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Confused And Frustrated!! |
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#1 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 11
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Confused And Frustrated!!
Im a relative newby to Home Cinema but am thinking about purchasing a Plasma TH42pw7 Panasonic screen. My frustration is that the screen only has 1 scart input and no tuner. I have and if possible want to connect these items...A Panasonic TUCT30 FreeView receiver, Panasonic SCHT 900 DVD Home Cinema System and a Sanyo Video recorder. I have been told by others that I will need an auto scart changer so as to allow all these input devices bearing im mind the screen only has 1 scart input. Is this correct and if yes I would appreciate some guidance in my intentions as stated above.
Thanks guys. |
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#2 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Greater London, UK
Posts: 1,362
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You Just need a Scart Switchbox - Like this one, in argos:
http://www.argos.co.uk/webapp/wcs/st...lickfrom=name] You simply press 'A', 'B' or 'C' Buttons to switch sources. (On this particular model when you first get it, remember to push the RGB button IN) If you can't be bothered to get up from the chair, there are ones that autoswitch but i prefer manual control over my devices (for example, if you had to have the DVD home cinema on to get Sound from Sky and you needed the sky box on at the same time it would be in a bit of a pickle )
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#3 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Warrington
Posts: 208
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#4 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: herts
Posts: 318
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All recent Panasonic plasmas (except the new Viera range) have 'plug in modules' so that you can have whatever type of inputs you want (up to three I believe).
Your best bet would be: 1) a component board for your Panasonic SCHT 900 (highest quality picture) 2) a scart board for your VHS 3) JS technology RGB to VGA converter connected between your freeview box and the (standard fitment) VGA socket on the plasma (or a second scart board if you dont want to use a converter, but apparently the JS box does a much better job with RGB) . |
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#5 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 11
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Ok but!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Davester
You Just need a Scart Switchbox - Like this one, in argos:
http://www.argos.co.uk/webapp/wcs/st...lickfrom=name] You simply press 'A', 'B' or 'C' Buttons to switch sources. (On this particular model when you first get it, remember to push the RGB button IN) If you can't be bothered to get up from the chair, there are ones that autoswitch but i prefer manual control over my devices (for example, if you had to have the DVD home cinema on to get Sound from Sky and you needed the sky box on at the same time it would be in a bit of a pickle )Once again I appreciate any responses. |
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#6 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Somerset
Posts: 3,048
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Quote:
Originally Posted by altis
Here is the definitive recommended set up instructions for a myriad of kit. but.......if you havent or dont understand............... Scart DVD ----> STB in STB out ---> VCR in VCR out ---> TV in RF Aerial ---> STB RF in STB RF out ---> VCR RF in VCR RF out ---> TV RF in Rgds, Scorp |
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#7 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 11
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I slept on it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Scorpio
Did you read this, as suggested?
Here is the definitive recommended set up instructions for a myriad of kit. but.......if you havent or dont understand............... Scart DVD ----> STB in STB out ---> VCR in VCR out ---> TV in RF Aerial ---> STB RF in STB RF out ---> VCR RF in VCR RF out ---> TV RF in Rgds, Scorp Thanks Scorp, I couldnt read the item sent by altis as for some reason my Acrobat Reader wouldnt open the pdf document he suggested. Your comments with reagrd connections I think I understood, Im a newby rmember so am taking stb to mean set top box right? And with regards your areial connections, your last one in particular VCR RF out--->TV RF in. The plasma don`t have a RF in if IM understanding you correctly. Once again thanks for your help. |
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#8 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 11
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Morning.
Quote:
Originally Posted by cyberdog
All recent Panasonic plasmas (except the new Viera range) have 'plug in modules' so that you can have whatever type of inputs you want (up to three I believe).
Your best bet would be: 1) a component board for your Panasonic SCHT 900 (highest quality picture) 2) a scart board for your VHS 3) JS technology RGB to VGA converter connected between your freeview box and the (standard fitment) VGA socket on the plasma (or a second scart board if you dont want to use a converter, but apparently the JS box does a much better job with RGB) . |
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#9 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Somerset
Posts: 3,048
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rizingdamp
Thanks Scorp,
I couldnt read the item sent by altis as for some reason my Acrobat Reader wouldnt open the pdf document he suggested. Your comments with reagrd connections I think I understood, Im a newby rmember so am taking stb to mean set top box right? And with regards your areial connections, your last one in particular VCR RF out--->TV RF in. The plasma don`t have a RF in if IM understanding you correctly. Once again thanks for your help. Rgds, Scorp |
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#10 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 11
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Thanks once again
Quote:
Originally Posted by Scorpio
Yes STB is set top box. If you dont have RF then you can only take sgnals from external devices into your TV but.......leave the RF connection going into your VCR for recording terrestrial while watching digital through the TV.
Rgds, Scorp So connecting the stb digital out or analogue out into the dvd surround reciever under diagital in or aux will allow me to view freeview channels whilst listening in surround sound when aux or digital-in is used as the input source on the dvd receiver??? I know im hard work, but I do appreciate your time Scorp, just wish you were on an instant messenger of some sort so could ask in real time as it were so as to really get it clear in my head. By the way the cost of the plasma th42pw7 is 1518, most say it is to cheap and its most likely coming coming from a reseller whatever that is!! The actual site I was considering purchasing it from is buyyourav.com. Ever heard of it?? |
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#11 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Somerset
Posts: 3,048
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rizingdamp
Ok last question I think,
So connecting the stb digital out or analogue out into the dvd surround reciever under diagital in or aux will allow me to view freeview channels whilst listening in surround sound when aux or digital-in is used as the input source on the dvd receiver??? We just need to resolve the audio. I suspect that the DVD goes into DVD/dolby digital mode when you play a DVD and surround is fine. For all other devices you have these 2 choices: a) if your TV has a pair of phono out sockets connect these to AUX input on DVD. Select AUX when listening to STB, VCR, or terrestrial TV. your only other sound source id DVD which probably defaults to DVd when you turn it on. b) connect a phono pair from each device to various AUX1, AUX2 inputs. option a) is far simpler, i use this technique fot my terrestrial TV, VCR. My Sky+ has a digital connection to the amp as does my DVD player. Hope this is OK. Rgds, Scorp |
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#12 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Bristol UK
Posts: 38
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Thanks Altis. I understand the document and it'll save me getting a switch.
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#13 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Warrington
Posts: 208
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Thanks eccles. For those that remain convinced that a scart switch is the solution to all problems should read paragraph 1.2.1.5 of that document. Quote:
1.2.1.5 Avoid the use of SCART switch boxes. My suggestion would be to always look for equipment with TWO scart sockets and enquire of the salesman whether they supports RGB loop-through. If he doesn't know then he oughta!
Reasoning: There a so many different types of SCART switch box available that it is impossible to provide any guidelines as to their use. In addition, many have been found to incorrectly loop-through one or more of the SCART signals – thus causing more problems for the end user. For example, unless all three signalling levels of pin 8 are supported, then widescreen playback & recording may not work correctly on products connected via the switch box. The recommendation is, therefore, that it is preferable not to use such boxes. |
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#14 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Bristol
Posts: 93
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Hi rizingdamp
a couple of thoughts: is the plasma screen you are looking at 768 lines horizontal? or is it a 480 line (pixel ) resolution screen. only 768 line models can properly support 625 PAL signals. 480ok for NTSC only without horrible rescaling. Also what distance are you intending to view from. if you Know the height of the viewable image you should work out viewing distance in image heights . 6 to 8 image height is a good range less than 6 and you will see warts and all with digital TV.(DVD will be OK). i view 36"CRT from 6 image heights so a Know all about digital artfacts on freeview. Cheers Pantera |
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#15 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 11
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Thanks For The Reply
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pantera
Hi rizingdamp
a couple of thoughts: is the plasma screen you are looking at 768 lines horizontal? or is it a 480 line (pixel ) resolution screen. only 768 line models can properly support 625 PAL signals. 480ok for NTSC only without horrible rescaling. Also what distance are you intending to view from. if you Know the height of the viewable image you should work out viewing distance in image heights . 6 to 8 image height is a good range less than 6 and you will see warts and all with digital TV.(DVD will be OK). i view 36"CRT from 6 image heights so a Know all about digital artfacts on freeview. Cheers Pantera |
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#16 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: S.Wales
Posts: 98
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Quote:
Originally Posted by altis
My suggestion would be to always look for equipment with TWO scart sockets and enquire of the salesman whether they supports RGB loop-through. If he doesn't know then he oughta!
however there are devices that support al of the above points....... at no loss of quality........ http://www.js-technology.com/product...6a80febfc77bec add an extra fully functional scart to any TV for £49.....not bad...... can also be used with DVD recorder etc to record RGB from Cable and FV etc |
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#17 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Bristol
Posts: 93
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A 14 ft viewing distance gives 8 image heights on this plasma screen, so the artifacts should blend out a bit.
However there are other things to think about: you mention your existing stb dvd/surround kit, but what is you current screen, how much of an upgrade are you looking at getting. If you must go 42 inch, which is sensible given your viewing distance, does it have to be a plasma, why not rear projection or a 40 " CRT. Do you think you will keep this screen for a good few years ie 5 by which time high definition will be around. If this is something that you think you would want a HD ready plasma (768 pixels) would make much more sense. If you current Tv is 28 or 32 inch wide screen you could keep this for normal tv viewing without showing up too much the weaknesses of freeview and get a Home cinema projector and screen for about £1000 to £1500. That way you could have images sizes up to 8 ft across for DVD, the quality of which is good enough to cope with that level of image enlargement. If your budget is up to it ( and you have an understanding partner) you could get a Hi Fi separates grade speaker set up and amplification for sounds to match the supersize image. This option would cost at less £600. hope this helps Pantera |
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#18 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 11
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Thanks Guys.
Thanks Pantera for the all the advice, same goes for the rest of you guys who have helped me out.
Status so far is brains are fried with all the information. As for the understanding g/f part, well yes she is. She tells me she wants the use of her computer back, and for me to stop hogging it with regard AV forums. To shut me up she has enlightened me to her Xmas present for me. She purchased a Denon Avr1905 amp. So now I have even more questions... Im sure you guys are fed up with me by now but can one of you just in good old plain english advise me on how to connect up the following... TH42PW7...1 SCART, 1 COMPONENT DENON AVR1905 TOSHIBA SD240....1 SCART, 1 COMPONENT, COAX/OPTICAL OUT PIONEER DBRTF100......2SCART, OPTICAL OUT, RF IN/OUT SHARP VHS...2 SCART PS2 Im now going to need a speaker package, could you recommend one, say upto about £300 Once again thaks for all your help, no doubt I will be back. |
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#19 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: herts
Posts: 318
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Toshiba dvd to Denon amp via COMPONENT cable (for picture)
Digital COAXIAL cable (for sound) PIONEER Freeview box to plasma via RGB (i.e. fully wired) SCART for pic (make sure you use the RGB scart output on the freeview box) Optical TOSLINK cable to amp for sound SHARP VHS to Denon amp via SCART to COMPOSITE cable (for picture) phono cable to amp for sound OR use a scart to composite/2 phonos from the VHS to the amp PLAYSTATION2 to AMP via SVIDEO to amp (pic) optical (toslink) cable for dolby digital sound OR phono to amp for sound. FINALLY.... COMPONENT cable to panasonic plasma for picture Your denon amplifier will convert all the pictures going into it to component output for your plasma, and switch between all the sources for you. Sorry, thats as simple as I could get it! So - you'll need to buy: 2 component cables - 1 to connect your dvd to the amp, 1 to connect the amp to the plasma 2 optical (toslink) cables - 1 to connect your freeview box to the amp, 1 to connect the PS2 1 digital coax cable to connect sound from your dvd to the amp 1 PS2 to SVIDEO adaptor 1 SCART to phono lead to connect your VHS to the amp |
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#20 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: herts
Posts: 318
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ps...
if it's any help, send me your email address via private message (just click my name on the left) and I'll do you a wiring diagram! |
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#21 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Bristol
Posts: 93
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£300 for a good speaker set up is a bit tight. You could consider a quality matched front pair and centre to start you off now, upgrading/adding a subwoofer and surrounds (of preferably the same brand/series) later. The link below might help you to get an ideal of what options are available for what money.
http://www.homecinemachoice.com/reviews/ you will also need to budget for cabling and possibly stands. the Denon unit loks good, would certainly make connection to your plasma easy. for the required interconnent cables this link might be useful. http://www.lektropacks.co.uk/ |
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