Why did I "upgrade" to this TV????

[modman]

I have a been enjoying a Panasonic TH-50PWD8UK plasma panel for 7 years. Although this panel is limited to 720p, the picture has been superb, even compared to my friends' panels which are rated at 1080p.

I was in Sears recently and had a chance to score the highly-rated Panasonic TC-P50UT50 plasma for a steal of a price. I have taken it home and hooked it up parallel to my old Panny unit. Using all the various calibration advice offered in various forums, I am am VERY FRUSTRATED. In general:

1. The "Pro Settings" calibration settings described in the forums are not accessible to me. Any clues?
2. Using any available calibration settings,and testing using both cable box and OPPO Blu-ray....the new unit does not in any way look better than the old. The heralded superb black settings don't translate to movies. Looking at both panels side by side, the old unit looks better by far. What bill of goods have I been sold about 1080p versus 720????? What is this supposed superiority of 1080???? I don't see any better blacks...any better detail....any better color.
3. The old panel has a nice, natural warm reddish color for skin tones. I cannot make the new panel get close.

I am frustrated. Your help is appreciated.

 

[brianedm]

I have a been enjoying a Panasonic TH-50PWD8UK plasma panel for 7 years. Although this panel is limited to 720p, the picture has been superb, even compared to my friends' panels which are rated at 1080p.

I was in Sears recently and had a chance to score the highly-rated Panasonic TC-P50UT50 plasma for a steal of a price. I have taken it home and hooked it up parallel to my old Panny unit. Using all the various calibration advice offered in various forums, I am am VERY FRUSTRATED. In general:

1. The "Pro Settings" calibration settings described in the forums are not accessible to me. Any clues?
2. Using any available calibration settings,and testing using both cable box and OPPO Blu-ray....the new unit does not in any way look better than the old. The heralded superb black settings don't translate to movies. Looking at both panels side by side, the old unit looks better by far. What bill of goods have I been sold about 1080p versus 720????? What is this supposed superiority of 1080???? I don't see any better blacks...any better detail....any better color.
3. The old panel has a nice, natural warm reddish color for skin tones. I cannot make the new panel get close.

I am frustrated. Your help is appreciated.

Depending on viewing distance, to your eye there may be no difference between 720 and 1080. How close are you sitting? from a further distance the 1080p should make a big difference. As far as your other questions, I'm not familiar with Panny plasmas at all (other than knowing how highly regarded they are).

 

[GlocksRock]

Have you checked to see if there is a firmware update? If there is one, that may be what you need to find the settings you are looking for.

 

[cpp]

I have a been enjoying a Panasonic TH-50PWD8UK plasma panel for 7 years. Although this panel is limited to 720p, the picture has been superb, even compared to my friends' panels which are rated at 1080p.

I was in Sears recently and had a chance to score the highly-rated Panasonic TC-P50UT50 plasma for a steal of a price. I have taken it home and hooked it up parallel to my old Panny unit. Using all the various calibration advice offered in various forums, I am am VERY FRUSTRATED. In general:

1. The "Pro Settings" calibration settings described in the forums are not accessible to me. Any clues?

I read they are under Custom Mode only, give that a try

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

I read they are under Custom Mode only, give that a try

+1

Panasonic TC-P50UT50 Picture Settings Calibrations TC-P55UT50, UT50 also (TC-P42UT50, TC-P60UT50)

 

[Steve81]

from a further distance the 1080p should make a big difference.

I assume you mean a closer distance? I mean, at 30 feet away on a 19" screen, it doesn't matter much if its 1080p or regular standard definition. At ten feet on a 60" screen, it matters quite a lot.

 

[brianedm]

I assume you mean a closer distance? I mean, at 30 feet away on a 19" screen, it doesn't matter much if its 1080p or regular standard definition. At ten feet on a 60" screen, it matters quite a lot.

right you are! Thanks for the handy graphic too!

 

[ImcLoud]

If your not happy with the tv, take it back, I have returned a lot of HT items {mostly speakers} because I got them home and after a week noticed they werent what I wanted...

 

[modman]

I'm sitting 11 feet away. Thanks for the comments.

 

[modman]

No pro settings anywhere

I updated the software. No pro settings to be found in the custom mode. Clues?