Panasonic 37' Full HD (TX37LZ800)

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nzgadgetman

43 posts

Geek

#24560 27-Jul-2008 17:59

Hi,

I'm in the market for a 1080p 37" TV. The Panasonic above seems to be well-priced (at about $2300) and carries a good brand, although I'm yet to see one working - everyone seems to be waiting for stock!

One thing I want to know, if anyone has the info, will these sets take the full 1920x1080 from a PC (Windows Media Center) thru HDMI (from an HDMI video card)? The specs I read (http://tinyurl.com/tx37lz) state XGA (1024x768) thru VGA port as the 'PC' input.

Also, does anyone have an opinion on a better choice than this TV, at around this price?

Cheers,
Ben.

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258 posts

Ultimate Geek
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#151901 27-Jul-2008 20:28

You'll find this model is a very good and well priced HDTV and Panasonic's leading 37" LCD. However for a few hundred dollars more you can get their state of the art HDTV the Panasonic 42" Plasma model that will eat it for breakfast in regard to SPECS: Picture Quality, Contrast Ratio, Motion Picture technology and Angle Viewing etc. Compare the following and then go into a store and see for yourself.
1.Panasonic TX-37LZ80037” Full High-Definition LCD Flatscreen
2.TH-42PY80042” Full High-Definition Plasma Flatscreen

If however you want to stick purely to the LCD technology and restricted to a budget then it is a good choice. However again for a few hundred dollars more you can get alternative LCD's with better specs I have viewed like the following....
1.Samsung 40" Full HD LCD TV
2.Sony 40" Full HD W Series BRAVIA LCD TV

another alternative LCD in your price range I have viewed with good specs is the following...
1.LG 60 Series

Regards
BazNZ

KellyP

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#151916 27-Jul-2008 21:10

nzgadgetman: Hi,

I'm in the market for a 1080p 37" TV. The Panasonic above seems to be well-priced (at about $2300) and carries a good brand, although I'm yet to see one working - everyone seems to be waiting for stock!

One thing I want to know, if anyone has the info, will these sets take the full 1920x1080 from a PC (Windows Media Center) thru HDMI (from an HDMI video card)? The specs I read (http://tinyurl.com/tx37lz) state XGA (1024x768) thru VGA port as the 'PC' input.

Also, does anyone have an opinion on a better choice than this TV, at around this price?

Cheers,

Ben.

Not sure if you're interested but Harvery Norman has a LG 42" Full HD on Sale for around $1987.

http://www.harveynorman.co.nz/flash/catalogues/104667/pdf/p44.pdf

Unsure if its any good.

BazNZ

258 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 6

#151929 27-Jul-2008 22:24

One thing I want to know, if anyone has the info, will these sets take the full 1920x1080 from a PC (Windows Media Center) thru HDMI (from an HDMI video card)? The specs I read (http://tinyurl.com/tx37lz) state XGA (1024x768) thru VGA port as the 'PC' input.

Cheers,

Ben.

I am led to believe that if you have a PC video graphics card with HDMI out that you will get Full HD 1920 x 1080 displayed on your HDTV through it's HDMI input. Unlike the PC input in Panasonic's case which uses the SXGA PC signal and displays in 1280 x 1024 max. I presume most HDTV's have similar specs through there PC inputs. Something we can look into and investigate. I wonder why the PC inputs do not display in Full HD? Could it be something to do with HDCP and lack of control through this input or some other reason? This is new to me so I'm really just clasping at straws but I'm now interested in finding an answer and learning more about PC connections to HDTV's.

nzgadgetman

43 posts

Geek

#152243 28-Jul-2008 23:17

Ok, this is all good info thanks guys. I'm really looking to spend <$2400 (read: Wife approval prevents any more expenditure). I've narrowed it down to two options;

1) The topic TV - Panasonic TX37LZ800

2) Samsung LA37LA550

As mentioned earlier, and picking up on some of the 'lingo', I think what I'm after is the ability to do 1:1 mapping - ie run 1920x1080 from my MCE computer into this panel...

Any of you guys know both these panels or able to give me advice? The existance or lack of a HD tuner doesn't worry me.

Cheers,

Ben.

Kezzainc

97 posts

Master Geek
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#152248 28-Jul-2008 23:47

The Panasonic is better as a whole. Better colour. But the Samsung has better motion. Maybe look at the LA40A650 also.

I have the 3 sitting next to each other, that i see every day...

No worrys with 1920 on HDMI off PC.

I can also do hot prices if postage works out ok for the deal.

TinyTim

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#152273 29-Jul-2008 07:29

I have the Panasonic, love it, but as I mentioned somewhere else I don't have anything to compare it with.

nzgadgetman: As mentioned earlier, and picking up on some of the 'lingo', I think what I'm after is the ability to do 1:1 mapping - ie run 1920x1080 from my MCE computer into this panel...

I can confirm it doesn't do 1920x1080 through the PC input. I assume you'll have no problems through HDMI.

Dyson

Shop now for Dyson appliances (affiliate link).

nzgadgetman

43 posts

Geek

#152280 29-Jul-2008 08:16

Ok, cool. Thanks for the info guys. I'd say I'll go for the Panasonic (as I like the brand) and will sell the freebie to off-set the purchase price. The local Harvey Normans have said that although they retail for $2499 they'll match any retailer's price AND give me the 30mths interest free. So, I know LV Martin do it (TX37LZ800) for $2199, anyone know any cheaper price?!

Now to look at an HDMI video card...

TinyTim - what success have you had thru the VGA port? Will it run wide resolutions or just stretched 4:3 ones? ie; can you get it to run 1280x720?

Cheers,
Ben.

TinyTim

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#152284 29-Jul-2008 08:34

I'll check tonight or tomorrow night for you.

Kezzainc

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#152361 29-Jul-2008 11:33

Where do you live? If you can get it from Wellington i can bet any price.

Dont forget Pana has a free give away right now.... Get it quick

The 42LG53 is not a highend TV. Good as a pc monitor but not with motion.

nzgadgetman

43 posts

Geek

#152367 29-Jul-2008 11:46

Hey Kezzainc,

I'm in Hastings, could probably get to Wellington, but Harvey Norman's have committed to better any price I can get also, and the key thing I'm after is their 30 months defferred/interest free terms they have at the moment.

Thanks for the offer though! :-)

Yeah I see the offer goes until the 31st of August. I don't actually want any of the 3 items so will on-sell to offset the initial purchase price of the TV anyway.

Thanks again! :-)

Kezzainc

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#152375 29-Jul-2008 12:04

I think you might find that the 30months finished on Sunday. That was my understanding. Theres another deal soon.

Upto you if you want to come to Wellington. What i can offer you is whatever I/free deal you want as well. Bugger that def payment.

It maybe worth just getting it off Harveys though because Hastings to Wellington is not really a short trip.

I have the day off today so you can PM me and ill let you know how to get a hold of me tomo. This goes for anyone else who maybe wanting some AV gear. Im sorry im not going to list who I work for but have trust I can get the GeekZone guys the best prices if you walk into my shop.

Mighty Ape

Shop now at Mighty Ape (affiliate link).

TinyTim

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#152515 29-Jul-2008 19:54

nzgadgetman:
TinyTim - what success have you had thru the VGA port? Will it run wide resolutions or just stretched 4:3 ones? ie; can you get it to run 1280x720?

It runs at 1366x768 (WXGA) no problem.

Also does std VGA, wide VGA (852x480), XGA (1024x768).

nzgadgetman

43 posts

Geek

#152517 29-Jul-2008 20:06

TinyTim:
nzgadgetman:
TinyTim - what success have you had thru the VGA port? Will it run wide resolutions or just stretched 4:3 ones? ie; can you get it to run 1280x720?
It runs at 1366x768 (WXGA) no problem.
Also does std VGA, wide VGA (852x480), XGA (1024x768).

Good news, thank you *very* much for doing that. Will go and purchase tomorrow! :)

Kezzainc

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#152520 29-Jul-2008 20:12

Dont you feel thats a bad thing? Woudn't you want true 1920x1080?

nzgadgetman

43 posts

Geek

#152522 29-Jul-2008 20:15

Kezzainc: Dont you feel thats a bad thing?? Woudn't you want true 1920x1080??

Yes I do, but from what I read it's not very common to be able to do 1:1 thru VGA anyway, and it's only an interim measure until I get an HDMI video card (or a linksys DMA2200 with an HDMI port) :)

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