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cfloyd · 12-06-2004, 09:43 PM

Hi, apologies if this has already been answered in another thread but I couldn't find it. I'm pretty sure I'm going to buy the Panasonic 50" TH50PX25UP given the multiple positive reviews. However I saw one review (ConsumerSearch.com) that indicated the current Panasonic plasmas can't (natively?) accept 720p signals, unless you use the over-the-air tuner. I plan to watch a lot of ESPN HD etc. which broadcast in 720p and obviously aren't available over the air. I gather that instead the signal is converted to 1080i. My questions are:

1. If I plan to watch lots of sports programming would I be better off looking at a different brand that can accept 720p without the need for converting signals?

2. Will the average viewer be able to notice the difference between a true 720p signal and one that the Panasonic has converted to 1080i?

3. Anyone who has a Panasonic, how does ESPN HD look vs. any other brands?

4. Has anyone bought a Panasonic plasma from an on-line retailer that was defective and needed to be returned to the manufacturer? How much of a hassle was this? Is it worth paying the extra $$$ and purchasing at a real store where you can return it if something goes wrong?

Any help is much appreciated. Thanks.

12-06-2004, 09:43 PM	#1
cfloyd What is HD? Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1	Panasonic Plasma and 720p Hi, apologies if this has already been answered in another thread but I couldn't find it. I'm pretty sure I'm going to buy the Panasonic 50" TH50PX25UP given the multiple positive reviews. However I saw one review (ConsumerSearch.com) that indicated the current Panasonic plasmas can't (natively?) accept 720p signals, unless you use the over-the-air tuner. I plan to watch a lot of ESPN HD etc. which broadcast in 720p and obviously aren't available over the air. I gather that instead the signal is converted to 1080i. My questions are: 1. If I plan to watch lots of sports programming would I be better off looking at a different brand that can accept 720p without the need for converting signals? 2. Will the average viewer be able to notice the difference between a true 720p signal and one that the Panasonic has converted to 1080i? 3. Anyone who has a Panasonic, how does ESPN HD look vs. any other brands? 4. Has anyone bought a Panasonic plasma from an on-line retailer that was defective and needed to be returned to the manufacturer? How much of a hassle was this? Is it worth paying the extra $$$ and purchasing at a real store where you can return it if something goes wrong? Any help is much appreciated. Thanks.