HI all,

Ive just purchased my first plasma screen , its a 42" HD Panasonic PLasma - code # TH-42PV500A , which I should have in the next few weeks.

I have searched most of the fourm and still can't decide on which HD STB I should buy, requiremnt are that PQ is superb + NO LIP SYNC issue's and fast channel switching. DO i need twin tuner??

All help would be greatful, also can someone recconmend a DVD/HDD recorder to go with it as well..

I have no idea about which type of connection to use, please advise on best way to cable it up, what type of cables do i need???


SOme spec on this screen are :

1024 * 768 ( 16:9)
HDMI VIDO/AUDIO
S-Video out x 2
componet Video input x 2
S_Video inoput x 2
AV INPUT 3 rear + 1 front




PDF Broucher

Specs - Panasonic website bottom of page


Arthur

Hello Sikman,
Have the same Plasma. Currently run Topfield SD PVR using the supplied scart as an imput set to YUV but had to adjust color on the Panasonic a fair bit from standard. Have found any sport on a green field to be dissapointing so went out and got a Sony DSTHD500 HD box with a HDMI cable which is somwhat better, how ever i have found that after half an hour the Sony feels like its about to burst in flames!.
Running out of Money!
Turn it on

Thanks for the reply, how much better overall is the Sony over the topfield in term of PQ, etc.. Any issues ??

Arthur

When the TV stations actually broadcast in HD it is much better. EG. Recent Lord of the rings was better then DVD quality. This also was aslo broadcast in 5.1 which isnt transmitted on SD.
Having said that, cant live with out the versatility of the Toppy.

I think you may be experiencing the same as me, and that is a "known" Topfield problem of over saturated colour when using YUV (component).

I found the colour is very much improved if you connect via s-video and there is very little differnece in picture quality (other than the colour).

I have e-mailed Topfield on this as I understand there is a fix available.

PS - I also have an LG HD STB and am very pleased with it.

Hi Sik,

Congrats on the Viera. I have it too. Love it. Here's my 2 cents:

HD STB

LG LST-5100P HD STB - this is the one I have and I am very happy. No dropouts, great PQ, and colour. Can't comment on sound, as I don't have HT yet, but it's fine on the telly.

Other really good ones are the Strong 5400, the AUSID, and the Teac DVB820. I personally really liked the Strong, but can't comment on the AUSID or the Teac as I haven't seen them with the Pana. Oh, and there is the Humax7000 which I understand works as well as the LG but is cheaper.

Thompson also wasn't bad. Reading the forums, don't touch the Panasonic or other "TV brand" STB's. Some overheat, some don't render colours well. A salesperson once said it's better to stick to a company that specialises in STB's. Just because they make good telly's, they don't necessarily make good STB's.


HD Twin Tuner PVR's

There are currently 2:

1. Toshiba J35-HDD, a gorgeous unit when it works (you have probably already read the goss on this forum)
2. LG has 2 models with 2 different hard drive sizes. No-one on this forum seems to have tested this I don't think, so can't comment

If you are patient, there are at least 2 more coming:

1. Strong (before Christmas)
2. Topfield 7000PVRt (no idea, was supposed to be out in March 2005, but still on hold)


SD Twin Tuner PVR

Considering the legions of adoring fans on this forum, you should only consider the Topfield 5000PVRt


Me personally, I bought the LG to bide my time waiting for the Topfield 7000.

As for DVD Recorders, someone else will have to help you. I haven't done any research on these.


Finally, cable

Given the capability of your Plasma, I would recommend a DVI/HDMI cable for the STB (depends on the STB you choose), and probably a good component cable for your DVD Player (again depends on your player). Brand wise, depends on whether you want to spend a bit or a lot!!!

Hope all this helps. Have fun.

[quote=Typhoon,Nov 2 2005, 11:07 AM]
Thompson also wasn't bad. Reading the forums, don't touch the Panasonic or other "TV brand" STB's. Some overheat, some don't render colours well. A salesperson once said it's better to stick to a company that specialises in STB's. Just because they make good telly's, they don't necessarily make good STB's.
[quote=Typhoon,Nov 2 2005, 11:07 AM]
[/quote]

Also don't go near the DGTEC... it's a footy

JSmith :ph34r:

Thanks allot Typhoon, you have been a really great help.. At least it narrows it down, and also since you have the same screen as me then I cant go wrong..

Arthur

Arthur