My 50PHD8UK impressions [Text View] - Page 5

citman

03-27-06, 02:31 PM

:mad: well, hooked up the component card with the new receiver Saturday and immediately noticed a few things. 1- the new component capable Sony revceiver doesn't sound as good IMO as the older model did, although I am still tweaking the settings. It sounds OK. 2- VCR tapes SUCK to watch :( I tried 3 different VCRs (the older ones were worse) and even with playing with tracking and picture settings VCR tapes don't look that great. Borderline watchable even IMO (I guess the DVDs and HD have me spoled now?) Anybody else get good picture with a VCR?

The 880 is programmed and working. :D The buttons are indeed small, but managable especially for the $. Took a little while to get used to the programming interface...but when you figure it out it rocks and is easy. Hint to new users- the default input settings for the TH-50PHD8UK are set to 3 only - S-video/component/PC and if you have bought blades like me you have to relabel and add an input to the settings. No biggie...but you can't just install the defaults and run, no way. Oppo users will want to add the DVI button to their setup as well to change output signals. I like it so far especially the ON/OFF activites thing (will be great for the w.i.f.e./kids as they always leave crap on)

I'd like to be able to change the activities page and customize it with my own labels and priorities though (I don't listen to radio or CDs on my setup) Is there a way to like change it from "Watch Tivo" to just TIVO and set it on the top button? that would be cool. Otherwise the 880 is a great choice and so far real simple to use. Much better than 5 remotes for sure.

Now to get the set past 100 hours and pop the Avia/DVE discs in. After that...then it's time for PS2!! :D (I may be paranoid...but why risk it)

I was also REAL bummed out about the TPC, Nascar, Indycar events NOT being broadcast in HD this weekend :mad: Man...TPC IS the 5th major and I really thought NBC would've had it in HD. Same thing with the races. when will these network dudes get it together? :mad: :D :mad: :D

Yamadr6

03-27-06, 02:49 PM

citman

03-27-06, 02:57 PM

The picture from my VCR was so poor compared to DVD and HD that I have given up on it all together. :mad:

which is kinda a bummer to me....you should see how many freakin VCR tapes I have :D :eek: :D :eek:

OH...one more thing. I have a Plextor video capture device and a DVD burner that I use for home movies etc. I used to record allot of shows from the SD tivo onto VHS via VCR. I tried hooking it up to the HR10-250 this weekend and could get audio...but NO video :mad: I am thinking that either 1- it will only output video when you do the "save to vcr" thing on recorded shows? 2- it will output video to 1 source at a time only, not 2? (hdmi out to tv and either s-vid or composite out at same time doesn't work) 3- it's a new and improved box that won't let you record anything?

anybody else recording shows off their HR10-250? if so, how?

jsf2001

03-27-06, 03:22 PM

:mad: well, hooked up the component card with the new receiver Saturday and immediately noticed a few things. 1- the new component capable Sony revceiver doesn't sound as good IMO as the older model did, although I am still tweaking the settings. It sounds OK. 2- VCR tapes SUCK to watch :( I tried 3 different VCRs (the older ones were worse) and even with playing with tracking and picture settings VCR tapes don't look that great. Borderline watchable even IMO (I guess the DVDs and HD have me spoled now?) Anybody else get good picture with a VCR?

The 880 is programmed and working. :D The buttons are indeed small, but managable especially for the $. Took a little while to get used to the programming interface...but when you figure it out it rocks and is easy. Hint to new users- the default input settings for the TH-50PHD8UK are set to 3 only - S-video/component/PC and if you have bought blades like me you have to relabel and add an input to the settings. No biggie...but you can't just install the defaults and run, no way. Oppo users will want to add the DVI button to their setup as well to change output signals. I like it so far especially the ON/OFF activites thing (will be great for the w.i.f.e./kids as they always leave crap on)

I'd like to be able to change the activities page and customize it with my own labels and priorities though (I don't listen to radio or CDs on my setup) Is there a way to like change it from "Watch Tivo" to just TIVO and set it on the top button? that would be cool. Otherwise the 880 is a great choice and so far real simple to use. Much better than 5 remotes for sure.

Citman: I know that VCR tapes tend to disappoint. You have to keep in mind that most VCR tapes only have 240 lines of resolution and were never intended to be played on anything as big as a 50" screen, let alone on anything that was capable of displaying 768 lines of resolution. Even HD images don't look great when you zoom in at 3X, which is what you're essentially doing when you try to play a vcr tape on an HD display.

I'm glad to hear that you found the 880 to be worth buying even though it isn't perfect. I knew your wife would like it. You can do some customizing of the main ID screen, but you'll have to dig into the web site to find instructions on how to do that. Plus, you can rearrange the order of your activities and prioritize them the way that you prefer.

citman

03-27-06, 03:59 PM

jsf2001

03-27-06, 04:12 PM

Yamadr6

03-27-06, 05:05 PM

yeah...did some digging at the Harmony web site just now and found what you menat. you CAN re-label the activities and put them in any order you wish...cool. Now If you could only do that with the buttons that are displayed during the activity (I'll bet you can ;) ) I also found the complete user manual .pdf at the site and plan on reading up.
Do you think you could post the link for that pdf file. :D

I do not have a 880 but I am planning on buying one. Is just that $248 is a bit too much to pay for a remote. :(

The more I read about it the more convinced I am that I need one. ;)

jsf2001

03-27-06, 05:10 PM

Do you think you could post the link for that pdf file. :D

I do not have a 880 but I am planning on buying one. Is just that $248 is a bit too much to pay for a remote. :(

The more I read about it the more convinced I am that I need one. ;)

Yamadr6: Just sent you a PM with some info on this remote.

SpineRep

03-27-06, 08:12 PM

Do you think you could post the link for that pdf file. :D

I do not have a 880 but I am planning on buying one. Is just that $248 is a bit too much to pay for a remote. :(

The more I read about it the more convinced I am that I need one. ;)

I am with you on this one! A bit pricey!!! Is the rebate deal still active? Hoping to order an 880 next week sometime.

Russ

cherrypik

03-27-06, 08:27 PM

This is a commercial panel and finding it in a retail brick and mortar store like BB or CC is close to impossible. Your best bet is to find a dealer of commercial audio/video and hope that they stock one for you to test. That said, the TH-50PHD8UK rates as pretty much the finest in picture quality for the price; check the reviews around the web for proof. I ordered mine without ever laying sight on a demo panel, and I ordered it online - as most of the people in the AVS Forums have.

If you have Direct TV HD or Comcast HD then you are all set to go. Go to Comcast's website to see what HD content is simulcast in your area, but generally it is 720p (progressive) and 1080i (interlaced). Either looks great on the TH-50PHD8UK .

Picture in picture is handled by the TH-50PHD8UK, but relies on two tuner sources I believe; I'm sure others will be able to elaborate. That said, my Comcast HD DVR box has two tuners inside of it; the moment I receive my TV I'll let you know how it works. I receive my panel this week.

Cheers!

So I basically do not need a ASTC tuner if I have Comcast or Direct TV. I was thinking of picking it up at Tigerdirect in Naperville but it was not on display there either. Basically I want to see this and the Sony KDSR-50/XBR1 SXRD DLP before I pull the trigger.

BruZZi

03-27-06, 09:03 PM

yeah...did some digging at the Harmony web site just now and found what you menat. you CAN re-label the activities and put them in any order you wish...cool. Now If you could only do that with the buttons that are displayed during the activity (I'll bet you can ;) ) I also found the complete user manual .pdf at the site and plan on reading up.

Citman, I got question for you...

I received my Oppo OPDV971H Player today and for some reason I can't get a stable picture when I set to 480p. All other resolutions works fine with no problems. Since I know nothing about this Brand I could be doing something wrong (didn't have much time to play with it yet). Do you have any issues using 480p ???

__________________________________
BruZZi's Panasonic Plasma FAQ — bruzzi.ws
Lots of info for all Plasmas in general.

seattlemike

03-27-06, 09:25 PM

bruzzi, if using dvi don't know what the problem is, but if you are using component the oppo doesn't allow progressive playback over component; only 480i if I remember correctly. cheers mike

BruZZi

03-27-06, 09:30 PM

bruzzi, if using dvi don't know what the problem is, but if you are using component the oppo doesn't allow progressive playback over component; only 480i if I remember correctly. cheers mike

Thanks for the reply seattlemike.

Sorry I forgot to mention that I'm using the HDMI Blade with the HDMI/DVI cable supplied by Oppo.

:confused: :confused: :confused:

__________________________________
BruZZi's Panasonic Plasma FAQ — bruzzi.ws
Lots of info for all Plasmas in general.

FrankieP

03-27-06, 09:39 PM

FrankieP,

If you ordered your set through Costco as you mentioned, then the delivery carrier will/should do that work for you, including inspection. It is part of Costco's "White Glove Delivery"

"Standard shipping via White Glove* furniture carrier. "White Glove" delivery includes inside delivery, uncrating or unpacking, and removal of packing materials. Carrier will call to set up a delivery time."

JG

JG,
yeh, forgot about that white glove delivery thing. They called to say they can make delivery between 3-6pm and I had to go to work at 6pm. We rescheduled it for tomorrow at the same time.

EnochLight Heheh - I just called off work today because mine is supposed to be delivered too! ;-)

Haha... I was tempted to call in but that unused sick time after the end of the year is a pretty hefty sum of lump cash. I got 3 days off starting tomorrow anyway which would give me enough time to have everything setup and running.

FrankieP

03-27-06, 09:47 PM

I have an 880 and it has been well worth the price. It amazes me how many devices they have support for it. What drove me to get one was the support for my HTPC (an Origen AE X15e case running MCE 2005 and Theatertek) and it can power up/down the PC with a touch of a button.

citman

03-28-06, 09:32 AM

I am with you on this one! A bit pricey!!! Is the rebate deal still active? Hoping to order an 880 next week sometime.

Russ

yeah...I got mine from Harmony computer for $163 MINUS the $50 rebate from Logitech = $113 delivered :)

citman

03-28-06, 09:40 AM

Citman, I got question for you...

I received my Oppo OPDV971H Player today and for some reason I can't get a stable picture when I set to 480p. All other resolutions works fine with no problems. Since I know nothing about this Brand I could be doing something wrong (didn't have much time to play with it yet). Do you have any issues using 480p ??

Bruzzi-
I haven't experienced this at all. Matter of fact I flip (DVI button) between 480/540/720/1080 all the time to get to the different aspect ratios (480 out lets me stretch it) or picture quality. On those 2.xx films I always use 480 out so I can go to zoom mode and eliminate the top/bottom lines.

Are you hooking it up via HDMI or DVI? Mine is with a DVI blade FWIW. I would contact Oppo right away. I hear they have great tech support...although I haven't had to use it yet.

Speaking of DVD....did you also see the AVS forums members group buy on the Toshiba HD-DVD that is happening? I didn't think these players would be available for a long time yet...but whammo! there here! :mad:

citman

03-28-06, 09:51 AM

880 manual is here-

http://images.harmonyremote.com/EasyZapper/Downloads/UserManual/880/enu/880_UserManual.pdf

EnochLight

03-28-06, 10:09 AM

Basically I want to see this (TH-50PHD8UK) and the Sony KDSR-50/XBR1 SXRD DLP before I pull the trigger.

Can't tell you too much about the Sony, but I can say first hand that the TH-50PHD8UK is incredible - this is the 2nd day I've blown off work just to spend time in front of it! ;-)

I hope others don't mind that I insert some pics into this thread, but I HAVE to share my excitement!

http://nympheas.org/tv/001.jpg

This is what the "Tip and Tell" indicator looked like when it was received. For a second, I was a little worried because there appeared to be a few grains of sand in the upper portion, however; upon closer inspection the lower bulbs appeared undisturbed.

http://nympheas.org/tv/002.jpg

After I opened the box and inspected, everything looked great so I signed off on the bill and slid the driver a $20-spot for helping me carry it into my living room when all I paid for was curbside. Thanks mister!

As a comparison, I tipped the opened box cover to its side so you can see what the "Tip and Tell" looks like when it is triggered. Although the sand in the top portion may not be that visible, notice the lower two bulbs - the sand is now concentrated in a sliding motion towards the top triangle.

http://nympheas.org/tv/003.jpg

There she is, sitting in my "sitting room" upstairs. It will be the last time a television occupies space in this room. The entertainment room is in the basement! ;-)

http://nympheas.org/tv/004.jpg

You can see the bottom crate pallet that it shipped on. Warning: I'm a rather healthy 175 pound man, and the driver was pushing a big 225 pounds - this beyotch was heavy! That said, the TV was strapped onto the shipping pallet along with my wall bracket... ;-)

http://nympheas.org/tv/005.jpg

Sorry - I was just too d*amn excited to see my first plasma screen sitting in front of me...inside of my own house... *drools*

EnochLight

03-28-06, 10:10 AM

http://nympheas.org/tv/006.jpg

I immediately got it down stairs with the help of a friend and hooked it up to test the panel. No problems, although at first I couldn't find the IR sensor's line-of-sight on the panel with the remote so I began to sweat... Heheh.. Notice the size compared to my old entertainment center that housed a 32" Sony Trinitron. BYE BYE CRT!!!

http://nympheas.org/tv/007.jpg

Love or hate the movie, "Dodgeball" was a great colours technology demo in HD to show off the potential of the TH-50PHD8UK. I recorded the last 30-minutes of it to show my wife when she got home from work - it worked! ;-) For those who are on the fence for getting the integrated DVR recorders with their cable boxes or satellite boxes- I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THEM!

http://nympheas.org/tv/008.jpg

The wall mounting plate installed easily enough. For those worried about the weight of a 100 pound panel sitting on studs, don't worry - each bolt supports about 25 pounds - no biggie! I chose to center it between my two walls and roughly between the middle of where my window sill sits and the floor.

http://nympheas.org/tv/0010.jpg

Voila`!

http://nympheas.org/tv/0012.jpg

The panel slides into the mounted bracket effortlessly - there are two "security screws" that you attach via an extended Allen wrench to make it difficult to steal. Frankly, I'm sure the panel would be destroyed if someone tried to rip it off of the wall without releasing these security screws. Time to lower my insurance comprehensive deductible! ;-)

Notice how crisp the font is on the DiscoveryHD special - I love HDTV!!!!

http://nympheas.org/tv/0013.jpg

As this is just a temporary install until I can drop the wires behind the wall and fish them down to my components (receiver, DVD player, etc), the wires will be hanging down and ugly for a bit. :-(

http://nympheas.org/tv/0011.jpg

It's blurry, but I took this so you could see how having some dim ambient light looks shining on the back walls that your panel sits on. As I purchased this panel instead of the more expensive and worse picture quality Ambilight series from *you know who*, I think it does help to have a bit of ambient light shining on the back walls. Softens the contrast and lessens eye strain while watching in a darkened room.

Anyway, I'm an official owner now - thanks to all in these forums for your input and advice.

Cheers!

BruZZi

03-28-06, 10:55 AM

Are you hooking it up via HDMI or DVI? Mine is with a DVI blade FWIW. I would contact Oppo right away. I hear they have great tech support...although I haven't had to use it yet.

Ahhh....

I thought you had your Oppo connected into the HDMI input just like me. So most likely is the HDMI blade not accepting the 480p signals.

Speaking of DVD....did you also see the AVS forums members group buy on the Toshiba HD-DVD that is happening? I didn't think these players would be available for a long time yet...but whammo! there here! :mad:

Not yey but I don't plan on getting a HD DVD player anytime soon. I never like to buy first generation of anything as they usually have too many bugs.

__________________________________
BruZZi's Panasonic Plasma FAQ — bruzzi.ws
Lots of info for all Plasmas in general.

BruZZi

03-28-06, 11:01 AM

http://nympheas.org/tv/0012.jpg

Don't lie to us EnochLight. :D :D :D

Congrats and Welcome to The Club. :) :) :)

__________________________________
BruZZi's Panasonic Plasma FAQ — bruzzi.ws
Lots of info for all Plasmas in general.

citman

03-28-06, 11:13 AM

I hear ya there Bruzzi....I'm also anxious to see how the format war is going to shake out between Sony and Toshiba. I also read that the HD discs are going to cost like $50 a piece? Although the price of the new Tosh player was allot lower than I thought it would be. I wonder if anyone will make a player that will play both HD DVD and Blueray?!? Or...(my guess would be) that neither Sony nor Toshiba will allow that to happen and you'll have to make a choice...or buy both technologies. We'll see I guess.

I need to take some pictures of my set soon too :D

citman

03-28-06, 11:16 AM

Ahhh....

I thought you had your Oppo connected into the HDMI input just like me. So most likely is the HDMI blade not accepting the 480p signals.

why wouldn't HDMI accept the 480? the HDCP thing? SEE!? I wasn't paranoid with buying the DVI blade as opposed to a 2nd HDMI ;) Even though my DVI blade is HDCP compliant...I believe it doesn't depend on or have to have the HDCP handshake stuff....correct? There are allot of problems with the HDCP protocol things I read...no? Another control mechanism from the man :mad:

Yamadr6

03-28-06, 11:33 AM

Ahhh....

I thought you had your Oppo connected into the HDMI input just like me. So most likely is the HDMI blade not accepting the 480p signals.

I tried setting my Dish box to 480p using HDMI and I must say I had no issues aside from the PQ not being as good as the 720p or the 1080i. :)

Yamadr6

03-28-06, 11:40 AM

yeah...I got mine from Harmony computer for $163 MINUS the $50 rebate from Logitech = $113 delivered :)
Does the Harmony 880 live up to your expectations? Do you feel it was well worth the money? How do you recommend Harmony Computer as a vendor? :D

TechoFobe

03-28-06, 11:51 AM

Speaking of DVD....did you also see the AVS forums members group buy on the Toshiba HD-DVD that is happening? I didn't think these players would be available for a long time yet...but whammo! there here! :mad:
I don't see anything about the HD-DVD... And, why are you mad about it? :)

citman

03-28-06, 03:40 PM

Does the Harmony 880 live up to your expectations? Do you feel it was well worth the money? How do you recommend Harmony Computer as a vendor? :D

yeah...the 880 is pretty cool. One touch turns on all your components that you want to use...and one touch turns them all off. I tweaked it around and now anything I want to do is easily on one remote...nice. :cool:

worth the $? yeah....$200 maybe not...but $113...yeah

no problems with Harmony Computer. Factory sealed box....got it in 3 days...no problems. :cool:

Yamadr6

03-28-06, 03:48 PM

yeah...the 880 is pretty cool. One touch turns on all your components that you want to use...and one touch turns them all off. I tweaked it around and now anything I want to do is easily on one remote...nice. :cool:

worth the $? yeah....$200 maybe not...but $113...yeah

no problems with Harmony Computer. Factory sealed box....got it in 3 days...no problems. :cool:

Thanks :D

citman

03-28-06, 03:49 PM

I don't see anything about the HD-DVD... And, why are you mad about it? :)

it was an email that went out to avs forum members to get the first crack at the new hd-dvd player. I'm mad becasue I wanted an upconverting dvd....bought a new Oppo just a few weeks ago...and now I could have gotten an upconverting dvd player that ALSO plays hd-dvd's :mad:

I thought these were going to be like $800....but the group buy from here was offered at around half that. All in all hd-dvd might not be the one to survive anyway...who knows...Sony might be the sole survivor when all is said and done (that would be my guess as they have a atronger foothold in the studios I believe) BUT for a little more I could've had the hd-dvd...and let's face it...HD just plain rocks...especially on my panny. :cool:

One of these days ALL programming will be in widescreen HD format....the question is WHEN God dammit :rolleyes: :D

citman

03-28-06, 03:55 PM

Thanks :D

No prob Yam :)
Jersey? where?
I was raised/lived/grew up in Wayne :D (still got family down there matter of fact)

Yamadr6

03-28-06, 06:57 PM

No prob Yam :)
Jersey? where?
I was raised/lived/grew up in Wayne :D (still got family down there matter of fact)
citman, Just sent you a PM. :D

FrankieP

03-28-06, 07:55 PM

Got my TH-50PHD8UK today from Costco, everything seems to be intact. Installed the DVI Blade and stand and placed it in my bedroom. This thing is freakin' heavy and HUGE!!! Can't resist to share some pics... :)

http://members.aol.com/fpido/TH50PHD8UK_1.jpg

White Gloved by Costco, the delivery guys opened it up for inspection. I signed for it after thorough checking. Told them to take the outer box and leave the smaller inner box as I still need it when I finally move to my newly constructed house.

http://members.aol.com/fpido/TH50PHD8UK_2.jpg

Installation of the DVI blade was straightforward. Should be done before installing the stand btw as I learned the hard way.

http://members.aol.com/fpido/TH50PHD8UK_3.jpg

The stand is solid and heavy and it really adds another 20-30 lbs. or so to the total weight of the plasma.

http://members.aol.com/fpido/TH50PHD8UK_4.jpg

On top of my old bedroom TV stand I bought from Bombay & Co. The table is built for a 42 inch. I plan to hang the TH50PHD8UK on the living room wall when I move and buy a 42 inch for the bedroom (TH42PHD8UK is now top on my list).

http://members.aol.com/fpido/TH50PHD8UK_5.jpg

Hooked up my HTPC, chose 1366 X 768 as resolution on the Nvidia properties (6600GT) , 1:1 pixel mapping!!! The desktop fits the screen perfectly!!! Fired up "The Fifth Element" in 720p HD. Awesome PQ!!! The glare is from the bedroom blinds btw.

http://members.aol.com/fpido/TH50PHD8UK_6.jpg

A shot of my son playing taken recently with my Sony HDR-HC1 camcorder at 1080i.

http://members.aol.com/fpido/TH50PHD8UK_7.jpg

Theatertek 2.2 running "King Kong" DVD.

That's enuff for now. Will be hooking up the YSP-800 speakers underneath the TV in a couple of minutes so the wife and I can enjoy watching a movie in bed tonight! :)

chadwik

03-28-06, 09:54 PM

thanks for sharing the pics. Good to hear Costco white glove delivery service went well. Mine should be here this week same way.

pro_ac628

03-28-06, 10:04 PM

EnochLight

03-28-06, 11:07 PM

I was thinking of getting the Panasonic 50phd8uk myself,need help here on hook up? I got comcast cable,I know I will need the HD reciever from them,I was looking at info on motorola hdtv recievers I see no HDMI outputs? Theirs component out,but theirs only one set of component in on the panasonic,should I get the HDMI card when I order TV?Now if I cant go HDMI where is my component cables from DVD player going? Oh boy what mess lol,help.

I've got Comcast HD; I just hooked it up via the components/BNC's - looks fantastic. From what I understand, the picture quality going from component to HDMI isn't that noticable... I mean it is slightly, but they both deliver signals as discrete red, green, and blue color components, together with sync information which allows the display to determine when a new line, or a new frame, begins. It's just that HDMI does it digitally (plus has room for audio streams - which is useless for those who are amping their audio via a receiver) and component does it analog.

From what I understand the theory goes that if you use HDMI and your content is pure digital, then you are going digital-to-digital instead of digital-to-analog as you would with component. However, I've heard people say that they can tell absolutely NO difference between HDMI and component, and I've heard some people say that component looks better with some sources and HDMI looks better with other sources!

Yeah....

Anywho, I wouldn't sweat getting an HDMI or DVI card until you connect your box via the components and see what you think.

For me, the picture is stunning through component/BNC - and I saved myself $150-$250 because I didn't buy an HDMI or DVI slot and cables. SNAP!

;-)

Cheers!

pierrebnh

03-28-06, 11:12 PM

pierrebnh

03-28-06, 11:14 PM

I've got Comcast HD; I just hooked it up via the components/BNC's - looks fantastic. From what I understand, the picture quality going from component to HDMI isn't that noticable... I mean it is slightly, but they both deliver signals as discrete red, green, and blue color components, together with sync information which allows the display to determine when a new line, or a new frame, begins. It's just that HDMI does it digitally (plus has room for audio streams - which is useless for those who are amping their audio via a receiver) and component does it analog.

From what I understand the theory goes that if you use HDMI and your content is pure digital, then you are going digital-to-digital instead of digital-to-analog as you would with component. However, I've heard people say that they can tell absolutely NO difference between HDMI and component, and I've heard some people say that component looks better with some sources and HDMI looks better with other sources!

Yeah....

Anywho, I wouldn't sweat getting an HDMI or DVI card until you connect your box via the components and see what you think.

For me, the picture is stunning through component/BNC - and I saved myself $150-$250 because I didn't buy an HDMI or DVI slot and cables. SNAP!

;-)

Cheers!

You get more gradations with the DVI or HDMI blade than through Component.

Jake1221

03-29-06, 09:52 AM

How did you get the 50" from Costco? I only see that they have the 42".

PROAIR

03-29-06, 10:46 AM

Costco also carry the 65" too. Check out their online site. It goes into detail about deliver time and shipping cost. Good luck!

FrankieP

03-29-06, 10:52 AM

How did you get the 50" from Costco? I only see that they have the 42".

The 50" comes and goes. Everytime it appears in the website it goes after a day or 2. I was lucky to grab one 2 weeks ago.

Yamadr6

03-29-06, 11:49 AM

jhowell

03-29-06, 12:45 PM

How long is the power cord that comes with teh 8UK? I plan to wall mount mine, but I don't know if I should get a shorter power cord (if it's too long it may be difficult to store it out of sight)? Any comments?

Thanks,
Jeff

wormzer

03-29-06, 02:07 PM

The stand is solid and heavy and it really adds another 20-30 lbs. or so to the total weight of the plasma.

So did you buy your stand separately, or was one included? I'm currently trying to straighten this out with customer service. The item didn't used to be listed as "stand sold separately".

matt

badassfajita

03-29-06, 02:23 PM

Dumb question--what is the diff between this model and Panasonic's new 50" plasma coming out soon? Is it worthwhile to wait for the new model? thanks.

FrankieP

03-29-06, 02:33 PM

So did you buy your stand separately, or was one included? I'm currently trying to straighten this out with customer service. The item didn't used to be listed as "stand sold separately".

matt

Separate. Not one was included with the item.

citman

03-29-06, 03:55 PM

Citman, I ordered one today from the same place. I will post my opinion when I receive it and set it up. :D

How long did it take you to get it working? :rolleyes:

it wasn't TOO bad. took a little while to get used to the web interface...but once I did I got everything working right. Remember - the 8UK default settings on the remote have only 3 inputs set - IIRC - component/video/PC IF you have an extra card in slot 3...you will need to set it up. You can't change the defaults initially...you have to go back after the system is listed and configured....(to the home page) select the TV...and then you can add an input AND re-label all of them (I highly reccomend doing this for setting up activities) I labeled input 1 STB (HDMI card for STB here) input 2 DVD (DVI-Oppo DVD) input 3 Video3 (receiver)...PC (not using PC) This also corresponds to what each input is labeled on the 8UK itself...so when setting up an activity (watch TV/watch DVD/play VCR etc) I can easily identify and select the proper input to use on the 8UK. got it? ;) :D

you'll like it... :D

citman

03-29-06, 03:56 PM

SpineRep

03-30-06, 08:04 PM

I just ordered an 8UK from DTVcity!! YEAH!!! LOL Iam gonna drive down to ATL and pick it up myself, can't wait for it to be delivered!! LOL

Sorry for the post Iam just a bit excited! I won't sleep tonight for sure!

EnochLight

03-30-06, 11:23 PM

You get more gradations with the DVI or HDMI blade than through Component.

Is it really that perceptible? I'm just asking, because I am trying to justify blowing $150-$200 for one of those blades myself. Just not sure it will offer *that* much better picture quality.

If it does then I'll place an order on one this evening.

eitakura

03-31-06, 12:45 AM

Is it really that perceptible? I'm just asking, because I am trying to justify blowing $150-$200 for one of those blades myself. Just not sure it will offer *that* much better picture quality.

If it does then I'll place an order on one this evening.
I don't think you'd notice. I have my HD tuner hooked up through component. I haven't done an A/B test using HDMI, but the picture through component is beautiful. And if you read the various posts, there's differing opinions on whether it makes a difference or not.

I would recommend you just go with component to start with and if you're psyched with the picture, save the $150.

I did end up buying an HDMI blade for my DVD player (to use in the empty slot 1), but more because I was short on inputs. While I could have bought another to replace the composite/S-video card in slot 2, I chose to use just use the component inputs available to me instead.

dichtegs

03-31-06, 08:51 AM

Jake1221

03-31-06, 09:34 AM

No need to apologize for the post - I just ordered mine yesterday from Newegg, and am excited as well.

I've made the jump, Citman . . . .

lensterman

03-31-06, 09:58 AM

Hi all -
I received my BEAUTIFUL 8UK this week. Stunning.

I have a Denon S-101 hooked up through component cables. There is a switch on the back that allows you to toggle between "progressive" and "interlaced." While a DVD is playing, I've toggled this switch back and forthm with no change in picture quality. Shouldn't one of these settings give the illusion of HD clarity? Thanks in advanced for your help.

-Gabriel
Not sure if your Denon is similar to my onkyo but my manual says you can not switch between progressive and interlaced while the DVD is playing.
Try stopping the DVD then try the change. I can see a difference between the two, progressive is much better.

Lenny

dichtegs

03-31-06, 09:59 AM

Thanks a lot, lensterman. I tried that too, to no avail.

citman

03-31-06, 01:23 PM

No need to apologize for the post - I just ordered mine yesterday from Newegg, and am excited as well.

I've made the jump, Citman . . . .
ATTA BOY!! :cool: you are SO going to love this set...TRUST me :cool: :D

citman

03-31-06, 01:28 PM

Thanks a lot, lensterman. I tried that too, to no avail.

with my HR10-250 or the Oppo DVD I can see a difference between 480 and 720/1080 for sure. Progressive seems a little better than interlaced, but they're damn close. I am almost to 100 hours so it's now time to grab the avia/dve discs and have at it.

Dich- try putting content out at 480. look at it from normal viewing distance...then get close to the screen...say 3ft or so. The do the same with 720/1080....you'll see the difference...especially when your real close to the set. Also...some content you can tell the differences better than others. try different dvds or programs too.

Oliver Dubin

03-31-06, 04:33 PM

Does anyone know how to get Panasonic Auto aspect mode to work? Everytime I change aspect modes it never appears

chuckyoufarley

03-31-06, 05:57 PM

AVS Folks,
I bought a th50phd8uk from Visual Apex today.
Nicest folks I have ever done business with.
I am going to be out of the country for two weeks so they let me purchase my Plasma get an end of the month special price and will ship it to arrive as soon as I get back.
Great Service.

My question here is something I could probably suss out on my own through trial and error but I figured I'd hit up the forum to get advice to eliminate some my fumbling.

I will have the 50PHD8UK plasma, a hr10-250 receiver and a Oppo OPDV971H both input through DVI blades.

I dont watch SD broadcasts on HD channels as I hate the bars on the sides of the screens. I figure I'll switch to the SD stations for SD and watch HD on HD channels.
I also am hoping that if i need to do a Zoom or Full mode with the pic it wont look like a mirror in a fun house and furthermore if you can even change the aspect with a DVI input.

With the plasmas lack of aspect control I believe with DVI outputs ,what are my best aspect setting options for the Plasma and the Tivo receiver to watch HD on HD channels and SD only on SD channels without having to make aspect adjustments on either unit on the fly?

In an nutshell I am hoping to get some advice so when I get the thing mounted and hooked up I can tear through the set-up without my wife complaining that everything is too difficult to operate.
And more importantly having someone with experience save me some of the hassle of farting around with it myself.

Shaun

BruZZi

03-31-06, 06:39 PM

You get more gradations with the DVI or HDMI blade than through Component.

Originally Posted by EnochLight
Is it really that perceptible? I'm just asking, because I am trying to justify blowing $150-$200 for one of those blades myself. Just not sure it will offer *that* much better picture quality.
If it does then I'll place an order on one this evening.

I don't think you'd notice. I have my HD tuner hooked up through component. I haven't done an A/B test using HDMI, but the picture through component is beautiful. And if you read the various posts, there's differing opinions on whether it makes a difference or not.

Well, I never did a A/B test either but I've been comparing a Panasonic RP-82 (Component) vs. the Oppo OPDV971H (HDMI) for the last 5 days. I can see No Difference at all.

__________________________________
BruZZi's Panasonic Plasma FAQ — bruzzi.ws
Lots of info for all Plasmas in general.

Yamadr6

03-31-06, 07:48 PM

Well, I never did a A/B test either but I've been comparing a Panasonic RP-82 (Component) vs. the Oppo OPDV971H (HDMI) for the last 5 days. I can see No Difference at all.

__________________________________
BruZZi's Panasonic Plasma FAQ — bruzzi.ws
Lots of info for all Plasmas in general.
Bruzzi, don’t tell me that. :confused:
I just got rid of my Sony DVD NS325 and purchased an Oppo that will be arriving this Thursday. My Sony was connected using component and I felt that the image was impressive. After hearing so much positive feedback about the Oppo, I opted to buy it. :)

Hope this was not a mistake since you don’t seem to impressed with its performance. :rolleyes:

Where you able to resolve the 480P issue?

Yamadr6

03-31-06, 07:53 PM

Citman – jsf2001, thank you for the help with the Harmony 880. :D

I just got it today and will spend some time this weekend figuring this thing out.

jsf2001

03-31-06, 10:13 PM

Citman – jsf2001, thank you for the help with the Harmony 880. :D

I just got it today and will spend some time this weekend figuring this thing out.

My pleasure, Yamadr6. Enjoy.

At the price (after rebate) that one can now purchase an 880 for, it is hard to beat.

BruZZi

03-31-06, 10:33 PM

Bruzzi, don’t tell me that. :confused:
I just got rid of my Sony DVD NS325 and purchased an Oppo that will be arriving this Thursday. My Sony was connected using component and I felt that the image was impressive. After hearing so much positive feedback about the Oppo, I opted to buy it. :)

Hope this was not a mistake since you don’t seem to impressed with its performance. :rolleyes:

Where you able to resolve the 480P issue?

Yamadr6, the DVI or HDMI Boards are supposed to double the gradations (From 2,048 to 4,096). But I could not see any difference in shadow detail between the two DVD Players. That's my complaint. And I'm not sure who's to blame (The HDMI Board or The Oppo)

As for Picture Quality, FYI the Panasonic RP82 also uses a Faroudja deinterlacer (The older FLI-2200 chip) like the Oppo and it's considered to have one of the best PQ among DVD Players. To my eyes PQ was very similar (meaning = Excellent :D ) on both Players except for:

1) There's a green push using the HDMI Board. Not a big deal as it can be fixed through the service menu.

2) The RP82 has a sharper Picture. I had to increase sharpness (+4) for the Oppo.

3) Macroblocking - Yup, The Oppo did show MB on few scenes depending on the Movie.

Lost in Space - Lots of MB. :eek:

Other Titles - Just a few / None.

__________________________________
BruZZi's Panasonic Plasma FAQ — bruzzi.ws
Lots of info for all Plasmas in general.

eitakura

04-01-06, 01:01 AM

Bruzzi, don’t tell me that. :confused:
I just got rid of my Sony DVD NS325 and purchased an Oppo that will be arriving this Thursday. My Sony was connected using component and I felt that the image was impressive. After hearing so much positive feedback about the Oppo, I opted to buy it. :)

Hope this was not a mistake since you don’t seem to impressed with its performance. :rolleyes:

Where you able to resolve the 480P issue?
I don't think you'll regret buying the Oppo. I think it's true that if you're comparing against another player that uses the same Faroudja chipset, you'll be hard pressed to notice a difference. But when I did a comparison between the Oppo and my older Philips progressive DVD player, I could tell a difference in detail/sharpness with all player settings set to default and both TV inputs set to the same picture adjustment levels.

While I haven't spent a great deal of time going back and forth, I prefer the 720p output to 1080i, FWIW. And I haven't really had any problems with macroblocking.

Somewhat off-topic, but when I watched the Fifth Element Superbit last night on the Oppo, the PQ was very, very impressive. While going to a true HD broadcast after this does result in an even better picture, if someone had set up my plasma when it first arrived and put on this DVD through the Oppo and told me it was HD, I would have believed them.

Sundog_AK

04-01-06, 03:17 AM

Oliver,

For the 8UK, there is an auto aspect mode, but it only works on Input 2, which is the composite Video In /S-Video In (see Page 19 of manual, footnote is buried in text). Auto mode does not work on component, or the digital inputs if you have the card installed (e.g., HDMI, DVI).

RichB

04-01-06, 09:45 AM

Yamadr6, the DVI or HDMI Boards are supposed to double the gradations (From 2,048 to 4,096). But I could not see any difference in shadow detail between the two DVD Players. That's my complaint. And I'm not sure who's to blame (The HDMI Board or The Oppo)

As for Picture Quality, FYI the Panasonic RP82 also uses a Faroudja deinterlacer (The older FLI-2200 chip) like the Oppo and it's considered to have one of the best PQ among DVD Players. To my eyes PQ was very similar (meaning = Excellent :D ) on both Players except for:

1) There's a green push using the HDMI Board. Not a big deal as it can be fixed through the service menu.

2) The RP82 has a sharper Picture. I had to increase sharpness (+4) for the Oppo.

3) Macroblocking - Yup, The Oppo did show MB on few scenes depending on the Movie.

Lost in Space - Lots of MB. :eek:

Other Titles - Just a few / None.[/FONT]

The Bravo D2 is not as good at de-interlacing but can be setup for native rate. My friend hs one of these connected to his 657uy and it looks spectacular. Native rate avoids additional scaling and I think will provide one of the best pictures on a commercial plasma.

- Rich

cpcat

04-01-06, 09:53 AM

The Bravo D2 is not as good at de-interlacing but can be setup for native rate. My friend hs one of these connected to his 657uy and it looks spectacular. Native rate avoids additional scaling and I think will provide one of the best pictures on a commercial plasma.

- Rich

So you have a 65 7uy and you have a friend with one?

Where do you live, Narnia? :)

RichB

04-01-06, 09:55 AM

So you have a 65 7uy and you have a friend with one?

Where do you live, Narnia? :)

Nope. Mass. did I mention that I was broke :)

- Rich

pierrebnh

04-01-06, 10:06 AM

citman

04-01-06, 11:33 AM

citman

04-01-06, 11:35 AM

Citman – jsf2001, thank you for the help with the Harmony 880. :D

I just got it today and will spend some time this weekend figuring this thing out.

no prob yam :D pm me if you need assist :cool:

citman

04-01-06, 11:46 AM

Yamadr6, the DVI or HDMI Boards are supposed to double the gradations (From 2,048 to 4,096). But I could not see any difference in shadow detail between the two DVD Players. That's my complaint. And I'm not sure who's to blame (The HDMI Board or The Oppo)

As for Picture Quality, FYI the Panasonic RP82 also uses a Faroudja deinterlacer (The older FLI-2200 chip) like the Oppo and it's considered to have one of the best PQ among DVD Players. To my eyes PQ was very similar (meaning = Excellent :D ) on both Players except for:

1) There's a green push using the HDMI Board. Not a big deal as it can be fixed through the service menu.

2) The RP82 has a sharper Picture. I had to increase sharpness (+4) for the Oppo.

3) Macroblocking - Yup, The Oppo did show MB on few scenes depending on the Movie.

Lost in Space - Lots of MB. :eek:

Other Titles - Just a few / None.

I haven't seen this green push thing nor this MB you speak of Bruzzi....but maybe I'm just not looking at the right content? Like i said....I bought my Oppo to replace and old dvd non progressive player and so far I am still impressed with the PQ and i can't see any problems.

I'm sorry you are having trouble though Bruzzi and I hope it wasn't me that finally swayed you to buy the oppo. I have been honest in my assesment of it...and that's about all I can do. After all the help you have provided me I feel bad about this for some reason even though I shouldn't :(

727

04-01-06, 03:14 PM

Not to sound weird, but I'm thinking of some sort of access plate that has a "sphincter-type" gasket that will close around the wires..?

Any suggestions are appreciated!

I picked up some "sphincter" grommets from Office Depot yesterday.
Do a search for "614411" on their site for this item.

Now I have to get some of that plastic flex hose (auto-parts store?)
to run the cables through.

I had my Costco 50PHD8UK delivered on monday and will post some
pics when I get the cables in the wall and the place cleaned up.

SpineRep

04-01-06, 10:52 PM

Got my 8UK last night, and all I can can say is thanks to you guys for talking me into buying this plasma..I LOVE IT!!

I have my satellite component video going to pc in on my 8UK, and Iam wondering which power setting I should put it on. I have read the manual a few times and on pg 32, where it says POWER MANAGEMENT: if I turn this feature on, isn't it supposed to automatically turn the plasma off when there isn't a signal detected? I have all my component connections switched through my Onkyo receiver, and I thought when I turn the receiver off, and the signal goes off, that the TV should turn off. Is there a "wait" period before it will turn off? I hope this question makes sense!!LOL

chadwik

04-01-06, 11:46 PM

Got my 50phd8uk tonight and have it hooked up through the new 8hdmi board. Got all the settings down while she breaks in, but until all my athenas arrive monday I've got no sound =[.

I'm gonna try and test out different connections for both SD and HD using the HDMI, DVI, and component board. Right now SD doesnt look too bad, but if it looks better over component or any other settup looks better I'll have to keep switching inputs for different channels. And DVE will be here next week.

BruZZi

04-02-06, 10:56 AM

Ok, I'm not as good as Rich Harkess but I took some pics so you guys can compare the PQ on both Players. The Oppo pic has the pause/play icon.

Sharpness is set +4 on the 50PHD8UK for the Oppo. (truelife on)

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/4616/img0581o4fv.jpg http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/2017/img0583p3bk.jpg

__________________________________
BruZZi's Panasonic Plasma FAQ — bruzzi.ws
Lots of info for all Plasmas in general.

citman

04-02-06, 11:24 AM

difficult to see well....but the oppo looks better to me...especially the people and shadows of the people at the bottom left hand side of that picture Bruzzi. the other player looks brighter and more washed out...not as much detail, no?

BruZZi

04-02-06, 12:09 PM

For some reason few pics are getting darker than others. So I'm taking three shots of each and choose the closest in brightness of the two.

http://img388.imageshack.us/img388/6284/img05947fw.jpg

http://img388.imageshack.us/img388/5756/img05953ai.jpg

__________________________________
BruZZi's Panasonic Plasma FAQ — bruzzi.ws
Lots of info for all Plasmas in general.

EnochLight

04-02-06, 12:11 PM

I picked up some "sphincter" grommets from Office Depot yesterday.
Do a search for "614411" on their site for this item.

Now I have to get some of that plastic flex hose (auto-parts store?)
to run the cables through.

I had my Costco 50PHD8UK delivered on monday and will post some
pics when I get the cables in the wall and the place cleaned up.

Thanks for that; those are pretty close to what I am looking for. Would you be so kind as to post some pic's of your install with the grommet when you get a chance?

Thanks!

SpineRep

04-02-06, 12:14 PM

chuckyoufarley

04-02-06, 03:44 PM

chuck- you and I have the exact same setup- hr10-250 & oppo-
to get rid of the bars simply set either the hr10-250 or the oppo to output 480 to the dvi blade...then you can zoom to get rid of vertical or other modes (just/full) to get rid of the horizontal bars. simple :D

I understand. Based on what your describing I am going to have to manually change the hr10-250's output to 720p or 1080i every time I hit a HD channel then?
I am thinking and correct me if I am wrong that the Tivo has a stretch mode as well.
I never used the thing on my projection previously.

In an ideal world Id like to be able to watch SD or HD broadcasts without having to change the aspect ration and without having bars on the sides of the SD broadcasts.

Whatever, I guess I am going to have to fart around with the DVR, Plasma and DVD playerit before I get dialed in.

pierrebnh

04-02-06, 06:17 PM

Am I the only one who sees very little diff in those pics from BruZZi?

pierrebnh

04-02-06, 06:19 PM

Hey Bruzzi,
Can you help me out with this question?

My manual says that only works during PC Input mode through the Mini D-sub connector.
I think you want "AUTO POWER OFF" instead.

HallertauRogue

04-02-06, 06:27 PM

Not sure if your Denon is similar to my onkyo but my manual says you can not switch between progressive and interlaced while the DVD is playing.
Try stopping the DVD then try the change. I can see a difference between the two, progressive is much better.

Lenny

Just thought I'd chime in and 100% agree with Lenny on the progressive from the Onkyo DVD. Big difference for me as well.

citman

04-03-06, 09:18 AM

I understand. Based on what your describing I am going to have to manually change the hr10-250's output to 720p or 1080i every time I hit a HD channel then?

not exactly. when ever the panny detects 720 or higher...it goes to full mode and can not be changed. so...if you are watching SD with the bars at 720 or 1080 and full mode doesn't get rid of them...you have to swittch the source to 480 (either the STB or the oppo)...then the other aspect modes can be used on the panny like just or zoom.

HTH

MisterEd

04-03-06, 11:32 AM

Is the stand that is available for the 50PHD8UK (or the 43) "rotateable" or is it fixed?

TechoFobe

04-03-06, 11:50 AM

Is the stand that is available for the 50PHD8UK (or the 43) "rotateable" or is it fixed?
The pedestal mounts for the 42 and 50 PHD8UK models are fixed - not rotateable - except that you can swivel the monitor and mount as a single "fixed" unit.

If you want to be able to rotate the monitor, maybe you could set it (with the pedestal mount attached) on top of a "lazy susan" type platform? These units are not exactly what I would call Lite-Weight though...

MisterEd

04-03-06, 12:02 PM

182cessna

04-03-06, 12:26 PM

First I want to thank all on this forum for the time and effort you put out to help each other and us newbies. Here is my story so far. Moving large rear projection tv to kids room and redoing family room with 8uk on wall. My wife wants super clean look with no cables or equipment in site. I ordered 8uk from Costco and received last week. No problem with delivery. The set was Mfg. in Mexico. I ordered all my cables from Monoprice (15' HDMI, 25' component, etc). Super fast delivery only problem was one of the RCA-BNC adapters was defective so a quick trip to over priced Radio Shack got me going again. After running 15' HDMI down inside of wall through basement and up to dvd I only have about one inch out of wall. The only way I could test dvd until I order longer cable was to plug in with player vertical (not good idea with five disk in changer) they all fell from there slots and I spent an hour shaking the player upside down to get disk out. Also thanks to this forum ordered TY-FB8HM HDMI board from Complete It Presentation and received it in two days standard UPS. Ordered Yamaha YSP-1000 online and am very impressed. Pre-ordered HSU VTF-3HO sub. I went to Best Buy to get Sony DVP-NC85H upscale DVD player. Since I am such a good husband I told my wife I would take kids with me to BB which cost me an additional $500 buck's because they had over 100 xbox 360's stack in the front of the store at kid height. I am the type that can not sleep till all problems are resolved and last night I tinkered till 4:00am and I need some help. I have printed, searched, and studied this forum for the last month but am still confused about some issues and all help would be greatly appreciated.

1) Dvd player hooked up to 15' HDMI cable to FB8HM in slot one. I set the dvd player to 16:9 tv type, HDMI choices (auto, 1920x1080i, 1280x720p, 720x480p) I used 1920x1080i, HDMI out choice (YCbCr, RGB) I used YCbCr. My HDMI board is in slot one. Last nights frustration was based on black bars when watching the movie Crash and my burn in paranoia. If a movie is formatted for wide screen with a aspect ratio of 1:85:1 from all I have read I thought it should fill screen or at least just have small blocking. To me the blocking seemed large. I spent hours changing every HDMI setting I could think of to fill screen and the only thing I could do was 2x zoom then listen to my wife bitch about how everyone's head has chopped off. Please help explain why 1:85:1 gives this much blocking. I Also tossed in new Bug's life dvd with choices of wide or standard as I left for work today for daughter. I did not get a chance to see what ratio wide is for this disk but on wide same black bars. So I told my wife only use full screen today to fill screen. Help!

2)SA 8300 HD DVR time warner cable hooked up with 25' component cables to YSP-1000 (it has two component in) then 6' ft component to 8UK. I did it this way to give me an extra component in. Is 31' of component cable ok? For SD I think I also have to run 25' s-video is this correct? If I am only using optical for audio out of 8300 is this ok for all channels? How do I set 8300 to pass through mode? Any other advice for this setup?

3) I have to send back 15' HDMI cable and get 25' will dvd signal be ok.

4) I listed all Sony-nc85h dvd output options above what do you think the best settings will be.

Thank you so much!

plazman

04-03-06, 12:43 PM

shane55

04-03-06, 01:00 PM

So... can the TY-FB8HM HDMI board be fed a 480i signal?

If so, does the 8UK do a good job of scaling it?

Thanks!

shane

plazman

04-03-06, 01:16 PM

So... can the TY-FB8HM HDMI board be fed a 480i signal?

If so, does the 8UK do a good job of scaling it?

Thanks!

shane
-------------

Shane, On my 7UY sometimes 480i looks better and sometimes 480p (really depends on the movie). The difference is very very small. On an 8UK I can't tell the difference at all! May be my player or maybe the 8UK scaler. Even on my 7UY, feeding any combination of 480i or 480p is better than on my NEC XR5. It may be the 'extra' brightness of the NEC that brings out the graininess...

shane55

04-03-06, 01:31 PM

TechoFobe

04-03-06, 01:44 PM

Thanks for the reply but I'm a little unclear when you state: "except that you can swivel the monitor and mount as a single "fixed" unit." I used "rotate" instead of "swivel" ... I would need to swivel it on occassion when people might be sitting on another couch in the room at a bad viewing angle.
Sorry if I wasn't clear...

The pedestal mount attaches to the monitor and the monitor can not swivel or rotate on the pedestal mount.

If you want to adjust the monitor's viewing angle you could (obviously?) move the monitor AND pedestal mount physically as a single unit. You can NOT swivel or rotate the monitor separately from the mount...

You could always install the monitor/pedestal mount on top of a rotating platform (a lazy susan type platform) and it would be easier to "swivel or rotate" the screen for various viewing positions. The monitor with pedestal mount does weigh a considerable amount though and the lazy susan would have to be substantial...

There might be a wall mount that can be adjusted to swivel horizontally (left or right) for different viewing angles --- but I don't know this for a fact. I know that some wall mounts have an adjustment for tilting the monitor's screen vertically (up or down)... There are no mounts that I know of that allow you to rotate the screen from landscape to portrait (90 degrees), although it might be quite useful if there was such a mount?

chadwik

04-03-06, 01:59 PM

182cessna

04-03-06, 01:59 PM

shane55

04-03-06, 02:17 PM

Ok, so today is the day for stupid questions...

Component to RGB Mini D-SUB 15 pin. Were would one pick up such an adapter?
And Component to BNC?

TIA

shane

TechoFobe

04-03-06, 02:57 PM

"Ok, so today is the day for stupid questions... Component to RGB Mini D-SUB 15 pin. Were would one pick up such an adapter? And Component to BNC?"
The answer to your "stupid" question is to be expected? From an AVSForum Alliance Member --- of course?

Maybe your question isn't as stupid as my answer was? :)

Better Cables (http://www.bettercables.com/) or MonoPrice (http://www.monoprice.com/home/index.asp)are a coupla choices....

MonoPrice has Component to VGA cables priced from about 38 to 90 cents a foot (depending upon length) and they have BNC to RCA adapters for about a buck and a half each...

shane55

04-03-06, 03:09 PM

Thanks Techo...
MonoPrice seemed to have the adapters I was looking for.

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10235&cs_id=1023503&p_id=2170&seq=1&format=2&style=

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10401&cs_id=1040109&p_id=686&seq=1&format=2&style=

cheers

shane

TechoFobe

04-03-06, 03:18 PM

Thanks Techo...
MonoPrice seemed to have the adapters I was looking for.
I've placed several orders with MonoPrice and been very happy with the quality, service, and price... :)

And BetterCables is appropriately named... :D

I always try to support this forum whenever possible by supporting the forum's hosts.

Thanks AVSForum!

plazman

04-03-06, 04:21 PM

Thanks Plaz...
Yeah, I remember you having stated that about the Panny vs. the NEC.
But I see you feed it component.

Would you happen to know if 480i is possible through the HDMI board?

thanks

shane
----------

Did you end up buying a set finally? I actually tried the HDMI board on the 7UY and I saw no difference between it and component and since my recevier only has component out, I ended up ditching the HDMI board (and sold it to a friend who got the 8UK). For some reason HD pictures seem over saturated to me via the HDMI, plus it disables the picture and contrast settings to correct it!

plazman

04-03-06, 04:23 PM

Thanks Plazman for the advice. As far as HDMI for HD STB instead of dvd I belive the Sony 85h only upconverts via HDMI and not component so if I switch then that would defeat having upconverting dvd player. Is my thinking correct?
-------------

IMHO you'll be better off with feeding the set 480p/480i non-upconverted feed. The 8UK scaler will do a remarkable job scaling it to it's native res.

lensterman

04-03-06, 04:29 PM

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

IMHO you'll be better off with feeding the set 480p/480i non-upconverted feed. The 8UK scaler will do a remarkable job scaling it to it's native res.

Is that true for the HD STB feed as well.
So I can loose the side bars on a 1080i that is not widescreen from my cable co.
Should I set the input to 480p from the box and let the set upconvert to loose the bars?

Lenny

shane55

04-03-06, 04:43 PM

----------

Did you end up buying a set finally? I actually tried the HDMI board on the 7UY and I saw no difference between it and component and since my recevier only has component out, I ended up ditching the HDMI board (and sold it to a friend who got the 8UK). For some reason HD pictures seem over saturated to me via the HDMI, plus it disables the picture and contrast settings to correct it!

Actually Plaz...
About 30 seconds ago I hit the button on the Costco site to purchase the 42" 8UK.

:D :D :D :D

A little scary... and a bit expensive, but I figure that it's the best 'extended warranty' I could have purchased with the extra $$. :eek:

Now... on to MonoPrice to get me some of them thar adapters... I'm NOT getting any add-on boards until I'm sure that I'll need them (Component or DVI/HDMI).

Thanks for all your help... Thanks AVS and everyone else. :D

cheers

shane

plazman

04-03-06, 04:44 PM

Is that true for the HD STB feed as well.
So I can loose the side bars on a 1080i that is not widescreen from my cable co.
Should I set the input to 480p from the box and let the set upconvert to loose the bars?

Lenny
-----------------

When setting up your STB, accept all the input signals (by default most HD STB are locked into 1080i). So pass-though 480i, 480p, 720p and 1080i to the display to scale. In this case, all 480i and 480p content will automatically fit the screen. However, you will always see black side bars when viewing non-HD content on a 1080i channel. However, there is a pretty simple work-around to this.

Connect the STB via component to one input and and via S-Video on another input. So when a HD channel is showing non HD content, you can easily remove the side bars by switching to the S-Video input. This is probably the best option. If you like your HD channels via HDMI, just connect via both HDMI and S-Video. That way you can easily switch to full screen irrespective of the type of STB input.

From my experience the Panny does very well with both 480i and 1080i content.

pierrebnh

04-03-06, 08:23 PM

Last nights frustration was based on black bars when watching the movie Crash and my burn in paranoia.

Dunno about the DVD version, but Showtime's HD showing of Crash was full screen through my DVI blade on my 8UK...

BruZZi

04-03-06, 09:51 PM

Sorry guys, I'm kinda busy so I cannot answer the posts at the moment (spring cleaning :D ).

I'm selling a brand new Audioquest YIQ-1 3 meters Component/VGA cable for a great price. I also have another one with 6 meters. Send me a PM for more info. :)

http://img111.imageshack.us/img111/7826/aq01s5hr.jpg

***PENDING***

__________________________________
BruZZi's Panasonic Plasma FAQ — bruzzi.ws
Lots of info for all Plasmas in general.

Yamadr6

04-04-06, 07:10 AM

it wasn't TOO bad. took a little while to get used to the web interface...but once I did I got everything working right. Remember - the 8UK default settings on the remote have only 3 inputs set - IIRC - component/video/PC IF you have an extra card in slot 3...you will need to set it up. You can't change the defaults initially...you have to go back after the system is listed and configured....(to the home page) select the TV...and then you can add an input AND re-label all of them (I highly reccomend doing this for setting up activities) I labeled input 1 STB (HDMI card for STB here) input 2 DVD (DVI-Oppo DVD) input 3 Video3 (receiver)...PC (not using PC) This also corresponds to what each input is labeled on the 8UK itself...so when setting up an activity (watch TV/watch DVD/play VCR etc) I can easily identify and select the proper input to use on the 8UK. got it? ;) :D

you'll like it... :D

Citman, I must admit that when I first read your post I did not get it. After going thru the idiot-proof setup program I understood what you meant by that. I got everything working with no problem.

Thank you once again for all the help.

For my favorite channels I set the proper logos for each one. I inserted them as a pic. This makes it easy to know what channel you what to go at a glance. Also good for people that are visiting and don’t know the channel layout. Looks cool as well. :cool:

Here is the link where you could find all the logos for every channel in existence.

http://www.lyngsat-logo.com/tv/a.html

They are in alphabetical order and all you have to do is click on the one you want, than it will open a bigger version on the next page. At this time you go to the one you want, right click and save as picture. Save all the ones you need than go to your remote interface software and insert the pictures to your favorite channels corresponding numbers. :D

Got it? ;)

lensterman

04-04-06, 09:07 AM

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

When setting up your STB, accept all the input signals (by default most HD STB are locked into 1080i). So pass-though 480i, 480p, 720p and 1080i to the display to scale. In this case, all 480i and 480p content will automatically fit the screen. However, you will always see black side bars when viewing non-HD content on a 1080i channel. However, there is a pretty simple work-around to this.

Connect the STB via component to one input and and via S-Video on another input. So when a HD channel is showing non HD content, you can easily remove the side bars by switching to the S-Video input. This is probably the best option. If you like your HD channels via HDMI, just connect via both HDMI and S-Video. That way you can easily switch to full screen irrespective of the type of STB input.

From my experience the Panny does very well with both 480i and 1080i content.

Don't have another available input?
I have:
slot 1 empty
VCR-->composite slot 2 (for sports pip 2nd tuner)
Cable box-->component slot 3
DVD -->PC input set for component

Lenny

plazman

04-04-06, 09:27 AM

Don't have another available input?
I have:
slot 1 empty
VCR-->composite slot 2 (for sports pip 2nd tuner)
Cable box-->component slot 3
DVD -->PC input set for component

Lenny
-----------

In that case, you'll have the side bars. Unless you don't like the way it looks I think you have very little risk of burn-in or IR. I have my Panny for over a year now and I have done absolutely nothing to break it in or prevent burn-in or anything and there is absolutely zero IR - never ever seen it. So, that's my experience. I stretch it mainly because aesthetically I don't like the side bars.

I use an AV swticher so inputs are not a problem....

citman

04-04-06, 09:36 AM

citman

04-04-06, 09:43 AM

Have any of you guys used the Avia or DVE discs?

I am at 125 hours now :cool: so, I decided to try and calibrate a little. MAN...beyond the basics on the Avia disc....it gets pretty complex, no? Also, where in the picture menu is hue and saturation controlled? not that the set's colors were that far off to begin with, but even if I wanted to mess with them I'm not sure which advanced settings to use :confused: :D

After some self swag on the Avia screens I've noticed that what matches the Avia best so far is about -10 picture (white level) and -7 brightness (black level) :eek: in Cinema mode, color medium. Is that what everybody else has found also?

trying the different aspect ratios with a test pattern helped me align the horiz/vert size and position allot too. that was cool. :cool:

Haven't tried the DVE disc yet....maybe tonight ;)

OH- and I told my son that we can finally hook up the PS2 to the set also....he's pumped :D

TTT
anybody on this question? I hooked up the PS2 and for some reason it has very small black bars on the sides (vertical) that I can't seem to get rid of either, weird. Need to play with it more.

citman

04-04-06, 09:46 AM

Citman, I must admit that when I first read your post I did not get it. After going thru the idiot-proof setup program I understood what you meant by that. I got everything working with no problem.

Thank you once again for all the help.

For my favorite channels I set the proper logos for each one. I inserted them as a pic. This makes it easy to know what channel you what to go at a glance. Also good for people that are visiting and don’t know the channel layout. Looks cool as well. :cool:

Here is the link where you could find all the logos for every channel in existence.

http://www.lyngsat-logo.com/tv/a.html

They are in alphabetical order and all you have to do is click on the one you want, than it will open a bigger version on the next page. At this time you go to the one you want, right click and save as picture. Save all the ones you need than go to your remote interface software and insert the pictures to your favorite channels corresponding numbers. :D

Got it? ;)

no prob Yam. favorite channels huh? I didn't do this yet. Saw it, but haven't played with it. thanks for the logo link...great stuff there. I guess I'll go back to the drawing board on the remote again. Another thing I want to do is customize what commands appear on the activites page for each activity. some default things that are on the tivo or dvd menu I'll never use and some things I want aren't there yet. Got to go figure that out also. ;)

Yamadr6

04-04-06, 10:23 AM

no prob Yam. favorite channels huh? I didn't do this yet. Saw it, but haven't played with it. thanks for the logo link...great stuff there. I guess I'll go back to the drawing board on the remote again. Another thing I want to do is customize what commands appear on the activites page for each activity. some default things that are on the tivo or dvd menu I'll never use and some things I want aren't there yet. Got to go figure that out also. ;)

Customizing the commands for each activity is easy. The tricky part is making them appear in the order you feel is best. It is almost impossible to do this, if you find a better way let me know.
I have them almost where I want them to be on the display but the software seems to want to control this aspect of it. I hope Logitech changes this option soon with a firmware/software upgrade. :)

lensterman

04-04-06, 10:42 AM

Customizing the commands for each activity is easy. The tricky part is making them appear in the order you feel is best. It is almost impossible to do this, if you find a better way let me know.
I have them almost where I want them to be on the display but the software seems to want to control this aspect of it. I hope Logitech changes this option soon with a firmware/software upgrade. :)

Also the customized commands show up on every activity (TV custom button settings will show on watch dvd screen). You only have certain buttons available to use if you reuse it you will overight previous activity custom buttons?
Don't know id there is a workaround for this one?

Lenny

lynge

04-04-06, 03:03 PM

Hi, I'm new here

Browsing through this huge thread has left me with some questions regarding the monitor.

I want to run the signal through an iscan hd+ (cheap on ebay). The screen will mostly be used for TV viewing and my questions are -
How does it cope with 4:3 signals (I live in denmark, we still have many 4:3 transmisions)
Do I do the "streching" in the iscan or in the screen it self?
Is the just-mode usable using a scaler?

Is there anything else I should be aware of when using the monitor for TV waching?

Jesper, Denmark

MisterEd

04-05-06, 11:50 AM

Has anyone tried this stand: http://www.dtvcity.com/access/plasma-tablestand.html with their 50PHD8UK ??

TechoFobe

04-05-06, 12:22 PM

Has anyone tried this stand: url]http://www.dtvcity.com/access/plasma-tablestand.html[/url] with their 50PHD8UK ??
No, but it sure looks interesting...

The Panasonic pedestal is massive --- I wonder how much this one weighs? A lot I'd guess.

Also, it states: "Base can rest in a fixed position or swivel with 360° rotation". What does that mean? The monitor can rotate or swivel? I would think that swivel refers to a horizontal adjustment and rotation (360 degrees?) would refer to adjusting the screen from a landscape mode to a portrait mode...

Which does this do? If it swivels 360 degrees how stable would it be if it was swiveled 180 degrees and the base was no longer under the monitor? Who would need to ever swivel 360 degrees anyways though?

If you could adjust the screen so that people sitting to the left or right of the monitor can see better that would be helpful to some people...

If used next to a wall, it looks like the monitor would be less wall-hugging with this stand? More clearance required behind the monitor?

Swivel or rotate... That is the question. :D

plazman

04-05-06, 01:15 PM

Has anyone tried this stand: http://www.dtvcity.com/access/plasma-tablestand.html with their 50PHD8UK ??
---------

Aesthetically this may look better with the PX 60U. Personally, I prefer the round Panny base. I believe I read a post of someone who tried to use this with their NEC XR5 and it didn't work out too well. The screws did not fit exactly and there were some other issues....plus it looks pretty bulky all around. Also, the way the screen is held up, makes me believe that the natural tendency is for the screen to bend inwards a bit (i.e. point downwards)

If you want to swivel/rotate the screen (sideways movement) you could place a little TV swivel base (sold in the Container Store) for around $20 and place it below the Panny round base. From what I can tell it fits perfectly and is stable enough. The base will be off the table by around 1/4 inch. I am not sure about the long-term effects of how the base will stand-up, but the swiveling is pretty smooth :)

BruZZi

04-05-06, 01:56 PM

I'm sorry you are having trouble though Bruzzi and I hope it wasn't me that finally swayed you to buy the oppo. I have been honest in my assesment of it...and that's about all I can do. After all the help you have provided me I feel bad about this for some reason even though I shouldn't :(

Don't worry, I was just curious to see how great the PQ on the Oppo was compared to the Panny RP82. :D :D :D

Check out the following video to see the problem I'm having when 480p is selected.

http://s52.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=1CU49KP4DGNFZ08PD9171WEAEH

__________________________________
BruZZi's Panasonic Plasma FAQ — bruzzi.ws
Lots of info for all Plasmas in general.

mrbradle

04-06-06, 11:05 AM

everybody needs to remember that when you send a 540, 720, or 1080 signal to the 8UK it automatically goes to FULL mode and won't let you switch out of that aspect ratio.

IF this gives you the black bars (which I also don't like watching) then you need to switch the signal down to a 480 (my STB and DVD player can be switched to do this) and then choose the right aspect ratio to get rid of the bars.

I do this via HDMI and DVI blade with no problems. when I get the bars with a 720 or 1080 signal I simply switch down and correct the aspect.

How often do you actually get the "Black Bars" when getting a 540, 720 or 1080 signal? Also, is there any noticeable quality difference when you swith to 480...and finally, which blade are you using in the 8UK for HDMI?

Thanks much. :)

dichtegs

04-06-06, 11:19 AM

Hi all -
I received my BEAUTIFUL 8UK this week. Stunning.

I have a Denon S-101 hooked up through component cables. There is a switch on the back that allows you to toggle between "progressive" and "interlaced." While a DVD is playing, I've toggled this switch back and forthm with no change in picture quality. Shouldn't one of these settings give the illusion of HD clarity? Thanks in advanced for your help.

-Gabriel

OK, so it seems you need to use HDMI to upscale (is that right?). Will the adapter for the 7UK work with this set, or do I need thet TY-FB8HM? The latter is $300, which seems insane. Also, my Denon S-101 has component out, but not HDMI out (but is capable of upscaling), so I'm not sure how this would work. Bottom line, I still don't understand how to get DVD upscaling with my setup, but think it should be posisble. Thanks so much for your help.

TechoFobe

04-06-06, 12:07 PM

Will the adapter for the 7UK work with this set, or do I need thet TY-FB8HM? The latter is $300, which seems insane. Also, my Denon S-101 has component out, but not HDMI out (but is capable of upscaling), so I'm not sure how this would work. Bottom line, I still don't understand how to get DVD upscaling with my setup, but think it should be posisble. Thanks so much for your help.
Curiousity: Are you planning on inputting a HDMI signal into your monitor? How would you do that if the Denon doesn't have HDMI out?

Yes the TY-FB7HM will work just fine in the 8UK.

I agree --- $300 is an insane price. The only difference (for sure?) is that the TY-FB8HM does PAL. Panasonic's current MSRP for the TY-FB7HM is $149.

Anyone who would pay $300 for a TY-FB8HM might indeed be certifiable... :)

The 50PHD monitor has a built-in scaler doesn't it? Why even care about upscaling from the Denon? From what I understand, the monitor's scaler is quite good. It does seems to me that if your Denon upscales over component --- then your signal going into the monitor would be upscaled. Or, maybe not?

dichtegs

04-06-06, 12:09 PM

Thank you SO much. But the DVD image from the Denon over component is not upscaled - that's what I'm trying to figure out.

: (

TechoFobe

04-06-06, 12:13 PM

Thank you SO much. But the DVD image from the Denon over component is not upscaled - that's what I'm trying to figure out.

: (
Just let the monitor upscale your DVD signal?

Or, buy a receiver that has HDMI input/output plus a HDMI blade... Not an inexpensive solution? But, my Denon AVR-4306 works great with my Denon DVD-2910. :o

chuckyoufarley

04-06-06, 12:33 PM

citman

04-06-06, 01:09 PM

How often do you actually get the "Black Bars" when getting a 540, 720 or 1080 signal? Also, is there any noticeable quality difference when you swith to 480...and finally, which blade are you using in the 8UK for HDMI?

Thanks much. :)

I usually only get the black side bars (vertical) when watching SD TV and then the full or just mode takes care of that (so if I leave the tivo set at 1080i out, full mode corrects it automagically) Some movies are shot in 2.xx or greater and have the top/bottom black bars (horizontal) and can be removed with zoom mode (although, you have to then use 480 out) Both my Oppo and my STB look *slightly* better to me at 720/1080 out vs. 480, but it's neglible to my eyes.

I use a TY-FB8HM HDMI board for the STB and a DVI blade for the Oppo

BUT- according to Bruzzi my eyes aren't that good, so be warned :D

mrbradle

04-06-06, 01:51 PM

I usually only get the black side bars (vertical) when watching SD TV and then the full or just mode takes care of that (so if I leave the tivo set at 1080i out, full mode corrects it automagically) Some movies are shot in 2.xx or greater and have the top/bottom black bars (horizontal) and can be removed with zoom mode (although, you have to then use 480 out) Both my Oppo and my STB look *slightly* better to me at 720/1080 out vs. 480, but it's neglible to my eyes.

I use a TY-FB8HM HDMI board for the STB and a DVI blade for the Oppo

BUT- according to Bruzzi my eyes aren't that good, so be warned :D

Thanks for the additional input. I am getting ready to pull the trigger on the 8UK this week and am coupling that with the Denon 4306 and the MOT DCT 6208 DVR STB. I think I am going to hold off on buying the DVD player until the HD and Blu-ray players are widely available...although for $200 on the Oppo, I might get that for the next year or so..

Thanks again - it sounds like the black bars really aren't an issue if you just play with zoom, etc...

One last question - I was going to get the TY-FB7HM blade for the 8UK do you think it is worth getting the 8th Gen at this point for the extra $150?

Thanks! :D

citman

04-06-06, 02:21 PM

Asking for assistance in locating a previous posting.

I have spent 2 hours trying to locate a posting I saw Sunday.

Sunday I was doing research for some sort of article/guide as to what are certain peoples preferences of aspect settings with a hr10-250 and a DVD player and a 50phd monitor.

I found a post done by someone (who obviously I forget) that was very explicit as to his recommendations about the different SD or HD signals in and SD HD out and the preferred aspect ratios and settings for each device.

I looked in my browsers history files today and it appears that it did not add it to the history. It basically created a general AVSForum note with not definite link to the article.

That said, does anyone here know or remember a posting that gave a really good run-through on different signal input and out on HD or SD for the hr10-250 and DVD players and a 50phd.

Shaun

this is my setup exactly :D (50PHD, HR10-250 STB, OPPO DVD)

I use HDMI for the STB, DVI for the Oppo. So far it looks/works great. I do use the selectible signal outputs from both the STB and the Oppo so I can avoid the black bars on some content. Just remember...when ever you send any signal great that 480 to the 8UK it will lock into FULL mode and can't be changed. (don't know why they did this) so if you want to use just or zoom, you have to also use a 480 signal

citman

04-06-06, 02:24 PM

Don't worry, I was just curious to see how great the PQ on the Oppo was compared to the Panny RP82. :D :D :D

Check out the following video to see the problem I'm having when 480p is selected.

http://s52.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=1CU49KP4DGNFZ08PD9171WEAEH

woh! it does this ONLY on 480p Bruzzi? it appears that the signal is getting interrupted between the Oppo and the 8UK. you are using HDMI out, correct? weird. have you contaced Oppo? I will try 480p on the DVI blade tonight and advise, but I don't think mine does this at all. That's FUBAR :(

EDIT....perhaps I will try the oppo in the hdmi slot as well for ya ;)

citman

04-06-06, 02:28 PM

Thanks for the additional input. I am getting ready to pull the trigger on the 8UK this week and am coupling that with the Denon 4306 and the MOT DCT 6208 DVR STB. I think I am going to hold off on buying the DVD player until the HD and Blu-ray players are widely available...although for $200 on the Oppo, I might get that for the next year or so..

Thanks again - it sounds like the black bars really aren't an issue if you just play with zoom, etc...

One last question - I was going to get the TY-FB7HM blade for the 8UK do you think it is worth getting the 8th Gen at this point for the extra $150?

Thanks! :D

that has been the subject of debate in this thread before (search for it), but....I went with the 8th gen becasue of what was printed in the manuals for both blades. According to the manuals (from what I've read here) the 8th gen HDMI board does more greyscaling than the 7th gen AND supports more resolutions (PAL) I'm not using PAL (European) but the greyscaling pulled me to the 8th gen board. Can you tell a difference? prolly not, but nobody has put in both and tested them against eachother either. 7th gen blade owners say their boards work great too...and I believe it. It's up to you on this one....personal choice to spend the extra $ or not.

MisterEd

04-06-06, 02:43 PM

Thanks, will that thing handle the ~100lbs ???

---------

Aesthetically this may look better with the PX 60U. Personally, I prefer the round Panny base. I believe I read a post of someone who tried to use this with their NEC XR5 and it didn't work out too well. The screws did not fit exactly and there were some other issues....plus it looks pretty bulky all around. Also, the way the screen is held up, makes me believe that the natural tendency is for the screen to bend inwards a bit (i.e. point downwards)

If you want to swivel/rotate the screen (sideways movement) you could place a little TV swivel base (sold in the Container Store) for around $20 and place it below the Panny round base. From what I can tell it fits perfectly and is stable enough. The base will be off the table by around 1/4 inch. I am not sure about the long-term effects of how the base will stand-up, but the swiveling is pretty smooth :)

MisterEd

04-06-06, 02:44 PM

Is it true the 50PHD8UK has only CARRY-IN service for the factory 1yr warranty? That's a heck of a set to have to "carry-in" if needed.

citman

04-06-06, 02:52 PM

Is it true the 50PHD8UK has only CARRY-IN service for the factory 1yr warranty? That's a heck of a set to have to "carry-in" if needed.

yep...all commercial models have to be sent or carried in for service...no in home service for the commercials under warranty. Out of warranty you'd have to pay for the service call anyways. So, if you want to have a commercial grade one fixed under warranty I assume that you will have to pay a "home visit" fee to get in home service as it's not covered.

Yamadr6

04-06-06, 03:46 PM

yep...all commercial models have to be sent or carried in for service...no in home service for the commercials under warranty. Out of warranty you'd have to pay for the service call anyways. So, if you want to have a commercial grade one fixed under warranty I assume that you will have to pay a "home visit" fee to get in home service as it's not covered.
MisterEd, Citman is correct on this statement.

Here is a bit of information about the extended warranty from Panasonic.

I found out that Panasonic sells an extended warranty for the TH-50PHD8UK

They all start after the first year warranty is over and you have until that day to purchase the extended warranty. It is an In-home service and they will replace the unit if deemed unrepeatable

Their warranty plans are as fallow.

1 Year for 299.95
2 Years for 449.95
3 Years for 599.95

Payments are divided into 4 and are automatically charged to your credit card every month.

Their phone number is 1-800-637-2007

Jake1221

04-06-06, 04:00 PM

I got my set last night! We are moving into a new home, so unfortunately I can't set it up until beginning of May (wife's orders). I did fire up a DVD on it, though, just to make sure all is good (amazing).

My question is, now that you've reached your first 100 hours, what did you set it at to break it in? Was it only the brightness you adjusted?

Thanks as always.

wormzer

04-06-06, 05:31 PM

plazman

04-06-06, 06:23 PM

Thanks, will that thing handle the ~100lbs ???

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

Yes, it will hold 100 lbs. They claim it supports upto a 37 inch CRT TV - which I believe is way way more than 100 lb. Plus, it's not that your TV will tilt over and fall if it doesn't work and I'm sure Container Store will take it back

BruZZi

04-06-06, 11:29 PM

woh! it does this ONLY on 480p Bruzzi?
Yup. All other resolutions work fine.

it appears that the signal is getting interrupted between the Oppo and the 8UK.
Yup.

you are using HDMI out, correct?
Yup, the TY-FB7HM HDMI Board with a HDMI/DVI cable supplied by Oppo.

weird. have you contaced Oppo?
I was going to do it but... I decided to return the Oppo.

EDIT....perhaps I will try the oppo in the hdmi slot as well for ya ;)
That will be perfect. :)

__________________________________
BruZZi's Panasonic Plasma FAQ — bruzzi.ws
Lots of info for all Plasmas in general.

Yamadr6

04-07-06, 07:05 AM

I received my Oppo yesterday and connected it using component because my HDMI cables from MonoPrice.com won’t be here until today. I need to add another cable and TY-FB7HM blade but only plan on taking the 8UK down once. :)

I was impressed with the features and the ability to play just about anything, including MP3 witch I did not expect it to, because I did not see it specified anywhere. This is an added bonus because having over 14,000 MP3s this is a feature that I will be using often. :D

Do to lack of space on my entertainment system I am forced to place the Oppo on top of my Dish box witch runs extremely hot. :eek:
I am in the process of figuring out a way to keep the heat from getting to the bottom of the Oppo. Does anyone know how this heat will affect the Oppo? Is this something that I should be concerned about?

BruZZi; I will post my experience with the 480P when I connect it using HDMI. I am curious to know if mine is going to have the same issues as yours. :rolleyes:

BruZZi

04-07-06, 10:39 AM

BruZZi; I will post my experience with the 480P when I connect it using HDMI. I am curious to know if mine is going to have the same issues as yours. :rolleyes:

Please let me know. :)

And which Board do you have... The FB7HM or FB8HM ???

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BruZZi

04-07-06, 10:50 AM

I received my Oppo yesterday and connected it using component because my HDMI cables from MonoPrice.com won’t be here until today. I need to add another cable and TY-FB7HM blade but only plan on taking the 8UK down once. :)

Where did you get the Oppo???

Not sure if you know this but both HDMI/HDMI and HDMI/DVI cables are supplied when you order direct from Oppo Digital.

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Yamadr6

04-07-06, 10:56 AM

Please let me know. :)

And which Board do you have... The FB7HM or FB8HM ???

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I will. ;)

I have the FB7HM in both Slot 1 and 2. I will be using Input 2 for the Oppo. :)

How about you?

Is it the same setup?

I also have 3 HDMI to DVI cables I could try if this problem presents it self.

Yamadr6

04-07-06, 10:59 AM

Where did you get the Oppo???

Not sure if you know this but both HDMI/HDMI and HDMI/DVI cables are supplied when you order direct from Oppo Digital.

__________________________________
BruZZi's Panasonic Plasma FAQ — bruzzi.ws
Lots of info for all Plasmas in general.

I ordered mine from Oppo Digital.

Yes I got both cables. They are too short for my application so I will be using 10ft DVI to HDMI.

BruZZi

04-07-06, 11:00 AM

I will. ;)
I have the FB7HM in both Slot 1 and 2. I will be using Input 2 for the Oppo. :)
How about you?
Is it the same setup?

FB7HM in slot 1 - HDMI/DVI cable from Oppo. :)

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citman

04-07-06, 11:56 AM

I will try and get to this test tonight or tomorrow and advise. I will try all outputs via DVI (which I know already works), then I will disconnect the STB from the FB8HM and use the dvi/hdmi cable from Oppo and plug it in there. I'm curious to see if it happens on my set as well....we'll see ;)

citman

04-07-06, 12:01 PM

repost-
Have any of you guys used the Avia or DVE discs?

I am at 125 hours now so, I decided to try and calibrate a little. MAN...beyond the basics on the Avia disc....it gets pretty complex, no? Also, where in the picture menu is hue and saturation controlled? not that the set's colors were that far off to begin with, but even if I wanted to mess with them I'm not sure which advanced settings to use

After some self swag on the Avia screens I've noticed that what matches the Avia best so far is about -10 picture (white level) and -7 brightness (black level) in Cinema mode, color medium. Is that what everybody else has found also?

trying the different aspect ratios with a test pattern helped me align the horiz/vert size and position allot too. that was cool.

Haven't tried the DVE disc yet....maybe tonight

OH- and I told my son that we can finally hook up the PS2 to the set also....he's pumped

TTT
anybody on this question? I hooked up the PS2 and for some reason it has very small black bars on the sides (vertical) that I can't seem to get rid of either, weird. Need to play with it more.

stretch1010

04-07-06, 12:52 PM

Citman,
I am not at 100 hours yet but will be very interested if anyone has info on the calibration since I will be in the same position very soon.

Just one question (may be a stupid one), people keep talking about "picture" setting. When I go into the menu, I don't see a "picture" setting, I see contrast, brightness, sharpness...

I have it hooked into slot 1 with HDMI. Am I missing something?

Route66-HDTV

04-07-06, 01:41 PM

Hey guys,

I have a 50" 8UK and have done my 100+hr burn-in with DVD ISO I found linked to from the Burn-In thread.

I have 2 DVI boards one connected to a DTV HR10-250 HD TIVO and the other I will connect to a OPPO DVD as soon as it arives. I will post my exp with the oppo over DVI - DVI. I also have the DVE DVD on the way, so I can post my settings for the oppo over DVI - DVI. If you guys have DTV and a TIVO you can record a set of test patterns on HDNET Tuesdays at 3:50am PST. Once I get this next Tue I will also post my settings for this over HDMI - DVI from the HR10-250. I also have a XBOX 360 connected over VGA, once my DVE DVD shows up I can post my settings for this too. Last i have a XBOX that is connected over component I will post setting with DVE for this device too.

Anyone running into problems with the same type of config?

How do I tell if i have macroblocking with the OPPO?

Talk to you all soon

BruZZi

04-07-06, 02:44 PM

Just one question (may be a stupid one), people keep talking about "picture" setting. When I go into the menu, I don't see a "picture" setting, I see contrast, brightness, sharpness...

I have it hooked into slot 1 with HDMI. Am I missing something?

Picture (Which actually is the Contrast control) is the second option:

http://img473.imageshack.us/img473/696/pic2hd.jpg

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Lots of info for all Plasmas in general.

plazman

04-07-06, 02:50 PM

Became aware of an upconverting DVD player from a company called NeoDigits. It's called the Helios HVD 2085. What was interesting is that:

1. They upconvert all the way to 1080p (including 720p and 1080i)
2. Do this via component!
3. Costs $199.00

All the other upconverting DVD players like the Oppo do it over HDMI. Anyone hear of this product? is it any good?

Mainly, for those who have tried upconverting DVD players, is the picture any different v. feeding the set standard 480p?

Thanks for any feedback...

prdog

04-07-06, 03:12 PM

Hey, just wanted to say that this monitor ROCKS. So glad I went with this intstead of skimping out and settling for a lesser model or other manufacturer. So far only have components hooked up and will look around for a cheap terminal board. Don't have a stand either so its set up on the floor - do I care?? not when the picture I have is better than anything that I have seen in the store. the only thing comparable is the pioneer ELITE that I have seen. And I think its better than the new panasonic models - maybe it was there setup (sound advice in FL). just wanted to say thanks to all that contribute to this thread. Now lets get settled on some settings for component and DVI/HDMI inputs.

stretch1010

04-07-06, 03:43 PM

Picture (Which actually is the Contrast control) is the second option:

http://img473.imageshack.us/img473/696/pic2hd.jpg

__________________________________
BruZZi's Panasonic Plasma FAQ — bruzzi.ws
Lots of info for all Plasmas in general.
Bruzzi,

I had a feeling Contrast was picture control. But for some reason my menu display doesn't look like the one you posted here. I don't have the word "picture" just contrast.

I'll have to check it out tonight to see if I am missing something.

Route66-HDTV

04-07-06, 04:23 PM

terminal cards/stand can be found cheep on buy dot - free shipping too

Hey, just wanted to say that this monitor ROCKS. So glad I went with this intstead of skimping out and settling for a lesser model or other manufacturer. So far only have components hooked up and will look around for a cheap terminal board. Don't have a stand either so its set up on the floor - do I care?? not when the picture I have is better than anything that I have seen in the store. the only thing comparable is the pioneer ELITE that I have seen. And I think its better than the new panasonic models - maybe it was there setup (sound advice in FL). just wanted to say thanks to all that contribute to this thread. Now lets get settled on some settings for component and DVI/HDMI inputs.

chadwik

04-07-06, 05:45 PM

[QUOTE=citman]repost-
Have any of you guys used the Avia or DVE discs?

I am at 125 hours now so, I decided to try and calibrate a little. MAN...beyond the basics on the Avia disc....it gets pretty complex, no? Also, where in the picture menu is hue and saturation controlled? not that the set's colors were that far off to begin with, but even if I wanted to mess with them I'm not sure which advanced settings to use

QUOTE]

DVE just arrived but I still have a few more hours to reach 100. AFterwards ill post my findings.

dstedman

04-07-06, 11:19 PM

Hi all - just ordered an 8UK from Costco. Yeah!

Now I need to get squared away with cables. Are the ones at Monoprice OK? They are so inexpensive compared to some of the other places mentioned here. I know people like to pay a lot of money for cables, but I'm looking for 98% of the quality for cheap.

I'm looking to use the PC input as a component input, and also the BNC input as another component input. Do I just need the BNC to RCA convertors, a VGA to Component convertor, and a couple of component cables?

I'm excited - I'm leaping from a 7 year old 32" Sony Trinitron to this. Just have to make room for it now!

thanks for any help you can offer -
dan

Timpanogos

04-07-06, 11:27 PM

Monoprice cables are GREAT. Just bought another $100 worth...

BruZZi

04-07-06, 11:37 PM

I'm looking to use the PC input as a component input
All you need is a Component/VGA Cable

http://www.ramelectronics.net/assets/images/video/55-873-RCA-6.jpg

and also the BNC input as another component input.
Use either a regular Component Cable with BNC/RCA Adapters

or a Component BNC/RCA Cable:

http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/1098/vinbncrcacomponent7ec.jpg

__________________________________
BruZZi's Panasonic Plasma FAQ — bruzzi.ws
Lots of info for all Plasmas in general.

dstedman

04-08-06, 12:56 AM

Wow - thanks, guys! Perfect info for me. Knew someone would have the answer.

Yamadr6

04-08-06, 10:42 AM

Please let me know. :)

And which Board do you have... The FB7HM or FB8HM ???

__________________________________
BruZZi's Panasonic Plasma FAQ — bruzzi.ws
Lots of info for all Plasmas in general.
BruZZi; I did not receive the cables yesterday but I was intrigue on how this Oppo will perform using DVI to HDMI, versus component.

I disconnected my Dish box witch I have connected using a HDMI to DVI cable and a converter from DVI to HDMI (I will be removing this converter once my new HDMI to HDMI cable arrives and I will be using this HDMI to DVI cable for my Oppo).

I then connected the HDMI to DVI cable to the Oppo using input 1 with a FB7HM. After doing this I set the Oppo to DVI 480P and the same problem that you are having showed up on mine as well. :eek: :eek: :eek:

After putting my other HD Dish box that uses DVI out and setting it to 480P I did not encounter the same problem. My Dish box worked fine with the exception that PQ was not as good as the 1080i output. :)
I came to the conclusion that is a problem with the Oppo not the HDMI card or the cable.
When the cables come in and I install the other FB7HM on input 2, I will post the outcome of that test as well (I am not expecting any difference).

Have you contacted Oppo on this matter?

As far as the PQ via DVI versus Component, I can’t say there is a major difference but there is definitely some improvement. :)

One other flaw I found on the Oppo is that if you stop a DVD movie and turn the system off, it will not remember were it was last. :( This creates a great inconvenience. My Sonny DVD DVP NS325 had this feature that I found to be most usefull.

Citman; did you have a chance to try yours?

gizlaroc

04-08-06, 11:05 AM

repost-
After some self swag on the Avia screens I've noticed that what matches the Avia best so far is about -10 picture (white level) and -7 brightness (black level) in Cinema mode, color medium. Is that what everybody else has found also?

Yeah.

I have set it using SpyderTV as well and this gave the same results on a newish set (around 100 hours).
Black level never seems to change but the white level seems to calm down a bit as the set beds in, I re ran the calibration at 800 hours and white level is now at -1.

You may want to leave the white level adjustment at 0 and try adjusting the input sensitivty. I had mine on -20 for the first 400 hours and even now at 800 hours have this at -10 I think it is.

TechoFobe

04-08-06, 01:26 PM

"I have set it using SpyderTV..."

I want to "properly" calibrate my 50PHD8UK and know that my non-professional eyes will not come close to doing the trick. I have the Avia DVD but hesitate to screw the settings up. :eek:

How does the SpyderTV size up? Would it be a good idea to first have an ISF certified technician set it (if I can find one locally) and then use SpyderTV to keep it calibrated as the hours go by?

Or maybe, I should just opt fot the SpyderTV calibration? Does it fully calibrate the PHD8UK's various settings? Would I likely "see" any difference between an ISF calibration vs. using the SpyderTV calibrator?

Thanks! :)

gizlaroc

04-08-06, 01:47 PM

I want to "properly" calibrate my 50PHD8UK and know that my non-professional eyes will not come close to doing the trick. I have the Avia DVD but hesitate to screw the settings up. :eek:

How does the SpyderTV size up? Would it be a good idea to first have an ISF certified technician set it (if I can find one locally) and then use SpyderTV to keep it calibrated as the hours go by?

Or maybe, I should just opt fot the SpyderTV calibration? Does it fully calibrate the PHD8UK's various settings? Would I likely "see" any difference between an ISF calibration vs. using the SpyderTV calibrator?

Thanks! :)

Well I would be ver careful with calibration, either ISF or doing it yourself with something like the Spyder TV kit.
I have seen a few plasmas that have been ISF calibrated and really not rated the image at all. Blacks have been crushed slightly, the white level looks a little too high and the colour on every set has been far too hot.

When I got my 50PHD8 I actually went in on Normal mode reset everything to default and then went into the service menu and started to adjust with the help of avia.
Now when I plugged the Spyder in and took measurments it came back with the same things just about, however it did have the contrast a little too high and the colour was far, far too high, but, when I put it back to default (remember I had adjusted it already in the service so this was not like factory default) and measured the colour temperature from 100ire down to 0ire they were all nearly spot on, it was only at 10ire that it was reading just under 5000 where it was out, 30ire was 6488 and 80ire was 6534.
Now I think I have a pretty good eye anyway and the Spyder just confirmed that more than anything, but I am sure alot of people just don't have a clue and using something like the Spyder would really help.
Now they say that warm is the closest to D65 on the PHD8 but if you take readings in warm mode the thing is all over the place, some ire are as low as 3800 and others are at over 7000, so you do need to adjust.

But unless you are a complete numpty I would go with calibrating yourself, if you don't like the results from ISF you will fiddle with it, and then it is a waste of money, I would personally do it myself and learn as I go, then if you need to do another source at a later date you can.

TechoFobe

04-08-06, 02:48 PM

Well I would be ver careful with calibration, either ISF or doing it yourself with something like the Spyder TV kit.
I have seen a few plasmas that have been ISF calibrated and really not rated the image at all. Blacks have been crushed slightly, the white level looks a little too high and the colour on every set has been far too hot.

When I got my 50PHD8 I actually went in on Normal mode reset everything to default and then went into the service menu and started to adjust with the help of avia.
Now when I plugged the Spyder in and took measurments it came back with the same things just about, however it did have the contrast a little too high and the colour was far, far too high, but, when I put it back to default (remember I had adjusted it already in the service so this was not like factory default) and measured the colour temperature from 100ire down to 0ire they were all nearly spot on, it was only at 10ire that it was reading just under 5000 where it was out, 30ire was 6488 and 80ire was 6534.
Now I think I have a pretty good eye anyway and the Spyder just confirmed that more than anything, but I am sure alot of people just don't have a clue and using something like the Spyder would really help.
Now they say that warm is the closest to D65 on the PHD8 but if you take readings in warm mode the thing is all over the place, some ire are as low as 3800 and others are at over 7000, so you do need to adjust.

But unless you are a complete numpty I would go with calibrating yourself, if you don't like the results from ISF you will fiddle with it, and then it is a waste of money, I would personally do it myself and learn as I go, then if you need to do another source at a later date you can.
Plus, worse come to worst --- if I screw it all up I can always reset to factory default and/or get a ISF tech to calibrate it?

I'll obviously need to learn how to do the basic task of accessing the service menu and figuring out which settings I should to adjust. Excuse this question, but do you calibrate each input individually?

I think it might be time to get the SpyderTV...

Thanks again.

Signed: A Partial Numpty :)

BruZZi

04-08-06, 05:34 PM

I then connected the HDMI to DVI cable to the Oppo using input 1 with a FB7HM. After doing this I set the Oppo to DVI 480P and the same problem that you are having showed up on mine as well. :eek: :eek: :eek:

Same problem. :(

I don't really care much about 480p but since the Aspect is locked to "FULL" on any resolution higher than 480p, It's good to have this option for 4:3 and non-anamorphic Movies. We can also use the Pic Size/Pos Control but "Just" mode won't be possible.

Have you contacted Oppo on this matter?

Not yet as I was wainting until someone could test the same setup - just to make sure. Thanks Yamadr6.

I'll contact Oppo support.

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Lots of info for all Plasmas in general.

gizlaroc

04-08-06, 07:10 PM

Plus, worse come to worst --- if I screw it all up I can always reset to factory default and/or get a ISF tech to calibrate it?

I'll obviously need to learn how to do the basic task of accessing the service menu and figuring out which settings I should to adjust. Excuse this question, but do you calibrate each input individually?

I think it might be time to get the SpyderTV...

Thanks again.

Signed: A Partial Numpty :)

Yeah you do, I use a Crystalio processor so I only use RGBhv on the 5 bnc board, so I calibrate that for 1366x768 at 50 and 60hz.

I stick it in Normal and colour temp cool (as I would never use that anyway) and calibrate that, leaving cinema, mid and warm alone.

I would get a SpyderTV and have a go with it, if you don't want to keep it sell it on and loose $60, think of it like you are renting for as long as you like! ;)

I think it is worth the money for the eye and the colour temperature readings, I am not too keen on the basic set up, think you can do that far better by eye.

plazman

04-09-06, 12:17 AM

Anyone tried to input DVI to their PC Input? Looks like Monoprice sells a cable with DVI-VGA adaptors. That way I could hook up a DVD player using DVI to the PC input

TechoFobe

04-09-06, 01:15 AM

Anyone tried to input DVI to their PC Input? Looks like Monoprice sells a cable with DVI-VGA adaptors. That way I could hook up a DVD player using DVI to the PC input
No I haven't... I wonder if the PQ would be the same when inputting DVI to VGA as it is when inputting DVI to DVI (or DVI to HDMI)?

muttt

04-09-06, 03:01 AM

Route66-HDTV

04-09-06, 03:26 AM

Bruzzi,

I have the Oppo connected DVI to DVI on the 50" 8UK and I do not have the same issue. So your issue must be limited to DVI to HDMI connections. Have you made sure your Oppo is using the current firmware?

[QUOTE=BruZZi]Don't worry, I was just curious to see how great the PQ on the Oppo was compared to the Panny RP82. :D :D :D

Check out the following video to see the problem I'm having when 480p is selected.

Route66-HDTV

04-09-06, 03:27 AM

confirmed

Bruzzi and Yamadr--
Just to confirm, this only happens with an HDMI blade, not with a DVI blade? I'm planning to buy an Oppo and already have the HDMI blade... would consider adding the DVI blade since I don't use composite...

pierrebnh

04-09-06, 09:03 AM

No I haven't... I wonder if the PQ would be the same when inputting DVI to VGA as it is when inputting DVI to DVI (or DVI to HDMI)?

The DVI and HDMI blades offer more gradations than the component blade...not sure about the VGA in.

plazman

04-09-06, 09:53 AM

The DVI and HDMI blades offer more gradations than the component blade...not sure about the VGA in.
-----------

I was under the impression that VGA was a digital/analog (RBGHV/component) connection and therefore was one way to feed native resolution to the set. Therefore, theretically why would one lose gradation if VGA is a digital input like DVI or HDMI? I can understand with component which is analog? Am I wrong?

cpcat

04-09-06, 10:14 AM

VGA is analog.

RGBHV is analog.

DVI can be either.

"RGB" can be either and digital RGB is basically equivalent to DVI-D whereas analog RGB is basically equivalent to VGA/RGBHV/DVI-A.

At least that's how I understand it.

plazman

04-09-06, 10:26 AM

VGA is analog.
----------

Thanks for the clarification. I am just curious:

1. If DVI-I to VGA would work, since DVI-I is both analog and digital, no?

2. I ordered an Oppo DVD player, which has a DVI output. I am not sure if it is DVI-I or DVI-D (digital only).

3. Looks like unless the Oppo will work with a DVI-VGA connection it'll be restricted to the NEC. Based on this forum looks like there are too many issues with Oppo via HDMI to the Panny.

TechoFobe

04-09-06, 10:28 AM

-----------

I was under the impression that VGA was a digital/analog (RBGHV/component) connection and therefore was one way to feed native resolution to the set. Therefore, theretically why would one lose gradation if VGA is a digital input like DVI or HDMI? I can understand with component which is analog? Am I wrong?

I have computer monitors that have both DVI and VGA inputs... I was under the impression that regarding video quality --- connecting via DVI was superior to using a VGA connection? I 0thought that DVI is digital and VGA is analog...

I'm probably wrong? :confused:

I am using the PC connection to connect my PC to my 50PHD. I originally connected the PC to a DVI blade but decided to use the DVI blade for inputting signals from my DVD & DirecTV HD receiver. I didn't notice any loss of video quality when switching my computer input from DVI to VGA though... Maybe I wasn't paying close enough attention?

As it stands now, I input video thru a DVI blade in slot one. I also input video (from analog sources) into the composite blade in slot two. And I also connect my upscaling video receiver using the component blade in slot three... Now that I've been using the monitor for a few weeks, I rarely (or never) access the component input. Connecting video to the 50PHD8UK using both DVI and component inputs doesn't seem to be necessary or useful??? Just redundent?

Admittedly, I don't fully understand most of this... Why would you need or want to input video thru the monitor's PC (VGA) input? The monitor comes with a component blade --- why not just use that blade for inputting video signals? Or (no offense), is the PC (VGA) input kind of like a poor man's DVI/HDMI input? :)

Excuse me if I am way out beyond left field... There is so much of this stuff that I just don't understand...

TechoFobe

04-09-06, 10:33 AM

plazman

04-09-06, 11:13 AM

I have computer monitors that have both DVI and VGA inputs... I was under the impression that regarding video quality --- connecting via DVI was superior to using a VGA connection? I 0thought that DVI is digital and VGA is analog...

I'm probably wrong? :confused:

I am using the PC connection to connect my PC to my 50PHD. I originally connected the PC to a DVI blade but decided to use the DVI blade for inputting signals from my DVD & DirecTV HD receiver. I didn't notice any loss of video quality when switching my computer input from DVI to VGA though... Maybe I wasn't paying close enough attention?

As it stands now, I input video thru a DVI blade in slot one. I also input video (from analog sources) into the composite blade in slot two. And I also connect my upscaling video receiver using the component blade in slot three... Now that I've been using the monitor for a few weeks, I rarely (or never) access the component input. Connecting video to the 50PHD8UK using both DVI and component inputs doesn't seem to be necessary or useful??? Just redundent?

Admittedly, I don't fully understand most of this... Why would you need or want to input video thru the monitor's PC (VGA) input? The monitor comes with a component blade --- why not just use that blade for inputting video signals? Or (no offense), is the PC (VGA) input kind of like a poor man's DVI/HDMI input? :)

Excuse me if I am way out beyond left field... There is so much of this stuff that I just don't understand...
------------

I am 'hoping' the VGA can be a poor man's DVI/HDMI input. But based on what cpcat says my hopes may have died :(

Well, I was getting the Oppo mainly for the NEC (so not a big deal), just thought if the Oppo was as good as people say it is, I might have gotten two ;)

cpcat and Techno thanks for the input (excuse the pun) :)

SuperVision2010

04-09-06, 12:16 PM

Bruzzi and Yamadr--
Just to confirm, this only happens with an HDMI blade, not with a DVI blade? I'm planning to buy an Oppo and already have the HDMI blade... would consider adding the DVI blade since I don't use composite...

I used to have HDMI "handshake"issues with a prior Panny ED plasma and my Comcast DVR(w/DVI)-only a unplugging/reconnecting would re-establish video.

Any reason to believe a DVI blade would be more reliable than HDMI with my Panny 8UK?? :confused:

I don't intend to mount speakers (on Panny) so I wouldn't miss the audio-would video across DVI be equivalent to HDMI(8-series board) and maybe more reliable??

Thanks in advance!
Steve Longo

muttt

04-09-06, 01:05 PM

Thanks, Route66.

Route66-HDTV

04-09-06, 01:07 PM

I am using 2 DVI-D terminal cards. On one I have HDMI - DVI-D from my DTV HR10-250 HD TIVO, this works great with no issues. The second I have DVI-D - DVI-D from the Oppo, also no issues. I see no reason to buy HDMI terminal cards at all, why run audio to the monitor at all. I use optical audio to a receiver for all sound

BTW I am using these terminal boards TY-42TM6D

Can anyone share why HDMI would be a better choice? All I see are HDMI related issues on this forum

plazman

04-09-06, 01:18 PM

I am using 2 DVI-D terminal cards. On one I have HDMI - DVI-D from my DTV HR10-250 HD TIVO, this works great with no issues. The second I have DVI-D - DVI-D from the Oppo, also no issues. I see no reason to buy HDMI terminal cards at all, why run audio to the monitor at all. I use optical audio to a receiver for all sound

Can anyone share why HDMI would be a better choice? All I see are HDMI related issues on this forum
------------

Same here. I was even told by an ISF calibrator that for the Panny commercials he only recommends DVI. But HD DVD and BluRay may require HDMI. Does HDCP work with DVI-D?

Route66-HDTV

04-09-06, 01:22 PM

Yes HDCP does work with the DVI-D terminal cards. Look at this is from the Panny documentation

RGB (Digital) Terminal Board
(DVI-D w/HDCP) (mounts in slot 1 or 2)
TY-42TM6D

My Hughes DTIVO HR10-250 is connected with a HDMI - DVI-D cable and has a HDCP handshake. You can see this under the information screen in the HR10-250

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

Same here. I was even told by an ISF calibrator that for the Panny commercials he only recommends DVI. But HD DVD and BluRay may require HDMI. Does HDCP work with DVI-D?

mrbradle

04-09-06, 01:52 PM

that has been the subject of debate in this thread before (search for it), but....I went with the 8th gen becasue of what was printed in the manuals for both blades. According to the manuals (from what I've read here) the 8th gen HDMI board does more greyscaling than the 7th gen AND supports more resolutions (PAL) I'm not using PAL (European) but the greyscaling pulled me to the 8th gen board. Can you tell a difference? prolly not, but nobody has put in both and tested them against eachother either. 7th gen blade owners say their boards work great too...and I believe it. It's up to you on this one....personal choice to spend the extra $ or not.

Citman - thanks for the feedback. For the moment, I think 7th gen will work for me. As things get straightened out on HDMI, I'll probably add the 8th gen blade latter on. Thanks again! MRB :)

cpcat

04-09-06, 02:09 PM

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

I am 'hoping' the VGA can be a poor man's DVI/HDMI input. But based on what cpcat says my hopes may have died :(

Well, I was getting the Oppo mainly for the NEC (so not a big deal), just thought if the Oppo was as good as people say it is, I might have gotten two ;)

cpcat and Techno thanks for the input (excuse the pun) :)

Sorry, it won't work. Only analog is compatible with analog and digital with digital.
You can convert DVI-A to VGA to RGBHV and even to YPbPr but it's all still analog.

RGB digital to DVI-D is the same.

Going from analog to digital requires a converter box of some type and then you run into HDCP constraints. Analog output is disallowed from an HDCP-encrypted digital source. I'm sure there are hacks to get through it but I wouldn't suggest something like that on an open forum.:)

TechoFobe

04-09-06, 02:25 PM

Analog output is disallowed from an HDCP-encrypted digital source.
Excuse me for asking, but, why does HDCP's preventing output of digital signals to analog signals guard against or prevent unauthorized (illegal) copying of copyrighted materials? I don't want to know anything about how to hack material because I don't believe in doing that! (Theft.) I'm just curious why it seems you can burn DVDs of HD programming --- but you can't use analog to do it...

I have never burned a DVD of a "Hollywood" DVD, or for that matter --- any TV content. So maybe HDCP doesn't allow that at all?

Inquiring minds would like to know. :D

cpcat

04-09-06, 02:37 PM

HDCP is only in digital form, so analog is in the clear. Therefore, with a digital connection "they" get to choose what we can copy and how many copies can be made, make sure it's a "dead end" copy or whatever.

I assume analog encryption is possible, but for whatever reason it must be easier to implement digitally.

BruZZi

04-10-06, 01:05 AM

Bruzzi,

I have the Oppo connected DVI to DVI on the 50" 8UK and I do not have the same issue. So your issue must be limited to DVI to HDMI connections. Have you made sure your Oppo is using the current firmware?
Yup.

My Player has the latest firmware = 05.00.01.07 Batch: F-0302B

__________________________________
BruZZi's Panasonic Plasma FAQ — bruzzi.ws
Lots of info for all Plasmas in general.

Route66-HDTV

04-10-06, 01:11 AM

O.K. Sorry I could not help ... Try Oppo, I read they are proud of their product

Yup.

My Player has the latest firmware = 05.00.01.07 Batch: F-0302B

__________________________________
BruZZi's Panasonic Plasma FAQ — bruzzi.ws
Lots of info for all Plasmas in general.

BruZZi

04-10-06, 01:21 AM

O.K. Sorry I could not help ...

Thanks anyway. :)

Try Oppo, I read they are proud of their product

I'll do it, especially now that I (changed my mind and...) decided to keep the Oppo. :D

__________________________________
BruZZi's Panasonic Plasma FAQ — bruzzi.ws
Lots of info for all Plasmas in general.

Route66-HDTV

04-10-06, 01:28 AM

I really like the unit, it looks way better then a 480p DVD player using the "just" zoom from the panny

Thanks anyway. :)

I'll do it, especially now that I (changed my mind and...) decided to keep the Oppo. :D

__________________________________
BruZZi's Panasonic Plasma FAQ — bruzzi.ws
Lots of info for all Plasmas in general.

pierrebnh

04-10-06, 08:37 AM

Can anyone share why HDMI would be a better choice? All I see are HDMI related issues on this forum

The reason you might want a HDMI blade is for the processing.

DVI is limited to 8-bit from what I can tell.

The TV can do up to 14.

My Marantz DV7600's Video DAC can do 12 via its HDMI out, which I believe is the top-end of the HDMI spec.

ymmv

fasTLane

04-10-06, 08:43 AM

So 12 versus 8 bit is the answer and translates to what on-screen?

gizlaroc

04-10-06, 08:45 AM

So 12 versus 8 bit is the answer and translates to what on-screen?

Nothing as far as I can see.
RGBhv or YUV still looks far better than all of them, unless the source has a terrible analogue output.

TechoFobe

04-10-06, 10:33 AM

The reason you might want a HDMI blade is for the processing.

DVI is limited to 8-bit from what I can tell.

The TV can do up to 14.

My Marantz DV7600's Video DAC can do 12 via its HDMI out, which I believe is the top-end of the HDMI spec.

ymmv
Hmmmm, my mileage does seem to vary... I "believe" that your beliefs are possibly incorrect? For one thing, 12-Bit is not "top-of-the-line". For example, Denon's DVD-5910 has 14-Bit DACs, if and when money is no object...

Where did you get the idea that DVI is limited to 8-Bit? :confused:

Panasonic states that their monitors have:

Industry’s Highest Level of Gradation Steps — Advanced Real Gamma System*3
Panasonic plasma display series uses ultra-precise, maximum 14-bit signal processing to produce vividly rich details. The Advanced Real Gamma System then takes it another step further with full-time, full-pixel 1,536-step gradation and 2,048-step dark-area gradation. This level of gradation brings intricate details and more faithful color reproduction to all scenes, dark and bright.
* The equivalent of 4,096 steps of gradation can be displayed with DVI or HDMI connection.

What does this mean? 4,096 steps of gradation can be displayed with DVI or HDMI? So, there is no difference between DVI & HDMI.

I could be wrong, but I "believe" that DVI and HDMI are exactly the same as one another, image-quality-wise. The principal differences are that HDMI carries audio as well as video, and uses a different type of connector, but both use the same encoding scheme, and that's why a DVI source can be connected to an HDMI monitor, or vice versa, with a DVI/HDMI cable/adapter, with no intervening converter box.

Logically (obviously?), the signal quality from a DVD with an 8-Bit DAC is not as "high" as a signal from a DVD with a 12-Bit DAC or a DVD with a 14-Bit DAC... But, unless I am missing something basic here, signals from DVDs (with 8, 12, or 14-Bit DACs) can be input equally via DVI or HDMI.

The quality and/or length of the HDMI or DVI cables probably has more bearing in regards to picture quality? :) DVI cables are "more beefier" than HDMI cables. :D

YMMV

plazman

04-10-06, 11:12 AM

Hmmmm, my mileage does seem to vary... I "believe" that your beliefs are possibly incorrect? For one thing, 12-Bit is not "top-of-the-line". For example, Denon's DVD-5910 has 14-Bit DACs, if and when money is no object...

Where did you get the idea that DVI is limited to 8-Bit? :confused:

Panasonic states that their monitors have:

Industry’s Highest Level of Gradation Steps — Advanced Real Gamma System*3
Panasonic plasma display series uses ultra-precise, maximum 14-bit signal processing to produce vividly rich details. The Advanced Real Gamma System then takes it another step further with full-time, full-pixel 1,536-step gradation and 2,048-step dark-area gradation. This level of gradation brings intricate details and more faithful color reproduction to all scenes, dark and bright.
* The equivalent of 4,096 steps of gradation can be displayed with DVI or HDMI connection.

What does this mean? 4,096 steps of gradation can be displayed with DVI or HDMI? So, there is no difference between DVI & HDMI.

I could be wrong, but I "believe" that DVI and HDMI are exactly the same as one another, image-quality-wise. The principal differences are that HDMI carries audio as well as video, and uses a different type of connector, but both use the same encoding scheme, and that's why a DVI source can be connected to an HDMI monitor, or vice versa, with a DVI/HDMI cable/adapter, with no intervening converter box.

Logically (obviously?), the signal quality from a DVD with an 8-Bit DAC is not as "high" as a signal from a DVD with a 12-Bit DAC or a DVD with a 14-Bit DAC... But, unless I am missing something basic here, signals from DVDs (with 8, 12, or 14-Bit DACs) can be input equally via DVI or HDMI.

The quality and/or length of the HDMI or DVI cables probably has more bearing in regards to picture quality? :) DVI cables are "more beefier" than HDMI cables. :D

YMMV
---------------------------

I got this from the Neodigits website. They claim 16 bit video processing. But reviews show their product isn't all that great. So higher bit may not equal to better video in all cases.....

"Fast 16bit 149Mhz Video DAC and 192 kHz 24 Bit Audio DAC ( 32 bit/133Mhz Audio DSP)."

pierrebnh

04-10-06, 11:14 AM

You misunderstood. I didn't say top-of-the-line. I said top-end of the HDMI spec as I've found it so far...you can find further information on this topic here: http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_11_4/feature-dvi-hdmi-hdcp-connections-11-2004.html

Whether or not there's an actual noticeable improvement in PQ is entirely dependent on your gear...

pierrebnh

04-10-06, 11:19 AM

Oh and here's related info on Sony's PS3 in this regard as well:

http://www.ps3focus.com/archives/174

Route66-HDTV

04-10-06, 11:28 AM

I see in the Oppo DVD player specs that is uses 2 sets of DACs 108Mhz, 12-bit - does this mean the DVI-D connector will pass 12Bit video?

Route66-HDTV

04-10-06, 11:33 AM

This link says DVI has 24Bit per pixel in the spec

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_Visual_Interface#Digital

Route66-HDTV

04-10-06, 11:36 AM

This site also says HDMI can transfer at 24Bit

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-Definition_Multimedia_Interface

pierrebnh

04-10-06, 11:41 AM

That's the spec, yes.

Really, you don't have to take my word for it. I'm just passing info along as I find it...like here:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7354264&&#post7354264

pierrebnh

04-10-06, 12:09 PM

I went looking around further:

4,096 Gradation steps = 12-bit
1,024 Gradation steps = 10-bit
256 Gradation steps = 8-bit

So the speculation that you can use either blade, as long as your player is putting out HDMI is theoretically correct.

However, at least on my player (remember the ymmv part?), the DVI blade is detected as DVI and the output is consequently limited to the RGB (8-bit) colorspace.

YCbCr @ 4:4:4 sends 8-bit data via HDMI, YCbCr @ 4:2:2 sends 10...therefore it's in my interest to use the HDMI blade instead of the DVI one...

Dixie Flatline

04-10-06, 12:25 PM

DVI is limited to 8 bits per channel, 24 bits per pixel, RGB. That's the only pixel format it handles. The display may do more internal processing at a higher precision, but the input data can only be 8-bit-per-channel.

HDMI adds 10-bit- and 12-bit-per channel YPbPr formats, which is probably where Panasonic is getting their "4096 levels of gradation" -- if your player is passing 12-bit-per-channel YPbPr over HDMI. (Of course, since DVDs store video in 8-bit-per-channel YPbPr with 4:2:2 chroma sampling, it says nothing about where that 12-bit HDMI signal is going to come from.)

Now, to separate this from the talk of 12- or 14-bit DACs in the player: DVI-D and HDMI are digital connections, which means that they bypass the player's DACs completely. The DACs are only used for driving the analog outputs: component, VGA, composite, or S-video. With DVI-D or HDMI, the digital-to-analog conversion is done in the display, if at all (since in a digital display, the path to the screen should be digital all the way.)

As I understand it, the usefulness of those higher-precision DACs is twofold. First, if the player does any image processing internally at higher precision, then it means that the results don't have to be truncated to 8 bits before being output through the DAC. Second, in any digital-to-analog conversion, the lowest-order bit tends to be lost to noise, so if you have a 14-bit DAC, then the noise is much less significant and the accuracy of your 8-bit signal is preserved.

dfitz43

04-10-06, 12:43 PM

Hi all,

I've been browsing through this thread, trying to decide whether the TH-50PHD8UK will work well as a full-time HTPC monitor. I'll be running DVI out to the DVI blade, mostly watching full-screen video via SageTV interface (but with some light computer use). My main concerns:

1) Burn-in: I've read many posts in this thread about image retention and things to do to prevent or correct it (careful during break-in period, screen wiper, minimize amount of 4:3 viewing, etc). However, assuming a basal level of common sense, is burn-in (even with htpc running) really a big deal? This is a commercial unit, and in panasonic's brochure, they state that new phosphors allow burn-in concern to be "at the same level as CRT". Not too many people worry about burn-in from Windows desktop on modern CRT monitors anymore. Moreover, the display is designed for use in commercial apps like digital signage (they show examples at a supermarket and in a bowling alley) and as a business display, where's there's plenty of static imagery.

I guess I'm not overly concerned, seeing as how I'll be running mostly full-screen video. However, there will definitely be times when I'll be doing a little light web-surfing, email, etc. Should I freak out about 30 min or an hour of Windows desktop? I mean, really, isn't this what this thing is designed for in some ways? Plus, it seems like the "wobble" function would eliminate much of the concern for static images.

Anyway, I'd be really interested to hear from folks using this display for an HTPC monitor and their experiences/concerns. Seems like there's not nearly as many people running HTPC to plasma panels versus the number who do with LCD.

2) 1:1 pixel mapping. I'm planning on running DVI out to the DVI blade. I understand that the new NVIDIA drivers support 1366x768 with no issues. Can you get 1:1 mapping with no overscan? From the brochure, you can apparently adjust overscan quite easily, which seems to be a difference from the consumer panels.

Thanks in advance for any insight, I'm really hoping this will work well for HTPC.

cheers,
Dave

pierrebnh

04-10-06, 12:55 PM

Thanks Dixie, that explains why my player has a 12-bit DAC but only offers 10-bit HDMI.

I think this thread is still relevant, even if old, warning of the dangers of HDMI into DVI:
http://archive.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=486570

Route66-HDTV

04-10-06, 01:04 PM

If DVI-D is only 8bit per channel why does Panasonic state their "4096 levels of gradation" for both DVI-D and HDMI terminal boards ?

DVI is limited to 8 bits per channel, 24 bits per pixel, RGB. That's the only pixel format it handles. The display may do more internal processing at a higher precision, but the input data can only be 8-bit-per-channel.

HDMI adds 10-bit- and 12-bit-per channel YPbPr formats, which is probably where Panasonic is getting their "4096 levels of gradation" -- if your player is passing 12-bit-per-channel YPbPr over HDMI. (Of course, since DVDs store video in 8-bit-per-channel YPbPr with 4:2:2 chroma sampling, it says nothing about where that 12-bit HDMI signal is going to come from.)

Now, to separate this from the talk of 12- or 14-bit DACs in the player: DVI-D and HDMI are digital connections, which means that they bypass the player's DACs completely. The DACs are only used for driving the analog outputs: component, VGA, composite, or S-video. With DVI-D or HDMI, the digital-to-analog conversion is done in the display, if at all (since in a digital display, the path to the screen should be digital all the way.)

As I understand it, the usefulness of those higher-precision DACs is twofold. First, if the player does any image processing internally at higher precision, then it means that the results don't have to be truncated to 8 bits before being output through the DAC. Second, in any digital-to-analog conversion, the lowest-order bit tends to be lost to noise, so if you have a 14-bit DAC, then the noise is much less significant and the accuracy of your 8-bit signal is preserved.

Dixie Flatline

04-10-06, 02:58 PM

If DVI-D is only 8bit per channel why does Panasonic state their "4096 levels of gradation" for both DVI-D and HDMI terminal boards ?
Good question -- all I can think of is either:
A) The display's internal processing (scaling, applying picture settings, colorspace conversion, and what not) is done with 12-bit precision, which is still quite valuable even if the input data is 8-bit.
B) Somebody in the Panasonic marketing department got the idea that HDMI and DVI are the same, and just cut-and-pasted the verbiage from one to the other.

Obviously, choice A would be preferable, but it would probably take someone from the Panasonic engineering team to make a definite pronouncement on that.

TechoFobe

04-10-06, 03:48 PM

DVI is limited to 8 bits per channel, 24 bits per pixel, RGB.

HDMI adds 10-bit- and 12-bit-per channel YPbPr formats, which is probably where Panasonic is getting their "4096 levels of gradation" -- if your player is passing 12-bit-per-channel YPbPr over HDMI. (Of course, since DVDs store video in 8-bit-per-channel YPbPr with 4:2:2 chroma sampling, it says nothing about where that 12-bit HDMI signal is going to come from.)

Dixie,

I have a lot of questions and a LOT to learn... What is the actual difference between RGB (DVI) and Y'CbCr (HDMI)?

I "know" that chroma refers to the purity or intensity of color.

And, High-definition video systems convey image data in the form of luma and two components that represent chroma. This scheme exploits the poor color acuity of vision. As long as luma is conveyed with full detail, detail in the chroma components can be reduced by subsampling (filtering, or averaging). And, I understand that men are generally believed to have poorer color acuity than women.

Does poor color acuity (in men or women) explain why it is difficult for many people to distinguish quality differences in various video signals (HDMI, DVI, Component)? Especially with it involving the subtleties of chroma sampling and subsampling.

There are any number of video sampling/subsampling rates. One such rate is 4:4:4 — full resolution luma is represented by the number 4, and as the chroma components Cb and Cr are also 4, there is no reduction in resolution. 4:4:4 sampling is mostly used for RGB images.

Another rate is 4:2:2 — Full resolution luma, and half (2/4 = 0.5) resolution horizontally on the chroma components. This is the traditional broadcast standard for chroma sampling.

Does ANYONE actually understand any of this? :D

LUMA = luminance. The black and white component of video signals. The human eye detects variations in luma far better than variations in color...

A good question might be, what exactly do sampling rates have to do with the number of bits of pixel data? I believe it's a fact that all pixels contain exactly 24-bits of data... All pixels... No more bits, no fewer bits... No matter what rate the signal is sampled or subsampled at?

So, how then does a HDMI output manage to cram 3 x 12 (36) bits of data into a pixel that is made up of 24-bits?

And, other than by using electronic testing equipment in a lab --- can any difference in picture quality actually be detected?

I connected my Denon DVD-2910 directly to my monitor thru a HDMI blade. I then connected it via the DVI blade. And then via the component blade... Amazingly, they all looked the same to me. (They all looked great!) Maybe that's just due to my lack of color acuity? :)

But, isn't the bottom line about how the picture on the monitor looks, not whether my DVD outputs 12-bits of data over HDMI and "only" 8-bits over DVI? Does the DVD costing ten times more have a picture ten times better?

At any rate, Panasonic states that both the DVI and HDMI blade delivers the same 4,096 gradations... Maybe their engineers don't know about this 12-bit business?

Now I better to go work on my taxes... :eek:

wormzer

04-10-06, 03:55 PM

I'd be really interested to hear from folks using this display for an HTPC monitor and their experiences/concerns. Seems like there's not nearly as many people running HTPC to plasma panels versus the number who do with LCD.

I have been breaking in my own set with an HTPC over DVI as my only input. It's rockin' so far. I'm just at 100 hours and have spent very little time in anything but my repeating break-in DVD. The time I have spent on the desktop I've seen absolutely no image retention problems. I will absolutely be waching out for this and not abusing, but I'm getting the feeling I don't need to be paranoid.

I have gone and set all of my software such as Beyond TV and Zoom Player to go into screen saver mode whenever static menus are left on the screen. There are 101 ways to configure windows and individual software packages to help you prevent long standing static images.

As far as wobbling goes, I've turned it on but I doubt it would help much with desktop type images. Wobbling the image a pixel or two won't do much good if you've got a 1000x800 white-as-white notepad window open... Still, It works without me noticing whatever it's doing, so I've got it enabled. If I start to have problems at all I figure I'll configure the white bar "wipe" to kick in every night for a half hour or something... There are just all sorts of options with this unit.

2) 1:1 pixel mapping. I'm planning on running DVI out to the DVI blade. I understand that the new NVIDIA drivers support 1366x768 with no issues. Can you get 1:1 mapping with no overscan? From the brochure, you can apparently adjust overscan quite easily, which seems to be a difference from the consumer panels.

I'm running a 6600 (non-GT) with the latest nVidia drivers and flipped exactly into 1366x768 mode with ZERO overscan. So nice, this DVI stuff. The drivers are performing really nicely with the monitor.

I did have a problem with the horizontal position (the screen was several pixels shift-right and the rightmost pixels were actually wrapping around to the left edge!). I was able to easily correct this in the service menu where you have the standard h/v width/position monitor controls. I do think these adjustments require the service menu, which is very user friendly. I couldn't find the adjustments in the standard menus. These adjustments are not available in the consumer models' service menu? I'd be surprised.

All in all: A+ so far. I hope to get the RS232 set up soon so I'll have on/off control of the set from the HTPC. With only one source, I really won't have too much to control (unfortunately the RS232 control is very limited. On/Off Inputs).

matt

johnsojs

04-10-06, 04:04 PM

Quick question: I see where you can't adjust the aspect ratio of HD material on the 8UK's. Is that true and how big of a deal is this. Just comparing the new 60U and the 8UK and noticed this difference. Just wondering if this is that much of an issue. Never had HD before so I don't know what kind of problems this would cause.

Route66-HDTV

04-10-06, 05:02 PM

I would say this is a non issue, HD content is in the correct aspect by nature. Now when an HD channel has SD content you might want to mess with aspect to allow full screeen viewing.

I have a DTV/Hughes HR10-250 HD Tivo and for this case I change the output of the TIVO to 480p and then I can adjust aspect with the TV. To tell you the truth, I just leave it alone now. I just try to only watch HD content on HD channels.

What HD imput are you going to use?

Quick question: I see where you can't adjust the aspect ratio of HD material on the 8UK's. Is that true and how big of a deal is this. Just comparing the new 60U and the 8UK and noticed this difference. Just wondering if this is that much of an issue. Never had HD before so I don't know what kind of problems this would cause.

dstedman

04-10-06, 05:04 PM

Yeah - I am also wondering about how much I will be missing by not being able to stretch the 4:3 HD content. I'm guessing that most HD content is 16:9 anyways (or at least will be in the future), so I doubt it's that important. Too many people raving about this panel to be that big a deal. Guess I will find out for myself in a couple of weeks.

Route66-HDTV

04-10-06, 05:16 PM

Route66-HDTV

04-10-06, 05:20 PM

Side note on power I learned about last night. A power conditioner will do wonders for your plasma. Some have reported contrast and brightness levels needing to be turned down two notches after just changing sorce power to a conditioner. Cleaner power allows the display to have greater output. I bought a PureAV PF60 last night online. I will report my findings when I get it.

Dixie Flatline

04-10-06, 05:58 PM

All HD content is 16:9 it is the HD standard. A 4:3 broadcast on a HD channel is SD. Like I said below, just change the output of your source to 480p or 480i and then you can use the aspect adjust of the panny monitor. You will not loose any quality because the broadcast is non HD from the get go.
A small but important quibble: all HD signals are 16:9. There is no requirement for HD content to be 16:9, but if it's narrower than that, then it's the source's responsibility to put black bars on the sides to fill out the width of the 16:9 signal. (Or for that matter, if it's wider than that, to put black bars at the top and bottom, as with a 2.35:1 movie.) It's entirely possible to have HD 4:3 content: for instance, if, say, Casablanca were to be broadcast in HD (from a digital HD master), say at 720p, it would still have 720 lines of vertical resolution, but there would be black bars on the sides because the movie itself was shot in Academy ratio (1.37:1). That being said, yes, it's true, if you see 4:3 material on an HD broadcast, it usually has just been upscaled from SD resolution. But it's not a concrete rule.

TechnoFobe: yeah, this stuff is a headache. Here's a decent explanation (http://en.pikimedia.org/wiki/Chroma_subsampling) from Wikipedia of chroma subsampling. Basically, the difference between RGB 4:4:4, YPbPr 4:4:4 and YPbPr 4:2:2 is this:
Say we have a single 480p image (one film frame, say), which is 640x480 pixels.
In RGB 4:4:4, it's got 1 byte per pixel for each color, red, green, and blue. Or, we can look at it as three 640x480 planes, one for each color. Superimpose the three planes, and you get the final image.
In YPbPr 4:4:4, you've got 1 byte per pixel for each of the Y (the luminance, or brightness of the pixel), Pb (chroma/color value relative to blue), and Pr (chroma/color relative to red). Again, that's three 640x480 planes, one for luminance, one for chroma blue, and one for chroma red. Put them all together to get the final image.
In YPbPr 4:2:2, the luminance plane is still 640x480, but the chroma planes are at half the horizontal resolution, 320x480. So you've got 640x480 pixels of Y data, but only 320x480 of YPbPr, and each pair of Y samples share one Pb and one Pr sample. So, if we look at the final image, say the pixels (0,0) and (0,1) then each of them will have a different luminance value (from the corresponding samples in the Y plane), but they'll all both the same Pb and Pr chroma values, coming from sample (0,0) in the Pb and Pr planes.

As to how HDMI can fit 12-bit YPbPr values down the pipe, it only works with YPbPr 4:2:2 sampling. Since there's only two 12-bit chroma samples for each pair of pixels, it uses the available 24 bits per pixel to send 12 bits of Y and 12 bits of Pb, then 12 bits of Y and 12 bits of Pr (which makes two pixels sharing the same chroma values). In the same time it would take to send two 8-bit pixels of RGB 4:4:4 (three 8-bit color values in each pixel), you've sent two 12-bit pixels of YPbPr 4:2:2 (one 12-bit luminance value, and 12 bits of the shared chroma value, in each pixel).

Yeah, this is a headache, and I probably haven't explained it very well. You can take a look at the HDMI spec (downloadable from www.hdmi.org ) to see how they do the bit-packing for 12-bit YPbPr 4:2:2, since it's a bit easier if you look at the diagram.

EDIT: Doh! Wrong link. Fixed.

TechoFobe

04-10-06, 08:38 PM

TechnoFobe: yeah, this stuff is a headache. Here's a decent explanation (http://en.wikimedia.org/wiki/Chroma_subsampling) from Wikipedia of chroma subsampling. Basically, the difference between RGB 4:4:4, YPbPr 4:4:4 and YPbPr 4:2:2 is this:
Say we have a single 480p image (one film frame, say), which is 640x480 pixels.
In RGB 4:4:4, it's got 1 byte per pixel for each color, red, green, and blue. Or, we can look at it as three 640x480 planes, one for each color. Superimpose the three planes, and you get the final image.
In YPbPr 4:4:4, you've got 1 byte per pixel for each of the Y (the luminance, or brightness of the pixel), Pb (chroma/color value relative to blue), and Pr (chroma/color relative to red). Again, that's three 640x480 planes, one for luminance, one for chroma blue, and one for chroma red. Put them all together to get the final image.
In YPbPr 4:2:2, the luminance plane is still 640x480, but the chroma planes are at half the horizontal resolution, 320x480. So you've got 640x480 pixels of Y data, but only 320x480 of YPbPr, and each pair of Y samples share one Pb and one Pr sample. So, if we look at the final image, say the pixels (0,0) and (0,1) then each of them will have a different luminance value (from the corresponding samples in the Y plane), but they'll all both the same Pb and Pr chroma values, coming from sample (0,0) in the Pb and Pr planes.

As to how HDMI can fit 12-bit YPbPr values down the pipe, it only works with YPbPr 4:2:2 sampling. Since there's only two 12-bit chroma samples for each pair of pixels, it uses the available 24 bits per pixel to send 12 bits of Y and 12 bits of Pb, then 12 bits of Y and 12 bits of Pr (which makes two pixels sharing the same chroma values). In the same time it would take to send two 8-bit pixels of RGB 4:4:4 (three 8-bit color values in each pixel), you've sent two 12-bit pixels of YPbPr 4:2:2 (one 12-bit luminance value, and 12 bits of the shared chroma value, in each pixel).

Yeah, this is a headache, and I probably haven't explained it very well. You can take a look at the HDMI spec (downloadble from www.hdmi.org ) to see how they do the bit-packing for 12-bit YPbPr 4:2:2, since it's a bit easier if you look at the diagram.

NOTE: Link to Wikipedia's Subsampling Definition: decent explanation (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chroma_subsampling)

Hey there, Dixie Flatline:

Thanks a million for trying to help me understand this a little better... The way it looks to me is that a group of neanderthals got together about a million years ago and worked out ways to make simple things complicated... And, it looks like they worked overtime on making video impossible to understand... :)

For example: My Denon DVD-2910 has dual discrete 12-bit 216-mHz video D/A converters. Pretty damned impressive, but not nearly the best... The 2910 can output Y'PbPr signals via HDMI connections at an impressive 8, 10 or even 12-bits... Did I mention that it has 24-bit, 192 kHz audio D/A converters or 4x video oversampling! And, my plasma monitor has 1,049,088 pixels with each pixel comprising 24-bits of data. My pixels might be square or rectangular. But, I forget which...

And to complicate matters further, variants of video formats also include YUV, YCbCr, YPbPr and YIQ? They are not similar at all, but people refer to them incorrectly all the time.

"Y' ? Because we like you! M-I-C-K-E-Y... M-O-U-S-E." Song lyrics copyrighted by Walt Disney, Inc.

I think that really understanding most of this is a futile prostitution for me. Just when I think that I am beginning to get a handle on it, some new factoid pops up and shoots me in my a$$. For example --- Y'PbPr 4:2:2 is preferable to RGB 4:4:4?

Although, according to the Wikipedia's definition of subsampling:

"A different form of YCbCr is specified in the ITU-R BT.709 standard, primarily for HDTV use. The newer form is also used in some computer-display oriented applications. In this case, the values of Kb and Kr differ, but the formulas for using them are the same.... ...Note that the definitions of the R', G', and B' colour primary signals also differ between BT.601 and BT.709. So proper conversion of YCbCr from one form to the other is not just a matter of inverting one matrix and applying the other. In fact, when YCbCr is used correctly, the values of Kb and Kr are derived from the precise specification of the RGB colour primary signals, so that the luma (Y') signal corresponds as closely as possible to a gamma-adjusted measurement of luminance (typically based on the CIE 1931 measurements of the response of the human visual system to color stimuli)."

Well, of course! Any idiot could figure that out...

Man! Those neanderthals were really GOOD! :D

Wikipedia (again): "4:4:4 is the best color sampling ratio (it yields a perfect representation of each pixel's color), and is used as an intermediate format in high-end film scanners and cinematic postproduction. Note that 4:4:4 may (and often indeed does, as in some modes of HDCAM SR) also mean that the three values are all color values in the RGB color space, which must always be sampled at the same frequency.

Wikipedia: Each of the two color-difference channels has half the sample rate of the brightness channel, so horizontal color resolution is only half that of 4:4:4. For uncompressed video and 8-bit quantization, each macropixel of two neighbouring pixels uses 4 bytes of memory. This is still a very good quality, and most higher-end digital video formats use this ratio.

Did that just say that 4:4:4 is better than 4:4:2?

And just when I thought I was getting it! :D

I'll go back to my seeing is believing mode... If I can't see it (picture quality improvement), then I don't believe it. No matter how many experts throw however many contradicting technical terms and jargon at me. :)

Once again though, Dixie, I really DO appreciate the info you have shared... It gives me a sense of hope knowing that SOME people understand this, as compared to me --- someone who knows only enough to be dangerous and misleading. :)

RF rules!

Dixie Flatline

04-10-06, 09:30 PM

Oops, sorry about the link -- typed it in by hand and fumbled the sitename.

TF, I definitely agree that what it looks like is the most important thing. Some of this stuff figures into the reasons why certain displays look bad with dark scenes or are prone to show macroblocking on DVDs. (Generally, a lack of precision in the set's internal processing.) However, since I've spent a while trying to digest all this technical detail, I figured I'd dump it on someone else's head for a change. :D (To be honest, I don't even own a Panny plasma :o -- I just wandered into a thread where people were discussing interesting stuff.)

All else being equal, at a given bit depth, 4:4:4 sampling is the ideal (you're capturing everything at the best possible resolution). However, given that the human eye is a lot better at resolving light and dark than it is at color, in the real world it seems like it's frequently better to go with 4:2:2 and throw away half of your color resolution (where you won't notice the difference) in exchange for greater precision, so you can capture more subtle variations in brightness and color -- a better use of your available bandwidth.

As for Neanderthals, you're right there; I think part of what makes this so confusing is that it's the product of a half-century or so of trial and error as the TV broadcast industry tried to figure out the best way to get pretty pictures into people's living rooms. (That's where the whole luminance-chrominance system comes from in the first place -- it became the standard broadcast format because it provided a way to broadcast color television that would still be compatible with black-and-white sets, which could receive the luminance like they always did, but ignore the chroma component that they didn't know what to do with. I think some of the early efforts at color television tried to broadcast RGB signals, but since their signals couldn't be received by the existing base of black-and-white sets, they never got off the ground.)

Anyway, trying to explain this to someone else is a good way to remind myself why I'll never be a broadcast engineer... :cool:

dfitz43

04-10-06, 09:48 PM

As far as wobbling goes, I've turned it on but I doubt it would help much with desktop type images. Wobbling the image a pixel or two won't do much good if you've got a 1000x800 white-as-white notepad window open... Still, It works without me noticing whatever it's doing, so I've got it enabled. If I start to have problems at all I figure I'll configure the white bar "wipe" to kick in every night for a half hour or something... There are just all sorts of options with this unit.

I'm running a 6600 (non-GT) with the latest nVidia drivers and flipped exactly into 1366x768 mode with ZERO overscan. So nice, this DVI stuff. The drivers are performing really nicely with the monitor.

I was able to easily correct this in the service menu where you have the standard h/v width/position monitor controls. I do think these adjustments require the service menu, which is very user friendly.

That's a good point about the wobble function--obviously it's not going to help to wobble from one pixel to the next if they're the precisely the same. I still don't get that burn-in can be that much of an issue with these panels. Again, the idea that their primary use is digital signage/business panels means plenty o' static images. I'll definitely take care of mine, but it just doesn't sound like there's a need to stress while using Windows, etc, particularly if reasonable screen-saver care is taken.

That's great to hear that 1:1 mapping is a non-issue and works perfectly over DVI. Just what I want to hear, thanks. I'll also be running a non-GT 6600, so cool, sounds like a winner.

I thought I read that you actually didn't have to break into the SM to access the overscan controls, but if so, I've got no problem with that.

Out of curiosity, what are you using for your break-in DVD?

cheers,
Dave

cpcat

04-10-06, 10:07 PM

I think the size/pos adustments are finer in the SM and coarser in the user menu.

pierrebnh

04-10-06, 11:14 PM

[...]Of course, since DVDs store video in 8-bit-per-channel YPbPr with 4:2:2 chroma sampling, it says nothing about where that 12-bit HDMI signal is going to come from.[...]

That was a pretty reasonable point, but this is the information I've located so far:

DVDs are encoded with MPEG-2 4:2:2 YCbCr subsampled to 4:2:0. This is digital component data actually stored on the disc. I believe this can be 8-bit or 10-bit.

Faced with a choice, you would most likely want HDMI over anything else since it also has the potential to give you the least-processed path from the DVD disc's digital data to our wonderful digital TV.

See this thread for more discussion on this topic:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6938525&&#post6938525

My player offers the 10-bit 4:2:2 YCbCr option via HDMI, so I'd be silly not to use the HDMI blade. Some movies will benefit, some won't...it seems to depend on the encoding precision.

Lastly, DVD is not the only source to consider when pondering your input choices. The PS3 I mentionned apparently will go for at least 12-bit precision via its HDMI out.

wormzer

04-11-06, 08:03 AM

Out of curiosity, what are you using for your break-in DVD?

I'm using this one:

http://www.dvdshrink.info/goodies.php#run-in

There's another one floating around on the forum that didn't work for me (SVCD iso that didn't work with any software players). This dvdshrink run-in DVD automatically repeats ad nauseum so it's perfect for 24 hour break in, if that's what you're looking to do.

matt

hindif

04-11-06, 09:57 AM

dichtegs

04-11-06, 10:19 AM

So, to send HDMI from a D*TV H20 to the TY-FB7HM, I need a male-to-male HDMI cable? Is that right? Thank you.

chuckyoufarley

04-11-06, 10:37 AM

So, to send HDMI from a D*TV H20 to the TY-FB7HM, I need a male-to-male HDMI cable? Is that right? Thank you.
Yes.
The reciever has a female port and so does the hdmi blade...
http://catalog2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ModelDetail?storeId=11201&catalogId=13051&itemId=86542&modelNo=TY-FB7HM&surfModel=TY-FB7HM

johnsojs

04-11-06, 07:07 PM

prdog

04-11-06, 09:55 PM

pierrebnh

04-11-06, 10:35 PM

Route66-HDTV

04-12-06, 12:15 AM

That DTV reciver might have "full" and "panel" modes for aspect while running in its HD modes - I know the DTV HR10-250 HDTivo does

I will be using for the moment a D* H20 HD Receiver and OTA, through HDMI.

cpcat

04-12-06, 08:04 AM

hindif

04-12-06, 08:42 AM

I'm thinking of switching to the TH50PHD8UK from my Vizio P50HDM. My sources are:

HD Tivo HR10-250
SD Dish PVR
component DVD
component HD Sony camcorder
VCR with both S-video and composite

my AV receiver is a Yamaha RX-V1

Given the inputs on the 8UK, I was thinking of adding an HDMI blade and connecting the HD Tivo directly to the 8UK and connecting the RX-V1 to both the component and composite/S-video inputs to switch all the other sources. I'm concerned about this degrading picture quality but I don't see much choice. Is there a better way to do this?
Should I even bother with the HDMI blade and just let the RX-V1 switch the HD Tivo via component as well?

guess I found my answer on Yamaha's website:

COMPONENT VIDEO INPUTS
The RX-V1 also incorporates 3 sets of component video inputs. They are for DVD, D-TV, & CBL/SAT and are also fully assignable to another video input source. Bandwidth is DC-100 MHz - 3dB and is fully capable of passing HDTV signals.

To me, this would imply that feeding the component out of my HD Tivo into the RX-V1 for video switching won't degrade the picture. I guess I can try this and get the HDMI blade later if I feel the quality is compromised.

Route66-HDTV

04-12-06, 10:05 AM

very true, but for the best picture you should run all video direct to the monitor and all audio direct to the receiver. Also HDMI gives you pure digital the additional gradiants of color 4000+

guess I found my answer on Yamaha's website:

COMPONENT VIDEO INPUTS
The RX-V1 also incorporates 3 sets of component video inputs. They are for DVD, D-TV, & CBL/SAT and are also fully assignable to another video input source. Bandwidth is DC-100 MHz - 3dB and is fully capable of passing HDTV signals.

To me, this would imply that feeding the component out of my HD Tivo into the RX-V1 for video switching won't degrade the picture. I guess I can try this and get the HDMI blade later if I feel the quality is compromised.

chuckyoufarley

04-12-06, 10:33 AM

Continue to be impressed with my new monitor. Figure it's time to add a terminal board. I am leaning towards the DVI board model TY-42TM6D. Can I assume that it's pretty much the same as an HDMI board just cheaper and doesnt have audio? I plan to hook it up to the HDMI output of my DISH receiver. Anyone out there successful with this terminal board in a similar setup. I know seems pretty straight forward but just wanted to double check before purchasing tonight. Thanks again in advance....

I just got my 50phd8uk yesterday. I added 2 DVI blades. If you have no need for audio to your plasma I'd personnaly buy the DVI blades. Well, I did actually.
One for my hr10-250 and one for my Oppo DVD player.
I have to say I was basically weeping with joy at how truly magnificent the picture clarity was.
I had the Tivo hooked up for a week on another bedroom connection I had so I could sandbag a ton of HD shows before I installed the plasma on my wall.
I watched the Masters from Sunday last weekend in its entirety again last night.
Also watched Sunrise Earth. So may times I just had to rewind the show to see again and again the detail of some of the shots.
I then was watching the Corwin show on Discovery and it became apparent I needed to adjust the brightness to darken the blacks a bit. After a few adjustments the picture then got even better with even more clarity.

In an effort to maximize my investment I am going to schedule a ISF Calibration in a month or so to really throttle this thing to the max.

Seriously folks, If there is anyone lurking on this thread still trying to decide if they want to pull the trigger on this set, I highly advise buying one of these plasmas now. Choose to purchase from a reputable online dealer.
I have heard and read many horror stories of folks trying to save a few bucks by purchasing from one of the Crooklyn shops.
For piece of mind and an overall pleasant experience buy from one of the AVS forum alliance members.
I got mine from Visual Apex and I could not reccomend them more highly. TV authority I heard is pretty good as well. I live in California so I decided to chose VA to avoid the sales tax.

I am even considering ditching my Mits RPTV in my family room for one of these puppies.

Oh hey, one last thing, the DVI to DVI and HDMI to DVI cables I bought were top notch from a new comapany I found call Bestdealcables.com. They are very reasonably priced and very well built and also have a pretty good deal running for the next few days...
http://www.hometheaterspot.com/htsthreads/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/786581/Main/786580

Shaun

TechoFobe

04-12-06, 11:15 AM

very true, but for the best picture you should run all video direct to the monitor and all audio direct to the receiver. Also HDMI gives you pure digital the additional gradiants of color 4000+
Ahh, so you're a purist?

So, since the monitor can only have 2 HDMI inputs, how do I connect my three HDMI devices to the monitor? Maybe swap cables? :)

I'd bet that the signal degradation involved with running my HDMI outputs through my Denon AVR-4306 is negligible? I KNOW that it is preferable to swapping cables! :D

Theoretically, in a PERFECT world, connecting directly would probably be preferable. But...

pierrebnh

04-12-06, 12:21 PM

[...]how do I connect my three HDMI devices to the monitor?[...]

monoprice.com, HOME > KVM/VIDEO SWITCHES > HDMI Switch

Just as good, maybe even better for HDCP, than an AVR-based switch.

Route66-HDTV

04-12-06, 12:35 PM

I agree, HDMI or DVU-D switching should not degrade signal much if at all, since it it digital. But component video switching I would not do, I do not think receivers have as good switching components as direct cables

I like to think I am a purist, but I only have so much money and the gains become less and less as you pay more and more

Ahh, so you're a purist?

So, since the monitor can only have 2 HDMI inputs, how do I connect my three HDMI devices to the monitor? Maybe swap cables? :)

I'd bet that the signal degradation involved with running my HDMI outputs through my Denon AVR-4306 is negligible? I KNOW that it is preferable to swapping cables! :D

Theoretically, in a PERFECT world, connecting directly would probably be preferable. But...

TechoFobe

04-12-06, 12:39 PM

monoprice.com, HOME > KVM/VIDEO SWITCHES > HDMI Switch

Just as good, maybe even better for HDCP, than a AVR-based switch.

I think that the point was that Route66 indicated that it is "best" to connect a source DIRECTLY to a monitor. And, it makes sense, theoretically?

But, my point is that I don't believe that there really is a noticeable decrease in picture quality if I connect my HDTV receiver directly to my monitor --- OR --- if I connect it through my Denon A/V receiver (using its HDMI switching).

If, for argument's sake, we stipulate that there is "some" reduction in picture quality --- my question would be "How Much?"

If connecting directly requires my pulling equipment out to swap cables every time I want to switch from one source to another, then connecting directly seems ridiculous. But, then again, I am very lazy. :)

pierrebnh

04-12-06, 12:48 PM

you're right, there shouldn't be any PQ impact with either DVI or HDMI switching...it's all 1s and 0s...the only issues I've seen warnings for have been for compatibility with the HDMI and HDCP specs.

citman

04-12-06, 02:55 PM

Thanks anyway. :)

I'll do it, especially now that I (changed my mind and...) decided to keep the Oppo. :D

__________________________________
BruZZi's Panasonic Plasma FAQ — bruzzi.ws
Lots of info for all Plasmas in general.

Bruzzi- still haven't had the chance to swap cables and try the Oppo via HDMI...but I will get to it soon I hope.

you decided now to keep the Oppo? why?

prdog

04-12-06, 08:29 PM

Seriously, did you even try to search?

Wow.

Back up two-three pages in this thread...

Sorry, will try and be more thorough with my searches from now on. thanks to others that answered, got a great deal on a DVI board and will inform y'all if it works out...

BruZZi

04-12-06, 09:11 PM

Bruzzi- still haven't had the chance to swap cables and try the Oppo via HDMI...but I will get to it soon I hope.

No problem.

There are more people having the same problem so It's really an issue with the Panasonic Commercial Models and the Oppo.

See this thread:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=658125

Here's an email I got from Oppo Support.

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

Glauco,

There is likely a compatability issue with the commercial series of
Panasonic plasma displays, as this is something that has been asked
several times in the last week. We do not know what is causing the
error, as the pixel clock timings with starting with the F-0220
firmware are industry standard. We are trying to arrange some face time
with a 8UK, but we do not know if this will pan out. We have also
contacted Panasonic, but we have not heard anything back yet about
their 480p specifications.

Best Regards,

Customer Service
OPPO Digital, Inc.
453 Ravendale Dr, Suite D
Mountain View, CA 94043
Service@oppodigital.com
Tel: 650-961-1118
Fax: 650-961-1119

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

__________________________________
BruZZi's Panasonic Plasma FAQ — bruzzi.ws
Lots of info for all Plasmas in general.

BruZZi

04-12-06, 10:56 PM

Bruzzi- you decided now to keep the Oppo? why?

Citman,
The Panny RP-82 is a very sensitive player. It will not play scratched/dirty discs very well. It would freeze a image and sometimes skip a whole chapter depending on the Disk. This started to happen only after three months I got it. Unfortunately this problem was getting worse and worse every month. That's the main reason I decided to order the Oppo.

I friend of mine was visiting me and saw the RP-82 freezing few times when we were watching a movie. He suggested me to use a DVD/CD lens cleaner. I borrowed a Memorex cleaner kit from him and this thing really helped a lot believe it or not. After cleaning the lens I watched various movies without problems. :)
Well, everything was fine until this past weekend. I rented Minority Report and I could not finish watching the movie. The Panny would freeze in any portion of the last 10 minutes. And the disk was in great shape (Just very minor scratches). I removed and cleaned the disk many many times but it made no difference. :mad: :mad: :mad:
I then reconnected the Oppo (It was packed and ready to go back...) and the disc Played FLAWLESS. :eek:

So what I can say... The Panny signed It's death sentence. :D

__________________________________
BruZZi's Panasonic Plasma FAQ — bruzzi.ws
Lots of info for all Plasmas in general.

Route66-HDTV

04-13-06, 02:44 AM

BruZZI

Does Oppo know this is just with HDMI and not DVI-D ? It does not seam they understand this from the email they sent you.

No problem.

There are more people having the same problem so It's really an issue with the Panasonic Commercial Models and the Oppo.

See this thread:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=658125

Here's an email I got from Oppo Support.

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

Glauco,

There is likely a compatability issue with the commercial series of
Panasonic plasma displays, as this is something that has been asked
several times in the last week. We do not know what is causing the
error, as the pixel clock timings with starting with the F-0220
firmware are industry standard. We are trying to arrange some face time
with a 8UK, but we do not know if this will pan out. We have also
contacted Panasonic, but we have not heard anything back yet about
their 480p specifications.

Best Regards,

Customer Service
OPPO Digital, Inc.
453 Ravendale Dr, Suite D
Mountain View, CA 94043
Service@oppodigital.com
Tel: 650-961-1118
Fax: 650-961-1119

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

__________________________________
BruZZi's Panasonic Plasma FAQ — bruzzi.ws
Lots of info for all Plasmas in general.