I bought a TH-50PH9UK and realized it doesn't have as much input as the Consumer model. Besides the inputs, is the professional better and if so, WHY?

thanks.

I dunno, but it seems like a big waste of $$$ to get the "professional" version over the consumer version...they both have the same panel.

I bought a TH-50PH9UK and realized it doesn't have as much input as the Consumer model. Besides the inputs, is the professional better and if so, WHY?

thanks.
Pro model doesnt have tuner or speakers. But I believe it offers more picture adjustments and the ability to upgrade inputs. For example you can install 2 HDMI blades. If you have a surround sound system and rely on a STB for cable then you really do not need a tuner and speakers. There are sticky's and threads in the plasma forum devoted to the 9UK's I believe. Just my 2 cents

I haven't purchased yet and am struggling with this.

It seems to me the advantages of the 9UK over the 600U consumer series are


Sleeker cabinet
Free extended warranty (5 yrs)
Independent Input Memories (though with only 1 of each input type, I'm not sure this is a particulary good feature)
For example you can install 2 HDMI blades.
I'm not sure you can, at least not without sacrificing other input types. There are 3 total expansion slots. Two are taken up by the default inputs: component, composite, and S-Video, as shown here:

http://img368.imageshack.us/img368/9951/vin3slots9uksa3.gif

The HDMI board available from Panasonic only has 1 HDMI connection.

I think the point is that you can sacrifice inputs you may not use for inputs you could use more of.

I can see it being really useful if they make a HDMI 1.3 add on and/or other future connectors that may come out.

I'm not sure you can, at least not without sacrificing other input types..
Thats what I meant. You may remove 1 you don't need and replace it with an HDMI blade. But if you have an AVR that has HDMI inputs you only would need to run 1 HDMI cable to your TV anyway. Because if your buying the pro series you most likely have an AVR correct?

Because if your buying the pro series you most likely have an AVR correct?

AVR is AV receiver? Well, that's my dilemma with the pro model. I'll have the display professionally calibrated, but a maximium of three inputs is pretty limiting. I'll have 6 or 7 input devices, but only three image settings, if I understand this process correctly.

Yes AVR is Audio Video Receiver. The newer ones have 4 HDMI in with 1 HDMI out to the PDP. Plus component inputs as well. Not to sure on S-Video or composite inputs but IIRC correctly they have those too.(?) I never looked at those as an option because everything I plan on running thru the AVR is HDMI. My connections will be configured like this:

PS3 to HDMI input #1 on AVR
STB to HDMI #2
OPPO DVD player to HDMI #3
#4 will be reserved for an HD-DVD player if I chose to get 1 of those also. The PS3 will also double as my Blu-Ray player. Then all I have running to my Tv is 1 HDMI cable. Does that make sense to you? :)