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In Reply to: Panasonic PT-40LC12 posted by Joakley on June 06, 2002 at 22:10:43:
Look for a more cleaned-up review on AudioReview.com once they put the PT-40LC12 in their database, but here are my initial thoughts.The Good:
Brilliant screen -- I would compare the quality of it between a direct view and a plasma screen. The contrast and brightness is so much better than a traditional rear-projection TV, unfortunately one still has to view it at eye-level for the best picture. The depth of it is 1/2 to 1/3 of a direct view and weighs only 93 lbs (my CRT Toshiba 27AF41 weighs 99 lbs)! No plans to hook it up to a laptop/computer, but it does have that option available. A pair of component hookups are in the back and three for S-Video and RCA (one set of RCA and S-Video in the front). There's also no need to adjustments after time like traditional rear-projection models. It also comes with three different stetch modes for 4:3 programming (Full, Justified, and Zoom) which are just OK, but takes time getting used to (do you prefer a squashed or cut-off picture?). The TV speakers are better than average I suppose, but I have it connected to an external 5.1 system anyway. Build quality is solid.The Bad:
The instruction manual is not detailed and doesn't sufficiently explain some of the set's features. For example the manual doesn't even discuss the option of adding a tuner to view HD programming. The PT-40LC12 also gives very little control over custom configuration. I couldn't believe that this set doesn't allow one to fine-tune the contrast (contrast is only adjustable when viewing with a computer/laptop), but instead has a switch from "normal" to "cinema" mode. Despite this obvious shortcoming the LCD picture is still exceptional. Powering up the PT-40LC12 takes 5-10 seconds and the cooling fan can unfortuneately be heard in a quiet room during low sound volume. There also seems to be a lag (split seconds to up to 2-3 seconds) during channel surfing.The HID projector lamp has a life of only 5000 hours and costs $300 to replace according to the salesman. The PT-40LC12's air filter needs to be cleaned periodically with a vacuum and comes with an extra one, however. The 45" model (PT-45LC12) should be available within the next month or so for only $500 more. I would definitely recommend this TV to others.
I just got one delivered from Best Buy ($2999) and played with it a bit last night. I really like this set for all the reasons mentioned above, though I would have preferred the 45" model and may return mine to exchange for that one when it comes out. Wish I knew when that's going to be.Picture is sharp, zoom modes seem about as good as you can get (the JUST mode causes more stretching near the right/left edges, but preserves the center portion of a non 16x9 signal).
For the person who said that the picture quality is between a regular projection and a plasma - I disagree. Some of the plasma screens I've seen don't have a very good picture ("screen door" effect, lack of brightness), and I would rate this picture better than plasma IMHO.
Addendum: The cooling fan can even be heard during moderate sound volumes -- nothing extreme, but somewhat annoying. Also would have liked a TV/VCR button on the set's console (the only buttons are power, volume and channel).
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