gentlemen (and ladies), an update.
Still can't get my Samsung HD745 and Pio 433MXE to talk to one another properly. Tested the plasma over DVI from a PC, and it worked a treat. 1024/768 at 60(hz) gave a fabulous picture, pin sharp, albeit 4:3 stretched to widescreen, but I had expected that. The plasma reported the incoming signal at 1024/768 48.2fh/59.8fv, Dot for Dot
Switched to the HD745, set at 1024/768, and the results were as previous. 4:3 picture, black banding left and right. Plasma reported incoming signal as 1280/768 39.8fh/49.8fv, Full (Type)
I tried everywhichway (I think) to switch the plasma input manually, but to no avail. In both menu mode and integrator mode, I was unable to see the relevent options under the Setup menu. The plasma seems to set them automatically, and I can't see a manual override.
The HD745 manual suggest that all PAL DVi outputs are 50hz and NTSC 60hz. The MXE manual suggest that the DVI port does not like 50hz inputs of any flavour. So I guess I'm stuffed unless you guiys can come up with an alternative.
In the meantime, I eailed Aurora, to see if there were any real differences between their cards, and got the following reply.
"Thanks for your interest in our cards for the Pioneer plasmas.
The TVP-1000 Pro has several advantages from the A304.
First, the unit has various Split Screen and PIP capabilities which the A304 doesnt have.
Second, there are two SVideo/ composite video inputs on the TVP-1000 pro. The A304 only has one of each.
Third, the TVP-1000 pro comes with a full featured IR remote (with discrete source/function selection). The IR remote also operates the Pioneer plasma functions.
For the A304, youll need to use the Pioneers IR remote to change inputs and access menu functions. Slightly cumbersome but its the price you pay for.
Overall, the video processors on the units are the same. So picture quality is superb regardless which Aurora card you choose.
Both cards support NTSC, PAL and Secam on the SVideo, Composite Video and Component Video. We have PAL/SECAM versions of the TV Tuners for the TVP1000Pro (TVP-1000 Pro PAL)."
The spec of the AD034 shows that it supports Pal at 720/576, 50hz, so I guess the HD745 could drive it, but given Joes earlier comments about the digital/analog/digital conversion, would it be worth the bother?