Guest nightowl Posted September 7, 2005 Share Posted September 7, 2005 i still gotta decide between the Pana 500A and the Hitachi 7800TA for a purchase in about 2 weeks time. Both can be had for around the same price. On paper, most things seem to point to the Hitachi (ie ALIS panel, more inputs, greater color depth, better speakers - although Pana has a higher contrast). Has anyone done a side by side comparison? Any reason why I should be looking at buying the Pana over the Hitachi? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mossy1503559706 Posted September 7, 2005 Share Posted September 7, 2005 Does anyone with the Panasonic PV500A know if you can use Picture in Picture with HDMI or Component inputs? It says in the specs "Yes, 1 Tuner + AV". One would assume that you can only use the inbuilt tuner and an AV input such as S-Video or Composite. It would suck not being able to have Picture in Picture with your HD Set Top box in HDMI input and Austar in S-Video input like the LG plasma's let you do. Thats the most convenient thing I use on my LG at the moment. Mossy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glenncol Posted September 7, 2005 Share Posted September 7, 2005 yes AB I concur there were lots of Fuji's and some new Pana's at the recent home show, even though i couldn't see them side by side memory gave the Panny the slight edge to my untrained eye, also blacks seemed deeper plus higher WAF factor with black bezel, no offence to any Fuji's owners especially El Presidente but just not a fan of the silver surround.. For me either the Pana 42 or LCD equivalent will do fine when it gets to replacing the trusty Sony which refuses to die, despite hoping. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> i suppose each of us will see it as we see it The 42" Fujitsu will nto have the blacks levels of the Panasonic as the pana is running 3000:1 contrast but there is another thing to consider which is processing If choosing between these two you will have to weight up black levels v processing power Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glenncol Posted September 7, 2005 Share Posted September 7, 2005 yes differrent glass used in both panels pana using its own and the fuji using a alis hitachi.would be interesting indeed. till someone does infact do a side by side no one is to know. I know I saw a pana and fuji side by side in megamart and the pana killed the fuji. Was quite impressed with the PQ of the pana. Both not professionally calibrated though. Both with 'out of box' settings and who knows what both hooked upto and how ? not really a great comparison is it. Truth be known though a lot of people will be quite happy with this sort of comparison and walk home quite happy with the pana and pocket the savings for their next purchase. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I had seen the same thing at Mega in Sunshine and also noticed that the Fujitsu was running the light sensor on Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
berkmac2001 Posted September 7, 2005 Share Posted September 7, 2005 I too am joining "Panna Paradise" - was told by DJ's that my 42P50A is in stock & ready for delivery! OK, so I'm going SD - means I can amortise it faster and move into the Next Big Thing in 3 yrs time. Man, this 42" SD panel is going to look good in the bedroom....and in the meantime, Fox Digital (SD) and all those DVDs (SD) will look bloody marvelous. Will post review when I've calmed down - installation date is 19 Sept. Cheers Cameron Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ken_s Posted September 7, 2005 Share Posted September 7, 2005 I too am joining "Panna Paradise" - was told by DJ's that my 42P50A is in stock & ready for delivery! Will post review when I've calmed down - installation date is 19 Sept. Cheers Cameron <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I'm a week or so behind you. 42" 500A coming my way!! Builder is currently digging trench in the wall for cables, wall mount bracket is ready to put up, TV is on order, fingers are ready for the remote....should be a good long weekend in October All I have outstanding is a decision on an STB (I realise an HD STB is required to get the full benefit but thought I'd see how Foxtel looks first ... gotta love a budget) and trying to get a 3m SCART > component video+audio cable. quite exciting ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nacho Posted September 11, 2005 Share Posted September 11, 2005 Hi guys, I just invested in a 500A yesterday, and so far it's good... but not great. I'm sure this is due to my incompetence more-so than the panel itself. I was hoping maybe some of the more experienced (and technically adept) users could give some advice as to improving picture quality. For example, when watching 'the footy' on the plasma, the feed is coming from Foxtel Digital. Our signal is 98% strength, so that isn't the issue. I am running that into the AV1 port set on the back of the television. This is with the red/white/yellow plugs, from a SCART (I think) plug on the back of the foxtel unit. However, it seems like the edges of players are somewhat blurred, and when fast movement takes place, the television is blurring considerably, and appears to struggle to keep up with the 'framerate' (wrong term I know). I have tried messing with the 3D comb, MPEG, and PDR (?) settings, but don't really know what they do in real terms. Does anyone have any advice as to how I could go about improving picture quality? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the$#!Za. Posted September 11, 2005 Share Posted September 11, 2005 Hi guys, I just invested in a 500A yesterday, and so far it's good... but not great. I'm sure this is due to my incompetence more-so than the panel itself.I was hoping maybe some of the more experienced (and technically adept) users could give some advice as to improving picture quality. For example, when watching 'the footy' on the plasma, the feed is coming from Foxtel Digital. Our signal is 98% strength, so that isn't the issue. I am running that into the AV1 port set on the back of the television. This is with the red/white/yellow plugs, from a SCART (I think) plug on the back of the foxtel unit. However, it seems like the edges of players are somewhat blurred, and when fast movement takes place, the television is blurring considerably, and appears to struggle to keep up with the 'framerate' (wrong term I know). I have tried messing with the 3D comb, MPEG, and PDR (?) settings, but don't really know what they do in real terms. Does anyone have any advice as to how I could go about improving picture quality? <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi nacho. I have the 42" version and I can definitely say that I know what you're talking about. I don't have Foxtel but even on my normal HD channels (haven't really checked out SD properly) the footy has those blurs around each player most angles (don't know what the blur is referred to in "technical terms"). So far to me the grass sports look shabby as it really reminds me I'm watching TV and not a plasma on a HD channel. I also have tried playing with the obvious settings but no go. The only thing I haven't done is to get a professional to come out and check my antenna signals, condition, positioning etc especially my RF cables running from antenna into the STB. Thing is no matter how good the condition of my antenna is, I bet I'll need a new one Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mchuelio Posted September 11, 2005 Author Share Posted September 11, 2005 Hi guys, I just invested in a 500A yesterday, and so far it's good... but not great. I'm sure this is due to my incompetence more-so than the panel itself.I was hoping maybe some of the more experienced (and technically adept) users could give some advice as to improving picture quality. For example, when watching 'the footy' on the plasma, the feed is coming from Foxtel Digital. Our signal is 98% strength, so that isn't the issue. I am running that into the AV1 port set on the back of the television. This is with the red/white/yellow plugs, from a SCART (I think) plug on the back of the foxtel unit. However, it seems like the edges of players are somewhat blurred, and when fast movement takes place, the television is blurring considerably, and appears to struggle to keep up with the 'framerate' (wrong term I know). I have tried messing with the 3D comb, MPEG, and PDR (?) settings, but don't really know what they do in real terms. Does anyone have any advice as to how I could go about improving picture quality? <{POST_SNAPBACK}> First things first, Welcome to the club! If your using Scart to rca (red, white and yellow), the one's they give you for nothing when they did the install, worth about $0.50cents, you are using the lowest qty cable possible, I have Scart to Component cables (red,blue,green+red and white for sound), bought from Jaycar For around $30 bucks and they do the job very nicely! When you do this, you must set the video output from foxtel to YUY, and your picture will improve on all channels! I hope this helps ! Mc :ph34r: Link below for the cable: http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?I...eMax=&SUBCATID= You then plug the cables into av4 Component input ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the$#!Za. Posted September 11, 2005 Share Posted September 11, 2005 So is SCART to component cables only used if whatever box your trying to connect to panel doesn't have component outputs?? Sorry I've never used SCART. Ash. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mchuelio Posted September 11, 2005 Author Share Posted September 11, 2005 So is SCART to component cables only used if whatever box your trying to connect to panel doesn't have component outputs??Sorry I've never used SCART. Ash. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Yes! Foxtel has 2 scart output! Works both way! mc :ph34r: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Owen Posted September 11, 2005 Share Posted September 11, 2005 I’d be interested in joining the Pana Club. Where can I get my hands on the 65” 1080p model? Better still, make it the commercial version. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the$#!Za. Posted September 11, 2005 Share Posted September 11, 2005 I’d be interested in joining the Pana Club.Where can I get my hands on the 65” 1080p model? Better still, make it the commercial version. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> It's not the Pana Club, it's the Pan Clan, get it right Yes!Foxtel has 2 scart output! Works both way So what is the other SCART output used for usually?? Thanks mchuelio Ash. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mchuelio Posted September 16, 2005 Author Share Posted September 16, 2005 Does any Panasonic Plasma owners here, hear the faint little sound that comes from the right hand side of the panel, it sounds like a Kettle whistling, even with the sound down to zero, there's a whistling sound very low, but can be heard when there no sound at all! Only a little drama, but the picture on this set is outstanding and is a joy to watch! Go the Pana Club! Mc. :ph34r: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
betty boop Posted September 16, 2005 Share Posted September 16, 2005 Does any Panasonic Plasma owners here, hear the faint little sound that comes from the right hand side of the panel, it sounds like a Kettle whistling, even with the sound down to zero, there's a whistling sound very low, but can be heard when there no sound at all!Only a little drama, but the picture on this set is outstanding and is a joy to watch! Go the Pana Club! Mc. :ph34r: <{POST_SNAPBACK}> fan or transformer/ power supplies. Just ask shirai if you really want to head down the path of silencing it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shinrai Posted September 16, 2005 Share Posted September 16, 2005 Does any Panasonic Plasma owners here, hear the faint little sound that comes from the right hand side of the panel, it sounds like a Kettle whistling, even with the sound down to zero, there's a whistling sound very low, but can be heard when there no sound at all!Only a little drama, but the picture on this set is outstanding and is a joy to watch! Go the Pana Club! Mc. :ph34r: <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Yes, it is truly rewarding making attempts to silence the sucker because it does work and the fix doesn't have to be expensive or obtrusive. Firstly, complain. Strongly. Secondly, don't bother getting a replacement. Most are the same. Thirdly, when you start to notice it a lot more, just tell yourself your going mad. It's easily the cheapest solution. Lastly, welcome to the 'buzz club'. There's plenty of room. Hey, we all have to have a club, you know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PersianImmortal Posted September 16, 2005 Share Posted September 16, 2005 Either I'm lucky or deaf, but I can't hear the buzz when sitting back from the set. When I lean over the back of the set, I can hear a faint buzz which is drowned out by the sound of the set's fan. Nothing extraordinarily loud, and again, nothing I can hear over ambient noise while watching TV, even with the volume down. This is on a Pana PV500A. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the$#!Za. Posted September 16, 2005 Share Posted September 16, 2005 It will get louder. It creeps up tou you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david_h Posted September 16, 2005 Share Posted September 16, 2005 I've had my 42inch 500A for 3 weeks and its only because you mentioned it I've noticed the noise. To do so I have to put my ear within half a metre of the top of the screen. As this is an awkward viewing position I don't think it would be an issue for me. The real fix to this problem will take a couple of years. You need to buy an IPOD and use it for 3-4 hours/day. Make sure it is turned up REAL loud. After a while this will fix the problem with the Panasonic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmb Posted September 16, 2005 Share Posted September 16, 2005 Very happy with my 50 inch PV500. It looked absolutely massive when we set it up. I almost admitted to my wife that the 42 inch would have been big enough.Running a Topfield 5000 through s-video and an old pioneer dvd through component. Both look fantastic to me. No solarisation, colours look very natural, fast motion looks great, blacks and shadow detail are great. I really can't fault it so far. I haven't seen a fujitsu (nobody in Canberra stocks them) but even if they are slightly better, I think the panny is a bargain. $5900 including extended warranty to 5 years and delivery. Also included Wallabies supporters pack and $400 worth of Caltex Star Cash. George <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QT007, Can you possibly tell me where you got this set for this price. I'm going to get this baby and was looking to see who is offering the best deal. thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shinrai Posted September 16, 2005 Share Posted September 16, 2005 I've had my 42inch 500A for 3 weeks and its only because you mentioned it I've noticed the noise. To do so I have to put my ear within half a metre of the top of the screen. As this is an awkward viewing position I don't think it would be an issue for me. The real fix to this problem will take a couple of years. You need to buy an IPOD and use it for 3-4 hours/day. Make sure it is turned up REAL loud. After a while this will fix the problem with the Panasonic. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I'm sorry you noticed it due to our discussion. By the time i'm 50 and partly deaf i probably won't be able to hear it because it will be in the scrap yard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phreek Posted September 16, 2005 Share Posted September 16, 2005 I'm sorry you noticed it due to our discussion.By the time i'm 50 and partly deaf i probably won't be able to hear it because it will be in the scrap yard. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> The buzz really is one of the only negatives about plasma. Did you end up getting some tiles shinrai or have you settled on the baffle solution? I'll have some time tonight to finally put up the tiles that I've mounted on a backing board. I was surprised two nights ago when I finally unpacked the tiles to find 4 midnight blue and 4 burgundy coloured tiles in the bottom of the box. Instead of taking them back I decided to work with them and have a multi-coloured solution that doesn't look half bad to my eyes and goes with the carpet! I'll try posting photos tonight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shinrai Posted September 16, 2005 Share Posted September 16, 2005 The buzz really is one of the only negatives about plasma.Did you end up getting some tiles shinrai or have you settled on the baffle solution? I'll have some time tonight to finally put up the tiles that I've mounted on a backing board. I was surprised two nights ago when I finally unpacked the tiles to find 4 midnight blue and 4 burgundy coloured tiles in the bottom of the box. Instead of taking them back I decided to work with them and have a multi-coloured solution that doesn't look half bad to my eyes and goes with the carpet! I'll try posting photos tonight. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I'm getting my tiles on Mon/Tues. It'll be interesting but i won't actually put them up till i get the single pedestal stand. I'll be making it to the same size as my other frame since i want a discrete solution. Make sure you post the pics. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phreek Posted September 16, 2005 Share Posted September 16, 2005 I'm getting my tiles on Mon/Tues. It'll be interesting but i won't actually put them up till i get the single pedestal stand. I'll be making it to the same size as my other frame since i want a discrete solution.Make sure you post the pics. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> So colour didn't really matter I guess and you would have got the grey I assume? Would make sense. You should have asked for the flame spec ones which are fireproof being so close to the plasma. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
betty boop Posted September 17, 2005 Share Posted September 17, 2005 Either I'm lucky or deaf, but I can't hear the buzz when sitting back from the set. When I lean over the back of the set, I can hear a faint buzz which is drowned out by the sound of the set's fan. Nothing extraordinarily loud, and again, nothing I can hear over ambient noise while watching TV, even with the volume down. This is on a Pana PV500A. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I think this is the case with most plasmas I've seen. Certainly with mine as I've posted there is a faint hiss and thats when you put you ear around the back of it and place it close within a few cms of the back. Come around to the front and theres no audible noise. And my plasma does not have fans so perhaps no noise to be contributed from there. And mines a 37" as well so perhaps less/smaller power supplies etc to be making any noise. Ofcourse if you can't hear the sound from your normal seating position then theres nothing of concern there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts