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Average user rating:
- My rating: 0 stars
Full user review
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2 out of 3 people found this review helpful
1.0 stars
"Disappointed in Panasonic Claims, Functionality, and Support"
Pros: Clear picture, Sound system is great with home theatre, Menus are easy
Cons: HDAVI control does not work as advertised. Cable card does not work correctly
Summary: I think I'm one of the first customer installations of the PT-61DLX76 61" DLP TV from Panasonic. I bought all Panasonic components including the new SA-XR57 digital receiver, DVD-S52, and TP-100 speaker system. When it all is linked up, it's awesome. Problem is the HDAVI (1-touch) control stinks. Does not work. I have to go through multiple steps to get the receiver, DVD, and TV to work together. Not what all the Panasonic touts on their new HDAVI control. I've been in contact with Panasonic multiple times and still open issue. That is the reason I bought all Panasonic. Customer service has been very poor with long telephone waits, not getting back to me, and most important not fixing the problem. Have spent hours on the phone with them with no resolution. There is also a problem with using Cable Card. I found out after multiple phone calls and working with the local cable company, there is a known "firmware" fix for early models of the Panasonic DLP 61" TV. They sent me a SIMM card with firmware 1.86 to upgrade the 1.85 firmware on my TV. Without this fix, could not get all the HDTV channels and many channels at times said poor signal quality and would not show.
Don't believe the Panasonic marketing pitch on HDAVI. It does not work with this setup as I should know as have all Panasonic products. Based on the expert reviews in hindsight I would have gotten another 61" DLP or plasma TV.
Once I manually get everything working, I'm pleased. I was sold on the 1080P capability and 12,500 to 1 contrast ratio. I don't think the contrast ratio is what they claim. Picture is good, but not great. I had the new 58" Panasonic plasma on order but ship date continually got pushed back so went with the new 61" DLP based on the above and about $ 2,000 less. If done over again would have waited for the plasma even though the 58" plasma does not have 1080P capability for future program sources.
I'm still hoping Panasonic comes through and fixes the HDAVI problem. I can make the TV work correctly but my wife wants something more simple as advertised. If not, I'm a disappointed customer. I can only imagine the problems in the typical customer environment with differing component manufacturers for receiver, DVD, etc.
