View Full Version : 6 months later, my 50PHD8UK has shipped!
jcinzano
11-03-05, 09:59 PM
Okay, yes, so it's just yet another "pulled the trigger" thread. But this time seems different. Because when you spend over 3 grand of *your* money on a mere TV, it seems very, very different. Especially after haunting these this board for more than six months on all things plasma related, waiting for the right moment to buy.
I called VA and TVA, but I ended up buying from PC Connection. I wasn’t involved in the big 3G fiasco and was critical of the way they handled it. But because I got a good price (don’t ask, i said i wouldn't tell), I got on their waiting list (along with 2 other waiting lists!) for a 50 panny.
Gotta say. PC was very friendly. Real nice, caring. They quoted me a delivery of mid-to-late November when I placed my order on 10/24. I called a week later to check and they surprised me by saying they were going to get my unit into their warehouse Nov. 5. The woman on the line seemed as excited as I was. Then they ended up beating that date too -- it shipped today. (VA, by the way, claimed PC's price was 'not possible' and said i was probably in for a series of disappointing setbacks, with the delivery date getting pushed back over and over, i decided i didn't believe them and i'm glad i didn't).
I'll post comments and such after I receive the unit, of course. But for now I got other orders to place -- progressive scan DVD player to replace my old Toshiba (considering the Pioneer 588A or the new-ish Sony upconverting, forgot the model), BNC cable converter, Episode III DVD, a DirecTV HD DVR (or perhaps switch over to Adelphia to save a few bucks)....
one odd note, they shipped it UPS Special Carrier Services, which sounds nice and reliable. but i wonder if i'm going to take off work to be at my house all day long in order to receive it or if there's any way of knowing when it will be dropped off. also, i assume UPS driver isn't going to wait around while i test for burnt pixels
at any rate, other than my car, this the most expensive thing i've ever purchased and, yet, i feel great about it. i sincerely want to thank everybody here for all their communal advice (and for putting up with my anti-ED pontificating). the plasma has shipped, the plasma has shipped!
Congratulations! I ordered the same TV the same day as you, but from VA. Difference is, I'm watching mine right now. ;)
jcinzano
11-04-05, 11:20 AM
in some waiting has been the best part. thinking when i actually get this thing in my living room i'm going to be like "what the hell was i thinking spending my money on this?!"
Hackashaq
11-04-05, 11:29 AM
Ordered mine from PC Connection at original low price with free shipping in early September,
Took about 3 weeks to come in. Shipping was by Menlo Forwarding, a division of UPS. Was delivered a day earlier than expected, with no warning, good thing my wife was home! Delivery man helped my wife bring into the foyer and unpack it for inspection. Been very happy with the TV, price was great also. I also bought the DVI card from them for a good price, shipped free as well since it was on same order.
Have my Motorola DCT-6200 HD cable box hooked up via DVI. HD looks great, SD is so-so with macroblocks and mosquito noise as all of our SD is digital in my area with this box.
Good luck, and stay in contact with the shipper to avoid delivery surprises.
The 50 panny is probably the only thing ever I bought in my whole life where I had ABSOLUTELY ZERO BUYERS REMORSE ... absolutely amazing product !!!
JLS.
jcinzano
11-04-05, 01:19 PM
good to know, thanks
meanwhile i'm bleeding money...
-- Pioneer 588A from ecost and a few BNC to RCA adapators $140 (they charge both tax and a "handling" charge? who charges a handling charge? what a rip, never buy from them again....)
-- Stand off ebay $90 (apartment, can't wall mount)
-- DirecTV HD DVR upgrade, $199 (after 100 rebate -- took some serious haggling)
penniless but, damn it, the next time i watch Lost, or Rome or play Battlefront II, it's going to be bliss (hopefully)
Bliss is right! As is the bleeding of little bits of money. I've also ordered the oppo (also arrived bizarrely fast -- ordered it at 4:22pm on Thursday, arrived at 10:15am on Friday -- by UPS Ground), the DVI blade (didn't think I'd really need it, changed my mind when I saw how crappy my DVD player looks on the new display), and the VGA-component cable. May get a DVI switch too. Incidentally, VA includes BNC adapters for free, and has discounts for AVS Forum members.
[QUOTE=EdgarQ]Bliss is right! As is the bleeding of little bits of money. I've also ordered the oppo (also arrived bizarrely fast -- ordered it at 4:22pm on Thursday, arrived at 10:15am on Friday -- by UPS Ground), the DVI blade (didn't think I'd really need it, changed my mind when I saw how crappy my DVD player looks on the new display), and the VGA-component cable. May get a DVI switch too. Incidentally, VA includes BNC adapters for free, and has discounts for AVS Forum members.[/QUOTE]
Did you tell them you were an AVS Member? How did you know about the member discount beforehand?
I might order a Panny 50" plasma from them.
Thanks.
jcinzano
11-05-05, 10:20 AM
[QUOTE=EdgarQ]Bliss is right! As is the bleeding of little bits of money. I've also ordered the oppo (also arrived bizarrely fast -- ordered it at 4:22pm on Thursday, arrived at 10:15am on Friday -- by UPS Ground), the DVI blade (didn't think I'd really need it, changed my mind when I saw how crappy my DVD player looks on the new display), and the VGA-component cable. May get a DVI switch too. Incidentally, VA includes BNC adapters for free, and has discounts for AVS Forum members.[/QUOTE]
what kind of dvd player were you running? worried that i should have gotten upscaling instead of the pioneer 588. i know that, in theory, it shouldn't matter, and panny's scaler does the work, but just hate the thought of spending all this on a tv and getting a good-not-great dvd player...
gotta say, despite all my research, i'm a tad nervous. what if SD/DVD/HD isn't as good as i'd hoped, etc.
yeah, i told VA i'm an AVS Forum member. the adaptors were only $1.94 each from ecost, but going with PCC saved me several hundred. also just don't like being lied to -- the whole 'the price they're quoting you isn't possible and you're going to regret it' gambit. major turn off.
[QUOTE=Rieper]Did you tell them you were an AVS Member? How did you know about the member discount beforehand?
I might order a Panny 50" plasma from them.
Thanks.[/QUOTE]
Clikcing the VA icon at the top of every page in this forum will take you to the discount page.
DIGITAL HAZE
11-05-05, 11:34 AM
[QUOTE=jcinzano]what kind of dvd player were you running? worried that i should have gotten upscaling instead of the pioneer 588. i know that, in theory, it shouldn't matter, and panny's scaler does the work, but just hate the thought of spending all this on a tv and getting a good-not-great dvd player...
gotta say, despite all my research, i'm a tad nervous. what if SD/DVD/HD isn't as good as i'd hoped, etc.
yeah, i told VA i'm an AVS Forum member. the adaptors were only $1.94 each from ecost, but going with PCC saved me several hundred. also just don't like being lied to -- the whole 'the price they're quoting you isn't possible and you're going to regret it' gambit. major turn off.[/QUOTE]
I've tried several upscaling DVD players, and in all cases they show "block noise", macroblocking, or whatever you want to call it, much more severely with HDMI even at 480P, let alone in upscaled mode. Component 480P from a quality player is the way to go.
I myself just orded the Pioneer 588, it should be here mid week. The video dac (12 bit/ 108mhz vs. standard 10 bit/ 54mhz in most low-mid range priced players)) and numerous video mode options (brightness, contrast, gamma, chroma, sharpness, block noise reduction, ect.) should allow you to achieve a very nice picture. I've tried Toshiba, Panasonic, Sony, and Samsung players (all HDMI) with component as well as HDMI, and they are all extreme in one way or the other. (Sammy presents little macroblocking, but is "bleh" otherwise in color, ect., Toshiba pleased my eyes, but low quality player froze alot, Sony TOO sharp for my liking, and Panny had Macroblocking) Your expensive new TV will upconvert DVD better than just about any DVD player. (I myself own a 56" JVC DILA)
[QUOTE=Rieper]Did you tell them you were an AVS Member? How did you know about the member discount beforehand?
I might order a Panny 50" plasma from them.
Thanks.[/QUOTE]
As the previous poster mentioned, the link above takes you to their web-only specials. Talking to them on the phone, mentioning AVS Forum, and becoming a repeat customer, these are all things I've learned over 25 years of chipping away at retail prices!
[QUOTE=jcinzano]what kind of dvd player were you running? worried that i should have gotten upscaling instead of the pioneer 588. i know that, in theory, it shouldn't matter, and panny's scaler does the work, but just hate the thought of spending all this on a tv and getting a good-not-great dvd player...
gotta say, despite all my research, i'm a tad nervous. what if SD/DVD/HD isn't as good as i'd hoped, etc.
yeah, i told VA i'm an AVS Forum member. the adaptors were only $1.94 each from ecost, but going with PCC saved me several hundred. also just don't like being lied to -- the whole 'the price they're quoting you isn't possible and you're going to regret it' gambit. major turn off.[/QUOTE]
It was a Philips DVP 642, it played both PAL and NTSC DVDs. I paid 60 bucks for it, so it really was crappy. I'm not advocating upscaling players per se, I think they're a bit gimmicky especially when you factor in the great scaler that's built into the 8UK. I got the Oppo because of the Faroudja chip, and general positive feedback about the player (plus it plays PAL too, so it's a perfect replacement).
Also, saving several hundred is a nice scoop. My going with VA had more to do with their AVS-documented pixel perfect policy, and AVS-documented quality of service. Considering I started this quest by comparing Pioneer Elites to Fujitsus, the 8UK is a steal no matter what vendor you get it from.
[QUOTE=EdgarQ] Considering I started this quest by comparing Pioneer Elites to Fujitsus, the 8UK is a steal no matter what vendor you get it from.[/QUOTE]
What made you shift from Pioneer Elite or Fujitsu to the 8UK?
jcinzano
11-05-05, 11:58 AM
[QUOTE=EdgarQ]It was a Philips DVP 642, it played both PAL and NTSC DVDs. I paid 60 bucks for it, so it really was crappy. I'm not advocating upscaling players per se, I think they're a bit gimmicky especially when you factor in the great scaler that's built into the 8UK. I got the Oppo because of the Faroudja chip, and general positive feedback about the player (plus it plays PAL too, so it's a perfect replacement).
Also, saving several hundred is a nice scoop. My going with VA had more to do with their AVS-documented pixel perfect policy, and AVS-documented quality of service. Considering I started this quest by comparing Pioneer Elites to Fujitsus, the 8UK is a steal no matter what vendor you get it from.[/QUOTE]
The pixel thing is definitely on my mind right now. i suspect PCC, unlike the cheesy NY-based outfits, would be nice enough to let me do an exchange if i explained the situation, but i also suspect i'd have to pay postage both ways
Huh, that philips has good reviews on CC's site. maybe it's just a bad match for this unit.
that reminds me, have to throw public props to my g/f, who not only came around to allowing me to replace our perfectly practical 32" Toshiba CRT with this 50" monster, but also agreed to spring for the DVD player
[QUOTE=Vashti]What made you shift from Pioneer Elite or Fujitsu to the 8UK?[/QUOTE]
While I still feel the Fujitsu has the best picture, the 8UK costs about half as much. The PQ difference isn't worth it, especially since I get a new TV every 2-3 years.
Plus, the 8UK is aesthetically neutral, and fits perfectly into my living room. A silver border seems distracting from a movie-watching POV, and the piano glossy black of the elites is just a bit too 80s for my taste.
Furthermore, I use 8 or so 42" commercial panasonic plasmas at work, so I'm very comfortable with the look and workmanship of the product.
[QUOTE=jcinzano]The pixel thing is definitely on my mind right now. i suspect PCC, unlike the cheesy NY-based outfits, would be nice enough to let me do an exchange if i explained the situation, but i also suspect i'd have to pay postage both ways
Huh, that philips has good reviews on CC's site. maybe it's just a bad match for this unit.
that reminds me, have to throw public props to my g/f, who not only came around to allowing me to replace our perfectly practical 32" Toshiba CRT with this 50" monster, but also agreed to spring for the DVD player[/QUOTE]
Yeah, VA pays shipping both ways. I don't mind them making a profit, if it means I have peace of mind. But on the flip side of things, these sets are rock solid. No dead pixels or any flaws whatsoever.
I may be a bit harsh about my faithful Philips, it's just that noise and jaggies are more noticeable now on my near perfect 50" plasma, than they were on my flawed 42" RP-LCD. The Faroudja is supposed to address these issues. But I have to wait for the DVI blade to arrive to test it, since the Faroudja sits on the oppo's DVI board.
As for g/fs, my wife says (she's reading over my shoulder) that she never has a chance to buy me anything, things just arrive!
jcinzano
11-05-05, 12:17 PM
[QUOTE=EdgarQ]Yeah, VA pays shipping both ways. I don't mind them making a profit, if it means I have peace of mind. But on the flip side of things, these sets are rock solid. No dead pixels or any flaws whatsoever.
I may be a bit harsh about my faithful Philips, it's just that noise and jaggies are more noticeable now on my near perfect 50" plasma, than they were on my flawed 42" RP-LCD. The Faroudja is supposed to address these issues. But I have to wait for the DVI blade to arrive to test it, since the Faroudja sits on the oppo's DVI board.
As for g/fs, my wife says (she's reading over my shoulder) that she never has a chance to buy me anything, things just arrive![/QUOTE]
noise and jaggies are exactly what i'm afraid of w/r/t dvd player. i'll post how the 588 looks when i get it. Oppo is supposed be great, but some people have MB problems with that and panny, be sure to let us know how it works out
hypaspazz
11-05-05, 01:58 PM
My experience with the Oppo is that it is a good player through DVI, however, it does have the macroblocking issue. I find this only an issue on Pixar movies that have alot of solid colors in the scene and are a bit more cartoonish. I don't really notice it on regular films. White and black levels are excellent.
I have read that the DV-588A crushes blacks which turned me off to that player.
BTW, a better deal can be had going through VA's front door. Unless you need a stand or mount the AVS packages are not a deal.
[QUOTE=hypaspazz]My experience with the Oppo is that it is a good player through DVI, however, it does have the macroblocking issue. I find this only an issue on Pixar movies that have alot of solid colors in the scene and are a bit more cartoonish. I don't really notice it on regular films. White and black levels are excellent.
I have read that the DV-588A crushes blacks which turned me off to that player.
BTW, a better deal can be had going through VA's front door. Unless you need a stand or mount the AVS packages are not a deal.[/QUOTE]
Guys, I'll definitely check back on noise/jaggies/MB as soon as my DVI blade comes in.
As for VA, they do indeed have some flex, albeit a small amount. I have been very pleased with ordering over the phone with them.
humbland
11-06-05, 09:39 AM
EdgarQ,
who did you talk to at VA and how much of a price break did you get on the 8UK?
thanks,
eric
[QUOTE=humbland]EdgarQ,
who did you talk to at VA and how much of a price break did you get on the 8UK?
thanks,
eric[/QUOTE]
Candace. I can't be specific about pricing in this forum, but I can tell you that I received no break on the 8UK itself. But like any company, if you lump in other stuff, they can be accomodating. PM me, and I'll give you the complete breakdown.
jcinzano
11-07-05, 01:32 PM
plasma is "out for delivery" ... dispatch says it should be here within the hour ... very excited ...question: can i hold up a UPS delivery guy while i check it out? i've heard of this being done with trucking companies, but UPS is normally in quite the hurry...
RandyWalters
11-07-05, 02:08 PM
[QUOTE=jcinzano]plasma is "out for delivery" ... dispatch says it should be here within the hour ... very excited ...question: can i hold up a UPS delivery guy while i check it out? i've heard of this being done with trucking companies, but UPS is normally in quite the hurry...[/QUOTE]They're not supposed to wait, but if you're quick at removing the upper box he might hang for a minute or two and check it out with ya. I didn't know UPS shipped plasmas.
[QUOTE=RandyWalters]They're not supposed to wait, but if you're quick at removing the upper box he might hang for a minute or two and check it out with ya. I didn't know UPS shipped plasmas.[/QUOTE]
UPS and plasma = shudder. I heard horror stories.
I wish jcinzano luck - the Panny is boxed very well, so even the all-thumbs-UPS may successfully deliver.
jcinzano
11-07-05, 02:59 PM
it was a UPS tracking but the delivery guy was from Menlo delivery or something. i was able to open the box and check to make sure it was intact, but haven't hooked it up yet to test pixels. we'll see...
jcinzano
11-07-05, 05:36 PM
check this out
for my plazzie, i ordered the pioneer 588A from ecost.
first they added a $7 "handling" change, which i haven't seen when ordering online before.
then they put the wrong address onto the box, meaning i had to have it redelivered
then they delivered it and, when i opened up the box, found the pioneer box inside had a shipping lable -- to somebody else. also, the tape was removed. it was clearly a refurbished item
i called and they won't accept a return. only an exchange, but that will take at least 3 days -- just to get the authorization for a return. meanwhile i'm up the creek waiting instead of being able to go out and buy a replacement at CC or BB. "all sales are final" she said ... even if they sell you something you didn't order
Ecost has always had the "handling charge". Translated: Our price is a slight lie. Add this number to get the real price.
jcinzano
11-08-05, 10:08 AM
So far so good. the unit was intact, pixels perfect. Turned it from standard to dynamic but otherwise haven't adjusted anything yet. HD looks spectacular. Standard much less so. DVD -- via my old Toshiba, isn't very good, waiting on my new DVD player, see above (or i might switch to an HDMI player, but they all seem to have bugs).
[QUOTE=jcinzano]noise and jaggies are exactly what i'm afraid of w/r/t dvd player. i'll post how the 588 looks when i get it. Oppo is supposed be great, but some people have MB problems with that and panny, be sure to let us know how it works out[/QUOTE]
So I've got it all hooked up. Noise is down and jaggies are slightly down, although DVDs with heavily macroblocked scenes continue to have them (so no harm done so far). The Oppo's Faroudja doesn't seem to have any effect on it (as compared to the non-Faroudja component output). As for clarity and color, I can't really see any difference. So while I'm glad I have the Oppo, I wouldn't insist that every PHD8UK owner should own one.
jcinzano
11-13-05, 01:58 PM
loving the plasma so far. HD is fantastic (no macroblocking, not jaggies, perfect). SD in full mode is very watchable. Xbox looks pretty darn good
for DVD, i'm still stuck with that refurbished ecost 588 one since they still haven't given me the instructions for return. i ended up hooking it up to check it out and it looked terrible -- the detail backgrounds, mountains in fellowship of the ring, for example, look sort of blurred. unsure if this is a problem with this player in general or, since it's a used player, this one in particular. ecost is sending a replacement, now i'm not sure if i should open it or just return that one too and get an HDMI model.
another thing: i have an odd problem when hooked up through DVD (with both the 588 and my old reliable interlace toshiba). i'm watching letterboxed material, via component, but it's like i'm watching something in Just mode in that the center looks normal, then the image streaches on the sides. sort of fish eyed.
does anybody know how to fix that or what's wrong? this doesn't happen with other source material through the same imput, best i can tell
Make sure your DVD player is set to 16x9 and you are in "FULL" mode.
John
jcinzano
11-13-05, 04:23 PM
ah ... feel dumb now
btw.... all those debating 42 vs. 50? ... very glad i got the 50. have an average size living room. the 42 would not have been too small, i don't think. and the 50 is a tad huge. but ... it 100% provides a cinema experience and really makes you feel like you upgraded to an ideal screen.
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