Wayne W

I'm going to buy a HDTV this summer and can't decide what to get . I've been looking at the Sony & Panasonic RPTVs. I would love to get a CRT because I don't need a set that big (30" - 47") but they are too heavy.

I have read some great reviews of Panasonic RPTVs on other forums and was wondering if Panasonic had any new models coming out this summer. From what I've read the current ones don't support DVI and this is something I'm looking for.

My price range is $2000 - $2500.

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- Wayne

My DVD Collection
My Home Theater

57U

Wayne, welcome to the forum. Check out the two pages of FAQs on the home page. Seet the posts:

Which HDTV to buy.
If only I'd have known.
How large an HDTV to buy, etc.

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57U - Toronto, Rogers Cable, SA8300HD, 500GB HDD & Hitachi 61UWX10B HDTV, Yamaha RX-V1 A/V Receiver, Martin Logan Speakers. Photos --> 57U's HT

SA8300HD, 250GB HDD & KDL40W3000 (Upstairs)

Please don't PM me with questions that can (and should) be asked in the forum, thanks. Personal Question? Fire away.

Wayne W

Thanks for the reply!

I have checked out those threads and they are helpful.

Can anyone with a Panny 47" RPTV tell me how it looks with non-HD Satellite TV (I have a RCA UTV PVR - DirectTV) content?

__________________
- Wayne

My DVD Collection
My Home Theater

spaceman_spiff

I have the big brother of the 47", Panny 53". I have had it since Nov 2002. I love it. Picture is great on cable, DVDs and HD are amazing, and its easily tweakable.

allotta

I also have the 53" Panny. I agree that it is a great performer and is very tweakable, but I believe that standard cable is just OK. It is comprable to any ordinary RPTV in that regards. That's why I use it mostly for just HDTV and DVD viewing. We have a 32" Hitachi HDTV for standard cable content.

Chaz

I am happy with my 47" panny. DVDs are great. I do not have HD but the digital cable (COX) looks very good. I like the "just" stretch mode.

Keep in mind this TV does not accept 720p. It only accepts 480p/i or 1080i. It only displays 480p or 1080i.

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Panasonic 47WX42, SA8300HD, Panasonic DVD-CP72, Onkyo TX-SR600, Polk Speakers.

allotta

True, it does not accept 720p, but it upconverts it to 1080i. Most of ABC's HD content is 720p, and the Pannys still display it beautifully. Just watched NYPD Blue last night and it looked great. Same with this past Super Bowl.

Chaz

Someone correct me if I am wrong. Pannys do not upconvert. Probably your STB upconverts and outputs in 1080i to the Panny.

The only way this is an issue is if you wanted to play 720p XBOX or other games.

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Panasonic 47WX42, SA8300HD, Panasonic DVD-CP72, Onkyo TX-SR600, Polk Speakers.

spaceman_spiff

Yes, Pannys do not upconvert or accept 720p, all it can display is 480p or 1080i. It can take 480i/p, 1080i. STB does the job of converting 720p to 1080i.
I agree, all the HD content looks amazing. Jay Leno, Superbowl and Oscars looked awesome. I also get Comcast Sportsnet, watched Michael Jordan play in HD.
I recently upgraded my cable lines, check this thread , cable looks very good, no more grainy picture.

And I love the stretch mode for standard cable, its looks very pleasant. Doesnt look too bad like some other TVs I have seen.