ST50 Owners' Thread - First impressions, Reviews, Tweaks, etc.

I was just watching "Salt" on Star Movies hd. I just cannot explain the joys of watching movies on this tv model. :)

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(Repost from another thread)
Before buying plasma, I was seriously debating LED or plasma. I always knew that plasma is better than LED when it comes to delivering the picture. But led held many other advantages. Plasma had its share of drawbacks. Reflective surface, ambient light doubts, possible colour washout, etc. were worrying factors. High power consumption, dying technology, possible phase out by manufacturer and spider web type cracks were really daunting, most of all. But I also saw that owners of Pioneer Kuro are still so happy.

Then I thought, what the heck? Let me go with my heart's desire. So far so good. Time will tell whether I have made the right decision.

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Hi Folks,

Thanks for all the great support so far. This thread was instrumental in me taking the plunge for a 42inch ST50 [Price 83K with the HT]. With a week of the set in, wanted to post some feedback / get your advice.

1. First the disclaimer. Upgraded from a 21inch CRT - I have no base to compare against and hence the feedback is overwhelmingly positive.

2. Black Levels. The screen has a distinct grey look when switched off. When turned on [Smart Viera logo pops up], I can get a glimpse of the black levels the panel is capable of. However, it then switches back to a greyish black look subsequently. This was all the more visible while watching Star Wars yesterday. I am using the Cinema mode. Every other settings are at default. Is there a preferred mode and calibration required for achieving the panel's true potential? It is all the more perplexing because this is the one feature everyone out there is raving about.

3. HT Offer. Was told by the dealer the HT should come in over the next 20 days. Called up the Panasonic call center and was told it might take closer to 40 days. Has anyone received theirs? Anyway to 'push it through'?

4. Unique Product Code. Found out about Club Panasonic on their website. Whilst registering my TV, they are asking for a Unique Product Code. Can't seem to locate it on either the box or my bill.

Long list of queries for the first post, but trust you guys can help. Regards.
 
@aceutosh,

"Black level" is not about displaying black colour. It is the ability of the display device to yield the greatest details in various shades of gray and black so that the user can distinguish the fine details in shadows. For example, a scene may have some dark background either in full or partial. The ability to identify patterns, objects in that dark (near black) background is what "deep black levels" and "shades of gray" mean.

To test black colour, you can do the following:

- create an picture of size 1920 x 1080 pixels (can do using MS-Paint also)
- set the entire frame to black
- create four white boxes of 100x100 or so at four corners
- save this image as .bmp (not jpg/gif/png)
- transfer the image to a datacard/SD card and watch it on the TV
 
Acetosh,

Welcome! I bought my TV just over 30 days ago and have yet to receive my HT. If you get yours sooner, you might just be receiving the one 'marked' for me ;)

Regarding calibration, there are plenty of posts on this thread and the 'TV Settings' thread that should uncover the full gamut of links and opinions. A quick search on this site will be useful to you. While there are some guidelines, properly calibrating a set is quite personal; what's nice for you might appear too bright or saturated for others. One thing most sites/professionals say is that calibration isn't usually done until about 200 hrs of usage or until the phosphors are evenly aged.

mini
 
Completed 350 hours of TV operation. TV switched on 233 times.

- No IR observed
- No artifacts, lines, dead pixels, patches, etc.
- TV added 72 units to August electricity bill (compared this with last July,2012 and August,2011 units and averaged out)
- when TV is running for long duration, room becomes warm; fan needs to be switched on
- TV working extremely well; no complaints
 
If the TV is on for more than 2 hours, room starts getting warm. The ambient temperature increases by 2 (I suppose) and then stays that way.

My (bed)room is 14' x 11'. Also, we keep windows closed and curtains drawn (to dim the light).

If the TV is installed in a hall/living room with enough ventillation, then this may not be a problem. I am not saying that it is a problem to me. We just need to turn on the fan.
 
I put a table thermometer about 6" away from the front of the screen. After an hour watching the temp moved up by 1F after 2 hours it was up by 2. Oddly, after the third hour it moved back down to 2. I ran this test during the afternoon. I'll try it again tonight. Let's see how it does.

Also, for those wondering about the time it takes to rec'v your HT. I contacted my dealer today and he informed me that it will take another 10 days. That would make 50 days since purchase.
 
My HT was available within 3 weeks or so. Or maybe the dealer gave me one from his (old) stock and replenished it with the (new) HT meant for me.

Anyway, I sold it off for 7,500. So no skin off my nose.
 
Okay did the temp test last night again.

TV on for 3 hours (I only watched for about 1hr), temperature went up by 2 F over the duration.
 
Boss, you are trying to bring the CGS system back into vogue? :lol: In India, we measure in C. :) :)

Totally off topic...but I wish India were so consistent.

Next time someone in your house has a fever, ask them to state their temperature -- guaranteed it will be in F; and they will have no clue what that temp is in C.

How about the cost of of a new flat -- only quoted in 'Per Sq.Ft'. Builders do the same -- Floor to Ceiling Height is rarely stated as metres.

Regarding our tv's -- temp diff is approximately 1.1C ;) Was your temp in C? Perhaps the difference in our screen sizes (50" vs. 42") is the cause. Or should I say 127cm vs. 106cm ;)
 
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Totally off topic...but I wish India were so consistent.

Next time someone in your house has a fever, ask them to state their temperature -- guaranteed it will be in F; and they will have no clue what that temp is in C.

How about the cost of of a new flat -- only quoted in 'Per Sq.Ft'. Builders do the same -- Floor to Ceiling Height is rarely stated as metres.

Regarding our tv's -- temp diff is approximately 1.1C ;) Was your temp in C? Perhaps the difference in our screen sizes (50" vs. 42") is the cause. Or should I say 127cm vs. 106cm ;)
Leaving aside inches vs. cm, F vs.C, miles vs. km, the one thing that irritates me most is measurement of capacity in terms of litres for some items.

For example, refrigerator or microwave. In UK/US, they state the capacity in cubit feet which I feel is a better UOM. Same is true for car engines. If we wish to stick to SI system, then measure there in cubic meters or cubic cm. The litre is a good UOM for a bucket, wherein we fill it with water or a liquid. But one would think that manufacturers filled the fridge chamber with water and measured how much water it held. :rolleyes:

Coming back to topic ...

I did not actually measure the temperature but judging by the warmth in the room, I guessed it must around 2C (or F).
 
I watched the newly released Titanic in 3D 1080p; Amazing on these televisions. I saw this at the theatre and didn't enjoy it as much. The details/textures are stunning.

I think the trick for active 3D watching is to watch in a darkened room (e.g. bright windows covered or lights turned off).
 
And I just finished watching "Saving Private Ryan". Very fine detailing. I am missing theatre sound with this ultra fine tv.

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