Panasonic Plasma and 720p

cfloyd

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.

slowmo

I'm not a pro at "true native" but I own a 42PWD6UY (prior generation EDTV). My thoughts:

1. I thought the native resolution of the PHD was 720p (vs. my 480p). I don't think the PHD will upconvert the ESPN signal to 1080 (assuming your STB is outputting at a native 720p to begin with).

2. I doubt an average viewer can tell difference in the monitor's conversion as described. I think an average viewer can tell the difference in CBS football (1080) vs. ESPN / FOX football (720p). I prefer the 720p for fast movement. I think the ESPN / Fox PQ is preferable as less distortion resulting from fast action video.

3. For above noted reasons, I am very happy with the ESPN and FOX display on my Pany (and remember mine is EDTV). The HD football games are spectacular.

4. No problems in my 14 mos. of ownership. I purchased mine from a local authorized Pany dealer that specializes in commercial video equipment. My price at the time was competive with online dealers. Go to b2b.panasonic.com for more info on the monitors and list of nearby dealers.

BruZZi

It's actually 768 for both 50" and 42" HD Displays.

The Commercial Displays accept 720p signals in the Component and the Optional DVI and HDMI Boards. The issue is with the Consumer Models.

And no, the Panasonic Consumer Models WILL NO CONVERT THE 720p signals. (Since they do not accept it at all). The Up Conversion MUST BE MADE BY THE HD Cable Box/Satellite Receiver.

.

maximus

So when you set your cablebox/satbox to 720p output it actually is outputting 768p?

BruZZi

Again, just the Commercial Models accept 720p signals.

In this case, the cablebox/satbox is really outputting 720p but the internal scaler in the Panasonic will scale the signal to 768p .

.

slowmo

Given the Consumer models lack of 720 acceptance, I would definitely go the commercial route (again). Heck, my lowly EDTV 42PWD6UY accepts all formats.

50PHD7UY commercial units are selling for $4500 and you should be able to order / pick up from a local commercial dealer if you prefer that method over the online dealers.

ToXicChiLL

I own the 42in model of the tv, and IMO, not accepting 720p natively is not a big issue. set your STB to 1080i, and let the tv scale it down. The tv will display everything in 768p regardless, so it's just a matter of what kind of signal is feeding it through.

ToXicChiLL

I get my HD w/ an OTA, and IMO, CBS broadcasting at 1080i looks a lot better than FOX or ABC broadcasting at 720p.