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Plasma TV Forum / Knowledge Base
All questions are answered by Editors of the Plasma TV Buying Guide.
Panasonic Plasma List of Categories
The following are questions and answers regarding Panasonic plasma TVs. If you do not see the answer to your question you may click here to ask a question.
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- I would like to order a 42” Panasonic plasma, can you explain the differences the between the four different model numbers. Philip Baker, San Francisco, CA.
- Where can I read some customer reviews on the Panasonic plasmas? Frank Mariani, NY
- If I get a Panasonic TH-42PWD6UY, is there some kind of interface available that I can connect my video sources to so that I only have one cable going to the monitor? I believe Sony's 2 piece units use an interface like this with an output that matches the native pixel resolution of the display.
- With the split screen capabilities of the Panasonic TH-42PWD6UY can you use one side for your computer while the other side is showing tv? Also, can you use both sides for two different screens on your computer? If not, which plasmas can do this? Simple yes and no answers are fine :) J.
- i have the panasonic 50 inch and want to mount from ceiling and be able to fold flat to ceiling is there a mount for that anywhere? thanks
- Hi, I would like to know how much power do plazma's use? I've heard they use alot of electricity, can you compare them to some other type of appliance.
- Difference between the Panasonic TH-50PHD6UY and the TH-50PX20U/P in picture quality? Is it the same Plasma Screen? I know they have different features and the U/P has a built in tuner. I would like to compare the two.
- I have seen several model# versions of TH-42PA20U/P. Here they are: TH-42PA20U TH-42PA20UP TH-42PA20U/P I have seen the same online retailer listing both the U and UP and pricing the UP $300 more than just the "U" model. Can you explain the differences, if any. Thanks
- Hello, I have a Panasonic EDTV plasma TV and recently bought a Samsung HD931 High Definition DVD player. I was wondering if the high definition signal (1080i) from the DVD player is actually being shown on my Plasma TV? In other words, is my new DVD player that upconverts 480p DVD signals to 1080i HD signal useless on my plasma TV because of its resolution? Should I have gone with the Panasonic High definition model? Thanks!
- skin tones look very blue on 42PWD6UY connected to a panasonic s55s dvd through component input (monster cables); tv color adjustments not making any difference; how can i fix? (for reference, images from cable box - composite input - and nintendo gamecube - s-video input - look fine)
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- I would like to order a 42” Panasonic plasma, can you explain the differences the between the four different model numbers. Philip Baker, San Francisco, CA.
1024X768 Current Models 853X480 Current Models TH-42PHD6UY TH42PWD6UY TH-42PX20UP TH-42PA20UP
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We receive ongoing questions about the practical differences between the above listed models. For all viewing/picture considerations and purposes the models in each category are the same except for the model numbers and the FCC classification. One represents a consumer (retail) model number and the other a broadcast (commercial) model.
There are some variations in the conversion used for the different resolution models, which we will here call the 1024X768 high resolution, or the 853X480 enhanced resolution - representing the native pixel resolution of the units.
In order to simplify this comparison, allow us to clarify what is the same about the different models:
The remote controls, the menu/functionality, the inputs, the charcoal bezel/frame/appearance, the aspect ratios, audio amplifiers, the mounts and stands, the scaling features, conversion and interpolation (for the most part), even the color temps. Almost everything is the same outside of the higher native pixel resolution or lower native pixel resolution, which is a function of the actual glass plasma display element itself.
Now, that being stated, we take a look at the visible differences when converting actual visual signals from varying input resolutions.
Signals from 240 to 480 horizontal lines of resolution, including VCR, cable, satellite: The 480 non-resolution def monitor appears slightly brighter and with more visible clarity - especially when viewing faces of individuals- than the 768 high resolution unit. The up-conversion of the signal to the native pixel resolution of both monitors is excellent. However, the 768 high def monitor has more converting to accomplish and thus the picture suffers slightly. This does not necessarily have to be the case. But in this particular brand, it is apparent that the scan converter does not produce as much clarity for the 768 high def display (this has been improved by the most recent PHD6UY/PX20 models). The smaller pixels for the 768 monitors also produce the appearance of less light, however slight. All color information, color temperature, white balance appears the same.
Signals from 480i and 480p DVD sources:
Again, the 480 EDTV plasma display outperformed the 768 high resolution plasma as this resolution matches up perfectly with the 480 horizontal pixel design of the non-high def unit. The differences are subtle but the 480 display's DVD images are cleaner and clearer. Again, all color information appears the same. The difference is really becoming negligible as Panasonic and other manufacturers achieve better down converting results from the high resolution models.Comparing the two units with opposing signals of 480p and 480i input - the Panasonic with the 480 progressive input outperformed in either case. A user of these Panasonic displays will benefit greatly from the purchase of a DVD player with progressive scan 480p output. The differences are evident in the richness of colors, black levels, and gray scales. It truly enhances the Panasonic picture - as if the unit is set up and tested using this input at the factory level.
Signals from HDTV sources
With an optimal HDTV signal at either 1080 interlaced or 720 progressive both units look spectacular (as do most any HDTV ready monitors). The high resolution 768 plasma display will outperform the 480 horizontal resolution monitor in this category by about 10% due to the ease in matching the native pixel resolution of the monitor with the input signal. Not surprisingly, there is more depth and three-dimensional effect in the high def display with an HDTV signal input, although the picture on the non-high def unit is also stunningly beautiful.Signals from Computer
Though I have not tested them side by side, generally the high resulition 1024 X 768 monitor will appear more refined and detailed with an XGA (1024X768) computer signal as this matches perfectly with the 1024X768 native pixel resolution. With still graphic and data applications this is particularly important. Though the 480 non-high def display does a fine job of scaling and down converting an XGA signal, I find SVGA (800X600) to be the optimal signal for performance on this monitor. Data (especially numerical) displayed statically on this resolution unit can appear distorted in XGA resolution for presentation purposes. The "stepping" of the pixels is much more visible.General Impressions
Price, high definition source availability, computer resolution, are the main factors for consideration in determining whether to purchase a 1024X768 high resolution plasma display or an 853X480 non-high resolution display. How often will the viewer be watching high definition sources, and is a 10% to 15% improvement over the non-high resolution display enough to warrant the extra price tag? The performance standards, video boards, input selection, remote controls, menu functionality, and color performance equate for both units. Is the slight improvement (5%) in clarity in the non-high resolution 480 displays with non-high def signals (especially DVD) a consideration? The great aspect of these decisions is that they are no-lose propositions. No matter which way a potential purchaser decides, I have no doubt they will be pleased with either choice of these most recent offerings.
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- Where can I read some customer reviews on the Panasonic plasmas? Frank Mariani, NY
The following are links to customer reviews of the Panasonic plasma TVs.
- TH-42PWD5UY / TH42PWD6UY 42" - 853 X 480 Resolution
- TH-50PHD5UY / TH50PHD6UY 50" - 1366 X 768 Resolution
- TH-42PA20U/P 42" - 853 X 480 Resolution
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- If I get a Panasonic TH-42PWD6UY, is there some kind of interface available that I can connect my video sources to so that I only have one cable going to the monitor? I believe Sony's 2 piece units use an interface like this with an output that matches the native pixel resolution of the display.
That could be accomplished through an external video switch or any typical A/V receiver. All of your video and audio signals would be connected to the A/V receiver, and then one set of cables would be connected to the plasma from the receiver.
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- With the split screen capabilities of the Panasonic TH-42PWD6UY can you use one side for your computer while the other side is showing tv? Also, can you use both sides for two different screens on your computer? If not, which plasmas can do this? Simple yes and no answers are fine :) J.
Yes, Split screen is available with any input. In order to perform split screens for one computer, you would need separate video outputs on your computer and then add the optional VGA expansion module.
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- i have the panasonic 50 inch and want to mount from ceiling and be able to fold flat to ceiling is there a mount for that anywhere? thanks
There is not a mount that will hinge, since laying the plasma horizontally will damage the unit. There are lifts design to drop the unit from the ceiling.
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- Hi, I would like to know how much power do plazma's use? I've heard they use alot of electricity, can you compare them to some other type of appliance.
Plasma use on the average 300W, which you could compare to three 100W light bulbs.
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- Difference between the Panasonic TH-50PHD6UY and the TH-50PX20U/P in picture quality? Is it the same Plasma Screen? I know they have different features and the U/P has a built in tuner. I would like to compare the two.
The picture quality is the same for both. The main differences are that the consumer version, TH-50PX20UP, has built-in speakers, an NTSC tuner, and tablestand. The speakers and tablestand are options on the commercial model.
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- I have seen several model# versions of TH-42PA20U/P. Here they are: TH-42PA20U TH-42PA20UP TH-42PA20U/P I have seen the same online retailer listing both the U and UP and pricing the UP $300 more than just the "U" model. Can you explain the differences, if any. Thanks
These are all referring to the same model.
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- Hello, I have a Panasonic EDTV plasma TV and recently bought a Samsung HD931 High Definition DVD player. I was wondering if the high definition signal (1080i) from the DVD player is actually being shown on my Plasma TV? In other words, is my new DVD player that upconverts 480p DVD signals to 1080i HD signal useless on my plasma TV because of its resolution? Should I have gone with the Panasonic High definition model? Thanks!
In short yes. A standard progressive scan DVD player outputs a 480p signal. An EDTV plasma will downconvert an HD signal whether it be 720p or 1080i to 480p. So with the HD931, it is upconverting the signal and the plasma is downconverting it.
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- skin tones look very blue on 42PWD6UY connected to a panasonic s55s dvd through component input (monster cables); tv color adjustments not making any difference; how can i fix? (for reference, images from cable box - composite input - and nintendo gamecube - s-video input - look fine)
I would make sure you have component input selected properly in the setup for the plasma. Try to calibrate the input using Avia or Video Essentials. I would also try a different DVD player if possible to try to eliminate your player as the source of the problem. If it still remains, I would contact Panasonic.
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The Plasma TV Forum is responses to questions sent into the Plasma TV Buying guide. All questions are answered by Editors of the Plasma TV Buying Guide.
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