Got my first HDTV

[akrycek]

I finally broke down and bought an HDTV. I picked up the Panasonic PZ80U 42 inch plasma at CC's liquidation sale. I could have gotten it cheaper if I acted at Christmas, but oh well.

I really like this set, but I still need to get used to it. The reds seem to come in too strong, so I hope there is a way to adjust that. I'm still glancing through the manual to see how to set everything up.

I am looking forward to HD Satellite and Blu-Ray. Unfortunately, I have to wait until the end of the month for DirecTV to upgrade my equipment to HD. I am also torn about which Blu-Ray player to buy. I was going to get the Panasonic BD-35, but it is sold out. I can't decide whether to get the new Panasonic model that comes out in the Spring or just get a PS3.

Krycek

[firestorm]

Great choice! Our 50PZ80U was delivered on Dec 2nd and we love it. I lucked out and got the BD35 as a bundle for $99 more. I can definitely recommend that player though at the regular sale prices that have been going around. If you really want the best picture and audio possible, the Pioneer 51FD is highly recommended around here and elsewhere. I haven't seen it personally, and it is a Profile 1.1, but it's been floating around Amazon.com for about $299. It was $450-$550 when I was shopping.

Amazon.com: bdp 51fd

As for the red push on your TV... I've heard of that elsewhere. It would probably be best to exchange it (easiest anyway), but I'm sure that option is null with the CC liquidation. It can be adjusted in the service menu, but I would be wary of going in there, at least unless you do a lot of research first. If you have it professionally calibrated, they would probably correct it (I would hope they would know how). I haven't heard whether or not that is an issue that you can have corrected under warranty or not.

Worst case scenario... I saw fairly straightforward instructions for getting into the service menu and suggested settings for correcting the issue. The big key is not to touch anything you don't need to and write all settings down (or take a pic) before making adjustments.

[plissken99]

Also hard to say how bad the red push is without seeing it. Is this effecting skin tones? Or just making actual reds seem over-saturated? It's possible this is a symptom of having a first HDTV, colors tend to be stronger on them than on SD sets.

Once you have a Blu Ray player, you should buy the Video Essentials calibration disc. Following the steps on that disc, if that doesn't fix the red push, then yeah you'll need to go into the service menu. But as Firestorm said, you need to do a lot of research before attempting that.

I second the recommendation on the Pioneer 51. I play to get one to replace my PS3 as a BD player(the Pio upscales DVD better, and can be made region free).

[akrycek]

Thanks for the information. I think the main problem is that the reds and maybe even oranges are too saturated. Skin tones don't look too red. I will have to keep checking before messing with anything.

I may have to look into getting a region free Pioneer. Is it region free for DVD's as well? It would be nice to just have to use one disc player. I still have my Toshiba SD-3108 which I watch most stuff on and my region free Pioneer DV525 that I watch my Region 2 discs and whatever DVD's my Toshiba won't play.

Krycek

[plissken99]

I should have been more specific, The Pioneer 51 is region free(with hack) for DVDs only, currently there are no region hacks for Blu Ray(i.e A, B and C). It's also one of the best upscalers out there(besting even the Toshiba XA2 apparently).

[chlngr1970]

[akrycek]

I finally have HD DirecTV. I am still waiting on the Blu-Ray player. I have noticed something a little disturbing with the audio at times. It is very hard for me to explain but the it almost seems like voices are doubled at times. It reminds me a little of how the voices came over the X-Wing radios during the Death Star battle in Star Wars.

I have been doing a little searching online and come up with this Noise in speakers as people talk. - FixYa

Anyone have any ideas? I am kind of stuck unless Panasonic can fix this as I got it at CC.

Krycek

[firestorm]

From the description in that link, it sounds like a blown speaker or some other distortion. Does it do it with other sources? A game console or DVD player?

[akrycek]

Yeah. It does it with our Wii and DVD player. I have found the problem though and feel so foolish. The bass boost setting was causing the issue. After turning it off, everything sounded normal.

Thanks.

Krycek

[chlngr1970]

Wow...has it been that long? I have had my Panasonic TH46PZ80U since January, and Angel and I really like it. I have heard about the Red Push issue and am told that the fix is in the service menu. I'm not ready to tackle that, but am thinking of getting it ISF calibrated next month.

I am hoping that will take care of it.

j