The price is right - including the extended warranty and delivery/setup. It's less than most other brands and the picture seems to be as good as more expensive brands (in-store comparisons).

Any current owners satisfied? dissatisfied?

Any objective evidence of quality (picture, repair history, etc) versus other 53" (or about 53") widescreens?

I'd appreciate any comments.

This is a great TV for the money, but keep in mind that it doesn't have a screen protector/shield of any kind. While some home theater gurus argue that the screen protector/shield detracts from the picture quality, having it is essential if your RPTV is in an area with a lot of dust/dirt, in a high foot traffic area, in a home with children, or even in a home with a smoker. If the TV is in a corner of a well-kept home, then it is an excellent purchase.

>>a home with a smoker.

The screen protect will do little about that.

Richard F. Fisher
Mastertech Repair Corporation, Lawrenceville, GA
770-513-3987 E-Mail - help@mastertechtv.com
Have you been calibrated? ISF and HAA Certified
Factory Authorized
Mitsubishi, Hitachi, Toshiba, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, NAD

I have the PT-53Wx42. I got it in November. Seems to be a good buy but I am having trouble when watching anamorphic DVDs that fill the entire screen in FULL mode throught the component inputs. There is a pull to the left at the top of the screen. I was able to recreate this on the display model at the store as well. Panasonic sent a tech(contractor) out with a High Def generator and confirmed the problem. The tech came back the next week with instructions from Panasonic on how to enter a hidden menu to adjust the system. It seems his instructions were incomplete so he'll be back next week. DVD player compatability and cabling issues have been ruled out as it has been tested with numerous combinations and the HD generator. It seems to be some adjustment that may get out of wack in shipping as the display model at the store did the same thing. Or perhaps its a problem inherent to this model. Either way if they fix it I'll be happy because I did get a really good deal on it. But since I saw this problem on more then one system, it may be something to think about. If you just use the RCAs you'll never see it. But if your gonna get the most out of your TV the component input problem may arise.

PS. Richard, do you know what it is they might be having him adjust throught this hidden menu. Do most HDTV Projection systems have some hidden adjustments beyond convergence?

>>PS. Richard, do you know what it is they might be having him adjust throught this hidden menu.

Hmmm

>>Do most HDTV Projection systems have some hidden adjustments beyond convergence?

All TV's do.


Richard F. Fisher
Mastertech Repair Corporation, Lawrenceville, GA
770-513-3987 E-Mail - help@mastertechtv.com
Have you been calibrated? ISF and HAA Certified
Factory Authorized
Mitsubishi, Hitachi, Toshiba, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, NAD

I have the PT-53WX42 also. One reason I bought it was because it didn't have the screen protection. We have kind of an open floor plan so we get glares from many windows. There is no glare on this TV.

I'm not seeing the pull that LeroyHD is experiencing. Maybe I got lucky?

I've had it about 3 months - no problems so far.

I didn't see a much better picture in the $2000+ units either.

I'd like to hear about repair history/issues from other owners also and from any other Panasonic RPTV owners.

Thank you to those who have responded so far!

"I'm not seeing the pull that LeroyHD is experiencing. Maybe I got lucky?"

Are you using the component inputs? If so are you viewing movies that are enhanced for 16:9 that are filling the entire screen(no black bars). Its not noticable on movies that still have black bars (ie starwars, Lord of the Rings) as the area that pulls is where the black bars are. If you don't have any problems then maybe its something that got out-of-line in shipping. All I know is this is driving me crazy:P What DVD player are you using?

Also, while I am generally happy otherwise, I don't think there are enough picture adjustments. There is a "picture" adjustment but no real "contrast". A few other options would have been nice.

I am using component inputs. I have not noticed the pull while viewing movies that are enhanced for 16:9 that are filling the entire screen(no black bars). I'll put in a movie tonight and look for it.

I am using a Sony (not progressive) DVD player. I'll get the model number.

I agree it'd be nice for more picture adjustment options but the price, picture and other features convinced me to buy it. Again, I haven't been disappointed yet.

No pull - using a Sony DVP-NC600 player.

The smoker comment was in reference to cleaning the unit. A screen shield is easier to remove smoke stains/residue from than the actual screen. Richard, what are your recommendations for cleaning screens with and without screen shield? Thanks.

Use a light mixture of dish soap for the protector to portect the anti glare optical coating and of course a soft cloth. The protector will not help much with smokers unless it is the permanent kind and even then it could penetrate over time.

If you do not have a screen protector then use a home vacumm cleaner, not a shop vac - too much suction, with a soft bristle head and folow the grooves up and down to remove the dust. Avoid applying any sort of liquid cleaner unless absolutely necesssary - if so then same recipe as before and just the area that has been soiled.

Richard F. Fisher
Mastertech Repair Corporation, Lawrenceville, GA
770-513-3987 E-Mail - help@mastertechtv.com
Have you been calibrated? ISF and HAA Certified
Factory Authorized
Mitsubishi, Hitachi, Toshiba, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, NAD

I bought the Monster ScreenCleen big screen TV cleaning kit with the TV. I was told it was OK to use with or without a screen protector. It's dripless and streak-free. Should I not use it to clean the whole screen?

Don't know a thing about the product.

Richard F. Fisher
Mastertech Repair Corporation, Lawrenceville, GA
770-513-3987 E-Mail - help@mastertechtv.com
Have you been calibrated? ISF and HAA Certified
Factory Authorized
Mitsubishi, Hitachi, Toshiba, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, NAD