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Official Panasonic VT50 owners thread - Page 337

post #10081 of 12289
2/8/13 at 10:39am
I picked up a Panasonic Skype camera that connects to this TV's USB port. My only question is from where does the sound come? From the looks of the setup, I'm going to have to turn off my A/V unit's audio and go through the TV, which would kind of suck. The video portion of the camera works fine with my A/V. Is there a way to get the audio running through my A/V as well? Can this be set up as an activity on my Harmony remote, similar to my "Watch DVD," "Watch DVR 1," activities that I have now?
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post #10082 of 12289
2/8/13 at 10:41am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lord Vader View Post

I picked up a Panasonic Skype camera that connects to this TV's USB port. My only question is from where does the sound come? From the looks of the setup, I'm going to have to turn off my A/V unit's audio and go through the TV, which would kind of suck. The video portion of the camera works fine with my A/V. Is there a way to get the audio running through my A/V as well? Can this be set up as an activity on my Harmony remote, similar to my "Watch DVD," "Watch DVR 1," activities that I have now?

You should be able to set it up using the HDMI ARC port.
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post #10083 of 12289
2/8/13 at 11:04am
Quote:
Originally Posted by calvy2 View Post

I just got new vt50. Directtv said i cannot get 3 d channels unless I run directly from tv to box and not through my reciever. Is this true?

They probably just say that so if someone hooks it up through an older receiver that doesn't pass 3D, they don't get a bunch of calls. I'd be almost certain that if your receiver supports 3D, it will be fine.
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post #10084 of 12289
2/8/13 at 11:12am
Quote:
Calvy2
I just got new vt50. Directtv said i cannot get 3 d channels unless I run directly from tv to box and not through my reciever. Is this true?

I don't have a VT but have been looking at them for some time. I run my directv through a 3D capable AVR without any issues.
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post #10085 of 12289
2/8/13 at 11:29am
Quote:
Originally Posted by RDaneel View Post

I'm hoping to order a VT soon, and am wondering if there is any consensus on which 3D glasses are best, especially for those (like me) that wear prescriptions glasses. Are the Panasonic glasses the way to go, or is there any alternative? I need only a pair or two, so I'm less concerned with cost than quality...

Thanks in advance!
I use the Panasonic glasses over my rx and they work great.
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post #10086 of 12289
2/8/13 at 11:56am
Quote:
Originally Posted by calvy2 View Post

I just got new vt50. Directtv said i cannot get 3 d channels unless I run directly from tv to box and not through my reciever. Is this true?

Total misinformation from Directv. If your reciever is 3D capable or can "passthrough" the signal, you will be fine. I watch Directv 3D through my Anthem MRX-500 just fine.
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post #10087 of 12289
2/8/13 at 12:22pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by tcramer View Post

They probably just say that so if someone hooks it up through an older receiver that doesn't pass 3D, they don't get a bunch of calls. I'd be almost certain that if your receiver supports 3D, it will be fine.

i have it running through my pioneer elite that support 3D and it works just fine. only a few channels that are offered, but no issues otherwise.
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post #10088 of 12289
2/8/13 at 2:12pm
Anyone notice scaling off a bit on the vt50. In THX modes it corrects itself to fit the screen then I go back to custom and its fine. Every time I turn the TV on I have to do this with bluray or cable. I have aspect ratio at full : size 2.
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post #10089 of 12289
2/8/13 at 4:02pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by RDaneel View Post

I'm hoping to order a VT soon, and am wondering if there is any consensus on which 3D glasses are best, especially for those (like me) that wear prescriptions glasses. Are the Panasonic glasses the way to go, or is there any alternative? I need only a pair or two, so I'm less concerned with cost than quality...

Thanks in advance!
The original Panasonic 3D glasses. They are around $50 per pair.
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post #10090 of 12289
2/8/13 at 9:48pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by robnix View Post

You should be able to set it up using the HDMI ARC port.

OK, I confess to not knowing what you mean. I presently have one HDMI that goes from the TV's HDMI1 to my Onkyo A/V's HDMI-OUT.
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post #10091 of 12289
2/8/13 at 9:56pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lord Vader View Post

OK, I confess to not knowing what you mean. I presently have one HDMI that goes from the TV's HDMI1 to my Onkyo A/V's HDMI-OUT.

The ARC port is the HDMI 2 port on your VT50.
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post #10092 of 12289
2/8/13 at 10:10pm
That I know. I meant that I don't know what you mean when you say connecting it to the ARC port will suffice. I confess that I'm unknowledgeable about its significance here.
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post #10093 of 12289
2/8/13 at 10:20pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lord Vader View Post

That I know. I meant that I don't know what you mean when you say connecting it to the ARC port will suffice. I confess that I'm unknowledgeable about its significance here.
ARC ("audio return channel") provides a pathway for audio initiated FROM THE TV to be sent to the AVR. So the TV actually is another SOURCE device connected to the AVR, where sound can then be delivered to the speakers in your sound system which are connected to and managed by the AVR.

Just like with all other source devices connected to the AVR (which normally provide both audio and video, for distribution by the AVR on to both HDTV for video and speakers for audio), with ARC the TV itself (in this case, the Skype application) becomes the source device for audio-only, delivering that audio back over the same [2-way] HDMI cable connected from the AVR to HDMI-2 input on the VT50. HDMI-2 input is the port on the Panny which is built to support this ARC (i.e. "reverse audio") method of delivering audio from Panny to AVR via that same HDMI cable normally used to deliver video from AVR to Panny.

Check the manual on your AVR to see how to make use of ARC. You'll then turn on the AVR and hear the sound from Skype via your AVR's audio system and speakers, while watching the Skype video on the Panny. Presumably that Panny webcam you just bought has a microphone in it as well as a camera, just like pretty much all webcams do.
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post #10094 of 12289
2/8/13 at 10:55pm
I have just cancelled my order for the 65gt in favor of the 65vt. I was able to get it for less than $300 more than the gt. what are some of the issues folks are having with their sets? Buzzing? Ir?

Besides cnet, anyone have pic settings they would like to share?
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post #10095 of 12289
2/8/13 at 11:09pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by smjbh5 View Post

I have just cancelled my order for the 65gt in favor of the 65vt. I was able to get it for less than $300 more than the gt. what are some of the issues folks are having with their sets? Buzzing? Ir?

Besides cnet, anyone have pic settings they would like to share?

Glad you made the choice you did, congrats. If I were you I'd spend some time reading the thread rather than ask people to repeat what's been repeated here many times. Know that you've purchased what many consider to be THE top television of 2012, regardless of the occasional issue reported here.

Cheers!
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post #10096 of 12289
2/8/13 at 11:13pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by smjbh5 View Post

I have just cancelled my order for the 65gt in favor of the 65vt. I was able to get it for less than $300 more than the gt. what are some of the issues folks are having with their sets? Buzzing? Ir?

Besides cnet, anyone have pic settings they would like to share?
That's an awesome deal. I would have kept my VT had the price been that close. But I upgraded size and had to "downgrade" model. After owning both the GT and VT sets. It really comes down to personal preference IMO. After proper calibration. Both sets look practically identical. The VT blacks are just a tiny bit darker then the GT. But I don't think you need blacker blacks. Both blend completely into the bezel.

Either way. Congrats! You'll be happy!
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post #10097 of 12289
2/9/13 at 12:54am
Quote:
Originally Posted by DSperber View Post

ARC ("audio return channel") provides a pathway for audio initiated FROM THE TV to be sent to the AVR. So the TV actually is another SOURCE device connected to the AVR, where sound can then be delivered to the speakers in your sound system which are connected to and managed by the AVR.

Just like with all other source devices connected to the AVR (which normally provide both audio and video, for distribution by the AVR on to both HDTV for video and speakers for audio), with ARC the TV itself (in this case, the Skype application) becomes the source device for audio-only, delivering that audio back over the same [2-way] HDMI cable connected from the AVR to HDMI-2 input on the VT50. HDMI-2 input is the port on the Panny which is built to support this ARC (i.e. "reverse audio") method of delivering audio from Panny to AVR via that same HDMI cable normally used to deliver video from AVR to Panny.

Check the manual on your AVR to see how to make use of ARC. You'll then turn on the AVR and hear the sound from Skype via your AVR's audio system and speakers, while watching the Skype video on the Panny. Presumably that Panny webcam you just bought has a microphone in it as well as a camera, just like pretty much all webcams do.

OK, now I understand it better. Thanks.

Now I just have to hope I have an input available to use on the Onkyo A/V. After all, I've got 4 DirecTV receivers, 1 Blu-Ray player, a Roku device, and some other gizmo all connected already.

BTW, on my A/V, the HDMI-OUT is listed as "OUT-MAIN ARC". Do you recommend connecting an additional HDMI cable from an open HDMI input on my A/V into the Panny's ARC HDMI port, or should I switch the current HDMI cable that runs from my Onkyo to the Panny HDMI-1 to the Panny's HDMI-ARC?
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post #10098 of 12289
2/9/13 at 1:19am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lord Vader View Post

Do you recommend connecting an additional HDMI cable from an open HDMI input on my A/V into the Panny's ARC HDMI port, or should I switch the current HDMI cable that runs from my Onkyo to the Panny HDMI-1 to the Panny's HDMI-ARC?
Just move that current HDMI cable currently running from the Onkyo to the Panny's [non-ARC] HDMI-1 over to [ARC-enabled] HDMI-2 and you're all set. That will accomplish everything required. You need to be using an ARC-enabled HDMI port (which is actually an output port on the AVR) on the AVR in order to receive audio back over that same cable, being sent by an ARC-enabled (for audio output) HDMI input port on the HDTV.

With the use of HDMI-2 in (and out via ARC) on the Panny, and the HDMI output of the Onkyo (already designated as ARC-enabled) in use as well, you're now all set to go. The only unknown (to me) is what you do on the Onkyo to enable that ARC source for audio, coming back from the Panny and its Skype application.

For normal video delivered from Onkyo to the Panny there is no difference between using HDMI-1 and HDMI-2. Only difference is that using ARC-enabled HDMI-2 allows the same HDMI cable to be the "reverse audio" pathway back to the ARC-enabled HDMI output port on the AVR from the Panny, for delivery of audio FROM the Panny TO the Onkyo.
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post #10099 of 12289
2/9/13 at 6:24am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cleveland Plasma View Post

The original Panasonic 3D glasses. They are around $50 per pair.
Where are u seeing 50 at?

And is there a limit as to how many you can use at one time with this set?
I thought maybe it was 6, or is it more?
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post #10100 of 12289
2/9/13 at 8:25am
I upgraded from my 36" non-HD Sony Trinitron CRT to the 55GT50 after much research and the great information here as well as some other locations. After a week I noticed 1 blue pixel stuck on just off center and it was noticeable enough that I opened a case and it was set to be replaced. Thing is the 55GT50 was sold out at PaulsTV, but similar to some others I was offered the 55VT50 for $100 more and jumped at the opportunity (one lucky guy did get his at no upcharge, but oh well).

It came in yesterday and I have to say this is the best TV out there. IR is a non issue after break-in as I found with the GT50 and as many have said, don't go looking for it. Strangely, my GT50 had a slight buzz on an all white screen, but it was not audible during normal use where as the VT50, which has 3 fans, has no buzz in any instance. I guess I can see where some have and others don't, but if it is so minimal in normal use that you can't hear it I don't see it as an issue.

I'm about 8 hours into normal varied content and will throw D-Nice settings after 100+ hours, but this set and series (including the GT and ST) are amazing! So happy to get on this amazing bandwagon.
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post #10101 of 12289
2/9/13 at 10:58am
Here's something that is confusing and ought to be addressed.

I only get PCM 48 output with external devices using the optical out to my Dolby compatible receiver not Dolby.

If I use the built in Netflix or any of the VT50s apps that are in Dolby Digital I get Dolby Digital. If I use any external device connected via HDMI like an Apple TV or a cable box that I am sure is outputting DD 5.1 I only get PCM 48 through the optical out.

I could connect three devices directly to the receiver and have DD for those devices, but then I would not have any audio for any of the Viera stuff.

My question: Is it possible to get the VT50 to output Dolby Digital when using external devices connected via HDMI?

If not, why?
Edited by Mdominic - 2/9/13 at 3:10pm
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post #10102 of 12289
2/9/13 at 2:41pm
Hi everybody,

I've been researching TVs to death and was waiting patiently for the ST50 to get to $1000, then I waited for the GT50 to get to $1000. I was thinking the VT50 was a bit out of my price range, so I didn't check out much at Best Buy. I've made several trips, and on Friday I checked out the VT50 and, man, that picture is out of sight. I went back and forth between the two Magnolia home theatre rooms to look at both the VT50 and GT50 - even used "The Dark Knight" on both to compare. I noticed the picture on the GT50 was severely lacking in comparison, but I discovered that it was only connected via component cables, while the VT50 was run via HDMI. Since I couldn't get an accurate assessment, does anyone have any useful feedback as far as differences? The cheapest I've seen the VT50 is around $1600. The VT50 really blew me away, but is it $600 better than the GT50? Has anyone done a real comparison on an even playing field and have any thoughts as far as the disparity between the two? Thanks for any input!
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post #10103 of 12289
2/9/13 at 3:23pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Easywind View Post

Hi everybody,

I've been researching TVs to death and was waiting patiently for the ST50 to get to $1000, then I waited for the GT50 to get to $1000. I was thinking the VT50 was a bit out of my price range, so I didn't check out much at Best Buy. I've made several trips, and on Friday I checked out the VT50 and, man, that picture is out of sight. I went back and forth between the two Magnolia home theatre rooms to look at both the VT50 and GT50 - even used "The Dark Knight" on both to compare. I noticed the picture on the GT50 was severely lacking in comparison, but I discovered that it was only connected via component cables, while the VT50 was run via HDMI. Since I couldn't get an accurate assessment, does anyone have any useful feedback as far as differences? The cheapest I've seen the VT50 is around $1600. The VT50 really blew me away, but is it $600 better than the GT50? Has anyone done a real comparison on an even playing field and have any thoughts as far as the disparity between the two? Thanks for any input!

You should be able to narrow that gap in price. I paid $2475 for my 65vt50 from best buy.
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post #10104 of 12289
2/9/13 at 3:36pm
Hello all,

I was wondering if somebody can do me a quick favor. I got my VT50 couple of weeks ago, and I just noticed that there is no visible difference at all as I start increasing contrast above 84-85 or so...So, picture looks the same at 84 or so and 95. This is happens on all picture settings, but on some contrast stop changing on 83-84, on some 86-87...Can anyone check if their unit does the same?
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post #10105 of 12289
2/9/13 at 4:55pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by pfc bgd View Post

Hello all,

I was wondering if somebody can do me a quick favor. I got my VT50 couple of weeks ago, and I just noticed that there is no visible difference at all as I start increasing contrast above 84-85 or so...So, picture looks the same at 84 or so and 95. This is happens on all picture settings, but on some contrast stop changing on 83-84, on some 86-87...Can anyone check if their unit does the same?

I just checked and if there is a change above 84 it is very subtle. I think it would also what your settings are. I check mine on custom using the cnet settings. http://forums.cnet.com/7723-19410_102-564711/panasonic-tc-p65vt50-picture-settings/


I posted a question about HDMI in and optical audio out 3 posts up. If you know anything about it let me know.
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post #10106 of 12289
2/9/13 at 5:07pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by DSperber View Post

The only unknown (to me) is what you do on the Onkyo to enable that ARC source for audio, coming back from the Panny and its Skype application.

.

That's what I'm going to have to figure out as well. I don't know if I need to adjust anything in the Onkyo's settings or what. I'm sure I will, because when I turn on the Skype camera, the audio I hear is whatever channel my DirecTV receiver was last on.
Edited by Lord Vader - 2/9/13 at 5:24pm
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post #10107 of 12289
2/9/13 at 5:19pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mdominic View Post

I just checked and if there is a change above 84 it is very subtle. I think it would also what your settings are. I check mine on custom using the cnet settings. http://forums.cnet.com/7723-19410_102-564711/panasonic-tc-p65vt50-picture-settings/


I posted a question about HDMI in and optical audio out 3 posts up. If you know anything about it let me know.

Answered your previous question on the "other" forum, but here it is:

No, it's not possible to get DD routing external sources through the TV. You'll still get it over optical for the Viera apps (those that support it) and OTA, though.
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post #10108 of 12289
2/9/13 at 5:30pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lord Vader View Post

That's what I'm going to have to figure out as well. I don't know if I need to adjust anything in the Onkyo's settings or what. I'm sure I will, because when I turn on the Skype camera, the audio I hear is whatever channel my DirecTV receiver was last on.

Hi Lord Vader, to enable ARC in receiver go to "Hardware Setup" menu, turn on HDMI Control and ARC.
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post #10109 of 12289
2/9/13 at 6:37pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by fatuglyguy View Post


Randy, not that price discussion is even appropriate in this forum, but one should not need to haggle to get a 55VT50 from BB/Magnolia for 2200 since it is their current sale price.

I got my 55VT50 from best buy/Magnolia 3 weeks ago for 1699.
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post #10110 of 12289
2/9/13 at 6:39pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by smjbh5 View Post

You should be able to narrow that gap in price. I paid $2475 for my 65vt50 from best buy.

I hope so. Best Buy had it on sale for $1788 (approx,) and today was the last day of the weekly sale. The cheapest I've seen it is at Paul's TV and a couple other online retailers. I'm wondering if $1600 is the lowest it's going to go.... I've got my eyes peeled.

Oh, and I should've read a few posts up before posting - someone mentioned both the GT50 and VT50 looked almost identical after calibration. That being said, let me know if anyone else has any opinions out there!
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