ct30wx54

[jsho]

im looking to buy a panny ct30wx54 but i have a few questions first. which different picture modes does it have, i keep hearing about the "just" mode but how does it look and does this tv have a normal 4:3 ratio to watch in. and i will most likely be not watch this tv through hdtv for about a year so how is it going to look on just normal cable that isint hdtv. thanx in advance.

[kbachelder]

Hi,

I have one of these sets. For regular TV/DVD I believe you can use "Just" and "Zoom". I have used both and depending on the source sometimes one looks better than the other. They do look good but isn't anywhere near HD quality. You can also watch things in 4:3 as well.

Kevin

[staindstatic]

This tv also has a "Full" mode along with the "4:3","Just", and "Zoom" modes. I usually leave it on the "Full" mode when watching SD material and I'm satisfied with it. Like kbachelder said, you can adjust it to your preference. You can download the user's manual at the panasonic website for more specifics.

[57U]

You can also read about the various stretch modes in the FAQ on "WS Stretch modes".

[jsho]

just another stupid question. would this tv be worth buying if im watching tv in sd? i will also be using it for a fair amount of dvds and playing ps2.

[kbachelder]

I don't use it with any of the gaming systems but I do watch regular TV on it regularly and it looks good.

Kevin

[Factor X]

I really like mine even for SD viewing.

It's usually in the "Full" mode, which stretches the entire image into a 16:9 format. So people look fatter. No problem. It looks normal at a 30-degree viewing angle! Also, many Discovery Channel and History Channel and TLC programs are letterboxed - so for them, I choose "Zoom" mode and get a great enlarged picture. The "Just" mode stretches the outer 25% quadrants to fill the full screen. Looks a little weird if you gaze upon those sections, but most of the action is in the center. Overall, I prefer "Full" for most things, and "Zoom" for the letterboxed programs.

I play GameCube on it in S-video, and love it. Many games give options for 16:9 aspect.

Considering the dearth of HDTV content at the moment, I have to consider this basically a SDTV set for now. Given that, I still love it.

I still get stuck into Discovery HDTV Theater more and more often, no matter what they're showing...

FX

Edit: I don't watch any DVD's yet. Still working on the HTPC.

[bembol]

I prefer the "Just" mode when viewing cable and I wish Bell had it for their satellite, instead of "Stretch."

When I watch Family Guy (4:3 OAR) on DVD, I like "Full."

I want the Mac Mini in the near future.