I don't know if this has already been created, but this is a thread I created where we can discuss about Panasonic's current CRT HDTV models: CT-26WX15, CT-30WC15, CT-30WX15, and CT-34WX15. Own one of these Panasonic models and want to comment about it, post it here. Are you thinking of buying a Panasonic, post it here. We should reduce the number of new threads created regarding Panasonic. Enjoy...

I bought the 26" yesterday at CC for 399. It is a very heavy TV at 85 pounds. I dont have any HD singles going in to it yet and proably want watch HD chanels for a long time now. I bought it for DVDs which look great and the 360 when I get one. The price is now 569 at CC but it will most likely be on sale soon. I would recommend this TV to people over a LCD if the weight is not a problem. One con ins no built in tuner which does not affect me but others might want to take that into concederation.

I would like to know too on how to fix the geometry without calling a Technician to come over. Is there really a RING in the back of the TV to adjust the Geometry? If not, then how do we go to Service Menu to fix it?

I found a way to enter the service menu in my Panasonic CT-26WX15. This also works for other Panasonic TV models (including CT-30WC15, CT-30WX15, and CT-34WX15). Here's how you do it:

Power on your TV
Go to menu and set antenna to CABLE
Then, go to sleep timer in the menu and set it to 30
Exit menu and go to channel 124
Then, adjust volume to 0 on the remote
Then, at the front of the TV, press the volume down and the word "CHK" in red appears
Finally, press the power button on the remote
You will then see a big service menu at the middle of the screen

To adjust, use the volume buttons to adjust the values. To change each category, use the channel buttons.

To exit the service menu, press the power button on the remote, and it will return to "CHK" in red at the upper left hand corner. Then, press the power button at the front of the TV to turn off the TV. If you want to see a summary or self-check, press the power button and action button at the same time for two seconds instead.

Don't forget to copy down all of the original values on a separate piece of paper before you adjust the values. I'm still browsing it, but I don't have the time to adjust the screen right now. It looks kind of complicated to me.

Let me know which setting can let me adjust the top horizontal line.

Wow, so is the Service Menu complited? Does it only have value, or does it have the ICON or any word that said GEOMETRY in it? If set it wrong, it will damage the TV forever right? If damage, can we just go back to the Factory value on the SM?

Have you went into the Service Menu yet? I'll write down all the original Value before I'll mess anything. I only want to adjust the Geometry a little bit since mine is not as straight like the one in store. How do you know where to set the Geometry, does the SM have any ICON or something to let us know where to set the Geo?

What about the people who own a Panasonic 30" and 34". Is the geometry any better?

I love my 30WX15.

Question for all you 30", 26", etc WX owners. How would you feel about making an FAQ for our sets. I would be willing to type it up and host it, but I would need someone w/ a factory or as close to it as possble set to get the default factory Svc. menu values. Any takers? I think it could do us all a lot of good.

Let me know.

Matt

Right now I have the Sony KV-30HS420, which is great and everything but it's got some problems. I'm wondering if the CT30WX15 suffers from any ghosting, ringing or geometry problems? Do you lose any of the picture in 16:9 mode? Right now with my current KV-30HS420 I'm losing around 1 CM on all 4 sides. Any problems like that? Any color, text problems or something? I'm mostly using it for my Xbox 360 and DVD viewing. I also have a thread on this. Any and all help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Can someone confirm that this is the correct factory setting? When I first got the HDTV I was playing around the options, so I'm not sure if I changed anything yet or leave it as Factory setting:

Color temp : normal
Natural color: On
Video NR: Off
3D y/C Filter: ON
Color Matrix: SD
VM: On
MPEG NR: OFF

Right now I have the Sony KV-30HS420, which is great and everything but it's got some problems. I'm wondering if the CT30WX15 suffers from any ghosting, ringing or geometry problems? Do you lose any of the picture in 16:9 mode? Right now with my current KV-30HS420 I'm losing around 1 CM on all 4 sides. Any problems like that? Any color, text problems or something? I'm mostly using it for my Xbox 360 and DVD viewing. I also have a thread on this. Any and all help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Yup, that much overscan is typical for CRT HD sets I've been told.

Can someone confirm that this is the correct factory setting? When I first got the HDTV I was playing around the options, so I'm not sure if I changed anything yet or leave it as Factory setting:

Color temp : normal
Natural color: On
Video NR: Off
3D y/C Filter: ON
Color Matrix: SD
VM: On
MPEG NR: OFF

I do recall that being the default when I got the tv.

K, thanks. Do you know how to make the Panasonic HDTV to stretch picture? I set my PS2 to 16:9 mode, but it seem like there is this two black vertical bars added in my TV. I'm afraid it might burn in my TV one day, so it's better safe to make my HDTV stretch the picture so there won't be two black bar anymore.

I don't have an intruction booklet, if anybody know how to do it please post it here.

K, thanks. Do you know how to make the Panasonic HDTV to stretch picture? I set my PS2 to 16:9 mode, but it seem like there is this two black vertical bars added in my TV. I'm afraid it might burn in my TV one day, so it's better safe to make my HDTV stretch the picture so there won't be two black bar anymore.

I don't have an intruction booklet, if anybody know how to do it please post it here.

There is a button on the remote near the bottom that lets you change the view settings from 4:3 to Full or Zoom. I forgot which one cause im not at home right now to see it. But just test out the buttons until you see the picture switch from 4:3 to full, zoom.

Is the button called R-Tune or Prog? Because if these are the two, then it doesn't do anything at all. When I check the 3 button on the bottom of the remote, there is the:

Aspect TV/VCR.

I don't if it's the right one. Hopefully I can do Zoom in to get rid of that two black bar and prevent burn in.

Is the button called R-Tune or Prog? Because if these are the two, then it doesn't do anything at all. When I check the 3 button on the bottom of the remote, there is the:

Aspect TV/VCR.

I don't if it's the right one. Hopefully I can do Zoom in to get rid of that two black bar and prevent burn in.

Yes thats the one. Aspect tv/vcr. That button changes the screen sizes.

Got a 30WX15 for $599 yesterday and couldn't be happier. I don't see any geometry problems on my set, and I calibrated using DVE last night.

between Avia and DVE, which one is a better one? I have Avia, but it seem kinda complicated... maybe I'm just not too smart...

Darry: so if I choose Zoom or Stretch, then there will no longer be two black vertical bar anymore. I don't have to worry about Burn In anymore right?

between Avia and DVE, which one is a better one? I have Avia, but it seem kinda complicated... maybe I'm just not too smart...

Darry: so if I choose Zoom or Stretch, then there will no longer be two black vertical bar anymore. I don't have to worry about Burn In anymore right?

Yes they will no longer be vertical bars but on some widescreen programs you will still have two horizontal bars that the zoom will not fully get out. As long as you keep the contrast, and brightness down and dont leave your tv on static images for long times you shouldn't have any problems with burn in.

What about the people who own a Panasonic 30" and 34". Is the geometry any better?
I just bought the set last night on sale at CC, and the geometry is pretty horrible on this one. I noiced the espn sports ticker is going into the left corner. I had to rotate the screen by +8 or +9, and also change the service menu quite a bit to get it look decent, but it's still not perfect. I am using Avia's disk with the cross patterns. It has a May 05 manufacturing date. Is anyone else having problems like this? Shouldn't the TV be a little more perfect out of box, or at least somewhat close? I think having to rotate +9 and also do other adjustments is quite a lot.

Anyhow, I am going to have to duct tape the box and get an exchange on "defective" from circuit city.

Jerome or anyone,

Would you want to tell me the default service menu values? If we had them documented, it would make them so much easier for everyone else to reference.

Matt

My Panasonic CT-26WX15 was made at the latest month: November 2005. I only had to tilt the screen at +1. I just got the vertical line straight last night from the service menu, but I can't find any settings that will let me adjust the horizontal line.
I too have the same HDTV and would like to know what values u changed to get your vertical lines straight. I am seeing the same thing where picture is being overscaned. Please help me out. I would also like to get my horizontal line straight also to stop the overscanning.

Thanks

Question: are any of these good for using with a computer?

Heck, are any CRT HDTV monitors good with using with a computer?

Gaming or just for web browsing?

Hi guys, I might be considering the CT-34WX15 and I have to ask since their site does not mention it: does this TV accept a 720p input? Store told me yes but I have read some posts stating otherwise. which is it?

Do any purchasers of this unit have any complaints/ regrets? if you could go back, would you take the same unit?

I have one, anybody know what does MPEG NR do? It's in the picture setting. I found no effect when turning it on.


The instruction manual says:

MPEG NR - This feature reduces the block noise caused by the MPEG video compression used in DVD and HDTV sources.

you can find the manual online here:
http://service.us.panasonic.com/OPERMANPDF/CT30WX15N.pdf

hope that helps

Hi guys, I might be considering the CT-34WX15 and I have to ask since their site does not mention it: does this TV accept a 720p input? Store told me yes but I have read some posts stating otherwise. which is it?

Do any purchasers of this unit have any complaints/ regrets? if you could go back, would you take the same unit?


I don't believe that hardly any CRT accepts 720p natively and this model doesn't have a built in tuner to upconvert to its native 1080i. If you have/want satellite/cable then you'll be using their receiver and in the event that you want to HD, you'll be able to view the 720p signal because your receiver will upconvert any 720p signal into the 1080i native. You might be find some difficulties if you want an over the air broadcast.

I will post my default codes and my new codes sometime tonight when I get home. I must say though that I changed my values a TON, and I don't think this is natural for the TV.

If i could, I would like to exchange my TV for the same model (30wx15). Besides the horrible geometry, the TV looks amazing, especially with my HD DVR from time warner.

One problem I have even after making the geometry better. When I watch 4:3 stuff through s-video, or when my cable box sends 480i or 480p, my verticle crop lines look decently verticle, but when it sends 1080i with a 4:3 windowed show, the crop lines are tilted. Could this be a problem with the cable box, or is it just the tv? Has anyone gotten the 30wx15 and had perfect geometry with all inputs?

OK, likely stupid question, but I am going to pick this TV up in the next few days, and was wondering if all I need to pick up OTA digital signals is a UHF antenna (and a UHF/VHF combiner to be able to use my existing cable), or if I need to get a set-top box. Thanks to anyone who can help.

OK, likely stupid question, but I am going to pick this TV up in the next few days, and was wondering if all I need to pick up OTA digital signals is a UHF antenna (and a UHF/VHF combiner to be able to use my existing cable), or if I need to get a set-top box. Thanks to anyone who can help.

if you want HD channels...you'll need an HD tuner/atennae

I will post my default codes and my new codes sometime tonight when I get home. I must say though that I changed my values a TON, and I don't think this is natural for the TV.

If i could, I would like to exchange my TV for the same model (30wx15). Besides the horrible geometry, the TV looks amazing, especially with my HD DVR from time warner.

One problem I have even after making the geometry better. When I watch 4:3 stuff through s-video, or when my cable box sends 480i or 480p, my verticle crop lines look decently verticle, but when it sends 1080i with a 4:3 windowed show, the crop lines are tilted. Could this be a problem with the cable box, or is it just the tv? Has anyone gotten the 30wx15 and had perfect geometry with all inputs?

Great! I would love to know the default codes :)

Anyone want to share their settings?

I have a CT-30WX15 and I have the following:

picture - 27
brightness - 45
color - 27
tint - 34
sharpness - 11

I have the 26 inch and I figured out V RAS changes the Vertical Centering. All I need to know now is, how in the hell do you change the Horizontal centering? If I can get that the HDTV is perfect.

Anyone want to share their settings?

I have a CT-30WX15 and I have the following:

picture - 27
brightness - 45
color - 27
tint - 34
sharpness - 11


i just picked up this tv yesterday and adjusted mine to these settings. It definitely has enhanced the picture quality. What are you using as your "Pic Mode" setting. Standard?? Did you use a calibration disk to come up with these settings?

Anyone else care to contribute their settings?

I set all my setting to 31 in STANDARD mode just like how I set it for my Panasonic SDTV back then.

Edouble, isn't Brightness at 45 is a little high? You might get a chance of burn-in...

I calibrated it using DVE, I dunno. Picture isn't bright in the least though. Just the way the Contrast/Brightness tests turned out.

MGSVR, you seem a bit paranoid. 45 for brightness is fine. On a modern CRT, you literally would need to have contrast and brightness set to 70+, watching the same content for hundreds, if not THOUSANDS of hours to even have a chance at causing burn-in.

The only reason you hear about burn-in on CRTs anymore is because TV manufacturers add pre-cautions about it in manuals. And the only reason that they do that is for damage control. Just in case it were to happen to someone, however slim the chance, they can still say, "we told you so".

The only issue I'm having with mine, is it seems like the the image focus is a little off. I wish i knew how to fix that. Especially on text. Ideas on which setting i could edit?

http://www.mattglennford.com/svmsmall.jpg

i just picked up this tv yesterday and adjusted mine to these settings. It definitely has enhanced the picture quality. What are you using as your "Pic Mode" setting. Standard?? Did you use a calibration disk to come up with these settings?

Anyone else care to contribute their settings?

Hmmmm so those setting from Edouble really enchanced the picture quality than the factory setting of 31 in STANDARD mode?

Hey, edouble...is the setting you have is in STANDAR mode?

MGSVR, you seem a bit paranoid. 45 for brightness is fine. On a modern CRT, you literally would need to have contrast and brightness set to 70+, watching the same content for hundreds, if not THOUSANDS of hours to even have a chance at causing burn-in.

Well some people in AVS here told me that 45 or above is a little high. So I be caution and set Brightness and Picture of mine to 31 just to be safe. Yes 31 is a little too dark. So 45 is okay eh? Okay, I'll set like the setting as Edouble.

To anyone with these models...how does standard 4:3 look on these sets? Also how is the stretch and zoom feature.


The only issue I'm having with mine, is it seems like the the image focus is a little off. I wish i knew how to fix that. Especially on text. Ideas on which setting i could edit?

Sorry I dont have answer for your question but how does the XBox 360 look in Hi-Def on your TV?

I have the 26 inch and I figured out V RAS changes the Vertical Centering. All I need to know now is, how in the hell do you change the Horizontal centering? If I can get that the HDTV is perfect.

I have the same issue. The horizontal centering is off on my set too. Any help on which setting to change would be appreciated. :)

Just picked up my CT-30WX15 last night. Out of the box it was nearly perfect, but I do get the "blurring" effect somewhat on text. Now, where do I get one of those calibration disks?

My old Samsung 27" 4:3 HD TV can't hold a candle to this Panny.

Now that i read this thread, I can't wait to play with the service menu. If I get a chance tonight, I will post the "defaults" and see where I can go from there.

This is definitely the best HD value out there right now.

Eric

For fun, I set Brightness to 42 last night and I lost a little black detail on DVDs, but colors did seem a little richer. Of course, I'm using the DVP-NS70H, which I think is a little bright out of the box. Not sure what I'll do. Didn't have time to watch any SD/HD so I'll look at that tonight. 45 does "seem" a little high, but for those who have adopted my settings, you'll notice that the picture is darker than normal, but still pretty detailed and true -- more film-like.
Hey, edouble...is the setting you have is in STANDAR mode?

Well, correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think it matters what "mode" you're in if you're calibrating it yourself. You're messing with the presets anyways, so what does it matter? Heh. Anyways, I messed with the Vivid mode and made it "mine" because I thought I may need Standard and Cinema down the road. Obviously I'm never going to watch anything in torch mode.

I got my 26wx15 into service mode just to have a look around. I noticed that the settings for the same function (V RAS for example) can be different depending on what resolution and mode (full, zoom, etc.) you are in, so make sure you write the mode down as well as the memory address and value for each setting before you change anything. If different modes can use different values for the setting then each mode will have a different memory address (the number to the left of the setting).

I got my 26wx15 into service mode just to have a look around. I noticed that the settings for the same function (V RAS for example) can be different depending on what resolution and mode (full, zoom, etc.) you are in, so make sure you write the mode down as well as the memory address and value for each setting before you change anything. If different modes can use different values for the setting then each mode will have a different memory address (the number to the left of the setting).

Hmm. Interesting. So are you saying that there are values in the SM that are different (besides things like brightness, picture, color, tint, etc.) that correspond to each mode (Standard, Cinema and Vivid)? If so, I may have to recalibrate.

Just picked up my CT-30WX15 last night. Out of the box it was nearly perfect, but I do get the "blurring" effect somewhat on text. Now, where do I get one of those calibration disks?

You can get DVE (Digital Video Essentials) for ~$20 on Ebay.

I just bought my 26WX15 last night and boy let me tell you it's the best lookin' tv i've gotten EVER.

now, i am sort of a newb to HD so these are my understandings, i'd like to know if i am right about all this...

for my Xbox, component video cables so I can play games 480p, 720p and some 1080i, and how will I know what mode i am in..?

for HD channels, grab the HD tuner box from my digital cable provider..

and for my DVD player, also connent via component cables, or if I ever get a new one with the HDMI connection..?

these are probablly toal newb questions but you gotta start somewhere!

thanks!

I purchased the 30WX15 at CC on Monday and am just starting to learn about the TV. I did get a pretty good purchase price from CC. I had received some CC coupons in the mail and offered the 15% off digital TV coupon when I purchased the TV. It said no sale items, etc. on the back, but the salesman accepted it. Lo and behold: $510 purchase price... :)

edouble, sorry by mode I meant aspect, ie full, zoom, just, 4:3, I don't think the picture mode affects it but I didn't check. There are eight different combinations of resolution and aspect and I plan to write down all the settings for each.

I just bought my 26WX15 last night and boy let me tell you it's the best lookin' tv i've gotten EVER.

now, i am sort of a newb to HD so these are my understandings, i'd like to know if i am right about all this...

for my Xbox, component video cables so I can play games 480p, 720p and some 1080i, and how will I know what mode i am in..?

I just got the HD pack as well. Go to your XBOX dashboard (turn on the console without a game), then go to video. There you'll set all the modes your TV supports, which are 480p and 1080i. Don't select 720p. Your xbox will then upconvert to the highest setting possible, given that each game varies.



and for my DVD player, also connent via component cables, or if I ever get a new one with the HDMI connection..?

You could do this, but I strongly recommend an upconverting player w/HDMI. Picture is substantially better with an upconverting player. The problem is that upconverting models are still new and there isn't a clear cut winner in this area...yet. I went with the Sony DVP-NS70H which has a slight image shifting problem but has otherwise outstanding PQ. I switched back and forth between HDMI and component last night and noticed a huge difference.

HPOS is for Horizontal Centering
HWID is for Horizontal width
VRAS is for Vertical width
VEAMP is for Vertical Centering

I did notice that when switching to 4:3 mode, the corners are bent outwards slightly. Is there a value in the SM like the "pincushion" feature on an LCD monitor?

I just got this TV the other day based on this site. First off I want to say that the TV has a great picture and after some calibration I have to say that even regular directv looks pretty good compared to the previous tv I had. I had a 32 inch philips 4:3 crt HD tv with the tuner built in and I returned it because the pq was pretty terrible. Especially with xbox and xbox 360 i would get this font problem where the fonts seemed to double up causing some kind of shadow. Now, the problem that I am noticing with this panasonic 30wx15 is that in xbox games i am noticing a problem where it seems like the ends of the fonts and some menus sort of extend beyond the font itself, causing some kind of shadow that is offset to the right of the original font/menu. IT is not very noticable, but noticable enough for me to be concerned. This is especially visible in high contrast scenes, and in the xbox dashboard itself. It is as if the fonts bleed to the right ever so slightly causing some kinda blur. DOes anyone know what this is called and if/how it can be fixed?

thanks ahead of time :)

*edit* this shadowing is also faintly visible on DVD's. My xbox and dvd connection is through component and when i watch a dvd the "shadowing" happens most when there is a person on screen and the background is light in color, solid in color, or white. It seems like there is a second very very faint image of the person a little to the right of the original image.

Can someone contribute their setting like the one Edouble has after they do calibration with DVE or Avia?

I did notice that when switching to 4:3 mode, the corners are bent outwards slightly. Is there a value in the SM like the "pincushion" feature on an LCD monitor?I'm not familiar with the Panasonic SM, but that's usually listed under parabola (H-PAR, etc).

Great, thanks.

I noticed that the settings for the same function (V RAS for example) can be different depending on what resolution and mode (full, zoom, etc.) you are in, so make sure you write the mode down as well as the memory address and value for each setting before you change anything.

IMPORTANT: The service mode settings are not per input, aka video 1 video 2, BUT they are for the input resolution aka 480i or 480p, or 1080i, and also to some extent, the zoom factor.

For everyone waiting for my default values, unfortunately I do not know which input and which zoom it is for... So i was trying to set my tv back to default values, but then I realized the picture was terrible. I was in 1080i and I think my default values were a mix of 480i zoom and 480i full! So I then my geometry was ALL screwed up i mean really bad. So last night i spent an hour trying to figure out the default values for each input and each zoom, settling the tilt back to 0 and everything. Now i have the verticle crop lines straight, but the horizontals are still tilted bad. Now that I am pretty sure it looks like when I first got it, I am taking it back to circuit city to show them the problems, and then try for an exchange or a refund, depending on if they have it in stock :(.

mattford11, I do not have any image focus issues as far as I can tell, the TV focus is impeccable. I also changed about every single thing in the service menu, and I could not get it out of focus. So it might not be something you can change there. Also it looks like your bottom ticker is a little bit off like mine, going into the left corner, only mine is much worse. How do your verticle crop lines look when you have 1080i coming in, only the broadcasters show a cropped 4:3?

Wow, that sucks J. Thanks for going to all that trouble. Hopefully you'll get a good unit when you return it.

Question: are any of these good for using with a computer?

Heck, are any CRT HDTV monitors good with using with a computer?

Gaming or just for web browsing?

Anyone?

Should I set the tilt to zero before I start changing geometry settings in the SM or should I set the tilt so that its level first?

I can also post my default values later (for the 26wx15), I plan to put them in a spreadsheet. I'll record them for every combination of input res and aspect. I should have it done tonight.

Does anyone have any of these CRT's hooked up to a XBox 360? If so how does it look being that it has to scale up?

Does anyone have any of these CRT's hooked up to a XBox 360? If so how does it look being that it has to scale up?


Xbox 360 looks great, check out some of the pics i have

http://www.mattglennford.com/x1.jpg
http://www.mattglennford.com/x2.jpg
http://www.mattglennford.com/x3.jpg
http://www.mattglennford.com/x4.jpg

I just got the HD pack as well. Go to your XBOX dashboard (turn on the console without a game), then go to video. There you'll set all the modes your TV supports, which are 480p and 1080i. Don't select 720p. Your xbox will then upconvert to the highest setting possible, given that each game varies.


well i just got it today after work, and i plugged it in and all...and well i really don't notice a difference in my games, i've only tried Gun and Forza so far...which are 480p, but i also have Tony Hawk Underground which is 720p that i haven't tried yet.

i dunno...i just dont see the difference in the 2 games i tried with the Microsoft HD AV pack....

anything i might be doing wrong...

oh yeah i set the 480p and the 1080i in the dashboard to on and left the 720p off..

thanks

Got a HDMI cable today from Radio Shack for $13. Man, what a difference! SD picture looks worse though. But HD is even more unbelievable than with component.

Anything I can do to "spruce" up the SD a bit?

I read somewhere, maybe here, that someone's screen was dark when using component. I have an nonHD Panny thats about 2 years old that has the same problem. Is this suppose to happen? I really want this TV but not if its really dark.

I just got this TV the other day based on this site. First off I want to say that the TV has a great picture and after some calibration I have to say that even regular directv looks pretty good compared to the previous tv I had. I had a 32 inch philips 4:3 crt HD tv with the tuner built in and I returned it because the pq was pretty terrible. Especially with xbox and xbox 360 i would get this font problem where the fonts seemed to double up causing some kind of shadow. Now, the problem that I am noticing with this panasonic 30wx15 is that in xbox games i am noticing a problem where it seems like the ends of the fonts and some menus sort of extend beyond the font itself, causing some kind of shadow that is offset to the right of the original font/menu. IT is not very noticable, but noticable enough for me to be concerned. This is especially visible in high contrast scenes, and in the xbox dashboard itself. It is as if the fonts bleed to the right ever so slightly causing some kinda blur. DOes anyone know what this is called and if/how it can be fixed?

thanks ahead of time :)

*edit* this shadowing is also faintly visible on DVD's. My xbox and dvd connection is through component and when i watch a dvd the "shadowing" happens most when there is a person on screen and the background is light in color, solid in color, or white. It seems like there is a second very very faint image of the person a little to the right of the original image.


I just picked up this unit yesterday, myself. I am noticing the ghosting too...I wonder if there is something in the service menu that would fix it?

I did set my 26" one to be like the one on Edouble, but my brightness is only 31 instead of 45 like him. So only bring up the number (picture, brightness) might do Burn-In, but bring down will not right?

picture - 27
brightness - 31
color - 27
tint - 34
sharpness - 11

I know there has to be some new 30WX15 Owners reading this. Can you provide me/us with your default values? The more we get, the better we can see the range of adjustments. Heres the values you should get.... http://www.mattglennford.com/svmsmall.jpg

Got a HDMI cable today from Radio Shack for $13. Man, what a difference! SD picture looks worse though. But HD is even more unbelievable than with component.

Anything I can do to "spruce" up the SD a bit?

If you're using a cable company's HD box, you can get a good coax splitter and split the line in 2. Run 1 coax line to the HD box, and from the box through HDMI to your TV. Run the other coax line straight to your TV. Watch HD from the cable box and SD from the line without the box. My cable company's HD box makes analog SD channels look absolutely horrible on a HDTV; so I used a coax line splitter, and SD looks much better now.

If all of your SD channels are digital, I don't know what to do to help; but you shouldn't be having a problem with SD if the channels are digital.

Went to go pick a CT26WX15 up from cc for 399 then found one that was bought and returned the same day. It was priced at 359, then I tried to talk it down to 315 but the sales guy said 324 is the lowest he can go. 324-10% open box coupon = 291 pluse tax. Best 300 bucks I have spent by far.

On all TVs the "Brightness" control effects black level - how black your blacks are. I don't see how this could contribute to burn in. The "Picture" control is what effects contrast - how white your whites are. The labeling of these controls confuses a lot of people.

I just picked up this unit yesterday, myself. I am noticing the ghosting too...I wonder if there is something in the service menu that would fix it?


anyone with any advice?? anybody else experiencing this issue? I am still noticing the same thing and am wondering what can be done to fix this problem.

I purchased the 30" Panisonic HDTV last night from Circuit City. I went and looked at it in person last night. I was impressed with the picture quality and the look of the tv. I have read alot about the Panny here and it has gotten mostly favorable reviews. I was either going to go with a tube or an LCD Projection tv. I chose the tube because of price, picture quality and no lamp issues in the future. I was thinking I might get the 34" but I couldn't justify spending twice as much for 4 more inches. Hopefully the 30" will look big enough in my room. Currently, I have a 25" Standard tv and that is big enough for my needs. It will be delivered on Saturday. I am getting my HD receiver from WOW next thursday. I will have 15 HD Channels so I am excited about that.

I'm returning back my 26" one to get the 30" once. Is the 30" okay to everybody?

ighhockey9, on my 26wx15 you have to set the color matrix in the normal menu to HD for the picture to not be dark when using a 480p signal.

zyntax, there are only like five games that support 1080i on the xbox. The biggest difference is getting a 480p signal rather than 480i. I noticed a huge difference in Halo 2. However, my xbox is modded and my dashboard and programs like xbox media player will output 1080i.



Another note about the service menu, I noticed that changing settings in one resolution and aspect mode can slightly alter the settings of another, although the 1080i settings appear to be completely isolated. So i'm being sure to log everything about changes I make to the SM including the order that I change them.

I did set my 26" one to be like the one on Edouble, but my brightness is only 31 instead of 45 like him. So only bring up the number (picture, brightness) might do Burn-In, but bring down will not right?

picture - 27
brightness - 31
color - 27
tint - 34
sharpness - 11

Wow, 31 brightness? I would get a significant black crush if I tried that. How can you see anything? Is your room really bright or anything?

I really don't think you have to worry about burn-in on a CRT unless you're in torch mode 24/7 for many years...

anyone with any advice?? anybody else experiencing this issue? I am still noticing the same thing and am wondering what can be done to fix this problem.

No ghosting for me. Specifically, what are you seeing? Lots of people have different definitions of ghosting. :)

anyone with any advice?? anybody else experiencing this issue? I am still noticing the same thing and am wondering what can be done to fix this problem.

I notice ghosting on mine but only on regular cable. I Dont have a fix for it either.

Do people usually use HDMI for HD and Component for DVD, or vice versa?

No ghosting for me. Specifically, what are you seeing? Lots of people have different definitions of ghosting. :)

The best example I can think of is the information bar at the bottom when you change a channel and it comes up with text on the program for a few seconds (channel, station, time, brief description, etc). The text is white and the background is blue...to the right and slightly lower than the original text is like a ghostly white duplicate image that's not being fully displayed...a ghost image :confused:

I can see it on almost everything though...especially on SD like my VCR is horrible with it. It's not always white, and sometimes it appears as just an outline on the right side of whatever is being displayed. I noticed it bigtime tonight on WTTW HD there is some symphony and when it was showing a mic stand it was almost like it was embossed on the screen with a like a double edge on the right side....

Funny thing is that I went to Fry's today and I saw a similar artifact on almost all their screens, but they said their DirecTV signal was split so many times it introduced all kinds of artifacts.

It seems almost like a convergence issue, but I don't see a setting to fix that unless it is in the service menu.

The best example I can think of is the information bar at the bottom when you change a channel and it comes up with text on the program for a few seconds (channel, station, time, brief description, etc). The text is white and the background is blue...to the right and slightly lower than the original text is like a ghostly white duplicate image that's not being fully displayed...a ghost image :confused:

I can see it on almost everything though...especially on SD like my VCR is horrible with it. It's not always white, and sometimes it appears as just an outline on the right side of whatever is being displayed. I noticed it bigtime tonight on WTTW HD there is some symphony and when it was showing a mic stand it was almost like it was embossed on the screen with a like a double edge on the right side....

Funny thing is that I went to Fry's today and I saw a similar artifact on almost all their screens, but they said their DirecTV signal was split so many times it introduced all kinds of artifacts.

It seems almost like a convergence issue, but I don't see a setting to fix that unless it is in the service menu.



this is exactly my issue as well.. I really hope there is a way to fix this or make it so that its not as noticable. I just brought back a philips that I was having the same issue with a few days ago to sams club to pick up this panasonic. I really hope that I dont have to lug this back to CC. This is the third time im exchanging a tv and im not ready to bring back another one. Anyone familiar enough with the service menu to give any good tips?

this is exactly my issue as well.. I really hope there is a way to fix this or make it so that its not as noticable. I just brought back a philips that I was having the same issue with a few days ago to sams club to pick up this panasonic. I really hope that I dont have to lug this back to CC. This is the third time im exchanging a tv and im not ready to bring back another one. Anyone familiar enough with the service menu to give any good tips?

I've got this issue as well. Hence why I've been begging for SVM values from everyones sets, so we can compare good sets vs bad sets, and try to find a happy medium.

Wow, 31 brightness? I would get a significant black crush if I tried that. How can you see anything? Is your room really bright or anything?

I really don't think you have to worry about burn-in on a CRT unless you're in torch mode 24/7 for many years...

Yea I set mine to 31 =) I think it's bright enough for me because when I play game, I turn off all my light. And yes, I play it at night all the time.

So whats the deal with the 720p? Will it not accept it at all? Or doe sit just upconvert it to 1080i? If it upconverts, does it do a decent job?

So whats the deal with the 720p? Will it not accept it at all? Or doe sit just upconvert it to 1080i? If it upconverts, does it do a decent job?

It does not accept 720p as an input signal.

Can someone share their setting after they do calibration? The one I have right now is using Edouble's setting.

Anyone know how much the 30" weight? I can carry the 26" by myself, but not sure about the 30". It's looks big and heavy.

the 26" one is around 85lbs.

Anyone with the 30" one can tell me the weight? I'm picking it up tomorrow.

Does anyone have the Dimensions and the Weight for the CT-26WX15? This TV is basically going to be for my Xbox 360 and watching DVDs.

The 30" weighs about 140 lbs. I kinda rolled it out of the box...then had my wife help me lift it onto the TV stand. It's heavy as a mutha.

Actually. I just agonized for a day or so and decided to spend twice as much as I originally intended on the Sony 36xs955 with the Super Fine Pitch tube. It's 4:3 instead of 16:9, which my wife prefers...plus when I watch 16:9 content or DVD's it will be about 33" wide at that point which is still quite a bit bigger than the 30wx15.

I'm not in the mood to hassle with messed up calibration on a brand new set I just got. Watched some more tonight and the picture looks really nice, except for the ghosting.

Hopefully the Sony will come in ready to go...the Panasonic is going back. It's too bad too...had it been perfect out of the box I'm sure I would have been more than satisfied...

the 26" one is around 85lbs.

Anyone with the 30" one can tell me the weight? I'm picking it up tomorrow.

It's insanely heavy. It wouldn't fit in my Camry so CC had to take it out of the box for me. Even then, it BARELY fit in my back seat. My friend and I had an even harder time just getting it out of my car. Actually, we slightly dented up the front and sides of the unit while doing so. Small price to pay, but do expect a challenge moving this thing around.

I should have time to type up the codes for the 26wx15 sometime this weekend. I have them all written down already. If there are just a few you need I could post it late tonight.

The ghosting must be really variable because the first set I had it was really bad, but on the new one you can't notice it from 6-8ft or more. I also saw it on the panny display in the store, but I forgot to look for it on the other brands. Too bad this is the only 26" 16x9 set you can get for 400, because thats the most I can spend on a tv right now. Anyone know if this is a panny prob or if all widescreen sets in this size do this?

hmm, the more I read this thread the more it's starting to sound like I should stick with my sony 42A10, which I'm debating exchanging for the 30" panny......

I'm still on hold myself, racking up cash to get the 34wx15. My friend recently bought it and its amazing. I wouldn't go for anything smaller for my living room set.

I should have time to type up the codes for the 26wx15 sometime this weekend. I have them all written down already. If there are just a few you need I could post it late tonight.



I would try your settings. 1080i signal seems to be cutting off at the top.

the 26" one is around 85lbs.

Anyone with the 30" one can tell me the weight? I'm picking it up tomorrow.

It's got to be 130-140lbs. I'm a big guy and I could just barely get the thing off the ground myself, but couldn't lift it to the TV stand. Luckily my neighbor was home to help as I wanted to get it completely set up before the wife got home.

Also wouldn't fit in my '06 Sonata, although we didn't even try it. The CC guy said he had before and it was a PIA. I went home and got my '88 pickup truck and got it home that way. An SUV would most likely work fine, but I really wouldn't try anything smaller unless you don't have a choice.

My old Samsung HD 27" 4:3 weighs 100 lbs. and I carried that up two flights of stairs myself after setting up the new Panny in the living room. Wasn't fun though :-(

If you're using a cable company's HD box, you can get a good coax splitter and split the line in 2. Run 1 coax line to the HD box, and from the box through HDMI to your TV. Run the other coax line straight to your TV. Watch HD from the cable box and SD from the line without the box. My cable company's HD box makes analog SD channels look absolutely horrible on a HDTV; so I used a coax line splitter, and SD looks much better now.

If all of your SD channels are digital, I don't know what to do to help; but you shouldn't be having a problem with SD if the channels are digital.

Thanks, that was a big help. I had already had it hooked up that way, but didn't even think to try the SD channels through the tuner.

FWIW, I have the SA 8300HD DVR from Cablevision. With the HDMI active, the component out goes dead. Someone said the composite/S-video still works and I have yet to try that. Hopefully that looks OK too as I really would like to watch ALL of my channels.

Still have to say it again, the HD just looks awesome on this TV. Unlike others here, I have no ghosting/artifacts or anything. I was going to play with the service menu, but I really have no need. The ONLY problem I have is a little blurring on the DVR on-screen text, and this is more the cable box (probably) than anything else.

ilovelucy, your getting overscan at 1080i? The tv native res. and its chopping off part of the picture?

ilovelucy, your getting overscan at 1080i? The tv native res. and its chopping off part of the picture?All CRTs have significant overscan out of the box, regardless of the resolution being used. Some have it worse than others, considering that they're all individually configured. This isn't difficult to adjust via the service menu, though.

so the overscan can be fixed either by us through the service menu or has everyone had good luck with panny covering the call for a tech to do it? Last thing I want is part of my 360 experience chopped off lol.

All CRTs have significant overscan out of the box, regardless of the resolution being used. Some have it worse than others, considering that they're all individually configured. This isn't difficult to adjust via the service menu, though.


Exactly but I wouldn't know how to correct this perfectly. That's why I'm waiting on someone else's guide on fixing it. I'm sure I could mess around with it this weekend and get it up and running but then I don't want to risk doing something that can't be undone.

anyone have a fix for the shadow effects for the 30" wx15 HDTV all the 30" panasonics are sold out in my area and i already turned one in. will a panasonc tech be able to fix this issue ? the TV is great excpet this one issue

Hi guys, I already returned my 26" one and got the 30" one home already. Plug in the PS2 (with Monster Cable S-video) and try playing a fastest game in my games collection. Well so far everything is working great just like the one 26" I used to have.

Anyway, I heard that there is ghost or shadow effect like some of the users here posted. Uh oh, now I'm scare =( . Does the ghosting / shadow effect only happen with Component cable + Xbox 360 or something?? So far I play my fast game using S-video and don't see nothing yet. Some people here even said there is this fuzzy blurry outside the edge when playing the Xbox 360.

Now I'm scare, how can I check to see if my set is good?? I don't think the PS2 (s-video cable) + fast game can be the judge if my set is good or not.

I want to buy my wife a new Bedroom TV.....

I stumbled upon this 26" Pany and CC wants $569 for it.......
I'm shocked that the 30" is only $30 more at $599 :eek:
however the 30" depth is too large for the TV cabinet in our room....

sigh!

Hi guys, I already returned my 26" one and got the 30" one home already. Plug in the PS2 (with Monster Cable S-video) and try playing a fastest game in my games collection. Well so far everything is working great just like the one 26" I used to have.

Anyway, I heard that there is ghost or shadow effect like some of the users here posted. Uh oh, now I'm scare =( . Does the ghosting / shadow effect only happen with Component cable + Xbox 360 or something?? So far I play my fast game using S-video and don't see nothing yet. Some people here even said there is this fuzzy blurry outside the edge when playing the Xbox 360.

Now I'm scare, how can I check to see if my set is good?? I don't think the PS2 (s-video cable) + fast game can be the judge if my set is good or not.

Nope, it was independant of input. Seemed worse on SD signals though. On HD it was harder to see...

Note that I only use this TV for playing games. Right now I only have a PS2 with monster cable S-video. So I don't know if PS2/S-video can really show the ghost/shadow like the one some of our users here had encountered.

Note that I only use this TV for playing games. Right now I only have a PS2 with monster cable S-video. So I don't know if PS2/S-video can really show the ghost/shadow like the one some of our users here had encountered.


Oh, you would definitely notice it if you had the same problem I have. Look for any distinct edges against a contrasting background, text seems to exhibit the problem a lot.

You will see a subtle, yet noticeable ghost image slightly off from the main object.

I would look for it in a menu and place in the game where you are standing still...motion will blur it and you probably wouldn't be able to distinguish it from the surroundings.

Hmmmm thanks man. I'll definitely check it out with some game. I'll probably try a RPG game with lots of text to see if mine have that problem or not.

Well but that problem easily to notice if you sit like 5-7 feets away? I heard someone play their Xbox 360 and there is this fuzzy bluriness outside the edge. However some people have it and some doesn't. It's all depend. How come you don't exhange for another set?

Even if my set have that problem like yours, I'll have to keep mine since it's the last one in stock at my CC. Hopefully someone figure out the Service Menu and help you.

I'll play my game and give back the update tonight.

ps: For the sound setting, do you guys turn on Surround Sound and AI? I have to use the TV's sound for now and turned Surround Sound on...wow it's faked but work really well. What is AI sound for?

I'll be posting my 30wx15N SVM settings tonight.

I went to 2 Circuit City stores last night and pulled the defaults off theirs while in 1080i. From what I can tell, the menu settings vary between resolution settings. So, with that said, my settings should only be considered for those running in 1080i. I have found that the text and general color look a lot better. I think the changes i made in Sub Brightness helped the most.

I'll be back to post later.

Peace.

Matt

Hello, I've had the CT-30wx15 for about a month now. Here are my observations on this model, as well as my answer to some of the statements made in this post.

This is a very good TV by any standards for its size and price. Its much better than any fixed pixel display, and in my experiance can really only be compared to the sony 955 series.

Now, the basic OSD options are pretty decent, you have the basic picture controls which I wont bother explaining. The more advanced features include Color Temp which is common to sets these days, Natural Color which for the life of me make little to no difference I just leave it on in good faith that it does. Video NR which claims to reduce noise which I can notice its subtle effect. VM(Velocity Modulation) which gets rid of the fuzz around edges and is quite effective, this feature is a must. MPEG NR claims to reduce noise like Video NR does exept this time it refers to digital compression noise(blockiness), I could barely notice the effect of VideoNR and the MPEGNR effect is even less drastic due to the sparseness of that compression effect when compared to analog noise, I leave it on in good faith. The Color matrix option can be set to SD/HD, basically HD is brighter than SD, this feature can only be used in 480p mode. Finally the 3D Y/C Filter is only availble through a coax or regual RCA connection, makes the picture slightly clearer and better looking, but like most of these options exept VM the effect is minor. All in all, when all these features are enabled, the image looks noticably, the effect is cumilative.

Next is the sound, which this set provides decent built in speakers for its size. The OSD controls provide the basics, treb, bass, balance. However we do have a few more advanced sound options. AI SOUND, basically this normalizes the entire sound spectum so that nothing is to loud or soft, however I feel this deadens the sound and reins immersion, sounds to flat, meaning subtle sounds are loud and loud sounds get lower. BBE is a feture I recommend leaving on, not sure what it does exactly but it does enhance the sound you get from the sets speakers. Surround is a feature that you have to decide for yourself wheather you like it or not, it is supposed to give your sound better spatial seperation(ie the name surround), but some do not like this sound enhancement. You can also control where the sound is routed, inset speakers or audio out.

The other relevant OSD options are Image shift, which will slightly move the screen around to prevent burn-in, in my opinion unneccesary feature on a crt but I leave it on anyway and have yet to notice this shifting so it cant hurt. Tilt control which is a very welcome adjustment. Lastly we have Geomagnetic adjustment which is meant to adjust for your personal magnetic feild in your room. All I notice is it takes away any discoloration you may have in the corners of your set. You can also adjust the aspect ratio on 480i inputs, 4:3 to prevent stretching of regualr TV signals(but has those black barson side), FULL, which stretches the 4:3 image to fill the screen(short fat faces), ZOOM which is a useless mode as far as I am concerned, this mode is like the oposite of 4:3 mode in that instead of zooming out until the Top and bottom of the image line up with the tv it instead zooms in until the horizontal sides of the image match the TV, basically cutting out the top and bottom of the image, not distortion in this mode however. Finally we have the most welcome setting for this type of TV...the almighty JUST mode(panoramic in other brands), this mode keep the center of the screen distortion free while stretching the sides to fill the rest of the screen, this mode works quite well and is the prefered mode for non-widescreen sources.

Next we discuss the shell, the look, the outside of the tube, in otherwords, how good does the TV itself look. The 30" tv is grey on the sides and bottom with a black area around the screen itself(this actually help the image look better). This sucker looks nice and flat from the front, however I do not like the concaveness of the frontal profile albiet small, it takes away from the flatness of the screen, basically counter productive but not that important. This thing is heavy at 125 pounds, and has a decent sized ass. However its size is manageable and if your used to CRT's you might even think its quite shallow in the back. The 26" version is just ugly, but its smaller, and the 34" is just bigger.

Out of the box the picture is good, most normal people would be satisfied. However I am never satisfied, and I wanted to see the entire image, no evil overscan. So what did I do, I went into Service Mode of coarse. Here you can find your basic CRT adjustments just like a PC monitor. However the most important ones are the easy ones to see the effect. Mainly I needed to adjust Horizontal and Vertical position and size. So what I did was reduce the width and height until i could see black bars on both the top and bottom. The first thing that becomes apparent when you do this is any geometry issues you might have due to the black background againt your bright image. These to are adjustabe in the SM, however you can only do so much, basically you get the geometry as good as you can via the various adjustments and coverup the rest when you readjust the height and width to fill the screen. So I cenetered the screen then resized it, I noticed I gained about a half inch of picture on all sides, guessing from the looks of the alignment of the screen layouts, most broadcasters dont expect you to see this extra image space and that makes me feel naughty in a good way. Just realize that you have to adjust you TV like this for each input rez and to some extent each aspect mode. I adjusted it for the 3 modes I use most. 480i Just, 480p, and 1080i.

This TV has everything you need for this size HDTV at a price that cannot be matched. Not even the infamous sony 955 must bow down to this models price:benifit ratio. The set does not accept 760p inputs, but no CRT's display this nativly anyway and most deviced can and will do the convertion to 1080i for you, for this reason I do not factor that into my final opinion. As for the rumor I hear some people complain about ghosting, the only artifact that comes close to that discription is what I see when watching SD signals. I see some digital compression artifacts around edges/objects in plain backgrounds. Similar to what you see when watching AVi's or mpegs on your computer but the effect is only noticable if your looking for it. I am not sure weather this is caused by the TV upconverting and stretching the signal or my provider compressing the image somewhere(which is becomeing quite common as they recieve their signal via satilite).


Now I will rate this TV for each catagory.
Picture: 9
sound: 7
Options: 6.5
Asthetics: 7
Cost/Benifit: 9
Overall: 8.5 (not an average)

Raptor, very nice review!! You give us a good info, now can you please share with us your normal setting after you do the Calibration?? I'm pretty sure you have calibrated your set already.

Lastly we have Geomagnetic adjustment which is meant to adjust for your personal magnetic feild in your room. All I notice is it takes away any discoloration you may have in the corners of your set

I got a question. Well my TV is set in my room, and I'm planing to buy a Logitech Z-5500 speakers. That thing have a huge Subwoofer with very strong magnet. Anyway my TV is placed near my door, and in order to bring the Subwoofer into my room it's going to be near the TV for a bit.

For a little bit, the Subwoofer can cause magnetic problem to my TV because it going to be near the TV set for a while. Now say if my TV got disorter magnetic problem because of the Logitech Subwoofer. Can I use the Geomagnetic Adjustment to fix any disorter/magnetic problem in the TV? Or will the Subwoofer going to permanted kill my TV?

mgsvr,

The Geomagnetic setting is meant for only minor changes in the magnetic field. Placing an strong magnetic source to close to your tv can distort the image greatly, more than the geomagnetic setting can compensate for. However, the TV does automatically deguasse each tiem your turn it on, so chances of permanantly messing up your picture is slim. My advise to you is to just place you sub far enough away from the tube to not effect the picture.

p.s. If you do mess it up beyond recovery, there are tools that a TV repairman can use to correct this. Magnets attached to a drill anyone?

I had a friend of mine over today so that he could take a look at the issue that im having regarding the ghosting thing because Im really starting to go crazy about it. Needless to say the problem is there even though its not immediately visible in every situation but it is there. He works with cameras for a living and has seen lots of various kinds of issues regarding televisions and monitors. He noticed the problem right away, but told me that he really doesnt know what it is and has not come across it before. The funny thing about it is that it is pretty much always there, but it is only noticable more in different situations. For example, in xbox, i have yet to see the problem occur with Forza motorsport, however the targeting reticle in Far Cry is basically a double of itslef in any part of the game with a dark scene in it. Also today I played Tiger Woods 2003 for the first time in a couple of years, and nearly could not play the game because there was nearly a double of my golfer against the green background of the course. It's just weird to me that its noticable more in certain games than in others, where it is basically not even noticable at all. Now my CC does not have any more of these TV's in stock anymore and I really dont want to return this tv for something else because for the money there is nothing that is available to get. I previously had a Sony VVega 27 inch TV and with my system setup, I would sometimes get diagonal lines scrolling very very faintly from the left to the right during watching direct tv. Now Im starting to wonder that maybe there is another issue (something with the electrical outlet or power) that is causing interference. My question is... Is it possible that I am getting that effect from some sort of electrical or equipment interference? Im starting to nuts over this seemingly small problem because im starting to see it more and more and I really just dont know what to do.

exorcisms for everyone!! .....sorry couldn't help it. Somebody thump me =)

LOL

I noticed ghosting tonight in the FIFA 06 demo but not in other games. Now we know why CC sold this batch of tvs for cheap :o

Anybody know how to fix the geometry in the Panasonic CT-26WX15? While viewing, I noticed a slight curve at the upper portion of the screen. The line is not straight. Is there a service menu?

Yea my 30" one got a slight curve at the upper portion of the screen as well. Which setting in the Service Menu do I need to adjust to fix it? Thanks

I have the 26" Panasonic I bought from CC for $399 as well. I have been satisfied with it so far except I have noticed a slight curve on the bottam right as well. I only see it when watching directv in 4:3.

This is my first post here, but I have been reading many different topics, I am thinking of getting the OPPO Upscaling DVD player to go with the tv. Opinions?

welcome to the board. I'm playing a PS2 game that is designed for 4:3. However I set my PS2 to display 16:9, and set my HDTV to Full. And that is where I got my slight curve in the upper screen.

It doesn't happen to my previous 26" Panny though..

I have the 26" Panasonic I bought from CC for $399 as well. I have been satisfied with it so far except I have noticed a slight curve on the bottam right as well. I only see it when watching directv in 4:3.

This is my first post here, but I have been reading many different topics, I am thinking of getting the OPPO Upscaling DVD player to go with the tv. Opinions?

I just ordered the Oppo for my 30WX15. Once I get it hooked up I'll chime in with some info. Does anyone else have one connected to the Panasonic?

I can't believe most peeps got their 26" for $399........ :mad:

CC now wants $569 :eek: :eek: :eek:
Anyone aware of a better price available?

k.....I just found the set at Walmart for $548.....

So we have discovered that apparently on some of these TV's there is an issue. Still, does anyone know of any way to fix this? Anything in the service menu? Any advice at all?

I can't believe most peeps got their 26" for $399........ :mad:

CC now wants $569 :eek: :eek: :eek:
Anyone aware of a better price available?

k.....I just found the set at Walmart for $548.....


Yeah, you really had to have taken advantage of that sale they had.

I got mine for the 399 price. Beyond happy with my purchase too.

I have some blurry text on the very sides of my screen when playing my 360, other than that, the set is awesome.

I don't know if this has already been created, but this is a thread I created where we can discuss about Panasonic's current CRT HDTV models: CT-26WX15, CT-30WC15, CT-30WX15, and CT-34WX15. Own one of these Panasonic models and want to comment about it, post it here. Are you thinking of buying a Panasonic, post it here. We should reduce the number of new threads created regarding Panasonic. Enjoy...
Ok walt.

I found a way to enter the service menu in my Panasonic CT-26WX15. This also works for other Panasonic TV models (including CT-30WC15, CT-30WX15, and CT-34WX15). Here's how you do it:

Power on your TV
Go to menu and set antenna to CABLE
Then, go to sleep timer in the menu and set it to 30
Exit menu and go to channel 124
Then, adjust volume to 0 on the remote
Then, at the front of the TV, press the volume down and the word "CHK" in red appears
Finally, press the power button on the remote
You will then see a big service menu at the middle of the screen

To adjust, use the volume buttons to adjust the values. To change each category, use the channel buttons.

To exit the service menu, press the power button on the remote, and it will return to "CHK" in red at the upper left hand corner. Then, press the power button at the front of the TV to turn off the TV. If you want to see a summary or self-check, press the power button and action button at the same time for two seconds instead.

Don't forget to copy down all of the original values on a separate piece of paper before you adjust the values. I'm still browsing it, but I don't have the time to adjust the screen right now. It looks kind of complicated to me.

Let me know which setting can let me adjust the top horizontal line.


Good work waltchan. Thanks for the info.



Note: Waltchan post below this where he YELLS at me for exposing him as cireaasirefan now deleted by waltchan.

Wow. You're an idiot.

Anybody knows if you can reset the service menu settings? I think I accidentally put the wrong original values in two of the settings.

I dont know if you can reset the service menu settings but i have mine all on default except for zoom mode. So just post the two settings you think you might have changed and i can match it up with mine to tell you what the default is.

Hello, I've had the CT-30wx15 for about a month now. Here are my observations on this model, as well as my answer to some of the statements made in this post.

This is a very good TV by any standards for its size and price. Its much better than any fixed pixel display, and in my experiance can really only be compared to the sony 955 series.

Now, the basic OSD options are pretty decent, you have the basic picture controls which I wont bother explaining. The more advanced features include Color Temp which is common to sets these days, Natural Color which for the life of me make little to no difference I just leave it on in good faith that it does. Video NR which claims to reduce noise which I can notice its subtle effect. VM(Velocity Modulation) which gets rid of the fuzz around edges and is quite effective, this feature is a must. MPEG NR claims to reduce noise like Video NR does exept this time it refers to digital compression noise(blockiness), I could barely notice the effect of VideoNR and the MPEGNR effect is even less drastic due to the sparseness of that compression effect when compared to analog noise, I leave it on in good faith. The Color matrix option can be set to SD/HD, basically HD is brighter than SD, this feature can only be used in 480p mode. Finally the 3D Y/C Filter is only availble through a coax or regual RCA connection, makes the picture slightly clearer and better looking, but like most of these options exept VM the effect is minor. All in all, when all these features are enabled, the image looks noticably, the effect is cumilative.

Next is the sound, which this set provides decent built in speakers for its size. The OSD controls provide the basics, treb, bass, balance. However we do have a few more advanced sound options. AI SOUND, basically this normalizes the entire sound spectum so that nothing is to loud or soft, however I feel this deadens the sound and reins immersion, sounds to flat, meaning subtle sounds are loud and loud sounds get lower. BBE is a feture I recommend leaving on, not sure what it does exactly but it does enhance the sound you get from the sets speakers. Surround is a feature that you have to decide for yourself wheather you like it or not, it is supposed to give your sound better spatial seperation(ie the name surround), but some do not like this sound enhancement. You can also control where the sound is routed, inset speakers or audio out.

The other relevant OSD options are Image shift, which will slightly move the screen around to prevent burn-in, in my opinion unneccesary feature on a crt but I leave it on anyway and have yet to notice this shifting so it cant hurt. Tilt control which is a very welcome adjustment. Lastly we have Geomagnetic adjustment which is meant to adjust for your personal magnetic feild in your room. All I notice is it takes away any discoloration you may have in the corners of your set. You can also adjust the aspect ratio on 480i inputs, 4:3 to prevent stretching of regualr TV signals(but has those black barson side), FULL, which stretches the 4:3 image to fill the screen(short fat faces), ZOOM which is a useless mode as far as I am concerned, this mode is like the oposite of 4:3 mode in that instead of zooming out until the Top and bottom of the image line up with the tv it instead zooms in until the horizontal sides of the image match the TV, basically cutting out the top and bottom of the image, not distortion in this mode however. Finally we have the most welcome setting for this type of TV...the almighty JUST mode(panoramic in other brands), this mode keep the center of the screen distortion free while stretching the sides to fill the rest of the screen, this mode works quite well and is the prefered mode for non-widescreen sources.

Next we discuss the shell, the look, the outside of the tube, in otherwords, how good does the TV itself look. The 30" tv is grey on the sides and bottom with a black area around the screen itself(this actually help the image look better). This sucker looks nice and flat from the front, however I do not like the concaveness of the frontal profile albiet small, it takes away from the flatness of the screen, basically counter productive but not that important. This thing is heavy at 125 pounds, and has a decent sized ass. However its size is manageable and if your used to CRT's you might even think its quite shallow in the back. The 26" version is just ugly, but its smaller, and the 34" is just bigger.

Out of the box the picture is good, most normal people would be satisfied. However I am never satisfied, and I wanted to see the entire image, no evil overscan. So what did I do, I went into Service Mode of coarse. Here you can find your basic CRT adjustments just like a PC monitor. However the most important ones are the easy ones to see the effect. Mainly I needed to adjust Horizontal and Vertical position and size. So what I did was reduce the width and height until i could see black bars on both the top and bottom. The first thing that becomes apparent when you do this is any geometry issues you might have due to the black background againt your bright image. These to are adjustabe in the SM, however you can only do so much, basically you get the geometry as good as you can via the various adjustments and coverup the rest when you readjust the height and width to fill the screen. So I cenetered the screen then resized it, I noticed I gained about a half inch of picture on all sides, guessing from the looks of the alignment of the screen layouts, most broadcasters dont expect you to see this extra image space and that makes me feel naughty in a good way. Just realize that you have to adjust you TV like this for each input rez and to some extent each aspect mode. I adjusted it for the 3 modes I use most. 480i Just, 480p, and 1080i.

This TV has everything you need for this size HDTV at a price that cannot be matched. Not even the infamous sony 955 must bow down to this models price:benifit ratio. The set does not accept 760p inputs, but no CRT's display this nativly anyway and most deviced can and will do the convertion to 1080i for you, for this reason I do not factor that into my final opinion. As for the rumor I hear some people complain about ghosting, the only artifact that comes close to that discription is what I see when watching SD signals. I see some digital compression artifacts around edges/objects in plain backgrounds. Similar to what you see when watching AVi's or mpegs on your computer but the effect is only noticable if your looking for it. I am not sure weather this is caused by the TV upconverting and stretching the signal or my provider compressing the image somewhere(which is becomeing quite common as they recieve their signal via satilite).


Now I will rate this TV for each catagory.
Picture: 9
sound: 7
Options: 6.5
Asthetics: 7
Cost/Benifit: 9
Overall: 8.5 (not an average)

Great review. I have the 34x54 which is last years model. I compared this model
to the 34xbr which was right next to my model at CC with the same INHD feed to both and could not tell any diffrerence in the PQ. Now thats just my opinion but I am very particular about PQ. Had a Sony loyalist in a comparitive thread lose his mind when I stated this but considering the 900 dollar price range my choice was a no brainer. I don't know about you guys but 900 dollars is still a good chunk of change. I think for quality and value these 30 and 34 inch models are the best value around.

Can someone please share their setting after they do Calibration with the TV?

I got mine as Edouble:

Picture: 27
Brightness: 31 (he's 45)
Color: 27
Tint: 34
Sharp: 11

My 30" CT-30WX15 was delivered today. I am extremely happy with it. I don't have any geometry problems with the picture. Also I only have SD Cable until thursday. My HD Receiver will be installed that day and I cannot wait to see actual HD Channels and even digital cable on the panny. The tv does a great job of stretching the 4:3 picture to 16:9. I was afraid that stretching the image would make it unwatchable but it isn't at all. I think I will always keep the display at 16:9. I cannot see any ghosting so I am happy about that. . I hooked my PS II up to and it was cool to play Madden in 16:9. I need to get component cables for the PS II. That will make the picture look even better. I think the sound is very good too. I think for the money I spent I couldn't have found a better tv. Oh and the 30" is more than adequate for me. I was afraid it would be too small but that definitelly isn't the case. I sit anywhere from 5-10 feet away from the TV. I just changed a few of the settings for color, brightness, etc.. but that is all pretty subjective. I hope others enjoy their tv as much as I do. Thank you to everyone who has commented so far on this Panny tv.

Picture at 63?? You're might have a chance of burn-in man.

I was at my local walmart today and saw 2 pannys still in the box on sale for 500. But the model number was CT-30WX14 instead of CT-30WX15. Anyone know the difference???

actully it was a C14 instead of X14 still just last years model? Anydown sides to it?


Heres a link: http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=2630436

If it is still just last years model, any reason to stay away from it? Major improvements mad eon the X15? Should I hop on it at 500?

so anyone correctly fix their overscan problem?

I can't believe most peeps got their 26" for $399........ :mad:

CC now wants $569 :eek: :eek: :eek:
Anyone aware of a better price available?

k.....I just found the set at Walmart for $548.....

The 26WX15 is in the weekly CC ad for $398.99...

ahh crap.. the 30" is up to $809 now.. boo

on the other hand, the 34" is now $1079.. :)

this is at CC btw.. wish bb carried panny tubes.. might be able to get a price match when they go up and down..

The 26WX15 is in the weekly CC ad for $398.99...

OMG....your right!..... :eek: :D :eek:
Don't know how I missed this!

Thanks for the heads up!

Now I have to get on the phone with CSR at Direct TV and hook up a deal for another HD Tivo....!

Update....
Bought the 26"....the set they had on the floor was displaying a Standard signal and the picture looked excellent!
I won't have it hooked up til Xmas.....aft the wifey opens it.

Any suggestions on cables better then any others for running standard signal?

We should thank Panasonic and our new TVs. :D


How do you thank your new TV?

I found a way to enter the service menu in my Panasonic CT-26WX15. This also works for other Panasonic TV models (including CT-30WC15, CT-30WX15, and CT-34WX15). Here's how you do it:


Have you opened up the casing and examined the parts, including the circuit boards inside this TV yet? I heard a rumor the circuit boards may have been outsourced to some company like Funai or Orion.

If any of you want to purchase my service manual please let me know. I ordered one, then returned the TV for another one, too bad they were out of stock.

It cost me 13.00, I'll sell it for 10.00 shipped to whomever wants it.

Pm me.

Matt

If any of you want to purchase my service manual please let me know. I ordered one, then returned the TV for another one, too bad they were out of stock.

It cost me 13.00, I'll sell it for 10.00 shipped to whomever wants it.

Pm me.

Matt

Is there anything in the service manual that refers to adjusting ghosting. Like any values that can be configured to reduce ghosting.

I have a question to everyone who owns one of these new panny's. I will be getting my HD Cable box on thursday. One of the channels I will be getting is ESPN HD as well as a lot of other HD channels. I noticed that ESPN HD and Football on Fox HD & ABC are displayed in 720p. Will the tv just upconvert the 720p to 1080i?

I have a question to everyone who owns one of these new panny's. I will be getting my HD Cable box on thursday. One of the channels I will be getting is ESPN HD as well as a lot of other HD channels. I noticed that ESPN HD and Football on Fox HD & ABC are displayed in 720p. Will the tv just upconvert the 720p to 1080i?

I'm pretty sure you have to set up the cable box to output 1080i, and let it convert the 720p content (espn, etc) to 1080i, as the panny can't accept a 720p signal.

I'm pretty sure you have to set up the cable box to output 1080i, and let it convert the 720p content (espn, etc) to 1080i, as the panny can't accept a 720p signal.


OK I will do that once I get the cable box. Thank you for your reply.

Is there anything in the service manual that refers to adjusting ghosting. Like any values that can be configured to reduce ghosting.

Manual is in the mail to my house still... sorry.

I have a CT-26WX15N, delivered 8 days ago. I have one complaint. I have 1080i .ts files that I want to play from my computer. I have a Dell Deminsion 4700 (3Ghz, 512MB) with a Visiontek Xtasy X300SE 128MB video card. I have attached an LCD monitor to the VGA adapter on the video card and attached the Panny to the DVI-I adapter via a DVI to HDMI cable. All works fine for DVDs and the like. I use VLC to play all media. However, when I play 1080i .ts files, I can only get 16-bit color at full res (1920x1080x30hz). If I select 32-bit color, the image on the Panny is reduced to 1/2 vertically and 2/3 horizontally, centered on the screen.

My question is the Panny capable of displaying a 1980x1080i image full-size with 32-bit color? If so, how do I achieve that capability?

Due to some suggestions from my IRC HDTV chums, I have found that I can make the Panny the primary and disable the LCD monitor and play the file in 32-bit color fullscreen. The trick is to set up everything while you can still read the screen, before you switch primaries and disable the LCD.

I just joined the 26" club. It was too hard to pass up the sale price at circuit city, and I had a $100 gift card burning a hole in my pocket. This replaces a 15 year old 20" rca set upstairs.

I fired up the DVE disc last night to tweak the settings (through my also newly acquired jsi upconverting hdmi dvd player, which is on sale cheap at sears) and so far I'm very happy with the setup. My reference point is my downstairs setup, a sony 34xbr910 with a pioneer dvd player and OTA hd content via an htpc.

Colors and black levels look great on the panny. I see a small amount of "ghosting" (more like lack of focus), especially around text sometimes, but it's not consistent. Geometry is decent, and so far it's not bothering me. I pretty much hate the remote. It feels very flimsy to me. I'm also not so wild about the way you navigate the menu system, but these are mild complaints.

We are planning to add digital cable with hd in the spring when sopranos starts up again, so I'm looking forward to seeing some hd content on the set.

Dumb question: I was watching a DVD, and at the beginning was the THX splash screen. THX box was pretty off center, so I went into the SM and corrected it.

Now, when watching HDTV I notice things are slightly off center. Is it possible that two different inputs would display so differently?

Also, I'm sure most of you notice that the sports ticker at the bottom of your screen when watching any time of sporting event isn't completely straight. This kinda bugs me...anyone know the SM values to adjust. Mine rises up slightly going from left to right.

Dumb question: I was watching a DVD, and at the beginning was the THX splash screen. THX box was pretty off center, so I went into the SM and corrected it.

Now, when watching HDTV I notice things are slightly off center. Is it possible that two different inputs would display so differently?


Each input resolution mode [480i, 480p, 1080i] has it's own SM settings. You can switch inputs (as you normally would) while in the service menu to get to the different modes. You can tell which mode you are editing by looking at the top line of the SM. Hope this helps!

I bought the 26" Panny for my son to play Xbox/XBox 360 on a few days ago (got it for $349) and while I am fairly pleased with the over-all image after calibration I would like to know if there is a way to fix Convergence issues (other than a service center) . My eyes are very keen and I notice even the slightest shift of red or blue on almost any tv without being right up at the screen . This particular Panny has some slight errors here and there that I would like to fix , if possible ?

Does anybody know of a way , my guess is that it requires internal servicing ? I have been in the SM and did my 1080i centering/resizing but found no option for convergence after going through most of the settings .

-------- Thanks ,
--------- Jason

Can someone share their setting after they do calibration???

I have mine set:

Picture: 31
Brightness: 34
Color: 27
Tint: 34
Sharpness: 11

It would be more helpful with more people with different setting...

Does anyone know the SM values to adjust if you want to change the bottom/top areas of the screen (think uneven letterbox bars). I have slight bows to the middle on both top and bottom.

Also, has anyone noticed if the SM default values differ by resolution (if you don't change the aspect)?

Can someone share their setting after they do calibration???

I have mine set:

Picture: 31
Brightness: 34
Color: 27
Tint: 34
Sharpness: 11

It would be more helpful with more people with different setting...

Those settings do not matter on a per person basis unless the same source/input/resolution is used and even then there is a chance that the service menu was adjusted differently on each set .

--- Just an FYI ;) .

------- Jason

Does anyone know the SM values to adjust if you want to change the bottom/top areas of the screen (think uneven letterbox bars). I have slight bows to the middle on both top and bottom.


There are Pincushion adjustments in the service menu for all sides , look for the settings that start with "PC" .

--------- Jason

Also, has anyone noticed if the SM default values differ by resolution (if you don't change the aspect)?

Many of the SM values on my set are different by resolution with no changes to the aspect ratio .

-------- Jason

Oh crap. I was messing with my 1080i settings last night but thought all defaults were the same so I only have 480p defaults written down. Ah, oops.

Edit: Haha, so, uh, anyone want to be generous enough to list the default SM settings? Seems like a bunch of people are requesting it. I could do 1080i, as I know those defaults. :)

Here are the ones that I actually wrote down ( not all of them since some I did not bother to mess with ) .

SM Defaults (this was under 1080i) :

HPOS = 03D3
HWID = 78
V RAS = CA
VEAMP = AB
R-Y_A = 80
V-C = 76
V-S = 5E
INPIN = 10
H LIN = 66
PCC = 84
TOPG = 5A
BTMSL = 00
TRAP = 83
HP AFS = 00 DC
COLOR = 22

--- The 1080i needed to be resized to get rid of a huge amount of Overscan on my set .

--- Does anybody else have a problem with the basic Picture settings not holding on a per input/resolution basis ? I just discovered that my calibration efforts for 480i/480p were wasted because every input now has the same calibration as the last input/resolution that I did (which was Component 1 / 1080i) . In other words TV , Component 1 , Component 2 , etc. all now have the same basic calibration settings even though I calibrated each one (bummer) . If this is the case then this set will certainly be going back , and I really do not want to end up with a 26" flat panel LCD :( .

*** EDIT : oh yeah this set is going back , the settings remain constant on all inputs and at all resolutions ... what a hunk-a-crapola . ***


----- Thanks ,
------ Jason

Yea you have to change the basic settings, and you can't specify one for each input. Kinda sucks.

I should mention that I was able to get all my defaults together, and it turns out I had only adjusted for 1080i (thank goodness for an upscaling dvd player). Also, it looks like DaGamePimp has the 26" model, while I have the 30", and the default settings are definitely different.

...the settings remain constant on all inputs and at all resolutions ...

You can sort of get around this by using a certain preset name with a certain input. For example, I've got "standard" setup for my hdmi dvd player, and "cinema" setup for the vcr.

Can anyone help me understand what an acceptable level of ghosting is? I could not fit my 26 in the box in my car so they opened it for me at CC, it is a major ordeal to bring it back to the store to try and exchange it. I am trying to figure out what I can live with, I am currently playing around with the Avia disc.

This is my 2nd bum tv from CC, perhaps they would bring one out to me? probably not..

I want to buy my wife a new Bedroom TV.....

I stumbled upon this 26" Pany and CC wants $569 for it.......
I'm shocked that the 30" is only $30 more at $599 :eek:
however the 30" depth is too large for the TV cabinet in our room....

sigh!


I do not know what your TV Cabinet looks like, but could you cut out part of the back of the cabinet so the TV could fit in?

I just jumped on this 26" panny for my bedroom. its the only crt thats ws that would fit my tv cabinet. looked good at CC on a HD signal. they had a open box for $340 but it had blood and dents on it and dont know how the previous customer treated it and delivered it back to CC since it was not returned in a box. so I bought the new one as $60 wouldnt break me but would have been a nice savings. not worth the risk.

have to wait till xmas to open it per wifey, she wasnt happy about buying it to begin with but like with our Sony XBR 36" HDTV she really loved it when she seen it in action and to this day says how great a tv it is. she could never go back to SD now. especially with CSI! :)

so I have to wait till xmas day. have a LG 4200A tuner (QAM tuning) to use on it. doesnt get much use in my HT on the projector as I watch dvd's usually so that will work well for the bedroom.

for $398 this is quite a deal and I am sure is gonna be a nice set for the price! LCD's are just way overpriced! cant imagine this price getting lower on the 26" panny as that seems to be a great deal ! the 30" for a bit over $500 is a great deal and CC just had a sale at $549 I believe. thats incredible IMO! panny is only second to Sony IMO. I would have bought the 30" if it would have fit in my bedroom cabinet.

I heard the 26" panny is discontinued and panny will no longer be making CRT's? is this true ? CC guy said they are focusing on LCD. I did notice the 26" is no longer listed on the CC website.

I am about to pick up one of last year's CT-30WC14 and wondered if I would be disappointed. It seems about the perfect fit for our entertainment center (except the height because of 4:3).

It will be in the living room for the Wife and Kids to watch OHA and DVDs, and will be on most of the day every day.

Any input in the next hour will be taken into considerations.


Thank you in advance if anyone can give me their feed back, if not


have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!


<<<See Below>>>

I am about to pick up one of last year's CT-30WC14 and wondered if I would be disappointed. It seems about the perfect fit for our entertainment center (except the height because of 4:3).

It will be in the living room for the Wife and Kids to watch OHA and DVDs, and will be on most of the day every day.

Any input in the next hour will be taken into considerations.


Thank you in advance if anyone can give me their feed back, if not


have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!


Thanks anyway. I went to my local Sam's Club and told them it was on sale last month at Wal Mart in Kentucky for $375.00, they marked it down to $325.00. I might post again after I get it out and hook it up.

You can sort of get around this by using a certain preset name with a certain input. For example, I've got "standard" setup for my hdmi dvd player, and "cinema" setup for the vcr.

--- Yeah , I tried it that way too and they did not stick once powered off so it must have been a defective set . Besides that the slight red shift across the entire image was really bothering me .

--- I ended up with an Olevia LT26HVX (even though I did not really want an LCD) and I am very pleased with the results (other than off angle viewing) .

--------------- Jason

bruman....
I'm in the same boat as you.....Only I did NOT buy the Panny...I have a Samsung 26" that I love, but want a second HDTV (CRT) in our bedroom. Our local CC had an Open Box unit for (wow....!!) $389...vs $398 NEW...?!! Anyway, I told the salesman if I bought it now, the good wife would be adding a couple of b***s to the tree (Ouch!) :D So it's gonna be the first of '06 before I make the move....I wanna WATCH the Sopranos...not SING IT..... ;)

I was told by a Panasonic customer service rep that this is the last year Panasonic will offer CRT televisions. They will be focusing on flat-panel TVs instead. Whatever it's left in stores, this is it. Get them while they last.

I screwed up, local CC had them both in stock according to their site on Tuesday night, yesterday I tried to get a Video Only price match and they said to go buy it at CC. By the time I went to CC they no longer had the 26".

I also noticed they now don't have either on their website.

Any other ideas where I might get the 26" at or <$450 or the 30" at or <650?

Thanks,
Tom

Circuit City no longer offer the 34" also. Panasonic widescreen CRT HDTVs are now discontinued. Get them while they last.

--- I ended up with an Olevia LT26HVX (even though I did not really want an LCD) and I am very pleased with the results (other than off angle viewing) .
--------------- Jason


Jason,

Do you really prefer the Olevia? I bought one last week and was planning on returning it for the panny tube. After reading the board comments on Olevia I was disappointed with the LT26HVX pq. Guess I am spoiled by crt pq.

On another note, I am in Portland, I have a HT room with an InFocus 7205. Would love to get involved in some of the local meets. PM me and maybe we can connect for a beer after the holidays.

Tom

dsan: aahhhh they get over it! :) come on whos gonna divorce over a tv ? :)

so I was right, pannys are no longer making crt...interesting.

Ok, back to the previous troubles adjustin overscan and keeping it that way. So is the conclusion that we can not adj. overscan for each input??? Or was that a defective set not holding the adj.? Thats a deal breaker for me. I had just about made up my mind on the panny. And as anyone who has followed my posts knows I've been on the fence for weeks now LOL..

If this is true, can it be adjusted on every input on the sony 34hs? I really liked the panny picture better though....bahh!!

Circuit City no longer offer the 34" also. Panasonic widescreen CRT HDTVs are now discontinued. Get them while they last.

I just got my 30" Panny last week and I bought the 3 yrs warranty from Circuit City. If my TV takes a dump in the next 3 years it looks like they will have to give me a flat panel tv to replace it :)

Thanks to cireaasirefan for explaining how to enter the service menu.

My CT-26WX15n 1080i settings:

HPOS is for Horizontal Centering Default: 00 1A 03 0B Setting: 00 1A 03 E1
HWID is for Horizontal width Default: 00 33 81 Setting: 00 33 AB
VRAS is for Vertical width Default: 00 8B C7 Setting: 00 8B C5
VEAMP is for Vertical Centering Default: 00 3A 00 A9 Setting: 00 3A 00 7A
HLIN Default: 00 12 6D Setting: no change
PCC is Pincushin Upper Right Default: 00 4C 83 Setting: 00 4C 73
PCCLG is Pincushin Lower Left Default: 00 68 ?? Setting: 00 68 43
PCCHG is Pincushin Upper Left Default: 00 67 ?? Setting: 00 67 44
PCCHS is I dunno Default: 00 63 01
PCCLS is I dunno Default: 00 64 00
PARA is trapezoidal adjustment Default: 00 24 12 Setting: 00 24 10

Please correct me if my assumptions about a settings purpose are wrong, particularly the PC* settings.

I just got my 30" Panny last week and I bought the 3 yrs warranty from Circuit City. If my TV takes a dump in the next 3 years it looks like they will have to give me a flat panel tv to replace it
Actually.....their warranty states that if after 3 attempts to fix your set.....then they will give a replacement.

I just got a 30 inch set (barely) and am looking for the latest basic settings including the pic mode (vivid, std, etc) and color temp used untill I can get a DVE run on this set.

I'm getting a nice, clear picture but it's just not stunning like I expected. I tried edouble's settings. I'm running off of a comcast box via good component cables. How do you change to 1080i output as some have talked about? Does the box default to HD output?

Thanks,
John

Assuming you have an HD Motorola cable box, with the CRT on and set to the appropriate input, the cable box off, press "menu" on the front of the box. The settings will appear unless the original settings can't be displayed in which case you can use the front cable box display. You can adjust for screen aspect: 16:9 or 4:3 (use 16:9), DVI/Y Pb Pr output: 1080i, 720p, 480p or 480i (use 1080i), 4:3 override off, 480i, 480p (I'm using 480p since I think it improves SD picture quality). I am using a DVI/HDMI cable for my Comcast box and I think it improved HD signals over component inputs. With my 26", I've only had to adjust tilt a degree or two. Perhaps I'll be bold and try to resize and recenter the 1080i input but I am pretty pleased with the current picture and I haven't had any geometry or ghosting issues. I originally got my 26" for $499 at CC but it went on sale at CC for $399 within a couple of weeks. One phone call to the store got my 110% low price guarantee match plus sales tax credit. The net was about $425 including tax. I have been very happy with the set and I'm sad to hear that the CRT HD monitors are being dropped by Panasonic. Bill

I just got a 30 inch set (barely) and am looking for the latest basic settings including the pic mode (vivid, std, etc) and color temp used untill I can get a DVE run on this set.

I'm getting a nice, clear picture but it's just not stunning like I expected. I tried edouble's settings. I'm running off of a comcast box via good component cables. How do you change to 1080i output as some have talked about? Does the box default to HD output?

Thanks,
John

The cable duder should have set up your box settings for you. To be honest, I think the three default picture mode settings are pretty crappy. Torch mode plain sucks and the other two seem far too dark (at least on my set).

What about something like ESPN HD or the Discovery HD channel? Those should display in 1080i (verify this by accessing the service menu -- it will tell you which pic resoulation you're in...see the beginning of this thread for details on the SM). Also, check out the beginning of this thread. A few of us have posted our color/tint/sharpness settings. On my set, at least, the actual color is simply stunning, but if you're color values are even a little off, it's just not going to look as good.

I just got a Panny CT-26WX15 tonight and I have the same kind of vertical flaring out that others have reported. I read the instructions on how to enter the menu and I thought I would post my virgin settings:

Many settings had between 2 and 4 hex bytes. I only wrote down the ones that changed. ( I think the first 2 bytes represent the register and the remaining bytes represent the data value )

BTW: I noticed changing TOPSC from 01 to 04 straightened out my verticle flaring at the top of the screen. I also noticed that for my DVD at 480p the horizontal size and positions are off. It's cutting off part of the right hand side of the DVD menu.

For 1080i: ( All Values are HEX )

Color 22
Tint 80
Bright 09 91
Cont 02 46
B-Y_G 3C
CUT G 01 04
CUT R 01 04
CUT B 00 E4
BRT 09 A9
R DR 83
B DR 90
R-Y_A 80
H LIN 72
H POS 03 D7
H WID 73
PCC 80
PC CHG 48
PC CLG 46
PC CHS 05
PC CLS 05
TOPG 48
BTMG 56
TOPSC 01
BTMSC 00
TRAP 81
PARA 12
SIDE 10
HTRAP 1E
VRAS CC
WEAMP AB
V-C 78
W-S 6F
HD AFS 00 DC
VTOP 00 B2
BDAC 69
INPIN 10
MOIRE 80

Then I checked 480P ( My DVD ) and I noticed many values were greyed out. Here were the settings for 480P:

H WID 7E
PCC 57
PC CHG 45
PC CLG 41
PC CHS 02
PC CLS 04
TOPG 53
BTMG 60
HD AFS 01 32

I was considering getting an DVE CD and calibrating my set but then I realized that will only do it for 480P and not 1080I which is what my cable box is outputting. If I had a DVD player that outputted 1080I and I calibrated my TV, would it still be calibrated for the Cable box or could the sync settings be slightly different and the settings off some?

I suppose this is a good argument for LCD but for $398 I love this friggin TV!

Got a SM question: bottom horizontal lines (think bottom widescreen bar on movies, sports ticket) bows upwards slightly on the right side of the screen. I've tried messing with the SM a bunch, but I can't seem to find a value that will help me lower this. Can anyone help?

I was considering getting an DVE CD and calibrating my set but then I realized that will only do it for 480P and not 1080I which is what my cable box is outputting. If I had a DVD player that outputted 1080I and I calibrated my TV, would it still be calibrated for the Cable box or could the sync settings be slightly different and the settings off some?

I suppose this is a good argument for LCD but for $398 I love this friggin TV!


Yea you can do this, but you'd have to go through the SM and NOT the TV mode settings, because then you could specifically calibrate each resolution setting. 1080i is 1080i, whether it's coming through your cable box or your upconverting DVD player.

So we CAN calibrate for easch incomeing res. and it will remeber it??!! I saw a few posts back that someoens was only holding one calibratioin across the board.??? This is my final question in my decision on this set....

Well, you can adjust color, brightness, etc. through the SM. Otherwise, no you can't.

Note: you can't have one setting for each input, just resolution.

What I was getting at was being able to adj for overscan on the 360 yet not have any ill effects with dvd's, or cable....?

Hello,

I just bought an open box CT-34WX15 from Fry's for $620 but it does not come with a remote. I have a universal remote that will surely take care of the basic functions and I can hopefully go through the menu on the tv for the other settings/menus...But I was wondering if there were any important functions that the remote has that cannot be performed thru the TV itself? The set gets here tomorrow and I'm wondering if I should order the remote.

Yea you can do this, but you'd have to go through the SM and NOT the TV mode settings, because then you could specifically calibrate each resolution setting. 1080i is 1080i, whether it's coming through your cable box or your upconverting DVD player.

Two problems I see

1) I don't own an upconverting DVD and I doubt I will with HD DVD's around the corner

2) How could I be sure that the screen size and position of the upconverting DVD would be the same as the cable box? I've seen different video cards in computers be adjustable in software to set overscan and position and this would result in adjustments made on the monitor perfect for one card but not the other.

Thoughts?

Hello,

I just bought an open box CT-34WX15 from Fry's for $620 but it does not come with a remote. I have a universal remote that will surely take care of the basic functions and I can hopefully go through the menu on the tv for the other settings/menus...But I was wondering if there were any important functions that the remote has that cannot be performed thru the TV itself? The set gets here tomorrow and I'm wondering if I should order the remote.

My SA 8300HD DVR comes with a pretty good universal remote and everything seems to be there to me. I havn't touched the panny remote since. Make an offer and I could ship it to you as I doubt I'll ever need it.

man.. 620.. that's a hell of a deal.. nice find.. i really want that 34" but will be moving in a few weeks and i'm not about to just buy it to lug around to the new destination.. hopefully i'll still be able to find it once febuary hits.. and i also wouldn't worry about the remote.. the remote was *horrible* to begin with, so i wouldn't sweat it.. what i would do tho is drop by a local CC and see if they have one on the floor.. grab the remote next to it and go through all the functions.. take some paper and a pen and you're set..

for you guys who are using avia, did you notice a difference when you are adjusting sharpness with the test patern? I couldn't tell much of a change even with the color and tint set to 0. According to the tutorial before the test patern the difference should be obvious.

Well... I'm officially the Owner of a 34WX15 ... OH YEAH!!!!
This TV is a monster, and its SOOOO beautiful!! my god.

New member here,

I've been reading over here for a few weeks now and out shopping around. I really fell in love with the 30" panisonic. I found it for $809 at CC. Well, then I read on here that people were buying them up for $599 just two weeks ago. Origianlly I thought I'd buy a decent 4:3, maybe a 32" tube for my living room. I was only out to spend about $400-$500 maybe a little more if I had to. However, I will be getting an XBOX 360 or PS3 within a year. I don't want to have a TV that is going to be so behind that it's not worth anything. I also don't want to spend $200 more than the last guy. I realize that was a great sale that I missed but I can't help but feel I'm getting taken if I buy now. Should I play the waiting game and hope it comes back down? Should I just buy a 4:3 non-hd 32" set like I orgianlly thought I would do? Or should I just suck it up and realize that I have lost at the deal finding game and be the pay more than everyone else?

Thanks for any and all help,

The newest TV newb

Should I just buy a 4:3 non-hd 32" set like I orgianlly thought I would do? Or should I just suck it up and realize that I have lost at the deal finding game and be the pay more than everyone else?


From what I've read this set, and in fact ALL Panasonic CRT's, have been discontinued. I just bought the 26", and it was on sale for $399 but it wasn't even listed on CC's website anymore and I had to call around to a couple stores to find one still in stock.

So if you can get your hands on a 34" the question is what are you willing to pay for it or will you wait until you fall in love with another TV?

Either way I'd personally never buy a 4:3 TV again. 16:9 is the future.

^^
agreed.

Thanks to cireaasirefan for explaining how to enter the service menu.


He would say your welcome no doubt, but he mysteriously has not posted since waltchan banned himself from the forum. Maybe its a sympathy protest.

He would say your welcome no doubt, but he mysteriously has not posted since waltchan banned himself from the forum. Maybe its a sympathy protest.

Well I have no idea what I'm stepping into here, but I will say one thing: Who ever this user is, he/she did post the SM technique and I'm grateful. I probably would have found it elsewhere but I found it here first and it let me fix my vertical flaring problem.

My mom got the 26" model for the family room on Wednesday (12/14). It's a little small for the room but it had to fit in the stupid cabinet. I gave it a few days to break in and calibrated it on Sunday night. I used the INHD Tune-Up patterns that i recorded on my Scientific Atlanta 8300HD DVR and the blue filter that came with the Avia DVD. After 30 minutes or so I think I got it looking pretty good. Way better than some lousy LCD, that's for sure. the 1080i overscan was at 7-8% at first but through the SM I was able to get it down to 3-4%. For $400 I think this TV is a tremendous value.

...but it had to fit in the stupid cabinet....
Same reason I've bought mine. I won't see it until this weekend, because I had my son-in-law purchase it at a Circuit City that had them in stock. The two of us will try the calibration thing on Saturday, if I have all my shopping done!!!

He would say you're welcome no doubt....
Not sure how you became so hurt by this Forum member, but you're you following up every thread with some nasty comments...wrong holiday spirit!!!

Not sure how you became so hurt by this Forum member, but you're you following up every thread with some nasty comments...wrong holiday spirit!!!
Uhh, how is stating that he would say "your welcome" a nasty comment????????

Well.. I have had my Panny 34" for a whole week now and man it is sweet! This thing is a beast though.. so have a buddy around to help haul it up on a stand!

Don't have HD TV yet but the kids gamecube was looking real nice. I have the xbox 360 for them under the tree and I am so tempted to tear that sucker open and set it up.

I am very happy with the colour and picture with standard cable but I find the "Vivid" setting displays a strong red on some channels. Has anyone else noticed this? And did the Avia DVD make a big difference? Here in Canada it is like $60 plus tax :(

Thanks...

Frank64.....
Having used the Avia on several occasions...I can safely say it WILL improve your picture.......
Now...as for the C$60.... I paid about US$25 for mine from Amazon.com early this year....But it has literally dozens of video - AND audio - tests to calibrate both your TV/monitor and surround-sound receiver/speakers...IMHO, a worthwhile investment...even at $60! ;)
And, besides.....You're worth it...aren't you....?! :cool:

Invest in the Avia, or the Digital Video Essentials, disc if you don't know someone else with one to borrow. They're well worth the cost, not just for the video, but also for tweeking the levels of a surround sound system.

also, both netflix and blockbuster online have them to rent.. might be worth checking out if you don't wish to purchase it..

Thanks for the feedback guys. I will definitely get my hand on a copy somehow. I think I may have the THX utility on a Star Wars CD but I get the impression it is not as good as AVIA.

Cheers!

Hello, all. I bought this TV recently when it was on sale for $398 at Circuit City--a real bargain, I think. I've been really happy with the set--no ghosting or geometry issues, as some have mentioned. I'm using it for XBOX and Gamecube right now, and the games look great, especially those that support 16:9 like Burnout 3, Chronicles of Riddick, and Eternal Darkness.

Some have requested picture settings after calibration with AVIA. I did my calibration tonight, and here are my numbers. Remember, lighting conditions can change these numbers, so they may not work for you. For me, calibration resulted in a picture that is less vivid/saturated than the default settings, but which displays FAR more detail and subtlety. I can see every little detail on the costumes in Lord of the Rings.

Picture: 38
Brightness: 56
Sharpness: 10
Color: 24
Tint: 34

(The color mode is set to "normal" rather than"cool" or "warm"; natural color is "off")

Hope that helps. In sum, I highly recommend this set. I can't wait to get a PS3 next year to try out the HDMI input!!

When calibrating, are you guys using WARM or NORMAL color temp. Warm looks a little red but has a... warm feeling that I like about it. But if normal is what SHOULD be used then I will re-calibrate.

When calibrating, are you guys using WARM or NORMAL color temp. Warm looks a little red but has a... warm feeling that I like about it. But if normal is what SHOULD be used then I will re-calibrate.

Since the set already pushes red, you probably want to stick to normal. Then again, it's all personal...in the end you should use the settings that you enjoy looking at! :)

Some have requested picture settings after calibration with AVIA. I did my calibration tonight, and here are my numbers. Remember, lighting conditions can change these numbers, so they may not work for you. For me, calibration resulted in a picture that is less vivid/saturated than the default settings, but which displays FAR more detail and subtlety. I can see every little detail on the costumes in Lord of the Rings.

Picture: 38
Brightness: 56
Sharpness: 10
Color: 24
Tint: 34

(The color mode is set to "normal" rather than"cool" or "warm"; natural color is "off")

Hope that helps. In sum, I highly recommend this set. I can't wait to get a PS3 next year to try out the HDMI input!!

Tnx very much for your settings. I plugged them in to my set and it looks great. As you said, lighting and personal taste factor in, but to my eye these work fine. And I share your anticipation of the PS3. Already on my birthday "hint" list. Enjoy the holidays.

I have the 26" version. I am having two problems.

At one point in my TV viewing the picture started cutting out. Just started clipping with intermitant black screens. It happened, then it stopped and then started up again.

I also had a problem when I switched it to Component 1 and the TV just kept cycling through the various inputs. I tried setting it to just Component 1, it played for 15-20 min then all of a sudden switched to Component 2 then through the other inputs.

Any ideas as to my problems?

Thanks.

I add a few questions. sorry I'm new to all this.

I notice that the image area is off centered or that there is more blank space on the left than right in widescreen mode. Do I need to go to the SM to fix this?

Also I'm using a Phillips DVP642 with the TV. I set the DVD player to 16:9 with progressive on and output via component. Now my TV has 3 aspect options watching DVDs: 4:3, Zoom. Full. Full seems natural but I am wondering why no hor bars at top bottom of screen? I do notice switching from 4:3 to Full that Full does seem to crop some of the image on the left and right side of the picture. So what I am trying to get is the full widescreen and I don't mind some black bars top and bottom but I don't know how to get this.

Any help appreciated.

hi, i just got this tv for christmas and so far i love it. normal TV looks better than any tv in my house, and dvds looks good too (no progressive scan dvd player yet). only problem i have right now is that the ticker at the bottom of shows (ie- CNN), seems to "bubble". about an inch into the TV, the words get bigger, then go back to normal after another inch or so. any ideas?

its also a lil blurry...

I just got the 26" model... The comb filter (3D Y/C) is locked permanently to OFF. The field is grayed out. I've heard of this issue before. Any ideas? I've tried with 3 different types of signals.

Ahh, it seems to only be necessary/beneficial when using a lossy input like composite. Problem solved ;) They could've said it in the manual though...

hey guys i just got the 30wx15 today for my christmas present. well everything was going good untill i opened the box... when i took the plastic bag the whole top left side of the cabinet was all cracked and busted up and chunks of it were missing. pretty dissapointed. the tv seems to work ok but id like to take it back to my local CC for an exchange. ive been reading that panasonic has stopped making crt's and CC no longer has it listed on thier website. do u guys think ill be able to find a replacement? i sure hope so.

hey guys i just got the 30wx15 today for my christmas present. well everything was going good untill i opened the box... when i took the plastic bag the whole top left side of the cabinet was all cracked and busted up and chunks of it were missing. pretty dissapointed. the tv seems to work ok but id like to take it back to my local CC for an exchange. ive been reading that panasonic has stopped making crt's and CC no longer has it listed on thier website. do u guys think ill be able to find a replacement? i sure hope so.

if u do, they might have to special order it. no circuit city in my area had one. in fact, i had to drive 2 hours away to get one...worth it so far though

hi, i just got this tv for christmas and so far i love it. normal TV looks better than any tv in my house, and dvds looks good too (no progressive scan dvd player yet). only problem i have right now is that the ticker at the bottom of shows (ie- CNN), seems to "bubble". about an inch into the TV, the words get bigger, then go back to normal after another inch or so. any ideas?

It does that because you are watching a 4:3 image that is being stretched to fit the 16:9 screen.

It does that because you are watching a 4:3 image that is being stretched to fit the 16:9 screen.

oh...so its nothing wrong with the TV? i guess ill have to try 4:3 when i get a chance

after reading this thread I was afraid to open my 26" on xmas. but its a great tv and I have had no issues as of yet.

I own a Sony KV-36XBR800 HDTV and this panasonic is no slouch compared to it. sweet picture!

Any ideas on my above posted questions?

Thanks.

I do am having the same ghosting problems that others are having or talking about. It seems to be a ghosting effect that is on the right side of some objects. Ive only really noticed it though when watching DVDs. I'm using a upconverting DVD players. It tends to actually be worse when i have it set to 1080i than 480p. Anyways, ive found basic settings i'm happy with...

Picture - 39
Brightness - 51
Color - 24
Tint - 34
Sharpness - 11
(Color temp is on normal, and Natural Colors is turned off)

When using the DVI DVD, my brightness and pictures settings were very different from what i have now, but i found the picture to just be off from what my calibration settings turned out to be. So my preference is on what i have listed. try them out see what you think.

Turn your contrast down to about 50% then tweak brightness instead for a brighter picture.

More than likely your contrast is set too high which is why youm are seeing the ghosting and blurriness.

Typically a CRT looks best with contrast set at 50%, a tv looks sharper with contrast low, if you raise contrast you are losing picture detail and blooming the picture not to mention shortening the lifespan of your crt.

My advice would be to set contrast in the middle and adjust brightness instead for a brighter picture this way your picture will remain sharp without losing detail.

My contrast isnt the problem, i've fiddled with all that you possibly could. Its some other advanced setting thats gonna need adjusting. Sometimes its never noticeable, but every now and then they will be a picture that is shown and it sticks out like a sore thumb.

I noticed my ghosting ring problem alot watching Star Wars on DVD...been watching Lord of the Rings for the past hour and ive only noticed this problem when ive tried to make myself. So a lot fo this problem could be with just simply what your watching. who know?!/!?!!

What type of connection is everyone using? I'm using a HDMI that came with the Samsung DVD player i bought, i'm sure its not the best of quality. Could poor quality cables be possible reason for this ghosting effect everyone seems to have a problemw ith.

Hey, all. I bought the 26" for Xmas and am wondering if others are having geometry/screen issues similar to mine. These problems occur regardless of aspect setting but are easier to notice in zoom mode.

The first is the shape of the screen--it seems to bow inward a bit on all sides, with top and bottom lines being more noticeable.

The second is a wave-like appearance to scrolling ticker text on CNN, FOX News, etc. The wave is very gentle, with crests at the edges and center (right above the Panasonic logo). Again, this is most noticeable in zoom mode but still present in 4:3. Could this problem a defect in the screen itself?

The Circuit City price of $399 was great, and so is the overall PQ, but these issues are annoying. Looking for others' observations and advice. Great thread.

Got a SM question: bottom horizontal lines (think bottom widescreen bar on movies, sports ticket) bows upwards slightly on the right side of the screen. I've tried messing with the SM a bunch, but I can't seem to find a value that will help me lower this. Can anyone help?

I just bought a new Panasonic CT26WX15 for my Xbox 360, and I too am in the same boat. While the top of the video image is perfectly aligned with the top horizontal TV frame casing, the bottom image in crooked and slopes downward from right to left. So, tilt correction does no good. :(

Maybe some here knows different, but my Circuit City TV salesman said this is a common internal problem that can only be fixed by servicing. A few people in this topic have this problem, and if any of you TV Gurus know how to fix this by accessing the service menu, it would be much appreciated especially since this model is scarce and in the process of being discontinued. Help us Obi Wan Kenobis, you are our only hope.

Go into the service menu as stated at the start of this thread and just mess with settings that look like they would fix your problem. (AKA...Dealing something with Horizontal lines). Just make sure you put the digets back to original settings if they dont change what your looking to change.

Well, let me introduce myself by countering what some others have said regarding the ghosting. THIS IS NOT SOME RUMOR. It is a fact, I have the same issue, other tv's of this type have the same problem. I own the 30"WX15, and have this ghosting issue on every input/resolution. Please don't say this is simply an "isolated case" and maybe I just got a defective TV...I've seen the same behavior on floor models at 2CC's and a Fry's. It's also not a signal quality issue.

Now if anyone has any info on if this can be fixed in the service menu/ how to do this- That would be enormously helpful. I'm running out of hope here. Even if you've had a panny tech come "calibrate" your tv, maybe you can relate whether this was successful at eliminating the ghosting? Thanks!

Has anyone even tried calling Panasonic on this issue on how to fix it? I think i might go down to this Electronics Repair place near my house and ask them how much they charge, and if they even charge if it turns out they can't fix the problem i'm having. How much does it typically cost to have someone come to your house to do this? I'm thinking i'll pay a max of $50. Only weird thing is...I watched 3+ hours of Lord of the Rings today and only noticed it once (in like a 30 second shot). But without a doubt the problem is still there.

Okay, I have the Panasonic CT-34WX54, and it came with terrible overscan, screen position, and geometry.

I have been playing with the service menu and I have fixed just about every issue I have except that the picture is tilted slightly to the left.

It's very noticeable in every resolution.

Does anyone know how to rotate the picture in the service menu?

Okay, I have the Panasonic CT-34WX54, and it came with terrible overscan, screen position, and geometry.

I have been playing with the service menu and I have fixed just about every issue I have except that the picture is tilted slightly to the left.

It's very noticeable in every resolution.

Does anyone know how to rotate the picture in the service menu?

I wonder if it is fixable with the service menu as no one here has yet reported success.

That is my biggest concern, is the lower horizontal alignment issue a service menu adjustment or a picture tube defect? None of the TV service people I have spoken to would say either way because, of course, they all want to service the TV set so that they can earn some money; however, that shouldn't have to be the case with a brand new TV set.

On my DVE disc i had one straight line patter where the bottom part of the line starting bending to the right as it got closer to the end. I did find an adjustment that fixed this problem and was able to get the line perfectly straight. Howerever i dont remember which setting it was, but it is there. My Geometry is fine, ive just got that ghosting issue. How much do service men charge? do they charge if they can't fix the problem?

I messed with the service menu using the Avia DVD. I think I fixed my overscan problem when I was able to mess with the settings using a test pattern.

Is it worth getting the 3yr extended warranty at CC on my 26wx15 for 75$? I have until the end of the week to decide.

I have the Panasonic CT-26WX15 that i am using with an xbox 360. The xbox is set to 1080i widescreen and is connected to the Panasonic via component cables(red blue green). The picture looks ok but text is very blury. it is blury in games, the xbox setup menu, as well as the tvs on screen display. I have figured out how to get into the service menu, but dont really know what to adjust if anything. The text looks more blury near the corners of the screen. When i entered the service menu 480i and 3x4 were in red. I dont think i could make adjustments to the 1080i setting. Not sure ?? I would like to return this set for another panny but CC is out and its hard to match the price. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Also, any other xbox 360 users, what are your impresions of this TV with the xbox. Any special setup?

Thanks

Well I also have noticed this on my CT30WX15. When viewing widescreen, the top horizontal line is bowed (like a inverted bowl), however, the bottom line is straight? This seems rather odd to me. Has anyone had any success in fixing their horizontal issues with the service menu? I placed a call to panasonic technical dept. to discuss this but the estimated wait time was 51 minutes! I hope this is just due to a post-Christmas deluge.

hmm...i just notice some overscan at the bottom of the tv. any ideas on how to fix that?

What Is The Difference Between 34wx15 And 34wx54? Circuit City Has An Open Box 34wx54 For $735.00? Any Advice?

I have the Panasonic CT-26WX15 that i am using with an xbox 360. The xbox is set to 1080i widescreen and is connected to the Panasonic via component cables(red blue green). The picture looks ok but text is very blury. it is blury in games, the xbox setup menu, as well as the tvs on screen display. I have figured out how to get into the service menu, but dont really know what to adjust if anything. The text looks more blury near the corners of the screen. When i entered the service menu 480i and 3x4 were in red. I dont think i could make adjustments to the 1080i setting. Not sure ?? I would like to return this set for another panny but CC is out and its hard to match the price. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Also, any other xbox 360 users, what are your impresions of this TV with the xbox. Any special setup?

Thanks

You can change settings for 1080i in the service menu. Just make sure your xbox 360 is on and change your tv input to 360 first before going into the value modes. Then you can change the settings while looking at your xbox 360 screen in the processs.

I have not had any ghosting or bowing in my pic. I do have the wavy effect across the screen but my sony has it also and I waited till both sets were room temp before turned on.

I get a little bow on the right verticale side of a 4:3 pic but I dont get it in HDTV modes/16:9

I am running everything 1080i, even digital channels. using a LG-4200A QAM HDTV tuner. it upscales digital channels to 1080i. tv is a very nice sets and for the price I cannot complain about anything on the tv. great TV!

Those of us that are seeing the "ghost rings" beside of objects at times, what is the technical name of this? I'm going to call panasonic and try and ask them about the problem.

I think a small amount of ghosting on the edges may be normal for many CRTs. Now that I know what to look for, I noticed it on almost every CRT in CC. I also noticed it on my parents 35" Sony SDTV. I did however exchange my 26wx15 for that problem, while it still has some, its much better than my first one.

Projection CRTs are often out of convergence especially near the outer edges. Sometimes direct-view CRTs suffer from this but usually only very old and tired ones. Adjusting the yokes usually just shifts the problem around the screen.

ALL CRTs have reduced focus towards the outer edges, especially flat-screens! Sony is better at this.

Excessive use of the SHARPNESS control and VSM also cause ringing (exaggerated vertical lines or "ghosting"). Turn it down to 20% or less, and turn off VSM if possible! Calibrate with DVE.

Projection CRTs are often out of convergence especially near the outer edges. Sometimes direct-view CRTs suffer from this but usually only very old and tired ones. Adjusting the yokes usually just shifts the problem around the screen.

ALL CRTs have reduced focus towards the outer edges, especially flat-screens! Sony is better at this.

Excessive use of the SHARPNESS control and VSM also cause ringing (exaggerated vertical lines or "ghosting"). Turn it down to 20% or less, and turn off VSM if possible! Calibrate with DVE.

where can i get this "dve" program i hear so much about? does it fix overscan?

has ne one seen any red blooimg on thier 26wx15? i just got the last one in stock at my local CC today, in fact it was the dispaly model. its most noticeable when i play halo and the recticle changes from blue to red. the blue is sharp but the red blooms out. anyone have ne ideas? is this normal or is my unit defective? i really dont feel like taking it back, that would be worst case because these tv's are a rarity now.

NOSintake......
The DVE Calibration DVD, as well as the Avia Calibration DVD, are available from Amazon.com....I've also heard that BlockBuster Video rents the Avia disk....Both are excellent, and are, IMHO, absolutely REQUIRED for optimum HDTV/surround sound enjoyment (The Avia disk includes audio calibration for Home Theatre....:))
Good Luck!

AVIA is expensive and contains a lot of advanced stuff most people will never use. I like it for the "color decoder" and "chroma delay" test patterns. I still keep the old Video Essentials (VE was also expensive) handy for LFE level setup (get a sound-level meter too).

I've seen DVE in the past at Best Buy for around $30. It has the best sharpness test pattern I've ever used, and it will allow you to dial-in the overscan. These discs do not fix things automatically for you. They provide the tools (video test patterns, audio test tones, and great demo scenes) for you to do the job yourself. If you are not capable then hire an ISF tech.

has ne one seen any red blooimg on thier 26wx15? its most noticeable when i play halo and the recticle changes from blue to red. the blue is sharp but the red blooms out. anyone have ne ideas? is this normal or is my unit defective?

Most TV's on the market have red push. You'll notice this on flesh tones and actors wearing red clothing. Unless someone here knows how to hack the color decoder in the WX15 service menu, all you can do is turn down the color control. Yep, your blues and greens will have to suffer unfortunately. This is explained very well by Joe Kane in VE.

AVFile, what about those of us that are having problems with a slight ghost of figures on screen appearing to the right of the objects. for me its mostly just noticable on humans(or the main focal object). Its not from them moving, and its not from having the contrast to high. It almost like how you see those pictures that are ment to be viewed with those blue and red 3D glasses. You got the main image and then faint blue and red images to the sides of them. Its not that far to the side...only like 1cm, and its only noticeable on the right side of objects and the outline of them.

jmanunc, I've never seen anything that bad before. If it were like 1 or 2 mm then I would say excessive sharpness, but at 1 cm sounds like the convergence is way off. Especially if the ghosts are a different color than the main object? You need to get a tech in to adjust the yokes, I think, but if it is localized to a small area of the screen they probably won't be able to fix it. If it's all over the screen then easy fix.