Panasonic Black Shift Problem/Solution

[scrapbook]

I'm not sure if this has been posted / tried before, but the chappies over in the states seem to think they have a solution provided by Panasonic support.

A couple of members over there have tried it and are happy it works.

This is their solution:
Go into the service menu
Enter the SD (screen display menu)
There is a new feature called "letter box" mode which is set to 'off'.

YOu need to set this to 'on'.

Supposedly the "letter box" feature is only present on the 42" models.

[Dekim]

That's interesting. It would be good to hear owners comments.

Does this work for panels and "tv's" I wonder ? ( ie PV500 and PHD8's etc )

Deks

[scrapbook]

The only reported tests so far have been on the US consumer models.

I assume they service menus are the same / very similar to the UK consumer models?

[ukdan]

Ive just tried it and i 'think it works'.
I'll do some more testing tonight when i have a little more time but so far its looking good, no contrast changes so far

[Walter Sobchak]

how do you get to the service menu?

[n0bby]

Originally Posted by scrapbook

Supposedly the "letter box" feature is only present on the 42" models.

Is this because the problem isn't present on the 50" panel? I must say, I've failed to notice a single instance of the reported 'black bug' on our Panny since we got it just before Christmas.

[Dekim]

Hi nobby,

I don't think i've ever read anything on these forums about people noticing it on a 50" PHD

I am interested what ukdan says after more time viewing especially whilst on the 2.35:1 version of Sin City

Deks

[scrapbook]

Originally Posted by Dekim

Hi nobby,

I don't think i've ever read anything on these forums about people noticing it on a 50" PHD

I think initially people thought it wasn't a problem on the 50" PHD, but some yanks have reported as seeing it.

I think like any slight niggle of TV's that come off a production line is will be virtually unnoticeable on some and clearly noticeable on others.

Not only that, but some members may have vision that is more susceptible to it.

[Dekim]

I order my 42PHD8 on Monday. I suppose the fact that I know this "feature" exists I will be looking for it all the time. I just hope I can sit back and enjoy whatever i'm watching instead

I'll let you know

Deks

[scrapbook]

Originally Posted by Dekim

I order my 42PHD8 on Monday. I suppose the fact that I know this "feature" exists I will be looking for it all the time.

That was always my concern too! Especially, like you say, on great movies like sin city

[MAW]

I've tried it, not watched a dvd yet. It appears to work on TV material, as much as can be said. We'll watch a film or 2 over the weekend I daresay.

Is this on the V series or the PW series...or both? I've been into the service menu of my PW6 many times and can't remember the letterbox mode setting...

[ukdan]

Watched a couple of films now and some tv and have not noticed any contrast change.
Family guy when you first go into the service menu, its in 'SD MODE'

[MAW]

8 series only Brian. Pop round if you want to see.

Originally Posted by ukdan

Watched a couple of films now and some tv and have not noticed any contrast change.
Family guy when you first go into the service menu, its in 'SD MODE'

Many Thanks - I shall have a look after SWMBO has finished watching Worlds Strongest Man...I need to get in the gym more...

Originally Posted by MAW

8 series only Brian. Pop round if you want to see.

Then maybe I won't try it...

[Dekim]

This is sounding like good news especially to the forum members who have found this contrast change feature a problem. Good work guys especially scrapbook for first posting this possible fix!

Right its time for a bottle of wine and celeb big bro. Look at those legs on Chantelle!! I bet they look even better on a big screen!

Deks
(Mike)

[Jim_Fear]

Is this menu available on the 37PV500 too? I cant find it anywhere so i'm assuming its not

[TarPot]

Hi all.

Is there any follow up on this, from those who have tried it.
Does it cure the problem?

[Dekim]

just thought ide give this interesting thread a bump ^

After reading all the negative thoughts on these forums about the contrast shift issue It would be interesting to hear other peoples comments if this has resolved the problem

please post your findings!

all the best

Deks
(mike)

[ukdan]

Still ok my end, not noticed any contrast changes so far.

[TarPot]

ukdan-Could you tell me if you tried material where you have noticed the problem before and it is now ok?
Thanks for your help, as I'm thinking of going for one.

[ukdan]

TarPot- yes mate tried loads of scenes that i knew would cause the change, but it hasn't done it.
Also tried all my inputs (VGA, component, HDMI + DVI).

[MAW]

I'm fairly confident it is a real fix. Tried component and DVI.

[TarPot]

Thank you both. That's a big help.

[Dekim]

Thanks UKdan and Maw for checking it out. I was already going to purchase one even with the contrast change feature but this is the icing on the cake.

BTW I placed my order with AV-Sales at lunchtime

I'll be posting my review next week for anyone interested

Deks

[Stuart Kirby]

This is a potential fix to the auto-contrast change? Has anyone tried it on a 42PV500......... ? Ooh please let it work on the PV500.

[Stuart Kirby]

As far as I can tell it doesn't work on the PV500. If that's correct I'm gutted. Sometimes I really do think I should've waited for the PHD8.

[nicke20]

Ok im a bit of a wuss with this, any body care to list a step by step walkthrough guide on how to enter, alter and exit the menu on a 42phd8 ?
even better, said guide should be considered for a sticky status

[scrapbook]

Originally Posted by Stuart Kirby

As far as I can tell it doesn't work on the PV500. If that's correct I'm gutted. Sometimes I really do think I should've waited for the PHD8.

It has been quoted as working on the PX500 (which is the US consumer model). Have you tried it then?