Panasonic TH37PX70 Plasma, Right Choice???

rcs

Hi,

After about six months of deliberation & (endless!!) reading on getting a new HD-TV I finally have decided on going with a Plasma & getting either the

Panasonic TH37PX70 or the Panasonic TH42PX70.

Just would like some opinions from anyone who might own or tested these TV's? I will be using it in conjunction with mainly NTL digital & my Xbox 360.

As I will be watching a lot of SD tv on it, is the 37" & its smaller screen rather than the 42" the way to go?

Also, I see that it has PC-input. Has anyone seen what the picture is like when your laptop is hooked up? what's it like for watching films/movies etc. through your laptop?

One last thing, I know it says that it is 1080p, but is the fact that the resolution is only 1024 x 768 a drawback to getting this TV??? Or does it make a difference??

Any help/opinion/experience very welcome!!!

Thanks


One other thing... are there any other similar TV's to the Panasonic around, i.e. Samsung etc. that might offer an alternative???

fred funk }{

I got the 42 incher a few months ago. I was changing from a 36" Sony CRT, which was a very good TV. I was a little worried initially because the quality of my old CRT was so good displaying SD that I might not be improving much at all.

My initial thought when I took it out of the box was that it didn't look like a 42 incher, but on closer inspection that was because the TV is nearly all screen, very little surround if you know what I mean.

The TV has passed all my expectations with flying colours. I was SD 99% of the time and some good quality transmissions are excellent. DVD is better again, I have 'Over the hedge' and you would swear it's a HD signal being displayed.

The real kick for me was when I connected my Xbox360, absolutely breath taking, the clarity is amazing. Driving games, action, they're all super.

You will not be disappointed with this TV, without paying huge money this is the best TV around.

rcs

Cheers for the info Fred_Funk... Think I'm going to order one of these during the week... I can get if for €1353 on TechnikDirekt... but Alliance Electric in town are doing it for €1599 but that comes with a 5 year warranty, so will probably go for that...

Just would like to know, if anyone has hooked their laptop up through the PC Input slot? What's the quality like?

big_moe

I have an Apple Macbook and the Panasonic 42" PV70 and with the DVI-HDMI cable, the quality is perfect when i play American TV shows that were shot in HD. (Obviously depends on the quality of your source material though).

I also had it hooked up with the VGA cable ("proper" PC Input) and couldn't see any noticeable difference in video quality.

As far as "1080p" goes, it's a huge debate whether or not it can be noticed on a screen less than 50". In my experience, it can't.

If you go into Alliance Electric, there's a Sony 40" W Series Full 1080p TV beside the 42" Panasonic. Both have a 1080p feed from the new Sony Blu Ray player and it's showing Casino Royale on Blu Ray. Have a look and see if you can notice the difference.

moe

fred funk }{

Did you notice any difference at all Moe?

big_moe

between the Sony 1080p and the Panasonic "1080p processing".

yup, the panasonic looked sharper. it processes the images at 1080p level and then downsizes for the panel, but it somehow makes it look sharper (and better in general) than the "Real" 1080p Sony.

maybe its just to my eyes. some people prefer LCD. i cant stand it.

moe

fred funk }{

1080p on any screen 42" or smaller is a gimmick if you ask me, you have to be up very close to the screen to notice the difference.

I have an upscaling DVD player which outputs up to 1080p, but I find that it produces a better picture when it outputs at its native 720p. Maybe its because its being processed twice, once being upscaled by the player to 1080p then back down to the native 720p.

FutureGuy

I bought the 42" about 2 months ago and finished it off with the caboinet and a Panasonic Home Cinema system with upscaling DVD player.

Regular DVDs look amazing on the screen. As for the XBOX360...well I replayed Gears of War from scratch, and it was truely amazing!

The 42 is only a couple hundred more than the 37 so i'd opt for the former.

Totally recommended.

rcs

Cheers for the input lads.... Gonna take the plunge this week I think....

Viewing distance is the only thing holding me back from getting the 42"... I'll be viewing it from 8/9 feet.

Will have a look at the two of them in the shop when I get in & make my mind up on the day!!

Snake Plisken

well what did u go for rcs??? I got a 42" and I'm 5feet away from the screen and I'm sorry I didn't get a 50" (to get more of a cinema effect)

Snake

rcs

Hi Snake,

Ended up getting the 42". Got it last week. Absolutely delighted with it. NTL picture is a lot better than expected for a 42". Some channels can be a bit dodge at times but that's NTL for ya!

Xbox 360 looks absolutely savage on it. For anyone who has a 360 I'd recommend getting a HD tv because the difference in quality is amazing.

DVD's look great on it too. Haven't hooked it up to my laptop yet but will do that over next couple of days

big_moe

you should try an upscaling dvd player on it (if you already haven't) i have the pioneer dvr-545 with a QED HDMI cable, savage picture.

the new panasonic upscaling dvd player (DVD-S53) @ €139 is a VERY worthwhile investment.

moe

Mcloke

Hello,
I would really appreciate if somebody could tell me whether the Panasonic TH37PX70 is a newer version of the Panasonic TH37PV70 or if they are the same model for different countries (UK vs ROI). I am interested in getting the Panasonic TH37PX70 but seen that Alliance Electric has the Panasonic TH37PV70 on their website.
I am a little confused and would appreciate input from anyone who knows!
Many Thanks
M

Snake Plisken

PV37 would have the Euro tuner in it, the PX37 just has the UK tuner in it. So just to clarify if you have sky etc then the PX would do you. But if you have cable NTL/Chorus or an aerial and your picking up RTE etc then you should get the PV version.

Hope this helps

Snake

big_moe

yup. PX is UK, PV is Ireland.

moe

Mcloke

Thank you both Snake and Moe,
I did wonder if it was just a UK/Irish difference. Do you think we will need the Digital Tuners that are in UK model TVs in the near future? I will more than likely end up with a V now that I know thats the only difference as it will be easier to get my hands on I have a UK model TV at the moment (lived in UK at the time) and due to just moving house (again) I am currently stuck with just 2 channels instead of 4!
Another ? for anyone who might know...do you know when panasonic plan to bring out the other models for the 37", I have read later this year?
Many Thanks Again,
M

Snake Plisken

I wouldn't worry to much about digital tuners at the moment, you can pick up standalone boxes for 30 euros in Spain or up north and all you can get are the 4 main irish channels, they are running a 2 year trial at the moment, but I wouldn't let that be the deciding factor. Just one thing on the PX model I did find on Komplett a PX71 which does have the Irish tuner and DVB-Tuner here is the link http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.aspx?sku=338020&view=detailed and here is the manual for it
http://techdocs.panasonic.co.uk/docs/1z46bb2c4ez3z24a6bz656ez706466z22zab5bf43fe7e04c1d2acc7f1eec9763452792d0cc/tsn2/data/EU/TH37PX71E/OI/773748/TQB0E0449U.pdf
Moe might be able to help you with the new versions of the Panny 37".

Snake

One thing to point out is that buying here in ireland you will get a free 5 year warrenty which you won't get if you buy off the net.

Mcloke

Thanks Snake,
I am in Clare so I need somewhere local at a good price or somewhere which will deliver
Not too concerned about the digital tuner as we Irish drag our feet on most things!
Is there much difference between the 37" or 42" models.....my concern is space which is why I am leaning towards the 37"
Is the 5 year warranty countrywide?
Thanks for all your help,
M

Snake Plisken

Well I opted for the 42" version I sit about 6 feet from the set and its fine as its slim they don't take to much room, but each to his own, I know Brian who posts on here was looking originally at the 37" set and he went for the 42" in the end and think he is happy with it. I think if you can afford it go for the 42" version.
Yes the 5 year warrenty is countrywide, I know someone who bought in Tipperary and got it so make sure whoever you deal with gives u the panasonic document with it and signs off on it, think u then send it to panasonic uk and should get details back in the post (eventually)

Snake

Mcloke

Can anyone direct me to a panasonic seller in the Limerick, Clare, Galway region that comes in line with the Alliance Electric price? Feel free to PM if you dont want to advertise on here but I went into the panasonic shop in Limerick today and they are looking for almost €1600 for the 37" and I was pretty sure that was for the pedestal version.
Another panasonic retailer according to the website didnt have any pannys at all!
Thanks,
M

Snake Plisken

Would u use DID, think they deliver countrywide for 25euros they have the 37" for 1399. http://www.didstore.com/store_subcat.asp?catid=14&subid=196
you can buy off their website.

Snake

Mcloke

Yes they would certainly be an option, thank you for that...would I get the 5 year warranty with them do you think?
You are very helpful Snake thank you!

Snake Plisken

Yes you should, give them a call, maybe the Kilkenny branch or I think there is a number on the internet site for queries on the site. Glad to help you or any board member out

Snake

karl200607

Hi everyone

Has anybody noticed some random clicking noises coming from the top of their set.it starts occuring after about 20 mins after being switched on.i have my set about 2 months and its random. Been reading over on av forums and there has been a lot of reports of it it seems to be to do with heat expansion.

Snake Plisken

What version of the set have you Karl as a matter of interest? I've heard the odd small click but I put it down to heat expansion, if it sounds like one of the relay switches then it might be trouble.

Snake

karl200607

i have the 42 inch pv70 i strongly think its heat related to and not mechanical the clicks are quite loud and can happen every 5 to 10 mins.Anyway im not dissapointed with the tv because otherwise it is excellent and fullfills everything i need.

Freddie59

Mcloke wrote:

Can anyone direct me to a panasonic seller in the Limerick, Clare, Galway region that comes in line with the Alliance Electric price? Feel free to PM if you dont want to advertise on here but I went into the panasonic shop in Limerick today and they are looking for almost €1600 for the 37" and I was pretty sure that was for the pedestal version.
Another panasonic retailer according to the website didnt have any pannys at all!
Thanks,
M

http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.aspx?sku=333263

Freddie59

Also thinking of buying. Anyone any comments on this machine?

Thanks in advance.

Freddie.

http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.aspx?sku=329498&view=detailed

Snake Plisken

Wouldn't bother with that one, last gen version and scaled down features, you could get purple snake issue on that one stich with the 70 series

Snake

Freddie59 wrote:

Also thinking of buying. Anyone any comments on this machine?

Thanks in advance.

Freddie.

http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.aspx?sku=329498&view=detailed

Freddie59

Snake Plisken wrote:

Wouldn't bother with that one, last gen version and scaled down features, you could get purple snake issue on that one stich with the 70 series

Snake

Thanks for that Snake. Will go with the newer 37".

Cheers,

Freddie.

Mcloke

Hi Snake,
Do you watch bog standard telly on your 42", some reviews I have read say the 37" deals with Sd better than the 42"....your thoughts. I am torn between the two as I have not been able to see both TVs showing the same thing to compare direct with direct. I have seen the 42" with some fairly poor SD tv on it but I also am aware that can be poor signal split between multiple tellys.

To Big Moe if your out there do you have to have the 5 year warranty sent off by the end of August or just have bought the TV? I am getting conflicting reports and thought you might be able to help

Thanks Both,
M

P.S. Anybody else who can help with these questions is most welcome. I am just aware that Snake has the 42" TV and Big Moe works with Panasonics.

Snake Plisken

Depends on your cable or terrestrial reception, also the bigger the screen the more faults you will find with poor signal, now the panny comes with a lot of Noise reduction features, so it makes my crappy NTL analog pictures for RTE & ITV look a hell of a lot better then with the features off. If you are just recieving the 4 basic channels and you have a decent enough signal then you should be ok.
What are you mainly going to watch on the TV when you get it? DVD? Sky? Standard off air channels? Cable/MMDS?
Also on the 5 year warrenty its if you buy the TV before the 31st of August and you have the leaflet signed by whoever you bought the TV off will do fine, Panasonic are slow, I know someone who bought the TV over 10 weeks ago and is still waiting for Panasonic to return the extended warrenty. You will get it just takes a bit of chasing up with Panasonic after you sent in the paperwork.

Please come back with further questions any I'll do my best to answer.

Thanks

Snake

Mcloke

Well at the moment it will be just the basic 4 channels but once we are sorted out it will be more than likely be a sky dish or chorus dish (prob sky). Then DVDs, Wii and PS2!
Thanks Again,
M

Snake Plisken

So for PS2 Wii and DVD's you'll be fine (you can pick up upscaler dvd players pretty cheap which will make your dvd's look almost HD quality). Whats your reception like on the 4 terrestrial channels on your current tv? Do they look clear? Any ghosting? Sky will look great on it and Chorus will look good too, I'd go for Sky as they broadcast at a higher resolution and bit rate then chorus but might work out more expensive then Chorus, but whatever you go for they will look fine.

Snake

Mcloke

We have a booster signal box so channels are very clear.
The main problem I am having is finding someone local that sells the bloody thing well there is the panasonic shop but she is looking for 1550ish for the 37" which I am not paying when I can get it from DID for cheaper.
Why not just get it from DID I hear you say....well there seems to be some questions as to whether I will be sent the paperwork with the TV or need to go and get it from a shop....and well being as I am on the other side of the country thats not very user friendly
M

Mcloke

Ok so I have just been talking to websales at DID and the paperwork problem seems to be fine (they will post it) so I may well be ordering with DID. My last (I think) question is whether the EY at the end of the DID code for the TH-37PV70 means anything that I should know about....is it the same version as the TH-37PV70 that I see on other websites.
Thanks Again....
M

big_moe

EY means Irish version.

Panasonic have to receive the warranty claim forms by 30th September.

moe

Mcloke

Thank you Moe,
I think I am all set to buy now once I make the decision of 37" vs 42" I will do some measuring up tonight!
Marie

Snake Plisken

You might find the 42" to big at first but after a week of living with it, you'll get used to it, I have read of countless people on AVforums who are sorry about not going for the 42" over the 37", but its up to yourself. Also I would go back into the so called local agent and say you are going to buy from DID for the lower price and see if she'll match their price. Sometimes it works.

Snake

cruibin

I called DID on Sunday about the TH42-PV70 and they had no clue about the 5 year Panny warranty. Then they came back to me and told me yes they had the warranty and they would deliver.... went to their local branch and they told me that it was no longer a valid offer.... and it was back to 1 year and I could purchase an extended warranty if I wanted - totally wasted my Sunday. So basically I told them to feck off and went to Alliance electric - nice guys, good service and I'll have my 42" delivered this week with the 5yr warranty form.

Mcloke

Hi Snake,
Well I had tried the price matching and didnt get a yes or no really but my partner went in yesterday and did much better than me....they came within €15 I believe so will probably go with them as they are local if we have any problems. The 42" is winning at the moment
Question to people with the 42", what stand are you using with it. Looking for a nice stand...wooden or glass. Any thoughts &/or opinions welcome!
M

Mcloke

Yes Cruibin, DID are a little all over the place....I got different responses depending on what store I called. They are doing the 5 year warranty but seemed unaware that it was extended until a day or so ago! Glad you got it anyway....alliance were pleasant to me on the phone but as I am in the west there is no way they can deliver to me easily which is fair enough really
M

cruibin wrote:

I called DID on Sunday about the TH42-PV70 and they had no clue about the 5 year Panny warranty. Then they came back to me and told me yes they had the warranty and they would deliver.... went to their local branch and they told me that it was no longer a valid offer.... and it was back to 1 year and I could purchase an extended warranty if I wanted - totally wasted my Sunday. So basically I told them to feck off and went to Alliance electric - nice guys, good service and I'll have my 42" delivered this week with the 5yr warranty form.

Snake Plisken

HI McLoke,

I use a glass stand that I picked up in Argos not the best but it suits my needs have a picture up here http://members.chello.ie/manonfire/default.htm

I think a timber stand wouldn't really suit the look of the set, just my opinion.

Snake

Mcloke

I will have a look at the argos selection....link was very useful thank you, I see you have a lot of reflections. Hopefully that wont be a problem in our place...it isn't with the current telly but this one will be higher off the ground :rolleyes:

Snake Plisken

no reflection isn't that much of an issue, as weather is normally bad, looks worse in the pictures then it actually is, just put them up when I got the tv first.

Snake

big_moe

no complaints here with reflections either. and mine is in a direct line of a bright window.

i have the official panasonic stand but there are loads available depending on how much equipment you want to store. http://www.allianceelectric.ie/stands.htm

moe

cruibin

Well my new baby is set up and I'm in lurve.... great picture even from my yamaha dvd player via scart. Will invest in new equipment later in the year to avail of the HDMI.

As for reflection.. not a prob so far, and I have it right by a window at moment and its performing better than my old Sony Trinitron which I did have reflection issues with - I know its like comparing chalk and cheese but I was surprised at the level of difference in same position with same light source on both screens.

I'm using an old stand at moment as I will be getting a mate to hang it on wall once I remodel, but Alliance did have a very nice selection of stands.

Mcloke

Thanks Guys,
My plan is to order this stand from Argos today..... http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/5364181.htm .... and the TV later today and so should have both the stand and the TV very soon
Looking forward to it!
M

Mcloke

Well I am very happy...ordered the 42" TV on Thurs at 5pm and got it on Fri at 2pm...so I would certainly recommend the panasonic shop in Limerick for service. Also got them to agree to price DID was selling it for so thumbs up all around.

To anybody thinking of the 37" go for the 42" the space difference is minimal...the price difference is minimal (in the big scheme of things) and I know I would have been very dissapointed if I went with the 37"

I have read about run in settings for the 1st 200hrs. Can somebody tell me what they should be please.

TV handles SD signal from bog standard arial (in the attic) really well.

Very happy...thanks for the ongoing help around this purchase decision....it was vital and valuable to me

M