Panasonic Viera 37ins with Freesat

Pal

where can I buy one for use in Dublin ?

should I get plasma or lcd ?

are they any good ?

Thanks

TheDriver

can't buy in Dublin. try richersounds in belfast, will deliver to Rep for 20pounds.
got my 32" for 860 euro. Excellent tvs plus got free 5 year warranty

Pal

plasma or lcd ?

joeperry

I have the 37in plasma panasonic and its won lots of best product awards,plasma is superior to lcd in my opinion, plasma has no screen bluring on fast motion like sports broadcasts and on videogames,better contrast so far superior black colour levels for moody dvd scenes and they're cheaper than the equivalent panasonic lcds.

Also they're are no viewing angle issues with a plasma.

Pal

Thanks

The 37in plasma is with Freesat yes ?

Stewy18

Hi Joe,
wondering how your panasonic working with the built in freesat?,
thinking about buying the 42" with freesat up north,
this one ,
Panasonic TH42PZ81 Freesat (Plasma),
just wants to see if people are happy with them....
cheers

stephene

I have the TH46PZ81 about a week or so now and it's absolutely superb.

What initially amazed me was the quality of Standard Definition broadcasts compared to my 37" Samsung LCD. It will also pick up the irish DTT channels, which incidently look as good if not better than their Sky equivalent. BBC HD and ITV-HD, as you would expect, look fantastic too.

I got the matching Panasonic stand too which sets it all off very nicely.


Get one, you won't regret it


Stephen.

Stewy18

hi stephen,
thanks for your reply,
so the built in freesat was ok,
no problems working here in dublin?,
do u mind me asking where and how much u got it for?
thanks

TheDriver

I got the 32" and its stunning, love the sd quality never mind the HD, much much better than cheaper LCDs to be honest.
Stephene: Yours works with MPeg4 DTT?

Charlie-Bravo

I have the Panasonic TX-37LZD81. got it in Watters a few miles from Dundalk...not a bad drive up from North Wicklow...only an hour and a half. Speak to Seamus in there....

In relation to this TV; Richer Sounds are out of stock and won't get anything in till a few weeks time, Currys have some in a warehouse in England but you'll have to wait two weeks if you pay up front in their Newry store (involving two trips!)

From investigation, you cannot record or pause live telly on this TV. You may be able to record onto a DVD/HDD or VHS through scart output (yet to be tested). All this would be in standard definition.

Panasonic launch new products in March. If you have time to wait, they may have a specific STB for DTT & FreeSat/Sat4free...all their equipment links up through the Viera link and Diga.

All DVD/HDD STB from Pana at the moment are Freeview only...so I'm hoping they bring out a box that can tune everything: pause/record/watch TV while having the TV set as a back up for Satellite and DTT.

Sparky2201

Stewy18 wrote: »

hi stephen,
thanks for your reply,
so the built in freesat was ok,
no problems working here in dublin?,
do u mind me asking where and how much u got it for?
thanks

I bought the TH42PZ81B 2 weeks ago. I ordered from laptopsdirect.ie on a Monday and it arrived on Weds morning. From other threads on boards, these guys do seem to have some customer care issues if anything goes wrong but for me it was a nervous few days waiting but well worth it. The TV with a table stand (£140) and delivery came to €1250 - exhange rate at the time was approx 90p so now is a better time to buy.

The TV is great, no problem with freesat - connect the cable to the TV and off you go - provided you have a satellite dish already installed and pointing at Astra 2D (e.g. SKY dishes).

United V Spurs, FA CUP in HD tomorrow. Can't wait!

Stewy18

thanks sparky,
thats what i want to find out about the freesat,
enjoy the footy so...cheers...

stephene

Stewy18 wrote: »

so the built in freesat was ok,
no problems working here in dublin?,
do u mind me asking where and how much u got it for?
thanks

Yes, Freesat is perfect. Used a NI postcode for BBC1NI, BBC2NI, UTV at the top of the EPG and channel 977 is ITV1 London, so I can watch ITV-HD as UTV doesn't display the red button to switch to ITV-HD.

I got mine from laptopsdirect.ie as well. I originally wanted the 42" bundle deal with the free matching Panasonic stand, but they were sold out just as I was about to order :mad:. So, in frustration, I went for the 46" bundle deal instead, and I'm so glad I did

TheDriver wrote: »

Yours works with MPeg4 DTT?

Yes, it's well documented on the Terrestrial forum here that the PZ81's work with the current Mpeg4 DTT tests, even though Panasonic deny that it will. Quality is excellent. EPG works, and MHEG5 text works too.

One thing that spooked me when I got it was the power button on the remote. I was pressing the button, and it wasn't turning on! Panic was setting in :eek:! I hadn't read the manual :rolleyes: where it says to hold the button down for "about" 1 second to turn on the telly from standby! So, manuals are useful....sometimes...

Stephen.

stephene

stephene wrote: »

I went for the 46" bundle deal instead, and I'm so glad I did

BTW, if you do a search for 46PZ81B on laptopsdirect.ie, you'll find the bundle deal with the free panasonic stand is actually cheaper than the TV without the stand! Apparently the bundle deal is a limited offer from Panasonic, not specifically laptopsdirect.


Stephen.

Stewy18

thanks stephen for that,
might order from them as well,
must check it out,
other places are out of stock,
like richer sound....(thats why no response from them about stock availability)

did you find laptopsdirect.ie crowd ok?
cheers

stephene

Stewy18 wrote: »

did you find laptopsdirect.ie crowd ok?

Yes, no problems. The only thing was, the site reported they had >20 in stock. I found out that this means >20 at their suppliers. So it took an extra day or so to arrive. I'm so impatient !

Stewy18

cheers stephen,
thanks for your info.,
how much days did it take from when u ordered intil u got it?,
just wondering,
think i will order this soon myself....looks a great deal...must say...:)

TheDriver

Only thing is the remote is awful with mine and buttons very clicky but if thats the least of my complaints!!
Its a great tv and has so much in there, fair enough can't record onto things but if you only want it for watching then its fine. I have optical out going to home cinema system for sound too. Try standland.co.uk for stands, got a lovely one that fits it perfectly in colour etc

stephene

Stewy18 wrote: »

how much days did it take from when u ordered intil u got it?,
just wondering,

Ordered Thursday afternoon, received following Tuesday, I think.

TheDriver wrote:

Only thing is the remote is awful with mine and buttons very clicky but if thats the least of my complaints!!

Yes, I definately agree there. A lot more pressure is required to press the buttons on the remote, but I'm slowly getting used to it. Thankfully I use the Sky+ remote most of the time, and only need the Panasonic one for DTT and Freesat. Might be time for one of those Harmony yokes...

bob11

astrofluff wrote: »

I have the Panasonic TX-37LZD81. got it in Watters a few miles from Dundalk...not a bad drive up from North Wicklow...only an hour and a half. Speak to Seamus in there....

.

Hi Astro, Where abouts is this place, Watters ??
Do you have a weblink ?

I want to get 1 of these , but don't fancy buying online ..

Cheers,

Bob

Charlie-Bravo

Watters is just over the border...head up the M1 towards Newry, when you get to Dundalk you'll see a sign for N53 Caslteblaney...get off the motorway and head Northwest along this road for about 10 mins...you can't miss it on the left!

There's no website from what I can see. To be honest, the place they have there is gas...they've got everything electrical you could ever think of. Absolutely decent crowd to deal with and I'm happy with my purchase. Seamus himself is very very helpful.

Tomk1

I was wondering why a TV was being talked about on the satellite form, had a look at the demo-video very impressed. Also I agree there is no comparision between LCD and the far superior Plasma.

Stewy18

stephene wrote: »

BTW, if you do a search for 46PZ81B on laptopsdirect.ie, you'll find the bundle deal with the free panasonic stand is actually cheaper than the TV without the stand! Apparently the bundle deal is a limited offer from Panasonic, not specifically laptopsdirect.


Stephen.

thanks stephen,
ordered this one this morning...

Stewy18

stephene wrote: »

Yes, no problems. The only thing was, the site reported they had >20 in stock. I found out that this means >20 at their suppliers. So it took an extra day or so to arrive. I'm so impatient !

hi stephen,
just wondering what's their delivery process?,
i see from website they will ring you/text u the day before about delivery,
is this the case?,
see there's no one home to take delivery....
just a bit anxious now,
thanks....

Sparky2201

Stewy18 wrote: »

hi stephen,
just wondering what's their delivery process?,
i see from website they will ring you/text u the day before about delivery,
is this the case?,
see there's no one home to take delivery....
just a bit anxious now,
thanks....

You should have received an email with a link to track the delivery. When you click on this and go there it doesn't tell you a whole lot other than if they have dispatched your order. However, there is a phone number to call to get more information. I called this and was told when they would arrive - I explained I needed an hour from when the courier called so I could get to the house - said this was what usually happens - not in my case - he called when he was outside the house so try and have someone nearby available.

stephene

Stewy18 wrote: »

hi stephen,
just wondering what's their delivery process?,
i see from website they will ring you/text u the day before about delivery,
is this the case?,
see there's no one home to take delivery....
just a bit anxious now,
thanks....

...what sparky said

Just ring the number on your order tracking page. On the day it was being delivered, I told them we would be at home between 1pm and 3pm, and they arrived at 2.30pm

Stewy18

cheers sparky and stephen,
the delivery rang me say 5 mins after i posted on boards,
luckily i work 30mins from home ,
so dashed back and all is ok,
ps do you guys get utv hd?,
only can find bbc hd,
thanks
need to get rid the the boxes & rubbish now...:mad:

Sparky2201

Stewy18 wrote: »

cheers sparky and stephen,
the delivery rang me say 5 mins after i posted on boards,
luckily i work 30mins from home ,
so dashed back and all is ok,
ps do you guys get utv hd?,
only can find bbc hd,
thanks
need to get rid the the boxes & rubbish now...:mad:

BBC HD is a separate channel on Freesat. ITV is accessible via red button when they have HD content available. There had been problems with accessing the red button HD on UTV - think this is resolved now - in any case I used a central London postcode - the TV defaults to this - and there are no problems with ITV HD when available. Have never tried UTV. Glad to hear it worked out for you and enjoy the TV!

Dopey

Gents,

I subscribed to which magazine to pick out a 42" LCD for my Dad. To my surprise they recommended the Panasonic 42" plasma. The only negative I can find with plasma over LCD is the extra power usage on the plasma.

I was going to get this for him in richersounds.

Panasonic TH42PZ80 Full HD £900

He wants FreeSat also as he already has a satellite dish etc. The model with built it FreeSat is

Panasonic TH46PZ81 Freesat HD £1400

Wouldn't it be better to get the humax FoxSat Digital Recorder for approx £300 with the £900 Panasonic?

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/5321832.htm

Total price £1200?

Stewy18

Dopey wrote: »

Gents,

I subscribed to which magazine to pick out a 42" LCD for my Dad. To my surprise they recommended the Panasonic 42" plasma. The only negative I can find with plasma over LCD is the extra power usage on the plasma.

I was going to get this for him in richersounds.

Panasonic TH42PZ80 Full HD £900

He wants FreeSat also as he already has a satellite dish etc. The model with built it FreeSat is

Panasonic TH46PZ81 Freesat HD £1400

Wouldn't it be better to get the humax FoxSat Digital Recorder for approx £300 with the £900 Panasonic?

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/5321832.htm

Total price £1200?

hi,
got this just yesterday, bundle deal with stand,everything together £1290 including delivery to your door, as recommended in earlier post by stephen, see previous posts,
http://www.laptopsdirect.ie/Panasonic_TH-46PZ81B_46_Inch_HD_Ready_Plasma_TV_with_Freesat_with__BUN-TH-46PZ81B-3396/version.asp, freesat included, has eco save if you worried about power consumpton...

stephene

Stewy18 wrote: »

ps do you guys get utv hd?,

If you entered a NI postcode during setup, you'll get BBC1 NI, BBC2 NI and UTV at positions 101, 102 and 103. UTV do not show the red button to allow you to switch to ITV-HD whenever a HD programme is on, so those nice people at Freesat added ITV1 London at position 977, so those who like to have bbc ni and utv can get access to ITV-HD via channel 977.

If you entered any other valid UK postcode, just watch out for the red button on ITV1.

There's very little info about ITV-HD programme schedules. Try these sites....

Zingzing TV Listings - very nice listings site

and

JoinFreesat.co.uk's ITV-HD schedule


Stephen.

Martin_F

Dopey wrote: »

Gents,

I subscribed to which magazine to pick out a 42" LCD for my Dad. To my surprise they recommended the Panasonic 42" plasma. The only negative I can find with plasma over LCD is the extra power usage on the plasma.

I was going to get this for him in richersounds.

Panasonic TH42PZ80 Full HD £900

He wants FreeSat also as he already has a satellite dish etc. The model with built it FreeSat is

Panasonic TH46PZ81 Freesat HD £1400

Wouldn't it be better to get the humax FoxSat Digital Recorder for approx £300 with the £900 Panasonic?

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/5321832.htm

Total price £1200?

'Which' were pretty much recommending all Panasonic TV's a year ago - I bought my 37LZD on the basis of their recommendation - and avoided the plasma's on the power consumption basis (plasma's are more power hungry when being used vs LCD).

Your price comparsion isn't like for like - the £1400 TV is bigger at 46" vs 42" for the cheaper one.

If it was like for like - then yes - the non freesat TV with the Humax PVR would be better value & function. You'd have to decide how the screen size diff affects your decision. Also bear in mind the panny TV's with Freesat may work with Irish DTT - the non Freesat version won't.

There is a thread on the Terstrial boards about which TV's are working with DTT:-
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055420793

Pal

enough info now thanks everybody.
I'm off North

Stewy18

thanks sparky and stephen for all your info.,
very useful,
sorry about asking all these questions,
another one for you,
do you where can i get that steel thing that splits the satelite wire into 2 wires so that i can put it in for both the freesat and digital sky box??? (dont know what they are called)...
any links? and roughly how much? ,
ps how many analogue channels can you get on the tv ...I got 3 (C4 , E4 and discovery - but got them all on the DVD/VCR player)..
thanks...

had a look at maplins and argos website..dont seem to have what i am looking for..cheers

Sparky2201

Stewy18 wrote: »

thanks sparky and stephen for all your info.,
very useful,
sorry about asking all these questions,
another one for you,
do you where can i get that steel thing that splits the satelite wire into 2 wires so that i can put it in for both the freesat and digital sky box??? (dont know what they are called)...
any links? and roughly how much? ,
ps how many analogue channels can you get on the tv ...I got 3 (C4 , E4 and discovery - but got them all on the DVD/VCR player)..
thanks...

had a look at maplins and argos website..dont seem to have what i am looking for..cheers

I think you will need to run another cable from your dish to the SKY box. You will need to ensure that the LNB (where the cable connects to at the dish end) has a free connector. If you have SKY Plus, then SKY replace the LNB with a quad LNB giving you the ability to add more cables.

The are problems with splitting satellite cables - something to do with polarity I think - other boardies will have a better explanation or solution if there is one.

Two examples of where LNBs and cables can be bought online from www.satellite.ie or www.satellitesuperstore.com. They don't cost that much.

The TV will pick up terrestrial channels i.e. non satellite. There is an analogue tuner in it although it is UHF only - so depending on where you are in the country you will pick up different channels (i.e. not the VHF ones). I get all the Irish channels on UHF where I live as well as some of the spillover from Wales for the UK terrestrials.

DTT - digital terrestrial channels are available in some areas also but not commercially live yet. This is down as DVB on the menu option and the TV supports MPEG-4 so you should be able to receive the Irish channels this way if you are in coverage.

Stewy18

cheers sparky,
think that's ok for now,
too much hassle,
easier if i just unscrew the cable when i want,
only rarely watching sky digital anyway , only some matches,

thinking about speakers for the hdtv now?,
any recommendations guys?

is it better if i get the home theater system?

thanks...

ps watch the pool match on itvhd...very nice....:)

TheDriver

I got samsung 215 from sams yer man for 215 pounds delivered, mighty system and connected the tv to it via optical cable from ebay, 5.1 sound comes through lovely on bbchd when its broadcast. Floorstanding speakers too

Stewy18

thanks driver,
what model is yours?, any links?,
similar value for money models???

so i dont need that home theatre system...i can just get the speakers 5.1 and link it up to the tv ...most 5.1 out there has the home theatre dvd upscale player...,

i rather just get the speakers..thanks....:)

TheDriver

you will need an amp and to be honest, most seperates will work out a fair bit more than that. Model as stated above, Samsung 215.

slegs

Stewy18 wrote: »

cheers sparky,
think that's ok for now,
too much hassle,
easier if i just unscrew the cable when i want,
only rarely watching sky digital anyway , only some matches,

thinking about speakers for the hdtv now?,
any recommendations guys?

is it better if i get the home theater system?

thanks...

ps watch the pool match on itvhd...very nice....:)

On the Freesat boxes you can loop the cable through the Freesat box and onto the Sky box. Not sure if you can also do this with the Panasonic Freesat TVs.

Its not a perfect solution but it allows you to watch different channels on the same transponder on both boxes at the same time or if you are switching back and forth between boxes for channel choice at least you are not swapping cables.

Stewy18

no not works with the freeesat pammy tv i afraid