Newbie Panny help....

[trav12]

I am new to the plasma scene and am needing help find the right Panny set. I am totally impressed with what I have seen in the Panny sets, primarily the 8th gen....I am looking for either a 42" or 37" Panny. Other than an excellent PQ I am wanting a unit that has built in tuners. I have been following alot of threads but I find myself getting more and more confused. I have read ( I think ) that most of the new 2005 models have a higher resolution than the 2004 models and that is something I also would like. I will be utilizing the unit for SD, DVD and OTA HD; as well as, utilizing the built in speakers.

Please give me suggestions on models that I should strongly consider. I want to pull the trigger in the next week or so.

Thanks for your help.

[RandyWalters]

[QUOTE=trav12]I am new to the plasma scene and am needing help find the right Panny set. I am totally impressed with what I have seen in the Panny sets, primarily the 8th gen....I am looking for either a 42" or 37" Panny. Other than an excellent PQ I am wanting a unit that has built in tuners. I have been following alot of threads but I find myself getting more and more confused. I have read ( I think ) that most of the new 2005 models have a higher resolution than the 2004 models and that is something I also would like. I will be utilizing the unit for SD, DVD and OTA HD; as well as, utilizing the built in speakers.

Please give me suggestions on models that I should strongly consider. I want to pull the trigger in the next week or so.

Thanks for your help.[/QUOTE]


[URL=http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/vModelComparisonResults?storeId=15001&catalogId=13401&catGroupId=24973&cacheProgram=11002&cachePartner=7000000000000005702&surfCategory=Plasma%20TVs&items=93882|93192|Compare 42PX50U to 42PX500U Here[/URL]

[RandyWalters]

[QUOTE=trav12]I am new to the plasma scene and am needing help find the right Panny set. I am totally impressed with what I have seen in the Panny sets, primarily the 8th gen....I am looking for either a 42" or 37" Panny. Other than an excellent PQ I am wanting a unit that has built in tuners. I have been following alot of threads but I find myself getting more and more confused. I have read ( I think ) that most of the new 2005 models have a higher resolution than the 2004 models and that is something I also would like. I will be utilizing the unit for SD, DVD and OTA HD; as well as, utilizing the built in speakers.

Please give me suggestions on models that I should strongly consider. I want to pull the trigger in the next week or so.[/QUOTE]

Well since you want the newest generation Panny with speakers and tuner there are only two series to choose from so the choice should be easy. I see you said you wanted "tuners" (plural) but the Pannys only have one tuner, and you either have to initially set it up for either Cable or Antenna as it cannot do both but it's not a big deal.

The PX500U has added features over the PX50U and most people here like it's higher-end cabinet more (not me though). And the 42" reportedly has a swivel base too. If you don't need the extra features then you can save about $500 by going to the lesser model. The picture quality is identical on both, so it boils down to features. The PX500U has a better speaker system so that'll probably be important to you as the PX50U's speakers aren't all that great.

Click Here to Compare 42PX50U to 42PX500U (http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/vModelComparisonResults?storeId=15001&catalogId=13401&catGroupId=24973&cacheProgram=11002&cachePartner=7000000000000005702&surfCategory=Plasma%20TVs&items=93882|93192|)

[vikings222]

[COLOR=Yellow]We are considering purchasing a Panny TH-50PHD8UK along with TY ST07K pedestal stand, and TY-SP50P5WK speakers. We have Comcast cable running through the TIVO box and a DVD player hooked up to the current TV. Is there anything else we need to buy for the monitor to work? Thanks for any feedback. :) [/COLOR]

[DougRuss]

[QUOTE=vikings222][COLOR=Yellow]We are considering purchasing a Panny TH-50PHD8UK along with TY ST07K pedestal stand, and TY-SP50P5WK speakers. We have Comcast cable running through the TIVO box and a DVD player hooked up to the current TV. Other then wanting to get a great picture we aren't too concerned with a bunch of gadgets or features. Is there anything else we need to buy for the monitor to work? Thanks for any feedback. :) [/COLOR][/QUOTE]
[SIZE=7]OUCH !!!! My EYES !!![/SIZE] :eek:

[Cleveland Plasma]

[QUOTE=vikings222][COLOR=Yellow]We are considering purchasing a Panny TH-50PHD8UK along with TY ST07K pedestal stand, and TY-SP50P5WK speakers. We have Comcast cable running through the TIVO box and a DVD player hooked up to the current TV. Is there anything else we need to buy for the monitor to work? Thanks for any feedback. :) [/COLOR][/QUOTE]

How are you currently hooking up your Tivo and DVD player(what type of cables?). The 8UK comes only with these inputs so you might need an extra blade for the empty slot.

http://www.glaucobruzzi.com/Attachments/TerminalBoard_3.jpg

1 .Free Slot.
1 .S-Video & Composite inputs .... (BNC Connectors)
1 .Component / RGB input .......... (BNC Connectors)
1. Component / VGA input .......... (HD15 Connector)

[vikings222]

[QUOTE=Cleveland Plasma]How are you currently hooking up your Tivo and DVD player(what type of cables?). The 8UK comes only with these inputs so you might need an extra blade for the empty slot.



1 .Free Slot.
1 .S-Video & Composite inputs .... (BNC Connectors)
1 .Component / RGB input .......... (BNC Connectors)
1. Component / VGA input .......... (HD15 Connector)[/QUOTE]


We are using RCA cables for both Tivo and DVD. Are there adapters that are suitable? Thanks for the info.

[Cleveland Plasma]

[QUOTE=vikings222]We are using RCA cables for both Tivo and DVD. Are there adapters that are suitable? Thanks for the info.[/QUOTE]

I am sure you will be updating to HD comcast cable so run that thru the Tivo then out to plasma via the Component connection. Use the S-video for the dvd player. This is if you do not want to purchase an extra blade.

If you do not mind spending extra money on a blade there are more options for a better conection and better PQ quality.

[RandyWalters]

[QUOTE=vikings222]We are using RCA cables for both Tivo and DVD. Are there adapters that are suitable? Thanks for the info.[/QUOTE]

What kind of RCA cables? Red/Blue/Green (Component) for video? Or the single Yellow (Composite) video cable? Which types are you using on the inputs and outputs on your Tivo, and the outputs of your DVD player?

Is the DVD player progressive scan or no?

And you're not watching any HD channels at all?

[vikings222]

[QUOTE=RandyWalters]What kind of RCA cables? Red/Blue/Green (Component) for video? Or the single Yellow (Composite) video cable? Which types are you using on the inputs and outputs on your Tivo, and the outputs of your DVD player?

Is the DVD player progressive scan or no?

And you're not watching any HD channels at all?[/QUOTE]


It is the single yellow video cable for both Tivo and the DVD, which is not progressive scan but looking to upgrade.

We plan to add HD through Comcast when we get the plasma. The HD receiver Comcast supplies, Motorola DCT5100 or Motorola DCT6200, uses Red/Blue/Green (Component) for video.

[vikings222]

[QUOTE=Cleveland Plasma]I am sure you will be updating to HD comcast cable so run that thru the Tivo then out to plasma via the Component connection. Use the S-video for the dvd player. This is if you do not want to purchase an extra blade.

If you do not mind spending extra money on a blade there are more options for a better conection and better PQ quality.[/QUOTE]


[COLOR=Yellow]Thanks. What what type of blade and connection options would you recommend?[/COLOR]

[BruZZi]

[QUOTE=vikings222]It is the single yellow video cable for both Tivo and the DVD, which is not progressive scan but looking to upgrade.

We plan to add HD through Comcast when we get the plasma. The HD receiver Comcast supplies, Motorola DCT5100 or Motorola DCT6200, uses Red/Blue/Green (Component) for video.[/QUOTE]


vikings222, the Panasonic Commercial Plasmas have only one Composite input (The other one is an output). And since S-Video and Composite CANNOT be used at the same time (When plugged , the S-Video will disable composite) you'll need to get component cables for your DVD Player.



[size=1][color=#b9b9b9].[/color]
Check Out the all-new [color=#2063FF] BruZZi's Panasonic Plasma FAQ [/color] (http://www.glaucobruzzi.com/plasma-faq/index.php?)
The FAQ plus links to Plasma Stands, Wallmounts, Murals, Lifts, Speakers, Frames, Bezels & More.
Also links to Audio/Video Faqs, Comparisons, News, Reviews, Shootouts, Tutorials, Tweaks & Many More.[/size]

[BruZZi]

And please don't use the yellow font.

Some of us use the AVS Forum white version theme. That yellow color simply hurt the eyes. ;)



[size=1][color=#b9b9b9].[/color]
Check Out the all-new [color=#2063FF] BruZZi's Panasonic Plasma FAQ [/color] (http://www.glaucobruzzi.com/plasma-faq/index.php?)
The FAQ plus links to Plasma Stands, Wallmounts, Murals, Lifts, Speakers, Frames, Bezels & More.
Also links to Audio/Video Faqs, Comparisons, News, Reviews, Shootouts, Tutorials, Tweaks & Many More.[/size]

[RandyWalters]

[QUOTE=BruZZi]vikings222, the Panasonic Commercial Plasmas have only one Composite input (The other one is an output). And since S-Video and Composite CANNOT be used at the same time (When plugged , the S-Video will disable composite) you'll need to get component cables for your DVD Player.[/QUOTE]And if your current DVD player does not have Component outputs, it would be cheaper and more efficient to upgrade to a nice progressive scan DVD player so you can utilize the Panny's Component input.

If you don't want to upgrade your non-Component DVD Player then you'll have to buy a Composite Blade for the empty slot but that'll cost like $150-$200. Obviously it would be better to upgrade the DVD player :D

Then later, when you add an HD STB, you can get special cables and connect it to the 15-pin VGA Input.

[vikings222]

[QUOTE=BruZZi]vikings222, the Panasonic Commercial Plasmas have only one Composite input (The other one is an output). And since S-Video and Composite CANNOT be used at the same time (When plugged , the S-Video will disable composite) you'll need to get component cables for your DVD Player.



[size=1][color=#b9b9b9].[/color]
Check Out the all-new [color=#2063FF] BruZZi's Panasonic Plasma FAQ [/color] (http://www.glaucobruzzi.com/plasma-faq/index.php?)
The FAQ plus links to Plasma Stands, Wallmounts, Murals, Lifts, Speakers, Frames, Bezels & More.
Also links to Audio/Video Faqs, Comparisons, News, Reviews, Shootouts, Tutorials, Tweaks & Many More.[/size][/QUOTE]


[COLOR=Yellow]Thanks BruZZi but do I need to add a blade to the free slot on the plasma to use the component cables from Tivo? I'm trying to figure out to connect the HD receiver to Tivo to the TV. This is all new to me so any advice is very helpful.[/COLOR]

[lipcrkr]

[QUOTE=RandyWalters]And if your current DVD player does not have Component outputs, it would be cheaper and more efficient to upgrade to a nice progressive scan DVD player so you can utilize the Panny's Component input.

If you don't want to upgrade your non-Component DVD Player then you'll have to buy a Composite Blade for the empty slot but that'll cost like $150-$200. Obviously it would be better to upgrade the DVD player :D

Then later, when you add an HD STB, you can get special cables and connect it to the 15-pin VGA Input.[/QUOTE]

I have a question along that line since i might be getting the 42PHD8UK. I will have a Comcast hi-def box (not DVR), a PC, and an A/V receiver. I would connect the A/V receiver to the set top via the digital audio jacks for surround sound. My plan is to connect my PC via the VGA slot with a digital audio connection from the A/V receiver to my PC soundcard for DVD playing and the set top box via component. Is this possible without getting a blade? I would get an HDMI blade down the road but will i be able to do this setup right out of the box?