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Panasonic Plasma Resolution Tips

Reviewer: Robert Wiley

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VIEWING DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PANASONIC HDTV and EDTV RESOLUTION PLASMAS

1024 x 768 Current Models	853 x 480 Current Models
TH-42PH9UK	TH-42PS9UK
TH-42PX60U TH-42PX600U	TH-42PD60U

TH-42PHD8UK Panasonic Plasma

We receive ongoing questions about the practical differences between the Panasonic Plasma models. For all viewing/picture considerations and purposes the models in each category are the same except for the model numbers and the FCC classification. One represents a consumer (retail) model number and the other a broadcast (commercial) model.

There are some variations in the conversion used for the different resolution models, which we will here call the 1024 x 768 HDTV resolution, or the 853 x 480 EDTV resolution - representing the native pixel resolution of the units.

In order to simplify this comparison, allow us to clarify what is the same about the different models:

The remote controls, the menu/functionality, the inputs, the charcoal bezel/frame/appearance, the aspect ratios, audio amplifiers, the mounts and stands, the scaling features, conversion and interpolation (for the most part), even the color temps. Almost everything is the same outside of the higher native pixel resolution or lower native pixel resolution, which is a function of the actual glass plasma display element itself.

Now, that being stated, we take a look at the visible differences when converting actual visual signals from varying input resolutions.

Signals from 240 to 480 horizontal lines of resolution, including VCR, cable, satellite: The 480 non-resolution def monitor appears slightly brighter and with more visible clarity - especially when viewing faces of individuals- than the 768 high resolution unit. The up-conversion of the signal to the native pixel resolution of both monitors is excellent. However, the 768 high def monitor has more converting to accomplish and thus the picture suffers slightly. This does not necessarily have to be the case. But in this particular brand, it is apparent that the scan converter does not produce as much clarity for the 768 high def display (this has been improved by the most recent PHD8UK/PX60U models). The smaller pixels for the 768 monitors also produce the appearance of less light, however slight. All color information, color temperature, white balance appears the same.

Signals from 480i and 480p DVD sources:
Again, the 480 EDTV plasma display outperformed the 768 high resolution plasma as this resolution matches up perfectly with the 480 horizontal pixel design of the non-high def unit. The differences are subtle but the 480 display's DVD images are cleaner and clearer. Again, all color information appears the same. The difference is really becoming negligible as Panasonic and other manufacturers achieve better down converting results from the high resolution models.

Comparing the two units with opposing signals of 480p and 480i input - the Panasonic with the 480 progressive input outperformed in either case. A user of these Panasonic displays will benefit greatly from the purchase of a DVD player with progressive scan 480p output. The differences are evident in the richness of colors, black levels, and gray scales. It truly enhances the Panasonic picture - as if the unit is set up and tested using this input at the factory level.

Signals from HDTV sources
With an optimal HDTV signal at either 1080 interlaced or 720 progressive both units look spectacular (as do most any HDTV ready monitors). The high resolution 768p plasma display will outperform the 480p resolution monitor in this category by about 10% due to the ease in matching the native pixel resolution of the monitor with the input signal. Not surprisingly, there is more depth and three-dimensional effect in the high def display with an HDTV signal input, although the picture on the non-high def unit is also stunningly beautiful.

Signals from Computer
Though I have not tested them side by side, generally the high resulition 1024 X 768 monitor will appear more refined and detailed with an XGA (1024 x 768) computer signal as this matches perfectly with the 1024 x 768 native pixel resolution. With still graphic and data applications this is particularly important. Though the 480 non-high def display does a fine job of scaling and down converting an XGA signal, I find SVGA (800 x 600) to be the optimal signal for performance on this monitor. Data (especially numerical) displayed statically on this resolution unit can appear distorted in XGA resolution for presentation purposes. The "stepping" of the pixels is much more visible.

General Impressions
Price, high definition source availability, computer resolution, are the main factors for consideration in determining whether to purchase a 1024 x 768 high definition plasma display or an 853x 480 non-high resolution display. How often will the viewer be watching high definition sources, and is a 10% to 15% improvement over the non-high resolution display enough to warrant the extra price tag? The performance standards, video boards, input selection, remote controls, menu functionality, and color performance equate for both units. Is the slight improvement (5%) in clarity in the non-high resolution 480 displays with non-high def signals (especially DVD) a consideration? The great aspect of these decisions is that they are no-lose propositions. No matter which way a potential purchaser decides, I have no doubt they will be pleased with either choice of these most recent offerings.

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