[samhain]

Can't decide between the 900 and 700. Just a quick question really, not in terms of performance but is the AE700 HD Ready.

I know it has an HDMI but just want to make sure it has the necessary firmware to run sky HD and HDDVD when it appears.

Thanks

[bcopping]

yep, it is hd ready at 720p

[sbowler]

Yes it is HD ready its resolution of of 1280 X 720 means it can display HD from sky and DVD when it arrives. The 900 model has higher contrast than the 700, and is brighter.

[DEANO-B]

Originally Posted by sbowler

Yes it is HD ready its resolution of of 1280 X 720 means it can display HD from sky and DVD when it arrives. The 900 model has higher contrast than the 700, and is brighter.

Yes and yes - well sort of. The contrast ratio which is used within normal viewing modes on the 900 to watch Sky/DVDs etc is nowhere near the claimed 5000:1 figure stated and is nearer to the 700s viewing figure. The CR figures are all so high in the new PJs because of the DI (dynamic Iris) and get their high figures in viewing modes you will never use, which when used will cause a sudden dulling of the Picture when the DI kicks in, and will sacrifice the D65 colour standard. Also the brightness is better, but only just. One reviewer stated that with a single candle for light in a room you could not tell the difference between the 700 and 900. The new D5 panels are better PJs than the last D4 batch but don't expect miracles - its a small step forward in technology rather than the leaps we have been getting used to in the last few years!! And sorry to stick a spanner in the works but I would not buy another Panasonic PJ again due to their awful CS. My PJ (and others) took 2 months to repair and only got done so quick because of my constant phone calls to them !! I'd go for the Z4 or TX200 personally - I've demoed them both and they are great PJs

[paulmcp2403]

Originally Posted by DEANO-B

Yes and yes - well sort of. The contrast ratio which is used within normal viewing modes on the 900 to watch Sky/DVDs etc is nowhere near the claimed 5000:1 figure stated and is nearer to the 700s viewing figure. The CR figures are all so high in the new PJs because of the DI (dynamic Iris) and get their high figures in viewing modes you will never use, which when used will cause a sudden dulling of the Picture when the DI kicks in, and will sacrifice the D65 colour standard. Also the brightness is better, but only just. One reviewer stated that with a single candle for light in a room you could not tell the difference between the 700 and 900. The new D5 panels are better PJs than the last D4 batch but don't expect miracles - its a small step forward in technology rather than the leaps we have been getting used to in the last few years!! And sorry to stick a spanner in the works but I would not buy another Panasonic PJ again due to their awful CS. My PJ (and others) took 2 months to repair and only got done so quick because of my constant phone calls to them !! I'd go for the Z4 or TX200 personally - I've demoed them both and they are great PJs

have to agree with all of this...

as for panasonic - I am flabbergasted at the custoenr service... they only want to talk to you if you are buying a warranty - they have no interest in broken goods...shocking !!!!

ps - I have an ae700.... it;s HD ready - i run HD stuff on my pc to it and it's wonderful....brilliant kit - never looked back since buying it ...just dont expect great aftercare :O)