can you please point me to specific posts that talk about NEC being "better than" commercial Panasonic plasma as far as Picture Quality is concerned. And by that I mean overall better than Panasonic PQ-wise.
The posts are in these 126 pages. This is a matter of opinion of course. Everyone has one and everyone is entitled to one.
Instead of saying "which is probably never," and because I briefly considered the 42" NEC when you posted about it Chris, may I suggest you switch to quoting Gary:

42" NEC has a thin film filter bonded or applied directly to the plasma glass which effectively eliminates the internal reflections as well as significantly reduces the display’s weight.

I was just adding this thought, ghosting is hard to see. Thanks for the tip though. :)

Instead of saying "which is probably never," and because I briefly considered the 42" NEC when you posted about it Chris, may I suggest you switch to quoting Gary:

42" NEC has a thin film filter bonded or applied directly to the plasma glass which effectively eliminates the internal reflections as well as significantly reduces the display’s weight.

This may attract customers such as myself to consider buying it instead of any other Plasma (except for Pioneers which also boast this improvement).


The fact that it is not noticed unless you're never (ever) looking at a TV from an angle should of course be mentioned but then that brings us to the important question that is best asked in this thread:

Other than having a tuner and inputs and stand, can you please point me to specific posts that talk about NEC being "better than" commercial Panasonic plasma as far as Picture Quality is concerned.

And by that I mean overall better than Panasonic PQ-wise.
If a 42” display will suit your needs, then I recommend you Call Chris, order the NEC, and be happy. You will get what is considered by many the best electronics this side of Fugi, the best glass (for you without the double image), great connectivity, the best stretch mode, thin good looking bezel, and, if I am not mistaken, the best price. PQ is a subjective thing so no one can say for sure what you will find best. Also with Chris you will get great service.

If you need a larger set, then because of your extreme angle of viewing and concern for the double image, get a Pioneer. Chris can help you there as well.

Cheers, :)

Gary

I discovered the problem myself only after purchasing the newly released Panasonic TH-42PH9UK last week.

There is a guy who offered to buy it if "so called ghosting bothers me that much" but he hasn't said for how much. Should he want to really do that, it would open me up for the 42" NEC or the 42" Pioneer.


This thread is filled with people who made the decision to buy NEC based on facts so let's be reasonable, if you were to ask me why I passed on the NEC and chose the commercial Panasonic, I would say, here's why and I would give links to specifics. But we are not talking about Panasonic.


It's more than a reasonable question, when talking about Picture Quality and only PQ, please post at least a reason or two or link to at least one post devoid of emotions that talks about facts.


Yes, had I known about the ghosting problem I would have read through three thousand seven hundred posts in this thread.


NEC and Pioneer appear to be the only sets that offer angled viewing without ghosting at an acceptable price.


This is no small deal because not everyone needs this exclusively where they play.

I have it where there is a couch that I sit on for active watching and no I don't sit at my desk in the same room so I can watch TV, but given a choice, I would like the TV to be on and me lifting my head up to look at it without ghosting that many of you can't see because you have it setup in your living rooms where you *only* look at it when you're sitting on your furniture actively watching TV.


When total newbs came to the Panasonic 9UK thread and started talking about Westinghouse or Samsung, I didn't start making fun of them and tried to give them facts about why I felt Panasonic was a better choice, I would hope there's at least one of you who would do the same for NEC.

When total newbs came to the Panasonic 9UK thread and started talking about Westinghouse or Samsung, I didn't start making fun of them and tried to give them facts about why I felt Panasonic was a better choice, I would hope there's at least one of you who would do the same for NEC.



Okay why don't you tell me why the Panny 9UK is better than the NEC XR5.

I'm willing to listen.

Thanks Chris for the info. I also got an official response for NEC:

"The plasma won't be able to accept 1080P over the HDMI. It can accept
1080P over the component or you can send 1080I over the HDMI.

In regards to your other question we haven't tested our plasmas with
Blue-Ray, but from our understanding there shouldn't be compatibility
issues."

NEC VSD Support.


Chris: PM or email me your best price on the 50XR5A shipped to 83716.

Thanks,

Tom

Okay why don't you tell me why the Panny 9UK is better than the NEC XR5.

I'm willing to listen.
Me too..... :rolleyes:

I am not so sure that anything viewed from an unatural angle can remain perfect. This weird ghost-thing that one must stretch to see is not relevant. I can't be more happy with my 50xm5 and I for one can't find a reason to regret my decision.

The "ghosting" phenomenon is typical of most phosphorus-based screens. This effect is seen in some CRT sets. Back in the old days, sets had a separate tinted glass in front of the CRT. You could easily see this halo effect due the reflection of the glass. This is a non-issue, IMO.

You forget to add "for me." Ghosting is not relevant for you and most other people but NEC came through with a fantastic bona-fide engineering improvement in their 42" set that apparently uses no reflective glass eliminating ghosting and reducing weight as a bonus.
Okay why don't you tell me why the Panny 9UK is better than the NEC XR5.

I'm willing to listen.
All right, hoping we could stay away from emotional posting:

$2K-ish was what I could afford to spend on a TV Set. Of course that figure did go up when I realized that certain sets were superior enough over others that they were worth spending the extra $ on.

50" was out of my budget so I actually compared 42" sets. I was looking at the 42" NEC which it turned out had a neweer panel than the 50" NEC anyway.

First trip to the store eliminated many of the cheapos and brands such as Samsung. I saw great potential in the Panasonic if only it wasn't for that awful silver bezel it had. Bezel is important because if you take any picture and put a sufficiently thick frame around it, the color of the frame will influence the picture.

That's when I developed an irrational hatred for the silver bezel, and it turns out it wasn't so irrational after all:
Black vs. Silver bezels Poll: Let Panasonic know how you feel (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=696802)
My meeting with a Panasonic Rep. and our silver bezel conversation. (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=708335)


Anyway, after that I found out about commercial Panasonics that don't have a cheap looking silver bezel, that have no tuner (I use a cable box) and that have no speakers (I could use the savings to buy better speakers) that have no HDMI input (great, I could buy an HDMI 1.3 blade in a few months and upgrade whereas I couldn't with consumers.)

So then it became pretty obvious that it was a good financial choice at least so it came down to PQ next:

It was Panasonic vs. Pioneer (which I thought was decent enough to consider) and NEC that I couldn't see but have heard good things about.

I thought others were way out of price range and have eliminated the rest as being inferior except for Toshiba & Hitachi about which I admit I did not get enough info on but reading the forum I got the impression that Panasonic, NEC and Pioneer were better than them.

Anyone care to comment on those two, I'd like to hear opinions either way.


So frankly price had a big role to play as NEC and Pioneer had tuners and speakers I did not need.

However I did consider PQ very much so, I saw many posts such as this one that influenced me that savings a set without tuner & speakers offers are great considering the PQ is close if not better than NEC & Pioneer:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8048253&&#post8048253
and
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8049026&&#post8049026

It was late in the game that I found out that NEC & Pioneer also offer commercial sets but I saw too many posts and articles where Panasonic was above NEC & PIO in overall PQ comparisons.

I could try to again find those threads and posts that talk about why properly calibrated commercial Panasonic PQ is "better than" NEC but I was hoping for at least some posts that make the argument in the other direction.

In other words, posts that I had difficulty finding.

Why I chose NEC over Panasonic: I like the ability to stretch non-HD which is shown on an HD channel. The Stadium stretch mode is excellent. I like the ability to change individual colors if necessary. I think that the picture quality of the NEC combines the best of the Panasonic (black levels) and Pioneer ("pop"). In short, the best of both worlds.

I have the 42xr4 in my bedroom and like it so much that I am going to buy the 50xr5 for my living room.

Good point. Here's my counter argument:
I read that S-Video was better for NTSC so connecting the cable box simultaneously with S-Video and component or HDMI would allow for both better NTSC picture over S-Video as well as ability to stretch.

Yesterday I found out in direct comparisons that on my 8300HD box, component was actually better than S-Video for NTSC AND the 8300HD box stretches non-HD content with a button that's right next to number 0 on the remote.

So there goes the stretching argument for me.

9UK is now said to have 30% improvement on already fantastic 8UK's black levels, no comparison there, 9UK will beat NEC & Pioneer in blacks.

You forget to add "for me." Ghosting is not relevant for you and most other people but NEC came through with a fantastic bona-fide engineering improvement in their 42" set that apparently uses no reflective glass eliminating ghosting and reducing weight as a bonus.

All right, hoping we could stay away from emotional posting:

$2K-ish was what I could afford to spend on a TV Set. Of course that figure did go up when I realized that certain sets were superior enough over others that they were worth spending the extra $ on.

50" was out of my budget so I actually compared 42" sets. I was looking at the 42" NEC which it turned out had a neweer panel than the 50" NEC anyway.

First trip to the store eliminated many of the cheapos and brands such as Samsung. I saw great potential in the Panasonic if only it wasn't for that awful silver bezel it had. Bezel is important because if you take any picture and put a sufficiently thick frame around it, the color of the frame will influence the picture.

That's when I developed an irrational hatred for the silver bezel, and it turns out it wasn't so irrational after all:
Black vs. Silver bezels Poll: Let Panasonic know how you feel (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=696802)
My meeting with a Panasonic Rep. and our silver bezel conversation. (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=708335)


Anyway, after that I found out about commercial Panasonics that don't have a cheap looking silver bezel, that have no tuner (I use a cable box) and that have no speakers (I could use the savings to buy better speakers) that have no HDMI input (great, I could buy an HDMI 1.3 blade in a few months and upgrade whereas I couldn't with consumers.)

So then it became pretty obvious that it was a good financial choice at least so it came down to PQ next:

It was Panasonic vs. Pioneer (which I thought was decent enough to consider) and NEC that I couldn't see but have heard good things about.

I thought others were way out of price range and have eliminated the rest as being inferior except for Toshiba & Hitachi about which I admit I did not get enough info on but reading the forum I got the impression that Panasonic, NEC and Pioneer were better than them.

Anyone care to comment on those two, I'd like to hear opinions either way.


So frankly price had a big role to play as NEC and Pioneer had tuners and speakers I did not need.

However I did consider PQ very much so, I saw many posts such as this one that influenced me that savings a set without tuner & speakers offers are great considering the PQ is close if not better than NEC & Pioneer:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8048253&&#post8048253
and
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8049026&&#post8049026

It was late in the game that I found out that NEC & Pioneer also offer commercial sets but I saw too many posts and articles where Panasonic was above NEC & PIO in overall PQ comparisons.

I could try to again find those threads and posts that talk about why properly calibrated commercial Panasonic PQ is "better than" NEC but I was hoping for at least some posts that make the argument in the other direction.

In other words, posts that I had difficulty finding.

Nice reponse, I have always stated that for the money Pioneer, NEC and Panasonic make superb sets....I have never bash anybody about their choices...I like the NEC

Couple of things though - NEC does not have a Tuner (which I do not need) and speakers are optional (which I do not need). Also the warranty is fantastic 1year glass and 3 year electronics.

PS:Will your panny accept a HDMI 1.3 blade (new technolgy there)?

I'm not debating. You asked for opinions and I gave you mine.

If you are content with using that method to stretch non-HD on an HD channel, that's great. I prefer to use Stadium and to allow the NEC to stretch as opposed to messing with the settings on the 8300HD. I also prefer the combination of black levels and "pop" that I get from the NEC.

Why I chose NEC over Panasonic: I like the ability to stretch non-HD which is shown on an HD channel. The Stadium stretch mode is excellent. I like the ability to change individual colors if necessary. I think that the picture quality of the NEC combines the best of the Panasonic (black levels) and Pioneer ("pop"). In short, the best of both worlds.

I have the 42xr4 in my bedroom and like it so much that I am going to buy the 50xr5 for my living room.

Way to go....I have a 50XR5 and loving it....One thing I like about it and did'nt at first is the side mounted inputs....very easy to get to!!!!

Nice reponse, I have always stated that for the money Pioneer, NEC and Panasonic make superb sets....I have never bashed anybody about their choices...I like the NEC

Couple of things though - NEC does not have a Tuner (which I do not need) and speakers are optional (which I do not need). Also the warranty is fantastic 1year glass and 3 year electronics.

PS:Will your panny accept a HDMI 1.3 blade (new technolgy there)?
It's OK as long as we're not emotional, this is the time & place to state rational reasons why NEC is better than Panasonic. I myself talked about things other than PQ, but really, that's what I'm interested in most, why NEC PQ is better than commercial Panasonics.

The warranty is doubled by my credit card so I'm semi-comfortable with 2 years.

So wait, you're talking about commercial NEC not having tuners/speakers?

What model is the 42" commercial NEC and is it the same generation, same "everything" minus the tuner/speaker? It also has blades?

Yeah, we're debating whether HDMI 1.3 blade will come out, I think it makes commercial sense for them to release it seeing as PlayStation 3 will use it and other devices will follow later this year and commercial Panasonic just begun shipping so the next gen using blades is 1 year away...

Good point. Here's my counter argument:
I read that S-Video was better for NTSC so connecting the cable box simultaneously with S-Video and component or HDMI would allow for both better NTSC picture over S-Video as well as ability to stretch.

Yesterday I found out in direct comparisons that on my 8300HD box, component was actually better than S-Video for NTSC AND the 8300HD box stretches non-HD content with a button that's right next to number 0 on the remote.

So there goes the stretching argument for me.

9UK is now said to have 30% improvement on already fantastic 8UK's black levels, no comparison there, 9UK will beat NEC & Pioneer in blacks.
You said, I believe, that you were a bit new to HDTV. Not all stretching is created equal. The particular implementation makes a tremendous difference in the quality of the viewing experience. A point has been made many times throughout the NEC thread by those that have owned or used various brands that NEC’s approach to this function is visually impressive and notably better than other brands. This seems to be a consensus of a number of people and so I tend to give it some credibility and weight.

Absolute black levels are fine but of perhaps more importance is a display’s ability to render near black content properly. This accuracy in video dynamic range at the lower end will provide good shadow detail that I personally find important particularly when viewing the many dark movies created today. I believe that those on the NEC thread have reported an excellent ability to obtain good shadow detail from their displays. Admittedly this characteristic is closely related not only to drive electronics and decoder function but also to proper adjustment and calibration so you seldom see it in stores.

Cheers, :)

Gary

There is one extremely effective way to put all stretching arguments to a definitive conclusion: pictures of NEC superior stretching capabilities.

I am very interested in this as I am not too happy the way stretched pic looks on my 9UK as I suppose it looks on many other sets.


We had people doing direct comparisons of NEC vs 8UK blacks, and I believe that is the one thing 8UK beat NEC conclusively.

9UK's further improvements with blacks make me think that this particular feature may not be the one to argue NEC's superiority with although I would appreciate any posts specifically talking about NEC blacks being superior to Panasonic's.

Your post does however make me feel that NEC's blacks are good enough when combined with other features such as better stretching and no ghosting to argue for consideration in my case.

Look, do you have a DVR, let's pause whatever is airing at a particular time then you take a pic of this superior stretch mode and I'll take a pic of both 8300HD box stretch mode as well as my 9UK's stretch mode to see the comparison.

Let's take it from a position directly in front certain number of feet zoomed in around the set's edges.

It's OK as long as we're not emotional, this is the time & place to state rational reasons why NEC is better than Panasonic. I myself talked about things other than PQ, but really, that's what I'm interested in most, why NEC PQ is better than commercial Panasonics.

The warranty is doubled by my credit card so I'm semi-comfortable with 2 years.

So wait, you're talking about commercial NEC not having tuners/speakers?

What model is the 42" commercial NEC and is it the same generation, same "everything" minus the tuner/speaker? It also has blades?

Yeah, we're debating whether HDMI 1.3 blade will come out, I think it makes commercial sense for them to release it seeing as PlayStation 3 will use it and other devices will follow later this year and commercial Panasonic just begun shipping so the next gen using blades is 1 year away...

PQ is very hard to debate on the net....but for what its worth here goes.
I was in alot of electronic stores looking to buy a 50 inch plasma. I compared the Pio 5060 to the 50 inch pannys and came to the conclusion that the Pio had a better picture @ fantastic color and great blacks IMO....I also own a Pio 4350 and love it. I was about to buy the 5060 and started to hear all of these wonderful things about the NEC@ as good as the Pio PQ, great fleshtones, wonderful color and etc....I took the plunge....bought it and saved $1500.00....and haver never regretted my decision.

No, the Home model(50XR5) does not have a tuner.Speakers are optional.
For that matter, I do not think that any of the 6 NEC models have tuners.

Hope the blade situation works out ....that would be awesome.

You said, I believe, that you were a bit new to HDTV. Not all stretching is created equal. The particular implementation makes a tremendous difference in the quality of the viewing experience. A point has been made many times throughout the NEC thread by those that have owned or used various brands that NEC’s approach to this function is visually impressive and notably better than other brands. This seems to be a consensus of a number of people and so I tend to give it some credibility and weight.

Absolute black levels are fine but of perhaps more importance is a display’s ability to render near black content properly. This accuracy in video dynamic range at the lower end will provide good shadow detail that I personally find important particularly when viewing the many dark movies created today. I believe that those on the NEC thread have reported an excellent ability to obtain good shadow detail from their displays. Admittedly this characteristic is closely related not only to drive electronics and decoder function but also to proper adjustment and calibration so you seldom see it in stores.

Cheers, :)

Gary

Talking about the non-linear 4:3 stretch - the NEC does it better then my DVDO VP30 Scaler.... I prefer the NEC stretch ....

black levels - I can see a lot of detail in dark scenes with the XR5, but the blacks are not ink black, more of a very dark grey...... (XR5) - the 42 XR4 has much better blacks then the 50 XR5....

that said, I'm very happy with the XR5 - knowing that absolute blacks are not its strengh - however - with very good black/dark area image detail.

OK, so none of you have seen any pictures even distributed by NEC marketing showing the superior stretching?

And no one is curious enough to pause the DVR in coordination with me to show us all this supposed superior stretching NEC feature that I personally would like to be true?

Look, do you have a DVR, let's pause whatever is airing at a particular time then you take a pic of this superior stretch mode and I'll take a pic of both 8300HD box stretch mode as well as my 9UK's stretch mode to see the comparison.

Let's take it from a position directly in front certain number of feet zoomed in around the set's edges.
Mannn this is really getting annoying... and I don't need to explain that the NEC
"stretching" is superior because it simply is... hows that for a point...I have seen the SA83000, the panasonic JUST mode and NEC Stadium with MY own eyes...but it is more than that.... it is very simple why NEC is BETTER.... SA83000 and Panasonic JUST mode are LINEAR zoom... NEC STADIUM mode is NOT LINEAR...LESS strecthing in the center, more on the edges, thus the center, where most the stuff I am interested in on 4:3 content... is closer to OAR... I like that...so for ME, its better and thats all that matters to me! (Ohhh and it SIGNIFICANTLY superior... since superior is such a quantitative term! :eek: )

And now that we have spent soooo much time here and I was trying to be a pleasant participant earlier with the whole ghosting thing.......

Lets see....
You are not satisfied with anything
You are being arguementative for the sake of being arguementative
You got a serious case of the sour grapes
BUT your panel is still superior to everyone elses
We are asked to prove our opinions... which you immediatle discount
Why should WE take the time to take picture to satisfy you.. we are happy with our decision...
You have all the answers/facts
Why are we bothering???
What do you need anyone elses opinion for???

Hmmm folks....beginning to smell a lot like a TROLL to me....

Put a fork in me I'm done!

:) The 9UK monster thread is just like this too. Earlier today a guy was asked to leave because he was trying to say how consumer Panasonics were better than commercial Panasonics. I don't have to tell you what happens when someone mentions other brands in there...

Anyway, I will try not post about being dissatisfied or be argumentative or post about regretting my purchasing decision or post about Panasonic.

Heck I was the one who specifically asked about posts and opinions that talk about NEC being better before two people turned this into "you post about Panasonic first."


So let's try to keep this about NEC.


I leaned something new earlier this evening : NEC has another great feature that I did not know about, the stretch mode that is different form other Plasmas.


As you know, it is near impossible to see NECs in action as they are not carried by major electronics chain stores.


So I was simply asking if there was a picture illustrating this stretch mode and I was offering to compare stretch modes so we can all see this, I mean, why is this an unreasonable question, to see the stretch modes?

Anyone with a digital camera can do this in 2 minutes.

I'll echo c627627's request. I'd also love to see a picture of both stretch modes - not because I need you to prove yours is better, but because I would find it helpful data in my decision process. If anyone is feeling generous with their time and would be willing to snap a pic of something stretched and have c62etc. snap the same picture with his box stretching it, I'm guessing many of us would find this useful. Thanks.

Mannn this is really getting annoying... and I don't need to explain that the NEC
"stretching" is superior because it simply is... hows that for a point...I have seen the SA83000, the panasonic JUST mode and NEC Stadium with MY own eyes...but it is more than that.... it is very simple why NEC is BETTER.... SA83000 and Panasonic JUST mode are LINEAR zoom... NEC STADIUM mode is NOT LINEAR...LESS strecthing in the center, more on the edges, thus the center, where most the stuff I am interested in on 4:3 content... is closer to OAR... I like that...so for ME, its better and thats all that matters to me! (Ohhh and it SIGNIFICANTLY superior... since superior is such a quantitative term! :eek: )

And now that we have spent soooo much time here and I was trying to be a pleasant participant earlier with the whole ghosting thing.......

Lets see....
You are not satisfied with anything
You are being arguementative for the sake of being arguementative
You got a serious case of the sour grapes
BUT your panel is still superior to everyone elses
We are asked to prove our opinions... which you immediatle discount
Why should WE take the time to take picture to satisfy you.. we are happy with our decision...
You have all the answers/facts
Why are we bothering???
What do you need anyone elses opinion for???

Hmmm folks....beginning to smell a lot like a TROLL to me....

Put a fork in me I'm done!
Ditto.

C627627 seems to want everything proved with conclusive evidence beyond a reasonable doubt like this is a court of law.

I for one have tried to point out areas as well as clarify some misconceptions. Taking still pictures and simultaneously from different locations in this instance is neither effective nor practical.

C627627, we have given you more than enough food for thought. Go seek out whatever displays you would consider and armed with the information you have make a personal decision as to which you want. We cannot make it for you.

Save a fork for me. I am done.

Cheers, :(

Gary

SA83000 and Panasonic JUST mode are LINEAR zoom... NEC STADIUM mode is NOT LINEAR
Don't mean to nitpick, but the Panasonic JUST is non-linear, just like Stadium mode on the NEC. However, it's not active if a HD signal is being fed, so you can't stretch upconverted SD-content in a HD-frame to fill the screen (like the NEC can), and will have to resort to 8300HD linear stretch (which is not that great...). The Panasonic's linear stretch mode is called FULL.

I received my NEC 50 XR5 last week. I ordered from Keith at Plasma Concepts. I can not recommend him enough!!! He went out of his way to answer all questions that I had, even going so far as looking at a set to tell me about the inputs/outputs!! Excellent service!! Anyway, I have been going through the break in process and haven't made 100 hours yet. Since I have no television service yet,(new home)I decided to try out a few DVD's to see this in action. WOW!!! The picture is simply breath taking. I have a friend who is a Pioneer rep. He owns the Elite 1130. This panel almost mirrors his. I do like the piano black bezel of the Elite better than any other set I have seen and could have gotten one from him for around the same price if I would have acted sooner, but he can no longer order them at employee prices. After getting the NEC, I have no regrets whatsoever. I put in a Magnum P.I. DVD to see how it would handle a poorly made DVD from an old television series. I couldn't believe how good the picture looked on such a crappy DVD! The Stadium stretch mode is absolutely fantastic. The Empire Strikes Back DVD is unbelieveable! Shadow detail like I have never seen. I will try to get some pictures up when I have some time.....still busy moving in and unpacking.

Don't mean to nitpick, but the Panasonic JUST is non-linear, just like Stadium mode on the NEC. However, it's not active if a HD signal is being fed, so you can't stretch upconverted SD-content in a HD-frame to fill the screen (like the NEC can), and will have to resort to 8300HD linear stretch (which is not that great...). The Panasonic's linear stretch mode is called FULL.
No Problem... I happily stand corrected...(confirmed in the manual)... I am clearly letting my aggravation cloud my usually clear thought! ;)
but in my subjective opinion the NEC STADIUM mode still looks better to me (I was referring to SD)... I have seen both upclose and personal... although I will add not simutanesouly with exact/matched content...I can only related my experience....totally subjective (like most PQ discussion)... e.g. I just thought the News Guy's Head looked Fatter in JUST than in STADIUM mode...neither are perfect, after all its stretched.

And while we are on the topic... a couple added plusses that has been left out in this whole stretching zoom conversations is the NEC allows click by click zoom, a couple % at a time so I can ZOOM in/out as much or little as I please (In Anamorphic & 4:3 mode, don't think the Panny does this), and it maintains good quality... not just a preset ZOOM, this comes in handy when you have some strange sized content (e.g 1.95:1 ) you want to zoom in just a bit.... purely subjective. Plus it has a built in 2.35:1 mode that works great if you want to watch 2.35:1 movies with a full screen/without letter boxes/black bars... 1-click works great...good quality...subjective

Anyone know if/when the 50XR6 is due to be announced? Perhaps a September press release?

Anyone know if/when the 50XR6 is due to be announced? Perhaps a September press release?

NEC always announces their new panels at CEDIA. The schedule is Sept 14-17.....if I were a betting man, I would say that is when you will hear about the 50XR6 and the new 60".

Plus it has a built in 2.35:1 mode that works great if you want to watch 2.35:1 movies with a full screen/without letter boxes/black bars... 1-click works great...good quality...subjective

I did not know that.....very cool :cool: As a 50XR5 owner - learn something everyday.....Thanks :)

NEC always announces their new panels at CEDIA. The schedule is Sept 14-17.....if I were a betting man, I would say that is when you will hear about the 50XR6 and the new 60".
And guess who will be there...THIS guy :)

Hopefully I don't catch the upgrade bug while I'm there... :(

NEC always announces their new panels at CEDIA. The schedule is Sept 14-17.....if I were a betting man, I would say that is when you will hear about the 50XR6 and the new 60".
And then all those 50XR5s will just become yesterday news, ancient technology, the good ole days.. :eek:

And then all those 50XR5s will just become yesterday news, ancient technology, the good ole days.. :eek:

And that means everyone in this thread must dump their sets to maintain true videophile status. :D

And that means everyone in this thread must dump their sets to maintain true videophile status. :D
No, it means we can be like all the Panasonic folks and bicker about whether last year's sets are better than this year's. :D

My contention? My 42xr4 is the true videophile's set - the new models are for Joe 6 Pack. Let the battles begin, before we've even seen the new sets!

It was money well spent. Picture looks amazing. Everything was pretty far off. Color temp was double what it should be. Edge enhancement was way off.

My HD-A1 was even worse...or I should say the way the XR5A was recieving the HD-A1. Eliab dialed in the PDP with the player and that looks fantastic as well.

I'm very happy with the ISF calibration.
Hey JG1,

It would be inappropriate to post your ISF-calibrated "after" settings here on the forum, but I was wondering what your settings were BEFORE the calibration. I think I've done pretty well with mine by eye, but if your "before" settings are something like mine, I might reconsider calibration.

And then all those 50XR5s will just become yesterday news, ancient technology, the good ole days.. :eek:

Anybody wanna buy a XR5? :D

Hi guys;
My second TV set just broke after 20 years. Since I just paid a bundle for the XR5
2 weeks ago, can you please recommend a 32" model (LCD)?
I gotta get one rightaway since mostly my daughter uses it.

Thank you very much..........................John

Johnteeee: What is the price range?

Philips 32PF7421D/37
Panasonic TC-32LX60
Sharp LC32D41U

I'm not debating. You asked for opinions and I gave you mine.

If you are content with using that method to stretch non-HD on an HD channel, that's great. I prefer to use Stadium and to allow the NEC to stretch as opposed to messing with the settings on the 8300HD. I also prefer the combination of black levels and "pop" that I get from the NEC.

You are correct, Lisa. The digital box only provides Full stretch modes, which pale in comparison to stretch modes used by the set itself. I suppose STADIUM is the equivalent of JUST stretch modes on the Panasonic.

I have a question: can NECs use STADIUM mode through components or only through S-Video?


To people who private messaged me about this thread encouraging me to take pics of stretch modes, I posted them in the other thread in order to stick to NEC questions and discussion in here and not to offend anyone:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8223796&&#post8223796

I take it that is NOT an HD channel.
If it is you sure would like the NEC picture over this one!

You are correct, Lisa. The digital box only provides Full stretch modes, which pale in comparison to stretch modes used by the set itself. I suppose STADIUM is the equivalent of JUST stretch modes on the Panasonic.

I have a question: can NECs use STADIUM mode through components or only through S-Video?

It can be used through HDMI, so componet should work.....

whew. Looks like folks need to go watch a movie or something. This might be a real good idea....in a 'pinch'.

To people who private messaged me about this thread encouraging me to take pics of stretch modes, I posted them in the other thread in order to stick to NEC questions and discussion in here and not to offend anyone:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8223796&&#post8223796

not really directed to this particular post, but in general, I think you've gotten a raw deal from people in this thread, esp. with the "troll" comments. I also think you've done an admirable job keeping things cordial even as some people have been getting a little hostile.

Unless I'm missing some previous history of negative posting on your part, from what I've read in the last few days of this thread, most of your posts strike me as an attempt to get precise feedback by the use of detailed questioning and counter-argumentation, with the ultimate goal of convincing yourself that you will be satisfied should you opt to make the large investment of purchasing a NEC plasma.

Given the lack of in-person comparison options, I don't think this is an uncalled approach, especially after you felt a bit blind-sided by what you hadn't expected to encounter with the Panny, i.e., the so-called "ghosting effect". Granted, for most people, this hasn't been an issue, but for your more-than-occasionally extreme angle viewing, it has turned out to be one.

Now, you are attempting to be even more thorough the second time around in the process of shopping for a possible replacement for the Panny. Where some people here are getting the impression that you are denigrating the NEC and elevating the Panny, I have no idea. Simply put, once burned, you are now twice shy and you want to be convinced, leaving no informational stone unturned. Perhaps the level of near-absolute assurance you seek won't come to you regardless of the extent of positive feedback provided here, but being a cautious and thorough person myself, I can certainly understand the impulse.

Having said all that, if someone does not want to take the time to post pictures for your edification, that is understandable, as they are under no obligation to take up their own valuable time to serve as sales representatives for NEC. But now that you've taken pictures of your Panny's "just" mode of SD material, with this fresh comparison available to them, you might feel more confident in regards to the accuracy of NEC owners opinions on this topic, should they be able to re-confirm for you that the NEC is indeed superior to the Panny in terms of its stretching modes. Good luck.

Thanks man.

It's now not even necessary for them to do take pics as NEC Stadium mode is nothing but a stretch mode other manufacturers call with a different name, JUST mode is what Panasonic calls it, so both sets have the same feature, proof:

The question turned into when this Stadium stretch mode can be used because I found I could not use the JUST mode using component connections.

I could only use it if I simultaneously connect my HD box with both S-Video and component connections then use S-Video for SD mode and Components for HD.

But then there is the additional question of what happens when you connect the NEC simultaneously with S-Video & component, is the SD signal better through component or S-Video on the NEC?


EDIT: 8300HD > Settings > A (more settings) >

Aspect ratio: Standard (4:3), Letterbox 16:9 picture

Output Formats 1080i 480p


I can now get JUST (or STADIUM as NEC calls it) with components and can ditch the S-Video cable.

My HD cable box is connected solely through HDMI. I use Stadium to stretch both SD on a non-HD channel as well as SD on a HD channel. In addition to having very good picture quality, it is much easier for my family to stay on one input and to just hit the Stadium stretch button.

Isn't there a forum sponsor who offers a program whereby he will ship the NEC to you and allow you to return it if you don't like it? I seem to recall this offer. If so, why not take the plunge with the NEC so that you can see it firsthand? I can understand your being skittish after your bad experience with your seating angle and the ghosting but you can really drive yourself nuts by overanalyzing.

Johnteeee: What is the price range?



Hi LisaM,
Sorry I was out looking at different sets. I'd like to stay under $1799 all in.
Any input is much appreciated...........John

The question turned into when this Stadium stretch mode can be used because I found I could not use the JUST mode using component connections.

.

What stretch modes are available depends more on the resolution of the signal and not really on the connection you use per se. The reason s-video "works" for you is that the max resolution is 480i over s-video. HD resolutions (720p and 1080i) cannot be stretched on the Panasonics so Just mode is not an available option unless you are watching 480i, 480p signals.

Stadium is available on the NEC with 1080i/720p signals. That is the main difference. There are some minor differences in how Stadium stretches vs. Just but not much.

Just mode on the commercial Panasonics also looks a little different than it does on the consumer models or at least it did with the 8th gen panels.

Hi LisaM,
Sorry I was out looking at different sets. I'd like to stay under $1799 all in.
Any input is much appreciated...........John

John: See if you can find the Sony Bravia 32XBR1 for that price. I have seen it advertised for a bit more but I'll bet that, if you shop around, you can find it from a legit dealer for very close to that number. The picture quality is excellent.

Isn't there a forum sponsor who offers a program whereby he will ship the NEC to you and allow you to return it if you don't like it? I seem to recall this offer.

That would be Plasma Concepts.

It was money well spent. Picture looks amazing. Everything was pretty far off. Color temp was double what it should be. Edge enhancement was way off.

My HD-A1 was even worse...or I should say the way the XR5A was recieving the HD-A1. Eliab dialed in the PDP with the player and that looks fantastic as well.

I'm very happy with the ISF calibration.

So how bout a little more details...Like

How long did it take?

Did he walk you through the process and explain what he was doing?

Sounds like he calibrated the HD-A1 PDP pairing...
But did he address your Cable/Satellite Input / Pairing?

Or is the Calibration in the service menu + some tweaking for that particular input.

Did you feel that the Tier 2 Calibration was definitely worth it or would you have settled for the Tier 1 only.

What time of day did you calibrate?... is it best to calibrate at the time that you watch you most important content (e.g. evening) to account for lighting...or did he give you day / night settings?

Anything else that you thought was really cool or unexpected...

Thanks...can you tell I am living vicariously through you?

That would be Plasma Concepts.

New forum sponsor Invision Displays also offers this option.

I have read every page of this forum and would like to thank all of you for your insights. This is especially important on panels like this which are not readily available for viewing and comparison. Largely as a result of the reviews posted here as well as private messages with some members, I am close to taking the leap on an xr5. I am largely over the image retention issue (or non-issue as it may be), but still wavering a bit because of not being able to see the panel in person. I am also looking at the Pio 5070 and 1130, but as I do not need a tuner and am planning to add my own speakers, I am not sure that I can justify the cost difference. I am not interested in the Panasonics -- just not my cup of tea for whatever reason. I would appreciate any insights anyone may have regarding the comparison of the xr5 with the pios in regard to picture quality, especially from those who were trying to make a similar decision and chose one over the other. Thanks.

Hey Pedro, Have you ever read 3,800 posts where the only disbelievers were the ones who did not buy an NEC?

I have read every page of this forum and would like to thank all of you for your insights. This is especially important on panels like this which are not readily available for viewing and comparison. Largely as a result of the reviews posted here as well as private messages with some members, I am close to taking the leap on an xr5. I am largely over the image retention issue (or non-issue as it may be), but still wavering a bit because of not being able to see the panel in person. I am also looking at the Pio 5070 and 1130, but as I do not need a tuner and am planning to add my own speakers, I am not sure that I can justify the cost difference. I am not interested in the Panasonics -- just not my cup of tea for whatever reason. I would appreciate any insights anyone may have regarding the comparison of the xr5 with the pios in regard to picture quality, especially from those who were trying to make a similar decision and chose one over the other. Thanks.
My second choice was Pioneer - I'd always been a huge fan. However, I spent $400 less on the 42XR4 than I could have bought the Pioneer 4360 for, and to this day I wouldn't trade my panel straight up for ANY other 42" on the market. I'm that happy with it. And I'm unbelievably picky about this sort of thing. Fantastic picture, extensive tweakability - and very classy looking. Go for it, you'll love it and look down and sneer at all those "Is Panasonic better than Pioneer?" arguments, knowing the answer is NEC! Bwah ha ha!

^^^^ I agree, and to this day I wouldn't trade my panel straight up for ANY other 50" on the market. I do not see anything better, that is not double the price !!

Kinda like buying a Vette, they say they compete with other cars worth double to triple the price. 500HP at the rear tires and handles like a dream and only $70 grand Z06 Corvette HERE (http://www.chevrolet.com/corvette/) Tough choice, this Vettte or a 103" Panasonic ????

http://gizmodo.com/assets/resources/2006/08/corvette_2007.jpg (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/GeneralFuture/articleId=105876)
Click on the pic to see a movie.

So I got a little side tracked................

FWIW

I helped setup a new 42XR4 today, and I can state unequivocally that the "ghosting/reflection phenomenon" discussed extensively earlier in this thread does not exist on the 42XR4. Sorry no pictures didn't have a camera.

Also I must state as a 50XR5 owner that 42 is awe-fully sweet too!

FWIW

I helped setup a new 42XR4 today, and I can state unequivocally that the "ghosting/reflection phenomenon" discussed extensively earlier in this thread does not exist on the 42XR4. Sorry no pictures didn't have a camera.

Also I must state as a 50XR5 owner that 42 is awe-fully sweet too!Hey, you didn't believe me?! ;)

I have read every page of this forum and would like to thank all of you for your insights. This is especially important on panels like this which are not readily available for viewing and comparison. Largely as a result of the reviews posted here as well as private messages with some members, I am close to taking the leap on an xr5. I am largely over the image retention issue (or non-issue as it may be), but still wavering a bit because of not being able to see the panel in person. I am also looking at the Pio 5070 and 1130, but as I do not need a tuner and am planning to add my own speakers, I am not sure that I can justify the cost difference. I am not interested in the Panasonics -- just not my cup of tea for whatever reason. I would appreciate any insights anyone may have regarding the comparison of the xr5 with the pios in regard to picture quality, especially from those who were trying to make a similar decision and chose one over the other. Thanks.


Pedro,
I have a friend with the Elite 1130. When I reach the 100 hours of break-in on my XR5 I will see if we can get together and do a comparison. I'll keep you posted.

So I got a little side tracked................

FWIW, the new Cobra can do it as well, for about half the cost of the 'Vette. ;)

Well, I have read all 3812 posts on this thread as well as all the Panasonic 60U, 8UK and 9UK posts and my brain just exploded. After I scraped up the residue and put it back in my skull, it felt like I ought to try to sum this up.

My initial impressions from these fora was that Panasonic 8/9uk appears to be the best panel for the bucks and that Panasonic has the best blacks, though their panels are not as bright as some others like the NEC and Pioneer. That seems to be the case when I see them in the stores, though the blacks in those situations are hard to judge due to the poor environment. However, there was this PC Mag review that stated that the measured blacks on the NEC 42XR4 were better than the blacks on the 8UK. How much seems to be debatable, but this would seem to indicate that the 42XR4 has matched the Panasonic on the blacks and it would seem to be a brighter panel as well, which makes for a very impressive contrast ratio.

I saw the Panny 60U in the stores and was all set to be impressed, but came away disappointed. I chalked it up to the lack of proper calibration, but the panel simply didn't have the pop of the Pioneer across from it. I also noted the "clayface" artifacts everybody complains about. After I saw the Panny, I started reading this thread and wondered if NEC might not be the best of both worlds. But a lot of what I read here applies to the 50xr5 as opposed to the 42xr4 and these two panels appear to be very different beasts.

My impression is that the NEC42XR4 is a comparable panel to the Panny 42PH9UK in terms of contrast and black levels with better color rendering and brightness, but with maybe more sensitivity to IR. However, most of the IR discussion on this forum seems to center around the 50xr5, and I am starting to think that the 42xr4 doesn't have as much of a problem with it. Can anyone confirm this for me?

It also appears that the 42xr4 has a better black level and contrast than the 50xr5 and has the bonded filter which helps in this respect and eliminates the haunting ghosts that were recently an issue. Reflect on that for a minute. The specs on their website tend to indicate that this is the case.

Another thing that seems to recommend the NEC to me is that the Stadium mode will be available at all resolutions, not just 480 like the Panny's JUST. This is important to me since I will have only one HDMI link from the Yammi video-switching receiver I have to the panel and I would very much like to use the stretch feature on HD broadcasts of 4:3 material. That would not be possible with the Panny at higher resolutions.

And lastly, some of my favorite channels are only in SD (SciFi and USA for example), so I am hoping that the panel will be able to render at least as good a image as my CRT for the SD that we want to watch. It sounds like the NEC would do the best job there, but it is really hard to know for sure since there is nowhere where I can see both of these units together. Can anyone verify that this is truly the case?

I read one review where they mention flickering in the darker scenes. Is this peculiar to the NEC or common to all PDPs? And is this really annoying or noticeable? The other thing I saw in a review was mention of visible noise if you are closer than 7'. Has anyone with a 42xr4 seen this and how objectionable is it?

In terms of usage, we will do absolutely no gaming on the panel. We don't watch stations with tickers much, and only watch football on Sunday. We plan on watching mostly HD on the networks during prime time and we watch a lot of movies on DVD. We really need a 42" panel, since anything larger will not fit comfortably in our room and pass the WAF. I intend to sit out the HD-DVD/BR wars until the idiots get their act together or one dies off. But I like the fact that the NEC can accept 1080p where the Panny cannot for when the day finally comes that I opt for an HD device.

I am a patient man and I am researching now for a purchase around Thanksgiving. I suspect that the new NEC panels will be announced by then and the prices on the 42xr4 will have dropped. I am hoping to get this thing for less than 2K, but only time will tell.

Anyway, to sum up my questions:

1. Do the blacks on the NEC42XR4 match or better the blacks on the Panny9UK?

2. Is the NEC brighter than the 9uk?

3. Is the NEC more or less sensitive to IR than the Panny? How much of a problem is it really?

4. Does the NEC have better VP for SD than the Panny?

5. Is the reported flickering of the NEC noticeable? Can you see it?

6. Is the reported video noise objectionable?

7. Is there anyone in the Washington DC / Annapolis area that has a NEC42XR4 or NEC42XM4 that I can come see. (I have called all the local distributors and none of them can help me.)

Sorry this is so long, but I really have only just now put my brains back in place and I think that some of the connections are not quite right yet. Thanks for any light you can shed on these questions for me. I must go now to watch SciFi to soothe my mind, but I will check back later for any replies.

Anyway, to sum up my questions:

1. Do the blacks on the NEC42XR4 match or better the blacks on the Panny9UK?

I'd rate the blacks as "good enough" and the weakest part of my 42XR4. However, the weakest part of the NECs is relative - it is an excellent panel.

2. Is the NEC brighter than the 9uk?

I'd say the 42 is more sensitive than the Panasonic, but less sensitive than the 50 inch NEC - they are very different panels, after all - the 42 is more advanced.

3. Is the NEC more or less sensitive to IR than the Panny? How much of a problem is it really?

I've begun to notice some "ESPN" IR on my 42, but ran the invert mode for an hour after I went to bed and had the sleep timer turn the set off - when I woke up, all was fine in the world. Keep in mind I'm only at 320 hours and didn't do any fancy break-in dance.

4. Does the NEC have better VP for SD than the Panny?

Absolutely - but it can only do so much if your SD source is horrible, like mine.

5. Is the reported flickering of the NEC noticeable? Can you see it?

I'm not sure what you mean by flickering - I don't see anything like the flickering I see on CRT based sets, but I do see occasional yellow flashes in high contrast scenes. Also, I see some black level changes (I think) on some scenes when levels of brightness vary a lot throughout the picture, and I don't know how to combat that. It's mildly annoying.

6. Is the reported video noise objectionable?

I would bet that's source-dependent. I watched HDDVD Serenity and it was crystal clear. I see some noise on HD cable, depending on what I'm watching - again, likely source dependent.

7. Is there anyone in the Washington DC / Annapolis area that has a NEC42XR4 or NEC42XM4 that I can come see. (I have called all the local distributors and none of them can help me.)

Coming to Kentucky soon?! Haha.

It's a fantastic set - but if you can hold off, the rumor is new sets are being announced at CEDIA - I'll be there as an exhibitor, so I'll see if I can be at the unveiling...

Any merit to the proposition that the PIO 5070 is basically the xr5 with upgraded glass but less adjustability?

Any merit to the proposition that the PIO 5070 is basically the xr5 with upgraded glass but less adjustability?
Well, I'm not sure what they would have left in common, if the glass and the processing (adjustments, etc.) were different...so sure!

In all seriousness, we're going to see some very closely related NEC and Pioneer plasmas because they're using the same glass now.

Looking at the 4270,5070,6070 owner's manual it does not suggest native rate support over HDMI. Probably will do it over VGA. I wish someone over on the Pio owner's thread would chime in on this. I posted the question over there and no one has responded. We addressed this issue very early in this thread didn't we? Anyhow, this might be a definite reason to wait on the 42XR5, 50XR6, 60XR5 IMO.

Looking at the 4270,5070,6070 owner's manual it does not suggest native rate support over HDMI. Probably will do it over VGA. I wish someone over on the Pio owner's thread would chime in on this. I posted the question over there and no one has responded. We addressed this issue very early in this thread didn't we? Anyhow, this might be a definite reason to wait on the 42XR5, 50XR6, 60XR5 IMO.


I just got my XR5!!!!

I'm sure the CFO wouldn't be happy with me moving to an XR6 any time soon......

Sorry, maybe I should just keep it zipped. :)

Looks like this thread will soon come to an end. In just three weeks a new thread should be formed discussing the new NEC models. Of course delivery will most likely be around December. I wonder if we will see price drops on the [old] models soon?

Looking at the 4270,5070,6070 owner's manual it does not suggest native rate support over HDMI. Probably will do it over VGA. I wish someone over on the Pio owner's thread would chime in on this. I posted the question over there and no one has responded. We addressed this issue very early in this thread didn't we? Anyhow, this might be a definite reason to wait on the 42XR5, 50XR6, 60XR5 IMO.
I suggest posting your question on the processors forum. Those are the guys that drive their displays at native rate and have the background to answer your question.

Cheers, :)

Gary

Just a couple spurious thoughts

I am a Verry happy 50XR5 owner (bought from Chris @ Cleveland Plasma)

My buddy was looking for a 42 and he decided on the 42XR4 which he also bought from Chris per my advisement. Great price / per value. It arrived in 4 days, We hung it on the wall, Matched it with a Denon S-301 virtual sourround system, HD cable, and instant beautiful midsized system.

Easy and Fast is the way it went. But of course that is pretty much the norm I guess with Chris, thanks!

Again that 42 is realllly and I mean really sweet, no doubt the 42 I would pick, Discovery HD stopped everyone in their tracks, man, woman, child, animal everyone just stopped and stared... some show with underwater caves....

Side Note: I am now fooling around with the universal remotes... I bought a Harmony 720... one thing I can do which I can't do with the regular NEC remote is adjust the sharpnes, or picture mode with one click... no need to navigate through the menus with NEC remote, goes straight to the slider bar adjustment.

Anyways... lets see in the last 4 months...I have helped set up...
Me : 50XR5, Pops : Panny 50PX60U, Pops-n-Law : Sony KDL32S2000 : Frank NEC42RX4

There is sooo much good equipment out there, every one of these sets provide excellent PQ, ... I need to remind myself that inside the walls of these forums.... the microscope is on full power and sometimes I think its a bit distorted...

'microscope is on full and sometimes I think its a bit distorted..."

This is very true. On the flip-side, does any product on an AVS thread survive so many posts as well as on this one? It was this thread that got me to buy my 50XM5 and I am very grateful to everyone, including those who have shared info at the tweak guide.

It appears this thread is losing some steam BUT...I work for an appliance store and I have the opportunity to buy a Mitsubishi PD-5050 which apparently is a rebranded NEC 50XR4 for $2,000. Which is below our store's cost. Is this a good deal or is this monitor too out-date to consider purchasing?

http://archive2.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=470469

Thanks c627627. Not a whole lot of info in that thread. I guess I'm on my own on this.

For $2000 how can you go wrong on a 50"? Is it new?

It appears this thread is losing some steam BUT...I work for an appliance store and I have the opportunity to buy a Mitsubishi PD-5050 which apparently is a rebranded NEC 50XR4 for $2,000. Which is below our store's cost. Is this a good deal or is this monitor too out-date to consider purchasing?

Maybe ask yourself what "Too Out of Date" means to you... vs price...
Example this Panel has a Single DVI-D input, can you live with that?

I found a review...it knocked the 480i scaling, which is one of the strengths of the newer NECs, however Says it shines with 720p and 1080i.
http://www.ultimateavmag.com/flatpaneldisplays/305mitsubishi/index1.html

I own the 50XR5, and love it, and think highly of the brand... but this is definitely 2+ year old tech...you gonna be ok with that when your all alone ;)

OTOH $2000 for a pretty cool 50" Panel, with a couple cables and switches...could you get them to go $250-500 less otherwise what are the going to do with it... that would make the choice easier.

OTOOH there are a lot of other choice out there for $2k, especially if a 42 is OK...

Hi guys,

quick question to the owners of the XR5 and HD DVD player.... does the NEC panel handle 1080i ok? I don't have any true HD sources and I'm scaling SD to HD ....

cpcat, is it better via your HDP or sending it straight to the panel at 1080i?

I've got the VP30, but am considering the upgrade to the DVDO VP50 ... the key benefit being proper 1080i deinterlacing on the VP50 ....

however, if the NEC does an ok job with 1080i sources, I'd rather save the money and invest in a HD PVR or import the HD DVD from the US to Australia...

Thanks!

Marcelo

The XR5 does a wonderful job with 1080i including 1080i IVT. I confess it's not my primary display anymore, but I preferred straight to the NEC vs. the HDP for everything.

Not to say the HDP isn't high quality, either. I'm back to using it with my pj. It's significantly better with the HDP than straight to the pj (Panny AE900).

If I ever get NEC withdrawal, I can still fire it up though. :)

The XR5 does a wonderful job with 1080i including 1080i IVT. I confess it's not my primary display anymore, but I preferred straight to the NEC vs. the HDP for everything.

Not to say the HDP isn't high quality, either. I'm back to using it with my pj. It's significantly better with the HDP than straight to the pj (Panny AE900).

If I ever get NEC withdrawal, I can still fire it up though. :)

Thanks CPCAT!

Looks like you now have a movie theathre at home ..... nice..... very nice.... what is the size of that screen??

thanks for the info ....

Cheers,

Marcelo

CPCAT, I see dithering and banding on your screen in that photo. ;)

Any ideas on to when the new 50xR6 and 61XR5 are due out? Just trying to keep tabs on all the latest before making a decision in the near future :)

Any ideas on to when the new 50xR6 and 61XR5 are due out? Just trying to keep tabs on all the latest before making a decision in the near future :)

NEC always announces their new panels at CEDIA. The schedule is Sept 14-17.....if I were a betting man, I would say that is when you will hear about the 50XR6 and the new 60" (which is replacing the 61").

I have a choice coming up soon. The dilemma is a NEC 50XR5, a Pan TH-50PH9UK or possibly a Pan TH-50PX600U. I have gone back and forth, and right now the NEC is on top. Vacillation is ruling me. Help!!!

I have a choice coming up soon. The dilemma is a NEC 50XR5, a Pan TH-50PH9UK or possibly a Pan TH-50PX600U. I have gone back and forth, and right now the NEC is on top. Vacillation is ruling me. Help!!!
1 year warranty on the glass and 3 year on the Electronics on the NEC is a added bonus..... :)

NEC always announces their new panels at CEDIA. The schedule is Sept 14-17.....if I were a betting man, I would say that is when you will hear about the 50XR6 and the new 60" (which is replacing the 61").
I'm going to be there as an exhibitor, so I'll try to slip away and see the unveiling, then report back to the thread!

Any ideas on to when the new 50xR6 and 61XR5 are due out? Just trying to keep tabs on all the latest before making a decision in the near future :)
Ah, make that a 60XR5A :) I can see one in my future !!

After reading an absurd number of posts on this thread I am happy to say I just pulled the trigger on a 50XR5 which should arrive the end of next week - this is my first foray into the plasma world and if this panel is anywhere near as good as has been described I know I'll be happy - I still have an old NEC Mulitsync computer monitor running and after almost 16 years it's still working just fine.

After reading an absurd number of posts on this thread I am happy to say I just pulled the trigger on a 50XR5 which should arrive the end of next week - this is my first foray into the plasma world and if this panel is anywhere near as good as has been described I know I'll be happy - I still have an old NEC Mulitsync computer monitor running and after almost 16 years it's still working just fine.
You will be happy :)

Does anyone know how to determine from the NEC side what the colorspace the particular input source is delivering?

Does anyone know how to determine from the NEC side what the colorspace the particular input source is delivering?

There's certainly nothing in the user accessible info that I have seen. The memory inputs are numbered according to input resolution / frequency.

There were a bunch of status screens in the service menu that might show that info.

Dare I ask why you're looking for it?

There's certainly nothing in the user accessible info that I have seen. The memory inputs are numbered according to input resolution / frequency.

There were a bunch of status screens in the service menu that might show that info.

Dare I ask why you're looking for it?

Just curious...wanted to validate / see what a particular device was sending...
I looked at signal info... not there, looked through the service menu... couldn't tell...noticed that in the picture memory menu the signal is assigned a number like 92... wonder if that is a code for something...

Just curious...wanted to validate / see what a particular device was sending...
I looked at signal info... not there, looked through the service menu... couldn't tell...noticed that in the picture memory menu the signal is assigned a number like 92... wonder if that is a code for something...


yes, it matches the input format/resolution - 93 I think is 720p, 94 1080i and 18 is Native Rate 1365 x 768p.

92 could be 480i/p??

So. After about 8 months of waiting, I've pulled the trigger on purchasing this TV. It should be arriving Friday.

:)

I'd appreciate a little help in getting information about the initial calibration and maintainence (i.e., "breaking-in" the screen.)

I've been trying to keep up with this thread but it's gotten so big that I can't find information about setting up my XR5 easily.

Oh...I also need a stand.

:p

EDIT: Nevermind! Found this thread! http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=659424&highlight=50xr5

But for those who have a stand, what would you recommend?

So. After about 8 months of waiting, I've pulled the trigger on purchasing this TV. It should be arriving Friday.
....
Oh...I also need a stand.

But for those who have a stand, what would you recommend?
I highly reccomend the matching NEC stand (PX-ST2U), a little expensive but outstanding quality and aesthetics..

I agree - I have the matching NEC stand for my 42xr4 and it is excellent.

The Nec XR5 just received a blown away review of the german areadvd.de. They call the NEC XR 5 the best panel they ever tested(after using the picture EQ to adjust colours etc), ranking the NEC XR5 as clear #1(beating all pana's and pioneer's plasma and also beating the complete range of LCD's) while the 42 inch received a less positive review due to their conclusion that within the 42 serie a older panel is built in.

I as owner of the XR5 fully agree with their statements

For the ones with german language knowledge here the link

http://www.areadvd.de/hardware/2006/nec_1.shtml

best wishes
matthias

The Nec XR5 just received a blown away review of the german areadvd.de. They call the NEC XR 5 the best panel they ever tested(after using the picture EQ to adjust colours etc), ranking the NEC XR5 as clear #1(beating all pana's and pioneer's plasma and also beating the complete range of LCD's) while the 42 inch received a less positive review due to their conclusion that within the 42 serie a older panel is built in.

I as owner of the XR5 fully agree with their statements

For the ones with german language knowledge here the link

http://www.areadvd.de/hardware/2006/nec_1.shtml

best wishes
matthias
Thanks mathias...
I have seen/read areadvd.de reviews before and never seen them give extra stars!! for 50XR5, good resource...

Here is the google translated page into english... little rough but you can read
http://www.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.areadvd.de%2Fhardware%2F2006%2F nec_1.shtml&langpair=de%7Cen&hl=en&ie=UTF8

The bable fish translation may be a bit better....but you nee to cut in the original url
http://babelfish.altavista.com/

Hello fellow NEC fanatics! I haven't really spend much time in this thread lately mostly due to my obsession with my summer hobby(Fishing for muskies in northern Wisconsin). Anyway, I just got back from a trip to Canada (fishing for muskies), and I needed some well deserved relaxation in front of my XR5. I flicked on the new channel offered through Dish Network called NFLHD. I wasn't to interested with the two teams playing, Giants and the Jets I believe, but I could'nt help but be absolutely stunned with the image in front of me. The picture quality this broadcast had was absolutly incredible! I am so pleased with this plasma display and can't wait to have all my friends over for the upcoming NFL season. Just thought I would chime in again and let any doubters know that this NEC plasma display is far better than I had hoped for. By the way, I bought this plasma sight unseen, and it has met every expectation and more. :) Well, now that I have that off my chest, I need to start packing for my next trip to Hayward, WI. for another crack at those freshwater monsters, (Muskies) :rolleyes:

and I needed some well deserved relaxation in front of my XR5. I flicked on the new channel offered through Dish Network called NFLHD. I wasn't to interested with the two teams playing, Giants and the Jets I believe, but I could'nt help but be absolutely stunned at the image in front of me. The picture quality this bradcast had was absolutly incredible! I am so pleased with this plasma display and can't wait to have all my friends over for the upcoming NFL season. Just thought I would chime in again and let any doubters know that this NEC plasma display is far better than I had hoped for.
Ahhhh NFL in HD on XR5...The perrrfect food......can.....not....wait....any....longer....must ....hold....on....

Ahhhh NFL in HD on XR5...The perrrfect food......can.....not....wait....any....longer....must ....hold....on....

Tell me about it....the wait is definitely killing me. I even had to get the Sunday Ticket this year with most games in HD (- lite of course, coming from DirecTV).

Not to get off topic, but those who don't venture over to tivocommunity, DirecTV is running a deal for a free HR10-250 with the purchase of Sunday Ticket. I just sold my old HR10-250 for more then the cost of the ST and now have some $ in my pocket and the ST!!! Granted it is a leased box instead of owned, but I really didn't care all that much as my owned one was out of warranty.

Okay, back on topic - these wonderful panels :D

The Nec XR5 just received a blown away review of the german areadvd.de. They call the NEC XR 5 the best panel they ever tested(after using the picture EQ to adjust colours etc), ranking the NEC XR5 as clear #1(beating all pana's and pioneer's plasma and also beating the complete range of LCD's) while the 42 inch received a less positive review due to their conclusion that within the 42 serie a older panel is built in.

I as owner of the XR5 fully agree with their statements

For the ones with german language knowledge here the link

http://www.areadvd.de/hardware/2006/nec_1.shtml

best wishes
matthias


Nice article. I believe that this statement says it all.....

"the PX-50XR5G becomes our new bench mark"

Just what I needed, another glowing review of the NEC 50XR5. :( :(

I really really would like to buy this display but I just don't know how reflective this plasma is going to be.
After months of research I bought a Pioneer PDP-5071HD and I was extremely happy with the PQ. The only problem was the glare of the display. In my room it was impossible to watch during tv because of the reflections on the screen and I had to return the PIO.

Since I'm not able to view the NEC in person I will have to rely on what you guys think. Can some one tell me honestly how much glare I can expect with his display.
I know it is not going to be as good as an LCD display but I would hope it is (much) better than the PIO.

If this is not the case I will be forced to look for an LCD and that is not my first choice. :(

^^^ Try looking at the new Sony XBR2 or 3 LCD's. I was going to buy a NEC, then a PIONEER, and now the sony XBR3.

Just what I needed, another glowing review of the NEC 50XR5. :( :(

I really really would like to buy this display but I just don't know how reflective this plasma is going to be.
After months of research I bought a Pioneer PDP-5071HD and I was extremely happy with the PQ. The only problem was the glare of the display. In my room it was impossible to watch during tv because of the reflections on the screen and I had to return the PIO.

Since I'm not able to view the NEC in person I will have to rely on what you guys think. Can some one tell me honestly how much glare I can expect with his display.
I know it is not going to be as good as an LCD display but I would hope it is (much) better than the PIO.

If this is not the case I will be forced to look for an LCD and that is not my first choice. :(


I will try to give you an honest answer. My display is hung on the wall in an alcove/den area off of the kitchen. Directly across from the wall it is hung on is a window of the approximate size of 9' by 5'. The sun shines through this window from about 2pm-7pm. We have a blind left by the previous owners that blocks out some, but not much, light.

Now that you know the general idea of how mine is set up, on to the reflections and glare. It's hard to watch some programs during the day. The darker the content on the screen is, the less I can see. If it is, for instance, a scene shot in a parking garage at night with only one light bulb on in the garage...I can't see a darn thing. I can, however, see myself, the fan, the window, the blind, and the couch very clearly during these scenes. If I am watching a day scene, I can ignore the reflections and just watch the scene without much annoyance.

So, does it bother me? Somewhat, but not too much. I don't watch much daytime television anyway except on a slow Sunday afternoon. We plan to replace the blinds and windows with superiour light blocking products. Or there's always the option of drapes. I would say that it is as reflective as polished, clean, well-made glass is supposed to be.

A sidenote on the LCD dilemma for you...I have a friend with the 45" Sharp LCD and a huge window behind his couch. While there are no reflections, there is significant glare, and he's forced to keep his blinds closed during daytime use. My advice would be to go with the display that looks better and purchase blinds/drapes/etc. They have some very efficient blinds these days.

Hope that was helpful.

EDIT: If the Pioneer display was impossible to watch due to reflections, I doubt the NEC will do better in that regard.

I highly reccomend the matching NEC stand (PX-ST2U), a little expensive but outstanding quality and aesthetics..

Done! Just spoke to Chris at Cleveland Plasma. Should be on the way. :)

Side Note: I am now fooling around with the universal remotes... I bought a Harmony 720... one thing I can do which I can't do with the regular NEC remote is adjust the sharpnes, or picture mode with one click... no need to navigate through the menus with NEC remote, goes straight to the slider bar adjustment.


How do you adjust the PICTURE MODE with the Harmony?? I always have to call up the Plasma menu, navigate through it and then change it (even with my harmony)!!

There is no button on the NEC remote which does it either!

Thanks,

EnR

How do you adjust the PICTURE MODE with the Harmony?? I always have to call up the Plasma menu, navigate through it and then change it (even with my harmony)!!

There is no button on the NEC remote which does it either!

Thanks,

EnR
I can give you a short answer for now... if you need more PM and I will get back later....

First I entered/setup my Monitor device as PX-50XR5A

Then go to Button Actions on the Device or Avctivity.
PICTURE MODE is named "Mode" in the Device Control dropdowns...
Add a LCD/Soft Custom Button Label called Nec Mode or Picture Mode (what ever you like) then assign it the "Mode" from the Device Control Dropdown, Save , Update the Remote and Whallah! I added it to the Monitor Device and to the Watch DVD activity so it was available in both. Also works for Sharpness etc..
There is a little catch in the Device Mode the Left and Right Direction buttons are there as a default...to add it to an Activity I had to add Nec Left and Right Soft buttons (DirectionLeft, DirectionRight commands)...does that make sense?
Try it in Device mode first.

POke a round a bit..There are more device commands available then buttons on the NEC remote...Think these are called discreet codes...

"while the 42 inch received a less positive review due to their conclusion that within the 42 serie a older panel is built in."

Isn't the 42 supposed to be the NEWER of the 2?

"while the 42 inch received a less positive review due to their conclusion that within the 42 serie a older panel is built in."

Isn't the 42 supposed to be the NEWER of the 2?

Yeah I noticed that...wasn't sure how they came to that conclusion...It seems pretty well known that the 42 has the latest glass, seems like they didn't do their homework there... with respect to the 42's other review like the PC Mag review,highly rated the 42XR4 .....

I have seen the 42 up close... just hung one last week and its a pretty impressive panel too...

Like I said just another review / data point,.. Some of the other reviews from them DVD players etc... seemed pretty on...

That's what I thought. I'll probably end up with the same set up as your buddy - have the S301 already, just need the 42XR4A.

That's what I thought. I'll probably end up with the same set up as your buddy - have the S301 already, just need the 42XR4A.
Let me know if you have any questions...

They rate the 50" a 10 out of 10 stars, plus an extra one "for optimum performance at the fair price." So, 11 out of 10 stars, meaning it's beyond perfection. :D

Here is their summary breakdown:

+ after optimization work sensational visual achievements
+ Exzellenter Scaler and outstanding De-Interlacer
+ point picture already in interaction with inexpensive Zuspielern possible
+ over component and over HDMI almost identical picture impressions
+ practical connection assembly,
+ altogether perfectly cut to the needs by Home Theatre users
+ much accessories optionally available
+ very favourable price

- correct attitude requires experience of the user
- remote maintenance not particularly high-quality





The 42" is rated 8 out of 10 stars, with this summary:

+ outstanding color reproduction
+ good schwarzwert
+ pleasant image definition
+ almost identical picture over component and HDMI

- visible panel noise
- only average contrast

Question: Is it just the way the flash is striking the two panels or does the 42" have a darker, more anti-reflective screen than the 50"? I'm sure this has been answered before but, who wants to scroll through 8000 pages to find the answer! (not me)

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k161/navelgaze/nec_testaufbau_1.jpg

....................
EDIT: If the Pioneer display was impossible to watch due to reflections, I doubt the NEC will do better in that regard.

I'm afraid you are correct with your assumption. I considered the possibility of drapes / blinds but the only ones that would work for me are room darkening blinds and I hate towatch TV in a completely dark room during the day.
Even at night I prefer some light so I can still read or use my laptop.

But from what I understand it is either plasma in a dark room (with amazing PQ) or LCD in a bright room.

Thanks for your explanation, I appreciate it.

Question: Is it just the way the flash is striking the two panels or does the 42" have a darker, more anti-reflective screen than the 50"? I'm sure this has been answered before but, who wants to scroll through 8000 pages to find the answer! (not me)

The glass is different/latest on the 42XR4, is somewhat less reflective, and uses one less layer of glass through a bonding process...as I understand it... but I think the picture makes it look more anti-reflective than it really is....

Thanks for clarifying.


I'm afraid you are correct with your assumption. I considered the possibility of drapes / blinds but the only ones that would work for me are room darkening blinds and I hate towatch TV in a completely dark room during the day.
Even at night I prefer some light so I can still read or use my laptop.

But from what I understand it is either plasma in a dark room (with amazing PQ) or LCD in a bright room.

Thanks for your explanation, I appreciate it.


I wonder..

has anyone tried or even heard of, with any brand of plasma, creating a second set of picture settings, slightly compromised from the ideal but which are geared for a brighter/"hotter" & sharper overall picture which will be more acceptable in bright daytime viewing scenarios? Then, when evening approaches, switch back to the optimal settings?

.. just thinking out loud here. I would imagine that it would be nearly impossible to create such a duo-setting calibration, particularly one where the two settings can be toggled quickly back 'n forth via a macro-creating remote control.

Or maybe not so impossible.. you tell me.

Thanks for clarifying.




I wonder..

has anyone tried or even heard of, with any brand of plasma, creating a second set of picture settings, slightly compromised from the ideal but which are geared for a brighter/"hotter" & sharper overall picture which will be more acceptable in bright daytime viewing scenarios? Then, when evening approaches, switch back to the optimal settings?

.. just thinking out loud here. I would imagine that it would be nearly impossible to create such a duo-setting calibration, particularly one where the two settings can be toggled quickly back 'n forth via a macro-creating remote control.

Or maybe not so impossible.. you tell me.
Well the NECs has several ways to accomplish this. You can commit a number of completely independent and complete picture settings to memory and switch between them with a single click/button. Also there is simply the Picture Mode thats goes from Cinema 2 (lowest) to Bright (the Brightest) that is intended for that very case... e.g. Cinema2 can be used in a low light setting and Bright could be used during the day...Is this what your asking or maybe I am waay off.. wouldn't be the first time.

yes, yes, that's basically what I was aiming for. Now, maybe it's the case that getting the picture bright enough to actually make a noticable enough difference in the daytime (i.e., lessening screen reflection to a reasonable degree of acceptability, if not necessarily to lcd standards of absolute minimal reflectivity) would result in butchering the picture to a totally unacceptable degree.

And when I say "unacceptable degree", I mean this in terms of a reasonable panel viewer. I know there are a fair number of extremely hardcore video types on this forum who throw words around like "awful" or "terrible" for picture quality compromises that most people would hardly even notice. Case in point, all the people who come to this forum to learn, take the plunge and purchase a plasma, and are shocked to find out that their panels are capable of displaying very good SD quality. They've come to expect so much worse because they've seen many of the hardcore videophile-types throw around words like "abysmal" or "lousy" when it comes to discussing SD broadcast quality on plasma screens. :rolleyes:

Now if GrandMasterJ could create such settings and take a few pictures of his reflective screen during the day with original and "improved" settings I would get a nice feel for what I can expect when I put a 50XR5 in my room :D

Here it is in a nut shell! When my NEC is on and fierd up I have an ear to ear smile and it just will not go away, kinda like buying a new Formula One Boat. Take a look below. They are smiling !

http://www.formulaboats.com/images/models/1099143/gallery/blaze_down.jpg (http://www.formulaboats.com/fastech/default.aspx)

Just got the TV!

Chris is right. This thing is GORGEOUS.

...and I haven't even turned the thing on yet!

:p

Just be careful with it, and don't watch Noggin for god's sake...they have a terrible little "bug" in the lower right hand corner... I pretty much have it burned into my set. It's not too visible (to anyone but me) but it drives me nuts. Don't leave a dvd or anything paused on it very long either. Other than the image retention, it's a beautiful set. Have fun with it.

Mark

Mark is that a pic of your fishing boat above?

Ha ha Chris... :-)

I wouldn't be caught dead in that POS...just kidding...my bassboat is a little shorter and older. I'm thinking about selling it if anyone's interested. We moved to a lake that has a 9.9hp limit on it, and I've got a small boat that I'll probably do most of my fishing from. Also, I don't have a garage for the boat, so right now it's down in Southern Ohio with my parents.

Later,
Mark

Two more screen shots:


http://www.glowracks.com/IMG_1911
http://www.glowracks.com/IMG_1912

Do you have Direct TV or is that through your local cable company?

Yep that is typical of what an HD picture looks like on my 50xr5A over my DishNet satellite.

Beautiful isn’t it?
How could it get any better then this?

Yep that is typical of what an HD picture looks like on my 50xr5A over my DishNet satellite.

Beautiful isn’t it?
How could it get any better then this?
You can't.......... :) :)

Makes me wat to get rid of Comcast and get DishNet

Well these are off Adelphia Cable with compnent video conections. I do not know which pics have a better message !! :)
http://www.clevelandplasma.com/cms_files/Image/Hosting/DSCF0805.JPG
http://www.clevelandplasma.com/cms_files/Image/Hosting/DSCF0808.JPG

Can somebody put a Chronicles of Riddick (HD DVD) pic on this thread from a NEC?...I can't my camera is not in operation right now....awesome combo

How could it get any better then this?

Make it bigger.:)

I have a problem. It's too bright. I am using a composite (yellow) video cord to connect my receiver to the display. My brightness is all the way down.

Blacks are really gray.

Suggestions?

What sort of signal are you sending to the set? composite is about the worst connection you can use. I wouldn't use it unless I was hooking up a VHS.

^^^^Use a digital transfer, Component or HDMI to the unit. Composite or S-Video are a terrible transfer of video signal.

I'll be buying some cables tomorrow. What would you recommend? Component or HDMI?

Either one is great. You can pick up component cables a lot cheaper than HDMI. Don't let a sales guy talk you into Monster or some other high priced cable. You can get a 6' component cable for less than 30 dollars, and they'll work just as well.

You can get cheap HDMI cables from monoprice.com, a forum sponsor.

Good site Lisa. Thanks for the info.

I have Dish Network running off of HDMI. If you like music, the RAVE channel plays concerts 24/7 in 5.1 digital surround. The picture and acoustics are stunning.

I'll be buying some cables tomorrow. What would you recommend? Component or HDMI?
As LisaM stated monoprice is great. If you are going a short distance 15ft or less you can stick with the 28awg, the 24awg are really nice but they are pretty bulky and probably over kill for a short distance.

I was watching my x5 yesterday and was thinking the PQ (great) however, looked soft. So I took my Comcast cable out of the surger and feed it directly into Comcast box. The PQ was slightly sharper. I have read -here- that ones' cable should go through a surge protector.
I was told that a surge could go through the box{ it can be sacrificed} and into my A/v Eq. I am not concerned with lighting. (Where we live if a lighting storm came through we would go up to the roof and watch w/ a bottle of wine... SF just does get lighting very often)
0. Any other suggestion on PQ sharpness? { yes- avia/cpcat/tony17> calibrated)
db

So here's my plan.

Cablebox
Video: Free component cables from Time Warner into XR5
Audio: Digital Coax into receiver

DVD Player
Video: HDMI into XR5
Audio: Optical into receiver

Xbox
Video: Component into XR5
Audio: Composite into receiver (Don't care much about audio while I'm playing)

So here's what I need at 5ft minimum...

- Optical Cable
- Digital Coax Cable
- HDMI Cable

Any recommendations from brick and mortar stores (perhaps Radio Shack or WALMART?) I'll upgrade later on. I just want to get up and running.

So here's my plan.

Cablebox
Video: Free component cables from Time Warner into XR5
Audio: Digital Coax into receiver

DVD Player
Video: HDMI into XR5
Audio: Optical into receiver

Xbox
Video: Component into XR5
Audio: Composite into receiver (Don't care much about audio while I'm playing)

So here's what I need at 5ft minimum...

- Optical Cable
- Digital Coax Cable
- HDMI Cable

Any recommendations from brick and mortar stores (perhaps Radio Shack or WALMART?) I'll upgrade later on. I just want to get up and running.

Welll...you can try walmart, radio shack is really not very inexpensive..your gonna pay at least $30 for the HDMI cable at walmart... where you could get a better one at monoprices for about $8... yep thats right...

Where are you located... if anywhere west monoprice shipout the same day and you could get it tomorow...

So here's my plan.

Cablebox
Video: Free component cables from Time Warner into XR5
Audio: Digital Coax into receiver

DVD Player
Video: HDMI into XR5
Audio: Optical into receiver

Xbox
Video: Component into XR5
Audio: Composite into receiver (Don't care much about audio while I'm playing)

So here's what I need at 5ft minimum...

- Optical Cable
- Digital Coax Cable
- HDMI Cable

Any recommendations from brick and mortar stores (perhaps Radio Shack or WALMART?) I'll upgrade later on. I just want to get up and running.

I also advise AGAINST using the component cables supplied by the cable co. - the ones comcast gave me were horrible.

So here's my plan.

Cablebox
Video: Free component cables from Time Warner into XR5
Audio: Digital Coax into receiver

DVD Player
Video: HDMI into XR5
Audio: Optical into receiver

Xbox
Video: Component into XR5
Audio: Composite into receiver (Don't care much about audio while I'm playing)

So here's what I need at 5ft minimum...

- Optical Cable
- Digital Coax Cable
- HDMI Cable

Any recommendations from brick and mortar stores (perhaps Radio Shack or WALMART?) I'll upgrade later on. I just want to get up and running.
BB sells AR cable.....lot cheaper and just as good as monster....but I would still order from monoprice.....

On this subject, what's the difference between the Premium cable and the regular listed at Monoprice?

Premium:
18AWG
Solid center conductor, Tinned copper braid
RG-6/U shielded

Regular:
22AWG
Stranded center conductor
RG-59/U shielded

Can somebody tell me what this means to me though? After reading some of the above posts I was thinking of replacing Cablevision's cables as everything they've given me is crap, including their box and service.

Thanks.

Anyone order from www.bluejeanscable.com?

What do you think of their cables?

Anyone order from www.bluejeanscable.com?

What do you think of their cables?

I bought a 25ft. HDMI cable from Blue Jeans Cable for my projector. It is a top quality cable for a great price. I also have Monoprice cables for my XR5. Outstanding value!!!! You can't go wrong with either.

You can get cheap HDMI cables from monoprice.com, a forum sponsor.

Thanks for the tip!

Here's what I ordered for CHEAP.

1 - High-quality Digital Coaxial Audio RCA Cable M/M RG59U 75ohm Gold connector S/PDIF Subwoofer - 12ft
1 - PREMIUM 12FT Optical Toslink 5.0mm Cable w/Fancy connector
2 - 12Ft 3-RCA Component Video Cable (RG-59/u)
1 - HDMI to HDMI Cable (24AWG) w/ net jacket- 6ft (Gold Plated) (N)

Not bad?

Anyone order from www.bluejeanscable.com?

What do you think of their cables?
Virtually all of my cables are from Blue Jeans and I'm a big fan. I went to them as opposed to Monoprice because of the ability to have cables cut to custom lengths to clean up my installation.

Belden cables and Canare connectors are hard to beat (for analog cables).

i have some & mono- nice workman ship. I have a component cables from my receiver to my plasma(set -up purpose). each individual cable is wrapped and then the group is wrapped. This method protects the cable better- i have a UCL-X Cantilever Mount which i move in&out allot.
db

Here you go guys. Some pics of my setup.

I got the stand this morning and set up the theater.

As you can see, I have a modest dvd player, (Cyberhome,) so I'll probably upgrade to an upconverting player...perhaps an Oppo.

http://gallery.avsforum.com/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=7532747

These images are in standard def from Time Warner running in Stadium mode. I'm thoroughly impressed by how well this tv displays standard definition. I can't wait to get my HD-DVR.

Enjoy. :)

Here you go guys. Some pics of my setup.

I got the stand this morning and set up the theater.

As you can see, I have a modest dvd player, (Cyberhome,) so I'll probably upgrade to an upconverting player...perhaps an Oppo.

http://gallery.avsforum.com/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=7532747

These images are in standard def from Time Warner running in Stadium mode. I'm thoroughly impressed by how well this tv displays standard definition. I can't wait to get my HD-DVR.

Enjoy. :)
Well done... your really gonna like HD... what cables did you end up getting...
I can vouch for Oppo great 200 dollar player, excellent... but if I were to do again I would look hard at the Toshiba HD-DVD now that there are more titles and it is a very good upconverter to.

Well done... your really gonna like HD... what cables did you end up getting...
I can vouch for Oppo great 200 dollar player, excellent... but if I were to do again I would look hard at the Toshiba HD-DVD now that there are more titles and it is a very good upconverter to.
Ditto for me. While I'm very happy with my Oppo, I could have spent a few hundred dollars more and had HD-DVD capability with the less expensive of the Toshibas. Having said that, it appears that people on this forum have mixed opinions regarding the upconverting capability of the Toshiba compared to the Oppo.

Ditto for me. While I'm very happy with my Oppo, I could have spent a few hundred dollars more and had HD-DVD capability with the less expensive of the Toshibas. Having said that, it appears that people on this forum have mixed opinions regarding the upconverting capability of the Toshiba compared to the Oppo.


I never had an Oppo but I do have the Toshiba HD DVD player and the up converting of a regular DVD is VERY VERY good!

You can tell an HD DVD from a regular one but not by a lot.

Ditto for me. While I'm very happy with my Oppo, I could have spent a few hundred dollars more and had HD-DVD capability with the less expensive of the Toshibas. Having said that, it appears that people on this forum have mixed opinions regarding the upconverting capability of the Toshiba compared to the Oppo.

Home Theater Secrets ranks the Oppo above the HD-A1 for SD DVDs

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/cgi-bin/shootout.cgi?function=search&articles=all

but then again you get HD-DVD with the A1...which ranks above any upconverted SD DVD :)

Well thanks a bunch for that link! My DVD player passed on the other day and I've been looking for a list like that.

When the new models with HDMI 1.3 come out later this year, that's mainly for Blu Ray / HD DVD, not much use for it on SD DVD players, right?

Well, it's official. After several false starts over the last few years, wondering which display I could not only live with but thoroughly enjoy, I will be making the HD plunge with a 50XR5. Thank you for all of your candid comments on the display, and thank you to Chris for being a pleasure to deal with on the phone today. Next up is ordering some HD service and getting an antenna for locals!

Thanks to all,
Mike

Well thanks a bunch for that link! My DVD player passed on the other day and I've been looking for a list like that.

When the new models with HDMI 1.3 come out later this year, that's mainly for Blu Ray / HD DVD, not much use for it on SD DVD players, right?
Heres a good link for that...
http://www.ultimateavmag.com/news/020506hdmi/
Seems like your assumption makes sense...

Well done... your really gonna like HD... what cables did you end up getting...
I can vouch for Oppo great 200 dollar player, excellent... but if I were to do again I would look hard at the Toshiba HD-DVD now that there are more titles and it is a very good upconverter to.

Got mine from monoprice.com. They should be here today.

Only problem is that I haven't really watched anything in HD yet. My local cable company has run out of HD-DVR's in my area for the time being.

A friend of mine is bringing his Toshiba, upconverting DVD player tonight. If it looks good, I'll consider buying that model.

SPECULATION: NEC might have an early release of the 60XR5A !! Mid October !!

Well, it's official. After several false starts over the last few years, wondering which display I could not only live with but thoroughly enjoy, I will be making the HD plunge with a 50XR5. Thank you for all of your candid comments on the display, and thank you to Chris for being a pleasure to deal with on the phone today. Next up is ordering some HD service and getting an antenna for locals!

Thanks to all,
Mike
Congratulations on the purchase! You'll be thrilled with the PQ. However, note that you will need some sort of outboard HD tuner for the OTA signals. The 50XR5A does not have any on board tuning capabilities.

Yep... I've got Dish Network for SD right now; gotta give them a call and see when I can get a 622 here. Would be nice if they had Hartford locals in HD, but antenna is just fine with me!

After several months and delays on just about everything humanly possible, I finally have my HT up and running. Center stage is my new NEC 61XR4! I took some photos to share. All in all I spent around $16K for the entire setup soup to nuts. That includes all electronics, wiring, curtains, lighting, wall posters, couches, and step up platform.

NEC 61XR4
Ideallume Panel light
Pioneer Elite Receiver 72TXvi
X-Box 360
Panamax M5100-EX power center/surge protector
Tannoy 6.1 speaker system

here are the rest.

Wow. Very nice. :)

cpcat: If you had to guess when do you think NEC will cojme out with their first 1080p set?

Would you agree that perhaps 50-inches might be too small to enjoy its increased resolution unles you sit fairly close?

cpcat: If you had to guess when do you think NEC will cojme out with their first 1080p set?

Would you agree that perhaps 50-inches might be too small to enjoy its increased resolution unles you sit fairly close?

I would guess Fall '07 but that is nothing but a guess. I have absolutely no inside info. Chris might.

For the second question, I'd say you'll need to sit somewhere around 9ft. or even closer to benefit at 50 inch diagonal.


Approximate "watershed" screen size/ viewing distances for 720p/768p vs. 1080p screen resolution:

32 inches 6 feet
37 inches 7 feet
42 inches 8 feet
50 inches 9 feet
55 inches 10 feet
60 inches 11 feet
65 inches 12 feet
103 inches 18 feet :)

These are conservative estimates which are probably somewhat biased towards getting a 1080p screen. As long as you will sit further away or have a smaller screen at the size/distance specified, you are fine with 720p/768p. If you are on the watershed, consider a 1080p screen. If you are significantly larger/closer, you ideally need a 1080p screen

After several months and delays on just about everything humanly possible, I finally have my HT up and running. Center stage is my new NEC 61XR4! I took some photos to share. All in all I spent around $16K for the entire setup soup to nuts. That includes all electronics, wiring, curtains, lighting, wall posters, couches, and step up platform.
Tannoy 6.1 speaker system
Here! Here! Nicely done!

here are the rest.

congrats!

I have the 50XR5 and ideal lume also .... I use the ideal lume pretty much every night even though I thought I would only use it to watch DVDs... it does relaxes the eye a lot......

i'm seating 8.5 feet away from the 50" ... pretty good resolution if you ask me... to shell out for 1080p at current (high) prices.... it would have to be 55+ inches at my viewing distance.....

Hello All - I JUST got my 50xr5 from Cleveland Plasma. Awesome ship time.
Anyway - I have heard people here talk about "breaking" their set in, 100 initial hours of viewing, calibrations, etc...

Just looking to see if someone can briefly give me some initial configuration advice for my unit....

Thanks

Hello All - I JUST got my 50xr5 from Cleveland Plasma. Awesome ship time.
Anyway - I have heard people here talk about "breaking" their set in, 100 initial hours of viewing, calibrations, etc...

Just looking to see if someone can briefly give me some initial configuration advice for my unit....

Thanks

hey Booyaa,

Congrats on the new set -

below are CPCAPT's set for when your plasma is broken in .. just reduce the contrast (to around 35) and brightness (to around 28) and ensure you have no black bars on anything. and no static images... movies or 4:3 TV ..... use the NEC's wide mode to get rid of the black bars .......



_________________________________________________________
CPCAT's

NEC 50XR5 through HDMI inputs, HDMI set to "high" in setup menu

Contrast 48
Brt 36
Sharp 0
Color 28
Tint 31
Color Temp Mid (at default values, all 40)
Pic mode Theater 1
Gamma 2.2
Pedestal 0
Low tone auto

_________________________________________________________


I have done 400 hours so far and I still see Image Retention (IR), so I'm careful not to have black bars very often .. only on some DVDs.... apart from that... no Burn-in and excellent PQ...

Anyone seen that Disneyworld commercial where the kid says "But we're too excited to sleep!" ??

Yeah, that's me right now. 8 hours or so until the display arrives, Dish HD service shortly thereafter (if all goes well)...

:D

Good times!

Mike

Marcelo -

Thanks man!!! I will definitely do that. As far as break-in, do you suggest using that DVD that changes the color every 30 seconds?

NEC owners, what are your thoughts on the current Pioneer gen, which are available for viewing in the big stores. Has Pioneer PQ closed the gap with NEC? Any particular shortcomings strike you?

Thanks for your input!

It's here and it's gorgeous. :)

Many thanks, Chris! Came in perfect condition.

I'll figure out how to post pics in a bit... for now, want to get the settings straightened out!

HD heaven... finally. :)

Thanks,
Mike

NEC owners, what are your thoughts on the current Pioneer gen, which are available for viewing in the big stores. Has Pioneer PQ closed the gap with NEC? Any particular shortcomings strike you?

Thanks for your input!


What size are you after? Chris from Cleveland Plasma raves about the value of the 42" Pio CMX monitor plasma, esp. if you include the circa $600 add-in card. Supposedly at the Pioneer Elite quality with the card, with plenty-o connections. Do a search of his posts to dig up more specifics. This might be a viable alternative, esp. if you prefer the Pioneer bezel style. I'm guessing that the NEC & Pioneer CMX (I forget the numbers part of the model name) w/ the add-on card will be about the same price.

I'll continue to be mulling over the current crop of Panasonic, Pioneer and NEC 42" models for the next few months. These are on my short list. With the latest round of price drops, I'm slowly inching my way closer and closer and...

Marcelo -

Thanks man!!! I will definitely do that. As far as break-in, do you suggest using that DVD that changes the color every 30 seconds?


You're welcome...

I did the download the DVD.... but I'm always so keen to actually watch stuff... that I never had time to run the DVD....

what I did for the first 3 weeks was to run the white screen overnight for 30-60 minutes and put the plasma on off timer......

most people didn't do that.... but I'm a bit paranoid..... :cool:

I'm being very careful for the first 1000 hours.....

ok i got mine up and running. initially my LCD looks better

I hope this gets better or im doing something wrong

ok i got mine up and running. initially my LCD looks better

I hope this gets better or im doing something wrong
Whats your setup?...
Give us some info to work with maybe we can help...

OK sure thanks

I have an Hughes H-20 HD Satellite box from DirecTv
I have a Samsung HTDS-1000 Home theater
I have an XBOX 360
I go HDMI from H20 to TV
HDMI from Samsung HTDS-1000 (DVD) to TV
I go component from XBOX 360 to TV
Both Sat and Xbox 360 go digital optical to HTDS-1000

I guess the main thing that sticks out at me is there is no 720p - or is there?

It seems like my H20 keeps wanting to to 1080i to the TV

I have the NEC 50xr5 set with the suggested settings:

Contrast 48
Brt 36
Sharp 0
Color 28
Tint 31
Color Temp Mid (at default values, all 40)
Pic mode Theater 1
Gamma 2.2
Pedestal 0
Low tone auto

I first turned on the race on TNT in HD - it seems real blotchy...

The football game (which is the impetus for this whole friggin thing) seems blotchy too - not like my LCD

Discovery HD looks the best..

I know this sounds stupid - but does it matter if I can do 720p or not? Or can I?

Any suggestions? Thanks in advnace guys

OK sure thanks

I have an Hughes H-20 HD Satellite box from DirecTv
I have a Samsung HTDS-1000 Home theater
I have an XBOX 360
I go HDMI from H20 to TV
HDMI from Samsung HTDS-1000 (DVD) to TV
I go component from XBOX 360 to TV
Both Sat and Xbox 360 go digital optical to HTDS-1000

I guess the main thing that sticks out at me is there is no 720p - or is there?

It seems like my H20 keeps wanting to to 1080i to the TV

I have the NEC 50xr5 set with the suggested settings:

Contrast 48
Brt 36
Sharp 0
Color 28
Tint 31
Color Temp Mid (at default values, all 40)
Pic mode Theater 1
Gamma 2.2
Pedestal 0
Low tone auto

I first turned on the race on TNT in HD - it seems real blotchy...

The football game (which is the impetus for this whole friggin thing) seems blotchy too - not like my LCD

Discovery HD looks the best..

I know this sounds stupid - but does it matter if I can do 720p or not? Or can I?

Any suggestions? Thanks in advnace guys
Quick Thoughts...
Hookup looks good....

I am not an expert on Direct TV and H20 STB my box(Cable SA8300) has passthru, some STB will try to send your panels max resolution, it would be best to send the NEC the source signal's native resolution and let the NEC do its thing.. However the NEC is excellent at 1080i.

The blotchy is source related not Panel related.... You can read in the HD Programming forum alot of complaints about Thursdays game....And now that you have an execellent panel you may see more "Shortcomings in weak sources... however you will definitely enjoy the good sources"... HD can range from OK to specatacular....

SD can range from poor to Very Good... and is very source dependent....

What are resolution are you feeding the DVD to the Panel....

For breaking those setting might be a bit hot... ohh... you have it on theater 1 should be ok... just keep an eye on it...

Let us know how it goes over the next couple days...Read a little about the sports programming some games can llok very good other you will have the motion pixelation... again that is source related (compression / decompression etc) not the panel.

Thanks vader.. I appreciate it..

You mean if my satellites max res is 1080i - set the NEC to that and let it roll?
Also, would it be wise to screen wipe occasaionally for break in?
And finally - what kind of viewing do you suggest for this break -in period? HD/the break-in DVD, SD, ?? Do you think my picture will get better with more use?

Thanks vader.. I appreciate it..

You mean if my satellites max res is 1080i - set the NEC to that and let it roll?
No I mean try to set your STB as a passthru...e.g. ABC is 720p and HBO is 1080i, if you can make the STB send those resolutions to the NEC, you may need to chec with the forum on your box


Also, would it be wise to screen wipe occasaionally for break in?
I didn't...If I got any IR 5 min on Disc HD did the trick...I fact I have never used the screen wiper in the nearly 6 months I have owned mine...


And finally - what kind of viewing do you suggest for this break -in period? HD/the break-in DVD, SD, ?? Do you think my picture will get better with more use?


I did a mix of the Breakin DVD, HD and SD stretched, that worked fine... If you really want to rack up the hours you can leave it (supervised) on the Breakin DVD or Disc HD..

As to picture is better... again I think it has more to do with the source..., check the thread on Dish and H20 STB...

I've been looking into a new set. I currently have the Panasonic TH-42PWD8UK, and it's great, but I need something a little bigger. I've been very intrigued by the NEC sets; I like the connectivity and seems as though almost everyone that has one is happy with their set. I do have one major concern though, and that is IR. I have only experienced IR on my st once and it was because I fell asleep watching a Red Sox game, and the HD went from 16:9 to a 4:3, and it didn't take more than an hour of watching 16:9 again to make it go away. It seems (based on what I've read in this thread) that the NEC may be more prone to IR than the Panasonics. My set sees a ton of Noggin (stupid logo), lots of sports, and hours of gaming. Is this going to be a problem with an NEC even after break-in?

For reference, I'm looking at either the 50" or 61"

Vader - appreciate it dude....

Ill f with it from here moving forward. Discovery HD looks damn good. I think I will leave it on there until I rack up the 100 hours...

2 more quick questions if you dont mind

1. You mentioned my settings being "hot" for break in. Please elaborate. I now have mine set to contrast 30 bright 30 color 25 and picture normal until I rack up the 100.

2. How about powering this thing on/off? Is it recommended to stay away from that? I know I am being granular but Sunday is Sunday and football is football... I dont want my new baby fd up

dude thanks for replyin and hookin me up

later

It seems (based on what I've read in this thread) that the NEC may be more prone to IR than the Panasonics.

For reference, I'm looking at either the 50" or 61"
There seems to be a significant difference between the NEC 42" (42xr4a) and 50" (50xr5a), with the 42" having significantly less IR issues. The 42xr4a uses glass similar (identical?) to the current gen Pioneers (4270, 5070) which also have hardly any reports of IR.

Meanwhile the NEC 50xr5a, although it may have some IR issues, is still manageable, if you use a little prudence. It is probably more IR prone than the Panaconics, but it is still manageable.

So, if your household is watching 4:3 noggin all day long, you might shy away from the 50xr5a, but if you keep control of the viewing, and make good use of the zoom, stretch, brightness etc features, then the 50xr5a should be fine.

As one professional posted, there is a phenomenon where the pixels that are being used start to glow a little hotter than the ones that are not used, and this can create a temprorary after-image when you switch from viewing blak bars to no black bars. But this is a very temporary phenomenon, and the screen evens out as soon as the cold pixels warm up.

Chris from Cleveland Plasma raves about the value of the 42" Pio CMX monitor plasma, esp. if you include the circa $600 add-in card.
I'm sold on the bonded filter glass used by the NEC 42xr4a and the current Pioneers 4270/5070. It looks like this year's new Pioneer 42" industrial 425CMX does not have the bonded filter type glass, based on the illustration on page 3 of the brochure:

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pio/pe/images/portal/cit_3424/295266669PDP-425CMX_final.pdf

They do not mention a bonded filter anywhere, and the illustration on page 3 clearly shows two panes of glass, while the bonded filter type glass only uses one pane of glass. Also the third digit of the product 425CMX is a 5, which to me suggests "5th gen" as opposed to the 7th gen glass in the consumer 4270, 5070. So, if the 425CMX is using Pio 5th gen glass, then it is indeed double paned like last year's 5060 4360 etc.

So, since I am sold on the bonded filter glass, I will pass on the 425CMX.

Meanwhile the new NEC's coming out this month at CEDIA I expect will have the bonded filter glass in the 50" size for the first time, which should be nifty. I expect this will also reduce the IR issues that the 50xr5a has to some degree.

Just received my 50xr5 and a Motorola 6416 HD box, the HD box has options for what color space it puts out, does this matter?
If so what should it be it is at 4:4:4 right now?

Thanks in advance.

Just received my 50xr5 and a Motorola 6416 HD box, the HD box has options for what color space it puts out, does this matter?
If so what should it be it is at 4:4:4 right now?

Thanks in advance.

try them and see what looks best ... 4:2:2 is 10bit, 4:4:4 is 8 bit, RGB is 8 bit ..

I've been looking into a new set. I currently have the Panasonic TH-42PWD8UK, and it's great, but I need something a little bigger. I've been very intrigued by the NEC sets; I like the connectivity and seems as though almost everyone that has one is happy with their set. I do have one major concern though, and that is IR. I have only experienced IR on my st once and it was because I fell asleep watching a Red Sox game, and the HD went from 16:9 to a 4:3, and it didn't take more than an hour of watching 16:9 again to make it go away. It seems (based on what I've read in this thread) that the NEC may be more prone to IR than the Panasonics. My set sees a ton of Noggin (stupid logo), lots of sports, and hours of gaming. Is this going to be a problem with an NEC even after break-in?

For reference, I'm looking at either the 50" or 61"

I seem to recall someone who had a problem caused by the Noggin logo. If you buy the NEC and your kids watch a lot of Noggin, perhaps you can zoom the picture and cut off the logo?

Guys I have 30 total hours on my NEX PX-50XR5

I left it on the Directv menu for 5-10 min to see if i got this dreaded IR. I did. I then turned it back to Discovery HD where I was lucky enough to see a nature show in the snow. I could clearly see the outline of the directv menu. But it did go away...

COuple things..

1. If I would have left that channel on for a longer duration, would the IR been more severe and taken longer to dissolve?

2. Football is on today - is it safe to watch it with those score tickers and stuff? SHould I use the wiper while watcing football during my breakin period...

Should I be watching football at all during my break in period?

Please advise...

Guys I have 30 total hours on my NEX PX-50XR5

I left it on the Directv menu for 5-10 min to see if i got this dreaded IR. I did. I then turned it back to Discovery HD where I was lucky enough to see a nature show in the snow. I could clearly see the outline of the directv menu. But it did go away...

COuple things..

1. If I would have left that channel on for a longer duration, would the IR been more severe and taken longer to dissolve?

2. Football is on today - is it safe to watch it with those score tickers and stuff? SHould I use the wiper while watcing football during my breakin period...

Should I be watching football at all during my break in period?

Please advise...
Yeah.... longer is worse....no need to expirement....

If you are worried about the ticker at the bottom, just zoom in a couple clicks and whalluh the ticker will be gone...
IMHO don't overly attached to using the wiper... just use Disc HD
As to powering on/off I wouldn't worry about it as long as you are not sitting there turning on/off 100 times in a row.

Just received my 50xr5 and a Motorola 6416 HD box, the HD box has options for what color space it puts out, does this matter?
If so what should it be it is at 4:4:4 right now?

Thanks in advance.
Where was that option... and what did you pick?

bvader,
To access the option on the HD box, I powered off the unit and hit the menu button, it gives you few options 4:4:4 and RGB, I think the 4:4:4 looked best but I haven't really tested too much as I was pretty busy moving. If I find out something different I'll keep post my changes, thanks for you help earlier.

Newbees should just use the zoom feature while breaking in your unit.Just stick with HDNET, 24/7 and just chill. I did this and I have no IR. {This means you dissed the logo...} I did get up the second night, at about 2AM and the channel I was zoomed into was bradcasting 'Top GUN' with Tom Cruise. Great show, terrible HD Picture. I went back to bed. The rest has been total Nirvana.

Perhaps I should go to the tweak thread.....
Anyway, I was under the impression that my 50XM5 has caller I.D. if I plug in a tlelphone cable. What did I do wrong? The manual skips this. Any thoughts...?

I'm sold on the bonded filter glass used by the NEC 42xr4a and the current Pioneers 4270/5070. It looks like this year's new Pioneer 42" industrial 425CMX does not have the bonded filter type glass, based on the illustration on page 3 of the brochure:

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pio/pe/images/portal/cit_3424/295266669PDP-425CMX_final.pdf

They do not mention a bonded filter anywhere, and the illustration on page 3 clearly shows two panes of glass, while the bonded filter type glass only uses one pane of glass. Also the third digit of the product 425CMX is a 5, which to me suggests "5th gen" as opposed to the 7th gen glass in the consumer 4270, 5070. So, if the 425CMX is using Pio 5th gen glass, then it is indeed double paned like last year's 5060 4360 etc.

So, since I am sold on the bonded filter glass, I will pass on the 425CMX.

Meanwhile the new NEC's coming out this month at CEDIA I expect will have the bonded filter glass in the 50" size for the first time, which should be nifty. I expect this will also reduce the IR issues that the 50xr5a has to some degree.


My understanding, from reading one of the "Pioneer" threads in this forum, is that the 42" 425CMX commercial model is a generation later than the current Pioneer 50" commercial equivalent. I'm not suggesting that this means it has the bonded glass, but at least it's advanced beyond their current 50" in other ways. In any case, if bonded glass is important to you, great. You were looking for feedback, so I offered all I knew, albeit not a whole lot.. just didn't want your query left twisting in the wind. :D

Hello All - I JUST got my 50xr5 from Cleveland Plasma. Awesome ship time.
Anyway - I have heard people here talk about "breaking" their set in, 100 initial hours of viewing, calibrations, etc...

Just looking to see if someone can briefly give me some initial configuration advice for my unit....

Thanks

I calibrate my set using the monster calibration disc. It works very, very quickly and reduces the settings. I will redo the calibration again later.

Initial configuration. simple. Go to Discovery or HDNET (Discovery is best), zoom out any logos and leave it on for a week. Oh, enjoy!

Newbees should just use the zoom feature while breaking in your unit.

I'm well aware of how a plasma is broken in, however, it seems that many have IR issues with the NEC 50's even after break in. My current Panasonic display has absolutely no IR after hours of gaming, watching 4:3 content or Noggin Logo for an entire day. I am very keen on the 50XR5A, it has exceptional connectivity, a nice bezel, and the dimensions will work for me; but IR or Burn in is an absolute deal breaker. The last thing I want to do every night is leave the set on HD DISC for a few hours to erase IR from the day, further to that, I should not have to.

Chris @ Cleveland - you're more than familiar with the Panasonics and the NEC's - do you have any thoughts or comments? With several small children, a ton of Noggin, sports and gaming, what would you suggest?

I'm well aware of how a plasma is broken in, however, it seems that many have IR issues with the NEC 50's even after break in. My current Panasonic display has absolutely no IR after hours of gaming, watching 4:3 content or Noggin Logo for an entire day. I am very keen on the 50XR5A, it has exceptional connectivity, a nice bezel, and the dimensions will work for me; but IR or Burn in is an absolute deal breaker. The last thing I want to do every night is leave the set on HD DISC for a few hours to erase IR from the day, further to that, I should not have to.

Chris @ Cleveland - you're more than familiar with the Panasonics and the NEC's - do you have any thoughts or comments? With several small children, a ton of Noggin, sports and gaming, what would you suggest?
in the entire thread I think there has been only one case of burn in ..... but everyone, absolutely everyone has IR on this set ...... I've done 400 hours and I still have lots of IR .......

so, fantastic resolution, detail, etc.... but lots of IR..... so I would not recommend this set to someone who would worry about IR, or not be willing to 'babysit' this plasma..... its a pain.... but for me its worth it.....

Chris @ Cleveland - you're more than familiar with the Panasonics and the NEC's - do you have any thoughts or comments? With several small children, a ton of Noggin, sports and gaming, what would you suggest?
My opinion: I feel that the NEC do show a little more IR than most panels however all panels show IR to some degree. IR is nothing to be worried about as it is not burn in!! During this thread two people have left there units on pause overnight for about 10 hours and there displays showed no burn in after about the same amount of normal use. In my book I feel this unit has a better warranty, more connections, better scaler (no question), and NEC customer support is out of this world.

My NEC 50XR5A shows some IR still to this day, I do not feel it is a pain as I do not worry about it. I know I can't wait to have a new 60XR5A on my wall :) Who else is with me??

This week at CEDIA NEC will probably announce their new models; the new 50" is expected to use the bonded filter glass that the current 42xr4a and the current pioneer 5070/4270 use. In this case, the new NEC 50" should have less IR issues, as the bonded glass models seem to have less IR issues as a rule.

But as Chris rightly points out, there is a big difference between IR and burn in: IR is probably just the phenomenon of hot vs cold pixels, (the hot ones glow brighter), and once you change away from the static image, the pixels all warm up and the IR goes away. So if you have nerves of steel and realize that it is just a temporary phonomenon, then don't worry about it, because the IR goes away in 5 minutes or so every time.

from what I hear

I don't look for IR and I don't see it. Yes, I am particular and if this was a real problem I would say so. That I don't see it could have something to do with the fact that I zoom out all logos, not that I watch much TV that has logos in the corner. My habits are movies on HBO, etc. I do watch baseball and football and I zoom out the top corner score, but not the stuff that is deeper into the picture.

I think it is more beneficial to notice that this is the 4,000th post on this thread that has almost no regrets by people who actually bought the unit. I am unaware of any other product-thread at AVSFORUM that can match this record.

whats the best/safest way to clean the front panel?

I don't look for IR and I don't see it. Yes, I am particular and if this was a real problem I would say so. That I don't see it could have something to do with the fact that I zoom out all logos, not that I watch much TV that has logos in the corner. My habits are movies on HBO, etc. I do watch baseball and football and I zoom out the top corner score, but not the stuff that is deeper into the picture.

I think it is more beneficial to notice that this is the 4,000th post on this thread that has almost no regrets by people who actually bought the unit. I am unaware of any other product-thread at AVSFORUM that can match this record.

I have to agree with Jeff. While I'm as anal as they come and do look for IR and do occasionally see it, it will only be when it is set against a completely static black or white screen (a la right before a movie starts, ect). That being said, it goes away very quickly and is never an issue. I do not regret purchasing my 50XR5 one bit. I has worked flawlessly since day one, and I have no doubt that it will continue to provide years of great service.

If I had to nit-pick, the only possible thing that I could say is that having this plasma has made me hunger for an even larger stage, but that is a horse of a completely different color. :D

Thanks for the responses. I guess I'm just a little concerned that IR will lead to burn in, but as Chris stated, no one has actually suffered from burn in issues. What's the typical price difference between the Panasonics and the NEC's? Panasonic just saw a nice reduction recently.

Thanks again!

whats the best/safest way to clean the front panel?

I know monster is overpriced for most things... but their plasma/flat panel cleaning gel is excellent... it comes with a microfiber cloth.... it works very well.. I use it once a fortnight..... it also repels dust....

Thanks for the responses. I guess I'm just a little concerned that IR will lead to burn in, but as Chris stated, no one has actually suffered from burn in issues. What's the typical price difference between the Panasonics and the NEC's? Panasonic just saw a nice reduction recently.

Thanks again!


as Chris mentioned before.... IR is not burn in ..... so .. no burn in issues for me...

I don't know about NEC but i suspect there will be bundles of price reductions as next year's models will be the new push. It is probably wise to buy in the Autumn for this reason...much like buying a new car.

This year might see greater deals...with the new 1080P units coming into the market.

Those of you who have recently purchased the 50xr5, please share with me your buying decision. I am considering this vs. the Pio 5070 or the 505/507 CMX.

I do not need a tuner. (Comcast 6412 HD/DVR) I watch college/pro HD football/golf etc., primetime network HD, some SD, no gaming.

My 1st plasma was the Pio 4312 (Costco). I loved the brightness of this display which I had ISF'd. Black levels were not great but it was superb for HD football/sports etc.

I currently have the 50' Panny 50u. It's OK with better black levels, but it's colors lack the brightness/punch/vibrancy of the Pio.

I know alot of folks bought the NEC last fall/winter when the Panny's were hard to get.

I'd really be interested to hear from those of you who bought the xr5 recently with the current availibility of the Pio's/Panny's etc. and why.

Thanks in advance.

Ken

I've read almost all the 4000 posts in this thread; I saw no buyers remorse.

Please reference above post and thanks for your help

I just purchased a 50xr5 and believe it looks very close to the new Pio 5070 which was my choice over the Panny 60u, I haven't seen them side by side but I really like the picture of the NEC!

the 505/507 CMX.
Is the 507 CMX available anywhere, or is it just rumorware?

Not yet. The 507CMX and 607CMX should be out sometime in October. NEC's release should be in November, Decemeber.

What will those models have over the current displays?

Those of you who have recently purchased the 50xr5, please share with me your buying decision. I am considering this vs. the Pio 5070 or the 505/507 CMX.

I do not need a tuner. (Comcast 6412 HD/DVR) I watch college/pro HD football/golf etc., primetime network HD, some SD, no gaming.

My 1st plasma was the Pio 4312 (Costco). I loved the brightness of this display which I had ISF'd. Black levels were not great but it was superb for HD football/sports etc.

I currently have the 50' Panny 50u. It's OK with better black levels, but it's colors lack the brightness/punch/vibrancy of the Pio.

I know alot of folks bought the NEC last fall/winter when the Panny's were hard to get.

I'd really be interested to hear from those of you who bought the xr5 recently with the current availibility of the Pio's/Panny's etc. and why.

Thanks in advance.

Ken



I am in a similar position. I am lookng at the Pioneer 5070, Pany 9UK, and NEC. Any opinions would be appreciated.

I am in a similar position. I am lookng at the Pioneer 5070, Pany 9UK, and NEC. Any opinions would be appreciated.
One very minor but interesting point .....

To be clear I am not knocking 9UK/starting a beef etc...., I am very intrested in this panel for a friend (I have and 50XR5). One minor complaint you can find in the 9UK thread is that when using the HDMI blade and being fed RGB colorspace over HDMI, you cannot adjust color and tint, where as you can with the NEC.... I am not sure why...but boiled down that means you may not be able to adjust color/tint from your STB (.e.g). I Still don't have a complete understanding why not on 9uk and why can on NEC.

Interesting that you can't adjust color as mentioned on the 9uk in HDMI mode.

If the NEC's have the same color vibrancy and brightness as the Pio's, that's the way I'm leaning.

I'm no expert, but after reading all posts in the NEC thread (yeah, I do have another life of work, golf and HD football), could the IR issues have something to do with the brightness of the display?

If so, thats a positive to me; I really miss the vibrancy of my Pio.

To me, the biggest difference between the NEC and the 9UK is that you cannot stretch a non-HD show which is being broadcast on an HD channel on the 9UK (other that by manipulating the set top box). I really like having the ability to use Stadium to stretch a program being broadcast with bars in order to protect the panel.

I also like the ability on the NEC to change individual colors. For example, I can tone down red and magenta just a bit if faces are too sunburned.

Interesting that you can't adjust color as mentioned on the 9uk in HDMI mode.

If the NEC's have the same color vibrancy and brightness as the Pio's, that's the way I'm leaning.

I'm no expert, but after reading all posts in the NEC thread (yeah, I do have another life of work, golf and HD football), could the IR issues have something to do with the brightness of the display?

If so, thats a positive to me; I really miss the vibrancy of my Pio.

Just to be clear... its on RGB colorspace over HDMI that you can't adjust... see the 9UK thread for more...

I watch allllll sorts of content and definitely am and will watch 2.35 content and HD Football... 5 minutes of Disch HD clean any IR up....BUT I am not an 8 hour a day noggin guy...

I was a little IR concerned at first... now its not a concern at all...running Disc HD for 5 mins is like brushing my teeth before bed...

BUT I am not an 8 hour a day noggin guy...


I am an 8 hour a day noggin guy, which is why I'm a little worried about burn in of that damn logo. I guess I could zoom it out though, it' not like the kids would notice, or care for that matter.

I am an 8 hour a day noggin guy, which is why I'm a little worried about burn in of that damn logo. I guess I could zoom it out though, it' not like the kids would notice, or care for that matter.
I am really waiting for someone to invent that logo remover... if it takes much longer I'm gonna have to do it myself...;)

I'd like to know why they think we need a constant reminder of what channel we have on...they all do it nowadays.

could the IR issues have something to do with the brightness of the display?
As a rule, higher brightness = more IR issues. Then again, the NEC/Pio's that use the bonded filter glass are bright but have few IR issues, so it is the best of both worlds.

OK noob here needin help:

I got an XBOX 360 - My new NEC is around the 100 hr mark. No IR so far. I have kept it on low settings on DIscovery HD religiously...

Should I keep breaking in a little longer before gaming...

Anyone have expierence gaming on this thing?

Back on the topic of image retention...I have 525 hours on my XR5a now (about 1/4 of which is from the plasma break-in VCD), and I'm still seeing significant IR on my 50XR5a :confused:

For instance, when watching a 16:9 HD program and a 4:3 commercial sequence appears for ~3 minutes, by the time the program returns one can clearly see that the middle (4:3) section of the panel is brighter than the sides ... this typically resolves itself after 3-4 minutes, but can go on for a while longer if the scenes in the 16:9 content are not bright!

Similarly, when displaying a 2.35:1 aspect ratio DVD movie for any length of time, upon stopping the movie (or switching to a 16:9 HD program), the top & bottom of the screen are significantly less bright than the center ... this can take upwards of 10+ minutes to resolve! For this reason I've taken to watching said movies in "2.35" mode, which I find annoying.

Too, this unit is already "dialed in" ... that is, brightness & contrast are set to moderate levels (25 and 40, respectively, out of 72), and gamma is at the default of 2.2.

Are other folks seeing similar symptoms with your NEC panels? I had thought that the display would be much less sensitive to IR after several hundred hours, but I can't really see any significant improvement over when it was new.

comparing sending different resolutions to the plasma from the DVDO

720 - solid PQ, stable - great
1080i - very film like, if a bit softer
768p (native) - sharp, solid, film-like & Crystal clear - makes the other resolutions look a bit 'fuzzy' in comparisson ..... even 720p

if you have a chance to see this panel at native rate, .. do it .... its fantastic.
BM - did you need to tweak any settings on the NEC (e.g., in the service menu) or on the VP30 in order to feed the NEC 1365x768 native rate? Or does the VP have this setting as one of the defaults, and will enabling it simply drive the XR5 at NR?

BTW, what DVD player are you using as the transport?

Back on the topic of image retention...I have 525 hours on my XR5a now (about 1/4 of which is from the plasma break-in VCD), and I'm still seeing significant IR on my 50XR5a :confused:

For instance, when watching a 16:9 HD program and a 4:3 commercial sequence appears for ~3 minutes, by the time the program returns one can clearly see that the middle (4:3) section of the panel is brighter than the sides ... this typically resolves itself after 3-4 minutes, but can go on for a while longer if the scenes in the 16:9 content are not bright!

Similarly, when displaying a 2.35:1 aspect ratio DVD movie for any length of time, upon stopping the movie (or switching to a 16:9 HD program), the top & bottom of the screen are significantly less bright than the center ... this can take upwards of 10+ minutes to resolve! For this reason I've taken to watching said movies in "2.35" mode, which I find annoying.

Too, this unit is already "dialed in" ... that is, brightness & contrast are set to moderate levels (25 and 40, respectively, out of 72), and gamma is at the default of 2.2.

Are other folks seeing similar symptoms with your NEC panels? I had thought that the display would be much less sensitive to IR after several hundred hours, but I can't really see any significant improvement over when it was new.


I have the 42xr4 and I am not seeing any IR at all after 8 months with the panel. This leads me to wonder if there is a significant difference between the 42xr4 and the 50xr5 in this area.

Perhaps my wife is correct and I am not seeing as well as I used to....

I have to say that the only IR I have ever experienced on my 50XM5 was when I used an earlier model of a Dish Satellite receiver that showed the CD titles in black against a white screen. As they bounced around like an old pong video game I could see a 'tail' follow the information that would fade like the wake from a boat.

The new Dish 622 shows the titles in black on a blue field and now no IR.

Concerning the IR problem raised by bri1270:

I have read every post and every review concerning NECs over the past few months and my read on the situation is that IR appears to be more of a problem with the older panels, i.e. the 50X*5s, rather than the 42X*4's. No one with a 42 appears to complain much about IR, while almost all the IR talk seems to come from those with 50s (and even with them, some seem to have more problems than others). This leads me to conclude, rightly or wrongly, that the new generation bonded filter glass used in the 42s has greatly improved the IR problem. (Does anyone disagree with this assessment?) This also leads me to conclude that the new 50X*6s (or whatever the next generation will be called) will undoubtedly have the new glass and much less of a problem with IR. The new generation could maybe put to rest all the talk about IR for once and for all. If you are looking for a good 50" panel, I would wait until the new generation comes out in the next few weeks or so. It is shaping up to be a kickass line, but only time will tell. Good luck.

Concerning the IR problem raised by bri1270:

I have read every post and every review concerning NECs over the past few months and my read on the situation is that IR appears to be more of a problem with the older panels, i.e. the 50X*5s, rather than the 42X*4's. No one with a 42 appears to complain much about IR, while almost all the IR talk seems to come from those with 50s (and even with them, some seem to have more problems than others). This leads me to conclude, rightly or wrongly, that the new generation bonded filter glass used in the 42s has greatly improved the IR problem. (Does anyone disagree with this assessment?) This also leads me to conclude that the new 50X*6s (or whatever the next generation will be called) will undoubtedly have the new glass and much less of a problem with IR. The new generation could maybe put to rest all the talk about IR for once and for all. If you are looking for a good 50" panel, I would wait until the new generation comes out in the next few weeks or so. It is shaping up to be a kickass line, but only time will tell. Good luck.

Seems to me filtered glass might be masking the problem, not curing it. If I understand the physice of IR correctly, it's occuring below the glass, within the pixel plane. The reason IR may be more apparent on the 50" displays is because the larger dot pitch of the 50" vs 42" display is producing a higher light output, which takes longer to dissipate.

At any rate, it's a shame that NEC, with with its superb image processing expertise, still hasn't been able to solve the basic IR problem to the extent their competition has. I'm pretty sure that neither Fujitsu, Hitachi nor Panasonic have suffered from IR problems for the past two generations of their displays, dating back to late 2004-early 2005. I'm not familiar with Pioneer displays.

/steve

I like to say this about IR, I purchased a fhd1 from pioneer the latest and greatest
1080p bonded glass filter and the works well I see the same amount of minimal IR I saw on the nec when I first got it. Very minimal and when it happens goes away in a minute or two, I also noticed that after calibrating both display with the nec being 5 months old and the fhd1 one month the nec responded to the calibration in a dramatic way showing imo a great improvement in blacks and the overall pq, I fell asleep watching the searchers in hd, the picture was stuck on the small hddvd logo the toshiba player displays on the bottom, 5 hours later NO IR. Imo the older this tv gets the better it looks.

alas...those who have purchased the unit have not traded it in due to IR.

I like to say this about IR, I purchased a fhd1 from pioneer the latest and greatest
1080p bonded glass filter and the works well I see the same amount of minimal IR I saw on the nec when I first got it. Very minimal and when it happens goes away in a minute or two, I also noticed that after calibrating both display with the nec being 5 months old and the fhd1 one month the nec responded to the calibration in a dramatic way showing imo a great improvement in blacks and the overall pq, I fell asleep watching the searchers in hd, the picture was stuck on the small hddvd logo the toshiba player displays on the bottom, 5 hours later NO IR. Imo the older this tv gets the better it looks.

Hows your NEC stack up against the Pio?

BM - did you need to tweak any settings on the NEC (e.g., in the service menu) or on the VP30 in order to feed the NEC 1365x768 native rate? Or does the VP have this setting as one of the defaults, and will enabling it simply drive the XR5 at NR?

BTW, what DVD player are you using as the transport?

Hi Netarc,

I'm using the oppo 970 via hdmi as transport (480i/576i).

the DVDO has a setting for the NEC 1365 x 768 which it just works.

on the NEC side, you have to turn off the orbiter and the soft focus to get it perfec ... otherwise with orbiter set to 1, the display has a few lines missing of the bottom and right hand side... with orbiter set to 2, it fills the display....

it always shows the signal as being 1365 x 768 (DVD), and memory 18 from the NEC.

For good TV shows and DVDs and satellite movies I use 1:1, for other stuff I send 720p so I can use the scaling in the NEC and the noise reduction features....

the non-linear stretch mode on the NEC (stadium), I think its better then the DVDO panorama... the NEC does a little zoom, which actually distorts less the image...

BM (or anyone)

What is this 1:1 stuff I am seeing? Will that make my pic better?

I've been watching this thread for a while. I'm getting close to pulling the trigger on an 50XR5, but am curious if the new models are coming out soon.

Does anyone have any inside info on when we can expect the next gen 50" PDP for NEC? If we are 90 days or less from the new model I might wait...

Any thoughts?

Not sure, but I read on the Forum somewhere that NEC typically changes models in December.

Apparently one of the 42" NEC's has glass with a bonded filter, the 50" does not.

I was considering the 50xr5 as well.

Only sharing what I've read, not confirmed.

New models should be announced at CEDIA this weekend, if not already!! Any news from the folks there?

Gentlemen,

NEC did not announce any new models at CEDIA 2006, and according to this post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8442504&&#post8442504) NEC was a no-show at CEDIA 2006.

On another note - the three beautiful images linked at the very beginning of this thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6793544&&#post6793544) are no longer available.

I want my NEC

NEC did allow a distibuter to display the new NEC PX-60XR5A at Cedia. I just told my guy I want one ASAP. He is going to see what he can do. Release date is November or December.

c'mon. I wanna do post #4,000.

I am just not gonna wait all nite to get there.

Hey. I just added a phone line to my Dish 622 receiver and now I get caller ID while wathing a movie on my 50XM5 NEC Plasma.

the caller ID is really good because I can delete all calls I couldn't care about and the thing 'remembers' all of the names and phone numbers of the people I might wanna call back. :p

4,000. Yup. done did it.