[ebonovic]

New House... Thus new TV.... I have been searching high and low, and have loved AVS and it's sub forms (I used to live on TIVOCommunity)...


Any who... I have all but decided on the Panny PT-42PHD4 for my system.


But..... Since I am not purchasing it until late Aug or Early Sept, I think I will be getting the next gen with all the connectors (DVI-HDCP) etc...


----


My home is being built and my builder will be extra support in the wall where I am placing the TV... To do that, I would like to purchase the mounting bracket now for two reasons:

1) I can get the supports in the exact place I need them

2) I can place the power/connector box that will be in the wall behind the TV, in the proper spot.


Does anyone know if the bracket for the PT-42PHD4 will be the same for the next gen that is comming out late summer/early fall?


Would it be benificial for me to have in the wall, all "Female" ports and pre-run the wires back to the AV system, or should I just have a big enough PVC pipe so I can feed a direct cable (ie, no jacks in between the display and the the AV system).


Lastley and Idea if the next Gen unit specifically the next 43" gen, will be the same price as the current PT-42PHD4? ~$5,000 (online)


Thanks to everyone who makes these forums what they are.

 

[fredwooch]

This is not completely responsive, but I have some possible advice for you based on my experience this weekend installing a wall-mounted Panny 5UY. We cut two holes in the drywall, one that was hidden behind the Panny (keep the hole close to the bottom, since that's where all the connections on the plasma are) and one down toward the floor below the cabinet/bookcase holding the A/V equipment, then ran the various cables in one hole and out the other. It would have been better, of course, if we had started before the house was built, since we could have pre-installed a nice, thick conduit run all the cables through. When you're planning the thickness of the conduit, if you go that way, don't forget the power chord -- it's not only pretty thick, but has pretty thick connections on both ends, making it a little tough to snake through a small hole.


Also, if you are worried about the placement of the wall mount on the studs, there's a great wall mount available from Peerless Industries (on the web), which we ordered through an online retailer, as well. Unlike Panasonic's own wall mount, which doesn't have much horizontal play if your studs aren't aligned where you want to mount the Plasma, the Peerless version, which is made especially for the Panny, gives you up to 8" of play (4" either way), so it is pretty easy to center the Plasma anywhere you want it to go. I can't believe they wouldn't be making a mount for the 2003 models, if they end up being any different than the 2002's.

 

[technofan]

The pvc pipe needs to be wide enough for the plug of the DVI cable which is much wider than the power plug.

 

[cheridave]

Well now, I would hold off on everything until the new models are released. Yes have the wall reinforced if needed. I think I would have a false wall installed in the interim- Plaster board is what I'm thinking here. This could be re-moved after receipt of your new plasma and wall mount and then you would have the flexibility to run needed cables, wall plug, etc and you will not be damaging the plaster board since this is only temporary. Once completed the permanent plaster board would be cut to fit and finished in a professional manner and I think you and your wife will be happier for planning ahead.


Good luck and at least your doing your planning.


Dave