1. What is LCD technology, and what are its benefits?
LCD projection TVs utilize a liquid crystal-based material sandwiched between two glass panels, an advanced optical system, and a powerful lamp to project a bright, high-resolution image. LCD projection TVs are much lighter and thinner than conventional projection TVs, and their high resolution makes them an exceptional large-screen multimedia PC display. LCD projection TVs are also not susceptible to burn-in like traditional projection displays. LCD projection TVs do exhibit a phenomenon known as "image retention" that occurs when bright objects have been left onscreen for an extended period of time, but this effect is not permanent.
2. How long will the lamp in my LCD projection TV last? Is it user-replaceable? The lamp life varies depending on individual usage. The term of the Limited Warranty for the Lamp is one year for defects in materials and workmanship, subject to the limits and exclusions and all other terms and conditions of the Limited Warranty. See the Limited Warranty for details. You can easily replace the lamp yourself when the time comes. Simply
visit the Panasonic parts and accessories site to order a replacement lamp or call 1-888-VIEW-PTV.
5. Why does my picture look different than it did in the retail store? Many retailers use high-definition signals that are designed to optimize the capabilities of the displays. And to get the best picture, you'll want to take advantage of stunning HD programming, as well. So, be sure to upgrade to HD programming. Here's how:
If you're like most people, and already have cable or satellite TV, the easiest thing to do is call your cable or satellite company. They'll hook you up with everything you need to get eye-popping HD programming.
Most Panasonic TVs also have built-in HDTV tuners. So, if you live close to a TV station broadcasting HDTV, you might be able to receive free over-the-air HDTV broadcasts with an antenna.
Also, many Panasonic TV models have a built-in CableCARD slot. A CableCARD is a small card you can get from your cable provider that allows you to receive standard definition and high definition digital broadcasts without a bulky set-top box. Please check with your local cable company for details on pricing and availability.
In order to help you get the best possible picture quality, you also need to make sure all of the components are connected properly. Take a look at our
HD Programming set up guide. 6. What is HDMI? Is it compatible with DVI?
HDMI, which stands for "High-Definition Multimedia Interface", is the consumer electronic industry's first connection capable of transmitting uncompressed digital audio/video signals. Components featuring HDMI can transmit both digital audio and video over one convenient cable, replacing the tangled mess that resides behind many home theater components. HDMI also offers improved quality over traditional analog connections thanks to all-digital transmission. Digital sources like DVDs and HDTV programming can now be transferred digitally from source to display without analog conversions that can degrade the original signal.
Unlike the HDMI interface, DVI only handles digital video. Through the use of an adapter, a DVI device can be connected to an HDMI device, but only video content can be transmitted. The audio signal would have to be transmitted through other methods such as analog RCA outputs or an optical digital output.
7. Why do I still see black bars on my widescreen TV when viewing certain widescreen DVDs and HDTV broadcasts?
Your widescreen TV has an aspect ratio of 16:9 (1.78:1), which is the aspect ratio of HDTV. However, movies are filmed at several different aspect ratios, including 2.35:1. Also referred to as "scope", 2.35:1 is a very panoramic aspect ratio that provides a wide field of view in the theater. Scope is much wider than your widescreen TV, so it still requires the use of letterboxing ("black bars") to fit the entire image on screen. Some TVs and DVD players have a zoom function that allows you to blow up the image so it fills the screen, but the sides of the image must be cropped in order to do so.
