Yes, I had to use another TV to set my menus. Now having the TV all hooked up, I like the picture quality and size.
I am getting this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/400309329713?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649 from eBay, with an inexpensive HDMI cable. I had a few problems getting it set up, mostly with sound fields. I use the HDMI 2 plug for video with my Oppo 93, on video HDMI 1, for sound, coax to receiver and outboard amplifiers. My analogue inputs are hooked to an SACD player, wish it had two sets, oh well.
I have another DVD on the receiver, set on the satellite TV;it plays on the component receiver out; It plays Dolby and DTS, same with the DVD with HDMI with my Oppo, but the picture when using the Oppo is full 1080P, when available. I do think all the higher forms of Dolby and DTS play at what the receiver is set to do, mine has THX, or Dolby with sound adjustments, such as compression, and the same for DTS, yet the Video will be the same as any Blu-ray direct to this TV.
When I get the converter box, I plan to use the composite conversion, ti HDMI, in HHDMI 1, which is where the Oppo started, but for some reason, a thin black line was displayed when I changed some plugs, I think the TV was still plugged in, but the little monitor TV also had the black line, so I do not think it is the Panasonic and doubt I ruined the HDMI input as it was there on the composite hooked little TV also? Sometimes strange thing happen, and when all is reset, it goes away. Now the TV has no problems with any lines.
The picture quality is very good in Cinema, and on some programs, on custom, which I have set brighter and the looks good in off the air black-and-white older programs. The standard setting is not good at all and I do not see why they have it? I usually watch in Cinema mode; I have it set close to the recommendations I found here.
I am happy I bought this TV, more video gadgets are not necessary. If I were to buy another HDTV, I would look for a used approximately 46" LCD with the older hookups, like two composite, component, s video and HDMI, as so much of my video is older VHS and only one has S video. My best DVD player is a McCormack, mainly for music and does not have blu-ray. If I purchased a new blu-ray, I would get a highly recommended one that was less expensive then my Oppo, which, I feel would do everything I need, and ran in analogue, would have to be in another system. I have 4 older TVs, hard to justify buying more!
I am very satisfied with the Panasonic plasma, great picture to match super theater sound! Thanks for all the setting information, few older persons are willing to lean new technology! Thanks guys for the help.
. Set it up in the basement for the first time last night and was able to get the internet/blu ray/ota parts working. Going to calibrate it tonight. How did I live with SD for so long?
