AVS Forum Archive 2 - Panasonic TH-50PM50U arrived today

67427vette

01-19-06, 03:11 AM

First I would like to thank the members of the AVS forum. This site has so much information, almost too much. We were in the market for a 50" PDP and we went to many stores to see the displays in person but really never got a chance to really tweak with them. In one store one the X would look better than the Y and Z and in another store Z would look better than X but not Y and so on. Well with all of the positive posts about the Panasonic that's what we settled on. We purchased the TH-50PM50U from Costco. The price was very fair and we heard ( also on this forum) that Costco has a great satisfaction policy. We ordered the set on the first day of the sale (01/09) and although the site said that it would take 20 working days for delivery it only took 7, needless to say we were pretty impressed. When we fired the set up I brought all of the picture levels down (again per this forum) & even at the lower levels it looks great. We have satellite (via component) and our HD is due this weekend so I'll have to update when that is online. On some feeds the picture is fair when you are up close and on others it's pretty good, but at normal viewing distances it looks good and very good. I expected this as it is the same on our 34" Toshiba CRT. For kicks I put on the Batman Begins DVD (which is also hooked up via Component as we are waiting for the HDMI cables) and was totally blown away. Even with the levels turned down the picture was awesome. We couldn't be happier. A few things that are so true that I've learned from this forum are:

1. The display does look bigger in your house than in the store.

2. All of the good PDP's will look awesome when it is in your house because there isn't another one right next to it to compare it with.

3. If you are in the market for a set just buy one. Sure next year's model will have this that or whatever that this year's doesn't, but it also won't have what the year after will have. When does it stop? Life's too short, enjoy it.

For the other people who ordered the TH-50PM50U I really think that you'll be happy with it.

Thanks again AVS.

theueck

01-19-06, 10:08 AM

Thanks for the update. Mine arrives Monday!

sdmiller

01-19-06, 10:27 AM

I had my 50px500u delivered yesterday and I don't think I have ever been happier with a television in my life. It is my first entry into digital televisions and I came from a 55 inch RPTV and am blown away by the PQ. Have Fun!

precision80

01-19-06, 10:54 AM

67427vette ,

how long after placing the order did it say shipped, i ordered mine on the 16th and it still says processing.

pj2004

01-19-06, 11:18 AM

Nice...anyone that bought this care to post some pictures once it's set up?

SingleAction

01-19-06, 02:45 PM

67427vette;

Wait until you give that 50"' an HD feed, it will blow you away!

I got my 50" 8uk, and can't believe the picture quality with Dish HD, and there are some people that say that the quality of some of the Voom channels resolution/picture have been reduced. I'm glad that I have nothing to campare to, and am perfectly happy!

I know you will enjoy this tv.

BTW, do you still have that vette? I had a 67 427 390hp, 2 tops, off road exhaust, brand new in 67! Wish I still had it now. I'm showing my age :eek:

dukmahsik

01-19-06, 02:53 PM

congrats!

dchristie

01-19-06, 03:51 PM

[QUOTE=sdmiller]I had my 50px500u delivered yesterday and I don't think I have ever been happier with a television in my life. It is my first entry into digital televisions and I came from a 55 inch RPTV and am blown away by the PQ. Have Fun![/QUOTE]

Curious, where did you order your set from? I've had mine on back order for a month or more and I still can't get a straight answer as to if it'll show in Feb. or be cancelled in lieu of the new models. Glad to hear some are still being shipped.

sdmiller

01-19-06, 04:02 PM

[QUOTE=dchristie]Curious, where did you order your set from? I've had mine on back order for a month or more and I still can't get a straight answer as to if it'll show in Feb. or be cancelled in lieu of the new models. Glad to hear some are still being shipped.[/QUOTE]

I got mine from Tweeter B&M. They had a few floating around their stores and the sales guy I worked with did some dealing and got me one. I was lucky and it only took two weeks. It was Manufactured in Dec 2005 if that makes a difference. I was surprised since everyone has been saying the line was discontinued.

67427vette

01-19-06, 06:14 PM

67427vette

01-19-06, 06:39 PM

[QUOTE=SingleAction]67427vette;

Wait until you give that 50"' an HD feed, it will blow you away!

I got my 50" 8uk, and can't believe the picture quality with Dish HD, and there are some people that say that the quality of some of the Voom channels resolution/picture have been reduced. I'm glad that I have nothing to campare to, and am perfectly happy!

I know you will enjoy this tv.

BTW, do you still have that vette? I had a 67 427 390hp, 2 tops, off road exhaust, brand new in 67! Wish I still had it now. I'm showing my age :eek:[/QUOTE]

Can't wait to see HD on it. I wonder if my wife will be able to see the difference? I still have the Vette. It's in the shop right now getting painted. Can't wait to see that done as well. I know how you feel about your (ex) car. This is my second '67 BB roadster. I sold my last one and never got over it. After 8 years my wife said just find another one already and shut up. I lucked out & found a 435 roadster (NOM) that needed work but was solid for a steal. These PDP's are actually cheap compared to these old cars! I can't believe how much the prices have gone up on '69 Camaro's. Unreal.

[QUOTE=SingleAction]how long after placing the order did it say shipped, i ordered mine on the 16th and it still says processing.[/QUOTE]

It showed shipped 2 days later 01/11

[QUOTE=SingleAction]Nice...anyone that bought this care to post some pictures once it's set up?[/QUOTE]

I took a few pictures but I'm not sure how to post them.

theueck

01-19-06, 07:03 PM

Wish Barrett Jackson was in HD!

67427vette

01-19-06, 09:18 PM

[QUOTE=theueck]Wish Barrett Jackson was in HD![/QUOTE]

From what I hear about HD I'm sure that would be awesome. It looks very good in SD as it is. I've been watching bits and pieces of it on the new Panasonic but that red speed logo in the corner really bothers me. Maybe I'm being overly cautious but until I get 100 hrs. + on it I'll do my extended viewing of Barrett Jackson on our old set.

precision80

01-19-06, 09:50 PM

[QUOTE=67427vette]

It showed shipped 2 days later 01/11

[/QUOTE]

Mine actually shipped out today, who delivered it and how long did it take to get it. The wait is killing me!

slugdugg

01-19-06, 10:31 PM

I ordered mine on Costco.com on the 11th. The next day I got a confirmation email saying that it had shipped. They said I would get another email in a couple days telling me who was shipping it and give me a delivery estimate. Then suddenly on the 16th I got a call from the shipping service saying they were ready to deliver it, and I got it this Tuesday the 17th. They came in, put the stand on it, held it up while i plugged in the component and HDMI cables, and placed it on my stand. The cleaned everything up and left.. it all took less than 10 minutes.

The picture is great, even on SD, and it works perfectly with my Yamaha DVD over component. I'm very happy with it. Now I just need to figure out the whole calibration thing once I finish the 100 hour breakin. I'll post pictures soon.

67427vette

01-20-06, 12:39 AM

[QUOTE=precision80]Mine actually shipped out today, who delivered it and how long did it take to get it. The wait is killing me![/QUOTE]

I ordered it on the 9th and it was delivered on the 18th (we're in Northern CA). I think the name of the company was Bekins Home-something. They were great. They offered to mount it on the stand but I declined as we were mounting it onto the wall. The PDP actually arrived 6 hours before the wall mount did (go figure). The guys even helped me carry our 34" Toshiba CRT up stairs to the Master bedroom, no easy feat as that thing weighs a ton. I think if we sell the house we'll just leave it here! You'll be stoked on the display when you get it.

SUPRMIL

01-20-06, 10:50 AM

ordered mine on the 9th also, shiped in two days and my wife just called and said the shipping company called and they are bringing it today. Too bad i wont be home for a week. lol, i told her to have them unbox it so she could inspect it, and and then to put it back in the box until i get home. Cant have the kids messing with my new toy till i get there.

So anyway, that was a very good turn around if you ask me. I also heard that if you didn't order the first 2 days, you may miss out.

precision80

01-20-06, 11:46 AM

[QUOTE=SUPRMIL] I also heard that if you didn't order the first 2 days, you may miss out.[/QUOTE]

i ordered mine on the 16th and got a shipping conf yesterday. i called beacons, the shipping company, and they told me thats its coming from CA and that they havent received the item from the manufacturer yet, but they expect it early next week. I hope you have some wrong info for my sake!

ghwk

01-20-06, 11:58 AM

[QUOTE=precision80]i ordered mine on the 16th and got a shipping conf yesterday. i called beacons, the shipping company, and they told me thats its coming from CA and that they havent received the item from the manufacturer yet, but they expect it early next week. I hope you have some wrong info for my sake![/QUOTE]

I ordered on the 12th and got a shipping confirmation on the 16th. I'm in Calif. also and it is shipped by Bekins in So. Cal. then dropped off to a local Bekins distributor. I've been calling Bekins with the waybill number trying to get an exact delivery date but the best I've gotten is the middle to late next week. Man I hope not! I have visions of my set getting a tour of Calif before it finally gets to me! Anyway I'd be amazed if you didn't get one if you made the online order.

theueck

01-20-06, 12:35 PM

67427vette:

Quick Question:

If I hook up the 50PM50U with HDMI and Component, can I stretch (to fill the screen) via these connections on SD 4:3 material? Or do I need to hook up S Video to stretch 4:3 programming?

I have a Comcast 6412 DVR that will stretch all SD material as well.

I thought I have read that you cannot fill the screen via HDMI and component>

I'm only concerned about filling the screen for the 1st 100+ hours.

Thanks

PS: Did you see the 2 vettes last night on Barrett Jackson? Sweet!!
What color int/ext is yours?

67427vette

01-20-06, 01:38 PM

[QUOTE=theueck]67427vette:

Quick Question:

If I hook up the 50PM50U with HDMI and Component, can I stretch (to fill the screen) via these connections on SD 4:3 material? Or do I need to hook up S Video to stretch 4:3 programming?

I have a Comcast 6412 DVR that will stretch all SD material as well.

I thought I have read that you cannot fill the screen via HDMI and component>

I'm only concerned about filling the screen for the 1st 100+ hours.

Thanks

PS: Did you see the 2 vettes last night on Barrett Jackson? Sweet!!
What color int/ext is yours?[/QUOTE]

I have the dish connected to the display via component and you can stretch it to fill the screen. As stated earlier we won't have our HD feed until tomorrow (Sat.). I haven't tried it with the HDMI cables as they just arrived from Monoprice.com yesterday & I haven't had a chance to mess with them.

I missed the BJ yesterday but I'm sure that they got crazy money for them. My car was originally Goodwood green on green (yuck!) with a black stinger. Since I don't have the original motor and I'll probably keep this car I'm having it painted Tuxedo black with a red stinger per my own tastes. The interior has already been changed to black. It's probably going to be a little warm on those nice sunny days!

slugdugg

01-20-06, 04:24 PM

dj123

01-20-06, 05:30 PM

[QUOTE=pj2004]Nice...anyone that bought this care to post some pictures once it's set up?[/QUOTE]

My TH-50PM50U arrived yesterday as well.

pj2004

01-20-06, 06:40 PM

That's really nice looking. I like the bezel color also...makes it unique from the ones you'd get at the other stores.

digitalson

01-21-06, 01:12 PM

I too ordered a Panny TH-50PM50U from the almighty costco!
I got a "shipped" email almost the next day after ordering it on the 1/12.
I have been waiting to hear from the shipping company, but nothing yet. (I am on the right coast). I did receive the costco wall mounting unit, and it's in place, waiting to do it's job.

I also got the hdmi cables from monoprice and was planning to hook it up to a SA HD DVR box. I'm glad to hear that it stretches SD to fill the screen.

1) It was mentioned that you cannot change the aspect ratio hooked up this way. Being a newb to HDTV and this forum, forgive me for asking, what exactly does this mean?

2) Oh, BTW, I also got the hdmi switcher from monoprice, hoping to have only one hdmi cable to the back of this set (1 dvr, 1 dvd to switcher-> one out to tv) anyone use this switcher? good or bad?

3) I also read on this forum complaints that one had to dramatically change settings when going from hdtv to sd, and that some folks had simply tried to assign new settings to the component input, but their HD DVR would not allow both a HDMI and component output at the same time (component automatically took precedence). Any comments?

Thanks as always, AVS'ers!

precision80

01-21-06, 01:20 PM

http://www.homedirectusa.com/

may help you find out where in transit it is.

optivity

01-21-06, 01:41 PM

[QUOTE=67427vette]First I would like to thank the members of the AVS forum. This site has so much information, almost too much. We were in the market for a 50" PDP and we went to many stores to see the displays in person but really never got a chance to really tweak with them.

1. The display does look bigger in your house than in the store.[/QUOTE]Congratulations on your new BIG screen TV. I remember when I first started watching my 50PX50U while seated 14 feet from the PDP some fast action scenes would cause a feeling of motion sickness. Sadly after 030d hours of viewing at ten feet the "shrinkage factor" has occurred and I have to upgrade to a 65" FP TV.

ghwk

01-21-06, 01:54 PM

[QUOTE=precision80]http://www.homedirectusa.com/

may help you find out where in transit it is.[/QUOTE]

Thanks for this link P80, it just gave me more info about my delivery than the Bekins agent has been able to provide.

ghwk

ielfilab

01-21-06, 01:55 PM

Hello,

I'm a newby. My Pana did not arrive yet, it is still in transit.
Looking at the specs on the website, it seems that you can not display computer image
(no RBG input). Can I use a DVI to HDMI converter and display computer image that way?

Thx

digitalson

01-21-06, 03:19 PM

Precision80, thanks for that great link! My big TV is enroute for next week delivery!
To quote Homer, woo hoo!

xTJx

01-21-06, 03:39 PM

This is my first post. After reading and searching these forms for months like a mental patient I finally ordered the 50PM50U from Costco. I ordered on the 9th and it arrived in 10 Business days. No problems at all.

I have my DTV Tivo unit hooked up thru SVideo until I upgrade that rig and I am shocked at how good it does look.

I have an OTA tuner hooked up with Component to get my Local HI-Def fix and every thing looks good. The true test will be Sunday when I watch the Steelers play the Broncos. Go Steelers.

I ran out and Picked up an upconverting DVD player 'Toshiba SD-K8505U' from Costco today. I have this hooked up thru HDMI. It looks great but I did notice 2 very long pause points in Monsters Inc. So It may be going back. I may want to give the Oppo player a Try. I have read some about that player. But the jury is still out on this.

My next purchase may be the 4 to 1 HDMI switch from mono-price. To deal with only having 1 HDMI input on the PM50U. Then maybe a Harmony 880.

It sure is easy to spend money with this hobby. :)

jpb3656

01-21-06, 03:41 PM

I'm new to this site and have been trying to find one of these units.
Cosco's web site doesn't list it. May I ask what thier price was on it and can anyone help me locate one? Thanks.

twindux

01-21-06, 03:45 PM

The site said 4-6 WEEKS for delivery...I was bummed, but figured this would give me a chance to see the Philips 50" that is going on coupon next week. Then if it looked OK, I could cancel the Panny.

Well, on 11/19 I got the email that the Panny had been shipped! COOL.

No Philips for me...looks like I'll have teh Panny for the Super Bowl.

Time to order my Oppo DVD player, DVI>HDMI cable ...

EDIT: Thanks to Precision80 for posting the tracking link...
http://www.homedirectusa.com/track.html

67427vette

01-21-06, 08:26 PM

[QUOTE=optivity]Congratulations on your new BIG screen TV. I remember when I first started watching my 50PX50U while seated 14 feet from the PDP some fast action scenes would cause a feeling of motion sickness. Sadly after 030d hours of viewing at ten feet the "shrinkage factor" has occurred and I have to upgrade to a 65" FP TV.[/QUOTE]

Thanks. I know what you mean about the "motion sickness" feeling. We are about 13 feet from ours & I had that feeling when we first started watching "Gone in 60 Seconds" last night, but it was less noticable by the end of the movie. Pretty trippy but I'm sure we'll get used to it. I asked my wife if she thought the display was too small & if we should get a 65" display (just to see her reaction), and the look on her face was basically saying "Are you Crazy?!?!" I kind of expected that though.

We just got our HD feed today and the PQ is stunning. I'd highly recommend the Panasonic to anyone looking for a 50" PDP.

Randy

01-22-06, 12:22 PM

Ordered my set from Costco first thing 8am Monday morning they went on sale. It was delivered 10 business days later (Friday Morning). I have been sitting in this chair ever since!

LOVE it! Fantastic Picture!

I moved my Rear Projection Mitsubishi 55 " to the basement. I was really scared that I would miss the 5" extra size. I was VERY pleased with the Mits. picture. There is an amazing difference. This picture is so much better. So glad I made the switch to Plasma!!!! It give a 3D depth feeling to the picture I have never experienced before. The picture is SO good I don't even miss the larger size.

R Harkness

01-22-06, 03:15 PM

It's interesting the mentions of "motion sickness."

I've observed (and commented before in my comparisons with plasma vs other displays) that the plasmas have a stronger "suck you into the image" effect for their size, vs projection-type displays. It seems to have a more vivid impact.

For movie watching I have a black backdrop behind the plasma, and I mask out the black bars for 2:35:1 films. So it's like a mini-front projection effect. The weird thing I notice is how visceral camera moves can be watching the plasma. For instance, the camera zooming and twirling around during the intro dog-fight in Revenge Of The Sith gives me much the same type of vertigo and visceral feeling of motion as when I watch the same scenes on a big front projector set-up.

I attribute this effect to the fact that, despite the disparity in size, the plasma image is more vivid, solid and realistic.

Personally, I enjoy the effect, which is why I've increased it in my set-up. (No one has complained of motion-sickness or whatever when watching films at my house).

optivity

01-22-06, 03:23 PM

You're a "prime-candidate" to ride "Mission Space" at Walt Disney World! :D

casual73

01-24-06, 12:52 PM

Hello all. AVS forum is such a great resource. And I'm happy to say this is my first post.

Does anyone know if the TH-50PM50U is still available at costco online? If so, can you get an extended warranty with it? I'm a little gun-shy because the last big TV I purchased (36XBR400) had problems a few months after the factory warranty ran out. Too bad, it was a fine TV.

Thanks.

67427vette

01-24-06, 02:06 PM

[QUOTE=casual73]Hello all. AVS forum is such a great resource. And I'm happy to say this is my first post.

Does anyone know if the TH-50PM50U is still available at costco online? If so, can you get an extended warranty with it? I'm a little gun-shy because the last big TV I purchased (36XBR400) had problems a few months after the factory warranty ran out. Too bad, it was a fine TV.

Thanks.[/QUOTE]

I was on the Costco site last night & they had the TH-50PM50U back on their site, although it is at their normal price. Costco does not offer an extended warranty. Some credit cards will extend the factory warranty if you use their card.

Here are a couple of pic's:

oysterhead

01-24-06, 02:32 PM

i don't think costco is still selling the panny.

and with them you don't really need an EW cuz they have such an awesome return policy.

digitalson

01-24-06, 02:35 PM

Hey Vette,
Where are the wires?
Did you run the power cord thru the wall (many here say a big no-no) or do you have a plug installed higher in the wall?
Just curious...

casual73

01-24-06, 06:07 PM

Thanks Oysterhead and Vette.

Since my last post, I have read many a thread about Costo's return policy. Sounds like a winner. On the website it is stated that the TH-50PM50U would ship in 4-6 weeks. Is that accurate, or are they stalling because they are out of stock and waiting/hoping for a new shipment? It really seems that nearly nobody has a Panasonic 50" in stock. (Except certain online retailers that I don't trust completely) Maybe I'll just wait for 60U's... March I guess?

oysterhead

01-24-06, 07:49 PM

if you really have to wait 4 - 6 weeks, then I would DEFINITELY wait for the 60 series.

67427vette

01-24-06, 08:29 PM

[QUOTE=digitalson]Hey Vette,
Where are the wires?
Did you run the power cord thru the wall (many here say a big no-no) or do you have a plug installed higher in the wall?
Just curious...[/QUOTE]

All A/V wires are in the wall but the power wire is not. I installed a clock outlet behind the Display. I tapped off of an existing outlet that is on the other side of the wall.

precision80

01-25-06, 10:57 AM

Just need to vent to some people that will understand, WHERE THE F IS MY TV!!!!??? i cant watch this 19" toshiba from 1991 that i borrowed since i sold my 50 inch dlp. Im starting to lose my mind!

theueck

01-25-06, 03:55 PM

Just got it yesterday...really natural colors compared to my PIO 4312. PIO colors and overall PQ are much brighter (had mine ISF'd) last year.

Takes awhile to get used to but HD PQ great and I'm really surprised at how good SD looks; much better than on the PIO, even with a larger screen.

HDMI is breaking up from Comcast 6412 box. Switched boxes and HDMI cables, reconnected the PIO and no breaking of picture on the PIO.

Called Panny who got me in touch with a service rep locally. He is investigating with Panny, says this model is so new (basically a 50PX50U model with no tuner) that they have very little feedback etc.

Panny service asked if the HDMI "break up" occurred with box set to all scan rates, 1080i, 720p etc. It does.

This is not edge flicker; it is picture break up intermitantly only on HDMI/DVI connection. Component is excellent.

Any thoughts? Service Rep said Panny may be looking for a software upgrade if possible to correct.

I could just return the unit to Costco, but would rather try and get it fixed. As you all know, Panny's are currently hard to get your hands on.

Regardless, I will return it/replace if not corrected.

Any Costco 50PMU owners having this issue?

Thanks

gongura

01-26-06, 05:54 AM

[QUOTE=slugdugg]I ordered mine on Costco.com on the 11th. The next day I got a confirmation email saying that it had shipped. They said I would get another email in a couple days telling me who was shipping it and give me a delivery estimate. Then suddenly on the 16th I got a call from the shipping service saying they were ready to deliver it, and I got it this Tuesday the 17th. They came in, put the stand on it, held it up while i plugged in the component and HDMI cables, and placed it on my stand. The cleaned everything up and left.. it all took less than 10 minutes.

The picture is great, even on SD, and it works perfectly with my Yamaha DVD over component. I'm very happy with it. Now I just need to figure out the whole calibration thing once I finish the 100 hour breakin. I'll post pictures soon.[/QUOTE]

I too ordered mine on 1/11, the website says it is shipped but to date I did not recieve it. I live in Northern California. Did you say you got an email with shipping details? I did not get any such email.

gongura

01-26-06, 05:58 AM

[QUOTE=67427vette]All A/V wires are in the wall but the power wire is not. I installed a clock outlet behind the Display. I tapped off of an existing outlet that is on the other side of the wall.[/QUOTE]

Looks beautiful..I have my cabinet on the side and may need 25ft of AV cables (s-video, component & HDMI) since I plan to run them through the attic and through the wall behind the plasma. Any suggestions on where I can get and what brand?

gongura

01-26-06, 06:08 AM

[QUOTE=precision80]http://www.homedirectusa.com/

may help you find out where in transit it is.[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the website. I found the following when I typed in my details:

Status Reported By Reported Date
Unload Tru Air Ride Services 01/17/2006
Load American Relo & Logistics 01/16/2006
Pickup American Relo & Logistics 01/13/2006

It shows tru Air ride Services as the carrier that will be delivering my Panny after picking it up from American Relo & Logistics. To date I did not recieve my Panny. Begining to wonder where Tru Air "unloaded" the set?

digitalson

01-26-06, 08:18 AM

Gongura,
My tv is unloaded someplace too. For the past three days. No response from voicemail at the homedirectusa phone message. I just hope they don't try to deliver it on this Sunday.

Oh, and go to monoprice and order your cables. Many on this forum have used them. Their prices are great. Quality? I have no personal experience with them yet. But remember, if you get your tv and don't have your cables, you have a whole lot of nuthin'.

Jim Hef

01-26-06, 09:48 AM

If your Motorola is similar to my Comcast STB, when you select the feed, you can also select how the 4:3 signals will display. You can select "stretch" in the 4:3 Override area and it will fill the screen.

ghwk

01-26-06, 12:05 PM

[QUOTE=gongura]Thanks for the website. I found the following when I typed in my details:

Status Reported By Reported Date
Unload Tru Air Ride Services 01/17/2006
Load American Relo & Logistics 01/16/2006
Pickup American Relo & Logistics 01/13/2006

It shows tru Air ride Services as the carrier that will be delivering my Panny after picking it up from American Relo & Logistics. To date I did not recieve my Panny. Begining to wonder where Tru Air "unloaded" the set?[/QUOTE]

I'm in the same boat and i ordered on the 12th. Mine has showed:
Unload Guiney Delivery Service 01/24/2006
Load American Relo & Logistics 01/23/2006
Pickup American Relo & Logistics 01/17/2006

I can't even find a google listing for Guiney in Calif. and I'm in N. Calif. Why do I think there are a bunch of movers who are really going to enjoy the Superbowl!

Just spoke to the delivery company, they have the unit but no truck is coming my way until Monday! AARGH!!

precision80

01-26-06, 12:29 PM

try calling bekins see if they can give you the info.

dfp7y2p

01-30-06, 02:40 PM

If anyone is still waiting for delivery, I'd recommend calling Bekins (800) 611-6302 with your waybill number and checking on the status. There was mixup on the paperwork between Bekins and the local delivery company, so my order's been sitting in a warehouse for about a week. Everything was cleared up with a few phone calls.

ghwk

01-30-06, 06:06 PM

Well after ordering on the 12th mine just arrived today. The delivery guys said they had 12 drop offs to do today. Things I have learned:

1. The initial settings really take getting used to and are pretty dark (and I've only had mine for 2 hours!)
2. My dish PVR 501 is so freaking antiquated the best output is S video
3. Riverdance looked pretty crappy but Star Wars 3 looked freaking amazing.
4. Standard def is going to take some getting used to, I hope the rest of the family will tolerate it while they get used to it.

Questions I have:
1. The Dish PVR has a 4:3 output and a 16:9. I have set it to 16:9 I am assuming that is the right thing to do
2. I have a cheap Go Video DVD/VCR combo that allow me to choose interlaced or progressive, should I just try each to see what looks best or does one play better with the scaler.

I'd be interested what other new owners have to say!

gongura

02-02-06, 12:28 AM

[QUOTE=ghwk]Well after ordering on the 12th mine just arrived today. The delivery guys said they had 12 drop offs to do today. Things I have learned:

1. The initial setting really take are pretty dark during the break (and I've only had mine for 2 hours!)
2. My dish PVR 501 is so freaking antiquated the best output is S video
3. Riverdance looked pretty crappy but Star Wars 3 looked freaking amazing.
4. Standard def is going to take some getting used to, I hope the rest of the family will tolerate it while they get used to it.

Questions I have:
1. The Dish PVR has a 4:3 output and a 16:9. I have set it to 16:9 I am assuming that is the right thing to do
2. I have a cheap Go Video DVD/VCR combo that allow me to choose interlaced or progressive, should I just try each to see what looks best or does one play better with the scaler.

I'd be interested what other new owners have to say![/QUOTE]

Got my Panny today (atlast!)...The one dilema I have is how to hang the Panny on the wall. Do I have to use Panny's wall bracket or can I use any universal wall mount/bracket? The reason I asked is because the Pio 4304 I had earlier had holes in the back to which I can attach the mounting brackets. I do not see any such holes on the back of the TH-50PM50U. Any advice?

gongura

02-02-06, 07:44 PM

[QUOTE=67427vette]I was on the Costco site last night & they had the TH-50PM50U back on their site, although it is at their normal price. Costco does not offer an extended warranty. Some credit cards will extend the factory warranty if you use their card.

Here are a couple of pic's:[/QUOTE]

The setup looks awesome. How did you mount the Plasma? Did you use teh Panny bracket or a universal mount?

digitalson

02-02-06, 11:02 PM

In regards to gongura's question,
I got my Panny on 1/30. I wall mounted it with the tilting unit advertised on costco (turned out to be peerless brand), great price. It worked fine. You need to remove the plastic tabs on the back of the panny to attach the brackets. They worked flawlessly. A bit heavy when you put it up though, so be careful.
My only problem with my setup was with the Scientific Atlanta 8300 HD dvr from cablevision. At first it refused to enter the setup wizard for HDTV and all it would display was every channel in 1080i (standard channels made people look like clayfaces). But a bit of plugging and unplugged the hdmi allowed the unit to be set to a variety of outputs, and standard tv looks pretty good in 480i.
Next step for me is hooking up the hdmi dvd player I just picked up. I got the hdmi switcher from monoprice so I'll post how it works.

HistoneMaster

02-03-06, 12:19 AM

I wonder if the Costo PM is the reason it is so hard to find the PX's anywhere. Maybe when they lowered their price, panasonic had already cut a deal with costco to produce "x" units, and in order to fill that promise they had to stop making the PX's... The question is, will we see any more PX's before the 06 models come out, or are the PM's all that will be available.

It's too bad the PM's dont have a cable card or I'd pick one up.

Doug

gongura

02-04-06, 06:03 PM

Thanks to digitalson and others I managed to mount my Panny without any problems althought it took three of us to lift it and mount it. Also I liked the swivel mount since it allowed me to get all the cables connected. Speaking of cables I liked the Pio model since it had the cables at the bottom unlike the Panny which had them at the back. I am now looking for a 25ft component video and would like to know the best place to buy it. Today's project is to route the cables throught the wall. Appreciate any advice before I begin this endeavour.

digitalson

02-05-06, 07:29 PM

Gongura,
I got my cables at monoprice.com. They work great, as far as I'm concerned. The price was great.

dskelto

02-05-06, 11:32 PM

Just picked up a TH-50PM50u at Stupid Prices in Woodinville WA. for a really great price!!!

Be sure to check their stock periodically if possible.

Thanks to all on this site for your input and great posts!!!

theueck

02-06-06, 10:10 AM

gongura: I concur. I ordered HDMI cables from monoprice for 1/3 retail.

I was pleasantly surprised by the how robust these things are.

Arrived in two days...they'll get all my future business.

67427vette

02-07-06, 02:29 AM

I also ordered my HDMI cables from Monoprice. Very fast shipping & the cables are very impressive. I'd recommend them any time.

gongura

02-08-06, 11:08 AM

[QUOTE=67427vette]I also ordered my HDMI cables from Monoprice. Very fast shipping & the cables are very impressive. I'd recommend them any time.[/QUOTE]

Monoprice prices are unbelieveable. I will take all your words for it. For the Panny I assume I will require the 3 RCA component video cable? (Monoprice had a 5 RCA component video cable as well). Please advice

theueck

02-08-06, 12:32 PM

Gongura:

If I understand your ? correctly, either the 3 or 5 component will work. The 5's will give you speaker connections to the monitor. The 3's are for video only.

johnsojs

02-08-06, 01:53 PM

What is the difference in the PM50U and the PX50U?

theueck

02-08-06, 01:59 PM

Basically the same unit without a tuner.

PX has a black bezel, the PM has a seal gray bezel. No PIP/No OTA. 1 HDMI input.

PQ is excellant

Nuz

02-08-06, 02:23 PM

[QUOTE=dskelto]Just picked up a TH-50PM50u at Stupid Prices in Woodinville WA. for $2017!!!

Great Monitor!!!

Great Price!!!

Thanks to all on this site for your input and great posts!!![/QUOTE]

Are you for reals dskelto?!? I have one of those stores opening this weekend nearby. I will definitely check it out...

Peter740

02-08-06, 03:02 PM

If you have a sears around you they will Price match the costco price plus give you 10% off the difference.. Best of all they give free shipping after rebate... But only a 90 day return policy.. Unlike Costco which has a lifetime return policy.. But can't beat the price...

gongura

02-09-06, 12:52 AM

[QUOTE=theueck]Basically the same unit without a tuner.

PX has a black bezel, the PM has a seal gray bezel. No PIP/No OTA. 1 HDMI input.

PQ is excellant[/QUOTE]

Hmmm...I am not sure I can say the PQ is excellent. Not sure if this is after the first hrs or after ISF calibration but right now the PQ on my Panny sucks for all SD channels. It is 'good' for the HD channels and 'excellent' for the DVD. Can someone post the settings for HDMI, Component Video and Composite Videos or point me to the thread that already addressed this.

Thanks

precision80

02-09-06, 10:07 AM

gongura, i agree completely. i think im missing something here.

theueck

02-09-06, 11:22 AM

Gongura:

I replaced my Costco 4312 Pio with this unit. I, too, thought the Panny PQ "out of the box" was "dark" vs my ISF'd Pio.

Here are my settings on the Panny, at least for the first 100 hours. The colors are much more accurate on the Panny, but not as bright. I took me a few days to get used to the difference, although I now like the realism of the Panny better. Reds are much more red and less red/orange than the Pio. Greens are super.

I am not getting the Panny ISF'd as I believe the grey scale is closer to 6500k from various things I've read.

Here are my current settings calibrated using the INHD "Tune Up" and the Avia disc. I have the HDMI connected from a Comcast Motorola 6412 HD-DVR set at 1080i and 480p.

Pic Mode - Standard
Picture/Contrast +20
Brightness - 5, unless watching Law and Order/CSI +3
Color +4
Tint -4
Sharpness - 20
Color Temp Normal
Color Managment Off. This raelly needs to be set to Off for SD, especially for golf/football, etc. Really oversaturates green/blue in SD
Black Level light

My SD I believe is better on the Panny than the Pio, although still depends on the broadcast.

Randy Walters who posts on the forum says he gets better SD thru his S Video connection. I haven't tried this yet as I've been pleased with mine thru HDMI and Component.

Hope this heps.

royy

02-12-06, 12:13 AM

Costco has the TH50PM50U in the store now. The display seems to pixelate when displaying action. I thought this was not supposed to happen with plasma tvs. Could this be a problem with this model, or is it just a bad connection or some thing? Any comments on this from any one who owns one of these sets would be appreciated. I would hate to get one home and have to pack it back up to return it.

Just to let you know I seen this on the FOX sports highlight that they were showing in the store. The other plasma sets next to the Panny did not have this pixelattion issue. That is what concerns me.

Roy

theueck

02-12-06, 11:55 AM

no problem with mine, watching men's downhill/luge on nbc, woman's freestyle, and ice hockey.

those dudes are flying at 80+ mph in downhill and luge.

Bud-man

02-12-06, 12:38 PM

Roy PM me the Costco price.....thanks

HobokenGuy

02-14-06, 12:30 PM

Hey everyone,

I'm new to the forum, and pretty ignorrant when it comes to these tv's. I am planning on picking up one of these tv's this weekend at Costco, but the thing I have been seeing on the forum is that it doesn't have a tuner. What does that mean, and does it matter if I will always have a cablebox anyway?

precision80

02-14-06, 01:36 PM

it does not matter if you have a cable box.

ghwk

02-14-06, 03:50 PM

So I've had the TV for just over a week now and here are my impressions at this point. I've played with the settings some but in general am keeping things pretty low except when I watch 24 or something I really enjoy.

Component 1 is the DVD side of a DVD/VCR combo player. The quality of the player is a low end Costco Go Video unit. DVD's look pretty good, Star Wars III looks incredible. Haven't seen much else yet but the stuff formatted for 16:9 I am very satisfied with.

Component 2 - Astound Cable w/locals & HD locals, digital pack, HDTV channels HBO and Showtime. This is an adjustment because I have been a Dish subscriber for 7 years. Since Dish decided to rape their current customers who want to convert to HD by giving them the privilege of leasing their new 622 with an upfront charge of $300, plus the lease fee etc. I am changing over to Astound since I already have Astound for internet. Standard def locals played through the Explorer 8000 HD PVR cable box look horrible to fair. The interesting thing is if I run the locals through the VCR using composite video to the TV (currently connected into the Video 2 input) it looks much better, pretty much on par with the Dish standard def stuff I get. My conclusion here is the Explorer 8000 unit does something just horrible to the signal in combination with the Panny.

HDMI - currently not used. The 8000 unit has an HDMI out but I was told by the Astound rep it isn't supported. Might try it anyway though.

Video 1- component input from the Dish 501 PVR receiver. Only got standard def out of the unit (it doesn't support HD) but after a week my wife and I were starting to get used to it a bit. Definitely a step down from CRT TV in terms of image quality but I wouldn't take the TV back because if it.

Video 2 - component VCR input from the combo VCR/DVD unit. Videos look ok. Mostly my kids stuff and they don't care how stretched Barney looks. Standard def TV bypassing the cable box and run into the VCR looks just about as good as the Dish standard def stuff does.

Overall Impressions - Signal quality from the provider and how the receivers process the signal has a lot to do with the quality and your plasma may get undue blame for the image being portrayed. Olympics and 24 in HD for the first time last night was wonderful and the picture was great. The Panny is a keeper for this kind of stuff. I love hearing the Dolby Digital that accompanies the video.

The stretch modes are ok. I really can't watch anything in other than Just mode for standard def. Even 4:3 didn't look great. There is a huge learning curve for the consumer in understanding how the technology works together and why even in HD you can still get black bars on the screen if the show was shot in a particular format.

I'd love to hear any tips and tricks and settings you other owners are working through.

HobokenGuy

02-14-06, 05:17 PM

Ok, so am I really dumb...Do I need a tuner?

ghwk

02-14-06, 06:09 PM

[QUOTE=HobokenGuy]Ok, so am I really dumb...Do I need a tuner?[/QUOTE]

You only need a TV with a tuner if you are going to use an external antenna to get over the air (OTA) signals. If you are using cable, Dish, DirectTV etc. then you are supplied (in most cases) a "box" that has the tuners in it. There are a few other variations and exceptions but that's it in a nutshell.

So the answer is maybe.

HobokenGuy

02-14-06, 06:27 PM

Thank you GHWK...So if I can find the Panasonic TH-50PX50U at the same or lower price as the TH-50PM50U, I should probably get the PX then. I didn't think buying a TV was so complicated!

gongura

02-16-06, 10:26 PM

Ghwk and others who are using the Panny with a dish HD receiver (811). What settings do you use on the Dish for the HDTV setup? The 811 HD receiver has three settings480P, 720P and 1080I. Does it really matter if I use 480P vs others? Does the Panny have a scaler that optinmizes any video signal it receives to a single format (not sure if the 13xx by 768 resolution mentioned for the Panny is related to the 480/720 or 1080i formats)? I am still not happy with the SD picture even though I connected my dish reciever with a component video. The Pio 4304 I retuned had a much better picture :-(..I am hoping that after the first 100 hrs things may look better.

Finally how do I enter the Service Menu for the TH-50PM5oU?

grichmvp

02-17-06, 01:15 AM

I haven't gotten the chance to go to get a calibration CD yet. Is it worth it to do so? Also, what picture settings does everyone suggest for the break in period?

(the salesman at Costco told me that Panasonics were "immune" to burn-in because of some newfangled technology that is proprietary to pannys)

majestix

02-17-06, 02:42 AM

Is there any big difference in PQ between the TH-50PHD8UK and the TH-50PM50U I like the all black of the 8UK. Thanks.

gotchaforce

02-17-06, 02:48 AM

[QUOTE=67427vette]I was on the Costco site last night & they had the TH-50PM50U back on their site, although it is at their normal price. Costco does not offer an extended warranty. Some credit cards will extend the factory warranty if you use their card.

Here are a couple of pic's:[/QUOTE]

is that a hsu surround sound system? or somethin else?

JHJanian

02-18-06, 02:52 AM

I got my Costo TH-50PM50U this week after a long wait. The shipper Becons said they tried to call me at some dud phone number and sent a postcard after 5 weeks. I had ordered it on the first available day (hour) and it said it shipped from Costco on Jan 11th.

Anyway, I got it this week and it's truly awesome. I've never had a plasma or any HD TV . I've got the Directv Tivo unit. I previously had the DirecTivo SD unit.

I find I can't get used to watching SD programming stretched out so I'm risking burn in.

Question: Can anyone tell me if I ever decide to return this to Costco, do I have to have the box it came in? I told my wife to make -sure- they leave the box when they deliver it, but to make a long story shorter, they took the box... Does anyone know for sure?

Thanks, Jeff.

shahster

02-18-06, 02:05 PM

Hi all. My first post, but been reading for a while.

I too scoured these posts like a psycho for months prior to purchasing and it has been day 5 with my Costco bought Panny TH-50PM50U. Here are my impressions and thanks for the advice:

HDMI all the way: HD Tivo and upconverting Toshiba DVD player with HDMI go through my JVC RX-D401S receiver which connects to the Panny via HDMI. Speaker is the Polk surroundbar with a Polk PSW10 subwoofer.

The setup looks slick as all hell mounted on the wall in slightly differing shades of silver. Yes, I know piano black is the new silver, but I really wanted a Panny based on the reviews, and I wanted Costco based on the return policy. Strongly considered the Pioneer Elite PRO 1130 HD 50" plasma.

I am controlling the setup via a Logitech Harmony 890 with the equiptment behind cabinet doors (the 890 has RF capability).

The TV was calibrated with the Monster ISF calibration video.

Overall, HD via Directv is stunning. SD is OK. DVD seems to suck...I think the problem lies with the DVD player upconverting, then the receiver upconverting as well.

No motion sickness with sports, no pixelation issues. Black levels are superb. Hopefully I can fix this DVD issue.

Calibration video was easy and accurate. I can give my settings out if needed.

The remote is a $300 piece of trash. Totally crappy logitech software for this unit. DO NOT BUY IT or you will have an expensive paperweight like me.

The sound quality is awesome from my audio setup. Obviously the Panny speakers are off.

Overall, after making myself crazy for months trying to decide what TV to buy, I am finally happy, at peace, and going to sleep at normal hours instead of perusing every forum known to man. The peace of mind with the Costco return policy is actually pretty important, I realized.

theueck

02-18-06, 02:15 PM

shaster:

Glad you are pleased with the Costco pm50u. I am now a Costcoholic for the peace of mind they provide. Quick question:

I used INHD Tune Up and DVE to calibrate my pm50u.

First I've heard of a Monster Calibration Video? Is it new and I'd appreciate your settings.

Mine are posted on page two of this thread.

Thanks

Ken

Bud-man

02-18-06, 02:36 PM

[QUOTE=theueck]shaster:

Glad you are pleased with the Costco pm50u. I am now a Costcoholic for the peace of mind they provide. Quick question:

I used INHD Tune Up and DVE to calibrate my pm50u.

First I've heard of a Monster Calibration Video? Is it new and I'd appreciate your settings.

Mine are posted on page two of this thread.

Thanks

Ken[/QUOTE]

Ive found that the default Standard setting is real close to INHD's test patterns for Contrast and Brightness, also the Vivid mode is close too, not much tweaking necessary as you think Panasonic must know how to calibrate a plasma?
I have the baby brother 42PM50u.
I'm trying top hold off going to Costco's now ive heard there in stock?
I know i'll want to find a reason to return the 42 if i do!

shahster

02-18-06, 05:09 PM

[QUOTE=theueck]shaster:

Glad you are pleased with the Costco pm50u. I am now a Costcoholic for the peace of mind they provide. Quick question:

I used INHD Tune Up and DVE to calibrate my pm50u.

First I've heard of a Monster Calibration Video? Is it new and I'd appreciate your settings.

Mine are posted on page two of this thread.

Thanks

Ken[/QUOTE]

Theueck,

Yes, I think the monster DVD ISF calibration is new. It was only like $30 off the monster website. Go to the website and in the search box type calibration DVD.

I did see your post about your settings. My settings are as follows:

Normal: no
Pic Mode: Vivid
Picture: +28
Brightness: +30
Color: -6
Tint: 0
Sharpness: +1
Color Temp: Normal
Color Mng: Off
Black Level: Dark

The settings are fairly good out of the box, but I've played around a lot, and I find that these are the best for dark blacks with enough brightness to compensate for a bright room.

ghwk

02-18-06, 07:55 PM

[QUOTE=gongura]Ghwk and others who are using the Panny with a dish HD receiver (811). What settings do you use on the Dish for the HDTV setup? The 811 HD receiver has three settings480P, 720P and 1080I. Does it really matter if I use 480P vs others? Does the Panny have a scaler that optinmizes any video signal it receives to a single format (not sure if the 13xx by 768 resolution mentioned for the Panny is related to the 480/720 or 1080i formats)? I am still not happy with the SD picture even though I connected my dish reciever with a component video. The Pio 4304 I retuned had a much better picture :-(..I am hoping that after the first 100 hrs things may look better.

Finally how do I enter the Service Menu for the TH-50PM5oU?[/QUOTE]

Gongura,

I am switching to Astound so I can't respond regarding the Dish stuff at this point. I only had the 501 receiver and the adjustment to the Scientific Atlanta Explorer 8300 HD PVR unit is an adjustment all in its own, including the 480P, 720P and 1080i as well. I am hoping to mess around with these settings this weekend.

SD when when I had it on Dish was ok and took getting used to but nowhere near as clear as my old tube tv. See my post regarding picture quality for more of my experience so far.

ghwk

02-18-06, 08:03 PM

[QUOTE=shahster]Hi all. My first post, but been reading for a while.

snip

HDMI all the way: HD Tivo and upconverting Toshiba DVD player with HDMI go through my JVC RX-D401S receiver which connects to the Panny via HDMI. Speaker is the Polk surroundbar with a Polk PSW10 subwoofer.

The setup looks slick as all hell mounted on the wall in slightly differing shades of silver. Yes, I know piano black is the new silver, but I really wanted a Panny based on the reviews, and I wanted Costco based on the return policy. Strongly considered the Pioneer Elite PRO 1130 HD 50" plasma.

I am controlling the setup via a Logitech Harmony 890 with the equiptment behind cabinet doors (the 890 has RF capability).

The TV was calibrated with the Monster ISF calibration video.

Overall, HD via Directv is stunning. SD is OK. DVD seems to suck...I think the problem lies with the DVD player upconverting, then the receiver upconverting as well.

No motion sickness with sports, no pixelation issues. Black levels are superb. Hopefully I can fix this DVD issue.

Calibration video was easy and accurate. I can give my settings out if needed.

The remote is a $300 piece of trash. Totally crappy logitech software for this unit. DO NOT BUY IT or you will have an expensive paperweight like me.

snip

Overall, after making myself crazy for months trying to decide what TV to buy, I am finally happy, at peace, and going to sleep at normal hours instead of perusing every forum known to man. The peace of mind with the Costco return policy is actually pretty important, I realized.[/QUOTE]

I can echo some of what you have mentioned. No motion sickness. Pixelation is a signal problem from my provider. I don't have the DVD worked out yet either to where I am totally happy but I think it has a lot to do with the the DVD player and the TV not what the TV is capable of. Olympic Hockey in HD is absolutely stunning.

I tried the Harmony 880 with my old setup and TV and had the same experience you did so I returned it to Best buy. Until the equipment and the remote actually communicate with eachother as to settings status these things will always be hit and miss in my opinion. The Panny remote that comes with the TV is an absolute joke.

Finally I appreciate everyone posting settings, especially if you have the calibration video, I am nearing my 100 hour break in period at this point. The only thing left is to order and HDMI cable and see ho it helps or not.

youngag

02-19-06, 08:48 AM

I just installed my panny from Costco yesterday. I have been working with the settings, but I can't seem to get any vivid reds. Greens are oversaturated, but even at the -15 level of tint, the reds don't show beyond a muddy maroon. I have been looking at the HD broadcast of the Olympics by comcast through their pace HD box.

royy

02-19-06, 09:19 PM

I keep checking out this TV at Costco, but just can't swing the cash. It kills me to walk by it every time I am in Costco. I have never seen a better picture on any TV. The display that is set up still seems to have a pixelation problem, but all the feedback on this site makes me think that it must be either the TV having a defect, or maybe some sort of compatibility problem with the Costco source. They run their HD feed through a computer so this may be the reason it pixelates. The interesting thing is none of the other plasmas pixelate.

Glad every one likes their TV. Man, I would love to watch 24 in HD on this sucker.

Roy

dtrell

02-19-06, 09:32 PM

the pixelation problem is from the vivid mode being the default. not only does the electronics pixelize it more to sharpen the picture, but its makes for huge amounts of clayface. if you buy it, use standard mode.

shahster

02-19-06, 10:37 PM

What is clayface, if you don't mind my asking?

youngag

02-20-06, 07:35 AM

I finally got through to Panasonic, the technician walked me through some basic checks. I have a bad cable from Comcast! Now that I can see the reds, I am thrilled with the picture! This set is a joy to watch! (TH-50PM50U)

dtrell

02-20-06, 07:41 AM

[QUOTE=shahster]What is clayface, if you don't mind my asking?[/QUOTE]
clayface is a bad form of false contouring where the faces of people dont look natural, they look like they were molded from clay.

Socceteer

02-20-06, 05:29 PM

[QUOTE=ghwk]You only need a TV with a tuner if you are going to use an external antenna to get over the air (OTA) signals. If you are using cable, Dish, DirectTV etc. then you are supplied (in most cases) a "box" that has the tuners in it. There are a few other variations and exceptions but that's it in a nutshell.

So the answer is maybe.[/QUOTE]
If you have an HD receiver from your cable or satellite supplier, they all have an over the air connection so you can add you locals by just connecting the antenna to the box.

Socceteer

02-20-06, 05:32 PM

[QUOTE=JHJanian]I got my Costo TH-50PM50U this week after a long wait. The shipper Becons said they tried to call me at some dud phone number and sent a postcard after 5 weeks. I had ordered it on the first available day (hour) and it said it shipped from Costco on Jan 11th.

Anyway, I got it this week and it's truly awesome. I've never had a plasma or any HD TV . I've got the Directv Tivo unit. I previously had the DirecTivo SD unit.

I find I can't get used to watching SD programming stretched out so I'm risking burn in.

Question: Can anyone tell me if I ever decide to return this to Costco, do I have to have the box it came in? I told my wife to make -sure- they leave the box when they deliver it, but to make a long story shorter, they took the box... Does anyone know for sure?

Thanks, Jeff.[/QUOTE]
No you do not need the box, I just returned a Philips 50 Inch and got this Panasonic in return. They were giving me a hard time for returning the TV not the lack of a box.

Socceteer

02-20-06, 05:56 PM

Ok Folks ...here is a story for you, I bought the 50 inch Philips from COSTCO before the Superbowl and from the day that I bought it, I struggled with the colors and the contrast. The Philips did have a couple of nice features, like a USB port to look at your pictures directly from a memory sick and it also had a HD tuner.

Since I was not happy I compared the 50 inch Pioneer and the Phillips at Best Buy, the difference was very noticeable. Then I decided to go to COSTCO and see what they had. Right next to the Philips they put this Panasonic TV, at first it did not look that much different, then they did a close up of an Olympic skater and at that point I said WOW, I am returning my Philips and Getting the Panasonic. The difference was $200 more for the Panasonic. As far as I am concerned $200 is a bargain.

I took my Philips back the next day to COSTCO without a box. At first they were asking what was wrong with the TV, or I could not return it, Meanwhile I was reading their return policy on the wall that stated "you may return any item if you are not fully satisfied". I told them that the TV had bad colors and I lost picture and sound periodically which was true. They refunded me the money and I bought the Panasonic.

When I got home....WOW....this TV blows Philips out of the water. The HD feed is outstanding, SD is better than Philips, I connected my HD box via HDMI and it makes a difference, both for HD and SD. My DVDs are incredible, I have a Bose hometheater and all the DVDs I watch are great.

Here are the things I like about the TV:
1) Screen quality
2) They included sound connections to the HDMI
3) All inputs have independent settings.
4) Simple options
5) Easy to adjust
6) LOOKS GOOD

I am very happy with this unit and will recommended it to anyone.

JHJanian

02-20-06, 07:47 PM

Socceteer, thanks for the info about not needing the box to return the TV. I'm glad you've now got a better set. -Jeff.

AceCannon

02-20-06, 08:05 PM

I've had the older 42" ED Panasonic plasma (TH-42PWD5UY) for a while now and really like it. Saw the TH-50PM50U in Costco the other day and I think we would enjoy the bigger screen and HD resolution.

Can anyone confirm that there is no connection for a PC? My 42" ED panel has RGB input (but no HDMI) so the notebook plugs right in.

Is there such a creature as a VGA(RGB) -> DVI -> HDMI converter?

dtrell

02-21-06, 07:54 AM

there is no RGB input on this unit. it is a 50px50u without a tuner.

no, rgb is analog, hdmi is digital. there is no converter that i know of, unless you use a scaler box like the DVDO. you can convert rgb to component though and connect it that way. check monoprice for an rgb to component cable.

dtrell

02-21-06, 07:58 AM

[QUOTE=Socceteer]No you do not need the box, I just returned a Philips 50 Inch and got this Panasonic in return. They were giving me a hard time for returning the TV not the lack of a box.[/QUOTE]
why were they giving you a hard time for returning the tv??? was it a long time after you bought it?

AceCannon

02-21-06, 08:34 AM

[QUOTE=dtrell]there is no RGB input on this unit. it is a 50px50u without a tuner.

no, rgb is analog, hdmi is digital. there is no converter that i know of, unless you use a scaler box like the DVDO. you can convert rgb to component though and connect it that way. check monoprice for an rgb to component cable.[/QUOTE]

On Monoprice, I found what I think you are talking about, but the description seems to indicate it will not work:

12FT VGA to 3 RCA component video cable (HD15 - 3-RCA)

This cable doesn't support a computer monitor video port, or Y , Cr, Cb Video. Your video source should provide a YpbPr Component Video Signal from the HD 15 video ports to use this cable.
This cable can not convert the video signal from one type to another. Both devices must be compatible with the same signal. Do not assume that this cable will work just because you have a VGA port (ie. you can't use this cable to connect your PC to a device that only accepts component video, since PCs do not output component video).

This cable is for Satellite TV, HDTV, Component RGB Video, Y/ Pb /Pr Video and most LCD Projectors.

Connectors:
VGA(SVGA/HD15) Male
(3) RCA Male( Red, Green, Blue)

Features:
RG-59/U Cable
75 Ohm Coaxial Cables
24K Gold plated Connector

Any insight?

dtrell

02-21-06, 09:34 AM

youre right william. some tvs will take both types...this one will not.

Socceteer

02-21-06, 01:03 PM

[QUOTE=JHJanian]Socceteer, thanks for the info about not needing the box to return the TV. I'm glad you've now got a better set. -Jeff.[/QUOTE]
You are very welcome

Socceteer

02-21-06, 01:07 PM

[QUOTE=dtrell]why were they giving you a hard time for returning the tv??? was it a long time after you bought it?[/QUOTE]
Not at all, 20 days. I was very surprised also, I always understood that their policy was all about satisfied customers. I guess it maybe because some people went and got the large Plasma for the Superbowl and then return it. I guess I do not blame them. I was going to buy another TV, maybe they did not get that.

dtrell

02-21-06, 01:57 PM

[QUOTE=Socceteer]Not at all, 20 days. I was very surprised also, I always understood that their policy was all about satisfied customers. I guess it maybe because some people went and got the large Plasma for the Superbowl and then return it. I guess I do not blame them. I was going to buy another TV, maybe they did not get that.[/QUOTE]
wow...thats definitely a bitching phone call to national customer service right there...AND id have gotten the employees name..all of them that gave you a hard time, including the manager if he did also. what area are you in? new york area? that would make perfect sense.

dtrell

02-21-06, 02:03 PM

Socceteer

02-23-06, 03:57 PM

[QUOTE=dtrell]wow...thats definitely a bitching phone call to national customer service right there...AND id have gotten the employees name..all of them that gave you a hard time, including the manager if he did also. what area are you in? new york area? that would make perfect sense.[/QUOTE]
:) Yeah I was disappointed, since I hear all the time that COSCO is great with returned merchandise. This is the first time in my 10 years as a member that I have returned anything. The Manager was called in and all he did was took my information, went to his office and came back 10 minutes later with a check.

This was at the GILROY store, which is located 30 miles from San Jose CA

Magic Installs

02-24-06, 12:03 PM

2. All of the good PDP's will look awesome when it is in your house because there isn't another one right next to it to compare it with.

FYI "PDP" is a Pioneer Part number

hippster1

02-24-06, 07:08 PM

Ok, I am shopping for a 50 inch- Panasonic seems a good choice- here is the question- probably really dumb- I am going to use either Dish or Cable for HD- I have a Pioneer surround system- DVD player to push movies- what is the difference between a TH50PX50U and a TH50PM50U- is it as simple as a monitor vs a TV with tuner? If I use cable or Dish HD I would not use the tuner either right? Am I missing something here? Please help, lots to learn about this! Thanks

ericwarren

02-24-06, 07:33 PM

hello all!
can someone that owns this and still has the box do me a big favor and measure the height?
i'm trying to determine if this will fit in the SUV upright.
thanks
eric

digitalson

02-24-06, 08:25 PM

To Hippster1;
You are right, it is simple; the PM50U simply does not have a tuner. I have mine "fed" through my cable box and my dvd player. It works great. Both are through the one HDMI input (I invested in the HDMI switcher from monoprice).

To ericwarren;
The PM50U measures about 33 inches high. This does not include the box though, so consider that when you pull up to the store in your SUV.

royy

02-26-06, 10:45 PM

Digitalson, what is a HDMI switcher? Is that like an A/B switch?

Thanks,
Roy

digitalson

02-27-06, 09:20 AM

HDMI Switch is like an A/B switch. Here is the description from monoprice.

"The HDMI Switcher allows access to multiple HDMI devices, such as DVD players and Satellite set-top boxes to one HDMI display.
It's a best choice for home theater systems and dual computer users.
No more hassles of manually plugging in different HDMI connectors to view different HDMI sources.

- Easy switching of multiple HDMI sources(e.g. DVD, cable/satellite receiver) using remote control or the switch button on the switcher.
- Individual LED Display of video source channels.
- Supports 480i, 480p, 720i, 720p, 1080i and 1080p resolution.
- Maintains highest HDMI single link video resolution.
- Supports DDWG standard for HDMI compliant monitors.
- HDCP Compliant.
- Low cost solution for home theater integration.
- Plug-and-play. No software installation. Installs in seconds."

LazKat

02-27-06, 10:51 AM

I picked up my PM50 last week at Costco and had it mounted since then with no way to watch it. D*TV came out Saturday to upgrade me to an L3 dish, HD Tivo, and an OTA antenna and all I can say is **Wow!!** This is set up in our bedroom and the picture is unbelievable! The unit is mounted to the wall with a Peerless mount and for the moment our Tivo is on a snack table in front of it (yes, I know it's tacky but...!) I'm reseaching the DVD players and will order the HDMI switch this week. Pics to follow...

Socceteer

03-01-06, 04:30 PM

Does anyone know if there is a way to change the input labels ..?

I have not been able to find that option. My family is having a hard time deciding which input is for the DVD, X-box, the DRV and cable. It would be nice if I can change the labels to something closer than HDMI, Video1, Video2, etc

67427vette

03-02-06, 11:57 AM

I don't know if any one else is having this problem.

FYI, I also posted this on:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7231368#post7231368

We have a 50PM50U that is approx. 2 months old. I've noticed a "flicker" every once in a while. At first I thought maybe I was just imagining this. I've since noticed that it is definitely happening. My first thought, before I saw this thread, was that it was the D* H20 also. We do have the 8UK (because of this issue & aesthetics) on order & when it arrives the 50U will be going back.

Other than the flicker problem we are still very happy with the PQ.

usmcss

03-05-06, 11:13 AM

Hello everyone,

I just purchased the 50PM50U. I have DirectTV HD package H20 Receiver hooked up to the TV with HDMI. The picture is Great. On some of the HD broadcasts I notice some pixelation but this is only due to the signal that the TV is being sent, how they filmed the piece, the equipment that was used etc, not the TV. When the TV is getting a good HD Signal, it is Amazing! I was very surprised how good the SD Picture looked also.

So I can say that I am very happy with this TV.

Now, something happened yesterday and then today. I was watching TV when all of a sudden the Picture and sound just shut down. it was off for about two seconds and then came back on. I don't think the tv shut down. HDMI popped up on the Screen when the picture came back. The TV is working fine and it hasn't happen in the past 30 min.

Not sure if it's the H20 or the TV. It seems that people that are having problems with this TV also have the H20.

If this happens again or I figure it out I will let you all know.

Again, very nice TV.

Socceteer

03-06-06, 07:14 PM

[QUOTE=usmcss]Hello everyone,

I just purchased the 50PM50U. I have DirectTV HD package H20 Receiver hooked up to the TV with HDMI. The picture is Great. On some of the HD broadcasts I notice some pixelation but this is only due to the signal that the TV is being sent, how they filmed the piece, the equipment that was used etc, not the TV. When the TV is getting a good HD Signal, it is Amazing! I was very surprised how good the SD Picture looked also.

So I can say that I am very happy with this TV.

Now, something happened yesterday and then today. I was watching TV when all of a sudden the Picture and sound just shut down. it was off for about two seconds and then came back on. I don't think the tv shut down. HDMI popped up on the Screen when the picture came back. The TV is working fine and it hasn't happen in the past 30 min.

Not sure if it's the H20 or the TV. It seems that people that are having problems with this TV also have the H20.

If this happens again or I figure it out I will let you all know.

Again, very nice TV.[/QUOTE]

I do not have the H20, and I have not experienced that problem.

Regarding the pixelation, have you experienced it in all your inputs,..? I have noticed it on my HDMI input connected to a Dish 921 DVR box. I think that problem is in the box and not the TV, I do not get pixelation off my component or my S-video inputs. The S-video is connected to my DVD and my component is connected to a cable box

royy

03-06-06, 11:49 PM

Somebody posted a reply to my question about the pixelation problem and I made the changes and it went away. The picture setting has to be taken off of Vivid. On vivid there is pixelation and if you look closely the faces of people look like they are made out of clay. Putting the setting on normal fixed the problem, but some of that brightness is lost.

Roy

usmcss

03-07-06, 09:55 AM

[QUOTE=Socceteer]I do not have the H20, and I have not experienced that problem.

Regarding the pixelation, have you experienced it in all your inputs,..? I have noticed it on my HDMI input connected to a Dish 921 DVR box. I think that problem is in the box and not the TV, I do not get pixelation off my component or my S-video inputs. The S-video is connected to my DVD and my component is connected to a cable box[/QUOTE]

Roy is right on target. Once you take the setting off of vivid, the picture does not pixelate as much, and the clay faces do go away. I did this fix before my last post. I do still notice on occasion pixelation on certain hd channels but it is not bad. It seems to happen alot on the outdoor scenes and only when there is a lot of motion. I do have it set on 1080i output from the h20. I will try 720p for a while and see what happens.

I am also going to try and switch to Component to see if that helps.

Like I said before, when the signal is good, the picture is GREAT!!!

mwchoe

03-07-06, 01:45 PM

Hi All:

I've been lurking for sometime and have been impressed with everyone's depth of knowledge.

I was hoping to get some advice - I just purchased the TH50PM50u from Costco - which from my research appears to be the same as the TH50PX50u minus the tuner. Not sure where the imaging circuitry is the same as the PX or the 8UK but I'd guess it's the same as the PX. I've got it hooked into a Dish HD box using an HDMI connection through a Pioneer 72 receiver that has HD switching using HDMI.

I was curious (and haven't had a chance to test this yet using a test disc and will post results when I do) about whether those on this forum had any views on the following:

1) Should I set my STB output setting to 720 or 1080i? It appears that both settings require decoding by the screen. Frankly, without a test disc, it's been difficult for me to see any difference between the various STB HD settings (even 480).

2) Any thoughts on whether HDMI offers better PQ with this type of set up vs. component video? I haven't gotten an extra set to compare. I think I can set up my receiver to feed component to the set when watching DVD (I have an older DVD player with no digital out) and feed HDMI when watching TV.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks!
Mike

mwchoe

03-07-06, 01:51 PM

theueck

03-07-06, 02:53 PM

Strangely enough, with my Comcast 6412 HD STB, I get a better picture when the box is set to 1080i; at least CBS/NBC/INHD etc (those that are output in 1080i). The stations that broadcast in 720p (ABC/ESPN/Fox) look great either way.

Others have reported this as well, although the PM50u has a native res of 720.

I have both HDMI and Component hooked up. I really can't see a difference. Both look great.

Enjoy

Ken

gongura

03-08-06, 01:26 AM

Two questions for the TH-50M50U owners:

1. Is there a way to get into the Service Menu? Is it worth doing so?
2. What is the best way to do ISF calibration for this Plasma?

Appreciate the input!

almostinsane

03-08-06, 02:18 AM

Hold down the volume button on the display and hit the recall button on the remote 3 times.

Anyone know how to view the hours used?

gladiator888

03-10-06, 09:49 PM

I recently brought the TH-50M50U and would like to know if anyone knows of a good website I can purchase a HDTV Turner or HD Receiver? I am planning to go with Comcast but do not want to use their rental box.

almostinsane

03-11-06, 12:40 AM

Why not? It's $7 a month.

Socceteer

03-13-06, 02:39 PM

[QUOTE=hippster1]Ok, I am shopping for a 50 inch- Panasonic seems a good choice- here is the question- probably really dumb- I am going to use either Dish or Cable for HD- I have a Pioneer surround system- DVD player to push movies- what is the difference between a TH50PX50U and a TH50PM50U- is it as simple as a monitor vs a TV with tuner? If I use cable or Dish HD I would not use the tuner either right? Am I missing something here? Please help, lots to learn about this! Thanks[/QUOTE]
I am not sure, but you may find the answer on this append

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=407154

If the only difference is the tuner....get the one without the tuner...it is a waist of money.

BruZZi

03-13-06, 02:54 PM

[QUOTE=almostinsane]Hold down the volume button on the display and hit the recall button on the remote 3 times.[/quote]
That's the way to do it??? (Never had a chance to try it myself ;) )

Can you 42/50PM50U owners confirm that please??? :)

__________________________________
[FONT=Arial Black][size=1][color=#2063FF]BruZZi's Panasonic Plasma FAQ — bruzzi.ws [/color]
Lots of info for all Plasmas in general.[/SIZE][/FONT]

Socceteer

03-14-06, 06:41 PM

[QUOTE=BruZZi]That's the way to do it??? (Never had a chance to try it myself ;) )

Can you 42/50PM50U owners confirm that please??? :)

__________________________________
[FONT=Arial Black][size=1][color=#2063FF]BruZZi's Panasonic Plasma FAQ — bruzzi.ws [/color]
Lots of info for all Plasmas in general.[/SIZE][/FONT][/QUOTE]
I tied it and it works, it gets you into the service panel. Not sure how to use it, but there it was, I could not figure out how to get out of it, so I powered the TV off and it worked

vidbob

03-15-06, 12:13 AM

Agreed. I have the TH-50PM50U. I too got into the service menu and did not know what to do once I got there! Had to power off to exit. Does anyone have a novices guide to the service menus options?

Thanks!

BruZZi

03-15-06, 12:33 AM

Ok that's the same sequence as the Commercial Models.

Is the menu the same as the Commercial showing the CAT???

http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/6459/chucatmenu0tb.jpg

__________________________________
[FONT=Arial Black][size=1][color=#2063FF]BruZZi's Panasonic Plasma FAQ — bruzzi.ws [/color]
Lots of info for all Plasmas in general.[/SIZE][/FONT]

Socceteer

03-16-06, 07:45 PM

[QUOTE=BruZZi]Ok that's the same sequence as the Commercial Models.

Is the menu the same as the Commercial showing the CAT???

http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/6459/chucatmenu0tb.jpg

__________________________________
[FONT=Arial Black][size=1][color=#2063FF]BruZZi's Panasonic Plasma FAQ — bruzzi.ws [/color]
Lots of info for all Plasmas in general.[/SIZE][/FONT][/QUOTE]
No..... mine looked different I will try to post it when I get home. It starts with options such as video, audio, etc.

BruZZi

03-16-06, 09:08 PM

[QUOTE=Socceteer]No..... mine looked different I will try to post it when I get home. It starts with options such as video, audio, etc.[/QUOTE]

Socceteer, I got the info from Moebius vis PM.

It's basically the same as for the other Consumer models except (since the 42/50PM50U remotes don't have key buttons...) you must use the cursor keys to select the "OPTION" menu.

Thanks anyway. :) :) :)

Here's how to do it:

[color=#f6f6f6]..[/color]Hold Down the " Volume (-) " button ON THE PLASMA
[color=#f6f6f6]..[/color]Press the "RECALL" button on the Remote Control 3 times
[color=#f6f6f6]..[/color]Using the direction buttons (v ^) to select "OPTION".
[color=#f6f6f6]..[/color]Press and hold the MUTE key on the remote for 3 seconds.

[color=#f6f6f6]..[/color]TIME [color=#f6f6f6]...[/color]= Hours of Operation (Hex Numbers)
[color=#f6f6f6]..[/color]COUNT = How many times the Plasma was powered on

[color=#f6f6f6]..[/color]Switch off the power to exit the service menu.

[COLOR=DarkRed]Quick tip by jasonbanks to covert the hours in hex to numbers:[/COLOR]
In Windows, open CALC (calculator). Click View, and set it to Scientific mode.
Select Hex, enter the number then click Dec.
It will convert it to a number for you.

__________________________________
[FONT=Arial Black][size=1][color=#2063FF]BruZZi's Panasonic Plasma FAQ — bruzzi.ws [/color]
Lots of info for all Plasmas in general.[/SIZE][/FONT]