Panny PD5OU questions -

Bludvls33 · 05-17-2005, 06:01 PM

Just purchased the 42" Panny ED last week, after a number of weeks of comparisons and thoughts. A few questions for those who have the Panny's or may have a thought on the answers regardless:

1) I have a 59" HDTV Projection TV hooked up with Comcast cable in the basement, which has a phenomenal picture on HD. I have hooked up my Panny, and I am awaiting the HD converter install, but currently I only have the digital cable box running directly to the Panny. The picture quality is not what I had hoped for, many channels are not high quality, and those that are of a decent quality, are nowhere close to the picture on my 59" HDTV downstairs. Will the quality change dramatically when I hook up the HD converter from Comcast and check out the HD channels on the Panny?

2) I have noticed on a number of channels that the background sound jumps dramatically in volume (i.e. - ESPN Sportscenter going to commercial break plays the theme), and the volume jumps so loud you need to turn the volume down. Any reason for this? I have not found a setting in the audio section that should cause this. Should I not use the surround sound feature?

3) I have taken the advice of numerous posts on this forum and have been "breaking in" the Panny with only Justify view, reduced numbers on the contrast, brightness, etc for the first month or so. However, many channels have dramatically differing color views and contrast/brightness. Is this a result of the different cable channels, or should I adjust other settings on the plasma TV to accomodate?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions, replies, or advice!

Rogerman · 05-17-2005, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bludvls33

I only have the digital cable box running directly to the Panny. The picture quality is not what I had hoped for, many channels are not high quality, and those that are of a decent quality, are nowhere close to the picture on my 59" HDTV downstairs.

Maybe you should ease your mind by taking the HD receiver from the older TV and hook it up to the ED Panasonic. Try Component; too many people are getting dismayed with the picture from HDMI.

I tend to define ED as "Enticingly Deceptive." Sure the price is great, but the lack of true HD will become apparent with shows like IMAX movies on Cable HD. In any case, whether ED or HD, everybody wants a HD like quality with analog cable and that won't happen no matter how fantastic your TV. The best way to judge a TV is with off-air digital TV whether SD or HD. All those changes in picture quality and sound, gee, that never happens with my good old Mitsubishi 55857 rear-projection, and in fact its HD quality is so good considering it's just a rear-projection TV.
Roger

Bludvls33 · 05-19-2005, 10:09 PM

Thanks for the suggestion, I will test out the HD box tomorrow. Anyone have any suggestions about the sound and picture questions? Thanks.

slowmo · 05-20-2005, 11:01 AM

You'll be happy with the HD PQ on your ED set. With SD channels, it ranges from pisspoor to OK depending on analog v. digital, reception quality, program, etc.

With HD content via OTA or cable, I've left my Pany plasma's settings at stock. However with analog cable, I've reduced brightness and increased sharpness in an attempt to eliminate the natural washed-out appearance of analog cable. I also vary as to whether I stretch the 4:3 image or not depending on the actual program.

Your sound issues are somewhat common with commercials. I assume your using the Pany's sound? If so, I can't specifically comment on your question (I have commercial plasma with separate a/v system). Yet, I have to adjust volume with certain channels, OTA vs. cable, commercials vs. programs too.

05-17-2005, 06:01 PM	#1
Bludvls33 Watching HD=Pure bliss. Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Maryland Posts: 10	Panny PD5OU questions - Just purchased the 42" Panny ED last week, after a number of weeks of comparisons and thoughts. A few questions for those who have the Panny's or may have a thought on the answers regardless: 1) I have a 59" HDTV Projection TV hooked up with Comcast cable in the basement, which has a phenomenal picture on HD. I have hooked up my Panny, and I am awaiting the HD converter install, but currently I only have the digital cable box running directly to the Panny. The picture quality is not what I had hoped for, many channels are not high quality, and those that are of a decent quality, are nowhere close to the picture on my 59" HDTV downstairs. Will the quality change dramatically when I hook up the HD converter from Comcast and check out the HD channels on the Panny? 2) I have noticed on a number of channels that the background sound jumps dramatically in volume (i.e. - ESPN Sportscenter going to commercial break plays the theme), and the volume jumps so loud you need to turn the volume down. Any reason for this? I have not found a setting in the audio section that should cause this. Should I not use the surround sound feature? 3) I have taken the advice of numerous posts on this forum and have been "breaking in" the Panny with only Justify view, reduced numbers on the contrast, brightness, etc for the first month or so. However, many channels have dramatically differing color views and contrast/brightness. Is this a result of the different cable channels, or should I adjust other settings on the plasma TV to accomodate? Thanks in advance for any suggestions, replies, or advice!

05-19-2005, 10:09 PM	#3
Bludvls33 Watching HD=Pure bliss. Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Maryland Posts: 10	Thanks for the suggestion, I will test out the HD box tomorrow. Anyone have any suggestions about the sound and picture questions? Thanks.

05-20-2005, 11:01 AM	#4
slowmo High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 759	You'll be happy with the HD PQ on your ED set. With SD channels, it ranges from pisspoor to OK depending on analog v. digital, reception quality, program, etc. With HD content via OTA or cable, I've left my Pany plasma's settings at stock. However with analog cable, I've reduced brightness and increased sharpness in an attempt to eliminate the natural washed-out appearance of analog cable. I also vary as to whether I stretch the 4:3 image or not depending on the actual program. Your sound issues are somewhat common with commercials. I assume your using the Pany's sound? If so, I can't specifically comment on your question (I have commercial plasma with separate a/v system). Yet, I have to adjust volume with certain channels, OTA vs. cable, commercials vs. programs too.