Official Zenith 42" EDTV Plasma Z42PX2D thread!

[B0N3]

Here's what you've all been waiting for .. THE Official Z42PX2D thread!

Some quick specs:

*Digital Cable Ready (CableCARD™)

*852 x 480p Resolution

*5000:1 Contrast Ratio

*1000 cd/m2 High Brightness HDMI with HDCP

*Orbiter/Whitewash Function

*Aspect Ratio Correction

*RS-232 Controls and NTSC, HD, VGA, SVGA, XGA, SXGA and DVI Inputs

*Fan-Free, Noise Free Operation

This board probably contains more info than all other sites combined about this fantastic EDTV plasma. Let's consolidate this info into one thread.

Please post pics, reviews, setttings ......

[ClarkeBar]

Great idea Joe.

I fear we are adrift in a Sea of Panasonic...not that there's anything wrong with that. There seems to be a few Lakes for Pioneer, Samsung and Philips...maybe a Pond for everything else including our personal choice.

Critical performance review will still be awhile as the set is only 45 days old and has barely started on solid food. But ownership experience stuff not already posted in previous threads will likely continue to flow out over time. Actually, repeating some of that content may not be a bad idea...just not too much. To paraphrase Marv in Sin City...there might be a squirt or two.

I'll post pics when my credenza is finalized.

[B0N3]

Wonderful Clarkebar .. I can always count on you to keep this thread alive!

I'm getting mine mounted hopefully this weekend

My favorite feature is the memory for individual custom picture settings for each input. This is truly saving my fingers from constant picture adjustment when switching back and forth from Component (D* HDTV) to HDMI/DVI (Oppo).

I'll also post an indepth review after another month of break in/tweaking.

So far I am blown away by what this thing is doing for my living room.
Only problem is .. I'm having a hard time with the "guest that won't leave" syndrome because they are hypnotizied by the plasma god . I really need some quiet time alone with it .. hehe

[denisl]

Count me in as the latest Z42PX2D happy customer...

Just like most of us on avsforum, after extensive and almost compulsive amount of research, I went with the Zenith. Of all the posts and online reviews I've read on HD and ED plasma sets the Z42 had all the features I was looking for in a Plasma. I watch a lot of non-HD programming so ED fit the bill.

The ringing endorsement provided by Bon3 and Clarkebar is what turned me onto the Z42 and not to mention the great price the TV can be had for at Best Buy. $1899MSRP combined with a coupon here and rebate there it is truly the best bang for the buck.

So, now that I've had it for a little over a week and have the cablecard installed I am in complete awe when watching HD channels. I just ordered DVE and will be heading out to Best Buy to pick up a HDMI up converting DVD player.

Once my setup is complete I will post my impressions, which is as credible as a newbie to plasma TV's can be. For right now - I'm just drawn to the TV. I watched the Met game yesterday on HD and all I can say is WOW. What a great picture.

[ccjgil]

I have heard that this TV does not come with a TV stand. Is this true?

[denisl]

It comes with a base, not a tall stand.



One other quick note, which I'm sure most already know..
Zenith is owned by LG.

[ClarkeBar]

As denisl points out, LG supplies most of the major components.

Instead of DVI the Z42 offers HDMI. There is another Zenith ED on their website which more closely resembles the LG feature set including PIP and DVI but I have never seen it.

For anyone interested, there is a fully accessible service menu. I personally consider this a key feature with any set. Also, the sound quality of this set is quite remarkable with excellent power available. It is so good I use it for normal TV viewing as it keeps things simple for my wife who is not remote tolerant. For DVD material we always use 5.1 but because of the optical out we can fire up the audio system for those HD feeds in DD.

A few quick tips for improved SD performance:

Along with Cablecard use---

When signal quality allows, use the low power setting...I found this to be most helpful while viewing HD material recorded on the Motorola HD DVR and copied onto standard DVD using my Toshiba XS32. It helped reduce the down conversion effects so I subsequently began viewing SD channels the same way and gained a noticeable improvement.

Keep sharpness below 50...mine is never higher than 47 and my set experiences a definite jump in sharpness artifacts at 50 and above with analog material. YMMV

And, of course, make use of the custom memory settings for all inputs including tuner types. SD viewing requires very different settings than other uses.

[BarnacleBill]

Originally Posted by denisl

So, now that I've had it for a little over a week and have the cablecard installed I am in complete awe when watching HD channels. I just ordered DVE and will be heading out to Best Buy to pick up a HDMI up converting DVD player.

Denis, why would you buy an upconverting DVD? Wouldn't that make the picture worse? Both the DVD and the TV are 480. Why upconvert the DVD and then make the TV down convert it?

[denisl]

BarnacleBill - 720p / 1080i channels on this TV look excellent - just like a HD set to my eye. You can definately tell the difference between SD and HD channels. Before I bought this set I had the same concern with double converting the signal, however, this doesn't seem to be an issue. From what I'm reading on this forum, an upconverting DVD player looks much better when the signal to the TV is HD vs. 480.

I think both Bon3 and Clarkebar own the Oppo DVD player, I've yet to purchase an upconverting player. I'm sure they will comment on their PQ.

[B0N3]

I've had the Oppo for a couple of weeks and use 720p as the default. I've tried different settings and find this to be the best as far as PQ. (Of course this is going DVI/HDMI in)
My SAT HD receiver is also set at 720p and I get a consistent pic all around. Hi-def sources are crystal clear .. my local HD channels also look great. SD channels look very good as well.
I'm still tweaking and will get back with a full report in a few.

EDIT:
After further tests with different DVDs (Nemo, Spiderman 2) I have seen significant macroblocking. Noticed it at the beginning of Nemo during the "blue screen Disney Logo" intro .. really bad artifacts and blotchiness. Hooked up my Philips DVD player into Component and didn't see any of this .. actually got a better looking overall pic as well. I'm concerned about the integrity of the HDMI input on this set. I am less than impressed, but thank god for the 2 Component inputs. I'm looking into the X2VGA adapter for my Xbox to use with the RGB-DVI input .. having trouble finding anyone that uses it for this purpose. Posted some stuff on xbox-scene and hopefully will get a response.

Returning the Oppo tomorrow

[denisl]

My remote has a "guide" button - but when pressed I get no program information available. I have cablevision IO with CableCard. I thought that some sets, this one included, was capable to displaying the TVGuide preview guide.

If not, what's the guide button for?

[ClarkeBar]

I'm using Cablecard with Comcast and the Guide is disabled with this connection. At least they warned me about it ahead of time. I still get a Guide though as I now use a Motorola HD DVR for recording only on a split line.

[Les Garrenton]

Originally Posted by denisl

I thought that some sets, this one included, was capable to displaying the TVGuide preview guide.

I've looked at the on-line manual for the Z42PX2D and it looks to me like this set has a generic guide rather than the actual TV Guide branded embedded guide from Gemstar, correct? And are you guys are saying that this internal guide is disabled with a CableCard installed as opposed to just not being able to get the local cable company's guide with a CableCard (which I knew already)? I've got an appointment this weekend for Cox Cable to come out and install a CableCard in an LG model that looks almost identical to the Zenith except that it does have the TV Guide/Gemstar guide that I wouldn't want to lose.

[Jonny]

[quote=ClarkeBar]As denisl points out, LG supplies most of the major components.

Instead of DVI the Z42 offers HDMI. There is another Zenith ED on their website which more closely resembles the LG feature set including PIP and DVI but I have never seen it.


That would be the P42W46X which i own (and love) and has its own thread buried somewhere in here.

Enjoy the new ED set folks!

[ClarkeBar]

Les,

Yes, the internal EPG is disabled and until I started using the HD DVR from Comcast their Guide was also unavailable using the CC. Some sets like the Panny PX50Us have TV Guide which works even with CableCard. No such luck for this EPG.

[denisl]

ClarkeBar - are you saying that with comcast's DVR hooked up to your TV the EPG now works? How do you have your DVR hooked up so that you still use the Cable card?

Also - are you saying that the EPG doesn't work out of the box because our cable providers don't want us to be able to use it?

Thanks..

[Les Garrenton]

Originally Posted by ClarkeBar

Some sets like the Panny PX50Us have TV Guide which works even with CableCard. No such luck for this EPG.

I finally found a couple of references on AVS and in a Google search that indicated that the TV Guide On Screen EPG supposedly does work with the CableCard installed. I just got the LG 50PX4DR last week and it surprises me that there is a different EPG in the Zenith Z42PX2D sibling and that it would behave differently. I guess I'll find out for sure when Cox Cable comes out this weekend.

Thanks for the info!

[ClarkeBar]

Hello denisl,

Yes, apparently they don't want us using our built-in EPGs. I now have access to the TV Guide with the Motorola HD DVR which I can receive because I split the service line before connection. The CC installer kindly upgraded my old splitter for me. CC doesn't cost me anything with my local Comcast and I much prefer it for operating simplicity and greater PQ across the board. Even though I have always had a strong disliking for boxes of any kind, the Motorola 6412 through component provides PQ very similar to the CC on a fair number of channels...as well as makes excellent recordings. I pipeline them to my non-HD Toshiba recorders and am still pleased with the results.

[B0N3]

Originally Posted by B0N3

I've had the Oppo for a couple of weeks and use 720p as the default. I've tried different settings and find this to be the best as far as PQ. (Of course this is going DVI/HDMI in)
My SAT HD receiver is also set at 720p and I get a consistent pic all around. Hi-def sources are crystal clear .. my local HD channels also look great. SD channels look very good as well.
I'm still tweaking and will get back with a full report in a few.

EDIT:
After further tests with different DVDs (Nemo, Spiderman 2) I have seen significant macroblocking. Noticed it at the beginning of Nemo during the "blue screen Disney Logo" intro .. really bad artifacts and blotchiness. Hooked up my Philips DVD player into Component and didn't see any of this .. actually got a better looking overall pic as well. I'm concerned about the integrity of the HDMI input on this set. I am less than impressed, but thank god for the 2 Component inputs. I'm looking into the X2VGA adapter for my Xbox to use with the RGB-DVI input .. having trouble finding anyone that uses it for this purpose. Posted some stuff on xbox-scene and hopefully will get a response.

Returning the Oppo tomorrow

FYI .. see above EDIT

[denisl]

Bon3 - The Oppo is notorious for macroblocking due to the faroudja chip. I was hoping that the faroudja chip would work well with the Z42PX2D as I was looking for a player based on this chip. Why do you think that the hdmi connection is the culprit here? If the integrity of the hdmi port on our sets is questionable then an upsconverting DVD player would be no longer an option, unless a player can be found that will up convert over component - which I don't think any newly manufactured players offer this in the US.

I hope it's just the Oppo and not the hdmi port.

Clarkebar - have you too noticed significant MB and poor PQ with your Oppo?

[Jonny]

FYI - i believe the P42W46X has its own faroudja, but it had DVI not HDMI and there was some confusion on what inputs it was actually active on.

[Hoppy]

I bought and returned the Zenith Z42PX2D this weekend. Got it as open box for 1639 plus tax and was thrilled until I got it home and compared the PQ against my Sony 34XBR800. No contest, as it turns out. The Sony was better by far on all SD content and better by a smidge on the DVDs i looked at.

In a certain way it's not a fair comparison as the Sony is (a) smaller and thus inclined to look sharper, and (b) a HD (or HD ready) set, but the difference was significant.

In addition the Z gave me and the BW headaches from 11.5' which I found surprising, though I imagined (assumed?) it was product of change and something that would not happen after a bit of watching.

The DVD had a surprisingly mealy look to it, though at its best it was quite good (mainly I was looking a a very nice Korean movie called "3-Iron").

Anyway, wanted to thank you for help and advice previously on another thread I cannot now locate. I think I'll get back on teh bench where I belong and just lurk a bit more before venturing forth again.

Hoppy

[B0N3]

Originally Posted by denisl

Bon3 - The Oppo is notorious for macroblocking due to the faroudja chip. I was hoping that the faroudja chip would work well with the Z42PX2D as I was looking for a player based on this chip. Why do you think that the hdmi connection is the culprit here? If the integrity of the hdmi port on our sets is questionable then an upsconverting DVD player would be no longer an option, unless a player can be found that will up convert over component - which I don't think any newly manufactured players offer this in the US.

I hope it's just the Oppo and not the hdmi port.

Clarkebar - have you too noticed significant MB and poor PQ with your Oppo?

I'm also hoping it is just the Oppo .. I tried the Sammy 850 and noticed the same problem with macroblocking and blotchiness. Although it's unlikely that it's a HDMI problem with my set, I can't rule it out 100% because I have yet to find a source that looks good with it. My D* HD box was connected to it for a while and I noticed lots of mosquito noise in darker scenes (HD content).

I may try out the LG and/or the Panny and hopefully rule out a problem with my set. For now I am really happy with my Component setup and will probably keep it that way for a bit.

[B0N3]

::::as far as upconversion DVD players using component .. you can always get the Zenith DVB-318 and apply the older firmware .. it will upconvert to 1080i::::

I'll have to add that one to the list

[denisl]

Hoppy - I'm sorry it didn't work out for you as I am truly enjoying the PQ of my set. I think you probably could have improved your PQ problems - which probably would have eliminated your headaches! Here's your old thread. Good luck to you.

Bon3 - I think I've narrowed down my player choices to the S97S or the LDA-531. I'm going to try the S97S first once J&R gets them in stock. If it don't work out I'll go with the 531 (I think - this is all so confusing!).

Will the 318 upconvert over component (with old firmware) for HDCP DVD's?

[ClarkeBar]

Hi Guys,

It appears the old build date Zeniths will handle Copy Protection DVD's and yield 1080i upconversion through component. According to many reviewers across the web builds before July 2004 seem to have the old firmware which does allow this. Builds from July 2004 on have the newer firmware which gave problems with the 1080i component upconversion. However, As Bon3 has suggested, the old firmware is still available for anything with a newer build.

I have returned the Oppo and will buy another DVI-HDMI cable today for use with my Comcast HD DVR which I am currently connecting through Component. I figure this is an additional and cheaper way to check out the HDMI port on these sets since I already have the equipment and won't need to continually return DVD players. I will try both 720P and 1080i output...If I find problems similar to what Bon3 reported with his D* HD box with the PQ using both live feeds and recorded material I will report back quickly...probably by tonight.

Since there seems to be problems with different players the culprit may well be the HDMI implementation itself. If so, it may be that the HDMI input can be upgraded with newer firmware. I haven't checked yet with Zenith Support but last time I looked they didn't seem to have much in the way of downloads except manuals. You have to email their support for many things other manufacturers routinely handle on the website. Have put in an email on this issue and also regarding any possible firmware upgrades for the set...will see what happens.

[ClarkeBar]

Hoppy,

Sorry you had the problems you encountered. It is a sad fact of life that SD on these panels is simply not going to be anything like CRT, especially quality CRT. The only thing that will remedy this fully will be ubiquitous HD content across the board and a relegation of SD to the archives.

True some panels handle SD better than others but the PQ is never going to be more than what you convince yourself it is. I happen to like my SD feeds through Comcast now that I've tweaked and fiddled. There are always a few tricks to be employed for these things, set dependent. While the PQ is not even what my 27" Tosh yielded, I didn't buy this kind of set to watch SD anyway. My wife thought we would do that...but it took only a few days for her to realize the benefits gained from upgrading our cable service and increasing her most hated bill.

I fear the headaches you were suffering were likely caused by super high levels, especially Brightness and Contrast , with the presets. I have found the many presets on the Z to be excessive for most situations although they do provide a more dynamic picture overall. Some of them can be mimicked and then adapted using the custom feature when the proper viewing circumstances arise. Also the environmental lighting conditions can play a role as well. I always use backlighting for relieving eye strain in a darkened room, as much for myself as for my wife who suffers a good bit in dark viewing conditions.

Perhaps going back to the bench is not a bad thing. You will gain over time with better pricing and technology. Maybe you should try the PD50U in-house to see if it makes that much of a difference with SD?

[B0N3]

Originally Posted by ClarkeBar

Hi Guys,

It appears the old build date Zeniths will handle Copy Protection DVD's and yield 1080i upconversion through component. According to many reviewers across the web builds before July 2004 seem to have the old firmware which does allow this. Builds from July 2004 on have the newer firmware which gave problems with the 1080i component upconversion. However, As Bon3 has suggested, the old firmware is still available for anything with a newer build.

I have returned the Oppo and will buy another DVI-HDMI cable today for use with my Comcast HD DVR which I am currently connecting through Component. I figure this is an additional and cheaper way to check out the HDMI port on these sets since I already have the equipment and won't need to continually return DVD players. I will try both 720P and 1080i output...If I find problems similar to what Bon3 reported with his D* HD box with the PQ using both live feeds and recorded material I will report back quickly...probably by tonight.

Since there seems to be problems with different players the culprit may well be the HDMI implementation itself. If so, it may be that the HDMI input can be upgraded with newer firmware. I haven't checked yet with Zenith Support but last time I looked they didn't seem to have much in the way of downloads except manuals. You have to email their support for many things other manufacturers routinely handle on the website. Have put in an email on this issue and also regarding any possible firmware upgrades for the set...will see what happens.

I was wondering if you noticed other strange artifacts with your Oppo .. I noticed a symetrical flashing of small triangles during the very beginning of Nemo as the Disney Logo appears with the bright blue background. Is this macroblocking?
It doesn't look like the normal macrblocking I have seen in the past, maybe a strange variation associated with the DVI output. I also noticed the exact same problem with the Sammy 850 .. both using the HDMI/DVI output. You probably didn't analyze it like I did, but I used that as a test source to determine a possible HDMI TV input problem. I do not see it using component with the same Nemo DVD.
Thanks for emailing Zenith .. I'll be looking forward to hearing your test results later.

[ClarkeBar]

Hi Joe,

Returned from the Rat Shack with a Gold Series DVI-HDMI cable...looks to be about the same quality as the Oppo supplied cable...maybe a touch better. I never got around to using it much as the HDMI output (putting upconversion aside) yielded only a slightly brighter onscreen image than component...and unfortunately basically more noise artifacts in the form of color field shimmer. With upconversion thrown in the quality improvement over 480P really wasn't there. I never saw what you describe but what I did see was enough for me. Without multiple players and cables it is difficult to test out where the problem lies exactly but I am open to the possibility the likely candidate may well be the HDMI input on the set itself.

Aside from the usual startup protocol problems with the DVI Motorola box (it wouldn't initially recognize the connection---suggested I use the Wideband Component connection) I have now seen what you referred to earlier in terms of PQ using your Provider box. I also observe a strange tendency on the part of my DVR box when displaying 720P output through the HDMI. I first get a horizontal 2/3-1/3 screen with a white line running North and South between. Changing the channel on the box and then returning clears it up. Very weird. Scaling is otherwise uneventful. 1080i seems to be the favored HD resolution of these panels, even through the RF input with normal cable and the half dozen or so local HDs. Over time, having added in the Cablecard and upgraded service to Digital gaining several more HDs, this remains the case. I have my DVR set to output 1080i because of this. Counter-intuitive I know...but native 480P from the box just doesn't seem quite as sharp and clear and has slightly more color field noise, though I'm speaking of very small differences.

Of course without the Oppo player here now to test further I am limited to testing with the HD DVR only which may introduce more such problem areas as the 720P scaling into the equation. I guess the only thing to do is pop out to BB and grab an upconverting player like the LG 511...maybe the Tosh 4980 to keep it simple and less expensive. I would prefer to go with either the Panny 97 or 77 but that will take a few days to arrive and I would like to get some closure on this issue in terms of where the problem lies. If the HDMI input is flawed Zenith needs to hear from us. If it is flawed and can be fixed through firmware then they need to get to it. If it isn't flawed then we need to find players which will give the PQ HDMI should deliver.

Edit: During testing I just now am encountering a new problem existing between the set and the DVR using HDMI. The signal comes in for a few seconds and then goes black. The set does not follow with the built-in No Signal message as it does with every other inactive input no matter whether there is a physical connection or not. This tells me the problem is with the DVR DVI-HDMI output. The set acts like a signal is there by not giving me the message but the screen is black. I believe yet another service call is in order from Comcast but they may be able to ping it. I'll see what develops.

[ClarkeBar]

Here is my correspondence with Zenith and their rather (I'm happy to report) quick but not necessarily 'responsive' reply:

-----------Original Customer Enquiry------------
Received Date : 9/22/2005 12:35:14
The type of inquiry : Software/Hardware updates
Product/Model number : PDP TV/Z42PX2D

Hello,

I am inquiring as to whether there is yet any firmware upgrade available for the above set. I am experiencing problems using upconverting DVD players such as the OPP 971H, Samsung 850, etc. through the HDMI port. There is noticeable macroblocking and overall picture blotchiness. Using Component cables yields a superior picture than using the HDMI connection but the output resolution drops back to 480P only with this connection type. As the 720P and especially the 1080i PQ on this 480P panel is so outstanding, like many owners I am trying to get an improved DVD picture using upconverting players. Unfortunately most of them use DVI-HDMI only for this upconversion and component upconversion doesn't seem to be generally available. Can you shed any light on why many of us are experiencing the problems we are having with HDMI input on the Z42? If so, what remedies do you recommend?

Many Thanks,
Paul Clarke


-----------Reply to Customer Enquiry------------

Dear Paul,

Thank you for inquiring of Zenith Electronics. This television has a native resolution of 480p. This means that it can take whatever signal is presented, and processes the signal to fit into 480 lines of resolution. This is why the progressive scan on component looks so well, is because it does not have to adjust the signal to get it to fit. Try your HDMI connection using 480p resolution to see if any better quality can be achieved. For further information or troubleshooting, you may contact us at 800-243-0000 for LG Customer Service assistance. An agent will be glad to assist you. Thank you again for contacting LG Electronics.

Neil E-mail Administrator Customer Interactive Center LGEAI

I think the only way to tell if there is some definite HDMI problem on this set is to get another player as I wrote earlier and try it out. The problems I'm currently having with the stupid DVR box and Comcast using the HDMI input are adding nothing but confusion to the upconversion player issue .

As it stands now, even when it was working properly earlier this evening, I see no benefit to using HDMI over wideband component for DTV. Thus the HDMI for me is purely for DVD use if proper results can be obtained.