't go into to much detail.

Hmm...this brings up another thought. When the FCC turns off all the analog OTA stations are cable companies going to be allowed to still send an analog signal?

Originally posted by MinxMeister
I understand that Cable channel 19 is an entirely different frequency than OTA channel 19, but when you add them to the list in the manual mode won't it just store the frequency and whether it's ATSC/QAM/NTSC? I believe the number in the list of channels is just a label.


I don't think there's any way to specify when you add a channel whether that channel is cable or OTA, nor any way to specify a DTV channel manually. I've only ever manually edited a channel list that was the result of a scan, though the manual does say there is a way to manually add a channel.

Cable companies will still be able to use analog signals after the end of analog broadcasting, though they will probably start phasing analog out more vigorously at some point (they've started that process already, with deployment of digital cable.)

My wife and I stopped at our local Circuit City this afternoon to see if they had the 42PX50U on display yet. There it was, the first one we've seen, mounted in a corner and looking absoulutely gorgeous. I did a double take at the price tag, which was marked at $500 under MSRP. A closer look showed that the tag had been printed for the 37" version, but someone had crossed out the 37" model number and written the 42" model number in pen.

Farther on down the PDP lineup I found another tag for the 42PX50U, next to no set in particular, this one with the correct MSRP. I pointed this out to a sales clerk who approached. He agreed that the discrepancy was odd, but he had been told to cross out the 37" model number, write in the 42" model number, and place the tag beneath the 42" set. He insisted lower price was correct--their "rock bottom" price.

My wife and I left to talk it over. We hadn't planned on buying quite yet, but this looked like it might be a deal too good to pass up. We returned ready to buy and talked to the same clerk. Well, yup, turns out that the pricing was an error. It shouldn't have been marked with the lower price, and the tag had already been corrected.

But I didn't have to twist the clerk's arm. He suggested that he go talk to the manager since we had just returned based on the price we had previously seen. Without any problem we got the better price. Our delivery is now scheduled for some time around noon tomorrow.

Thanks to all of you who post such informative and opinionated material for your help in my decision.

Now, if the fearsome greenies don't show up, we should be all set.

Best. JK

Originally posted by Geordon
Dan, I think you misunderstand my situation. I don't have a cable or satellite box, nor do I need one. I don't pay for digital cable, and my little cable company (Millenium) does not offer HD cable, so there is no such thing as a "cable HD box" for me at this point. I need analog cable and OTA HDTV inputs.

Another option?:

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=2598451&cat=164116&type=19&dept=101831&path=0%3A101831%3A133276%3A133270%3A164116

Originally posted by MinxMeister
Another option?:

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=2598451&cat=164116&type=19&dept=101831&path=0%3A101831%3A133276%3A133270%3A164116

I actually own that box, and I do recommend it based on the price. However, the box only does what the ATSC tuner built into the Panny will already do...so it would be a wast of money, IMHO.

Darren

jacx, where are you located? Can you put your location in your profile?

I would love to see the the 42PX50U but so far nobody in the Baltimore area has one on display.

Thanks,

Rich N.

Went to Fry's yesterday in the City of Industry in Sourhern California. They had both the 42 and 50" PX mocels on display. They were showing KCET HD, our local PBS station. There was no sign of green tinting which I could see. The yellows were solid yellow and the greens looked fine. The picture on both looked great.

I have already bought the 50" from TVA, which should arrive Friday or Monday, so it was nice to finally see in person what I had purchased!

Originally posted by jacx
My wife and I stopped at our local Circuit City this afternoon to see if they had the 42PX50U on display yet. There it was, the first one we've seen, mounted in a corner and looking absoulutely gorgeous. I did a double take at the price tag, which was marked at $500 under MSRP. A closer look showed that the tag had been printed for the 37" version, but someone had crossed out the 37" model number and written the 42" model number in pen.

Farther on down the PDP lineup I found another tag for the 42PX50U, next to no set in particular, this one with the correct MSRP. I pointed this out to a sales clerk who approached. He agreed that the discrepancy was odd, but he had been told to cross out the 37" model number, write in the 42" model number, and place the tag beneath the 42" set. He insisted lower price was correct--their "rock bottom" price.

My wife and I left to talk it over. We hadn't planned on buying quite yet, but this looked like it might be a deal too good to pass up. We returned ready to buy and talked to the same clerk. Well, yup, turns out that the pricing was an error. It shouldn't have been marked with the lower price, and the tag had already been corrected.

But I didn't have to twist the clerk's arm. He suggested that he go talk to the manager since we had just returned based on the price we had previously seen. Without any problem we got the better price. Our delivery is now scheduled for some time around noon tomorrow.

Thanks to all of you who post such informative and opinionated material for your help in my decision.

Now, if the fearsome greenies don't show up, we should be all set.

Best. JK Congratulations on your purchase. I bought a TH-50PX50U two weeks ago and have not observed the dreaded "neon green" phenomena being reported on some of the 50U panels.

Jacx, congrats on the 42PX50U purchase. I don't think that price was a mistake at CC. I saw a PX50U last weekend at CC marked at $400 below MSRP. With a little haggling I am sure they could do $500 below MSRP. Good luck with the plasma.

Panny Is going to replace my PD 50 because of the green efects. They have been great to work with.

Originally posted by bee298
Panny Is going to replace my PD 50 because of the green efects. They have been great to work with.

Please give us some details on your conversation with Panasonic.

Did a Panasonic Rep view your system and confirm it defective?

Tweeter also drops the prices considerably below MSRP, especially if you've purchased something - oftentimes, anything - there in the past year. In fact, if you're chummy with the manager, you can get into the "AvidID" membership program *without* meeting the annual purchasing requirement. This gives up to 10% off of each purchase, in addition to the mysterious, unannounced sales and haggling that sprouts up as soon as you present your membercard.

I would generally not have bought anything from the Tweeters in Maryland, Virginia, or the one just 2 miles from my home (on Route 7 in Arlington (7 Corners), VA), without the prices reductions: Tweeter's "generic" prices are too often above MSRP.

As with so many of the mid-/high-end A/V salons, it's all about making a personal connection. Heck, if you manage to wrangle anyone at BB who at least knows where a manager is after a brief "shoot the breeze" conversation, he or she will normally be able to get you at least the sales price of other stores, perhaps beating them by a few bills on larger purchases...Generally, BB seems a little less likely to give you a better "few bucks off", though, than CC does re: their nearest competitors.

I just got back from looking at the 42PX50U and 50PX at the local CC. After all this talk about greens and yellows I had to check it out and to my relief I saw NO problems at all. The pictures on both looked great the only thing that puzzled me was on the 42PX the blacks look really black so much so that you couldn't make out much detail. The 50PX on the other hand looked lighter with good detail and the salesman said it was because the 50PX was hooked up by DVI and the 42 by componant. Does this make sense or is it because they could have been adjusted different ways?

Originally posted by ronin22
I just got back from looking at the 42PX50U and 50PX at the local CC. After all this talk about greens and yellows I had to check it out and to my relief I saw NO problems at all. The pictures on both looked great the only thing that puzzled me was on the 42PX the blacks look really black so much so that you couldn't make out much detail. The 50PX on the other hand looked lighter with good detail and the salesman said it was because the 50PX was hooked up by DVI and the 42 by componant. Does this make sense or is it because they could have been adjusted different ways? There is a black level adjustment: Light or Dark. If the Dark option is selected the picture will become much darker and some detail is lost.

bee298:

Ditto Stunz's request for more info about the replacement process; also please give some indication if your set exhibited the bright neon greens that some have experienced, green cast ("or fringe"), or both? Thanks.

I have had my set a week and a half and have the very bright greens. I have had to lower the tint to -16. I sent an email had a reply and replied back. I made an inquirery by phone and was told to upgrade cables which i did to no avail. Made another phone call and talked some more. I was called back and we made some over the phone adjustments to no avail. Panny called back and said they would send a new set with a rep. to set it up. If i dialed down the color to like -6 and the tint to -16 the green was better and but colors are off.

Originally posted by bee298
I have had my set a week and a half and have the very bright greens. I have had to lower the tint to -16. I sent an email had a reply and replied back. I made an inquirery by phone and was told to upgrade cables which i did to no avail. Made another phone call and talked some more. I was called back and we made some over the phone adjustments to no avail. Panny called back and said they would send a new set with a rep. to set it up. If i dialed down the color to like -6 and the tint to -16 the green was better and but colors are off.

it's good to see that panasonic is being stand-up about it. i hope others with the problem get the same treatment.

my PD50 has been nothing but a pleasure. i just got my HD-DVR box last night... and holy cow is all i can say. it's sort of mind-blowing to think that an HD set might be able to improve on this picture. although i don't know if i'd want to sacrifice the deep, rich blacks for a bit more resolution that i may or may not notice.

now there is no doubt in my mind i made the right choice going with ED.

It really seems to me that this "green" problem could be corrected with a knowledgeable service person going into the service menu and making the correct adjustments. It's possible that some sets came out with different service menu adjustments.

It may not be something inherently wrong with the panel that is unadjustable. But then again, I don't know much about these things.

I'm converging on a TH-50PX500U purchase (vs the PX50U) and would like to hear any recommendations regarding online retailers. The best prices I've found are in the $$$$ range from Abe's of Maine and Price Mad. Plasmahouse lists it for $$$$ and change. Can anyone comment on experiences with any of these retailers - but particularly Abe's of Maine and Price Mad? Good service, customer support, etc? Thanks in advance...

[MSRP ONLY]

EPHOTOCLUB has it and free shipping.

[MSRP ONLY]

Do yourselves a BIG favor and wait until it's available from reputable dealers. TV Authority, Visual Apex, Monitor Outlet, Plasma Concepts, etc. The few hundred you may save is a small amount to pay if problems arise. J&R, ABT, Vanns, and onecall are good as well. www.resellerratings.com

it's not actually released yet though right? anybody who's giving you a price at this point is really just doing a "pre order" -- which you'll find out after they have your money and then you'll also find out how long it's really going to take them to have it in stock. no reason to pay now when they can't send it now. better to wait until released, hear some user reviews to make sure first batch is solid and get a wide variety of potential retailers competing for your money.

Just a note to those who are posting about price. Read the forum rules about price posting.

That being said, computers4sure.com has VERY low prices on these panels, but they are not in stock yet. The 42px50U price is very competitive, and it is in stock. Since they are part of Office Depot, I am assuming they are an authorized dealer.

Darren

Originally posted by ivyinvestor
Tweeter also drops the prices considerably below MSRP, especially if you've purchased something - oftentimes, anything - there in the past year. In fact, if you're chummy with the manager, you can get into the "AvidID" membership program *without* meeting the annual purchasing requirement. This gives up to 10% off of each purchase, in addition to the mysterious, unannounced sales and haggling that sprouts up as soon as you present your membercard.

I would generally not have bought anything from the Tweeters in Maryland, Virginia, or the one just 2 miles from my home (on Route 7 in Arlington (7 Corners), VA), without the prices reductions: Tweeter's "generic" prices are too often above MSRP.

As with so many of the mid-/high-end A/V salons, it's all about making a personal connection. Heck, if you manage to wrangle anyone at BB who at least knows where a manager is after a brief "shoot the breeze" conversation, he or she will normally be able to get you at least the sales price of other stores, perhaps beating them by a few bills on larger purchases...Generally, BB seems a little less likely to give you a better "few bucks off", though, than CC does re: their nearest competitors.

I am a Tweeter AVID member and it gets you an additional 5% off. It basically saves me the sales tax, given the price matching. Unfortunately the sales staff has changed and the relationships I built in the past are now gone. They do send out private sales (one going on this weekend with at least 10% off plasma). May be worth asking about how to get on that list as I don't believe it's tied to AVID. Too bad they don't carry the Pioneer non-elite models.

Originally posted by DarrenK
Just a note to those who are posting about price. Read the forum rules about price posting.

That being said, has VERY low prices on these panels, but they are not in stock yet. The 42px50U price is very competitive, and it is in stock. Since they are part of Office Depot, I am assuming they are an authorized dealer.

Darren

A pot calling a kettle black.

No direct links to retailers either, dude.

not to mention that visual apex is cheaper ;)

Originally posted by wojtek
A pot calling a kettle black.

No direct links to retailers either, dude.
As you can see by my post total I am new, despite registering years ago. I did not put it in as a link. Apparently the forum posting software did that automatically. I have edited it out. However, YOU need to edit it out of your post.

Darren

Originally posted by JPS911
not to mention that visual apex is cheaper ;)

Uh, its not even listed on their site. They only carry the commercial models.

So, I finally pulled the trigger, and bought the 42px50u today from cc. I decided to buy an open-box one, although on normal conditions I would never even consider that. However, knowing they've been out for about 2 weeks gave me a sense of reassurance that it had not been much used, and I was told they it was returned for an upgrade. It was about 700 less than msrp.
So, I brought it home, and sd was very grainy, and had me somewhat disheartened. I realized this was because of the vivid setting, and the standard and cinema settings quickly put an end to this and displayed a beautiful sd picture. I have analog comcast cable, and I was able to pick up tons of digital music channels at the top end of the dial. I found what I realized was an hd channel on 82.1; this was pbs hd, and this is when I noticed the green push on a courtyard in Spain I believe, and realized that turning off color management works wonders to basically eliminate the slightly “neon greens.”
Also, I realized I couldn’t change the black levels, which are set to light for sd and dark for hd. On the pbs hd channel, I could no change the aspect ratio, it was fixed to filling the display. However, when I turned back to what I believe is this channel later on, while it looked very crisp and clean, but I could now change the aspect ratio. I see most of the local channels in what seems to me to be digital but not quite hd on the same channel 82. For instance, 82.1 is pbs, 82.5 is abc, 82.7 or 10 is nbc, 82.11 is wb, 82.12 is fox, as corresponding with the regular non-digital channels. Right now, Alias is on in hd, Revelations in hd, and American Idol in hd. However, I’m able to change the aspect ratios, and see that in 4:3 mode, these programs show up widescreen, and I can put them in full or just, looking basically the same. Is this hd? It looks pretty stunning, but it might still be just sd. When I put Revelations in full mode, it seems to be a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, and I’m not sure if that’s the mode the show is shot in, or if I’m just watching stretched sd widescreen material. My menu tells that the color matrix is on sd, and this cant be changed on sd or hd material other than to match it. Also, I can change whether the 3d y/c filter is on or not on some channels, and then I cannot change it on some other ones. Can someone please help me with this dilemma? I might just buy an antenna tomorrow from walmart, as I live south of boston with access to many ota channels. Oh, one other thing, just now, while watching Revelations, the commercials came on, and they look significantly worse than the show did. This is giving me mixed signals about the whole thing. Oh well, I guess as long as it looks this amazing, I shouldn’t worry about it. Wow, ok a GMC commercial just now looked almost hd-like to me. And so did a chilis commercial. Well, that’s my little spiel. Thanks a lot for everyone’s help. Sorry for such a long post. proud new member of a panny plasma club, Wassim. Oh yeah, one more thing: does anybody know how to do a soft power-down of the plasma without just unplugging the set, since the set is on stand-by when it is shut down. Thanks.

Mod Note:

One and all, please refrain from posting Pricing and Retail Links.

Thanks.

Dave

Whoops, you are right on commercial vs. consumer on apex...my bad.

Wassim17, one easy way to figure out whether the channel you are viewing is HD or not is press the "aspect ratio" button. If the channel is broadcast in HD you CANNOT change the aspect ratio. Pressing "aspect ratio" will have NO EFFECT on the channel. The other way is to press the "recall" button. If it displays either "1080i" or "720p" then the channel is in HD. Note I said channel and not program. Mostly only nighttime network programs will be in 16:9 HD format. Other times the programs might be broadcast in HD but the programs themselves are still 4:3 so you will see black, or gray, bars on both sides and you WON'T be able to change the aspect ratio because the signal is in HD.

I have comcast analog cable also. All my HD channels are in xxx-1, xxx-2,xxx-3 format numbering.

Someone recently asked about "Abe's of Maine" in terms of purchasing/shipping/business integrity.

Based on my most recent experience, that of ordering two LCD TVs for family during the last holiday season, they were nothing but professional, with both monitors arriving at their respective destinations earlier than promised.

Further, you might notice, or know, from experience, that "Abe's" was originally founded as a camera/optics supply store. I have ordered three lenses from them over the years, and my folks have also ordered at least twice from them. None of us have experienced any difficulties.

Granted, a PDP is a much larger object than a pro lens, but I doubt it will make a difference to their customer service! You might want to make inquiry re: restocking fee, though, if you return the PDP for reasons other than problems.

So, the set finally arrived. Didnt really have time to play with it since I had to get to a meeting at work (should have taken the day off :) ). Had a friend come over to help with the stand and we popped in 'Finding Nemo' for a couple of minutes.

Got home late and decided to hook up the cable box to watch some SD and I have to say that I'm a little disappointed. However, I'm convinced that its not the PDP but the signal. I dont watch a whole lot of TV but last few times I looked, my CRT pic was pretty grainy and a little fuzzy on quite a few channels. I'm going to call Comcast today to a.) Complain about the signal and b.)Order HD.

Watched part of ROTK extended DVD while constantly fiddling with the picture settings. I think I've got the 'Cinema' setting where I like.

A question :

1. Do you watch SD in 'FULL' or 'JUST'? I think I actually prefer 'JUST' but its still annoying to see the flattened images. When I do watch TV I generally turn to mostly Sci-Fi, Discovery, Travel, G4TV and History channel. I think only Discovery is broadcast in HD.

I tried watching a 2.35:1 aspect ratio DVD last night, and since I'm still in my break-in period I used zoom mode to fill the screen. Instead of zooming the picture though, it just stretched the picture vertically to fill the screen. I used the zoom mode on my DVD player to do a true zoom (cutting off some of the side of the picture) but I wondered if the TVs zoom mode is really supposed to work that way too. I was expecting zoom mode in 16:9 to do a true zoom, not a vertical stretch.

w0mbat,

A friend of mine told me that one of the providers in the Seattle metropolitan area broadcast Sci-Fi for several weeks in HD, but that it was not part of the regular package. If you are somewhere near there, you might want to call your Comcast reps to see when/if it will be added to the normal lineup.

My conversations with Comcast serving Arlington and Fairfax, VA resulted in a "yes, we plan to carry Sci-Fi and UPN in HD, but it won't be until later this year". Considering that our HD station list is already not too bad, this was good news! However, they could have been a little more specific.

RE: signal strength-When you call Comcast, suggest that the signal has been degrading. Otherwise, they might just "label" you as someone who doesn't know the difference between acceptable and unacceptable. Case in point: I originally had Comcast HD on two monitors in an old apartment whose lines had been run under carpeting and around some tight corners by Comcast technicians. When there appeared a great deal of noise in the image on one of my panels upon viewing after having traveled for a week, Comcast said that it was something on my end. I called back, got another rep on the phone, and said that it had been getting progressively worse over the last two weeks. They sent someone to lay another run and the problem was solved. Although I'd certainly laid my share of under carpet and in wall runs, they are responsible for getting a signal into whichever rooms you choose, by the least intrusive means possible.

If you suspect that your image quality is not up to snuff for your new PDP, very humbly (gosh, I hate to lay humble before Comcast!) suggest that perhaps one of their runs is bad...Then, at least, you can get some action.

Sorry for the lengthy post...

Originally posted by w0mbat
So, the set finally arrived. Didnt really have time to play with it since I had to get to a meeting at work (should have taken the day off :) ). Had a friend come over to help with the stand and we popped in 'Finding Nemo' for a couple of minutes.

Got home late and decided to hook up the cable box to watch some SD and I have to say that I'm a little disappointed. However, I'm convinced that its not the PDP but the signal. I dont watch a whole lot of TV but last few times I looked, my CRT pic was pretty grainy and a little fuzzy on quite a few channels. I'm going to call Comcast today to a.) Complain about the signal and b.)Order HD.

Watched part of ROTK extended DVD while constantly fiddling with the picture settings. I think I've got the 'Cinema' setting where I like.

A question :

1. Do you watch SD in 'FULL' or 'JUST'? I think I actually prefer 'JUST' but its still annoying to see the flattened images. When I do watch TV I generally turn to mostly Sci-Fi, Discovery, Travel, G4TV and History channel. I think only Discovery is broadcast in HD. I prefer 'Just' mode when watching SD. You will become accustomed to viewing SD this way, but I agree it's not as good as standard 4:3 aspect ratio. If your cable box supports user defined input signals, my experience is 480p works best for SD. If you've noticed poor signal quality on your CRT (digital or analogue?) it will be magnified on your PDP. I've gone to "great lengths" with TWC to insure the best quality signal source possible which has made a significant difference in the picture rendered on both my CRT-HD and PDP-HD TVs.

Originally posted by w0mbat
So, the set finally arrived. Didnt really have time to play with it since I had to get to a meeting at work (should have taken the day off :) ). Had a friend come over to help with the stand and we popped in 'Finding Nemo' for a couple of minutes.

Got home late and decided to hook up the cable box to watch some SD and I have to say that I'm a little disappointed. However, I'm convinced that its not the PDP but the signal. I dont watch a whole lot of TV but last few times I looked, my CRT pic was pretty grainy and a little fuzzy on quite a few channels. I'm going to call Comcast today to a.) Complain about the signal and b.)Order HD.

Watched part of ROTK extended DVD while constantly fiddling with the picture settings. I think I've got the 'Cinema' setting where I like.

A question :

1. Do you watch SD in 'FULL' or 'JUST'? I think I actually prefer 'JUST' but its still annoying to see the flattened images. When I do watch TV I generally turn to mostly Sci-Fi, Discovery, Travel, G4TV and History channel. I think only Discovery is broadcast in HD.

I use "just" for SD content.

One thing I have found is that your signal coming to the STB ks VERY important. Make sure that signal is clean and stong. This can have a significant impact on SD quality.

I get three levels of performance with my pd50u:
1. Analog SD - this is not that great relative to digital HD, but its not bad. Some channels are better than others and OTA signals can creep in to the cable line and cause performance issues. Take the time to clean up that signal and all connections. Signal quality makes a huge difference here (more so than the other two areas in my opinion).
2. Digital SD - this is less dependent on signal quality, but it is still a factor. Digital SD channels have better PQ than analoge SD.
3. HD - this is almost a go or no go situation with respect to signal, but you can get some pixelization with a poor signal. The picture quality is stunning.

I am not sure my response helps you, but you have it for your consideration :)

Optivity, are you saying that HD signals (720p/1080i) coming in will be scaled to native resolution of 1366*768? And that will fill the entire screen top, bottom, left and right?

So, if HD signal is coming in widescreen mode it'll fill entire screen (no black bars anywhere). Only instance where it won't fill entire screen is when 1080i is coming in at 4:3 mode, then tv won't be able to scale it to fill entire screen?

Thanks

Originally posted by optivity
The PX50U does not support 1080i or 720p signals in their native mode... the manual states:

"1080i and 720p signals will be re-formatted for viewing on your plasma display."

When using the HDMI interface connected to an SA8300HD-DVR set for 1080i/720p/480p the display on the STB shows the signal being passed to the TV and the PDP reports the same signal information via the recall button on the remote.

Originally posted by chicagoster
Optivity, are you saying that HD signals (720p/1080i) coming in will be scaled to native resolution of 1366*768? And that will fill the entire screen top, bottom, left and right?

So, if HD signal is coming in widescreen mode it'll fill entire screen (no black bars anywhere). Only instance where it won't fill entire screen is when 1080i is coming in at 4:3 mode, then tv won't be able to scale it to fill entire screen?

Thanks As Ed McMahon would say to Johnny Carson... "You are correct sir!"

w0mbat, before you order HD from Comcast are you sure you are not getting any HD channels? Did you do a scan using PD50U's QAM tuner? I also have Comcast cable, just basic analog w/o a set top box. After scanning it picked all the networks HD channels except UPN.

BTW, I prefer to use 4:3 mode when viewing SD channels.

50PX50U finally unpacked and installed at lunch today (a long lunch). Initial impressions....boy this thing is heavy. How do you all get this thing to hang on your wall securely :eek: ? Optical audio connection....where is it? Still don't know.....I'll have to take a closer look when I get back home. Will use internal speakers for now.

Happily the thing powered up without smoke and fire. Using the DirecTV H10 HDMI connection to the Panny, I got a curious picture right out of the box. I discovered that the default picture setting is 'vivid.' I have another description for it....'bad.' Set it to standard and now things are looking as I had hoped. Scanning around some HD and SD channels for around 45 minutes, the colors looked very good. SD PQ is suprisingly good. I tuned in some Direct TV Extra Innings and the friend that was with me asked if that was HD (admittedly, he doesn't know much about HD)....so that's some indication of it's quality. Nothing to report with respect to green....it seemed normal to me. Perhaps things would be different with a component or svideo connection. At the same time, I frankly don't expect this HDMI connection to hold. Every post I've read about the H10 HDMI is that it will blink out periodically, so I'll be prepared with a component connection. Perhaps I'll luck out with this new Panny interfacing with it but I won't be surprised if it tanks.

More detailed impressions to follow.

--Update--green push was noted noted after more extensive viewing. But as has been pointed out in other threads, it appears that Color Management is the culprit. Playing around with the 'on'/'off' setting is practically like setting the intensity of green. It seems to affect little else. Anyway, setting CM to 'off' makes things look normal. Additional viewing will be required to verify this. The tricky thing about evaluating this is that the green push when CM is on is a happenstance occurance. Sometimes it kicks in and makes things look wacky and other times there is no affect on green. Other than this, as optivity pointed out, this is one *spectacular* panel. One other pleasant surprise.....HDMI has worked without a glitch so far out of the H10 box.

My co-worker/boss and I picked up a 37px50u for him last night at the local CC.

None on display but had 5 in stock. After about 5 min. of haggling they matched e-Cost's price. Currently it is still boxed and sitting in his den (9'x13')

Will be helping him to set it up in an antique armoire (40' inside width) over the next couple of days.

Since he is tech-retarded and I won't be able to spend much time calibrating it at his house, does anyone have some initial setting I can use as a quickie guideline?

Thanks in advance.

gman

btw, the PQ of the 50px50u on the wall was awesome!

(and no worry, I will not start a new thread for the 37px50u...)

Originally posted by GmanAVS
My co-worker/boss and I picked up a 37px50u for him last night at the local CC.

None on display but had 5 in stock. After about 5 min. of haggling they matched e-Cost's price. Currently it is still boxed and sitting in his den (9'x13')

Will be helping him to set it up in an antique armoire (40' inside width) over the next couple of days.

Since he is tech-retarded and I won't be able to spend much time calibrating it at his house, does anyone have some initial setting I can use as a quickie guideline?

Thanks in advance.

gman

btw, the PQ of the 50px50u on the wall was awesome!

(and no worry, I will not start a new thread for the 37px50u...)

wow how did you manage to get them to match ecost??? I planed on buying the 37 at cc this weekend, but its about 250 cheaper through ecost, but it clearly says they dont match prices on the net.

Been reading the great conversations about the 42s and 50s on here (thanks for the great material), but realize that there are few comments re: the 37" model on account of its late release.

I'm on the fence--37" vs. 50". The former offers the opportunity to rebuild the audio portion of the experience, as well as integrate a nice, new PDP. The latter option brings on the video bliss, but delays the audio improvements until summer.

So please, tell me how the 37" looks!

In the Arlington, VA, Bailey's Crossroads CCity, the 42PD and 42PX are available for viewing, but not the 37PX (at least, not when I was there last Friday).

Thanks!

Originally posted by dontdothat88
wow how did you manage to get them to match ecost??? I planed on buying the 37 at cc this weekend, but its about 250 cheaper through ecost, but it clearly says they dont match prices on the net.

Looks like almost the same price to me, by the time you add flat panel shipping and handling. Are you basing your CC price on MSRP or online price in shopping cart?

Originally posted by Geordon
Looks like almost the same price to me, time you add about $225 for flat panel shipping and handling. Are you basing your CC price on MSRP or online price in shopping cart?

add tax at CC

Originally posted by dontdothat88
wow how did you manage to get them to match ecost??? I planed on buying the 37 at cc this weekend, but its about 250 cheaper through ecost, but it clearly says they dont match prices on the net.
Apologies for not being thurough and clear.

We presented to the CC saleman the "check-out" printout from e-Cost (price + $89 shipping).

CC matched that price.

NJ state taxes were paid on top.

cheers

Originally posted by dontdothat88
add tax at CC

I don't factor tax, as I pay Michigan sales/use tax either way, and I doubt the store would consider that in the price match, as they are only a collection agency for the state.

Originally posted by GmanAVS
Apologies for not being thurough and clear.

We presented to the CC saleman the "check-out" printout from e-Cost (price + $89 shipping).

CC matched that price.

NJ state taxes were paid on top.

cheers


oh yea, of course they would make you pay taxes anyway should have realized that. Still saved over $100 though as far as i can tell. Im still suprised they honored ecost though.

Originally posted by mister_two
w0mbat, before you order HD from Comcast are you sure you are not getting any HD channels? Did you do a scan using PD50U's QAM tuner? I also have Comcast cable, just basic analog w/o a set top box. After scanning it picked all the networks HD channels except UPN.

BTW, I prefer to use 4:3 mode when viewing SD channels.

Well, the reason I want HD is really for Discovery HD :)

Besides, its only $5 extra a month and it includes some HD movie channels that arent OTA. Setup will be about 10 days from now so I am planning to buy a antenna and test out the OTA signals till then.

Plus, I am going to get the technician to test out my signal while he's here. I've been seeing some degradation lately thats bugging me.

I got my plasma today (Panasonic TH-50PX50) and hooked up the Panasonic S77 DVD player via 1080i HDMI. The picture quality is awesome. (Thanks again to TVA and their staff for a seamless purchase).

The out-of-the box settings are set to push green (makes yellows neon green). I think Panasonic did it on purpose to emphasize greens in sports scenes in the store (Digital Video Essentials said that some manufacturers do this.)

However, turned Color Management off and turning down tint gets rid of the green push on my set. Just to make sure, I output the same DVD (Nemo) at the same time to my calibrated CRT (side by side with the 50px50), and the yellows (and other colors) were displayed properly.

In my case, turning down tint made a bigger difference than turning off Color Management.

Anyways, did I mention that the PQ is awesome? And that's just with upconverted DVD. Comcast HD DVR is coming tomorrow. :)

Originally posted by jrock65
Comcast HD DVR is coming tomorrow. :)

Grats on your new purchase! I am using the Motorola 6412 Comcast Dual HD DVR and I love it. If you are getting that STB you should look forward to a pleasureful experience :)

P.S. There is no HDMI on the 6412, but the component output is fantastic!

Congrats jrock!

Interesting combination, with the new S77. I've been following that thread, and was concerned about whether the MB issue with the S97 had been corrected in the S77. Let us know how it all goes.

And send them pics! :D

What I am glad to hear is that the green push issue seems to have a solution. Color mgmt off and available on screen adjustments make it go away , good stuff, for a prospective purchaser this was a show stopper but looks like the show is now back on ! Lets hear more from 50" purchasers.

Green push is no longer something I look at. Greens look good with color management off. However, the HDMI connection from the H10 to the PX50U has shown two drop outs (lasting about 5 seconds) in about 7 hours (none yesterday when I installed the Panny). Probably not something that even belongs in this thread but since I mentioned it earlier I thought I'd update. I really like the PQ of HDMI from the box to the Panny.....it's stunning. Hopefully I won't need to try component but if the rate of dropouts increase I'll need to contact D*TV and/or try component. BTW, I'm assuming its an HDMI fault given all the comments I've read in other threads.

The 50PX50s PQ is definitely fantastic, and so far I've only been able to watch satellite SD and DVD from my run-of-the-mill Panasonic DVD player. I'll be getting the DirecTV HDTivo next week, after the price drop, and I can't wait to see how this thing looks with HD content.

What are people here setting their "Sharpness" setting to on their PD/PX50? (optivity?)

I am having an earlier generation Panny (7 mos. old) replaced by Sears for green AND violet issues. In my case, the two colours are clearly visible at two frequencies on the Gray-scale screen of the DVE disc. The really crappy part is that a calibrator hoped that, in the process of regular calibration, the problem might be dealt with. Now I will get a new set, but I spent a bundle getting the other one calibrated. I don't get that back from anyone. By the way, except for this issue, the set looks great post-calibration.

Needless to say, I am GREEN-SHY. I am also concerned that the new sets are hitting the market $1000 cheaper than the previous generation (when they were new). Is this just a reflection of less R&D cost, or are they made cheaper; hence, less quality?

I saw the new 37PX50 at Best Buy yesterday and on a preliminary look-see, I have to say I found it noticeably better than the prior generation.

I know those who have bought already know this, but these sets really appear to have difference-making improvements in picture quality.

Nice job Panasonic.

Originally posted by Trunorth
What I am glad to hear is that the green push issue seems to have a solution. Color mgmt off and available on screen adjustments make it go away , good stuff, for a prospective purchaser this was a show stopper but looks like the show is now back on ! Lets hear more from 50" purchasers.

I think the green push issue has gained momentum without any validation. When I first got my pd50u out of the box it did have some neon greenish grass when watching golf, but it was not that big a deal. After the pseudo DVE calibration it got noticeably better and I while I still have a little of it on golf courses, it is consistent with every other plasma I have evaluated.

People need to tweek their sets and if they still have issues they should return it for a replacement. If you have never owned a DPD then you should probably compare you perceived issues with other sets. One of the surprises with a good set is that it may reproduce colors closer to what they should be rather than what you are accustomed to seeing. Mr. Krabs eyes (Spongebob) is a perfect example.

Best of luck to those in the market for a DPD!

Originally posted by rogo
I saw the new 37PX50 at Best Buy yesterday and on a preliminary look-see, I have to say I found it noticeably better than the prior generation.

I know those who have bought already know this, but these sets really appear to have difference-making improvements in picture quality.

Nice job Panasonic.

WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW
Rogo’s twenty-one-thousand-three-hundred-and-fiftieth (21,350!) post indicates Nice job Panasonic after a look-see. Master rogo’s comment is the most significant positive one made yet on the lowly consumer 37PX50.

Originally posted by HDidiot
WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW
Rogo’s twenty-one-thousand-three-hundred-and-fiftieth (21,350!) post indicates after a look-see. Master rogo’s comment is the most significant positive one made yet on the lowly consumer 37PX50. Lowly? I don't think so. Most people would be "thrilled" to own one? I was so impressed by the PD50U I bought a 50PX50U sight-unseen. Good job Panasonic, quality PDPs that are affordable for the masses.:)

Originally posted by Melville
... I am also concerned that the new sets are hitting the market $1000 cheaper than the previous generation (when they were new). Is this just a reflection of less R&D cost, or are they made cheaper; hence, less quality?

They are being made cheaper, but that doesn't necessarily mean less quality (although some features have been dropped).

That's just the nature of consumer electronics. They keep costing less, but the quality tends to improve (or at least not get worse).

There are many reasons for this, but one is that once manufacturers reach what they believe is an optimal level of performance, they try to stay ahead of competition by focusing most of their resources on reducing production costs so they can lower prices while still maintaining profits.

Where do you think 50PX50 prices will be for Christmas?

Panasonic's new generation of PDPs are being made in Mexico. Is this an area of concern?

Originally posted by optivity
Lowly? I don't think so. Most people would be "thrilled" to own one? I was so impressed by the PD50U I bought a 50PX50U sight-unseen. Good job Panasonic, quality PDPs that are affordable for the masses.:)

I whole-heartedly agree with every thing you said optivity! In fact, that was the point of my complementary post! (I guess it didn’t translate into the internet language.)

Rogo’s “well done”wasn’t on a highly placed top-of-the-line, exotic, or $xx,xxx+ PDP. Instead, it was on a lowly consumer model available to everyone today at their local CC or BB, now only 5 miles or 10 minutes from the average US living room. (Even better, would be better to purchase through an AVS sponsor).

Originally posted by Melville
Panasonic's new generation of PDPs are being made in Mexico. Is this an area of concern?


That was being reported on the forum some time ago, but it seems owners of the new PX50 are reporting made in Japan. Has anyone purchased a PD50 or PX50 made in Mexico?

Recieved my new PD50 replacment today and it is good so far. It was made in Japan in March.

Originally posted by bee298
Recieved my new PD50 replacment today and it is good so far. It was made in Japan in March.

Did the Panasonic Service Rep try to adjust your original set?
Did the Rep confirm that this is a problem with the 50 series PDP's?

All he wanted to do was replace the set. My impression was that he did not have much info to go on. He did say that my Direct TV receiver may be part of the cause but that was only a WAG. This set is better so I am satisfied. He did not even want to turn in the old[a week and a half] set on. He did say that Panny is the best company to take care of their customers. He is an independent repair person who takes care of several manufactures.

Pardon me if this has been asked and answered, but does anyone know about this set? It seems to be a PD50 without a tuner.

Edit: The picture (http://www.abesofmaine.com/viewproduct.asp?id=psth42pm50)doesn't look familier.

Originally posted by drogulus
Pardon me if this has been asked and answered, but does anyone know about this set? It seems to be a PD50 without a tuner.

There's lots of information available on this set. Unfortunately, almost all is in Japanese. :rolleyes:

Here is one press report that mentions it:

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. released the TH-42PM50/S, a 42-inch PDP TV equipped with a receiver for digital broadcasts via broadcast satellite._ The model does cost approximately double the price of the same size cathode-ray tube TV, however, it is priced significantly lower then (sic ) the model prior released.

I don't know where they found "the same sized cathode-ray tube TV."

BTW, it is also for sale at a couple of other sites at a lower price than Abe's of Maine (which is in NY :) ).

Given the lack of information in English, it may be a gray market item. In any case, it would seem wise to wait awhile before buying one.

This shows how aggressive Panasonic is now. They are covering all the bases, with lower prices and more choices.

TH-42PM50 no tuner

TH-42PM50/S sat box

Is that it?

Originally posted by drogulus
Pardon me if this has been asked and answered, but does anyone know about this set? It seems to be a PD50 without a tuner.

Edit: The picture (http://www.abesofmaine.com/viewproduct.asp?id=psth42pm50)doesn't look familier.

Here is the first post I saw with info on the TH-42PM50:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=5224582#post5224582

I originally thought this was only a Japanese model. The MSRP per the other thread is $1999 with an availability in September.

It will be interesting to see what the feature set is, and for me if the side speakers are removable.


JCPZero

Originally posted by Macfan424
… Given the lack of information [on the TH-42PM50/S] in English, it may be a gray market item...

An excellent question Macfan424! In fact, until adequately documented otherwise, it would NOT be unwise to assume it is GRAY MARKET.

For board members that don’t know the ramifications of being Gray Market (Macfan424’s question), most importantly, Gray Market goods are NOT covered by the manufacturer’s warranty in the US.

To resolve that issue, someone should e-mail several TH-42PM50/S vendors to see what they can document about the warranty.

Also, warranty coverage should be confirmed with service centers. I will never forget a service center refused to repair my VCR saying “I don’t care if it says I service Gold****, they are a bunch of *****. As I won’t be paid, so I am not repairing it." OK, the end of the story is that I paid for the repair.

Originally posted by drogulus
Pardon me if this has been asked and answered, but does anyone know about this set? It seems to be a PD50 without a tuner.

Edit: The picture (http://www.abesofmaine.com/viewproduct.asp?id=psth42pm50)doesn't look familier.


The TH-42PM50 is an older Japanese Model (2001 I think).

I have no idea why Abes has this model listed on their website.

BruZZi,

I translated one of those Japanese pages on Google. You got it right, it's a 2001 model for the Japanese market w/ BS tuner box, 3000:1 CR. The picture is the same one on Abes; I wonder where they got it from? Very strange, isn't it?

Originally posted by BruZZi
The TH-42PM50 is an older Japanese Model (2001 I think).

I have no idea why Abes has this model listed on their website.

I speculate Abe told his summer intern cousin “Be sure to put every “50” or “500” on the web site, they are new models we are taking pre-orders on.”

The intern started with the Panny news release on the first page of this thread:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=505878&perpage=30&pagenumber=1
Then, the intern scanned the Panny catalog for additional 50s or 500s.

I am guessing that’s how!

Yeah but.....

2 websites? 4 yr. old grey mkt. selling for $1999? Selling as new, taking preorders? It's like they're mixing up 2 different units somehow, there is a new model, but it has the wrong model no. and someone grabbed the picture to go with it. Would 2 different places take preorders for a typo?? Maybe.....

Sent this to Abes:


I'm interested in purchasing a Panasonic ED plasma. I noticed on your website that you are taking preorders for a new model, the TH-42PM50 for $1,999. That model is unfamiliar to me. Could you send me any information you have about it, or point me towards where I can find it. Panasonics' website has nothing, but I know they are frequently out of date. Thanks for your help.

Despite what I had read on the Forum, I went ahead and bought the 42PX50U last week. Ever since I took delivery I've been trying to convince myself that the only reason I was seeing too much green was because I had been made sensitive to the issue by the reports of others here. I set the color temp to "cool" (anathema to me, but it helped with the greens), turned off color management, and set tint to -5. Then I tried to tell myself that all was well and all I needed was time to settle in and get used to my new Panasonic.

Then last night I watched the Simpsons. Sure enough, bright, lime-green faces. I don't know why it is, but my memory for the color of Simpson faces is excellent, and there was no way I could make my set reproduce anything near that color. I could tune out most of the green by slewing the tint control way off to the left, but their faces were still nowhere near that familiar yellow, and all the other colors were now out of whack.

For those of you who haven't seen it, let me assure you from my own experience that those who have reported the green problem on the Forum have been accurate in their observations. On the right (or wrong) program material, the problem is not subtle. It hits you right in the eyes.

Otherwise, I really like the set. My previous set, a 35" Sony XBR CRT, produces a beautiful SD picture, and I believe this Panasonic, except for the green problem, does as well as my Sony with OTA and satellite TV. My home videos look better than ever on this progressive display. There are no defective pixels. The HD picture is rich and sharp. So I'd rather not ship the set back to Circuit City within the 30 day window.

I've sent an email report to Panasonic, and I'm waiting to hear from them. My guess is that a straightforward adjustment in the service menu will take care of the problem, but of course I can't be sure. And I really don't want to spend another few hundred dollars for a full calibration.

I'd appreciate any suggestions and reports from others who have had this problem and hear whether they've been entirely and happily successful with the outcome.

Thanks Guys. JK

As mentioned in a prior post, my co-worker/boss and I picked up on at CC on Wed. and so I spent Sat. evening helping set up the 37px50u and a new surround system (7pm to 12:30am).

Sony 27" CRT - 10 years old, out of an antique armoire (40' wide) moved to the basement, installed:
37px50u
Scientific Atlanta 4200 STB- Cablevision (cablecard on its way)
All in Sony5 disk DVD player/Surround system, can't remember model/type

Hook-up:
STB to PDP -> DVI to HDMI (Rat Shack cable)
STB to PDP -> Component (Rat Shack cable) - used to make comparisons
DVD to PDP -> Component (Rat Shack cable) - set progressive scan

Powered the PDP up, my friend missed the initial set-up. PDP was in "vivid" mode so I went into the setting menu for each input and set them all to "cinema" mode, cut all settings in 1/2, turned off color management and black extension off.

First impressions (in random order):
*HD channels (700s on Cablevision) looked awesome.
*No discernible difference when viewing HD channels between the HDMI or Component connection (I'm confident this will change when properly calibrated)
*DVDs through component (Matrix, Spiderman and Master & Commander) looked almost like the HD programming tho some of the shadow details weren't crisp as when viewed in in "vivid", again I'm confident this will change when properly calibrated
*SD looked great (way better than I thought it would) using the HDMI connection, and looked acceptable on the component
*Speaker sound was very good
*Rear Panel inputs: the lack of a second HDMI input, tho not significant for his setup, is a poor choice by Panasonic and I myself will hold off for the 500us to make sure there are two of them.
*Remote - sucks. Instinctively you press the buttons labeled DVD, SAT, TV, etc to switch between inputs and there seem to be no "discrete" button for each input. It was past 11pm when we started playing with it so in fact I could be totally wrong (I hope so), please inform me if so.

Thats it for now, will have additional comments when we get the AVIA and DVE disks and manually calibrate it.

Gman

FWIW, Sunday was his son's 1st Communion and he had 30+ family and friends over... all WOWed by it.
WAF and reaction was better than expected... apparently she was watching her morning shows in HD this morning and asking why so few available!

The lack of a second HDMI input is my biggest complaint with my 50px50.

In this day and age of HDMI DVD players (and hopefully soon HD-DVD players) and HDMI HD DVR's, two HDMI inputs should be standard. Ah well.

Originally posted by jrock65
The lack of a second HDMI input is my biggest complaint with my 50px50.

In this day and age of HDMI DVD players (and hopefully soon HD-DVD players) and HDMI HD DVR's, two HDMI inputs should be standard. Ah well. So which is the preferred connection option...

Cable Provider --> STB --> HDMI --> PDP?

or

Cable Provider --> CableCARD --> PDP?

If option (2) is the preferred method, then this makes the DVI interface available for an HD-DVD player. What would the typical PDP buyer use a 2nd HDMI input for?

Originally posted by jrock65
The lack of a second HDMI input is my biggest complaint with my 50px50.

In this day and age of HDMI DVD players (and hopefully soon HD-DVD players) and HDMI HD DVR's, two HDMI inputs should be standard. Ah well.

Maybe it is time for some of us in the investigative stages to revisit the Hitachi HDT51 series, with their dual IEEE 1394, dual HDMI, dual RF antenna, dual hiband component, and PC inputs. Hopefully, their upcoming line doesn't drop half of these connections like Panasonic did.

Originally posted by optivity
So which is the preferred connection option...

Cable Provider --> STB --> HDMI --> PDP?

or

Cable Provider --> CableCARD --> PDP?

If option (2) is the preferred method, then this makes the DVI interface available for an HD-DVD player. What would the typical PDP buyer use a 2nd HDMI input for?

Well, as HD DVR cableboxes become more available (they're already pretty cheap to rent, just $10 a month), I think a lot of people will opt for the DVR cableboxes.

My wife is adamant about getting a DVR. And she is a "typical" consumer in that she is not into electronics at all.

So, in a few years, I think the typical PDP buyer WILL want two HDMI inputs. One for the HD-DVD player and one for the DVR (cable or satellite).

You have a DVR (SA-8300HD) yourself, right? What are your connections plans when you get an HD-DVD player?

GmanAVS, you are right the remote does suck. I was watching a DVD last night and I find myself using the DVD remote rather than the PD50U remote. It's a Panasonic progressive scan DVD player so I didn't need to program the tv remote. If I use the PD50U remote I can't chapter skip for some reason. It will search forward/backward but it won't chapter skip. Also, if I select DVD on the PD50U remote I can't change volume up/down. I have to switch back to TV mode to change volume. Very annoying.

Originally posted by jrock65
Well, as HD DVR cableboxes become more available (they're already pretty cheap to rent, just $10 a month), I think a lot of people will opt for the DVR cableboxes.

My wife is adamant about getting a DVR. And she is a "typical" consumer in that she is not into electronics at all.

So, in a few years, I think the typical PDP buyer WILL want two HDMI inputs. One for the HD-DVD player and one for the DVR (cable or satellite).

You have a DVR (SA-8300HD) yourself, right? What are your connections plans when you get an HD-DVD player? Currently I have (2) HDTVs, high-speed Internet access and a $140+/month cable bill...:eek:

The plan is to use the HD-DVR on a 36" 4:3 HD ready CRT-TV (Panasonic CT-36HL42) which is set up in the MBR... and go to CableCARD on the Panny PDP which opens the HDMI for an HD-DVD player...

The Fed's/State/County/Town/School & TWC are all "bloodsuckers..." and in this case the color of my blood is $$$$:mad:

I purchased a PX50 (coming today) after considering waiting for the 500. But I only have a gap of around 52" in which to place the screen, and the side mounted speakers of the 500 (as so I have read) made that impossible. If I ever need another HDMI input, I will need to purchase a HDMI switch for around $200 or so (like the Gefen switch). But I do have a question: is there ANY way to connect a PC to the plasma? The manual states that the HDMI connector is not intended for a computer input. What would happen if you hooked up a DVI output from a pc to the HDMI of these new models? Would it cause a "problem."

Most video cards have an svideo out on them, so you can just use that.

S-Video output from a computer to a TV is sub-par at best IMHO.

Bob, if you happen to be fortunate enough to own an ATI Radeon display adapter (8500AIW, 9500 - 9800), they sell an adapter that attaches to the DVI port and puts out a component video connection.

Here's a link:
http://shop.ati.com/product.asp?sku=2537967

Drivie

I do have a 9700 and I made the purchase. Thanks for the tip.

From what I've heard, the PX500 also has only one HDMI input. If it had two I would have waited for it too.

I received the attached file from Panasonic Canada. This was the first document from Panasonic that I have seen that mentioned 42PD50 and Sub-Pixel controller together. FWIW

Sorry about the image quality.

Finally, I am vindicated ... thank you Hoodlum!

Originally posted by empire_of_one
From what I've heard, the PX500 also has only one HDMI input. If it had two I would have waited for it too.

where did you hear this? a rep from tvauthority pulled up the specs on the px500 and specifically mentioned it would have 2 hdmi. also, another thread in this forum mentions 2 hdmi.

i'm still waiting, but if the px500 only has 1 hdmi i may have to go ahead and get the px50.

Originally posted by leeda2
where did you hear this? a rep from tvauthority pulled up the specs on the px500 and specifically mentioned it would have 2 hdmi. also, another thread in this forum mentions 2 hdmi.

i'm still waiting, but if the px500 only has 1 hdmi i may have to go ahead and get the px50.

DITTO!

what does the Japanese model have?

Here are German version of PX50 PX500 Models.

The PV500 look 100% the same as PX500 US Model

Prices: 42PV500 3700€ (<3000€ street p.) and 42PA50 2300€ (+/- 1600€ Street p.)

In Germany: 42PA50 ED and 42PV500 HD Model:

Panasonic Plasma Germany (http://www.panasonic.de/presse/detail/weitere_dokumente.aspx?newsID=a70c1223-b9fc-41bc-8cbc-750ec18441f8&refer=search&suche=&catID=5&year=2005&month=01)

Joshy

Sorry, had to edit because of Pic description...
PX50 is aTable Stand (199€ ) and PX500 a big tv stand (699€ ), but because of similarity of names (with US Plasma Models) had to add it. :p

exaple:
PX500 in germany (http://www.produkte.panasonic.de/product/product.asp?sStr=5@-@1@13@40@297@@@@@TY-S50PX500W@Viera|Plasma-Zubehör@&altMod=N&upper=&prop=)

and this too: (http://www.produkte.panasonic.de/product/product.asp?sStr=5@-@1@13@40@297@@@@@TY-ST42PX500@Viera|Plasma-Zubehör@&altMod=N&upper=&prop=)

Only Plasmas:

have a look: (http://www.produkte.panasonic.de/index.asp?sStr=4@-@1@13@40@41@@@@@@Viera|Plasma-Bildschirme@)

Originally posted by jrock65
I got my plasma today (Panasonic TH-50PX50) and hooked up the Panasonic S77 DVD player via 1080i HDMI. The picture quality is awesome. (Thanks again to TVA and their staff for a seamless purchase).

The out-of-the box settings are set to push green (makes yellows neon green). I think Panasonic did it on purpose to emphasize greens in sports scenes in the store (Digital Video Essentials said that some manufacturers do this.)

However, turned Color Management off and turning down tint gets rid of the green push on my set. Just to make sure, I output the same DVD (Nemo) at the same time to my calibrated CRT (side by side with the 50px50), and the yellows (and other colors) were displayed properly.

In my case, turning down tint made a bigger difference than turning off Color Management.

Anyways, did I mention that the PQ is awesome? And that's just with upconverted DVD. Comcast HD DVR is coming tomorrow. :)

I've turned off color managment, adjusted color down (less saturation), and adjusted tint toward red, as well as selecting a warm (red) color temperature.

The neon/flourescent green (like the new LED green traffic lights) disappears but then the rest of the colors start to become too desaturated or too reddish. You get an unnatural color that seems too gray scale with occasional patches of color.

The wife complains that the Simpson's look like they're from Mars or Vulcan (a bit green around the gills).

But it's not just the yellows, grass and foliage floresces. I've also noticed that blue and violet will pop unnaturally.

I've been through DVE (Digital Video Essentials) and you have to make things "worse" to get to no neon green.

For those who have their sets replaced by Panasonic, do things look any better than before or not?

Or, has anyone figured out the magic incantation on the remote control to get to the actual service menu (not just the user color controls).

It's just such a bummer for what is otherwise a pretty good set.

I hate the Panny German website . . . reminds me of what we can't get here. :mad:

Originally posted by GmanAVS

what does the Japanese model have?

1 HDMI port

Han

I went to Tweeter over the weekend to look at the 42px50u. They had one set up and on display. Truly Awful. No other way to describe it. It made the 6K Sony sitting next to it look great, even with the usual soft Sony picture. And then I saw the green issue. At first it was hard to notice, because they had a SD baseball game on and it was unwatchable. At my request the salesman turned to HD, which turned out to be a NASCAR race. I notice nothing unusual, until I looked at the other sets, and realized that the pretty lime green car should be yellow.

I inquired to the salesman why the set looked so bad, and where was the remote. He sheepishly admitted that the set was on the wall the way it came out of the box. The remote was no where to be found. No way to change the settings. It gave a new meaning to "clayface" on the SD channel. Jagged edges to all the text and object. Definitely had the sharpness turned all the way up. No one who came in without prior knowledge would ever consider buying that set.

Which begs the question why? I think the answer is simple. They don't want to sell it. I think the MSRP must be closer to the invoice on this unit, and that the salesman makes a lower commission. Thus, no incentive to fix the set, becuase the salespeople want to sell the 6K Sony.

Just one man's theory.

Darren

Just unboxed and turned on my brand new TH-50PX50. Have it hooked up to the HDMI from the DirectTV Hi Def Tivo's HDMI out. First thing before I gush over the picture, which is incredible. There is no sound carried on my HDMI cable. I get a buzzing noise when I tell the set to receive Digital or Auto sound from the HDMI cable. Is this normal? Does the Tivo output audio? Or do I need to turn something on on the box.

Also, there is a white digital noise on most of the DV ota channels at the very top of the screen. I also saw it on Channel 70, which is HBOHD. Apparently the picture is slightly low on the screen for some channels allowing me to see some sort of digital noise at the top of the screen. I guess I will need to get a person in to fix that.

But on to the picture. Amazing. And what's more, and I know that I am the only one who seems to think so, it looks best out of the box on Vivid. Cinema is very washed out and dark, and standard picture seems to lack something. I think halfway between vivid and standard actually looks the best.

Anyway, some images are so sharp that my jaw dropped.

The only downside is that I can see pixiliation on the SD channels which I could not see with my Samsung ED receiver. I assume that this can be corrected with some settings changes. I am going to review the boards and see what people are recommending for settings.

As to the neon green .. nope... not there! Whew.

This is a fantastic television. You cannot go wrong with it.

UPDATE:
Ok, playing with the settings makes a huge difference in the SD. And now I see that Vivid is ...well... well named but but not a realistic representation of life. When I switch to standard, upped the brightness slightly, turned down the color and moved the tint to the left things on SD looked great and HD looks just as good. A great TV now looks even better.

All except for those white dots across the top of the very top of the screen only on channels 4.1, 11.1, 13.1 and 70 during dark scenes.

Give yourself a few days and you might not even notice the dots. They're not at all unusual.

Originally posted by MinxMeister
I also ordered a TH-50PX50U from TVA and it should get here in about a 10 days. The person I talked to at TVA was helpful and friendly too.


Well it looks like ordering from a site supporter (TVA) doesn't guarantee a pleasant purchasing experience. I asked at least 5 times during the ordering process to give me a realistic estimated delivery dates but that apparently does no good. And the best I can tell, TVA didn't even start the actual delivery process until I called the day I was assured a 99.9% probability it would be delivered.

At this point, TVA is responding with the typical misleading salesman's bull where they promise one thing and the shipper tells another story.:mad:

I walked into Circuit City one Sunday morning not too long ago and bought a TH-50PX50U. Later that evening I enjoyed watching "Deadwood" on my brand new HD-PDP; the entire purchase, delivery and set-up experience couldn't have gone more smoothly.

Originally posted by nogits
I've turned off color managment, adjusted color down (less saturation), and adjusted tint toward red, as well as selecting a warm (red) color temperature.

The neon/flourescent green (like the new LED green traffic lights) disappears but then the rest of the colors start to become too desaturated or too reddish. You get an unnatural color that seems too gray scale with occasional patches of color.

The wife complains that the Simpson's look like they're from Mars or Vulcan (a bit green around the gills).

But it's not just the yellows, grass and foliage floresces. I've also noticed that blue and violet will pop unnaturally.

I've been through DVE (Digital Video Essentials) and you have to make things "worse" to get to no neon green.

For those who have their sets replaced by Panasonic, do things look any better than before or not?

Or, has anyone figured out the magic incantation on the remote control to get to the actual service menu (not just the user color controls).

It's just such a bummer for what is otherwise a pretty good set.

Well, I dunno what to tell you. The following settings do not give me green push or unnatural colors, and were calibrated with DVE.

Input: HDMI
Picture mode: Standard

Picture: +10
Brightness: +8
Color: -2
Tint: -9
Sharpness: +10

Color Temp: Normal
Color Management: Off
Video Noise Reduction: Off
MPEG Noise Reduction: Off
Black level: Light

-------------------------------------

Both my wife and I feel that this TV has excellent PQ.

Originally posted by MinxMeister
Well it looks like ordering from a site supporter (TVA) doesn't guarantee a pleasant purchasing experience. I asked at least 5 times during the ordering process to give me a realistic estimated delivery dates but that apparently does no good. And the best I can tell, TVA didn't even start the actual delivery process until I called the day I was assured a 99.9% probability it would be delivered.

At this point, TVA is responding with the typical misleading salesman's bull where they promise one thing and the shipper tells another story.:mad:

That's why many of us would rather pay a little more, buy from a brick and mortar store and save the potential HEADACHE!

Originally posted by MinxMeister
Well it looks like ordering from a site supporter (TVA) doesn't guarantee a pleasant purchasing experience. I asked at least 5 times during the ordering process to give me a realistic estimated delivery dates but that apparently does no good. And the best I can tell, TVA didn't even start the actual delivery process until I called the day I was assured a 99.9% probability it would be delivered.

At this point, TVA is responding with the typical misleading salesman's bull where they promise one thing and the shipper tells another story.:mad:


I am really surprised with that because my TH-50px50u which was ordered 5/2 and was promised for delivery between 5/11 and 5/13. On 5/5, I got a call from the shipping company that they had the PDP on the dock and would deliver it the next day, 5/6 between 12:00 and 4:00PM. By 1:00PM it was in the garage being unpacked.

azarby

Input: HDMI
Picture mode: Standard

Picture: +10
Brightness: +8
Color: -2
Tint: -9
Sharpness: +10

Color Temp: Normal
Color Management: Off
Video Noise Reduction: Off
MPEG Noise Reduction: Off
Black level: Light



Damn that's pink. Things have a pinkish, purplish cast with your settings.

Tint: -5 or -6 seems to do better for me. The problem is that some grays have a greenish cast.

Human beings actually have different perception of color (not just colorblind folks). Even the same person can have different perceptions of color from eye-to-eye. (Might right eye has a slightly bluish perception of color versus my left eye which has a slightly brownish perception of color).

What's really odd is that I did not notice the greenish tinting in the picture during my first week of ownership. As I watched more and more material, the I became more and more tuned into the color push.

I noticed the green push not from reading this forum, only corroborated it by reading messages in this forum. I didn't go looking for it, it was there and I became aware of it.

It's heightened my awareness of the color of greens in real-life (I never noticed that the green lights in the LED traffic lights are blue-green not green until just this past week).

I really envy people who aren't as sensitive to color as I am. Seriously and genuinely. Life is better and things cost so much less when you don't make such distinctions.

(Of course, maybe this is why I keep gravitating to corporate roll where my job is to identify ways to discriminate differences to improve the products -- a blessing and curse).

What's the point of all these machinations?

These sets are not perfect. Panasonic does have quality control problems with almost every generation (see discussions about 7UY series).

If you don't see a problem, don't go looking for it. Why be unhappy?

But lets suppose that the problems are real, at least for some portion of the production (or all). The big question is whether or not this is a phosphors issue, a design flaw, an adjustment issue, a live with it issue, or a return and wait til generation 9 issue.

I have about 10 days to make a keep it or return it decision then it becomes a live with it issue. (My mistake for breaking my rule of waiting until others buy first).

When the picture is good, it's great. It's just the wierd outliers that I gotta decide about and how to make the appropriate compromises in the set and in myself.

Originally posted by nogits
The problem is that some grays have a greenish cast. I noticed this last night when watching the "Matrix Revolutions..." in 480p Just mode on one of the HBO premium stations. Some of my 'perceived' observations may have been affected by the ambient lighting coming into the room. Play with your surrounding lighting to see how it affects your viewing conditions.

OK, day two of my new 50" PX and maybe I am in the hypercritical phase of a new purchase, but I need to ask.

When I set the plasma to the settings recommended on this board, Normal, Picture around +10 or so, brightness around +4 or so, etc., the picture is very very dim. For that matter, when I change it to cinema mode, the picture is very washed out, virtuallly unusable.

But when I set it to Vivid, lower the picture to around +22, raise the brightness to +3, drop the color to around -3 and the tint to -5 things look much better. If I take these identical settings (including making color temp normal and set the sub menu to "off" for all of the various noise reductions) but do them in the "normal" mode as opposed to vivid, the picture looks a bit washed out.

This means that, all settings being equal, vivid and normal go beyond the settings the user can control.

I don't have the green issues, so I wonder if Panasonic tweaked the settings to take care of the green push. Or, is just my plasma different?

Again, dropping the picture below +18 or so makes the image very washed out and dark. Does this seem right?

Does Panny has any plans of releasing model similar to TH-42PA25U/P (without ATSC/QAM Tuners and CableCARD Slot to bring the price down)?

bob, I've had my 50" PX for about 3 1/2 weeks and have observed none of the problems being reported by some 50U owners/wannabee's. I'm using the Standard picture mode with I believe the Normal color temp, I turned the Picture setting down from +20 to +15 and lowered the brightness & sharpness settings about 3 - 5 clicks. Check your Black Level (page 25 of manual) I prefer the "Light" setting. You may need to access the Service menus to do additional tweaks, but I don't recommend doing so with a new PDP. I believe we all suffer from the same affliction referred to as a "hyper-critical" eye when viewing our new PDPs (especially us 1st timers?) rather than just enjoying the show... After the first few hundred hours or so... I'll try a calibration disk to see if it makes any significant difference in the picture rendered. Enjoy your new PDP.

Originally posted by jaykay
Does Panny has any plans of releasing model similar to TH-42PA25U/P (without ATSC/QAM Tuners and CableCARD Slot to bring the price down)?

I thought that after this summer all TVs 42" or larger must have digital tuners built in. I thought this was a new law. If so, then it would seem unlikely that this model would be released.

jaykay,

If you really don't want the tuner/cable card, you might consider the commercial model lineup, the 7UY series. No tuner, no speakers, no cablecard, no stand.

Yes, I am using light black levels. But if I set my picture to +15 it's pretty washed out. I wonder if my set needs tweaking. Is this something Panasonic does as part of the warranty?

Originally posted by optivity
bob, I've had my 50" PX for about 3 1/2 weeks and have observed none of the problems being reported by some 50U owners/wannabee's. I'm using the Standard picture mode with I believe the Normal color temp, I turned the Picture setting down from +20 to +15 and lowered the brightness & sharpness settings about 3 - 5 clicks. Check your Black Level (page 25 of manual) I prefer the "Light" setting. You may need to access the Service menus to do additional tweaks, but I don't recommend doing so with a new PDP. I believe we all suffer from the same affliction referred to as a "hyper-critical" eye when viewing our new PDPs (especially us 1st timers?) rather than just enjoying the show... After the first few hundred hours or so... I'll try a calibration disk to see if it makes any significant difference in the picture rendered. Enjoy your new PDP.

Originally posted by optivity
I noticed this last night when watching the "Matrix Revolutions..." in 480p Just mode on one of the HBO premium stations. Some of my 'perceived' observations may have been affected by the ambient lighting coming into the room. Play with your surrounding lighting to see how it affects your viewing conditions.

All three Matrix movies have a noticable green cast to them, it's part of the look of those films. In that case at least, it's the source not the TV.

In regard to the law, my guess is that is true for consumer, but technically the UY series is commercial, so I'm guessing they don't have to abide by that. But, just a guess worth $.00

Originally posted by bobpenn
I thought that after this summer all TVs 42" or larger must have digital tuners built in. I thought this was a new law. If so, then it would seem unlikely that this model would be released.

It would be possible to release a consumer model with no tuner at all (i.e. a monitor), just not one with only an analog tuner.

That's what the rumored PM (M=monitor) series would be, if indeed there ever is such a model released in the US. Originally, they were announced to be released in the third quarter, but I don't believe there has been any recent official confirmation, so that may have changed.

Originally posted by azarby
I am really surprised with that because my TH-50px50u which was ordered 5/2 and was promised for delivery between 5/11 and 5/13. On 5/5, I got a call from the shipping company that they had the PDP on the dock and would deliver it the next day, 5/6 between 12:00 and 4:00PM. By 1:00PM it was in the garage being unpacked.

azarby

That's just dandy. You got yours in 4 days. I'm on the 12th day and TVA keeps telling me delivery dates the shipper says no way in hell it's going to happen.

Have you called Kirk or Neil at TVA, explained the situation, and asked for their help in achieving a satisfactory resolution? If not, then what is the point in airing your grievance here?

Originally posted by empire_of_one
All three Matrix movies have a noticable green cast to them, it's part of the look of those films. In that case at least, it's the source not the TV.

Exactly....that's not green push.

<<<<<
jaykay,

If you really don't want the tuner/cable card, you might consider the commercial model lineup, the 7UY series. No tuner, no speakers, no cablecard, no stand.

>>>>>

yobob

I thought about that option, but, I do need the Stand, Speakers, HDMI port and CC.

Okay, I think you're stuck then. . .

I don't think Pany will be releasing any more large format TVs without the digital tuners, in this country at least.

Originally posted by yobob
Okay, I think you're stuck then. . .

I don't think Pany will be releasing any more large format TVs without the digital tuners, in this country at least.

I think you guys are confusssssed, so I have broken it down to help out:

• The FCC regulation only relates to TVs.

• The effective date of that regulation varies by screen size.

• A large screen plasma display panel without tuners or speakers is called a Monitor.

• Monitors, radios, refrigerators, and other non-TVs are not subject to that FCC regulation requiring ATSC digital tuners on TVs.

• Panasonic will have an annual release of their professional line that includes Monitors.

• Panasonic’s policy is to NOT confirm anything before it is released or only the extent of their press release.

• There has not been a press release yet on this years professional monitors. Industry insiders and vendors have NO reason to believe it won't happen.

Now that it is broken down, let me know if you have any problem with any individual point. Also, I have read in a non-authoritative thread, that new monitors are expected to be released in October, but who knows.

Originally posted by tetra-pro
Have you called Kirk or Neil at TVA, explained the situation, and asked for their help in achieving a satisfactory resolution? I've called TVA several times a day since Monday. No one referred me to Kirk or Neil.

Originally posted by tetra-pro
If not, then what is the point in airing your grievance here? If Kirk or Neil are the people to resolve this, I think that's one answer to your question. Further, there's quite of few people considering purchases in this thread. This is just additional data point in helping them decide how they want to make their purchase.

Originally posted by MinxMeister
I've called TVA several times a day since Monday. No one referred me to Kirk or Neil.

If Kirk or Neil are the people to resolve this, I think that's one answer to your question. Further, there's quite of few people considering purchases in this thread. This is just additional data point in helping them decide how they want to make their purchase.

agree 100%, if people can come on here and say how good a company treated them, i also want to hear if somebody is having a bad experience.

The TVA people are quite friendly to deal with but one thing that is a bugaboo for them is the shipment logistics on new products. I'm almost sure your Px50u is not even in their possession.....they probably coordinate the movement of the TV from a warehouse somewhere to their shippers and then to you. Since they don't have direct control of the product (as it is not in their possession), then they are at the mercy of two other shipping entities. Once it gets in the final shippers hands, you'll have a good idea when to expect it. That was my experience anyway, confirmed by one of my TVA contacts. I'm not trying to take sides on this, just maybe add some observations based on my experience with my own Px50u from TVA.

Originally posted by BruZZi
While pressing the " VOLUME - " button* on the Plasma,
press the "RECALL" button on the Remote Control 3 times in a row (within 2 seconds).



------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adjustment method - Use the remote Control:

"1" button - Main items Selection in forward direction
"2" button - Main items Selection in reverse direction
"3" button - Sub items Selection in forward direction
"4" button - Sub items Selection in reverse direction
"VOL" Button - Value of sub items change in forward direction (>) - reverse direction (<)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Exit the Service menu:

Switch off the power (Using the remote or the plasma button)


Don't have the PD50U so I have no idea how the menus look like. ;)


Let me know if it works.


Have fun. :D

I haven't seen anyone mention this yet, but I tried today on my PX50U and the service menu is accessible using the same method and appears to have the same menu items as the PD50, as listed below:

Originally posted by ccdengr
The top of the screen says "INTERCAT2001" in red.

There are then four top-level menu items: PCT-ADJ (picture adjust), OPTION (BOOT/ROM), RM-SET (remote mode), and STB-CAS (don't know what this is). PCT-ADJ has subentries for color, tint, and some AGC modes (automatic gain control?)

I didn't see anything that looked like the number of hours of operation, which was the only thing I was actually interested in.

I was frankly afraid to play with it any further; there are plenty of ways you can mess up at this level.

I just scrolled through the settings really quickly. I'm also too nervous to fool around with any of these settings, so I just took a quick look to see if anything obvious relating to sub-pixel control presented itself, but I didn't find anything. If anyone feels adventurous enough to navigate all the submenus, let us know what you find.

Service menu hints to correct greens would be greatly appreciated.

Dave

Took a look through the service menu. About 30% of it makes any sense. Most of it really will require some sort of explanation. I am not about to try it. Finally got my 50PX looking nice and bright with exception picture. Please let us know if there are any secrets to learn.

Why on some sites I'm seeing, the TH-37PX50U is more than the TH-42PX50U ? Also, I'm seriously considering the 50px50u, what will I lose if I choose that over the 50px500? Also, I'm sitting about 9 feet from where the set will be, think 42inch will be too small?

i sit at 9-10 feet away with my 42pd50 and I LOVE watching tv and dvd's on it. in no way is a 42" "small", that said though, if i had the money for a 50 inch i would go for that.

For those still in the decision phase... a little something to whet your appetite...

http://home.nycap.rr.com/nessus/DSC00909.JPG

Does anyone have an upconverting DVD player hooked to their panny plasma (that actually works like it should)? I tried the oppo and it looks horrible. I read that panny's don't deal with the macroblocking issue well.

Panasonic TH-50PX500U is up at Vanns.com!

Originally posted by DaveN
Service menu hints to correct greens would be greatly appreciated.

Dave

I don't own the Panny (yet), but did see the screen on several occasions. Imo, the blue part (from RGB) needs some lowering. Yellows will appear more then, giving the greens a more natural look.

Can someone provide me a picture where 'the neon green' problem is clearly visible? With photoshop i'll try to make some corrections in the RGB part. I'll post the pic here ofcourse.

Originally posted by Patrick TX
Panasonic TH-50PX500U is up at Vanns.com!

"coming soon"
Does have a picture of it on the table stand though, i like the px50 stand better i think.
"Another handy feature is the Multi Window function, allowing you to watch two programs on the same screen. ". Was this previously verified?? Sounds like PIP to me. Also it says 1 hdmi port, disapointing but not suprising.

They expect it in under 30 days, I called :). It's between this & the Pioneer 5050HD for me. Arggh.

The TV comes with Carrie Underwood? The original or a clone? :)

Don't instigate me into posting an "extreme" close-up of Simon!:eek:

Originally posted by optivity
For those still in the decision phase... a little something to whet your appetite...

http://home.nycap.rr.com/nessus/DSC00909.JPG

....screenies still don't do the picture justice (though it's a nice screenie!). One problem that optivity doesn't capture is glare.....just an FYI for those with a glare complex....the screen is glary IMO. I've seen worse but the screen will reflect light on furniture and other home accoutrements with impunity.

Originally posted by DanP
....screenies still don't do the picture justice (though it's a nice screenie!). One problem that optivity doesn't capture is glare.....just an FYI for those with a glare complex....the screen is glary IMO. I've seen worse but the screen will reflect light on furniture and other home accoutrements with impunity. The screen shot is just a JPG image that consists of 29,096 bytes so a lot of detail is lost. The screen shot was taken with the camera's flash set to off in very low-light conditions, hence no glare.

Hello can some one please give me the height and length of the screen only for the 42px and the 50px. THANKS

Don't ALL Plasmas suffer from glare? After all, they are freaking GLASS.

Originally posted by Patrick TX
Don't ALL Plasmas suffer from glare? After all, they are freaking GLASS. Yes, as does my 36" flat-screen CRT-TV. Fortunately I don't watch TV during the day.

Originally posted by optivity
Yes, as does my 36" flat-screen CRT-TV. Fortunately I don't watch TV during the day.

Not to change the subject, but the 32" and 35" CRTs also have noticble SDE (or something similar). Heck, even some of the smaller CRTs have it!

I have seen some people write about delays in getting their plasmas from TVA. I thought I would let people know I ordered the Pany 50PX50 yesterday with 3 day delivery and actually got a phone call today to deliver it. I missed the call so it is actually coming tomorrow. I was very suprised. I live in the Detroit area and the track slip looks like it came from Chicago, so that may explain why it got here so quick. The point is, they have the TV's and the ship them right away, and in my case came the next day. I will be setting it up tomorrow and am hoping for an awesome picture. I will be very bummed out if I see yellow things looking green as some people have posted.

Originally posted by optivity
Yes, as does my 36" flat-screen CRT-TV. Fortunately I don't watch TV during the day.

I went from a Pioneer Elite CRT to a Panny plasma......no protective screen on the Pio and the thing had no glare. I guess I was spoiled. :)

Originally posted by DanP
I went from a Pioneer Elite CRT to a Panny plasma......no protective screen on the Pio and the thing had no glare. I guess I was spoiled. :) My HD ready CRT-TV is a Panasonic CT-36HL42... I'm beginning to see [:cool:] a trend here...

Originally posted by drogulus
Yeah but.....

2 websites? 4 yr. old grey mkt. selling for $1999? Selling as new, taking preorders? It's like they're mixing up 2 different units somehow, there is a new model, but it has the wrong model no. and someone grabbed the picture to go with it. Would 2 different places take preorders for a typo?? Maybe.....

Sent this to Abes:


I'm interested in purchasing a Panasonic ED plasma. I noticed on your website that you are taking preorders for a new model, the TH-42PM50 for $1,999. That model is unfamiliar to me. Could you send me any information you have about it, or point me towards where I can find it. Panasonics' website has nothing, but I know they are frequently out of date. Thanks for your help.


Any response yet. :D

I stopped by Circuit City this evening and noticed on the 42PX50 on display there that if you look at images of people in the background, their faces have no features. I don't mean tiny faces in a crowd, but just people that maybe have their faces around one inch to two inches in size. The Pioneer next to it seemed fine with the same seen. It was showing HD. For those of you that have purchased a PX50, have you noticed this? Is it the TV or is this due to Circuit City not having their screen adjusted? I have noticed this at another store as well. Tell me this is just an adjustment and not the picture quality of the TV in that I have one already ordered.

I have the 50" PX and no, this is not a problem with the set. It was misadjusted at the store. The detail on this TV in dark areas is amazing. The picture, once adjusted, is incredible. Out of the box, the adjustments are not so good: it's set to Vivid and most of the dark areas wash out as the colors oversaturate. But once you play with the controls you can get a remarkable picture.

Originally posted by Bengbeng
I don't own the Panny (yet), but did see the screen on several occasions. Imo, the blue part (from RGB) needs some lowering. Yellows will appear more then, giving the greens a more natural look.

Can someone provide me a picture where 'the neon green' problem is clearly visible? With photoshop i'll try to make some corrections in the RGB part. I'll post the pic here ofcourse.

Bengbeng ... I think you are on to something. The "neon" greens are bluish-green, not pure green. When watching "Everybody Loves Raymond", Ray's blue shirt flouresced "neon" blue. "Blues do seem brighter than normal.

On the commercial products and some other literature, Panasonic has mentioned improving panel longevity / reduced burn-in by changing the blue phosphors. Whether this is material or it's just a problem with default settings is unknown.

The problem with the "Tint" control is that seems to modify red/green balance but does nothing for blue. Blue can only be modified by adjusting color (unless we can figure out what to do in the service manual).

I concur the 50Us show evidence of green push. We are beginning to obtain a lot of corroborating evidence that proves the 8th generation Panasonic Viera series PDPs occasionally exhibit some rather strange color renderings. Perhaps this push phenomena is systemic to these PDPs that utilize the sub-pixel controller. It may not be a big deal provided the color rendering can be adjusted to perform within acceptable standards; however, it seems to me these units should work better right out of the box using the Manufacturer's

After a few days with my new TV, I am somewhat convinced that is it not as bright overall as it should be. Anything below a picture setting of +17 looks dimmer than a standard television picture. On the other extreme, a
-30 setting is practicaly dark. But at a setting of say +24, where I have been keeping it, it's bright, but not as overall bright as I thought I should be. To make a picture seem OK, I set it for vivid, picture +24, brighness +10, color -5 and tine -5 with Dark at light, color management off, and all other noise reduction off. I am taking the signal from a HD D* Tivo via HDMI.

Maybe I am just used to CRT and it's brightness. But I though plasma could match a CRT for brightness, this is what I have read.

For the other owners of the 50" HD, does this seem right. Or does my PQ need a tweaking from a service tech, or from the service menu, if I could figure it out. Thanks.

Originally posted by bobpenn
After a few days with my new TV, I am somewhat convinced that is it not as bright overall as it should be. Anything below a picture setting of +17 looks dimmer than a standard television picture. On the other extreme, a
-30 setting is practicaly dark. But at a setting of say +24, where I have been keeping it, it's bright, but not as overall bright as I thought I should be. To make a picture seem OK, I set it for vivid, picture +24, brighness +10, color -5 and tine -5 with Dark at light, color management off, and all other noise reduction off. I am taking the signal from a HD D* Tivo via HDMI.

Maybe I am just used to CRT and it's brightness. But I though plasma could match a CRT for brightness, this is what I have read.

For the other owners of the 50" HD, does this seem right. Or does my PQ need a tweaking from a service tech, or from the service menu, if I could figure it out. Thanks. To me it sounds like you're running your PDP in extreme torch mode. I have my panel set to Standard/Normal color temp with the Black Level set to Light. I've turned the Standard +20 default Picture setting down to +15 and the display seems bright enough to me during the break-in period. I do plan to turn things up a bit later on. Of course I tend to watch my PDP only at night and in a subdued lighting environment.

Standard setting at +15 gives me a picture lacking vibrancy and brightness. Everything seems dim and somewhat lacking.

Between the problems with "green push" and yellow flashes, I am becoming very persuaded to purchase the Pio 5050HD instead. Except I am sure there are plenty of complaints about it as well.

Ok, so if the resolution of the 50" is 1366x768, and the resolution for the 37" is 1024x720 (Which is not true 720p right?) then what is the resolution for the 42"? The 50" is tru 720p (or higher) but the 42" isn't? Am I getting that right?

Originally posted by swflbatth
Between the problems with "green push" and yellow flashes, I am becoming very persuaded to purchase the Pio 5050HD instead. Except I am sure there are plenty of complaints about it as well. The good news is... the "green push" issue seemed easily resolved by turning the Tint control down... at least my 6-year-old nephew said "SpongeBob" looked normal again after that. Another poster indicates adjusting the Color setting will resolve a too blue rendering being reported on some of the 50Us. Perhaps with their implementation of the sub-pixel controller, the operating parameters for the Panasonic PDPs need to be changed? I'm surprised given Panasonic wants to sell many of these units at $2000 - $5000 per... they don't offer more in the way of technical information regarding how to obtain the best performance from their panels. Home entertainment A/V equipment has become almost as complicated as home computing and at least for PCs there are technical resources available. Panasonic really needs to step-up their customer support regarding Plasma display technology. I've made no real attempt to calibrate my 50PX50U during it's break-in period and I'm optimistic that once calibrated the TV will perform satisfactorily.

Originally posted by MinxMeister
That's just dandy. You got yours in 4 days. I'm on the 12th day and TVA keeps telling me delivery dates the shipper says no way in hell it's going to happen.

Update: My TH-50PX50U was delivered yesterday. Looks like TVA worked hard to recover from whatever/whoever screwed-up.

Lessoned learned

Buyer: Ask for a tracking number shortly after placing order to insure no one "dropped the ball".

TVA: When a problem is identified, be more upfront with the customer. Most people will accept a screw up if they feel they're not being ********ed.

Given that most everyone else has had great service from TVA, and they proved to me they worked hard to resolve the problem with my purchase, I will recommend them to friends and family.

---------------------------------------------------

Changing gears...so far the picture looks good, and thankfully I haven't noticed a "green push" issue, although I just started playing with it. More to follow.

Congratulations... watch "SpongeBob" on "Nickelodeon" and tell us what you see!

Originally posted by EmptyWallet
Ok, so if the resolution of the 50" is 1366x768, and the resolution for the 37" is 1024x720 (Which is not true 720p right?) then what is the resolution for the 42"? The 50" is tru 720p (or higher) but the 42" isn't? Am I getting that right?

42" is 1024X768 pixels.

But according to the Pany website, that's the 37PX50 pixel spread as well. But still again, the 37PX25 shows 1024X720.

Wondering . . . is this a change or a typo? :confused:

Originally posted by yobob
42" is 1024X768 pixels.

But according to the Pany website, that's the 37PX50 pixel spread as well. But still again, the 37PX25 shows 1024X720.

Wondering . . . is this a change or a typo? :confused: I'm voting change not typo... Perhaps this is related to a similar production process being used for all PX50U PDPs

As far as I know, there are no consumer, or consumer-available PDPs by Panasonic that display an HD signal without either signal up conversion or down conversion.

The 37" and 42" models need to scale, as well as the 50" and 65". And, lest we forget that 1024 X 720 OR 1024 X 768 is *not* HD, whether it says so on the box or not, as there are not enough pixels to qualify it as an HDPDP...Thus, while I agree that the 37" and the 42 (both incarnations thereof) display great images, they are still not HD: They are high resolution PDPs.

Originally posted by ivyinvestor
. . .Thus, while I agree that the 37" and the 42 (both incarnations thereof) display great images . . .

And isn't this what it's all about, the bottom line? :D

yobob-agree. ;)

In other news, my local CC (Arlington, VA) has both the 42PX and the 42PD on display...Both displays are marred by overly greenish hues, even once calibrated (as best as I can under those garrish lights).

The PX fares better w/r/t greens after some work, though I'm afraid I must reference a point made yesterday, I think: during CC's HD sports feed, a nearby Sony 42" and a Pioneer 50" both displayed excellent facial detail on subjects whose bodies were comparatively smaller than the CC salesperson overlayed on top of them: the Panasonic 42PX's faces were essentially blobs of cream. I was quite disappointed. No other PDP in the store, regardless of how well it was "calibrated", or not, displayed this problem.

Ugh, the false claims again about "not HD."

Use your eyes, Luke.

Listen to the CEA, Luke.

Well spoken, rogo-wan! :D

Ah I see. So then the 50" can display a true HD signal?

The Consumer Electronics Association has decided that any unit with 16:9 aspect ratio and at least 720 lines vertically (no specification horizontally) can be labelled an HDTV. And obviously it is necessary to accept one or both of 720p or 1080i signals.

Some believe that it is necessary to have a minimum of 1280 by 720 to make this claim.

You may fall in either camp. I do not believe it is helpful to those who are just learning about home theater to throw this it's HD vs. it's not HD debate into the mix for the very common 1024 x 768 resolution.

I would add, and I think this is what we're all saying, is that you need to use your eyes not to determine whether a particular panel is HD or not. (Sorry for the use of double negatives.)

Instead, you need to use you eyes to determine whether you are satisfied enough with the PQ to have a particular set in your home.

my .01 (worth half as much)

One of my better customers informed me of a Panasonic Promo that ws advertised in USAToday.
I am getting it confirmed by my Panasonic rep, but the gist is that for a 50" px50u plasma one would get a $300 rebate on the installation.
No more DIY messy installs.

I know this does not belong in this, my favorite forum, but:

the 45" Sharp is true HD, 1920? X 1080P, but it's PQ (today) does not compare to the Panny and Pio HD plasma's. Whatever the reason, programming/scaling etc.

Well said Yobob....

Ken

After much debate, I "pulled the trigger" on the 50 at lunch. Now I have to quit coming here and reading stuff. Enough is enough. If I read anymore, you guys are going to make me reconsider. The 500 looks nice but the 2 year no interest at CC ends Saturday & frankly I can't take any more. Wish me luck. :)

So i'm sitting here at 1:20 pm, exactly halfway through the 2-hour delivery window and waiting for my new 42PX50U that is hopefully on it's way from the delivery truck's previous stop in Malibu. I've got the windows open, listening for any sign of a diesel engine lumbering down the street . . . . . .

This waiting is killing me ! :)

Originally posted by yobob
42" is 1024X768 pixels.

But according to the Pany website, that's the 37PX50 pixel spread as well. But still again, the 37PX25 shows 1024X720.

Wondering . . . is this a change or a typo? :confused: \

Not a change/typo

The Panasonic 37" HD ;) Models have 1024x720 resolution. :)

For the 37px25? The 37px50 seems to be 768:

http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/vModelDetail?storeId=15001&catalogId=13401&itemId=93337&cacheProgram=11002&cachePartner=7000000000000005702&surfModel=TH-37PX50U&catGroupId=24973&surfCategory=Plasma%20TVs&displayTab=S

Native Resolution (Number of Pixels) 1024 x 768 ??

(I am still somewhat waffling between the 42" EDTV, the 42" HDTV, and the 37" HDTV. If the 37" actually had 1:1 pixel mapping in the vertical dimension, that would be big, IMO.)

6 hours into Plasma ownership and i'm luvin it :D

The CC guys were an hour late (c/o W.L.A. traffic) but once they arrived everything went fast and smooth. I quickly connected all my stuff (the guy was like: WTH are all these wires?) and i went through the menus and set it up. At first SD looked kinda bad but i kept adjusting things till it looked good. I was scared for several minutes there. I'm still playing with the settings and getting used to things but overall it looks pretty good so far.

I really wish this display would stretch or zoom the non-HD news programs on the HD cable channels (ch 1102-1107), but neither the TV nor the SA8000HD will allow it. I've set the sidebar color to a lighter color and will refrain from watching it this way for the next hundred hours or so.

HD: Stunning. Much better in my living room than in any store i've seen.

SDE: I see none at all at my 7' - 8' viewing distance. The 42PD in three stores had SDE at up to 9' where i saw none at 6-7' on the PX nearby so i'm really glad i went with the PX in this regard. The black bezel looks great too :D

SD cable: Looks a little fuzzy viewed through component on my SA8000HD (it was the same way on my HD tube TV), but on my regular SA8000 connected via S-Video it looks very good - a little better than i expected actually. Just mode is weird to me but others have said they get used to it in a week or two. I have no choice cause i watch a lot of SD: local and network news (ch 2 through 13) and Speedvision (ch 200), This all looks very good thankfully. Not quite as good as on my 32" tube TV, but fairly close to the same PQ in 4:3 mode, and slightly worse in Just mode but still plenty good enough. This is important to me since SD comprises 80% of my TV watching, with the rest being HD. I'd rather take the slight hit in SD PQ in exchange for no SDE on HD.

ATSC tuner: I tried some junky old Rabbit Ears but couldn't lock any digital OTA channels so i'll eventually get some sort of suitable antenna, but i don't really need the tuner. This will be a future project.....

Audio Out: They took away the Variable-Out setting so you cannot use your TV's volume function to control the Audio Out volume. The Audio Out jacks don't respond to the TV's remote whether the speakers are turned on or off. It's now fixed so if you turn the TV's speakers off you must adjust your volume on the HT reciever. That's actually preferred by most people, but with my arrangement it's nicer to do it using the TV's volume, and i'd be able to see it on the screen too. No biggie though, i'll get used to it.

Before:
http://gallery.avsforum.com/data/504/60995DVRs_with_Panny_TV_10-19-04_Living_Room_a.jpg

After:
http://gallery.avsforum.com/data/504/60995Plasma_42PX50_Left.jpg

You do a nice job of hiding all those wires! :)


Stupid question: Let's say I'm watching an SD TV program. But it is presented in something other than a 4:3 aspect ratio (1.5, 1.85, etc). I'm screwed on a 16:9 plasma, right? (I'd get black bars top and bottom and left and right if I want to watch it in 4:3, right?) This goes away with HD, but for SD, that's what would happen, right? (No "Zoom" mode?)

Maybe a not so stupid question: ;) anyone know for sure, is the HDMI input a true digital input? I have heard rumblings that on early generation HDMI displays, that the HDMI input actually hooked in to the component input (digital to analog), and *then* was converted back to digital...

Originally posted by RandyWalters
I really wish this display would stretch or zoom the non-HD news programs on the HD cable channels (ch 1102-1107), but neither the TV nor the SA8000HD will allow it. I've set the sidebar color to a lighter color and will refrain from watching it this way for the next hundred hours or so.

HD: Stunning. Much better in my living room than in any store i've seen.

SDE: I see none at all at my 7' - 8' viewing distance. The 42PD in three stores had SDE at up to 9' where i saw none at 6-7' on the PX nearby so i'm really glad i went with the PX in this regard. The black bezel looks great too :D

SD cable: Looks a little fuzzy viewed through component on my SA8000HD (it was the same way on my HD tube TV), but on my regular SA8000 connected via S-Video it looks very good - a little better than i expected actually. Just mode is weird to me but others have said they get used to it in a week or two. I have no choice cause i watch a lot of SD: local and network news (ch 2 through 13) and Speedvision (ch 200), This all looks very good thankfully. Not quite as good as on my 32" tube TV, but fairly close to the same PQ in 4:3 mode, and slightly worse in Just mode but still plenty good enough. This is important to me since SD comprises 80% of my TV watching, with the rest being HD. I'd rather take the slight hit in SD PQ in exchange for no SDE on HD.

Nice set up. If your cable provider has them, try and swap your STB for an SA8300HD or SA8300HD-DVR, these STBs support stretch/zoom for 720p/1080i signals. You will become accustomed to watching SD programming using the Just mode setting. I've had my 50PX50U for nearly three weeks and I am acclimated to it.

The only way to make these panels really "shine," is to view HD programming that utilizes the full 16:9 aspect ratio. This is what I bought my PDP for... let's hope the broadcasters provide additional content ASAP.

Very nice setup, Randy! Maybe time to change your signature.... ;)

Hi all,

Just got my 42PX50U and am loving it. Not much of a TV person but HD might change a bit of that.

This forum is extremely helpful and very educational. Thanks to all the contributors.

I have an old Sony DVD player and Can anyone advise me if getting a new Progressibe scan DVD player or Upconverting DVD player would be better for me. I read most of the posts and am not sure which would be a better fit for a plasma. Would a DVD Recorder play as well as a dedicated player ?


TIA

Randywalters, very nice setup! Is your before pic tv a 36inch? I was just curious how close in screen size height the 36 is vs the widescreen 42. THANK and again Nice plasma!!!

Originally posted by 440forpower
Randywalters, very nice setup! Is your before pic tv a 36inch? I was just curious how close in screen size height the 36 is vs the widescreen 42. THANK and again Nice plasma!!!

My previous TV is a 32" HD-ready set (CT32HXC43).

The Plasma's screen is 20-1/2" high, exactly one inch more than my 32" tube TV. The screen's width is 36-1/4" (over ten inches wider than the 32" tube).

A 36" tube TV's screen is about 21.6" high x 28.8" wide in comparison.

PX50U owners, please post your settings? I just bought the 37" today. It's also my first new TV in about 15 years. What mode(s) should I be watching TV, DVDs in? Should someone's preferred settings for their 42,50 be good for my 37? Oh, I've already turned color management off. Thanks in advance, guys.

Pics and more coming soon. :D

Originally posted by iBleedGarnet
PX50U owners, please post your settings? I just bought the 37" today. It's also my first new TV in about 15 years. What mode(s) should I be watching TV, DVDs in? Should someone's preferred settings for their 42,50 be good for my 37? Oh, I've already turned color management off. Thanks in advance, guys.

Pics and more coming soon. :D

Picture +10
Brightness -1
Tint -3
Color +3
Sharpness +15
Color Management: off

Mode: Component for broadcast TV....the D*TV H10 has some problems with HDMI zoning out for a few seconds now and again but the component picture is excellent. Note that HDMI darkens the picture somewhat and increases color intensity....at least it does in my configuration. My settings are optimized for the component connection.

I run a Pioneer Elite DVD player through the second component connection. I haven't optimized that yet but the configuration above seems to work well enough.

Once the break in period is over I'll tweak the settings further (ie, sharpness and picture together....for now I just want to keep the brightness level down per Panny's break in suggestions. I figure that a +10 for picture and brightness at -1 might not be the best combo.)

Originally posted by RandyWalters
[B]6 hours into Plasma ownership and i'm luvin it :D

The CC guys were an hour late (c/o W.L.A. traffic) but once they arrived everything went fast and smooth. I quickly connected all my stuff (the guy was like: WTH are all these wires?) and i went through the menus and set it up. At first SD looked kinda bad but i kept adjusting things till it looked good. I was scared for several minutes there. I'm still playing with the settings and getting used to things but overall it looks pretty good so far.

I really wish this display would stretch or zoom the non-HD news programs on the HD cable channels (ch 1102-1107), but neither the TV nor the SA8000HD will allow it. I've set the sidebar color to a lighter color and will refrain from watching it this way for the next hundred hours or so.

HD: Stunning. Much better in my living room than in any store i've seen.

SDE: I see none at all at my 7' - 8' viewing distance. The 42PD in three stores had SDE at up to 9' where i saw none at 6-7' on the PX nearby so i'm really glad i went with the PX in this regard. The black bezel looks great too :D

SD cable: Looks a little fuzzy viewed through component on my SA8000HD (it was the same way on my HD tube TV), but on my regular SA8000 connected via S-Video it looks very good - a little better than i expected actually. Just mode is weird to me but others have said they get used to it in a week or two. I have no choice cause i watch a lot of SD: local and network news (ch 2 through 13) and Speedvision (ch 200), This all looks very good thankfully. Not quite as good as on my 32" tube TV, but fairly close to the same PQ in 4:3 mode, and slightly worse in Just mode but still plenty good enough. This is important to me since SD comprises 80% of my TV watching, with the rest being HD. I'd rather take the slight hit in SD PQ in exchange for no SDE on HD.

ATSC tuner: I tried some junky old Rabbit Ears but couldn't lock any digital OTA channels so i'll eventually get some sort of suitable antenna, but i don't really need the tuner. This will be a future project.....

Audio Out: They took away the Variable-Out setting so you cannot use your TV's volume function to control the Audio Out volume. The Audio Out jacks don't respond to the TV's remote whether the speakers are turned on or off. It's now fixed so if you turn the TV's speakers off you must adjust your volume on the HT reciever. That's actually preferred by most people, but with my arrangement it's nicer to do it using the TV's volume, and i'd be able to see it on the screen too. No biggie though, i'll get used to it.


Thats too bad about not being able to control the audio out with the tv remote. That is how I do it now with my Tivo. I guess I can always get a Harmony remote.

Originally posted by iBleedGarnet
PX50U owners, please post your settings? I just bought the 37" today. It's also my first new TV in about 15 years. What mode(s) should I be watching TV, DVDs in? Should someone's preferred settings for their 42,50 be good for my 37? Oh, I've already turned color management off. Thanks in advance, guys.


What's your source for TV (internal tuner, cable, DirecTV, SD or HD, etc)? And how do you have it connected (Component, Composite, etc)?

I have an SA8000HD connected to Component 1, and a regular SA8000 connected to S-Video 1. I'm not using the internal tuner at all. I'm still getting used to the display and experimenting with different settings but this is what i have so far:

Regular SA8000 DVR on S-Video 1 (in JUST mode) :
Pic Mode: Standard
Picture: +20
Bright: 0
Color: -4
Tint: -0
Sharp: +19


SA8000HD DVR on Component 1:
Pic Mode: Vivid Vivid
Picture: +14
Bright: +5
Color: -8
Tint: +2
Sharp: +8


I don't know which mode i'll use for DVD yet, i'll have to rent something and play with it later.

It is official.

Panasonic is providing a $300 rebate for installed Consumer Plasmas. They can be the Viera or Onyx line.
The Viera line is highly recommended.
That's a a hell of an incentive. May 22 - June 11

Here's a link.

http://www.panasonic.com/consumer_electronics/tv/coupon_300InstallRebate.pdf

It is official.

Panasonic is providing a $300 rebate for installed Consumer Plasmas. They can be the Viera or Onyx line.
The Viera line is highly recommended.
That's a a hell of an incentive. May 22 - June 11

Here's a link.

http://www.panasonic.com/consumer_electronics/tv/coupon_300InstallRebate.pdf

Thank you AdilM for the link to the Official Claim Form.
The claim form only indicates these as eligible models:

• TH-37PX50,
• TH-42PX50,
• TH-50PX50,
• TH-42XVS30,
• TH-50XVS30, &
• TH-65XVS30.

Eligible dates ranges quoted for the coupon:
• 05/22/05 and 06/11/05 for eligible Panny purchase,
• 05/22/05 and 07/11/05 for installation, and
• 08/11/05 for the claim form postmark.

Happy viewing :cool:

This rebate isn't clear - do you actually have to pay for installation to use this rebate? What if I just get the TV through an online distributor and pay delivery fees, and self-install?

This rebate isn't clear - do you actually have to pay for installation to use this rebate? What if I just get the TV through an online distributor and pay delivery fees, and self-install?

What isn’t clear? The terms read clear to me.
http://www.panasonic.com/consumer_electronics/tv/coupon_300InstallRebate.pdf
Number 2. of that form requires a installation/delivery receipt:

2. Return this completed form, along with a copy of your sales receipt with the purchase price circled and your installation/delivery receipt. IMPORTANT: You must cut out and include the UPC code, model number and serial number, or your claim cannot be processed.

There is no form requirement that anything plasma or in life is required to be paid in order to qualify for the rebate. The requirements of the form are receipts for qualifying plasmas and installation/delivery receipt

This rebate isn't clear - do you actually have to pay for installation to use this rebate? What if I just get the TV through an online distributor and pay delivery fees, and self-install?

Reading item 1. To receive up to a $300 rebate on installation fees... my interpretation is you will be a rebate on a professional install (i.e., you paid for it), such as CC's $300 installation fee to bolt your mount to the wall and run the wires behind the drywall. If you DIY, no installation, so no rebate. Of course, I haven't asked Panasonic about this.

Reading item 1. To receive up to a $300 rebate on installation fees... my interpretation is you will be a rebate on a professional install (i.e., you paid for it), such as CC's $300 installation fee to bolt your mount to the wall and run the wires behind the drywall. If you DIY, no installation, so no rebate. Of course, I haven't asked Panasonic about this.

Thanks for your interpretation Geordon. However, with respect to rebates, it is the exact terms of the form and not interpretation. I don’t see the requirement of a” Professional install” that you indicate. In fact, there isn’t a single State that issues a “license” or reorganizes plasma installers as professionals [not that many don’t do a fantastic job].

The only related requirements indicated are:

• sales receipt with the purchase price circled and your installation/delivery receipt.

Thanks for your interpretation Geordon. However, with respect to rebates, it is the exact terms of the form and not interpretation. I don’t see the requirement of a” Professional install” that you indicate. In fact, there isn’t a single State that issues a “license” or reorganizes plasma installers as professionals [not that many don’t do a fantastic job].

The only related requirements indicated are:

• sales receipt with the purchase price circled and your installation/delivery receipt.



I didn't say a "licensed" install. I defined "professional" in my post as making a payment to someone. For example, a Professional athlete gets PAID, an Amateur athlete, as a rule, DOES NOT.

I was quoting the exact term of the rebate. Sorry I was of no help to the question. Please disregard my earlier response, as obviously I don't know enough about state regulations and rebates to form a knowledgeable opinion.

This is my point exactly. If I get a TV delivered to my residence (but not professionally installed), I will have a delivery receipt but NOT an installation receipt. it all depends what Panasonic means by installation/delivery. If they are implying "professional" installation as Geordon has described (ie delivery is a necessary part of the receipt), then this rebate will not be valid.

Just to add my rave to those who have preceeded me, wife and I drove up to the big city today (Tucson) ;) and saw the 37PX50 in a BB. Wow! And to think I nearly bought a 37PD25 a couple months ago at Sears.

The set was in torch mode, and I tried unsuccessfully to get into the menu, but nevertheless, it was very, very nice.

Congrats to all you recent 37PX50 buyers! Ya done good! :D

This is my point exactly. If I get a TV delivered to my residence (but not professionally installed), I will have a delivery receipt but NOT an installation receipt. it all depends what Panasonic means by installation/delivery. If they are implying "professional" installation as Geordon has described (ie delivery is a necessary part of the receipt), then this rebate will not be valid.

I am trying to help you guys. No matter what you say, the Federal Trade Commission will not let a company require new terms that are not referred to in a rebate offer, end of story.

There is no mention of professional in the rebate offer.

With respect to plasma installation, [on the outside chance the FTC allows a reversal of long standing legal precedent and contract law related to offers], there is no consensus on what professional installer means anyway [eg. it is not a state required license]. Also, I don’t think anyone else believes that is implied anyway.

Repeat, the terms are:

• sales receipt with the purchase price circled and your installation/delivery receipt.

[I can’t wait until installers start giving their irrelevant opinion.]

I think you may be reading "installation/delivery" too literally. Last time I got a rebate from BB (for a Toshiba laptop), "delivery" meant when I paid for the merchandise at the store and took it home. This constitutes "delivery." The manufacturers use 3rd rebate processing companies. They look for:

1. Original receipt
2. Original UPC

When in doubt, check with a sales mgr. at BB, CC or Sears.

Repeat, the terms are:

• sales receipt with the purchase price circled and your installation/delivery receipt.

Quite right, but the point many are missing is that you will get a rebate of what you actually PAY to have the plasma INSTALLED - up to $300.

If you pay $300 to have it installed, you'll get your $300 back.

If you install it yourself, you'll pay ZERO dollars for the install, and that's what you'll get back.

MODs NOTE:

This thread has been "Highjacked" by this "Rebate" issue. I think that its time to drop this subject and return to the topic at hand "Official New Panny thread: 42PD50, PX50, PX500".

Nobody knows what the intent is at this point until somebody actually submits for one.

Thanks.

Dave

I guess the installation rebate sealed the deal. After lurking around here for a few months, I just ordered a px50. I ordered directly from the Panasonic website thru my company's employee discount program. (large US Auto Mgf.) About $600 - $1200 bucks less than any online or B&M store with free shipping. I also picked up a Sanus tilt mount from Overstocked.com for abount half the going rate.

After looking at the display model at CC for the last weeks, I think the PQ is unmatched by any model side by side in the store.

Anyone have any suggestions for the best hookup advice for D*, component or HDMI for HD, SVideo for SD or Cablecard for cable?

Has anyone used HDTVsupply.com for cables? Prices look great, about quality and service?

After one year of AVSforum torture, envy and fence sitting I pulled the trigger on the 50px50u last night, delivery Thu. am :D :D :D

Folks at CC pricematched e-cost on an after shipping and after tax basis.

Good bye my dear and trusted XBR 34"... hello Panny baby!!

Gman

...now desperately shopping for a AV credenza.

Didn't see anyone mention it yet ---- just curious if any owners have tested for the old black-level-changing problem, as previously found on the commercial 7UY models (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=501828).

I assume the problem was fixed for the new consumer models, but wondering if anyone had actually tested for it using a calibration disk??
[it's probably a moot point, since no one has reported it....or I just missed the post]


Keith

I noticed that the tops and bottoms of HD channels were cut off. Since there is no scaling involved with HD channels I am wondering if my 42PX50U is defective. My TWC cable box is hooked up via Component inputs. Especially visible for news and very annoying. The same program on SD channel comes fine with Just, Zoom or Full Mode.

Wondering if anyone else noticed this. I believe my STB is SA 3250

Baclk to the topic at hand....I just bought the pd50....and love it............great picture no green push,,,,although it was manufactured in May..

sdsam,
If your box or TV is not in zoom mode then I would check to see if your
Sa cable box is setup for a 4:3 aspect ratio television in it's setup menu, if so change to 16:9, and that should correct your problem.

Larry

Baclk to the topic at hand....I just bought the pd50....and love it............great picture no green push,,,,although it was manufactured in May..

Did it say where it was manufactured, Japan or Mexico? Just wondering.

Thx