newbie seeks answers to HDTV questions...panasonic

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helinut

7 posts

Wannabe Geek

#25294 18-Aug-2008 09:20

Hi. As a geek I suck.

so.....I have just bought a new panasonic py800 50 inch plasma. I'm not discussing anything bad with it....LOL I like it and I have already bought it but wanted to know if a USA version PS3 will run on it ok. The PS3 will do multi voltage and I go to the US most months. Is the NTSC an issue? Would it cause playback issues with speed etc?

I got the set top box for the free view HD. I dont have an aerial at home (only sky) I guess I would need to put one up to use it? I guess I can get hd sky but I think it has a cost related to it?

I got the TV from HN's on the 4 year int free deal and the set top came with it.
I want to get an 80 GIG ps3 in the states which is $500 USD. I see ascent has the 40 gig plain PS3 for NZ $890. Thats $800 NZ for me after paying GST to Aunty Helen. Anything better at home?
Oh yeah...I would be buying my blurays and games from Amazon.

I have an older dolby pro logic pioneer amp.....yeah i know. So any ideas on something better that won't require a small mortgage to get? I'll keep using the whafedale main speakers for a while (older quite big floor standing speakers with kevlar cones I think...pretty basy) The centre speaker is useless and surrounds are too.

Any help greatly appreciated.

Cheers
Glenn

cyril7

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#157653 18-Aug-2008 10:25

Hi, there should be no issues with your new panny with a US sourced PS3, the panny supports all 50Hz and 60Hz video standards for both SD and HD. As for buying a complex machine like a PS3 at a good price but with no support, well thats a general consumer question rather than a technical one, so I will let you get your head around, it, but for the small extra I would like to know I can pack it up and send it back to Sony NZ if it goes wrong rather than ship it back to the states.

Also I dont know if there is any issues with game software sold here working on US machines, you will need to ask PS3 gurus that, but could be an issue.

As for a new AVR, all the main high profile vendors have well priced AVRs on the market, I like Yamaha, but Pioneer and Onkyo both seem to have good value for money products. From my observation the cheaper end Sonys are best avoided. Hunt around and you will find plenty of end of season kit, recent noel lemming flyer had some good AVR deals in it.

As for your Freeveiw HD box, how far are you from your local Tx site, you may get by with quite a modest UHF antenna that wont cost too much, but if you need and external one prices installed start around $100 upward can get to $300 if you have lots of cabling issues to deal with, PM me if you are in Kapiti/Wellington happy to quote.

Cyril

helinut

7 posts

Wannabe Geek

#157878 19-Aug-2008 05:01

Thanks Cyril.

I may yet get a PS3 from NZ. I wondered if getting vids and games from amazon may be better as they generally get them sooner than we do.
The support is definately an issue. Travelling regularly to the USA means I can take it back up here if needed but it may very well be a hassle. I dont normally spring for extra warranty but did do a five deal plan for the panasonic. Dunno why...but I did.

I wired our house with my father when it was being built so we built in aerial and speaker wire pull throughs to any place we thought we may need them. Installing the aerial isn't hard. I have done that before but getting it in the right place for good reception may be the issue. presently we only have sky. (not hd) We are south of Levin. (6 ks)

I know we will have to spring for a new avr. I was looking at some of the yamaha offerings. They are so much further ahead up here in the states....most everything is geared up towards HD. Normal TV is all HD here.

Cheers
Glenn

cyril7

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#157879 19-Aug-2008 06:49

Hi Glenn, i am in Waikanae, and have both UHF antennas and a DVB-T Feild Strength meter to determine if reception is ok or not and where is ideal. 6KM south of Levin should not be a problem if you have clear sight of Wharite. PM me if you want to know more.

Cyril