Panasonic Plasma confusion

[Rob100]

Hi,

Can someone explain the differences between the TH-42PW5B and the TH-42PWD5 - besides the price.

Thanks,

Rob.

 

[NeilMcRae]

Mostly none:

The Panasonic TH-42PWD5UY replaced the TH-42PWD4UY. The following are the model differences, apart from the differences the TH-42PWD5UY is exactly the same as the TH-42PWD4UY model.

MODEL DIFFERENCES:

TH-42PWD4UY (4) vs. TH-42PWD5UY (5)

The (5) replaces the (4) in September 2002 as the new model. There are very few differences to note as follows: For review purposes everything is still accurate. The differences are minor and apply to a commercial display setting application.

1. Picture quality:
a) Real Gamma Correction Circuitry - improved gradation in low light area (1024 gradation / 2048 wiht DVI)
b) NEW asymmetircal cel structure / NEW front glass filter / NEW phosphers - There is no objective parameters to show the improvemnt, but these improved the level of color reporduction.

2. Features:
a) Automatic contrast tracking system - enables automatic contrast adjustment according to the room lighting conditions
b) Remote ID - enables individual remote control when multiple plasmas are installed side by side
c) New optional terminal board - RGB active through board (some other expansion board may be introduced later)

That's it. Same pixel resolution. Same converter/scalar. Same contrast ratio. Basically, the same unit at a lower price. The TH-42PWD5UY sports the highest brightness level and contrast ratio of 3000:1 available in a plasma display.




The TH-42PWD5UY incorporates advanced digital processing technology including a newly developed Real Black Drive System, Adaptive Brightness Intensifier, False-Edge Predictor circuit, and UXGA/HDTV compatibility.

It features an industry-leading contrast ratio and peak panel brightness of 650 cd/m2 to produce realistic images in vibrant, natural colors with a wide 16:9 aspect ratio, 160-degree viewing angle. The TH-42PWD5UY features an ultra-thin yet ultra-sturdy 3.5" deep body. It weighs only 65 lbs and offers a thinner surround area, effectively increasing the overall screen area.

Responding to plasma display needs in the computer monitoring arena, the TH-42PWD5UY offers expanded computer signal compatibility to display VGA, SVGA, XGA, SXGA, and UXGA resolutions and an expanded range of horizontal and vertical scanning rates (fH: 15:6 - 110 kHz; fV: 48-120 Hz). This wider range allows the TH-42PWD5UYto display dynamic, updateable dynamic signage applications when driven from a computer.

Equipped with component video (YPbPr) inputs, it enables viewing of DTV broadcasts in either scaled 1080i, or 480i. In addition, a 3-Dimensional Progressive Scan function elegantly converts interlace signals (1080i and 480i) into progressive signals for optimal viewing. 720p and 480p progressive signals remain in their native scan format and are also fed via the component video inputs.

A 'Real Black Drive System' dramatically lowers black levels, resulting in an extraordinary 3000:1 contrast ratio, four times higher than prior Panasonic plasmas. The 16:9 unit produces virtually distortion-free images with up to 16.77 million colors and produces 1,024 shades of gray - twice that of previous models - for cleaner details, especially in low-light images.

The unique 'Advanced Plasma Adaptive Brightness Intensifier' (AI) increases the discharge cycle for dark scenes , in turn doubling brightness precision over prior models. The result is a smoother blend of graduating brightness levels, both in luminance and chrominance.

The TH-42PWD5UY features an unprecedented brightness specification of 650 cd/m2 - a 70% increase in peak brightness compared with non-AI equipped plasma sets. Additionally, its unique 'Asymmetrical Cell Structure' panel serves to achieve both high brightness and high color temperature, resulting in a significantly improved light-emitting balance of the three primary colors (red, green, blue).

To reduce noise in fast-moving images, the display features a more precise False-Edge Predictor circuit. Essentially this is an adaptive motion sensing circuit that senses movement and applies a specific filter that removes noise from picture elements while maintaining resolution. Consuming only 280 Watts of power, it offers the lowest power consumption of any available 42" plasma. This means less heat and no fans.

For system installation and display, a range of optional accessories are available and include detachable speakers; wall-hanging and ceiling-hanging brackets; and fixed floor, mobile floor and pedestal stands.

The TH-42PWD5UY accepts most international video signals, including NTSC, PAL, SECAM and PAL-60. The on-screen menu offers a selection of seven languages with an improved menu structure. Composite and component video inputs appear on BNC connections while PC inputs on a standard 15-pin connector. An S-video input is available on a standard 4-pin din connector.


DISPLAY
Screen Size 42" (106 cm) diagonal
Screen Aspect 16:9 Wide
Number of Pixels 408,960 (852 x 480) pixels
Pixel Pitch 1.08 mm
Displayable Colors 16.77 million colors
Contrast 3000:1
Brightness (panel) 650 cd/m2
Color System PAL/SECAM/NTSC/PAL 60 Hz
Audio Output 16 Watts (8 Watts x 2)
On-Screen Display US English/UK English/Japanese/Spanish/French/
German/ Italian
Screen Coating AR (Anti-Reflection) Coating

TERMINALS
Video Composite Input BNC coaxial x 1, 1 Vp-p/75 ohms (RCA adapter supplied)
S-Video Input 4-pin S terminal x 1, Y: 1 Vp-p/75 ohms, C: 0.286 Vp-p/75 ohms
Audio Input (for Video) RCA phono type connectors (L,R) (1 set)
RGB Input (PC) D-sub 15-pin x 1 (VGA display & SVGA, XGA, SXGA, UXGA compressed display)
fH: 15.6 - 110 kHz; fV: 48- 120 Hz
Audio Input (for PC) M3 stereo plug
Component/R,G,B Input BNC coaxial x 5
, HD, VD Video: 0.7 Vp-p/75 ohms
Sync: TTL level/0.3 Vp-p (75 ohms)
H, V Separate Sync/Composite Sync
fH: 15.6 - 110 kHz; fV : 48- 120 Hz
Y: 1 Vp-p/75 ohms
PbPr : 0.7 Vp-p/75 ohms
fH: 15.75/31.5/33.7/45 kHz
Input RCA phono type connectors (L,R) (1 set)
Serial (RS232C) Mini D-Sub 9-pin
Tuner In D-Sub 26-pin


GENERAL
Power Supply 120 VAC, 50/60 Hz
Maximum Current 3.0 A
Power Consumption 280 Watts
Dimensions (W x H x D) 40.2" x 24" x 3.5" (1020 x 610 x 89 mm)
Weight 65 lbs. (29.5 kg)
Operating Temperature 34°F - 104°F (0°C - 40°C)
Operating Humidity 20% - 80%
EMI Regulations FCC Part 15 Class A Digital Equipment
Safety Regulations UL6500/C-UL (CAN/CSA-E65-94)
Carrying Handles Detachable (Supplied)

 

[NeilMcRae]

There was some debate about dual/single scanning but when you see both screens side by side you can't tell the difference between them, in the Shop@Panasonic store in Brent Cross the sticker on it claims dual scan!
I bought the 5 after diliberating long and hard over it, mostly because of the additional colour processing capabilities of the 5.

I tested Stargate DVD [the movie version], the titles are noticably sharper than on the 4. However both are outstanding screens and no matter which one you buy I can assure you, you will be happy

One thing I found amusing, seeing the 4+5 and the 50 inch and 37 inch current models, the best TV picture was on the 37 inch by far, esp when looking at the Sky football coverage on Saturday.

Cheers,
Neil.

 

[Rob100]

Thanks for the quick replies.

I did a search and found this thread to be helpful.

http://www.avforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=51149&highlight=TH42PW5B+TH42PWD5

Looks like I want the PW5B then (as I want silver). Probably more questions to come, but for now....

Does anyone have the Panasonic tuner? I know it's very expensive for what it is, but I am considering it. Can someone tell me what input on the Plasma it connects to?

Thanks again,

Rob.

 

[Jon Weaver]

Also consider the Toshiba 42PW27.. Its the same and you might find it cheaper.

 

[NeilMcRae]

When you buy the tuner it comes with a daugher board that you swap out the connections board leaving Tuner and VGA only. Its a panasonic proprietry connection. I'm not convinced about the tuner after seeing it at John Lewis's this weekend. If you have Sky or Cable its just not needed.

I'm working on the connections for my 5 at the moment, and I'm going to go all RGB.

RGB+Compo+L+R [6 RCA Conns to SCART] Connect this
to a SCART switching device [JVC]. Connect Cable, DVD, Video and consoles via RGB to the switcher. Does anyone know of a company that makes a SCART to RGB+Composite+L+R ? Depending on how well that works I may upgrade to once John's cool [but pricey ;-)] devices.

Regards,
Neil.

 

[fmottaz]

I do have the tuner 600. Other might disagree but I feel it does a competent job on TV signals and is not too much of a compromise when viewing DVD at least with a standard DVD player (s-video output). It makes it easier as well to use the set in everyday use for the rest of the family as it behaves largly like a normal TV.
The connection between tuner and display is through a single DB 15 connector , very PC like. There is no other input on the plasma in this mode, all inputs are on the tuner box.

 

[NeilMcRae]

Or does anyone know if the Panasonic will sync on green?

Neil.

 

[Rob100]

Ohh... not so sure I like the idea of loosing the standard inputs. I have read the Panasonic brochure, but can someone just clarify exactly what inputs and what connectors you do get as standard on the PW5B. What's the best way to connect my Sky Box ?

Neil: I do have Sky, but we like to watch the local ITV news and this isn't available on Sky ITV1. A cheaper alternative would be to watch it through the video I guess

Thanks again,

Rob.

 

[NeilMcRae]

Ah thanks for that info on the tuner, I stand corrected. The set in John Lewis looked like it had another socket. You don't lose any of the connectors I think they are present on the tuner box...

Cheers,
Neil.

 

[NeilMcRae]

I had another look at the back of a Panasonic 5 series with the tuner board and it still maintains the VGA in socket.
The tuner has: 3 SCARTS [2 RGB] Svideo, Composite and component in and also ariel in!

Regards,
Neil.

 

[Rob100]

Neil: Thanks for posting again. Are you sure that the Tuner box has component inputs? What little info I can find on this (Panasonic brochure, web site etc) only indicates Scarts, S-video and RCA/phone for composite.

Thanks,

Rob.

 

[fmottaz]

Had a look at mine again. Indeed, I forgot the VGA input on the display as well as a serial input.

The tuner has components input separate from the scarts. It's labeled AV4C and uses RCA connectors. When used it will disable the AV4/S Scart connector, according to the manual. But you have two other Scarts left, one of which accepts S video as well. You have composite on the front of the unit behind a little door together with audio in for gaming and cameras I suppose.

 

[ijwoo1]

Originally posted by [email protected]
I had another look at the back of a Panasonic 5 series with the tuner board and it still maintains the VGA in socket.
The tuner has: 3 SCARTS [2 RGB] Svideo, Composite and component in and also ariel in!

Regards,
Neil.

The PC VGA input does not work if you have the tuner board installed. You therefore can only make use of the other inputs you mention directly via the Tuner itself.

 

[Rob100]

The loss of the VGA input is a killer for me as I wanted to permanently connect a PC to it, so I think I'll give the Panasonic tuner a miss.

Has anyone tried the ProV with a Panny Plasma? I know the ProV doesn't have text (can't remember the last time I used it on existing TV TBH) and only has mono audio, but if it works okay then maybe this would be a better bet for me.

Another questions.... What's the RS232 input for?

Rob.

 

[NeilMcRae]

Originally posted by Rob100
Neil: Thanks for posting again. Are you sure that the Tuner box has component inputs? What little info I can find on this (Panasonic brochure, web site etc) only indicates Scarts, S-video and RCA/phone for composite.

Thanks,

Rob.

Yes it has component inputs.