A valid incoming digital source? OK, well we had tried it on an S-Video input. Does that really make a difference?

Also, I had pressed both volume up buttons simultaneously, so the volume indicator on the TV was not going up. We'll try it again and press the remote button first.

-ToddAs I said, I'm not 100% sure, but I can use this method to bring up the display's status page when the TV in on any digital channel.

Just got a replacement 42PX50U delivered yesterday. This one has a build date of Aug 2005, while the old one had a build date of June 2005.

Anyhow, a couple of differences. Looks like the manual that came in seperate sections for English, French, and Spanish is condensed into a single manual (yuck!). Second, I could of sworn that I could adjust the black level setting (light/dark) for SD material but now it is greyed out. The plus side is it automatically chooses light for HD channels and dark for SD channels, which looked best to me anyway.

Can anyone confirm this? Can people with sets that have build dates June 2005 or earlier change their black level setting for SD material? For the record, just using the default tuner and coax directly into the TV. I wonder if this new set has an updated firmware (or maybe I'm just crazy).

TZ

The Black light/dark adjustment is enabled only when the TV is connected to an external source (e.g. STB). If you are using a CableCARD or direct coax connection, it is auto-adjusted to light for HD & dark for SD.

Ah, ok...I'm just crazy then!

Thanks,
TZ

thanks..looked..and i think the ZVOX fits the bill for my budget and space considerations.

Eric

on second thought, does the px50 have a variable audio out? it doesn't appear so. It looks like the only solution for audio other than the built in speakers is to hook it up to an A/V receiver. The manual specifically states you cannot connect speakers directly to the audio out jacks. Do I have this right?

Eric

on second thought, does the px50 have a variable audio out? it doesn't appear so. It looks like the only solution for audio other than the built in speakers is to hook it up to an A/V receiver. The manual specifically states you cannot connect speakers directly to the audio out jacks. Do I have this right?

Eric

Yes Eric that is correct. :)

on second thought, does the px50 have a variable audio out? it doesn't appear so. It looks like the only solution for audio other than the built in speakers is to hook it up to an A/V receiver.

The manual specifically states you cannot connect speakers directly to the audio out jacks. Do I have this right?

Unlike previous consumer models, these new models DO NOT have Variable Audio Out, now it's only FIXED. Panasonic took this Variable Out feature away on these PD/PX series and boy was i pissed when i found this out. This is yet another area where Panasonic cheaped-out. So now i have to use the Receiver's Volume control to adjust my volume and just leave the plasma's volume level at zero as the TV's volume control does not control the Audio Out jacks. Cheap bastards.

And you cannot connect the speakers to the Audio Out red/white RCA jacks. So yes the only way to use external speakers is to run R/L audio cables to an A/V reciever, and you'll have to control volume with the receiver.

I never would have even thought about a variable audio out so I didn't miss it...but now I'm disappointed. Thanks Randy! ;)

Unlike previous consumer models, these new models DO NOT have Variable Audio Out, now it's only FIXED. Panasonic took this Variable Out feature away on these PD/PX series and boy was i pissed when i found this out. This is yet another area where Panasonic cheaped-out. So now i have to use the Receiver's Volume control to adjust my volume and just leave the plasma's volume level at zero as the TV's volume control does not control the Audio Out jacks. Cheap bastards.

And you cannot connect the speakers to the Audio Out red/white RCA jacks. So yes the only way to use external speakers is to run R/L audio cables to an A/V reciever, and you'll have to control volume with the receiver.

looks like i need a cheap a/v receiver now :mad:

looks like i need a cheap a/v receiver now :mad:

I have a pretty modest audio setup for my 42PX50U. I picked up an Onkyo TX-SR503 as my receiver since it does Dolby Digital and DTS for less than $300 MSRP. I also got the Athena Micra6 speaker set. Whole setup ended up less than $600 and I am pretty satisfied with the results.

RandyWalters: Surely you mean you disable the speakers, rather than leave the volume at 0 on the TV?

TZ

I have a pretty modest audio setup for my 42PX50U. I picked up an Onkyo TX-SR503 as my receiver since it does Dolby Digital and DTS for less than $300 MSRP. I also got the Athena Micra6 speaker set. Whole setup ended up less than $600 and I am pretty satisfied with the results.

RandyWalters: Surely you mean you disable the speakers, rather than leave the volume at 0 on the TV?Nope, i leave the TV's speakers turned on in the user menu and just leave the volume at zero and run my audio through the Audio Output jacks to the A/V receiver. This way if the chicky-friend is over and wants to watch TV she can just grab the TV's remote and turn the volume up and not have to fire up the A/V system or deal with my universal remote. Sometimes i'll watch morning news with the TV's speakers too but it's so much nicer in Surround Sound.

It doesn't matter if they're left on or off as it has nothing to do with the Audio Output jacks. I have to use the regular Audio Out RCA jacks instead of the Optical Audio Out because my receiver disables my graphic equalizer when it gets a digital audio signal and i like to utilize the EQ to fine-tune the sound in the room.

Do the now fixed audio outs just pass along the audio as received from the STB? or is it truely a fixed signal. Because if it just passed what the STB sent it (signal strengh wise) then couldn't you use the STB to control volume?

<Playing the role of optivity>

Randy, you should teach her how to use the surround...Spongebob is so much more engrossing that way!!

How'd I do? I think I nailed it...my first e-impression... :D :D :D

Do the now fixed audio outs just pass along the audio as received from the STB? or is it truely a fixed signal. Because if it just passed what the STB sent it (signal strengh wise) then couldn't you use the STB to control volume?

Ya know that's a very good question. I use a pair of DVRs and they do have their own volume control but i've never used it because my now-gone 32" HD tube TV had Variable Out so it was better to use the TV's volume as it controlled both DVRs and the VCRs before them.

I may try reprogramming one of the DVR remotes to control the DVR's volume then see if that passes the STB volume through variably. Something tells me this won't work though. Maybe i'll try it tonight . . . .

<Playing the role of optivity>

Randy, you should teach her how to use the surround...Spongebob is so much more engrossing that way!!

How'd I do? I think I nailed it...my first e-impression... :D :D :D

No sorry but you didn't nail it. You failed to insult her (and me) by insinuating that she's a gold digger and is only with me because she's after my money which is completely untrue (he actually said that in the "Who are you - how old are you" thread). She's hot and 22 years younger than me, and she's an account executive for a major studio and has her own money :p

She's with me because of my Plasma TV and she can watch reruns of JOEY in HD.

<Playing the role of optivity>

Randy, you should teach her how to use the surround...Spongebob is so much more engrossing that way!!

How'd I do? I think I nailed it...my first e-impression... :D :D :D :eek:

I'll interpret your post to be a sign of flattery! :D

noticed the "masterful" use of the [color][b][i][u][size] commands... ;)

Oh, and the smiley faces too! :)

No sorry but you didn't nail it. You failed to insult her (and me) by insinuating that she's a gold digger and is only with me because she's after my money which is completely untrue

OK that's a C+ for content...


noticed the "masterful" use of the [color][b][i][u][size] commands...

and an B+ for formatting...

I can live with that.
Just having fun with you guys. ;)

Nope, i leave the TV's speakers turned on in the user menu and just leave the volume at zero and run my audio through the Audio Output jacks to the A/V receiver. This way if the chicky-friend is over and wants to watch TV she can just grab the TV's remote and turn the volume up and not have to fire up the A/V system or deal with my universal remote.

Now that I see your motive this is actually a pretty good idea. I had a hard enough time explaining to my girlfriend the nuances she needs to beware of to prevent burn-in. I still have to help her to get the receiver up and running. Hmm, I could pass audio through HDMI too so all she would have to master is the input button to switch from DVD to TV. Good idea!

TZ

I'll admit to being "nervous" whenever my wife (of 20 years Randy ;) ) turns on the PDP & I'm not there to monitor it's use. :eek:

I have a pretty modest audio setup for my 42PX50U. I picked up an Onkyo TX-SR503 as my receiver since it does Dolby Digital and DTS for less than $300 MSRP. I also got the Athena Micra6 speaker set. Whole setup ended up less than $600 and I am pretty satisfied with the results.

RandyWalters: Surely you mean you disable the speakers, rather than leave the volume at 0 on the TV?

TZ

I wasn't even looking to spend that much. Remember, all I wanted to originally do is use my existing Pinnnacle bookshelf speakers instead of the display's built-ins. I guess I could pick up an amp for $100 bucks or so and call it a day. Still, I'd need to control the volume with a different remote. That's somewhat OK as I was planning on consolidating everything into a Harmony remote anyway.

:rolleyes: Question: If one is using HDMI from their HD-TIVO to the Panny, how do you make sure audio, when routed through a receiver, actually plays? In other words, if the Panny is getting video and audio via HDMI, how do you tell it to ignore the audio on the same cable? Is it as simple as turning the built-in speakers off?

thanks

Eric

I used the tip that was supplied by "LarryN2723" and this is what works for me. If you can find a better way, I'm all for it. If you begin with the volume adjusted down to a lower setting, once the status initiation process begins the volume will stop increasing long before it becomes too loud. I'm not 100% sure, but you may need to have your TV connecteded to a valid incoming digital source with the speakers/volume enabled in order to display the status screen.
FWIW--I could not pull up the status screen if the TV was tuned to a DTV channel (source coming from a DTivo box connected via HDMI), but could do so if I tuned it to one of the built-in channels (of course, I'd get snow for a picture since I don't have an antenna connected to the built-in tuner).

Right, I'm not really sure about all the nuances used to initiate the status screen or the information it reports. In my case I'm using CATV --> CableCARD as the source input. What I find most interesting are the SNR and dBmV values.

Question: If one is using HDMI from their HD-TIVO to the Panny, how do you make sure audio, when routed through a receiver, actually plays? In other words, if the Panny is getting video and audio via HDMI, how do you tell it to ignore the audio on the same cable? Is it as simple as turning the built-in speakers off?

thanks

Eric
Dunno if this exactly answers your question, but I have similar equipment like yours and here is what I did--I connected an optical audio cable from the HD Tivo to my receiver so that I can listen to DD-encoded DTV programming (actually, IIRC the HD Tivo can also output standard audio via optical, so I am not limited to listening only to digital audio tracks) through my external speakers; then, I connected a pair of RCA audio cables from the HD Tivo to the appropriate audio input on my Panny so that I can listen to DTV standard (i.e., non-DD) audio through the built-in Panny speakers (for those times where I don't feel like firing up the receiver). Finally, I went into the Panny menu and configured the HDMI audio to analog; this is because if you set it to Auto or Digital, you will get a high-pitched static output from the Panny speakers when you watch DTV programming that has only digital audio tracks (like the movies on HDNet).

Now, if you choose to listen to audio exclusively through your receiver, then yes you can just turn off the Panny speakers via the menu--this of course assuming you connect an optical cable from your HD Tivo to your receiver.

I wasn't even looking to spend that much.....

:rolleyes:

Question: If one is using HDMI from their HD-TIVO to the Panny, how do you make sure audio, when routed through a receiver, actually plays? In other words, if the Panny is getting video and audio via HDMI, how do you tell it to ignore the audio on the same cable? Is it as simple as turning the built-in speakers off?

thanks

Eric

The HDMI audio can only be heard at the TV.

To get sound out of the receiver, you will need to run a seperate audio line (opto/coax/rca) from the source (HD-TIVO) to the receiver. You will then switch the receiver to the proper input source to hear the audio. HT receivers have multiple selection for TV, DVD, VCR, Cable, CD, AM/FM... you get the idea.

Their is no need and no way to "ignore" the audio to the TV. That's why the TV volume is mutted or turned down to zero. Otherwise you will be getting sound from both the receiver and TV.

Their is no need and no way to "ignore" the audio to the TV. That's why the TV volume is mutted or turned down to zero. Otherwise you will be getting sound from both the receiver and TV.

You can tell the TV to ignore audio input through HDMI. In addition, my DVD player allows me to specify whether I want to send an audio signal through HDMI. So, if the Tivo doesn't allow you to disable sending the audio through HDMI, the TV can ignore it.

TZ

Hey quick question.

Can you use a different stand with the 42pd50? I don't really like the stand that comes with it. It would be pretty cool if I could use the round one that comes with the HD model.

You can tell the TV to ignore audio input through HDMI. In addition, my DVD player allows me to specify whether I want to send an audio signal through HDMI. So, if the Tivo doesn't allow you to disable sending the audio through HDMI, the TV can ignore it.

TZ

I interpreted the original question as this:
If audio is sent via HDMI, how to I reroute this audio signal to the receiver?

You do not need to shut the HDMI audio off for the receiver to work.

Do the now fixed audio outs just pass along the audio as received from the STB? or is it truely a fixed signal. Because if it just passed what the STB sent it (signal strengh wise) then couldn't you use the STB to control volume?When i was home for lunch i and tried this and yes my SA8000HD DVR's volume control did control the volume level with the TV's Audio Out jacks sending audio to the A/V Receiver. But one thing i noticed is that by using the Receiver's volume control i don't get any sort of Volume level graphics on the screen, but if i use the DVR's volume control i get the DVR's volume level graphic along the bottom and it stays for several seconds before disappearing. So if i had to choose between the two methods, it's better to just keep using the A/V Receiver's volume control instead of the STB's.

When i was home for lunch i and tried this and yes my SA8000HD DVR's volume control did control the volume level with the TV's Audio Out jacks sending audio to the A/V Receiver. But one thing i noticed is that by using the Receiver's volume control i don't get any sort of Volume level graphics on the screen, but if i use the DVR's volume control i get the DVR's volume level graphic along the bottom and it stays for several seconds before disappearing. So if i had to choose between the two methods, it's better to just keep using the A/V Receiver's volume control instead of the STB's.

Thanks for checking on that! I guess it's personal preference, I'd rather see the volume graphic than not. Plus you can set the STB to use CC when Muted, which I always like to do when I'm on the phone.

But for people who don't have a Harmony remote or the like, they can just use the STB remote (at least if it's SA) to control the tv and volume as normal, provided the Receiver is always on. Which allows you to turn the speakers on the Panny off and anyone who picks up the remote can use it and get surround sound.

Hey quick question.

Can you use a different stand with the 42pd50? I don't really like the stand that comes with it. It would be pretty cool if I could use the round one that comes with the HD model.

I just received a 50PX500U a couple of days ago. In reading through this thread, it appears that there is no way to adjust overscan on the consumer models. A general question about overscan: does it come into play with digital sources, i.e. HDMI, or HD material received through a CableCard? If so, why would there need to be overscan when displaying digital material on a fixed-pixel device?

Hey quick question.

Can you use a different stand with the 42pd50? I don't really like the stand that comes with it. It would be pretty cool if I could use the round one that comes with the HD model.

The HD model (42PX50U) uses the exact same stand as the 42PD50U. If by HD model you mean the 42PX500U then apparently that one wont mesh with the underside of the 42PD50/42PX50 series.

There is a similar stand on the European version of the PD50/PX50 but it doesn't come on any US model.

Check this other thread about stands for the current models and refer to post #7

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6152816#post6152816

Has anyone had trouble (or success for that matter) with a CableCard from TWC? They came out today to install one in my 50PX500U, and after they inserted it, a message came up indicating that the card had been installed and that channel information was being downloaded. It never got past this screen (after waiting for 45 min!). The tech speculated that it might be a bad CableCard, and is coming again tomorrow with another one.

I checked the firmware using the directions I found earlier in this thread, and it is the latest version (1.62).

I am having trouble even getting a CableCard from TWC! My rep from TWC told me that I would have to buy a CableCard from Best Buy. I told her I seriously doubt that is the case, but she kept pushing the cable box on me. Surely others in my area have CableCards, so I think I'll give them another call. If I run into any troubles, I'll let you know.

What brand was the card?

TZ

TZ, I don't know the brand of the card, but will ask when the tech comes back tomorrow.

From what I understand the firmware fix was to address problems with Motorola cards. Plus the 500U series was supposed to have that firmware fix by default. Hopefully the second one will work out better for you.

TZ

Just got back from a local shop in my area (Monterey Park) I went in hoping to see the px500 on display, but they didnt have any. Talked to the sales manager and he offer me a pretty nice deal on both the TH-50PX500U and -TH-50PX50U with free delivery. Apparently he just sold a TH-42x500u an hour ago. There were an TH-42PX500U empty box outside of the store. Now Im confused I was about to pull the trigger for a 50PHD8UK from TVA. Any suggestions?

I own the Panny 42px50 and realize I need something to add another hdmi input. The gefen switch seems to be about 200-300 bucks. Since I also need a receiver to hook up speakers to solve the audio-out issues with this display I was thinking of just getting a "cheap" HDMI switching receiver (such as the JVC RX-D402B) It is a bedroom setup that does not require high end (or even medium end) stuff. Has anyone solved their hdmi switching problem this way? I would post a link to a retail site, but I don't recall if that violates forum rules. You may have to google it youraselves.

BTW, I searched the forums for this unit and came up empty.

Eric

I just received a 50PX500U a couple of days ago. In reading through this thread, it appears that there is no way to adjust overscan on the consumer models. A general question about overscan: does it come into play with digital sources, i.e. HDMI, or HD material received through a CableCard? If so, why would there need to be overscan when displaying digital material on a fixed-pixel device?

On older CRTs overscan was necessary to keep the entire image on the screen since weak power supplies would cause the entire picture to shrink which would expose the edges without some overscan. However, overscan is still necessary on every display device to hide the ugly inconsistent edges of broadcast content. If you reduced overscan to zero, you'd notice the edges of some graphics, random noise on an edge of the screen, etc. It basically covers up sloppy editing. The PX series has low overscan out of the box of around 2.5%, and thankfully, reducing overscan much past this point isn't possible without seeing the ugly edges of some content. I certainly wouldn't let this spec keep you up at night.

Nope, i leave the TV's speakers turned on in the user menu and just leave the volume at zero and run my audio through the Audio Output jacks to the A/V receiver. This way if the chicky-friend is over and wants to watch TV she can just grab the TV's remote and turn the volume up and not have to fire up the A/V system or deal with my universal remote. Sometimes i'll watch morning news with the TV's speakers too but it's so much nicer in Surround Sound.

It doesn't matter if they're left on or off as it has nothing to do with the Audio Output jacks. I have to use the regular Audio Out RCA jacks instead of the Optical Audio Out because my receiver disables my graphic equalizer when it gets a digital audio signal and i like to utilize the EQ to fine-tune the sound in the room.

That's what i do as well. It's easier than having to access the TV's menu every time to disable the speakers and you get the same results.

Has anyone had trouble (or success for that matter) with a CableCard from TWC? They came out today to install one in my 50PX500U, and after they inserted it, a message came up indicating that the card had been installed and that channel information was being downloaded. It never got past this screen (after waiting for 45 min!). The tech speculated that it might be a bad CableCard, and is coming again tomorrow with another one.

I checked the firmware using the directions I found earlier in this thread, and it is the latest version (1.62).Updating the channel information takes a few minutes, how long did you wait?I am having trouble even getting a CableCard from TWC! My rep from TWC told me that I would have to buy a CableCard from Best Buy. I told her I seriously doubt that is the case, but she kept pushing the cable box on me. Surely others in my area have CableCards, so I think I'll give them another call. If I run into any troubles, I'll let you know.

What brand was the card?

TZCableCARDs can not be purchased, they are available only from your cable provider.TZ, I don't know the brand of the card, but will ask when the tech comes back tomorrow.Time Warner uses Scientific-Atlanta CableCARDs, Cox uses Motorola.From what I understand the firmware fix was to address problems with Motorola cards. Plus the 500U series was supposed to have that firmware fix by default. Hopefully the second one will work out better for you.

TZThe firmware upgrade resolves issues with both SA & Motorola CableCARDs but not your particular problem which is most likely related to configuration mistake(s) made by your cable provider.

Has anyone managed to get the price lower than 10% off MSRP at CC? If there is no sale going on can I still get the 10% off price if I ask for it?

Check the online price at CC and Best Buy. Best Buy matched CC's online price.

Pulled the trigger today on a 42PX50 at CC. The sale price two weeks ago was 10% off, and when I asked for that price there was no problem. However, they would not lower the warranty price so I decided to purchase the warranty elsewhere. Used my Amex card so I am covered for two years without buying a warranty.

”LarryN2723” thanks for the tip about showing the status menu, you’re right there is a lot of interesting information regarding the PDP and it's performance. My 50PX50U with original firmware version 1.210

http://home.nycap.rr.com/nessus/px50u_1.210.JPG

I proceed with the SD download:

So, what prompted you to do this? More importantly, I have a px50u and should I try this??

So, what prompted you to do this? More importantly, I have a px50u and should I try this??I wanted to determine the TV's firmware level, which you can see by the screen shot was 1.210, and has been updated to 1.240. If you are interested in seeing the status information of your TV there is no harm in displaying it, but unless there is a problem with your display related to the CableCARD interface I'd recommend against performing the firmware update.

I just got my PX500. Love it so far. After my almost 100 hours of break-in on super-dim, I decided to give an Xbox game a whirl. I tried MVP Baseball 2005, which is a 720P game, and I have the Xbox set to output 720p. During no/slow action, all looks great, but during fast action (such as a throw from 3rd base to 1st base), the screen gets very jerky. I didn't have this issue with my 27 inch tube 480i TV. Is anyone else experiencing problems with fast games on these Panny's?

Thanks,

Jeff

z28it1, can you explain your problem a little better? Is it like a start and stop action? There is a post on this forum talking about xbox and the 8th gen panasonics and there are several people that have posted using xbox with no problems. I think its in the home theater gaming forum. GOOD LUCK

z28it1, can you explain your problem a little better? Is it like a start and stop action? There is a post on this forum talking about xbox and the 8th gen panasonics and there are several people that have posted using xbox with no problems. I think its in the home theater gaming forum. GOOD LUCK

It is like a very quick start and stop -- like a brief pause, then it jumps a few frames to catch up...all in a fraction of a second. A brief check on the gaming forum didn't turn up much in the way of problems, but there were a few posts of issues on the 7th gens, I'll keep checking over there. Thanks for the tip and the quick response!

I took a trip down to the local electronics store and viewed several TVs within my price range, and decided on the TH-50PX500U.

Tonight I shopped around a bit and found out my employer has brokered some sort of discount if I order direct from Panasonic. I bought both this set and the SC-HT930 Home Theater system...

I have mixed feelings about the purchase right now.. not just the price, but the fact that neither will ship until around 11/01/2005. Oh well, I suppose I can call Panasonic every day and ask 'Where's my TV? Where's my TV?" :D

I just got my PX500. Love it so far. After my almost 100 hours of break-in on super-dim, I decided to give an Xbox game a whirl. I tried MVP Baseball 2005, which is a 720P game, and I have the Xbox set to output 720p. During no/slow action, all looks great, but during fast action (such as a throw from 3rd base to 1st base), the screen gets very jerky. I didn't have this issue with my 27 inch tube 480i TV. Is anyone else experiencing problems with fast games on these Panny's?

Thanks,

Jeff

It may be that the performance of the game at 720p is not very good (dropping frames). Since your previous TV did not support this resolution you may never have seen this limitation. Have you tried 720p on another HD display, say at a friend's house?

I took a trip down to the local electronics store and viewed several TVs within my price range, and decided on the TH-50PX500U.

Tonight I shopped around a bit and found out my employer has brokered some sort of discount if I order direct from Panasonic. I bought both this set and the SC-HT930 Home Theater system...

I have mixed feelings about the purchase right now.. not just the price, but the fact that neither will ship until around 11/01/2005. Oh well, I suppose I can call Panasonic every day and ask 'Where's my TV? Where's my TV?" :D
I ordered the same set from Panasonic (my company also gets the discount). I spent about a week toying with the idea before actually ordering, and when I first started checking the Panasonic site (around the end of August), the set was showing a ship date of mid-October. By the time I got around to ordering, the set was showing same day shipping. I ordered on Sept 6 and received the set on Sept 13. So who knows, your ship date may get moved up.

I ordered the same set from Panasonic (my company also gets the discount). I spent about a week toying with the idea before actually ordering, and when I first started checking the Panasonic site (around the end of August), the set was showing a ship date of mid-October. By the time I got around to ordering, the set was showing same day shipping. I ordered on Sept 6 and received the set on Sept 13. So who knows, your ship date may get moved up.

That's good news. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

Is 42" 3/64 the actual width including frame on the 42PX50U? Thanx.

I own the Panny 42px50 and realize I need something to add another hdmi input. The gefen switch seems to be about 200-300 bucks. Since I also need a receiver to hook up speakers to solve the audio-out issues with this display I was thinking of just getting a "cheap" HDMI switching receiver (such as the JVC RX-D402B) It is a bedroom setup that does not require high end (or even medium end) stuff. Has anyone solved their hdmi switching problem this way? I would post a link to a retail site, but I don't recall if that violates forum rules. You may have to google it youraselves.

BTW, I searched the forums for this unit and came up empty.

Eric

A very reasonable choice.

Some people really loved the prior JVC digital-amp receivers. Others did not. I bet you'd fine the sound to be just fine.

Is 42" 3/64 the actual width including frame on the 42PX50U? Thanx.Mine measures a hair over 42" wide at it's widest point (the rear edge of the silver surround) so i'd say that's correct :)

Here's something that has me stumped with my PX50U. So far all my HD reception is off-air, and it looks like that will remain so for a while. Fortunately for reception I live high in the hills and my rooftop antenna can reach out and pick up a great many HD channels. Unfortunately, the channels come from all different directions. Now, it appears that I can manually add/delete all the analog channels I want, but I haven't found any way of adding digital channels except by initiating an automatic channel scan. So when I scan channels to the South, my directional antenna attenuates the signals from the North so much that the tv doesn't see them and doesn't add them to the scanned channels. This prevents me from tuning the northern (and eastern and western) channels either by using the up-channel on the remote's tuning/volume disc or by inputting the channel manually.

When I aim the antenna to the North, the opposite happens, and I lose many of the southern channels. Etc. No matter how I nudge the antenna direction, I can't find a place that will cause the automatic scan to register all the digital channels I want to receive. It's a pain to have to re-scan just to receive an HD channel from the Northwest, and then re-scan again to receive a different channel from the South.

I can see from the discussion of CC's and STB's here that not many of you are concerned with OTA reception, but if anyone has discovered a method of manually entering digital channels you would make this geezer happier. Thanks a bunch. JK

If you go to antennaweb.org and print the Digital cable channel for your area, you should see the frequency designation for the digital channel. Eg. NBC in Dallas Ft. Worth is 5.1 and the frequency is 41. You should be able to tune to frequency 41 directly without going through the re-scan.


If you are not using cable tv input, you could hookup two antennas simultaneously. Each pointed in a different direction so you could pick up all channels clearly between the two antennas. I have a similar problem with my antenna orientiation, there is always one channel that I miss when I re-orient.

Yep....I took the plunge and have on order the 50" PX500U. Managed to get Tweeter to sell it to me within about $150 of the average internet price...which is worth it for the 30 day return option. When I get it, and burn it in, and tweak it, I will give you a report on my unit.

Question on the 50" PX500U: I think I read somewhere that this new 8th generation plasma had burn in protections...I think pixel shifting or something. I have looked hi and lo, and can not find anything about this, if this is true. I know....even if it does have this protection...one still has to be careful.

Anyone out there who can confirm this?

Thanks,
Bruce

I can see from the discussion of CC's and STB's here that not many of you are concerned with OTA reception, but if anyone has discovered a method of manually entering digital channels you would make this geezer happier. Thanks a bunch. JK
Jacx, these are good questions for this thread, but you should know that there are separate threads for OTA (as well as cable and sat) reception for most metro areas. Go to here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=45) and pick your area. Lots of good information there. There is also an antenna thread that has a wealth of information.

Yep....I took the plunge and have on order the 50" PX500U. Managed to get Tweeter to sell it to me within about $150 of the average internet price...which is worth it for the 30 day return option. When I get it, and burn it in, and tweak it, I will give you a report on my unit.

Question on the 50" PX500U: I think I read somewhere that this new 8th generation plasma had burn in protections...I think pixel shifting or something. I have looked hi and lo, and can not find anything about this, if this is true. I know....even if it does have this protection...one still has to be careful.

Anyone out there who can confirm this?

Thanks,
Bruce

It's called Pixel Orbiting. Not a new process..maybe for the Panny's...i dunno. I do know the 500u's flew out the door fast.. extremely popular (and for good reason). :cool:

Quote:
Originally Posted by fcsmith
TZ, I don't know the brand of the card, but will ask when the tech comes back tomorrow.

Time Warner uses Scientific-Atlanta CableCARDs, Cox uses Motorola.

This may differ by area, but TWC in Houston gave me a Motorola CableCard, that I'm still struggling to get setup correcly after a week.

This may differ by area, but TWC in Houston gave me a Motorola CableCard, that I'm still struggling to get setup correcly after a week.
TWC in my area uses Sci Atl, and also struggling to get it to work. The first card wouldn't work at all. The second one worked for a little bit, then did an auto firmware upgrade. After that it gave me an error code 161-01 and said to call my cable operator. They're coming back out Tuesday.

This may differ by area, but TWC in Houston gave me a Motorola CableCard, that I'm still struggling to get setup correcly after a week.Sorry, I did not know that. Time Warner, Cox, Scientific-Atlanta and Motorola are the big players driving the current implementation of OACP. The CableCARD should work with your TV and cable provider's network. Keep after them to make the CableCARD work, your reward will be superior picture quality.

[QUOTE=bmsprague]Yep....I took the plunge and have on order the 50" PX500U. Managed to get Tweeter to sell it to me within about $150 of the average internet price...which is worth it for the 30 day return option. When I get it, and burn it in, and tweak it, I will give you a report on my unit.

Just out of curiosity, how did you go about getting Tweeter to come down in price? I am still deciding between the 42 PX500U and the PX50U. The problem I have is that CC and BB do not carry the PX500U, so I lose the ability to get a price match on the PX500U. After the price match on the PX50U, the price difference between the two models becomes a little more significant. Is there anybody out there that has purchased the PX50U and wishes that they had taken the plunge for the PX500U or vice versa? I do think that the PX500U is a better looking plasma, however, I am not sure how sold I am on the extra features. Also, what are the thoughts on purchasing an additional warranty? Thanks

MODS NOTE:

Most of you guys are doing a good job with the "PRICING RULES" and it is appreciated.

For the rest of you guys.........

DO NOT TALK ABOUT PRICING, WHOS GOT THE BETTER DEAL, WHO WILL PRICE MATCH, ETC.

Asking who has it in stock is fine (but no pricing talk).

Your post will be removed with no hesitation!!!!!!

Thanks.

Dave

A question for 42PD50 owners:

In several store demos with a 480p or higher feed, I have noticed this model has a noticable jaggedness on around diagonal lines & edges as compared to other nearby ED plasmas with the same video feed. The edges look reminicent of a PC video display without any anti-aliasing. Is this something intrinsic to the scaler in this model, or is it more likely a sharpening parameter that can be softened through a menu setting? I didn't get a chance to dig through the menus to see.

Thanks

[QUOTE=bmsprague]I do think that the PX500U is a better looking plasma, however, I am not sure how sold I am on the extra features.In the dark neither is more handsome than the other :D

Will you actually use the extra features? Or maybe just one or two of them? Is it worth the premium price you'll pay over a pricematched PX50U? Want is one thing, but need is another. You could buy a nice kitchen LCD with the savings....

Also, what are the thoughts on purchasing an additional warranty? ThanksEvery aftermarket warranty i've ever bought has paid for itself (except for one TV that i sold after a few years and never had a failure with) so i tend to be willing to pay the price for peace of mind so i can enjoy my purchase, and if the unit does fail it's only a minor inconvenience and not a financial distaster.

If you can get something like 4 additional years for about $200 then i say go for it, but if it's more expensive then pass on it and get a Repairmaster 4-year warranty for under $200 from TVA.

Or - many good credit card companies double the factory warranty if you use their card to purchase the plasma and it doesn't cost anything.

[QUOTE=jjobev]In the dark neither is more handsome than the other :D

Will you actually use the extra features? Or maybe just one or two of them? Is it worth the premium price you'll pay over a pricematched PX50U? Want is one thing, but need is another. You could buy a nice kitchen LCD with the savings....

Every aftermarket warranty i've ever bought has paid for itself (except for one TV that i sold after a few years and never had a failure with) so i tend to be willing to pay the price for peace of mind so i can enjoy my purchase, and if the unit does fail it's only a minor inconvenience and not a financial distaster.

If you can get something like 4 additional years for about $200 then i say go for it, but if it's more expensive then pass on it and get a Repairmaster 4-year warranty for under $200 from TVA.

Or - many good credit card companies double the factory warranty if you use their card to purchase the plasma and it doesn't cost anything.

That is excellent advice Randy. If one is not sure what a card covers (eg. threw out all the small white pages they sent to you), call the number on the back of your card. They know better than anyone else what is covered by your card.

To Assayer, re: "jaggies" on 42PD50U. I have one of these units and I find the overall picture to be very good. But as you noted it does produce jagged edges on some diagonal lines. There is a "sharpness" control which I slightly reduce, but I don't think you can completely eliminate these jaggies since the set is basically limited by the ED resolution...maybe if you drastically reduce sharpness, but that would not result in a pleasing picture. In the vast majority of programming it's not a big problem.

To Assayer, re: "jaggies" on 42PD50U. I have one of these units and I find the overall picture to be very good. But as you noted it does produce jagged edges on some diagonal lines. There is a "sharpness" control which I slightly reduce, but I don't think you can completely eliminate these jaggies since the set is basically limited by the ED resolution...maybe if you drastically reduce sharpness, but that would not result in a pleasing picture. In the vast majority of programming it's not a big problem.

Guys i have the 42PD50U set and have never experienced any jagged edges on mine. I think i would notice this condition if it were present and not something i could overlook. I have been reading this post for quite some time now and have been very critical of my viewing because of a lot of the problems and conditions readers have experienced. I have been an owner since April and never had this problem or any problems for that matter other than the green monster which was corrected by turning color manager off. Maybe it is your source of input or reception or whatever, but it is not a problem with all PD50U's. There is one thing that i have on all my power cords that is suppose to suppress any Electro-Magnetic Interference (EMI) that can impact your (HD)TV picture and sound. It's called an "AC & Video Line Noise Suppressor". You may want to purchase one or two and try them and see if that makes a difference.

Is 42" 3/64 the actual width including frame on the 42PX50U? Thanx.

Yep, it slid into my bedroom armoire which is exactly 43" wide with about 3/8" on each side to spare.

Eric

I took a trip down to the local electronics store and viewed several TVs within my price range, and decided on the TH-50PX500U.

Tonight I shopped around a bit and found out my employer has brokered some sort of discount if I order direct from Panasonic. I bought both this set and the SC-HT930 Home Theater system...

I have mixed feelings about the purchase right now.. not just the price, but the fact that neither will ship until around 11/01/2005. Oh well, I suppose I can call Panasonic every day and ask 'Where's my TV? Where's my TV?" :D

Yes, I know what you mean. I ordered a TH-42PX500 from TV Authority and it was supposed to be delivered this week. The shipping company was supposed to call me yesterday on the delivery time, but no one called me. I called TV Authority and I was told that they didn't have it in stock after all and it is on backorder until the end of the month. :(

I'd like to avoid burn in problems with my just arrived 42PX50U. If I play a 2.35:1 DVD, there are black bars at the top and bottom. I don't see any way to change the aspect ratio so that I get a pan and scan image that'll fill the whole screen. I realize that waiting 100 hours, then watching such movies in their native ratios is the best option, but is there a way to force the TV to fill the screen in the meantime?

I see that some Comcast HD channels broadcasts, mainly local channels, don't stretch from 4:3 to 16:9, so I get black bars on the sides. The same stuff on the lower channels DOES stretch. That must be because it's not a HD signal there. Can I get 4:3 stuff on HD channels to stretch to 16:9, too?

Again, it's not a matter of preferring to distort the image, rather it's that I'm concerned about burn in stuff.

I ordered a TH-42PX500.......and I was told that they didn't have it in stock after all and it is on backorder until the end of the month. :(

Panasonic ran out of these suddenly and caught all the retailers off guard resulting in nation-wide backorders (apparently). Sooo, do they have the new Pioneer in stock? :D

I'd like to avoid burn in problems with my just arrived 42PX50U. If I play a 2.35:1 DVD, there are black bars at the top and bottom. I don't see any way to change the aspect ratio so that I get a pan and scan image that'll fill the whole screen. I realize that waiting 100 hours, then watching such movies in their native ratios is the best option, but is there a way to force the TV to fill the screen in the meantime?

I see that some Comcast HD channels broadcasts, mainly local channels, don't stretch from 4:3 to 16:9, so I get black bars on the sides. The same stuff on the lower channels does stretch. That must be because it's not a HD signal there. Can I get 4:3 stuff on HD channels to stretch to 16:9, too?

Again, it's not a matter of preferring to distort the image, rather it's that I'm concerned about burn in stuff.

For DVD's at 2.35: 1 you'll need to zoom (via the DVD or the display) to get rid of the black bars.

For cable, if the display is fed a 720p/1080i 4:3 image, you'll need to zoom or stretch via the cable box as the display won't change aspect ratio. Alternatively, you can downconvert to 480p/i via the cable box (assuming it will allow this) and then you can zoom/stretch via the display.

Thanks, cpcat. The Comcast/Motorola cable box does allow me to select a 480p/i signal, so I'll try that and see what happens.

I realized that there was minimal true HD programming available at this point, but it really is limited. Like close to nothing at all, if we dismiss the InHD stuff that looks nice, but is of no interest in and of itself, and the CBS, NBC type stuff, that's not widescreen and doesn't appear to have been shot in HD, even if the signal is.

Any thoughts on some of the picture settings? Should I turn off the color manager, for example? I wish I could individually adjust the component colors. I assume that I can't, since I don't see any controls for it. What about Color Temperature?

I'll calibrate to AVIA, but would love to get opinions from people here who know far more than I do. I have the eye, but not that much experience tweaking these things as this is my first HDTV.

Last weekend I bought and returned a Zenith Z42PX2D after I judged the PQ to be lacking when compared to my (2 or 3 yr old) Sony 34XBR800. This was with SD contentfrom cable and from DirecTV.

DVD looked almost as good on the Zenith as on the Sony, but not quite (the Z42PX2D had a "mealy" look about it that was distracting).

So now I'm wondering if _any_ ED set will match up well against the Sony 34XBR800? I can get the Panny 42PD50U (I believe that's right) for $1900 about and might jump on it but only if I get an improvement in PQ over the XBR.

Or do I have to go to HD to improve on current pict? How do the HD sets do with SD content (of which I watch a fair amt). I thought that ED sets did better with SD content than HD sets--is this not true?

Thanks for your help--

Thanks, cpcat. The Comcast/Motorola cable box does allow me to select a 480p/i signal, so I'll try that and see what happens.

I realized that there was minimal true HD programming available at this point, but it really is limited. Like close to nothing at all, if we dismiss the InHD stuff that looks nice, but is of no interest in and of itself, and the CBS, NBC type stuff, that's not widescreen and doesn't appear to have been shot in HD, even if the signal is.

Any thoughts on some of the picture settings? Should I turn off the color manager, for example? I wish I could individually adjust the component colors. I assume that I can't, since I don't see any controls for it. What about Color Temperature?

I'll calibrate to AVIA, but would love to get opinions from people here who know far more than I do. I have the eye, but not that much experience tweaking these things as this is my first HDTV.

Here are my settings currently after AVIA and THX optimizer (have a 50PX50U):

Standard
Pic 25
Brt 9
Color +1
Tint -5
Sharp 20
Temp warm
NR off
Color mng off
Black light

I tweaked sharpness and picture slightly for preference after setting it through AVIA.

Wow! I use a CableCARD and run my panel (50PX50U)

Standard
Picture 12 - 15
Brigthness -3
Color 0
Tint 0
Sharpness 0
Color Temp Warm or Normal
Color Management On or Off
Other Settings don't matter
Black Adjustment Light for HD Dark for SD

Dude... you need a new STB.

Dude... you need a new STB.

Either CableCard is different, the sets are different, or our preferences are different. I can't tell a difference between OTA via my LG STB and OTA via the set's tuner, they seem identical with identical settings.

MNF looked pretty much identical when it switched from ABC OTA to ESPN-HD (Hughes D* STB) the other night as well.

I can't tell a difference either with color mgt, mpeg nr, so I just leave them off.

There does seem to be some green push with my set (according to AVIA) and I've heard others say this as well thus the -5 tint setting.

YMMV of course.

Hello All, i have a question about getting a new Pani 50''. Looks like there are 2 versions that im looking at currently:

TH-50PX500U & TH-50PX50U

While the 500U adds some stuff that im going to want, i dont understand why when i look on the internet and go to bestbuy. The TH-50PX500U is no where to be seen. Doing a search on amazon no one has bought it.

Question is, right now. Which one is newer which one is going to be the better choice?

Thanks.

VeSSer, others here will know far better than I do, but I think the 500U has the exact same display as the 50U, but comes with more features and a little different packaging. It has TV Guide and PC input, probably among things, that the 50U doesn't.

cpcat and optivity, thanks for the feedback. Did you use those settings even during the break in period? Setting picture to 25 and brightness to 9 with my set in my living room is torch mode, to be sure. Maybe it's cpcat's display or environment.

Hello All, i have a question about getting a new Pani 50''. Looks like there are 2 versions that im looking at currently:

TH-50PX500U & TH-50PX50U

While the 500U adds some stuff that im going to want, i dont understand why when i look on the internet and go to bestbuy. The TH-50PX500U is no where to be seen. Doing a search on amazon no one has bought it.

Question is, right now. Which one is newer which one is going to be the better choice?.The PX500U is a few months newer than the PX50U but both use the same plasma 8th generation plasma panel so picture quality should be virtually identical between them.

As to which is the better choice, only you can decide that based on the extra features and different cabinet design of the PX500U. I didn't want or need any of the extra stuff so for me the PX50U was the "better choice". YMMV.

The reviews for the PX50U should be good enough to get an idea of how good the PX500U is except for the better sound and extra features.


Click to Compare 50PX50U to 50PX500U (http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/vModelComparisonResults?storeId=15001&catalogId=13401&catGroupId=24973&cacheProgram=11002&cachePartner=7000000000000005702&surfCategory=Plasma%20TVs&items=93883|93338|)

cpcat and optivity, thanks for the feedback. Did you use those settings even during the break in period? Setting picture to 25 and brightness to 9 with my set in my living room is torch mode, to be sure. Maybe it's cpcat's display or environment.

Default settings in Standard mode are 20 for picture and 0 for brightness. Shadow detail suffers for me with brightness at 0. Going by the THX drop shadow on THX optimizer strictly I would actually have ended up at around 14 or so for brightness but I dropped it a bit to decrease noise in dark areas but still provide the shadow detail I like.

With the 6 box white pattern on AVIA it was possible to crank it up all the way without loss of differentiation among the shades of white but I ended up settling back down to 25. This is fairly typical of digital displays as they will almost never bloom and usually have excellent white level performance. My LCD RPTV is the same way.

My room is in my basement with controlled lighting.

I haven't worried about "dialing down" for break in. I've simply kept the picture 16:9 as much as possible and enjoyed my TV.

VeSSer, others here will know far better than I do, but I think the 500U has the exact same display as the 50U, but comes with more features and a little different packaging. It has TV Guide and PC input, probably among other things, that the 50U doesn't.

cpcat and optivity, thanks for the feedback. Did you use those settings even during the break in period? Setting picture to 25 and brightness to 9 with my set in my living room is torch mode, to be sure, so I wouldn't go that high, especially with the set being so new.

Last weekend I bought and returned a Zenith Z42PX2D after I judged the PQ to be lacking when compared to my (2 or 3 yr old) Sony 34XBR800. This was with SD contentfrom cable and from DirecTV.

DVD looked almost as good on the Zenith as on the Sony, but not quite (the Z42PX2D had a "mealy" look about it that was distracting).

So now I'm wondering if _any_ ED set will match up well against the Sony 34XBR800? I can get the Panny 42PD50U (I believe that's right) for $1900 about and might jump on it but only if I get an improvement in PQ over the XBR.

Or do I have to go to HD to improve on current pict? How do the HD sets do with SD content (of which I watch a fair amt). I thought that ED sets did better with SD content than HD sets--is this not true?

Thanks for your help--
it will take the hd panel to get on the xbr i know i owned one sold the sony kept the panasonic 42px50u.

HELP! I was just flipping through the channels and the picture never came back. It went black and I got some audio and nothing else. THought it was the cable, swapped channels and nothing! No TV menu, no sound bars, no mute, nothing! I can see the screen shimmer when I try to change inputs but it is not doing anything!

HELP!

it will take the hd panel to get on the xbr i know i owned one sold the sony kept the panasonic 42px50u.

i fear that unit is out of my price range, alas. are there less expensive HD units that I should look at?

HELP! I was just flipping through the channels and the picture never came back. It went black and I got some audio and nothing else. THought it was the cable, swapped channels and nothing! No TV menu, no sound bars, no mute, nothing! I can see the screen shimmer when I try to change inputs but it is not doing anything!

HELP!

Do you have any other sources other than cable to try?

The other thing to do is to remove power for several minutes then try a re-boot.

The other thing would be to try the controls on the TV itself.

I just got my PX500. Love it so far. After my almost 100 hours of break-in on super-dim, I decided to give an Xbox game a whirl. I tried MVP Baseball 2005, which is a 720P game, and I have the Xbox set to output 720p. During no/slow action, all looks great, but during fast action (such as a throw from 3rd base to 1st base), the screen gets very jerky. I didn't have this issue with my 27 inch tube 480i TV. Is anyone else experiencing problems with fast games on these Panny's?

Thanks,

Jeff

Jeff, I noticed frame issues when I fired up MVP on my Panny 42PX50U. The camera was real jerky when cutting to the field. I switched from the Aerial angle to Broadcast, and it became a lot smoother. I think the Xbox just has trouble maintaining frames on the wider camera view in 720p. That's the only 720p game I have, so I don't know if that's a common problem.

i fear that unit is out of my price range, alas. are there less expensive HD units that I should look at?

Yes, look at the 42PX50U in 3 months. ;)

i fear that unit is out of my price range, alas. are there less expensive HD units that I should look at?
it was for me too but the store gave 24month no interest which fit my current budget.

Panasonic ran out of these suddenly and caught all the retailers off guard resulting in nation-wide backorders (apparently). Sooo, do they have the new Pioneer in stock? :D


I am not sure what the comparable Pioneer model would be to the Panasonic 42PX500U. Can you recommend the model? Thanks in advance.

I have a dilema. I can get a new Panasonic TH-37PX50U for sub $1K. It will be used for some SD, DVD and Xbox360. If I had to break it down to a percent I would say, 30% SD, 30% DVD, 40% gaming. I know it can't resolve full HD, but it comes close to 720p. I'm willing to take all the necessary steps to avoid burn-in and image-retention.
Should I:
Pull the trigger?
or
save up more money and get a V26XBR1?

Has anyone used a TH-37PX50U for gaming?
Impressions?
Is it worth it?

This would be my first HDTV.

there is only one thing better than hd more hd.

I have a dilema. I can get a new Panasonic TH-37PX50U for sub $1K. It will be used for some SD, DVD and Xbox360. If I had to break it down to a percent I would say, 30% SD, 30% DVD, 40% gaming. I know it can't resolve full HD, but it comes close to 720p. I'm willing to take all the necessary steps to avoid burn-in and image-retention.
Should I:
Pull the trigger?
or
save up more money and get a V26XBR1?

Has anyone used a TH-37PX50U for gaming?
Impressions?
Is it worth it?

This would be my first HDTV.

Yes.
I game on my 42PD50U (ED) and it's fantastic. Just break it in, yada yada, sounds like you know the deal.
At that price I don't know how you could go wrong.
Only concern would be is if it's big enough for your situation, but again, at that price...I'm sure you can find a place for it should you decide to go bigger. ;)
Since the alternative you're considering sounds like a 26"...I think you'll be much happier with the 37.
I think the only dilemma you really have is if you should buy two.

I have a dilema. I can get a new Panasonic TH-37PX50U for sub $1K. No question at that price the Panny is a literal steal. They're normally more than double that price . . . . . .

Well, I returned the first unit right away because it have a horrendous buzz coming from the left side of the screen when facing it, behind the speakers. It buzzed right out of the box so was a quick turn around to the retailer. I've been around many plasmas and know what the "normal" plasma buzz is, plus I'm at about 300ft, so not pushing the altitude issues.

The replacement didn't buzz out of the box, so I thought it was just a bad unit and we lifted the beast up to it's perch. All was well for a while, but after the unit is on for a while the buzz starts and slowly gets louder. It got to the point that my wife asked "what's that noise?" while we were watching a show.

I decided to call Panasonic on this one to see if there was an known issue to be resolved. I have to say the service rep was really nice and gathered a bunch of diagnostic information about the issues I saw with the 42px500u. They decided to send a service company out, which they came and got it. They called and said they had reproduced the buzz and that it was a coil of some sort on a circuit board. They were going to call panasonic about a replacement board, but they may be able to put some chemicals on it to quite it down. Well, they called to schedule the return of the unit and said that Panasonic didn't consider it a problem and wouldn't replace the part. The service folks said they did what they could with it. But, after getting it back it buzzes as soon as you turn it on.

It's a bummer. I liked the 42px500u even with it's issues, but can't live with the buzz.

List of issues I've seen:
1. 2 units had a buzz from the left side about half way up when facing the screen.
The service center claims it's a coil of some sort.
2. With CableCard "protected" channels(discovery, HBO, etc) on Comcast don't output any audio on the optical digital out. My cableboxes output the audio on optical just fine.
3. My Comcast DVR DVI output doesn't play nice with the HDMI input. I'm fairly convinced this is a comcast DVR issue, but thought I would note it. Basically it will have a picture for a while, then quickly to snow, then black screen. Most likely an HDCP bug. (this helps the paying consumer how?) When the screen goes black it takes a while for the "input source" menu to come up.
4. The TV Guide On Screen doesn't populate with the CableCard. From talking to Panasonic they think it's an issue with the Motorla CableCards not passing the data. Could be a Comcast issue too.
5. (not really a bug, but wish) You can't zoom/just/full the channels that are sending 480 picture size on a 720p signal (idiot networks [yes, you know who you are])

Otherwise, awesome picture. The Blue Angels show in HD is mesmerizing...

Now I have to roll the dice on a third unit, or select something else... Tough call.

I would start by demanding quite a bit harder to get Panasonic to fix it. Especially since the service center reproduced the problem.

No question at that price the Panny is a literal steal. They're normally more than double that price . . . . . .

I think he meant the EDTV model otherwise if you do the math the 42PX50U would be around $1500.

Sorry to hear about the buzzing issues with your PDP(s). I'm wondering if they are related to quality control/build issues with PDPs coming from Mexico versus Japan? I purchased a 50PX50U (Japan April 2005) May 1st and it runs silent.

With CableCard "protected" channels(discovery, HBO, etc) on Comcast don't output any audio on the optical digital out. My cableboxes output the audio on optical just fine.My same experience with Time Warner and their SA CableCARD. Scumbags.My Comcast DVR DVI output doesn't play nice with the HDMI input. I'm fairly convinced this is a comcast DVR issue, but thought I would note it. Basically it will have a picture for a while, then quickly to snow, then black screen. Most likely an HDCP bug. (this helps the paying consumer how?) When the screen goes black it takes a while for the "input source" menu to come up.You will be a lot better off with an STB --> HDMI --> HDMI connection, I believe new cable boxes are due out this fall, good luck. The TV Guide On Screen doesn't populate with the CableCard. From talking to Panasonic they think it's an issue with the Motorla CableCards not passing the data. Could be a Comcast issue too. Right. Check with your cable provider to find out if they pass TVGOS data through the CableCARD. Again, scumbags.(not really a bug, but wish) You can't zoom/just/full the channels that are sending 480 picture size on a 720p signal (idiot networks [yes, you know who you are]) HD-Light... what a "joke," and the joke is on us. The inability to use aspect controls with 720p/1080i signals is the BIGGEST shortcoming of Panasonic PDPs.
Now I have to roll the dice on a third unit, or select something else... Tough call.I say "go for it!" Keep swapping units until you get one you're happy with. In the long-run you'll be a lot more satisfied.

Sorry to hear about the buzzing issues with your PDP(s). I'm wondering if they are related to quality control/build issues with PDPs coming from Mexico versus Japan? I purchased a 50PX50U (Japan April 2005) May 1st and it runs silent.

.

My first 50PX50U was made in Japan but had video noise as well as shifting black level and colors.

My second was made in Mexico and had a buzz initially only until warm-up but now is silent without any other problems. I'm keeping this one...

While there are always exceptions, I'm looking for trends. If I were to buy one from a B&M, I'd specify it has to be made in Japan otherwise no deal.

I think he meant the EDTV model otherwise if you do the math the 42PX50U would be around $1500.What makes you think that? He specifically used the part number TH-37PX50U, not TH-42PD50U. Even if it is the ED model, that price is several hundred less than the best internet deal out there.

I think he meant the EDTV model otherwise if you do the math the 42PX50U would be around $1500.

Plasmas run warm....Maybe this plasma is a little warmer than others... ;)

Plasmas run warm....Maybe this plasma is a little warmer than others... ;)Lets hope so, I live in the cold Northeast and heat my house with natural gas :eek: I need all the "warmth" I can get. ;)

anyone willing to post picture settings for the 42px500 or the 50? I have seen several settings for the 50px, but didnt know if the 42 would fall into the same ideal settings.

thanks

ps- thanks to all of you who post great info here. This is my first post but i have been reading AVS everyday for over a year..thanks!

Lets hope so, I live in the cold Northeast and heat my house with natural gas :eek: I need all the "warmth" I can get. ;)

I heard that Op, Pittsburgh gets a little cold too...I could put a new plasma in one room every year if I didn't have that gas bill...maybe that could be the new plan...
"But, honey...Plasma TV's generate a fair amount of heat...it's SAVING us money on our gas bill to put one in every room!!"

I like your "attitude!" If I didn't have to pay my "school tax" bill :eek: by the end of this month... I'd have enough spare cash laying around to heat the house with (3) PD50U's [MSRP]. :)

I purchased a Panasonic 42inch EDTV, what are the recommended picture settings for brightness, sharpness, etc

I posted this as its own topic yesterday but got no response. Maybe this is a more appropriate location. Any help is appreciated.



I have a 50px50u with digital cable service - no cable card - my cable co doesnt support it. They also wont give me a second hd box for this set (dont ask). So im trying to get my hd locals on my own via cable - antennae is out of the question. When i hook up the coax line directly to the back of the set and do the channel scan (analogue and digital) it zips through the analogue part then starts the digital scan. The digital part takes awhile (4-5mins) and as the progress bar fills it suddunly stops -at about 85%- before the progress bar finishes. The result is that it finds a boat load of music channels + some digital cable channels (toon disney, and cinnemax thriller) + some other blank channels w/o audio or video (I assume these are scrambled).

Here is the problem -- it also almost always finds pbd-hd and once i got it to find abc and nbc-hd. It has never found fox-hd. My hd locals are really all im concerned about getting, but i cant recapture nbc,abc,pbs and fox (never have gotton fox and only abc+nbc once) simultaniously.

I bought a lg 3410a dvd+ hd tuner all in one at best buy. It can find ALL of my locals EVERYTIME. So i know it can be done. I really dont want to keep the LG tuner since its cumbersome, but i cant figure out how to get the panny to tune the digital hd locals in a consistant manner.

Is it normal for the channel scan to end before the progress bar completes? Maybe its "timing out" before it finds my hd locals?

Is there a way to manually program them at 5.1 8.1 13.1 etc?

Is anyone else having this problem? - Getting the panny to tune unscrambled digital cable.

Thanks for the help.

I don't mean to be "Mr. Obvious"...but are you making sure the coax connection is tight to the back of the panel? I once had a problem picking up certain HD channels by using a push-on coax connector rather than the threaded type. As soon as I went back to threaded and tightened it up, it was fine.

The digital scan always takes forever for me. Don't know about the time out issue.

hey folks,
i'm doing a poll on the source of your plasma/lcd tv purchase & thought maybe some of you should know so that you can contribute too

poll results after 106 votes thus far:

seems there is an approximately even split between those buying in-store vs cyber ~40% each.... interesting fact about purchase protection plan is that they are obtained almost 3 times as often with in-store purchase (17%) vs over the internet (6%)

see for yourself at (& vote too!):
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=581350

scottro -

thanks for the thought - but my connections are all tight and secure. The confusing thing to me is that the lg tuner captures the channels at 106.1 106.2 107.1 108.1 for my locals. the panny shows something at 105.1 but no picture or sound nothing at the others though.

That's strange, hldr. I don't know what to tell you...if the LG picks it up you'd think the Panny would too. I was thinking weak cable signal, too many splits, something...I can see why the LG and Panny would be different for OTA with an antenna but not just plugging the coax straight in. Somebody smarter than me is going to have to chime in here with some other ideas.

hldr, I have the Panasonic 42PD50U on Time Warner Cable in Austin, and even though they supposedly put all the local HD stations on cable "in the clear", my 42PD50 will only pick up ABC, NBC, and CBS--never PBS or FOX. I have the same tuner behavior--3 or 4 minutes of digital scanning and then it stops before the progress bar reaches the end. Maybe the FOX station has some kind of configuration problem that the Panasonic cable tuner doesn't know what to do with. However, when I connect a UHF antenna and use the TV's antenna mode, I can get the FOX digital channel (and all the other digital channels) with no significant problems.

Anyway I think FOX and/or TWC have some kind of problem with the channel data on their cable setup. Just my guess. When I ask TWC service people about it, they don't seem up to speed on QAM tuner technology at all. ("How do you get digital channels without our box?")

rimag, the best TV settings will probably depend on your lighting, input sources, cable signal, and other conditions where you live. Personally I use the following settings on my 42PD50U but that doesn't mean you will like them. And these are not based on any professional calibration, just what looks about right to my eyes:

Mode: Standard
Color Management Off
Tint -5
Color -3
Sharpness -4
Contrast (or picture, I forget what Panny calls it) +10
Brightness +7 (on some sources I have black level set to "light", on others "dark")

On some sources you can choose between "SD" and "HD" for color matrix, when I use my progressive DVD player I prefer the "HD" color matrix.

Hello All, i have a question about getting a new Pani 50''. Looks like there are 2 versions that im looking at currently:

TH-50PX500U & TH-50PX50U

While the 500U adds some stuff that im going to want, i dont understand why when i look on the internet and go to bestbuy. The TH-50PX500U is no where to be seen. Doing a search on amazon no one has bought it.

Question is, right now. Which one is newer which one is going to be the better choice?

Thanks.
The 500U has better speakers, a VGA (PC) input, plus extra component, composite and s-video jacks on the front. It also has the TV Guide On Screen (TVGOS), which is nice if you use the cable card instead of a cable box. It also has PIP or split screen, although there are some quirks as it only works with some inputs (it doesn't work with the VGA or HDMI inputs). There is also an SD card reader, which I've never used, but it can display JPEGs, and I'm told can be used to upgrade the firmware as well.

The picture quality is the same on both as far as I could tell.

scottro & #6

thanks for the info - my cable co is owned be my city (greenville tx) in fact we have cable competition since there is also comcast in town. the city decided to go into the cable business several years back when comcast told them it would be years before cable internet was available. thats right - we have two sets of everything buried in our yards!!! comcast doesnt offer HD here yet unfortunately. the city service is cheap and offers hd + dvr + cable modems, but they dont have the expertise in running a cable utility. As soon as mpeg 4 and hd locals are available via D* for Dallas i will probably switch, but keep the cable broadband. Until then i guess ill add a splitter and pipe it to the cable box and the lg a swap back and forth on different tv inputs. only thing ill be missing of importance is espn-hd.

if anyone else has suggestions please chime in.

It may be that the performance of the game at 720p is not very good (dropping frames). Since your previous TV did not support this resolution you may never have seen this limitation. Have you tried 720p on another HD display, say at a friend's house?

I was out of town for a few days -- so I'm replying to my the posts from a few pages back, but have now tried the 720p game on my other HD display. It works just fine, however that display is a DLP with a native resolution of 720p anyway. Theory on the gaming board is that the panny can't convert the 720p to it's native resolution fast enough. Looks like I'm out of luck using at least this game on the plasma -- at least in high def.

While there are always exceptions, I'm looking for trends. If I were to buy one from a B&M, I'd specify it has to be made in Japan otherwise no deal.

Wow. I didn't see this until now.

I guess there are thousands of folks with Mexican made sets who will need to take a backseat to your Japanese made model.

Give me a break. :(

A few acecdotal reports don't constitute a trend and there have been reports of Japanese made models buzzing as well.

Prior generation "buzzers" (Panny, Pio) have been manufactured in Japan and the U.S.

"Made in Mexico" is likely at least a contributing factor to the price drop and allowed you and I both to have a 50 inch quality PDP for <4k MSRP.

It's interesting how you referred to my first Japanese set's problem as an "exception" and to a Mexican set's "buzz" as a trend.

I live in Atlanta and have Comcast cable. I had a Motorola STB for a couple of months but decided to go with a cablecard because 1. I read on this board that the picture quality would be better 2. less cost and 3. to free up my HDMI input.

After it was installed, I immediately noticed that on many of the SD channels that I am seeing a bit of the clayface effect that I have read so much about. I never say that with my STB. Has anyone else experienced this. Any way to change to setup to fix the problem? If not, I am going to call Comcast and have them bring my STB back out.

Wow. I didn't see this until now.

I guess there are thousands of folks with Mexican made sets who will need to take a backseat to your Japanese made model.

Give me a break. :(

A few acecdotal reports don't constitute a trend and there have been reports of Japanese made models buzzing as well.

Prior generation "buzzers" (Panny, Pio) have been manufactured in Japan.

"Made in Mexico" is likely at least a contributing factor to the price drop and allowed you and I both to have a 50 inch quality PDP for <4k MSRP.

It's interesting how you referred to my first Japanese set's problem as an "exception" and to a Mexican set's "buzz" as a trend.

FYI,

Pioneer plasma panels for the US are assembled in the US (Cali to be exact) with American and Japanese parts.

Ok... I went to Futureshop today and they have both PD50 and PX500 side-by-side... I asked for the remote and set both sets to exact same picture setting (they were soooo different initially).

The feed was store specific HD feed on component. PX500 definately showed the HD content more smoothly, I could not see those jagged lines that I could see on PD50 and the motion was a bit smoother. HOWEVER, PD50 picture was DEFINATELY SHARPER!!! Totally shocking, but it really was. I could not believe it and had to change the settings multiple times and no matter what I tried the result was the same. It was DEFINATELY sharper and had more oomph!

I believe the difference was the 1:4000 vs. 1:3000 contrast ratio. It sure was a sharper picture and if I could forgive those jagged lines... PD50 would be my choice in terms of PQ. I had no way of getting any other feed on it, but based on this... PD50 is gonna be better for Cable TV, and DVD, as those jagged lines are gonna appear on lower resolution pictures, right?

I am very much confused now. Has anyone else noticed this sharpness difference between the two sets? Does that 1:4000 contrast ratio make that much of a difference?

I had a Motorola STB for a couple of months but decided to go with a cablecard because 1. I read on this board that the picture quality would be better.......

After it was installed, I immediately noticed that on many of the SD channels that I am seeing a bit of the clayface effect that I have read so much about. I never say that with my STB. Has anyone else experienced this. Any way to change to setup to fix the problem? If not, I am going to call Comcast and have them bring my STB back out.Same thing here. I have an regular SD SA8000 and in another room i have a Pioneer 3510HD STB that i've tested on the Plasma. Both of these STBs give great SD picture quality (S-Video) but when i plug the RF cable directly into the TV instead of the STBs, SD doesn't look as good - it becomes a little grainy and clay-facey. Some channels are still pretty good, but some are considerably worse. Adding a CableCard made no difference whatsoever, although it did give me access to all my digital channels and mapped my HD channels correctly. I tried all manner of connections but in every case the TV's tuner gave poorer SD PQ than ether STB.

FYI,

Pioneer plasma panels for the US are assembled in the US (Cali to be exact) with American and Japanese parts.


Thanks. I edited my response to reflect this.

I've got all the channels programmed on my 50PX50U. Now, I'm goiong through each channel and selecting its caption...i.e. CBS, FOOD, CNN. Anyhow, I see channels that have no captions...HGTV, OH!, CMT (that's County Music Television). Is there anyway to update the "captions selection list" to add captions for these "unidentifiable" channels? It sure would keep things consistence for me. Any ideas on this one? Thanks.

nC

nashvillecat,
You can enter your own caption. Go to the Caption detail screen (within the Program Channel sub-menu). There you can enter your own description for the channel - up to 7 characters long.

What the he** is OH!?

Thanks for the info. :)

OH! is the Oxygen Channel. Haven't quite figured out the thrust of this station yet; maybe kindas Lifetime, Hallmark Channel.

nC

Anyone connect their PC to a 42PD50U via the DVI connection. Is this a feasible option?
How do I connect the audio?

Same thing here. I have an regular SD SA8000 and in another room i have a Pioneer 3510HD STB that i've tested on the Plasma. Both of these STBs give great SD picture quality (S-Video) but when i plug the RF cable directly into the TV instead of the STBs, SD doesn't look as good - it becomes a little grainy and clay-facey. Some channels are still pretty good, but some are considerably worse. Adding a CableCard made no difference whatsoever, although it did give me access to all my digital channels and mapped my HD channels correctly. I tried all manner of connections but in every case the TV's tuner gave poorer SD PQ than ether STB.Most likely there are other problems with your set-up which become more visible when not being masked by an STB. You probably live in an apartment complex using RG-59 coax so your incoming signal will be comprised with noise ingress. You are definitely in the minority regarding your experience with CableCARD and your PDPs renderings.

Most likely there are other problems with your set-up which become more visible when not being masked by an STB. You probably live in an apartment complex using RG-59 coax so your incoming signal will be comprised with noise ingress. You are definitely in the minority regarding your experience with CableCARD and your PDPs renderings.Nope. I live in a house with Fiber Optic at the pole outside, then from this pole i have a straight shot of new RG6 going directly to the back of my entertainment setup then split to my TV and the two DVRs with a good quality splitter. Even if i take the splitter out of the loop and connect my incoming RG6 directly to the TV it still looks worse than when i connect it directly to the SD DVR (which is connected with S-Video). I've tried all different combinations of connection and interchanged cables to no avail. My cable guy said i'm getting a perfect signal to the back of the TV and says the SA8000 is doing a better job processing the analog signal than the TV's tuner is. It's as simple as that.

I was out of town for a few days -- so I'm replying to my the posts from a few pages back, but have now tried the 720p game on my other HD display. It works just fine, however that display is a DLP with a native resolution of 720p anyway. Theory on the gaming board is that the panny can't convert the 720p to it's native resolution fast enough. Looks like I'm out of luck using at least this game on the plasma -- at least in high def.


I have this game and the drop in framerate that you are describing is simply due to the xbox's underpowered capablities at higher resolutions. I notice the same frame rate drop on my 720p native fp where there are no scaling issues. When I play it in 480i, it runs smooth as silk because it can easily handle the lower resolution.

Jon

Nope. I live in a house with Fiber Optic at the pole outside, then from this pole i have a straight shot of new RG6 going directly to the back of my entertainment setup then split to my TV and the two DVRs with a good quality splitter. Even if i take the splitter out of the loop and connect my incoming RG6 directly to the TV it still looks worse than when i connect it directly to the SD DVR (which is connected with S-Video). I've tried all different combinations of connection and interchanged cables to no avail. My cable guy said i'm getting a perfect signal to the back of the TV and says the SA8000 is doing a better job processing the analog signal than the TV's tuner is. It's as simple as that.

I've heard others say that SD looks better over s-video on more than one occasion. I'm not sure how to explain it though.

My cable guy said i'm getting a perfect signal to the back of the TV and says the SA8000 is doing a better job processing the analog signal than the TV's tuner is. It's as simple as that.Well, I can't explain it but perhaps your STB is just one in a million... dt_dc explains:

Better Picture Quality by Using CableCard

"In theory, this does not have to be the case. However, in practice, for now, it seems to be a common occurrence. This is especially true for people who want to 'Plug and Play' and not spend the effort and time required to understand exactly what's happening to that video signal as it makes its way to your TV. Let's again look at my friend Larry. His cable company set him up with a Scientific Atlanta 3100HD connected to his TV via component. Seemingly, some cutting edge stuff. Yet when we used CableCard and connected the coax directly to the set, there was such a significant improvement that everyone (even the cable guys) noticed and commented on immediately. We even had a chance to play with a newer set-top box (Scientific Atlanta 3250HD) with DVI connection and additional output options. Again, for picture quality AND ease of use, CableCard won hands down.

Why? A full explanation would be cause for ... another follow up article. But, let's look at some examples.

The 3100HD was converting all sources to 1080i and sending them via component. Let's look at Fox-HD and ESPN-HD (720p sources) and see what was happening. A 720p digital source comes in to the cable box, which converts it to 1080i. The signal is then converted to analog to be sent via component. The TV then converts the signal back to digital, and converts it to its native scan rate (720p) for display. Compare this to the CableCard option. The 720p signal is displayed as is, without any analog / digital conversion, or 720p / 1080i conversion. Any questions about picture quality?

Ok, so the difference was a little bit subtle. But it was there. The difference for standard definition analog sources was amazing. An analog source comes in to the box, which converts it to digital for 1080i scaling. The signal is then converted back to analog to be sent via component. The TV then converts the signal back to digital, and converts it to its native scan rate (720p) for display. Again, compare this to the CableCard option. One analog to digital conversion (in the TV). And one scan conversion, using Samsung's "DNIe™ Video Enhancer" which supposedly optimizes that signal conversion for the set. I don't know how much of a difference was due to "DNIe™" vs. simply eliminating the various digital / analog conversions and scan rate conversions, and I don't know how much of "DNIe™" is marketing hype vs. actual usefulness. But, in the end, the difference was amazing.

We played with some of the other connections from the cable box for analog standard definition sources. There was some improvement, but Larry was not impressed with having to switch inputs every time he channel surfed, and the picture quality never equaled feeding the set directly.

We even played with a newer set-top box, the Scientific Atlanta 3250HD. DVI made a bit of difference, especially for High Definition and digital sources. But the 'kinks' in the cable box soon became apparent. We had to unplug / replug the cable box any time Larry switched inputs (from say, DVD to cable). We were promised this would be fixed in a software update, but in the mean time Larry was not impressed. And again, to truly optimize picture quality for all sources, Larry had to constantly switch inputs, or manually change 'picture format' on the cable set-top box (again, a fix was promised in a future software update).

CableCard and a direct coax connection took care of all this for Larry. Great picture quality and tremendous ease of use. All the great technology in his set was not being compromised by a less-than-stellar set-top box sitting in front of it."

Does anyone know if the PD50 uses the Faroudja chip?

I'd like to extend thanks to everyone on this forum for guiding to my decision to purchase a TH-50PX500U to be delivered tomorrow. Based on all of your feedback, even the Siren song of the Sony SXRD wasn't able to dissuade me that this is the right display for the right time.

Since I am upgrading from a 15 year old Sony XBR I have no modern components to speak of. I hope standard cable in Zoom mode won't be too disappointing :rolleyes: .

Anyway, for those who are interested the points that finally pushed me over the edge into a plasma purchase are:

-- The Plasma will take up less room than my 27" TV
-- Phospher life very good
-- Black levels very good
-- Off axis viewing
-- Price

And finally something ROGO pointed out: eventually all TVs will be flat panel. I didn't want to have a TV five years from now (e.g. RPTV) that looks like an 8-track player.

Now all I have to do is wait for the buyers remorse to sink in when I see the TH-65PX500 (1080p) come November 1st.

Cheers everyone!

Congratulations. I hope you won't be dissappointed. SD on a big TV (especially zoomed or stretched) can look pretty bad. Surely you at least have a DVD player? You really should have access to HD as well to get the most from your purchase.

Sorry if this has been answered somewhere in the other 146 pages of this thread but...how many HDMI inputs does the 50PX500U have? just one? or (hopefully) two?

thanks in advance.
-Steve

Just One

Sorry if this has been answered somewhere in the other 146 pages of this thread but...how many HDMI inputs does the 50PX500U have? just one? or (hopefully) two?

thanks in advance.
-Steve

One, but a cablecard will free it up.

As we speak my PX50 is being installed on my wall. I can't wait to start viewing! Anyhow, the techs at Tweeter are going to go through all the settings. Any advice on what I should use for settings? The plasma is in a moderately lit room, approximately 14 ft from the main viewing seating. The bottom of the plasma sits at 46 inches off the floor. I am also not using CableCard as I have an HD DVR from Time Warner.

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

thanks for that link.

One other question. The Tweeter techs are hooking the plasma to my HD box via the component in (said that buying an HDMI cable was a waste of $$ right now). Anyhow, when viewing programs in standard definition, I am reading on here that the programs will look like "crap". I have the techs here now and if I need them to hook up an S video cable for standard def., I can tell them that now before they leave.

As we speak my PX50 is being installed on my wall. I can't wait to start viewing! Anyhow, the techs at Tweeter are going to go through all the settings. Any advice on what I should use for settings? The plasma is in a moderately lit room, approximately 14 ft from the main viewing seating. The bottom of the plasma sits at 46 inches off the floor. I am also not using CableCard as I have an HD DVR from Time Warner.
As I understand it, the middle of the screen should be at eye level. I measured the height of my eye while sitting on the couch and it was about 42" (less if I slouch). I'm only 5'10" so taller people should be a little higher. If I sit on a hard chair, my eyes are at 48"

But if the middle of the screen should be at 42"-48", the bottom of a 42" screen (20.6" height) would be 10.3" lower, or around 32-38." For a 50" screen, the bottom would be around 28-34" high.

I've seen a number of posts where people are mounting their screens much higher. Why? Is my math wrong? (Sorry if this gives you another headache, O.)

Has anyone had trouble (or success for that matter) with a CableCard from TWC? They came out today to install one in my 50PX500U, and after they inserted it, a message came up indicating that the card had been installed and that channel information was being downloaded. It never got past this screen (after waiting for 45 min!). The tech speculated that it might be a bad CableCard, and is coming again tomorrow with another one.

I checked the firmware using the directions I found earlier in this thread, and it is the latest version (1.62).
Well, they finally got a CableCard to work for me today. They tried four cards over three service visits before finding one that works. I really don't see a difference in PQ between the CableCard and the STB (SA 3250HD). I'm speaking of HD channels here, as this was over my lunch hour, and I didn't have time to look at the analog channels to see if there's any difference. Mostly I wanted to free up an input and make the set easier to use for the technically challenged in the household anyway.

One thing I will miss is the guide that the STB provides. TVGOS is awful. Does it really not let you sort the listings by channel? If so, that's unforgivable. Surely they'll come out with an update to remedy that at some point!?

As I understand it, the middle of the screen should be at eye level. , O.)

That's one of plasma's advantages: much larger viewing angles both vertically and horizontally. I still wouldn't want it on the ceiling, though.

46 inches should be fine, if that's what the room's decor dictates.

The bottom of my 42px500u is about 45" from the floor and the center is about 55". I have it mounted to the wall with a tilting Omnimount. I wouldnt mind it a few inches lower but installation contstraints "force" this height. I think the set tilted downwards by a few degrees, I am more than happy with it. I even watch tv sitting on the floor sometimes.

Does anyone know whether it is OK to use any old RCA video cables for component input? Do component cables have something special about them that audio RCA cables don't have?

Thanks!

Does anyone know whether it is OK to use any old RCA video cables for component input? Do component cables have something special about them that audio RCA cables don't have?

Thanks!

Nothing special other than color coded ends. They are all 75 ohm RCA terminated.

The cable itself should have a 75 ohm impedance (a video cable normally does). The termination (RCA) is often a lesser impedance (around 55 ohms). BNC's are true 75 ohm terminations, thus the theoretical advantage for video applications. From a practical standpoint it doesn't really matter for the short distance that the termination itself comprises.

See http://www.audioholics.com/techtips/audioprinciples/interconnects/ComponentVideoCables.php

Thanks for the thorough replys. I guess I have to come up with another reason why my component input doesn't seem to be working right.

my screen has a bug behind it (the glass)... is it a tough process to take the glass off?

tip for you comcast motorola box users out there... remember to power your comcast box off then hit menu then change the display to 720p and then change it to stretch mode for the 480i channels

is it tru the auto scan for channels is disabled when you have a cablecard installed?

my screen has a bug behind it (the glass)... is it a tough process to take the glass off?

Wow, thats weird.


What model do you have? I have the 42PD50U service manual and it looks easy. The PX50U should be the same. It's just a matter of unscrewing all the screws around the perimiter on the back of the case and then you tilt the bottom of the front bezel up like a hatchback and then lift it off (the glass is attached to the front bezel).

Of course YMMV and do at your own risk...

is it tru the auto scan for channels is disabled when you have a cablecard installed?The auto program feature that automatically scans all available channels is not available while the CableCARD is inserted; as specified on page 30 or your owner's manual.

Caution though on the firmware upgrades. You need to ensure that you use the SD formatting software which they provide the link for (using you o/s to format can cause problems for the tv) and that you do not have a more recent version in your TV already (I was told that installing an older firmware could really mess things up). By holding down the vol+ on both the remote and tv for 10 secs should bring you to a status screen. The version is in the top right corner. My 50px500U came with 1.60. My TVGOS works fine now since the upgrade to 1.62 last night.

i tried this and it didnt work (holding both down for 10 secs).... is this with tv on or off?

The TV must be on, speakers enabled, and tuned to a channel... press and hold the vol+ button on the remote, when you see the volume graphic on the TV screen press and hold the vol+ button on the TV, hold both for about 5 - 10 seconds then you will notice the display darken somewhat let go of both buttons and the status screen will appear.

All I have to say is...WOW!

This thing is great. I was watching Sahara on it and it looks breath taking. I could not be happier!

Oh, one thing I noticed. I have analog cable hooked up directly to the TV via coax. I plan on getting digital in a about a week or two. I have to say that analog on this TV looks very good. Honestly, in my eyes, it looks better than my 12 year old 27inch CRT. If analog looks this good, I can't even imagine what digital will look like!

I love my new panny!

Much thanks to everyone on this board for educating me about plasmas.

All I have to say is...WOW!

This thing is great. I was watching Sahara on it and it looks breath taking. I could not be happier!

Oh, one thing I noticed. I have analog cable hooked up directly to the TV via coax. I plan on getting digital in a about a week or two. I have to say that analog on this TV looks very good. Honestly, in my eyes, it looks better than my 12 year old 27inch CRT. If analog looks this good, I can't even imagine what digital will look like!

I love my new panny!

Much thanks to everyone on this board for educating me about plasmas.

Congratulations. I hope you enjoy your set as much as i do mine. At least do a channel scan so you can pick up any network OTA HD channels your cable provider passes through until you get digital STB. You will really enjoy watching HD :) .

i got the px50 for around a little under 3 little sheep out the door (tax free deleware) since it was a floor model... but i noticed the bug in the screen when i got it home... so i guess im going to try and get it apart this weekend...

but i have another question... i have a neonuo (or nuoneo forgot howto spell it) dvd player that upconverts a signal.... i used the vga out on it to the component in on the tv set and it worked fine, but when i tried the HDMI out to HDMI in on the tv, it wouldnt show an image.... it was a light black flicker is all i saw....... anyone have any thoughts on this?

After trying to get finger print marks off my PX50U and only making a bigger mess, I took the advice of other members and purchased a microfiber cloth from a camera store.

This sucker kicks butt at getting rid of smudges, finger marks, etc. Go buy one today and protect your investment.

i got the px50 for around a little under 3 little sheep out the door (tax free deleware) since it was a floor model... but i noticed the bug in the screen when i got it home... so i guess im going to try and get it apart this weekend...

but i have another question... i have a neonuo (or nuoneo forgot howto spell it) dvd player that upconverts a signal.... i used the vga out on it to the component in on the tv set and it worked fine, but when i tried the HDMI out to HDMI in on the tv, it wouldnt show an image.... it was a light black flicker is all i saw....... anyone have any thoughts on this?

Make sure your setting on your DVD-player and TV are setup for HDMI input/output. You will have to read your user manuals to check how this is suppose to be setup. There is a settings on the setup menu of your TV for HDMI In. This setting is for Analog or Digital input only. Make sure you have it setup to accept HDMI. I hope this helped a bit. You will have to play with your settings and see what works best. But i do know from experience and from reading these posts that you have to tell your devices that you are using HDMI. Good luck and maybe someone else here will know the exact answer to your dilemma. :)

http://home.comcast.net/~dealios/pic.jpg

yeehaw, here is my 50u in action....


i need to upgrade the firmware though.... comcast came today and installed the cablecard, all went well while the guy was here, then it started locking up when he left..

its a motorola cablecard...

Nice set up. I like the furniture and wall color.

http://home.comcast.net/~dealios/pic.jpg

yeehaw, here is my 50u in action....


i need to upgrade the firmware though.... comcast came today and installed the cablecard, all went well while the guy was here, then it started locking up when he left..

its a motorola cablecard...


Nice set up, where did you get the credenza?

got it from IKEA last night..

$229 - nice piece of solid oak furniture... took about hour to put together...

Scrapple,

The catalog says Pine.

http://www.ikea.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10101&storeId=12&productId=51511&langId=-1&parentCats=10104*10174

I considered this piece myself but I can't use pine, no matter the stain, with my furniture. If you got Oak it must be a variation. The design is very nice but the side compartments with doors seemed a little tight...no side ventilation. I just have too much stuff to put in there. Great viewing height though. For the money it is a great piece.

maybe it was pine... sorry

i put some more circle drill holes (door size bit) in the back for cords and ventilation... my xbox, gamecube and roku soundbridge are in the side compartments.

Scrapple,

The catalog says Pine.

http://www.ikea.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10101&storeId=12&productId=51511&langId=-1&parentCats=10104*10174

I considered this piece myself but I can't use pine, no matter the stain, with my furniture. If you got Oak it must be a variation. The design is very nice but the side compartments with doors seemed a little tight...no side ventilation. I just have too much stuff to put in there. Great viewing height though. For the money it is a great piece.

got it from IKEA last night..

$229 - nice piece of solid oak furniture... took about hour to put together...

Nice piece for the price!

Scrapple,

So I assume the side compartments will not accept usual AV form factor width of 17.25" or so with any breathing space? If true, I keep finding this situation over and over. I don't know how many pieces I encountered or called up to inquire about with the exact same design issue. The center area set aside for AV equipment but the 2 side compartments generally unusable for the same type of equipment even though protected behind glass doors.

Pisses me off bigtime. :mad:

Makes it almost mandatory to buy a very wide 3 section credenza design like the Avion to get back the space for AV.

I'm glad the Markor TV unit worked out for you and your 50U found a nice new home. It looks great. :)

Mods: end of off topic discussion... :D

Here's my 50PX50U in it's home if anyone cares to take a look:

Hi there, thread.

We just got the TH-42PX50U and I had several questions. I am sure these have all been well-covered on AVS Forum, but, honestly, since the search function does not seem to make appropriate use of the "and" operator, I am having a hard time finding answers to these questions...

I will post a summary of answers for interested people.

1. I also bought the Oppo upconverting DVD player, connected over HDMI. Looks great. Do people recommend using the 720p upconversion or the 1080i, when connected to the 42" Panasonic plasma? Or is it just a matter of taste?

2. We have the Comcast 6412 STB coming, for HDTV. Similar to the Oppo, what resolution settings do people recommend for this box? Does one work better for the SD channels? I know some people recommend using S-video for the SD channels and component only for the HD. (I am using the HDMI for the DVD player, so I will use component for the STB).

3. Realistically, how important is the 100-hour burn in period? Honestly, my daughter watches more sesame street than I do widescreen DVDs, so my plasma will get a lot of 4:3 use. Is the use of the light grey bars on the sides of the screen sufficient for preventing burn in?

Thanks for answering these likely FAQs :)

jason

Hi there, thread.

We just got the TH-42PX50U and I had several questions. I am sure these have all been well-covered on AVS Forum, but, honestly, since the search function does not seem to make appropriate use of the "and" operator, I am having a hard time finding answers to these questions...

I will post a summary of answers for interested people.

1. I also bought the Oppo upconverting DVD player, connected over HDMI. Looks great. Do people recommend using the 720p upconversion or the 1080i, when connected to the 42" Panasonic plasma? Or is it just a matter of taste?

2. We have the Comcast 6412 STB coming, for HDTV. Similar to the Oppo, what resolution settings do people recommend for this box? Does one work better for the SD channels? I know some people recommend using S-video for the SD channels and component only for the HD. (I am using the HDMI for the DVD player, so I will use component for the STB).

3. Realistically, how important is the 100-hour burn in period? Honestly, my daughter watches more sesame street than I do widescreen DVDs, so my plasma will get a lot of 4:3 use. Is the use of the light grey bars on the sides of the screen sufficient for preventing burn in?

Thanks for answering these likely FAQs :)

jason

1) I'd just try and let your eyes decide. I personally have never been able to tell the difference between HDMI/DVI vs. component *or* among the choices you have for feeding the display either upconverted or native material from DVD.

2) I'll have to let someone else answer this one as I don't have cable currently.

3) It's important, but I haven't worried about "turning it down" as far as the picture settings are concerned. I set the picture settings for the most enjoyable PQ as I want to enjoy my set *now* and not wait for later. I *would* be careful to stretch the images to fill the screen during the first 100 hrs though. After that, as long as you watch a mixture of material, I wouldn't worry about it. If you set the cable box to send a native signal to the display, it should stretch SD signals automatically for you. The only time you'll lose the ability to stretch is if you send the display a 720p or 1080i signal in which case it defaults to "full". This is an issue especially when watching digital network TV as they tend to send a 720p/1080i signal with a 4:3 image during times of non-HD programming. In that case the "bars" will be whatever color the network sends you and you won't be able to control it. Your only option then is to force the cable box or tuner, whatever to downconvert to 480i/480p so your display can stretch it.

Sesame Street should be fine as it will be sent in 480i/480p.

got it from IKEA last night..

$229 - nice piece of solid oak furniture... took about hour to put together...

Heya scrapple,

Will the center top shelve opening hold a 16" wide 6" high center channel speaker?

1) I'd just try and let your eyes decide. I personally have never been able to tell the difference between HDMI/DVI vs. component *or* among the choices you have for feeding the display either upconverted or native material from DVD.

2) I'll have to let someone else answer this one as I don't have cable currently.

3) It's important, but I haven't worried about "turning it down" as far as the picture settings are concerned. I set the picture settings for the most enjoyable PQ as I want to enjoy my set *now* and not wait for later. I *would* be careful to stretch the images to fill the screen during the first 100 hrs though. After that, as long as you watch a mixture of material, I wouldn't worry about it. If you set the cable box to send a native signal to the display, it should stretch SD signals automatically for you. The only time you'll lose the ability to stretch is if you send the display a 720p or 1080i signal in which case it defaults to "full". This is an issue especially when watching digital network TV as they tend to send a 720p/1080i signal with a 4:3 image during times of non-HD programming. In that case the "bars" will be whatever color the network sends you and you won't be able to control it. Your only option then is to force the cable box or tuner, whatever to downconvert to 480i/480p so your display can stretch it.

Sesame Street should be fine as it will be sent in 480i/480p.


I was wondering if someone else could chime in where cpcat left off regarding stretching non-HD digital content using a Comcast STB. I just received my 500U today and notice that no matter what I change the signal to from the STB(408i/480p/720p/1080i), I can't stretch non-HD digital programming(like 11pm news on an HD channel). I want to avoide the black bars during break in.

I had the 50" Vizio before the Panasonic and with that PDP I was able to zoom any type of signal, just by using the zoom button on the remote. The Panasonic does not seem to have an option like this. I really liked that feature.

Besides that, the 500U is awesome!

Check the incoming signal status using your Panasonic remote's "recall" button. If the signal is 720p/1080i your TV will not support any aspect control stretch/zoom options. Unless your STB provides this capability for 720p/1080i you are SOL. I have a 50PX50U w/CableCARD, this is my situation too so I just don't watch any up converted HD programs.

I was wondering if someone else could chime in where cpcat left off regarding stretching non-HD digital content using a Comcast STB. I just received my 500U today and notice that no matter what I change the signal to from the STB(408i/480p/720p/1080i), I can't stretch non-HD digital programming(like 11pm news on an HD channel). I want to avoide the black bars during break in.

I had the 50" Vizio before the Panasonic and with that PDP I was able to zoom any type of signal, just by using the zoom button on the remote. The Panasonic does not seem to have an option like this. I really liked that feature.

Besides that, the 500U is awesome!

If your cable box is outputting a 480p/480i signal, you should be able to scroll through just, full, zoom, 4:3 on the Panny by pressing "aspect" on the remote. As optivity said, press "info" on the panny remote to see what signal is being fed.
If for some reason your cable box won't ouput 480p/480i, try the S-video ouput on the cable box. It should *only* provide an SD signal. Some say it looks better for SD, too.

Scrapple 5 said:
I had the 50" Vizio before the Panasonic and with that PDP I was able to zoom any type of signal, just by using the zoom button on the remote. The Panasonic does not seem to have an option like this. I really liked that feature.

Besides that, the 500U is awesome!

So as an individual that had both displays in your house why don't you give us an objective review of what you like about each panel and whether you feel the Panny is worth the additional $1000? :)

Wow, we have "scrapple" with a 50u, and "scrapple 5" with a 500u. Just wanted to clarify as that threw me off for a bit. ;)

I think we're confusing the people who just got their TVs with talk of "outputting 480i".

If you have a 4:3 broadcast on an HD channel, like the evening news, the bars are added at the broadcast studio. However since it is an HD channel, the signal will come in as an HD resolution 720p or 1080i, and so these cannot be stretched away unless the TV set offers that feature.

I think we're confusing the people who just got their TVs with talk of "outputting 480i".

If you have a 4:3 broadcast on an HD channel, like the evening news, the bars are added at the broadcast studio. However since it is an HD channel, the signal will come in as an HD resolution 720p or 1080i, and so these cannot be stretched away unless the TV set offers that feature.

An HD channel broadcasting a 4:3 image can still be downconverted by an external device such as a cable box or STB so that the TV "sees" a 480i/480p signal and therefore the aspect ratio control on the TV is enabled. This can be accomplished either by fixing the resolution on the external device or using a SD-only ouput such as S-video or composite video.

The only situation where you truly have no control is if you are watching the TV's tuner.

An HD channel broadcasting a 4:3 image can still be downconverted by an external device such as a cable box or STB so that the TV "sees" a 480i/480p signal and therefore the aspect ratio control on the TV is enabled. This can be accomplished either by fixing the resolution on the external device or using a SD-only ouput such as S-video or composite video.Why would someone want to do this?

It allows you to use aspect control via the TV and/or STB to fill the screen in the above situation.

For example, with an HD 4:3 image downconverted to SD, my LG 3510a offers a "cropped" setting which will fill the screen with minimal distortion with the Panny set to "full" or "just" with "just" seeming to be the best. With aspect control via both devices, it provides more flexibility.

If no downconversion is applied, aspect control is disabled on the Panny and my only option with the LG is to zoom the image which requires several steps.

Why would someone want to do this?

Someone with an ED display, like my 42PD50, might find it very useful. I use 480p from my cable stb (6412 PIII) for HD channels, 480i for SD. I can zoom or justify away the black bars. I haven't noticed any PQ problems letting the stb do the downscaling. (With a true HD display I would not be doing it this way!)

Unlike Chuck Hatcher's experience, my ED gives a much better picture with the 1080i input from my D* HR10-250 DVR than it does with 480p, even on SD D* channels. However, I still "downshift" to 480i when I want to watch a letterboxed SD program in an undistorted full screen mode. (I don't use 480p because I run 480i through an iScan Ultra processor, which gives me a somewhat better picture than the HR10-250'S 480p.)

Unlike Chuck Hatcher's experience, my ED gives a much better picture with the 1080i input from my D* HR10-250 DVR than it does with 480p, even on SD D* channels. However, I still "downshift" to 480i when I want to watch a letterboxed SD program in an undistorted full screen mode. (I don't use 480p because I run 480i through an iScan Ultra processor, which gives me a somewhat better picture than the HR10-250'S 480p.)

Whew.

All this aspect ratio talk can be fatiguing.

Certainly, it's possible to have a 4:3 program which is letterboxed (actually, on a 16:9 display it would then looked picture-framed). More commonly, though, 4:3 material on a 16:9 display is referred to as "pillarboxed" if displayed in it's native form.

Pillarboxed has bars on the side.

Letterboxed has bars above and below.

Windowboxed (picture-framed) has bars all around.

Right?

Whew. :)

Whew.

All this aspect ratio talk can be fatiguing.

Certainly, it's possible to have a 4:3 program which is letterboxed. More commonly, though, 4:3 material on a 16:9 display is referred to as "windowboxed" if displayed in it's native form.

Windowbox has bars on the side.

Letterbox has bars above and below.

Right?

Whew. :)

Windowboxed is when the image is like a postage stamp in the center of the screen, surrounded by black bars on top, bottom, and both sides.

Pillarboxed is when the image has black bars left and right (like when watching 4:3 on a widescreen).

Letterboxed you got right :D

Windowboxed is when the image is like a postage stamp in the center of the screen, surrounded by black bars on top, bottom, and both sides.

Pillarboxed is when the image has black bars left and right (like when watching 4:3 on a widescreen).

Letterboxed you got right :D

Right. I'll edit accordingly. I can never seem to get that straight.

Whew.

Scrapple 5 said:


So as an individual that had both displays in your house why don't you give us an objective review of what you like about each panel and whether you feel the Panny is worth the additional $1000? :)

I'll have to make this quick as today is a busier than normal day at work :p

I returned the Vizio yesterday to Costco for a few reasons.

1) HDMI/HDCP problem with the Comcast 62XX STBs. Basically when you go from an HD channel to a SD channel the screen stays black and you have to turn off the tv and back on again for HDCP to re-handshake. Over time this started to drive me nuts. I'm sure in 6 months or so, there will be a firware fix for this, but I don't want to wait. (I have not had this issue so far with my 500U)

2) I Found the TV to be quirky. There were 3 or 4 times when turning channels, that the PDP screen would go black and a few very bright green lines would appear. I would turn off the Comcast box and the lines would still be there. The only way to fix this was to turn off the PDP. This worried me. I also had a few instances of a group of stuck pixels, which would normally fix itself after 10 minutes or so.

3) After looking at the Panasonic in a few retail stores I started to think that both the HD & SD picture quality was that much sharper to warrant the extra $1000 in price.

Don't get me wrong, the Vizio is an amazing TV for it's price(with $400 coupon), but I really wanted to buy something I was going to be comfortable with for the next 5 years. Not knowing the build quality of the Vizio components started to make me nervous. I realize that it comes with Costo's generous return policy, but who knows if that policy will still be around in a year or so? I've been reading quite a few posts about people abusing the hell out of it.

The only thing I am struggling with on the Panasonic is not having the Zoom feature. I had the Vizio for 5 weeks and really got use to zooming 4:3 content on the HD channels. This will take some getting use to, but I can live with this because the picture on the 500U is so darn nice. I am struggling to understand why Panasonic does not have this feature. It's basically just like the zoom feature on a DVD player. The Vizio would zoom any content, it did not care what it was.

One last thing, I'm a total newbie to all of this and I really wanted to thank you guys for all the information. If it wasn't for this forum, I pobably would have made a very uneducated decision when buying my PDP.

Whew.

All this aspect ratio talk can be fatiguing.

Certainly, it's possible to have a 4:3 program which is letterboxed (actually, on a 16:9 display it would then looked picture-framed). More commonly, though, 4:3 material on a 16:9 display is referred to as "pillarboxed" if displayed in it's native form.

Pillarboxed has bars on the side.

Letterboxed has bars above and below.

Windowboxed (picture-framed) has bars all around.

Right?

Whew. :)

Right! :)

I did mean letterboxed though. Common on movies as well as programs photographed in 16:9 HD, but broadcast in SD (e.g. Sci-fi, FX, TNT).

Right! :)

I did mean letterboxed though. Common on movies as well as programs photographed in 16:9 HD, but broadcast in SD (e.g. Sci-fi, FX, TNT).

I think we all know what we're saying here (maybe me least of all ;)) , but assuming your display is 16:9, wouldn't that end up windowboxed?

I think we all know what we're saying here (maybe me least of all ;)) , but assuming your display is 16:9, wouldn't that end up windowboxed?
It could, but I usually have my HR10-250 set to "Full" (16:9), which gives me a stretched letterboxed picture. If I set it to "Panel" (4:3) yes, it does appear to be windowboxed with the black sidebars generated by the DVR.

I almost mentioned that, but was afraid my explanation would be more confusing than helpful, especially since I'm sure different equipment combinations give different results.

The only thing I am struggling with on the Panasonic is not having the Zoom feature. I had the Vizio for 5 weeks and really got use to zooming 4:3 content on the HD channels. This will take some getting use to, but I can live with this because the picture on the 500U is so darn nice. I am struggling to understand why Panasonic does not have this feature. It's basically just like the zoom feature on a DVD player. The Vizio would zoom any content, it did not care what it was.One good thing is that virtually any HD channel that shows 4:3 programming will have a corresponding regular channel that you can tune to so you can stretch the image. I would like the ability to stretch HD channels though, like when i watch local news on the HD channel.

Is there a way to display the current time on this plasma? Other than a sleep timer, I don't see the need for setting the time. The manual shows you how to set the time, but doesn't seem to show you that a time can be displayed.

One good thing is that virtually any HD channel that shows 4:3 programming will have a corresponding regular channel that you can tune to so you can stretch the image. I would like the ability to stretch HD channels though, like when i watch local news on the HD channel.The absence of stretch/zoom aspect controls is the most "serious" shortcoming of Panasonic PDPs. Given the current broadcast formats it makes no sense not to include this feature.

One good thing is that virtually any HD channel that shows 4:3 programming will have a corresponding regular channel that you can tune to so you can stretch the image.
If you can receive them. While I get a beautiful digital picture OTA, the analog channels are unwatchable thanks to multipath.

I would like the ability to stretch HD channels though, like when i watch local news on the HD channel.
Our local ABC channel stretches all 4:3 programming to 16:9. Lots of complaints. Can't make everyone happy, I guess. ;)

The absence of stretch/zoom aspect controls is the most "serious" shortcoming of Panasonic PDPs. Given the current broadcast formats it makes no sense not to include this feature.
I'd like that feature, too, but Panasonic seems to have made a conscious design decision to make it difficult for people to mess up their sets, especially on the consumer models. I'm drawing a blank right now (creeping senility :rolleyes: ) but there are several examples of this which draw complaints from AVS members.

Obviously, they intend their plasmas to be as plug-and-play user friendly as such a complex product can be. This results in a lack of flexibility that can be a bit frustrating to more advanced owners, but probably saves them from a lot of service calls from the "forgot to plug it in" crowd. :p

Panasonic seems to have made a conscious design decision to make it difficult for people to mess up their sets, especially on the consumer models.Right, it's too difficult to figure out the incoming signal; the difference between SD, HD-Light, true HD and what stretch/zoom mode to use. :rolleyes:
Obviously, they intend their plasmas to be as plug-and-play user friendly as such a complex product can be. This results in a lack of flexibility that can be a bit frustrating to more advanced owners, but probably saves them from a lot of service calls from the "forgot to plug it in" crowd. :pAgreed, lets "idiot-proof" these TV's for the masses even if it means sacrificing a useful feature. ;)

Is there a way to display the current time on this plasma? Other than a sleep timer, I don't see the need for setting the time. The manual shows you how to set the time, but doesn't seem to show you that a time can be displayed.Press the RECALL key and the current time is displayed in the pop-up window.

Since the panny only has 1 HDMI connection, how would I connect a HD Cable box and a dvd player via HDMI? Do I have to switch every time?

You could pick up an HDMI switcher.

Since the panny only has 1 HDMI connection, how would I connect a HD Cable box and a dvd player via HDMI? Do I have to switch every time?

You could invest in an HDMI switch. Gefen is a possible source. They are several hundred dollars however.

What are those that have the same problem doing now?

Should I just connect DVD via component?

One good thing is that virtually any HD channel that shows 4:3 programming will have a corresponding regular channel that you can tune to so you can stretch the image. I would like the ability to stretch HD channels though, like when i watch local news on the HD channel.


Can you do this on the commercial Panny?

Can you do this on the commercial Panny?

Sure, why not? What he means is that say NBC's HD is showing something in 4:3 like the local news, you can just tune to the non-HD version of the channel and the TV will be able to use any SD stretch mode available.

One little trick I came across with my 50PHD8UK and SA8300HD is that if there is an HD channel that is showing 4:3 programing I can turn the TV and cable box off. Then I turn on the TV THEN the cable box and it messes up and stretches the image to fill up the screen. It goes back to normal the first time you change to a channel that has a different resolution.

-Jerry C.

Sure, why not? What he means is that say NBC's HD is showing something in 4:3 like the local news, you can just tune to the non-HD version of the channel and the TV will be able to use any SD stretch mode available.

One little trick I came across with my 50PHD8UK and SA8300HD is that if there is an HD channel that is showing 4:3 programing I can turn the TV and cable box off. Then I turn on the TV THEN the cable box and it messes up and stretches the image to fill up the screen. It goes back to normal the first time you change to a channel that has a different resolution.

-Jerry C.

Actually, what i meant was can the commercial Panny stretch HD channels....apparently not. But i will definately try this.

Neither the commercial nor the consumer Panny can stretch HD AFAIK.

-Jerry C.

This is a bit of a strange question, so I'll explain what I'm trying to do. I have a universal remote that transmits RF to a base station and I want to use an IR flasher (cable w/ IR output on it) from the base station to control my PX50U. Conventional wisdom would have me simply afix the IR flasher to the PX50U IR eye and everything would be fine.

However, I do not like the look of a wire and IR flasher stuck to the front of the plasma. I would like to conceal the wire and flasher. I tried putting it under the plasma, around the back, etc. in hopes there was an opening where the IR could get thru...but had no luck. Has anyone tried concealing an IR flasher in their plasma? I am wondering if the bezel can be removed or other part and the IR flasher can be snaked into the display.

Is there any difference between the two models w.r.t. PQ?

Is there any difference between the two models w.r.t. PQ?Same PDP and same electronics so PQ should be virtually identical.

This is a bit of a strange question, so I'll explain what I'm trying to do. I have a universal remote that transmits RF to a base station and I want to use an IR flasher (cable w/ IR output on it) from the base station to control my PX50U. Conventional wisdom would have me simply afix the IR flasher to the PX50U IR eye and everything would be fine.

However, I do not like the look of a wire and IR flasher stuck to the front of the plasma. I would like to conceal the wire and flasher. I tried putting it under the plasma, around the back, etc. in hopes there was an opening where the IR could get thru...but had no luck. Has anyone tried concealing an IR flasher in their plasma? I am wondering if the bezel can be removed or other part and the IR flasher can be snaked into the display.

I had a similar problem with my PX500 and MX-850 with RF-250. I set the RF-250 basestation on a coffee table behind a lamp and pointed it toward my equipment. The IR blaster on the RF-250 is strong enough to consistently reach all my equipment without using the flashers except for my DVR. I ran a flasher to the DVR. This way my TV consistently receives the commands and I didn't have to attach a flasher. Hopefully your arrangement allows for such a setup.

Since the panny only has 1 HDMI connection, how would I connect a HD Cable box and a dvd player via HDMI? Do I have to switch every time?

Either a Gefen switcher or a HDMI switching receiver would work.

Right, it's too difficult to figure out the incoming signal; the difference between SD, HD-Light, true HD and what stretch/zoom mode to use. :rolleyes:
Agreed, lets "idiot-proof" these TV's for the masses even if it means sacrificing a useful feature. ;)
Yes, I think that is exactly what they have decided. :) (I didn't say I would have made the same choices.)

They are aiming at the mass market, people who have never heard of AVS and probably wouldn't read it if they did. Members here are far more interested in those details than most owners.

This still is not an adequate explanation regarding why we cannot stretch/zoom 480i content that has been up converted to HD. With all the black-bar, image retention and uneven phosphor wear problems inherent with PDP technology it seems reasonable to conclude that Panasonic would provide this capability with their TV's to help the masses "protect themselves!" :rolleyes:

This still is not an adequate explanation regarding why we cannot stretch/zoom 480i content that has been up converted to HD. With all the black-bar, image retention and uneven phosphor wear problems inherent with PDP technology it seems reasonable to conclude that Panasonic would provide this capability with their TV's to help the masses "protect themselves!" :rolleyes:
Isn't it actually easier to stretch HD content? I mean it's digital... how hard is that?

I'm considering the 50 or 500u (50 inch). I dont' see an available digital audio out (either toslink or coaxial).

If I use a cable card, how do I get digital audio out (do cable cards have that)?

Isn't it actually easier to stretch HD content? I mean it's digital... how hard is that?There is no technical reason they can't do it, but Panasonic excludes this capability. Why? is the $10,000,000 question.

I'm considering the 50 or 500u (50 inch). I dont' see an available digital audio out (either toslink or coaxial).

If I use a cable card, how do I get digital audio out (do cable cards have that)?These panels include both analog and digital (optical) audio out connections, I use them w/CableCARD from my PX50U to an Onkyo DD receiver.

Anyone in high altitude have a 50U or 500u? I live in Colorado Springs, altitude 6,000, should I be concerned? I really like the cost to performance of these plasmas.

Thanks

This still is not an adequate explanation regarding why we cannot stretch/zoom 480i content that has been up converted to HD. With all the black-bar, wear problems inherent with PDP technology it seems reasonable to conclude that Panasonic would provide this capability with their TV's to help the masses "protect themselves!" :rolleyes:
For whatever reason, Panasonic doesn't dwell on image retention and uneven phosphor wear issues. While they published the "White Paper" we are both fond of referencing, there are no warnings and/or instructions about it in their owners' manuals (not that most owners read them thoroughly :rolleyes: ). 99% of their buyers will never see the "White Paper."

If it were up to me, there would be "standard" and "advanced" menu options (taking a page from some computer software). The later would activate various capabilities that competitors offer, from individual input picture settings to separate R/G/B color controls to multiple zoom options, including aspect control for HD. I'd have an "idiot proof" preset for the break-in period, too (or at least a very specific recommendation).

But they didn't ask me. :D

These panels include both analog and digital (optical) audio out connections, I use them w/CableCARD from my PX50U to an Onkyo DD receiver.
Does your set pass on DD 5.1 from CableCARD without problem? Mine won't via HDMI :(

Yes & No... The optical interface is enabled when the CCI byte is 0x00 or 0x02 with no ECM's detected, however the optical interface is disabled when the CCI byte is 0x02 and some flag (?) is passed along with the "entitlement control message." I believe my CableCARD is authorized for "copy once" protection. My assumption is the audio format being used is AC3. I get DD for all my HD locals, but not for HD channels like: TNT, INHD, YES, etc. I believe this is a head-end policy which is enforced by my cable provider.

At least the limitation is imposed by the provider, not your equipment. I have to take the optical output out of my STB to my A/V receiver. Works fine, but it's another connection and my older Onkyo has only one optical input, so I had to get a switch to be able to use both the built in ATSC tuner and the D* box. And it makes the HDMI audio input essentially valueless, as I never use the built-in speakers.

scrapple5 said:
I'll have to make this quick as today is a busier than normal day at work

I returned the Vizio yesterday to Costco for a few reasons.

1) HDMI/HDCP problem with the Comcast 62XX STBs. Basically when you go from an HD channel to a SD channel the screen stays black and you have to turn off the tv and back on again for HDCP to re-handshake. Over time this started to drive me nuts. I'm sure in 6 months or so, there will be a firware fix for this, but I don't want to wait. (I have not had this issue so far with my 500U)

2) I Found the TV to be quirky. There were 3 or 4 times when turning channels, that the PDP screen would go black and a few very bright green lines would appear. I would turn off the Comcast box and the lines would still be there. The only way to fix this was to turn off the PDP. This worried me. I also had a few instances of a group of stuck pixels, which would normally fix itself after 10 minutes or so.

3) After looking at the Panasonic in a few retail stores I started to think that both the HD & SD picture quality was that much sharper to warrant the extra $1000 in price.

Don't get me wrong, the Vizio is an amazing TV for it's price(with $400 coupon), but I really wanted to buy something I was going to be comfortable with for the next 5 years. Not knowing the build quality of the Vizio components started to make me nervous. I realize that it comes with Costo's generous return policy, but who knows if that policy will still be around in a year or so? I've been reading quite a few posts about people abusing the hell out of it.

The only thing I am struggling with on the Panasonic is not having the Zoom feature. I had the Vizio for 5 weeks and really got use to zooming 4:3 content on the HD channels. This will take some getting use to, but I can live with this because the picture on the 500U is so darn nice. I am struggling to understand why Panasonic does not have this feature. It's basically just like the zoom feature on a DVD player. The Vizio would zoom any content, it did not care what it was.

One last thing, I'm a total newbie to all of this and I really wanted to thank you guys for all the information. If it wasn't for this forum, I pobably would have made a very uneducated decision when buying my PDP.

I have come up with near the same assessment as you have. Like the costco return policy in case the Vizio is not up to snuff, like the price, like the picture quality but concerned about the build quality and like the picture on the Panny better:)

I am glad you wrote up your quick review because I have a Comcast 62xx box and that seals it for me, I'm going with the Panny - I can't handle turning the tv off/on for months till that gets fixed (if it ever does).

Hey guys-

I have a quick question. Because of this great thread, I have decided to buy the PX50U, but I'm leaning to the 500U because the glossy bezel looks nicer.

In reading the recent posts, it never occurred to me that this set has no zoom capability. I recently bought a Sony 23" LCD TV and I have used that feature here and here for 4:3 material, but have preferred to keep everything OAR and viewing it that way. I even set the PS2 to output in 16:9.

The question is then, during the initial 100 hour break in time, I guess you guys only used anamorphic DVD's and other widescreen material. If I wanted to see, say my TV show DVD's that are 4:3, I'd have to wait till after the break in time?

Did I missunderstand? Is there not a zoom ability for HD material only, and for SD material it does zoom? And what about DVD material?

Thanks for your help! Nelson

You can't zoom HD sources (720p/1080i).. For SD broadcasts you can use either Full, Just or Zoom modes.. Hope that helps..

-J

The question is then, during the initial 100 hour break in time, I guess you guys only used anamorphic DVD's and other widescreen material. If I wanted to see, say my TV show DVD's that are 4:3, I'd have to wait till after the break in time?Right, you want to limit the use of black bars whenever possible. If you have cable TV, etc., there are many STB's that support stretch/zoom capability for 720p/1080i.

Thanks for the fast reply jczaja. So for broadcast, there is the zoom modes, okay, got it. What about SD sources like DVD?

Thanks Optivity for clearing that up too, best to avoid black bars then!

Nelson

... So for broadcast, there is the zoom modes, okay, got it. What about SD sources like DVD?

...best to avoid black bars then!

As long as your player doesn't up-convert to 720p or 1080i you can change the aspect mode on DVDs.

You can set your TV to show gray bars instead of black, the next best thing to a full screen picture. This won't help with 4:3 material broadcast in HD or 2.35:1 DVD's, though, as those bars are built into the signal.

I'm considering the 50 or 500u (50 inch). I dont' see an available digital audio out (either toslink or coaxial).

If I use a cable card, how do I get digital audio out (do cable cards have that)?

C'mon -- know one knows the answer to this easy question?

Lacking any Digital out, you will need to use an STB and run it through a receiver. I use both a CableCard and an HD DVR. My set (non-Panny) has Digi-ins and outs so the DVR was quite unnecessary for this purpose...more of a luxury. Now I wouldn't be without it. With this setup I have 2 tuner recording/viewing capability in the HD DVR and direct viewing with the CableCard...best of both worlds. Cable bill increased a measly $25/mo. for the whole upgrade. Now it's around $75/mo. or so.

Shhhhhhhhh!!! Don't tell the wife. ;)

Thanks Macfan424. I didn't know about the gray bar functionality. Cool. I was considering an upconverting player, but I'll rethink that now.

C'mon -- know one knows the answer to this easy question?
I was going to let an actual owner answer (I have last year's model) but these sets do have a digital optical output (as does mine).

It works with the built-in tuner and with CableCard. In fact, it works with all the inputs, but won't provide a DD 5.1 output on the others as the TV accepts only analog audio signals from external sources.

...I was considering an upconverting player, but I'll rethink that now.
You could just set it for 480p until your break-in period is over. It usually only takes a month or two. Unless you watch a lot of old movies or TV shows, 4:3 is not much of an issue with DVD's anyway.

C'mon -- know one knows the answer to this easy question?Did you not download the Owners Manual from the Panasonic website? :D

Because of this great thread, I have decided to buy the PX50U, but I'm leaning to the 500U because the glossy bezel looks nicer.You might also want to look at the HP PL5000N which apparently uses Panny PX500U glass and electronics, but has a nicer looking cabinet.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=585216

Guys,
My Q isnt about the TV I wanna buy - I have long decided on 50PX500U - I swoon everytime I see that on display.

However, my question is, - it being a big ticket item, at least for me - should I wait for a coupla months and buy it in the Thanksgiving frenzy? Historically do brick-stores give better prices during thanksgiving or is it just a better installment plan/etc? What about online stores? My rationale being, if itsnt significant (a hundred or so bucks) I should go ahead and buy it now, but if it is about $500, maybe I can force myself to wait for 2 months.

I know this cant be answered with certainity - I am looking for clues as to what has happened in teh past - statistically.

thanks a ton!
G

Did you not download the Owners Manual from the Panasonic website? :D


Link?

Guys,
My Q isnt about the TV I wanna buy - I have long decided on 50PX500U - I swoon everytime I see that on display.

However, my question is, - it being a big ticket item, at least for me - should I wait for a coupla months and buy it in the Thanksgiving frenzy? Historically do brick-stores give better prices during thanksgiving or is it just a better installment plan/etc? What about online stores? My rationale being, if itsnt significant (a hundred or so bucks) I should go ahead and buy it now, but if it is about $500, maybe I can force myself to wait for 2 months.

I know this cant be answered with certainity - I am looking for clues as to what has happened in teh past - statistically.

thanks a ton!
G
This is presently a terrific Plasma with one of the finest PQ's and is backordered throughout the country and is llikely to stay that way for awhile. Panasonic has done significant price cutting this past year but considering the market for it I wouldn't expect them with the back order state presently as their next new plant doesn't go into production until next spring I believe.

Just do a search via any shopping search engine and you'll find the backorder situation. Prices can drop but supply and demand dictates in the good old USA and the Japanese are aware of it - the bonus is that you'd have paid double or more for this type set just about 18 months ago. I'd buy it but I want a larger plasma but this is easily the best bang for your buck and quality 50" Plasma IMO.

I bought my Sharp 32" LCD FP 5 months ago and it's price has dropped $500 but I don't have one bit of regret for the 5 months viewing I've had - eventually if it says "Buy me" and the budget is there then commit and enjoy for the day for the next 10-20 years. Good Luck! :D

Link?Um, www dot panasonic dot com? :D

Look for the SUPPORT section, enter the model number, and you should see the link to download the PDF file.

I had a similar problem with my PX500 and MX-850 with RF-250. I set the RF-250 basestation on a coffee table behind a lamp and pointed it toward my equipment. The IR blaster on the RF-250 is strong enough to consistently reach all my equipment without using the flashers except for my DVR. I ran a flasher to the DVR. This way my TV consistently receives the commands and I didn't have to attach a flasher. Hopefully your arrangement allows for such a setup.

Thanks, good suggestion. Presently the RF receiver is in a cabinet below the plasma, but I could potentially pull it out and it seems to blast pretty strong...so I might be able to hide it where it can still hit the TV. I'm using an URC-300 and really like it (even though it's the sissy version of the MX line :))

Guys,
My Q isnt about the TV I wanna buy - I have long decided on 50PX500U - I swoon everytime I see that on display.

However, my question is, - it being a big ticket item, at least for me - should I wait for a coupla months and buy it in the Thanksgiving frenzy? Historically do brick-stores give better prices during thanksgiving or is it just a better installment plan/etc? What about online stores? My rationale being, if itsnt significant (a hundred or so bucks) I should go ahead and buy it now, but if it is about $500, maybe I can force myself to wait for 2 months.

I know this cant be answered with certainity - I am looking for clues as to what has happened in teh past - statistically.

thanks a ton!
G

My guess is since there is such a long lead time to get 50" 500u's (45 day lead times), dealers would be less willing to deal on this model. you might want to look into the HP version. Not sure what the lead times are but worth checking out. From what i've read, there isn't much difference except lack of TGOS.

Randy posted a link a few posts previous.

I was going to let an actual owner answer (I have last year's model) but these sets do have a digital optical output (as does mine).

It works with the built-in tuner and with CableCard. In fact, it works with all the inputs, but won't provide a DD 5.1 output on the others as the TV accepts only analog audio signals from external sources.What was it about post #4469 that "ceasar1" did not understand? :confused:

I'm considering the 50 or 500u (50 inch). I dont' see an available digital audio out (either toslink or coaxial).

If I use a cable card, how do I get digital audio out (do cable cards have that)?These panels include both analog and digital (optical) audio out connections, I use them w/CableCARD from my PX50U to an Onkyo DD receiver.

Thanks, good suggestion. Presently the RF receiver is in a cabinet below the plasma, but I could potentially pull it out and it seems to blast pretty strong...so I might be able to hide it where it can still hit the TV. I'm using an URC-300 and really like it (even though it's the sissy version of the MX line :))

housecor: thanks again for the suggestion. I actually have the receiver/blaster tucked behind the cabinet (hidden out of site) and aimed up at the display and it works like a champ.

Did you have any luck figuring out if there is a discrete code for "OFF" instead of the annoying toggle ON/OFF code?

What was it about post #4469 that "ceasar1" did not understand? :confused:
Don't ask me, ask him. I just responded because he asked the question again. ;)

Heya scrapple,

Will the center top shelve opening hold a 16" wide 6" high center channel speaker?


yep, most likely

The question is then, during the initial 100 hour break in time, I guess you guys only used anamorphic DVD's and other widescreen material. If I wanted to see, say my TV show DVD's that are 4:3, I'd have to wait till after the break in time?
Also keep in mind that not all anamorphic/widescreen DVDs are formatted at 16:9, so for those DVDs that aren't (e.g., Star Wars--although anamorphic, its ratio is 2.35:1), you may need to zoom in a bit using your DVD remote in order to "eliminate" the horizontal bars.

Just a question for all that own the pd50. during your break in period, what were your settings at? I have mine at 0 accross the board and was wondering if that was sufficient. Also, who purchased the extended warranty?

Thanks

Thanks for chiming in Toneman, that's true. In watching a few discs on my Sony 23" LCD, there are some discs that perfectly use the entire screen.

Just a question for all that own the pd50. during your break in period, what were your settings at? I have mine at 0 accross the board and was wondering if that was sufficient. Also, who purchased the extended warranty?

Thanks

There does not seem to be a single setting that works for everyone, I have seen a wide range for the PD 50. I have mine set to standard, +7 picture, +5 brigness, -2 color, -3 tint, -5 sharpness.

Color management off.


JCPZero