Getting Panasonic 37X10. Advice needed please.

[admin_exported]

For those of you who have been following my 'story' I am happy to say I am taking the plunge and getting a Plasma at last!

I am waiting for a pm from John Lewis for £600 (if they include delivery?).

I did get a price of £650 from another online dealer who also offered to calibrate the TV for me.

However, I think I will need to pay someone about £20 to set up the TV for me as I have arthritis in my spine.

So I was wondering would the calibration (he didn't answer my question as to how he would do this)be worth £50?

Thanks!

 

[D.J.KRIME]

IMHO the £50 for a pre-delivery calibration is a waste of money as IMHO there is no way a TV can be correctly calibrated without being set up at home and with you other equipment plugged into it as every TV/DVD/Sky etc combination will give differing Calibration results which will also differ in diferant rooms in differant houses.

If only I lived closer I would bring my Laptop and Spyder around to help you but you can gain decent results with say the DVE dvd then use these settings as aguideline for your Freeview etc.

 

[Anonymous]

Cheers D.J!

I pretty much thought this myself but needed some kind person, such as your goodself, to confirm this.

I do wish you lived closer as well. It is a lovely place for a holiday!lol

Which calibration tool do you think would be the best for someone who isn't very confident?

 

[Cofnchtr]

Hi Scotsgirl,

Use the THX calibration 'tool' found on Lucasfilm discs such as Star Wars.

It's easy to do for a beginner - if you find this too complicated you'd be wasting your money on something more elaborate.

Cheers,

Cofnchtr.

 

[Anonymous]

Cofnchtr:Hi Scotsgirl,

Use the THX calibration 'tool' found on Lucasfilm discs such as Star Wars.

It's easy to do for a beginner - if you find this too complicated you'd be wasting your money on something more elaborate.

Cheers,

Cofnchtr.

Thanks I will give that a go.

Is the stand 'difficult' to put on as not sure whether I will need help?

 

[simonlewis]

The tv w/o stand is 22kg & with stand is 24kg.

If it's the same as my PZ81 there will be two holes underneath the tv that you will have to lift the tv onto the stand & then there are just two screws to secure the stand.

Hope this makes sense.

 

[D.J.KRIME]

Scotsgirl:Cheers D.J! I pretty much thought this myself but needed some kind person, such as your goodself, to confirm this. I do wish you lived closer as well. It is a lovely place for a holiday!lol Which calibration tool do you think would be the best for someone who isn't very confident?

As Cofnchtr has said the THX test paterns are a good starting point and will give a BASIC set of test paterns to help you adjust your contrast, brightness, sharpness and coulor and tint tho to use the later test paterns properly tou will need a set of the THX glasses avalible from the THX web site. These test patrns will only take you about 5-10 mins to use.

If after trying the THX test paterns you feal a little more brave then it might be worth investing in the DVE dvd. This DVD uses simular test paterns to the THX ones only with a few more but where it scores serious brownie points over the THX option is in that there is a very clear narative that will help you to understand just how each of your TV's settings affect each other. You will need to put more time aside to use the DVE disc as it does get you going back and forth with the test paterns to re-tweek previous settings after seting later ones but is really quite esay to use as long as you do exactly what the DVD is telling you to do. This DVD also comes with its own set of glasses to adjust colour and tint with.

The main thing to rember is that when Calibrating your new TV you cant actually do anything wrong and cause any damage to your set, so if you get the settings wrong simply restore the factory settings and try again.

It is also important to rember that just because say the THX test paterns give you settings for Contrast etc it does not mean that these are the settings you have to use, as you may feal the picture needs to be a tad brighter etc so this is where you can tweek the settings the test paterns have led you to to account for your own eye. This is another reason I personally like the DVE dvd again due to how it explains each setting in more detail as to be able to correctly set up your TV IMHO you need to understand what eact setting does not only on its own but also in respect to each other.

 

[oldleodensian]

Scotsgirl:. Is the stand 'difficult' to put on as not sure whether I will need help?

Depends on the severity of your arthritis; it is easy to attach the stand, but the weight of the TV and its substantial size may require a seond pair of hands.

I have the (slightly)older model TH37PX80, similar size and weight. With a lumbar spine problem too, I found it better to have help; although I could just about manage it alone, the size of the darn thing made it difficult to lift from floor to TV stand without causing any damage (either to me or the poor TV!).

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks a lot everyone. I really appreciate your advice.

D.J which DVE disc would you recommend?

 

[D.J.KRIME]

Scotsgirl:Thanks a lot everyone. I really appreciate your advice. D.J which DVE disc would you recommend?

It is avalible HERE and IMHO is well worth £12

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks again D.J.

Have had a bit of a setback as the store I asked John Lewis to pricematch with don't have any 37PX10's in stock.
Not sure what to do now!

I can get it for £50 cheaper from The Home Cinema Centre but not sure what their aftersales service is like?

Why are things never straightforward?!!!

 

[Anonymous]

Scotsgirl:For those of you who have been following my 'story' I am happy to say I am taking the plunge and getting a Plasma at last! I am waiting for a pm from John Lewis for £600 (if they include delivery?). I did get a price of £650 from another online dealer who also offered to calibrate the TV for me. However, I think I will need to pay someone about £20 to set up the TV for me as I have arthritis in my spine. So I was wondering would the calibration (he didn't answer my question as to how he would do this)be worth £50? Thanks!Reputable calibrators will wait until the set has 100hrs or more of use before calibrating. And has been pointed out, it needs to be done in your home, with your own equipment.

Wait till JL have it in stock again, as the 5yr warranty is worth having. They should pricematch Sound&Vision. Bolton, £579.

 

[Anonymous]

rewerb:
Scotsgirl:For those of you who have been following my 'story' I am happy to say I am taking the plunge and getting a Plasma at last! I am waiting for a pm from John Lewis for £600 (if they include delivery?). I did get a price of £650 from another online dealer who also offered to calibrate the TV for me. However, I think I will need to pay someone about £20 to set up the TV for me as I have arthritis in my spine. So I was wondering would the calibration (he didn't answer my question as to how he would do this)be worth £50? Thanks!Reputable calibrators will wait until the set has 100hrs or more of use before calibrating. And has been pointed out, it needs to be done in your home, with your own equipment.

Wait till JL have it in stock again, as the 5yr warranty is worth having. They should pricematch Sound&Vision. Bolton, £579.

That's interesting rewerb.

Sorry don't think I worded it properly. It's Robert Whyte,Glasgow who don't have it in stock.

Could I get a pricematch with S & V, Bolton even though I live in Scotland and, if so, which John Lewis store do I contact?

Thanks!

 

[Cofnchtr]

Hi,

I'm sure Nick at the Home Cinema Centre would assist if you asked - he does come on here now and again. Whether you have to pay for the privilege is up to the him obviously.

They are official dealers (linked from the Panasonic UK website) so aftersales support should have the backing of Panasonic. They are also members of BADA so hopefully this should help you put aside any worries.

I would have no problem recommending them although I haven't used them as yet - but I have been in the shop and the staff were knowledgeable and pleasant. He may have customer comments he could show you where previous work has been completed.

Cheers,

Cofnchtr.

 

[Anonymous]

Okay many thanks for that.

I have to say that Dan, who I dealt with, has been ever so nice and helpful.

 

[Cofnchtr]

Hi,

I don't know if delivery 300 miles north of Inverness is included in the price? You in the Shetlands??

Cheers,

Cofnchtr.

 

[nig_101]

Hi Liz

You're finally taking the plunge - good for you!!

With regards to unpacking, attaching the stand etc, you will need 2 people just to make sure that you don't drop your shiny new toy! Being a plasma, the screen ideally needs to be kept pretty upright when you put it together and although its a very straight forward job (attach 2 metal pegs to the base, 2 screws per peg, then lower the TV onto the pegs & fix with 2 more screws per peg) its not worth taking any risks - I got the wife to help when I did it just in case!

With regards to calibration, I found that the 'out of the box' setting are pretty good. When you first switch it in & go through tuning etc it asks if you want 'home' mode or'shop' mode, in other words normal for real people or bright & shiny for the shops to sell them. I've run through the THX callibration on one of the Star Wars discs and although made some changes they weren't far off the default. I'd therefore get it in, live with it for a while to get used to it & then start tweaking it. You asked on another thread about overscan & the eco mode - I've played with the eco mode & so far have switched it off again - when the room darkens so does the picture and as we weren't convinced about it, off it went! As for the overscan, its on as default and I haven't touched it yet, even when watching a couple of Blu-Ray/DVDs. I think the most important thing is, as I mentioned earlier, get it home, set it up as it comes out the box and then leave it for a while - until you know and are used to how it looks as 'standard' you'll never really know whether the changes you make are better or worse - they'll just be 'different'.

Hope that helps, good luck with your bargain hunting (don't forget decent cables

and if you want to know anything else just shout!

Nige

 

[Anonymous]

Cofnchtr:Hi,

I don't know if delivery 300 miles north of Inverness is included in the price? You in the Shetlands??

Cheers,

Cofnchtr.

Hi

I'm not sure but will find out. I'm in Caithness.

Liz

 

[Anonymous]

nig_101:
Hi Liz

You're finally taking the plunge - good for you!!

With regards to unpacking, attaching the stand etc, you will need 2 people just to make sure that you don't drop your shiny new toy! Being a plasma, the screen ideally needs to be kept pretty upright when you put it together and although its a very straight forward job (attach 2 metal pegs to the base, 2 screws per peg, then lower the TV onto the pegs & fix with 2 more screws per peg) its not worth taking any risks - I got the wife to help when I did it just in case!

With regards to calibration, I found that the 'out of the box' setting are pretty good. When you first switch it in & go through tuning etc it asks if you want 'home' mode or'shop' mode, in other words normal for real people or bright & shiny for the shops to sell them. I've run through the THX callibration on one of the Star Wars discs and although made some changes they weren't far off the default. I'd therefore get it in, live with it for a while to get used to it & then start tweaking it. You asked on another thread about overscan & the eco mode - I've played with the eco mode & so far have switched it off again - when the room darkens so does the picture and as we weren't convinced about it, off it went! As for the overscan, its on as default and I haven't touched it yet, even when watching a couple of Blu-Ray/DVDs. I think the most important thing is, as I mentioned earlier, get it home, set it up as it comes out the box and then leave it for a while - until you know and are used to how it looks as 'standard' you'll never really know whether the changes you make are better or worse - they'll just be 'different'.

Hope that helps, good luck with your bargain hunting (don't forget decent cables

and if you want to know anything else just shout!

Nige

Hi Nige

Yes I think I have procrastinated long enough!lol

Thanks ever so much for the advice. Very much appreciated!

Re cables I have just purchased an Ixos XHT01 Scart for £37.70 (incl p&p). I was told this is a really good one?
Not sure re HDMi although I like the look of the QED New Performance. What do you think?
Someone recommended The Chord Company HDMI but it's about £70!!!!

Liz

 

[Anonymous]

Hi

Im also looking into a new plasma, mainly SD viewing, has this TV got good reviews for SD?

PS

Has anyone heard of a D / Dream box? its supposed to be a digi box with all TV channels & no subscription

 

[Cofnchtr]

Scotsgirl:Cofnchtr:Hi,

I don't know if delivery 300 miles north of Inverness is included in the price? You in the Shetlands??

Cheers,

Cofnchtr.

Hi

I'm not sure but will find out. I'm in Caithness.

Liz

Hi,

Only asked cos you mentioned this in another post. Make sure delivery is included to this area at the stated price (free or otherwise). Some make exceptions where the Scottish Highlands are concerned.

Obviously given the distance between you and the Home Cinema Centre, perhaps installation by the shop staff would be a bit much to ask? The TV may be delivered by courier?

Cheers,

Cofnchtr.

 

[Anonymous]

Cofnchtr:Scotsgirl:Cofnchtr:Hi,

I don't know if delivery 300 miles north of Inverness is included in the price? You in the Shetlands??

Cheers,

Cofnchtr.

Hi

I'm not sure but will find out. I'm in Caithness.

Liz

Hi,

Only asked cos you mentioned this in another post. Make sure delivery is included to this area at the stated price (free or otherwise). Some make exceptions where the Scottish Highlands are concerned.

Obviously given the distance between you and the Home Cinema Centre, perhaps installation by the shop staff would be a bit much to ask? The TV may be delivered by courier?

Cheers,

Cofnchtr.

Hi

I have checked and delivery is included. Yes I wouldn't expect them to install it and will do this myself.

I try to avoid companies who whack on huge delivery surcharges.

Liz

 

[nig_101]

Hey Liz

There seems to be a bit of debate over the merits of cheap versus expensive leads, but I agree with those that know (ie the What HiFi team!) and better quality leads = better quality image & sounds transfer. The same has always been true for analoge HiFi leads, speaker cable etc so the same applies to HDMI cables. The mag has done a number of reviews so that's a great guide - I was lucky in that my local shop bundled in one of the top Ixos cables (worth over £100

) but if I'd had to buy one myself then I was planning to spend at least £50, more likely £70-£100. I know its another expense but average it out over the expected number of years you'll have it (probably at least 5 years) - even a £100 cable is only £20 a year on that basis, the price of a BluRay disc or 2! If you get a cheap one you'll only wonder what the picture would look like with a more expensive one

and end up getting one anyway!

Cheers

Nige

 

[Anonymous]

Hello again Nige

I have bought the Ixos XHT801 scart lead and was considering getting the QED New performance HDMI cable.
Do you think these are good choices?

Someone (on another forum. Really should stop going there!) has said that the picture on the X10 is 'muted' compared to the PX80.

Take it you would disagree? I can't understand why people keep saying that the X10 isn't as good as the PX80 as the spec is more or less the same?

Thanks!

TTFN
Liz

PS How do you get smilies?

 

[Anonymous]

Nige what do you think of this comment? I am really confused by people saying that the PX80 is better than the X10?:-

The PX80 is a very nice TV, as a completely unbiased PX80 owner I can assure you the PX10 is full of third rate cheap components and like Trusted reviews says just because its new doesn't mean its any better.

The same people who buy the PX10 will be callibrating it and watching 1080p blu Ray and spending fortunes on this cable and that cable, not realising us PX80 owners lead a charmed life with the trusty old work horse and an upscaled DVD, the rest is pure cobblers.

How little they know.