Panasonic PT-50LC14 Video Question

Xeneize · 09-29-2004, 11:16 AM

Hi guys, I just got the Panny 50LC14 and I have a couple of questions.

1) My cable guy is coming today with an HDTV cablebox, i'm assuming they don't have an HDMI output. Should I tell him to leave a DVI cable and get a converter to HDMI?? if so what converter should I get?? and how do I get sould when I go from DVI to HDMI??

2) I'm getting a little confused with all the inputs. If I use the HDMI for the cablebox, then what do I use for DVD?? I was thinking in getting the new Samsung 941, but it will be worthless if I can't have 2 HDMI inputs... any thoughts?

3) Is there anyway of getting 2 independent channels from the cablebox using PIP with the TV+Cablebox+DVD Player?? or do I absolutely need 2 cablebox?

4) WHen the delivered my HDTV they did not really tune anything up... is there anything I need to know so that I could maximize the picture quality?? or right out of the box they are as good as it gets?

Sorry for my inexperience with video. and Thank you all.

JBLem · 09-29-2004, 06:01 PM

Hi Xeneize ....

Amazing isn't it, that even with your Multimedia Panny that has some of the best inputs out there (4 components, 2 VGA(rgb), Memory card reader etc, you're experiencing the input deficiency as well!

I think many TV manufacturers (samsung is the exception, they offer both HDMI and DVI on my last model) are being pretty cheap/chinsy with their DVI/HDMI allottments - we are all going to need two Digital connections in the immediate future to accomodate both new DVD high def and HD receivers.

In the meantime, your DVD will have to go Component in (You have lots of those and the signal will be nice with the current state of DVD's). Don't buy the HDMI DVD player if you've only got one HDMI.

You can squeeze a better picture out of your set by tweaking the "Picture Settings" - go into the menu and play with all the colour, sharpness, picture, hue etc. When comparing the Sony to the Panny over an hour, I noticed that the Panny didn't seem very optimized right out of the box but improved considerably as I tweaked it.

As far as what cable to use, I hear the HDMI is pricier, and you can get a DVI adapter - but not sure on this one - perhaps others can help.

I was just at the store looking at the older model of your TV just today, the 50LC13. Looks very good and has some of the best inputs available, but I'm wondering if your model has the new brighter bulb than the 50LC13?

I'd appreciate any more feedback you have as you start using the set.
I may take my Sony back and get one if they have upgraded the Bulb in your 50LC14! Love that Panny's inputs vs the Sony! Can hook your PC up with absolutley no grief. Nice!

Cheers!

Xeneize · 09-29-2004, 10:20 PM

Thanks for your reply and I will definat. keep you posted with my experience.

What Panasonic DVD player would you recomend < $200??

Going to try my PC with DOOM3 in the TV and get back to you

maximus · 09-29-2004, 10:29 PM

I know it's expensive but have you considered a converter, I'm sure they can be had for cheaper than this;
https://www.digitalconnection.com/st...uctCode=DDCAD2

maximus · 09-29-2004, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xeneize

Hi guys, I just got the Panny 50LC14 and I have a couple of questions.

1) My cable guy is coming today with an HDTV cablebox, i'm assuming they don't have an HDMI output. Should I tell him to leave a DVI cable and get a converter to HDMI?? if so what converter should I get?? and how do I get sould when I go from DVI to HDMI??

Keep the DVI cable regardless. You can run analog audio L/R to your TV or A/V receiver and digital audio optical/coax/spdif to your A/V receiver for DD sound.

Quote:

2) I'm getting a little confused with all the inputs. If I use the HDMI for the cablebox, then what do I use for DVD?? I was thinking in getting the new Samsung 941, but it will be worthless if I can't have 2 HDMI inputs... any thoughts?

Use component for the cablebox and pick up the 941 to go through HDMI.

Quote:

4) WHen the delivered my HDTV they did not really tune anything up... is there anything I need to know so that I could maximize the picture quality?? or right out of the box they are as good as it gets?

Try a home theater/display tune-up disc;
Sound&Vision HT tune-up
Digital Video Essentials
Avia Guide to HT
Or you could use one of the newer THX Optimizer functions that comes with certain dvds.

Xeneize · 09-29-2004, 10:43 PM

I'm confused... why would i get that as opposed to a DVI to HDMI Adapter for $50? if all I want is to convert my DVI cablebox to HDMI

THanks for your feedback Maximus. I will look into the tuneups.

maximus · 09-29-2004, 11:06 PM

You said you were interested in the Samsung 941, I am too. I think it's a smart idea these days to buy an upscaling dvd player when you have an HDTV. The only way you can do this is through the HDMI port, you have 4 component video inputs that you basically can't use for upscaled dvd.
Hooking up your cablebox to component inputs will give you a great HD picture, just as good as HDMI in most cases and even better in some instances.

Andypou · 11-20-2006, 01:16 PM

Hi Guys,
wodering if somebody can help me, i've had the panasonic PT-50LC14 for almost 3 years, i just got HD tv from Bell expressvue in canada i have the tv plugged to component and the tv should see a 1080i signal comming in but it tells me that its 480p, i changed the receiver signal to 1080i and the tv still tells me that its 480p. fustrating did any of you have this problem.

Thx Andy

09-29-2004, 11:16 AM	#1
Xeneize High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: NJ Age: 36 Posts: 61	Panasonic PT-50LC14 Video Question Hi guys, I just got the Panny 50LC14 and I have a couple of questions. 1) My cable guy is coming today with an HDTV cablebox, i'm assuming they don't have an HDMI output. Should I tell him to leave a DVI cable and get a converter to HDMI?? if so what converter should I get?? and how do I get sould when I go from DVI to HDMI?? 2) I'm getting a little confused with all the inputs. If I use the HDMI for the cablebox, then what do I use for DVD?? I was thinking in getting the new Samsung 941, but it will be worthless if I can't have 2 HDMI inputs... any thoughts? 3) Is there anyway of getting 2 independent channels from the cablebox using PIP with the TV+Cablebox+DVD Player?? or do I absolutely need 2 cablebox? 4) WHen the delivered my HDTV they did not really tune anything up... is there anything I need to know so that I could maximize the picture quality?? or right out of the box they are as good as it gets? Sorry for my inexperience with video. and Thank you all.

09-29-2004, 06:01 PM	#2
JBLem Spend Spend Spend! Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 70	Hi Xeneize .... Amazing isn't it, that even with your Multimedia Panny that has some of the best inputs out there (4 components, 2 VGA(rgb), Memory card reader etc, you're experiencing the input deficiency as well! I think many TV manufacturers (samsung is the exception, they offer both HDMI and DVI on my last model) are being pretty cheap/chinsy with their DVI/HDMI allottments - we are all going to need two Digital connections in the immediate future to accomodate both new DVD high def and HD receivers. In the meantime, your DVD will have to go Component in (You have lots of those and the signal will be nice with the current state of DVD's). Don't buy the HDMI DVD player if you've only got one HDMI. You can squeeze a better picture out of your set by tweaking the "Picture Settings" - go into the menu and play with all the colour, sharpness, picture, hue etc. When comparing the Sony to the Panny over an hour, I noticed that the Panny didn't seem very optimized right out of the box but improved considerably as I tweaked it. As far as what cable to use, I hear the HDMI is pricier, and you can get a DVI adapter - but not sure on this one - perhaps others can help. I was just at the store looking at the older model of your TV just today, the 50LC13. Looks very good and has some of the best inputs available, but I'm wondering if your model has the new brighter bulb than the 50LC13? I'd appreciate any more feedback you have as you start using the set. I may take my Sony back and get one if they have upgraded the Bulb in your 50LC14! Love that Panny's inputs vs the Sony! Can hook your PC up with absolutley no grief. Nice! Cheers! Last edited by JBLem; 09-29-2004 at 06:03 PM.

09-29-2004, 10:29 PM	#4
maximus user Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 903	JBlem... I know it's expensive but have you considered a converter, I'm sure they can be had for cheaper than this; https://www.digitalconnection.com/st...uctCode=DDCAD2

09-29-2004, 10:20 PM	#3
Xeneize High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: NJ Age: 36 Posts: 61	Thanks for your reply and I will definat. keep you posted with my experience. What Panasonic DVD player would you recomend < $200?? Going to try my PC with DOOM3 in the TV and get back to you

09-29-2004, 10:43 PM	#6
Xeneize High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: NJ Age: 36 Posts: 61	I'm confused... why would i get that as opposed to a DVI to HDMI Adapter for $50? if all I want is to convert my DVI cablebox to HDMI THanks for your feedback Maximus. I will look into the tuneups.

09-29-2004, 11:06 PM	#7
maximus user Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 903	You said you were interested in the Samsung 941, I am too. I think it's a smart idea these days to buy an upscaling dvd player when you have an HDTV. The only way you can do this is through the HDMI port, you have 4 component video inputs that you basically can't use for upscaled dvd. Hooking up your cablebox to component inputs will give you a great HD picture, just as good as HDMI in most cases and even better in some instances.

11-20-2006, 01:16 PM	#8
Andypou My plasma is High Def. Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 5	Hi Guys, wodering if somebody can help me, i've had the panasonic PT-50LC14 for almost 3 years, i just got HD tv from Bell expressvue in canada i have the tv plugged to component and the tv should see a 1080i signal comming in but it tells me that its 480p, i changed the receiver signal to 1080i and the tv still tells me that its 480p. fustrating did any of you have this problem. Thx Andy