are you referring to the woofers that are below the panel or the tweeters on the sides?

Both. Just trying to point out that a real sound eminating from one source can be replayed on the TV on both the woofer and tweeter (for example, certain notes of a piano have harmonics that extend through a large band of frequencies).....and if they are on different parts of the TV that might create an interesting effect. :p

i just copied and pasted off the panny site. are you not able to?After my latest "brain cramp" passed.... I surmised that's how you did it. Sorry to have wasted your time with this.

Regarding PIP - The PX500 should still show an ATSC and NTSC simultaneously via split screen PIP, just like the old PD25 series. The difference is, it can no longer show 2 NTSC programs at the same time since there's only 1 NTSC tuner.

But yes, down the road when NTSC is no more, the internal PIP will prove worthless without some other ATSC tuner source (ie DVR).

Regarding PIP - The PX500 should still show an ATSC and NTSC simultaneously via split screen PIP, just like the old PD25 series. The difference is, it can no longer show 2 NTSC programs at the same time since there's only 1 NTSC tuner.

But yes, down the road when NTSC is no more, the internal PIP will prove worthless without some other ATSC tuner source (ie DVR).Hey... this gives me a 'bright idea!' :rolleyes:

tune-in the same program from an NTSC & ATSC source and compare SD/HD side-by-side. :D

Regarding PIP - The PX500 should still show an ATSC and NTSC simultaneously via split screen PIP, just like the old PD25 series. The difference is, it can no longer show 2 NTSC programs at the same time since there's only 1 NTSC tuner.

But yes, down the road when NTSC is no more, the internal PIP will prove worthless without some other ATSC tuner source (ie DVR).


i was thinking of trying out an LG dvd player w/ built in ATSC tuner......

Both. Just trying to point out that a real sound eminating from one source can be replayed on the TV on both the woofer and tweeter (for example, certain notes of a piano have harmonics that extend through a large band of frequencies).....and if they are on different parts of the TV that might create an interesting effect. :p


so what would that sound like on a surround system? I'm really not trying to be difficult, I just honestly don't understand what you mean? :confused: I would think that the channels are split. they wouldn't be sending bass to the tweeters, but rather the woofers, you know? so when listening, it seems as though you’re combining the frequencies, creating a simulated 3D effect. And IF the tweeters are positioned properly, they can potentially add a whole new dynamic too!

Granted though, we ARE talking about speakers on a plasma, how good can they really be anyway. But I’m just saying I’m pretty confident they’ll sound better than just 2 on the px50.

Regarding PIP - The PX500 should still show an ATSC and NTSC simultaneously via split screen PIP, just like the old PD25 series. The difference is, it can no longer show 2 NTSC programs at the same time since there's only 1 NTSC tuner.

I believe it is possible to show ATSC through the included tuner, and the NTSC via another input such as VCR through composite. Without another tuner it would not be able to PIP 2 TV channels simultaneously.

But with 2 integrated tuners (like PD25), you can PIP both TV signals without another input and change both channels easily using the TV remote.

Hey... this gives me a 'bright idea!' :rolleyes:

tune-in the same program from an NTSC & ATSC source and compare SD/HD side-by-side. :D

One of the first things I did. The outcome for SD was as bad as you'd expect!

It was useful in helping me adjust my iScan Ultra for D*, though.

The EPG looks like a good idea, but all cable and satellite STBs have this function. IR blaster for VCR recording: VCR is phasing out, and DVR do the same job better.


Do we have affirmative proof that the IR blaster will not operate a DVR or DVD recorder? From looking at the manual, I got the impression it will work a variety of devices. I did not assume it will only work VCR's. And lets face it, cassette tapes hung around a long time after the advent of CD's. Aren't they still around? I got my first CD player in 1987. As of 1998 they were still putting cassette players in cars. I know I have two from that year with them. So I don't think VCR's are going away so fast...lotsa folks still have them. My parents just got their first DVD player this month. So figure VCRs will kick around for another 10 years or so...??

Darren

Do we have affirmative proof that the IR blaster will not operate a DVR or DVD recorder? From looking at the manual, I got the impression it will work a variety of devices. I did not assume it will only work VCR's.

From the manual it appears the IR blaster's infrared emitter sends two signals:
1. power on
2. Record.
That is the reason it says to keep the VCR power off and input through line 1. I don't think that this will operate DVR or other recording devices, unless they take the same 2 signals.

so what would that sound like on a surround system? I'm really not trying to be difficult, I just honestly don't understand what you mean? :confused: I would think that the channels are split. they wouldn't be sending bass to the tweeters, but rather the woofers, you know? so when listening, it seems as though you’re combining the frequencies, creating a simulated 3D effect. And IF the tweeters are positioned properly, they can potentially add a whole new dynamic too!

Granted though, we ARE talking about speakers on a plasma, how good can they really be anyway. But I’m just saying I’m pretty confident they’ll sound better than just 2 on the px50.

NP, mscappa.....I was a high end audio nerd for many years. The point I'm trying to make is that normally the tweeters are positioned very close to the mid range drivers. In part because there are many sounds that are shared by both drivers and the sound is comparatively directional. If the drivers are positioned close to one another then the sound appears to be coming from one source, or a particular place in space. With the bass driver, the position relative to the midrange and tweeter is less critical because bass frequencies are more omnidirectional. And with deep bass it is difficult to tell where the sound emanates. And as I said you can place your sub-woofer just about anywhere in the room. With surround sound systems you typically have a six channel system but each speaker is integrated with respect to the drivers within one box.

All this is theoretical. In fact, with a home theater system you practically train your mind to think that the sound is coming from the screen itself (except the back speakers for instance which create ambience among other things). So, in the end, you many not notice anything amiss at all. It just seems unusual that you put a midrange driver at the bottom of the screen and tweeters at the side....seems like sound integration is not served well with this arrangement. Still, this is just a rumination on my part.

One of the first things I did. The outcome for SD was as bad as you'd expect!Right. Since my PX50U doesn't support PIP I have to use the "recall" button on my remote in order to compare SD/HD broadcasts. It's one of the BIG sacrifices I must make having settled for a PX50 instead of the 500U. :rolleyes:

.....I was a high end audio nerd for many years....

As another one, I'd have to agree with you completely regarding speaker design.

However, this is a TV, not a high quality music system, so I'd be inclined to say it's less than critical here. The most important sounds on a TV come from the phantom center channel anyway.

...seems like sound integration is not served well with this arrangement.

Considering that this system is specifically designed to support BBE, with all it's inherent phase shifts, etc., I don't think sound integration was their first priority.

I haven't heard the PX500, but my PD25 with VIVA BBE sounds surprising good for a TV, although I very rarely listen to it, almost always opting to fire up the whole HT system if I'm planning to seriously watch anything.

All i'm saying is that the speakers don't necessarily need to be set to OFF in order for the Digital Optical Audio out to work. It works either way. I keep my speakers set to ON so when the chicky-friend comes over she can watch the TV using the TV's speakers without firing up the HT systsem. Works fine this way. When i'm listening through my HT system i simply turn the TV's volume all the way down.

I always use my HT system speakers when watching my panel. I set up a macro on my remote that turns on and sets up all of the components for watching TV with one click of a button. The chicky friend is quite happy with this and can always enjoy great sound as well.

There is nothing like a good learning remote with macro functions. It imrpoves the A/V experience boatloads and can be a lot of fun. Thanks to some aded X10 stuff I have even set up macros that slowly dims the lights when a DVD starts to play.....and slightly brightens them when I hit pause to get up and take a leak or get a brew :).

BTW...I prefer the "cleaner" look of the PX50U over PX500U. I'm not a big fan of side mounted speakers. Just my 2 cents. The TV guide feature would obviously be very useful for CC users.

As another one, I'd have to agree with you completely regarding speaker design.

However, this is a TV, not a high quality music system, so I'd be inclined to say it's less than critical here. The most important sounds on a TV come from the phantom center channel anyway.


True, my center speaker sits on a shelf maybe a foot below the screen and I am not reminded of that fact at all. At the same time I'll be curious to see if anyone posts anything to do with sound anomolies using the TV sound system. If suspect it will be a non-issue.

I always use my HT system speakers when watching my panel. I set up a macro on my remote that turns on and sets up all of the components for watching TV with one click of a button...

Me, too. About the only exception is when I want to do a quick check of one of the weather or news sub-channels, when it seems like overkill to ignite four boxes and 7 speakers.

True, my center speaker sits on a shelf maybe a foot below the screen and I am not reminded of that fact at all. At the same time I'll be curious to see if anyone posts anything to do with sound anomolies using the TV sound system. If suspect it will be a non-issue.


it's gonna friggin rock! :cool:

Where online are people ordering the Panny 42px500? I wanted to order one (I live in NYC) and wanted to hear where people are purchasing these units? Thanks Phil

Where in Manhattan can I see the Panny 42px500? Thanks Phil

From the manual it appears the IR blaster's infrared emitter sends two signals:
1. power on
2. Record.
That is the reason it says to keep the VCR power off and input through line 1. I don't that this will operate DVR or other recording devices, unless they take the same 2 signals.

You are quite correct. The manual does say VCR. Oh well.

Darren

After comparing the 50px50 vs. 50px500 on this link:

?storeId=15001&catalogId=13401&catGroupId=24973&cacheProgram=11002&cachePartner=7000000000000005702&surfCategory=Plasma%20TVs&items=93883|93338|#h1[/URL]

I don't see the extra $500 MSRP being worth it. The PIP as mentioned before is not useful with only one tuner. My main use of PIP in the past was to watch 2 different TV programs and switching back and forth during commercial breaks, thus requiring 2 tuners.

The EPG looks like a good idea, but all cable and satellite STBs have this function. IR blaster for VCR recording: VCR is phasing out, and DVR do the same job better.

Why would a slightly more powerful speaker be useful? The attached speakers are used for routine TV watching, like for news, etc. Most people use separate sound system if they really want better audio. The 26W output doesn't sound like much at all.

I have no use for SD card, PC slot, PC input.

The panel is wider by 2.5 inches and heavier by 15 pounds. IMO, I like the look of the px50 better because of the narrower bezel.

Main disappointment: No HD zoom, only one RF input and one tuner.

PQ should be identical. For my purpose, I think the px50 is the better value. I will put the $500 toward other AV products.

After a lot of thought I have come to the same conclusion and ordered 50px50u

... Thanks to some aded X10 stuff I have even set up macros that slowly dims the lights when a DVD starts to play.....and slightly brightens them when I hit pause to get up and take a leak or get a brew :)...

My ChickyFriend could appreciate this as well.

Do tell more of the x10 stuff you use to perform the dimming and brightening of the lights :)

Where in Manhattan can I see the Panny 42px500? Thanks Phil

At this point, nowhere. But Harveys or BB are likely your best bet. B&H is huge but has a lousy selection of PDPs.

Actually, has anyone confirmed BB/CC is even getting the PX500?

Actually, has anyone confirmed BB/CC is even getting the PX500?A quick check of the usual suspects web sites (e.g. BB, CC, Tweeters, Sears) shows the 500Us are still MIA... so who knows at which B&Ms they will magically appear? Perhaps... Wal Mart? :D

A quick check of the usual suspects web sites (e.g. BB, CC, Tweeters, Sears) shows the 500Us are still MIA... so who knows at which B&Ms they will magically appear? Perhaps... Wal Mart? :D


yeah, from what it seems, no one "really" has it yet. how long did it take for the online guys to get the 50's after panny released them? did you hop on yours immediately? the reason i ask is, i'm looking to get on a 500 as quickly as possible!

A quick check of the usual suspects web sites (e.g. BB, CC, Tweeters, Sears) shows the 500Us are still MIA... so who knows at which B&Ms they will magically appear? Perhaps... Wal Mart? :D


The local Sound Advice (Tweeter) checked his system when I was there this weekend and it shows July 1st. He said give it a few days so i'll check back after July 4th.

yeah, from what it seems, no one "really" has it yet. how long did it take for the online guys to get the 50's after panny released them? did you hop on yours immediately? the reason i ask is, i'm looking to get on a 500 as quickly as possible!I seem to recall I did. If I remember correctly the PX50Us were listed on Panasonic's web site around mid-April and I bought mine at CC on May 1st. At that time the Assistant Manager said they had (1) in stock and the box was in 'pristine' condition. Sure enough they did and it was...

I seem to recall I did. If I remember correctly the PX50Us were listed on Panasonic's web site around mid-April and I bought mine at CC on May 1st. At that time the Assistant Manager said they had (1) in stock and the box was in 'pristine' condition. Sure enough they did and it was...

okay cool, so it was about 2 weeks? Do you recall if any other online(forum sponsors) guys had it?

okay cool, so it was about 2 weeks? Do you recall if any other online(forum sponsors) guys had it?During that time-frame I believe eCost had (or at least claimed to have) the 50PX50U in stock.

I ordered my PX500U today from Panasonic.com. They say it will ship on Monday.

I had previously ordered the PX50U last Monday, but my credit card rejected the charge as a fraud alert. Thankfully, because the PX500U was listed the next day.
With the Business Partner discount, it only cost me $140 more than the 50U.

I still had to think about which to get. I like the thinner bezel on the 50, but the PC input and the base style on the 500. The other features are a wash for me.

I ordered my PX500U today from Panasonic.com. They say it will ship on Monday.

I had previously ordered the PX50U last Monday, but my credit card rejected the charge as a fraud alert. Thankfully, because the PX500U was listed the next day.
With the Business Partner discount, it only cost me $140 more than the 50U.

A good reminder for anyone using a CC.....notify your credit card company in advance of the purchase if possible. Same thing happened to me when I ordered via TV Authority. The Visa fraud screen rejected the charge so I had to call 'em up and let 'em know it was legit.

I ordered my PX500U today from Panasonic.com. They say it will ship on Monday.

I had previously ordered the PX50U last Monday, but my credit card rejected the charge as a fraud alert. Thankfully, because the PX500U was listed the next day.
With the Business Partner discount, it only cost me $140 more than the 50U.

I still had to think about which to get. I like the thinner bezel on the 50, but the PC input and the base style on the 500. The other features are a wash for me.


you lucky dog! so what's this about a "Business Partner discount"? please explain......I'm intrigued! and when you say $500 over the px50, do you mean over the panny's online store price?

after looking over CC's site with a fine tooth comb, i was wondering if anyone's had any problems with their price match guarantee? has anyone taken them up on this? Any tricks on getting the best possible price?

My ChickyFriend could appreciate this as well.

Do tell more of the x10 stuff you use to perform the dimming and brightening of the lights :)

Scotland....a good source for this stuff is www.smarthome.com. You can learn a lot just from looking through their website. I can give you specifics on my setup and installation if you like, but I don't want to clog up this thread with that stuff. Send me a PM or email if you want more info.

after looking over CC's site with a fine tooth comb, i was wondering if anyone's had any problems with their price match guarantee? has anyone taken them up on this? Any tricks on getting the best possible price?

No problem at all...bought my PD50u there on a Wednesday night (sucked me in with 0% for 2 years), it went on sale the following week for 10% off MSRP, took my receipt there Monday and they credited back 110% of the difference to my CC account. So I got great financing and essentially 11% off. Worked out pretty well.

Some say you can bargain with the sales manager, but I was too giddy like a schoolgirl with the prospect of taking it home to try. He knew I was leaving with that set regardless... :rolleyes:

Note: This was an advertised price, at CC...so they only price matched themselves.

after looking over CC's site with a fine tooth comb, i was wondering if anyone's had any problems with their price match guarantee? has anyone taken them up on this? Any tricks on getting the best possible price?


I purchased my Panny from CC and they do indeed price match or better....in my case I feel I received a great deal. In fact, I decided to return my 42PX and go with the larger 50PX and they made it very painless with what I feel is an excellent price. The new set is being delivered Saturday and they will be taking the old one with them. My advice for buying from these places is to do your homework on price ahead of time and let them know what you want as soon as you walk through the door....no pussy-footing around.

you lucky dog! so what's this about a "Business Partner discount"? please explain......I'm intrigued! and when you say $500 over the px50, do you mean over the panny's online store price?
That was $140 over the px50.

I work at a very large company which is a business partner of Matsushita, so I have access to discounts, and their employees get access to our discount program. The discount varies by product, but is usually about 30% off the online store price. In this case the discount on the px500 was 32% while the px50 was 28%, making the px500 an even better deal.

yeah, but when companies they have a price match guarantee, they can't possibly mean they'll beat an online competitor too, right?

Price Guarantee
If you've seen a lower advertised price from another local store with the same item in stock, we want to know about it. Bring it to our attention, and we'll gladly beat their price by 10% of the difference. If you see a lower advertised price (including our own sale prices) within 30 days of your purchase, we'll refund 110% of the difference.
Our policy applies only to advertised prices. It does not apply to special offers or promotions, including rebates, free-with-purchase offers and special financing. Unfortunately, we are not able to provide price matches online, so please visit the closest store to take advantage of our Price Guarantee.

yeah, but when companies they have a price match guarantee, they can't possibly mean they'll beat an online competitor too, right?

Price Guarantee
If you've seen a lower advertised price from another local store with the same item in stock, we want to know about it. Bring it to our attention, and we'll gladly beat their price by 10% of the difference. If you see a lower advertised price (including our own sale prices) within 30 days of your purchase, we'll refund 110% of the difference.
Our policy applies only to advertised prices. It does not apply to special offers or promotions, including rebates, free-with-purchase offers and special financing. Unfortunately, we are not able to provide price matches online, so please visit the closest store to take advantage of our Price Guarantee.

I plan on using my amex and which offers price protection. I believe they will pricematch an online retailer as long as they are authorized. I will try to confirm this.

after looking over CC's site with a fine tooth comb, i was wondering if anyone's had any problems with their price match guarantee? has anyone taken them up on this? Any tricks on getting the best possible price?

I originally went to CC to buy my 50px50. They were on sale for 10% off MSRP. They would price match only BM stores, no internet dealers. There was a large difference between the internet and CC, with internet prices >20% off. It ultimately is up to the sales manager of the particular store to agree to PM. You might get lucky sometimes, as someone here once succeeded in using ecost.com's price to pricematch at CC. Good luck.

I plan on using my amex and which offers price protection. I believe they will pricematch an online retailer as long as they are authorized. I will try to confirm this.

They used to price match to the internet, but not anymore. C'est dommage.

I ordered my PX500U today from Panasonic.com. They say it will ship on Monday.

one other question, i went to panny's site to consider buying it there myself, but they don't have an "add to shopping cart" option yet? how did you buy it off their site?

I did not ask CC to price match internet retailers and I paid almost 23% off MSRP for the 50PX and the 3 year warranty. Yes those warranties are over priced, but I got both for the sale price of the 50PX alone. I typically do not purchase extended warranties, but this purchase seemed to warrant it.....meh, heh....no pun intended. I wouldn't expect you to get that kind of pricing without purchasing a warranty and/or some other accessories....that is where they make their money.

Anyone know, with CC's price match guarantee, what does "advertised price" mean? For example, if an item is advertised in the newspaper, that's pretty obvious. But what if Best Buy, Fry's, or whoever has an item priced lower than CC, but there is no "advertising" involved, it's just their in-store price.

Anyone know, with CC's price match guarantee, what does "advertised price" mean? For example, if an item is advertised in the newspaper, that's pretty obvious. But what if Best Buy, Fry's, or whoever has an item priced lower than CC, but there is no "advertising" involved, it's just their in-store price.

They will normally call the other store to confirm the price.

one other question, i went to panny's site to consider buying it there myself, but they don't have an "add to shopping cart" option yet? how did you buy it off their site?

Buy Direct:

Look for the orange
add-to-cart button, or call 1-800-405-0652
to place an order
Monday - Friday,
9:00am - 7:00pm (EST)

The local Sound Advice (Tweeter) checked his system when I was there this weekend and it shows July 1st. He said give it a few days so i'll check back after July 4th.

I have one on order at Tweeter, and they have been saying July 4th (in stores, July 1 is the warehouse date) for the past two weeks or so.

After a lot of thought I have come to the same conclusion and ordered 50px50u

I was about to do the same thing. To me (not everyone), anything but the computer connector is a bell and whistle I don't need.

I decided to wait the extra week to see them side by side and determine if I find the looks of the PX500 better. Sure I've seen the pictures, but it's quite different seing it in person. If I spend 4+k on this thing, I want to be happy with the way it looks, since I'm going be staring at it for a while.

MSCappa: At this point, you're probably just as well off waiting for the display to arrive in the store. I doubt you'll have it much sooner ordering it anywhere online, assuming the Tweeter "in stores" date stays the same.

Buy Direct:

Look for the orange
add-to-cart button, or call 1-800-405-0652
to place an order
Monday - Friday,
9:00am - 7:00pm (EST)

there isn't oine on the px500 though? am i missing it? i see it for the px50's!?

I was about to do the same thing. To me (not everyone), anything but the computer connector is a bell and whistle I don't need.

I decided to wait the extra week to see them side by side and determine if I find the looks of the PX500 better. Sure I've seen the pictures, but it's quite different seing it in person. If I spend 4+k on this thing, I want to be happy with the way it looks, since I'm going be staring at it for a while.

MSCappa: At this point, you're probably just as well off waiting for the display to arrive in the store. I doubt you'll have it much sooner ordering it anywhere online, assuming the Tweeter "in stores" date stays the same.IMO... the 500Us include enough 'useful' features to justify the $500 up-charge. In theory... the PX50 & 500Us will render the same picture so it basically comes down to an individual's rather 'subjective' opinion regarding the aesthetics of the respective panels and their need (or lack thereof) for the additional feature set provided by the 500Us.

I was about to do the same thing. To me (not everyone), anything but the computer connector is a bell and whistle I don't need.

I decided to wait the extra week to see them side by side and determine if I find the looks of the PX500 better. Sure I've seen the pictures, but it's quite different seing it in person. If I spend 4+k on this thing, I want to be happy with the way it looks, since I'm going be staring at it for a while.

MSCappa: At this point, you're probably just as well off waiting for the display to arrive in the store. I doubt you'll have it much sooner ordering it anywhere online, assuming the Tweeter "in stores" date stays the same.


completely agree. i'll be doing the same. what i'm trying to swing is, finding a low price online and getting someone to match it at a B&M! :D

IMO... the 500Us include enough 'useful' features to justify the $500 up-charge. In theory... the PX50 & 500Us will render the same picture so it basically comes down to an individual's rather 'subjective' opinion regarding the aesthetics of the respective panels and their need (or lack thereof) for the additional feature set provided by the 500Us.

i agree with you too optivity, but there's no way i can't not make sure with my own eyes and be 100% sure when spending that much dough! I definitely agree with you in theory about the PQ. And i will definitely be using the other features the 500’s have, and I also like the 500's design much better too, but if I don't look at them side by side to evaluate PQ for myself, i'll always have an inkling of doubt! you know what i mean?

A friend of mine asked me about the dimensions of the box the 42PX50 comes in. He is trying to figure out if it will fit in his SUV. I have mine in storage and was hoping someone here might have this info handy. I appreciate it. Thanks.

A friend of mine asked me about the dimensions of the box the 42PX50 comes in. He is trying to figure out if it will fit in his SUV. I have mine in storage and was hoping someone here might have this info handy. I appreciate it. Thanks.
This will give you some idea ==> http://www.glaucobruzzi.com/plasma-faq/showthread.php?t=36

A related question I have: If the shipping box is a tad too tall, what do you find if you open it? Is there an inner box that still protects the screen during the ride home? Specifically for the 42PD50.

i agree with you too optivity, but there's no way i can't not make sure with my own eyes and be 100% sure when spending that much dough! I definitely agree with you in theory about the PQ. And i will definitely be using the other features the 500’s have, and I also like the 500's design much better too, but if I don't look at them side by side to evaluate PQ for myself, i'll always have an inkling of doubt! you know what i mean?Seeing is believing, but a side-by-side comparison may be problematic. I'm not sure what Panasonic's marketing strategy, if one still exists, is these days... but it seems reasonable to conclude that no B&M will carry both the 50 & 500Us. If they do and the 500U is on sale... you might be able to pick it up for less than a 50U! :eek:

IMO... the 500Us include enough 'useful' features to justify the $500 up-charge. In theory... the PX50 & 500Us will render the same picture so it basically comes down to an individual's rather 'subjective' opinion regarding the aesthetics of the respective panels and their need (or lack thereof) for the additional feature set provided by the 500Us.

Absolutely. As you say, subjective opinion. But if those features are of no use to me (I don't need PIP, SD card, etc), then I am wasting my money. Just wanted to clarify that I wasn't saying the features are worthless. Just of little use to me .

completely agree. i'll be doing the same. what i'm trying to swing is, finding a low price online and getting someone to match it at a B&M! :D

pretty much my plan as well.

Seeing is believing, but a side-by-side comparison may be problematic. I'm not sure what Panasonic's marketing strategy, if one still exists, is these days... but it seems reasonable to conclude that no B&M will carry both the 50 & 500Us. If they do and the 500U is on sale... you might be able to pick it up for less than a 50U! :eek:


true, true. i'm pretty much sold on the 500's, i think all i'm seeking is a bit of personal affirmation.

anyway, about their strategy.......yeah, i'm curious about that too. I can only assume that the 50's price will drop off dramatically after the 500’s finally release!?

Absolutely. As you say, subjective opinion. But if those features are of no use to me (I don't need PIP, SD card, etc), then I am wasting my money. Just wanted to clarify that I wasn't saying the features are worthless. Just of little use to me .I bought a 50PX50U on May 1st and have a CableCARD installed. The additional feature's included with the 500U that I could use most are a better sound system and the electronic program guide.i'm pretty much sold on the 500's, i think all i'm seeking is a bit of personal affirmation.

anyway, about their strategy.......yeah, i'm curious about that too. I can only assume that the 50's price will drop off dramatically after the 500’s finally release!?All the more reason to buy a PX50U. :D

../anyway, about their strategy.......yeah, i'm curious about that too. I can only assume that the 50's price will drop off dramatically after the 500’s finally release!?

I must be missing something, but what is the question on their strategy? :confused:

The PX500 is a logical step up from the PX50, adding features for the buyer and profits for the seller. If you include the PD50 in the mix, it's a classic, time tested good-better-best line structure.

I wouldn't expect them to change prices unless sales start to vary wildly from their forecasts, and even then they'd be more likely to simply adjust production.

As for whether retailers will carry both, that's just another chapter in the age old SKU battle between manufacturer's and retailers. In the end, though, if both are selling well, retailers will find room for them.

I must be missing something, but what is the question on their strategy? :confused:

The PX500 is a logical step up from the PX50, adding features for the buyer and profits for the seller. If you include the PD50 in the mix, it's a classic, time tested good-better-best line structure.

I wouldn't expect them to change prices unless sales start to vary wildly from their forecasts, and even then they'd be more likely to simply adjust production.

As for whether retailers will carry both, that's just another chapter in the age old SKU battle between manufacturer's and retailers. In the end, though, if both are selling well, retailers will find room for them.By marketing strategy this is just my observation... in the past commercial models were available on-line while consumer TVs were sold by the B&Ms. There seemed to be a separation with the B&Ms where the BBs & CCs carried the Viera series while the Tweeter's marketed the Onyx. My speculation now is... Panasonic may be willing to authorize any Internet seller or retailer to carry their entire PDP product line. If this is not the case then "mscappa's" desire to do a side-by-side comparison of the 50/500U at his local B&M may not be possible.

I must be missing something, but what is the question on their strategy? :confused:

The PX500 is a logical step up from the PX50, adding features for the buyer and profits for the seller. If you include the PD50 in the mix, it's a classic, time tested good-better-best line structure.

I wouldn't expect them to change prices unless sales start to vary wildly from their forecasts, and even then they'd be more likely to simply adjust production.

As for whether retailers will carry both, that's just another chapter in the age old SKU battle between manufacturer's and retailers. In the end, though, if both are selling well, retailers will find room for them.


All that I was saying was, the improvements on the 500’s are fairly minimal over all. Especially since the PQ remains the same. Don’t get me wrong, they’re important to me and I’m waiting for the 500’s. however, to the average consumer, they’re not. The other thing is, why such a similarity in price. if they considered the 500’s to be the “best line” of your pd50, px50, 500’s comparison, why not price ‘em a bit higher than the 50’s? and when I say a bit higher, I’m talking around 1k to $1,500 more, wouldn’t it be justified? as far as the pd50's, i think that they're ED PDP's makes it a pretty big difference and can't be included in the comparions. And trust me, I’m not complaining about the prices on the 500's, I just think it’s just an interesting time for plasma’s with their prices plummeting, demand at an all time high and with new added features emerging and PQ improving. I’m just curious about their marketing strategy behind the rapidly changing market.

Can anyone describe or give a pointer on how to remove the pedestal base in preparation for wall mount for a Panny TH-42PD25U/P? I can't figure it out for the life of me.

By marketing strategy this is just my observation... in the past commercial models were available on-line while consumer TVs were sold by the B&Ms. There seemed to be a separation with the B&Ms where the BBs & CCs carried the Viera series while the Tweeter's marketed the Onyx. My speculation now is... Panasonic may be willing to authorize any Internet seller or retailer to carry their entire PDP product line. If this is not the case then "mscappa's" desire to do a side-by-side comparison of the 50/500U at his local B&M may not be possible.

The 500U is not a commercial model, the commercial model is the 8UY (replacing last years commercial model, the 7UY). This year it seems they split the consumer 25U into the 50U and the 500U. The concensus of most posters is that the 500U is a closer replacement for the 25U, leaving the 50U as a stripped down consumer panel to meet Panasonics stated goal of gaining market share.

I agree with Macfan424's good/better/best product line assessment, and I think seeing a pd50/px50/px500 lineup side by side at a brick and mortar is likely given Panasonic's reputation in the plasma market and their value proposition.

The 500U is not a commercial model, the commercial model is the 8UY (replacing last years commercial model, the 7UY). This year it seems they split the consumer 25U into the 50U and the 500U. The concensus of most posters is that the 500U is a closer replacement for the 25U, leaving the 50U as a stripped down consumer panel to meet Panasonics stated goal of gaining market share.I know that....

I agree with Macfan424's good/better/best product line assessment, and I think seeing a pd50/px50/px500 lineup side by side at a brick and mortar is likely given Panasonic's reputation in the plasma market and their value proposition.Makes sense to me...

there isn't oine on the px500 though? am i missing it? i see it for the px50's!?

There is no 'Add to Cart' button for the 500's. Their site sometimes lists items for months without an 'Add to Cart' button.

I ordered by calling: 1-800-405-0652. They were able to place the order for me over the phone. I also did this when I ordered by LCX50 LCD rear projection (which I subsequently returned with no hassles from Panasonic - thumbs up to them).
However, I tried it with a 7.1 digital receiver XR55S and they told me they couldn't place the order, but I'd just have to wait for an 'Add to Cart' button on the web site. I don't know if it varies by product, or if it just varies by who you talk to. I wasn't in a hurry, so I just waited for the receiver, ordered it Monday.

I know that....


Sorry about that :) . Must've misread your post. My brain is too fully occupied fighting off the mid-afternoon lull. :o

Plasma Concepts has the TH-50PX500U:



plasmaconcepts com/plasma-tv-store/Panasonic-TH-50PX500U/PD380.html

I went to HiFi Buys the other day and asked when they were going to get the 500U. A very weird (whole 'nother story) salesman told me that the computer showed July 1 as being the availability date. He proceeded to stress how that is just an approximation that is most likely inaccurate. After boiling down his answer, I heard, "We don't know yet."

All that I was saying was, the improvements on the 500’s are fairly minimal over all. Especially since the PQ remains the same. Don’t get me wrong, they’re important to me and I’m waiting for the 500’s. however, to the average consumer, they’re not. The other thing is, why such a similarity in price. if they considered the 500’s to be the “best line” of your pd50, px50, 500’s comparison, why not price ‘em a bit higher than the 50’s? and when I say a bit higher, I’m talking around 1k to $1,500 more, wouldn’t it be justified? as far as the pd50's, i think that they're ED PDP's makes it a pretty big difference and can't be included in the comparions. And trust me, I’m not complaining about the prices on the 500's, I just think it’s just an interesting time for plasma’s with their prices plummeting, demand at an all time high and with new added features emerging and PQ improving. I’m just curious about their marketing strategy behind the rapidly changing market.

I think you answered your own question.

"...the improvements on the 500’s are fairly minimal over all... wouldn’t (1k to $1,500 more) be justified?"

Not unless you consider $1000 to $1500 "fairly minimal," too. I don't, so $500 seems closer to the mark to me.

You can bet a lot of thought and probably some research went into how much more people would be willing to to pay for the extra features. It had to be enough to make the 500 more profitable than the 50, or they wouldn't have bothered. On the other hand, it can't be so much that few would be willing to buy the 500.

As ryansmith111 just mentioned (and I did a long time ago) the 500's are the heir to the 25's. In response to the changing market, Panasonic developed the 50's as a "value" addition to the line. However, they are aware a number of people (me among them) would still be willing to pay extra for the "luxury" features the 500 retains, but that number would fall precipitously as the price differential grew.

Many (probably most) buyers do look at ED's as part of the spectrum, by the way, thinking of HD's as a higher quality plasma, not a whole different product.

These forums offer plenty of evidence of the soundness of Panasonic's line structure, as people debate whether an HD would be enough better for their use than an ED to justify its higher cost, or whether the added features of a 500 are worth its price compared to a 50.

Clearly they have created incentives for customers to consider buying more profitable products. That's exactly what step-up strategy is intended to accomplish.

I don't really agree with the good/better/best analogy for the 8UK/PX50/PX500, since in the end they all provide the same PQ.

I tend to think of it more as options for the same "car"...

8UK: Base model
PX50: Well-equipped model
PX500: Fully optioned model

It's not an exact analogy because the 8UK has some features that the PX50/500 do not, but you get the idea.

I don't really agree with the good/better/best analogy for the 8UK/PX50/PX500, since in the end they all provide the same PQ.

I tend to think of it more as options for the same "car"...

8UK: Base model
PX50: Well-equipped model
PX500: Fully optioned model

It's not an exact analogy because the 8UK has some features that the PX50/500 do not, but you get the idea.

Actually, the 8UK is not part of the spectrum, as it is not intended for the same customers (this forum to the contrary).

That aside, the "car" line up you describe is one of that industry's implementations of the good/better/best strategy, which is used within models as well as within brands and within corporate umbrellas.

I don't really agree with the good/better/best analogy for the 8UK/PX50/PX500, since in the end they all provide the same PQ.

I tend to think of it more as options for the same "car"...

8UK: Base model
PX50: Well-equipped model
PX500: Fully optioned model

It's not an exact analogy because the 8UK has some features that the PX50/500 do not, but you get the idea.


I'm on board with this analogy. i'm mean it's an HD tier for folks in the market for an HD plasma, period. IMO, in general terms, different tiers include XVS, PX/UK, PD.

A friend of mine asked me about the dimensions of the box the 42PX50 comes in. He is trying to figure out if it will fit in his SUV. I have mine in storage and was hoping someone here might have this info handy. I appreciate it. Thanks.

I still have my box - it's 37" H x 49.5" L x 20.25 W. The way the foam packing is, if he lays the box down the TV will not be fully supported so tell him to keep it upright.

Plasma Concepts has the TH-50PX500U:
plasmaconcepts com/plasma-tv-store/Panasonic-TH-50PX500U/PD380.html

I just spoke with them, and they really don't know the exact delivery, or what price they will be able to sell them at, until Panasonic actually ships them. From what I can tell, July 1st seems to be the "magic" date retailers have been told (by Panasonic) to expect them.

Just guessing.

Based on the pictures of the 500U, doesn't it come with a much larger stand than the 50U? The stand that can hold up a cable box, reciever, etc. The one that is on the pdf brochure and a picture link on one of the previous pages. While the 50U, has only a stand to support the TV which is really short. Something to put on top of a table, while the 500U doesn't need a table. Am I wrong?

Based on the pictures of the 500U, doesn't it come with a much larger stand than the 50U? The stand that can hold up a cable box, reciever, etc. The one that is on the pdf brochure and a picture link on one of the previous pages. While the 50U, has only a stand to support the TV which is really short. Something to put on top of a table, while the 500U doesn't need a table. Am I wrong?

I'm pretty sure that stand pictured on the earlier pages is an accessory to the plasma itself, costs ~$900.

Based on the pictures of the 500U, doesn't it come with a much larger stand than the 50U? The stand that can hold up a cable box, reciever, etc. The one that is on the pdf brochure and a picture link on one of the previous pages. While the 50U, has only a stand to support the TV which is really short. Something to put on top of a table, while the 500U doesn't need a table. Am I wrong?

Yeah you're wrong :D

That monstrosity is an optional stand, but the PX500U comes with this pedestal stand:

http://www2.panasonic.com/static/models/th-50px500u.jpg

I'm pretty sure that stand pictured on the earlier pages is an accessory to the plasma itself, costs ~$900.

Unless you're purchasing the 50-incher . . . then it's a cool grand!

Yeah you're wrong :D

That monstrosity ...




:D :D

I've been anxiously awaiting the release of the 500U and I've gotta say, I'm disappointed that Panasonic didn't think enough to include one more HDMI input on the 500U. For an additional $500, I would think they could have covered it. In my mind, the other features don't really make it worthwhile, especially when you factor in that fat bezel. The only things I find appealing about the 500U over the 50U are the stand and the PC input. I just don't think I'm going to spend the extra money on it.

Drivie

Yeah you're wrong :D

That monstrosity is an optional stand,

Hey, I've seen the previous 50PX25 sitting on that stand at a Sears, and it looks real purdy! :p

If it weren't so dad blamed expensive, not to metion the fact that no one else's panel will fit on it, well . . . when the panel goes, there goes the $900/$1000 with it!

Can anyone describe or give a pointer on how to remove the pedestal base in preparation for wall mount for a Panny TH-42PD25U/P? I can't figure it out for the life of me.

I'm not familiar with the PD25 series but all the Panny models seem to use the same method of two upright posts that go into openings in the bottom of the display, and each then secured with two small screws to keep the stand from dropping when you lift the TV off the table. The link below is for a newer Panny pedestal stand but the posts should look about the same. Notice each post has two small screw holes at near the top and bottom. Just remove these four small screws and you and a friend should be able to lift the TV off the stand. The posts are tapered so they might be stuck in the holes so you might need a third person to unstick it once you lift it off the table.

http://www.produkte.panasonic.de/product/product.asp?sStr=5@-@1@13@40@297@@@@@TY-ST42PX500@Viera|Plasma-Zubeh%F6r@&altMod=N&upper=&prop=

can some px50 owners recommend a DVD player for me? I'm looking to purchase a px500 and currently own a progressive scan sony DVD player and eh.....it's okaaaay. i would preferably like to purchase one with an HDMI input and would rather not spend more than $450. any thoughts?

I've been anxiously awaiting the release of the 500U and I've gotta say, I'm disappointed that Panasonic didn't think enough to include one more HDMI input on the 500U. For an additional $500, I would think they could have covered it. In my mind, the other features don't really make it worthwhile, especially when you factor in that fat bezel. The only things I find appealing about the 500U over the 50U are the stand and the PC input. I just don't think I'm going to spend the extra money on it.

Drivie

I agree completely with the fat bezel comment. That was also my problem with the px25. I know it is purely subjective, but I love the 50px50's thin black bezel, giving it a clean look. I just ordered a Sanus VMPL mount, and will be mounting my 50px50 soon!

can some px50 owners recommend a DVD player for me? I'm looking to purchase a px500 and currently own a progressive scan sony DVD player and eh.....it's okaaaay. i would preferably like to purchase one with an HDMI input and would rather not spend more than $450. any thoughts?

I bought a Panny S77 HDMI player to go along with my 50PX50. Looks very good to me. Way under $450 and comes with an HDMI cable, so you don't have to spend a ridiculous $100 for the Monster HDMI cable.

But I can't say you'll notice a difference from your Sony progressive scan player.

I bought a Panny S77 HDMI player to go along with my 50PX50. Looks very good to me. Way under $450 and comes with an HDMI cable, so you don't have to spend a ridiculous $100 for the Monster HDMI cable.

But I can't say you'll notice a difference from your Sony progressive scan player.


yeah, i was eye ballin' that one. just wanted to make sure i didn't overlook anything. any other suggestions? Optivity, DanP, randywalters, don;t you guys have the 50?

A friend of mine asked me about the dimensions of the box the 42PX50 comes in. He is trying to figure out if it will fit in his SUV. I have mine in storage and was hoping someone here might have this info handy. I appreciate it. Thanks.

I purchased the 42PX50 and the box would not fit upright into a Chevy Suburban. The top portion of the box neeed to be removed to get it to fit. I was nervous the whole way home. I say spend the extra $40 or so for delivery. I am exchanging my 42PX for the 50PX and I paid for delivery this time. Delivery includes removal of the 42PX and they will help me put the pedestal stand on.

Sorry about that :) . Must've misread your post. My brain is too fully occupied fighting off the mid-afternoon lull. :o No problem. I don’t know about you… but I share the same affliction, which is common for middle-aged men. God… I hope I don’t turn into my Father! :eek:

I think you answered your own question.

"...the improvements on the 500’s are fairly minimal over all... wouldn’t (1k to $1,500 more) be justified?"

Not unless you consider $1000 to $1500 "fairly minimal," too. I don't, so $500 seems closer to the mark to me.

You can bet a lot of thought and probably some research went into how much more people would be willing to to pay for the extra features. It had to be enough to make the 500 more profitable than the 50, or they wouldn't have bothered. On the other hand, it can't be so much that few would be willing to buy the 500.

As ryansmith111 just mentioned (and I did a long time ago) the 500's are the heir to the 25's. In response to the changing market, Panasonic developed the 50's as a "value" addition to the line. However, they are aware a number of people (me among them) would still be willing to pay extra for the "luxury" features the 500 retains, but that number would fall precipitously as the price differential grew.

Many (probably most) buyers do look at ED's as part of the spectrum, by the way, thinking of HD's as a higher quality plasma, not a whole different product.

These forums offer plenty of evidence of the soundness of Panasonic's line structure, as people debate whether an HD would be enough better for their use than an ED to justify its higher cost, or whether the added features of a 500 are worth its price compared to a 50.

Clearly they have created incentives for customers to consider buying more profitable products. That's exactly what step-up strategy is intended to accomplish. A very good analysis. My thoughts regarding Panasonic’s marketing strategy pertain to our local B&Ms displaying a 50 and 500U panel side-by-side. With an MSRP difference of only $500, which most likely will be even less when street-priced, leads me to believe that if the 500U can be obtained from the same B&M as a 50U it will significantly diminish sales of the PX50U. Therefore, I’m wondering if there will be a dichotomy in retail distribution where the Tweeter’s are authorized to carry the 500Us and the BBs & CCs will market only the 50U series?

I've been anxiously awaiting the release of the 500U and I've gotta say, I'm disappointed that Panasonic didn't think enough to include one more HDMI input on the 500U. For an additional $500, I would think they could have covered it. In my mind, the other features don't really make it worthwhile, especially when you factor in that fat bezel. The only things I find appealing about the 500U over the 50U are the stand and the PC input. I just don't think I'm going to spend the extra money on it.

DrivieIf you decide to go with a CableCARD… you’ll wish you had a PDP that includes an EPG. ;)

OK - the latest in my saga of getting the HDMI input on my PX50 to work. Panasonic sent a service guy (finally!) on Thursday with a new HDMI module. So far, the fix seems to be working. Only now I find that I have an occasional drop out of sound on cable. I think this has to relate to the cable box which goes back for exchange today.

One other very interesting input from Panasonic. They stated (twice) that neither LG nor Toshiba (supposedly built by LG) upconverting DVD players will work with Panny plasma displays in HDMI. I can attest that the LG DVB418 upconverting DVD player doesn't work. Mine went back to BB yesterday and I have ordered a Panny S77 to replace it. Panasonic implies that LG HDMI outputs are non-standard and thus are not supported by the Panny inputs. I could get no picture at all from the LG player through the now functioning HDMI input on the Panny. So, if anyone is looking at upscaling DVD players for their Panasonic plasmas, stay away from LGs and Toshibas for now.

Any consumer pansonic owners having any issues with 3:2 pull down. For DVDs, a player with 3:2 pulldown can be used.

But what about a cable box such as the SA 8300HD. Anyone seeing any issues with 480i or 1080i?

Has anyone actually tested the consumer panny with AVIA to prove it does not have 3:2 pulldown?

JCPZero

...My thoughts regarding Panasonic’s marketing strategy pertain to our local B&Ms displaying a 50 and 500U panel side-by-side. With an MSRP difference of only $500, which most likely will be even less when street-priced, leads me to believe that if the 500U can be obtained from the same B&M as a 50U it will significantly diminish sales of the PX50U. Therefore, I’m wondering if there will be a dichotomy in retail distribution where the Tweeter’s are authorized to carry the 500Us and the BBs & CCs will market only the 50U series?

I doubt there will be much less than $400 difference in street price on any consistent basis, unless the 500U doesn't sell as well as planned. That's still enough difference to dissuade most people from buying the 500U if they don't want/need any of the extra features.

A dichotomy in retail distribution is possible, but it won't be Panasonic's doing. Retailer's often cherry pick lines to reduce SKUs, but Panasonic will probably offer incentives to dealers to carry both if they have to.

It's not likely to be a matter of "authorizing" dealers to carry the 500 (Panasonic will reserve that for their Onyx line), but rather a matter of opportunity from the dealer's standpoint. If CC, for example, chose to carry only the 50U, Tweeter could jump on the 500U so they wouldn't have to compete on price directly. Or BB might elect to sell the lower priced 50's and market the 500's through Magnolia.

All of these decisions are in the hands of the retailers, not Panasonic. You can bet Panasonic's brand management will do everything they can to assure wide distribution of both models.

Any ideas if COSTCO might start Carrying PD50Us ?? been waiting for it.. Thanks.

Where can I purchase a Panny TH-42PX500U? When will BB or CC have them? Phil from NYC

Where can I purchase a Panny TH-42PX500U? When will BB or CC have them? Phil from NYC

you can reference the panny site. they have a spot where you can enter your zip code to "buy this product at a store". Interesting results for me in that both BB and CC are on the list. Oddly enough, they have ritz camera and brookstone too? not sure if it's accurate?

Any ideas if COSTCO might start Carrying PD50Us ?? been waiting for it.. Thanks.

Costco tends to have last years models. The had many PA25u at my local Costco.

JCPZero

Originally Posted by plefkow
Where can I purchase a Panny TH-42PX500U? When will BB or CC have them?

you can reference the panny site. they have a spot where you can enter your zip code to "buy this product at a store". Interesting results for me in that both BB and CC are on the list. Oddly enough, they have ritz camera and brookstone too? not sure if it's accurate?

Unfortunately this doesn't always work for locating a store with a specific model number, it usually jsut gives the location of the nearest Panasonic dealers that sell that type of product, but most of the time it will turn out that the store doesn't sell the model number you inputted. I've been burned by this many many times when i went to the stores listed only to find they don't even stock that item. I finally started calling the stores on the list first to check stock :rolleyes:

Plasma Concepts has the TH-50PX500U:



plasmaconcepts com/plasma-tv-store/Panasonic-TH-50PX500U/PD380.html

the above link is broken, any ideas?

the above link is broken, any ideas?

"."com

this thread has more than a QUARTER MILLION HITS!

can some px50 owners recommend a DVD player for me? I'm looking to purchase a px500 and currently own a progressive scan sony DVD player and eh.....it's okaaaay. i would preferably like to purchase one with an HDMI input and would rather not spend more than $450. any thoughts?


I recently hooked up a new Panny S77 DVD player to my PX50 via HDMI (cable included) and the PQ is amazing. Check out B&H Photo Video for a good price.

I recently hooked up a new Panny S77 DVD player to my PX50 via HDMI (cable included) and the PQ is amazing. Check out B&H Photo Video for a good price.


great i appreciate it the input! I'm looking at the s77 pretty seriously. however, a friend of mine just got the Sammy hd850 for his 65"7UY and loves it. maybe i'll get both and try 'em out and keep the one that works best?

anyone else care to chime in?

great i appreciate it the input! I'm looking at the s77 pretty seriously. however, a friend of mine just got the Sammy hd850 for his 65"7UY and loves it. maybe i'll get both and try 'em out and keep the one that works best?

anyone else care to chime in?

That is interesting. I have a 657UY, I use a Lumagen HDP, but I have a friend who is looking for a player only solution. Doest this players 768P provide 1366x768 which is the native rate for a Panny 50 or 60inch plasma. I do not understand why Panasonic players do not support the native rates of their own plasmas.

-- Rich

Went to Circuit City at lunch and asked about the 500's. The guy I asked said he just saw it in the magazine he was holding and thought it was a misprint and it should be the 50u. :rolleyes: He opened it up again and told him the differences and he says, they just got the 50's in a few weeks ago and they probably wouldnt get any in the near future. At that point, it wasnt even worth me asking him to check his system.

On a better note, I took a look at the 50u on the wall and it looked great. This one showed no sign of the green push. There was a kid wearing a yellow shirt playing on a swingset and I was able to scan all of the tv's to make sure the colors were good.

Went to Circuit City at lunch and asked about the 500's. On a better note, I took a look at the 50u on the wall and it looked great. This one showed no sign of the green push. There was a kid wearing a yellow shirt playing on a swingset and I was able to scan all of the tv's to make sure the colors were good.

They must have properly calibrated it using the Sponge Bob disk :)

-- Rich

Went to Circuit City at lunch and asked about the 500's. The guy I asked said he just saw it in the magazine he was holding and thought it was a misprint and it should be the 50u. :rolleyes: He opened it up again and told him the differences and he says, they just got the 50's in a few weeks ago and they probably wouldnt get any in the near future. At that point, it wasnt even worth me asking him to check his system.


I know what you mean. I was at CC yesterday and asked about the 500 and got the blank stare followed by the 'I don't know, this is all we have and I don't know what our future inventory will be.' response.

The level of non-service these places provide is amazing. BB has untrained staff tripping over themselves to 'help' you and CC has untrained staff that don't have any motivation to actually try and answer your question.

Does the 4th still sound like a real date to start seeing these pop up in the marketplace?

I know what you mean. I was at CC yesterday and asked about the 500 and got the blank stare followed by the 'I don't know, this is all we have and I don't know what our future inventory will be.' response.

The level of non-service these places provide is amazing. BB has untrained staff tripping over themselves to 'help' you and CC has untrained staff that don't have any motivation to actually try and answer your question.


Tell a BB or CC or GG salesman that you're interested in such and such plasma and that you'll probably want the extended warranty and watch how helpful they suddenly become :D

I know what you mean. I was at CC yesterday and asked about the 500 and got the blank stare followed by the 'I don't know, this is all we have and I don't know what our future inventory will be.' response.

The level of non-service these places provide is amazing. BB has untrained staff tripping over themselves to 'help' you and CC has untrained staff that don't have any motivation to actually try and answer your question.

Does the 4th still sound like a real date to start seeing these pop up in the marketplace?Since the 500Us are not listed on their web-sites or featured in the weekly advertisement... what makes you think these B&Ms will carry them?

Since the 500Us are not listed on their web-sites or featured in the weekly advertisement... what makes you think these B&Ms will carry them?


Reading through this thread. Posts about the displays scheduled to arrive at certain stores on 7/1 and the stores informing that it will take a few days to get a display unit up and running. Some suggestions about the 4th being the date some will start seeing them in the stores.

BB and CC might not carry this unit. If not, I'll look at Magnolia and smaller HT stores in my area and see if they are going to carry them.

Like a few others, I'd prefer to see the 50U and 500U side by side even though the PQ should be the same. I also want to listen to them both since it is quite possible the internal sound system will be the sole source of sound for a long while.

anyone know how wide the stand to the px500 will be? looking to buy this cool swivel stand and wanna make sure it'll be big enough! any ideas?

Reading through this thread. Posts about the displays scheduled to arrive at certain stores on 7/1 and the stores informing that it will take a few days to get a display unit up and running. Some suggestions about the 4th being the date some will start seeing them in the stores.

BB and CC might not carry this unit. If not, I'll look at Magnolia and smaller HT stores in my area and see if they are going to carry them.

Like a few others, I'd prefer to see the 50U and 500U side by side even though the PQ should be the same. I also want to listen to them both since it is quite possible the internal sound system will be the sole source of sound for a long while.You won't see any difference in the picture rendered between a PX50U/PX500U. However, if you choose the 500U you will buy $500 worth of additional features. ;)

I've seen a Panasonic recommended break in period mentioned here several times. However, I can't seem to find that info. in the owners manual of my PX50. Can someone please point me in the right direction for this info.?

Thanks

I've seen a Panasonic recommended break in period mentioned here several times. However, I can't seem to find that info. in the owners manual of my PX50. Can someone please point me in the right direction for this info.?

Thanks


It's part of the Panasonic White Paper - Plasma Facts and Myths.

Here's a copy :


http://www.glaucobruzzi.com/plasma-faq/showthread.php?t=49 (http://www.glaucobruzzi.com/plasma-faq/showthread.php?t=49)




.
Check Out the all-new BruZZi's Panasonic Plasma FAQ (http://www.glaucobruzzi.com/plasma-faq/index.php?)
Links to Plasma Stands, Wallmounts, Murals, Lifts, Speakers, Frames, Bezels & Motorized Artwork.
Also links to Audio/Video/Computer Faqs, Comparisons, Info, News, Reviews, Shootouts, Tutorials, Tweaks and Many More.

You won't see any difference in the picture rendered between a PX50U/PX500U. However, if you choose the 500U you will buy $500 worth of additional features. ;)

I figure the PQ will be identical. My wife is hung up on the look of the unit. Shess, it's going in our bedroom for gods sake. But anyway, she is not keen on the bottom speakers on the 50U and neither am I. We both like the clean black look of the 500U also. The ED unit with silver bezel is so out of the question regardless of PQ for similar reasons. I'm also concerned with sound quality as I will probably not go for any big surround system in my bedroom but figure a TV of this quality and price should sound as good as possible. I have a feeling the sound will be much better with the added drivers, higher wattage and BBE effects.

BTW - I looked at the ED and HD 50U units side by side at two different CC stores over the weekend. The first was with DVD material and the PQ on the HD unit was much better than the ED unit. I first looked at the ED unit and said to myself 'Damn this is a nice picture.' Then I saw the HD unit and was blown away. With DVD input I could have easily justified the price difference on PQ alone. The second store had ESPN HD running a ball game and they both produced a very nice picture but the HD was slightly better in some areas. Not enough to justify the price difference based on PQ alone with this input material, but that silver bezel is so distracting IMO.

Reading through this thread. Posts about the displays scheduled to arrive at certain stores on 7/1 and the stores informing that it will take a few days to get a display unit up and running. Some suggestions about the 4th being the date some will start seeing them in the stores.

Just a quick update for those hoping to spend Independence Day gazing at a new plasma instead of live fireworks: I just got off the phone with a sales guy at Tweeter here in NoVA, and the will not have a truck run from the warehouse to the store on the 4th. (Go figure ;) ) I'm guessing that goes for most of their locations, which means (at the earliest) Tuesday the 5th in stores for the impatient.

Also, in case it is of interest, T's Pennsylvania warehouse (not sure where they deliver, but it is at least NoVA) has 100 total on order for the first batch.

Finally, If you want to preorder from T you have to put down a 20% deposit, of course you get all of that back if you decide to change your mind. But at least it guarantees they'll have one with your name on it should you want it.

(That last paragraph was meant for you, mscappa ;) )

Just a quick update for those hoping to spend Independence Day gazing at a new plasma instead of live fireworks: I just got off the phone with a sales guy at Tweeter here in NoVA, and the will not have a truck run from the warehouse to the store on the 4th. (Go figure ;) ) I'm guessing that goes for most of their locations, which means (at the earliest) Tuesday the 5th in stores for the impatient.

Also, in case it is of interest, T's Pennsylvania warehouse (not sure where they deliver, but it is at least NoVA) has 100 total on order for the first batch.

Finally, If you want to preorder from T you have to put down a 20% deposit, of course you get all of that back if you decide to change your mind. But at least it guarantees they'll have one with your name on it should you want it.

(That last paragraph was meant for you, mscappa ;) )

LOL!! thanks Twiligher! I see my reputation precedes me!:D

i wonder if they'll be @ msrp? I'm not too familiar with these guys i've always shopped at CC or BB. how do they compare as far as pricing, exchange policy, customer service, etc.?

I've seen a Panasonic recommended break in period mentioned here several times. However, I can't seem to find that info. in the owners manual of my PX50. Can someone please point me in the right direction for this info.?

ThanksCheckout these reference materials:

"Panasonic Operating Instructions Digital High Definition Plasma Television" (http://service.us.panasonic.com/OPERMANPDF/TH37PX50U.PDF)

"The Future Looks Bright for Plasma TVs" (ftp://ftp.panasonic.com/pub/Panasonic/Drivers/PBTS/papers/Plasma-WP.pdf)

"Plasma Facts and Myths Panasonic Presents Advice From the Video Purist Perspective" (http://www.fcw.com/vendorsolutions/panasonicplasma.pdf#search='plasma%20myths%20white%20paper')

ok my 37px50u is officially making the "clicking" sound, i think it was this thread somebody else mentioned it in. While its on, every once in a while, i hear the "click" or "pop" sound, it sounds like the same sound as when you first turn it on. It could also be the set expanding when it gets hot, who knows. Anybody ever figure this out?

For those concerned about sound quality with the built in speakers....... You don't have to go the full home theatre route. If you are willing to spend $75 to $200, you can buy a 2.1 set of speakers typically marketed for computer users. That's a pair of main speakers and a subwoofer. All fairly small. You will definitely get better sound than what is built in to most TVs. I've been running a Labtec set off a CRT in the bedroom for the last 10 years. I only paid $50 for it back in '95. Sound isn't bad. Not like full fledged HT, but definitely worth the price. And you won't have to base the TV you buy on the speakers.

Also, they typically have a headphone type plug: Technically a stereo mini plug. If your plasma doesn't have a headphone jack, you can just get adaptors at Rat Shack to connect to the TV's audio out (usually a pair of RCA jacks).

Had a fascinating weekend. I went to every Best Buy in the local area (that's five of them) looking for open box receivers due to the 30% off coupon on open box there (see the Great Deals thread). Anyhow, I ran into a "Panasonic" rep at the first store I went to. He knew nothing about the PX500. He actually works for another company subcontracted by Panasonic (or so I gathered). He did have some sheets with some interesting info on them, including the sub-pixel controller and other things. Apparently Panasonic is putting these reps in the stores to answer questions about their products. I also noticed that quite a few of the other plasmas had nice pictures, as well as built in ATSC and two RF inputs (cable & antenna) which is what I really was hoping the px500 would have. Now I am not sure about going with the Panny, as it looks like competitive pressure has brought down the prices on the other brands to about where the Panny is, with the notable exception of SOny and Pioneer, which still remain grossly overpriced, even though they are beautiful sets.

I pointed out the green push to him, then we turned off the color management and turned down the tint and the picture was noticeably better. He looked at his materials and noted to me that the blue pixels on the PX50 are bigger than the red pixels. He said this is because blue is not as bright as red, so to get equal brightness, they make the blue pixels bigger. He theorized that this explained the green push, because with bigger blue pixels combined with attempting to show yellow on the screen, leads to a greenish cast on the yellows. It made sense to me at the time. He even showed me a little diagram showing the bigger blue pixels.

Any comments on this theory?


Darren

BTW: He does think BB will be carrying the PX500.

"He knew nothing about the PX500."

"He does think BB will be carrying the PX500."

???

"He knew nothing about the PX500."

"He does think BB will be carrying the PX500."

???

He had heard of them. He did not know the feature set. Since it is not Onyx, he thinks BB will carry them. Sorry if that was confusing.

Darren

Just a quick update for those hoping to spend Independence Day gazing at a new plasma instead of live fireworks: I just got off the phone with a sales guy at Tweeter here in NoVA, and the will not have a truck run from the warehouse to the store on the 4th. (Go figure ;) ) I'm guessing that goes for most of their locations, which means (at the earliest) Tuesday the 5th in stores for the impatient.


I'll second that. My 500U was supposed to ship today direct from Panasonic, but when I called to confirm I was informed the ship date was pushed back to Wednesday. There goes my long weekend movie marathon :( . I was looking forward to a big screen showing of Saving Private Ryan on the 4th.

Just another data point: the TV/Home Theater store where I bought my PX500U (and I'm still eagerly waiting to get) is only carrying the PD50U and PX500U. I would be surprised if BB and the majority of other stores carry all 3 models.

Come on Panasonic: ship, ship, ship!!!

I am not sure about going with the Panny, as it looks like competitive pressure has brought down the prices on the other brands to about where the Panny is, with the notable exception of SOny and Pioneer, which still remain grossly overpriced, even though they are beautiful sets.You can buy an Akai 1366 x 768 50" HD-PDP at Sam's Club:)

LOL!! thanks Twiligher! I see my reputation precedes me!:D

i wonder if they'll be @ msrp? I'm not too familiar with these guys i've always shopped at CC or BB. how do they compare as far as pricing, exchange policy, customer service, etc.?

I know it will be below MSRP (assuming that is what's listed on the panny site), but I don't think they will be 100% certain about the price until they have them in store.

As for shopping experience, I have not shopped there before, but have a few friends that have and were happy with them. Pretty standard 30 day satisfaction guarantee and somewhat knowledgeable people. (I.e. don't expect answers to most of the nitty gritty that is discussed here on avsforum.) Couldn't tell you about customer service.

I pointed out the green push to him, then we turned off the color management and turned down the tint and the picture was noticeably better. He looked at his materials and noted to me that the blue pixels on the PX50 are bigger than the red pixels. He said this is because blue is not as bright as red, so to get equal brightness, they make the blue pixels bigger. He theorized that this explained the green push, because with bigger blue pixels combined with attempting to show yellow on the screen, leads to a greenish cast on the yellows. It made sense to me at the time. He even showed me a little diagram showing the bigger blue pixels.

Any comments on this theory?


Darren

BTW: He does think BB will be carrying the PX500.

I, for one, think the whole green thing has been badly overblown. The only reason why it has legs at all is because people were flocking to this thread (and others) complaining about green push that they saw at B&Ms. Nearly all of them either didn't bother to look at picture settings or didn't consider it. With color management turned on (by default), most yellows become green and stand out like a sore thumb. With the setting turned off, the TV looks like all the other plasmas in their rendition of green and yellow. It's only with certain yellows does the Panny render them slightly green. The Pios are even worse in this regard. BTW, my tint setting is at -2 which is hardly anything to compensate for any green over-saturation.

It's unfortunate that many have been scared off by the green thing.....some even getting a Pio instead. Ironic since they will be going to a TV with an even worse green problem than the new Pannys.

I, for one, think the whole green thing has been badly overblown. The only reason why it has legs at all is because people were flocking to this thread (and others) complaining about green push that they saw at B&Ms. Nearly all of them either didn't bother to look at picture settings or didn't consider it. With color management turned on (by default), most yellows become green and stand out like a sore thumb. With the setting turned off, the TV looks like all the other plasmas in their rendition of green and yellow. It's only with certain yellows does the Panny render them slightly green. The Pios are even worse in this regard. BTW, my tint setting is at -2 which is hardly anything to compensate for any green over-saturation.

It's unfortunate that many have been scared off by the green thing.....some even getting a Pio instead. Ironic since they will be going to a TV with an even worse green problem than the new Pannys.

I agree that it is overblown and shouldnt even be a factor in making a decision on weather or not to buy it, but i think it does exist and canot be perfectly fixed by changing settings. I used the thx optimizer last night that comes on the incredibles dvd, and the only way I could get the yellow in the color graph to look yellow was to push wayyy to far on the red. In watching the movie though, or watching tv for the last month and a half, I havent once said "Damn that green/yellow looks horrible", i havent even noticed it. And we dont watch test patterns all day, so it is basically a non-issue to me.

does anybody have the dimensions of the 50 inch panny box??? Not sure if it will fit in a van, the 37 was kind of tight and im guessing the 50 is at least 13 inches taller. I did a quick search but couldnt find it thanks

Have a CableCARD installed in your PDP and you will see no evidence of "green push."

Have a CableCARD installed in your PDP and you will see no evidence of "green push." ;) Installing a cablecard has also been reported to make you more regular, lose weight, improve virility, ease migraine headaches and more. Taken along with a daily dose of St Johns Wort, a cablecard improves memory, problem solving abilities, and creative thinking.

Before installing a cablecard or other over-evangelized technology, please consult your physician. ;)

A cablecard and $3.60 will buy you a grande caramel latte at Starbucks. :)

;) Installing a cablecard has also been reported to make you more regular, lose weight, improve virility, ease migraine headaches and more. Taken along with a daily dose of St Johns Wort, a cablecard improves memory, problem solving abilities, and creative thinking.

Before installing a cablecard or other over-evangelized technology, please consult your physician. ;)

A cablecard and $3.60 will buy you a grande caramel latte at Starbucks. :)

...it even does the dishes!

...and if you call right now, we'll throw in a second cable card at no additional cost. :)

LOL!

Drivie

;) Installing a cablecard has also been reported to make you more regular, lose weight, improve virility, ease migraine headaches and more. Taken along with a daily dose of St Johns Wort, a cablecard improves memory, problem solving abilities, and creative thinking.

Before installing a cablecard or other over-evangelized technology, please consult your physician. ;)

A cablecard and $3.60 will buy you a grande caramel latte at Starbucks. :)

...it even does the dishes!

...and if you call right now, we'll throw in a second cable card at no additional cost. :)

LOL!

DrivieRemain constipated... if that's your preference... I've got your 'STB' right here! ;)

How does a cable card work with a DVR? What is the typical setup?

How does a cable card work with a DVR? What is the typical setup?
A cable card doesn't work with a DVR. Current cable cards are one-way, so no PPV or enhanced program guide. It is currently a replacement for a simple cable STB.
If you don't have a DVR, it is great for saving space. The px500 would be a good match, since it includes a program guide.

For me, I would give up my soon-to-be-delivered plasma before I'd give up my HD Tivo! :D

How does a cable card work with a DVR? What is the typical setup?


No cable co has or will have a dvr that uses a cable card. Sony just introduced a dvr that uses a cable card but it uses that problematic TV Guide software. Here is the link to a discussion on it if you are interested....

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=537711

Have a CableCARD installed in your PDP and you will see no evidence of "green push."

I don't have a CableCard, but i have tried both the ATSC tuner and the Cable tuner (without a CableCard inserted) and i still get the green push. From what i understand the CableCard would give me the additional "digital" and HD channels that i'm already subscribing to but i don't see how it can eliminate my green push that i'm already getting on the analog channels through the TV's internal tuner.

I also get green push with my SA8000 via S-Video or Composite, and with my SA8000HD via Component, and through both my VCRs connected via composite. I have it dialed almost completely out in the user menu but it's there no matter what the source is.

Thanks for the response and advice as I'm still trying to catch up with these new fancy gadgets. I currently use a large wooden RCA console TV that has pin dials for 'tint' and 'color'. The top 1" of my screen is skewed to the right. I'm hoping a PX500 will be an improvement...

From what I hear DVRs are almost as important as electricity so that gives me something to think about. I'm guessing that's also where the on-screen display gets data from so having no cable card would kick that feature too. :( (Not too familiar with the on-screen display if that works with other inputs from dish or cable STB or what...)

That leaves cable or satellite STB which has been pointed out to have less quality than the direct cable card connection.

Although I suppose at $3 a month, it wouldn't hurt to have both the card and STB+DVR via HDMI? Switch inputs when playing back? Is that possible?

;) Installing a cablecard has also been reported to make you more regular, lose weight, improve virility, ease migraine headaches and more. Taken along with a daily dose of St Johns Wort, a cablecard improves memory, problem solving abilities, and creative thinking.

Before installing a cablecard or other over-evangelized technology, please consult your physician. ;)

A cablecard and $3.60 will buy you a grande caramel latte at Starbucks. :)

lmao. Can I say lmao on here?

Darren

From what I hear DVRs are almost as important as electricity so that gives me something to think about.You are correct sir... What would we do if we were unable to watch a time-shifted recording of "Joey?" :eek:

You are correct sir... What would we do if we were unable to watch a time-shifted recording of "Joey?" :eek:

Or maybe we should let our 4 year old watch the same programs we do. ;)

There are very MAJOR benefits to time-shifting for parents. :p

Or maybe we should let our 4 year old watch the same programs we do. ;)

There are very MAJOR benefits to time-shifting for parents. :pResponsible parents have put their 4-year-olds to bed by the time Deadwood airs on HBO. ;)

Most parents have put their 4-year-olds to bed by the time Deadwood airs on HBO. ;)

Yes, but we happen to have a persistently sly little girl that likes to sneak out of bed. I have to be very careful about what is on the tube until it is verified that she is asleep. :D

At least we care what our kids watch. ;)



EDIT: I would say that our actions make us very responsible !

lmao. Can I say lmao on here?

Darren

SURE you can! (What does it mean???) :confused:

SURE you can! (What does it mean???) :confused:

lmao = laughing my a$$ off...

If I get a video processor (iScan, Lumagen, etc); can I then stretch a 4:3 HD material through the external video processor with a Panasonic 42PX50 to then view as 16:9?

If that is possible, does anyone have a recommendation on a non-linear video processor, so I can do a stretch mode that does what the Panasonic "Just" mode does?

Thanks
Jeff

From what I hear DVRs are almost as important as electricity so that gives me something to think about. I'm guessing that's also where the on-screen display gets data from so having no cable card would kick that feature too. :( (Not too familiar with the on-screen display if that works with other inputs from dish or cable STB or what...)
The PX500's builtin program guide will work with cable or OTA antenna, and will provide 8 days of programming info, according to the manual.
That leaves cable or satellite STB which has been pointed out to have less quality than the direct cable card connection.
Optivity is the only poster I've noticed claiming higer quality via cable card. Less noise and artifacts, maybe, but he also claims deeper blacks and no green push as well, which I find highly doubtful. Green push is attributed to Panasonics color management, which takes place after the signal is input to the plasma.
A more rational explanation(someone else has already posted this) is that Optivity's cable box may have been outputting a lousy signal, hence when switching to cablecard there was an improvement in PQ.
Optivity is an avid advocate of the cablecard(maybe we works for the cablecard manufacturer? ;) ) and I'm not questioning his experience with it. I'm just pointing out that it is only one data point, and there are a lot of variables that go into a good picture. Just keep that in mind in your decision-making.Although I suppose at $3 a month, it wouldn't hurt to have both the card and STB+DVR via HDMI? Switch inputs when playing back? Is that possible?Yes, that's possible, and as Optivity wisely recommends, that's a small price to pay to try it out and see for yourself. After all, it all come down to what looks best to you.

The PX500's builtin program guide will work with cable or OTA antenna, and will provide 8 days of programming info, according to the manual.
Optivity is the only poster I've noticed claiming higer quality via cable card. Less noise and artifacts, maybe, but he also claims deeper blacks and no green push as well, which I find highly doubtful. Green push is attributed to Panasonics color management, which takes place after the signal is input to the plasma.
A more rational explanation(someone else has already posted this) is that Optivity's cable box may have been outputting a lousy signal, hence when switching to cablecard there was an improvement in PQ.
Optivity is an avid advocate of the cablecard(maybe we works for the cablecard manufacturer? ;) ) and I'm not questioning his experience with it. I'm just pointing out that it is only one data point, and there are a lot of variables that go into a good picture. Just keep that in mind in your decision-making.Yes, that's possible, and as Optivity wisely recommends, that's a small price to pay to try it out and see for yourself. After all, it all come down to what looks best to you.

I am using a cable card with my Pioneer 5050 and I agree with Optivity that it does render a better picture than my old SA 8300. I highly doubt that his cablebox is sending a lousy signal...more like there is a D/A conversion going on for all outputs including hdmi/dvi ports.

You are correct sir... What would we do if we were unable to watch a time-shifted recording of "Joey?" :eek:
I agree that if all you want a DVR for is to time-shift Joey, then it would be a waste of time. But it would also demonstrate a lack of understanding of the benefits of a DVR.

There are major benefits to a DVR, as Mike__P points out.
1. skipping commercials saves time. You can watch a 1 hour show in 40 minutes.
2. Not missing episodes of a series because you weren't home.
3. You can watch what you want, when you want.
4. DVRs make it easy to find shows you want to watch. My HD Tivo lets me search for all movies directed by Alfred Hitchcock, for example.
5. Sports - instant replays in slow motion
6. Pausing TV when the phone rings, your child wants to talk to you, bathroom breaks, etc.
7. Recording two shows at the same time.
8. Being able to rewind the show when you didn't understand what was just said.
9. HD Tivo includes OTA tuners, which give the best PQ of all.

And I could go on...

I would argue, why buy an HD television and only be able to watch live TV, and without even a program guide to help find out what is on? Just to avoid a STB? If you like the simplicity of not having a STB, buy some long cables and put all your components in a closet.

Hey, I should be getting my 42PX500U this week and have been trying to order an articulating arm mount from peerless (PLA-1S)...my question is does anyone know if the back of the 500U is the same as the 50U for mounting purposes...I prefer not to have to wait until delivery to order the mount? I have spoken to the techs at peerless and they are not sure yet as no one has recieved the 500U yet...maybe I will be their guinea pig...

thanks,
Brad

lmao. Can I say lmao on here?

Yes you can. You just can't say lmfao here :D

I pointed out the green push to him, then we turned off the color management and turned down the tint and the picture was noticeably better. He looked at his materials and noted to me that the blue pixels on the PX50 are bigger than the red pixels. He said this is because blue is not as bright as red, so to get equal brightness, they make the blue pixels bigger. He theorized that this explained the green push, because with bigger blue pixels combined with attempting to show yellow on the screen, leads to a greenish cast on the yellows. It made sense to me at the time. He even showed me a little diagram showing the bigger blue pixels.

Any comments on this theory?


Darren

BTW: He does think BB will be carrying the PX500.

The "Blue Pixels" burn-out, ware-out (or what ever you want to call it) quicker than the Red and Green. All Phosphor based displays (Plasmas and CRTs) are designed and built this way. This is the first time that I have heard the word "Brightness" thrown into the equation.

Dave

Optivity is the only poster I've noticed claiming higer quality via cable card. Less noise and artifacts, maybe, but he also claims deeper blacks and no green push as well, which I find highly doubtful. Green push is attributed to Panasonics color management, which takes place after the signal is input to the plasma.
A more rational explanation(someone else has already posted this) is that Optivity's cable box may have been outputting a lousy signal, hence when switching to cablecard there was an improvement in PQ.
Optivity is an avid advocate of the cablecard(maybe we works for the cablecard manufacturer? ;) ) and I'm not questioning his experience with it. I'm just pointing out that it is only one data point, and there are a lot of variables that go into a good picture. Just keep that in mind in your decision-making.Yes, that's possible, and as Optivity wisely recommends, that's a small price to pay to try it out and see for yourself. After all, it all come down to what looks best to you.Albany Time Warner leases their SA PowerKEY CableCARD for $1.75 per month versus $13.95 for the SA8300HD-DVR. In the past three years I’ve used Time Warner’s SA8000/8300HD-DVRs with a Panasonic CT-36HL42 HD-ready CRT-TV. Prior to installing a CableCARD I had the opportunity to use a SA8300HD-DVR connected to my PDP over HDMI and component video. CableCARD technology offers the best means for CATV to transport a digital signal to your PDP. I’m confident Panasonic's internal tuner/scalar is superior to anything Scientific Atlanta currently offers. Of course all parts of your setup must be optimized to achieve superior performance. CATV providers fear the implementation of devices adhering to OpenCable standards. Soon there will be HD-Tivo like devices that include a CableCARD slot.

BTW... Optivity builds a better box... and has the fine eye for detail

Have I mentioned my 50PX50U renders a picture I call dead on?

Read my lips... there is no green push evident on my PX50U....

SpongBob Squarepants looks normal to me. :p

Should I post up some pictures for you?

The downside is... as a CATV digital 'pioneer' I'm experiencing how Content/CATV provider’s copy protect their data to manipulate their subscriber's into purchasing additional services.

Optivity,

No offense man but you spend so much time on this forum trumpeting the merits of the almighty cable card, it makes me wonder if you actually ever watch TV on your new plasma...? :p

Maybe you should consider designing a website devoted to cablecards with information on different models and different cable systems along with people's personal accounts of cablecard experience (good or bad) as a reference for people who are interested. Bruzzi has done something similar for Panasonic plasmas.

Drivie

Optivity,

No offense man but you spend so much time on this forum trumpeting the merits of the almighty cable card, it makes me wonder if you actually ever watch TV on your new plasma...? :p

Maybe you should consider designing a website devoted to cablecards with information on different models and different cable systems along with people's personal accounts of cablecard experience (good or bad) as a reference for people who are interested. Bruzzi has done something similar for Panasonic plasmas.

DrivieWell, it's a Tuesday night in late June so using your "program guide" please tell me what's on TV that I'd enjoy watching? :)

I don't see you watching TV either. :p

Personally, I don't give a rat's ass if you or anyone else on this thread spends the $1.75 per month to see what your TV looks like with a CableCARD? Who knows... perhaps you work for one of our illustrious CATV providers yourself?

Optivity,

No offense man but you spend so much time on this forum trumpeting the merits of the almighty cable card, it makes me wonder if you actually ever watch TV on your new plasma...? :p

Maybe you should consider designing a website devoted to cablecards with information on different models and different cable systems along with people's personal accounts of cablecard experience (good or bad) as a reference for people who are interested. Bruzzi has done something similar for Panasonic plasmas.

Drivie

whoa, take it easy. not sure why you're on this thred, but I'm here to learn about other people's setups, experiences, opinions and to share information with one another in order to improve the quality of my own setup. Optivity is merely sharing his experience and improved PQ after switching from his DVR to a CC! After hearing his great experience with it, along with a few others that have had a good experience, I'm certainly going to give it a try on my px500. why not? if it gives me a better picture, I want it! Anyway, just thought your comment was a bit uncalled for. Everyone has specific things that are important to them, don't crap on someone else just cause it's not yours! No offense.

whoa, take it easy. not sure why you're on this thred, but I'm here to learn about other people's setups, experiences, opinions and to share information with one another in order to improve the quality of my own setup. Optivity is merely sharing his experience and improved PQ after switching from his DVR to a CC! After hearing his great experience with it, along with a few others that have had a good experience, I'm certainly going to give it a try on my px500. why not? if it gives me a better picture, I want it! Anyway, just thought your comment was a bit uncalled for. Everyone has specific things that are important to them, don't crap on someone else just cause it's not yours! No offense.

Cappa, lighten up man...we're all here for the same reasons. I'm just giving Optivity a hard time because he's continually beating us over the head with his cable card posts. I know he's probably excited and that's why he keeps mentioning it. Just funnin' with him.

Optivity, June is not the best month for TV but if I already had a plasma like you, I'd be watching anything just to see it on the plasma...hehe! Oh...and I have a DVR so there's pretty much always something to watch.

Drivie

PS - No need to get grumpy or accusatory, I'm just yanking your chain. ;) (note the smileys in my posts)

Cappa, lighten up man...we're all here for the same reasons. I'm just giving Optivity a hard time because he's continually beating us over the head with his cable card posts. I know he's probably excited and that's why he keeps mentioning it. Just funnin' with him.

Optivity, June is not the best month for TV but if I already had a plasma like you, I'd be watching anything just to see it on the plasma...hehe! Oh...and I have a DVR so there's pretty much always something to watch.

Drivie

PS - No need to get grumpy or accusatory, I'm just yanking your chain. ;) (note the smileys in my posts)
AIN'T LIFE GREAT?

Cappa, lighten up man...we're all here for the same reasons. I'm just giving Optivity a hard time because he's continually beating us over the head with his cable card posts. I know he's probably excited and that's why he keeps mentioning it. Just funnin' with him.

Optivity, June is not the best month for TV but if I already had a plasma like you, I'd be watching anything just to see it on the plasma...hehe! Oh...and I have a DVR so there's pretty much always something to watch.

Drivie

PS - No need to get grumpy or accusatory, I'm just yanking your chain. ;) (note the smileys in my posts)OK gents... I'll try and simmer down. Really this is just my current hobby. Someday I'd like to own a 30' boat too! My advocacy of the CableCARD arises from all the Panasonic "green push" hysteria that is experienced by those who don't understand the technology and are basically clueless about how to implement it. :rolleyes:

These references may help you to understand what CableCARD technology has to offer:

''A PowerKEY CableCARD Module" (http://www.sciatl.com/customers/source/4004543.pdf)

"SA Subscriber Networks, System Release 2.2/3.2 Service Pack 2" (http://www.sciatl.com/customers/Source/7005738.pdf#search='cablecard%20scientific%20atlanta%20ecm')

"CableLabs CableCARD Specifications" (http://www.opencable.com/specifications/)

optivity: I think you just like to be controversial :) Arguing that DVR doesn't rank up there with (as someone put it) "electricity" is definitely a minority view point. Come on, just join in the tyrany of the majority and agree to the following:
1) Your PDP has massive green push, you are mad you ever bought it and are contemplating a class action lawsuit.
2) HD-DVR is the way to go, you are only pushing the cable card because you receive kick backs from every major cable company and the manufacturers of the cable cards and are using the money to fund terrorist cells.
3) You secretly own the complete "Joey" season on DVD, which is why you can safely claim that TV is worthless and there is nothing worth watching.

And in case anyone didn't catch it, I am being sarcastic. I appreciate the opinions that everyone posts. BTW- go with Dish or DirecTV and the whole cablecard thing is a moot point :)

Soon there will be HD-Tivo like devices that include a CableCARD slot.



Actually, "soon" is late last month, early this month when Sony released the DHG-HDD250 and DHG-HDD500. (Hope I got the model numbers right) It gets cable and OTA HD reception, and takes a cable card. Pretty cool stuff, some people had problems with the TVGuide (which will also be on the PX500's) but the only thing stopping me from getting it is the price. It actually does what I was hoping the PX500's would do...integrated Cable HD and OTA HD into a single menu, and can get both at the same time. It solve the problem that some of us have whose cable companies do not carry all the local HD channels we can get OTA.

Sorry for the slightly off-topic post. But it is relevant to cable cards, which is what this thread is about right? ;)

Wonder if anyone bought the DVR integrated LG plasma yet. Maybe the 9th generation Panny plasma will have integrated DVR. Truly no reason not to go with CableCard in that case.

And only one HDMI input needed, for the DVD player.

Will they make a plasma with integrated HD-DVD player in the future? Side loading of course :)

I personally don't want an integrated anything in a new plasma...especially an HD-DVD player...that would pretty much guarantee the failure of the format and then require me to get something to play the Blu-Ray discs...:)

Optivity...if you need something to watch on Tuesday nights, check out "House" on Fox (at 9pm for you stone agers who actually have to watch shows when they start :p ) - sorry man, had to pile on there. Just kidding with you.
Good show and some of Fox's best HD work, IMO. That show always looks great I think, especially for Fox. I'm sure you missed it because you were watching "I want to be a Hilton"...

I personally don't want an integrated anything in a new plasma...especially an HD-DVD player...that would pretty much guarantee the failure of the format and then require me to get something to play the Blu-Ray discs...:)

Optivity...if you need something to watch on Tuesday nights, check out "House" on Fox (at 9pm for you stone agers who actually have to watch shows when they start :p ) - sorry man, had to pile on there. Just kidding with you.
Good show and some of Fox's best HD work, IMO. That show always looks great I think, especially for Fox. I'm sure you missed it because you were watching "I want to be a Hilton"...I say bring back the greatest not-so-reality TV show ever... "My BIG FAT Obnoxious Fiancé." :D

Actually, I discovered "House" last Fall and enjoy watching this show. While "House" is an example of how good HDTV can be, generally repeats of shows I've already seen don't interest me. ;)

I, for one, think the whole green thing has been badly overblown. The only reason why it has legs at all is because people were flocking to this thread (and others) complaining about green push that they saw at B&Ms. Nearly all of them either didn't bother to look at picture settings or didn't consider it. With color management turned on (by default), most yellows become green and stand out like a sore thumb. With the setting turned off, the TV looks like all the other plasmas in their rendition of green and yellow. It's only with certain yellows does the Panny render them slightly green. The Pios are even worse in this regard. BTW, my tint setting is at -2 which is hardly anything to compensate for any green over-saturation.

It's unfortunate that many have been scared off by the green thing.....some even getting a Pio instead. Ironic since they will be going to a TV with an even worse green problem than the new Pannys.

I am so scared of the "neon-green over yellow" that I am considering the Samsung SP-R4232.

px500's can now be added to your cart on Panasonic.com. Their website estimates shipping time as 1 business day. Hopefully that means mine will actually ship today, and that retailers should be getting theirs shipped as well.
Of course, their website blows chunks, so take that with a grain of salt.

I am so scared of the "neon-green over yellow" that I am considering the Samsung SP-R4232.

Don't be afraid of the neon-green issue. It seems to only affect some of these TVs as plenty of people report no green issues at all. As long as you turn the Color Management setting to OFF that drastically reduces it right there. Just about all of us have been able to dial the green tinted yellows almost completely out via the TINT and COLOR settings to the point that we see some slight green tint only on some yellow items on the screen but the vast majority of the time yellows look yellow.

I directly compared the picture quality of the SP-R4232 against the 42PD50U at three different stores that had both on display and the Panny had a noticeable better picture every time. Unless you really need the extra features and flexability that the Sammy provides and are willing to settle for lesser picture quality, the Panny is the better display. I really wanted to like the Sammy but it's PQ is simply not in the same league as the Panny, and PQ is the most important part of Plasma ownership!

px500's can now be added to your cart on Panasonic.com. Their website estimates shipping time as 1 business day. Hopefully that means mine will actually ship today, and that retailers should be getting theirs shipped as well.
Of course, their website blows chunks, so take that with a grain of salt.Oh no!!! :eek:

With all these reports of the "dreaded neon green push" gremlins...

you still bought a PX500U? :confused:

I don't have a CableCard, but i have tried both the ATSC tuner and the Cable tuner (without a CableCard inserted) and i still get the green push. From what i understand the CableCard would give me the additional "digital" and HD channels that i'm already subscribing to but i don't see how it can eliminate my green push that i'm already getting on the analog channels through the TV's internal tuner

I also get green push with my SA8000 via S-Video or Composite, and with my SA8000HD via Component, and through both my VCRs connected via composite. I have it dialed almost completely out in the user menu but it's there no matter what the source is..CableCARD technology doesn't necessarily preclude the possibility there may be some other problem with your TV/calibration/home-setup/content provider... etc., all unrelated to the CableCARD.

Don't be afraid of the neon-green issue. It seems to only affect some of these TVs as plenty of people report no green issues at all. As long as you turn the Color Management setting to OFF that drastically reduces it right there. Just about all of us have been able to dial the green tinted yellows almost completely out via the TINT and COLOR settings to the point that we see some slight green tint only on some yellow items on the screen but the vast majority of the time yellows look yellow.

I directly compared the picture quality of the SP-R4232 against the 42PD50U at three different stores that had both on display and the Panny had a noticeable better picture every time. Unless you really need the extra features and flexability that the Sammy provides and are willing to settle for lesser picture quality, the Panny is the better display. I really wanted to like the Sammy but it's PQ is simply not in the same league as the Panny, and PQ is the most important part of Plasma ownership!

Best thing for people to do is to go to CC or similar place with a good HD feed and lots of plasmas to compare by.....so you can convince yourself that 'neon-green' is entirely a false forum effect issue. Unless your TV is defective, the issue doesn't exist (if color management is turned off....which, BTW, seems to serve no useful function). I'm convinced of it.

On the other hand there is a separate green push issue that some are burdened by. Not neon but just more of it than what is neutral. Pios have the same characteristic even worse. In fact it is very common in plasmas if you read enough reviews. Most of the time you don't notice it at all 'cause it doesn't present itself as a green tinge on everything (unlike some Pios) but just that there is more or brighter green in foilage or whatnot than usual. And whatever error there is I think is very small. This is not new in the Pannys as the last generation have the same characteristic in the consumer models. In the end, I don't think about it anymore unless I'm replying to posts.

Oh no!!! :eek:

With all these reports of the "dreaded neon green push" gremlins...

you still bought a PX500U? :confused:

:)
Absolutely! :p I saw green push on the px50 at Circuit City, and after 90 seconds in the user menu I had it eliminated. I'm pretty savvy with home electronics equipment, and I'm willing to venture into the service menu if I need to, so I'm confident I'll be happy with the picture. Not that I have much choice - my employee discount makes it hard to buy anything but a Panasonic.

does anybody have the dimensions of the 50 inch panny box??? Not sure if it will fit in a van, the 37 was kind of tight and im guessing the 50 is at least 13 inches taller. I did a quick search but couldnt find it thanks

My TH-50PX50U Carton measures 41.5"H X 57"W X 20.5"D. There is no inner carton protecting the screen. Just a thin plastic bag and a thin foam sheet over the top third.

Both carton and panel marked, "Made in Japan".

:)
Absolutely! :p I saw green push on the px50 at Circuit City, and after 90 seconds in the user menu I had it eliminated. I'm pretty savvy with home electronics equipment, and I'm willing to venture into the service menu if I need to, so I'm confident I'll be happy with the picture. Not that I have much choice - my employee discount makes it hard to buy anything but a Panasonic.IMO... you've made a good choice and should enjoy your PDP for many years to come. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding the proper break-in procedures for your new panel. ;)

Best thing for people to do is to go to CC or similar place with a good HD feed and lots of plasmas to compare by.....so you can convince yourself that 'neon-green' is entirely a false forum effect issue. Unless your TV is defective, the issue doesn't exist (if color management is turned off....which, BTW, seems to serve no useful function). I'm convinced of it.

On the other hand there is a separate green push issue that some are burdened by. Not neon but just more of it than what is neutral. Pios have the same characteristic even worse. In fact it is very common in plasmas if you read enough reviews. Most of the time you don't notice it at all 'cause it doesn't present itself as a green tinge on everything (unlike some Pios) but just that there is more or brighter green in foilage or whatnot than usual. And whatever error there is I think is very small. This is not new in the Pannys as the last generation have the same characteristic in the consumer models. In the end, I don't think about it anymore unless I'm replying to posts.

DanP, no offense but how many actual Pioneer owners have complained about a green push on there display? Are you still talking about the 40 series Pioneers? Well, yes they do have a green tint to them. But the 50 series....nothing like the 40 series or other manufacturers. If you where to visit the official Pioneer thread you would see no one is complaining. You are correct in the fact that ALL consumer manufactures "saturate" greens on their display. Its a marketing thing so I would not call it an issue if ALL are doing it to market their display. You may prefer your greens to be less intense where others like them the way they are. What most of us really need to do is stop bitchin' and complaining about what is wrong with the display and just sit back and enjoy the beautiful picture that they render. if you really don't like it, take it back and move on....you spent the money on it. As I've said in other threads, if you want the perfect plasma, contact whatever God you believe in and ask them to build you one. Man is incapable of perfection...always remember that.

DanP, no offense but how many actual Pioneer owners have complained about a green push on there display? Are you still talking about the 40 series Pioneers? Well, yes they do have a green tint to them. But the 50 series....nothing like the 40 series or other manufacturers. If you where to visit the official Pioneer thread you would see no one is complaining.

D-Nice, I saw this myself at CC a few weeks ago when I was investigating green push in the new Pannys. Watching either Discovery HD or HDnet and a variety of plasmas on the wall, the 5050 exhibited more green push than any plasma I saw. I remember one scene in particular......an advertisement or promo where, at the end, a yellow-green logo appeared on the screen for about 5 seconds. A solid static image. The first TV that grabbed my attention was the 5050 cause it had signficantly more green in it than the other plasmas I was viewing.

Why no one is complaining....I have no idea. Why are not 40 series owners complaining when it has been cited in two separate reviews as having substantial green push? Maybe because it hasn't been such a high profile issue as it has been in the Panny threads. And green has been a *very* high profile issue. Or maybe Pio owners are not looking for it. The excessive green doesn't smack you in the face with most program material, that's for sure. You have to look for it but when you do it is there. Still, I think the Pios are fine TVs and wouldn't mind owning one.

My son is watching Sponge Bob on our new 5050 as I type. Spongie is YELLOW (as he should be), not green. I'm using an HDMI hookup from a Dish 942. There is zero green push on my set. Looking at Avia via a 59AVI also using HDMI detected no green issues. The OOTB color is almost perfect.

Spongie appears in a variety of colors. I'll try to find something independent....a review or something that could sustantiate what I saw. But, I am sure of what I saw.

Spongie appears in a variety of colors. I'll try to find something independent....a review or something that could sustantiate what I saw. But, I am sure of what I saw.

http://reviews.cnet.com/Pioneer_PDP_5050HD/4505-6482_7-31302910-5.html?tag=top

First paragraph.

:)
Absolutely! :p I saw green push on the px50 at Circuit City, and after 90 seconds in the user menu I had it eliminated. I'm pretty savvy with home electronics equipment, and I'm willing to venture into the service menu if I need to, so I'm confident I'll be happy with the picture. Not that I have much choice - my employee discount makes it hard to buy anything but a Panasonic.

I had a bit of green push after turning color management off and turning the tint down to -2. I went into the service menu and turned down the green tint a bit and i am thrilled with the results. I still get a bit on SD cable but none at all on HD content. And yes from all the research and reviews i have read, all PDP's seem to suffer from this, so don't let it affect your decision on purchasing the Panies. I love my ED PD50U, and so has everyone who has seen it, and you know what? People have even stated they like the silver frame, imagine that.

D-Nice, I saw this myself at CC a few weeks ago when I was investigating green push in the new Pannys. Watching either Discovery HD or HDnet and a variety of plasmas on the wall, the 5050 exhibited more green push than any plasma I saw. I remember one scene in particular......an advertisement or promo where, at the end, a yellow-green logo appeared on the screen for about 5 seconds. A solid static image. The first TV that grabbed my attention was the 5050 cause it had signficantly more green in it than the other plasmas I was viewing.

Why no one is complaining....I have no idea. Why are not 40 series owners complaining when it has been cited in two separate reviews as having substantial green push? Maybe because it hasn't been such a high profile issue as it has been in the Panny threads. And green has been a *very* high profile issue. Or maybe Pio owners are not looking for it. The excessive green doesn't smack you in the face with most program material, that's for sure. You have to look for it but when you do it is there. Still, I think the Pios are fine TVs and wouldn't mind owning one.

Ok,

Fair, you saw this in CC. Did you look at the connections? Did you attempt to get the remote and fine tune the settings? Where all the other plasmas connected the same way the Pioneer was? Did you go to another location to verify that what you saw was actually caused by the series or just the connections at that store. We all know that what you see in the stores should not be your final judgment on something. As most do on this forum asking actual owners how they like the panel you are investigating is far more reliable info as they would be able to give you the most accurate "opinion" on how their panel operates, looks, etc. The 50 series does not bleed green into other colors as you depict...even though you have said you saw that in CC. No Pioneer owner of the 50 series on this forum has complained about what you saw on one Pioneer panel in CC. Why? Maybe because it really doesn't exist on the panel(s) that they have in there home? Why do we spend so much time trying to find faults on things? Lets just enjoy our TVs.

Sorry Panny guys for hijacking your thread :)

D-Nice, did you see the link I posted two messages up? Quoting:

"Grays did appear a bit too greenish on the bottom of the scale, however, an effect easily visible in skin tones and dark material."

It's the 5050HD they are referring to.

To answer a couple of your other points......

User calibration at CC? Yes.

I never claimed the Pios bleed green into other colors.

The reason why I went to CC in the first place was not to compile a problem list for the 5050HD. I was coming up on my return deadline for the 50u and I wanted to confirm to myself that all the green push talk was due to the color management setting on the TV. It just happens the 5050 was there as were many other plasmas. I found that, yes, in fact, color management "on" created all the neon greens people were talking about.

Still curious, I user calibrated the 5050 because it was my second choice next to the 50u. Surprisingly, I then noticed the green push in the Pio. It stood out on the 5050 compared to all other plasmas in the room. This after 40 minutes of viewing. Why even point this out. For only one reason.....if you are running from the current Panny plasmas to the Pios to get away from green push you are going in the wrong direction. Further, the current generation Pannys and Pios are for many, at the top of decision review list when evaluating a purchase. Every review of every Pio that I've seen (four or five) mention excessive greens in the Pios. Similarly a review I saw of the last generation Panny in the Perfect Vision also mention green push. I don't know why the owners of the Pios address this in their threads. They are not hard to find. I am not saying that the Pios have green push and the Pannys don't.....they *both* have it.

Dan P.,

I did the same thing this past week:

"The reason why I went to CC in the first place was not to compile a problem list for the 5050HD. I was coming up on my return deadline for the 50u and I wanted to confirm to myself that all the green push talk was due to the color management setting on the TV. It just happens the 5050 was there as were many other plasmas. I found that, yes, in fact, color management "on" created all the neon greens people were talking about."

I even brought the Sponge Bob movie with me and I saw the same types of issues on the 5050HD as on the Panny. Sponge Bob is more green in that movie than he normally is. Sponge Bob looked no better on the 5050HD than he did on the Panny.

They did have a Panasonic there with Color Management on and it definelely showed a green push...al we had to do was turn it off and things were yellow again.

If you are running away from Panny to any plasma, you are going in the wrong direction as ALL emphasize green because "marketing" says that most people buy large TVs for watching games. Yes I did see the Cnet review and I didn't look at it twice a I know that myself (20/20 vision) and all persons that have visited my house have never once stated to me that the picture look bad or something is wrong with the colors. That is what counts for me. I would probably care more about what Cnet or any other magazine says if they contributed funds to the purchase of my 3 Pioneer plasmas. Until then, they are worthless to me and I prefer to listen to owners of the sets that I tend to buy. For the record, the Panny green issue can be corrected with a color management setting of "off" or going into the SM to change a setting to 0. NO Pioneer 50 series owner has verified your claim of "green push", on their sets. Next time you go to CC, try reducing the color on the Pioneer 50 series between -8 to -6 and see what happens to saturated greens. Now lets move on

Say, I noticed the box for my Panasonic TH42PD50U says Made in Japan, but I forgot to check the panel itself before setting it up. Is the carton itself a reliable indicator? Or do the Mexican ones come with a Made in Japan box too?

Not that it necessarily matters, my 8-year-old Sony 27" was made in Mexico and is still running like a champ.

Dan P.,

I did the same thing this past week:

"The reason why I went to CC in the first place was not to compile a problem list for the 5050HD. I was coming up on my return deadline for the 50u and I wanted to confirm to myself that all the green push talk was due to the color management setting on the TV. It just happens the 5050 was there as were many other plasmas. I found that, yes, in fact, color management "on" created all the neon greens people were talking about."

I even brought the Sponge Bob movie with me and I saw the same types of issues on the 5050HD as on the Panny. Sponge Bob is more green in that movie than he normally is. Sponge Bob looked no better on the 5050HD than he did on the Panny.

They did have a Panasonic there with Color Management on and it definelely showed a green push...al we had to do was turn it off and things were yellow again.

On every TV i've seen, plasma, dlp, crt, ect....Spongebob is suppose to have a green "tint" on his sides. I guess its suppose to represent shadows or something. If you really want to know what color Spongebob is suppose to be on TV, try contacting the source...Nickelodeon.

Say, I noticed the box for my Panasonic TH42PD50U says Made in Japan, but I forgot to check the panel itself before setting it up. Is the carton itself a reliable indicator? Or do the Mexican ones come with a Made in Japan box too?

Not that it necessarily matters, my 8-year-old Sony 27" was made in Mexico and is still running like a champ.


Check and see where is was assembled. Also, check the manufacture date as the first batch was made in Japan.

On every TV i've seen, plasma, dlp, crt, ect....Spongebob is suppose to have a green "tint" on his sides. I guess its suppose to represent shadows or something. If you really want to know what color Spongebob is suppose to be on TV, try contacting the source...Nickelodeon.

Same here, i checked his color on 5 different TVs and probably a half-dozen various computer monitors at work and his face has a slight green tint to it. He is not a good indicator of true yellow by any means. I use images of hot buttered corn on the cob, NYC taxi cabs, and the Pennzoil sponsored NASCAR racer as well as other various yellow roadracing cars i'm familiar with. I used these sources to dial out my green push (got it about 95% gone).

My thoughts on the CNET review: Thanks for the honest personal opinion..but..what was it hooked up with?? It sounds like to me (just guessing from the way he is explaining it) is Standard content along with a bad or possibly faulty connection possibly. Was it digital or analog? What was the color setting you had it on, besides the calibration part of it.

Not every panel in any brand is ever perfect and its better to be safe than sorry to read up on your information. Chances are one in a few that he might have had an odd ball set that was not up to parr. As for the reviews on Cnet I would suggest not take to heart. After all, check out the list of "people to purchase from" only the CC B&M store is authorized(authorized means manufactures warranty, product support from Pioneer along with the company you've purchased from), the other people are not..on top of that you know they are not if their prices are posted up onto how much they are selling it for! Any authorized dealer for online selling is not able to post their price on this model for eyes to see, its a call in item.

If ANYONE, D-Nice would be by FAR the best man to get opinions from since he purchase both the PDP4350HD & the PDP-5050HD from me and also owns the PDP-4340HD...as well as like 7 other plasma's..One in every room :D He can give you the best feedback I know as far as what he see's and what he likes about one vs. the other. Thus, agreeing with him personal feedback from owners on these models are by far the best, thats what this forum is for :)

As for feedback on the "green push" aka...gremlins (I like that btw...) on the Pioneer's..none what so ever from anyone that has purchased from me personally...Panasonic almost immediatly after people plug their set in they call in about seeing it before I even have a chance to make a follow up call with them. Granite, some plasma's people look red as a cherry, blue like pappa smurf, or green gremlins but have not heard any complaints on the new Pioneer PDP-xx50HD model. Its pretty much the same as the Elite w/out the bells and whistles, same ACE III generation that has an excellent color process in there to give you more of a natural look to people...as far as what I have seen(yes, I have an opinion to :) lol...) and feedback from people as well is people look more flesh is one of the great features on Pioneer. I have seen the panny, do like it as well as previous generations, but in the end IF I had the finances, I would go with the Pioneer hands down...but my budget will not let me..so I strive around the 2K range at this time.

As for the 500U, Hey...lets face it..its not out yet...There is not any comparison at this time since no real person owns one yet at this day and time to let us know if there is a green push in it, maybe they do not have it in this 500u? Hard to say...only time can tell...IF any of your get it please do the honors of telling us your personal opinions and let it be a resource to everyone on the AVS forum :)

It's a nerve wrecking and sleep-less nights over which one to choose and is it a great investment that people end up getting cabin fever here on AVS forum, let us all take it for a peice of mind to share, not to the heart with that people say. In the end, I know yah'll are bound to make the best choice for you. Just see it in person the most you can is my suggestion, rather than reading too much it can make your head hurt after a while!

I am using a cable card with my Pioneer 5050 and I agree with Optivity that it does render a better picture than my old SA 8300. I highly doubt that his cablebox is sending a lousy signal...more like there is a D/A conversion going on for all outputs including hdmi/dvi ports.


I posted this in another thread but for what it's worth on the subject:

I have a cable card but I think I'm going back to the STB or DVR with HDMI connection. I have the same TV as yours and first started with the STB. The cable guys set it up so it would automatically switch between inputs. When I turned on ch. 2 the input would switch to "TV" then I would switch to a digital movie channel and there would be a delay for it to switch to comp 1 and in the lower right corner a brief "480p" would pop up. Then on HD TV "1080i" would pop up. I had them install a CC because I heard the quality was better, after 3 tries they got the card to work but for some reason the picture on the digital channels didn't look as great as with the STB. I went to ch.2 and hit the recall on the tv remote and it came up with "480i" then to the digital channel and it said "480i" also not the "480p" like with the STB. I screwed around with the TV for a while trying to find a setting I missed but there was nothing to switch. Is there something I missed in the set up? I have a new problem with the card now. It only shows basic cable stations I can't get any digital or HD movie stations I called and they couldn't fix it over the phone so they said they would have to have someone from the engineering dept get back to me in 24 - 48 hours. Instead of waiting around for a call I decided just to get rid of the CC and go with a DVR/HDMI setup.......I really missed the channel guide.

I posted this in another thread but for what it's worth on the subject:

I have a cable card but I think I'm going back to the STB or DVR with HDMI connection. I have the same TV as yours and first started with the STB. The cable guys set it up so it would automatically switch between inputs. When I turned on ch. 2 the input would switch to "TV" then I would switch to a digital movie channel and there would be a delay for it to switch to comp 1 and in the lower right corner a brief "480p" would pop up. Then on HD TV "1080i" would pop up. I had them install a CC because I heard the quality was better, after 3 tries they got the card to work but for some reason the picture on the digital channels didn't look as great as with the STB. I went to ch.2 and hit the recall on the tv remote and it came up with "480i" then to the digital channel and it said "480i" also not the "480p" like with the STB. I screwed around with the TV for a while trying to find a setting I missed but there was nothing to switch. Is there something I missed in the set up? I have a new problem with the card now. It only shows basic cable stations I can't get any digital or HD movie stations I called and they couldn't fix it over the phone so they said they would have to have someone from the engineering dept get back to me in 24 - 48 hours. Instead of waiting around for a call I decided just to get rid of the CC and go with a DVR/HDMI setup.......I really missed the channel guide.

Digital cable as well as analog cable is broadcast in 480i so on the STB it should not have read a digital cable channel as 480p. On the STB, did you go thru the setup where you choose what type of signal you want it to display? What type of STB is it? I will agree that getting a cable card setup is a pain in the a@@. It took 3 days to get mine working. If you lost all digital and hd channels on your CC, then it lost it's auth from your cable co. Calling customer service is a waste as only the headend can resolve the issue. Yes the STB guide comes in handy but it is not missed on my 5050as cable is not the main function of that plasma in my house. Now when I wanted to add a CC to my 4350, my household almost lynched me. I would grade a CC as a 10 for picture quality and 2 on ease of use.

Digital cable as well as analog cable is broadcast in 480i so on the STB it should not have read a digital cable channel as 480p. On the STB, did you go thru the setup where you choose what type of signal you want it to display? What type of STB is it? I will agree that getting a cable card setup is a pain in the a@@. It took 3 days to get mine working. If you lost all digital and hd channels on your CC, then it lost it's auth from your cable co. Calling customer service is a waste as only the headend can resolve the issue. Yes the STB guide comes in handy but it is not missed on my 5050as cable is not the main function of that plasma in my house. Now when I wanted to add a CC to my 4350, my household almost lynched me. I would grade a CC as a 10 for picture quality and 2 on ease of use.


The cableguys set up the STB and I wasn't watching to see if they adjusted the settings. I don't know the model number of the box but it was the HD Sci Atlantic.

I hear ya on the broadcasts being pumped through at 480i but honestly it said 480p as the STB switched to a digital movie channel and to my eyes it did look better than when the CC was in. I'm getting the DVR put in this weekend with the HDMI connection so we'll see what the PQ renders compared to the CC.

Say, I noticed the box for my Panasonic TH42PD50U says Made in Japan, but I forgot to check the panel itself before setting it up. Is the carton itself a reliable indicator? Or do the Mexican ones come with a Made in Japan box too?.

The carton better be a reliable indicator, or Panasonic will be in big trouble with the FTC. :)

The cableguys set up the STB and I wasn't watching to see if they adjusted the settings. I don't know the model number of the box but it was the HD Sci Atlantic.

I hear ya on the broadcasts being pumped through at 480i but honestly it said 480p as the STB switched to a digital movie channel and to my eyes it did look better than when the CC was in. I'm getting the DVR put in this weekend with the HDMI connection so we'll see what the PQ renders compared to the CC.

On all SA hd stbs, there is a setup menu for the different display output. I think out of the box it is only set to 480p and 1080i. It sounds as if you are going to get a SA 8300 this weekend. Great box, but HD is better, in my eyes, from a CC. I'll try to compare PQ for 480i broadcasts when I get home.

Do those of you that have had your 50U's for awhile still have "green push?"

I don't have one, so I can't comment directly, but when I first got my 25U, I was annoyed by a slight green tinge, most noticeable to me on skin tones. I could clear it up for one program, only to have it come back on another. I was constantly fiddling with the remote.

After the first 100-odd hours, I decided to re-calibrate. Voila, no more green skin. :D

Now, I'm actually using the factory settings. :eek: With my associated equipment, I get near perfect readings on DVE and my picture passes the eyeball test with flying colors (so to speak) too. The latter, of course, is all I have to judge OTA HD broadcasts.

Since I turned down the picture control immediately when I got the set, and had to adjust other parameters to match, I'll never know for sure if my earlier settings created my problem, or if it solved itself after a little breaking in.

I was a pio owner. I agree with DanP about a green problem in pioneer. I had a pio 5040 home and returned it. their was sometimes a green tinge, especialy in dark screens, the black or dark grey as was the case, had a green tinge.

I have read that you can remove that in the service menu, but never tried it, as after seeing the panny black , i preferred it.
But it is an 'Issue' with pio.

Otherwise the pio was an excellent set.


We were not really discussing the 40 series Pioneers as we all agree that they do have a green tint. This is more towards the 50 series Pioneers.

If ANYONE, D-Nice would be by FAR the best man to get opinions from since he purchase both the PDP4350HD & the PDP-5050HD from me and also owns the PDP-4340HD...as well as like 7 other plasma's..One in every room :D He can give you the best feedback I know as far as what he see's and what he likes about one vs. the other. Thus, agreeing with him personal feedback from owners on these models are by far the best, thats what this forum is for :)



And I am not Cammy?.....how soon we forget as I was a customer of yours just weeks ago (th-50px50u). Really I feel a bit embarrassed for you posting this. Yes, listen to D-Nice folks and the others, well, they don't know what they are talking about. Oh, BTW, D-Nice purchased three TVs from me. Conflict of interest? Who? Me? And purchasers of the TV(s) in question....they also can be counted on to be unbiased.

Right.................

"Do those of you that have had your 50U's for awhile still have "green push?""

No green push on my set. Yellows are yellow. Yellows that are supposed to have some green tinge to it have some green tinge to it.

BTW, can someone teach me how to put images in posts?

Do those of you that have had your 50U's for awhile still have "green push?"

I don't have one, so I can't comment directly, but when I first got my 25U, I was annoyed by a slight green tinge, most noticeable to me on skin tones. I could clear it up for one program, only to have it come back on another. I was constantly fiddling with the remote.

After the first 100-odd hours, I decided to re-calibrate. Voila, no more green skin. :D

Now, I'm actually using the factory settings. :eek: With my associated equipment, I get near perfect readings on DVE and my picture passes the eyeball test with flying colors (so to speak) too. The latter, of course, is all I have to judge OTA HD broadcasts.

Since I turned down the picture control immediately when I got the set, and had to adjust other parameters to match, I'll never know for sure if my earlier settings created my problem, or if it solved itself after a little breaking in.My panel has about 400 hours of service and the picture it renders appears to get better with age. I don't know how many more times I have to say this? I see no evidence of green push on my 50PX50U. I'd post up some more pictures but because they look so good I'd be accused of somehow "altering" the shots in an effort to miss-lead the "newbie’s." :rolleyes:

During the break-in period, I'm running my PDP in Standard mode with the brightness, picture and sharpness settings turned down a couple of notches. The CableCARD enables the panel to auto adjust some picture settings (e.g. Black Level: Light or Dark) based on the incoming signal.

My panel has about 400 hours of service and the picture it renders appears to get better with age. I don't know how many more times I have to say this? I see no evidence of green push on my 50PX50U. I'd post up some more pictures but because they look so good I'd be accused of somehow "altering" the shots in an effort to miss-lead the "newbie’s." :rolleyes:

During the break-in period, I'm running my PDP in Standard mode with the brightness, picture and sharpness settings turned down a couple of notches. The CableCARD enables the panel to auto adjust some picture settings (e.g. Black Level: Light or Dark) based on the incoming signal.


To hell with them. Please post more pictures. I like the ones you have posted so far.

"Do those of you that have had your 50U's for awhile still have "green push?""

No green push on my set. Yellows are yellow. Yellows that are supposed to have some green tinge to it have some green tinge to it.

BTW, can someone teach me how to put images in posts?You'll need a digital camera, ftp service and some public web space.

To hell with them. Please post more pictures. I like the ones you have posted so far.Eh... I'll teach "jrock65" how so he can show off his PDP for awhile... :D

Its funny how excited everyone gets on "Battle of the Plasmas"... ;) The truth of the matter is that a properly adjusted Panny or Pio tv are pretty darn good with good picture, etc... Everyone has their opinions and backing information... I think its important to hear all sides of things and I know personally that I appreciate the information.
... So now to pull the trigger on the 42PX50U... I would be interested if anyone knows of good 4th of July sales (PM me or whatever). :-)

And I am not Cammy?.....how soon we forget as I was a customer of yours just weeks ago (th-50px50u). Really I feel a bit embarrassed for you posting this. Yes, listen to D-Nice folks and the others, well, they don't know what they are talking about. Oh, BTW, D-Nice purchased three TVs from me. Conflict of interest? Who? Me? And purchasers of the TV(s) in question....they also can be counted on to be unbiased.

Right.................

DanP,
She pointed out her opinion on what sources are more reliable, actual owners of the set or a reviewer of a magazine/website. YOU, have your own opinion on what YOU saw on ONE plasma that may or may not have been setup correctly. I respect your opinion on something that you don't actually own but where do you get the balls to say that I and other owners who actually OWN the Pioneer 50 series and have it in our house and not some B&M don't know what we are talking about? DON'T YOU EVER disrespect my intelligence as I have never disrespected yours. Also, Cammy sells both plasmas, how do YOU know she is actually showing bias for one brand? Could she be reporting data based off her sales? Hmmm....think outside of the box sometimes.

Once again, sorry fellow Panny owners for hijacking your thread. I really appreciate you guy's, besides DanP, input on your Panny displays as I'm planning on purchasing a 65" in the near future (8uy maybe and YES DanP it will be from TVA). Keep up the good work.

Its funny how excited everyone gets on "Battle of the Plasmas"... ;) The truth of the matter is that a properly adjusted Panny or Pio tv are pretty darn good with good picture, etc... Everyone has their opinions and backing information... I think its important to hear all sides of things and I know personally that I appreciate the information.
... So now to pull the trigger on the 42PX50U... I would be interested if anyone knows of good 4th of July sales (PM me or whatever). :-)

Well said my friend.

DanP,
She pointed out her opinion on what sources are more reliable, actual owners of the set or a reviewer of a magazine/website. YOU, have your own opinion on what YOU saw on ONE plasma that may or may not have been setup correctly. I respect your opinion on something that you don't actually own but where do you get the balls to say that I and other owners who actually OWN the Pioneer 50 series and have it in our house and not some B&M don't know what we are talking about? DON'T YOU EVER disrespect my intelligence as I have never disrespected yours. Also, Cammy sells both plasmas, how do YOU know she is actually showing bias for one brand? Could she be reporting data based off her sales? Hmmm....think outside of the box sometimes.

Once again, sorry fellow Panny owners for hijacking your thread. I really appreciate you guy's, besides DanP, input on your Panny displays as I'm planning on purchasing a 65" in the near future (8uy maybe and YES DanP it will be from TVA). Keep up the good work.

Wow, talk of putting words in my mouth....and threats no less. And I suspect that DON'T YOU EVER doesn't belong in a forum like this because it begs the answer 'or what?' In other words, grow up.

A saleswoman for TV Authority is taking up for you on this discussion. As it just so happens, you are a repeat customer of hers. You apparently do not see the conflict of interest. Perhaps if I were to buy more TVs from her than you the situation would reverse.

Regarding my views on your TV, I have my opinion and so do un-biased reviewers like CNET (unbiased until proved otherwise) who agree with me and not with you on green push in the 5050HD. Not to mention that each previous generation/model of the Pio plasmas have been described to contain various degrees of green push. I feel bad for you that you somehow take this personal. You seem to own alot of plasmas so perhaps they are more than just TVs to you.

whew, seem to be just a bit off topic now, no?

Wow, talk of putting words in my mouth....and threats no less. And I suspect that DON'T YOU EVER doesn't belong in a forum like this because it begs the answer 'or what?' In other words, grow up.

A saleswoman for TV Authority is taking up for you on this discussion. As it just so happens, you are a repeat customer of hers. You apparently do not see the conflict of interest. Perhaps if I were to buy more TVs from her than you the situation would reverse.

Regarding my views on your TV, I have my opinion and so do un-biased reviewers like CNET (unbiased until proved otherwise) who agree with me and not with you on green push in the 5050HD. Not to mention that each previous generation/model of the Pio plasmas have been described to contain various degrees of green push. I feel bad for you that you somehow take this personal. You seem to own alot of plasmas so perhaps they are more than just TVs to you.

What words did I put in you mouth? Cnet...hmm, no comment, but YOU can continue babble on about what you saw on one ONE, count it with me DanP, ONE... numero uno...Pioneer that you saw in CC. You made it personal saying that I and other OWNERS, DanP...do you hear me....OWNERS do not know what we are talking about....remember typing that or do you have selective memory? Tell you what....dish out 4 grand and purchase me a PX50u. Can you do this? Ha....thought not.

BTW, I'm done with you. You can reply to this, but you will hear no more from me on this issue.....good luck.

BTW, can someone teach me how to put images in posts?


If you don't have a website/host, You can use Image Shack (http://imageshack.us/) - It's free. :)

Upload your pictures then copy the links and post here. :)


Here's a pic hosted by imageshack:

http://img232.echo.cx/img232/6320/470435p7sv.jpg (http://www.imageshack.us)



.
Check Out the all-new BruZZi's Panasonic Plasma FAQ (http://www.glaucobruzzi.com/plasma-faq/index.php?)
Links to Plasma Stands, Wallmounts, Murals, Lifts, Speakers, Frames, Bezels & Motorized Artwork.
Also links to Audio/Video/Computer Faqs, Comparisons, Info, News, Reviews, Shootouts, Tutorials, Tweaks and Many More.

Yes, yes......

No more Pioneer talk in this.....

"Official New Panny thread: 42PD50, PX50, PX500" thread.

And yes guys we get your points of view, but its time to move on.

Everybody will come to their own conclusions about whos "biased or un-biased".

Thanks.

Dave

I cleaned up and deleted some of the post. I think we will let you guys have a time out and maybe re-open this thread later. :rolleyes: :mad:

Dave

Good morning.

I hope everybody had a good nights sleep.

Lets try this again and see how it goes.

Have a great holiday weekend and enjoy your Plasmas:)

Dave

Good morning.

I hope everybody had a good nights sleep.

Lets try this again and see how it goes.

Have a great holiday weekend and enjoy your Plasmas:)

Dave

Thank you for closing and re-opening the thread.

Hi. I'm looking to buy a plasma and was wondering if anyone might have an opinion comparing Panasonic and Pioneer on the green push issue. :p :rolleyes:
Would a cableCard help? ;)

Just kidding. Please, please don't respond.

(Sorry, I just couldn't help myself :) Just trying to lighten things up a bit :) )

I have a question from my father. He has a new Panny 42PX50, and he is having problems with his connections. He has Time Warner digital cable and this is how he has it connected and the problem he is having.

He has the component output from the STB TWC digital box going to the 42PX50 component video inputs and he has the audio outputs on the STB TWC box hooked up to the plasma's component audio inputs.

When he goes from watching HD channels on TWC via Component 1 on "input select" to then watching regular SD digital cable on "input select" mode TV......he loses sound. He has to go unplug the audio inputs from the Component section and then hook it up to the regular Input 1 audio inputs to get sound for SD. The same process happens vice versa when going from SD to HD. He has to go back and unplug from Audio Input 1 and them plug the audio cables into the Component Audio section.

Is there a solution or another connection way I can tell him to hook them up, so he want have to get up and change it constantly?

Thanks
Jeff

I am on the fence with the purchase of a px50u or px500u.

I like the smaller footprint, or maybe I should say wall print of the px50u, but would like the tvguide and the split screen of the 500u.
Whether they save settings will help topple me off the fence.

Does either px50u or the 500u save the adjustments to picture, brightness etc for each input?

I could have sworn I saw this information someplace else but can't find it. How do you get the amount of hours watched on a 42PX50U? Thanks, appreciate it.

I have a question from my father. He has a new Panny 42PX50, and he is having problems with his connections. He has Time Warner digital cable and this is how he has it connected and the problem he is having.

He has the component output from the STB TWC digital box going to the 42PX50 component video inputs and he has the audio outputs on the STB TWC box hooked up to the plasma's component audio inputs.

When he goes from watching HD channels on TWC via Component 1 on "input select" to then watching regular SD digital cable on "input select" mode TV......he loses sound. He has to go unplug the audio inputs from the Component section and then hook it up to the regular Input 1 audio inputs to get sound for SD. The same process happens vice versa when going from SD to HD. He has to go back and unplug from Audio Input 1 and them plug the audio cables into the Component Audio section.

Is there a solution or another connection way I can tell him to hook them up, so he want have to get up and change it constantly?

Thanks
Jeff

If you connect your STB via component cables, you should be able to watch both HD and SD content via the 'Component 1' input.
It sounds like you have connected the STB to the 'TV' with either a composite (yellow) RCA cable or S-Video, so you are getting a video feed but not audio. You shouldn't need to do this.

I am on the fence with the purchase of a px50u or px500u.

I like the smaller footprint, or maybe I should say wall print of the px50u, but would like the tvguide and the split screen of the 500u.
Whether they save settings will help topple me off the fence.

Does either px50u or the 500u save the adjustments to picture, brightness etc for each input?
I don't think either does. You have to use the Vivid/Standard/Cinema hack to save different settings.

Do those of you that have had your 50U's for awhile still have "green push?"

I don't have one, so I can't comment directly, but when I first got my 25U, I was annoyed by a slight green tinge, most noticeable to me on skin tones. I could clear it up for one program, only to have it come back on another. I was constantly fiddling with the remote.

After the first 100-odd hours, I decided to re-calibrate. Voila, no more green skin. :D

Now, I'm actually using the factory settings. :eek: With my associated equipment, I get near perfect readings on DVE and my picture passes the eyeball test with flying colors (so to speak) too. The latter, of course, is all I have to judge OTA HD broadcasts.

Since I turned down the picture control immediately when I got the set, and had to adjust other parameters to match, I'll never know for sure if my earlier settings created my problem, or if it solved itself after a little breaking in.

Macfan424, do you have the ED 50U, and if so what DVE Calibration Disk did you use. I have asked this before and haver not gotten any response. The reason i ask is because there are multiple Calibration disks and i want to make sure i use the correct one in order to get the best results. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I could have sworn I saw this information someplace else but can't find it. How do you get the amount of hours watched on a 42PX50U? Thanks, appreciate it.

hold vol- on the tv, and hit the recall button on the remote 3 times in a row, that should get u into the service menu. Then hit 1 twice, and hold down mute for 3 seconds. I think it says "time" followed by a hex number.

my original question: Does either px50u or the 500u save the adjustments to picture, brightness etc for each input?

I don't think either does. You have to use the Vivid/Standard/Cinema hack to save different settings.



Does that mean as i change inputs, i must also change from say vivid to standard?

Thanks for the response.

If you connect your STB via component cables, you should be able to watch both HD and SD content via the 'Component 1' input.
It sounds like you have connected the STB to the 'TV' with either a composite (yellow) RCA cable or S-Video, so you are getting a video feed but not audio. You shouldn't need to do this.

Gooch74, i agree with ryansmith111 assessment on this. Why is your Father switching inputs? If he has both Video and Audio going from his STB to his PDP he should be able to watch SD and HD from the same input therefore giving him Audio on both. :) http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=5824009#
Smilie

Thanks Dont

I could have sworn I saw this information someplace else but can't find it. How do you get the amount of hours watched on a 42PX50U? Thanks, appreciate it.

While pressing the VOLUME - (minus) button on the Plasma,
press the "RECALL" button on the Remote Control 3 times in a row (within 2 seconds).


Switch off the power (Using the remote or the plasma button) to exit the service menu.

Just wanted to add the last step to get you out of the Service Manual. :)

Anyone know if the back of this set is the same as the 42-PX50U?

Mine arrives Tuesday July 5th! Need to order the peerless PLA-1S if it fits...

Also trying to get back to the thread topic...

Looks like vanns.com is the first to have the PX500s in stock. They have some good information about it too so it's a good bet they actually have their hands on some. Should only be a few days before more pop up on-line...

Personally I'm going to wait a bit, but for those of you who are itchy... :)

A Canadian Panny rep just informed me that a DVI-D to HDMI cable will not permit the PX50 HDMI slot to be used for a computer input. In fact he told me that the PX50 cannot be used with a computer at all. Is this correct?

For all of those long awaiting.....TH-42PX500U in stock!

PM me for more details asap,
Cambryn

A Canadian Panny rep just informed me that a DVI-D to HDMI cable will not permit the PX50 HDMI slot to be used for a computer input. In fact he told me that the PX50 cannot be used with a computer at all. Is this correct?

'cannot be used with a computer at all' is definatly not true, at the least you could connect using a s-video cable. I did it with a very poor quality cable and it looked like garbage, but maybe a better cable would look better. Either way it definatly is possible

A Canadian Panny rep just informed me that a DVI-D to HDMI cable will not permit the PX50 HDMI slot to be used for a computer input. In fact he told me that the PX50 cannot be used with a computer at all. Is this correct?

That is correct. :(

Thanks a lot guys

Just got a call from Tweeter that told me my PX500U is in. Wohoo!

(Runs out door)

I connected a computer to the 50PX50U with HDMI to DVI cable and it was fine. I was running the latest ATI drivers on a 9500Pro and made sure I forced the 1280x720 HD resolution. There was a bit of overscan but the picture looked very good.

I am so scared of the "neon-green over yellow" that I am considering the Samsung SP-R4232.
Not good enough reason to buy an inferior PDP.

Away 1 week and wow..... the playground gets busy....

With regards to the "green push" has anyone considered the source as being the problem and not (necessarily) the PDP's or STBs decoder?

I say this because while watching the Bourne Supremacy on HBOHD? (Cablevison -SA8300-HDMI-50px50u) i noticed that the picture was darker and greener than I recalled so I recorded it and did a comparison with the DVD. I plopped-in the DVD (sony DP725-component-50px50u) and to my amazement the color and brightness were spot on perfect, no green push and loss of brightness.

Not knowing any better, I thought it would be a great way to see if I could replicate this on my calibrated Sony 34' XBR CRT (no HDMI, component all the way around)... and darn it, same thing was happening (green push from STB and perfect from DVD).

Has anyone else ever noticed this? Can the provider itself (for whatever reason) be modifying the signal to this effect at the transmission source? Is this an unwanted by-product of something else more important?

My take on this is that the NTSC "system" allows anyone or anything in the chain of the signal/hardware to modify such signal...... unfortunately the powers to be think green is the way to go sometimes.


Spongebob still very yela on my 50px50u :) :) :)

Just got a call from Tweeter that told me my PX500U is in. Wohoo!

(Runs out door)

Dang. So it's not in the store, but at the warehouse. So I won't get it until Tuesday. I guess I'll have to make due with fireworks... :(

Not good enough reason to buy an inferior PDP.

Away 1 week and wow..... the playground gets busy....

With regards to the "green push" has anyone considered the source as being the problem and not (necessarily) the PDP's or STBs decoder?

I say this because while watching the Bourne Supremacy on HBOHD? (Cablevison -SA8300-HDMI-50px50u) i noticed that the picture was darker and greener than I recalled so I recorded it and did a comparison with the DVD. I plopped-in the DVD (sony DP725-component-50px50u) and to my amazement the color and brightness were spot on perfect, no green push and loss of brightness.

Spongebob still very yela on my 50px50u :) :) :)

I checked out a Spongebob DVD as I saw Spongie the previous day and he was too green in my estimation. I had made arrangements to show it to a authorized service dude on my px50u. Plopped in the DVD and Spongie was yellow.....very yellow! So, cancelled the service call and scratched that strategy. Later in the week I saw another Nik Spongie episode and he was, again, yellow. So, there is much to be said for considering the source material.

'cannot be used with a computer at all' is definatly not true, at the least you could connect using a s-video cable. I did it with a very poor quality cable and it looked like garbage, but maybe a better cable would look better. Either way it definatly is possible

You can rig it up to work as someone in this thread did but the quality is terrible. The unit is not designed to be used with a computer. I would not reccommend you try it as it may do it harm.

Macfan424, do you have the ED 50U, and if so what DVE Calibration Disk did you use. I have asked this before and haver not gotten any response. The reason i ask is because there are multiple Calibration disks and i want to make sure i use the correct one in order to get the best results. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

catslick: I use DVE. (Digital Video Essentials is the name of a specific disk developed by industry guru Joe Kane.) AVIA is popular too, and reportedly easier to use. I went with DVE because my research indicted they are equal in overall quality, but DVE cost half as much. (I use the earlier Video Essentials laserdisc, too.) Ease of use wasn't an issue for me though. In terms of results, you'll be happy with either.

One caveat: Both disks are a couple of years old and more oriented to CRT based projection sets than plasmas. It's not any problem except when adjusting contrast, where you may have to use a little ingenuity to find the right method.

As I mentioned, I have last year's model, the ED 25U, not that it should make any difference regarding calibration disks.

catslick: I use DVE. (Digital Video Essentials is the name of a specific disk developed by industry guru Joe Kane.) AVIA is popular too, and reportedly easier to use. I went with DVE because my research indicted they are equal in overall quality, but DVE cost half as much. (I use the earlier Video Essentials laserdisc, too.) Ease of use wasn't an issue for me though. In terms of results, you'll be happy with either.

One caveat: Both disks are a couple of years old and more oriented to CRT based projection sets than plasmas. It's not any problem except when adjusting contrast, where you may have to use a little ingenuity to find the right method.

As I mentioned, I have last year's model, the ED 25U, not that it should make any difference regarding calibration disks.

Thank you for your help and input.

You can rig it up to work as someone in this thread did but the quality is terrible. The unit is not designed to be used with a computer. I would not reccommend you try it as it may do it harm.

the person in thisthread actually said the picture looked "very good", not terrible. How could it do harm?

You can rig it up to work as someone in this thread did but the quality is terrible. The unit is not designed to be used with a computer. I would not reccommend you try it as it may do it harm.

Terrible? Nope. Scroll up. It's doable and looks great over HDMI just like any other display with HDMI/DVI. Panny simply doesn't want to bother supporting people who have issues. Simple as that IMHO.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=5824770&&#post5824770

You can rig it up to work as someone in this thread did but the quality is terrible. The unit is not designed to be used with a computer. I would not reccommend you try it as it may do it harm.

I think what Panasonic is saying is simply to not use it as a PC monitor, but that's not to say that it won't work with a properly configured/equipped HTPC setup by a knowledgeable HTPC enthusiast, and this is coming from someone who knows virtually nothing about HTPC. The general buying public doesn't even know HTPC stuff even exists and i presume these are the people Panasonic is warning.

I have a question from my father. He has a new Panny 42PX50, and he is having problems with his connections. He has Time Warner digital cable and this is how he has it connected and the problem he is having.

He has the component output from the STB TWC digital box going to the 42PX50 component video inputs and he has the audio outputs on the STB TWC box hooked up to the plasma's component audio inputs.

When he goes from watching HD channels on TWC via Component 1 on "input select" to then watching regular SD digital cable on "input select" mode TV......he loses sound. He has to go unplug the audio inputs from the Component section and then hook it up to the regular Input 1 audio inputs to get sound for SD. The same process happens vice versa when going from SD to HD. He has to go back and unplug from Audio Input 1 and them plug the audio cables into the Component Audio section.

Is there a solution or another connection way I can tell him to hook them up, so he want have to get up and change it constantly?

He's doing it wrong. When he selects input #1 TV he's watching through the TV's internal tuner via the RF cable and none of the rear audio or video inputs are active when doing this.

TWC uses several different types of HD STB across the country and without knowing what brand/model he has i can't tell you how to connect it, but at the very least he could just leave the plasma set to the Component 1 input and watch all his HD and SD through this one input, but with some TWC STBs the SD channels will look like crap through Component as was the case with TWC's Pioneer SA3510HD converter that i had previously. To get around the bad picture, i also connected the Video Out jacks to the TV's Video 1 input and watched all my SD on this input instead and it looked WAY better than it did on Component.

Dang. So it's not in the store, but at the warehouse. So I won't get it until Tuesday. I guess I'll have to make due with fireworks... :(

Orderd one from Panny yesterday with EPP price and it already shipped. :D

Another newbee joins in the fun.

Hi all. Until about a week or so ago, I thought that HD on a decent size TV was beyond my means. That does not seem to be the case anymore. I learned this from my very first issue of TPV. What I also learned is that I've got to get me one of these beauties.

So I take the hour long drive to CC to look around and ask some questions. During the 90 minutes I was there, I kept coming back to the 42PX50. I was quite stunned at what I saw. It would seem that I'm not alone.

I've really learned a lot since I discovered AVS and I want to thank you all. I went from knowing how to spell plasma to actually thinking I can make an informed decision. You guys are great.

The 42PX500 is the front runner right now, but I want to take a look at the pio 5050 and the soon to be released Hitachi's. I think it was Hov who informed us that the 42PX500 was listed at Vanns. Forgive me if this has been discussed elsewhere, but they mention quite a few features that are new to the 500 that seem to me could effect PQ. Check it out.

While I'm here I thought I'd ask if anyone knew if CC will by carrying the 42PX500. Do you think they'd deliver to an address an hour away?

Thanks.

CJ

Terrible? Nope. Scroll up. It's doable and looks great over HDMI just like any other display with HDMI/DVI. Panny simply doesn't want to bother supporting people who have issues. Simple as that IMHO.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=5824770&&#post5824770
I can confirm that the DVI to HDMI pc Input works just fine. I also want to add that when I used the 6600GT from nvidia and used the HD output and the RGB hookup with the card the picture was just a bit more clear and I was able to get a better fit (no overscan) with the new drivers from Nvidia. The htpc market is getting more user friendly everyday. I still have the DVI to HDMI in use and I ordered a new nvidia card with HD output and if I had to choose hdmi or the HD with RGB inputs the RGB IMO is the way to go for sure unless they start working on better support for the HDMI. Like someone said this is probably why they say do not use it as a PC input because even though I can get it to work its just not all the way there yet.

Also trying to get back to the thread topic...

Looks like vanns.com is the first to have the PX500s in stock. They have some good information about it too so it's a good bet they actually have their hands on some. Should only be a few days before more pop up on-line...

Personally I'm going to wait a bit, but for those of you who are itchy... :)


says it's on pre-order on the vanns site?

I checked out a Spongebob DVD as I saw Spongie the previous day and he was too green in my estimation. I had made arrangements to show it to a authorized service dude on my px50u. Plopped in the DVD and Spongie was yellow.....very yellow! So, cancelled the service call and scratched that strategy. Later in the week I saw another Nik Spongie episode and he was, again, yellow. So, there is much to be said for considering the source material.

Glad to hear its yellow for you. Keep me posted on how things go with your panel to use as future reffrence.

Thanks a bunch :)

Have a wonderful 4th DanP,
Cambryn

catslick: I use DVE. (Digital Video Essentials is the name of a specific disk developed by industry guru Joe Kane.) AVIA is popular too, and reportedly easier to use. I went with DVE because my research indicted they are equal in overall quality, but DVE cost half as much. (I use the earlier Video Essentials laserdisc, too.) Ease of use wasn't an issue for me though. In terms of results, you'll be happy with either.

One caveat: Both disks are a couple of years old and more oriented to CRT based projection sets than plasmas. It's not any problem except when adjusting contrast, where you may have to use a little ingenuity to find the right method.


Regarding the "caveat": I contacted one of those two companies--I can't remember which--a couple of months ago. The rep at that time said that there is a new calibration DVD in the works that is designed for flat panels/plasmas. They did not have any time table on when it would be released. I was only told it would be in the "near future".

In looking at the PX500U manual, looks like the main advantage of the dedicated PC input are it supports additional scan rates/resolutions (1024x768, 640x480, etc.) I have found on a 34" display that running 1080i or 720P (which is what you would have to run on a PX50U thru the HDMI) results in too small of a font. I'm not sure on a 42" display what the optimum resolution would be in order to still be able to read text from across the room, but having the additional resolution support seems nice.

In other words: the PX50U supports 1080i and 720P. The PX500U supports 1080i, 720P, 800x600, 1024x768, 640x480, etc. Of course, since it's a fixed panel display it's scaling to get these and I'm curious how it looks.

said they have the 42's in their warehouse(as mentioned by Twilighter), but they're not due in until the 5th and ONLY IF PREPRDERED! The 50's aren't due in until the 8th!! UGh!