panasonic 2004 new models super tube

[julio388]

These new models feature the latest tube technology called the quintrix sr super high resolution tube. This tube uses a new super shadow grill mask- to produce a super fine pitch. A new super electron gun, super pigments, new deflection yoke, shorter tube neck, a new tinted black glass. This tube produces incredible lifelike images. also, a new super video processing called Acuity, developed to deliver about 2300 pixels per line, not even the sony xbr 910 or 960 can achieve such many pixel pe line. a new super digital scanning 100MHz along with 10bit color processing. This television is capable in delivering stunning video performance, lifelike colors and details

[Fredoh]

Have you ever considered being a brochure. You have the gift of talking like one. Sounds nice though.

[RandyWalters]

Originally posted by julio388
These new models feature the latest tube technology called the quintrix sr super high resolution tube. This tube uses a new super shadow grill mask- to produce a super fine pitch. A new super electron gun, super pigments, new deflection yoke, shorter tube neck, a new tinted black glass. This tube produces incredible lifelike images. also, a new super video processing called Acuity, developed to deliver about 2300 pixels per line, not even the sony xbr 910 or 960 can achieve such many pixel pe line. a new super digital scanning 100MHz along with 10bit color processing. This television is capable in delivering stunning video performance, lifelike colors and details

That's all well and good, but do these new Panasonics input or display 720p?

Where did this press release originate? Where are the specs?

[Joxer]

Whats the physical dot-pitch specification on that new CRT?

[Xcalibur_255]

I count at least 8 'supers' in that post. Me thinks he is being a bit sarcastic.

[cxdmn2004]

Related latest news :

http://www.panasonic.com/MECA/press_releases/MTPDA_032204.pdf

http://www.twice.com/article/CA405179.html%3Fdisplay=Breaking+News

Panasonic 2004 CRT TV line-up :
http://www.panasonic.com/consumer_electronics/pressroom/cont2.asp?Filter=12&cont_id=587

p.s. : It seems additional integrated ATSC/CableCard/HDMI model, CT-34WXD64 (not listed in the press) is added to the new 2004 line-up.

[pepco]

This cant be true, Sony is the only one that is allowed to use the word Superfine.

[Dearth]

It says 1080 lines of horizontal resolution the current sonly xbr does 1401. At least it beats the old xbr800 go Panny ;)

[KidPanama]

Am I understanding the press release right? Are they suggesting that the new 2004 direct-view Panasonic HDTVs are capable of resolving the full 1080i resolution? By this I mean, 1920x1080i. If this is true, this actually would one-up Sony's XBR910/960. It would be nice to see Panasonic make such a breakthrough.

[cxdmn2004]

It says 1080 lines of horizontal resolution the current sonly xbr does 1401.

1401 number of Sony super fine pitch Trinitron CRT is slit count. I think the 1080 number of the Panasonic press is TVL/PH. It is different concept.

For TVL/PH, see http://jkor.com/peter/tvlines.html

[Dearth]

It clearly says 1080 lines of horizontal resolution which is not a full 1080i picture. The old Sampo 34 had about 1000 lines and the older Sonys (read as xbr800) had 850. This is a nice jump but still not current 34xbr levels plus it is shadowmask I like the wire grille :)

[cxdmn2004]

Excuse me, but do you think Sony 1401 number is the lines of horizontal resolution?
1401 is just slit count.

[cxdmn2004]

Check also the following for the lines of horizontal resolution.

http://www.home-theater-faq.com/what_is_meant_by_lines_of_resolution.htm

- What is meant by lines of resolution? -

Lines of horizontal resolution are often confused with scan lines. The two are totally different things, be careful when shopping for equipment. Lines of horizontal resolution refers to visually resolvable vertical lines per picture height. In other words, it's measured by counting the number of vertical black and white lines that can be distinguished an area that is as wide as the picture is high. Lines of horizontal resolution applies both to television displays and to signal formats such as that produced by a DVD player. Since DVD has 720 horizontal pixels (on both NTSC and PAL discs), the horizontal resolution can be calculated by dividing 720 by 1.33 (for a 4:3 aspect ratio) to get 540 lines. On a 1.78 (16:9) display, you get 405 lines. In practice, most DVD players provide about 500 lines instead of 540 because of filtering and low-quality digital-to-analog converters. VHS has about 230 (172 widescreen) lines, broadcast TV has about 330 (248 widescreen), and laserdisc has about 425 (318 widescreen). Scan lines, on the other hand, measure resolution along the y axis. DVD produces 480 scan lines of active picture for NTSC and 576 for PAL. The NTSC standard has 525 total scan lines, but only 480 to 483 or so are visible. (The extra lines are black and are encoded with other information). Since all video formats (VHS, LD, broadcast, etc.) have the same number of scan lines, it's the horizontal resolution that makes the big difference in picture quality.

[julio388]

True Pixel Count
"Lines of resolution" may ultimately be replaced by a true pixel count when referring to resolution in the future (especially in all-digital systems). In the future, as digital technology becomes much more uniform across manufacturers, the main difference in overall resolution of future video system will be more or less directly related to true pixel count. So this provides a simpler, more definite point of comparison, and therefore might make more sense that using the older "lines of resolution" method. However, "lines of resolution" will remain a technically more accurate measurement, as it takes the whole system into account.

[ADU]

Here's the quote: are capable of displaying 1,080 lines (interlaced) of horizontal resolution in the wide-screen HDTV formatThis seems to refer to the # of scanlines (ie max vertical resolution) as opposed to the horizontal resolution. I don't see any mention of the horizontal dot/line resolution in the links provided.

I could be wrong, but I think the reason they're making such a big deal out of the 1080i is that it's their first US plant to mfr such high-scan widescreen TV tubes. An interesting development.

[cxdmn2004]

Check also the attached presentation materials. I just found it from a Panasonic EU web site.

1. New Shadow Mask Configuration

[cxdmn2004]

2. Acuity Line Structure

(Number of pixels are doubled on each line to 2376.)

It's just marketing material, but interesting. ;)

[ADU]

Is that 2376 RGB clusters, or are they counting all the individual red, green and blue dots?

Most mfrs count the clusters for the horizontal rez, since it takes all three colors to produce white.

[KidPanama]

Being a videophile myself, I can say that this is awesome news. The problem is that I have no money, and I won't be able to purchase one of these new Pannys anytime in the foreseeable future. :(

[cxdmn2004]

Yeah, I also think the 2376 number is all the individual dot count, but its data and photo are from European conference (Cebit 2003) about one year ago and the CRT presentation material is for EU market.

Julio388, could you give us your source of the 2300 pixels?

The 1080 number in the latest Panasonic US press doesn't seem to refer to scan lines IMO.
(See also this chart : http://www.cedmagazine.com/ced/gifs/9808d3.gif)

And also I think the new US CRT for HDTV has more total cluster count than the EU at least. ;)

[julio388]

The best in picture performance

Next generation television is here...as well as the Quintrix SR tube, our most advanced cathode ray tube sets feature the Acuity Core, our all new Digital technology that takes picture quality to the next level.

SUPERIOR PICTURE RESOLUTION

Panasonic’s EISA award winning PD30 series and the new PX30 model delivers the ultimate in CRT TV picture quality. Not only does it take advantage of our unique Acuity Core technology, it also benefits from Improved Motion Compensation which enhances picture quality even further.

QUINTRIX SR

With the newer QuintrixSR (Super Resolution) tubes, we’ve enhanced key component technologies to give you picture performance that is simply staggering.

NEW SHADOW MASK CONFIGURATION

We have developed a new and different shaped Shadow Mask which now has fine-pitch meshing. The new fine-pitch mask has less material and therefore allows more beam current to easily pass through it with low energy loss. It means greater brightness without any side effects. Picture resolution and detail levels are also dramatically enhanced. By using smaller phosphor dots on our screen faceplates and a new shaped electron gun we can create image details that are almost as fine as a computer monitor.

BETTER BLACKS, HIGHER CONTRAST

The use of a black-tinted glass greatly improves black reproduction. This delivers deep, rich blacks while maintaining high brightness. The resulting images have exceptionally high contrast.

SUPER OLF ELECTRON GUN

Our LOLF guns have evolved into Super OLF. They now fire at a smaller diameter on the screen which means finer detail can be more readily pinpointed. You’ll also notice greater accuracy, especially at screen corners. What’s more, a high efficiency Deflection Yoke makes it possible to narrow the neck of the electron gun, reducing reflection and helping to save energy.

VIRTUALLY NO PICTURE NOISE

With Quintrix SR, you can say goodbye to the sawtooth and jagged edge effects often seen when someone wearing a checked jacket appears on TV. When switched to progressive mode, QuintrixSR dramatically reduces these picture distortions.

ACUITY LINE STRUCTURE

Most TVs offer picture resolution of 625 lines with 1024 pixels per line and resolution of 833 horizontal lines with more than 2376 pixels per line - over double that of a standard TV. Vertical line resolution is also improved by a third when compared to a non-Acuity set.

NEW 3D COMB FILTER

With Acuity, you can even see higher resolution still images accurately on your TV. That’s due to the NEW 3D Comb Filter which reduces the moiré effect you sometimes get when watching a picture that contains fine lines or patterns.

EXCEPTIONALLY SMOOTH IMAGES

The Acuity Core brings other advantages. Standard 100Hz systems often create judder or blurring during fast motion scenes. In the PD30 Series, the advanced Motion Compensation reduces this. This spells the end for flicker and also means the pictures you see are smooth, natural and supremely sharp.

LOOK SHARPER

A smoother, cleaner, sharper, smarter picture with no flicker, judder or blur. You might call that perfection. We’ve called it Acuity. And when you marry Acuity with Quintrix SR, the result is as perfect as the picture. BETTER BLACKS, HIGHER CONTRAST The use of a black-tinted glass greatly improves black reproduction. This delivers deep, rich blacks while maintaining high brightness. The resulting images have exceptionally high contrast.

[cadamstx]

Julio,

We appreciate your info but lets keep it in a single thread.
Three threads is foolish.

Craig

[baggio21]

i can't wait until May when the 34 inch is released. I think its great they are incorporating this new technology which sounds like it will be comparable to the sony XBR's and at a retail price of 1399. Tough to beat at that price. It will be interesting to see what people have to say once these new sets are unveiled.

[JamisonBWolsh]

Im actually waiting for the sony xbr 960. The panny may come close to the pq of the sony, but it does not include 2 important optiond the sony does:

1.) No hdtv tuner- This is not 100 percent needed, but if you dont have hdtv cable yet (which I dont) or dont have a dish, you would have to buy a tuner. Those go for 400-700 dollars a piece or rent one when you get cable for 10 dollars a piece...

2.) No card- With this nifty device, no more need of a cable box!!!! Oh yea!


3.) You cant go around to all your friends and say "I HAVE A SONY XBR" :)


Msrp sony xbr: 2200
Msrp Panny: 1399

worth the extra 800 dollars. I say yes!

[rossi46]

I guess you didn't see what was posted earlier in the thread:

It seems additional integrated ATSC/CableCard/HDMI model, CT-34WXD64 (not listed in the press) is added to the new 2004 line-up.

[JamisonBWolsh]

Yes,,,, But that is not for their hdtv widescreen tv sets....its for the 4:3 who wants a 4:3 anymore? especially for 1799 msrp....

[doldroyd]

Jamison -
yes, that is for their widescreen set. note it is the CT-34WXD64 - a 34" widescreen set that has been added. So panny and sony will both be offering 34" 16:9 sets with ATSC tuners.

No price has been announced but there is $400 premium for this functionality on the 36" sets - so $1799 MSRP is probably a good guess.

[JamisonBWolsh]

Check cdmn2004 post on the first page. Go to the link that says and scroll to the bottom:

Panasonic 2004 CRT TV line-up


You will notice that only the model CT-34WXD64 has the card and the hdtv tuner. It is clearly a 4:3 Hdtv set for 1799 (not a guess btw). Maybe Panny will include those features in their widescreen sets in 2005 or 2006??? These features are the sign of the future and without them, your tv will be outdated faster.

My bet for the Number 1 widescreen HDTV is the Sony XBR 34" 960 coming out in June. But that is my opinion.

[cxdmn2004]

Originally posted by JamisonBWolsh
You will notice that only the model CT-34WXD64 has the card and the hdtv tuner. It is clearly a 4:3 Hdtv set for 1799 (not a guess btw). Maybe Panny will include those features in their widescreen sets in 2005 or 2006??? These features are the sign of the future and without them, your tv will be outdated faster.

4:3 integrated set is CT-36HLD64.
Check out this site : http://www.panasonic.com/consumer_electronics/pressroom/cont2.asp?Filter=12&cont_id=587

CT-34WXD64 you mentioned is 16:9 integrated set additionally included in the 2004 line-up.

See this thread -> http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=386966
* CT-34WXD64 Google search :
http://store.hdtvtime.com/ct-34wxd64.html and http://pac-2000.com/ct-34wxd64.html

So, total number of 2004 Panny integrated ATSC/CableCARD/HDMI CRT model will be two.
16:9 34 inch and 4:3 36 inch.

P.S. And as julio388 showed, the 2376 number is from EU CRT. EISA award. ;)

[JamisonBWolsh]

So which set is going to be better??? I plan to buy one soon... The xbr lineup has always been number one... but if I can save MONEY....I would be willing to go panny if the savings is alot.

[UMDMatt]

Originally posted by JamisonBWolsh
So which set is going to be better??? I plan to buy one soon... The xbr lineup has always been number one... but if I can save MONEY....I would be willing to go panny if the savings is alot.

One factor worth considering is the Panasonic's questionable support of 720p. As far as I know, previous models have not supported 720p, not even upconverted 720p from your STB. There has been no indication that the new models will be any different. To leave 720p support out on the 2004 models is a major oversight (IMO) and would stop me from buying this otherwise very promising set.

[RandyWalters]

Originally posted by UMDMatt
One factor worth considering is the Panasonic's questionable support of 720p. As far as I know, previous models have not supported 720p, not even upconverted 720p from your STB. There has been no indication that the new models will be any different. To leave 720p support out on the 2004 models is a major oversight (IMO) and would stop me from buying this otherwise very promising set.

I'm curious why 720p is so important to some people and not important at all to others? I know that virtually all HD Set Top Boxes can be set to upconvert 720p Hi-Def signals to 1080i so is it only certain video games that need the TV to support 720p? Or is there other reasons that one would need their TV to input or display 720p?

[julio388]

This is the same technology panasonic going to use in its 2004 usa models. with just different model numbers.

Television PANASONIC TX-36PD30


Panasonic's TX-36PD30 92cm widescreen set renders the highest picture resolution ever seen on a TV screen. This is partly due to a new "Quintrix-SR" picture tube, which utilises a superfine shadow mask to deliver higher contrast and brighter pictures; but it's also the result of unique "Acuity" picture processing technology, which intelligently computes TV material up to a resolution of 2376 x 833i pixels at 75Hz. With 10-bit processing this ensures a perfect, flicker-free picture without visible scanlines, exhibiting finer detail and smoother colour representation. And thanks to its component video input, the TX-36PD30 recognizes Progressive Scan signals in PAL and NTSC.

[UMDMatt]

Originally posted by RandyWalters
I'm curious why 720p is so important to some people and not important at all to others? I know that virtually all HD Set Top Boxes can be set to upconvert 720p Hi-Def signals to 1080i so is it only certain video games that need the TV to support 720p? Or is there other reasons that one would need their TV to input or display 720p?

I went back to look into this some and the responses are still unclear.
This is from an AVS user:
http://saturn5.com/~jwb/tv/

Later in the thread that the same person stated that 720p support wasn't an issue because you CAN display upconverted 720p from your STB.
Can anyone clear this up for me?

If the ct34wx64 lives up to the hype and the rumors of its performance are true, I will definitely consider it along with the Sony 34XS955 and XBR960.

[RandyWalters]

Originally posted by JamisonBWolsh
....who wants a 4:3 anymore? especially for 1799 msrp....

Who wants 4.3? People who watch virtually NO widescreen programming and hardly any DVDs, that's who ;)

[JamisonBWolsh]

Sounds Like Julio is selling this set..do you work for panasonic? I think I will stick with the sony XBR 960 coming out in June. It will probably still Rate number 1 like its predecceser (misspelled of course)

[JamisonBWolsh]

Originally posted by RandyWalters
Who wants 4.3? People who watch virtually NO widescreen programming and hardly any DVDs, that's who ;)

Maybe right now HDTV is limited. But if I was spending 1799, I would spend it on a set that will view television content in a few years in all its glory...


Btw: who DOESNT watch dvd movies??? :rolleyes:

[Q of BanditZ]

Who cares if there are some letterbox bars if it saves you $700 or so.

Also, you're still going to have them anyways even on WS TV's because so many of these movies are being shot in 2:35:1 and other aspect ratios.

Buying a WS TV is cool and nice, but 4:3 TV's are far from dead.

[RandyWalters]

Originally posted by JamisonBWolsh
Maybe right now HDTV is limited. But if I was spending 1799, I would spend it on a set that will view television content in a few years in all its glory...
Btw: who DOESNT watch dvd movies??? :rolleyes:

But the problem is once broadcasters go fully digital in a few years, most programming will still be 4.3 although more primetime shows and sports will be in widescreen HD. The problem is that regardless of which format of TV we buy, we'll all have to compromise one way or the other depending on what we watch as some stuff will be HD and other stuff 4.3 (old syndicated shows, news and news shows, cable programming, Speedvision, etc).

I'm not a big DVD or movie watcher - i usually go to the theater when an interesting movie comes out and rarely watch em on DVD. And 98% of the shows i watch aren't broadcast in HD although that will increase in the future.

[cxdmn2004]

Let's sum up.

from Jullio388 source :
Panasonic EISA award winning PD30 series and the new PX30 model......Most TVs offer picture resolution of 625 lines with 1024 pixels per line and resolution of 833 horizontal lines with more than 2376 pixels per line - over double that of a standard TV. Vertical line resolution is also improved by a third when compared to a non-Acuity set.
and
Julio388 said "This is the same technology panasonic going to use in its 2004 usa models. with just different model numbers."
Television PANASONIC TX-36PD30
...which intelligently computes TV material up to a resolution of 2376 x 833i pixels at 75Hz.

This is technology for old EU model and not for upcoming US models definitely since the EU model doesn't have integrated digital reception tuner and HDMI input.

Besides, the new press release (http://www.panasonic.com/MECA/press_releases/MTPDA_032204.pdf) says 1080 lines (interlaced) of horizontal resolution.

You said Sony vs Panasonic? No one knows at this point. Only time will tell. ;)

[Joxer]

Originally posted by UMDMatt
I went back to look into this some and the responses are still unclear.
This is from an AVS user:
http://saturn5.com/~jwb/tv/

Later in the thread that the same person stated that 720p support wasn't an issue because you CAN display upconverted 720p from your STB.
Can anyone clear this up for me?

If the ct34wx64 lives up to the hype and the rumors of its performance are true, I will definitely consider it along with the Sony 34XS955 and XBR960.

The internal 720p support is needed for some video games that output 720p HD format only or else you have to use 480i/480p mode. You are correct for HD STBs they do the 720p->1080i conversion, so if certain video games are not an issue you won't need 720p->1080i conversion capability in the TV itself.

[cxdmn2004]

Reference : This is latest upcoming EU CRT DTVs.
(It has integrated DVB-T terrestrial digital SD tuner.)
http://www.panasonic.co.uk/integrated-digital-tv/index.htm

TX-32DTX40...............TX32DTX1......(All available May, 2004 in UK)
http://www.panasonic.co.uk/widescreen-tv/tx32dtx40-it04.jpg (http://www.panasonic.co.uk/integrated-digital-tv/index.htm).....http://www.panasonic.co.uk/integrated-digital-tv/tx32dtx1/tx32dtx1-it04.jpg (http://www.panasonic.co.uk/integrated-digital-tv/index.htm)


Reference 2 : The below is latest JP CRT DTVs.
(It has integrated ISDB-S & ISDB-T satellite & terrestrial digital HD tuner.)
www.matsushita.co.jp/corp/news/official.data/data.dir/jn030808-2/jn030808-2.html
http://panasonic.jp/hv_wide/d50/index.html

TH-36D50..... (released in Sep, 2003 in Japan)
http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/av/docs/20030808/pana2_01.jpg
(a picture is loading...)

[julio388]

These sets look aswesome dude! If am right these sets are probably the ones that may look like the ones that will be available may 2004 in the usa.

[rossi46]

I agree! The new Panny's are going to be the sharpest looking sets on the market.

[RandyWalters]

Looks like they're trying to make it look like their Plasmas :cool:

http://catalog2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/images/models/th-42px20u_p.jpg

[lgs269]

Originally posted by rossi46
I agree! The new Panny's are going to be the sharpest looking sets on the market.

IMO Definitely better looking than the bulky and massive Sony XBR910 and upcoming 960.

[JamisonBWolsh]

Originally posted by lgs269
IMO Definitely better looking than the bulky and massive Sony XBR910 and upcoming 960.


Bulky and massive..??? The same is going to be with Panny. Looks is just someone's opinion. I think the xbr 960 is a is a porsche among tv sets.

Also, dont forget ones history. The sony line has always been at the top of the ratings in hdtv widescreen. Did panny ever make the top 10??? To see what the future offers, one must look into the past... In this case Sony's are better then panny's any time of the day...

[barc av]

It all a matter of opinion. (refering to the comment made by JamisonBWolsh) I personally will never buy a Sony TV based on the fact that my opinion is that Panny's picture is better. Its can all be debated, but I think a lot of the ratings are political and rated out of the box,which is why wins out majority of the time.

[JamisonBWolsh]

Originally posted by barc av
It all a matter of opinion. (refering to the comment made by JamisonBWolsh) I personally will never buy a Sony TV based on the fact that my opinion is that Panny's picture is better. Its can all be debated, but I think a lot of the ratings are political and rated out of the box,which is why wins out majority of the time.

I would agree with your assumptions on the rating system if it were only 1 or 2 sources that rated sony products. However we are not talking about a few. I did a search on the internet and found at least 10 websites that rates the Sony XBR as the best (consumer reports, cnet, audiotech are a few).

Dont get me wrong. Panny's Nov 2003 widescreen hdtv model had a great review:

http://www.homecinemachoice.com/cgi-bin/displayreview.php?reviewid=3619

for only a few dollars more though, I can get the best... not a hard decision.


whats that quote about running in 2nd or third place??? I forget.. :rolleyes:

[hound]

Originally posted by JamisonBWolsh
Im actually waiting for the sony xbr 960. The panny may come close to the pq of the sony, but it does not include 2 important optiond the sony does:

1.) No hdtv tuner- This is not 100 percent needed, but if you dont have hdtv cable yet (which I dont) or dont have a dish, you would have to buy a tuner. Those go for 400-700 dollars a piece or rent one when you get cable for 10 dollars a piece...

2.) No card- With this nifty device, no more need of a cable box!!!! Oh yea!


3.) You cant go around to all your friends and say "I HAVE A SONY XBR" :)


Msrp sony xbr: 2200
Msrp Panny: 1399

worth the extra 800 dollars. I say yes!


Serious question for someone more educated than me: If the Panasonic is just as good as the Sony, why does the Sony cost $800 more? Bells and whistles are nice, but all I am interested in is the bottom line, which IMHO is picture quality.

[CPanther95]

Originally posted by JamisonBWolsh
whats that quote about running in 2nd or third place??? I forget.. :rolleyes:

Second Place is the First Loser. :)

[julio388]

Cutting edge TV technology has always been at the very heart of Panasonic's commitment to high performance home entertainment. This year sees an important breakthrough which takes TV picture quality to the next step: Acuity.

TVs which feature the company's new Acuity chassis deliver pictures with much finer colour detail thanks to digital processing. Before you see the picture, an Acuity-equipped TV set digitally analyses and optimises luminance (the black and white part of a picture signal, ie brightness) and chrominance (the colour signal). It uses a top quality 10-bit processor with a high sample rate of 74.25MHz (see digital processing). With a 75Hz frame rate, Acuity models offer an incredible line
resolution of 833 vertical x 2376 horizontal (as opposed to the 625 x 1024 resolution of conventional models). This improved definition results in a picture that is nothing short of staggering.

Acuity also brings other benefits including Intelligent Pixel which enhances picture resolution by increasing the number of pixels and Improved Motion Compensation. The latter is used to eliminate motion judder and the overall advantage means smoother picture reproduction, flicker-free images and the ability to view higher resolution still images.

[JamisonBWolsh]

You bring up a good point.

IF the Panny CT-34WX54 for 1399 comes with the card and tuner with the assumption of "the best" screen resolution, why is it 800 less expensive???
I did not buy the xbr 960 yet.... I would be interested in saving the money. However, we dont know what the quality of the SECOND generation that the XBR uses. For the panny....this is the First generation of their screen resolution technique.

What we know:

SONY: XBR widescreen has been Number 1. So the XBR has history as well as countless GREAT reviews.

Panny: Listed at the bottom of the cnet editors choice sets. Rated as "fair". New model Has a new screen resolution.
http://reviews.cnet.com/Home_video/4521-6531_7-5021476-1.html?tag=dir.toptv


So...in May we will find out if the Panny will live up to its Hype or die trying.

[celtsfan44]

Jamison,

CNET hasn't reviewed the latest vastly improved Panasonic 34 inch.....nevermind the upcoming one that seems extremely promising. Frankly I think the cnet reviews of the old Panasonic sets are extremely misleading if you are going to carry it forward to the new sets...The reason being is CNET gave lukewarm reviews to older Panasonic sets primarily because the sets were poorly calibrated and not because it they were sets without very good potential. Given the consistently great user reviews and the excellent Consumer Reports reviews of the CT-34WX53, -- CNET never reviewed this set -- it stands to reason Panasonic largely ironed out the previous problems. Consumer reports placed the CT-34WX53 3rd in the widescreen category only behind the two Sony widescreen sets. A top 3 finish... Panasonic CRT sets was also first in a category or two.

If CNET reviewed the current CT-34WX53, I'm (honestly) guessing they would give it a 7.8 or 7.9 rating and not a 6.8 or 7.0 rating.

Again, the latest Panasonic set CT-34WX53 has received consistently very good/great reviews by users across the internet very comparable to the 34 inch Sony HS510 set... The previous Panasonic widescreen sets receieved mixed reviews from consumers.

I'd advise folks to seriously consider the new Panasonic as long as its a minor or moderate step forward in quality and not a step backwards over the current Panasonic set. The upcoming Panasonic set with cable card/tuner and all of the other new technology (I'm speculating/guessing) has the potential to probably be 97-98% as good in terms of picture quality as the current Sony XBR 910 from a viewing distance of 8-10 ft...but at 80% of the price of the upcoming XBR 960...(It's hard for me to speculate about the XBR 960 since it may not be much of an improvement in picture quality or it could be a noticeable improvement) To me these potential tradeoffs probably favor the Panasonic since I value what will probably be the moderately smaller set in terms of width and weight. My only question is whether Panasonic gets it right with the CT-34WX54 or will they need an upcoming CT-34WX55 to reach the full potential of their recent breakthroughs.

Panasonic is part of a huge electronics company and they really do have the technological and financial muscle to go head to head with Sony in the 34 inch widescreen category. It stands to reason this may be a year that Panasonic narrows most of the gap with Sony in CRT widescreens since Sony has been shifting its brainpower/manpower away from the production of CRT sets so they can play catchup in other areas. Panasonic has had a good deal of time to look at the XBR 910 and learn from it.

If money isn't much of a concern, I certainly think the Sony XBR960 will probably be the tube set to get but I personally think that money is a concern for 90% of the people buying an XBR 960 so Sony might have some very serious competition if the Panasonic sets are almost as good but much cheaper.

I'm guessing the odds are 50/50 that the upcoming Panasonic sets are almost as good as the Sony XBR 910/960 in terms of picture quality.

[Q of BanditZ]

Sexay...

[CPanther95]

Originally posted by JamisonBWolsh
You bring up a good point.

IF the Panny CT-34WX54 for 1399 comes with the card and tuner with the assumption of "the best" screen resolution, why is it 800 less expensive???


BOSE is the perfect example that pricing doesn't ALWAYS indicate quality. (although $800 is a pretty big gap if they truly expect it to rival the XBR as the best on the market)

I almost pulled the trigger on the 910, just before the 960 was announced. Now like many, I'm waiting until June. If the Panny is going to be comparable, or even if the PQ fell in-between the 910 & 960 - I'd consider it.

What I'm wondering is if the Panny is really going to be released next month, why is it so difficult to find some hard specs for it. Is this the norm for Panasonic?

[RandyWalters]

Originally posted by JamisonBWolsh
IF the Panny CT-34WX54 for 1399 comes with the card and tuner with the assumption of "the best" screen resolution, why is it 800 less expensive???


The upcoming CT-34WX54 does not have the ATSC tuner nor the cable card slot so it should not be compared to the upcoming Sony XBR960 as far as features go.

I'd slot the new Panny one step below the current XBR910 but as others have noted some think the Panny has a better picture. Unless someone compares them both side by side in their homes using the same source material there's no sure way to say the Panny PQ is better or worse than the XBR. Plenty of people like the Panny PQ enough to buy it instead of the XBR, just as people buy the Sony 34-HS510 or Toshiba 34HF43. I don't think Panasonic intended their CT-34WX54 to be an XBR fighter.

http://www.panasonic.com/consumer_electronics/pressroom/cont2.asp?Filter=12&cont_id=587

[CPanther95]

If Panny doesn't have a built-in tuner model coming, then I'll stick with the XBR.

[RandyWalters]

Originally posted by CPanther95
If Panny doesn't have a built-in tuner model coming, then I'll stick with the XBR.

Somebody earlier in this thread (on the first page) said that Panasonic is coming out with a 34" widescreen set (CT-34WXD64) with an HD tuner that was not listed in the original press release. I don't know if it's true or not as no source was cited, but it might be worth looking into.

A google search reveals this info showing it with HD tuner and cable-card slot:

http://store.hdtvtime.com/flat-panasonic.html

http://store.hdtvtime.com/ct-34wxd64.html

[bpt8056]

Those links show that 1080i and 480p are accepted so it's clear to me that 720p support is not gonna happen with this series. I have an Xbox and plenty of games that'll do 720p so I'm gonna go with the XBR960.

[julio388]

Here some information regarding cable card plug and play and the future of video connection from cable boxs:

Cable Television Plays The Plug-And-Play Card

By Glen Dickson -- TWICE, 1/8/2004

LAS VEGAS— With 70 million households subscribing to cable television, making high-definition television programming easily available over cable pipes has long been a benchmark for turning HDTV sets into a mass-market product.

One major stumbling block has been the lack of a standardized, secure connection between digital set-tops and HDTV sets that allows viewers to enjoy high-value content while addressing studios' concerns over illegal copying and distribution of their product.

The FCC's ratification in September 2003 of plug-and-play rules that set limits on digital copy protection and direct how cable will interface with HDTV sets goes a long way to making HDTV a cable-friendly medium.

One significant requirement of plug and play is that cable operators have to support new cable-ready HDTV sets that don't require the use of set-top box. These sets, already introduced by Panasonic and planned by several other manufacturers, use a security module known as CableCARD to perform the conditional access functions of a digital set-top. The PCM/CIA-type card will allow viewers to receive both HDTV and standard definition digital programming, including premium services like HBO.

By July 1, 2004, digital cable operators will have to provide a CableCARD to any subscriber who requests one. Most are already readying their plants and ordering product to support CableCARD operation.

Motorola corporate VP Carl McGrath said that all Motorola-based digital systems have a number of CableCARD units on order, enough to achieve a "critical startup mass."

"The operators have a few cards in hand, and they are ready to go when the Panasonic sets are in the market," he said.

Although Panasonic is the only manufacturer with a CableLabs-certified cable-ready HDTV set, Motorola has been testing its CableCARD with most set manufacturers. Testing has shown the need for a few minor software tweaks but hasn't revealed any "major issues," says McGrath.

He wasn't ready to disclose CableCARD pricing, other than to say it will be "less than a [HD] set-top," which wholesale for around $350 to operators.

Deploying CableCARD is more complicated than just ordering security cards and handing them out to customers. Operators have to upgrade parts of their head-end equipment. Providing a CableCARD will also require a cable technician to visit the subscriber's home to install the card (which involves a telephone call into the operator to activate it) and make sure the HDTV set is working properly.

"The rollout has many more issues than just the CableCARD," says Lisa Pickelsimer, director of video product development for Cox Communications. "We have to upgrade our video controllers at the head-end, and that requires vendors to develop new software, and they're working on that steadily. Because we're installing new technology in the head-end and a new device, and integrating all this with the billing system, we are taking measured steps in rolling this out. We want to make sure we don't disappoint the customer."

Cox has ordered CableCARD gear from both Scientific-Atlanta and Motorola and plans to support trials this winter in two markets, one in Pensacola, Fla. and the other in Orange County, Calif.

Comcast will introduce CableCARD in St. Paul, Minn. and Portland, Ore., distributing cards through professional installations. Deployments in additional markets will be based on retail availability of cable-ready HDTV sets and customer demand, said a Comcast spokesman.

In terms of customer cost, the CableCARD will be treated the same way as a digital cable box. While charges vary by market, Comcast's cheapest digital cable package is $9.95 per month on top of a basic cable subscription, and includes digital tier networks from Discovery and MTV; a $14.95 per month package adds premium movie channels from Encore. A basic subscriber who only wants local broadcast channels in HDTV could probably lease a CableCARD for around $5 per month.

Smaller operators are also getting ready. Buckeye CableSystem, a 155,000-subscriber system in Ohio, expects to begin providing CableCARD this month after Motorola upgrades its headend gear. Joseph Jensen, Chief Technical Officer for Buckeye, says that customer service reps already have a telephone script in place for CableCARD requests.

Jensen expects each CableCARD will cost Buckeye between $30 and $90, though pricing will be "time- and volume-dependent." Subscribers will be charged a small installation fee and monthly lease fee, as they would for a set-top converter.

While meeting plug-and-play requirements is the responsibility of each individual operator, the NCTA, CableLabs and CTAM have worked together on implementation issues. CableLabs has tested and approved HDTV sets from Panasonic and CableCARD technology from Motorola, Scientific-Atlanta and NDS. CTAM has developed customer communications and training materials for customer service representatives and shared marketing information with CE manufacturers.

"I think the big challenge here is there are so many players," says Seth Morrison, senior marketing VP for CTAM. "The fact is that the CE people do the actual [marketing] material, then the retailer gets it and puts their spin on it, and ultimately the customer calls their cable company. These areas all need to work together for the customer to understand what they're getting and what they're not getting."

The major limitation of current CableCARD devices is that they only support one-way operation and can't yet perform two-way applications like impulse pay-per-view, VOD or operator-enhanced electronic program guides. For those applications subscribers still need a set-top. Since most HDTV set-tops deployed to this date have only analog component video connections, the plug-and-play rules provide for HDTV set-tops with the necessary digital connections to interface with new HDTV sets.

Starting April 1, 2004, cable operators will need to provide HDTV set-tops with "Firewire" (IEEE 1394) connections to subscribers who request them. By July 1, 2005, HDTV set-tops will also require a digital visual interface (DVI) or high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI).

Motorola's latest HDTV set-top comes standard with what McGrath calls the "Powell package," i.e. both DVI and Firewire connections. Those connections were options on previous boxes, and most operators didn't take them.

"A few took DVI, but virtually all of the deployments have been Y/Pr/Pb component," said McGrath. "That was the common spot for most of the popular monitors, but now you're seeing more DVI in the marketplace."

Of course, providing two-way functionality in cable-ready HDTV sets would eliminate the need for set-tops altogether. Cox's Pickelsimer and Buckeye's Jensen are both eager for the two-way devices proposed by CE manufacturers and cable operators.

"I don't think the one-way card is a long-term viable solution," said Jensen.

Cox's Pickelsimer is "very excited" about the possibilities of two-way HD devices, but said "getting the technology developed is the most challenging piece."

One big challenge is being able to upgrade software applications on the two-way sets, something operators take for granted with digital set-tops. The cable industry is working with CE manufacturers to define a standard "middleware" layer that operators could write applications to. Since a two-way system involves sending commands back to headends, there are also network security concerns that need to be addressed.

After reaching a working agreement on plug-and-play in December 2002, cable operators and CE manufacturers began working on an agreement for two-way cable-ready devices last January, says NCTA General Counsel Neal Goldberg. But they soon faced multiple requests from the FCC to clear up outstanding issues on the one-way agreement. After spending most of 2003 making sure the one-way agreement passed FCC muster, the industry groups began meeting again in November to discuss two-way devices.

"We want to get it done as soon as possible," says Goldberg. "A lot of the reason why we had to deal with one-way so diligently is that without a one-way foundation, we couldn't do anything on two-way."

[julio388]

Panasonic launches new Tau TV range in europe and u.s coming soon.



Panasonic has taken the wraps of its latest range of six Tau televisions. Heading things up is a new 36in model, the TX36PL32. This set bears 100Hz processing, a newly developed QuintrixSR (flat) tube and a raft of features including a Digital Comb Filter, Automatic Digital Noise Reduction, automatic aspect ratio selection, 1500 page Teletext memory, and picture in picture. The set also carries three Scarts (two RGB).

Next we find two ‘PM11’ models, the 32in TX-32PM11 and the 28in TX-28PM11. These carry 100Hz processing; digital scanning to make motion look smoother; Quintrix Flat tubes; a Super Shadow mask for higher brightness; a DQ-DAF electron gun which apparently offers pin sharp resolution even at the edges of the screen; and Super Pigment Phosphor technology, to reproduce vibrant, richer-looking colours. On the connectivity front, both TVs carry two Scart sockets.

Next there’s the PM1 duo, comprising the 32in TX-32PM1 and 28in TX-28PM1. These 50Hz models again include Quintrix Flat tubes and two Scarts.

Rounding things out is a new 24in model, the TX-24PS2. This is another 50Hz model with a Quintrix Flat Picture Tube and two Scarts.

All the new models will be available from May 2004.

Posted by John Archer

[Stereodude]

How is the cable company going to justify charging an installation fee on a CableCARD? Are they really going to send someone to your house and have them plug it in your TV?

[RandyWalters]

Originally posted by bpt8056
Those links show that 1080i and 480p are accepted so it's clear to me that 720p support is not gonna happen with this series. I have an Xbox and plenty of games that'll do 720p so I'm gonna go with the XBR960.

Now i'm wondering if the new but unannounced CT-34WXD64 will support 720p through it's component input jacks. Surely the tuner will have to support 720p broadcasts so i'd presume the set would (should?) also upconvert a 720p source through the component input jacks. If it didn't that would be a stupid move on Panasonic's part.

[chrisll]

JANDR has the new panasonic widescreen tv's picture.

[RandyWalters]

Originally posted by chrisll
JANDR has the new panasonic widescreen tv's picture.

What is JANDR ?

[Q of BanditZ]

J&R. Online retailer.

[UMDMatt]

Anybody have any thoughts or insight as to whether or not the new Panny's will be available at Circuit City? I have a small stash of CC gift cards compiling intended for the purchase of my next TV. I've been thinking about one of the new Sonys all along, but these Panasonics are intriguing. Currently the only Panny tubes that Circ City carries are 4:3 models. Any info out there?

[JamisonBWolsh]

Originally posted by UMDMatt
Anybody have any thoughts or insight as to whether or not the new Panny's will be available at Circuit City? I have a small stash of CC gift cards compiling intended for the purchase of my next TV. I've been thinking about one of the new Sonys all along, but these Panasonics are intriguing. Currently the only Panny tubes that Circ City carries are 4:3 models. Any info out there?

I would wait to see what the XBR 960 is going to look like. I highly doubt the new panny is going to even equal the XBR 960.... wait and then compare...

Whats the MSRP of the new panny 34" hdtv widescreen??? the xbr 960 is $2200...

[UMDMatt]

Originally posted by JamisonBWolsh
I would wait to see what the XBR 960 is going to look like. I highly doubt the new panny is going to even equal the XBR 960.... wait and then compare...

Whats the MSRP of the new panny 34" hdtv widescreen??? the xbr 960 is $2200...


I think it's $1400. The supposed 34WXD64 w/ tuner features similar to XS955 and XBR960 is said to be $1800. I definitely want to see the Sony's, however I don't think the XBR has any significant advantages over the XS besides the better warranty. Guess we'll wait and see how these sets compare.

[RandyWalters]

Originally posted by Q of BanditZ
J&R. Online retailer.

Ah.

Oh my gosh ! The new Panny is friggin UGLY as hell !! What the heck is Panasonic thinking - i'm blinded by cheap looking silver plastic. The current model looks great but this new one is gross. Yuck. I wouldn't buy it for half the price, and i'm a Panny fan (or at least i was)....

http://images.jandr.com/productimages/PANCT34WX54.PNG?CELL=380,380&QLT=67&CNT=1.1&FTR=3&COLORCALIBRATION=1.9&BGCOLOR=FFFFFF&CVT=jpeg

[muskrut]

I just got off the phone with panny UK and put it to them whether the new models(TX 32DTX40) has a better picture quality than the current TX 36 PD 30?

NO..... was the answer as the PD30 was designed to give the best picture and the TX40 is equivalant to the ps2 models.

Both the PD30 and TX40 have Quintrix SR tubes...Julio

Anyway if a telly has a componant input that that mean it will give a better picture?

The new TX40 does not even have component sockets which tallys with what the panny chap was sayingregarding PQ.



So there you have it my walking brochure friend Julio:D :D

[mokojojo]

Originally posted by Dearth
It clearly says 1080 lines of horizontal resolution which is not a full 1080i picture. The old Sampo 34 had about 1000 lines and the older Sonys (read as xbr800) had 850. This is a nice jump but still not current 34xbr levels plus it is shadowmask I like the wire grille :)

Same Hear, CRT Tube wise...Ive always like the Trinitrons cause of having Wire Grille...Shadowmask doesnt realy work well for most TVs...they always tend to be darker picture compared to Wire Grille bright pictures...

[smith434]

JandR.com has already listed the Panasonic CT-30WX54 and CT-34WX54 on its site. I can't post the link for some reason, but it's located on their site complete with the picture of the TV. It looks nothing like I thought it would. They also mention the TV's supporting 480p and 1080i, but nothing about 720p. The CT-30WX54 cost $899.00, not including shipping. The CT-34WX54 cost $1299.00.

[andbye]

If the Sony 34XBR960 sets have an MSRP of 300 below the current 910 and the Pan 34WX54 is 800 below that -- what are the left-over 510 and 910 sets expected to go for when the new models are released?

[Supratik]

AGH!

Why, oh why, do they always downgrade the way things look for us Americans? The Japanese ALWAYS get superior looking products than we do.

:(

(this rant is a result of the J&R picture)

[BigDanB]

Those side speakers look like they were just tacked on as an afterthought. Anyone know if they are removeable? It won't be a bad looking set with those gone.

[UMDMatt]

Originally posted by BigDanB
Those side speakers look like they were just tacked on as an afterthought. Anyone know if they are removeable? It won't be a bad looking set with those gone.

It's kinda funny that style is important in direct view sets with all the 'thin-is-in' types of displays out there. They are kinda like the AV equivalent of Jennifer Lopez, looks nice from the front but has a lot of 'junk in the trunk' as they say (which may or may not be a bad thing).

The Direct View forum, "Where it's what's inside that counts"....

[Poncho]

"Why, oh why, do they always downgrade the way things look for us Americans? The Japanese ALWAYS get superior looking products than we do."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Countries with a higher standard of living usually get the nifty products first. Last I checked the USA was about #3 or 4 in the world as far as standard of living.

[ccallana]

How confident are we that those pictures at J and R are the actual TV? If that is really it - the 54 just came off my list to buy (if for no other reason than it is now going to be too big). May have to look for a good deal on the 53... (or go to JVC)

[walkman666]

I believe that photo is also found at datavis.com (datavision). I've also been to J&R. The store is an entire city block way downtown in NYC near city hall. They're pretty reputable.

It does look cheap, but I think I'd have to see it in-person to knock out this model. The price is very appealing. If it's solid, and has a good pic, etc., then as long as it's not cheaply made (and perhaps it is? -- the 'ol "you get what you pay for"). I sure hope it's a viable alternative to the large tube CRTs out there.

[RandyWalters]

Originally posted by ccallana
How confident are we that those pictures at J and R are the actual TV? If that is really it - the 54 just came off my list to buy (if for no other reason than it is now going to be too big). May have to look for a good deal on the 53... (or go to JVC)

I've seen the Japanese market versions (posted above) and they look good with the black border around the screen, and since this all-silver model shown on J&R's site does not yet exist i guess we have to assume it's indeed the new upcoming model. It's so ugly i'd never buy it but it doesn't matter because the next TV i buy will be a Panny ED Plasma anyway :rolleyes:

I'll be sure to write Panasonic and tell em how ugly and cheap they've made the new set look. Even their current 32" and 36" models are too plain and ugly, but their current 53 series 34" widescreen TV is quite handsome. Too bad they uglified the new one so badly. I think the 34" JVC is the best looking set out there right now.

[ccallana]

I agree that the JVC is a good looking TV - I'm just not conviced the 1500i upscaling is the right way to go.... I think I like having native resolutions....

The panny 53 is not bad looking either though....

[RandyWalters]

Originally posted by ccallana
I agree that the JVC is a good looking TV - I'm just not conviced the 1500i upscaling is the right way to go.... I think I like having native resolutions....

JVC is a pretty advanced company and their TVs historically have excellent picture quality. If the 1500i upscaling looks as good as owners say it does then maybe they're onto something . . . . :)

[jason978]

I emailed pansonic about when these sets are coming out. theys said:

Re:
Thank you for your inquiry. The expected release date is May 1, 2004. We
are in the process of updating our website to reflect our current models
for 2004. Hopefully this will be done in a timely manner.


Thank You,
Panasonic Consumer Support

[barc av]

I personally hope that the new panny CT-34WX54 looks like the pictures of the new integrated TV from the UK website and not like the one pictured on JandR. This is purely speculation, but is it possible the CT-34WX54 will look like the JandR picture and the version with integrated tuner/cable card coming later in July look like the set with a black frame for the front.

The reason I say this is the UK sight also has TV's that look exactly like the one pictured for the CT-34WX54 on JandR. The TV with black pic frame is the version with integrated tuner. Just a thought anyone agree?

[abrahavt]

Will either the 27" (4:3) or the 30"(16:9) have an integrated HD/Cable Tuner?

[RandyWalters]

Originally posted by abrahavt
Will either the 27" (4:3) or the 30"(16:9) have an integrated HD/Cable Tuner?

According to the official Panasonic press release only the 36-inch CT-36HLD64 will have the integrated ATSC/QAM/NTSC tuner. Someone here said they're also releasing a new 34" widescreen set with integrated ATSC/QAM/NTSC tuner but there's no mention of it anywhere in their press release. I seriously doubt Panasonic or anyone else would bother making an integrated 27" TV as the letterboxed widescreen area would be really small and not really worth watching.

http://www.panasonic.com/consumer_electronics/pressroom/cont2.asp?Filter=12&cont_id=587

[theanimala]

I know the owners of the JVC set love the picture they get, but I was not the biggest fan of it. I was recently at J&R in NYC where I saw it for the first time. Granted, it was not calibrated, but neither was any of the other sets. Overall the picture did look ok, but it just seemed a bit unnatural to me. Of course thats only my opinion, take it with a grain of salt. My favorite picture is still the XBR910, with the current Panny a very close second.

[bpt8056]

Originally posted by jason978
I emailed pansonic about when these sets are coming out. theys said:

Re:
Thank you for your inquiry. The expected release date is May 1, 2004. We
are in the process of updating our website to reflect our current models
for 2004. Hopefully this will be done in a timely manner.


Thank You,
Panasonic Consumer Support

I just checked their website and it hasn't been updated yet. Has anybody checked with their local electronics store to find out what the ETA is on the new Panasonic sets?

[StuH]

When I was looking for a new set last week, I called two stores that currently carry the CT34WX53.... and neither have the new model in there system yet. I called Panny Cust Service, and they were only able to quote a May 1 date. Oh well.

[Stickee]

Well if this means anything, I emailed Panasonic Canada and this is what they said:


Thank you for your email.
Panasonic Canada will be launching this unit in June of 2004,
and the MSLP will be $2,199.99.
We hope this information is of help to you.


edit: this is in response to my enquiry about the CT-34WX54.

[walkman666]

bpt8056: Yes. June arrival for the new 34" Panny for one store in NYC.

I went to PC Richard on the upper east side in manhattan on May 2nd. [I am lucky, there are three large electronics stores -- PC Richard, CC, and BB -- within 1 measly block that is within 2 mere blocks of my apt.] The salesperson looked up the models for me on her computer right on the selling for for me. She also gave me the price the system showed her as $139x (I forgot what x=). This works for me as I will not be ready (renovations and such) for the new TV until sometime in June. I am very keen on saving some $ by getting a Panny if it is as good as say the 34" Toshiba or JVC.

- walkman

[1212patatepoil]

There is a very good picture of the CT34WX54 on The Brick's (Canadian furniture store) website.

The set appears to be identical to the one on J&R's website, but the picture is clearer...

I can't put a direct link because they expire on the Brick's website, but it's easy to find.

http://www.thebrick.com/Application/Storefronts/Homepage.asp?SiteCode=EN

Just go under Electronics -> Televisions -> 34-40" TVs -> 34" Tau HD Ready Widescreen TV

Click on the small picture to get a big one.

-- Patate

[RJB in Phila]

1212, Thanks for the link. It doesn't look at bad as I feared.

[walkman666]

Yeah, I found it, too. When you click on the TV, you get a very large close-up. Kinda shiny cabinet up front, but not nearly as tacky as it appeared in the photos from J&R. This appearance will not be a knock-out factor for me. The price is quite nice, too.

Question: Do we need to be concerned that it's only 480/1080 (i.e. no 720p option)? I am not very sophisticated in the 480, 720, 1080 knowledge. I will have the new Zenith dvb318 which upconverts to 1080, so me thinks pairing that DVD player with this Panny should be no problem in that I can watch DVDs and HD stuff in 1080, right? Or, am I missing something and that the lack of a 720p option is indeed problematic? I really do not know.

Any thoughts here would be much appreciated. I will pay the extra money for a different TV if consensus of the sage wisdom here is that missing the 720p option is undesirable.

EDIT: Looks like my question about support for 720p was discussed earlier in this thread. From what I can glean, it appears that XBOX (video game users) might suffer from the lack of 720p support, but that TV/DVD watchers should be okay as the assumption is that the TV will upconvert 720p broadcasts to 1080i. I guess it's a bit of a wait and see...Any other thoughts here? Thanks.

thx, - walkman

[Joxer]

Looks like the new Panasonic 34" (CT34WX54) due to moving the speakers on the side increased its width, the dimensions are: 39 (W) X 24 (D) X 25 (H) inches.

The current Panasonic CT34WX53 has these dimensions:
36 (W) X 23 (D) X 26 (H) inches

[ccallana]

Yeah - why is it that everybody keeps moving to side mounted speakers? Why even have speakers - if you are buying a widescreen TV, shouldn't it be assumed you have a surround system? Or shouldn't I at least have an option, rather than buying a TV with features I will *never* use. Seems silly.

[kfa]

ccallana is right about this and that's why Panasonic (smartly) designed the CT34WX53 model (which I have and which looks fantastic, on and off) with the speakers curving into the TV stand at the base of the TV. They don't even look like speakers and (of course) I don't use them. I'm not sure why they changed this in the 54.

[BNW]

Am I missing something here? A 36" 4:3 TV is 21.6"H x 28.8W. A 34" 16:9 is 16.7H x 29.6W. So if you go with the 36" you give up .8" width but when watching 4:3 you gain 125 square inches of viewing area. That said I don't understand the attraction of this relatively small expensive configuration. BTW I have a Piano duel display projector at 83" diagonally. I can assure you, size matters!

[RJB in Phila]

BNW, you're right if you watch a lot of regular TV. But if you're mainly using it for DVD's and HDTV, then the widescreen version is a better fit, plus you save space by getting the widescreen. Some don't want a large 4:3 unit. I gather eventually everything will be widescreen, but that will take a while.

I'm sure for some, it is the coolness factor of having the newer widescreen look.

[Supratik]

What do you guys think of the new 27" Tau? Can it:

A. Display "normal" non-HD signals well? (i.e. not terrible like the Samsungs)

B. Stretch HD displays to fill the entire screen or minimalized borders?

C. Have a decent amount of inputs?

D. Look good in general? :D

Thanks.

[Zoma121]

ccallana - I agree. I wish SOMEONE would make a CRT without speakers. They could make the system a bit cheaper, and it would be smaller, lighter and produce less heat, to boot. If you really needed speakers at some point later on, a pair of speakers for $50 could be wired to the back of the TV. It would probably sound better than the built-in stuff, anyways.

BNW = Yeah, I looked at 16:9 and realized I was much better off with 4:3. A 32" 4:3 reduces to just over 29.5" in 16:9 mode! A 30" 16:9 gives a 24.5" 4:3. And the 32" TVs seem to be cheaper than 30" 16:9. So you get the same size for movies and HDTV, and 33% more screen for games or analog TV signals.

[theBike45]

Everything NEW may very well be widescreen in the near future. Unfortunately, most of what I would like to watch is from the days of 4:3.

[John Gallimore]

Zoma121,

Last I heard, speakers are always included because the materials they use are incredibly cheap to manufacture and install Vs having to produce two different models to please everybody.

I'm completely agree with you, especially because I have limited space to put a widescreen TV. In fact I may have to settle with last years Panny model, if the 2004 model really is wider.

J

[theBike45]

That's exactly right - two models based on whether they have speakers or not doesn't make any sense in terms of inventory control, confusion, etc.
Speakers don't produce very much heat, as was a concern.

[monster what?]

I'd like to see TVs with shelves for speakers that flip down from the sides of the cabinet and some sort of impedance matching/splitting circuit built-in so that I can plug the center channel cables into the TV and supply my own speakers for either side. I agree with those who say HDTV buyers will also have HT and not need cabinet mounted speakers, but most TVs dont' really have a good spot for setting a center speaker on top. Speakers on either side may do a better job of locallizing dialogue to the picture. Maybe we should have DD 8.1 with two discrete centers allowing "presense"-like effects. Maybe when two people are talking on-screen, one voice would come from the left and the other from the right, etc.

Is there any new info on these Panasonics?

I think the 36" Platinum Package may be big bang for the buck.

[Joxer]

The built-in speaker(s) are terrible quality compared to even a cheap center channel speaker. Toshiba HD CRTs have a line-level audio input and a switch to use the internal speakers as a center channel, I tried it but the quality was terrible and doesn't match the other system speakers - I got a cheap center channel speaker - just use a TV stand that has extra room for one.

[STEELERSRULE]

They had the 34WX54(is this the model #? I don't remember) at my local CC the other day. It was set up next to a Sony 34HS510. Both were receiving a HD component signal.

On a quick glance, the Panasonic's picture was beautiful! Just as good as the Sony.

But here was the kicker. The Sony was priced at(I can't remember the EXACT amount) $1700-$1800 while the Panasonic was being sold at $1399!!

Like I said I can't remember the exact amount other than there was like a $400 price difference for the same thing.

If I was looking at a 34", I would strongly consider this Panasonic. Get it with the 10% off deal or something.

[julio388]

Circuitcity also had the panasonic 34wx54 next to the sony 34xbr910 at the queens ny store . The picture (detail) on the panasonic was comparable to the sony and both pictures were stunning. Contrast and brightness was much higher on the panasonic than the sony.

[BigLouie]

Just came back from CC and they have the 34 XBR and the Panny CT34WX54 sitting side by side.

First shocker was the price difference.

2199.00 for the Sony

1399.00 for the Panasonic.

The Sony did have a better picture. Not a much better picture, just a little better colors and vividness.

The question though:

Is the Sony 34XBR worth $800.00 more then the Panasonic?

Personally, I don't think so.

Sony has the better picture, but the Panasonic sitting right next to it did well. The Sony whites were definately better then the Panny and the Sony held the colors truer then the Panasonic.

But if you take away the side by side and just watched the Panny, well I was impressed with the picture, especially for 1399.00.

If I had unlimited cash, no question I would buy the Sony, but, that not being the case I am leaning towards the Panny.

I am trying to find a Toshiba 34 WideScreen to view but nobody has one out on the floor around me.

[JamisonBWolsh]

If I had unlimited cash, I would not get a Tube set at all. I would get the best front end projector (going for 25k). THAT would be nice :)

[Mike Wolf]

Why not update this for 2005 ?

Panasonic Tau CT-27HL15, the new model to the CT-27HL14