I just bought the Panasonic TH-50PX6U from Costco and the picture looks great (especially HD).
I've connected the TV thru Comcast's HD Motorola ST box thru HDMI-VGI.
I have 2 problems though:
1. Sometimes, the volume on the TV goes down automatically. This keeps happening at a random time where I cannot simulate the issue. It goes all the way to zero. This never happens when I'm watching a DVD. I've connected my Sony DVD player thru Component cables. I'm breaking my head finding out why the volume reduces automatically when the tv is on at times(cable). Any suggestions?
2. When I turn on my TV directly to a HD channel (if the Set top box is already on and the TV is off) the screen is split into 2. But, when I change the channel, everything looks great and I have to change the channel back to my original channel and I get the great picture again. The problem is only when I turn it on directly to a HD channel.
Has any one of you faced these problems? Any idea how to solve them?

Thank you so much in advance.

I just bought the Panasonic TH-50PX6U from Costco and the picture looks great (especially HD).
I've connected the TV thru Comcast's HD Motorola ST box thru HDMI-VGI.
I have 2 problems though:
1. Sometimes, the volume on the TV goes down automatically. This keeps happening at a random time where I cannot simulate the issue. It goes all the way to zero. This never happens when I'm watching a DVD. I've connected my Sony DVD player thru Component cables. I'm breaking my head finding out why the volume reduces automatically when the tv is on at times(cable). Any suggestions?
2. When I turn on my TV directly to a HD channel (if the Set top box is already on and the TV is off) the screen is split into 2. But, when I change the channel, everything looks great and I have to change the channel back to my original channel and I get the great picture again. The problem is only when I turn it on directly to a HD channel.
Has any one of you faced these problems? Any idea how to solve them?

Thank you so much in advance.

Perhaps a problem with the cable cord and/or adapter? I tried using a DVI to HDMI adapter on my STB once, and it messed up the picture, and made the STB do weird things. Test with component only and see if that "fixes" it. Just a thought.

actual native resolution of dvd is 480p

Yes, too focused on what was required to cause the display to do all of the processing.

please help! i just got my new panny 37" and i have no sound!!!! help!

Hi All...Just another Newbie here. Been lurking and reading up for awhile, and have found the posts most informative and helpful....Thanks!

I recently got a Panasonic TH42PX60U, and have just got the HD installed (satillite).
My STB does not have an HDMI port, so is hooked to the TV via composite cables.
Even though I am still in the break in phase (everything set to 0), the picture is pretty good!
here is the question.....Which would result in the highest picture quality possible;
Component cables from the STB to the TV - which is how it is set up now, or HDMI (TV end) to DVI (STB end) with the RCA cable for audio)?

THANKS in advance!

fixed...phew

If the Harmony's have some way to import the "hex" code associated with a command then the code for the discreet input selection can be found in post #25 of this thread:
...
Near the end of that thread a poster says he has discrete aspect working, I asked him to post the code. We'll see...

The basic discrete input commands are already present in the Harmony database (for component, hdmi, s-video, etc.). I wanted the antenna input discrete code, but it looks like that does not exist based on comments in the linked thread and my own searches. Oh, and it looks like the latest from that thread suggests that no discrete aspect codes exist either... Oh well, I'll make sure my next TV has better discrete support...

Quote:

I just purchased a Model TH-50PX6U from Costco. I love the set. Great picture.

I have one issue. The set is mated to a Scientific Atlanta 4250 HD box via a Monoprice HDMI cable.

Sometimes when I turn the channel, it takes 3-4 seconds for the station to come in, and the HDMI box flashes on the upper left hand side of the screen.

Is this normal? If not, any advice on how to correct?


Do you have your 4230 HD box set to pass thru the resolution or to output a fixed resolution? If it is set to passthru try setting it to a fixed resolution (like 720P). I noticed my 60U takes a couple of seconds to "lock in" on HDMI when I change the resolutions. My DirecTV DVR is set to always output 720P and I do NOT get that delay when I change channels - only when I change the resolution output from the DirecTV DRV. So your problem might be the resolutions changing when you change channels.

I fixed the passthrough on my cable box to 720p and it worked. The channel now locks in pretty quickly. Thanks!

Douglas

I am very satisfied with my Panasonic Model TH-50PX6U from Costco. One small issue. From time to time, the top edge of the screen briefly shows a line of what I will call "noise". When I first purchased my other HDTV, a 37 Sharp LCD, I was able to correct this by shifting the picture in the up direction.

I have not been able to find a similar feature in the Panasonic. In the service menu perhaps? Does anyone know how to correct the appearance of the line of noise?

Thanks,

Douglas

I just referred to my manual ( pages 20 & 21 )which covers the 37,42, 50, and 58" PX series sets and there is a Picture setting called "Color MNG" which is supposed to enhance green and blue colors for outdoor scenes. Get it through the Advanced Picture settings using your remote and make sure it is OFF since I noticed that it in fact DOES kick up the green and blue a bit. Its worth a try.

OK then, if the green thing is a problem I just didnt realize it. Not doubting you, just hadnt heard of that. Good Luck with it, I hope you can get it to your liking. Everyone sees things diffrently too, you may be more sensitive to it than me.

BTW: You'll notice that both Pioneer and Sammy have a well-known green issue and it has been discussed on the forums as well.


LOL...I checked this morning, and sure enough, mine was "on." I didn't get a chance to watch anything to see if there is a difference, but anything is better than that "Hulk" green during football, golf, and any other outdoor broadcast. Thanks!

The basic discrete input commands are already present in the Harmony database (for component, hdmi, s-video, etc.). I wanted the antenna input discrete code, but it looks like that does not exist based on comments in the linked thread and my own searches. Oh, and it looks like the latest from that thread suggests that no discrete aspect codes exist either... Oh well, I'll make sure my next TV has better discrete support...

Chick the Bruzzi forum, I think he had discrete aspect codes.

I have noticed some strange issues with my 50p60u. The TV has been perfect until about 2 days ago. My TV just recently went over the 100 hrs, so it may be because I have bumped the settings up, but I have never noticed this before. When I first have the TV on there is no problem, after about 30-40 mins the picture begins to gain a lot of noise. Whites tend to get some halos as well. My first thought was that it was my cable, but I noticed the same problem with DVD's. Could it be some kind of electrical interference? Has anyone else noticed this? I find it strange that it only starts having problems after about 40 mins of use. All thoughts or comments are appreciated.

adazzleman - I am having a similar problem, I see noise, pixelation, grainy look. happened about a week after i got the tv. Phoned Panasonic Canada, which were no help at all. They told me my Rogers receiver was not working propely and my Xbox 360 is broke (can't possbly be their tv)

They sent out a couple of retarded tech guys who tried to tel me how "beautiful" the picture looks. When they tried to tell me the Xbox 360 isn't HD, i asked them to leave.

So, I went back to my dealer, and after awhile of trying to describe the problem he remembered a similar issue with anther TV. So he's going to phone panasonic and convience them there is a problem.

if they can't correct it, i'm ditching panasonic altogether. They've left a bad taste in my mouth from the begining.

do you have your TV in an enclosed entertainement center? could be that it's getting hot...just a guess being that I don't know your setup.

do you have your TV in an enclosed entertainement center? could be that it's getting hot...just a guess being that I don't know your setup.

no its on an open stand

How do I check the firmware for my TV?

adazzleman - I am having a similar problem, I see noise, pixelation, grainy look. happened about a week after i got the tv. Phoned Panasonic Canada, which were no help at all. They told me my Rogers receiver was not working propely and my Xbox 360 is broke (can't possbly be their tv)

They sent out a couple of retarded tech guys who tried to tel me how "beautiful" the picture looks. When they tried to tell me the Xbox 360 isn't HD, i asked them to leave.

So, I went back to my dealer, and after awhile of trying to describe the problem he remembered a similar issue with anther TV. So he's going to phone panasonic and convience them there is a problem.

if they can't correct it, i'm ditching panasonic altogether. They've left a bad taste in my mouth from the begining.

Well I guess it is good to know that I'm not the only one, but then again it kinda makes me feel worse because there might actually be a problem. Some one asked if it was in an enclosed area? No I have it out on a stand, with plenty of airflow. It is not hot to the touch....well not any more hot than I would expect. You said you noticed it in just a week? I noticed it just after the break in period, about a week and a half. I guess I could return it for a new one, but I really don't want to do the whole break in again....that seemed to last forever. I was really debating on going to a rear projection tv, but the SSE is just too much for me. Plasma seems like the only way I can go. Do you think it could be something with the scaling? When I used to put in regular DVD's, the picture was pretty decent. Now it seems like dark scenes are very inky, and colors are very smudged. I put in a blue ray disc, and there is a lot of "speckles" in dark scenes. It is most noticeable on scenes with a dark blue sky. As I said in my last post....maybe they have always been there, but I had the settings down and never noticed any of the pixilization. Comments from anyone would be greatly appreciated.

yeah the noise is very prevelent no matter what settings i use. The pixelation is also intense, especially on the 360. I'm not sure if all the issues are the result of one problem, or if i'm getting multiple problems. Either way, it's no fun to watch...the "wow' factor is gone.

Yes I Have eliminated the possibility that it is a malfunction of one of my components eg: DVD player, cable, xbox 360, Blue ray. I don't know if there is a problem with ground, or maybe some other power fault.

I just bought the Panasonic TH-50PX6U from Costco and the picture looks great (especially HD).
I've connected the TV thru Comcast's HD Motorola ST box thru HDMI-VGI.
I have 2 problems though:
1. Sometimes, the volume on the TV goes down automatically. This keeps happening at a random time where I cannot simulate the issue. It goes all the way to zero. This never happens when I'm watching a DVD. I've connected my Sony DVD player thru Component cables. I'm breaking my head finding out why the volume reduces automatically when the tv is on at times(cable). Any suggestions?
2. When I turn on my TV directly to a HD channel (if the Set top box is already on and the TV is off) the screen is split into 2. But, when I change the channel, everything looks great and I have to change the channel back to my original channel and I get the great picture again. The problem is only when I turn it on directly to a HD channel.
Has any one of you faced these problems? Any idea how to solve them?
I have had the first one happen (and I own a 42PX600U, using a direct HDMI connection), and I know of some other people who have posted to AVS with the same problem. Usually, it happens to me while my TV is off, so I don't notice it change, but it has happened to me two or three times while watching something - and each time, it involved a picture breakup (ever notice that the signal freezes every now and then, and then it resumes, occasionally with some screen pixellation?). I'm not sure if it's a problem with the box, with the signal, or some combination. (It's not just on one channel; I've had it happen on ESPN HD and KNTV HD.)
Does the sound return when you change the cable box channel?

I am not familiar with the second one, although I assume the problem is with the box as 6Us (and 60Us, for that matter) don't have side-by-side picture capability. Unfortunately, I am not that familiar with the settings on the box to tell you what to check.

-- Don

Yes I Have eliminated the possibility that it is a malfunction of one of my components eg: DVD player, cable, xbox 360, Blue ray. I don't know if there is a problem with ground, or maybe some other power fault.

I asked the salesman if power supply could cause any distortion, and he says as long as you're not exceeding the voltage (15 amps), power should not effect the picture quality...

Greetings -

I am new to this forum and a relative newbie to the world of HD.

Last week I purchased a TH-42PX600U. I am running my HD cable box via component cables into the TV. The cable provider is Charter Communications. The box does not have an HDMI output so my options were either component cables, or, DVI-to-HDMI transformer. I chose the components. I've been using the TV for 5 days.

The HD picture quality is stunning.

HOWEVER, the SD picture quality is miserable. The images are blurry, with no definition, and appear very grainy and fuzzy. For instance, during the Super Bowl (in SD), you couldn't see the player numbers, where the ball was, and even the score in the on-screen stationary box was difficult to read due to the fuzz. Aargh!! I've tried to adjust the Sharpness and on-screen settings, but nothing is working. The difference between the HD and SD images is like night and day.

I formerly had a Sony XBR CRT and that unit was FAR SUPERIOR than this Panny when it comes to SD signals.

What is the fix here? Modify the output of my cable box to 480p? Ditch the components and try DVI-to-HDMI?

Please help! I feel like I spent the money for a Mercedes but only received a Kia!! Any thoughts or comments would be greatly appreciated!!
SD signals look much better if you connect your STB to the plasma using S-Video or composite inputs. I use two set of cables to connect my STB to my TV: component for HD and s-video for SD.

One more question regarding my new 37" Panny Plasma......When watching HD, the picture is great.....but when I switch to SD, what do i need to do to "stretch" the picture so I see everything in 16x9? I have the SFA 8300 STB and i can either stretch, zoom, or normal...but do i have to make this change everytime when I swtich back and forth from HD to SD?

On my cable box menu, it offers me diff pass through options (i think?), 1080, 720, etc....what should be selected here?

Sorry if i sound like a blabbering idiot, I just want my picture to be the best it can be!

One more question regarding my new 37" Panny Plasma......When watching HD, the picture is great.....but when I switch to SD, what do i need to do to "stretch" the picture so I see everything in 16x9? I have the SFA 8300 STB and i can either stretch, zoom, or normal...but do i have to make this change everytime when I swtich back and forth from HD to SD?

On my cable box menu, it offers me diff pass through options (i think?), 1080, 720, etc....what should be selected here?

Sorry if i sound like a blabbering idiot, I just want my picture to be the best it can be!

I have the non-dvr vrsion of your cable box and I have mine set to Stretch and I also have it on Passthrough mode. That should take care of it. Make sure the Panny Aspect ratio for non-HD channels is set to FULL.

I have the non-dvr vrsion of your cable box and I have mine set to Stretch and I also have it on Passthrough mode. That should take care of it. Make sure the Panny Aspect ratio for non-HD channels is set to FULL.


So i need to make changes on my STB and on the TV?

Hi all newbie here and have several questions. I just got the Panasonic TH-42PX60U about a week ago and so far it's pretty good. My questions are is how long does it take for all you other guys tv to power on. Mine takes about 8 seconds from the time I turn it on then a little flicker with the screen with white lines in it then it comes on. Does everyone else have this same thing happen?? Is my tv defective??? I hope not. Also my other question is that I don't have HD just basic cable and thats fine by me. I just have my cable hooked up by the coaxial plug in the back. Is this the only way I can hook up my cable for the best pic or is there another way. Thanks agaon.

Hi all newbie here and have several questions. I just got the Panasonic TH-42PX60U about a week ago and so far it's pretty good. My questions are is how long does it take for all you other guys tv to power on. Mine takes about 8 seconds from the time I turn it on then a little flicker with the screen with white lines in it then it comes on. Does everyone else have this same thing happen?? Is my tv defective??? I hope not. Also my other question is that I don't have HD just basic cable and thats fine by me. I just have my cable hooked up by the coaxial plug in the back. Is this the only way I can hook up my cable for the best pic or is there another way. Thanks agaon.

I'm new with my 50in and mine takes about that much time to turn on. I also have my coaxial plugged into the back and the component hooked up also. Both HD and regular channels look fine. Im waiting on the HDMI cable from monoprice

I have the non-dvr vrsion of your cable box and I have mine set to Stretch and I also have it on Passthrough mode. That should take care of it. Make sure the Panny Aspect ratio for non-HD channels is set to FULL.


I am still confused! so now when I watch HD channels, the cable box setting is still on stretch? Im reaaaaaly confused! please help! someone?

also, how can i set the panny aspect ratio for non-HD channels, vs HD channels...are there separate settings?

So i need to make changes on my STB and on the TV?

I would start there. Let us know what happens with those changes....

Ok, here are my settings:

On STB: 16x9, stretch 4:3 picture, Output formats: 1080i, 720p, 480p, 480i are all selected

On TV (using HDMI): Aspect Ratio = Full

I still have to change my STB (using the remote) to stretch when watching non HD stuff? Again, I am confused! I dont want to watch HD in stretch mode right? But If I dont, then I have to change from normal to stretch everytime I change to SD!

again, sorry im an idiot, i just dont understand!

Oh ok so we got one person with that long time to power on anyone else???? I thought I read somewhere that it takes 2 seconds for some to power on. Also does anyone know what that flicker with the white lines through before the picture comes on is?????

Oh ok so we got one person with that long time to power on anyone else???? I thought I read somewhere that it takes 2 seconds for some to power on. Also does anyone know what that flicker with the white lines through before the picture comes on is?????


7 seconds here, relax and enjoy your set.

Just got 42PX600U yesterday, and everything is setup now

In the manual, it suggests to find ways to secure the pedestal: either use the supplied gadget and screw it onto wooden TV stand, or find some strong cable/chain, and tie the pedestal against the wall

My TV stand is metal, so can't tie to it

1) is it truly required to secure the pedestal? I guess the reasoning is to make sure it doesn't tip over?
2) where can i find this cable/chain that ties the pedestal to the wall?

On page 8 of the manual, it said that "Use strong wire or chain which is commercially available to secure the plasma television to a solid area of the wall or a pillar". Where can I find this wire/chain? Or just anything that I can find in a store?

Oh ok so we got one person with that long time to power on anyone else???? I thought I read somewhere that it takes 2 seconds for some to power on. Also does anyone know what that flicker with the white lines through before the picture comes on is?????

I see the white lines for a millisecond as well, but ONLY when I swicth from an HD channel to an SD channel. I wouldnt lose any sleep over it....actually I dont lose any sleep over it!

Power on is about 2-3 seconds for me...at least I think.

Just enjoy the TV my man..... :cool:

Just got 42PX600U yesterday, and everything is setup now

In the manual, it suggests to find ways to secure the pedestal: either use the supplied gadget and screw it onto wooden TV stand, or find some strong cable/chain, and tie the pedestal against the wall

My TV stand is metal, so can't tie to it

1) is it truly required to secure the pedestal? I guess the reasoning is to make sure it doesn't tip over?
2) where can i find this cable/chain that ties the pedestal to the wall?

On page 8 of the manual, it said that "Use strong wire or chain which is commercially available to secure the plasma television to a solid area of the wall or a pillar". Where can I find this wire/chain? Or just anything that I can find in a store?

Mine is on a sturdy custom wooden stand and I did NOT secure it with anything. It aint going anywhere and I'm not concerned with it. That being said, my kids have a room in the basement with all their toys and crap so they do NOT venture into the living room and I'm confident that nothing will happen. Plus, its pretty sturdy up there and the duck feet actually look dumb but they add to the stability. It would take a VERY concerted effort to tip this TV over. A ball hitting it aint gonna budge it.

I wouldnt worry about it unless you have a unique situation with kids, pets, or something like that.

Try hitting recall when changing from HD to SD and see what kind of signal the tv is getting. I'd bet that you're getting 1080i on all channels.

On the STB, make sure that you have the picture output setting (i forget what it's called) to pass-thru or DVI-auto/HDMI-auto, this is in the setting menu somewhere.

edit: this is for awolf1

Anybody know if/when an update to the TH-65PX600U is coming out?

awolf1 see my reply on settting up the 50px60u with SA 8300HD

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9701981&&#post9701981

I went to costco yesterday and seems that under the slilver tabs..there are places I can mount. Is that what you used? User manual does not mention that.
As I recall, the four screw holes were covered with removable plastic caps. They are about 9" from the sides of the TV. I can't see how far from the top and bottom since the bracket covers them, but it's probably 6"-8". I would expect any universal mount to fit the 6U.You will need M8 screws, I used M8x30, they came with the mount and were just a tad short, 35mm screws would probably have been a better fit. Screw pattern is 600mm x 400mm.

I've been doing calibration on my TH-50PX60U for a few days and have come to the conclusion these sets have way oversaturated greens. Unfortunately Panasonic in their infinite wisdom has decided that end users don't need color decoder settings in the service menu and that we should all be looking at radioactive grass. :eek:

How many people would be interrested in demanding Panasonic to fix the green push or give us color decoder options in the service menu. IMO it would not be hard to fix this with a firmware change.Seems that you haven't seen Hitachi. Pioneers have excessive green too by the way. Actually, most plasmas have excessive green. Most of the times I like the colors. BTW, superbowl colors were great. Saw some minor macroblocking, but I believe this is signal issue.

actual native resolution of dvd is 480pMost DVDs are mastered as 480i. Regular DVD players send this 480i unaltered. Progressive-scan players convert 480i to 480p.

Ok, here are my settings:

On STB: 16x9, stretch 4:3 picture, Output formats: 1080i, 720p, 480p, 480i are all selected

On TV (using HDMI): Aspect Ratio = Full

I still have to change my STB (using the remote) to stretch when watching non HD stuff? Again, I am confused! I dont want to watch HD in stretch mode right? But If I dont, then I have to change from normal to stretch everytime I change to SD!

again, sorry im an idiot, i just dont understand!

Hi Guys - Panny TH-42PX60U,

I am having a similar problem with settings in my STB, but I am not sure if anyone can help me here or not.

I live in Canada (Toronto area) and have a satellite service and HD STB with Bell ExpressVu.

I have just had my HD set up and the tech chose the settings. Unfortunately, it seems that I have to change my aspect ratio all the time, depending on what I am watching - SD or HD. If I have my aspect to "Just" for SD, when changing to HD the default sems to be Partial Zoom (at least the station logos are 1/2 way off the screen), so an ajustment to "Full" is required. Same when changing back to SD; must choose "Just" again.

When I access the STB menu for HD set-up, I only have a limited choice; no pass through etc.

The menu choices are (the ones set by the tech in red):

Anolog Type: Off Air
Cable
HRC
IRC

Aspect Ratio:
16x9
4x3#1 (I think this stretches the picture one way or the other)
4x3#2 (I think opposite the above)

TV Type:
1080I
720P
480P

It looks like I am able to choose one only of any of the menu selection categories.

From some of these other responses, it looks like all TV types (1080I, 720P, 480P) could be selected. I don't think that I can do that. And I see nothing here that refers to "Pass-through".

Does anybody have any suggestions how to make the TV "remember" aspect ratios for SD &HD? Please advise.....THANKS!!

New 600 series firmware ver. 1.78

Random lock up condition (All buttons on remote and front panel inoperative, except for Power button)
CableCARD firmware upgrade message with SA CableCARD
"Poor Signal Quality" message appears on an encrpyted digital channel when tuning from some specific digital channels but no problem occurs when tuning from other digital channels
Channels are not removed from the TV's channel map when MSO removes them from the cableCARD line-up
No sound can be heard when the audio modulation used by the MSO is in MPEG2
TV Guide Clock problem (1, 2 or 3 hours ahead)

http://www.pasctraining.panasonic.com/SpecialApplications/ProductFirmwareDownloads/downloads1.asp

I am very satisfied with my Panasonic Model TH-50PX6U from Costco. One small issue. From time to time, the top edge of the screen briefly shows a line of what I will call "noise". When I first purchased my other HDTV, a 37 Sharp LCD, I was able to correct this by shifting the picture in the up direction.

I have not been able to find a similar feature in the Panasonic. In the service menu perhaps? Does anyone know how to correct the appearance of the line of noise?

Thanks,

Douglas


Bump

slowhand39, I have a 58PX600 and a Bell 9200 PVR.

The Bell STB's do not have a "pass-through" output video mode like some other STB's do. You must either set the output as 720p or 1080i and all programs are converted to that before leaving the STB. BTW, 16x9 Aspect ratio setting on the STB is correct.

The STB has aspect settings (cycle through them using bottom left button on remote) as does the TV. However the TV will only automatically switch its aspect setting when the incoming signal switches (480,720,1080) (note the TV switches back to "Full" mode each time it's powered on). This does not happen with the Bell STB's so the TV's aspect setting (Full, Just, Zoom,...) will remain as is while changing channels on the STB.

BUT the Bell STB will remember its aspect setting for HD and non-HD channels so what I do is leave the TV on "Full" all the time, and set the STB aspect to "Normal" when viewing HD (channels in the 800's) and "Partial Zoom" when viewing non-HD. I actually would rather use the "Just" mode on the TV and leave the STB on "Normal" when viewing non-HD, but unfortunately there's no way to get that to change "automatically" with the Bell STB's.

I have had the first one happen (and I own a 42PX600U, using a direct HDMI connection), and I know of some other people who have posted to AVS with the same problem. Usually, it happens to me while my TV is off, so I don't notice it change, but it has happened to me two or three times while watching something - and each time, it involved a picture breakup (ever notice that the signal freezes every now and then, and then it resumes, occasionally with some screen pixellation?). I'm not sure if it's a problem with the box, with the signal, or some combination. (It's not just on one channel; I've had it happen on ESPN HD and KNTV HD.)
Does the sound return when you change the cable box channel?

I am not familiar with the second one, although I assume the problem is with the box as 6Us (and 60Us, for that matter) don't have side-by-side picture capability. Unfortunately, I am not that familiar with the settings on the box to tell you what to check.

-- Don

Don,

Thanks a bunch for the reply. How did you solve your problem? I unplugged my hdmi audio inputs and replugged them back in. The volume hasn't gone down the past 2 days. So far so good. I had the problem with ESPN HD as well as American Idol on Fox and another channel too. But the picture was fine when this was happening. So, if it happens again, I really don't know what to do :(

Thanx.

I asked the salesman if power supply could cause any distortion, and he says as long as you're not exceeding the voltage (15 amps), power should not effect the picture quality...

I was reading through the manuel last night, and the best way to describe the noise is the picture they have in the manuel with the penguin. It is really bad on a pure black screen, with a signal going through. If there is no signal, there is no noise on the screen. The manuel says to look for power interference from such things as LED lights. I didn't get a chance to start disconnecting objects in my house. I hope I can figure out why there is so much noise on the screen.

Repost to a specific Panny forum.

So my Panny 50" (60U) just reached the 100 hour mark and I have noticed two little pixel related issues.

One is only noticable if the screen is blue and it just looks "light blue" at the particular pixel. You do not notice it any other time. It yields no color that is stuck etc..

The other is more noticable with all colors but flows with the color on screen and is just "lighter in color based on what every color is there" at that particular pixel.

So.....they are not stuck red, blue or green. They are not white or black and generally not that noticable unless you are one foot away.

Thoughts on what I am seeing?

Scott

Second Panny question in regards to the HDMI in and optical out on the back of the TH50PX60U.

I use an component/optical switcher with a Denon Reciever and the two devices going HDMI to the tv (Panasonic DVD and Sony PS3) are having issues. When the TV pulls the digital signal off the HDMI and sends it out on the optical off the tv my reciever gets no more than a "digital" pro-logic II signal. It does not kick to "Dolby D" like it does when the xbox 360 or Explorer 8300 is sending signals through the very same switcher.

I have played around with the settings on everything. Has anyone had this issue or could explain it?

Scott

I've been trying to figure out how to connect my computer to the 42px60u. I bought a set of VGA to component cables from monoprice, connected everything and nothing. Am I missing something here? The computer is just a basic compaq, and the only thing I can think of preventing the picture from working is the resolution settings.
Maybe someone could shed some light on this for me.

Thanks,
Dan

Originally Posted by DouglasM
I am very satisfied with my Panasonic Model TH-50PX6U from Costco. One small issue. From time to time, the top edge of the screen briefly shows a line of what I will call "noise". When I first purchased my other HDTV, a 37 Sharp LCD, I was able to correct this by shifting the picture in the up direction.

I have not been able to find a similar feature in the Panasonic. In the service menu perhaps? Does anyone know how to correct the appearance of the line of noise?

Thanks,

Douglas

I have seen it on my set as well, but it is usually signal dependent. It will show up on an occasional NON-HD commercial and then goes away when the regular HD program comes back on. Ive never seen it on HD content or any of my DVDs. Its pretty rare for me to see it at all. Personally I wouldnt ( and dont )worry about it.

As for the other question about image shifting on the Panny, I do not know of any such feature.

I've had a TH50PX60U for a little over a month and have been extremely careful with the Picture setting (set at 0 most of the time, always in "Just" mode). But I just noticed a small circular area (about 1/2 to 1 inch in diameter) in the upper left of the screen that appears brighter / lighter than the rest of the display. It's only noticeable on white / very light uniform colored backgrounds.

First noticed it during one of those annoying Mac commercials that had the white background.

Anyone see this before? I'm got a two year old X40 thinkpad infront of me that is showing the same type of thing on the LCD screen.

I have a new TH50PX600U which came with firmware 1.76. I'm getting horrible clay face when watching SD on HD channels; a couple worst then others (so bad that it appears like annimation). Digital mapping of SD looks better than analog. HD looks great (or as good as can be expected from the fead). I'm connecting Comcast from wall jack to TV and no cable card. On the Panasonic firmware page 1.76 addressed this issue, I notice 1.78 has been released but for other issues. Anyone else seeing this?
Thanks

Second Panny question in regards to the HDMI in and optical out on the back of the TH50PX60U.

I use an component/optical switcher with a Denon Reciever and the two devices going HDMI to the tv (Panasonic DVD and Sony PS3) are having issues. When the TV pulls the digital signal off the HDMI and sends it out on the optical off the tv my reciever gets no more than a "digital" pro-logic II signal. It does not kick to "Dolby D" like it does when the xbox 360 or Explorer 8300 is sending signals through the very same switcher.

I have played around with the settings on everything. Has anyone had this issue or could explain it?

Scott

The optical digital out is only for OTA reception. You can't use it to pass-through 5.1 sound coming in from the HDMI port.

I have a new TH50PX600U which came with firmware 1.76. I'm getting horrible clay face when watching SD on HD channels; a couple worst then others (so bad that it appears like annimation). Digital mapping of SD looks better than analog. HD looks great (or as good as can be expected from the fead). I'm connecting Comcast from wall jack to TV and no cable card. On the Panasonic firmware page 1.76 addressed this issue, I notice 1.78 has been released but for other issues. Anyone else seeing this?
ThanksI'm assuming you've taken it out of "vivid" mode and turned the sharpness down (?).

Second Panny question in regards to the HDMI in and optical out on the back of the TH50PX60U.

I use an component/optical switcher with a Denon Reciever and the two devices going HDMI to the tv (Panasonic DVD and Sony PS3) are having issues. When the TV pulls the digital signal off the HDMI and sends it out on the optical off the tv my reciever gets no more than a "digital" pro-logic II signal. It does not kick to "Dolby D" like it does when the xbox 360 or Explorer 8300 is sending signals through the very same switcher.

I have played around with the settings on everything. Has anyone had this issue or could explain it?

Scott

The tv can not pass-thru surround sound to your receiver. The manual actually explicitly states that the optical out from the tv from a source other than the built-in tuner, will be downmixed to 2-channel audio. If you want surround from your ps3 and DVD player, then you have to plug your sources directly into your receiver.

slowhand39, I have a 58PX600 and a Bell 9200 PVR.

The Bell STB's do not have a "pass-through" output video mode like some other STB's do. You must either set the output as 720p or 1080i and all programs are converted to that before leaving the STB. BTW, 16x9 Aspect ratio setting on the STB is correct.

The STB has aspect settings (cycle through them using bottom left button on remote) as does the TV. However the TV will only automatically switch its aspect setting when the incoming signal switches (480,720,1080) (note the TV switches back to "Full" mode each time it's powered on). This does not happen with the Bell STB's so the TV's aspect setting (Full, Just, Zoom,...) will remain as is while changing channels on the STB.

BUT the Bell STB will remember its aspect setting for HD and non-HD channels so what I do is leave the TV on "Full" all the time, and set the STB aspect to "Normal" when viewing HD (channels in the 800's) and "Partial Zoom" when viewing non-HD. I actually would rather use the "Just" mode on the TV and leave the STB on "Normal" when viewing non-HD, but unfortunately there's no way to get that to change "automatically" with the Bell STB's.

Thanks HUFF! I appeciate the reply.

I will try to adjust the STB as you suggest.

I hate to seem so dumb, but do you change the STB aspect to "Normal" for HD (channels in the 800's) individually per channel somewhere in the menu options? I didn't see anywhere in the HD setup menu an option to change the aspect ratio for each channel.

Your further comments would be greatly appreciated! Sorry about this but I have just graduated from a 12 yr old 27" Panny, and am a bit confused......

I just bought a Panasonic HTIB (Model: SC-HT40 SKU: 7886148). Should I run the digital optical cable from my Panny TV (50px60u) output or from my Dish receiver?

The tv can not pass-thru surround sound to your receiver. The manual actually explicitly states that the optical out from the tv from a source other than the built-in tuner, will be downmixed to 2-channel audio. If you want surround from your ps3 and DVD player, then you have to plug your sources directly into your receiver.

Thankyou for that info.

...do you change the STB aspect to "Normal" for HD (channels in the 800's) individually per channel...?

No, there is no aspect mode per channel. The STB only knows if the channel you're tuned to is HD or not and it will automatically revert to the aspect setting you were on the last time you viewed that channel type (HD or non-HD).

All you have to do is tune to any HD channel and set the STB aspect to "Normal", then tune to a non-HD channel and set to "Partial Zoom". Now change channels and you'll see (pressing "View TV" remote button displays the STB aspect along with other channel info) that all HD channels stay in "Normal" and the others are in "Partial Zoom". This even applies to recorded shows if you have a PVR.

For me, the Panny's "Just" mode is nicer than the STB "Partial Zoom" when watching non-HD stuff, (I don't like Panny's "H-Fill" or the STB "Stretch" since they distort the picture too much) so when I'm not lazy I'll hit a few extra buttons and watch non-HD in "Just" (with the STB in "Normal"). Of course I try to watch as little non-HD as possible :)

...I have just graduated from a 12 yr old 27" Panny, and am a bit confused...

Hey, I moved from a 17-yr. old 27" Mits to a 58" Panny 6 weeks ago. The grin has still not left my face. Congrats and enjoy the set!

(In response to what sounds like the "Comcast box HDMI drops the audio on occasion" problem)

Thanks a bunch for the reply. How did you solve your problem?I didn't - it still happens every now and then.

Try looking at/posting to this thread:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=194404
(Note that I mention that I have a Motorola 6412 box in that thread; however, it turns out that I actually have a 3412.)

-- Don

Repost to a specific Panny forum.

So my Panny 50" (60U) just reached the 100 hour mark and I have noticed two little pixel related issues.

One is only noticable if the screen is blue and it just looks "light blue" at the particular pixel. You do not notice it any other time. It yields no color that is stuck etc..

The other is more noticable with all colors but flows with the color on screen and is just "lighter in color based on what every color is there" at that particular pixel.

So.....they are not stuck red, blue or green. They are not white or black and generally not that noticable unless you are one foot away.

Thoughts on what I am seeing?

Scott

I think that best describes my problem. Did anyone else have this problem in the past, and returned it for another one? Did anyone have this issue and had it fixed? Mine is a November make, just in case anyone wanted to help me out.

I'm breaking in the TV, but I'm going to ALWAYS zoom in on DVD's/TV stations even after the 100 hr. break in point so that no black bars/static logos are on the screen for more than 5 min. at a time...

I think that best describes my problem. Did anyone else have this problem in the past, and returned it for another one? Did anyone have this issue and had it fixed? Mine is a November make, just in case anyone wanted to help me out.


yep i'm another person with this issue.

My TV Th-50px60u was also made in November of 2006

And in regards to the issue, here is My Post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9721083&&#post9721083)

awolf1 see my reply on settting up the 50px60u with SA 8300HD

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9701981&&#post9701981


Simnorm, im confused..im supposed to turn the STB off and then simultaneously press the guide and info buttons? I did this and nothing happens...please help!

Hello guys just a quick question. I've been trying to program my remote to my home theater system. My system is the Sony DAV-FX500 XM-Ready Five-Disc DVD Dream System. Does anyone know if the panasonic remote can be programed to this system or not. If they do can tell me the code??? Thanks a lot.

Quote:
Originally Posted by sciondriver
Repost to a specific Panny forum.

So my Panny 50" (60U) just reached the 100 hour mark and I have noticed two little pixel related issues.

One is only noticable if the screen is blue and it just looks "light blue" at the particular pixel. You do not notice it any other time. It yields no color that is stuck etc..

The other is more noticable with all colors but flows with the color on screen and is just "lighter in color based on what every color is there" at that particular pixel.

So.....they are not stuck red, blue or green. They are not white or black and generally not that noticable unless you are one foot away.

Thoughts on what I am seeing?

Scott






I think that best describes my problem. Did anyone else have this problem in the past, and returned it for another one? Did anyone have this issue and had it fixed? Mine is a November make, just in case anyone wanted to help me out.

So three people with the same issue. I suspect there are more. What are we really seeing? Will the service menu show manufacture date as mine is hung on the wall now?
This also makes it even tougher to decide if I want to exchange it as I paid to have it hung and that company is not responsible for taking it down or putting back up if I do exchange it.

Simnorm, im confused..im supposed to turn the STB off and then simultaneously press the guide and info buttons? I did this and nothing happens...please help!

press the buttons on the STB, not the remote.

sciondriver - I'm having a tech come by early next week who is supposed to know what the problem "might" be. I'll post an update on whether or not he could fix it.

sciondriver - I'm having a tech come by early next week who is supposed to know what the problem "might" be. I'll post an update on whether or not he could fix it or not.


Thankyou and if I miss your reply please copy me at

emailscottbradley@yahoo.com

I have around 2 weeks left to exchange it.

press the buttons on the STB, not the remote.

i did. apparently with software my cable box has, you cant access the service wizard

I've been trying to figure out how to connect my computer to the 42px60u. I bought a set of VGA to component cables from monoprice, connected everything and nothing. Am I missing something here? The computer is just a basic compaq, and the only thing I can think of preventing the picture from working is the resolution settings.
Maybe someone could shed some light on this for me.

Thanks,
Dan

no one?

Quote:
Originally Posted by McVicker
I've been trying to figure out how to connect my computer to the 42px60u. I bought a set of VGA to component cables from monoprice, connected everything and nothing. Am I missing something here? The computer is just a basic compaq, and the only thing I can think of preventing the picture from working is the resolution settings.
Maybe someone could shed some light on this for me.

Thanks,
Dan


no one?

You need a VGA to Component adapter -- can't be done with just cables (at least to my knowledge). These typically run for about $125 - $200. You're much better off using a computer with a DVI to HDMI cable.

Here's a link on how it's done with a VGA to component adapter (you'd probably need powerstrip too):

http://mythic.tv/VTCA3%20PowerStrip%20Supplement%20V1.1.pdf

I am not sure if this is the right space, but as a new 58" 600U owner, I thought I would ask in this forum. I have Comcast Cable and was wondering if anyone has any suggestions on a Universal remote?

Right now, I am toggling between the cable box clicker and the TV's remote to change volume, aspect ratio, etc. If there was a remote that could handle just about everything that both remotes are currently handling, it would seem to be well worth it.

Thanks for your response; I have learned a lot already from this forum.

I am not sure if this is the right space, but as a new 58" 600U owner, I thought I would ask in this forum. I have Comcast Cable and was wondering if anyone has any suggestions on a Universal remote?


There is a whole web forum devoted to universal remote controls: http://www.remotecentral.com/

There are many out there that will do what you want with price points from $25.00 to hundreds of dollars. I have experience with the Sony VL900 and VL600, and I'm starting to dabble with the Harmony, which is programmed over the web.

John

I have Comcast Cable and was wondering if anyone has any suggestions on a Universal remote?

I've been pretty happy with my harmony which i use with my 42 inch 60U. It took quite a few tweaking sessons to get everything working right but it was easy enough.

Any of the Harmony remotes will do you well. I use the older 659 to control my whole A/V system and automated lighting. The 659 is very discounted now that there are many newer models out now.

For me, the Panny's "Just" mode is nicer than the STB "Partial Zoom" when watching non-HD stuff, (I don't like Panny's "H-Fill" or the STB "Stretch" since they distort the picture too much) so when I'm not lazy I'll hit a few extra buttons and watch non-HD in "Just" (with the STB in "Normal"). Of course I try to watch as little non-HD as possible :)
I have the same setup as you. The only reason I prefer "Partial Zoom" to the Panny's "Just" is everytime I goto guide I have to set the Panny to "Full". So I leave the Panny set to "Full" and adjust the pic with the STB.

I am not sure if this is the right space, but as a new 58" 600U owner, I thought I would ask in this forum. I have Comcast Cable and was wondering if anyone has any suggestions on a Universal remote?


I use the Harmony 890.
It controls my Panasonic TH50PX600U, Oppo 981HD DVD palyer, Denon A/V receiver, XBox 360, and the dimer on my lights. Works like a charm! :D :cool:

And I also have Comcast cable, although I use a cable card and not the box. Its Comcastic!

Amazon had them for cheap $$$ recently.

Good Afternoon,

I am going to be buying a Panasonic 42PX600U and according to the Panasonic web site the only adjustment I should make for the first 100 hours is:

Turn the Picture setting to +0

Is this correct ?

Thanks,
Bob

Good Afternoon,

After 100 hours the following settings were suggested to me:

Picture Mode: Standard
Picture: +22
Brightness: +8
Color: -1
Tint: -4
Sharpness: -14
Color Temperature: Warm
Enhanced Black Level: Off

Does this sound correct ?

Thanks,
Bob

Hello guys just a quick question. I've been trying to program my remote to my home theater system. My system is the Sony DAV-FX500 XM-Ready Five-Disc DVD Dream System. Does anyone know if the panasonic remote can be programed to this system or not. If they do can tell me the code??? Thanks a lot.



So no one know any codes for this system or if it can be used???????

Good Afternoon,

After 100 hours the following settings were suggested to me:

Picture Mode: Standard
Picture: +22
Brightness: +8
Color: -1
Tint: -4
Sharpness: -14
Color Temperature: Warm
Enhanced Black Level: Off

Does this sound correct ?

Thanks,
Bob

The best way to get settings is to do a calibration from a disc but those settings above are a starting point. The Picture setting seems high to me though. A lot of it is what looks good to you. Everyone has different tastes. Heres my settings, just FYI:

Picture: +13
Brightness: +7
Color: -6
Tint: -4
Sharpness: -7

Color Temp: Normal

Quote:
Originally Posted by McVicker
I've been trying to figure out how to connect my computer to the 42px60u. I bought a set of VGA to component cables from monoprice, connected everything and nothing. Am I missing something here? The computer is just a basic compaq, and the only thing I can think of preventing the picture from working is the resolution settings.
Maybe someone could shed some light on this for me.

Thanks,
Dan




You need a VGA to Component adapter -- can't be done with just cables (at least to my knowledge). These typically run for about $125 - $200. You're much better off using a computer with a DVI to HDMI cable.

Here's a link on how it's done with a VGA to component adapter (you'd probably need powerstrip too):

http://mythic.tv/VTCA3%20PowerStrip%20Supplement%20V1.1.pdf


He is correct the cable only "vga to component" will not work. The other term for what you need is a "transcoder". Quality is important. I would expect to pay around $100-$149 for a good one.

http://www.keohi.com/keohihdtv/interfaces/rgbtocomponenttranscoder.html

That link is all you will need.

Scott

P.S. specifically this one has a nice price for a good brand...

https://www.audioauthority.com/indexh.php

The best way to get settings is to do a calibration from a disc but those settings above are a starting point. The Picture setting seems high to me though. A lot of it is what looks good to you. Everyone has different tastes. Heres my settings, just FYI:

Picture: +13
Brightness: +7
Color: -6
Tint: -4
Sharpness: -7

Color Temp: Normal

Those are VERY similar to mine:

Color Temp: Normal
Color Management: Off
picture: +15
Brightness: +4
Color: -3
Tint: -6
Sharpness: -17
Results on color balance: Red +5, Green -15, Blue -5

Perusing everyone elses settings, it seems like BobH60's brightness is out on the edge of the distribution for calibrated sets.

BB

Thanks for those settings. After Netflixing the Avia (which I was happy to discover they carry) and messing with settings, and then remembering I was going to need color filters...

Needless to say, I only got so far. Now if my brother-in-law can just find my sound meter he borrowed.

Must add that I do like this TV. I tried a LCOS, other family members have the Sony Bravia and newer Mitsu LCD, I would not trade them for this Panasonic.

Enjoy

He is correct the cable only "vga to component" will not work. The other term for what you need is a "transcoder". Quality is important. I would expect to pay around $100-$149 for a good one.

http://www.keohi.com/keohihdtv/interfaces/rgbtocomponenttranscoder.html

That link is all you will need.

Scott

P.S. specifically this one has a nice price for a good brand...

https://www.audioauthority.com/indexh.php

I had a very similar problem after trying to connect my HTPC to my panny with a VGA to component cable I bought online. My question is, what the heck is the point of the VGA to component cable if you need a transcoder? Do the cables have any use whatsoever?

Thanks.

The point is that some systems allow you to select whether a compnent or RGB signal is being used. On the right equipment they have a use. Just because the cable connects two units together means little if you do not understand what the two units are doing with the signals.

How can you check how many hours on this plasma?

Hello guys just a quick question. I've been trying to program my remote to my home theater system. My system is the Sony DAV-FX500 XM-Ready Five-Disc DVD Dream System. Does anyone know if the panasonic remote can be programed to this system or not. If they do can tell me the code??? Thanks a lot.


The answer is on page 36 of the Panasonic manual at the top of the page.

How can you check how many hours on this plasma?

Check item #12 here: http://www.bruzziforum.com/vbf/forumdisplay.php?f=2

Is it my tv faulty?

When I start my HTPC with vista outputting through a Radeon 9600se DVI - HDMI all is fine but I lose pic if New Vista MCE problem with DVI - HDMI losing picture/input if I switch tv off then on again or change input I cannot get the pic back unless I restart pc.

(The htpc has the latest drivers)

I'm having the same problem but connecting Vga directly into PC input (Win XP to TH50PX600U). Anyone know if there is a way to keep the input "alive"?

Thanks

I am from eastern Europe, and I've had mine 42pv60 for about two months. Picture quality is a dream, Peter Gabriel's "Play" and "Growing Up Live" DVDs feel like on a stage. The only thing that bothers me is slight buzzing that I can hear when I turn down the volume. It is not even all the time, but I am not worried at all. There are two fans, a lot, and I mean A LOT of wires from my AV receiver, and electrical circuitry that, I figure, can struggle from time to time with power voltage or amperage. Image retention is nothing to be worried, switch to some FULL SCREEN program, watch it for two minutes, and it is all gone. All in all, this is far the best tv I have ever seen. My coleague has Sony Bravia KDL40V2000, ant this is nowhere to be found in terms of picture quality compared to Panny. I have SD TV, and this is also quite acceptable, but DVDs are fabulous. Cant wait to buy PS3 and wathc Blue Ray!!!
Panasonic TH42PV60EH
Pioneer DVD, DV470k
Yamaha AV receiver 457
B&W series 6 for my surround

I have completed the 100 hour break in, but the biggest problem I have is watching DVD's and playing x-box games. On the gams I still keep the picture down, but it leaves IR which you can see after it turns to a black screen. When I watch one movie, you can still see the black bars on top and bottom. Is there always going to be IR, even though I have completed the break in period? I even watched some full screen images for about 3 hours, and the IR was still there from about an hour of playing the game. I left Discover HD on overnight, and the IR was gone. Am I being over concerned, and this is simply normal, or should I really seriously consider another type of technology? I love the TV, and I really do take care of it, but am I going to have to baby it for the rest of time I own it? I would say I use games for less than 20% of its use, but I do still like playing some Tiger Woods or Call of Duty. Any help or comments would be greatly appreciated.

I am in the exact same boat as you except I didn't even do the break in. I didn't even realize it was still necessary (I know, I'm a dope). When I got the tv a few months ago all I did was play Tiger Woods for a few hours a night. The tv is in my bedroom so all I really use it for is gaming on the 360. The picture is truly stunning for a cheap tv. After doing some more research I checked my set out up close and saw some very obvious IR where the static icons are for life and ammo in Ghost Recon. I immediately panicked. However if I put on another channel the IR was totally invisible. I stuck my nose right next to the screen and couldn't see jack.

I've been running Discovery HD through it during the day for about 12 hours a shot and the IR is totally gone. Since all I do is game on it I believe I will have to basically do this at least once a week to "wipe" the IR away. If I used the tv for other purposes (sounds like you only game about 20% of the time) I doubt you'd have to do anything special. Just watching regular TV should keep the IR at bay.

If I had it to over I might consider a Bravia instead as I am doing 95% gaming on this tv, but I am just really unimpressed with LCD technology. Leaving the tv on once or twice a week while I'm at work seems a small price for the spectacular picture this little baby provides.

My two cents.

All these tv's buzz I think. Even the crt sets do. Everyone in my house makes noise also. I think it is just that some people can't hear the sound.

Fan noise is a different sound wave much lower. I think the high pitch sound or buzz is on all of the lcd and plazma sets. I read also other makes have the sound also.

It is really not that bad though.

I've got a new TH-42PX60U and i want to put it on the wall with a bracket that swivels. Any suggestions ?


PS This tv is AWESOME !

I've got a new TH-42PX60U and i want to put it on the wall with a bracket that swivels. Any suggestions ?


PS This tv is AWESOME !

Monoprice.com (http://www.monoprice.com)

Much less expensive than retail stores!

I've got a new TH-42PX60U and i want to put it on the wall with a bracket that swivels. Any suggestions ?


PS This tv is AWESOME !
I got an Omnimount UCLX for my 6U and I like it as much as I like the TV. Maybe more. Online you can find it for about half of what the local stores charge. It's still expensive, but worth it. I am in no way affiliated with Omnimount. I apologize if this is a bit off-topic.

I'm trying to tweak the RGB cuts and drives from within the service menu. As soon as I press the button on the remote to get to the picture settings, my display contrast immediately drops about 50% making it almost impossible to make measurements with my Spyder2 or adjust anything by eye. How do you get around this problem? Going in and out of service mode to check my settings is a PITA! :mad:

EDIT: Nevermind. I think the service menu is just changing defaulting to vivid user setting. I have to set it to cinema before adjusting.

I bought a Panasonic HTIB over the weekend and it came with an FM antenna wire. Rather than taping it to the wall behind my Panny, I draped it over the back of the tv.

I saw NO video distortion...but I'm slightly worried this FM antenna may damage the TV in some way b/c I know NOTHING about electronics/interference/etc. Should I be worried about magnetism, electricity/ or some other damage to my tv by having the antenna basically ON it?

I'm trying to tweak the RGB cuts and drives from within the service menu. As soon as I press the button on the remote to get to the picture settings, my display contrast immediately drops about 50% making it almost impossible to make measurements with my Spyder2 or adjust anything by eye. How do you get around this problem? Going in and out of service mode to check my settings is a PITA! :mad:

It switches to Vivid mode when you enter that section. Just set it to Vivid prior and adjust contrast to your liking before entering service mode.

It switches to Vivid mode when you enter that section. Just set it to Vivid prior and adjust contrast to your liking before entering service mode.

Yes. You are correct. Thanks.

adazzleman - I am having a similar problem, I see noise, pixelation, grainy look. happened about a week after i got the tv. Phoned Panasonic Canada, which were no help at all. They told me my Rogers receiver was not working propely and my Xbox 360 is broke (can't possbly be their tv)

They sent out a couple of retarded tech guys who tried to tel me how "beautiful" the picture looks. When they tried to tell me the Xbox 360 isn't HD, i asked them to leave.

So, I went back to my dealer, and after awhile of trying to describe the problem he remembered a similar issue with anther TV. So he's going to phone panasonic and convience them there is a problem.

if they can't correct it, i'm ditching panasonic altogether. They've left a bad taste in my mouth from the begining.


So did he ever call Panasonic. Just so you know, I went by Best Buy the other day and there display did not have this issue. I then went to CC and there TV had the exact same issue mine did. I am some what comforted that it just isn't mine, but I wonder if it is the date of when it was made.

I bought a Panasonic HTIB over the weekend and it came with an FM antenna wire. Rather than taping it to the wall behind my Panny, I draped it over the back of the tv.

I saw NO video distortion...but I'm slightly worried this FM antenna may damage the TV in some way b/c I know NOTHING about electronics/interference/etc. Should I be worried about magnetism, electricity/ or some other damage to my tv by having the antenna basically ON it?

An antenna will not trasmit or interfere with the TV or harm it in any way, it is for reception only. THough it's ability to receive FM signals may be dimminished by the steel backing and radio frequency noise generated by the TV. For better FM reception mount it as high as possible away from any metal objects or electronic devices. Perhaps in a closet or attic. If your receiver has a coax connection, you can connect your cable TV line to that and get far more stations than you could using the antenna wire.

I am in the exact same boat as you except I didn't even do the break in. I didn't even realize it was still necessary (I know, I'm a dope). When I got the tv a few months ago all I did was play Tiger Woods for a few hours a night. The tv is in my bedroom so all I really use it for is gaming on the 360. The picture is truly stunning for a cheap tv. After doing some more research I checked my set out up close and saw some very obvious IR where the static icons are for life and ammo in Ghost Recon. I immediately panicked. However if I put on another channel the IR was totally invisible. I stuck my nose right next to the screen and couldn't see jack.

I've been running Discovery HD through it during the day for about 12 hours a shot and the IR is totally gone. Since all I do is game on it I believe I will have to basically do this at least once a week to "wipe" the IR away. If I used the tv for other purposes (sounds like you only game about 20% of the time) I doubt you'd have to do anything special. Just watching regular TV should keep the IR at bay.

If I had it to over I might consider a Bravia instead as I am doing 95% gaming on this tv, but I am just really unimpressed with LCD technology. Leaving the tv on once or twice a week while I'm at work seems a small price for the spectacular picture this little baby provides.

My two cents.

Thanks cg. It seems like I was just paranoid in the beginning. I have noticed IR, but as you said....an hour or so of regular TV clears it all up. It is becomming less and less noticable.


This question is for anyone, but I think you might know the answer to this CG, sense you seem to be the gamer. What produces the best picture for Blue rays on the PS3? 1080p, 1080i, or 720p. Yes I am aware that the TV does not play the full 1080, but I wanted to know which setting it converted the best; lease artifacts etc? Also which is better the 1080i or 720p for the 360. Anyone know?

Thanks Andrew

I notice the same thing (especially when you see people's faces move) but just on PBS - both on cable and OTA. But once you're able to get the other HD channels, you probably won't have the issues that you have with PBS. There's nothing wrong with your panny.

I've had my 42PX600U for just over a week, and I notice smearing and clayface on all inputs (DVD via HDMI, HD via OTA coax, SD DirecTV via S-Video). I've tried various settings, but so far have not alleviated the problem.

I don't know the term, but I also notice haloes in big areas such as walls and sun/skies. Where there should be a smooth gradation from light to dark, I see obvious separate areas, like you would see in a paint-by-numbers painting.

Is it possible these flaws are in the source that I never noticed on the old SD TV, or is this a settings issue in the Panny?

Thanks,
Doug

I am in the exact same boat as you except I didn't even do the break in. I didn't even realize it was still necessary (I know, I'm a dope). When I got the tv a few months ago all I did was play Tiger Woods for a few hours a night. The tv is in my bedroom so all I really use it for is gaming on the 360. The picture is truly stunning for a cheap tv. After doing some more research I checked my set out up close and saw some very obvious IR where the static icons are for life and ammo in Ghost Recon. I immediately panicked. However if I put on another channel the IR was totally invisible. I stuck my nose right next to the screen and couldn't see jack.

I've been running Discovery HD through it during the day for about 12 hours a shot and the IR is totally gone. Since all I do is game on it I believe I will have to basically do this at least once a week to "wipe" the IR away. If I used the tv for other purposes (sounds like you only game about 20% of the time) I doubt you'd have to do anything special. Just watching regular TV should keep the IR at bay.

If I had it to over I might consider a Bravia instead as I am doing 95% gaming on this tv, but I am just really unimpressed with LCD technology. Leaving the tv on once or twice a week while I'm at work seems a small price for the spectacular picture this little baby provides.

My two cents.
I really dont think that IR is that kind of problem, cause it is gone in about 20 minutes of watching full screen program. Last weekend I watched LOTR, in original 2.35:1 ratio constantly during 7 hours (Fellowship and Two Towers), with blac bars. off course. After finishing, there ws IR, but twenty minutes later, after watcing some Eurosport and VH1, IR was gone. So I think there is no need to panic. My setting are:
Contrast +15 (European models dont have zero, it is in the middle of scale)
Brightness +5
Sharpness -14
Color -3
Normal
Warm
PNR off
Color Management off
Picture is great. Although, Sony XBR is a mind blowing tv, in Serbia it costs from 4500 eu, and I've paid my Panny 1700 eu. The best TV MY money could by

I also have one question. My current DVD player is Pioneer 470, with component connection to Panny plasma. I am considering of byuing new DVD, with the ability to upscale the picture through HDMI. Is 720p or 1080i upscaled so much difference in comparison with 480p of my current DVD?
My choices would be Denon 1730-210 EU
Denon 1930-350 EU
Yamaha 1700-450 EU
Pioneer 696-200 EU
Or should I waiy for BR and HDDVD to become mainstream and save somemony right now (considering that PS3 would cost around 650 EU after it arrives in Europe)

I've had my 42PX600U for just over a week, and I notice smearing and clayface on all inputs (DVD via HDMI, HD via OTA coax, SD DirecTV via S-Video). I've tried various settings, but so far have not alleviated the problem.

I don't know the term, but I also notice haloes in big areas such as walls and sun/skies. Where there should be a smooth gradation from light to dark, I see obvious separate areas, like you would see in a paint-by-numbers painting.

Is it possible these flaws are in the source that I never noticed on the old SD TV, or is this a settings issue in the Panny?

Thanks,
Doug

The term is called "false contouring". I see it on my 50PX60U as well. No clay faces, but the false contouring is very annoying and is more prevelant when watching SD material from satellite. I have seen it on certain DVD's as well. I watched ROME last night and most background images had this effect.

The term is called "false contouring". I see it on my 50PX60U as well. No clay faces, but the false contouring is very annoying and is more prevelant when watching SD material from satellite. I have seen it on certain DVD's as well. I watched ROME last night and most background images had this effect.

Thanks. Interestingly, I just found a review of one of the DVD titles where I saw the aforementioned contouring in the sky around the sun. It was in Near Dark, and the review cited that particular scene as evidence of excessive compression on the DVD. Otherwise, it looked pretty fantastic, even with my under-100 dialed down settings.

So, can I assume the smearing and clayface are also source-dependent?

Doug

Does anyone know if the "Pass Through" mode has been removed from the newer SA-8300s? If I go into Settings, under Select Picture Format (or something similar to that, not there right now to look at it), I see Fixed, Auto DVI/HDMI, Upconver1 and Upconvert2.

I believe this is where I should see "Pass Through", or is that the same as Auto DVI/HDMI on newer firmware versions of the SA-8300?

2nd question - which STB setting do you prefer with these Panny plasmas; 1080i, 720p, or Pass Through (if I can find it).

Thanks :)

I also have one question. My current DVD player is Pioneer 470, with component connection to Panny plasma. I am considering of byuing new DVD, with the ability to upscale the picture through HDMI. Is 720p or 1080i upscaled so much difference in comparison with 480p of my current DVD?
My choices would be Denon 1730-210 EU
Denon 1930-350 EU
Yamaha 1700-450 EU
Pioneer 696-200 EU
Or should I waiy for BR and HDDVD to become mainstream and save somemony right now (considering that PS3 would cost around 650 EU after it arrives in Europe)


I can't speak to the brands you mentioned, but my LG RC199H upconverting DVD/VHS player/recorder does the upconverting of DVDs better than the panasonic does. I certainly notice a quality difference between sending it without upconversion and then sending it WITH upconversion to 720P.

BB

I've had my 42PX600U for just over a week, and I notice smearing and clayface on all inputs (DVD via HDMI, HD via OTA coax, SD DirecTV via S-Video). I've tried various settings, but so far have not alleviated the problem.

I don't know the term, but I also notice haloes in big areas such as walls and sun/skies. Where there should be a smooth gradation from light to dark, I see obvious separate areas, like you would see in a paint-by-numbers painting.

Is it possible these flaws are in the source that I never noticed on the old SD TV, or is this a settings issue in the Panny?

Thanks,
Doug

I have not seen any clayface or false contouring on my 50". I've heard that turning sharpness WAY down can alleviate it in some sets. There are also firmware updates that address clayface on the panasonic site. I have a direct link on my other computer, can't quite find it now or I'd give you the link. Just check your firmware version to see if you need the update.

BB

I've had my 42PX600U for just over a week, and I notice smearing and clayface on all inputs (DVD via HDMI, HD via OTA coax, SD DirecTV via S-Video). I've tried various settings, but so far have not alleviated the problem.

I don't know the term, but I also notice haloes in big areas such as walls and sun/skies. Where there should be a smooth gradation from light to dark, I see obvious separate areas, like you would see in a paint-by-numbers painting.

Is it possible these flaws are in the source that I never noticed on the old SD TV, or is this a settings issue in the Panny?

Thanks,
Doug

I seem to get a hint of clayface more on live shows such the Tonite Show or Conan. I also believe you're more apt to see clayface if your picture mode is set to "vivid".
Do some reading in this thread before you update to the latest firmware. I got the impression some people felt the image quality was better before the update and were looking to go back, which at this point means a billable service call from a Panasonic tech, unless someone has found an online source for previous firmware releases.

I have noticed an occasional click noise when my TV is off. It is the same click sound as when I turn the set on. Anyone idea what this is?

Thanks

Jim

I have noticed an occasional click noise when my TV is off. It is the same click sound as when I turn the set on. Anyone idea what this is?

Thanks

Jim

Yes, however, my 600u doesn't make any clicking sound when turned on...

sciondriver - I'm having a tech come by early next week who is supposed to know what the problem "might" be. I'll post an update on whether or not he could fix it.



Any word yet Gymrat?

Hey guys just a question about 42px60u. It's still under the 100 hr break in period. I have it hooked up by hdmi with my dvd system. Whenever I watch a DVD it automatially stays at Full aspect. Now my question is some movies when I watch when it's full aspect it does take up the whole screen. Should I still switch over to JUST or is full fine?? Sometimes I have to zoom it when it doens't fill up the whole screen but my main question is when it does fill up the whole screen with Full do I just leave it or should I switch to Just. Thanks.

Settings for my TH-42PX60U

Dimly lit room
Digital Video Essentials calibration DVD played with Panasonic S52 upconverting DVD player via HDMI.

Standard
Picture +5
Brightness +6
Color -3
Tint -6
Sharpness -10
Warm
Color management off
video nr off
mpeg nr off
Black level - Light

Does anyone know if the "Pass Through" mode has been removed from the newer SA-8300s? If I go into Settings, under Select Picture Format (or something similar to that, not there right now to look at it), I see Fixed, Auto DVI/HDMI, Upconver1 and Upconvert2.

I believe this is where I should see "Pass Through", or is that the same as Auto DVI/HDMI on newer firmware versions of the SA-8300?

2nd question - which STB setting do you prefer with these Panny plasmas; 1080i, 720p, or Pass Through (if I can find it).

Thanks :)

auto/hdmi is the same as passthrough. it only has "passthrough" as an option when you use the component cables.

just picked up pana 50 inch 600u on sat hd channels simply amazing :eek: :eek:

I seem to get a hint of clayface more on live shows such the Tonite Show or Conan. I also believe you're more apt to see clayface if your picture mode is set to "vivid".
Do some reading in this thread before you update to the latest firmware. I got the impression some people felt the image quality was better before the update and were looking to go back, which at this point means a billable service call from a Panasonic tech, unless someone has found an online source for previous firmware releases.

Well said but you may have not gone far enough. Panasonic stated that the latest firmware would not help PQ.

I am still breaking in my Panny 50"

I have satellite from Bell ExpressVu - I am using the HD-DVR 9200 receiver

Should I set it to 720p or 1080i ?

I think the common answer will be to see which looks better - if I am not able to tell, would 720p be better, since there won't be any downconversion from 1080i?

thanks

I am still breaking in my Panny 50"

I have satellite from Bell ExpressVu - I am using the HD-DVR 9200 receiver

Should I set it to 720p or 1080i ?

I think the common answer will be to see which looks better - if I am not able to tell, would 720p be better, since there won't be any downconversion from 1080i?

thanks

Passthrough / auto would be best.
After that, 1080i, for this set.

^ thanks

I don't know if there is an auto setting - I will check tonight
Currently I have it set to 1080i

Well said but you may have not gone far enough. Panasonic stated that the latest firmware would not help PQ.

Where did Panasonic state that? I updated my 37PX60U to the latest and I have to say that it alleviated what Panasonic said it would. ie.:

* Poor picture details
* Faces appear as "Clay Faces"
* Excessive brightness with no details in the black level

I consider that as helping PQ. YMMV.

I am still breaking in my Panny 50"

I have satellite from Bell ExpressVu - I am using the HD-DVR 9200 receiver

Should I set it to 720p or 1080i ?

I think the common answer will be to see which looks better - if I am not able to tell, would 720p be better, since there won't be any downconversion from 1080i?

thanks

1080i would still be downconverted, but now it would happen in the STB instead of the TV. I beleive you would get the minimum amount of processing for the majority of channels by setting to pass-through and if you lack that option, 1080i.

Hopefully some can respond to this for me. Is there anyway to record programming from the PROG-OUT with the TV off or record a tuner channel while watching tv on another input?

Hi all. I just bought my first plasma TV and would love some help and suggestions on break-in settings. I pulled a couple examples out of this thread, but it's really like looking for needles in the haystack with all the other topics and post-100hr calibration posts. So, would anyone care to post ideal 100hr break-in settings? Which areas to focus on?

So far I've found 3 examples from this thread:

1. Keep everything at 0.
2. Put the brightness, contrast and sharpness as low as possible but still watchable.
3. And the following settings:

Picture +12
Brightness +5
Color -2
Tint -5
Sharpness -3

Not sure where contrast fits in the above example. Any better settings to try?

picture = contrast
I just put everything at 0 and turned the other settings off for now. Still a great picture.
-Rich

Where did Panasonic state that? I updated my 37PX60U to the latest and I have to say that it alleviated what Panasonic said it would. ie.:

* Poor picture details
* Faces appear as "Clay Faces"
* Excessive brightness with no details in the black level

I consider that as helping PQ. YMMV.

Panasonic stated that to me when I emailed them about upgrading from 1.21 to 1.25 about an issue I had with clayface. I have 2 emails on the subject but can only find one. The second email recommended against the upgrade but since the customer is always right, they said they would do it but again warned about a chargeable downgrade.

BTW the one update they are referring to below is 1.21

I don't have any advice or opinions on this matter other than to contact the manufacturer.


Thank you for your email. The Pasctraining website is the American site for firmware. In the United States, they have more firmware available because they use the Cable Card system.

The firmware updates available on the Pasctraining website are not always necessary. Tests were carried out with customers in Canada, and some customers preferred their picture quality pre-update . It is important to note that this reverse procedure must be completed by a service centre and is billable service call.

Currently, there is only one firmware update in Canada which we have found to be consistently useful, and it corrects problems with the television remote control. If you have difficulties with your remote control regularly, we can dispatch a technician to investigate and provide an updated version of firmware. However, we do not recommend that you install the firmware updates by on your own, as any damage caused by an improper firmware installation is not covered by the warranty. We also do not recommend firmware updates if you are not experiencing any problem with your television.

Sincerely,
Panasonic Canada Inc
Customer Care Centre

Does anyone else have a lot of false contouring, and do you have any solutions to fix it? There seems to be layers in the colors.

From my own observations it's the source material that causes the banding. The more compression in the source material the worse it is. I haven't noticed it watching DVD's on my upconverting Sony player connected to the HDMI input, but I see it mostly when watching standard def satellite channels. Some channels have more false contouring than others.

Hi Everybody....

I have had my 42PX60U for about 3 weeks and am just at the 100 hr mark.
I have recently had my satellite upgraded to HD (Bell ExpressVu) and have noticed that the sound sometimes seems to "get stuck" or stutter, kind of like a drop in the sound streaming.
This happens a few times/hour.

I currently have my TV speakers shut off, and am routing all sound through my HT speakers.

Has anyone else experienced this? If so, is there something I can do to correct this problem?

Thanks for the help and advice!

There's an issue with the Bell 9200 receiver. There's many complaints of audio droppouts on www.digitalhome.com website. Bell says they are working on a software fix.

From my own observations it's the source material that causes the banding. The more compression in the source material the worse it is. I haven't noticed it watching DVD's on my upconverting Sony player connected to the HDMI input, but I see it mostly when watching standard def satellite channels. Some channels have more false contouring than others.


Todd,

Thank you for your reply. I have noticed the problems on all sources, including from Blue-Ray player running from HDMI. I don't know if you saw any of my other posts, but I had some problems with video noise as well. I may have gotten one with a bug in it or something. I love the set so I think I will just exchange it for the same one.

Does anyone else have a lot of false contouring, and do you have any solutions to fix it? There seems to be layers in the colors.I get false contouring from time to time on my 50PX60U on various sources including upconverted dvd and hdnet via D*. I don't thinks it's necessarily related to just the source material as I don't recall seeing it this obvious on my prior Sony 36XBR200. It has, however, gotten to the point that I can pretty much predict when it's going to appear based on the scene that's in progress. Sunrises/sunsets and many movie intros will have it because of the color gradation that's involved as will b/w movies.

I get false contouring from time to time on my 50PX60U on various sources including upconverted dvd and hdnet via D*. I don't thinks it's necessarily related to just the source material as I don't recall seeing it this obvious on my prior Sony 36XBR200. It has, however, gotten to the point that I can pretty much predict when it's going to appear based on the scene that's in progress. Sunrises/sunsets and many movie intros will have it because of the color gradation that's involved as will b/w movies.

I agree with you. I pretty much know when it is going to come.

If enough of us complain to Panasonic, is it possible we might get a firmware update?

If enough of us complain to Panasonic, is it possible we might get a firmware update?


I doubt it. I asked them last night if there was one available. She said that there was not a firmware update for that problem. She said they could send a tech out to look at it.

I'm connecting a PC with Radeon Vid Card VGA to TH50Px600U PC In; the problem is, if I change input or turn off the TV, when go back to PC in, I get no display. Anyone know what the issue is? Is there a better forum to deal with this?
Thanks

Your problem is the video card setting on your pc. Typically, you have to tell the video to either output dual signals (your pc monitor and tv), or just output to the tv. The video card may be defaulting to just the tv, thus when you disconnect the tv or turn it off, you get no video signal to your pc monitor. Check your video card settings.

Thanks, I'll try that.

I have about 50 hours on My new 42px60U and I find got the HD box from Directv ugraded: Hooked up via HDMI to a HR20 (don't know who makes it)

Need some settings help guys.

They installed the new 5LNB dish so I can receive my Chicago area HD locals. What should I have the STB or TV aspect set to. When the STB is set to 1080I the HD locals have black bars. That can't be good for the TV. Is there a way I can remove the bars or should I try other settings. I've been leaving the TV in Full mode so that when some programs come on the HD locals it fills it up nice and looks great. Problem is there are bars at other times. When I go to the normal SD D* channels it looks like there's cropping, due to the Full mode I guess. I'm confused with all these setttings.

What the best way to leave the HR20 and TV??

Here's my $0.02. I have the exact same setup. The HR20 is made by Directv - it is not a Tivo.

You need to set the HR20 to 16x9. Set Native Passthru to "off" and then set the resolution to 1080i stretch.

With this setting HD will be normal, no black bars. Most SD will be stretched, no black bars.

Some SD on the HD locals will have black bars. Nothing you can do about that since the signal is coming from the station with the bars. They use the bars to fill out the HD picture when transmitting an SD program (like local news).

You could change the setting to 1080i Crop. That will get rid of the bars but you will lose some of the picture. You would also have to remember to change it back.

Don't sweat the bars. You won't hurt the TV. I assume that you've taken the 42px60u off Vivid mode and adjusted the picture off of the default torch settings.

Here's a good resource for the HR20 - link (http://www.dbstalk.com/forumdisplay.php?f=112)

Ah. Thanks Webini!

I did turn of the torch err a VIVID setting. Currently running levels close to 0 for break-in. The D* Installer pretty much made all the connections and initial setup but I noticed the HR20 was set to 480i on the front when he left. So I can just toggle the format button on the remote to select 1080I stretch and I should be good to go right?

One other minor question. He programmed my remote to control the TV but he said to leave the HR20 on (due to recording etc?). When I hit the TV POWER button it turns both the Panny and the HR20 off. I can't just turn the TV off like he said the buttons would do? Then I read in the book that the HR20 doesn't have to be on to record and such like my old ZENITH HR10-250. Is this true? If so I guess I'll just continue turning both on and off with these buttons right?

Just make sure Native is off and toggle to 1080i stretch. You will be all set then.

The power button puts the HR20 on what they call Standby mode. Basically all it does is turn the front lights off. Recordings are still fine. The unit is not really off.

This link will give you all the info you would ever want on the HR20 (and then some):link (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=76617)

Thanks Again.

One more question. How do I quickly check to make sure Native is off. I already used the format on the remote to toggle to 1080I stretch. Why wouldn't I use 720 since that's the Panny's native resolution? Woops. That's 2 questions!

You have to go into Setup to check that Native is off. I don't remember the exact screen, but the manual will tell you. Sorry, I'm not near my TV.

Actually the Panny is not 720p is it a 1024 x 768 resolution so scaling happens no matter what. Some HD is 720p, some 1080i - depends on channel. On my set to my eyes I prefer 1080i. If 720p looks good to you then use that. Whatever looks best! :)

Cool!

Thanks a ton Webini. Set does look pretty good now

Weird thing just happened with my 50PX60U...

Ever since I got the set, when I turned it on, it made to clicks that sound like relays, then several seconds go by before the picture appears. I figure no problem, that's the way it is.

So, now I'm sitting here, the TV was off, had been all day, and it makes the same two clicks noise but no picture appears. The really strange part is that I was not turning it on. In fact, the remote is about three feet from me so no way possible I accidentally pushed any buttons.

Well, I had to figure out what the heck was going on, so I grab the remote and push the power button. This time, no clicks at all, but the picture comes on in just a few seconds.

Any guesses as to what's up with the clicks/no clicks at power up, and why this thing "clicked" all on it's own?

I am not sure if I accidentally changed a setting in the service menu, I was in the SM about a week ago to check the hours usage for the the break in period. Well, now every once in awhile when I turn the TV on, I see a screen that I remember seeing in the SM, it's the one that has CAS on top of the screen, and I believe there is 3 tabs, SW download/updated, Message log/error log, and some test screen tab. The description is to my best knowledge. Why am I getting this screen when I turn the TV on? I can hit exit on the remote and it will go away, just wondering what this means.

Weird thing just happened with my 50PX60U...

Ever since I got the set, when I turned it on, it made to clicks that sound like relays, then several seconds go by before the picture appears. I figure no problem, that's the way it is.

So, now I'm sitting here, the TV was off, had been all day, and it makes the same two clicks noise but no picture appears. The really strange part is that I was not turning it on. In fact, the remote is about three feet from me so no way possible I accidentally pushed any buttons.

Well, I had to figure out what the heck was going on, so I grab the remote and push the power button. This time, no clicks at all, but the picture comes on in just a few seconds.

Any guesses as to what's up with the clicks/no clicks at power up, and why this thing "clicked" all on it's own?


Not sure if the answer appeared here or in another thread, but I believe the clicks (if my memory is correct) were related the "TV Guide setup". Don't remember why though.

I also experience hearing the clicks (50px600u), and after having read that comment several months ago, never gave it another thought.

..Mark

I've owned my 50px600U since last September and I just recently noticed the 'clicking' while the TV is off. Maybe it's been happening all along and I didn't notice, or maybe because I'm usually not in front of my TV while it's off.

I've never set the TV Guide feature. Someone else here mentioned that they set the zip code to "00000". I did the same thing. I thought this was supposed to get rid of the clicking.

Followup to several previous posts (from me and others) about clayface & false contouring:

I'm trying to put these issues into proper perspective. Here are my thoughts:
1) As others have said, false contouring is most likely due to excessive compression in the source. It's always been there, but on my old 32" SD set, I couldn't see it.
2) Even w/ my old set, I sometimes noticed clayface and some digital artifacting w/ Directv. Again, it's more noticable w/ the new set. I notice it much less now on OTA HD and rarely w/ HDMI DVD since I changed the TV picture settings. Maybe it's also source-related like the contouring?

Finally, those of us who've noticed these things seem to be in the small minority of owners. Either others have even worse eyesight than me (not likely!), or we have faulty sets. I'm not that savvy about the tech of plasma displays, but what could possibly be faulty on a few sets that would cause these artifacts? And further, even if there is a flaw, wouldn't a firmware update affect that aspect of everyone's sets?

So, I'm leaning much more toward source defects and not a problem w/ the set, and I'm enjoying the set more each day. Let me know if you have thoughts or corrections to my comments.

Thanks,
Doug

Followup to several previous posts (from me and others) about clayface & false contouring:

I'm trying to put these issues into proper perspective. Here are my thoughts:
1) As others have said, false contouring is most likely due to excessive compression in the source. It's always been there, but on my old 32" SD set, I couldn't see it.
2) Even w/ my old set, I sometimes noticed clayface and some digital artifacting w/ Directv. Again, it's more noticable w/ the new set. I notice it much less now on OTA HD and rarely w/ HDMI DVD since I changed the TV picture settings. Maybe it's also source-related like the contouring?

Finally, those of us who've noticed these things seem to be in the small minority of owners. Either others have even worse eyesight than me (not likely!), or we have faulty sets. I'm not that savvy about the tech of plasma displays, but what could possibly be faulty on a few sets that would cause these artifacts? And further, even if there is a flaw, wouldn't a firmware update affect that aspect of everyone's sets?

So, I'm leaning much more toward source defects and not a problem w/ the set, and I'm enjoying the set more each day. Let me know if you have thoughts or corrections to my comments.

Thanks,
Doug

I got the Panny a few months back and am a pretty picky customer. First I will say that I see everything you see, but I've learned to reduce it and learned to live with what I can't get rid of. You have to remember we all now have panels with very high resolving power. The broadcast industry has to step up but we have to realize that there is a lot of old content out there that was produced before hd panels in homes so it didn't have to be as good.

I think this is very much source dependent. Just because a channel is broadcasting 720 or 1080, that doesn't tell you the bit rate they are broadcasting. Next, even if they are broadcasting at a high bitrate, the program you are watching may have been compressed somwhere along the production line. There are so many places the flaws you are seeing can be introduced. Since I have seen my panel look absolutely gorgeous on some program material, I am fairly sure of this assessment.

I found that calibration with Avia helped a bit. Mostly I think because proper setup is usually darker than one would think by eye so some of the aliasing doesn't show up. I also ended up scrapping a very inexpensive DVD player and buying the Oppo which helped that input quite a bit. Still, some discs look better than others. I can often guess which will look good based on the length of the movie or how many extras are on the disc. Obviously they have to use more compression hurting image quality in order to get more quantity on the disc.

I have done extensive testing, not scientific but lots of going back and forth between inputs (hdmi, composite), settings, input resolutions from the box etc. and I just don't see major differences. Minor yes, but very minor. I see a slight increase in resolution on the Avia resolution test with hdmi over composit, but it is so slight that I wouldn't inconvenience myself of hdmi were for some reason more difficult to setup. So I don't think that has much to do with the artifacts you are seeing unless some of the problem is introduced in the changeover to analog in your cable/sat box and then back to digital in the panel.

Lasly, I have Time Warner and as much as I hate their price and customer service, I think my picture is pretty good (on digital channels). I have seen satellite and I don't think it looks as good. I'm not sure that satellite is sending you as high a data rate. This may account for your better picture from OTA. Unfortunately I live in a high rise condo and have no way to put up an antenna to try OTA. Maybe someone with more concrete knowledge of this could confirm or deny?

...Lasly, I have Time Warner and as much as I hate their price and customer service, I think my picture is pretty good (on digital channels). I have seen satellite and I don't think it looks as good. I'm not sure that satellite is sending you as high a data rate. This may account for your better picture from OTA. Unfortunately I live in a high rise condo and have no way to put up an antenna to try OTA. Maybe someone with more concrete knowledge of this could confirm or deny?

Harrypt, thanks for all your comments. Regarding your last paragraph, above: Directv is notorious for compression. Their SD signal is very clean & smooth, but w/ loss of detail and w/ visible artifacts. I've heard their HD is also compromised, which is why I'm trying out OTA for now. Verizon is laying FIOS cable in our neighborhood and I'll give that a try when it's available. Their SD & HD quality is supposedly very good.

Cheers,
Doug

Well I was one of the other ones who has had lots of problems. I think I just got unlucky with my set, and I am going to exchange it for another one. The TV stopped picking up the HD channels after I reset everthing. I ran the auto scan several times, and I can't even get Discoer HD. I love the set when it is working at it's best. I really believe I got a lemon, and I am going to let everyone know if the new one is working better with Video Noise, and false contouring. Thanks to everyone for there help.

I have an upconverting Sony DVD Player DVPNS75H that I have connected to my
Panny TH-50PX6U thru Component Cables. The picture is pretty good.
When I hit the recall button, it shows 480P.
Do you think that the picture would be much better if I connect it using HDMI?
I have to buy a HDMI cable thru monoprice or walmart? Is the purchase really worth it
or do I stick to the existing Component cable connection that I have?
Has anyone used both and if so, which one is better?

Thanks.

I have an upconverting Sony DVD Player DVPNS75H that I have connected to my
Panny TH-50PX6U thru Component Cables. The picture is pretty good.
When I hit the recall button, it shows 480P.
Do you think that the picture would be much better if I connect it using HDMI?
I have to buy a HDMI cable thru monoprice or walmart? Is the purchase really worth it
or do I stick to the existing Component cable connection that I have?
Has anyone used both and if so, which one is better?

Thanks.

I have the same dvd player as you connected to a 50px600, and the picture looked that same for me using component with a resolution of 480p compared to hdmi with a resolution of 720p or 1080i. I just switch because I need the extra input.

I have an upconverting Sony DVD Player DVPNS75H that I have connected to my
Panny TH-50PX6U thru Component Cables. The picture is pretty good.
When I hit the recall button, it shows 480P.
Do you think that the picture would be much better if I connect it using HDMI?
I have to buy a HDMI cable thru monoprice or walmart? Is the purchase really worth it
or do I stick to the existing Component cable connection that I have?
Has anyone used both and if so, which one is better?

Thanks.

I thought upconversion was only possible through HDMI...maybe I'm wrong. I have the same DVD player (although it sits unused while the PS3 took over). I never tried hooking it up with component, but I swear I remember reading somewhere that upconversion only occurs with HDMI.

Here's part of the item description from Amazon.com
The DVP-NS75H single-disc DVD player offers 720p and 1080i upscaling through an HDMI connection (High Definition Multi Media Interface).

I am wondering what happens to audio (what does the tv do with the signal either analog or digital) with my Pan 58/600 when either using the tv's speakers or letting the audio exit the back via RCA 2ch or optical:

1) HD-DVD player hooked up via HDMI and either RCA analog out from the back of the plasma and Optical out of the back.

2) PS3 hooked up for Bluray with hdmi and same as above (RCA or optical from the back of tv)

3) Motorola STB with hdmi also.

I know this is a tough one but I hope this is the right place to start and I'm curious what the 58/600 is doing (if anything) to the signal before letting it exit out the back via RCA 2ch or optical.

Thanks.

I have an upconverting Sony DVD Player DVPNS75H that I have connected to my
Panny TH-50PX6U thru Component Cables. The picture is pretty good.
When I hit the recall button, it shows 480P.
Do you think that the picture would be much better if I connect it using HDMI?
I have to buy a HDMI cable thru monoprice or walmart? Is the purchase really worth it
or do I stick to the existing Component cable connection that I have?
Has anyone used both and if so, which one is better?

Thanks.

I run my Panny 42" and Sony dvd player via Component and it looks fantastic. Lots of people feel that component is just as good if not better than HDMI. Sounds crazy but check these forums and you'll see what I mean.

I would stick with component but thats just me.... ;)

I am wondering what happens to audio (what does the tv do with the signal either analog or digital) with my Pan 58/600 when either using the tv's speakers or letting the audio exit the back via RCA 2ch or optical:

1) HD-DVD player hooked up via HDMI and either RCA analog out from the back of the plasma and Optical out of the back.

2) PS3 hooked up for Bluray with hdmi and same as above (RCA or optical from the back of tv)

3) Motorola STB with hdmi also.

I know this is a tough one but I hope this is the right place to start and I'm curious what the 58/600 is doing (if anything) to the signal before letting it exit out the back via RCA 2ch or optical.

Thanks.


I can tell you what I just learned is that when you go HDMI to these TV's do not expect the optical out of the set to pass the 5.1 signal back out to your receiver as this would be to natural. In stead it will only pass 2.0 dolby digital. The optical out will only send 5.1 from OTA broadcast. Maybe I just expect too much but this is yet another example of the BS that is HDMI. HDMI = 5% better picture from 5 feet and 95% copy protection.

I run my Panny 42" and Sony dvd player via Component and it looks fantastic. Lots of people feel that component is just as good if not better than HDMI. Sounds crazy but check these forums and you'll see what I mean.

I would stick with component but thats just me.... ;)

I guess my point was, what's the point of an upconverting DVD player if you're not allowing it to upconvert?

I guess my point was, what's the point of an upconverting DVD player if you're not allowing it to upconvert?

Many people here find that upconverting looks worse than 480 i or p anyway and don't use it. Upconverting is not allowed over component because of DRM. Blame the media companies, not Panny.

Either your DVD upconverts or your plasma upconverts. I find the LG dvd I have upconverts better than the panny's tuner.

YMMV, of course.

BB

Greetings... my first post here. What a godsend this site is! I just purchased a 50'' 60U. Man, these things are really dropping in price and I couldn't hesitate anymore.

Quick question: When doing the 100 hour break in, is it okay to leave the TV on 24 hours a day or should I just leave it on for a few hours here and there while we change the channels through normal viewing?

I can tell you what I just learned is that when you go HDMI to these TV's do not expect the optical out of the set to pass the 5.1 signal back out to your receiver as this would be to natural. In stead it will only pass 2.0 dolby digital. The optical out will only send 5.1 from OTA broadcast. Maybe I just expect too much but this is yet another example of the BS that is HDMI. HDMI = 5% better picture from 5 feet and 95% copy protection.

Thanks. I run mostly analog 2ch setup and what I'm trying to figure out if it is worth it to take analog or optical out of the back of the tv instead of using the output directly out of my variety of sources (like dvd player).

New here , too. Got a "off the shelf" 42"-60U.

I used the video settings from plasma tv buying guide, are those a good place to start?

New here , too. Got a "off the shelf" 42"-60U.

I used the video settings from plasma tv buying guide, are those a good place to start?

They're OK but the Picture setting is too high, IMO. Here are my settings for my TH42PX60U:

Picture: +13
Brightness: +7
Color: -6
Tint: -4
Sharpness: -7

Color Temp: Normal
Black Level: Light
ALL other options: OFF

See how that looks to you....

Greetings... my first post here. What a godsend this site is! I just purchased a 50'' 60U. Man, these things are really dropping in price and I couldn't hesitate anymore.

Quick question: When doing the 100 hour break in, is it okay to leave the TV on 24 hours a day or should I just leave it on for a few hours here and there while we change the channels through normal viewing?

I ran my Tv from the minute I got up until bedtime, probably about15-17 hours per day. I used mostly Discovery HD theater, its ALL HD and widescreen all day long so thats good. Feel free to do a movie, just make sure its a 1:85:1 or 1.78:1 aspect ratio. But yeah, you *could* do 24/7 just be sure its a channel that runs the right content. I would prolly give it a rest though, maybe overnight like I did.

Hope that helps....

They're OK but the Picture setting is too high, IMO. Here are my settings for my TH42PX60U:

Picture: +13
Brightness: +7
Color: -6
Tint: -4
Sharpness: -7

Color Temp: Normal
Black Level: Light
ALL other options: OFF

See how that looks to you....
I'll try those....I didn't particularly care for the site's settings, even though they said they were the "calibrated" ones....And it is certainly too dull on a 360. I use the Vivid preset for 360.

Also, I can't find this "black level" field mentioned, I have color managment on or off....I think thats it.

Greetings... my first post here. What a godsend this site is! I just purchased a 50'' 60U. Man, these things are really dropping in price and I couldn't hesitate anymore.

Quick question: When doing the 100 hour break in, is it okay to leave the TV on 24 hours a day or should I just leave it on for a few hours here and there while we change the channels through normal viewing?


I ran mine 24-7 on discovery HD for 10 days.

In case people have been following my problems with my TV, I found the source of one of the problems. The Tv stopped picking up many of my HD channels, Discover HD...NBC...etc. I was kinda upset because my other TV still picked up those signals but not this one. The big problem I have had was noise. I have had noise on my BD player, cable, Xbox...you name it. I also had noticed that it only began ealier this week. Well back to the story. So I was trying to get the signal back so I disconnected the cable and re-scanned and re-scanned. Still nothing worked. Well I had been running one cable to my monster cable powerstip...type 2 or something..."the $179 one,"and then back into the Tv. Never thought it would effect the display on the BD player just the cable. So I ran the cable directly from the cable on the wall to my TV and viola!!!!!! The noise is gone on all components. I don't know if it is coincidence and I disconnected something else in the proces that was effecting picture, but it is fixed. I think there may have been a problem with ground looping??? Is that possible??? Now if I can only get my HD channels back. I know I know, no comments about how I need to get all the HD channels and channel booster. It will come shortly. Appreciate any comments or concerns

In case people have been following my problems with my TV, I found the source of one of the problems. The Tv stopped picking up many of my HD channels, Discover HD...NBC...etc. I was kinda upset because my other TV still picked up those signals but not this one. The big problem I have had was noise. I have had noise on my BD player, cable, Xbox...you name it. I also had noticed that it only began ealier this week. Well back to the story. So I was trying to get the signal back so I disconnected the cable and re-scanned and re-scanned. Still nothing worked. Well I had been running one cable to my monster cable powerstip...type 2 or something..."the $179 one,"and then back into the Tv. Never thought it would effect the display on the BD player just the cable. So I ran the cable directly from the cable on the wall to my TV and viola!!!!!! The noise is gone on all components. I don't know if it is coincidence and I disconnected something else in the proces that was effecting picture, but it is fixed. I think there may have been a problem with ground looping??? Is that possible??? Now if I can only get my HD channels back. I know I know, no comments about how I need to get all the HD channels and channel booster. It will come shortly. Appreciate any comments or concerns

Just a comment from one that has been through this many times...

When you are having problems like this, always go back to basics. Don't just keep trying things to solve the problem, unplug AND remove every ancillary piece that is not necessary i.e. cable directly into the TV, unplug the audio equipment if you are getting hum, and I mean unplug EVERYTHING, both from the wall and from each other. Then start putting pieces back one at a time to identify the source of the problem. And remember that sometimes the problem will not be one item but an interaction of several pieces of equipment.

I run my Panny 42" and Sony dvd player via Component and it looks fantastic. Lots of people feel that component is just as good if not better than HDMI. Sounds crazy but check these forums and you'll see what I mean.

I would stick with component but thats just me.... ;)

Thank you jrvtecaccord, bbonds and s2mikey. I think I'm gonna keep using the component cables for the time being. I'm happy with the pic. Just was a bit greedy to see if the hdmi will improve it even further.

I'll try those....I didn't particularly care for the site's settings, even though they said they were the "calibrated" ones....And it is certainly too dull on a 360. I use the Vivid preset for 360.

Also, I can't find this "black level" field mentioned, I have color managment on or off....I think thats it.

The Black Level setting is only available in some instances but it is in there. Its an advanced setting, I know that.

If the ones you had before seemed too "dull" then mine will be probably worse. The settings I gave you will take some getting used to but they really are a good balance of Contrast, black level detail, and color saturation. Very natural to me and most people that see my TV in action.

Gaming is different though and I dont game so my settings could suck for games. You'll have to experiment.

Either your DVD upconverts or your plasma upconverts. I find the LG dvd I have upconverts better than the panny's tuner.

YMMV, of course.

BB

I found that, when I set my DVD (Pioneer 59AVi) to 720p output and 16:9 wide mode, the picture info ran off the sides of the frame. I tested this by setting the TV aspect to both 4:3 and Full. Both the actual video image and the DVD menu screens ran off the sides, so I figured the DVD was sending the wrong info. When I set the DVD to 480p and 16:9 wide mode, all the picture info is displayed, regardless of whether the TV aspect is 4:3 or Full. Otherwise, I can't see a difference, so I'll let the TV upconvert. Weird, eh?

Doug

Question - are having static black bars on my 60u really that bad? I hear a lot of people saying it's not a good idea but I rarely ever hear about people with issues. What can having these bars on the screen do to your tv?

Can anyone with Panny 600u, particularly the 50", please give your feelings on the speaker system on the TV. Some posts have complained that the volume is too low, have to turn it all the way up to get normal volume,. I noticed this in floor model in store. I`m considering buying the 50px600u, wondering if this is a common problem or not.
Another item is that I`ve read that if I hookup STB via HDMI cable ( or any input via HDMI ), will not be able to use PIP. Does anyone know if this is completely true? Thanks for any help

I've been fumbling around with the SETUP. I can't seem to delete or skip this input.

I went strictly component from the Motorola 6412. I don't need this coaxial input.

Question - are having static black bars on my 60u really that bad? I hear a lot of people saying it's not a good idea but I rarely ever hear about people with issues. What can having these bars on the screen do to your tv?
Depends how long you display the bars. I noticed image retention for the first time yesterday on my 50px60u because the wife was watching SD material with black bars (most of the evening she said :mad: ) . I sternly reminded her to stretch/zoom ALL SD material in the future. To my surprise watching hockey tonight I noticed the IR was gone. Static black bars won't be a problem as long as you mix it up with full screen material, wether it be stretched SD, or HD programming.

just picked up a th-50px60u tonight. i hooked it up to my HD cable box via HDMI cable. have a couple questions.

i hear a squealing coming from the speakers when muted or during a break in play. what could this be?

is there a timer somewhere so i can see when i am passed my breakin or do i have too track it?

oh one more thing. great site!

I had a similar noise when I purchased my 50px60u a couple of weeks ago. It was a high pitched squealing noise and it was coming from the speaker area of the TV even when the speakers were off. You could hear the noise over the TV volume unless the volume was cranked way up. I was sure this wasn't normal so I called panasonic and they sent a local tech out and determined it was probaly something in the sound board not working. They replaced the sound board and everything has been great.

There is a slight buzz or hum you can hear from the TV when you get really close, but you cannot hear it unless you get really close to the TV and turn the volume down. The tech said that noise was normal and honestly I haven't noticed yet.

Depends how long you display the bars. I noticed image retention for the first time yesterday on my 50px60u because the wife was watching SD material with black bars (most of the evening she said :mad: ) . I sternly reminded her to stretch/zoom ALL SD material in the future. To my surprise watching hockey tonight I noticed the IR was gone. Static black bars won't be a problem as long as you mix it up with full screen material, wether it be stretched SD, or HD programming.

100% correct. After a 3 hour anamorphic 2.35:1 movie you might see light IR of the bars at he top and bottom. These disappear after about 3 minutes of full-screen content and usually it doesnt take that long.

Anyone fretting over burn-in on plasma and avoiding them for that reason alone is only screwing themselves out of killer PQ! Oh well, there problem, not mine. ;)

I have been looking at LCDs for awhile but not happy with pixelation from fast motions. So checking into plasma.

Sounds like plasma has made significant improvement to prevent IR/burn-in.

So now my second fact or fiction question: glare.

Is it something you'll get used to? My position is that I want to use the TV as a TV not as a mirror. Sorry for the extreme analogy.

The room faces north with a 4x8 window and the TV would be facing it. So yeah we would be seeing the reflected light.

We also have hanging lights from the ceiling about 5 feet in front of the TV.

Should I be concerned. In term of brand name, which one is good at preventing IR/burn-in and "ambient glare"?

I have my 360 hooked up via the microsoft component cables to my 42px60u. I'm noticing a lot of what I would describe as noise or fuzz when viewing dark backgrounds(loading screens, weapons, anything black basically). It looks like tiny green and red dots(the size of one pixel) flying around. any idea what could be causing this?

Can anyone with Panny 600u, particularly the 50", please give your feelings on the speaker system on the TV. Some posts have complained that the volume is too low, have to turn it all the way up to get normal volume,. I noticed this in floor model in store. I`m considering buying the 50px600u, wondering if this is a common problem or not.
Another item is that I`ve read that if I hookup STB via HDMI cable ( or any input via HDMI ), will not be able to use PIP. Does anyone know if this is completely true? Thanks for any help

Mine is in an apartment small living area. I turned everything off except the AL, bumped up the treble one notch(old ears), lowered the bass one. This is the best sounding TV I have owned. David

I have been looking at LCDs for awhile but not happy with pixelation from fast motions. So checking into plasma.

Sounds like plasma has made significant improvement to prevent IR/burn-in.

So now my second fact or fiction question: glare.

Is it something you'll get used to? My position is that I want to use the TV as a TV not as a mirror. Sorry for the extreme analogy.

The room faces north with a 4x8 window and the TV would be facing it. So yeah we would be seeing the reflected light.

We also have hanging lights from the ceiling about 5 feet in front of the TV.

Should I be concerned. In term of brand name, which one is good at preventing IR/burn-in and "ambient glare"?

Glare will always be a minor issue with plasma TVs. Is it a deal-killer? Nah, not as far as me and many other people are concerned. Is LCD better at cutting through ambient light? Yes, they are. However, plasma wins in just about every other picture quality category so its a small price to pay, IMO.

Just make sure your curtains for that window are reasonable dark and block a good amount of light. Also, install dimmer bulbs in your overhead lights( I use 15-20 watt soft-white bulbs) which you should do anyways for the evening "theater" effect. That should set ya up pretty good! ;)

Burn-in should not be a concern unless you are leaving static images on the TV for days on end which most normal people dont do. If you play video games HEAVILY then you'll have to counter that with lots of full-screen content. Any of the top mfgs have engineered their TVs to avoid burn-in...Panny, Pioneer, NEC, Sammy, etc, etc.

Hope that helps...

Another question, does anyone have their wii hooked up to the 42px60u?

I have it set to widescreen and 480p, and for some games (zelda, wii sports) the image is wide screen and looks great. but other games such as red steel and super monkey ball have black bars at the sides of the screen. Does anyone know why this would be??

Can anyone with Panny 600u, particularly the 50", please give your feelings on the speaker system on the TV. Some posts have complained that the volume is too low, have to turn it all the way up to get normal volume,. I noticed this in floor model in store. I`m considering buying the 50px600u, wondering if this is a common problem or not.
Another item is that I`ve read that if I hookup STB via HDMI cable ( or any input via HDMI ), will not be able to use PIP. Does anyone know if this is completely true? Thanks for any help

I do have the 50px600u, and volume is pretty loud for me, I have my DVR and DVD hooked up via HDMI if that makes a difference. Like others stated, the sound is quite GOOD for tv speakers.

JRVTECACCORD, I assume with your DVR and DVD hooked up via HDMI, you cannot use your PIP. Is that correct? Panasonic and others seem to indicate that if anything is connected with HDMI , you can`t use PIP with the 600u

Thanks for info on speaker volume. Maybe just some sets have the volume issue, not all

Can anyone with Panny 600u, particularly the 50", please give your feelings on the speaker system on the TV. Some posts have complained that the volume is too low, have to turn it all the way up to get normal volume,. I noticed this in floor model in store. I`m considering buying the 50px600u, wondering if this is a common problem or not.
Another item is that I`ve read that if I hookup STB via HDMI cable ( or any input via HDMI ), will not be able to use PIP. Does anyone know if this is completely true? Thanks for any help

Sound is fine on mine. That is correct about HDMI...it absolutely sucks, but at least you know before you bought it.

BBONDS, thanks, but to use the PIP would I have to hookup to STB and DVD with component cables, and would the quality of picture be as good as HDMI ? Or is there another, better way to connect? Thanks for your help

all inputs except the 2 HDMI, and VGA input will allow for PIP. The way I was going to do it was to use the CableCard as 1 input and then connect a Moto 6412 DVR box via HDMI as my second tuner. I still have this setup, but it wasn't until the TV was on the wall and everything put into place before I realized that I was not going to be able to use PIP. So to answer your question, yes you can hook DVD and STB up to component or S-Video or composite and you're good to go. A lot of people on here think that component is just as good as HDMI. I don't know, I've never had mine hooked up with component. HDMI is mainly for the WAF (wife acceptance factor)...my wife can's stand cords, so 2 cords instead of 10 allows me to enjoy my TV more (if you know what I mean).

I have my 360 hooked up via the microsoft component cables to my 42px60u. I'm noticing a lot of what I would describe as noise or fuzz when viewing dark backgrounds(loading screens, weapons, anything black basically). It looks like tiny green and red dots(the size of one pixel) flying around. any idea what could be causing this?

This is the "dirty little secret" of PDPs. They all have it to some degree. It is due to the inabilaty to control the activation state of the individual cells precisely enough. Panels that are not set up with the right PS voltages at the factory will have an unusual amount of it. Some seem to get better as they burn in for a few hundred hours.

I just bought a Panasonic TH-50PX60U. What is the diff between a ...60U and ...60X? The specs appear identical.

-Thanks, Terry

I am carefully trying to following the instructions on Bruzzi's posting to check my firmware level:

"would have placed url but this *&! restricts me"

When I try to following the instructions nothing happens on my set. I have succesfully following other instructions on that site to check hours used and few other things, so I am wondering if I am misinterpeting the post, which sort of looks like:

PD60U / PX6U / PX60U


(several blank lines...)




PD50U / PM50U / PX50U / PX500U

Start of instructions...


Does the posting indicate that you can only check the firmware level for the 5x models, or that the instructions at the bottom of the post should work for both the 6x and 5x models?

-Thanks, Terry

Thanks, BBONDS. Tell me, do you know if I were to hook up my 6412 STB via component, and got a cablecard from comcast ( are they free?), would that combo work well as my 2 tuners for PIP? I guess I would need coax cable to back of TV to make the cablecard work, right? Why is this all so complicated?

Also, do you hook your receiver audio inputs to back of TV or to back of 6412DVR box. Wondering if one is better than other.........Thanks

all inputs except the 2 HDMI, and VGA input will allow for PIP.

Has Panasonic given a reason for this behavior? Does anyone have a guess?

I've never had a working PIP, and I knew the limitation before I purchased, but it would be nice... 99% of my viewing is either my DirecTV/TiVo on HDMI 1, or my Oppo DVD player on HDMI 2. I have a VCR with basic cable on s-video on Video 3.

Thanks,

John

Please! Could really use your help!

Hey everyone, I'm new to this forum as well as a new plasma owning college student. This January I bought a 42 in Panasonic Plasma (th42px60u). I'm not really sure exactly how many hours the set has been on but I would say it is on for 7-8+ hrs a day (so well over the 100hr period). I occasionally play XBox 360 (6-8 hrs a week), watch dvds regularly, and watch normal tv regularly.

I didn't really notice it at first but recently, I seem to get a after image almost anytime there is a static image on the screen.

for example:
1. watching tv and the logo in the corner shows up even if logo is only on there for a few minutes, Ex: in between commercials segments (change inputs the after image shows up then fades after a few minutes)

2. watching 1 widescreen dvd with black bars on the top and bottom (again shows up on screen and fades after several minutes of regular tv viewing) I have cut back on letting the bars show up by full zooming in now to keep this from happening

3. playing Splinter Cell: Double Agent for 10 minutes with pausing every couple minutes to keep the HUD from staying on screen (again takes several minutes of regular tv viewing to fade)

My settings are as followed:
Pic Mode - Standard
Picture - 0 out of 30
Brightness - 0 out of 30
Color - 0 out of 30
Tint - 0 out of 30
Sharpness - 0 out of 30
Color Temp - Cool
Color mng. - On
Video NR - Off
3D Y/C Filter - On
MPEG NR - Off


I have read through many other posts talking about burn-in and image retention. From reading other posts it seems that this after image should only show up if there is static images on the screen for long periods of time not just 10 minutes. Should I be concerned that this is happening after such a short amount of time? Is there anything I can do to keep it from happening? Is there something wrong with my tv?

I apologize this is long I just want to be as complete as possible. Thanks

This is the "dirty little secret" of PDPs. They all have it to some degree. It is due to the inabilaty to control the activation state of the individual cells precisely enough. Panels that are not set up with the right PS voltages at the factory will have an unusual amount of it. Some seem to get better as they burn in for a few hundred hours.

interesting. anything I can do on my end? would higher quality component cables help?

Does anyone know if the Panny accepts a 1080p24 input? And if so do is make the picture a bit sharper?

Ok, I have been through a 1080p DLP and RBE drove me nuts, I have had 3 sharp LCD sets ALL WITH BANDS, went to maybe buy a Sammy LCD today and the clouding was horrible.

SO ... here I am.

I am looking in the the 58PX600u OR maybe a Sony SXRD XBR2 microdisplay 60"

I know the Sony has 1080p, but not sure if I will see the difference in the extra res from 11ft away.

I hear Panny has new 9th gen glass and IR is very hard to get even out of the glass (I am told they do a pre break in before shipping them out)

SO ... this will be my main set

- SD
- HD
- HDDVD
- XBOX 360

Can you give me some impressions on IR with my uses. I don't want to spend big bucks and have to tip toe around my new PDP ... I LOVE THE POP AND SNAP of PDP but maybe it is due to the store setup, I find they have plasticy or pastel fake faces at times ... is this a setting and tweak issue ??

Does the set do 1:1 with no overscan?? (ie PC mode .. 1360x768 @ 60hz from XBOX)

I also know these sets are 1366x768 but accept a 1080p signal, so my question is

- will it accept 1080p over component
- Obviously over HDMI
- will it accept 1920x1080 over VGA ( or just 1366x768)

If any 360 owners have this set .. please comment.

ANY ADVICE AND HELP WOUD BE GREAT

I didn't really notice it at first but recently, I seem to get a after image almost anytime there is a static image on the screen.

1. watching tv and the logo in the corner shows up even if logo is only on there for a few minutes, Ex: in between commercials segments (change inputs the after image shows up then fades after a few minutes)

2. watching 1 widescreen dvd with black bars on the top and bottom (again shows up on screen and fades after several minutes of regular tv viewing) I have cut back on letting the bars show up by full zooming in now to keep this from happening

3. playing Splinter Cell: Double Agent for 10 minutes with pausing every couple minutes to keep the HUD from staying on screen (again takes several minutes of regular tv viewing to fade)



I have read through many other posts talking about burn-in and image retention. From reading other posts it seems that this after image should only show up if there is static images on the screen for long periods of time not just 10 minutes. Should I be concerned that this is happening after such a short amount of time? Is there anything I can do to keep it from happening? Is there something wrong with my tv?

I apologize this is long I just want to be as complete as possible. Thanks


Hmm, after reading what aydterracer2005 just said, kind of kills my hope on the Plasma side of things. I play my 360 a good 2 hours and evening and really am not much in the mood to be a "Slave" to a TV set and worry all the time.

This really sucks bad ........ what the hell will I buy ..... :(

Thanks, BBONDS. Tell me, do you know if I were to hook up my 6412 STB via component, and got a cablecard from comcast ( are they free?), would that combo work well as my 2 tuners for PIP? I guess I would need coax cable to back of TV to make the cablecard work, right? Why is this all so complicated?

Also, do you hook your receiver audio inputs to back of TV or to back of 6412DVR box. Wondering if one is better than other.........Thanks

I have Insight and they don't charge me for the CableCard, but that's because I'm paying them $14/month for their 6412 DVR box. Not sure about Comcast. In either event it would have only been like $2/month. Yes, you will need regular coax for the Cablecard from the wall. You will need to split the cable coming out of the wall first though. You'll need a cable going to the STB and the cablecard.

My understanding of audio components is limited, but from everything I've read on here you will need to run audio from the STB to your receiver to get anything more than 2 channels. For some reason though, you can get more than 2 channels from the optical out only from the coax input on the TV. Hope this helps, let me know if you need any further help.

Does anyone know if the Panny accepts a 1080p24 input? And if so do is make the picture a bit sharper?

according to the manual, no. also, it will only accept 1080p through HDMI cable.

Has Panasonic given a reason for this behavior? Does anyone have a guess?

I've never had a working PIP, and I knew the limitation before I purchased, but it would be nice... 99% of my viewing is either my DirecTV/TiVo on HDMI 1, or my Oppo DVD player on HDMI 2. I have a VCR with basic cable on s-video on Video 3.

Thanks,

John

I called them about it and they didn't seem to worried about it. It apparently didn't work on the 50/500u sets either and everyone was hoping they would have it fixed in the 600 series. Also, from what I've read on here, they are getting rid of the CableCard in all sizes for this year's models, except for the 65". Panasonic is working with one of the cable companies to allow 2-way communication by the TV with cable companies...so there will be a future fix.

Can anyone explain why an SD program shown on an HD channel looks better than the same SD program on the SD channel. For example ESPN2 HD has many SD programs and when I switch back and forth the HD PQ is markedly better.
Just curious. Oh, it's on a 50"PX60.

Thanks
MX48

Can anyone explain why an SD program shown on an HD channel looks better than the same SD program on the SD channel. For example ESPN2 HD has many SD programs and when I switch back and forth the HD PQ is markedly better.
Just curious. Oh, it's on a 50"PX60.
I've always thought it was because the SD channel is analog while the SD on HD is digital. Not HD, but still digital.

I've always thought it was because the SD channel is analog while the SD on HD is digital. Not HD, but still digital.

Makes sense to me too, however, I can watch SD TBS and switch to "digital TBS", and it looks exactly the same, sound is better, but picture is the same.

Can anyone explain why an SD program shown on an HD channel looks better than the same SD program on the SD channel. For example ESPN2 HD has many SD programs and when I switch back and forth the HD PQ is markedly better.
Just curious. Oh, it's on a 50"PX60.

Thanks
MX48

Could it not be possible that the show is in fact being broadcast in HD but with a pseudo 4:3 aspect ratio, with the "black-bars" as part of the HD picture?

Another question, does anyone have their wii hooked up to the 42px60u?

I have it set to widescreen and 480p, and for some games (zelda, wii sports) the image is wide screen and looks great. but other games such as red steel and super monkey ball have black bars at the sides of the screen. Does anyone know why this would be??

Red Steel should not have bars. Super Monkey Ball is NOT widescreen. It's odd because the Wii seems to stretch 4:3 images slightly. I only have small bars on the sides of my screen for Virtual Console games and non-widescreen Wii games.

Thanks, BBONDS. Tell me, do you know if I were to hook up my 6412 STB via component, and got a cablecard from comcast ( are they free?), would that combo work well as my 2 tuners for PIP? I guess I would need coax cable to back of TV to make the cablecard work, right? Why is this all so complicated?

Also, do you hook your receiver audio inputs to back of TV or to back of 6412DVR box. Wondering if one is better than other.........Thanks

Not BBonds but yes, that's the same setup I'm using with PIP, the 6412 via component and the cablecard. The cablecard is free from Comcast, at least in our part of the country it is, but there's around a one-time $15 installation fee. Also read the plasma instructions carefully and find out where in the menu you can access the cablecard information, as the Comcast installer will need that to activate the card and won't have a clue where to look.

The Comcast installer will have the cable and the splitter that you'll need with him. But when you call customer service to arrange the cablecard installation be sure and inform them that you'll be using both the box and card, that way the installer will have the splitter with him.

Regarding audio, I have the sound out of the 6412 going to the receiver. I also have optical out from the plasma to the receiver.

Can any one confirm this for me?Checking hours on my TV.I hope i did it right.
(Time=0047)<--hex 71hours<--dec

Can any one confirm this for me?Checking hours on my TV.I hope i did it right.
(Time=0047)<--hex 71hours<--dec

This is correct.

You can use the Windows Calculator program to make these conversions, as it supports a Scientific mode (select the View->Scientific menu pick).

[stupid alternative suggestion deleted...]

-Terry

Thanks,
Great info to know.

Hmm, after reading what aydterracer2005 just said, kind of kills my hope on the Plasma side of things. I play my 360 a good 2 hours and evening and really am not much in the mood to be a "Slave" to a TV set and worry all the time.

This really sucks bad ........ what the hell will I buy ..... :(

I have had my set 50PX60U for nearly two months now. The kids play A LOT of video games on it. I just have that input set to a really low contrast level like -20. Some games have static images like maps and life bars/scores etc that you can see immediately after switching off the set or viewing a pure white screen. After 10 minutes of watching regular full screen TV the images are gone. I would say not to worry, just use a low contrast setting for gaming and enjoy.

I really think this whole IR/Burn-In worry about gaming is WAAAAYYYY overrated.
I am a recent owner of the Panny 50px60u.
I did the 100 hour break-in at "0" settings before playing 360 longer than an hour.

Now I play Gears of War, F.E.A.R., and other game with HUDS for longer than an hour. Sometimes 2 hours at a time. Then I switch to a black and/or white imput and see SLIGHT IR from the HUD. After less than an hour of TV, the IR is COMPLETELY GONE.

Not only that, but the degree of IR I see after 2 hours of gaming is the EXACT SAME level or IR I see on my set after a 30 sec commercial with a logo (e.g. BOSE) or a minute of a logo-filled channel. This leads me to believe that all this is nonsence.

The ONLY thing I do is make sure I play my games at the old picture settings at "0" and if I play longer than an hour, I "zoom" the screen in for the remaining time to change the location of the HUD.

I'm not worried at all anymore.

Well, Panasonic says this on their web site (so take it for what it is worth) about burn-in with regard to the 9th generation plasma displays...

The rule of thumb: if you don't worry about your traditional tube TV, you don't have to worry about a Panasonic plasma TV.

I'd post a link, but the boards won't let me...yet. It's in the Panasonic Plasma FAQs on their web site.

Can some one tell me how many fans are on the back of the TH-42PX60U?I just noticed that there are only 2.There is one in the middle top and 1 on the right top.There looks like one should be on the left top to.I see the vent and brackets,but no fan.

The number of fans goes up with the size of the plasma. Don't be concerned.

Thanks,
To me it looked real odd not having a fan on each end of the TV.I called Panasonic and they said,when that TV went into production they decided to only put two fans inside.

Yep, and the 50" looks like it should have 4 but only has 3.

Hmm, after reading what aydterracer2005 just said, kind of kills my hope on the Plasma side of things. I play my 360 a good 2 hours and evening and really am not much in the mood to be a "Slave" to a TV set and worry all the time.

This really sucks bad ........ what the hell will I buy ..... :(

This IR after 10 minutes is a new one. Don't go by that.

I don't know about anybody else but I'm loving my TH-50PX600U
Great SDTV
Amazing HDTV
Amazing DVD

This IR after 10 minutes is a new one. Don't go by that.

Not really. Read my above post. I also get VERY SLIGHT image rentention after a short commercial with a logo. Let alone a TV station with one. However, this IR is no worse nor better than the IR I get from gaming for 2 hours on end.

My point? There is some IR...but whether it be from a short logo clip, or from 2 hours of gaming...it is all the same..and, most importantly, all goes away with less than an hour of full-screen content.

The downside to using the PC VGA port is no color control, only picture, brightness, and sharpness. I am thinking of getting a VGA to Component converter for this. On the flipside, you get the full 1360x768 (Nvidia scales x8, ATI x2) and it looks great on this TV.

I connected my Media Center PC via ATI X300 VGA to my 58PX600, and I set the PC resolution to 1360x768.

This gets me very close to 16/9, but I have to make menu adjustments on the TV to align the video correctly, and there is still a little dead space on the screen.

I use the my Media Center PC primarily to watch movies.

Can anybody recommend alternative resolutions, or point me to a resource, both for VGA and DVI, that will give 16/9, fill the screen with no overscan, and require no or very little TV display tweaks?


Regards
Pieter

HI:

I just purchased a TH42-PX60U and have a (Comcast) 8300HD-DVR STB. I've read many a post regarding channel delay issues and passthrough versus fixed signal mode on STBs. Sorry if this has been covered but I did not see a resolution and my eyes are bleeding ;) ...

I have my STB setup for 720p (as I find 720p appeared better on my Panny AE900 pj than 1080i) and 480i. I have the box setrup up for AUTO-HDMI as I like the way the 60u will automatically set SD 4:3 channels to JUST mode and when going to HD 16:9 images will set it back to FULL mode. However, there is at least a 5 second (I believe it is closer to 7 or 8 really) delay when switching between SD and HD channels. (Virtually no delay between like-definition channels.)

Is there any way to have the best of both worlds : Automatic aspect adjust with NO channel delay? If not, I think I actually like 4:3 mode better than JUST as it is still noticeably distorted IMO, but wanted to avoid causing potential burn-in.

Thanks,
Tim

Of course this only works for numeric conversions. What about alpha-numeric ones (i.e. 5D)? For those you need to understand hexidecimal or use a calculator.

-D


This is correct.

You can use the Windows Calculator program to make these conversions, as it supports a Scientific mode (select the View->Scientific menu pick).

Or, for those who are not computer geeks AND can live with a lack of precison, you can use a 4 func calculator to approximate HEX to DEC conversion by multiplying the Hex number by 1.6 to decimal, as in:

10H x 1.6 = 16 decimal, which is exactly the right answer, but

47H x 1.6 = 75.2 decimal, which only approximates 71, the precise answer

I am an old ASM programmer, so I prefer using the Windows scientific calculator, but now you have an approximating alternative using the ever present 4 function calculator.

-Terry

snip...
this only works for numeric conversions. What about alpha-numeric ones (i.e. 5D)?
snip...
-D

Doh! Of course you are right. I did not have my thinking cap on when I posted the "multiply the Hex number by 1.6..." suggestion. Use the Windows scientific calculator.

HI:

I just purchased a TH42-PX60U and have a (Comcast) 8300HD-DVR STB. I've read many a post regarding channel delay issues and passthrough versus fixed signal mode on STBs. Sorry if this has been covered but I did not see a resolution and my eyes are bleeding ;) ...

I have my STB setup for 720p (as I find 720p appeared better on my Panny AE900 pj than 1080i) and 480i. I have the box setrup up for AUTO-HDMI as I like the way the 60u will automatically set SD 4:3 channels to JUST mode and when going to HD 16:9 images will set it back to FULL mode. However, there is at least a 5 second (I believe it is closer to 7 or 8 really) delay when switching between SD and HD channels. (Virtually no delay between like-definition channels.)

Is there any way to have the best of both worlds : Automatic aspect adjust with NO channel delay? If not, I think I actually like 4:3 mode better than JUST as it is still noticeably distorted IMO, but wanted to avoid causing potential burn-in.

Thanks,
Tim

I dont think there is a way to have an "auto-adjust" with no delay...although that would be freegin cool huh? The delay does suck but as more and more HD channels are added it wont be long before there will be NO reason to ever leave the 1000's on the Time Warner STB's. :)

HI:

I just purchased a TH42-PX60U and have a (Comcast) 8300HD-DVR STB. I've read many a post regarding channel delay issues and passthrough versus fixed signal mode on STBs. Sorry if this has been covered but I did not see a resolution and my eyes are bleeding ;) ...

I have my STB setup for 720p (as I find 720p appeared better on my Panny AE900 pj than 1080i) and 480i. I have the box setrup up for AUTO-HDMI as I like the way the 60u will automatically set SD 4:3 channels to JUST mode and when going to HD 16:9 images will set it back to FULL mode. However, there is at least a 5 second (I believe it is closer to 7 or 8 really) delay when switching between SD and HD channels. (Virtually no delay between like-definition channels.)

Is there any way to have the best of both worlds : Automatic aspect adjust with NO channel delay? If not, I think I actually like 4:3 mode better than JUST as it is still noticeably distorted IMO, but wanted to avoid causing potential burn-in.

Thanks,
Tim

If you hook up with composite cables instead of HDMI the aspect switching still works and the delay is a lot less.

I've switched back and forth between composite and HDMI testing to see which looks better on both test patterns and live action and I don't think composite hurts your picture much. I see a VERY slight difference only when looking at the resolution pattern and it should not be enough to make you stick with HDMI if the delay bothers you that much.

I believe that is the only resolution.

EDIT
Oops, I meant component... don't make fun of my disease.

I hope you meant component, and not composite?


If you hook up with composite cables instead of HDMI the aspect switching still works and the delay is a lot less.

I've switched back and forth between composite and HDMI testing to see which looks better on both test patterns and live action and I don't think composite hurts your picture much. I see a VERY slight difference only when looking at the resolution pattern and it should not be enough to make you stick with HDMI if the delay bothers you that much.

I believe that is the only resolution.

I hope you meant component, and not composite?

Uh... I meant dyslexic :D

Can the stereo audio out (L/R RCA) be set to variable? So the remote contols the sound output to a 2.1 powered speaker system? thanks.

Can the stereo audio out (L/R RCA) be set to variable? So the remote contols the sound output to a 2.1 powered speaker system? thanks.
This is a great question that I hope someone can answer. ZVOX audio (check their website) makes a great sounding one speaker solution for the person who does not have room for a full blown 5.1 surround system, but in order to use the Panny remote instead of the ZVOX remote, it does require variable output to be enabled by the TV when you turn the TV speakers off.

Can anyone explain why an SD program shown on an HD channel looks better than the same SD program on the SD channel. For example ESPN2 HD has many SD programs and when I switch back and forth the HD PQ is markedly better.
Just curious. Oh, it's on a 50"PX60.

Thanks
MX48Because the one on the 720p or 1080i channel has been pre-upconverted (using professional-grade scaling, which is far superior to the consumer-grade scaling done by the Panny).

I watched The Illusionist last night and encountered significant false contouring on many of the scenes with lower lighting levels and on the intro. My setup for this included a Panny S52 (upconverted to 720p) connected to an Onkyo SR874 via HDMI. My display is connected to the 674 via HDMI and looks good under normal scenes. I've calibrated the 60U using DVE on the S52 though I haven't gone as far as an ISF calibration yet.

I'm generally happy with the display but was wondering if there's any way to reduce the false contouring further?

Current settings
Pic mode: Cinema
Picture: +7
Brightness: +8
Color: -1
Tint: -4
Sharpness: 0
Temp: Warm
Color mng: off
Video NR: off
MPEG NR: off
Black Level: Light

I watched The Illusionist last night and encountered significant false contouring on many of the scenes with lower lighting levels and on the intro. My setup for this included a Panny S52 (upconverted to 720p) connected to an Onkyo SR874 via HDMI. My display is connected to the 674 via HDMI and looks good under normal scenes. I've calibrated the 60U using DVE on the S52 though I haven't gone as far as an ISF calibration yet.

I'm generally happy with the display but was wondering if there's any way to reduce the false contouring further?

Current settings
Pic mode: Cinema
Picture: +7
Brightness: +8
Color: -1
Tint: -4
Sharpness: 0
Temp: Warm
Color mng: off
Video NR: off
MPEG NR: off
Black Level: Light

I'm with you..... the false contouring is the only thing keeping this set from being almost perfect. I see it from time to time and it can be a little annoying. No doubt it is those dimly lit scenes that show this the most. We'll just have to keep our eyes peeled for potential setting changes that might help.

I dunno how much the settings do actually help but here are mine just for poops & laughs:

Picture: +13
Brightness: +7
Color: -6
Tint: -4
Sharpness: -7
Color Temp: Normal
Black Level: Light
ALL others: OFF

I think it all depends on the amount of compression. For example, "Prison Break", which is on a channel without any subchannels, looked near-perfect on my 50PX600U last night. But when Letterman came on later, I noticed just a bit of f.c. on the fold shadows of his suit (which was also dark blue), due to the fact that both of my OTA CBS sources have one subchannel.

And some of my way, over-compressed E* SD channels can exhibit it pretty badly at times.

I watched The Illusionist last night and encountered significant false contouring on many of the scenes with lower lighting levels and on the intro. My setup for this included a Panny S52 (upconverted to 720p) connected to an Onkyo SR874 via HDMI. My display is connected to the 674 via HDMI and looks good under normal scenes. I've calibrated the 60U using DVE on the S52 though I haven't gone as far as an ISF calibration yet.

I'm generally happy with the display but was wondering if there's any way to reduce the false contouring further?

Current settings
Pic mode: Cinema
Picture: +7
Brightness: +8
Color: -1
Tint: -4
Sharpness: 0
Temp: Warm
Color mng: off
Video NR: off
MPEG NR: off
Black Level: Light

Could your high brightness be contributing to this false contouring?
Can anyone post any image examples of false contouring? I'd get "The Illusionist" but Netflix is full.

Could your high brightness be contributing to this false contouring?
Can anyone post any image examples of false contouring? I'd get "The Illusionist" but Netflix is full.


I have also stated before, that there is a lot of false contouring with this TV. I have learned to deal with it. I don't think his brightness has anything to do with it. I wonder if it is only a problem with a ffew models. I think I have a lemon. Anyone have this problem and has a November build? Better yet anyone have this problem......not some times...but all the time and not have a November build. For the record...I have noticed the false contouring decreasing with age.

Could your high brightness be contributing to this false contouring?
Can anyone post any image examples of false contouring? I'd get "The Illusionist" but Netflix is full.I guess anything is possible though I set my brightness level using the recommendations found at avical (http://www.avical.com/articles/avicals_dve_user-level_video_calibration_tutorial.html).

My copy of the dvd came from Netflix. I've found the solution to be to not hold onto disks for too long and you're more likely to receive disks that show they have "long wait" or "short wait" and not just disks that are available "now".

I have also stated before, that there is a lot of false contouring with this TV. I have learned to deal with it. I don't think his brightness has anything to do with it. I wonder if it is only a problem with a ffew models. I think I have a lemon. Anyone have this problem and has a November build? Better yet anyone have this problem......not some times...but all the time and not have a November build. For the record...I have noticed the false contouring decreasing with age.My set is an October 2006 build.

I have also stated before, that there is a lot of false contouring with this TV. I have learned to deal with it. I don't think his brightness has anything to do with it. I wonder if it is only a problem with a ffew models. I think I have a lemon. Anyone have this problem and has a November build? Better yet anyone have this problem......not some times...but all the time and not have a November build. For the record...I have noticed the false contouring decreasing with age.

I have the November built.
How do you describe false contouring in layman's terms? Can you show me examples? I'll let you know if I have a problem.

I have the November built.
How do you describe false contouring in layman's terms? Can you show me examples? I'll let you know if I have a problem.

I notice it a lot but not as much as it was in the past. False contouring would be like when the camera pans up to the sky and the sky looks like it has layer like a "Contour" Map, and then after a second it goes completely blue. Instead of one solid color it is gradual. A good way to describe it also is to look at the background of this very reply thread page. Notice how it is starting light on the top, and then it gets darker on the bottom? Then notice how it has distinct lines? Well I would describe it like that. Instead of subtle variations in color, it is in distinct blocks. It is most noticeable going from dark scenes to light ones. It is only really frustrating when it is not dealing with the sky, such as fading out of a scene or into a scene. Is this laymen enough, or did I just make it more confusing?

I noticed the false contouring in the Illusionist, too. We had some discussion a few pages back about this issue. It's probably in the authoring of the DVD. I don't think we can eliminate it altogether, but it would be interesting to know if people see it on other displays. I read one or two reviews of the DVD, and they didn't mention any problems.

Doug

Thanks Harry and Mikey. I just wanted to make sure there wasn't a setting I was missing. I'd like to stick to HDMI because of the simplicity factor foremost, and then the (even though slight) quality improvement.

Yeah, I guess I can live with the delay since there are really not a whole lot of times I'm switching back and forth between SD and HD. The only thing that bothers me is you can miss the beginning of something, but hey since the cable box is not aware that your display is taking forever to put the picture up, you can just use the DVR to rewind what you missed I suppose.

Thanks again.

-Tim

Quick question. On these sets does sharpness = 0 mean sharpness is off (and therefore amplification of video noise is minimized)? What would a negative sharpness do? Blur edges and possible amplify video noise as well?

I just cancelled a Samsung 50 and exchanged it for a PX60. It arrives tomorrow. I look foward to impressing the girlfriend with my mad box opening skills as learned on this thread :)

Quick question. On these sets does sharpness = 0 mean sharpness is off (and therefore amplification of video noise is minimized)? What would a negative sharpness do? Blur edges and possible amplify video noise as well?

I just cancelled a Samsung 50 and exchanged it for a PX60. It arrives tomorrow. I look foward to impressing the girlfriend with my mad box opening skills as learned on this thread :)

Good question.. I know on that on my Sharp LCD "0" meant off as in NO extra processing. My 42" Panny calibrated at a Sharpness setting of -7 and it looks great so not sure what to tell ya.

Perform a calibration on your set and see what you get but most calibrations seem to end up having the sharpness turned down as in the negative ( below midpoint ).

Does the TV guide work with CC and is it accurate?

Thanks