HDTV time for me at last!

[Rich-n-Texas]

I'm late to the game too, but that's only because I don't like you. Just kidding!

A couple of things albiet probably a moot point now:

There has been some discussion on the AVS forums about a certain line of 2010 Panny Plasma's that have an issue with what they're calling "floating blacks", which seems to manifest itself when a particular feature of the TV is active (don't remember the name of the feature, sounds gimmicky in any event) That discussion is part of, as usual, a very long thread that probably describes it, but I didn't read into it that far. Maybe Wooch or Sir T can elaborate.

The other thing is, I have a problem with my Oppo 980 where, after I've played one SACD and then load another, the disk plays but there's no audio. This has been a problem since day one; there are no s/w upgrades that address this, so I'm left with cycling power as the only means of getting the audio back. I should've called Oppo, but I didn't really feel like dealing with shipping and all that. Plus, I have maybe four SACD's anyway. Your problem with your Oppo though sounds like it was pretty much a fatal event, so take it FWIW. Anyway, welcome to HDTV Bill, especially with that Plasma. Very good choice overall.

(Worf stumbles to the computer whiping sleep and spittle from his eyes and mouth)

TMI TMI!

Worf, do you drool in your sleep? I do. I go through a LOT of pillows.

[pixelthis]

I'm late to the game too, but that's only because I don't like you. Just kidding!

A couple of things albiet probably a moot point now:

There has been some discussion on the AVS forums about a certain line of 2010 Panny Plasma's that have an issue with what they're calling "floating blacks", which seems to manifest itself when a particular feature of the TV is active (don't remember the name of the feature, sounds gimmicky in any event) That discussion is part of, as usual, a very long thread that probably describes it, but I didn't read into it that far. Maybe Wooch or Sir T can elaborate.

The other thing is, I have a problem with my Oppo 980 where, after I've played one SACD and then load another, the disk plays but there's no audio. This has been a problem since day one; there are no s/w upgrades that address this, so I'm left with cycling power as the only means of getting the audio back. I should've called Oppo, but I didn't really feel like dealing with shipping and all that. Plus, I have maybe four SACD's anyway. Your problem with your Oppo though sounds like it was pretty much a fatal event, so take it FWIW. Anyway, welcome to HDTV Bill, especially with that Plasma. Very good choice overall.
TMI TMI!

Worf, do you drool in your sleep? I do. I go through a LOT of pillows.

Also when you're awake.
So which Plasma are you going to get?
Or were you just talking A positive?

[GMichael]

Worf, do you drool in your sleep? I do. I go through a LOT of pillows.

There is such a thing as too much information Rich. This just might fall into that catagory.

[bobsticks]

There is such a thing as too much information Rich. This just might fall into that catagory.

Uh...yes. Betwixt that, the habanero flatulence, and the gym socks hung on the curtain rod it's amazing the womenfolk of Texas aren't beating down the door...

[Feanor]

I'm late to the game too, but that's only because I don't like you. Just kidding!

A couple of things albiet probably a moot point now:

There has been some discussion on the AVS forums about a certain line of 2010 Panny Plasma's that have an issue with what they're calling "floating blacks", which seems to manifest itself when a particular feature of the TV is active (don't remember the name of the feature, sounds gimmicky in any event) That discussion is part of, as usual, a very long thread that probably describes it, but I didn't read into it that far. Maybe Wooch or Sir T can elaborate.

The other thing is, I have a problem with my Oppo 980 where, after I've played one SACD and then load another, the disk plays but there's no audio. This has been a problem since day one; there are no s/w upgrades that address this, so I'm left with cycling power as the only means of getting the audio back. I should've called Oppo, but I didn't really feel like dealing with shipping and all that. Plus, I have maybe four SACD's anyway. Your problem with your Oppo though sounds like it was pretty much a fatal event, so take it FWIW. Anyway, welcome to HDTV Bill, especially with that Plasma. Very good choice overall.
TMI TMI!

...

Rich, fortunately I haven't see the 'floating blacks' problem -- touch wood.

Your 980H problems reinforce my suspicions with Oppo. Plus I have the 'cross border issue with Oppo, which isn't so much a purchase as a subsequent service problem.

[pixelthis]

[QUOTE=Feanor]Rich, fortunately I haven't see the 'floating blacks' problem -- touch wood.

A bottle of tequila helps you spot this problem.
Especially if you eat the worm.

[r33pwrd]

I'm late to the game too, but that's only because I don't like you. Just kidding!

A couple of things albiet probably a moot point now:

There has been some discussion on the AVS forums about a certain line of 2010 Panny Plasma's that have an issue with what they're calling "floating blacks", which seems to manifest itself when a particular feature of the TV is active (don't remember the name of the feature, sounds gimmicky in any event) That discussion is part of, as usual, a very long thread that probably describes it, but I didn't read into it that far. Maybe Wooch or Sir T can elaborate.

The other thing is, I have a problem with my Oppo 980 where, after I've played one SACD and then load another, the disk plays but there's no audio. This has been a problem since day one; there are no s/w upgrades that address this, so I'm left with cycling power as the only means of getting the audio back. I should've called Oppo, but I didn't really feel like dealing with shipping and all that. Plus, I have maybe four SACD's anyway. Your problem with your Oppo though sounds like it was pretty much a fatal event, so take it FWIW. Anyway, welcome to HDTV Bill, especially with that Plasma. Very good choice overall.
TMI TMI!

Worf, do you drool in your sleep? I do. I go through a LOT of pillows.

Rich I dont think your statment is correct?? Can you please axplain yourself?

[Sir Terrence the Terrible]

I'm late to the game too, but that's only because I don't like you. Just kidding!

A couple of things albiet probably a moot point now:

There has been some discussion on the AVS forums about a certain line of 2010 Panny Plasma's that have an issue with what they're calling "floating blacks", which seems to manifest itself when a particular feature of the TV is active (don't remember the name of the feature, sounds gimmicky in any event) That discussion is part of, as usual, a very long thread that probably describes it, but I didn't read into it that far. Maybe Wooch or Sir T can elaborate.

The other thing is, I have a problem with my Oppo 980 where, after I've played one SACD and then load another, the disk plays but there's no audio. This has been a problem since day one; there are no s/w upgrades that address this, so I'm left with cycling power as the only means of getting the audio back. I should've called Oppo, but I didn't really feel like dealing with shipping and all that. Plus, I have maybe four SACD's anyway. Your problem with your Oppo though sounds like it was pretty much a fatal event, so take it FWIW. Anyway, welcome to HDTV Bill, especially with that Plasma. Very good choice overall.
TMI TMI!

Worf, do you drool in your sleep? I do. I go through a LOT of pillows.

The floating blacks issue is called contrast management, and it is part of the processing within the set. I do not see a problem with this, as the feature is also on my professional Sony Monitor. It is describe in this way on the brochure:

Original Panasonic technology optimizes the contrast by matching it to
the images in each scene. Instead of losing gradation by making part
of the image too bright or too dark, this new technology applies just the
right amount of contrast correction for each part of the scene. The
result brings natural beauty to all parts of the scene.

It may or may not bug some folks, but calibrating the set seems to reduce its effects. If you keep the contrast lowered, it is also less of an issue. Using the cinema setting also reduces its effect, so there are ways around this if it becomes bothersome.

This would not stop me from buying this set.