Can you believe the 1080p model has been available since November in Japan and we still can't get any reviews or reports on the thing? Sheesh. This is torturous.



Rich, the solution is obvious, we need to get you to Japan and report back! If we can get every AVS member to contribute $1, we can get you there and back, first class, with money left over! :D

You are talking about an articulating mount for a 65, no? This really is a lot of weight to hang on the wall; no less on something that is capable of extending out a couple of feet as well; which makes me (personally) more concerned with strength than how shallow the mounting depth is. I have 2" x 6" construction in my house and have thought about using some of the wall depth to inset whatever mount I choose, by creating a solid backing plate and a box frame mounted in notched out studs (appropriately reinforced). Might be an idea worth considering, if you want to minimize how far the display stick out from the wall.


I have 2" x 4"' construction and am not concerned. I have settled on a Chief PNR model. I just read the install instructions that call for (4) 5/16" lag bolts into douglas fir (#2). That will hold just fine.

As for low profile - they claim 74mm when flush against the wall. Plus you can easily center the display left/right and up/down. Superior mount is nice, but I think Chief is better and more simpler.

I have 2" x 4"' construction and am not concerned. I have settled on a Chief PNR model. I just read the install instructions that call for (4) 5/16" lag bolts into douglas fir (#2). That will hold just fine.

As for low profile - they claim 74mm when flush against the wall. Plus you can easily center the display left/right and up/down. Superior mount is nice, but I think Chief is better and more simpler.

Well, the Chief is certainly cheaper than the Superior mount, and clearly more simply constructed; but I'm not so sure that I would agree it is "better", (at least) in terms of either materials used or quality of construction. FWIW, the Superior Mount can be adjusted to a greater degree than the Chief. The Chief mount does put the display 1 1/4" closer to the wall when collapsed, which seems to be the critical difference for your installation. FYI: The PNR model is for 37"- 60" screens; you will need to use their PDR model for a 65" display.

Ref: http://www.chiefmfg.com/client_files/www.chiefmfg.com/downloads/600027B_Chief_Reaction_Series_Flyer.pdf

I have 2" x 4"' construction and am not concerned. I have settled on a Chief PNR model. I just read the install instructions that call for (4) 5/16" lag bolts into douglas fir (#2). That will hold just fine.

As for low profile - they claim 74mm when flush against the wall. Plus you can easily center the display left/right and up/down. Superior mount is nice, but I think Chief is better and more simpler.

I'm familiar with the Chief PDR Mount. I installed a Pio 1130 over a fireplace (I known, not my choice of location). For me the pluses of this mount are, 37" extension from wall, 3" from wall extension when retracted and 4 1/2" lateral shift at 16" on center. The minuses, I don't like the way that it moves during re-positioning. I find it motion,somewhat jerky (not smooth) and difficult to achieve small corrections in positioning. I much prefer Sanus's VMDD large plasma mount. It has a much more solid and fluid movement. I Installed this mount in a cabinet opening that was 1/2" larger (on all 4 sides) than the Pio 5060, basically just enough finger clearance to grasp the plasma frame and pull it out and swivel. I find it amazing that it can be easily retracted and re-positioned with out hitting the cabinet. This mount only supports 175 lbs and extends 26.75" from the wall.

While I am not familiar with the Superior Mount, in looking at the photos, it appears to utilize a very similar main arms articulation as the VMDD. If the Superior mount is as solidly built and as fluid in it motion as the VMDD, and the 200 lbs is of critical importance, I would seriously consider the Superior Mount over the PDR. BTW Sanus is now owned by Chief and the MSRP of the VMDD is $599.95

https://www.sanus.com/cgi-bin/web_store.cgi?page=products/wallmount/visionmount/VMDD.html&cart_id=9718411_23491

ps; I have no affiliation with any of these companies, I am only sharing my experiences and thoughts about these products.

This mount only supports 175 lbs and extends 26.75" from the wall.

Although I have yet to see any official weight figures on the 65/600, (IIRC) the 65/8UK commercial model weighted around 172 lbs., which if you add the speakers and tuners that the consumer display will have, it appears we may be north of 175 lbs. Sanus also states that the mount will only work for displays up to 63", so the 65" size would be a problem for this mount. Retail is listed at $849.99 BTW, with discounted prices on the net a few hundred less.

While I am not familiar with the Superior Mount, in looking at the photos, it appears to utilize a very similar main arms articulation as the VMDD. If the Superior mount is as solidly built and as fluid in it motion as the VMDD, and the 200 lbs is of critical importance, I would seriously consider the Superior Mount over the PDR.

The mounts do look somewhat similar, with the horizontal bars flip-flopped from the wall to the display attachment point. The Sanus looks a bit lighter in materials, and made more so with lightening holes.

A couple more photos to compare, Superior on top, Sanus below:

http://www.superiortvmount.com/images/600_IMG_1056.JPG

http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/plasmatvs_1904_5275403

Here are a couple more detail shots of the Superior, so that the quality of their construction may be better observed:

http://www.superiortvmount.com/images/600_handle.JPG

http://www.superiortvmount.com/images/600_dovetail.JPG

With all the display mount talk, should the dead center of the screen be at eye level when in you are sitting? I know that for computer desks I’ve been told that the top edge of the screen should be at I level. Either way would seem a bit low when compared to most any LCD or Plasma installation that I’ve seen. At the same time the above the fireplace mantle type of install seems way too high.

With all the display mount talk, should the dead center of the screen be at eye level when in you are sitting? I know that for computer desks I’ve been told that the top edge of the screen should be at I level. Either way would seem a bit low when compared to most any LCD or Plasma installation that I’ve seen. At the same time the above the fireplace mantle type of install seems way too high.

I've read a few times that a screen is best positioned with eye level at the 1/3 (bottom) portion of the screen. My preference seems to agree with that, although I notch it up just a bit...say, just below mid level a bit.

[QUOTE=zaracsan]

"Sanus also states that the mount will only work for displays up to 63", so the 65" size would be a problem for this mount. Retail is listed at $849.99 BTW, with discounted prices on the net a few hundred less".

https://www.sanus.com/prodsearch/user/details.php?model=VMDD26b-01

zarzcsan if you look at the above page you will find that the current list price for the VMDD26b is $619.99 and according to the rep, the MSRP is $599.95. Sanus has apparently not updated it's primary web page.

As for looking a bit lighter in materials, I think that the photo, in the silver finish poorly represents the product, as the Sanus mount weighs 61 lbs vs 32 lbs for the Superior. The extending arms and the connecting plate are of 1/2" thick aluminum.

The VMDD's main shortcomming, at this time, is that it does not offer a solution that works with the TH-65PHD8UK (the mounting holes are 42" apart, and the max spread on the VMDD is 36") and therefore most likely not with the new 65 600U.

The Superior mount looks promising. I hope that the Superior mount is on display at CEDIA, as I would like to check it out.

Nice to see all the info about mounts.
Now, if we could only see the real TV to go with it. :D

Nice to see all the info about mounts.
Now, if we could only see the real TV to go with it. :D

I second that.

This would be a great mount, especially if you had a 2 x 12 stud wall to recess it into. So far it only accecpts up a to 61"panel.

http://www.closystems.com/#

Thanks TonyPaul and Zarascan. I'll take another look at the Superior and checkout the Sanus. Now, back to the waiting game for the commercial unit...

...wait...wait...wait...

Rich, the solution is obvious, we need to get you to Japan and report back! If we can get every AVS member to contribute $1, we can get you there and back, first class, with money left over! :D


Hey, if we're doing that, shouldn't we just buy him the plasma? He can still give us the review, and have the tv! Hey Rich, I hope you do another pio/panasonic comparison this year! I know many of us have found your reviews incredibly useful.

Hey RichH is the 58PX600U in at BayBloor yet, if so your observations if any ?

Trunorth,

It' ain't there as of early this week. However, they had taken the 65" Panny down. Hmmm...is that to make room for the new 58" model?

I'm familiar with the Chief PDR Mount. I installed a Pio 1130 over a fireplace (I known, not my choice of location). For me the pluses of this mount are, 37" extension from wall, 3" from wall extension when retracted and 4 1/2" lateral shift at 16" on center. The minuses, I don't like the way that it moves during re-positioning. I find it motion,somewhat jerky (not smooth) and difficult to achieve small corrections in positioning.

Tonypaul,

Just to make sure here: are you saying that using the Chief mount, once you have the plasma mounted it's not easy to adjust for different viewing angles?

That's something I'd really demand in my articulating mount, especially with a big 65" plasma. I'd like to easily be able to pull it out from the wall, angle L/R etc.

Thanks.

Tonypaul,

Just to make sure here: are you saying that using the Chief mount, once you have the plasma mounted it's not easy to adjust for different viewing angles?

That's something I'd really demand in my articulating mount, especially with a big 65" plasma. I'd like to easily be able to pull it out from the wall, angle L/R etc.

Thanks.

Rich, no that is not what I meant to convey. The PDR is not difficult to adjust, in the sense of requiring great effor or strength, more in the sense, that for me, it lacks smoothness and precision in it's travel. With the VMDD, when adjusting for position, I would simply put it easily where I wanted it, and let go. The mount would stay exactly where I put it. Whereas with the PDR, after positioning, there would be slight movement that I would want to correct. Rich, I tend to be a perfectionist in most things, there are those that this would not bother. I on the other hand want the plasma, when it is extended, to be level and plumb (unless tilted) and exactly where I positioned it.

I hope this helps,

Tony

Tonypaul,

Thanks. Being a fellow perfectionist I'll have to take that into consideration.

I'm waiting on actual confirmation about v1.3 HDMI connectivity on the 65/600 from my dealer, but today I came across a tidbit from a recent online article on the new bundled 1080p HT Panny is trying to market. Anyway, what I found interesting was the spec for the Panny BD player that stated:

"The unit features Panasonic's Pixel Precision for High Definition (P4HD) pixel-by-pixel processing system and a 296MHz/14-bit digital-to-analog video converter (DAC), offering 4.4 trillion colors and 16,384 levels of gradation. Audio is handled with a 192kHz/24-bit DAC."

Since the 65/600 is the display for this flagship system, this got me to pondering if they were alluding to Deep Color of the v1.3 spec, and whether this makes 1.3 connectivity on the 65/600 a greater probability. The higher bandwidth certainly will require a 1.3 connection to pass this much data (with 165MHz being the previous bandwidth limit). Wondered also if this means the 65/600 will do dot by dot. I also thought it was interesting that they mentioned the BD player: "can also be upgraded to include Dolby Digital HD and Dolby Digital TruHD, when they become available." I hope I'm not reading too much in to this release, but thought some here might find this of interest.

Full article here: http://www.twice.com/article/CA6349184.html

zaracsan,

I would like to know more about the Superior mount. How did you find them? On their website, I could not find any contact info. Even clicking on "order" only takes you to a Pay Pal page. I wanted to call them to find out if they were going to be at CEDIA. Superior TV Mounts, Inc. is not listed in the CEDIA exhibitors list, same with google, nothing. I even have trouble reading their website pages because of the vertical black bars on both side of the screen that covers up some of the text descriptions. All in all seems a little shady, certainly not proffesional.

zaracsan,

I would like to know more about the Superior mount. How did you find them? On their website, I could not find any contact info. Even clicking on "order" only takes you to a Pay Pal page. I wanted to call them to find out if they were going to be at CEDIA. Superior TV Mounts, Inc. is not listed in the CEDIA exhibitors list, same with google, nothing. I even have trouble reading their website pages because of the vertical black bars on both side of the screen that covers up some of the text descriptions. All in all seems a little shady, certainly not proffesional.

Some of the best craftsmen I know are all thumbs when it comes to anything computer related, and often rely on others to be their Internet gurus. Sometimes this results in mfg web sites that don't fully reflect the quality of the products being represented. For small mfg companies like this, one probably should judge the product on its own merits and try not making too much out of what their web site looks like.

The contact info was at the bottom of the Order Online page:

Superior TV Mount, Inc.
1037 Fuller St.
Santa Ana, Ca. 92701

TO ORDER CALL: 1-714-835-3916
(Monday thru Thursday)
FAX:1-714-835-1037

E-mail: sales@superiortvmount.com

Some of the best craftsmen I know are all thumbs when it comes to anything computer related, and often rely on others to be their Internet gurus. Sometimes this results in mfg web sites that don't fully reflect the quality of the products being represented. For small mfg companies like this, one probably should judge the product on its own merits and try not making too much out of what their web site looks like.

The contact info was at the bottom of the Order Online page:

Superior TV Mount, Inc.
1037 Fuller St.
Santa Ana, Ca. 92701

TO ORDER CALL: 1-714-835-3916
(Monday thru Thursday)
FAX:1-714-835-1037

E-mail: sales@superiortvmount.com

Thanks for pointing out that I should have scrolled all the way to the bottom of the "Order Online" page, instead I clicked on the "Order" Heavy Duty mount, Articulating.

I called them just a few moments ago, and spoke with Walt Yeager, President and founder. They are not going to CEDIA, however, they will be a EHX in November. Fortunately for me, their Showroom is about 65 miles up the coast.

Walt was a wealth of information, and is very high on his product. He designed and developed this mount specifically for 65" Plasmas and LCDs. He said that all of the custom installers, that have purchased his products, are very satisfied with their performance. He designed the mounts to be easily articulated and stay exactly where you place them.

On my next trip north I plan to stop by and have a hands on experience with the Heavy Duty mount. This may be the one for the 65" panny.

Once again zaracsan, thanks for this information, I am exicited about the prospects for this product.

Tony

Thanks for pointing out that I should have scrolled all the way to the bottom of the "Order Online" page, instead I clicked on the "Order" Heavy Duty mount, Articulating.

No worries Tony. Pretty easy to miss something like that; took me a couple times back through to recall where I saw the contact info.

I called them just a few moments ago, and spoke with Walt Yeager, President and founder. They are not going to CEDIA, however, they will be a EHX in November. Fortunately for me, their Showroom is about 65 miles up the coast.

Kinda handy for you (and all of us), being so close to the mfg. You'll have to snap a few pics while you're there, providing you get a chance to do so. That is one of things I like about working with smaller companies: you can get right to the source for your info.

Walt is a wealth of information, and is very high on his product. He designed and developed this mount specifically for 65" Plasmas and LCDs. He said that all of the custom installers, that have purchased his products, are very satisfied with their performance. He designed the mounts to be easily articulated and stay exactly where you place them.

While I had no doubts they built their mount to be hell-bent-for-strong, it is nice to know the custom installer market seems to be confirming the build quality and functionality. I think it is worth noting, that this product was designed and built specifically for the 65, rather than a smaller mount design simply upsized to fill a gap in the product line.


On my next trip north I plan to stop by and have a hands on experience with the Heavy Duty mount. This may be the one for the 65" panny.

I think several here will be most interested in what you turn up. Unless I'm missing something here, I also believe this to be "the one" for the 65. I know some here might blanch a bit at the price compared to its discounted competitors, but I honestly believe this is one area where cutting corners could very well prove to be false economy.

Once again zaracsan, thanks for this information, I am exicited about the prospects for this product.

Always happy to share a good find Tony. :)

Good find guys! Thanks for sharing the info.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060710/tc_nm/japan_matsushita_dc;_ylt=AtHKzQDXw9HxciDY0A9PF0YDW7oF;_ylu=X 3oDMTBhZDhxNDFzBHNlYwNtZW5ld3M-

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060710/tc_nm/japan_matsushita_dc;_ylt=AtHKzQDXw9HxciDY0A9PF0YDW7oF;_ylu=X 3oDMTBhZDhxNDFzBHNlYwNtZW5ld3M-


Yep.

Y'know, the Canadian price is so high for the upcomming 65" 1080p model that by the time the price comes down to where I can afford it, I'll probably start lusting after the 103" model. "We don't really need that second car/mortgage do we hon?"

The interesting thing I noticed in the article was that the largest plasma now being sold in Japan is a 65in for $7500. Has the price gone down?

Did most in here read this interview with VP Jeff Cove Panasonic?

http://gear.ign.com/articles/682/682536p1.html

If this is already in Japan and being sold why are we not hearing anything about it, any reviews, or etc? Do they sell them and say, don't tell anyone you have one? I must say this new set looks nice and what a dream plasma.

Go to this site http://panasonic.jp/viera/products/65px500/ and click on the little blue plasma on the left, and let it load and watch the demo of the set and you might have to click the set again, after you start viewing it. I was bored and started looking around in some of the Japan sites.

Here are some mounts.

http://esearch.rakuten.co.jp/rms/sd/esearch/vc?sv=2&v=2&e=0&s=2&oid=000&f=A&nitem=&g=0&max=&p=0&sitem=TH-65PX500&min=50000

This last link, could be helpful also if you can translate the page.

http://panasonic.co.jp/corp/news/official.data/data.dir/jn050825-1/jn050825-1.html

Those are old links for most of us that have been following the 65/600 (at least) since this thread first started. However, there appears to be a few new photos added, one of which is a nice living room shot with the 65 featured as a part of their HT promotion. For me, it really helps to see the scale of the beast in a living room setting. This display should have enough *WOW* factor, that even Westa will find it hard to deny. :)

http://panasonic.jp/theater/65v/img/topimg_65.jpg

While the specs listed are for the 65/500 and NOT the 65/600, some things will likely remain close to the same, such as the weight figure which listed the 65/500 at 94.1 kilograms, which equals 207 pounds! Note: I think that figure does include the removable speakers. I am hoping the dual tuner feature carries over to the new line, as it is listed for the 65/500.

For those wanting to read Japanese web pages, you should check out the Babel Fish translator for converting entire web pages to English.

See: http://babelfish.altavista.com/

I like the one single chair in the most prime seating postition. Wife and kids sit on the couch in the distance.

That's an awesome picture, zarascan. Thanks for posting it. It's going to be very hard to resist getting one of these when they come out..............no matter what my wallet has to say about it. :)

Those side speakers look pretty good.

This is the first time I've seen Panasonic's total flagship package w/their surround sound speakers, sub, credenza & 65"er. WOW...and ouch, that hurts my wallet! I need a Soprano therapy session after oggling that pic!

The Panny photo above was created on 07/11/06, so most here are seeing it for the first time. This is another one of the new 65 pics:

http://panasonic.jp/viera/products/65px500/img/65v_top.jpg

And one more new pic stiched together for ya...

http://panasonic.jp/viera/products/65px500/img/65v_top04.jpg
............................http://panasonic.jp/viera/products/65px500/img/65v_top05.jpghttp://panasonic.jp/viera/products/65px500/img/65v_top07.jpg

Here are a couple of different options for panel mounting a 65.

http://national.jp/sumai/shuno/theater-panel/img/example_p03.jpg

http://national.jp/sumai/shuno/theater-panel/img/example_p04.jpg

I really like this uncluttered style of mounting, especially without the typical A/V altar clutter below the display, and just the PDP hanging on the wall. Very sano looking installation. I have been considering building a baffle wall for my front speakers and doing something similar with my installation.

More info here: http://national.jp/sumai/shuno/theater-panel/index.html

I really like this uncluttered style of mounting, especially without the typical A/V altar clutter below the display, and just the PDP hanging on the wall.

Absolutely! I find the A/V clutter syndrome very distracting. I like the image with as close to zero visual competition around it as possible. This is why I mount the rest of my A/V source components as far out of sight of the display as I can.

I've seen some of those photos before, but the newer ones look real good. I like the one with the three foot woman next to the display. ;)

The thing is, I still have not read a HT review about the Japanese units. What, they have been out over a year and not a trickle of performance has come across the ocean? Ouch!

Jack,

Interesting point about the lack of reviews.

In the past, have we ever had a HT review from Japan??

The thing is, I still have not read a HT review about the Japanese units. What, they have been out over a year and not a trickle of performance has come across the ocean? Ouch!

Where are you looking? If you use Google Japan and Babel Fish, you can read a fair amount about the 65. Well maybe you can... because after about twenty minutes of reading computer translated Japanese I get an absolutely blinding headache!!

Try: http://www.google.co.jp/

And: http://babelfish.altavista.com/

Get back to us with whatever you turn up. But don't blame me if you get one of the aforementioned headaches -- you were warned!! :D

I remember with game consoles, Bu-Ray systems, cars, and many other items reviews in English magzines for Americans. The theme was - looks whats new in Japan and comming soon. Then the articles goes in-depth in to the hardware/device/software.

I havent seen this happen yet for the 65". I could do bable-fish - but suppose I'll wait for the first reports for the 50" 9uk's. They should be arriving very soon. Plus, positive reviews have been given for the 58".

Anyone have some experience with the Infinity Cascade speakers? I’m interested in finding some new speakers to go with the 65” when it’s available.

Anyone have some experience with the Infinity Cascade speakers? I’m interested in finding some new speakers to go with the 65” when it’s available.

Not to trying to be dismissive here, but I do think you would be far better served posting your question over in the Speaker forum -- but only after you do a search of that forum first. I do recall a thread on the Cascades, so I know they have been discussed there previously.

Sorry I did try a search but did not bump into anything other than the mention of them.

Sorry I did try a search but did not bump into anything.

By limiting the search to just the Speaker forum, I came up with a page full of references. Here are the first three, the first one still active as of yesterday.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=629934

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=694202

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=680547

While we are on the subject of mounts, I did want to post the listing for the Panasonic 65/600 flat mount that I came across yesterday. The model # is DY-WK65PV7 and it looks like this:

http://ctlg.panasonic.jp/products/images/product/l/66/TY-WK65PV7_66974.jpg

The dimensions are listed as: size width × height × depth (cm) 132.0×60.4×7.5

7.5" inches for a flat mount? Wow that protrudes pretty far. Atleast you may be able to easily change blades with that depth.

While we are on the subject of mounts, I did want to post the listing for the Panasonic 65/600 flat mount that I came across yesterday. The model # is DY-WK65PV7 and it looks like this:

http://ctlg.panasonic.jp/products/images/product/l/66/TY-WK65PV7_66974.jpg

The dimensions are listed as: size width × height × depth (cm) 132.0×60.4×7.5
Do you have a web link for this mount showing availability and/or price? Panasonic web site comes up empty for the part number.

7.5" inches for a flat mount? Wow that protrudes pretty far. Atleast you may be able to easily change blades with that depth.

That's in centimeters, 7.5cm=2.95" (divide the cm # by 2.54 to get inches)

That's in centimeters, 7.5cm=2.95" (divide the cm # by 2.54 to get inches)

Whoa! Your right. My tired eyes were playing tricks on me.

Do you have a web link for this mount showing availability and/or price? Panasonic web site comes up empty for the part number.

Here is the link from the Japanese Panasonic site where I spotted this:

http://ctlg.panasonic.jp/product/info.do?pg=04&hb=TY-WK65PV7

I don't know that it can be ordered direct from their, but you could probably find the mount on the Japanese eBay. The retail yen price converts to a little over $600 USD.

Directions for using eBay Japan here: http://pages.e .com/jpbridge.html
[No linking to eBay allowed, so c&p and add "bay" after the "e"]

A quick world search of eBay yielded four hits, all from the same US seller priced between $419 - $450 USD. I did notice the seller referred to the mount as gen 7 in one of the ads.

See the search here: http://search.e .com/TY-WK65PV7_W0QQfromZR40QQsatitleZTYQ2dWK65PV7
[Same drill on the c&p]

That's in centimeters, 7.5cm=2.95" (divide the cm # by 2.54 to get inches)

Full conversion: 132.0×60.4×7.5 cm = 51.97 x 23.78 x 2.95 inches (W x H x D)

...
I don't know that it can be ordered direct from their, but you could probably find the mount on the Japanese eBay. The retail yen price converts to a little over $600 USD.
...
Is it just me or does $600 for a few pounds of bent sheet metal with holes drilled in the right places seem like about $570 too much?

Is it just me or does $600 for a few pounds of bent sheet metal with holes drilled in the right places seem like about $570 too much?
I totally agree. I originally bought a Peerless 670 to be used with the 58PX600U and now I'm hoping I can use it with the 65PX600U instead, now that I decided to go the 65 route. I won't know until they publish the mounting hole specifications for the 65 though. This mount has just under 2 inches offset from wall, supports at least 250 pounds, and also mounts on 3 studs. It cost a total of $115 which seems like a steal compared to the Panasonic offerings. $600 for a simple fixed bracket sounds absurd!

I think in a year or so I might be able to upgrade my 42" ED plasma to the next BIG thing.

How long till this system is in the affordable range? Let's say under $5k?

I totally agree. I originally bought a Peerless 670 to be used with the 58PX600U and now I'm hoping I can use it with the 65PX600U instead, now that I decided to go the 65 route. I won't know until they publish the mounting hole specifications for the 65 though. This mount has just under 2 inches offset from wall, supports at least 250 pounds, and also mounts on 3 studs. It cost a total of $115 which seems like a steal compared to the Panasonic offerings. $600 for a simple fixed bracket sounds absurd!

If you read what I posted yesterday, you would have seen that street price is just a little over $400. While I suspect this is still not cheap to some here, it is somewhat more fairly priced at this level (IMO). FWIW, I do think someone that is handy with doing metalwork could knock one of these off for *cheap*. Heck, with the specs found below, someone with knowledge and access to a CNC machine could probably make a replica fairly easily; maybe even sell a few extra of them to fellow members to help cover setup costs. ;)

As for the mounting hole specs on the 65, I have looked at both the 58 and 65 dimensions and they are pretty far apart. I have no idea if you can make re-drilling your mount work, but if you want to look at the specs, here they are:

These Adobe acrobat files will work without the Japanese language pack added, but if you have the Acrobat disk, you might want to drag it out.

Specs for the 65/500 PDP: http://panasonic.jp/viera/dl/pdf_file/th_65px500.pdf

[Note: I can not promise the 65/600 will be exactly the same as the 65/500, but I find it hard to imagine they are going to re-do the back panel between these two models.]

Specs for the 65/500 flat mount: http://panasonic.jp/viera/dl/pdf_file/ty_wk65pv7.pdf

Accompanying instruction manual for mount: http://panasonic.jp/viera/dl/pdf_file/ty_wk65pv7_kouji.pdf

Here are the 58 PDP specs:http://panasonic.jp/viera/dl/pdf_file/th_58px600.pdf

For any woodworkers here that want to pay homage to the new wood A/V cabinet shown with the 65 on the previous page, here are the specs to it: http://panasonic.jp/viera/dl/pdf_file/ty_vl2000.pdf

Accompanying instruction manual: http://panasonic.jp/viera/dl/pdf_file/ty_vl2000_kouji.pdf

Thanks zarascan for the great information! After looking at the pdfs, I agree the mounting on the 65 looks significantly different than the 58. The thing that puzzles me the most about the 65 is the protrusion on the back that sticks out 46mm (145mm-99mm) above the mounting holes and extends vertically for 150 mm. What could these be.. handles? These protrusions would seem to make make most 3rd party mounts that have long vertical mounting bars unusable.... we may be forced to use the Panasonic design for fixed mounting applications.

Thanks zarascan for the great information! After looking at the pdfs, I agree the mounting on the 65 looks significantly different than the 58. The thing that puzzles me the most about the 65 is the protrusion on the back that sticks out 46mm (145mm-99mm) above the mounting holes and extends vertically for 150 mm. What could these be.. handles? These protrusions would seem to make make most 3rd party mounts that have long vertical mounting bars unusable.... we may be forced to use the Panasonic design for fixed mounting applications.

Glad you found the PDFs of interest. The protrusions you mentioned do look like they are infact the removable mounting handles. There is a side view available on the Viera site that shows the 65/500 panel absent these handles.

See: http://panasonic.jp/viera/products/65px500/view.html

This display should have enough *WOW* factor, that even Westa will find it hard to deny. :)



Nah, don't you know he'll talk about it in the sense of now having a larger screen to 'shave in'....it's all about reflections for Westa! :D

Nah, don't you know he'll talk about it in the sense of now having a larger screen to 'shave in'....it's all about reflections for Westa! :D

LOL! Funny thing is, though it was suggested by me another thread he participated in; I don't think it registered with him that he could probably get rid of much of the reflections he claims plague his home, were he to simply invest in some high performance window tinting for the problem windows. Doing so would make his room free of the glare that keeps him from enjoying the superior technology! :p

So, my business takes me to Tokyo in a few weeks. Since I've established this unit as the one I'm waiting for and will finally move on, my wife is anxious to get it purchased and installed in the room (new room, nothing in there yet). Question: does it make any sense at all to try to purchase the TH-65PX600 in Tokyo and try to get it shipped back to New York? Will there be any real differences between this and the version that we end up getting in the States in a few months? Does anyone have any experience with this at all? (Have done a fairly thorough search through the forums, and can't find anything but wishes.) Will the warranty mean anything, for example?
Thanks, all.

Isn't Japan on the PAL format? That won't work here on NTSC broadcasts.

No, Japan is NTSC.

According to a Panasonic VP, it is considering a package price for an HDTV package that includes a Blu-Ray player and a Receiver. The 65PX600 would be the centerpiece. Has anyone heard anything more about this? I don't really want their speakers (my current speakers are better). This information showed up on a twice [dot] com article from June 22nd.

So, my business takes me to Tokyo in a few weeks. Since I've established this unit as the one I'm waiting for and will finally move on, my wife is anxious to get it purchased and installed in the room (new room, nothing in there yet). Question: does it make any sense at all to try to purchase the TH-65PX600 in Tokyo and try to get it shipped back to New York? Will there be any real differences between this and the version that we end up getting in the States in a few months? Does anyone have any experience with this at all? (Have done a fairly thorough search through the forums, and can't find anything but wishes.) Will the warranty mean anything, for example?
Thanks, all.

For this kind of money and being a first gen. 1080p display, I'd want my purchase backed by a reputable US Dealer (preferably local) and a valid mfg'er warranty here in this country.

For this kind of money and being a first gen. 1080p display, I'd want my purchase backed by a reputable US Dealer (preferably local) and a valid mfg'er warranty here in this country.

Can we get an "Amen" brothers and sisters. :)

This is absolutely right. Even in the states, would you really want to have to figure out a way to rebox a 200 lb display and get it shipped off if you have problems with it?

I'd rather have a PDP made in Japan instead of being assembled in Mexico.

I'd rather have a PDP made in Japan instead of being assembled in Mexico.

Did I somehow miss the Panasonic press release about the final assembly of the 65/600 being completed in Mexico? Because as best I can recall, Panasonic has not yet said anything officially about where the 65/600's final assembly will be completed. So unless you are truly clairvoyant, it would seem you are simply speculating about the final assembly of the 65/600 at this point. If we are speculating here, then it should be mentioned that there was some talk that the flagship 65/600, unlike its non-1080p Viera siblings, would in fact be fully assembled in Japan.

BTW, other than Japanese final assembly giving you the warm fuzzies; is there anything factual you know about Panasonic's Mexico assembly plants that would indicate to you that QC is substandard for panels assembled in Mexico, versus those panels which are fully assembled in Japan? It sounds to me, like what you are really saying, is that you don't believe it's possible for a Mexican worker to assemble a TV with the same degree of skill that a Japanese worker can. While such thinking smacks of racism and stereotyping, you should take comfort in knowing that (I have been told) the Mexican workers are only putting together sub-assemblies; with the higher skill component level production work still being completed in Japanese factories.

Did I somehow miss the Panasonic press release about the final assembly of the 65/600 being completed in Mexico? Because as best I can recall, Panasonic has not yet said anything officially about where the 65/600's final assembly will be completed. So unless you are truly clairvoyant, it would seem you are simply speculating about the final assembly of the 65/600 at this point. If we are speculating here, then it should be mentioned that there was some talk that the flagship 65/600, unlike its non-1080p Viera siblings, would in fact be fully assembled in Japan.

BTW, other than Japanese final assembly giving you the warm fuzzies; is there anything factual you know about Panasonic's Mexico assembly plants that would indicate to you that QC is substandard for panels assembled in Mexico, versus those panels which are fully assembled in Japan? It sounds to me, like what you are really saying, is that you don't believe it's possible for a Mexican worker to assemble a TV with the same degree of skill that a Japanese worker can. While such thinking smacks of racism and stereotyping, you should take comfort in knowing that (I have been told) the Mexican workers are only putting together sub-assemblies; with the higher skill component level production work still being completed in Japanese factories.I'm not clairvoyant nor am I a racist. I have no idea where Panasonic's flagship PDPs will be manufactured or assembled. Do I believe the "typical" Japanese worker has a better work ethic than the typical Mexican, or American for that matter? Yes. Someone asked if it made sense to buy a PDP in Japan and ship it to the USA? To which I simply replied I'd prefer to spend my ($10,000) on a PDP made in Japan versus one that has been assembled in Mexico. Just like I'll never spend that kind of money and buy one online (see this thread: Finally Bought a Panasonic 50" PHD8UK - And Worst Nightmare Comes True (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=699645)).

Here is another unhappy online buyer:

http://mysite.verizon.net/vzequg9f/cracked_panny.JPG

It is what it is....

Many of the manufacturers are building the panels components in Japan and other parts of Asia and then "Assembling" in Mexico and shipment to North America. All the components were R&D'd and made in Asia pretty much just put the pieces together in Mexico. Many if not all the Samsung DLP's, JVC DiLA and my Sharp 45" LCD was assembled in Mexico after built elsewhere much like Honda and Toyota replicates their QC here in the USA. For a panel the size and weight of the 65" Plasma it does make some sense even though I cannot verify it on that model.

I would guess the same goes for much of the SXRD assembled in Pittsburgh at the Sony Tech Center - many of the components are built elsewhere and then assembled in USA. JMO - One way to reduce costs is to take away much of the overhead of the mundane parts and cut the shipping to more of a regional factor versus half way around the world. Stands to reason that if I open my PC I could find at least a dozen countries represented from all the pieces within that makes it a PC and I trust that if we were to disect a large PDP we'd find similar. I'd prefer Japanese precision and QC but they've been proven to have a knack for replicating their QC Techniques in other parts of the world..:)

Panasonic recently hosted a preview of its latest 65in HD-ready plasma TV at its state-of-the-art assembly plant at Plzen in the Czech Republic. (I guess this would cover Europe?)

There are 10 TV manufacturing plants in Mexico, belonging to Philips, Sony, Samsung, LG, Sharp, Panasonic and Daewoo. Only the last currently produces plasma and liquid crystal sets. To make that possible, Daewoo invested almost MXN 1.9 billion from 2002 to 2004 to renew and refurbish its factory to produce these new technologies. LG will invest USD 200 million in the next three years, while Philips has already invested USD 360 million to purchase shares of TPV, a Taiwan company that manufactures flat screens. Panasonic has plans to start producing LCD and plasma TV sets in its Tijuana plant.

Panasonic Taiwan to produce 37-, 50- and 65-inch PDP TVs in 3Q
Compiled from outside news, June 26; Emily Chuang, DigiTimes.com [Monday 26 June 2006]

Panasonic Taiwan will begin producing 65-inch PDP (plasma display panel) TVs in Taiwan by year-end, according to the Chinese-language Economic Daily News. The production of 37-inch and 50-inch PDP TVs in Taiwan will also kick off in July and August, respectively, the paper noted.

Panasonic Taiwan started assembling PDP TVs in Taiwan at the end of 2005 in a bid to offer more aggressive pricing. From the middle of December, the company offered a 42-inch PDP TV (TH-42PM50) that features a contrast ratio of 4,000:1 and a resolution of 852x480 at a price of NT$89,900.

Early this month, Panasonic Taiwan stated that the company might outsource PDP TV component orders to Taiwan-based makers for the first time, the Chinese-language Commercial Times reported. The company sources PDP TV panels and components from Japan and assembles the TV in Taiwan, the paper noted.


Dubai is also noted for the Middle east - It appears they assemble worldwide but who knows where the US 65" may come from.

Optivity:

The last I read was that all 65"'s are made in Japan. I don't have a link, but I do remember reading somewhere (AVS?).

Many of the manufacturers are building the panels components in Japan and other parts of Asia and then "Assembling" in Mexico and shipment to North America. All the components were R&D'd and made in Asia pretty much just put the pieces together in Mexico. Many if not all the Samsung DLP's, JVC DiLA and my Sharp 45" LCD was assembled in Mexico after built elsewhere much like Honda and Toyota replicates their QC here in the USA. For a panel the size and weight of the 65" Plasma it does make some sense even though I cannot verify it on that model.

I would guess the same goes for much of the SXRD assembled in Pittsburgh at the Sony Tech Center - many of the components are built elsewhere and then assembled in USA. JMO - One way to reduce costs is to take away much of the overhead of the mundane parts and cut the shipping to more of a regional factor versus half way around the world. Stands to reason that if I open my PC I could find at least a dozen countries represented from all the pieces within that makes it a PC and I trust that if we were to disect a large PDP we'd find similar. I'd prefer Japanese precision and QC but they've been proven to have a knack for replicating their QC Techniques in other parts of the world..:)

Panasonic recently hosted a preview of its latest 65in HD-ready plasma TV at its state-of-the-art assembly plant at Plzen in the Czech Republic.

There are 10 TV manufacturing plants in Mexico, belonging to Philips, Sony, Samsung, LG, Sharp, Panasonic and Daewoo. Only the last currently produces plasma and liquid crystal sets. To make that possible, Daewoo invested almost MXN 1.9 billion from 2002 to 2004 to renew and refurbish its factory to produce these new technologies. LG will invest USD 200 million in the next three years, while Philips has already invested USD 360 million to purchase shares of TPV, a Taiwan company that manufactures flat screens. Panasonic has plans to start producing LCD and plasma TV sets in its Tijuana plant.

I guess this would cover Europe?I'm not sure if this is still true but there used to be another reason why final assembly of Asian televisions was done in North America (usually Mexico or the US) and it has to due with taxes. The way I understand it TV parts are taxed at a much lower rate than TV's so if they import a bunch of sub-assemblies as parts and put them together here they avoid the higher tax rate.

If I could get a job At the Mexican plant I'd try to build you a good set optivity but they won't let me work there.

I told them I didn't mind eating Japanese Tacos and they asked who I thought I was!

From now on I'm just going to buy GENUINE Japanese built in China!

If I could get a job At the Mexican plant I'd try to build you a good set optivity but they won't let me work there.

I told them I didn't mind eating Japanese Tacos and they asked who I thought I was!

From now on I'm just going to buy GENUINE Japanese built in China!Oh my God! We already do @... (http://www.walmart.com/) ":eek:"

Cable Cards???...we don't need no stink'in cable cards!! :D
(The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, 1948)

These threads always end up being soap boxes when there is no factual information being presented. Most of us do not care about your off topic discussions so if you have nothing to say on the Topic please refrain from commenting.

Hugh

These threads always end up being soap boxes when there is no factual information being presented. Most of us do not care about your off topic discussions so if you have nothing to say on the Topic please refrain from commenting.

Hugh

Agreed

These threads always end up being soap boxes when there is no factual information being presented. Most of us do not care about your off topic discussions so if you have nothing to say on the Topic please refrain from commenting.

Hugh

Many have made the assumption that sets made in Japan would be better than sets made in Mexico. Nobody thinks this is off-topic. I think for someone to question the assumptions made in that is also not off-topic. I appreciated the discussion.

The thread progressed much further than that Vashti.

Please keep this thread on topic or it will have to be locked

Everything seems to have gone according to schedule with the release of the 58 inch Panny. Anybody want to venture a guess as to which month we can now expect the highly-awaited TH-65PX600? Still September as many believe?

(I was at a local Ken Crane's Big Screen store this weekend looking at the 58 incher and it looked terrible due to a very poor source. The 42 and 50 inch sets looked fabulous, however. You'd think the salespeople would get a clue...

I pressed one of the salespeople for release date info on the 65 inch set and offered to pre-pay for the set if he could give me a date. He's supposed to call me back today...)

Still September as many believe?

I'm thinking October but have my fingers crossed. My local AV guy told be that spec should be released in about three weeks. Personally, I think AVS is more up to date that he.

New models announced by Panasonic all carry the PZ designation including the 65" and the 103"

Item turn TH-103PZ600 TH-65PZ600 TH-58PZ600 TH-50PZ600
Size 103V type 65V type 58V type 50V type
Resolution 1,920×1,080 dot
Connected terminal HDMI×3 systematic 3 terminal
i.LINK×2 terminal
D4×2 systematic 2 terminal
Composite ×4 systematic 4 terminal
S image ×3 systematic 3 terminal
Analog audio ×6 system
Monitor output ×1 systematic 1 terminal
(S image ×1 systematic 1 terminal)
Analog voice response ×1
Optical digital voice response ×1
Analog RGB×1 system
(Mini- D-Sub 15 pin)
The stereo mini- audio ×1 for PC
To [tsudohuon] ×1
Family ear phone ×1
Modulation /Etehrnet HDMI×3 systematic 3 terminal
i.LINK×2 terminal
D4×2 systematic 2 terminal
Composite ×4 systematic 4 terminal
S image ×2 systematic 2 terminal
Analog audio ×6 system
Monitor output ×1 systematic 1 terminal
(S image ×1 systematic 1 terminal)
Analog voice response ×1
Optical digital voice response ×1
Analog RGB×1 system
(Mini- D-Sub 15 pin)
The stereo mini- audio ×1 for PC
To [tsudohuon] ×1
Family ear phone ×1
Modulation /Etehrnet
Speaker Selling separately
(SC-HT6500 recommendation) 5cm×2
(Tweeter)
13×7cm×4
(Woofer) 2.3×10cm×2
(Tweeter)
8cm×2
(Woofer)
Voice response Synthesis 30W (8Ω) Synthesis 30W Synthesis 31W
Electric power consumption 1,450W 728W 638W 598W
Annual electric power consumption quantity 1,198kWh/year 588kWh/year 558kWh/year 509kWh/year
External size
(Width ## depth ## height) 2,414×871
×1,748mm 1,754×99～
145×985mm 1,454×99
×918mm 1,266×95
×802mm
Weight 322kg
(The stand it includes) 85kg 64kg 48kg

Says they are available Sept 1st. Price for 65" is $8500 USD. Don't know if these replace the "PX" versions.

This is a duplicate post. Please post in this one:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=700904

What's with the model name? Was TH-65PX600U wrong or is that another set along with this TH-65PZ600? Too confusing.

What's with the model name? Was TH-65PX600U wrong or is that another set along with this TH-65PZ600? Too confusing.

Like you, I'm confused at this point, also. Will people that have preordered the TH-65PX600 end up with the TH-65PZ600 instead? I guess only time will tell...

What's with the model name? Was TH-65PX600U wrong or is that another set along with this TH-65PZ600? Too confusing.

From what I can surmise, the Panasonic TH-65PX600U, which made its debut in Japan in Nov. 2005 and was shown at CES 2006, will be making it to our USA shores in the next month or so. The all-new TH-65PZ600 will be released in JAPAN in a few months, and is more or less a tweaked version of the previous display, but appears to be all-new for the 50" & 58" models that will now be 1080p.

Like you, I'm confused at this point, also. Will people that have preordered the TH-65PX600 end up with the TH-65PZ600 instead? I guess only time will tell...

I read the original press release and it appears (to me) that these PZ's are Japanese models (similar to the 65" 1080p that was available in Japan last year). I think the PX600U and the 9UK are still the newest US model for this year.

I read the original press release and it appears (to me) that these PZ's are Japanese models (similar to the 65" 1080p that was available in Japan last year). I think the PX600U and the 9UK are still the newest US model for this year.

I completely agree. The new PZ line will not effect the release of the upcoming TH-65PX600 nor that of the TH-65PF9UK.

These new panels bode well for next year's 10th generation commercial line. With so much 1080p glass in the parts bin it will be next to impossible to ignore the need for more modern digital boards with support for 1080p (hopefully in various frequencies). This, assuming that such support does turn out to be absent from the TH-65PF9UK like it already has on its siblings (which is by no means a certainty at this point).

Yeah, that makes sense. Sounds like the TH-65PX600U and the TH-65PZ600 are virtually the same set, then--just different model numbers for different countries.

(If I recall, the 65 inch model released in Japan in December of 2005 was not a true 1080p set. Correct? It sounds like the Japanese model is now "catching up" to the U.S. model in that both will be 1080p sets. Or is there still a doubt that the TH-65PX600U will be a true 1080p set? And if the TH-65PX600U is not 1080p, I guess I will have to wait some MORE TIME for the "Holy Grail."

Yeah, that makes sense. Sounds like the TH-65PX600U and the TH-65PZ600 are virtually the same set, then--just different model numbers for different countries.

I think the TH-65PX600 is actually a different model entirely. Although both are apparently 9th generation models with 9th generation glass, it seems likely that the PZ will have new electronics. Now, is it possible that the soon-to-be released 65PX600 has actually snuck in late enough in the development cycle to benefit from those new electronics? Perhaps so. But to me this seems an unlikely scenario at this point.

(If I recall, the 65 inch model released in Japan in December of 2005 was not a true 1080p set. Correct? It sounds like the Japanese model is now "catching up" to the U.S. model in that both will be 1080p sets. Or is there still a doubt that the TH-65PX600U will be a true 1080p set? And if the TH-65PX600U is not 1080p, I guess I will have to wait some MORE TIME for the "Holy Grail."

It is still not certain whether the 65PX600 will indeed have 1080p input (which is what I assume you mean by "true 1080p set"). With the 37"-58" models all accepting 1080p, it is hard to imagine the 65" model -- the only one with 1080p glass -- would not. However, there is some speculation that the 65PX600 may indeed be based on the Japanese 65PX500 (the December 2005 model to which you refer) which of course did not support 1080p over HDMI. The counter argument to that is that, even if it does turn out to be based on that model, its possible that they have upgraded the HDMI ports to support 1080p for the US release. Indeed, its possible that such theoretical upgrades could even have come courtesy of the PZ, as discussed above. But, again, I see this as unlikely.

FWIW, the US 103" model will be called "PZ". So it's not a Japan only name, but it's used in US, too. So eventually the 65PX600 will be renamed to 65PZ600? That would make sense to me.

FWIW, the US 103" model will be called "PZ". So it's not a Japan only name, but it's used in US, too. So eventually the 65PX600 will be renamed to 65PZ600? That would make sense to me.

Sounds right to me. Although I'd use the words "replaced with" rather than "renamed to". Slight difference in semantics.

With the 103" PZ press release claiming Christmas 2006 availability for the US, it makes the timing of the 65PX600 vs. 65PZ600 even more curious. I suppose the chances of the 65" PX being bumped completely from US release by 65" PZ are a bit higher, when weighing that info. Hmm.

Probably already posted here, but....

The 65W-inch 1,080p model, TH-65PX600U, will carry a $9,999.95 suggested retail price, and will ship in September, the company said.

http://www.twice.com/article/CA6354788.html

Ok, time to shut down this thread. Cancell our pre-orders. It's all useless, woe on us,

Check out:

http://www.newsfactor.com/story.xhtml?story_id=11300CTOI0DN

We obviously need to shift over to the 103" LCD thread.

Ok, time to shut down this thread. Cancell our pre-orders. It's all useless, woe on us,

Check out:

http://www.newsfactor.com/story.xhtml?story_id=11300CTOI0DN

We obviously need to shift over to the 103" LCD thread.

It seems I've been hearing this garbage about Plasma's demise for a few months now. Only this morning I was talking to a so-called "technical expert" at the cable co. and he told me Plasma was dead...he recommended DLP! Givemehabreak! About a month ago, I was in this hotel lounge having a AV chat w/a British fellow and when I mentioned how much I like the PQ of certain Plasma displays, he adamantly told me LCD had killed Plasma TV off in England. I knew this was bunk because I frequent the british AV Forum and know better! Wierd how this Plasma death knell story keeps cropping up from time to time, especially when you consider the stores can't hardly keep current models in stock.

Here is another articulating option to consider for the 65/600:

http://www.superiortvmount.com/images/600_IMG_1059.JPG
Superior TV Mount - Heavy Duty

I have no affiliation with this company, but I have been much impressed with what I believe is notably better-than-average quality and a far more substantially constructed design. While the retail cost is higher ($849 vs. $999), the extra peace of mind when swinging around very nearly 200 lbs. of PDP would make it worth my while to spend just a bit more for. See them for yourself at: http://www.superiortvmount.com/





How does one figure out if they can use this on their walls? Real noob question, I know, but I can't figure out from the pictures or their website how this is bolted to the wall. I have a stud dead center where the TV would need to be, but this mount seems to require a heck of a lot more than that. :confused:

How does one figure out if they can use this on their walls? Real noob question, I know, but I can't figure out from the pictures or their website how this is bolted to the wall. I have a stud dead center where the TV would need to be, but this mount seems to require a heck of a lot more than that. :confused:

If you access the URL in the original post, then enlarge the 3rd photo (only pic in the 2nd row) you can get a beter idea as to how to mount this to the wall. 1st notice the two horizontal silver tubes. Attached to those tubes, on the left and right sides, are two vertical black metal brackets that, I'm guessing, are 16" OC. At the top and bottom of each bracket it appears that there is a hole for attaching these brackets to two studs. What is more readily apparent in the 3rd photo, is the mechanism with the locking handle, that provides the ability to shift the rest of the mechanism to the right, or left of center, thus compensating for stud location.

Of course, this is all conjecture on my part, as I have not actually seen this product or tried to mount it to a wall. I have, however spoken with, Walt Yeager, the owner of Superior TV mounts, and I plan to visit his location and experience this mount for my own edification. (I have, as a matter of fact, mounted other large articulating plasma mounts. Sanus and Chief, as well as Peerless and Premiere smaller articulating and non-articulating mounts)

Here's another pic. Thing is I can't find two studs that close together on my wall. I am having a hard time searching for them with the stud finder. Still, not looking good for me.

I see from the other page it looks like the flat mount from Panny mounts to 3 studs? Don't think im going to have much luck with mounting a 65.


http://www.superiortvmount.com/images/600_wireman.JPG

Jason,

With the room dark, hold a flash light light at the baseboard aiming it at the ceiling. The studs usually have a row of dimples where the drywall screws were attached and finished.

I would stay away from superiorTVMount for many reasons. There are absolutely no credentials from indepenent labs confirming the load capacity, or no certification for meeting state ordinance codes. If you go to Chief Manufactureing, Peerless, or Sanus ebsites they show that they are UL listed or meet some sort of saftey regulation. There is no way I am going to hang a $9,000 panel that weighs 175 lbs without being certain it will hold over time.

Second, SuperiorTVMount collects payment via PayPal. Most major creditcard companies do not honor protetection for any problems when paying via PayPal. Visa and American Express do not honor recieving benefits because the PP is considered a third party. (There is some more legal stuff I am missing, but you ge the point). I certainly want some sort of monetary saftey net when paying close to $1000 for an item.

Finally, overall presentation of the web site does not make me feel all that comfortable. I dont know why, but it just does.

Perhaps in the future they will rise to be an excellent mount company, but right now I'm sticking with the big three mentioned earlier.

Jason,

With the room dark, hold a flash light light at the baseboard aiming it at the ceiling. The studs usually have a row of dimples where the drywall screws were attached and finished.

Couldn't find them that way either, but checking another wall in the house that read better with the tool, the studs were spaced 16" apart as they should be. I'm not going to attempt to install this myself with my novice carpentry skills on a $9000 plasma, but am just trying to figure out my options now.

I have confirmed a stud dead center when I want the center of the TV to be, and while I can't get the stud sensor to find the others, im assuming 16" to the left and right are the other studs (one of which has an AC outlet box which confirms it). This seems to be my dilemma for these articulating mounts, all the ones i've seen on here all mount to two studs and not three. Using one of those I would have to offset my plasma 16" to the right or left of where I want it. I can always use Panasonic's flat mount since that mounts on three studs and would put this baby smack dab where I want her. Not an awful choice, but you guys have me interested in these articulating models now. ;) Are there any i've missed that mount across three studs so I could have it centered correctly?

Thanks Guys

Jason:

All you need to mount into three studs is a mount a little wider than 32" (say 34"). I don't know why two studs wont do what your asking for. If it's a centering issue then check out Chief Mount's PNR or PDR (I can't remember the exact model). These have massive lateral adjustment capabilities, not fine tweak adjustments, but a few inches. Download the installation manual and you'll see what I am talking about.

Yep, it's the centering issue im concerned about. I think I see what you're talking about with the PDR mount. Looks like you can slide those twin bolts all the way to either side if desired.


http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/6785/pdreb2.jpg

http://www.chiefmfg.com/client_files/www.chiefmfg.com/images/PDR_w_RESI_logo.jpg

Yeah that's what I was talking about.

Well, last Sunday I visited Japan for the first time, and one requirement for the trip was to go looking for 65" Panny 1080p displays (as well as Blu-ray hardware--separate subject). We found the former in the Akihabara electronics district of Tokyo (where on Sunday the wide streets are closed off to traffic and pedestrians stream up and down from shop to shop). In the Laox store (which seemed like one of the biggest) we saw first a 58" and then the TH-65PX500.
As seems like is often the case in retail settings, they didn't seem all that concerned about a really good feed to show off an expensive device--the picture was decent (satellite signal) but I've seen my 50" 7UY look better on really good HD channels. Although I was with a proficient speaker of Japanese, we were having significant language issues on any kind of technical discussion so there's really no data to relate. Was offered a price less than $9K (sorry couldn't resist sneaking that in).
One of the most interesting features of the neighborhood was the people watching--lots of unusual characters, girls in skimpy costumes posing at random for pictures--EVERYBODY was carrying a camera it seemed...

chucksva,

Thanks for posting about the set. If you have further observations or comments to make about the set, please do.

(And if you have any pictures to post of the girls in skimpy costumes, don't hold back. ;) .)

chucksva,

How bad was the screen door effect? Any fan noise?

chucksva,

How bad was the screen door effect? Any fan noise?

I know that I have posted this before in another thread, anyway I spent a lot of time at CES 2006 looking at the 3 TH-65PX500Us, as they was refered to at the Panasonic booth. 2 were wall mounted, at standing eye level, and the 3rd was on a a low console in a living room vignette There was a sofa and chairs, that were available to sit and view demo material, including the action movie trailer for " Transporter 2". Now to answer your question, from as close as, a measured 24", NO visible SDE.

I took several minutes of video with a 1080i HDV Sony camcorder. The quality of which literally blew me away, when I watched it on my 1130. I also have footage of the Pioneer PRO-FHD1, side by side with an 1130 and a 1410. The video of the FHD1 is noticeably superior to the 1130 and a quantum leap ahead of the 1410. I was totally unprepared for how great these displays looked recorded in HDV. On one of the pastoral scenes on the 65" Panny, I slowly zoomed in on a lady bug, on a leaf, that was about the size dime on the panny display. As I watched this replay on the 1130, it wasn't until the lady bug was about the size of a basketball (occupying about 40% of the 1130's screen) that any visible pixel structure became appearant. Some parts of the garden scenes look like HD NET or the DSHD via my HD TiVo. If the final product looks as good in real life, as those that I saw in January, I'm sold.

I am now in the process of building a wall, 11' w x 11' h, to house the 65". With some very modern architectural elements. I have also been giving some thought to using Chief's new motorized plasma lift, to be able to view the panel at low level from a single chaise at 7.5' from the screen, and raised to standing eye level for
entertaining guests.

Couldn't see SDE at least down to 3-4' viewing, up close pixels looked similar sized to my 50" but somehow denser. Not conscious of fan noise even up close, but it wasn't a quiet environment and I wasn't listening for a fan in particular. I really liked the texture of the picture, but as I said it didn't feel like a real high quality feed.

Got street scene pix but not of the costumes...

Can someone tell me the weight and width of the TH-65PX600U without the speakers and with the base mount stand? Also, if you know, what is the depth and height of the base mount stand? I have purchased a piece of AV furniture, thinking I was going to put a 60" plasma on it, but then changed my mind and decided to go with the 65" Panny. I want to ensure the furniture, which is still in the box, will work. Thanks!

Can someone tell me the weight and width of the TH-65PX600U without the speakers and with the base mount stand? Also, if you know, what is the depth and height of the base mount stand? I have purchased a piece of AV furniture, thinking I was going to put a 60" plasma on it, but then changed my mind and decided to go with the 65" Panny. I want to ensure the furniture, which is still in the box, will work. Thanks!

You could use the 8UK as a reference. Go to this website, and click on brochure. All the dimensions and weight specs are listed:


http://catalog2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ModelDetail?displayTab=O&storeId=11201&catalogId=13051&itemId=94912&catGroupId=14624&modelNo=TH-65PHD8UK&surfModel=TH-65PHD8UK


Note, the the 600U is supposedly a little lighter.

I know there are a million seating distance calculators but I've never seen what the recommended seating distance is for REAL 1080p Native displays displaying REAL 1080p material.

Does anyone know? Seems like you could sit close enough to truely be immersed at not a ridiculously close distance. is this correct--is REAL 1080p whaHome Theater is really about?

....until the next big thing comes out.

I know there are a million seating distance calculators but I've never seen what the recommended seating distance is for REAL 1080p Native displays displaying REAL 1080p material.

Does anyone know? Seems like you could sit close enough to truely be immersed at not a ridiculously close distance. is this correct--is REAL 1080p whaHome Theater is really about?

All though I used to, but don't anymore, the most reasonable calculator is one that I posted here. It's from sound and vision magazine:


http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7690996&&#post7690996



http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/article.asp?section_id=5&article_id=1137&page_number=1

http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/assets/download/0602_tech_talk2_large.jpg

Thanks, assJack1!

assJack1, thanks a million!

assJack1, nice diagram! However, you might want to differ between NTSC and PAL DVDs. As you know, PAL DVDs have a noticable resolution advantage over NTSC DVDs.

madshi:

I didn't make the diagram. I pulled it off soundandvision magazine back in February (A user in HDTV recorders subforum tipped me off about it). But your right, a source distinction should be made.

Also, I used to follow some other HT distance calculator, then found this one -- but I firmly believe these are just guides. The best distance is the one you like.

Finding the sweet spot is easy and no calculator is neeed -- move around your room until you say "ahhh...sweet..."

Where do people think an upscaled DVD would fit? If you upscale a standard DVD to 720P would you expect the line to look more like the 720P line? I'm assumnig a high-end upscaler such as in the Marantz DV9600. Any opinions?

Depending on the scalar used (e.g. DVD player) and the source material of the DVD (video/film) I'd imagine the slope of the line slowly decreasing -- approaching the 720p line.

Where do people think an upscaled DVD would fit? If you upscale a standard DVD to 720P would you expect the line to look more like the 720P line? I'm assumnig a high-end upscaler such as in the Marantz DV9600. Any opinions?

I use a Lumagen HDP scaler for SD dvd's they look mighty fine on my 657UY from 12 feet. Sorry no time to chart it ;)

- Rich

Depending on the scalar used (e.g. DVD player) and the source material of the DVD (video/film) I'd imagine the slope of the line slowly decreasing -- approaching the 720p line.
Isn't this just a guide for the farthest away you can be to see all of the detail from each source? If so then a good scalar and dvd player won't make any more detail available no matter what, although they will make the image look smoother/sharper so that sitting closer would be more bearable. I assume that's what you meant.

Isn't this just a guide for the farthest away you can be to see all of the detail from each source? If so then a good scalar and dvd player won't make any more detail available no matter what, although they will make the image look smoother/sharper so that sitting closer would be more bearable. I assume that's what you meant.

It is a guide, but because some DVD players external VP can do inverse telecine they can create an effective 720p frame. That is why the slope of the line will approach the 720p. I can't say it will lay on top because of players de-interlacing capability.

When will this be available again? Both the commercial and consumer version?

If I'm sitting about 13 ft from a 65 inch plasma and plan to wall mount it, how high should the bottom of the plasma be from the floor? Should my eyes look up toward the center or should they be eye level with the center?

When will this be available again? Both the commercial and consumer version?

If we all hold hands in a circle and chant together:

sixty-five
SiXtY-FivE
sixtyfive

through the mists
and across the ocean
give us a sign
and give us a date
****^^^!!!^^^**
(Did you hear something?)
Our hands are joined
our voices raised
if it's September knock twice on the table
October flash the lights
if it's call PX blow out the candle
if it's PZ make it dark as night
CES
CES
You called it the flagship
When will our ship come in?

panaSONIC
PaNaSoniC

can you hear us?
through the mists and over the oceans
before December
give us a sign

Did you hear something?

Nope.

Lmao!! :) :)

If I'm sitting about 13 ft from a 65 inch plasma and plan to wall mount it, how high should the bottom of the plasma be from the floor? Should my eyes look up toward the center or should they be eye level with the center?

I am probably the "Lone Ranger" here, regardless, my preference is to not look up at my display. I prefer to have the screen centered to my eyeballs from my seated or reclining position.

I have been creating an environment to watch the new 65"PX, or now PZ, (depending on various differences) I made a cardboard full scale model of the 65", and from, my favorite chair (actually a recamier ), the botom of the Panny will be 24" from the floor. The only problem with how this looks in the room, is that with 10' ceilings, the set looks incrediblly low when standing. To offset this I am considering Chief's new motorized plasma stand. See link below.

http://www.chiefmfg.com/store/detail/?product_id=76511

I am probably the "Lone Ranger" here, regardless, my preference is to not look up at my display. I prefer to have the screen centered to my eyeballs from my seated or reclining position.

I have been creating an environment to watch the new 65"PX, or now PZ, (depending on various differences) I made a cardboard full scale model of the 65", and from, my favorite chair (actually a recamier ), the botom of the Panny will be 24" from the floor. The only problem with how this looks in the room, is that with 10' ceilings, the set looks incrediblly low when standing. To offset this I am considering Chief's new motorized plasma stand. See link below.

http://www.chiefmfg.com/store/detail/?product_id=76511

Another option is to raise it a bit to say 3 feet and use a tilt screen mount.

- Rich

I am probably the "Lone Ranger" here, regardless, my preference is to not look up at my display. I prefer to have the screen centered to my eyeballs from my seated or reclining position.

I have been creating an environment to watch the new 65"PX, or now PZ, (depending on various differences) I made a cardboard full scale model of the 65", and from, my favorite chair (actually a recamier ), the botom of the Panny will be 24" from the floor. The only problem with how this looks in the room, is that with 10' ceilings, the set looks incrediblly low when standing. To offset this I am considering Chief's new motorized plasma stand. See link below.

http://www.chiefmfg.com/store/detail/?product_id=76511


Automatic lifts are undeniably cool, but......:eek::


It features a suggested retail price of $2,799.

Another option is to raise it a bit to say 3 feet and use a tilt screen mount.

- Rich

Thanks Rich, for whatever reason I have never liked plasmas tilted, I think that it is the flat on the wall look, like wall art that grabs me. Unless you are talking about a motorized tilt, although they tend to be pricy too. see below

http://www.k2mounts.com/x-arm.html

I will be checking this and the chief out at CEDIA.

Sidebar: this was on this forum elsewhere but a nice video of the new panny 103" PZ600 series.

http://www.akihabaranews.com/en/new...+the+wild..html

So according to the calculator you would start experiencing reduced gain with the great 1080p resolution at a little over 13 feet for a 103 inch plasma and 8.5 feet for a 65-inch plasma.

What that really should mean to most people is always buy the BIGGEST thing you can get your hands own. If you can't buy big--be prepared to sit close.

And lastly and people should remember this about 1080p displays--there are very few situations where a display would be TOO big--you're talking about 6 feet for a 50-inch. How many people sit closer than 6 feet?

For that reason 50-inch displays would definitely be on the small side. Given the amount of money that you'll have to pay--to not buy 65-inch or larger for most people will not make good sense.

If you don't remember anything from this thread just remeber---GO BIG!!!

If you want to go big and not pay much money you could go Mitsubishi 73-inch DLP.

I think paying a little more for the 65-inch Plasma would be worth it. Can't wait until maybe 3 or 4 years from now when such sets will be much cheaper--I bet when that happens maybe even Plasma will sell more sets greater than 65-inches in size.

So according to the calculator you would start experiencing reduced gain with the great 1080p resolution at a little over 13 feet for a 103 inch plasma and 8.5 feet for a 65-inch plasma.

What that really should mean to most people is always buy the BIGGEST thing you can get your hands own. If you can't buy big--be prepared to sit close.

And lastly and people should remember this about 1080p displays--there are very few situations where a display would be TOO big--you're talking about 6 feet for a 50-inch. How many people sit closer than 6 feet?

For that reason 50-inch displays would definitely be on the small side. Given the amount of money that you'll have to pay--to not buy 65-inch or larger for most people will not make good sense.

If you don't remember anything from this thread just remeber---GO BIG!!!

If you want to go big and not pay much money you could go Mitsubishi 73-inch DLP.

I think paying a little more for the 65-inch Plasma would be worth it. Can't wait until maybe 3 or 4 years from now when such sets will be much cheaper--I bet when that happens maybe even Plasma will sell more sets greater than 65-inches in size.

I will probably go with the 65 in. 1080p panny and then wait for an improved
80 in. 1080p panny to get below $20,000 in a few years and then swap
out the 65 in. for the bedroom...

Can't wait to start hearing the reports from owners so that I can make a decision...

I went to see the 103" at Grand Central today. I asked a lot of questions about the 65" I spoke to someone who seemed knowledgeable. He said the 65" PX would definitely be out next month. He said the 50" and 58" PZ would be out later in the year. He also said the 65" PZ would be out after the 65 PX product cycle. Finally, he said the picture quality of the 65 would be exactly the same as the 103. Hope he is right! He also said MSRP would be $9,999.

I went to see the 103" at Grand Central today. I asked a lot of questions about the 65" I spoke to someone who seemed knowledgeable. He said the 65" PX would definitely be out next month. He said the 50" and 58" PZ would be out later in the year. He also said the 65" PZ would be out after the 65 PX product cycle. Finally, he said the picture quality of the 65 would be exactly the same as the 103. Hope he is right! He also said MSRP would be $9,999.

Thanks for the info. I'm REALLY ready to buy now, but now it seems like the PZ might be worth waiting for. (But it seems like I've been waiting for the PX for a long time already. And how long will its product cycle be?) Decisions, decisions.

Guess we'll know soon enough how good the PX is and if it's worth another "long" wait to get the PZ instead.

Ok - So what's the difference between PF, PX and PZ?

If you don't remember anything from this thread just remeber---GO BIG!!!I agree with your assertion, after watching my 50" 720p PDP @ 10' for the past 15 months... it seems kind of small to me.

Ok - So what's the difference between PF, PX and PZ?


Well if the differences are big like for instance accepting native rate input over HDMI, then Panasonic can go f*#k themselves. Why they sell different series in different parts of the world at separate time cycles is, frankly, retarded. Why not just start selling the same new lines as they release worldwide like every other company? Why continue producing old technology when they're producing newer for other markets?

Ok - So what's the difference between PF, PX and PZ?

PF is TH-65PF9UK. Its the commercial model. The other two are 600U consumer models.

No one knows for sure yet what the differences between the PX and PZ will be. We don't even know if the PZ will be called by that name in the US. If the PX specs that were given earlier this year hold, and in addition, if the Japanese PZ specs hold for the US, then it appears one difference will be the addition of an HDMI port (3 vs. 2). Other than that, I don't know what else can be gleaned. One can assume updated electronics, and in all liklihood, updated glass.

Well if the differences are big like for instance accepting native rate input over HDMI, then Panasonic can go f*#k themselves. Why they sell different series in different parts of the world at separate time cycles is, frankly, retarded. Why not just start selling the same new lines as they release worldwide like every other company? Why continue producing old technology when they're producing newer for other markets?

Sounds like you are overreacting. Many companies have release products on different cycles for different regions.

PF is TH-65PF9UK. Its the commercial model. The other two are 600U consumer models.

No one knows for sure yet what the differences between the PX and PZ will be. We don't even know if the PZ will be called by that name in the US. If the PX specs that were given earlier this year hold, and in addition, if the Japanese PZ specs hold for the US, then it appears one difference will be the addition of an HDMI port (3 vs. 2). Other than that, I don't know what else can be gleaned. One can assume updated electronics, and in all liklihood, updated glass.

This thread has information about the TH-65PF9UK (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=682757).

At one time, the 65 commercial was stated as having 3000:1 contrast ratio. Unofficial sources, have said the new TH-65PF9UK commercial will have 10000:1. Indicating that it has the ipproved black levels and brightness of the new series. I have a 509UK and I can tell you it has better blacks than my 657UY.

For me that is the deal maker/breaker since I already have a 65, resolution is not enough for me to upgrade. I want the 9 series black levels and brightness in the new panel.

- Rich

Sounds like you are overreacting. Many companies have release products on different cycles for different regions.
Which doesn't mean we have to be happy with it.

The world is becoming more and more of a global market. It's so easy looking up prices and product information of products in other countries - thanks to the internet. It wasn't this way only a few years ago. The world is changing. The sooner companies realize this the better for all of us (companies and consumers). JMHO.

Sounds like you are overreacting.


I sure hope so, but if the PX doesn't accept native rate 1080p over HDMI then i'll take my $10k elsewhere. There is no excuse for any manufacturer to not have 1080p input capability on 1080p sets released from this point on with HD-DVD and Blu-Ray out now. We know the PX in Japan didn't have native support, so if Panny doesn't upgrade it with some PZ bits then the US version won't accept it either. I just haven't seen any confirmation one way or another about this yet, so im just waiting like the rest of you. But if Panny can't handle doing this up right then they can kiss my ass and my $10k goodbye! ;)

Well if the differences are big like for instance accepting native rate input over HDMI, then Panasonic can go f*#k themselves. Why they sell different series in different parts of the world at separate time cycles is, frankly, retarded. Why not just start selling the same new lines as they release worldwide like every other company? Why continue producing old technology when they're producing newer for other markets?

I don't think Jason is overreacting here, as his frustration is one that many of us share. The announcement of the PZ line caught a good number of us off guard. My feeling is that the major reason we are getting a preview of an entirely new product line of new 1080p displays, while the PX line is just now coming to market, was to steal some of Pioneer's thunder with their "worlds first" 50" 1080p PDP. It has not escaped the notice of most that follow this forum closely, that Panasonic releases their newest and best technology to the Japanese domestic market (JDM) first. Some will find that understandable, but others do wonder why their biggest single market can't get the best technology a little sooner. Suffering in silence will not change the status quo.

The PX has been selling in Japan for some time now and the incrementaly improved PZ [Comparing translated Japanese web pages; it looks like processing has been improved, with higher bit rates and 1:1 mapping; they have added another HDMI port; and it is rumored that the PZ will have v1.3 HDMI.] will rollout to the JDM first, while we get shipped what amounts to their discontinued model -- which will be marketed to us as the latest and greatest. I suspect the plan is to milk the PX line for as long as they can, while they continue to build demand for the PZ panels. Maybe Panasonic thinks of releasing to the JDM first as their beta testing for the USDM, but it still feels like the redheaded stepchild treatment to me.

Frankly, I'm having a hard time feeling good about spending early adopter $$$$, with the knowledge that I'm getting what is essentially last years model. Problem for me, is that I have been holding out too long already, and waiting for a PZ *expected* by Super Bowl is too hard to consider right now. I don't want to miss yet another entire season while I'm pining away for the PZ. I'm giving serious consideration to just get the Pio 6070 and saying &%@~ it for now. I can always move the Pio to the bedroom in a couple of years and replace it with an 80" SED.

zaracsan, I feel the same way as you, im done waiting. If Panny disappoints then i'll probably get the Sony XBR2 70" RPTV as a very different, but less expensive alternative to the plasmas and I will enjoy it while waiting to see how SED develops.

Jason and Zarascan,

I'm right there with you. LAST year I was interested in purchasing the Japanese 65 inch plasma which was released in Japan at the end of the year, but promised to be released "soon after" in America. NOW, I'm interested in the new PZ models just hitting Japan and promised to be coming to America "soon."

I'm thinking I need to stop the waiting game and look for something else that can fit my needs.

Panasonic is planning to release the 1080P 65 about the same time as the their new BD player. For that reason, I would bet that it will accept 1080P via HDMI.

- Rich

Zarascan - well said.

Which doesn't mean we have to be happy with it.

The world is becoming more and more of a global market. It's so easy looking up prices and product information of products in other countries - thanks to the internet. It wasn't this way only a few years ago. The world is changing. The sooner companies realize this the better for all of us (companies and consumers). JMHO.

Your point is a good one, but I just don't think that cursing at Panasonic is fair. They have been far better than other companies in this respect.

To me, the regional differences between products will always making releasing globally a hit-and-miss proposition. This is not unique to consumer electronics, but it is fairly prolific in this industry because of wildly differing standards used around the world. It simply takes more time to develop for all markets than it does for a single one. You can wait until the product has been adapted to all markets, and release then, or you can do a timed release. If Panasonic just waited until next year to release the product worldwide, would that make it better? For some I suppose it would, since you would not have the anxiety of knowing some people elsewhere already have what you cannot. Now, they could, of course, throw more people at the project, and get it out earlier worldwide. But then costs would also go up.

To me its a wash. To some, I guess its a little more upsetting.

I sure hope so, but if the PX doesn't accept native rate 1080p over HDMI then i'll take my $10k elsewhere.

Well, there is always the 65" commercial model which is confirmed to accept 1080p/24 and 1080p/60 over DVI.

No company would bother with different models for different global regions if it meant lower profits, so you can be sure Panasonic has a reason for doing things the way they do.

Well, there is always the 65" commercial model which is confirmed to accept 1080p/24 and 1080p/60 over DVI.

Your right. I don't know why folks complain aobut HDMI input when DVI can do 1:1. Plus, as RichB said in the other thread the 9PF has a "1:1 mode" in the menu. No details yet, but sounds pretty good.

Plus, the improved contrast ratio just solidifies the deal. I'll save a vacation day for delivery. ;)

Your right. I don't know why folks complain aobut HDMI input when DVI can do 1:1. Plus, as RichB said in the other thread the 9PF has a "1:1 mode" in the menu. No details yet, but sounds pretty good.

Plus, the improved contrast ratio just solidifies the deal. I'll save a vacation day for delivery. ;)


Well it'll only be fine if it's HDCP compliant, otherwise it's useless for DVD, HD-DVD or Blu-Ray. I imagine it's labeled as a computer input, so it's questionable. Anyone know if these DVI boards are HDCP compliant?

Well it'll only be fine if it's HDCP compliant, otherwise it's useless for DVD, HD-DVD or Blu-Ray. I imagine it's labeled as a computer input, so it's questionable. Anyone know if these DVI boards are HDCP compliant?

Yes it will be HDCP compliant.

Well it'll only be fine if it's HDCP compliant, otherwise it's useless for DVD, HD-DVD or Blu-Ray. I imagine it's labeled as a computer input, so it's questionable. Anyone know if these DVI boards are HDCP compliant?

As mkoesel says - it will be HDCP. Don't worry about that. Just about everything made today is HDCP compliant. Now, if they can just get the handshakes to work right...

I don't think Jason is overreacting here, as his frustration is one that many of us share. The announcement of the PZ line caught a good number of us off guard. My feeling is that the major reason we are getting a preview of an entirely new product line of new 1080p displays, while the PX line is just now coming to market, was to steal some of Pioneer's thunder with their "worlds first" 50" 1080p PDP. It has not escaped the notice of most that follow this forum closely, that Panasonic releases their newest and best technology to the Japanese domestic market (JDM) first. Some will find that understandable, but others do wonder why their biggest single market can't get the best technology a little sooner. Suffering in silence will not change the status quo.

The PX has been selling in Japan for some time now and the incrementaly improved PZ [Comparing translated Japanese web pages; it looks like processing has been improved, with higher bit rates and 1:1 mapping; they have added another HDMI port; and it is rumored that the PZ will have v1.3 HDMI.] will rollout to the JDM first, while we get shipped what amounts to their discontinued model -- which will be marketed to us as the latest and greatest. I suspect the plan is to milk the PX line for as long as they can, while they continue to build demand for the PZ panels. Maybe Panasonic thinks of releasing to the JDM first as their beta testing for the USDM, but it still feels like the redheaded stepchild treatment to me.

Frankly, I'm having a hard time feeling good about spending early adopter $$$$, with the knowledge that I'm getting what is essentially last years model. Problem for me, is that I have been holding out too long already, and waiting for a PZ *expected* by Super Bowl is too hard to consider right now. I don't want to miss yet another entire season while I'm pining away for the PZ. I'm giving serious consideration to just get the Pio 6070 and saying &%@~ it for now. I can always move the Pio to the bedroom in a couple of years and replace it with an 80" SED.

I am with you but it sounds like it will be worth waiting for the PZ model - I am!

Problem for me, is that I have been holding out too long already, and waiting for a PZ *expected* by Super Bowl is too hard to consider right now. I don't want to miss yet another entire season while I'm pining away for the PZ. I'm giving serious consideration to just get the Pio 6070 and saying &%@~ it for now. I can always move the Pio to the bedroom in a couple of years and replace it with an 80" SED.Unless it's your team playing in the Super Bowl and after a "few" beers anyway... the game will look just as good on any 720p PDP display. ;)

Any news about when it will be released?

Any news about when it will be released?

"Soon."

(But don't hold me to that.)

Scheduled for October release to coincide with the release of Blu-Ray.

New 1080p DVI board is HDCP

Rumored as well that a 1080p HDMI board to be released at the same time.

Guessing that native res will still only be via DVI and not HDMI if they follow the same marketing plan.

Both will be supported only in series 9 - 1080p models (the 65 and 103 inchers)

50Hz refresh will also be supported as may be others, unknown yet.

TW

If the TH-65PHD8UK (http://catalog2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ModelDetail?displayTab=O&storeId=11201&catalogId=13051&itemId=94912&catGroupId=14624&modelNo=TH-65PHD8UK&surfModel=TH-65PHD8UK) goes for $11,995.00, how much will a TH-65PZ600 (http://www.th-65pz600.net/comments/1/) cost?

Nice Summary. Thanks TechWizard.

"Soon."

(But don't hold me to that.)


Called my source at Tweeter Corporate today, where I have one on pre-order, he is showing the TH-65PX600U as schedule to arrive, at the San Diego warehouse, in the 1st week of September, (4th thru the 8th). MSRP $ 9999.95

I am actually hoping that they will be late, as I have a few unrsolved questions, that I hope to get answers to at CEDIA the following week, before I purchase one.

Called my source at Tweeter Corporate today, where I have one on pre-order, he is showing the TH-65PX600U as schedule to arrive, at the San Diego warehouse, in the 1st week of September, (4th thru the 8th). MSRP $ 9999.95

I am actually hoping that they will be late, as I have a few unrsolved questions, that I hope to get answers to at CEDIA the following week, before I purchase one.So for a nickel more that's $10,000.00 :eek: which is practically a bargain when compared to the TH-65PDH8UK. :D

Optivity - I'm accepting all donations. Wanna help out, or are you still saving for that vroom-vroom-power-boat?

Optivity - I'm accepting all donations. Wanna help out, or are you still saving for that vroom-vroom-power-boat?Don't laugh, because for the price of one of these... TH-103PZ600U (http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prModelDetail?storeId=11301&catalogId=13251&itemId=98057&modelNo=Content07192006102223667&surfModel=Content07192006102223667), I could be sailing around on Lake George (http://www.visitlakegeorge.com/) quite nicely in one of these... 2006 Bayliner 285 (http://www.bayliner.com/cruisers.asp?modelid=54114&year=2006). :D

check it out... it's even got "Coax Cable for TV Antenna," which will be quite handy indeed. :D

I hear Lake George is a dangerous place with boats tipping over. Was that you making unsafe wakes last year?

Anyhow...back to topic...

Tonypaul First week of September would rock, but I am not so optimistic. How can something with virtually no specs can out that soon? I suspect the 1st week of September is when the press-release will come out.

Keep us informed!

Scheduled for October release to coincide with the release of Blu-Ray.

New 1080p DVI board is HDCP

Rumored as well that a 1080p HDMI board to be released at the same time.

Guessing that native res will still only be via DVI and not HDMI if they follow the same marketing plan.

TW

Thanks Techniwizard.

Can you tell me: If they release this model with an HDMI board that does not support native res, is it a matter of simply swapping HDMI boards once they release a native res version? (In other words, someone wanting native res via HDMI shouldn't worry, since it just means upgrading the HDMI board at some point).

????

Thanks.

Scheduled for October release to coincide with the release of Blu-Ray.

New 1080p DVI board is HDCP

Rumored as well that a 1080p HDMI board to be released at the same time.

Guessing that native res will still only be via DVI and not HDMI if they follow the same marketing plan.

Both will be supported only in series 9 - 1080p models (the 65 and 103 inchers)

50Hz refresh will also be supported as may be others, unknown yet.

TW

Thanks Techniwizard,

It would be nice to know of the "1:1 mode" applies to the HDMI board. That is all they would need for native rate on HDMI.

- Rich

Scheduled for October release to coincide with the release of Blu-Ray.

New 1080p DVI board is HDCP

Rumored as well that a 1080p HDMI board to be released at the same time.

Guessing that native res will still only be via DVI and not HDMI if they follow the same marketing plan.

Both will be supported only in series 9 - 1080p models (the 65 and 103 inchers)

50Hz refresh will also be supported as may be others, unknown yet.

TW

Any idea what that 1080p HDMI board supports? 1080/24p, 1080/24sf, 1080/25p, 1080/30p, 1080/60p?

"The 65W-inch 1,080p model, TH-65PX600U, will carry a $9,999.95 suggested retail price, and will ship in September, the company said." Quote from 7/19/2006 from Twice article announcing the 103" Panny.

Scheduled for October release to coincide with the release of Blu-Ray.

New 1080p DVI board is HDCP

Rumored as well that a 1080p HDMI board to be released at the same time.

Guessing that native res will still only be via DVI and not HDMI if they follow the same marketing plan.

Both will be supported only in series 9 - 1080p models (the 65 and 103 inchers)

50Hz refresh will also be supported as may be others, unknown yet.

TW

This is good info, but still leaves us completely in the dark regarding the feature set of the consumer model (which is technically the topic of this discussion, although talk of the commercial 65PF9U model has inevitably crept in).

I think the biggest unknown is whether the consumer model will support 1080p/60 over HDMI (like the other 9th generation consumer displays do).

Thanks Techniwizard,

It would be nice to know of the "1:1 mode" applies to the HDMI board. That is all they would need for native rate on HDMI.

- Rich

And technically, you don't even need that as you will still be able to adjust picture position and size and get "1:1" in the classic 8U and earlier sense of the term. Agreed that its not as nice as this new 1:1 feature, since the internal scaler will still be in play.

New 1080p DVI board is HDCP

Rumored as well that a 1080p HDMI board to be released at the same time.

Guessing that native res will still only be via DVI and not HDMI if they follow the same marketing plan.

50Hz refresh will also be supported as may be others, unknown yet.
Sounds good so far. I hope for 1080p24, 1080p50 and 1080p60 support. If 1080p48 was also supported, that would be a nice bonus.

Do you know anything about HDMI 1.3? E.g. I think it would make sense to release the DVI blade in October and delay the HDMI blade until it can incorporate HDMI 1.3.

This is good info, but still leaves us completely in the dark regarding the feature set of the consumer model (which is technically the topic of this discussion, although talk of the commercial 65PF9U model has inevitably crept in).

I think the biggest unknown is whether the consumer model will support 1080p/60 over HDMI (like the other 9th generation consumer displays do).

This topic of this thread has never been totally commercial or totally consumer. Going back almost exactly one year the interest was a 65" 1080p display (happy B-day to the thread). So when TechWizard posts juicey details please don't down-play his comments (especially TechWiz) - he's really tuned in, plus most us here care about the details for both types of sets.

Yes it is confusing with a 65" 600U thread thead (includes other sizes too) out there, as well as a 65" PF thread too. Hell, there is even a PZ thread with 65" in the title.

This thread is more of a safehaven.

This topic of this thread has never been totally commercial or totally consumer. Going back almost exactly one year the interest was a 65" 1080p display (happy B-day to the thread). So when TechWizard posts juicey details please don't down-play his comments (especially TechWiz) - he's really tuned in, plus most us here care about the details for both types of sets.

I wasn't downplaying his comments. That's why I said "This is good info" instead of saying "You suck Techniwizard" ;)

My point is that this thread:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=682757&page=1&pp=60&highlight=th65pf9uk

would maybe be a better spot to discuss the 65" 1080p commercial display. Not a big deal, just trying to make the information easier to find for everyone.

Yes it is confusing with a 65" 600U thread thead (includes other sizes too) out there, as well as a 65" PF thread too. Hell, there is even a PZ thread with 65" in the title.

This thread is more of a safehaven.

I guess it wasn't so confusing to me as I figured this thread was for the consumer, the TH-65PF9UK thread was for the commercial, and the PZ thread was for the future generation sets.

Thanks, everybody, for providing more substantial information as it becomes available.

My next few questions are:

How reliable is Tweeter in getting their merchandise in the time-frame they predicted?

Will Tweeter have the plasma on display in one of their stores?

Any other sellers (forum sponsers, for instance) predicting/offering the 65 inch consumer set in the 1st week of September?

So we have the 65PZ600 coming out in Japan Sep 1st, and the 65PX600 arriving in the USA.

I tried Panny PR people to see if they knew what the differences were....they thought the only PZ was the 103" er! :eek:

I gave them the Japan articles on the 50, 58, 65, & 103 PZ 1080p sets. I think they are clueless as well as us on what is going on with the PX vs. PZ models.

Maybe once the 65PZ is out in Japan, and the 65PX is here in USA, some comparison can be made as to differences, so we all can make a decision about which to buy. I want a 65"er but may wait if the PZ is better.

waiting, waiting, waiting...... :o

As I said in the other thread, I think the 65" PX and the PZ are now the same machine.

If not, then the turn around time is probably going to be a year. PX was announced the same time last year as PZ was announced this year. It's been a full year and we are just about to get the PX. The bright side is the press release said the PZ will arrive 'soon' to other markets.

Guess we will find out SOON, since there will be a 65 PZ in Japan, and a 65PX in USA. Then....we will know the differences and whether it is worth the wait for the PZ if different. :cool:

As I said in the other thread, I think the 65" PX and the PZ are now the same machine.

That's not entirely out of the question. But I still think the 65PX600 will basically be the US version of the Japanese 65PX500, with updated glass. If so, hopefully, they will have at least added 1080p support over HDMI. And who knows, there might be plenty of other enhancements too.

That's not entirely out of the question. But I still think the 65PX600 will basically be the US version of the Japanese 65PX500, with updated glass. If so, hopefully, they will have at least added 1080p support over HDMI. And who knows, there might be plenty of other enhancements too.

As I have already beat this horse to death before, but i'lll say it agian, why even bother making a half PX half PZ model? Just release the PZ for all markets now and stop all the ********!

As I have already beat this horse to death before, but i'lll say it agian, why even bother making a half PX half PZ model? Just release the PZ for all markets now and stop all the ********!

But why wait until the PZ announcement to get all upset? It is not setting any precedent here. We've had almost a whole year with the TH-65PX500U sitting in Japanese stores, while we have absolutely no 1080p set whatsoever.

As I said in the other thread, I think the 65" PX and the PZ are now the same machine.

If not, then the turn around time is probably going to be a year. PX was announced the same time last year as PZ was announced this year. It's been a full year and we are just about to get the PX. The bright side is the press release said the PZ will arrive 'soon' to other markets.

This seems entirely feasible. What is the time frame from when a plasma is manufactured to the time it appears on a retailer's shelf? I know that Panasonic has been opening up more manufacturing facilities so by this time there should be a reasonable stockpile of 65 inch PX or PZ sets ready (or almost ready) to go.

If the PX sets are already produced would Panasonic just "sit on them" and wait for upgrades to make them compatible with their upcoming Blu-Ray machines? Or did they simply scrap the PX and forge ahead to the PZ knowing that Blu-Ray is supposed to hit big this winter?

(And speaking of Blu-Ray...I've been following those players and unless somebody can put out a "correctly" functioning Blu-Ray machine (especially Panasonic), all this perfect combination of a 1080p display with a Blu-Ray machine is pretty pointless.)

I think the 1080P while not immediately critical is of supreme importance going forward. I believe Panasonic will get their BD machine working.

There will be a HD DVD machine next year with 1080P/24/25 support.
Also, these screens are going up against ever expanding 1080P RP and FPs and it is difficult to look state of the art when they have it and you do not.

- Rich

As I said in the other thread, I think the 65" PX and the PZ are now the same machine.

If not, then the turn around time is probably going to be a year. PX was announced the same time last year as PZ was announced this year. It's been a full year and we are just about to get the PX. The bright side is the press release said the PZ will arrive 'soon' to other markets.

That would be great!

The reason for a Japanese release first is to get the kinks out close to home. I don't have a problem with that ;)

- Rich

That would be great!

The reason for a Japanese release first is to get the kinks out close to home. I don't have a problem with that ;)

- Rich


That's a very interesting point and one which I hadn't thought of.

So far, I have been telling myself (and my wife :D ) that I wouldn't upgrade our current display (42PWD5UY) to a 1080p 65" unit until they had been out for a year or so. This was to allow the bugs to get worked out and to allow the price to come down a little.

I was always thinking that this would happen next year, since they are just now about to come out here. But they've already been making them for a year now for the Japanese market. I guess I can't really use that excuse now.

How much are these going to cost, again?? :D BTW, I'm actually interested in the industrial display - 65PF9UK. Has any pricing come through for this unit? Thanks.

Thanks, everybody, for providing more substantial information as it becomes available.

My next few questions are:

How reliable is Tweeter in getting their merchandise in the time-frame they predicted?

Will Tweeter have the plasma on display in one of their stores?



When I inquired of my same Tweeter's source as to the projected arrival date and quanity of Pioneer PRO-FHD1, in the San Diego area, he was within 7 days of his projection with exactly 60 sets

As for a 65PX600U on display, as of two weeks after the arrival of the Pioneer 1080ps, even though they had 60 in stock, none were on display.

As of today, almost all San Diego County stores have one on display.

Thanks, Tony Paul, for the response. :) Sounds like September is going to be the month we waiters have been waiting for.

Thanks, Tony Paul, for the response. :) Sounds like September is going to be the month we waiters have been waiting for.


Not if you want the new and improved??? 65 PZ model... ;)

Not if you want the new and improved??? 65 PZ model... ;)

Huh?!

But the PX and PZ are the same model. I read it on AVS Forum somewhere so it has to be true. :D

Huh?!

But the PX and PZ are the same model. I read it on AVS Forum somewhere so it has to be true. :D

Of course...stupid me. :p

Sure would be nice to see the entire PZ series here in the good `old USA before Xmas. If it doesn't say XX PZ on it then I'm waiting; enough already of the baby step stuff from these manufacturers.

Of course...stupid me. :p

Sure would be nice to see the entire PZ series here in the good `old USA before Xmas. If it doesn't say XX PZ on it then I'm waiting; enough already of the baby step stuff from these manufacturers.

HAHAHA! But that's the game! By the time the PZ models come out in the good `old USA there will already be a news release about the next generation plasma series that's so much better than the PZ. You're always getting the old goods from Panny if you live in the US.

What is the time frame from when a plasma is manufactured to the time it appears on a retailer's shelf? I know that Panasonic has been opening up more manufacturing facilities so by this time there should be a reasonable stockpile of 65 inch PX or PZ sets ready (or almost ready) to go.

If the PX sets are already produced would Panasonic just "sit on them" and wait for upgrades to make them compatible with their upcoming Blu-Ray machines?

I can't answer your question directly because I do not have the information you ask for - however if we use AUO as a reference we can get some vision of what's going on.

AUO makes LCD glass and have been in a fierce battle with CM and Corning. Doing some research on them about 18 months ago, I found out that they used to have at most a 30 day supply of glass panels on hand. More often then had only a two-week supply. Glass panel buyers, it turned out were shipping has fast as they could add electronics to them. That was how things worked then.

Knowing this, I believe Panasonic makes and ships their product when completed. Also, since PDP and LCD panels fall in price by 3%-5% MtM and 10% QtQ (20% YtY ouch!) I doubt they are holding supply back.

Finally, they past March people couldnt even get 8UK models. A massive shortage!

HAHAHA! But that's the game! By the time the PZ models come out in the good `old USA there will already be a news release about the next generation plasma series that's so much better than the PZ. You're always getting the old goods from Panny if you live in the US.

I don't think so in this case. Remember the new PX 600 series that came out in Japan earlier this year. Well, it was only a couple of months later they were here in the good `ol USA!

I believe that the same scenario will occur with the PZ 600 series of 1080p sets. Sept 1st in Japan, and a couple of months later here in the good `ol USA.... :D

I don't understand this intermediate 65PX600 1080p...seems out of place, unless it is actually released as the PZ along with the 50, & 58 PZ models...then it makes sense. :cool:

Of course I am not Japanese, so my logic may not add up to Matsushita... :o

I don't think so in this case. Remember the new PX 600 series that came out in Japan earlier this year. Well, it was only a couple of months later they were here in the good `ol USA!


But the 65" PX was available in Japan last year (November I think).

Ah, but that was the PX500; not the 600. Correct?
So, for the same logic (mine) as with the PX600 series, the PZ600 1080p series will follow shortly in the USA!

But the 65" PX was available in Japan last year (November I think).

Right, and someone else on one of these threads recently said the PZ 50-58 would be released later this year but the PZ 65" would be delayed until later next year which one would assume is to allow a full on-sale period for the PX65.

Lots of conflicting info at the moment that probably won't get sorted out until next month at the earliest.

So you think that Panny will allow the Japanese to have the 50", 58" and 65" PZ 600 1080p models Sept 1st and the USA will get the 50", and 58" PZ 600 models a couple of months later, but NOT the 65" PZ 600? :eek:

Hmm, well that would be revolting to me. Totally illogical (with my Spock look he says). But like you say, in a few more months we will have more to go on....I hope.

Check back a few pages, that's what someone said. I hope that isn't the case but nothing surprises me anymore in TV land :)

I found the post

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8193682&&#post8193682

And honestly it makes sense. If the PX 65" shows up in Sep I don't see Panny only giving it a sales cycle of a few months and then replacing and restocking all the dealers with the replacement PZ model. It wouldn't make sense to even bother selling it at all for that short a time, and it would piss off the dealers and make the customers livid. The other option is that we will see the PZ 65" in the US next month. Otherwise if the PX 65" shows up here next month then I wouldn't bet on seeing the PZ 65" in the US for 9-12 months.

The next topic will be what the differences are between this alleged "updated" PX 65" and the PZ 65". Fun fun fun!! :)

Well, if we go by Panasonic's past track record on DVD players (and to some extent plasmas), once a player is released and goes through its production run, that's it. No more are produced no matter how large the demand. The next model is already being designed as the current one comes to market. And some production runs are smaller than others.

Another scenerio is this, then: The 65 inch PX600 is released in September, has a small, limited production run and sells out relatively quickly. Then in a few more months (say, January), the 65 inch PZ starts its production run. Otherwise, I'd agree with Jason. You'd piss off the retailers by having piggy-back releases of 65 inch plasmas which are priced relatively the same.

(Ya know, Techniwizard who posts on these threads works for Panasonic in New Jersey. I bet he could furnish us with some substantial information about the upcoming PX and PZ models.)

Techniwizard, how much do we have to bribe you to post some solid facts? ;) .)

Ok, so if a Panny 65PX600U is released here in the US in Sept then we have a problem:

Japan last Nov: 65PX500
Japan this Sept: 65PZ600
USA this Sept: 65PX600

Just what are the differences between these sets? :eek:

So, here in USA we have a 65PX600 while in Japan they have a 65PZ600. Sure hope there is some clearer differentation between these sets.

I think the better plan for Panny would be to simply release the XXPZ600 models here in the US a couple of months after their debut in Japan....done!

Ok, so if a Panny 65PX600U is released here in the US in Sept then we have a problem:

Japan last Nov: 65PX500
Japan this Sept: 65PZ600
USA this Sept: 65PX600

Just what are the differences between these sets? :eek:

So, here in USA we have a 65PX600 while in Japan they have a 65PZ600. Sure hope there is some clearer differentation between these sets.

I think the better plan for Panny would be to simply release the XXPZ600 models here in the US a couple of months after their debut in Japan....done!

The problem is they've announced three models, we've been waiting a full year already, and we have nothing. Waiting a "few months" will not work for a lot of people. Basically I think Panny has a few weeks of peoples' patience left. Speaking for myself, if availability isn't announced within a few weeks, I'm out. This was touted as their "flagship" so far it looks like the Titanic.

The problem is they've announced three models, we've been waiting a full year already, and we have nothing. Waiting a "few months" will not work for a lot of people. Basically I think Panny has a few weeks of peoples' patience left. Speaking for myself, if availability isn't announced within a few weeks, I'm out. This was touted as their "flagship" so far it looks like the Titanic.

By the end of September, we should have a 65PX600 released. All indications are that it will accept 1080P.

By the end of October, we should have the 65 commercial panel. All indications are that it accepts native rate and 24P.

We all have to decide if that is good enough. Of course, you could always by a competing 60+ inch 1080P Plasma panel. Oh right, there isn't one :)

- Ric

The recently announced PZ models (about 3 weeks ago) are the 50", 58", 65" and 103". The PZ models for Japan and the fact they were 1080p resolution was a surprise.

The 65" 1080p set was announced last August for a November release in Japan...never made it to USA.

So, a few months for these 1080p PZ models to show is fine with me...what's the alternative for PDP 1080p?

If the 65" unit release in the USA is not a PZ and the PZ is in fact a better system then I just may go with a 58PZ600U 1080p rather than wait months for the 65PZ600U to show up.

The recently announced PZ models (about 3 weeks ago) are the 50", 58", 65" and 103". The PZ models for Japan and the fact they were 1080p resolution was a surprise.

The lower resoltuions were only a mild surprise, but the 65" was already 1080p and wasn't 'new' news.

The 65" 1080p set was announced last August for a November release in Japan...never made it to USA.

Yes it did not. But you didnt give it time. In January 2006 at CES it was announced that it will come out September/October. The industrial has never been confirmed officially yet.

The industrial has never been confirmed officially yet.

Not officially. But reliable source confirm October ;)

- Rich

The lower resoltuions were only a mild surprise, but the 65" was already 1080p and wasn't 'new' news.

I guess what I found surprising was no one expected the smaller 50" & 58" sets in 1080p (as you note), but that the 65" was also a "PZ" ie 1080p set.
While the CES announcement:

http://www.cnet.com/4831-11405-6412231.html
"When it hits U.S. stores this summer, the TH-65PX600U will be Panasonic's flagship plasma panel, boasting full 1,920x1,080 high-definition"

continues to use the PX designation this new PZ set is the ? :confused:

I would be much happier if the entire PZ lineup is released in Sept-Nov here in the good `ol USA. That makes the Panny lineup logical with the PX sets the 768p res. and the PZ sets the 1080p res. :)

We do not know the differences between the PX and PZ lines.

No matter how many times people ask, we do not know the differences between the PX and PZ lines.

To summarize:

We do not know the differences between the PX and PZ lines :rolleyes:

- Rich

P.S. We would like to know what the differences between the PX and PZ lines :)

I suppose one significant difference at least for the 50" & 58" is that the PZ designation is 1080p.... :rolleyes:

As for the remaining differences, we shall have a good idea after there release in Japan Sept 1st. :)

We do not know the differences between the PX and PZ lines.

No matter how many times people ask, we do not know the differences between the PX and PZ lines.

To summarize:

We do not know the differences between the PX and PZ lines :rolleyes:

- Rich

P.S. We would like to know what the differences between the PX and PZ lines :)

LMAO!!! Yes we do, it's the X and the Z :D

You know a cynical man might state that Panny announced these 1080P panels even though they're nowhere close to being released simply to stop some sales of the Pio 50" 1080P panel which is actually NOT vapourware. I'm wondering if the 'delay' might now be blamed on having to wait on HDMI 1.3 chip sets to be shipped.
Bish

Well, the press release is pretty clear... Sept 1st release in Japan for the PZ 1080p sets. :D

Of course for the good `ol USA...wait. :mad:

As for the 65PX600U, it appears to be on schedule for Sept. release per CES, etc.
How different will it be when compared to the 65PZ600 in Japan... :confused:

You know a cynical man might state that Panny announced these 1080P panels even though they're nowhere close to being released simply to stop some sales of the Pio 50" 1080P panel which is actually NOT vapourware. I'm wondering if the 'delay' might now be blamed on having to wait on HDMI 1.3 chip sets to be shipped.
BishWhere is my M-Card slot?

You know a cynical man might state that Panny announced these 1080P panels even though they're nowhere close to being released simply to stop some sales of the Pio 50" 1080P panel which is actually NOT vapourware. I'm wondering if the 'delay' might now be blamed on having to wait on HDMI 1.3 chip sets to be shipped.
Bish


Its not uncommon for a manufacturer to provide a series of delays to keep a potential customer hooked and from buying a competing brand. Whether or not Panasonic is doing it, who knows.

Found TH-65px600u on p.6 of the cablelab verification list.

http://www.cablelabs.com/udcp/downloads/OC_PNP.pdf

I went to see the 103" at Grand Central today. I asked a lot of questions about the 65" I spoke to someone who seemed knowledgeable. He said the 65" PX would definitely be out next month. He said the 50" and 58" PZ would be out later in the year. He also said the 65" PZ would be out after the 65 PX product cycle. Finally, he said the picture quality of the 65 would be exactly the same as the 103. Hope he is right! He also said MSRP would be $9,999.

So, we know that the 65PX500 has been in Japan since last November. The 65PX600 has yet to be released anywhere(due in US in Sept), and now the 65PZ600 will appear in Japan Sept 1st.

The above quote appears illogical, since no 65PX600 has been released yet, why would a 65PZ600 come out in Japan, but a 65PX600 in the USA?

Unless, the PX and PZ are the same unit, and it will be the 65PZ600 released here....as mentioned earlier by Jack.

A PX600 here and never in Japan? Why would the PZ come out here AFTER the PX product cycle when it never was released in Japan?

Why would Panny produce this PX set just for the rest of the world and go from the PX500 to the PZ600 in Japan? Why not just release the PZ600 a little later in TROTW.

Very confusing still.... :confused:

Come'on Panny explain this mess with the 65"er.

The above quote appears illogical, since no 65PX600 has been released yet, why would a 65PZ600 come out in Japan, but a 65PX600 in the USA?


Because Japan may be on a one year advance cycle over the U.S..

Why did the US never see the 65PX500 that was launched last Nov in Japan?
We are going to get that as a PX600 now?

Seems confusing to have just the 65"er on this one year delay...why not the other sizes. The recent 50", and 58" 60(0) series came out here just a couple of months after Japan, so I don't understand why they don't do the same for the 65". :confused:

I'll be waiting forever :D

Well, if you want more confusion, then look at this link:

http://www.ameinfo.com/79839.html

"Panasonic introduces 65-inch Viera Plasma television in the Middle-East
Panasonic, the leading global manufacturer of consumer electronics, announced its Middle East launch of 65-inch plasma TV, the TH-65PV500, at a press conference today at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, Dubai....."

Anyone know if this set got released? As I recall from the threads at AVS, it was a 720p set. Never made it to the U.S. (I think the Viera line is discontinued, as a matter of fact.)

Yes, the waiting continues.

(I'm keeping my fingers, toes, and you-know-what crossed that September/October will bring us that 65 inch true 1080p set.)

Yes, the waiting continues.

(I'm keeping my fingers, toes, and you-know-what crossed that September/October will bring us that 65 inch true 1080p set.)

I would love to get a true 1080P too soon and know that it may last beyond 2-3 years instead of a panel that will be out of date a year from now. Been waiting for over a year now.

I would love to get a true 1080P too soon and know that it may last beyond 2-3 years instead of a panel that will be out of date a year from now. Been waiting for over a year now.

Yes, I think many of us are waiting for the 1080p sets because that "seems" to be a "standard" which will be with us for "quite" "some" time. (Notice all the quotation marks because I'm sure some new-and-improved electronics will come along (SED) to make us all wish we should have waited some more time, but 1080p will be good enough for my POOR, old tired eyes for some years to come.)

(Yeah, I don't want to get stuck upgrading each year, either. But I'm also tired of waiting.)

Yep, I know what you mean. Last year I was going to get the industrial model 65U8, then read about the 1080P, so I paused 'til now. May just jump on the new industrial 65" this October if we are a 100% sure that its passes true 1080P from HDMI.

Talked to sales rep in a NJ Best Buy and he did not even have a SKU number for the TH-65PX600U which is supposed to be out next month. He said that they usually get the SKU numbers two months ahead so it does not look good for September or October. Rats

I wonder if they have one for the TH-65PZ600U? ;)

Talked to sales rep in a NJ Best Buy and he did not even have a SKU number for the TH-65PX600U which is supposed to be out next month. He said that they usually get the SKU numbers two months ahead so it does not look good for September or October. Rats

So, not all of these stores will carry this model.
Tweeter, never displayed any Plasma over 50 inches, but would special order at list price :eek:

- Rich

Hopefully, it will be the PZ series instead.

one of the forum sponsors mentioned there would be price drops from panasonic and samsung on sept 1st. this set was to msrp at $10K? would be really sweet if they dropped it down another grand or two :).

Talked to sales rep in a NJ Best Buy and he did not even have a SKU number for the TH-65PX600U which is supposed to be out next month. He said that they usually get the SKU numbers two months ahead so it does not look good for September or October. Rats

I doubt that Best Buy will carry this model. From the people I talked to at Best Buy they didn't think they ever would. I could be wrong, of course.

I think you'll be able to find it in "higher end" electronic stores such as Ken Crane's, Paul's, Freidman's, TV Authority, Howard's, Audio-Video Superstore (in my area), Tweeter, perhaps Magnolia, perhaps Fry's, and several small, independent boutique stores. I could be wrong on those, of course, also.

I'd love to see it in the big box stores like Circuit City, Sears, Best Buy so I could do some creative price-matching.

After this forum died out for a couple of days, I started thinking maybe I should switch gears to another model. (I am pulling the trigger on some plasma in September.) Anyway, I called Panasonic a couple of days ago. The rep said the model will be available in September. It seemed she had heard this question more than once.

My humble theory is that Panasonic is working with Best Buy to incorporate the release of their flagship model, the TH-65PX600U with the opening of many flagship Best Buy Magnolia stores now in construction within many existing Best Buy locations and soon to be completed. A rep at Panasonic told me 2 weeks ago, August 31 was the ship date to large retailers. It's a puzzlement.

That would great if Best Buy gets into the action. I hope you're right. I'm going to go out this weekend and see if any the electronic stores in my area will take a preorder on the set. (Another forum member posted that a Tweeter store did/would.) There are two Magnolias near me, so I'll hit them, too.

That's my next worry, who around me will carry this set. Not just be able to special order me one, but have one on display. Mainly big box stores around me BB, CC, Sears and a couple small upscale places that probably don't have room to showcase a 65" set anyways. It'll be interesting for sure.

My humble theory is that Panasonic is working with Best Buy to incorporate the release of their flagship model, the TH-65PX600U with the opening of many flagship Best Buy Magnolia stores now in construction within many existing Best Buy locations and soon to be completed. A rep at Panasonic told me 2 weeks ago, August 31 was the ship date to large retailers. It's a puzzlement.

That would be great. I would love to see one of these before I pony up for the TH-65PF9UK.

- Rich

Through some Internet searching I noticed that one dealer claims to have this "in stock. Ships in 1-2 days." Unfortunately, it's one of those questionable "Manhattan" sellers. And what's worse it's being sold at quite a mark-up--an additional $5,000 over the rumored MSRP.

Edited to add:

Went to eleven B&M stores in my area (Los Angeles) over the weekend to try and put some money down on a pre-sale. All salespeople I spoke with did numerous searches through their computer stocking systems to ascertain availability.

Fry's Electronics--Salesman said they were awaiting the 58" Panny and would not be selling the 65"
Friedman's--Don't/won't carry it
Tweeter--Expected October 5th according to their system--wouldn't take a pre-order
First Ken Crane's--Not in their system, but salesman knew about the set and said they would be getting it in September
Second Ken Crane's--Not in their system, but the salesman talked with the Panasonic rep during the week and said they would have it after October
Video & Audio Center--Will get it soon, but not sure when. Told to call back in a week.
Star Club--Will get it as soon as possible
Paul's TV--End of September
Leigh Adam's--Will get it and gave a date of September 18th
2 Best Buys/Magnolias--(Westminister & Torrance) Both stores do not have it in their system and neither sounded like they would sell it, but they both told me call back each week, just to make sure

Any other Los Angeles stores I should I try? I want to be the envy of my neighbors and be the "first on my block" to get one.

Your information is inaccurate. Magnolia is definitely selling this unit. I have already "purchased" it. Delivery looks like the 3rd week of September per my Magnolia (Bay Area) rep.

Good luck.

SB27

Through some Internet searching I noticed that one dealer claims to have this "in stock. Ships in 1-2 days." Unfortunately, it's one of those questionable "Manhattan" sellers. And what's worse it's being sold at quite a mark-up--an additional $5,000 over the rumored MSRP.

Edited to add:

Went to eleven B&M stores in my area (Los Angeles) over the weekend to try and put some money down on a pre-sale. All salespeople I spoke with did numerous searches through their computer stocking systems to ascertain availability.

Fry's Electronics--Salesman said they were awaiting the 58" Panny and would not be selling the 65"
Friedman's--Don't/won't carry it
Tweeter--Expected October 5th according to their system--wouldn't take a pre-order
First Ken Crane's--Not in their system, but salesman knew about the set and said they would be getting it in September
Second Ken Crane's--Not in their system, but the salesman talked with the Panasonic rep during the week and said they would have it after October
Video & Audio Center--Will get it soon, but not sure when--stocking system was down
Star Club--Will get it as soon as possible
Paul's TV--End of September
Leigh Adam's--Will get it and gave a date of September 18th
2 Best Buys/Magnolias--(Westminister & Torrance) Both stores do not have it in their system and neither sounded like they would sell it, but they both told me call back each week, just to make sure

Any other Los Angeles stores I should I try? I want to be the envy of my neighbors and be the "first on my block" to get one.

Thanks, SB27, for the info.

At one of the Magnolias I went to, I stood watching for five minutes while two salespeople put in every possible configuration of letters and numbers into their system computer before telling me they couldn't find it. Then they told me they didn't think Magnolia would be selling it, but that I could try back in the future in case things changed. At the other Magnolia, the salesclerk did a quick search and couldn't find it and told me they wouldn't be carrying it, but he also told me things "could" change.

If you could post the store location or number where you purchased it from, that would help. Armed with that information maybe I could get the people around here to tap into that data somehow.

(I know Best Buy usually has a Labor Day Sale with coupons. Maybe if I'm lucky I can pre-buy a set like you and also save a chunk of change. :D)

Franchot,

Three years ago, Sears (and it might apply to other big box stores) would sell you a TV that hasn't started shipping yet based on expected release dates. Last week, I found that they only list products that are currently shipping to their stores. Evidently, they've changed their policy on when displays are added to their system.

Would be good to know if Magnolias and by extention Best Buy will have these displays available.

Franchot,

Try the Colma, CA Magnolia Store. Speak with Michael Bishop. Late last year, he helped me track down a 2005 Fuji 50 inch plasma at a huge discount. It was "lost" in Magnolia's inventory system andhe was able to track the last one down for me. I therefore gave him the nod on the TH-65PX600U.

He has been very upfront and aggressive in trying to get me the latest updates. Good luck.

SB27

Thanks, SB27, for the info.

At one of the Magnolias I went to, I stood watching for five minutes while two salespeople put in every possible configuration of letters and numbers into their system computer before telling me they couldn't find it. Then they told me they didn't think Magnolia would be selling it, but that I could try back in the future in case things changed. At the other Magnolia, the salesclerk did a quick search and couldn't find it and told me they wouldn't be carrying it, but he also told me things "could" change.

If you could post the store location or number where you purchased it from, that would help. Armed with that information maybe I could get the people around here to tap into that data somehow.

(I know Best Buy usually has a Labor Day Sale with coupons. Maybe if I'm lucky I can pre-buy a set like you and also save a chunk of change. :D)

Franchot,Try the Colma, CA Magnolia Store...
SB27

Thanks, SB27! Your response and the information is MUCH appreciated. :)

If the PX600 65 inch doesn't have hdmi, then do we know if we will be able to display 1080p on the tv all at or is that still up is the air (my understanding is that there are some 1080p non plasmas that came out in last year or two that you weren't able to use the 1080p that they have because they didn't have the input for it)? If the PX600 65 inch doesn't have hdmi but it does display 1080p then would it be via DVI (is that the right abbreviation?)? -- if that's the case that we can use the 1080p but over DVI then how much or a bad thing is that (I really have no clue)? It is mostly a connection issue as the hdmi is cleaner, a single cord, and there would be easy switching? or is the PQ likely to be much better via the HDMI? I understand that the HDMI v1.3 can have more color choices so has some potential advantage there. If the px600 65 inch does have HDMI then would it have to be v1.3 or could it have an earlier version? If it has an earlier version can the earlier versions transmit 1080p and what would be the PQ difference likely between the DVI and the earlier versions or HDMI? I want to buy this TV, but am trying to figure out if waiting for a version with HDMI will be worth it. This long terrible post is my first -- I'd certainly appreciate a few responses from different people if different people know or think different things about the above stuff. Just trying to educate myself. THANKS!!! Steve

Since the PX600U series sets released in May/June have the HDMI 1080p input capable and would conclude that this 65PX600U will also. Not likely ver 1.3, but it is my understanding that is not a big deal for video...mostly audio. It will be interesting to see what the PZ600's have when they are released in Japan on Friday!

Since the PX600U series sets released in May/June have the HDMI 1080p input capable and would conclude that this 65PX600U will also. Not likely ver 1.3, but it is my understanding that is not a big deal for video...mostly audio. It will be interesting to see what the PZ600's have when they are released in Japan on Friday!

Thanks for replying. So assuming that the 65PX600U has HDMI input that can handle 1080p, why are the people who are thinking they may want to wait for the PZ series waiting for? are you thinking you may want to wait for the v1.3 and if so what do you know about it that makes you want to wait (I assume not the audio as that can still go from a HDDVD player with v1.3 to an receiver with v1.3 input (when these things come out). Is it for 1 to 1 mapping? What do people know about 1 to 1 mapping -- likely to be lead to much more PQ -- any feelings for this? Or are there other reasons to consider waiting -- I understand we don't know the specs on the 65px or 65pz but I'd mostly like to know if the pz would be worth waiting for in others' opinions for the v1.3 or for 1 to 1 mapping or for anything else (assuming they are on the pz and not px).

Thanks for replying. So assuming that the 65PX600U has HDMI input that can handle 1080p, why are the people who are thinking they may want to wait for the PZ series waiting for? are you thinking you may want to wait for the v1.3 and if so what do you know about it that makes you want to wait (I assume not the audio as that can still go from a HDDVD player with v1.3 to an receiver with v1.3 input (when these things come out). Is it for 1 to 1 mapping? What do people know about 1 to 1 mapping -- likely to be lead to much more PQ -- any feelings for this? Or are there other reasons to consider waiting -- I understand we don't know the specs on the 65px or 65pz but I'd mostly like to know if the pz would be worth waiting for in others' opinions for the v1.3 or for 1 to 1 mapping or for anything else (assuming they are on the pz and not px).

1.3 *could* potentially be a benefit in that it provides more color resolution to avoid banding artifacts. However, that may not be a big deal since neither BD or HD DVD can be encoded with additional color detail with VC1 or MPeg2.
1.3 may matter most for audio pass-through, but then again it may be passed fine even though the data is not understood.
If you are using the speakers on the display, then it of no benefit.

What may be of benefit is support for 1080P/24 since that is what is recorded on BD and HD DVD disks. That would greatly reduce judder if properly implemented in the panel. 1:1 pixel mapping improves the picture with HD sources that do not require overscan since each pixel is represented. That is a good thing. Also, very useful for PC display.

- Rich

1.3 *could* potentially be a benefit in that it provides more color resolution to avoid banding artifacts. However, that may not be a big deal since neither BD or HD DVD can be encoded with additional color detail with VC1 or MPeg2.
1.3 may matter most for audio pass-through, but then again it may be passed fine even though the data is not understood.
If you are using the speakers on the display, then it of no benefit.

What may be of benefit is support for 1080P/24 since that is what is recorded on BD and HD DVD disks. That would greatly reduce judder if properly implemented in the panel. 1:1 pixel mapping improves the picture with HD sources that do not require overscan since each pixel is represented. That is a good thing. Also, very useful for PC display.

- Rich

Thank you for you for the reply and info. What is audio pass-through? If using the speakers on the display you said v1.3 no benefit (is that b/c they are so small you couldn't tell the difference or b/c they are not 5.1 or why?). What is judder? How big a problem is judder? Is judder just with 1080p? 1:1 mapping helps for sources that do not require overscan -- which sources are these (ie HD from Direct TV or SD dvd or HD dvd or what?)? Should I still assume if I get the PX600 65 inch that it sSHOULD (likely but not for sure) look as good as almost any display currently available (tastes aside)? Lastly, is the assumption (if you know) that the commercial version will have 1:1 mapping and v1.3 or is that unclear at this point?

Thank you for you for the reply and info. What is audio pass-through? If using the speakers on the display you said v1.3 no benefit (is that b/c they are so small you couldn't tell the difference or b/c they are not 5.1 or why?). What is judder? How big a problem is judder? Is judder just with 1080p? 1:1 mapping helps for sources that do not require overscan -- which sources are these (ie HD from Direct TV or SD dvd or HD dvd or what?)? Should I still assume if I get the PX600 65 inch that it sSHOULD (likely but not for sure) look as good as almost any display currently available (tastes aside)? Lastly, is the assumption (if you know) that the commercial version will have 1:1 mapping and v1.3 or is that unclear at this point?

Some of you questions there are answers for with some searching. Basically, Film is 24 frames per second, Video and most displays are 60 frames per second. They need to map these so frames from file source must be repeated in a 3:2 pattern that makes it less smooth. If a display can accept 24P and display it at that rate or an exact multiple it will be smoother.

TVs overcan. If an HD source is framed properly it should not require overscan so a 1080P source HD DVD or BD would like its very best this way. Broadcast 1080i should not require overscan, however, most stations screw it up. Especially when upconvering 480i. They include the closed caption information. So you may need both overscan and no overscan depending on the source. PC display should always be at the same pixel count 1:1 for any display. The commercial version will have 1:1. 1.3 in unlikely.

Pass-thru may be required of you want to run an the audio to a separate HT system. The screen handles video only. Also, it has tuners so the sound would be sourced from the screen.


- Rich

PANASONIC HAS OFFICIALLY MOVED RELEASE DATE

I spoke with a Panasonic rep today. Their story has changed since last week (when they were still sticking to a September release date). The release date for the 65PX600U will be mid-October and the stores will probably not have them until late October. The release will coincide with their Blu-Ray and integrated 7.1 sound system. It looks like they will be marketing the TV, Blu-Ray and sound system as a package... one remote operate operates everything and possible discounts for package buying. (This last sentence is from earlier press releases quoting Panasonic officers.)

I also asked when the specs would be released. She didn't know.

BOOOOOOOOOO BOOOOOOOOOOOOO HISSSSSSSSSSSS

I'll be in the old home by the time these TV's arrive and I don't think they'll let me have a 65" TV there :(

PANASONIC HAS OFFICIALLY MOVED RELEASE DATE

It looks like they will be marketing the TV, Blu-Ray and sound system as a package...

That makes sense, actually. They have to figure out some way to unload those Blu-Ray players. :)

Well, the wait continues. Anyone know if the release in Japan on Friday of the 65 inch PZ is tied into the Panasonic Blu-Ray player and sound system release and they will also debut? That will be interesting IF it is.