Explain CNet criticism of a TV's aspect ratio problem?

by Ludite Techie Nov 3, 2006 5:41AM PST

How would the following problem affect my viewing?

CNet review: ''We were annoyed that the TH-50PH9UK still can't switch aspect ratios with HD sources, which is an issue if you're watching high-def on a channel that's sized improperly--like a lot of TNT channels--and your cable or satellite box can't change aspects.''

I understand aspect, but assumed HD would always simply fit the 16:9 screen. What would these bad channels look like unadjusted? Do most cable DVR's provide the adjustment?

Discussion is locked

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TH-50PH9UK

by jcrobso Nov 3, 2006 6:04AM PST

This is an industrial plasma monitor, not a consumer HDTV plasma.
Industrial plasma monitors are designed to be used with external video switcher/scaler that handles the aspect ratios. Don't buy an industrial plasma an expect it to
have consumer features!!!!!
As for aspect ratios, movies are 3x4,1.4,1.5.etc many different formats.
16x9 was chosen for HDTV this is a new format most of the video out there is 3x4, it will be many years before 16x19 becomes the dominate format. Pro video cameras are $4k~60k, takes a long time to replace all of them.
Some video is 3x4 with black or gray bars on the side that fill the 16x9 screen. It takes playing with different settings to get a comprise picture. John

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Thanks, but question not answered

by Ludite Techie Nov 3, 2006 7:47AM PST

Thanks for the effort. Sorry if I was unclear.

This TV does have 4 widescreen modes for "stretching" normal TV 4:3 signals. The CNet quote suggests there is also a need for aspect control "watching high-def on a channel that's sized improperly." Why would that be? Mostly, what would that look like without adjustment?

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BUY A CONSUMER MODEL...............

by Riverledge Nov 3, 2006 8:24AM PST

PANASONIC MAKES great PLASMAS, try the TH-50PX60U, or TH-50PX600U.

Purchasing an industrial/commercial model will void any warranty if you buy it for home use.

Look into SONY's SXRD sets, or SONY BRAVIA LCD's.

Good shopping, river.

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Maybe try this

by Dan Filice Nov 3, 2006 8:57AM PST

On your cable or satellite box, choose "pass-through" in the menu where you have the option of "TV Format" being Fixed, always scaling to 720p, 1080i (through the box) or...choosing "Pass-through" which allows the TV to do the resizing depending on what signal is being fed. Both my HD TVs are set this way and when 4:3 material comes through my cable box (even on HD channels), my TVs show bars on the left-right side, but when it goes back to 16:9 the TV automatically adjusts to accept the signal and to fill the TV screen. If you were to choose "FIXED" in the TV format, the image would always be scaled to most likely 1080i and any image, even 4:3, would be stretched to fill the screen. Hope this helps.

Dan

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Sorry, But Some Of The Above Posts Are Incorrect

by RoadRunner6 Nov 4, 2006 1:32PM PST

Don't mean to contradict some of the regulars here but sales of these Panasonic ''commercial'' models to consumers are HUGE! If you don't believe me check out some of the other A/V forums. There are dedicated sections of threads to these commercial models which are bought by consumurs. I for one am considering the 50'' 9UK or the next generation model which will probably be 1080p (I'm guessing here and I'm in no hurry).

There are no significant problems using them in a home system except for the obvious considerarions that you either wall mount them or need to buy a stand. Also you need a tuner source (which can be a separate set-top tuner or a cable, sat, DVR, etc. tuner) since they don't have a built in tuner. Also they don't have built-in speakers which 90% of people buying a 50'' plasma don't want anyway because they all have a 5.1 systems. Some users have to buy an additional signal connection outlet box.

There certainly is a Panasonic warranty, the above statement about no warranty has been posted here before and is simply NOT TRUE! It has a one year parts and labor warranty. I don't think it is an in home warranty. Isn't a deal breaker or even close for me because there is a very low repair rate for these Panny plasmas

Many of us who consider these commercial plasmas do so for varying reasons including more tweekability, small but beautiful satin non-glare black bezels (unlike the awful piano gloss black bezels on the Pioneer and Samsung models that reflect light right next to the screen). You can probably guess that I prefer a black bezel.

They have the same glass panels and the same picture quality. They are just an alternative to the consumer models that happen to be sold for commercial and industrial applicatons but are fine and preferrable to some for home systems.

I have seen the comment before that you raise here but haven't paid much attention to it because I don't yet do any HD channels. I think it is a minor problem that has a work around. As usual many of the video problems with HD signals seem to originate with the cable or satellite providers.

I would call Visual Apex. They are one of the best dealers in the country. I have talked to them on the phone before for information and they are great, absolutely no pressure.

http://www.visualapex.com/plasma/Plasma_details.asp?chPartNumber=TH-50PH9UK&MFR=Panasonic

RR6

Explain CNet criticism of a TV's aspect ratio problem?

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