OK! Your Plasma! You Tell Me! Got a new one? post it here - Page 7

1. The "Model" you have.
TH-37PX50U
2. What convinced you to purchase this particular "Model".
I really wanted a 37" model for the bedroom. I'm fairly picky about PQ and in my eyes, smaller is almost always better, plus 37" is PLENTY big for the bedroom. Wanted the ED commercial unit but I couldn't cost justify it ($300 difference after shipping...).
3. What you like best about your Plasma.
Right now, I like that I can actually read the direcTv menu from my bed -- we previously had a 12" tv! HD stations are a real treat. Watched the end of the Sox game last night using ancient rabbit ears plugged into the set (which I have to say just seems wrong for some reason)...it was fantastic.
4. What you don't like about your Plasma.
I'd prefer all black. SD content isn't particularly fun to watch especially in the zoom/stretch modes. The 'break-in' period. :-)
5. What "Feature(s)" you wish your Plasma had.
It should have two HDMI ports. It should have a complete service menu ala the commercial models. It should remember settings per port. I can understand not having additional ports; that costs money, but why do they dumb down these sets v the commercial model? I don't believe that can save them much if any money.
6. What advice or suggestion would you make to the "Manufacturer" about your Plasma.
See 4 and 5.
7. What was your biggest "Surprise" after you received your Plasma.
That my HD Tivo had actually already been activated even though we couldn't set it up because it won't output the setup menus on the composite or svideo out ports (only the component and hdmi ports). No real surprised with the display itself.
8. What "Problems or Issues" have you had with your Plasma.
The only thing I noticed was that watching some content (The Birdcage on HBO HD), I was really bothered during a few scenes because of what I perceived to be jittery motion. I've noticed that before. Not exactly sure whether it is related to the tv, the technology, the recording...
9. Do you really think that todays "Prices" are worth it.
I guess so. I paid $2500 for my last 32" tv (Sony XBR100 over a decade ago). I expect this tv will last quite a long time as well and if it does, then yes, the price is ok. I just wish cable/sat providers didn't compress the signals so much and that DVDs were HD.
10. Any additional information that you want to add is encouraged.
I also bought a Panasonic 50PX50U for a friend of mine. It doesn't fit standing up in the box in a Honda Element; it does fit without the outer box on though (the opening to the car is just a little too short -- it would fit inside if it weren't for the opening). The 37" had no problem at all.

1. The "Model" you have.
Panasonic TH-50PX50U

2. What convinced you to purchase this particular "Model".
Availability, PQ, price, brand reputation,50"!

3. What you like best about your Plasma.
Size and quality of the picture

4. What you don't like about your Plasma.
Its speakers & audio quality

5. What "Feature(s)" you wish your Plasma had.
TV Guide® On-Screen Program Guide, PC hookup

6. What advice or suggestion would you make to the "Manufacture" about your Plasma.
Improve audio quality.

7. What was your biggest "Surprise" after you received your Plasma.
How big a 50" screen looks

8. What "Problems or Issues" have you had with your Plasma.
Sound on some channels flutters loud and soft.

9. Do you really think that todays "Prices" are worth it.
Yes

10. Any additional information that you want to add is encouraged.
After having a plasma, it's difficult to imagine watching TV on something other than it. I'm not sure if the poor audio quality I'm currently getting is due to the unit itself, the cable signal, or poor adjustment on my part.



nC

My setup:



1. The "Model" you have.
Panny TH-PD50-7UY w/dvi blade

2. What convinced you to purchase this particular "Model".
reviews from cdnet, the look, my location and avsforum

3. What you like best about your Plasma.
incredible picture - wow factor

4. What you don't like about your Plasma.
lack of HD programming available

5. What "Feature(s)" you wish your Plasma had.
none that I can think of

6. What advice or suggestion would you make to the "Manufacture" about your Plasma.
ditto above

7. What was your biggest "Surprise" after you received your Plasma.
$400 price drop to the 8uy model that came out 1wk later - not so nice.

8. What "Problems or Issues" have you had with your Plasma.
zip

9. Do you really think that todays "Prices" are worth it.
I guess so - it's difficult to qualify spending so much, helped that the SO has just bought some Kenmore washing machines for close to the same price as this set

10. Any additional information that you want to add is encouraged.
Was quoted $950 to fish wires, install speakers and mount PDP, glad that I opted to do it myself.

OPPO OPDV971H
SA HD8300
NAD T742 Receiver
NHT Zero 1 front speakers
HSU SVT2 sub
JBL HTI6C in-ceiling rear speakers

Install done by yours truly...

grrr - 5 posts finally!

Holy smokes...thats some damn expensive washers....you guys run a laundry mat out of your basement

We might have to at this rate

Kenmore HE4T washer and dryer + custom color + matching pedestals + delivery = cost of a nice PDP!

The good thing - any toys that I might buy seem cheap by comparison

Just bought my 2nd Pioneer 50" Plasma...why'd I get it, cause the price was TOO damned good.

1st plasma bought May 2002 for $7100 from Dell - 50" Pioneer 503CMX
2nd plasma bought September 2005 for $3100 (before $500 rebate) returned item with minor defect (not visible while watching video) - 50" Pioneer PDP5051

Also recently picked up a 32" Sharp Aquos for $1000 and 2 Toshiba 26" LCDs for an average price of $1000

Already own a 15" Samsung LCD, 17" Samsung LCD, 23" Zenith LCD and a whole mess of tube TVs

and not that it matters but had to pick up a 4th XBOX to make 'full' use of one of the new TVs, debating about XBOX number 5, especially since the 360 is about to come out...

1. The "Model" you have.
Toshiba 42HP95

2. What convinced you to purchase this particular "Model".
Several things. One it had everything that I wanted in a plasma: internal HD, cablecard, TV Guide, media slots, PIP/Split Screen, ability to connect to external DVR. Plus I saw it several times in a few stores and the picture quality looked fantastic.

3. What you like best about your Plasma.
Aside from the picture, which looks great, I have to say the sound of the internal speakers, they really are good and create a mock theater sound.

4. What you don't like about your Plasma.
That it's not 50"

5. What "Feature(s)" you wish your Plasma had.
Only thing I can say is something that the Toshiba 42hpx95 model has and that is networking ability to stream MP3 and pictures from networked PC's

6. What advice or suggestion would you make to the "Manufacture" about your Plasma.
Update your damn site and warranty cards, not only isn't the model listed online but on the warrenty card they only give 10 spaces for the serial number and this one has 11 digits! Also, get the word out about this thing!

7. What was your biggest "Surprise" after you received your Plasma.
How decent SD looked on it.

8. What "Problems or Issues" have you had with your Plasma.
None so far.

9. Do you really think that todays "Prices" are worth it.
A little hard to tell, probably not. The last TV I bought before this cost $400 and has lasted me 14 years so far. But for what you get with these TV's it's easier to justify.

10. Any additional information that you want to add is encouraged.
Just because this plasma isn't a Panasonic or a Pioneer, don't just shrug it off.

-Jody

1. Model. Fujitsu 50 inch (40US)

2. Picture Quality

3. Great picture. Great looks. Wife likes it.

4. None

5. 1080p

6. Make it 1080p

7. SD looked better than I expected

8. None

9. Still too expensive

10. If you are still thinking about getting HD, go for it. You won't regret it.

1. The "Model" you have.
Maxent MX-42x3

2. What convinced you to purchase this particular "Model".
Price/Picture

3. What you like best about your Plasma.
picture quality, rs232 remote control via hyperterminal

4. What you don't like about your Plasma.
The built in side speakers

5. What "Feature(s)" you wish your Plasma had.
Removable speakers or bottom mounted speakers

6. What advice or suggestion would you make to the "Manufacture" about your Plasma.
See above

7. What was your biggest "Surprise" after you received your Plasma.
The wife actually liked it!

8. What "Problems or Issues" have you had with your Plasma.
The color was off slightly on the HDMI input(red push). Adjusting the tint control helped but wasn't the proper solution. This panel has a rs232 service port so I was
able to adjust the RGB gain/bias values individually and correct the problem myself.

9. Do you really think that todays "Prices" are worth it.
The price/performance ratio is certainly getting better all the time. This particular set was the first one to meet my "worth it" criteria.

10. Any additional information that you want to add is encouraged.
Plasma + MCE2005 + 10 OTA stations = A lot of digital entertainment without the monthly bill.
-Phil

Panny THP50HDUK delivered this afternoon from VA. Can't wait to hook it up.

My 50PHD8UK arrived this morning. Measured everything for the peerless tilt mount and had it mounted up by dinner time. Fired it up and no dead pixels, no buzzing (knock on wood) and one hell of a gorgeous picture. I cranked down the picture and bright levels to -30 and things still look incredible. My wife and I have been playing through our Pixar library for testing and break-in. Coupled with the new Jamo built-ins we installed we'll never need to go to the movies again.

1. The "Model" you have.
Panasonic 50PHD8UK

2. What convinced you to purchase this particular "Model".
picture and price

3. What you like best about your Plasma.
picture quality

4. What you don't like about your Plasma.
nothing so far

5. What "Feature(s)" you wish your Plasma had.
That it came having already been through the 100 hour break-in, DVI/HDMI blade stock.

6. What advice or suggestion would you make to the "Manufacture" about your Plasma.
See above

7. What was your biggest "Surprise" after you received your Plasma.
How easy it was to mount and that I actually wasn't dreaming when I fired it up.

8. What "Problems or Issues" have you had with your Plasma.
Nothing as of yet...knock on wood.

9. Do you really think that todays "Prices" are worth it.
Yes, how can you argue with a brand-new generation 50" display with such deep tweaking options for $2900?

10. Any additional information that you want to add is encouraged.
None at this time.

Should be here in a week. I just got a standard Sanus wall mout with it.

I guess half of the battle is over. Now I have more research on calibration Discs, and a good DVD player.

Finnally gonna have to break down and order the digital cable too...

I just had to make a post cause I was excited.

Thanks to the forum for all the (too much sometimes) information!

I'm thinkin about the same one, it is on sale at CC until tomorrow.....

I've been watching prices for a while now. Every TV is on sale at CC off and on all the time. If not on sale, or if on sale for (say) 5% off, you can usually just ask for 10% off. This may not apply for some scarce models, but right now it's a good rule of thumb.

I'm not saying don't buy it if you want it, just don't feel pressured into buying it now if you are not sure you are ready.

Panny 50PX50U. Had it almost a month now.

1. Model-Panasonic 50PX50U

2. Why this make and model-Panny reputation for PQ and black level. Almost went commercial but couldnt' risk the online purchase, liked the deal I got on the consumer, was happy with the consumer model overall so why risk it?

3. What do you like best about it and why- had a rptv lcd before, the blacks on the plasma just make a world of difference. Didn't know what I was missing. Didn't know how much I missed the direct view look.

4. What you don't like about it-Can't stretch HD material as others have said. Burn-in worries me just a little. I know, I know.

5. What would you change-see above, also would like two DVI/HDMI inputs, also would like better adjustability through user menu

6. same

7. What was your biggest surprise after receiving your plasma-it took me a bit to become accustomed to the decreased light output compared to lcd rptv.

8. What problems or issues have you had with your plasma-dithering noise is sometimes visible in dark/red backgrounds. This is inherent to the technology and not a particular issue with my model. LCD doesn't have this, but overall I prefer plasma.

9. Do you really think today's prices are worth it-yes, with the recent price drops, it's now a good value. 6 months ago-no.

10. Additional info: it is not the perfect display. That doesn't exist currently. Don't expect it to be so and you won't be dissappointed. I think overall it is the best display, however.

1. Fujitsu P55/30.

2. Wanted something bigger than a 50".

3. PQ and size.

4. Can't stretch HD material.

5. Ability to stretch HD and a second DVI input.

6. See #5.

7. Worried about black levels but after a calibration the black level is better than expected.

8. None.

9. I think "worth it" is subjective. It was worth it for me so I went for it although it is quite expensive for a TV.

10. The 55" really makes a nice theatre like experience. The CR spec on this model is misleading. It has more than enough Contrast.

Ordered Panasonic th50phd8uk. Need advice on break-in of my plasma. Where I can find a ty-fb8hm board? New member.

1. Model: Dell w4200

2. Reason: Price / # of inputs

3. Like: Price

4. Don't Like: Some darker scenes are grainy

5. Features wish it had: None, it's loaded

6. Manufac suggestions: work on the darks

7. Surprise: It works fine (see other forums bashing this unit)

8. Problems / Issues: The DVI input has had problem with exagerated zoom (may be the E* receiver, still troubleshooting).

9. Price Worth it: Definetly - Great Value

10. Additional Info: This panel not for the videophile but for us everyday joes, it's a good tv if you buy it with your eyes open. (read other forums!!)

You guys are supposed to post in this thread after you get your new plasma, and fill out the questionnaire and this is getting off-topic. Once you get your new plasma, go back to your post and edit it with your information

Ok

1. Fujitsu P42VHA40US
2. HD/nonHD performance, build quality, size in relationship to room that it's installed.
3. picture performance. 3yr. in-home warranty from manufacturer.
4. manufacturer's optional speakers are mediocre.
5. multiple HDMI inputs.
6. additional HDMI inputs.
7. TV's always look smaller in a showroom than when you bring it home!
8. none so far.
9. subjective question. I say Absolutely.
10. All great toys. Don't skimp on the audio performance with your new plasma!

1. Model: Dell W4200ED

2. Reasons: Price (Dell promotions plus stackable coupons), picture, features, service/return policy, looks.

3. Like Best: Picture quality

4. Don't Like: All the warnings in the manual about burn-in not covered my warranty. Remote control works only when pointed directly at TV.

5. Features wish it had: Option to get wall mount or table stand.

6. Manufact. suggestions: Increase the remote control angle of operation.

7. Surprise: How easy it was to setup and use without even reading the manual.

8. Problems / Issues: One of the two covers that go over the hole after removing the table stand would not stay in place. It's not visible, but disappointing nonetheless.

9. Price Worth it: Definitely - Great Value

10. Additional Info: I like the fact that this TV is sold directly from Dell, eliminating the middleman markups. The built-in dual NTSC turners is a nice feature.

1. Model: Panasonic 42PHD8UK
2. Reasons: Price (VA is incredible), Picture Quality, & Features
3. Like Best: Picture quality
4. Don't Like: All the commotion & worry about image burn-in
5. Features wish it had: Better choice of standard input options
6. Manufact. suggestions: Make all 4 slots interchangable
7. Surprise: How easy it was to mount & install (Sanus VMPL2 wall mount)
8. Problems / Issues: None at all
9. Price Worth it: Yes, with the VA price, I couldn't afford not to buy it.
10. Additional Info: Running DVI from Dish 811 @ 1080i w/ HD Pak to DVI blade and the picture quality is absolutely breathtaking. SD is very good too but I can only watch HD now. Neighbors come over to watch and they can't stop watching it.

1.) th-50px500u sept17 2005
2.)Price and Specs!!!
3.)PQ(picture quality) of course
4.)no pip with hdmi input;only one hdmi input;remote seems slow to react; entire tv is slightly slower than expected to process change of channel (HD channels only) or react to remote. TV guide is useless too me.
5.)two real tuners, for pip only; and maybe it's me, but watching dvd's in wide screen formate still gives letter boxing. According to the manual, I should zoom these away. This ensures distortion of the picture. Help if there is a cure.
6.)Not qualified to advise a manufacturer
7.)overall case!!! It looked much better than all the pictures on the internet. When you peel the protective film off the outside edge, it looks more like the real expensive set's. Way better than the 50u. And of course pq
8.)again, slow process time which by the way could be the cable box instead of the TV. Other than that NONE so far.
9.)Yes, for me it was a fair price through panasonic. In two years I'm sure I'll be embarrassed to tell someone what I paid, but look at all the enjoyment I would have missed.
10.)I owned a panasonic (high-end) CRT I bought when I worked at circuit city 11 years ago. To this day this crt tv beats any I've seen. I'm typically a Sony buyer 1st until convinced other wise. Don't be this way!! Brand Loyalty makes you feel like your part of a team when your not. Buy the best product for you (PERIOD). Too me picture quality is 1st and for most. I bought a tv to watch ballgames and movies, not to scan through cool menu's. I believe this is the best quality picture for the money. Possibly at any price. Navin Johnson ignorance breeds anger

For full review and pictures, go to:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...&&#post6323993

Bruce Sprague

1. "Model" - Panasonic TH-42PX500U

2. this particular "Model" - HD 42 inch - Brilliant accuracy & clarity; size fits exactly across room corner (on a stand)

3. like best - Sharpness of picture; ease of handling multiple sources

4. don't like - Only one HDMI input

5. "Feature(s)" you wish - SEVERAL HDMI inputs

6. advice to the "Manufacturer" - Provide much better remote ctl support for related HT equipment

7. biggest "Surprise" - (1) The days it took to balance all the options for an optimal picture quality; (2) the weeks it has taken to set up the full HT infrastructure surrounding the plasma

8. "Problems or Issues" - The remote control is outstanding, but not set up to support PVRs or DVRs

9. todays "Prices" - well worth it - when you get a deal

10. additional information - (1) our stand for the 42 inch plasma has a cable management system in its rear leg; this is absolutely indispensable for the vast array of cables
(2) use only fiber optics for connection of the Dolby sound; the difference is tremendous
(3) consider using quad shielded coax throughout the system; there are so many power lines running in close proximity to the coax segments, the upgrade is probably worth it (but I cannot prove that)
(4) although the cablecard slot in the TV sounded valuable, in practice, the best arrangement has been to use a DVR with a cablecard slot, so that a STB can be used to provide viewing of all channels independent of the DVR's recording activities
(5)... you can see most of my set up from my profile, send me an e-mail if you have specific questions ...

1. The "Model" you have.

Panasonic 50PHD8UK commercial model.


2. What convinced you to purchase this particular "Model".

Geek/Tweak Factor, price (don't want to pay for features I won't use).


3. What you like best about your Plasma.

Picture Quality.

4. What you don't like about your Plasma.

Nothing.

5. What "Feature(s)" you wish your Plasma had.

1080p.

6. What advice or suggestion would you make to the "Manufacture" about your Plasma.

Not one.


7. What was your biggest "Surprise" after you received your Plasma.

Just how good the picture was "out of the box" and how much better it was after tweaking. Waiting 6 months for "break-in" for professional calibration.


8. What "Problems or Issues" have you had with your Plasma.

Not one.


9. Do you really think that todays "Prices" are worth it.

Yes. I remember buying my first Sony 20" Trinitron in 1990 for a little under $1000. Now i can get a 50" Panny Plasma HDTV for $5000 MSRP, sounds about right.


10. Any additional information that you want to add is encouraged.

Take your time comparison shopping and buy only what you think looks good and fits your budget.

I just finished the break in period for my Panny TH42PX500U and thought i'd rave about it a bit.

First I find the picture for my DVDs and Xbox are just incredible. Such great Colour and of course the resolution is so choice. I think the realistic colour was what made me decide on the Panny over the Hitachi and Samsung products.

I bought it for the Xbox 360 really. So i'm looking forward to that and I'm glad i went with a plasma over an LCD for this. In my eyes the LCDs were too "projection-y" to play games on.

Anyways I really couldn't be happier with it and now I'm just waiting for November 22nd to roll around. C'Mon! :P

Court.

1. The "Model" you have.
Panny 50PX500U

2. What convinced you to purchase this particular "Model".
I read this board for a year,found it by accident and it was obvious either the Panny or the Pio.

3. What you like best about your Plasma.
It looks great ,HD is great, SD is pretty good.

4. What you don't like about your Plasma.
No Dislikes

5. What "Feature(s)" you wish your Plasma had.
No complaints

6. What advice or suggestion would you make to the "Manufacture" about your Plasma.
None

7. What was your biggest "Surprise" after you received your Plasma.
How awsome the picture looked ,righ out of the box.

8. What "Problems or Issues" have you had with your Plasma.
NONE

9. Do you really think that todays "Prices" are worth it.
Absolutely

10. Any additional information that you want to add is encouraged.
Do your homework,read,read and read again. Know your product. Don't buy cheap to save $100 bucks, buy from a reputable dealer or local retailer. I love my Plasma !

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