Panasonic 42PT10 - opinions wanted

[jon smith]

Hi folks

Right, just getting down to replacing my Samsung TV. Had a very nice discussion with Brian at Robert Whyte ltd and I can now choose what TV I want.

Have finally decided that I want to stick with widescreen, was tempted to return to the 4:3 clan. But 16:9 looks better in the house.

Was pretty much sold on the Toshiba, but have just come across the Panasonic model. Haven't seen any reviews though, which is a little annoying.

The Panasonic - Does it have component inputs? Or is the progressive scan done internally. I was after component for my GC (as it doesn't output RGB).

Can you watch 4:3 mode material in RGB (or does it automatically stretch to 16:9, like my Samsung did. Does it have black or grey lines at the sides for 4:3 material?

Any thoughts appreciated, especially on the Panny as there isn't much written about it.

[laurel]

Hi Jon

I have the Pana.

You can check out some of my comments by searching on TX42PT10.

No component inputs, three scart with 1 RGB capable.

There is the option to switch between 100hz, auto and "progressive" on the picture mode, this gives (at least to me) a slight flicker due to the 50hz refresh.

You can watch 4:3 from RGB Source. The viewing mode is quite flexible, you can switch between 4:3 (with black bars), zoom mode, Justified (which stretches at the outer edges) and Auto (which seems to stretch variably depending on the viewed material). You can switch between these at will.

I'm pretty happy with the purchase so far.

Cheers

Laurel

PS. Anything else I can help with please ask.

[delta]

Does the Panasonic still have only one central point for converging or has it copied Toshiba and Sony by introducing points around the edge of the screen too? Does it still have a reflective screen?

[laurel]

Delta

The convergence has two options in the normal "user" menu. The first allows a "general" central convergence. The second allows a 9 point convergence with points around the screen.

In addition, from the service menu, a very detailed 64 point convergence can be accessed.

The screen is not "matt" like the tosh and is "slightly" reflective when switched off. However, in operation this seems to be almost invisible. The manual states that the screen is supposed to have some kind of "anti-reflective" treatment. I have not managed to discover what this "treatment" is yet - but it seems to work!

Cheers

Laurel

[HBK757]

I can't comment on the quality of the Plasma TV you are asking about but I can advise you on something else. DO NOT buy from Robert Whyte Ltd. They were very helpful when you asked about the tv ?? I bet they were, the problem is after you give them payment. Thats where the interest stops. Buy from them at your peril mate. Do a search on these forums for Robert Whyte and you'll find plenty of irate buyers.

[laurel]

HBK747

This is a rear-pro set not plasma.

Your right about Robert Whyte though. There do seem to have been a few unhappy customers.

I purchased from qed-uk at £1596 delivered.

Jon - how much were you quoted?

Cheers

Laurel

[jon smith]

Hi

Laurel - thanks for your comments, I have done a search and was interesting reading. Does the progressive scan only work with rgb input, or can you use it with S Video inputs as well. I take it as well that the only S Video (proper) input is at the front. Thanks for your help.

Robert Whyte haven't quoted yet, but i'll make sure I don't have to pay any on top of the Samsung i'm replacing. (about £1660)

HBK757 - don't worry, I know all about Robert Whyte. The main complaint thread is from me (I also mentioned them to you on the DVD forums). In a way i'm better off staying with them now, because of the previous complaints they respond more now. So whilst I wouldn't recommend them to anyone, I do at least have a relationship with them and know things will get done. You got your TV fixed yet?

[HBK757]

Unfortunately no not yet. The engineer is coming out on Monday to have a look at the TV. Let's hope he either writes the thing off or fixes it, cause I wont be waiting x number of weeks for it to be repaired ect...

[laurel]

Hey Jon

Laurel - thanks for your comments, I have done a search and was interesting reading. Does the progressive scan only work with rgb input, or can you use it with S Video inputs as well. I take it as well that the only S Video (proper) input is at the front. Thanks for your help.

Works with all inputs.

By proper i assume you mean the 4 pin din connector? Then yes - this is at the front. However, 2nd and 3rd SCART at the back are also Svid capable (just use a SCART to Svid lead).

Cheers

Laurel

PS Either this is a bloody good set or nobody else has one - cos there is a distinct lack of complaining on the forums.

[jon smith]

Well, i've gone for the Panasonic over the Tosh in the end. I had a look at them over the weekend in Selfridges and over at PRC in Ilford. All badly set up, but did the best I could.

In the end it came down to what would look best in my room. I prefer the looks of the Panny and it just feels better, so I went with my instinct. No component, but the inbuilt progressive scan should help make up for that.

Thanks for your help Laurel. How much was the service manual and where did you order it from?

[HBK757]

Anyone that has this TV have an opinion on Sky Sports broadcasts ? I've heard 100Hz makes football games look pretty bad with digital artifacts.

Thanks.

[laurel]

Jon

Welcome to the small but perfectly formed TX42PT10 owners club.

How much was the service manual and where did you order it from?

Still waiting for a response from the official Pana spares people (0870 241 7244). They had none in stock and no reference for the new manual. I have chased a couple of times and they are apparantly waiting for pricing/deliveries from Panasonic.

I'll let you know if I hear anything.

Do you have the set yet or are you awaiting delivery? Let me know what you think once you have the baby fixed up.

HBK757

Anyone that has this TV have an opinion on Sky Sports broadcasts ?

Unfortunately I don't have Sky. What I can say though is that you can switch the 100hz on and off, so if there is a problem - it's curable!

I haven't noticed any particular issues with the 100hz implementation yet.

Cheers

Laurel

THE PANY HAS TWO RGB CAPABLE SCARTS NOT ONE
SCART 1 (AV1) RGB OR COMPOSITE
SCART 2 (AV2) SVHS OR COMPOSITE (AND Q-LINK)
SCART 3 (AV4) RGB,SVHS AND COMPOSITE.
I'M FIRMLY OF THE OPINION THAT THIS IS THE BEST VALUE
OF ANY REAR PROJECTION SET ON THE MARKET AT THE MOMENT
WHEN CORRECTLY SET UP AND CONVERGED THE PICTURE IS BRILLIANT BUT THE SET UP MUST BE DONE PROPERLY
AND THEN CHECKED ON A DAILY BASIS FOR ABOUT 10-14 DAYS
AS IT DOESN'T LIKE TO BE MOVED ABOUT A LOT
AFTER THIS PERIOD CHECKS MONTHLY SEEM TO KEEP THIS MONSTER LOOKING PRISTINE
I'TS MOST IMPORTANT THAT YOU BUY FROM A GOOD DEALER
WHO'S COMMITED TO OFFERING GOOD SERVICE NOT JUST A GOOD PRICE!! BE AWARE REAR PROJECTION SETS REQUIRE THIS SORT OF PERIODIC MAINTENENCE TO GIVE GOOD PERFORMENCE

REGARDS ROB23

[laurel]

Rob23

Thanks for posting - It now seems we have another member of the PT10 owners club (3 and counting). Anyone else???

I think the documentation (and Panas web site) lied about AV4 being RGB, but I'll double check tonight. Have you tried it?

By the way - you might want to tone down the CAPITALS - it's translated as SHOUTING. Should only be used in context.

Cheers

Laurel

[jon smith]

Has been ordered (just waiting confirmation on likely delivery date) so hopefully should be here soon.

Be interested if you could check the RGB situation.

cheers, jon.