Well, I just installed my new TY-FB8HM HDMI board in my Panny 50" 8UK.

I am not able to notice ANY difference between the TY-FB7HM and the TY-FB8HM.

I'll probably post some pictures later, but basically I bought two identical DVD players with HDMI upscaling. I bought two copies of the same DVD, and set both boards up with the same screen settings.
Switching back and forth between the two inputs, I was unable to tell any difference.

When I paused the pictures, and closely examined the color scales, I was unable to tell any differences with gray scales, and there was no perceptable difference in color.

I finally broke down and read the maual (RTFM) and found a difference.

Under the listed modes, the 7 series board supported 5 input modes, and the 8 series supported 7 modes.
Here are the modes:
525/60p - 7 & 8 series
625/50p - 7 & 8 series
750/60p - 7 & 8 series
1125/60i - 7 & 8 series
VGA60 - 7 & 8 series
750/50p - 8 series only
1125/50i - 8 series only

My basic analysis of this is that the 8 series supports HD modes for Europe that the 7 series does not.
(Based on the fact that the US uses power at 60Hz, and the UK uses power at 50Hz.)

I'll post some pictures later, but I'm pretty sure that this will finally put to rest the whole dicussion on the differences between the 7 & 8 series.
There was no difference in color, and the only difference appears to be support of two additional European HD formats.

-=Nick=-

Thanks Nick. Alot of us have been waiting to hear this.
I've owned the panny 508UK for a few months now and I love it. IMO it's the best 3k display out there, and will suit my family well for years... or until I can afford a panny 65" 1080P plasma!
Bob C

So now that we have probably ruled out the 4096 grayscale issue, can anybody tell me why it seems that the hdmi port has more contouring than the component? Panasonic literature says that 4096 shades of gray or available via dvi or hdmi only. Yet when I switch between hdmi and component on my dvd player, it seems that both suffer from contouring, but it is much more pronounced on the hdmi input. Is this a side effect of a digital signal? I know that plasmas inherently are prone to contouring, and panasonic is one of the best in dealing with the issue, but it just seems excessive on the hdmi input.

I even saw it a few days ago on ABCHD (dish 811 receiver, 720p) when they showed the movie finding nemo. There are lots of scenes in that movie that transition from light to dark across the screen and you can see contouring on the hdmi but it looks ok or better on the component.

Anyone else noticed this? Thinking about just using component for everything and getting a reciever that has component switching... but I like the 'cool factor' of having/using digital inputs :)
Thanks,
Bob C

Awwww Maaan, Bobbyc ...

This is the first time that I have heard anyone say that there is a visible difference in the two connections, but you are reporting it the wrong way. How can it possibly be worse with the HDMI? Is the 4096 automatic when connected via the digital input or do you have to set something in order to get it? Why would Panasonic (or NEC or anyone) advertise the higher bit processing if it didn't do anything...why would they bother? I am very dissappointed to read your report and am about to give up on this type of display.

Hi,
I am by no means an expert, so I would wait for others to chime in. Basically alot of us were thinking that the 7 series HDMI board was not supplying the panel with 4096 shades of gray... which might explain why the component inputs look 'smoother' than the digital inputs. This is a issue (wouldn't call it a problem) with many HDTVs with digital inputs. See this thread:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=584649

However, when I first got my 50"8UK, I quickly realized the contouring (I initially called it posterization) on the HDMI input from my dvd player.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=577232&page=2
Wasn't sure at first if it was the dvd player or the panel or the HDMI board. Soon enough I visited avforums.com over in the UK and I found many threads about analog component inputs looking more pleasing than digital. Check out this thread:
http://www.avforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=248688&page=3&pp=15

I don't know if this is normal behavior for a digital input or not. I can tell you that the hdmi input is very crisp and very detailed. It's just this contouring thing that I wish I could get to the bottom of... but I don't have any other plasmas to compare against. I wouldn't let anything stop you from buying a Panny 8UK though. I'm one picky SOB. In the past 4 years I've traded in 1 HDTV and sold 4 others to friends. I'm sticking with this Panny until I get a 65" 1080p model in 3 years.
Bob C

One person suggested it was the worse resolution of component that gives an *apparently* better pciture just because it's softer. But the person said that HDMI is more faithful to what's on the DVD. fwiw.

Are the pictures coming any time soon? This is a comparison that I think a lot of people are interested in.

Hello All,

I have a paranoid question:

How do I know that I've got the TY-FB8HM and not the TY-FB7HM?

Any special serial # or visual difference?

Well, I just installed my new TY-FB8HM HDMI board in my Panny 50" 8UK.

I am not able to notice ANY difference between the TY-FB7HM and the TY-FB8HM.

I'll probably post some pictures later, but basically I bought two identical DVD players with HDMI upscaling. I bought two copies of the same DVD, and set both boards up with the same screen settings.
Switching back and forth between the two inputs, I was unable to tell any difference.

When I paused the pictures, and closely examined the color scales, I was unable to tell any differences with gray scales, and there was no perceptable difference in color.

I finally broke down and read the maual (RTFM) and found a difference.

Under the listed modes, the 7 series board supported 5 input modes, and the 8 series supported 7 modes.
Here are the modes:
525/60p - 7 & 8 series
625/50p - 7 & 8 series
750/60p - 7 & 8 series
1125/60i - 7 & 8 series
VGA60 - 7 & 8 series
750/50p - 8 series only
1125/50i - 8 series only

My basic analysis of this is that the 8 series supports HD modes for Europe that the 7 series does not.
(Based on the fact that the US uses power at 60Hz, and the UK uses power at 50Hz.)

I'll post some pictures later, but I'm pretty sure that this will finally put to rest the whole dicussion on the differences between the 7 & 8 series.
There was no difference in color, and the only difference appears to be support of two additional European HD formats.

-=Nick=-

Glad to find this thread. I just got my TH-50PH9UK delivered from VA today. I ordered the HDMI board, not realizing they were shipping me the TY-FB7HM. I was worried that I would need to return it and order the 8 series board. However, it sounds like there is no real reason to do this?

I am going to install the board this evening, as I am getting a new cable box with HDMI in the morning. Does anyone have any updates on differences between the two boards, or should I put it out of my mind?

Glad to find this thread. I just got my TH-50PH9UK delivered from VA today. I ordered the HDMI board, not realizing they were shipping me the TY-FB7HM. I was worried that I would need to return it and order the 8 series board. However, it sounds like there is no real reason to do this?

I am going to install the board this evening, as I am getting a new cable box with HDMI in the morning. Does anyone have any updates on differences between the two boards, or should I put it out of my mind?

Assuming you don't have any PAL sources with HDMI out, I wouldn't worry about it.

I read a random post about needing the 8 series to hook up an HD-A1 HD-DVD player...is this true?

I read a random post about needing the 8 series to hook up an HD-A1 HD-DVD player...is this true?

Nope.

If and when the 9 series HDMI blade comes out, will it take 1080p/24 and if so would it look any better?

How long has the 8 series been out and which version of HDMI does it comply with? I'm assuming 1.1 since not many devices stopped at 1.2...

Cheers,
Brian

I just bought a PS3 and after spending hours in the Playstation area, it seems that if your HDMI adapter isn't HDCP compliant then you'll have problems. I have a TY-FB7HM which I will hook up to my 50HD8UK when I get home, but I just was wondering if someone could verify that that particular blade is HDCP compliant? Hopefully panny will come out with a HDMI 1.3 blade soon.

I have a TY-FB7HM which I will hook up to my 50HD8UK when I get home, but I just was wondering if someone could verify that that particular blade is HDCP compliant?

The TY-FB7HM / TY-FB8HM HDMI Boards and the TY-42TM6D / TY-FB9FDD DVI Boards are all HDCP compliant.

I appreciate your response about the 8th and 9th generation blades, but what about the TY-FB7HM HDMI blade? Is it HDCP compliant?

I appreciate your response about the 8th and 9th generation blades, but what about the TY-FB7HM HDMI blade? Is it HDCP compliant?

Sorry... misprint. I guess I'm still drunk http://img47.imageshack.us/img47/9610/drinkbeermanymi8.gif

I meant to say...

The TY-FB7HM / TY-FB8HM HDMI Boards and the TY-42TM6D / TY-FB9FDD DVI Boards are all HDCP compliant. :)

Sorry... misprint. I guess I'm still drunk http://img47.imageshack.us/img47/9610/drinkbeermanymi8.gif )

I meant to say...

The TY-FB7HM / TY-FB8HM HDMI Boards and the TY-42TM6D / TY-FB9FDD DVI Boards are all HDCP compliant. :)

:p

Thanks for the quick response during the winter solstice celebration...;)

Since we're on the HDMI subject I have another question: Last year I ran a 40ft HDMI cable in my wall from my A/V cabinet to my plasma. Now, being that all future HDMI blades, receivers, etc. being 1.3, will my cable be obsolete? I think that 1.3 are mostly upgrades to the electronics and not the cabling, I hope that is the case cause it cost me a pretty penny to get that installed.

Any feedback is greatly appreciated, thanks.

Which slot on the bottom of the monitor supports HDMI? I just hooked up my PS3 and the display said "no signal." I am really freaking out, I'm going to try another slot. I think I recall reading that it is slot 1 and 2, can anyone confirm?

Yes slots 1 & 2 support the HDMI card.

Thanks, I mistakinly placed it in slot 3. I switched it to slot 1 and all systems are go. The PS3 looks amazing on my 50" plasma, I really could care less about new years as all I wanted to do was come home and play Fall of Man.

I have a 42" 7UK and I am thinking about purchasing an HDMI board. Does anyone know if the TY-FB8HM will work in it or do I have to find the TY-FB7HM? What I read seems to indicate that is the case, but having found this discussion I thought I would check with the voices of experience. Thanks

Fredatty,

Yes, the *8HM blade WILL work with your 7UY model.

I have a TY-FB8HM for sale if anyone is interested! It is brand new, I bought it in Dec., installed it, and never used it. Let me know if you are interested!

Thanks,
Russ

The TY-FB8HM will NOT work in a 7UY.

I saw two opposite statements - TY-FB8HM WILL / WILL NOT work in 7UY.

In either case, has someone actually tried it FB8HM in 7UY ?

I have 7UY and can't choose which module to get, since FB7HM does not have support for all HD modes.

I saw two opposite statements - TY-FB8HM WILL / WILL NOT work in 7UY.

In either case, has someone actually tried it FB8HM in 7UY ?

I have 7UY and can't choose which module to get, since FB7HM does not have support for all HD modes.

TY-FB8HM is not officially supported in series 7 Plasma.

Both 8HM and 7HM support 720p and 1080i HD resolutions.
Neither supports 1080p resolutions, regardless of what you may have read.

1080p is not supported in any PHD or PH model, only the PF9 models support 1080p and only via the newer DVI-D board, NOT via either model HDMI.

Further, HDMI does not officialy support native resolution in either the PH or PF models making 1:1 pixel mapping by HDMI impossible.

For your TH50PHD7UY, you'll need TY-FB7HM (if one can be located) or a cable adapted to DVI and use TY-42TM6D (current product, without embedded audio).

HDMI 1.3, even if implemented, would be useless on any current generation model as the extra bandwidth, colors, and audio are not supported and therefore wasted.

T Wiz

Thanks for the explanations. It seems that 8HM may still work in 7UY even though it is not officially supported. I guess the only way to verify that is to try, but there are no places around to return module if it does not work in 7UY.

I think there are not much reasons for incompatibility unless 8HM uses some functionality not present in 7th generation which means substantial change rather then just additional h/w(if any at all) in order to support additional modes. Other thing could be that module has some internal version main unit just refuses newer module to work with based on that revision number. To me they may just have added new modes and bumped generation number leaving everything else the same.

On the other side, it looks like DVI module is not supporting all of the HD modes and HDMI module does not support all of the VGA modes. In addition HDMI offers some adjustments via display's configuration while DVI does not (or meant to be adjusted by signal source like DVD player or PC video card).


TY-FB8HM is not officially supported in series 7 Plasma.

Both 8HM and 7HM support 720p and 1080i HD resolutions.
Neither supports 1080p resolutions, regardless of what you may have read.

For your TH50PHD7UY, you'll need TY-FB7HM (if one can be located) or a cable adapted to DVI and use TY-42TM6D (current product, without embedded audio).

HDMI 1.3, even if implemented, would be useless on any current generation model as the extra bandwidth, colors, and audio are not supported and therefore wasted.

T Wiz

DVI supports 720p and 1080i but there is no color or tint adjustments as this is RGB colorspace even though digital.

There is a dealer with many 7HMs. If I find the details, I'll reply.

TW

Hi there

I am still confused, will the TY-FB8HM HDMI terminal board work in the 7 series Panasonic Plasma and if what modes/upscaling are supported. Please help I am desperate to find out need to know or need to buy an other Plasma. :mad:

Hi there

I am still confused, will the TY-FB8HM HDMI terminal board work in the 7 series Panasonic Plasma and if what modes/upscaling are supported. Please help I am desperate to find out need to know or need to buy an other Plasma. :mad:

No. You must use TY-FB7HM in series 7. Try Electrograph for the TY-FB7HM.

I'm selling my TY-FB7HM board if anyone needs one. I just sold my Panny Th50phd7uy last week. PM if interested.

I'm interested. I have the 42phd7, but never purchased the HDMI module. I just bought the Oppo DV-981HD. Am I correct that I will be able to watch HD dvd and it will upconvert my regular DVDs as long as I use HDMI? I realize I will not get 1080p.

Hi, sorry another avs member bought it. But yes, if you install an hdmi board a toshiba hd player will be able to upconvert dvd's.

Does anyone know where I could get the Panasonic HDMI Board (TY-FB7HM)? It has been replaced by the 8HM and I cannot seem to find the older model for sale. Used in good condition or new.

Does anyone know where I could get the Panasonic HDMI Board (TY-FB7HM)? It has been replaced by the 8HM and I cannot seem to find the older model for sale. Used in good condition or new.

Ditto. I have a TH-50PHD7UY that apparently can't use the TY-FB8HM and am looking for a TY-FB7HM. Contact me if you have one you're willing to sell.

On a side note, I know Panasonic says the TY-FB8HM won't work with the 7 series, but has anyone been daring enough to try this? I ordered what I thought was a TY-FB7HM and got the 8HM, and before I return it, I was thinking about trying it out in my TV. Has anyone tried before? Think it will do damage to my TV?
Let me know your thoughts

Ditto. I have a TH-50PHD7UY that apparently can't use the TY-FB8HM and am looking for a TY-FB7HM. Contact me if you have one you're willing to sell.

On a side note, I know Panasonic says the TY-FB8HM won't work with the 7 series, but has anyone been daring enough to try this? I ordered what I thought was a TY-FB7HM and got the 8HM, and before I return it, I was thinking about trying it out in my TV. Has anyone tried before? Think it will do damage to my TV?
Let me know your thoughts

It won't damage it, it just will not work, you'll get a blank screen as the internal ROM table has no suppport for the newer board.

You could use the DVI board TY42TM6D which is supported by the series 7 Plasma. You would also need a DVI-HDMI cable. DVI does not carry digital audio so you would need to either feed analog audio to the DVI card or use a separate audio system. Digital audio is wasted on the relatively Lo-Fi internal Plasma 8 watt per channel amp anyway.

TY-42TM6D is a current product and supports HDCP ver. 1.1 the same as both the TY-FB7HM and TY-FB8HM.

At one time, Electrograph had many of the TY-FB7HMs until they realized they work work in series 8 Plasma, just without the PAL 50Hz support that the TY-FB8HMs have. In the USA watching 60Hz signals, that presents no problem. B and H may have some also. Panasonic discontinued the TY-FB7HM a couple of years ago, so it will only be available as new old stock at a dealer who may have some leftovers.

The TY-42TM6D has one advantage over the HDMI boards, it will support native resolution of 1024 x 768 for 42 inch PH model Plasmas and 1366 x 768 for 50 and 58 inch PH model Plasmas for those using HTPC or external scalers.

T Wiz

It seems that the 7UY series will work with the FB8HM (This according to someone I've emailed) so I went ahead and ordered one. I'll update when I get it whether it works or not.

I was happy with the DVI blade but my new Sony 5300ES receiver won't play any sound from an HDMI source if you are using an HDMI to DVI adapter.

This site supposedly has brand new 7HM in stock:
plasmahouse.com/PANASONIC-TY-FB7HM-PLASMA-TV/TYFB7HM

Thankfully I can confirm that the TY-FB8HM works great in my 7UY series Plasma.

It seems that the 7UY series will work with the FB8HM (This according to someone I've emailed) so I went ahead and ordered one. I'll update when I get it whether it works or not.

I was happy with the DVI blade but my new Sony 5300ES receiver won't play any sound from an HDMI source if you are using an HDMI to DVI adapter.

I've heard this about the 5300 series. I was tempted to suggest a Geffen HDMI splitter to act as a "buffer" between the 5300 and the DVI adapter. The 5300 would "see" HDMI and be isolated from the DVI adapter by the Geffen.

This is the first confirmation of a TY-FB8HM working in a series 7 Plasma. This is certainly contrary to what the usual policy is concerning new slot boards.

What sources have you confirmed as working correctly ?

T Wiz

I am using a DirecTV HR20-100 and the Oppo DV-981HD with the receiver, both work great.

I heard about an Audio Authority switch that fixed the audio problem with the HDMI to DVI cable, I have a powered sima HDMI switch that I tried but it didn't work.

Just to add to this thread (because I bought a TY-FB8HM to work in my TH-PHD7UY plasma because I could not find a TY-FB7HM), I hooked up a PS3 to the TY-FB8HM board in my 7 series plasma and its great!! The PS3 detects the 1080i capabilities and the blue ray in phenomenal - I even had a phone call with Panasonic last week, who told me the TY-FB8HM would not work in my plasma as well, but its fine.

Buy one on Amazon, try it, if it does not work, send it back!

is the TY-FB7 or HMTY-FB8HM 1.3 compliant?

is the TY-FB7 or HMTY-FB8HM 1.3 compliant?

No, both are HDMI ver 1.1 as their designs pre-date HDMI ver 1.3

TW

Just wanted to make sure there was no upcoming upgrade for the TY-FB8HM before I plunk down the money for one... Thanks for the reply!

Just wanted to make sure there was no upcoming upgrade for the TY-FB8HM before I plunk down the money for one... Thanks for the reply!

No. Panasonic does have a new 10th generation HDMI board (dual input) but as always with the commercial input boards, it is not backward compatible with older generation displays (I presume you have an 8th or 9th generation display).

I have a Panny TH-42PWD7UY and just bought an Apple TV which has an HDMI output as well as component outputs. I was thinking of adding the TY-FB7HM HDMI board to the Panny, but wanting to know if the digital signal would be an advantage over the component connections since my Panny is only an ED not HD. Is this blade compatible with the ED 7UY? Any thoughts anyone has would be greatly appreciated. Any thoughts on whether the DVI board would be better than HDMI in this situation would also be appreciated.

Thanks for your help.

KY

Even on an HD set, most people can't tell much difference between the same signal output via component vs HDMI. On an ED set, I highly doubt you'd notice a difference.

I have a Panny TH-42PWD7UY and just bought an Apple TV which has an HDMI output as well as component outputs. I was thinking of adding the TY-FB7HM HDMI board to the Panny, but wanting to know if the digital signal would be an advantage over the component connections since my Panny is only an ED not HD. Is this blade compatible with the ED 7UY? Any thoughts anyone has would be greatly appreciated. Any thoughts on whether the DVI board would be better than HDMI in this situation would also be appreciated.

Thanks for your help.

KY

I also have the 42PWD7UY and I installed the TY-FB8HM blade, it worked fine. I have an HD player hooked into the HDMI and an SA8300HD PVR connected to the component input. both inputs have excellent PQ.

Just joining the chorus reporting that the 8 series HDMI board works perfectly in my 7 series display. No issues. Forget about trying to find a 7 series board. Thanks to all you earlier posters for solving this.

Hey folks, I have a 7 series (3 years old and still looking incredible) and I bought it with the HDMI module and installed the module in slot 1. I have never used the HDMI cause the Component looks so good and because my Denon receiver doesnt do HDMI switching.

Anyhow, I tried the HDMI tonight and I get NO SIGNAL on input one even when the HDMI module is connected to an HDMI signal (from my Toshiba HD and from my DirecTV HR20) I guess I have a bad module but can anyone tell me if I need to change any setup items in the display or is there a way to test the module?

Thanks

Pat

Hey folks, I have a 7 series (3 years old and still looking incredible) and I bought it with the HDMI module and installed the module in slot 1. I have never used the HDMI cause the Component looks so good and because my Denon receiver doesnt do HDMI switching.

Anyhow, I tried the HDMI tonight and I get NO SIGNAL on input one even when the HDMI module is connected to an HDMI signal (from my Toshiba HD and from my DirecTV HR20) I guess I have a bad module but can anyone tell me if I need to change any setup items in the display or is there a way to test the module?

Thanks

Pat

This model HDMI accepts only 480p, 720p, and 1080i
Be sure yu are not feeding 1080p 24 or 480i as most devices boot up at 480i.
Also be sure that the device HDMI output is enabled.

TW

donleycott - did you unplug the display from the wall and plug it back in? This is required to get it to recognize the board.

I cant get 720p 50Hz Pal from the new HDMI board TY-FB8HM. Panasonic NZ told me this was the board to use with my TH-50PHD7E plasma. It will only go up to 576p 50Hz, yet the specs say 750p 50Hz. Whats up here, is this board not compatible with the TH-50PHD7E really? Is Panasonic wrong?

I cant get 720p 50Hz Pal from the new HDMI board TY-FB8HM. Panasonic NZ told me this was the board to use with my TH-50PHD7E plasma. It will only go up to 576p 50Hz, yet the specs say 750p 50Hz. Whats up here, is this board not compatible with the TH-50PHD7E really? Is Panasonic wrong?

The TY-FB8HM will support 750p 50Hz however the series 7 Plasma does not have internal firmware to support this digital resolution. TY-FB7HD HD -SDI board also does not support 750p 50Hz in the series 7 Plasmas.

Option board specifications are only confirmed in like model series level and above. They are not specified to retrofit into earlier series.

In this case, the TY-FB8HM when installed into a previous model series 7 Plasma will only have internal firmware support for those resolutions from the TY-FB7HM. For 60 Hz signals, this is not a problem as 480p, 720p, and 1080i are supported. However 750p 50hz is not a supported digital resolution in the series 7 Plasma so it doesn't matter that the TY-FB8HM may support 750p 50 Hz on the board itself, the internal firmware of the Plasma was never designed to accept this resolution, it will only support those resolutions specified for the TY-FB7HM which do not include 750p 50Hz.

See attached from each respective Service Manual.

Panasonic NZ was correct in that TY-FB8HM will support 750p 50Hz however they were incorrect in advising that TH50PHD7 will support the later board at all. They should only specify the TY-FB7HM as being supported by series 7 Plasma and that 750p 50Hz is not a supported resolution in that combination.

TY-FB8HM in a series 7 Plasma is not a Factory specified configuration. That it works (for 60Hz signals) is pure luck of the draw.

TW

The TY-FB8HM will support 750p 50Hz however the series 7 Plasma does not have internal firmware to support this digital resolution. TY-FB7HD HD -SDI board also does not support 750p 50Hz in the series 7 Plasmas.

Option board specifications are only confirmed in like model series level and above. They are not specified to retrofit into earlier series.

In this case, the TY-FB8HM when installed into a previous model series 7 Plasma will only have internal firmware support for those resolutions from the TY-FB7HM. For 60 Hz signals, this is not a problem as 480p, 720p, and 1080i are supported. However 750p 50hz is not a supported digital resolution in the series 7 Plasma so it doesn't matter that the TY-FB8HM may support 750p 50 Hz on the board itself, the internal firmware of the Plasma was never designed to accept this resolution, it will only support those resolutions specified for the TY-FB7HM which do not include 750p 50Hz.

See attached from each respective Service Manual.

Panasonic NZ was correct in that TY-FB8HM will support 750p 50Hz however they were incorrect in advising that TH50PHD7 will support the later board at all. They should only specify the TY-FB7HM as being supported by series 7 Plasma and that 750p 50Hz is not a supported resolution in that combination.

TY-FB8HM in a series 7 Plasma is not a Factory specified configuration. That it works (for 60Hz signals) is pure luck of the draw.

TW
Thanks for your explanation,,,,,
Isnt that just typical :mad:
Not happy with Panasonic NZ or the salesperson who sold me the Plasma, I feel mislead!

I paid $8600.00 NZD (without the HDMI board) for the Panasonic TH-50PHD7E Plasma. I was told at the time I will always be future proofed for any new technology changes since the input boards can be changed and updated. This was sold to me as HD ready for NZ and all set to go when Im ready to buy the HDMI board.

The first HDMI board they sold me was the TY-FB7HM, I was never able to get 720p 50Hz from it, not much good for a Pal country. I complain and finally Im told (via Panasonic NZ) I dont have the correct board for NZ and I need the TY-FB8HM. I return the old board and install the new TY-FB8HM board and still cant get 720p 50Hz or 1080i 50Hz, all I get is 60Hz NTSC. Ive spent days of changing slots, borrowing extra gear for testing, then finally removing the board for approximatly the 6th time and testing at a friends place who owns the TH-50PH8WK, finally it works!

I finally come to AVSforums to find the answer why I cant get 720p 50Hz from both the HDMI boards I was told would give me Pal HD. The TH-50PHD7E Plasma panel just doesnt support 720p Pal, so I say why sell a panel in a Pal country as HD when its not the truth? This is amazing that Panasonic NZ sold me two boards that dont support HD Pal 720p. I hate to think how many others out there who also might be in the same boat? This setup with the HDMI board has cost me $9000.00+ NZD and I cant play HD 720p Pal, whats the use of that I ask?

Someone is going to be in the firing line now!:mad:

so whats the real deal folks I want to get an HDMI board for my 7 series ED panny does the 8 series board work.

Both Visual Apex and plasma concepts says they wont work.

Need to know

I will be running the hdmi output of the onkyo 606 to it.

I dont care about the audio

Techniwizard is the real deal, believe him and what has already been stated in this thread.

The TY-FB8HM will support 750p 50Hz however the series 7 Plasma does not have internal firmware to support this digital resolution. TY-FB7HD HD -SDI board also does not support 750p 50Hz in the series 7 Plasmas.

Option board specifications are only confirmed in like model series level and above. They are not specified to retrofit into earlier series.

In this case, the TY-FB8HM when installed into a previous model series 7 Plasma will only have internal firmware support for those resolutions from the TY-FB7HM. For 60 Hz signals, this is not a problem as 480p, 720p, and 1080i are supported.

In other words, unless you are using a PAL system you're fine.

Since you don't care about audio you could also get a DVI board.

I finally bought a Blu-Ray player yesterday now that the Profile 2.0 (supposedly the last Profile, yeah right!) became available. So like many others in this thread I went searching for a TY-FB7HM for my Panasonic TH50PHD7UY. No such luck. Then I read on the Hi Def Forum that someone had also given up and decided to take the risk and purchase a TY-FB8HM, and it had worked great.

So I called VisualApex and talked with Jocelyn and initially her Panasonic guides told her that it wouldn't work until (insert drumroll here) she looked at the chart NOT for my plasma but for the TY-FB8HM and it says IT IS BACKWARDS COMPATIBLE!

VisualApex has a bunch on hand, and mine is being shipped today. I'll update this post if it doesn't work.

Bear in mind that this is a non-supported configuration even though it is known to work. You will not get 720p 50Hz as the 8HM specs say because the 7 series PDP do not support 720p 50Hz digital signals.
If in the USA, you should have no problems.

Also note that you will need to setup your BluRay to output 1080i or 720p as the PHD7 series nor the 8HM support 1080p 60 or 1080p 24. No 480i support on any Pro series HDMI or DVI boards so setup your sources in composite or component first, than enable the HD outputs.

And after installing the new board, hard cycle the AC power (pull the plug) or else the PDP will not recognize the new board. Remote OFF / ON does not do it - pull the plug !!!

There have been reports that 1080i from BluRay is sometimes unstable with series 7 PDP, translated this means series 7 is less tolerant of time-base error than later models so you may need to use a lower resolution..

And I'll say it one more time for the noobs, this is the ONLY case of a board being retro compatible. New boards always require the new model Plasma and are not backward compatible.
ex: TY-FB10HMD dual HDMI is supported in series 10 and 11 Plasma but NOT series 9 or earlier.

T Wiz

Thanks Techniwizard! I would have made several mistakes. My only question is: Why don't manufacturers provide such clear and simple advice?!

I won't get my board for 3-6 business days. I'll try to remember to post an update so forum readers will know how it went.

My only question is: Why don't manufacturers provide such clear and simple advice?!


They do, you just have to know who to ask (grins).

Sales folks often overstate "upgrade" capabilities to make the sale or they just don't understand the techie end of it so they believe what they've been told, like you need to re-gas your Plasma once a year....

TW

I just finished installing the HDMI TY-FB8HM board in my Panny TH50PHD7UY. It went well once I had the proper tool.

The distance between the slot screws and the base is too tight for most standard screw drivers, and the screw heads are easily damaged. I came oh so close to stripping one of the screws so be forewarned.

TechWizard was right. I thought since I unplugged everything (the instruction manual even calls for you to disconnect ALL your inputs) that it would count as the one "hard cycle" that he called for. Nope! I had to do a second hard cycle before the input showed up.

I purchased a Panasonic DMPBD35 Blu-ray player. I was worried about being able to set it to 1080i (I knew it supported 1080p) but I was able to set it to 1080i as per TechWizard's advice.

The results: I've watched two Blu-rays so far and the 1080i has been rock stable. So at this point I'd tell fellow Panny TH50PHD7UY owners to go ahead and install the HDMI TY-FB8HM board (especially as the TY-FB7HM seems unavailable!) If I run into any problems with mine, I will update this thread.

I was reading all the posts about the TY-FB8HM HDMI input board and I see it works in the TH-50PHD7UY. I was wondering if anyone knows of any reason why it would not work in the TH-42PWD7UY. CrazyCorwin's 50" is the same year as mine but I'm pretty sure his was the HD (720p) model while mine was the smaller 42" ED (480p) model. Would the FB8HM still work in my monitor? I do understand that my TV will display only 480p and therefore it won't be HD etc. etc. I just like the idea of having a single cable/connection instead of the five component ones.

As a quick aside. When I bought my monitor back in 2004 there was an obvious advantage to buying the pro series monitors vs. a tv with built in tuner. They were way cheaper. Looking at the prices now it appears that the consumer series are a better buy. TH-42PZ80U ($999 at Best Buy) vs. TH-42PF11UK ($1799 at VisualApex). Any input on why people still prefer the pro series monitors? Thanks.

This combo should work, I'll double check in the morning.

TW

This combo should work, I'll double check in the morning.

TW

TY-FB7HM is supported by the TH-42PWD7UY. The TY-FB8HM should work as well as confirmed in this thread with the 720 50p limitation.

TW

Does anyone know of a vendor still selling the TY-FB8HM? I too would like to add one to my trusty TH-42PWD7UY.

TY-FB7HM is supported by the TH-42PWD7UY. The TY-FB8HM should work as well as confirmed in this thread with the 720 50p limitation.

TW

For some reason, I've had only one of my two 8 series boards installed on my TH-50PH9UK since I purchased the monitor and the boards together about two and a half years ago. Thanks to the education by Techniwizard and others who have posted in this useful thread, I will now go ahead and add the second board to slot 2, to replace the composite board currently in that slot. The 8 series board presently in use is in slot 1. Could Techniwizard or someone else please post a link to the pdf file of the installation/operating instructions for the TY-FB8HM for my records? Somehow I have not been able to locate such a link. TIA. duwdu

For some reason, I've had only one of my two 8 series boards installed on my TH-50PH9UK since I purchased the monitor and the boards together about two and a half years ago. Thanks to the education by Techniwizard and others who have posted in this useful thread, I will now go ahead and add the second board to slot 2, to replace the composite board currently in that slot. The 8 series board presently in use is in slot 1. Could Techniwizard or someone else please post a link to the pdf file of the installation/operating instructions for the TY-FB8HM for my records? Somehow I have not been able to locate such a link. TIA. duwdu

Piece of cake:

1.) Completely disconnect the AC cord.

2.) Remove 4 Philips screws holding board #2, use a cheap screwdriver which will likely be metric and lessen the chance of stripping the screws,

3.) Pull on the handle wiggling slightly side to side to remove board #2

4.) Install the new board carefully engaging the last 1/2 inch which will be seating the connector. Do not force !

5.) Plug in the power cord - you should be in business.

See this link:

http://www.panasonic.net/proplasma/option/pdf/replacement_instructions.pdf

TW

Piece of cake:

1.) Completely disconnect the AC cord.

2.) Remove 4 Philips screws holding board #2, use a cheap screwdriver which will likely be metric and lessen the chance of stripping the screws,

3.) Pull on the handle wiggling slightly side to side to remove board #2

4.) Install the new board carefully engaging the last 1/2 inch which will be seating the connector. Do not force !

5.) Plug in the power cord - you should be in business.

See this link:

http://www.panasonic.net/proplasma/option/pdf/replacement_instructions.pdf

TW

All done now. Although I had the board package intact including the hard copy instruction booklet, your instructions and the pdf doc made life a lot simpler. Many thanks. duwdu

Cool