Panasonic TH-P42V20Z USB port

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tomhenderson

26 posts

Geek

#73494 14-Dec-2010 23:35

I'm looking at getting a new setup for a new flat and I'm leaning towards the Panasonic TH-P42V20Z. Can anyone help clarify what I can / can't do with the USB port? As I understand I can attach a USB HDD and record what I'm watching, but not by booking a program from the planner? I'm not looking for full PVR functions, but it would be nice to be able to set a repeated recording for a program (eg the news).

I'm also curious what video formats play successfully? I have a bunch of stuff - mostly XviD video, mp3 audio, avi files - that I can currently play off a panasonic dvd player after burning to CD/DVD, but would be nice to get rid of the coasters and use a thumb drive.

Dunnersfella

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#417838 15-Dec-2010 22:12

The 'PVR' is pretty much only good for live pause...
When you're recording, you're literally locked into the channel you're watching, it just doesn't let you change channel. There's only one tuner - in fact, it doesn't allow you to even swap between the same mux.
There is no EPG recording feature unfortunately, and I simply don't bother with the USB recording, as I have MySky now.

The video format is pretty much limited to DivX / AVI.
If I need to play video back, I convert non-AVI files using ffmpegX (as part of Twonky Media Server) but I've never actually connected a USB thumb drive or hard drive to watch a movie...
But mainly, I use Apple TV.

I will say, one of the best parts of the USB on the Panny is that it's compatible with USB keyboards, meaning you can use the Viera Tools like Twitter with a 2.4 USB wireless keyboard. Kinda nice touch that no other brands offer to my knowledge.

tomhenderson

26 posts

Geek

#420437 22-Dec-2010 14:12

Thanks Dunnersfella. That's about what I expected. I don't really need a PVR anyway.

I took a thubmdrive into Bond & Bond and everything on it played fine, so I'm pretty sure that will be fine for me until I get avis streaming to the apple TV.

bfginger

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#421439 24-Dec-2010 22:57

Dunnersfella:
I will say, one of the best parts of the USB on the Panny is that it's compatible with USB keyboards, meaning you can use the Viera Tools like Twitter with a 2.4 USB wireless keyboard. Kinda nice touch that no other brands offer to my knowledge.

Do Panasonic Blu-ray players support USB keyboards too?

Dunnersfella

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#421464 25-Dec-2010 07:56

I don't believe they do... but then again, there are a lot in the range?