ONE of the BEST!
Written: Mar 18 '01 (Updated Mar 18 '01)
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Pros: Great price, good color decoder and good line doubler
Cons: No user assignable picture setting for all the inputs. One convergence point.
The Bottom Line: This is one great DTV for the performance and price.
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| apcarandang's Full Review: Panasonic PT-61HX40 61 in. TV |
I finally took the dive into HDTV. With major brands like SONY, Mitsubishi, Toshiba, Pioneer and Panasonic all putting out new models it wasn't a easy choice.
I've always loved SONY products but when it comes to High definition the picture quality is almost not a big factor unless the the set has a lousy line doubler.
I chose the Panasonic because it was reasonably priced and they're a very reliable.
Out of the box the picture/contrast level was way too high so the first you do in decrease the picture if you want this baby to last a long time. This is true for all rear projection TVs because they have to compete against the bright lights in the store.
The picture quality is superb. I suggest you buy yourself either the Video Essentials or AVIA DVD so you can correctly calibrate the set for the best possible picture.
The Panasonic has numerous inputs that will satisfy almost everybody. If you're using your receiver for video switching then you'll only need one of the inputs. The great thing about this TV is that it has two Wide band component inputs(i.e. you can use one for a HD receiver and the other for a progressive scan DVD player).
My only gripe about this TV is that there are no user assignable presets for each input. There is ONE global picture setting. That means after all the work you do calibrating the set for the best color for HD. You might have to change the setting again if you're watching non HD material. Well what I did was write down the settings for the inputs and taped it to the back of the remote for easy reference. Again if you're using your receiver to switch the video this shouldn't be a problem.
For those of you lucky enough to have HDTV signals from your local TV stations I suggest you get an HD receiver if you really want to see what this TV can do. I'm using RCA's DTC-100 HD receiver with mine until I can afford the Panasonic Directv HD receiver.
Menus are easy to use. The remote works well. There is only one convergence point in the form of a cross bar. I would have preferred the nine point convergence pattern used by the other manufactures. But the again once you dial it correctly you get one of the cleanest and sharpest pictures available at this price.
This TV is worth anyone's consideration. One caveat you need to watch this TV in a dim room if you like it to show off what it can do.
Of course one can always push the CRT's so everything will be bright but then it will substantially shorten the life of any RPTV.
Great TV. I'm enjoying it so much I don't go to the cinema anymore and just wait for movies to come out on DVD.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 2900
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Epinions.com ID:
apcarandang
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Reviews written: 7
Trusted by: 2 members
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