That, and given the fact that I cannot be around to keep tabs on the set, at around 4 hours a night M-F, it'll take us until armageddon to properly break in any plasma or LCD projector.

As much as it burns me to say this(no pun intended), we may have to look at rear-projection sets.


LCD doesn't burn in in any of it's forms that I'm aware of.

I ran mine for the first 100+ hours, even when I went to work. I think I used HDNET. No problem. also, the NEC is so good that some of the above observations about quality of films become obvious. some shows are just transmitted "washed out".

My hats off to you Lisa, but I can't commit that kind of time for a break-in period. See, this is my problem. I've been giving serious thought to either a NEC plasma or the Panny 900 LCD projector, but most of the daily viewing my family does is going to be SD DirecTV stuff in the 4:3 ratio, so burn-in is a real concern. My wife will be doing a majority of the watching M-F, and she isn't technologically astute enough to be switching back and forth whenever a commercial is coming on. I can hear it now "We spent how much on this and I have to watch TV all jagged and zoomed in?"

That, and given the fact that I cannot be around to keep tabs on the set, at around 4 hours a night M-F, it'll take us until armageddon to properly break in any plasma or LCD projector.

As much as it burns me to say this(no pun intended), we may have to look at rear-projection sets.


Why don't you just leave the SD in Stadium mode (stretched) during the 100 hours? That way, when your wife changes channels, there will be no black bars. The NEC plays SD really well and Stadium doesn't noticibly distort the picture. I watch L&O:SVU reruns in SD using Stadium and it looks just fine. If you see any kind of IR from the logo, you can run screen wiper and it should go away.

What are the issues with the LG DVD?

And what about the power cord extension? :)

I can't see any problems with the extension cord. If it's at least 14 gauge, that's the same as what's in your wall.

I have an LG 3510a combo DVD/ATSC tuner which works fine. I'm sure many of the players listed above are better but I'm waiting for BD at this point.

What are the issues with the LG DVD?

There are some threads in the DVD Players forums, I choose the Denon & Oppo for their feature sets/price point. The LG had some (maybe corrected by now) issues like loading dual sided DVDs and a couple other things (all electronics have some issues, its just whats important to you)

LCD doesn't burn in in any of it's forms that I'm aware of.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=650324

Why don't you just leave the SD in Stadium mode (stretched) during the 100 hours? That way, when your wife changes channels, there will be no black bars. The NEC plays SD really well and Stadium doesn't noticibly distort the picture. I watch L&O:SVU reruns in SD using Stadium and it looks just fine. If you see any kind of IR from the logo, you can run screen wiper and it should go away.

Definite possibility, but at over $1000 cheaper, the wife likes the Panny 900U setup as the "movies, sports and true HD watching" screen, and our 30" WS CRT as the "news and kids shows" display.

I like the control having a projector will give me. I have a 3 and 8 year old who would just love to give daddy an infarction by looking at the plasma with a devilish grin. :D

A NEC plasma will be in my home soon, but not before a projector.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=650324

Has this only been an issue with Panasonic or have there been simlar problems with other lcd projectors as well?

Thank you guys!

Will get that 14 gauge power cord extension from monoprice then!

And as far as the DVD, its either the Oppo that has DVI out or the LG 511 that has HDMI out. Both should work well....shouldn't they?

Why don't you just leave the SD in Stadium mode (stretched) during the 100 hours? That way, when your wife changes channels, there will be no black bars. The NEC plays SD really well and Stadium doesn't noticibly distort the picture. I watch L&O:SVU reruns in SD using Stadium and it looks just fine. If you see any kind of IR from the logo, you can run screen wiper and it should go away.

Bingo. When I first got my 50XR5 I still had regular DirecTV service w/s-video and the video quality was astonishingly good in both the Stadium and Zoom modes, although Stadium tended to look better. Just leave it on Stadium and fear not, as it will switch back to anamorphic automatically when you hit HD channels.

Also, FWIW, I did not see any noticeable IR from 4:3 commercials when I left the black bars in place. Don't let everyone get you so worried about IR.. unless you leave up a program guide or a menu for 10 or 20 minutes, you're not going to see any IR that lasts more than a few seconds.

Please excuse the double post... pilot error
Think you are going to have a hard time finding an inexpensive DVD player that has 480i over HDMI.

More to come on DVD players paired with a NEC 50XR5 Display ....
I am about to do a DVD Player Comparison (the best I can, I am no expert) of a Denon 1720 480i/480p over component (Non Faroudja) vs an Oppo (MediaTek, Faroudja) with DVI->HDMI 480p, 720p, 1080i. I will try to report the best I can on my findings.

I know that infocaplyse should be doing some testing/reviewing with a Denon 1920... so we shall see, maybe he will post his results...

I hooked up the Denon 1920 and spent a little time with it this evening. First, I'm happy to report that I've seen ZERO macroblocking via HDMI, so you can put those fears to rest. (although fwiw, I've only messed around with the Fifth Element Superbit disc so far)

First, I must reiterate what others have already stated about the 1920.. what phenomenal sound! It was immediately noticeable and puts my poor old (and I do mean OLD) Toshiba DVD player to shame. The depth and accuracy is simply a cut above. I've got a Marantz SR8000 receiver connected via optical output and I don't recall this movie ever sounding quite so good... and I've watched it more times than I care to admit. ;)

Black levels seem pretty good, although I only have about 50 hours on my 50XR5 so I'm running pretty blunted settings at the moment. Colors are wonderfully vibrant, especially in the taxi chase scene and just about any scene with Lilu's hair. Talk about orange!

Having a small button on the front of the 1920 to select between 480p/720p/1080i is a nice touch, although pretty useless once you find the setting you like. I've bounced between the three settings a few times and frankly I have a hard time telling the difference. It does appear that 480p does give the smoothest, most lifelike picture.. but only just barely.

There may be slightly better bang for the buck deals out there (I got my 1920 for $250 on ebay) but I'm definitely hanging on to this unit as it seems to play very nice with the 50XR5.

Has anybody an advise how to connect the XR5 to a sat-receiver (Topfield 5000PVR, Scart connection available whic also deliver YUV) in order to get the best possible PQ out of it?? shoukld I work with a adpater or directly buy an Scart-component cable or....?????

(HDTV sat receiver will come soon-HDMI input, but for ther time being I will keep the Topf for recording TV etc)

Has this only been an issue with Panasonic or have there been simlar problems with other lcd projectors as well?

I would say that based on my experience with LCD monitors that it is something inherent in the design on LCD itself. Of course, until recently, most LCDs were used in specific applications that prevented most people from seeing burn-in.

As with everything YMMV (your mileage may vary)... :cool:

And as far as the DVD, its either the Oppo that has DVI out or the LG 511 that has HDMI out. Both should work well....shouldn't they?

You do realize that BD (BlueRay Disc) players will be available by the end of the summer and they will be backwards compatible with DVD's. Whatever you get now, don't spend too much.

I would say that based on my experience with LCD monitors that it is something inherent in the design on LCD itself. Of course, until recently, most LCDs were used in specific applications that prevented most people from seeing burn-in.


You've seen burn-in on an LCD monitor? I'm not saying it's impossible, but I think it's certainly less likely than with CRT. I suspect there is something inherent to Panasonic's projector design which has led you to this conclusion.

Why would RP LCD be any different? I've had a RP LCD for 3 years now that I've never practiced burn-in precautions with and it's my kids' TV now. If LCD was prone to burn-in, you'd have alot of unhappy PC users out there.

You do realize that BD (BlueRay Disc) players will be available by the end of the summer and they will be backwards compatible with DVD's. Whatever you get now, don't spend too much.


Will do Cpcat, thank you.

I might just get the LG since it is available from best buy, so to avoid shipping and all that!

Will do Cpcat, thank you.

I might just get the LG since it is available from best buy, so to avoid shipping and all that!

OK bshplt, then your on the hook to let us know how the LG pairs with the 50XR, and how 480i over HDMI works/looks :)

Question, Assuming you have your STB hooked up VIA HDMI and DVD hooked up via HDMI can you switch smoothly between a running DVD and HDTV via Inputs HD3 and HD4? i.e. smoothly switch between the 2 active HDMI inputs?

I seem to be having a little hiccup with that,I seem to lose the "Handshake/Signal" from the STB when going back from DVD to the STB connection ( I get a snow screen, not a No signal Screen). I have to power cycle the Panel, to restablish. However the Oppo is DVI->HDMI which may be the cause.

Curious....Anybody see someting similar or successful?

My 42XR4A was delivered yesterday, followed shortly by the Comcast cable guy who hooked up a new 3412 dual tuner DVR, so guess what I spent all evening doing!!! What a great set! Thanks to Chris @ Cleveland Plasma) for suggesting NEC over my initial choice of a Panny 600 set - NEC is SO much nicer, from a stricly aesthetic point of view, and I'm sure I'll find it is also from a technical perspective. (my first PDP, so I don't have anything to compare it to) I highly recommend anyone waiting for the 600s to take a serious look at the NEC, since you'll be won over in one look!

Now, my mission is to get all the components to play together, nicely, so I'm soliciting any suggestions anyone might have. I used the settings that cpcat posted some time ago, and those work well, indeed. I am totally mesmerized by the Discovery HD channel...could watch it for hours! Other HD channels are nice, too. SD is no worse than I had before, especially in stadium or anamorphic modes, but I'm sure I can follow some of the tweaks posted elsewhere to get those in better shape, too.

My main challenge, now, is to get the audio worked out between my 3 main components - NEC 42XR4A, Comcast STB/DVR Moto 3412, and Denon AVR S-301. Currently, I have HDMI from STB to PDP, and audio from STB to AVR. I also have HDMI from AVR to PDP, for DVDs. (enough of the letters, already!!!) I have no audio out from the NEC.

What I am finding is that the only audio control I have is using the AVR. Which makes sense, since that is where the audio is going TO from the STB. However, when I try to change volume using controls for either the NEC or the STB, there is no effect. Should I be connecting the audio out from the NEC to the Denon? Why doesn't the STB volume control have any effect? (is that a STB issue, only?)

With the way things are setup, now, I need 3 remotes to watch TV! Thanks for your help!

Question, Assuming you have your STB hooked up VIA HDMI and DVD hooked up via HDMI can you switch smoothly between a running DVD and HDTV via Inputs HD3 and HD4? i.e. smoothly switch between the 2 active HDMI inputs?

I seem to be having a little hiccup with that,I seem to lose the "Handshake/Signal" from the STB when going back from DVD to the STB connection ( I get a snow screen, not a No signal Screen). I have to power cycle the Panel, to restablish. However the Oppo is DVI->HDMI which may be the cause.

Curious....Anybody see someting similar or successful?

I have my HDDvr hooked up via HDMI and my DVD also hooked up via HDMI. No problem switching between them. I get a No Signal Screen if anything.

Get a Harmony universal remote....and throw the others in the closet. Seriously, one of the best investments I've made (Next to the NEC of course!!!)

I have my HDDvr hooked up via HDMI and my DVD also hooked up via HDMI. No problem switching between them. I get a No Signal Screen if anything.

Thanks for the confirm Lisa, that is the result I was/am expecting, I will dig in deeper. Curious...What DVD player are you using?

It is a Sony NS70H. I bought it as a stopgap until BlueRay or HD-DVD becomes the standard.

You do realize that BD (BlueRay Disc) players will be available by the end of the summer and they will be backwards compatible with DVD's. Whatever you get now, don't spend too much.

Are you sure about that? I thought the rollout has been pushed back again. I would not buy any HD-DVD or BlU-RAY player until it has the new 1.3 version of HDMI.

Mike

My 42XR4A was delivered yesterday, followed shortly by the Comcast cable guy who hooked up a new 3412 dual tuner DVR, so guess what I spent all evening doing!!! What a great set! Thanks to Chris @ Cleveland Plasma) for suggesting NEC over my initial choice of a Panny 600 set - NEC is SO much nicer, from a stricly aesthetic point of view, and I'm sure I'll find it is also from a technical perspective. (my first PDP, so I don't have anything to compare it to) I highly recommend anyone waiting for the 600s to take a serious look at the NEC, since you'll be won over in one look!

Now, my mission is to get all the components to play together, nicely, so I'm soliciting any suggestions anyone might have. I used the settings that cpcat posted some time ago, and those work well, indeed. I am totally mesmerized by the Discovery HD channel...could watch it for hours! Other HD channels are nice, too. SD is no worse than I had before, especially in stadium or anamorphic modes, but I'm sure I can follow some of the tweaks posted elsewhere to get those in better shape, too.

My main challenge, now, is to get the audio worked out between my 3 main components - NEC 42XR4A, Comcast STB/DVR Moto 3412, and Denon AVR S-301. Currently, I have HDMI from STB to PDP, and audio from STB to AVR. I also have HDMI from AVR to PDP, for DVDs. (enough of the letters, already!!!) I have no audio out from the NEC.

What I am finding is that the only audio control I have is using the AVR. Which makes sense, since that is where the audio is going TO from the STB. However, when I try to change volume using controls for either the NEC or the STB, there is no effect. Should I be connecting the audio out from the NEC to the Denon? Why doesn't the STB volume control have any effect? (is that a STB issue, only?)

With the way things are setup, now, I need 3 remotes to watch TV! Thanks for your help!
---------------

Says a lot about the NEC! Chris, as a seller I am assuming could have got ANY set he wanted and he went with the NEC - fantastic!

Now, I too was considering the 42XR4, but am curious why one would prefer the NEC over the Panny 600, since I am assuming they would cost about the same and the typical advantage that I see of the NEC over current commercial pannys being connectivity would not be there when comparing the 600 series to the NEC!

However, why wait for something when you could get an equally great set today! Congratulations on your buy :)

trying to convince my wife to get the 65 inch Panny...for our 50' inch panny 7UY !

Get a Harmony universal remote....and throw the others in the closet. Seriously, one of the best investments I've made (Next to the NEC of course!!!)

I second that. My 880 is wonderful.

I definitely third the universal remote suggestion. I personally love the color philips pronto 7000. Depends if you like touch screens or not, but it can do anything, and look any way you want it to. There are also plenty of hard buttons, so you can program your commonly used buttons to them.

Tushar, what cables / outputs from your DVD were you using? If you were using the red/white/yellow (which is called composite btw) connections, you will have a crappy picture which will look better on the old tv than on the plasma. I can't believe you returned it without talking to us first. I guess you had 4-6 hundred dollars that you wanted to throw away.
I was using red white and yellow.
I also hooked up S-Video cable.

S-Video had better results but still not up to the mark or expectations.
The faces were all plain - not crystal clear - Not even compared to 27" Sony CRT.
I tried to play "Lord of the Rings" - "Shrek1 and 2" and regular TV. But same results.
I dont understand why.

Tushar, Does your DVD not have a component output on it? Maybe the problem was that you needed a better DVD player. You can get new ones for next to nothing any more, and they have progressive scan, and component outputs. Another question, have you received your next new plasma yet?

Get a Harmony universal remote....and throw the others in the closet. Seriously, one of the best investments I've made (Next to the NEC of course!!!)
I've heard several recommendations for the Harmony - which do you have, the 880 or 890? Is the 890 worth the much higher price, just for the RF? I plan on keeping my AVR and STB inside a cabinet under the NEC, so it would be nice to not have to open the cabinet doors (actually, that is a mandatory feature!) to control those 2 boxes. I have also heard good things about the MX-series...which would be best under these circumstances? Or would I just be better off getting an IR extender, and sticking with the 880?

I was using red white and yellow.
I also hooked up S-Video cable.

S-Video had better results but still not up to the mark or expectations.
The faces were all plain - not crystal clear - Not even compared to 27" Sony CRT.
I tried to play "Lord of the Rings" - "Shrek1 and 2" and regular TV. But same results.
I dont understand why.

If you connect to any TV >30" via S-video or composite you are likely to be disappointed no matter what the technology.

On a 27" screen the picture is small enough that you cannot see any slight imperfections in the signal but at 40"+ they become glaringly obvious. Component connections are an absolute must at that size.

This is also why people complain about the quality of broadcast TV on their big TVs.

I have also heard good things about the MX-series...which would be best under these circumstances?

I have an MX-700. One remote to rule them all.

I've heard several recommendations for the Harmony - which do you have, the 880 or 890? Is the 890 worth the much higher price, just for the RF? I plan on keeping my AVR and STB inside a cabinet under the NEC, so it would be nice to not have to open the cabinet doors (actually, that is a mandatory feature!) to control those 2 boxes. I have also heard good things about the MX-series...which would be best under these circumstances? Or would I just be better off getting an IR extender, and sticking with the 880?

I have the 880, which I love. Not only has it simplified everything, but I watch a lot of tv in the dark and the motion sensor which lights up the remote upon any movement is awesome! Not having to replace batteries like I did on my 680 is pretty nice too.

As for the 880 or 890, I don't have the need for RF, so to me no the price is not worth it. I have all of my components in a cabinet behind doors (glass and wood) and have no issues with it controlling the IR commands. Maybe others who have their components behind large wood enclosures can comment more.

I use the MX-500, which I believe is being discontinued and is likely available at a good price.

Mine are behind wooden doors as well tony, but I didn't go the RF route. I used the Russound SaphIR IR sensor to make a IR system in the cabinet.

What I am finding is that the only audio control I have is using the AVR. Which makes sense, since that is where the audio is going TO from the STB. However, when I try to change volume using controls for either the NEC or the STB, there is no effect. Should I be connecting the audio out from the NEC to the Denon? Why doesn't the STB volume control have any effect? (is that a STB issue, only?)

Volume is controlled by an amp.

The remote for the NEC controls the amp in the NEC which drives the speakers connected to the NEC; since you do not have the NEC speakers hooked up, this remote does not change your volume. To make the NEC remote control your volume, you would have to hook speakers to the NEC pdp speaker hook-ups.

The STB does not have an amp, however the STB remote was probably programmed to control the amp in your old TV. To make the STB remote control your current volume, you would have to have the cable guy reprogram your STB remote to control the amp in the AVR (or reprogram it to control the amp in the NEC, provided you have speakers connected to the NEC).

The remote for the AVR controls the amp in the AVR, and since you have speakers connected to the AVR, this is successful for controlling your volume.

Hope this helps.

Mine are behind wooden doors as well tony, but I didn't go the RF route. I used the Russound SaphIR IR sensor to make a IR system in the cabinet.

Another good feature of the NEC is the IR loop. You can connect a component to it and it will use it's IR eye and pass the signal to a concealed component. This works really well. You can have all of your components in a closet somewhere if you desire, piggy back all the IR loops and run it to the NEC.

Well, just got off the phone with the wife. She isn't crazy about us spending that much on "just a TV", but she does think it isn't such a great idea now for us to purchase a projector, especially when she found out how expensive replacement bulbs were.

This is it...I'm not changing my mind again. I will either be calling Chris at Cleveland Plasma tonight to order a 50XR5, or I will be calling a divorce lawyer. :D ;)

Good news is, I'm having a septoplasty (to fix my deviated septum) done on 4/12 and I'll be out of work until 4/24. Plenty of time for me to personally do the 100+ hour break-in period. :headbang:

Am I allowed to be stoked? 'Cause I am.... :cool:

Do most people use the tabletop stand, or do they mount it? Our space is in a corner, so I would need an articulating arm mount ($$ouch$$) unless I went with the tabletop stand...

Yes, your allowed to be stoked!!!!!!! As far as mounting/stand is concerned, I'm a fan of wall mounting, but I think it is a matter of taste. I currently have a panel in a corner with an articulating mount, and love the look of it (almost floating). If you can tuck the components away nicley, this realy looks good in my opinion. If you really search (ebay sometimes too) you can find for around 2 bills or so. As far as the stand goes, from what I here, the one that NEC makes is a pretty classy one that is well built. Which from the pics, looks pretty good to.

Good news is, I'm having a septoplasty (to fix my deviated septum) done on 4/12 and I'll be out of work until 4/24. Plenty of time for me to personally do the 100+ hour break-in period. :headbang:

Congratulations...you also seem to have found the answer to the 100 hour break in period: schedule elective surgery so that you will be home during the entire 100 hours and you can supervise the screen to make sure that there are no black bars!

Well, just got off the phone with the wife. She isn't crazy about us spending that much on "just a TV", but she does think it isn't such a great idea now for us to purchase a projector, especially when she found out how expensive replacement bulbs were.

This is it...I'm not changing my mind again. I will either be calling Chris at Cleveland Plasma tonight to order a 50XR5, or I will be calling a divorce lawyer. :D ;)

Good news is, I'm having a septoplasty (to fix my deviated septum) done on 4/12 and I'll be out of work until 4/24. Plenty of time for me to personally do the 100+ hour break-in period. :headbang:

Am I allowed to be stoked? 'Cause I am.... :cool:

Do most people use the tabletop stand, or do they mount it? Our space is in a corner, so I would need an articulating arm mount ($$ouch$$) unless I went with the tabletop stand...
Just got my 42XR4A (from Chris, too) with the stand -- it's a very nice looking, and functional, accessory. Good to have the swivel feature of the NEC stand, too (10 degrees in either direction). If it's located in the corner on a table/cabinet, the stand can be parallel with the furniture front, and the TV can be swiveled for best viewing angle) Sounds like you're in the same situation I was in...it's nice, but SO expensive? Then, we watched the HD channels (especially Discovery), and she was hooked! Enjoy! (both of you!)

you also seem to have found the answer to the 100 hour break in period: schedule elective surgery so that you will be home during the entire 100 hours and you can supervise the screen to make sure that there are no black bars!

That's good! :D

BOSS10L.. You'll be thrilled w/the 50XR5.. The more I watch it, the better it seems to get.. the image in HD is just incredible. It gets. The blacks are fine and the other colors are spectacular. Much more "colorful" than my Panny ED Plasma.

I'm really happy w/ my purchase.. The minute NEC comes out with a 61" with the newer generation panel, I'm as well.

NEC tech support has been VERY cool to work with on a couple of minor questions and all in all it seems like NEC is a company that WANTS to be there for their customers and take great care of them. Something rarely experienced these days in ANY industry..

Congratulations...you also seem to have found the answer to the 100 hour break in period: schedule elective surgery so that you will be home during the entire 100 hours and you can supervise the screen to make sure that there are no black bars!

Yeah, just you wait, I'm scheduling a hip replacement in 2 months to re-wire for surround sound and roof-mounted OTA antenna. ;) :D

Actually, I had the surgery scheduled before (severe sleep apnea), but it just dawned on me a little bit ago that I could use it to my advantage.

O.K. guys and gals, I ordered my XR5 last week and got the tracking info on Monday. The set is scheduled to be delivered on Monday, April 3rd. You guys are driving me crazy with all this talk about how great the NEC planels are and how happy you all are with your purchase. Ive started singing a little jingle to myself, it's kind of like a familiar tune from the 80's. It goes something like this "I want my.....I want my NNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEECCCCCCCCCCC! :D The suspense is killing me! I just can't wait for that big delivery truck to come rolling down my street, then I can get into the mix with you guys in this thread! :) I'm so pumped!

This is it...I'm not changing my mind again. I will either be calling Chris at Cleveland Plasma tonight to order a 50XR5, or I will be calling a divorce lawyer. Call Chris, much cheaper in the long run. ;)

Do most people use the tabletop stand, or do they mount it? Our space is in a corner, so I would need an articulating arm mount ($$ouch$$) unless I went with the tabletop stand... I also have a corner arrangement in my HT room. Went with a Sanus stand, this one (http://www.standsandcarts.com/PhotoGallery.asp?ProductCode=SANSFV49) except in black. Fits and looks perfect with the 50XR5. Flanked only by my Boston Acoustics towers (also in black).

NEC tech support has been VERY cool to work with on a couple of minor questions and all in all it seems like NEC is a company that WANTS to be there for their customers and take great care of them. Something rarely experienced these days in ANY industry..
So how have you been contacting Support? email? Phone? if email what email address.

I have a minor Issue I would like to ask them regarding re-enabling HDCP when the source is switched from a Non-HDCP compliant source (such as a DVI-HDMI) source back to an HDCP compliant Source such as another DVD or STB. Currently I have to power down the display to re-enable the HDCP. (It could still be the STB but I am beginning to doubt)

Are you sure about that? I thought the rollout has been pushed back again. I would not buy any HD-DVD or BlU-RAY player until it has the new 1.3 version of HDMI.

Mike

The PS3 is delayed, but AFAIK the players are still on schedule. HDMI 1.3 is due in June and from what I've read here the BD players will implement it. I assume you know that our NEC's are not HDMI 1.3, but I'd assume 1.3 will be backwards compatible at least in providing the current spec that we have. Edit to above: It looks like the early BD players will have HDMI 1.1. What this means in a nutshell is that you won't have capability of the new HD surround formats. Of course, that requires a new AV receiver with HDMI 1.3 anyway. PS3 will likely have 1.3 but that may be X-mas time.

I think it's ironic that one of the advantages to HDMI was supposed to be that compatibility issues would be solved and the connection simplified. :rolleyes:

Just got my 42XR4A (from Chris, too) with the stand -- it's a very nice looking, and functional, accessory. Good to have the swivel feature of the NEC stand, too (10 degrees in either direction). If it's located in the corner on a table/cabinet, the stand can be parallel with the furniture front, and the TV can be swiveled for best viewing angle) Sounds like you're in the same situation I was in...it's nice, but SO expensive? Then, we watched the HD channels (especially Discovery), and she was hooked! Enjoy! (both of you!)

Thanks for the vote of confidence on the stand. I think either one would be a welcome addition, I'm just somewhat sceptical. Our home was built in 1930 and we have the original plaster walls, not too keen on installing a very expensive plasma and having it....well, you get the picture. :D

My wife is just a bit gunshy, we owned a Sony 50" GWIII RP LCD TV about 2 years ago, and it was a real lemon. I sold it off at a loss (long story) and she hasn't trusted HDTV technology ever since.

I think it's ironic that one of the advantages to HDMI was supposed to be that compatibility issues would be solved and the connection simplified. :rolleyes:

Yep, the compatibility of content creators and providers to keep the loyal buying public from doing what we wish with material we have legally paid for...

I in no way condone piracy, but man, sometimes I just want to smack these people. If I pay for a DVD, or subscribe to a specific pay chanel, I should be able to do with it as I wish.

How do people feel about extended warranties? I know NEC already gives a more than the rest 3 year for the home models, but I'm considering picking up the 5-year from warrantech as well. 8 years of coverage is a warm-n-fuzzy feeling....

<-- Notices that he's getting just a little too giddy about plans for the NEC. :D

The PS3 is delayed, but AFAIK the players are still on schedule. HDMI 1.3 is due in June and from what I've read here the BD players will implement it. I assume you know that our NEC's are not HDMI 1.3, but I'd assume 1.3 will be backwards compatible at least in providing the current spec that we have. Edit to above: It looks like the early BD players will have HDMI 1.1. What this means in a nutshell is that you won't have capability of the new HD surround formats. Of course, that requires a new AV receiver with HDMI 1.3 anyway. PS3 will likely have 1.3 but that may be X-mas time.

I think it's ironic that one of the advantages to HDMI was supposed to be that compatibility issues would be solved and the connection simplified. :rolleyes:

I think your info is correct. That is why I'm waiting for all of this to get sorted out before I do any more upgrades.

Mike

How do people feel about extended warranties? I know NEC already gives a more than the rest 3 year for the home models, but I'm considering picking up the 5-year from warrantech as well. 8 years of coverage is a warm-n-fuzzy feeling....

<-- Notices that he's getting just a little too giddy about plans for the NEC. :D
--------------------------

3 years is more than enough!

In 5 years you'll be thinking about the XR10!

[QUOTE=cpcat] I assume you know that our NEC's are not HDMI 1.3, but I'd assume 1.3 will be backwards compatible at least in providing the current spec that we have. QUOTE]

How would this affect a prospective XR5 owner; is there reason to wait on HDMI 1.3 ?

I've read that HD-DVD players will not down-res. across component (not sure about BD players) but what is the affect for an HDMI version mis-match? :confused:

Thanks!

Does this set (42XR4) have speakers? Tuner? HDMI? Stand? looking at the NEC website for this display and the details are very sparse. They don't even mention HDMI in their specs and I'm sure it has HDMI ports.

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

3 years is more than enough!

In 5 years you'll be thinking about the XR10!

Plus, if you buy using a major credit card, the card company will likely double the warranty.

Does this set (42XR4) have speakers? Tuner? HDMI? Stand? looking at the NEC website for this display and the details are very sparse. They don't even mention HDMI in their specs and I'm sure it has HDMI ports.
No Speakers Included
No Tuner
2 HDMI
Stand Extra (Awesome Stand)
All you get is one AMAZING Panel.

The Spec sheet is Under the resources tab on this page
http://www.necvisualsystems.com/Products/Product/?product=90f8cb80-824a-4e8f-b636-3134a0d2df5c
Spec sheet
http://www.necvisualsystems.com/cms/documents/ColorBrochures/NEC100519.pdf

No Speakers Included
No Tuner
2 HDMI
Stand Extra (Awesome Stand)
All you get is one AMAZING Panel.

The Spec sheet is Under the resources tab on this page
http://www.necvisualsystems.com/Products/Product/?product=90f8cb80-824a-4e8f-b636-3134a0d2df5c
Spec sheet
http://www.necvisualsystems.com/cms/documents/ColorBrochures/NEC100519.pdf
-----------

They sure need to work on their web-site!

I'm already thinking about the 102XR10...hmmm....wonder what my wife will think?

Yea, for sure. Unfortunately it won't fit in my space because the side mounted speakers make it too large and I unfortunately can't use anything else (no HT system). :(

-----------

They sure need to work on their web-site!

Does anyone know the EXACT WIDTH of the 42XR4 with the side speakers attached ??

^^^^ 47"

Click HERE (http://www.necvisualsystems.com/cms/documents/InstallationGuides/42XR4_IGv10.pdf) for all the dementions on the 42XR4

How would this affect a prospective XR5 owner; is there reason to wait on HDMI 1.3 ?

I've read that HD-DVD players will not down-res. across component (not sure about BD players) but what is the affect for an HDMI version mis-match? :confused:

Thanks!

I'm certain Sony, LG, Pio, Panasonic, etc. would never make our HDMI 1.1 interface unworkable. Whenever 1.3 is implemented, it will either be backwards compatible or they'll provide both. In other words, don't worry.

The more you follow this stuff the more you'll realize there's never a time when there's not something else around the corner. If you just keep waiting, you risk becoming catatonic. Don't be someone who just stands in the corner and drools. :)

If you are ready for a new display, go ahead and get it. HDMI 1.3 equipped displays will be likely 4Q 06.

The more you follow this stuff the more you'll realize there's never a time when there's not something else around the corner. If you just keep waiting, you risk becoming catatonic. Don't be someone who just stands in the corner and drools. :)


Truer words were never spoken.

Which is why there's a 61XR4 sitting in my basement. :D

HDMI 1.3 equipped displays will be likely 4Q 06.

I hope you are correct, but I suspect it wil be well into 2007 before we see HDMI 1.3.

Well, it's official, just got off the phone with Chris. I'm the proud owner of a 50XR5. I'm glad it's finally over (the deciding which display to go with), but now a whole new set of questions will arise I'm sure. :D

Just wanted to say a quick thanks to Chris at Cleveland Plasma, great guy, answered all my questions, and I look forward to doing more business in the future.

Viva la NEC! :cool:

Excellent, thanks ..... !
^^^^ 47"

Click HERE (http://www.necvisualsystems.com/cms/documents/InstallationGuides/42XR4_IGv10.pdf) for all the dementions on the 42XR4

I hope you are correct, but I suspect it wil be well into 2007 before we see HDMI 1.3.


I was maybe being a little optimistic. If PS3 has it 4Q 06/1Q 07 I'd say it's possible by that time frame.

I hope you are correct, but I suspect it wil be well into 2007 before we see HDMI 1.3.

Please excuse my ignorance, but what is HDMI 1.3 going to do for us? Is it going to be like USB 2.0?

*edit - didn't like my wording....

I'm certain Sony, LG, Pio, Panasonic, etc. would never make our HDMI 1.1 interface unworkable. Whenever 1.3 is implemented, it will either be backwards compatible or they'll provide both. In other words, don't worry.

The more you follow this stuff the more you'll realize there's never a time when there's not something else around the corner. If you just keep waiting, you risk becoming catatonic. Don't be someone who just stands in the corner and drools. :)

If you are ready for a new display, go ahead and get it. HDMI 1.3 equipped displays will be likely 4Q 06.

Exactly. Deciding on a display technology and then brand and model is hard enough as it is, but then throwing that into the mix....I'd never purchase anything. :D

At least now I'll be able to stand in my own living room and drool. :headbang:

Please excuse my ignorance, but what is HDMI 1.3 going to do for us? Is it going to be like USB 2.0?

*edit - didn't like my wording....

For video, it shouldn't make a difference. There are some spec changes like increased color bit depth but there won't even be a source for those increased color depths for some time. ATSC and current HD video don't support them. Even so, it's not certain whether they'd even make a difference you could see. Shoot, most of us have never seen true uncompressed 8-bit HD as it is.

For audio, the spec will allow for HD surround formats. I don't know much about them to be honest. DTS-HD and Dolby TrueHD I think they are called. They will obviously require an AV receiver/processor to decode them.

Hello Everyone,

Great thread. Thanks to all for sharing pic's, picture settings, and other stuff like nvidia advanced timings for native rez over HDMI.

Another new NEC plasma owner here. I've had my 50XR5 for almost two weeks now, and I am very happy with it so far. This is my first plasma and first HDTV, and I have no regrets about this purchase. (other than not buying it sooner)

Here is what I currently have connected to the PDP...

HD1 - PS2
HD2 - Sony DVP-NS70H DVD
HD3 - Motorola 6208 STB
HD4 - PC - nvidia 6600
VGA - Xbox360

Looking forward to more HD channels and the PS3...

Congrats on the recent addition Zohar! I just ordered mine tonight, should have it in about a week or so.

*Edit - why wouldn't you have the PC hooked up to the VGA and the 360 hooked up via component?

For video, it shouldn't make a difference. There are some spec changes like increased color bit depth but there won't even be a source for those increased color depths for some time. ATSC and current HD video don't support them. Even so, it's not certain whether they'd even make a difference you could see. Shoot, most of us have never seen true uncompressed 8-bit HD as it is.

For audio, the spec will allow for HD surround formats. I don't know much about them to be honest. DTS-HD and Dolby TrueHD I think they are called. They will obviously require an AV receiver/processor to decode them.

So basically, just more technical stuff that we can't take advantage of yet.

Please excuse my ignorance, but what is HDMI 1.3 going to do for us? Is it going to be like USB 2.0?

*edit - didn't like my wording....

HDMI 1.3 allows higher color fidelity from the output device like the new HD DVD format. It also allows transmitting the new multichannel audio lossless codecs like DTS-HD lossless and Dolby TrueHD. The audio portion is fairly moot for a display device such as a tv because they don't have multiple speakers anyway.

Congrats on the recent addition Zohar! I just ordered mine tonight, should have it in about a week or so.

*Edit - why wouldn't you have the PC hooked up to the VGA and the 360 hooked up via component?


Thanks boss, and congrats on your new purchase as well.

I thought the 360 looked sharper on the vga (1360x768) than on the component. On my TV, the console games take the highest priority! Plus the PC is crystal clear over the HDMI. I am glad to have so many options for inputs, another strong point of the NEC. PS3 will force me to rearrange the ports again or I may just get a HDMI switch.

Question for DirecTV HR10-250 users--
What aspect setting do you use? It seems like my best result is with the output set to 1080i & the NEC set to Full. If I use Stadium, then the picture & DTV menus are all cut off unless I switch to one of the 480 modes.

Just a note of thanks to this thread for introducing me to the 50XR5 - I'd been searching for weeks for a plasma that didn't let me down in some crucial way and I was on the verge of giving up until reading this thread last night. Today, I viewed an 50XR5 for the first time, 60 minutes later, it was mine.

I walked into the AV store and I saw it straight away - on the wall with the 42", and 61" and the full range of Fujitsu's. I was not impressed by the PQ of any of these plasmas, but I did like the casing of the XR5 and the Fuji's. Not having had a plasma before (I've been a projector person), I was disappointed with the grainyness of all the Fujis and the NEC's. I was beginning to think I had been spoilt by a projector.

I played around with the remote of the XR5 and found that all the screens were fed a 4:3 DVD and were stretching. I regained a bit of hope, especially thinking that if the store is using that sort of input to show off these screens, they obviously have not done any fiddling with settings.

I'd brought along my little laptop running Windows Media Center, primed with some 720p WMVHD clips, including an Xbox 360 game promo clip (Kameo). Hooked it up to VGA and WOWWWWW!!!!!! Windows XP looked fantastic, despite my 1280x720 laptop being scaled to native. The small fonts of Windows XP had a very, very slight ghost, but I mean very very slight. Even Mr Magoo could have read the Traffic Law if it was in 6 point text. Media Center of course looked fantastic too, but then came the video clips. Well lets just say I think the sales assistant was as stunned as I was, especially as Fuji's were their pets and NEC's were just there for the people who can't afford the Fuji's. I really can't say just how good the XR5 looked. The color vibrancy excellent, banding - I didn't even notice, and it was smooth. Were did that noise go? I've got a high quality projector, properly calibrated, amazing PQ, and have very high expectations, but gee, this screen rocks.

The input panel on the XR5 is just perfect. Everyone goes on about the Panasonic's plugin panels being future proof, but in practice, it never works that way. I've bought plenty of AV equipment being "5.1 ready" etc etc, and when it comes time to buy the plugin board, it's either ridiculously expensive or some sort of unworkable compromise to integrate in with the fixed electronics.

So if you were in the same boat as me, looking for a screen that has great contrast, good blacks, the right inputs, that physically looks stunning, that displays a HTPC with pizazz, look no further. This is the hidden jewel you were hoping existed.

Simon

So if you were in the same boat as me, looking for a screen that has great contrast, good blacks, the right inputs, that physically looks stunning, that displays a HTPC with pizazz, look no further. This is the hidden jewel you were hoping existed.

Simon

Simon, are you sure you don't write copy for NEC? :D

Good to hear though, 'tis music to my ears.... :cool:

Ok guys, I finally got around to taking a pic and getting it in the photo gallery. Check it out, but remember, it's only a temporary setup for our apartment until we get our house in South Carolina sold and get our house up here in Bowling Green Ohio. You can see my South Carolina setup in the photo gallery as well.

http://gallery.avsforum.com/showgallery.php/cat/500/ppuser/7472983

Mark

Thanks for the pics Marky-mark. I assume the other pics in your gallery are not of the NEC? The reason I ask is because I am looking for pics of the 50 xr5 with the NEC speakers attached. I suspect the speakers don’t look good on the 50 or bigger sets.

Ok guys, I finally got around to taking a pic and getting it in the photo gallery. Check it out, but remember, it's only a temporary setup for our apartment until we get our house in South Carolina sold and get our house up here in Bowling Green Ohio. You can see my South Carolina setup in the photo gallery as well.

http://gallery.avsforum.com/showgallery.php/cat/500/ppuser/7472983

Mark

jspirate, I haven't seen one with the speakers attached that I can remember. Those other pics are of my 55" hitachi that I left in South Carolina.

Thanks for the pics Marky-mark. I assume the other pics in your gallery are not of the NEC? The reason I ask is because I am looking for pics of the 50 xr5 with the NEC speakers attached. I suspect the speakers don’t look good on the 50 or bigger sets.

I think there are a couple back in this thread. One was posted by Chris from CP and is really awesome looking. They look like pro shots done by NEC.

Here ya go: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=622396&page=65&pp=30&highlight=50XR5+picture+cleveland

I think there are a couple back in this thread. One was posted by Chris from CP and is really awesome looking. They look like pro shots done by NEC.

Here ya go: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=622396&page=65&pp=30&highlight=50XR5+picture+cleveland
-----------

Yes! the XR5 is an awesome looking set - on or off :)

- I don't have the speakers since they are pretty expensive for what you get....

I think there are a couple back in this thread. One was posted by Chris from CP and is really awesome looking. They look like pro shots done by NEC.

Here ya go: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=622396&page=65&pp=30&highlight=50XR5+picture+cleveland


Thanks for the link. I saw this picture before, but if you look at NEC speaker installation pdf, it looks like the speakers specified for the 50xr5 are smaller than the plasma’s height. They look to be sized for the 42?

Thanks for the link. I saw this picture before, but if you look at NEC speaker installation pdf, it looks like the speakers specified for the 50xr5 are smaller than the plasma’s height. They look to be sized for the 42?
There's an install manual for the speakers on the NEC website, and all three (42", 50", and 61") use the same speakers. Three different brackets come in the box, so you can mount them on whichever model you have. But yeah, they look good only on the 42-incher.

my .01 (worth half as much)

Ah, sorry. Then that must be a pic of the 42.

There was another similar but different pic way back in the thread. Can't remember if it was the 50 or not.

I just looked through that speaker install manual, and that is silly that they didn't make separate speakers for each set for as much as you pay for the speakers. They look like ears on the side of the 50 and the 61. They probably look fine on the side of the 42.

Agree, inverse dumbo ears! :rolleyes:

I couldn't justify the cost of the NEC speakers. I can pick up a set of "decent" (decent is of course a VERY subjective term) 5.1 speakers for about the same price. Well, at least I know my 50XR5 is being shipped today or tomorrow, so I can begin to start planning.

Agree, inverse dumbo ears! :rolleyes:

The best thing about these is that they can be removed.

Unlike the real "dumbo ears" on the ____.

I'll bet you know which display I'm referring to. :)

Unlike the real "dumbo ears" on the ____.

Yeah, the one I chose the NEC over. :D

Hello again from Wisconsin! Alright ladys and gents, My XR5 will be here on Monday April 3rd. I also decided to go without the NEC speakers. I have a question for you though, what type of speakers would be appropriate for this display? I have a complete surround sound setup already, so I am looking for a wall mounted set of speakers that will be used just for television watching. I will be mounting the XR5 with a flush wall mount and would like to add a pair of sexy in wall speakers on each side of the display. Any ideas on what watt speakers I should look for? Do I need something really specific to fit the capabilities of the displays internal amp? I know the display has 9 watts per channel for the speakers, so what should I be looking for? I would appreciate any suggestions, Thanks!

Hello again from Wisconsin! Alright ladys and gents, My XR5 will be here on Monday April 3rd. I also decided to go without the NEC speakers. I have a question for you though, what type of speakers would be appropriate for this display? I have a complete surround sound setup already, so I am looking for a wall mounted set of speakers that will be used just for television watching. I will be mounting the XR5 with a flush wall mount and would like to add a pair of sexy in wall speakers on each side of the display. Any ideas on what watt speakers I should look for? Do I need something really specific to fit the capabilities of the displays internal amp? I know the display has 9 watts per channel for the speakers, so what should I be looking for? I would appreciate any suggestions, Thanks!

I'd say whatever you get make sure they are at least moderately sensitive say 89db or greater as well as 8 ohms impedance to make it easy on the internal amp and to give you plenty of volume.

Hello again from Wisconsin! Alright ladys and gents, My XR5 will be here on Monday April 3rd. I also decided to go without the NEC speakers. I have a question for you though, what type of speakers would be appropriate for this display? I have a complete surround sound setup already, so I am looking for a wall mounted set of speakers that will be used just for television watching. I will be mounting the XR5 with a flush wall mount and would like to add a pair of sexy in wall speakers on each side of the display. Any ideas on what watt speakers I should look for? Do I need something really specific to fit the capabilities of the displays internal amp? I know the display has 9 watts per channel for the speakers, so what should I be looking for? I would appreciate any suggestions, Thanks!
-------------------

I guess you just need to match the impedence (ohms) of the NEC speakers to your after market set. But 9W is not sufficient for most home theatre viewing (or even TV!) IMHO....

thanks for all the advice on this forum in my purchase or the XR5. That includes Chris @ Cleveland Plasma, cpcat and others for their settings and various others who provided advice about size, mounting, etc.. I've attached a pic of my final setup. FYI, the speakers are Pinnacles circa 1992 (still work great) and their wood trim was wood "crayoned" to almost match the cherry unit.

Eric

Eric, very nice, congrats!. I love that cabinet. And, finally another person with the HR10-250 and the XR5. Please let me know your settings when you finalize them - I'd love to try them out.

check out the numerous postings of cpcat and tony17 in this thread and use one of them and tweak from there. am not at home to see my current exact settings. i recall that either cpcat, tony17 or both use the hr10-250.

Eric

:) Sorry, but I had to chuckle when I read that, Eric. I am Tony17 and do have the Hr10-250. I am happy with my settings, but like to try others out when posted. If I recall, I was the only one that posted settings for this STB, but would like to see others as well. Take care!

Eric, very nice, congrats!. I love that cabinet. And, finally another person with the HR10-250 and the XR5. Please let me know your settings when you finalize them - I'd love to try them out.

pardon my ignorance, but what is the HR10-250? :confused:


ahh an STB. nm. :)

pardon my ignorance, but what is the HR10-250? :confused:


ahh an STB. nm. :)


Sorry about that, it is DirecTV's HD receiver with TiVo. The top component there in his pic.

:) Sorry, but I had to chuckle when I read that, Eric. I am Tony17 and do have the Hr10-250. I am happy with my settings, but like to try others out when posted. If I recall, I was the only one that posted settings for this STB, but would like to see others as well. Take care!

woops! :)

WAF- My wife was pretty kool about getting Plasma. she wasn't quite sure about having a 50" "TV" in her very nicely appointed living room. But after going to watch a movie down town,that cost us $48. She said get it. Now after watching the NECxr5 she loves it and is very happy with it, in her living room. She now watches a movie with me twice a week and has her own Netflix Que. She even gets excited showing the PQ to friends who are now coming over to watch movies.
Our xr5 is now three+ months old. It really has made a difference for our home entertainment. As soon as I figure out how to post pic. I’ll give it a shot.
db


** One more note: placing ambient light behind the plasma truly makes a very BIG difference in the over all Cinema experience. I strongly suggest it.
I current have just a rope light ($18).
But will go to a true 65K light source system soon.

Hello All,

You are a trusted crew. I, like others, have ordered my XR5 from Chris (sight--unseen). Charter said they are presently out of hd boxes (no dvr boxes in GA). I hope to attach a pic of my set-up (presently, lady-in-waiting). I copied a Pottery Barn design and saved about $1500. Believe it or not, my wife has been the one pushing this (blessed indeed).

David McKee
Bogart, GA

Very nice David. I love your cabinets. Congrats on ordering your NEC. You'll love it. Hopefully chris will get it to you soon. He's a good guy to deal with. Have fun with your system.

This is going to be great, all these NEC owners to bounce ideas off of and whatnot. I only wish my living room were a bit more HT friendly. Oh well, work with what we have, right lady (LisaM) and gents? :cool:

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

I guess you just need to match the impedence (ohms) of the NEC speakers to your after market set. But 9W is not sufficient for most home theatre viewing (or even TV!) IMHO....
I appreciate your opinion and input, but I think 9 watts per speaker is plenty for watching just television. I have the Sharp Aquos LC-37DB5U which has 10 watts per channel and the sound from it's internal speakers is quite exceptional. I have commented several times in other forums about how great the sound is from the Aquos displays. I guess I will just go and ask an audio specialist what speakers he would recommend for the XR5. Thanks

Here are some pictures of the 42XR4A I got last week.

It is still in a break-in period (~30Hrs), so I just watch some DVDs and run the break-in DVDs once in a while. Currently, I use cpcat setup and change to the factory setting occasionally.

The PQ looks brilliant and my anime collections never looked better. Another important thing is that it fits to my TV bench/shelf perfectly. :D

Here's the picture of my XM5. Actually I'm just testing out how to attach jpegs. I've never done it before....so y'all can just ignore this.

If you guys are looking for good speakers both in sound and looks at a very low price, the Yamaha NS-333 are very nice. You can mount them on a wall since they have built-in brackets or you can just get some small speaker stands. They have a piano black lacquer finish and have curved sides. I use these exclusively for my satellites in my HT.

http://images10.newegg.com/productimage/82-115-027-02.JPG

If you prefere smaller and flatter speakers and or complete speaker packages, Yamaha has them too.

http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/speakers/speakers_NSpackages.htm

Thanks Julie, but I am looking for a ( flush) in wall speaker for use as the television speakers only. I have a complete set of towers, sub, and center for my Home Theater use. I just want to be sure that I find a good match for the power that the XR5 can put out for the speakers. I got my wall mount today, so the moment is near when the XR5 will be at my doorstep! :D

This may be a stupid question, but if you have a surround sound system, why wouldn't you use it all the time instead of using some other speakers driven by the TV? If you only want to listen to the front L&R, you can select that in your receiver can't you? That's what I do.

No offense MarkyMark but with energy costs being as outragous as they are, I don't feel that it is necessary to run a high powered receiver and speakers to watch TV. I use my towers for the Home Theater experience when watching DVD's. I don't really need spectacular sound when watching the evening news. I know you probably think I am crazy being concerned with energy costs after spending in excess of well over $10K on electronics, but by being frugal in other areas allows me to spend more money on my electronics obsession. :)

No offense taken. I was just being nosey. I never think about that since the plasma is on almost 24/7 here, and it uses more energy than all the rest of the components combined anyways. I just try not to think about it, and pay my 300+ dollar electric bill each month.

I guess I will just go and ask an audio specialist what speakers he would recommend for the XR5. Thanks

You did see this didn't you?:


I'd say whatever you get make sure they are at least moderately sensitive say 89db or greater as well as 8 ohms impedance to make it easy on the internal amp and to give you plenty of volume.

I've seen several comments that people have made referring to a "break-in DVD" - is that supposed to be a literal DVD that I should have found in my new XR4 shipping box? Or is it a DVD, like Avia, to make settings? Or it just a phrase people are using to refer to any DVD that they run continually, making sure the black bars aren't shown?

JKirkmd, I think its a DVD that you can download from the "Burnin Thread". If you go to the first post, I think there is a place to download it.

JKirkmd, I think its a DVD that you can download from the "Burnin Thread". If you go to the first post, I think there is a place to download it.
Thanks for the lead! I found it on that thread, with a link, here (http://www.eaprogramming.com/ ) to the actual download. It's a small zip file that unzips to nearly 700Mb. I'll try that in conjunction with the Avia DVD I have. Cheers! :)

I waiting for a price drop in the 50xm5 or 50xr5 so I can justify the expenditure after buying a 42vm5 about a year ago.In reviewing the specs of the 2 units am I correct that the xr5 does NOT have a dvi or hdmi input and that the xm5 has dvi/hdcp input?Not having dvi or hdmi input is a deal breaker for me having appreciated the difference it has made on my42vm5.Could someone help?

I waiting for a price drop in the 50xm5 or 50xr5 so I can justify the expenditure after buying a 42vm5 about a year ago.In reviewing the specs of the 2 units am I correct that the xr5 does NOT have a dvi or hdmi input and that the xm5 has dvi/hdcp input?Not having dvi or hdmi input is a deal breaker for me having appreciated the difference it has made on my42vm5.Could someone help?

The XR5 has 2 HDMI/HDCP compliant inputs. It does not have DVI. You could always use a cheap DVI -> HDMI adapter.

This Chris in Cleveland is going to win quite a sales award from NEC this year. Would anyone mind PM'ing some info on the deal you got from him? I'm trying to decide if I should wait for the 58" Pany and/or the 50" Pio FHD1 or go the NEC way.

thanks for all the advice on this forum in my purchase or the XR5. That includes Chris @ Cleveland Plasma, cpcat and others for their settings and various others who provided advice about size, mounting, etc.. I've attached a pic of my final setup. FYI, the speakers are Pinnacles circa 1992 (still work great) and their wood trim was wood "crayoned" to almost match the cherry unit.

Eric

I like the plasma furniture....WHERE did you purchased it?????

Well, I ordered my speakers last night. I know absolutely nothing about audio, so I had a friend give me pointers condsidering my most recent stereo purchase was a Pioneer shelf system nearly 2 decades ago. :D

L/R: Polk R30 towers
Center: Polk CSi25
Surround: Polk R15 rears
Subwoofer: HSU STF-1

Not bad considering it only cost me a little more than what the NEC speakers would have run me.

Now I need to find a nice 5.1 receiver and some cables. I'm thinking a new TV stand will be in order as well, but I may build it myself so I can have exactly what I want rather than making due or paying through the nose.

I was wondering if one of you could give me a hand with this..

When watching HD with bright scenes (such as a snow covered mountain), I am noticing the brightness seems to flicker or fluctuate throughout the scene.

I thought it may just be that particular film, but last night I noticed it on two or three different HD movies (via cable).

Is there some kind of setting I need to change?

Thanks!

Which set do you have scmguru?

50xr5.

Update.. the flickering doesn't happen anywhere near as much with the burn in DVD images (white screen etc).

What seems to cause flickering is when a scene has at least 50% very bright white area combined with dark areas.

Example- A mountain scene where the upper left 50% of the picture is snow and the lower right part of the picture is rocks. This will make it flicker.

A good test is the movie cliffhanger.. or any other movie w/ these types of scenes. They all seem to cause this brightness variation or flickering.

Scmguru, I too see the white on white, "shifting". I did have this issue and see it some times. I believe it is a source issue. However, try these ideas {& others will have them too]
1.Use cpcat & tony17 setting in to memory 1& 2. Both of these setting come from different source inputs so one will might work better from your source.
·As Lisa suggested- you might want to experiment with turning down red-yellow-magenta one notch from these two settings, it helps with my issues.

2.Check your entire cable inputs- remove and reconnect them. I had a bad cable company coax cable. Replace it and much better PQ. Also, ground the coax cable.
3.I’m sure more ideas will come. This was the ONLY issue I had have with this plasma.
dB

Not sure if this is the right thread or not, but I'd like to send pictures/video from my PC in the basement to my NEC, via wireless network. Is that possible? What connections/hardware will I need to do that? (I have Windows XP Pro, not Media Center) I know the hardwire connection is feasible, but I don't want to have to have a PC or laptop in the TV room.

You'll probably get better answers in the HTPC forum.

There are few different wireless streaming devices out there. I have a computer connected to my NEC so I've never really researched them.

scmguru,

I have noticed this on certain select scenes as well. I can tell you that it definitely happens MUCH more when using the "Bright" picture mode. As cpcat mentioned, that setting probably floats the blacks, and apparently the whites as well. Using Theatre 1 will eliminate this drastically, but not get away from it completely. I have decided that it does not bother me enough (nor happen often enough) to go back to Theatre 1 yet....

Tony- Yes. Bright picture mode definitely makes it very obvious. I wonder if some type of firmware fix would resolve this?

Tony- Yes. Bright picture mode definitely makes it very obvious. I wonder if some type of firmware fix would resolve this?


Worth a try...anyone who's contacted NEC before care to make contact?

Another alternative, don't use bright mode.

I've never been a fan of automatically adjusted settings, which it appears Bright mode is.

I've got mine configured for Normal, and have just adjusted Brightness, etc. to get a picture I am happy with.

Along a similar line, I have low tone set to 3, since Auto did bad things as the picture content changed.

Another alternative, don't use bright mode.


I sort of agree with you there, why float the pictures brightness if not needed. On the other hand, "Bright" seems to provide slightly deeper blacks (albeit, not that significant). Have you tried Theatre 1 over Normal though, as that gives a little deeper picture without the "floating" too.

I sort of agree with you there, why float the pictures brightness if not needed. On the other hand, "Bright" seems to provide slightly deeper blacks (albeit, not that significant). Have you tried Theatre 1 over Normal though, as that gives a little deeper picture without the "floating" too.

I flipped through all of the different settings briefly.

However, since I would have to recalibrate based on what settings I choose anyway, I prefer to just leave it on normal.

I was wondering if one of you could give me a hand with this..

When watching HD with bright scenes (such as a snow covered mountain), I am noticing the brightness seems to flicker or fluctuate throughout the scene.

I thought it may just be that particular film, but last night I noticed it on two or three different HD movies (via cable).

Is there some kind of setting I need to change?

Thanks!


It's possible this is the display. It's also possible it's the source. What I can tell you is that I see it on all three of my displays: Sony RP lcd, Panny pdp, and NEC 50XR5. For that reason, it doesn't really bother me. If it's the same thing I'm seeing, you'll not likely get rid of it.

I don't know if this is the source of the now famous "floating blacks" complaint on the Panasonics or not, but it's possible. If that's the case, it has erroneously been attributed to Panasonic IMO.

Floating whites are an attribute of all plasma displays. It can't produce as bright a white with the full screen as it can with smaller areas of white, so certainly in theory this could be part of what you are seeing. Decreasing the white level (contrast) should make this less noticeable. OTOH, you'll then have a picture with decreased white levels.:)

There are alot of things you begin to notice when your screen gets larger.

OTOH, your screen is larger. :)

I like the plasma furniture....WHERE did you purchased it?????

It was purchased at a local (Tucson, AZ) furniture store called Contents Interiors. The company who makes the piece escapes me, but I recall the company is from Canada. PM me and I can look at my receipt to get you the actual name of whom to contact. I don't think I can post the price here, but if you PM me I can do that there too. FWIW, it was pricey (>$2000).

Eric

Floating whites are an attribute of all plasma displays. It can't produce as bright a white with the full screen as it can with smaller areas of white, so certainly in theory this could be part of what you are seeing. Decreasing the white level (contrast) should make this less noticeable. OTOH, you'll then have a picture with decreased white levels.:)

Interesting. I've been noticing this with basketball and especially with hockey. My 50XR5 is hooked up to a Motorola 6412-III via HDMI and I must admit, hockey on HD channels looks like crap. I get tons of macroblocking on the ice and the white levels flicker all over place. It isn't unwatchable but it definitely is annoying.

I look forward to wrapping up the 100hr break-in period so I can make a real attempt at tuning this thing.

Interesting. I've been noticing this with basketball and especially with hockey. My 50XR5 is hooked up to a Motorola 6412-III via HDMI and I must admit, hockey on HD channels looks like crap. I get tons of macroblocking on the ice and the white levels flicker all over place. It isn't unwatchable but it definitely is annoying.

I look forward to wrapping up the 100hr break-in period so I can make a real attempt at tuning this thing.

A perfect virtual window is as of yet unavailable. When/if it is, we'll still probably find something wrong with it. :)

For some reason, HD hockey really brings out the worst in a display. I think it's the constant panning over a white background. Could be the production crew with too much Labatte's.

Waiting stinks. :D

It's possible this is the display. It's also possible it's the source. What I can tell you is that I see it on all three of my displays: Sony RP lcd, Panny pdp, and NEC 50XR5. For that reason, it doesn't really bother me. If it's the same thing I'm seeing, you'll not likely get rid of it.

I don't know if this is the source of the now famous "floating blacks" complaint on the Panasonics or not, but it's possible. If that's the case, it has erroneously been attributed to Panasonic IMO.

Floating whites are an attribute of all plasma displays. It can't produce as bright a white with the full screen as it can with smaller areas of white, so certainly in theory this could be part of what you are seeing. Decreasing the white level (contrast) should make this less noticeable. OTOH, you'll then have a picture with decreased white levels.:)

There are alot of things you begin to notice when your screen gets larger.

OTOH, your screen is larger. :)

I've seen this white flickering or shifting as well. But it seems to happen on HR10-250 and not on my HTPC. So that tells me that the source is the suspect. I even swapped out the HR10-250 for a new unit and had the same issue. One thing I might check into is my satellite grounding. I'm using the grounding block near the dish with copper wire running to the grounding rod at the electrical panel. Maybe I'm doing something wrong there.

I've seen this white flickering or shifting as well. But it seems to happen on HR10-250 and not on my HTPC. So that tells me that the source is the suspect. I even swapped out the HR10-250 for a new unit and had the same issue. One thing I might check into is my satellite grounding. I'm using the grounding block near the dish with copper wire running to the grounding rod at the electrical panel. Maybe I'm doing something wrong there.

I can't imagine how a grounding issue could create this.

I've decided to place or mount the Plasma on the mantle above our non-working fireplace. Here's a link to a post I did in the audio forum about my home's lack of A/V friendly layout:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7410347#post7410347

Those of us that have the 50XR5s, what is the average viewing distance you have your NEC at? I was thinking 10'-13' feet based on my living room, does that seem too far away to any of you?

Also, those that have mounted theirs on the wall, which are good mounts to use? I'm going to mount it assuming I can find some good strong studs behind the plaster, but if not, the mantle is plenty big enough.

Those of us that have the 50XR5s, what is the average viewing distance you have your NEC at? I was thinking 10'-13' feet based on my living room, does that seem too far away to any of you?




I'm at 15 feet. I probably should be at 10-12 but it's just how my room is set up. It sounds to me like yours is perfect for a 50. I really need a 61 or 65 inch panel but that will have to wait a while.

I'm at 15 feet. I probably should be at 10-12 but it's just how my room is set up. It sounds to me like yours is perfect for a 50. I really need a 61 or 65 inch panel but that will have to wait a while.

Well we all really need a 60" or larger panel, I just need to wait to they become quite a bit more affordable. :D

I don't know if this is the source of the now famous "floating blacks" complaint on the Panasonics or not, but it's possible. If that's the case, it has erroneously been attributed to Panasonic IMO.
The current 37" and 42" commercial Panasonic plasmas float blacks to some degree. The latest 50" does not. Older generations (6th) hold black perfectly. All consumer Panasonics float black when not in "Cinema" mode, in my experience. Floating blacks are a problem with many plasmas (and other displays as well), but it can usally be mitigated by select a picture mode that minimizes the effect. Ideally, blacks should never, ever, float. White peaking (dimming whites when the picture is very bright) is another common issue with plasmas. By disabling the power saving features in the Panasonic sets, you can get them to behave better. Also, white peaking happens more frequently when you have contrast/picture cranked up too high. Floating whites is a much bigger problem, but not very common.

A set that floats whites (Fujitsu comes to mind) behaves like this (just an example):

Full white 90IRE field -> 20 Foot lamberts light output.
Full white 90IRE field, which a thin 100IRE strip in the middle -> 15 Foot lamberts light output on the 90IRE parts of the picture.

This causes all kinds of gamma problems, and is bad for picture quality in general. Limiting the max wattage the set can consume may be a ok (white peaking) but changing how a signal level is interpreted based on other parts of the picture is a bad idea. It's similar to running a projector with Iris set to "Auto" to create an illusion of a better contrast ratio because the set has limited dynamic range. Not all scenes are supposed to be equally bright in the brightest part.

Sorry for the OT.

I've seen this white flickering or shifting as well. But it seems to happen on HR10-250 and not on my HTPC. So that tells me that the source is the suspect. I even swapped out the HR10-250 for a new unit and had the same issue. One thing I might check into is my satellite grounding. I'm using the grounding block near the dish with copper wire running to the grounding rod at the electrical panel. Maybe I'm doing something wrong there.

If the HR10-250 is the culprit, where does that leave us DirecTV people? I have an HD box, but it doesn't have a PVR and I'd really like to get one now that I have assembled a system worth watching stuff on.

From what I've seen, none of the HTPC HD capture cards can do more than record OTA stuff, I want to be able to record Sunday Ticket games and the occasional show off of Discovery HD or whatever.

Other than the HR10-250, what options are available to us?

I NEED a 102", but unfortunately, I'd NEED a new wife in order to get it.

Sorry for the OT.

Thanks for the knowledge input and come back anytime.

Whatever, "OT" was, it didn't bother me. :)

I NEED a 102", but unfortunately, I'd NEED a new wife in order to get it.

:) :)

Thanks for the knowledge input and come back anytime.

Whatever, "OT" was, it didn't bother me. :)


Off Topic.
And I agree... no need to apologize for this kind of an informative post.

Cheers

shane

Off Topic.
And I agree... no need to apologize for this kind of an informative post.

Cheers

shane

Hear, hear. Always willing to learn something new! :cool:

I NEED a 102", but unfortunately, I'd NEED a new wife in order to get it.

And depending on our ages, sometimes that is the better thing to do. ;) :D

"Just kidding honey....."

<-- ducks for cover

Very nice Boss, I hadn't thought it out completely....

And depending on our ages, sometimes that is the better thing to do. ;) :D

"Just kidding honey....."

<-- ducks for cover

A friend of mine keeps on telling his wife "when you hit 50, I'll trade you in for 2 x 25 year olds...."

Nice ;)

I havent ordered a plasma yet been doing alot of research first,Ive come down to the NEC 42 XR4,was leaning towards the panasonic but Ive read to many problems with issues from owners,havent heard that from NEC owners.Was watching my CRT Sony Wega 24 inch tonight what a awsome picture it does everything right,will the NEC 42 XR4 compete?

The picture quality on the NEC42xr4 is terrific. Even after 2 months, I am still amazed at how good it is. You will not be disappointed.

I have it on good authority (ie - tracking # Chris sent me) that my plasma is either here in Rochester or should be soon and probably ready for delivery on Monday!

I called to set up a delivery time, but got the voicemail of the company. I'll try again in a minute or two, maybe they were on break or something.

Just a few more days, just a few more days....

I was going to go with the pana 42"8huk its cheaper but Ive read some threads on the bigger 50" 8huk were the owners had some issues of things I dont like to hear after all that money.The NEC XR4 is more expensive upfront I hope its the one it sure does look alot sexier thanks lisa.......

Well you people talked me into doing something I never did before.

I am going to buy the Nec 50XR5A without ever seeing one on display.

I am about to order the Nec 50XR5A from Chris at Cleveland Plasma after reading all the great things about the Nec 50XR5A and the service Chris provides.

I sure hope this lives up to all the great reviews.

Obviously you will be taking a risk. I can tell you this though, over my years on this forum I have blind purchased several items based solely on member recommendations and have yet to be disappointed.

Look what I just got delivered to my front door! Ah at last. Now this is where the fun begins! :D

Look what I just got delivered to my front door! Ah at last. Now this is where the fun begins! :D

Congrats, my XR5 will be at my place tomorrow between 12-2pm! :cool:

I was going to go with the pana 42"8huk its cheaper but Ive read some threads on the bigger 50" 8huk were the owners had some issues of things I dont like to hear after all that money.The NEC XR4 is more expensive upfront I hope its the one it sure does look alot sexier thanks lisa.......
------------

Just curious, what sort of issues did you hear about?

Look what I just got delivered to my front door! Ah at last. Now this is where the fun begins! :D

can't wait to get mine in 2 weeks!! :) :D

For anyone one interested I did a little comparison of paring my NEC 50XR5 with the Oppo 971H and the new Sony NS75H dvd players.

You can find the details here....

NEC 50XR5 with Oppo 971H and Sony NS75H (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7425964&&#post7425964)

Now I'm confused...I was advised to not use an "upconverting" DVD player because the scaler inside the NEC was better than anything I would get in a Oppo or NS75H. :confused:

Now I'm confused...I was advised to not use an "upconverting" DVD player because the scaler inside the NEC was better than anything I would get in a Oppo or NS75H. :confused:

Well that may most certainly be true... but now you need to find a player that does 480i over HDMI (assuming you want a digital connection).... there are some coming...Oppo 970 will have 480i over HDMI... you will note all I am doing is the interlaced to progessive, an operation the the Faroudja chip is VERY good at, the Panel is still doing the scaling. Anyone? feel free to correct me.

Also we are also just trying to report on some comnbinations of DVD players and NEC panels

What player are you considering?
and remeber...this is just... One Reporter's Opinion

Well that may most certainly be true... but now you need to find a player that does 480i over HDMI (assuming you want a digital connection).... there are some coming...Oppo 970 will have 480i over HDMI... you will note all I am doing is the interlaced to progessive, an operation the the Faroudja chip is VERY good at, the Panel is still doing the scaling. Anyone? feel free to correct me.

Also we are also just trying to report on some comnbinations of DVD players and NEC panels

What player are you considering?
and remeber...this is just... One Reporter's Opinion

Please do not feel that I was questioning you as though I didn't believe your excellent report. I don't have a player in mind per se, but I have to admit that the Sony 400 DVD monster is appealing in that I'll not have to manually switch DVDs again. Other than that, the Oppo has caught my eye since quite a few people have had good things to say about it.

I just need to know if I should purchase a new player or if my current one will suffice.

Please do not feel that I was questioning you as though I didn't believe your excellent report. I don't have a player in mind per se, but I have to admit that the Sony 400 DVD monster is appealing in that I'll not have to manually switch DVDs again. Other than that, the Oppo has caught my eye since quite a few people have had good things to say about it.

I just need to know if I should purchase a new player or if my current one will suffice.
No worries, I wasn't offended nor being a smart ass, this thread is very friendly. My search for a new player came when I realized my old DVD players was in fact realllly old, it didn't even recognize 16x9. So my oddessy began, I didn't want to spend too much untill the real HD DVD stuff. If I had a decent DVD player my plan was to just hold out, I will say though the picture with the 2 I reviewed(plus the Denon 1720 I Tried) were excellent especially considering their cost. However if you have a decent DVD player, you may just want to wait untill you "Dream" player is available.

Now I'm confused...I was advised to not use an "upconverting" DVD player because the scaler inside the NEC was better than anything I would get in a Oppo or NS75H. :confused:

Sounds like backwash from the RPTV forum. :)

Seriously, the review didn't show any surprises to me. 480p should be the best over HDMI if 480i isn't available. The Oppo with the Faroudja deinterlacer could be better than NEC's so 480p may even be better than 480i but we'll not know until Oppo allows 480i over HDMI.

For anyone one interested I did a little comparison of paring my NEC 50XR5 with the Oppo 971H and the new Sony NS75H dvd palayers.

You can find the details here....



bvader, I agree with your assessment of the Sony. I have the Sony NS70H (probably very close PQ/feature-wise to the 75 i would guess) and the NEC 50XR5A and also found I prefer 480p/HDMI and use cinema1 custom picture mode. When using component, I preferred 480p to 480i.

I'm still happy I spent the extra bucks to get the HDMI port (it was not all that much more), even though I do not use the upconverting feature of the Sony.

Sounds like backwash from the RPTV forum. :)

Seriously, the review didn't show any surprises to me. 480p should be the best over HDMI if 480i isn't available. The Oppo with the Faroudja deinterlacer could be better than NEC's so 480p may even be better than 480i but we'll not know until Oppo allows 480i over HDMI.
Agreed regarding surprises, the 970H will be a more interesting comparison, although I don't think I will be doing that comparison ... Some good news was...There were a number of issues with the previous Sony Model (NS70H) that seemed to be ironed out, but I think the best news/happy finding is that the NEC + Faroudja Pairing doesn't seem to be showing Macro Blocking Errors, infocalypse didn't seeit it on is Denon 1920 either. Thats good news...

Something else I observed while doing some testing etc...
I have setup the CpCat+LisaM setting, which I like alot. One thing that I realized is how much effect the Sharpness has. Reducing the sharpness during DVD playback per the setting gave great "film quality" however, when viewing True HD TV I will push the Sharpness back up a a bit , because it sees as the HD signal can "handle it". It looks sharp but not "edge enhanced". Actually I think I will continue to tinker with sharpness a bit.
Does that make sense?

Also I feel like there is just the tiniest green push on TV for my test (example occasionally Blond hair has the slightest look of one to many days in the chlorinated pool :), so if I want to pull it down a tad Should I adjust GG, GB or Green? or some combo.

After a couple hundred hours on my 50xm5 I also noticed a bit of a drift toward green. Dropping the green and filling in a bit with red and magenta helped.

Yes, most PDP's seem to have a slight green push with factory defaults for some reason. My 42" Panasonic had it really bad at first but I adjusted the tint control to -5 and it looks normal now. The NEC has individual color adjustments so I just backed the green down 2 clicks without changing the tint or any other color.

If you can compensate for a red push by decreasing red and magenta in the individual color settings, it definitely makes sense that the way to deal with a green push is by decreasing green in those same settings.

How is the sound quailty using the basic side attached speakers. Do the NEC's offer any soft of "simulated" SRS/surround through the stock speakers like the Panny's do (it really does help the basic sound). While obviously HT gear is the way to go, after a possible purchase of the 43" w/stand there won't be much $$ left + I'm really not interested in a multi-speaker HT sound system at this time.

Well, I received my XR5 yesterday and didn't have time to unpack it. The XR5 was delivered in flawless condition, without even the slightest scratch on the shipping box. This morning was the first time I have had to actually play with the display a little. The display has these great removable handles mounted to it so you can remove the display from the box easier. An excellent feature. I happen to be a good sized man and was able to remove the display from the box with very little difficulty. So, after removing the XR5 from the box and very gently leaning it against my wall for the time being, I unhooked the HDMI cable from my Sharp Aquos LCD display and hooked it to the XR5. The picture was exceptable right from the box, but for a videophile like myself, it needed to be tweaked a little. I printed the settings listed in this forum for the XR5 and tried them as a reference point. Big difference! The picture on this display is everything I had imagined. Excellent black levels and great detail. I have only begun to play with this new toy and will do more as time permits. Having bought this display sight unseen and basing my decision on the professional opinions obtained from this forum, I could not be happier. This is a fabulous Plasma display. The picture adjustments can be a little overwhelming, but nothing to be afraid of. Thanks to Chris at Cleveland Plasma! This guy knows what he is talking about. The NEC brand is a force to be reckoned with. You will not be disappointed with this Plasma display. This is the best I have seen so far. :)

3 1/2 years later my NEC 42xm2 is still as gorgeous as the first day.

NEC - the secret superstar of the Plasma World.

Ok Sanity Check Please....

I did all my adjustments and set it as Memory 1.
Then put the panel in StandBy
Then Powered up the panel.
Observed: Setting were correct

Then adjusted sharpness (still In memory 1)
I did not "Set" to Memory 1
Cycled Throgh Memories until I got Back to Memory1
Observed : Memory 1 was back to "Set" state i.e. new sharpness setting was no longer there. This was expected behavior

Adjusted Sharpness Again.
Did not "Set" Memory to Memory 1
Put unit in standby.
Powered up Unit.
Observed Sharpness was still at the "New Value"... i.e. it appears that Putting the Panel in stand by, "Sets" the current settings into the Current Memory. I did not expect this? Did You? Was hoping temp settings would be lost, i.e. and subtle changes I made you not be "Set" unless explicityly done.

I guess if I want setting to be temp, then I need to switch to a different memory before powering down/standby.

Thoughts/Comments? Sanity Check?

Did you try switching to the other memories after powering back up and then see if they are still there when coming back to Memory 1? It may be saved temporarily until you "leave" Mem 1.

I just received and installed a new NEC PX-50XR5A. Looks great out of the box but I saw a reference to recommeded 50XR5 settings somewhere in this thread. However, I tried searching for it but could not get things narrowed down below the 73 pages. Can anyone post a link to it?

Next, I can not find a way to reduce the factory default overscan on my 50XR5. The Image Adjust menu heigth and width adjustments default to 0 and only allow the user to INCREASE the over scan. Right now it takes a -15 offset in the vertical center to see the top edge and +19 to see the bottom edge. Then I have to offset the horizontal centering -31 to see the left edge and +32 to see the right edge. This happens with either 720p or 1080I resolution feeding the HDMI inputs.

I would like to get the overscan down to maybe 1% or 2% if not zero. This might be handled in the Service Menu, but NEC will not sell or provide that information outside NEC Authorized Servicers. Has anyone been able to reduce the overscan on the 50XR5?

Did you try switching to the other memories after powering back up and then see if they are still there when coming back to Memory 1? It may be saved temporarily until you "leave" Mem 1.

Thanks thats eactly it... must be "slow" this am, also if you actually power down the unit the temp setting is not saved... this is good.

It's here, it's here! I hope to get it up and running tonight or tomrrow, but can't wait!

A few pictures of the NEC and where it will reside soon:

I just received and installed a new NEC PX-50XR5A. Looks great out of the box but I saw a reference to recommeded 50XR5 settings somewhere in this thread. However, I tried searching for it but could not get things narrowed down below the 73 pages. Can anyone post a link to it?

Next, I can not find a way to reduce the factory default overscan on my 50XR5. The Image Adjust menu heigth and width adjustments default to 0 and only allow the user to INCREASE the over scan. Right now it takes a -15 offset in the vertical center to see the top edge and +19 to see the bottom edge. Then I have to offset the horizontal centering -31 to see the left edge and +32 to see the right edge. This happens with either 720p or 1080I resolution feeding the HDMI inputs.

I would like to get the overscan down to maybe 1% or 2% if not zero. This might be handled in the Service Menu, but NEC will not sell or provide that information outside NEC Authorized Servicers. Has anyone been able to reduce the overscan on the 50XR5?

Some setting can be found here...
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7360508#post7360508

I would like to get the overscan down to maybe 1% or 2% if not zero. This might be handled in the Service Menu, but NEC will not sell or provide that information outside NEC Authorized Servicers. Has anyone been able to reduce the overscan on the 50XR5?

To see what your overscan really is, you'll need to disable all the orbiting functions at least temporarily.
With mine, all the sizes at zero and vertical position of +3 is about right for 1-2 percent and this seems to be true for 480p, 720p and 1080i inputs over HDMI. I haven't found a way to make it any less than that but haven't felt a need to either. An overscan test pattern like that found on AVIA is helpful.

Once you go back to orbiting, "auto 1" seems to result in even a little less overscan overall.

Here's the settings thread: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7402078#post7402078

Way to go Boss! :)

Way to go Boss! :)

Thanks, now I just need to start with the break-in period. I have to admit that this part of owning a plasma stinks. :D

Well that may most certainly be true... but now you need to find a player that does 480i over HDMI (assuming you want a digital connection).... there are some coming...Oppo 970 will have 480i over HDMI... you will note all I am doing is the interlaced to progessive, an operation the the Faroudja chip is VERY good at, the Panel is still doing the scaling. Anyone? feel free to correct me.

Also we are also just trying to report on some comnbinations of DVD players and NEC panels

What player are you considering?
and remeber...this is just... One Reporter's Opinion

Okay, again, forgive my ignorance, but I have a few questions:

1) The current Oppo player does 480p over HDMI, right? If that is the case, why is it be better to have a interlaced instead of progressive player?

2) When is the Oppo 970 slated for release, and has MSRP been set yet?

Sorry, I'm just nervous. I've spent so much on this setup already, I want to get the right stuff for this display, I've used up all my "good boy" points recently, and can't afford to go around auditioning components. :D

Thanks everyone. It's been a rollercoaster, and I'm so psyched!

1) The current Oppo player does 480p over HDMI, right? If that is the case, why is it be better to have a interlaced instead of progressive player?

!

If the NEC has a better deinterlacer, 480i would be better. If the player does, 480p could be the best. The current Oppo has the Faroudja DCDi which is highly regarded. I'm sure the new Oppo will give you the option to try both 480i/p which allows you to decide for yourself. I don't know when it's coming out though, maybe someone else here does.

Still having banding problems (or at least I think that's what it's called). When I watch SD, I see "Banding" around bright objects on a dark background or when a screen will fade from light to dark etc..

An example of what I am seeing is here.. I'm referring to the banding around the bright moon in the dark sky. This was from last nights apprentice on NBC HD but.. it looked like an SD feed. Also, traffic lights that go from on to off on a darker background do the same thing.

The cable box SA8300HD is set to pass through and I am connected using HDMI.

I have tried every picture mode and I still get the same thing..

http://gallery.avsforum.com/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=40856

Photo is titled.. NEC 50XR5 Banding

Also, I keep seeing what looks like banding or blocking on white screens, for example when an advertisement finishes on a white screen with colored writing, I'm getting what looks like little darker off white square "blocks" irregularly in the corners..

Is this all an SD or source issue?

Thanks!!

If the NEC has a better deinterlacer, 480i would be better. If the player does, 480p could be the best. The current Oppo has the Faroudja DCDi which is highly regarded. I'm sure the new Oppo will give you the option to try both 480i/p which allows you to decide for yourself. I don't know when it's coming out though, maybe someone else here does.
Just to add another variable, according to reports, the 970H will not have the Faroudja DCDi chip as a de-interlacer it will use the built in MediaTek de-interlacer(per rumor thread), thus it is not not expected that the de-interlacing will be quite as good as the 971H. However, I would think the 970H will provide a very good "reference" 480i over HDMI, that what folks are waiting for. The reported date is April (by rumor and Oppo) so I guess it will be released very soon MSRP 129-149ish. Here is the rumor thread.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=619439

cpcat... I seem to remeber, you are running 480i into the NEC right ... after you did all you VP comparison stuff, right? and you are getting excellent PQ I presume?

I'd like to join the NEC plasma club - my 50XR5 just arrived. We all know how impressive the screen is, but what about the box? What a piece of engineering! Despite all the warnings saying 2 or more people are required to install, I couldn't wait for help, and I must say the box design made it easy. Besides, I've already been lucky with this screen when I bought it. Let me amuse:

I emailed a local supplier for a price. I also contacted a good friend in the industry who could get me one at cost. Finally I visited a retailer, had 'in stock' confirmed, and ordered from them as the price was very close to my friend's cost price.

Got home from the retailer, found the email response from the first local supplier at a significant amount cheaper. "Damn it - too late".

Anyway, delivery time passes, I call the retailer and they explain that they aren't available for another week. Pissed off because I bought on the premise of immediate delivery, I cancelled and went with the cheaper supplier. A 50XR5 was shining light in my living room within 16 hours of the phone order.

You've got Chris from Cleveland Plasma in the States - we've got Michael from Quantum Sphere in Australia. I'm extremely impressed.

Simon

cpcat... I seem to remeber, you are running 480i into the NEC right ... after you did all you VP comparison stuff, right? and you are getting excellent PQ I presume?



I use 480p over DVI. I tried 480i over component, couldn't really see a difference.

DVD pq is good for me via an LG 3510a DVD/ATSC tuner combo. I'm sure it could be better with a better DVD player such as the Oppo.

Is this all an SD or source issue?


Banding, aka false contouring, aka posterization, is an artifact of the the digital processing.

You're most likely to see it on SD, but it can happen on DVD or HD too and is mostly noticeable when there are low intensity gradients. There simply aren't enough bits to handle the subtle variations at the low level.

The NEC has 12 bit internal processing so it's not likely to be adding any effect due to rounding errors.

I find that leaving the "Low Tone" on 3 (error diffusion) minimizes the visibility of this.

jvincent- It demitely does still happen on HD too.. less often as you indicated. Will OTA HD Suffer less from this?

I've noticed my ED panasonic does not suffer from this anywhere near as much.. maybe it is because the processor only has to upconvert to 480 lines vs 768?

jvincent- It demitely does still happen on HD too.. less often as you indicated. Will OTA HD Suffer less from this?

I've noticed my ED panasonic does not suffer from this anywhere near as much.. maybe it is because the processor only has to upconvert to 480 lines vs 768?
----------------------

I believe you should be able to aleviate this problem via calibration (I don't know how, but I am sure you can since the Pioneer Elite does not seem to have it, and is often attributed to it's out-of-the-box calibration). With a brighter screen (like the NEC) the chance of seeing banding like you illustrate is more common. For instance, I have reverted to watching DVDs/movies on my Panny from my NEC for this reason (was planning on getting my NEC ISF Calibrated, but $400 was too much for me!).

However, I find the general experience of watching HD content of any kind more pleasing on the NEC over my Panny 7UY - since the colors look richer and the image is more 3-D like. Also, when watching sports etc, this is not much of an issue since I am not looking for a lot of details....

Will OTA HD Suffer less from this?

OTA HD is not compressed, it will be a better feed.

jvincent- It demitely does still happen on HD too.. less often as you indicated. Will OTA HD Suffer less from this?


If your HD is compressed, aka HDLite, then OTA will be better.

My cable company doesn't compress HD so it's the same as OTA and there are still a few times that I see it. I should note that I also used to see it on my CRT HDTV, so it's a source/display chain problem.

I've got a technician coming over today (separate fan issue) and he indicated he'd put a signal generator on the set to see what the problem is.

I cant seem to get a good smooth ramp using AVIA through either component or HDMI using 2 different DVD players.

I still see that pixelation/blocking in the white areas of the ramp, I see banding in the ramp no matter what settings I use.

I'm in hour 14 of the "break-in" DVD. I figure I should be at almost 100 hours by this weekend, and the family and I can sit down to enjoy a few of Pixar's great features in all their glory.

My Yamaha receiver was delivered today, now I'm just waiting on the surround speakers, center channel (same vendor), the HSU sub and of course, cables. All should be here by Friday, Monday at the absolute latest. :cool:

One thing's for certain, boy this NEC sure can display full screens of Red, Green, Blue, Gray, Dark Gray and Black (the break-in DVD) like nobody's business. :D

Tech just left.. he agreed re: solarization, said he'd take the issue to NEC and see what he can find out.

ok,

I was watching tennis in 1080i this morning on my XR5. The picture as usual was crystal clear. However, I noticed that as the tennis balls were being hit across the net it seemed as if the balls were going in slow-motion. What I mean is that I could see the outline of the image of the ball in its previous location(s). This could not possibly be a case of IR, could it?

I am wondering if this is normal? Is it the source or the set? I was hoping to watch the World Cup soccer on this set and hopefully it won't be an issue.

Anyone else have this problem?

I don't know if it was the source signal, but watching the Final Four on CBS via an OTA antenna through my HD-TIVO tuner was rather pixellated during heavy motion, but razor sharp for "non-action" scenes. Hadn't had a problem with any kind of motion artefact before with the XR5 with sports and wonder if other experienced this?

Eric

I'm in hour 14 of the "break-in" DVD. I figure I should be at almost 100 hours by this weekend, and the family and I can sit down to enjoy a few of Pixar's great features in all their glory.

My Yamaha receiver was delivered today, now I'm just waiting on the surround speakers, center channel (same vendor), the HSU sub and of course, cables. All should be here by Friday, Monday at the absolute latest. :cool:

One thing's for certain, boy this NEC sure can display full screens of Red, Green, Blue, Gray, Dark Gray and Black (the break-in DVD) like nobody's business. :D

I was pretty picky about the breakin too,, but certainly don't feel like you can't watch any TV / movies, just keep the contrast / brightness down a bit or use Theater1 etc and stretch them (actually I consciously mixed the Breakin DVD with regular content). I watched Harry Potter Widescreen, and just set it to 2.35:1 and everything is/was fine. Also Disc HD is a great HD source, very little logos etc..

I'm in hour 14 of the "break-in" DVD. I figure I should be at almost 100 hours by this weekend, and the family and I can sit down to enjoy a few of Pixar's great features in all their glory.

My Yamaha receiver was delivered today, now I'm just waiting on the surround speakers, center channel (same vendor), the HSU sub and of course, cables. All should be here by Friday, Monday at the absolute latest. :cool:

One thing's for certain, boy this NEC sure can display full screens of Red, Green, Blue, Gray, Dark Gray and Black (the break-in DVD) like nobody's business. :D


what yamaha receiver did you get?

Tech just left.. he agreed re: solarization, said he'd take the issue to NEC and see what he can find out.
Did he explain "Solarization" or can you? (I get the visual) but any details?

Banding, aka false contouring, aka posterization, is an artifact of the the digital processing.

You're most likely to see it on SD, but it can happen on DVD or HD too and is mostly noticeable when there are low intensity gradients. There simply aren't enough bits to handle the subtle variations at the low level.

The NEC has 12 bit internal processing so it's not likely to be adding any effect due to rounding errors.

I find that leaving the "Low Tone" on 3 (error diffusion) minimizes the visibility of this.

Many of these artifacts are signal related I think. I see banding on my CRT as well depending on the signal source. I'll be really interested to see how BD does as hopefully it will provide us with the first real HD signal many of us have seen.

I do think calibration can help to minimize false contouring, but I doubt it will eliminate it at least with the signals I have currently.

I wouldn't say my AVIA horizontal grey ramp is "butter smooth" but there's little or no banding. I have not been able to remove all of the banding from the vertical ramp.

Again, I'll be interested to see what effects BD will have on the grey ramps assuming an HD calibration disc is available.

what yamaha receiver did you get?

HTR-5930. Low end of the new HT receiver spectrum. Figured I'd ease the wife into movies with 5.1, and then I could always pop for a "reference quality" receiver later on. :D

What brands of cables do you guys use? HDMI, component, dvi

The only big name I know is Monster, and I'm wondering if there is any others which give similar performance for a lesser cost?

A couple of the forum sponsors above provide quality cables (monoprice and bluejeans come to mind). I ordered most of mine from monoprice and was not dissapointed. I think most will agree that Monster is WAY overrated and not worth the extra cost at all.

I think most will agree that Monster is WAY overrated and not worth the extra cost at all.

Agreed.

If you spend more than $30 for a 6-foot cable, you have spent too much.

I don't know if it was the source signal, but watching the Final Four on CBS via an OTA antenna through my HD-TIVO tuner was rather pixellated during heavy motion, but razor sharp for "non-action" scenes. Hadn't had a problem with any kind of motion artefact before with the XR5 with sports and wonder if other experienced this?

Do you have cinema turned on or off?

Hello friends, I'm on my second day of owning the XR5 and I was just wondering if it is absolutlely a "must" to use the "break-in " DVD mentioned in this forum? I have had very little time available this week and when I have had time, I have been letting the XR5 run with Discovery HD channel on. I have observed very few static images on this channel and am not to worried about it. The channel icon in the bottom of the screen appears from time to time, but never for an extended time period. So, is this break-in DVD a must use item?

Agreed.

If you spend more than $30 for a 6-foot cable, you have spent too much.

Walmart has a 6 ft Philips HDMI/DVI cable for about that if I remember. It works fine for me. I would imagine they carry the HDMI/HDMI version for about the same price.

If the cable is poor quality, it can cause handshake problems or at least that's what I've found. Excessively long runs can cause "sparklies". For HDMI/DVI, if you have a stable
picture without sparklies or handshake problems, that's a good cable.

Not meaning to get OT, but how does the NEC handle a 1080i source? My question is geared toward HD-DVD/BR, since I'll be getting this plasma at the same time I buy a hi-def DVD player. Does it scale 1080i down to 540p then up to 768? Or how does it work? TIA

Do you have cinema turned on or off?

My understanding is that "Cinema" activates 1080i inverse telicine for 1080i film sources. It should have no effect for 1080i video sources whether on or off.

I have the same mode on my VP, but it also has a selectable indicator which tells you whether IVT is on. For video it will stay off. For 1080i film, it may actually switch on/off intermittently during the program. This isn't noticeable in the picture, though. I'll bet this is happening on our NEC"s as well assuming the processing is similar.

ok,

I was watching tennis in 1080i this morning on my XR5. The picture as usual was crystal clear. However, I noticed that as the tennis balls were being hit across the net it seemed as if the balls were going in slow-motion. What I mean is that I could see the outline of the image of the ball in its previous location(s). This could not possibly be a case of IR, could it?

I am wondering if this is normal? Is it the source or the set? I was hoping to watch the World Cup soccer on this set and hopefully it won't be an issue.

Anyone else have this problem?
Hi plazman.... currently have on the tennis on INHD @1080i over TWC on SA83000 , looks fine to me, no trails / streaks etc actually looks pretty crisp/clear ... little pixelation in the shadows but other than that looks great... maybe it was the source

Hello friends, I'm on my second day of owning the XR5 and I was just wondering if it is absolutlely a "must" to use the "break-in " DVD mentioned in this forum? I have had very little time available this week and when I have had time, I have been letting the XR5 run with Discovery HD channel on. I have observed very few static images on this channel and am not to worried about it. The channel icon in the bottom of the screen appears from time to time, but never for an extended time period. So, is this break-in DVD a must use item?

I used DiscoveryHD as my sole break in source for the first 100 hours. I expanded it to2:35 so that it fully covered the screen and let it run. It worked great for me.

Not meaning to get OT, but how does the NEC handle a 1080i source? My question is geared toward HD-DVD/BR, since I'll be getting this plasma at the same time I buy a hi-def DVD player. Does it scale 1080i down to 540p then up to 768? Or how does it work? TIA

For 1080i video the NEC will deinterlace to 1080p60 (motion adaptive) followed by scaling to 768p60.

For film, 1080i inverse telecine recreates 1080p24 which is then converted to 1080p60 through frame duplication then scaled to 768p60.

I don't work for NEC, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express some time last year. :)

BD 1080i should be handled like a film source.

Alternatively, the XR5/XR4 can accept 1080p60 over component from BD (doubtful it will be available though) and the XM5 can accept 1080p60 over DVI (will be available from BD).

Assuming the best which I think is fairly safe, for 1080i video the NEC will deinterlace to 1080p60 followed by scaling to 768p60.

For film, 1080i inverse telecine recreates 1080p24 which is then converted to 1080p60 through frame duplication then scaled to 768p60.

I don't work for NEC, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express some time last year. :)

BD 1080i should be handled like a film source.

Alternatively, the XR5/XR4 can accept 1080p60 over component from BD (doubtful it will be available though) and the XM5 can accept 1080p60 over DVI (will be available from BD).

Thanks cpcat exactly what I was looking for :D

Hi plazman.... currently have on the tennis on INHD @1080i over TWC on SA83000 , looks fine to me, no trails / streaks etc actually looks pretty crisp/clear ... little pixelation in the shadows but other than that looks great... maybe it was the source
-------------

perfect! I have the same combination - NEC XR5 hooked up to an SA 8300 (Cox). Hopefully it was the signal. I hadn't noticed it before, so may be an aberration...

A couple of the forum sponsors above provide quality cables (monoprice and bluejeans come to mind). I ordered most of mine from monoprice and was not dissapointed. I think most will agree that Monster is WAY overrated and not worth the extra cost at all.

I echo Tony's sentiments. I own both Monster brand and "off" brand cables, and these eyes can't tell a difference, but my wallet sure can.

My monoprice cables should be in within the next few days.

I used DiscoveryHD as my sole break in source for the first 100 days. I expanded it to2:35 so that it fully covered the screen and let it run. It worked great for me.
Thanks Lisa! I figured that it would be O.K. as long as there is no prolonged static images. I can't help but sit and stare at this XR5. Even at these low level contrast and brightness settings for the break in period, the picture is simply incredible on Discovery HD. I think I hit the jackpot with this display! :)

I used DiscoveryHD as my sole break in source for the first 100 days. I expanded it to2:35 so that it fully covered the screen and let it run. It worked great for me.

Lisa, do you think there are "benefits" to using Discovery HD in stadium (or whatever 2:35 mode is called on the NECs) instead of say the break-in DVD? Or vice-versa even?

I'm hoping to do the break in this week so that I can really enjoy it after my surgery instead of having to do the break in then. :D

*Edit - Was your break in 100 hours or 100 days?

Thanks Lisa! I figured that it would be O.K. as long as there is no prolonged static images. I can't help but sit and stare at this XR5. Even at these low level contrast and brightness settings for the break in period, the picture is simply incredible on Discovery HD. I think I hit the jackpot with this display! :)
-----------------------

I believe lowering the contrast and brightness levels are necessary to get a more realistic picture (even after you break this in). Having had this set for a couple of months now, the set is excellent out-of-the-box and continues to be excellent - particularly for HD content. However, I'll be really surprised if the PQ suddenly started improving dramatically after a break-in period. But I would not know that, since I haven't done anything special to break-in the model, watched it normally using the best settings (cpcat) I could find on this forum. The PQ appears to be very consistent and stable...

I was looking at the settings on the Panny threads and it looks like folks turn the contrast and brightness way down there as well (even the ISF calibrated sets)- and the Panny screen is significantly less bright than the XR5. In a nutshell, reducing the contrast and brightness IMHO is not something you do during just to break in the set to compromise PQ, but may actually improve the PQ over default settings....anyway, I am not sure if you have the break in settings so low that you can't see the shadow details in a dark scene in a movie. In that case you'll be glad when the break-in period is over :)

My 2 cents....

Lisa, do you think there are "benefits" to using Discovery HD in stadium (or whatever 2:35 mode is called on the NECs) instead of say the break-in DVD? Or vice-versa even?

I'm hoping to do the break in this week so that I can really enjoy it after my surgery instead of having to do the break in then. :D

*Edit - Was your break in 100 hours or 100 days?

Discovery HD is 16:9 with minimal 4:3 images (commercials) and almost no logo problems. Rarely, they show thin pillar-boxed outdoor video programs (fire fighter documentary? if I remember) so maybe using stadium would be a good idea if you plan to leave it unattended.

I can't imagine how a specifically designed break-in DVD could be much different.

I don't know if it was the source signal, but watching the Final Four on CBS via an OTA antenna through my HD-TIVO tuner was rather pixellated during heavy motion, but razor sharp for "non-action" scenes. Hadn't had a problem with any kind of motion artefact before with the XR5 with sports and wonder if other experienced this?

Eric

I have an XR4 and my folks have a Sony CRT HD set. CBS HD college basketball feeds on both sets (in different states fed by different digital cable boxes) are/were exactly as you describe - crystal clear when still, and somewhat pixellated during motion. ESPN HD games don't have this appearance -- so I'm almost positive it's the source material.

I used Discovery HD in Stadium if I was in the room or in 2:35 if I was elsewhere in the apartment and didn't want to think about the possibility of black bars appearing at all. I felt it was the easiest thing to use and didn't bother looking for the break-in dvd. Since I work at home, I ran the panel 8 hours+/- for roughly 2 weeks. I lowered the brightness and contrast and used Theater 1 for the initial 100 hours. (I just saw my earlier post - I definitely meant 100 hours and will go back and edit it! The hazards of posting while working!)

Thereafter, I changed my settings to the newer ones that Cpcat posted (bright) and haven't looked back.

quick newb question: can i use good quality composite cables for a component signal?

quick newb question: can i use good quality composite cables for a component signal?

I think it would probably work but you'll obviously have to keep track of which is which somehow without the labeling. 75 ohm x 3 cables should be the same.

Welp, I finally bit the bullet and bought myself an XR5. Chris from Cleveland Plasma was spectacularly helpful, and everything's gone great so far.

I've spent the past couple of days messing with settings and trying out all the ones listed over in the tweaking thread. I do have a couple of questions, though, for any who might be brave enough to try to help...

HDTV looks fantastic. SD is better than expected, and DVDs are pretty nice. However... I can't shake the feeling there's something lacking with DVD quality. I currently have a player hooked up with component cables - a Pioneer 588a if that matters - and though the picture quality is certainly decent, it lacks the "leap out and get you" quality that I was hoping for. Am I unrealistic in thinking that the quality of DVD playback should be near-HD levels? I understand that DVDs have a different resolution / quality than HD, but... I can't shake the feeling that things could be better.

So my question is... does an HDMI hookup make that much of a difference in comparison to component? Would I be well-served to invest the money in an upconverting HDMI player, or are the differences negligible and I should instead wait for the next generation Blu-ray/HD-DVD discs?

Any input you guys may be able to offer would be greatly appreciated. I'm not at home right now, but I can certainly post my settings once I get home and have them to look at.

Thanks again.

There was a definite improvement in image quality when I switched my cable box from component to HDMI so if your cable box supports that, go for it.

On the DVD player front, if you're planning on getting HD-DVD or BluRay soon, then I'd wait before upgrading.

So my question is... does an HDMI hookup make that much of a difference in comparison to component? Would I be well-served to invest the money in an upconverting HDMI player, or are the differences negligible and I should instead wait for the next generation Blu-ray/HD-DVD discs?

Any input you guys may be able to offer would be greatly appreciated. I'm not at home right now, but I can certainly post my settings once I get home and have them to look at.

Thanks again.

I would definitely let things settle for a bit before making any upgrades. Even then, BD is just around the corner so don't spend too much if you do. DVD quality can vary so take a look at several before judging. Lastly, DVD will not be as good as HD but still should provide a satisfying picture.

HDMI may be slightly better, but the difference isn't likely to be dramatic. The black level (brightness) setup can make a dramatic difference, though. Be sure you compensate for the brightness settings between the two if you have one source via HDMI and another via component. Typically for the XR5 setting setup pedestal in the picture menu to 3.75 should give about equivalent brightness to HDMI set to "high'' in the setup menu (with pedestal at zero).

I'd like to join the NEC plasma club - my 50XR5 just arrived. We all know how impressive the screen is, but what about the box? What a piece of engineering! Despite all the warnings saying 2 or more people are required to install, I couldn't wait for help, and I must say the box design made it easy. Besides, I've already been lucky with this screen when I bought it. Let me amuse:

I emailed a local supplier for a price. I also contacted a good friend in the industry who could get me one at cost. Finally I visited a retailer, had 'in stock' confirmed, and ordered from them as the price was very close to my friend's cost price.

Got home from the retailer, found the email response from the first local supplier at a significant amount cheaper. "Damn it - too late".

Anyway, delivery time passes, I call the retailer and they explain that they aren't available for another week. Pissed off because I bought on the premise of immediate delivery, I cancelled and went with the cheaper supplier. A 50XR5 was shining light in my living room within 16 hours of the phone order.

You've got Chris from Cleveland Plasma in the States - we've got Michael from Quantum Sphere in Australia. I'm extremely impressed.

Simon

Hey Simon, good stuff -

I'm in Sydney myself and have been looking at these panels for a little while.

Once you have had a chance to play with it, would love to know if you see any judder with moving images like the footie or not.

I couldn't see any judder, but I only saw it in-store and didn't watch any sports either....

Cheers,

Marcelo

calim, try the split screen setting on your NEC. Using my echo* box I was able to compare component to DVI on my 50xm5 in a side-by-side shootout. I prefer the DVI feed in this situation. IF your DVD player can't output digital then go get yourself a top quality DVD like SHREK, the latest STAR WARS or LORD OF THE RINGS. Also, try to get your DVD player to output 480i if it can. Then try 480p and any other setting you can get it do do. One thing about the NEC is that it is made to waltz with the best quality sourses, including software. Not that the rest is all that bad, it is just that once you have viewed the best you will notice the poorer quality stuff sooner.

Oh, HD Discovery was what I used for the first 100 hours break-in. I let it ride 24 hors per day, even while at work. No regrets. Then I let thing settle down a bit before futzing with CPCAT and LISA'S settings.

Oh, HD Discovery was what I used for the first 100 hours break-in. I let it ride 24 hors per day, even while at work. No regrets. Then I let thing settle down a bit before futzing with CPCAT and LISA'S settings.

Good to know. I switched to some of CPCAT's settings (mainly for lowering the brightness and contrast out of the box, but used the color controls as well) while letting it run the break-in DVD. Any ill effects for doing this? Should I purposely be letting it run at the defaults for the break in period before switching?

I would keep the contrast and brightness below the default during the first 100 hours. I thought that the recommended level was below 50%.

OTA HD is not compressed, it will be a better feed.

Uhm, OTA HD is compressed. OTA HD, or ATSC broadcast video is compressed with MPEG2 (or maybe an AVC, but most likely still MPEG2 since AVCs are still being hashed out, i.e., H.264, VC1, etc.)
OTA HD video is typically compressed to fully utilize the ca. 19.4 Mbps transport stream rate, which contains both the video and audio (which is AC3) streams, and some overhead.

That said, an ATSC OTA broadcast is not always better than a cable HD feed. InHD, for example, is a "high quality" HD stream.

.

No ill effects in trying custom setings early on. You can always go back to factory default. I have noticed that by the end of about 200 hours the unit settled down a bit and only then did I try futzing with the settings. Factory settings are real good to begin with. It is just that the picture started getting a bit too green.

A little Panasonic 60U vs NEC observations (Pops is getting his 60U, think it is a great panel too) but there are definitley less picture / aspect controls on the 60U. I realize that I am now taking some of the NEC's adjustability for granted, example the 2:35 to 1 is nice, but I think the biggest thing is there are no indvidual Color Gain/Bais etc through the main menus... (which I still have a couple quesitons on) I know you all probably now all this but it is really sinking in about now... Loving my NEC

Other note... using the cpcat + LisaM setting My Panel passed the THX Optimizer (exception the one you needed the glasses for) with flying colors... no pun intended

Uhm, OTA HD is compressed. OTA HD, or ATSC broadcast video is compressed with MPEG2 (or maybe an AVC, but most likely still MPEG2 since AVCs are still being hashed out, i.e., H.264, VC1, etc.)

That said, an ATSC OTA broadcast is not always better than a cable HD feed. InHD, for example, is a "high quality" HD stream.

.

Unfortunately, you are correct. Everything is compressed and even bit-starved.

In general: OTA , cable, sat feeds in order of increasing bit-starvation of the feed. As you said, it's possible for OTA to be compressed even further depending on mulitcasting, etc. I wouldn't even assume InHD over cable is as good as it could be. Hopefully, we'll have a new "player" first on the list soon: "BD" or "HD-DVD". BD will still utilize MPEG2 but at least will offer a max bitrate of 54 mb/s which is almost 3x the best we're seeing now.

No ill effects in trying custom setings early on. You can always go back to factory default. I have noticed that by the end of about 200 hours the unit settled down a bit and only then did I try futzing with the settings. Factory settings are real good to begin with. It is just that the picture started getting a bit too green.
Seeing a little of the green thing (~150 hrs)... curious what your setting are now? And how many hours do you have?

Seeing a little of the green thing (~150 hrs)... curious what your setting are now?

Not sure why this would change, but it's possible. Remember there will be variability from channel to channel and show to show. I see some which seem a little over-green and others which still seem a little red. This makes me feel it's probably about right.

If you adjust anything, I'd probably start with simply returning the color tune values all to default (assuming you are using LisaM's settings currently). This should add a little red back in. The other thing you could try is tweaking the saturation value down a bit.

If you cut a little red, then cut a little green, etc. you may risk throwing the values too far off the mark. They are spot-on with default color tune and saturation values looking at AVIA (at least for me) and remain very close even with the saturation tweaked down to 29.

Not sure why this would change, but it's possible. Remember there will be variability from channel to channel and show to show. I see some which seem a little over-green and others which still seem a little red. This makes me feel it's probably about right.

If you adjust anything, I'd probably start with simply returning the color tune values all to default (assuming you are using LisaM's settings currently). This should add a little red back in. The other thing you could try is tweaking the saturation value down a bit.

If you cut a little red, then cut a little green, etc. you may risk throwing the values too far off the mark. They are spot-on with default color tune and saturation values looking at AVIA (at least for me) and remain very close even with the saturation tweaked down to 29.
Thanks, I will take a closer look... let you know what I find... could be imagining it...could be source...

Hey all,

Just wanted to let you know that the CBC up here in the great white north has just started running a properly formatted, i.e. using Rec 709 colour matrices, SMPTE test pattern which includes a pluge for setting brightness.

So, assuming I didn't screw up my recording last night, I should be able to provide some test pattern validated numbers tonight. I have the full set of colour filters, so it should be pretty accurate.

This won't solve the personal preference aspect of things, but at least it's a good baseline.

Excellent Jvincent. Is this an HD pattern?