luis

Thanks Tazzy2heads - will give it a go and will also contact beeblebrox

apologies for resurrecting this topic but as it usually happens with renovations, the house was just powered yesterday, just couple of months later than offered. I am ready to call a TV technician to the house. The existing antenna cable has been splitted to 9 outlets. As expected nil reception. So before I get to the phone - how would I be able to ensure that the tech is going to deliver the 'right' signal strenght at each of the 9 points in the house?. Do I have to test a TV at each point (one point at a time) after he's done? or do I need to have the 9 TVs simultaneously connected? (I only got 5 TVs so this is not really achievable as I was going to add TVs later and only one TV is in the house at the moment as I haven't moved in as yet!). I would hate to pay $$ just to find out in 2-3 months that I ony got 3-4 points working. Any advice how to tackle this problem?. As experience would tell, once you depart with your hard earned, you would have a hard time getting the tech back to check a job that wasn't done properly. BTW any recommendations for a reputable tech that can deliver the desired outcome? address is in Camberwell 3124

guys, a bit off topic but could somebody please PM me the 'panasonic express warranty text' (pdf will be great) to luis33@optusnet.com.au (can u put your email address here? hope not breaking any rules). I've misplaced the page that came with my unit and I need the text to support/substantiate my claim in VCAT regarding a faulty ex-75 I bought back in Nov-06. It has been 5 times to the repair shop - 3 HDD, & 2 tuners have been replaced and still the unit is faulty. Neither the retailer (digital center (03) 93560077) nor panasonic would consider replacing the unit (let alone a refund) so i had no choice left but to take them to the tribunal (tried Consumer Affairs too but no help there). i'll be grateful if someone can PM the express warranty text .. please Thanks guys.

Update: I found out that Panansonic doesn't have stock for a replacement HDD. Panasonic has turned my complaint into a "Spare parts enquiry" and basically they don't want to know anything about replacement/refunds. So, the unit has now been with a Pana repairer for 5 weeks and still nobody knows when they will be able to fix the problem. The retailer is now considering a refund. There is no way I'll ever buy anything from Panasonic.

yeap, tried Verbatim as well with no luck. the funny thing is that the only 2 dvd-r I managed to burn were of fairly average quality (cheap chinese dvd-r). these still play on my other players but not in the ex-75

I thought I'll share my recent experiences with this unit. I've owned this unit for about 3.5 months. Hardly used as I wasn't home much due to work. Back in Feb, I burned 2 dvd-r using material recorded on the HDD (FTA TV stuff). It was OK. Towards end of March tried to playback the dvd-r I burned on this unit - wouldn't play. Tried to record to dvd-r from the HDD wouldn't read the discs. HDD was still working OK but no way to burn to any discs (no matter what brand). Made couple of phone calls, checked the forum - veredict: most likely a faulty unit. Fair enough I thought - I'm one of those lucky ones. Took it to a Panasonic service centre (which I was directed to by Pansonic) - dropped the unit there (Brunswick) - and I've been chasing them for now 2 weeks - finally yesterday I got onto someone that knew what was happening to my recorder and he said - we don't really know what is wrong with it, we have tried a few things and didn't work, we now think is the disc drive so we have order one for you, it will take between 4-6 weeks - goodbye. If I had used this unit with some intensity for a couple of weeks, the fault would have come up a lomg time ago - is just that it took three months to show up because I wasn't using it much and now, it would take up to 2 months for it to be fixed??? ridiculous. I'm not happy with the quality of the unit, and obviously the turn around time for the repair - what are they going to do? built a new disc drive in china and send it over by donkey?. I think is dodgy for Panasonic not to have spare parts for a unit that is within the first 12 months warranty. I'll demand a money back or a replacement unit first thing tomorrow. Failing this, I'll take it up with Consumer Affairs, etc. If anyone has any experience dealing with Panasonic for similar situations, please let us know. So, definetely I'll keep away from panasonic - judging by the warranty service they provide.

recorder has stopped recognising any dvd-r that i throw at it. Have recorded some FTA programs on the HDD and when trying to copy the program to a dvd-r, it comes with 'Read' for about 30 seconds and then follows with a "NoRead" message (for the just inserted disc). The plasma shows a messsage "Can Not Read. Please check the disk". Ok, I thought, poor quality dvdv-r disc, so I tried sony, hp, tdk, cheap Chinese - same result for all discs. Then I retrieved some backup movies and the result is the same - NoREad (on the display of the ex75 recorder). Took all my dvds (backup movie copies and blank dvd-r) to my Pioneer recorder dvr-630H-S and all backup movies play fine and am also able to record from the HDD to the discs (including the cheap ones) without a problem. Have to say that the ex75 used to play some of these dvd-r discs fine. All started about 2 weeks ago. Have to say that the ex75 still reads and plays my VCDs and some brand new original movies (and even some of the $1 movies I purchased in south East asia a while ago). So the question is why??. Any ideas, suggestions please – could it be a faulty recorder? It’s still under warranty -should I contact panasonic?. Please help - grateful for the help. Luis

Problem solved, signal strenght was too strong and quality too low. Body Corporate called in a technician and all is working. It even works witha rabbit anteanna (as per bonehead suggestion)

IMHO the inbuilt tuner is quite good. I had tried a digitec and a topfield HDSTB (because I can't get Channel 9 and was trying to determine whether the issue was the tuner or something else). The reception with the inbuilt tuner was as good as or better than that achieved with the STBs, so yeah, why bother with a HDSTB, and I still have a free HDMI input available. Anyway, that's just how i see it.

I bought a pana 50PH600A plasma with an inbuilt tuner last week. Problem - setup the plasma and used the auto tuning. excellent, all done in < 3 minutes but no channel 9 digital. Found out that channel 9 digital uses 191.65. So i tried to do a manual tuning (the closest to that frequency was Channel 8 (showing as 9 digital on the screen) at 191.5 - still nothing I thought that the fact that it's not looking for 191.65 exactly could be the problem - but SBS is not at the exact .65 frequency and the inbuilt tuner picks it up at the .5 frequency - no problems. Got a digitec HD stb from a friend - same problem - can't lock into 9. The pana tuner shows 70-100% of signal strenght but 0 signal quality for channel 9. Analogue reception of all channels is OK. I live in an apartment building with a about 3 satellite antenas on the roof (33 floor) which serve as the master antena. so fidling with the antena (myself) is not an option. Question(s) - in your experience, what is the most likely source of the problem?. I guess if the consensus is that the Master antena is the likely problem, I will then raise the issue with the body corporate - but I was hoping to gather some ammunition from here (rather than just asking the Body Copr to fix the antena b'se I don't get channel 9 ). Would it help if i get a HDSTB of a specific brand or (given that I'm green on this matters) if I call in a technician. Haven't done it yet b'se I'll bet they will tell me the problem is the antena and just charge the call in fee and leave it at that. I don't mind paying if I can get the bloody problem fixed (if anyone can recommend a good tech in Melbourne - most welcome) I have read the "get the best reception , Melbourne" thread and

I bought a pana 50PH600A plasma with an inbuilt tuner on the weekend - must say i've never owned a plasma or any STB before - so I'm new to this whole business. I have read the "get the best reception , Melbourne" thread. Problem - setup the plasma and used the auto tuning. excellent, all done in 3 minutes but no channel 9 digital. Found out that channel 9 digital uses 191.65. So i tried to do a manual tuning (the closest to that frequency was Channel 8 (nine digital) at 191.5 - still nothing I thought that the fact that it's not looking for 191.65 exactly could be the problem - but SBS is not at the exact .65 frequency and the inbuilt tuner picks it up at the .5 frequency - no problems. Got a digitec HD stb from a friend - same problem - can't lock into 9. The pana tuner shows 100% of signal strenght but 0 signal quality for channel 9. Analogue reception of all channels is OK. All this from Exhibition St in Melbourne. Is an apartment building with a huge satellite on the roof (33 floor) which serves as the master antena. so fidling with the antena (myself) is not an option. Question(s) - in your experience, what is the most likely source of the problem?. If you think is the antena, i'll come down on the body corporate like a tonne of bricks because they have spent money giving us free- to-air foreign channels (in foreign languages) but can't get a decent signal of free to air 9 digital - Looking forward to any opinions or suggestions

jerice/sabco - who is the backing the warranty on your sets? Panasonic or third party? Also, would anyone there have any opinion/suggestions as to why I can't get 9 digital using the inbuilt tuner (Pana 50" 600A) . I also borrowed my mates HDSTB (digitec) today and same thing - picks up 2,7,10,SBS but not 9 - so it doesn't look like is the inbuilt tuner. I checked the location of the broadcast and all signals come from Mt Dandenong (for my place). The frequency for channel 9 digital is at 191.65 MHz (which is in between the freq of 7 digital and 10 digital - so I can't understand why not 9!!. I'm very green on this matters - any suggestion appreciated - or perhaps another tread can be suggested? -cheers

re-read the finance contract, checked the GE website, etc. The finance contract itself states that the vendor gets a $528.50 for signing me up (off which he'll cashback $508 to me). The conditions of GE, state ' no penalties for early payout' + interest are calculated daily. So all looks pretty legit - but until I get the cash in my pocket... I'll let you know in a couple of weeks when/if got the cash back. As far as I know this operates like a credit card (credit line) and they hope you'll use the card for future purchases (they approved a $7000 credit limit). I made a typo - the interest rate is 19% - not 10.9% (which if you pay in the first month is still negligible compared to the cash back). Anyway with the prices of $4300 (quoted above) for the same set with 5yr warranty - this deal is no longer that enticing. I expect the set to cost me (if all goes to plan) about $4050, but I have to spend more bucks on warranty - anyway, just my experience.

correct - i was expecting to get $395 (based on the website calculator) but the salesguy (on his own initiative) said that the cash back is flexible and could be up to 10% of you purchase!! so i pushed hard on that and got close to 10%. The only issue now is the extended warranty (which i chose not to take at the time of purchase). after reading the info inside the box - panasonic wants 1,550 for the extended warranty (4 yrs) or $880 for 2yrs - rip off. Is this normal?. I assume all the warranties quoted at various posts above are with 3rd parties hence significantly cheaper?. The info says that I could take up the warranty anytime within the next 12 months. at that price there is no way i'll be taking the pana warranty. i'll have to look for a thrid party - any recommendations?. I set up the panel today - great picture - haven't touched any settings yet (will do a bit of reading in the forum first) the only disapointment is that the inbuilt hd tuner is not picking up any signal from channel 9 - all the other channels are OK and of excellent quality. I live in the city (Melb) - my building has a huge satellite on the roof for all the apartments - so i'm puzzled why channel 9 can't be picked up. analogue tuner picked up all channels OK (incl 9 of course) - quality is poor as expected. dr Smith - apparently GE gives a commission to Dig Centre and they just pass it on to the buyer (so they claim). I have signed for a 48 month deal at 10.9% so, i'll be hit with interest straight away but - i'll pay it off the total on the first monthly payment (so they will only get 1 month interest from me.

yes - have to get the 3 items in one transsaction to get $500 back from Panasonic. The final prices for each of the items were: $660 (ex75); $490 (ht60); plasma (50PX600A) $4,500 (-$508 cashback) + about $80 to deal with GE + free hdmi cable. There was room to negotiate some 100-200 (i could sense it - but my kid was running in the shop like crazy - throwing balls at all plasma screens - so i decided to just give in). Once i get my cashback from Panasonic i'll be a happy men. got to go - my mate is here to help lift the tv :-)

well, i ended up buying the 50PX600W just couple of hours ago. with the ex75 dvd recorder (to be pick up next week) and the ht60 (speaker/receiver) for 5,650. Got a credit note for $508. The salesguy said to bring the GE statement (should arrive in 2 weeks) and he'll give a cheque for the $508 (i made sure i got a credit note for that amount). GE line of credit is not given any interest free period so they'll charge the 10.9% straight away but, because i got the cash to pay it off, i'll be off pocket by about $80 bucks (incl the set up fee). I also spoke to promotions at Panasonic and they said to send the tax invoice and I'll get another $500 back. so all up i'll be paying about 4.65K for the lot. as i have nothing (no sound system or dvd recorder HDD) so all will become handy. i'm not expecting wonders from the speakers/receiver but it will do for a while. i ended up taking the pana in my little kia - it got it in (without the box) in the back seats at about 75 degrees inclination. the guy recommended to put it upright and don't switch it on for 24 hours (gas stuff). my mate failed to turn up tonight so the screen is still in my car until tomorrow morning. then i'll let it rest for a while (until sunday) b4 i switch it on. Made in Japan (panel) stand is made in china. doesn't seem to be able to swivel at all. well all this happening in melbourne. the joint i got it from was digital centre. the salesguy wasn't interested in the 4yr extended warranty. he refered to the panasonic info in the box ans said that i've got 30 days or so to arrange the xtra warranty with Panasinic directly. it would probably cost me another 400. i'll let you know how i went with GE and paying all that off (all over it says 'no early pay-out fees') so i'm counting on that.

I'm getting the 50PV600A tonight. so far I've been quoted $4500 - then the sales guy is saying that if I finance that amount with a GE card they (the store) will give me a $400 'cash back' (which I guess is their commission for signing me on with GE) ==> so (they claim) I'll be only paying $4100 for the panel. They claim that besides the set up fee ($25) and the monthly fee ($2.50) GE won't charge me any fees for paying it off (ie I can pay the whole amount off within a few days). Well I'm taking my wife with me (solicitor) to check out that there are 'no hidden' things in the contract. Also, he's quoting for xtra warranty: 300 (for xtra 2 yrs) or $600 (for xtra 4 yrs) - all this Panasonic warranty - and about half those amounts for warranty with a 3rd party. I am also getting the EX-75 dvd recorder and the stereo receiver package (so I can get the $500 cashback from panasonic). All the above was over the phone - so, I'll be pushing them for a further $200 discount + free delivery + hdmi cable - All up about 5K (after cashbacks, discounts, etc) - that's my aim. Does anyone know anything about GE and 'no early payout fees'. I was burnt with Capital finance a few years ago (ie your first payment are the interst and all thatcrap). Any bad expereinces with GE please let me know.

MrTypeR - do you remember the name of the salesguy that quoted you 4100 for th 50" (50PX600A) at digital centre. i'm probably a bad haggler but they don't seem to be willing to go to that price?

MrTypeR - whereabouts is Digital Entertanment? highpoint? cheers

Are you for real? tha'd be an awesome price!!. JB has a few Pio 50" (ex-demo) ticketed for 4.4K (dropped to 4K at the first ask) - but your price is far better - where it's from? can you scan and PM invoice plse

same here, I've decided to get this one becasue of the size and good reviews on this forum (from people who have acquired one). Other than that, no particular reason. Thanks for responding my question regarding SD and HDSTB - I shall get a HDSTB

Guys, I'm getting this model next week (55PD8800TA) but I'm not sure if I should get a SD or HD STB (is this a silly question?). I believe HDSTB will allow to pick mainly ABC & SBS programs and I believe the SD STB will allow you to pick all the usual free to air channels, right?. I also heard of STB with a HDMI connection as the way to go?. Can you recommend a STB for a plasma of this size? thanks