andrew, if your interested in a panasonic plasma and dont need built in freeview and speakers, have a look at there plasma panels, the phd9 can work out a bit more expensive, time you add the bits you need to it, but they are regarded by most as being better than the tvs
hi munch, still having the odd problem with the optical input, and problems with the dvd-audio, have been in touch with naim said they are still working on the optical input problems, the dvd-a might not ever get sorted, but they say thay are working on it ?
I spent quite a bit of time looking at different TVs, both LCD and Plasma.
In the end I thought the Panasonics were the best - the reviews also seem to support this. (Though I didn't check out Pioneer - couldn't find them locally - but they are also highly recommended).
Just taken delivery of Panny 50" PV600 - model numbers seem to differ out here. Very happy with it so far.
regards,
Karl
Posts: 215 | Location: Abu Dhabi | Registered: Thu 11 December 2003
Andrew I have the 42"600 and it is fabulous. Sound Outputs through my 2 channel naim setup, but the inbuilt speakers are pretty good. Differences over the 42"60? Slightly redesigned cabinet (I prefer the look of the 600), better sound system and, I have read but cannot verify, some mods to the VIERA picture system.
I got a Pansonic Hd/DVD recorder at the same time and they are linked via HDMI. Amazing picture quality from standard DVD.
I think Panasonic are right at the top for picture quality at the moment, though allegedly the Sony Bravia 40"LCD is damned good too. I have to say that the plasma picture is astounding even with HD sources. I am investigating whether I can get Sky HD in my flat, which has a communal aerial and skydish system.
Posts: 3318 | Location: Middlesex, UK | Registered: Thu 20 January 2005
I have the 600 37" plasma and looked into the differences closely at the time, deciding they were worth the extra, although I forget them now! I'm pretty sure 2 differences were a 2nd HDMI input and an SD card slot on the front.
Neil
Posts: 302 | Location: Herts, UK | Registered: Wed 29 August 2001
Neil You're right. Looking at the SD slot as I write this. But as most of my images are in RAW format not sure that it's much use to me. Are you pleased with the 37'? I think the picture on mine is fantastic. have recently rewatched the "Band of Brothers" dvd box set and it was amazing. The yp-resing to 1080 seems to work really well.
Posts: 3318 | Location: Middlesex, UK | Registered: Thu 20 January 2005
you can now get one for £999 inc table top stand and a 5 year waranty!
Wow!!!! at this price, even I could be tempted. (*)
Best price I had seen was £1,590 at John (never knowingly undersold) Lewis (incl stand and 5 year warranty)
So, who is underselling John Lewis?
Cheers
Don
(*) are all plasmas pretty much "first class" these days? There was a time when the knocked-down price usually indicated that 5 or 6 pixels were dead on arrival, so to avoid this problem you really had to buy from a reputable source and pay the full price.
Posts: 3942 | Location: Newbury | Registered: Sat 17 March 2001
This is hearsay, not based upon my own experience but that of a friend, but he ordered a large screen TV from Empire and had a lot of hassle getting it from them. They took his payment immediately but had loads of excuses as to why it couldn't be delivered. It arrived eventually but I doubt JL would give anything like the hassle.
If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Posts: 3318 | Location: Middlesex, UK | Registered: Thu 20 January 2005
(*) are all plasmas pretty much "first class" these days? There was a time when the knocked-down price usually indicated that 5 or 6 pixels were dead on arrival, so to avoid this problem you really had to buy from a reputable source and pay the full price.
Chris, its not just getting it that could be a hassle.....
Cheers
Don
Posts: 3942 | Location: Newbury | Registered: Sat 17 March 2001
Sorry, was away last week! Yes, I'm v. happy with the picture, and also the sound through the TV speakers and the SD slot (use it for camera pictures), although for DVD's I use it with an AV2/200/175/Allaes/N-Sub/Axess/N-Sats combo. I got mine from Studio Digitale, which used to be the Panasonic shop, who were ~£150 cheaper than J. Lewis, still gave a 5 -year warranty and free next-day delivery (which was a Sunday), so I could watch the World Cup final. Although I'm sure it's cheaper now, I was happy with their service. Just waiting for the 600-series to appear as a 26" LCD for ancillary use in another room now!
Neil.
Posts: 302 | Location: Herts, UK | Registered: Wed 29 August 2001
You're aware that there's a TOSlink output on the rear of the TH42PX60 set for over-the-air digital audio output, right? This can be plumbed into one of the AV2 optical inputs; turn speakers off in the Panasonic setup menu.
(We use a PX50 here to test repair items with the optical inputs, BTW.)
Posts: 2456 | Location: Lost in transit. | Registered: Mon 31 July 2000