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The Official Panasonic U50/54 Owners' Thread - Page 8

post #211 of 1035
8/8/12 at 12:01pm
Dick, I can tell you that on my previous Sharp LCD HDTV, I would typically get anywhere from 60 - 90 percent on the built-in signal meter of the TV. On the Panasonic U54, I get 100 percent across most channels. Now, I can't vouch for either "meter" being accurate, and I keep waiting for a good thunderstorm to see if my previous "lightning picture break-up" issue has gotten any better, but alas, it's dry as a bone in Texas right now - as usual for this time of year. In terms of picture quality, I don't think this can be beat for the money. I find it to be an improvement over my highly rated Sharp LCD, so surely you'll find an improvement over your standard def Sanyo!
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post #212 of 1035
8/8/12 at 12:30pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by whitsbrain View Post

For some reason after about 4 hours of viewing, the U50 went black. It didn't turn off as far as I could tell, the red power indicator appeared to stay on. Then after abour 5 seconds the screen showed the picture again and all was well for the rest of the night's viewing (2 additional hours).

I've had this happen on occasion too. It appears to be a "HDMI" handshake issue, some STB/DVRs seem to not sync @ times & the screen goes black all of a sudden. I've only had this happen a few times in the 750+ hours that we've used our U54.
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post #213 of 1035
8/8/12 at 3:25pm
Quote:
Dick, I can tell you that on my previous Sharp LCD HDTV, I would typically get anywhere from 60 - 90 percent on the built-in signal meter of the TV. On the Panasonic U54, I get 100 percent across most channels. . . . In terms of picture quality, I don't think this can be beat for the money. I find it to be an improvement over my highly rated Sharp LCD, so surely you'll find an improvement over your standard def Sanyo!

Gracepreacher,

Thanks for the info. There has been substantial improvement in the performance of the chips that make up the ATSC tuners the last 2-3 years. If Panasonic put in up-to-date components in its internal ATSC tuner we should expect very good performance, akin to what you have noted.

My rooftop antennas get all local (Rockford, IL) stations 100%. Another antenna mounted at the top of the mast and pointed NNW to Madison, WI gets their stations with varying percentages of excellence. One is rock solid, the rest depend, to varying degrees on tropospheric conditions, but typically the remaining 3 of 5 are at least 90% in the evening -- and I know the ATSC tuner in my cheap little SANYO is not the best.

So, given your response I think I will purchase the U50 TV BB has available, complete with free delivery.smile.gif
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post #214 of 1035
8/8/12 at 6:16pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dick West View Post

ATSC tuner built in for free OTA HDTV programming?
What has been the experience of those of you with antennas to pick up OTA programming. using this TV?
What is the performance/quality of its built in ATSC tuner?
I shut off Comcast 2 months ago and enjoy OTA programs on my standard def SANYO. I hope this U50's pic will be a big improvement. Almost all the OTA programming comes in HD.
Thanks for your attention to this and your comments.
I have a 50" UT50, and my OTA antenna reception is very good. I receive channels from 75 miles at 100% with an attic antenna and preamp. A few other distant channels I get at 75-80%. And my nearby locals at 15-20 miles are also 100%. So the ATSC tuner appears to be very good in the Panasonic models this year. The only complaint is that Panasonic does not provide full program info like Samsung does when you press Info on the remote. Samsung channel guides and program info is better, but the pic quality on Panasonic is very good and improved this year. And both the U50/54 and UT50 are very good bang for the buck bargains this year.
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post #215 of 1035
8/9/12 at 6:29am
Lefty...Thanks for the response. I will monitor my inputs over time to see if it is specific to my STB/DVR. I'll post here if it occurs with any regularity.
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post #216 of 1035
8/9/12 at 9:15am
Quote:
Originally Posted by tylerSC View Post

I have a 50" UT50, and my OTA antenna reception is very good. I receive channels from 75 miles at 100% with an attic antenna and preamp. A few other distant channels I get at 75-80%. And my nearby locals at 15-20 miles are also 100%. So the ATSC tuner appears to be very good in the Panasonic models this year. The only complaint is that Panasonic does not provide full program info like Samsung does when you press Info on the remote. Samsung channel guides and program info is better, but the pic quality on Panasonic is very good and improved this year. And both the U50/54 and UT50 are very good bang for the buck bargains this year.

Many thanks for the info about OTA reception. Here is where I get my OTA channel programming info:

http://tvlistings.aol.com/listings/wi/madison/over-the-air/61103

You can bring this up and modify it to fit your location. Of course, it does require the use of your computer and monitor or an occasional printout.
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post #217 of 1035
8/11/12 at 5:00pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by whitsbrain View Post

Lefty...Thanks for the response. I will monitor my inputs over time to see if it is specific to my STB/DVR. I'll post here if it occurs with any regularity.

I have the same issue and it is definitely specific to my stb. I've had my U50 since June 14th and it's happened probably 8 - 10 times. It's completely random with no rhyme or reason as to when it will happen. I have a Motorola DCT6416iii dual tuner dvr/stb from Comcast and a PS3 both hooked up via HDMI but it was only happening with my stb. I tried switching the cables but it still only occurred with my stb. I called Panasonic and they also theorized that it's probably a handshake issue but they offered no possible solution as that would likely require a firmware update for one or the other (or both). I will certainly put up with this very minor annoyance for such a great TV at such a great price! biggrin.gif
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post #218 of 1035
8/18/12 at 10:03am
I have a question on the shared composite/component jacks on this model. I have the unit wall-mounted, so it's a real pain to connect/disconnect cables. I was planning to connect three RCA extension cables to the set, then plug in only the green jack when I want to use composite. The problem seems to be that the TV seems to sense that I have all three cables connected, so it switches to component (the video ends up looking monochrome). Is there any way to override this and force it to treat the plug as composite when I want? Unfortunately my receiver doesn't upconvert.
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post #219 of 1035
8/18/12 at 1:28pm
Man, I hate to sound like an excited schoolboy, but this TV is just SO much better than my PX80U model TV. The 1080 does make a difference over the 720p in my humble opinion (even though my PX80 was 42"). I can't really speak for the difference between 60 Hz and 600 Hz. But the color and contrast is much more pleasing as well. I guess what I'm saying is me likey.
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post #220 of 1035
8/18/12 at 9:38pm
I bought it from Costco and in the process of adjusting picture settins.
Does U50/U54 has pro-setting mode like higher model? Because I don't see it in regular menu.
Edited by yoon3606 - 8/18/12 at 10:23pm
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post #221 of 1035
8/21/12 at 9:54am
Yoon, if you are referring to THX mode, no it doesn't have that mode.
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post #222 of 1035
8/24/12 at 10:40pm
Hi, I bought the 54U50 at Costco. I have said, while an old audio wiz, I have never cared for video, Fact is, I purchased two 32” square sets back in 08 as they were going cheap. This is my first HDTV, and that may seem strange having two HT systems, one high quality, one medium quality and yet I have the old entertainment set and my big amps on the top.

I have read some on here, and from that, I gather I should set it in Cinima mode, set the brightness at around 75% and the colour about 50%, with no tint adjustment. I would appreciate any help on anything else?

I mainly listen to SACD and DVD- audio on my ht systems, really like the sound. As to being smart picking this TV, I had but one suggestion, buy a Panasonic plasma, numbers given too expensive, considering I have poor vision, it seemed more practical to have purchased this one. I guess I was lucky, surly not smart.

Here are some on my concerns, I know this has HDMI, but I have one Oppo and that is all the Blu-ray I want and my gear was made when more was put into amplification, such being there is no HDMI passes though my processor. I have to decide how to play my other video gear.

I have older movies on VHS and enough VHS players to last my lifetime. These only work on composite. I was told that the Y on component works the same as composite, yet I wish I could use both, but no sets had the yellow composite other than cheap small models. If I had to forgo composite, could I use that component jack and get the same picture quality? Some models I noted had a yellow circle around this jack and I cannot imagine the wiring to be different between models?

Does it have hiding somewhere a composite hook-up? Does any converter, I have seen on eBay actually work to allow me to go from composite, or component to HDMI, as I have just the Oppo for the HDMI plug?

I know I will only use the DVD player and sometimes the broadcast; I have no interest in cable, bit streaming, internet, DVRs, or any games. I like to own what I have, no monthly bills. I buy lots of old shows on DVDs. I have about 50 DVD movies and prefer DTS for the sound.

I could tell about my setup, but that is long and off topic, as what I need to know are the basics for getting this going and then I shall leave it set there permanently. Any help will be appreciated.
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post #223 of 1035
8/25/12 at 12:53pm
3 weeks down the road and my girl friend continues to tell me how much she loves her tv.Funny she never tells me that:D

this is one great tv that can be found for great prices.
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post #224 of 1035
8/25/12 at 1:22pm
Cnet review. http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/panasonic-tc-p50u50/4505-6482_7-35149658.html
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post #225 of 1035
8/26/12 at 12:51am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sonyboy View Post

Cnet review. http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/panasonic-tc-p50u50/4505-6482_7-35149658.html

DK pretty much states what we've all known for months now, this set @ it's price point can not be beat!
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post #226 of 1035
8/26/12 at 3:47am
Quote:
Originally Posted by InfinityBob View Post

Hi, I bought the 54U50 at Costco. I have said, while an old audio wiz, I have never cared for video, Fact is, I purchased two 32” square sets back in 08 as they were going cheap. This is my first HDTV, and that may seem strange having two HT systems, one high quality, one medium quality and yet I have the old entertainment set and my big amps on the top.
I have read some on here, and from that, I gather I should set it in Cinima mode, set the brightness at around 75% and the colour about 50%, with no tint adjustment. I would appreciate any help on anything else?
I mainly listen to SACD and DVD- audio on my ht systems, really like the sound. As to being smart picking this TV, I had but one suggestion, buy a Panasonic plasma, numbers given too expensive, considering I have poor vision, it seemed more practical to have purchased this one. I guess I was lucky, surly not smart.
Here are some on my concerns, I know this has HDMI, but I have one Oppo and that is all the Blu-ray I want and my gear was made when more was put into amplification, such being there is no HDMI passes though my processor. I have to decide how to play my other video gear.
I have older movies on VHS and enough VHS players to last my lifetime. These only work on composite. I was told that the Y on component works the same as composite, yet I wish I could use both, but no sets had the yellow composite other than cheap small models. If I had to forgo composite, could I use that component jack and get the same picture quality? Some models I noted had a yellow circle around this jack and I cannot imagine the wiring to be different between models?
Does it have hiding somewhere a composite hook-up? Does any converter, I have seen on eBay actually work to allow me to go from composite, or component to HDMI, as I have just the Oppo for the HDMI plug?
I know I will only use the DVD player and sometimes the broadcast; I have no interest in cable, bit streaming, internet, DVRs, or any games. I like to own what I have, no monthly bills. I buy lots of old shows on DVDs. I have about 50 DVD movies and prefer DTS for the sound.
I could tell about my setup, but that is long and off topic, as what I need to know are the basics for getting this going and then I shall leave it set there permanently. Any help will be appreciated.

These tv's have 1 composite input that's shared with the component input so you can't have both at the same time but both are available. If you want more than one composite input you'd have to get a splitter or use an AVR. For HD you can get a component to hdmi adaptor to use more tv inputs.

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10419&cs_id=1041901&p_id=2398&seq=1&format=1#largeimage
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post #227 of 1035
8/26/12 at 7:11pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by leftyguitar1963 View Post

DK pretty much states what we've all known for months now, this set @ it's price point can not be beat!

That was a pretty fair review, actually! Although, the comments about energy consumption are a bit silly, I think. I'm fairly energy-conscious (motivated by frugality and not by an attempt at saving the planet), and I just don't see $45/year as a big deal. Let's think about this: You can get an LED TV the same size that uses $15/yr. So that is $30/year "savings". What LED TV will give you this picture and how much will it cost? Probably quite a bit more. In other words, how many years, at $30/yr, does it take to even break even??? I bet the break even point is beyond the "itch for new technology" point where most of us upgrade TVs. So, the $30/yr is really moot. And that is IF it is really a $30/yr savings...I did the math on the watts used at my average usage (about 4 hours/day) with MY current electricity rate, and it was around $25, not $45. So those numbers may not be accurate depending on your electric rate and usage. Bottom line: if I can't cough up $25/yr for some electricity to get a picture this nice, I don't deserve to have this TV!
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post #228 of 1035
8/26/12 at 7:17pm
Hello,
Best Buy has an awesome deal on the TC-P50UT50. It is not only On Sale, but it includes an XBOX 360 250gb Model for free. I am impressed they are not bundling the $100 cheaper base model with a far smaller Hard Drive. Unfortunately it appears to only apply to the 50 inch model only.
Cheers.
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post #229 of 1035
8/26/12 at 10:04pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Audiodork View Post

Hello,
Best Buy has an awesome deal on the TC-P50UT50. It is not only On Sale, but it includes an XBOX 360 250gb Model for free. I am impressed they are not bundling the $100 cheaper base model with a far smaller Hard Drive. Unfortunately it appears to only apply to the 50 inch model only.
Cheers.
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Not bad, but not sure it's very hot if you don't care about 3D or Apps. If not then the deal you posted still represents a 50 dollar savings if you were planning to buy that model XBOX. Does the UT50 have anything over the U50 besides 3D and SmartTV features, anti-glare or motion processing that's worthwhile? Otherwise I think I'd stick with the U50 at Costco and buy a Roku or something, or even an PS3.
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post #230 of 1035
8/27/12 at 9:06am
Just picked this up at my local Costco yesterday. At least in Kansas City they have actually dropped the price an additional $50 so it was down to $599 after a $100 discount which extends through September 1st. Hard to beat at that price point.

This is my second HDTV and is replacing a Vizio VX37L which served me well over the years and was just offloaded via Craigslist. I am currently running the set through the plasma break in slides as suggested in this post:

http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/hdtv-video-displays-processors/52673-plasma-break-how-properly-break-your-new-plasma-display.html

Not sure that I "need" to do it but figured I might as well let them run during the day. Looking forward to tweaking picture settings as I go, already loving this set.

Will be watching 1080P TV via an antenna as well as AppleTV sourced materials.
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post #231 of 1035
8/27/12 at 5:36pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gracepreacher View Post

U54 for $649 at Costco while supplies last. Picked mine up today!
$599 plus tax now. Just picked one up to replace my 4 year old Panasonic 50" 720P set (TH-C50HD18). While the set isn't as bright as the old set in every other regard the PQ is greatly better, especially the blacks.

I think I'll be quite satisfied.
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post #232 of 1035
8/27/12 at 11:42pm
It is very bright on Vivid mode, but you may want to tone down the brightness and contrast settings. And turn CATS off. Although Custom mode may be best, but Vivid is brighter. Just avoid Standard mode which is way too dull. And awesome deal now at $599.
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post #233 of 1035
8/28/12 at 7:26pm

Last night my eleven year old Sony KD-34XBR2 finally died. Today I replaced it with the TC-50PU54 purchased from Costco. This is a very good TV at an unexpected $599.99 value price. I'm kicking myself for having held out for so long.

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post #234 of 1035
8/29/12 at 6:01am
The xbr was a great set. I had one too.One heavy SOB. How did you get it out of the house:D
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post #235 of 1035
8/29/12 at 7:23pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by gene9p View Post

The xbr was a great set. I had one too.One heavy SOB. How did you get it out of the house:D

 

It's still in the house but a friend helped me move to a spare room. Now I will call Onsite Electronics Recycling who will pick it up for free.
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post #236 of 1035
8/31/12 at 12:38am
HI - thanks for all the info in this thread

I just picked up the U54 from a CDN costco and am enjoying the set.

I have hooked it up to my computer as a monitor as this is where I host a very large catalog of movies. It seems that the settings of 1080p resolution with 60hz refresh produces an image that is not to the edge of the screen and there is a noticeable flicker. The gutter around the edge is about 1" all around.

Movies run well (not much 1080 p content here but lots of 720p) but I am certain that there must be a better setup to solve the gutter and flicker issues.

TIA!
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post #237 of 1035
8/31/12 at 2:43pm
Does anyone know if the UT series from Best Buy has an anti-glare filter or any processing/24p options, etc... that would make it worthwhile over the Costco/Sams versions? The BB deal with the XBOX comes almost to the same value of the Costco set and I wanted to decide before the sales are over. Thanks!
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post #238 of 1035
8/31/12 at 4:19pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by aman74 View Post

Not bad, but not sure it's very hot if you don't care about 3D or Apps. If not then the deal you posted still represents a 50 dollar savings if you were planning to buy that model XBOX. Does the UT50 have anything over the U50 besides 3D and SmartTV features, anti-glare or motion processing that's worthwhile? Otherwise I think I'd stick with the U50 at Costco and buy a Roku or something, or even an PS3.

Considering that after you sell the 360, the price is quite close, might was well have the 2500 FFD, Viera Link, and 3D Capability of the UT50.


Quote:
Originally Posted by aman74 View Post

Does anyone know if the UT series from Best Buy has an anti-glare filter or any processing/24p options, etc... that would make it worthwhile over the Costco/Sams versions? The BB deal with the XBOX comes almost to the same value of the Costco set and I wanted to decide before the sales are over. Thanks!

Neither the UT50 or U54 have any sort of AR Filter. In the 2012 Panasonic lineup that begins with the ST50 forward. The UT50 does handle 24fps processing however with the 3D 24p Cinema Smoother. I would not recommend either in a room with a great deal of ambient light. I have been quite impressed with the AR Filter on my 60GT50 however,
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post #239 of 1035
8/31/12 at 4:54pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Audiodork View Post

Considering that after you sell the 360, the price is quite close, might was well have the 2500 FFD, Viera Link, and 3D Capability of the UT50.
Neither the UT50 or U54 have any sort of AR Filter. In the 2012 Panasonic lineup that begins with the ST50 forward. The UT50 does handle 24fps processing however with the 3D 24p Cinema Smoother. I would not recommend either in a room with a great deal of ambient light. I have been quite impressed with the AR Filter on my 60GT50 however,

Thanks much for your help.

People in this thread had been saying the 2500 FFD wasn't anything more than marketing. Any experience with that? "3D 24p Cinema Smoother"...is that only for 3D and if not is it worthwhile?

I was thinking of keeping the XBox for Neflix and for streaming from a PC/Mac, I'd rather sell it and get a PS3 as it has a Blu-Ray player, but had heard in the past that the PS3 isn't suited well to that. However, I've heard others having success with Tversity.

Vierra Link seems to be a convenience item with Panasonic gear right? However, I believe the UT series has "Smart TV" features for Netflix and such. I'm just unsure if the menus on something like that are limited like they first were on the PS3 or if you can fully search the catalog, etc... without having to go to your computer? If so, it might be worthwhile as it would save having to use a Roku, XBox, etc...

Sorry for all the questions. I will do my best to research on my own and I normally do. Currently though, I'm in a time crunch and also suffering from some health issues that prevent me from scouring the internet like a normally would.

Any thoughts from anyone would be appreciated. If I can't jump on these offers, hopefully something else will come along.
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post #240 of 1035
8/31/12 at 6:44pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by aman74 View Post

Thanks much for your help.
People in this thread had been saying the 2500 FFD wasn't anything more than marketing. Any experience with that? "3D 24p Cinema Smoother"...is that only for 3D and if not is it worthwhile?
I was thinking of keeping the XBox for Neflix and for streaming from a PC/Mac, I'd rather sell it and get a PS3 as it has a Blu-Ray player, but had heard in the past that the PS3 isn't suited well to that. However, I've heard others having success with Tversity.
Vierra Link seems to be a convenience item with Panasonic gear right? However, I believe the UT series has "Smart TV" features for Netflix and such. I'm just unsure if the menus on something like that are limited like they first were on the PS3 or if you can fully search the catalog, etc... without having to go to your computer? If so, it might be worthwhile as it would save having to use a Roku, XBox, etc...
Sorry for all the questions. I will do my best to research on my own and I normally do. Currently though, I'm in a time crunch and also suffering from some health issues that prevent me from scouring the internet like a normally would.
Any thoughts from anyone would be appreciated. If I can't jump on these offers, hopefully something else will come along.

Hello,
Who told you the PS3 was lacking as a BDP? In truth, for the first few years after the launch of the format, the PS3 was considered the best BDP out there. Much of this had to do with Sony selling the PS3 at a loss (initially cost $840 wholesale just to build for 60gb PS3) to both ensure BD would prevail over HD-DVD and it is common for Gaming Consoles to not be profitable as the money is in the software. In addition, the Cell Processor is a beast and the PS3 is rock solid in terms of disc playback. Some BDP's are troublesome in respect to needing FW Updates to play BD's and worse still some older BDP's do not receive timely FW Updates.

While BDP prices have plummeted to where the PS3 is more expensive than standalone BDP's, the consensus is that there is little to no difference in PQ with BDP's. Not the case with DVD Playback as upsampling is involved and is where BDP's like the OPPO BDP-93/95 truly shine, but with BD's not the case. Now, especially the older or "fat" PS3's can often make audible Fan Noise, that is really the only drawback I can think of.

Viera Link includes Netflix, WSJ, Accuweather, You Tube, Hulu Plus, MLB, many others offered in the Marketplace, and an Internet Browser. This is in addition to DLNA Playback, and many other things. If memory serves, Viera Link won Cnet's comparison of Smart TV's. While I rarely use it, it is quite handy.
Cheers,
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