Akai PDP4273M 42" 1024x1024 - Canadian TV, Computing and Home Theatre Forums

craigstar · 2006-05-10, 01:00 PM

This was posted in Digital Deals, but I understand there is no discussion there...

Costco has the Akai PDP4273M plasma available. I took a look at one last weekend there but the signal they had hooked up was horrible. I'm no expert on plasmas, but I know it's not possible for one to look that bad.

Here's the specs: http://www.akaiusa.com/products_deta...uctno=PDP4273M

What are your expert opinions on this set? This is my first plasma. I'll be hooking to it an Pace 551HD via HDMI and an Xbox via component.

From what research I can find it's a rebadged Samsung which seem to get good reviews. Common reviews seem to suggest the black levels are low but can be fixed by calibration via the service menu. I've collected a copy of Avia and already found the service menu sequence... let the games begin!

thanks!

craigstar · 2006-05-12, 04:18 PM

Well I bought it.

I couldn't resist.

It looks stunning... PBS HD and Discovery HD are ... breathtaking...

I'll play with it for a few days and post more in case anyone else is looking. It was fairly cheap - $1699+taxes at Costco and with their incrediable return policy you can't go wrong.

C.

princebro · 2006-05-13, 12:51 AM

I am quite interested in this model too. waiting for your further comments.

Thank you!

craigstar · 2006-05-29, 02:32 PM

Hi,

Well I'm finally able to give some thoughts.

I've had it for almost a month now - I was waiting for my HDMI cables to arrive, calibration, and to get my final setup.

I'm using a Pace 551HD via Videotron hooked up via HDMI cable. I subscribe to all 14 of Videotron's HD channels now..

My thoughts: via HDMI it's near perfect. I had ran into a problem with black levels via component cables, but HDMI cleared that up nicely. Skin tones are normal and the only thing I adjusted was a little on the brightness level - but I don't believe that was necessary.

My PQ has so been improved by the HDMI cable that I managed this weekend to impress my non-videophile friend. We both were watching "Mean Girls" on MHD and he looks at me and said "This looks better than it did last weekend, the colours are amazing! Is it just me". No no, it's the HDMI connection. It's REALLY better.

There are a couple quirky things about the set. It has a slow startup - when I turn it on, it takes a good 20 seconds before you will see an image. I don't know if this is normal or not for a plasma set.

I can't test PIP. It has PIP, but you can only PIP between HDMI/Component1/Component2 and VGA/S-video which is useless to me. You can't PIP between HDMI and the component connections for example which is too bad. I called their tech support and they confirmed that there is no way to do it.

I have an Xbox hooked via Component cables and the offical Microsoft HDTV kit. The xbox has both Xboxmediacentre and Microsoft's Extender installed. No problems here - I'm not much of a gamer, but I did play for a few minutes a game in widescreen and it was impressive. The xboxmediacentre auto configed to 480p and automatically detected streaming movies in widescreen. Very cool.

Over the component connections you will need to make some adjustements, but that's what plasmas and calibrations is all about. It's interesting to note that only in Component2 can you make some serious heavy changes in the service menu. Component1 is also adjustable, but not to the same degree.

Another posted commented on the look of the monitor. At the store with the warehouse lighting - I also thought it looked bad. However, after unpacking one at home it really is a sleek looking monitor. The silver speaker on the bottom *is* detachable should you desire, just takes a screwdriver.

I have my plasma mounted on the wall and if you decide to buy a mount - it's apparently the VESA "C" specification.

I am very very very happy with my purchase. The PIP thing is my only outstanding issue, but in all honesty - I'm not sure I'd even use it if it was working the way I want.

It's a beautiful set with a very clear picture.

Craig

decadent · 2006-05-30, 09:38 PM

craigstar, thanks for the update.

I'm curious, did you manage to fix your handshake problem over HDMI with your videotron STB?

I went to look at this PDP tonight and I was not blown away by its picture but I feel very tempted to get one regardless. The display model at Costco had the Discovery HD channel logo burned in, but so did the Pioneer model. I plan on using it for xboxmc and DVD. I'll get HD TV later with videotron.

craigstar · 2006-05-31, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by decadent

I'm curious, did you manage to fix your handshake problem over HDMI with your videotron STB?

Yes.. actually it was more of a question about it than a problem. The handshake always works - and it's no different than any other set - turn on the TV first, cable box second.. the handshake will happen successfully after about 10 seconds. If you do it in reverse, the handshake can take up to 30 seconds.. whenever the next "cycle" is from the box.

There is one more HDMI issue I will put out there, my gut feeling it's a Videotron thing and not a tv thing. Sometimes, maybe 1 out of every 10 times, when I switch from a HD channel to a SD channel the audio gets all wonky - like it's cut in half and it just doesn't sound right. Turning the STB off and on quickly fixes the issue and also it doesn't have to handshake anymore either. The whole process takes only a second.

I really think it's a Videotron issue though.

Here's a tip for xboxmc - when you go into the Microsoft dashboard to set the resolution. Don't choose 720p or 1080 - choose 480p. While xboxmc will happily try to output at a higher resolution, xboxmc will have serious issues rendering any streaming movies in that resolution. The Xbox was only built for 480p and there is no noticeable difference in choosing a higher resolution. At 480 the text looks very clear and nice rounded letters. Plus, all movies play flawlessly.

You should also upgrade to the latest builds - I moved from a February release to a May release and there were tons of widescreen improvements.

decadent · 2006-05-31, 02:38 PM

Thanks for the xbmc tip.

I'm not sold yet on this TV, I'm still torn between getting this or the 42" Daytek or going with the Daytek 40" LCD. There's also the possibility of unlocking more funds and getting a Hitachi or Panasonic.
I'm not too thrilled about the panel life of this Akai. From what I have read in other boards (that you also visit BTW), this panel isn't rated for 60 000hrs.

milo · 2006-06-05, 02:06 PM

Thanks for the detailed information regarding this model. Can you give some info on SD quality? I am very tempted to get this unit.

Thanks

craigstar · 2006-06-05, 02:44 PM

Hi milo,

SD looks great on it over the HDMI cable. This also coincides with what some other members are saying regarding a recent update to our digital cable boxes which improved SD quality.

I have a Pace 551HD box which is also offered by Rogers I believe.

decadent · 2006-07-04, 01:37 PM

Well I finally bought it along with the AVF mount. The front of the TV is only 6.5" from the wall. I've installed it with a floor - bottom of image distance of 37". It looks really nice up on the wall and the W is pretty happy.

I'm only using component cables right now, the black levels are pretty bad. I was watching CSI Miami last night in 1080i and I was a little disapointed. I'm not sure yet if I will keep it, it's too early to call. I will place an order for an HDMI cable.

I managed to get into the service menu, thanks for the remote code. However, I can only adjust the contrast and brightness of each RGB channels. Other settings cannot be changed. If I remember currently the unit has firmware 1.6 installed.

Craigstar, what settings are you using?

decadent · 2006-08-02, 08:42 PM

FYI to anyone who has bought a set.
$100 price drop
Now $1599 at Costco B&M.

TheFuzz · 2006-08-03, 03:48 PM

Can anyone comment on the PIP and POP modes? Limitiations, can it do side by side, and is it limited to a digital and analoug source? I'm pretty interested in this display for the price. Thanks!

decadent · 2006-08-03, 04:03 PM

It also does side-by-side PIP, but like Craigstar mentionned only between HDMI Component1/Component2 and VGA/S-video/composite.

IMO, the PIP is useless. Worse of all, the PIP button is located just above the Up-Arrow button on the remote. If you press it by accident, you have to press it again twice to get out of PIP.

TheFuzz · 2006-08-04, 09:48 AM

Thanks, sorry, i missed that in Craigstars post.

natron · 2006-10-30, 10:49 PM

This TV dropped to 1399 at costco today. I picked one up and run my stdb through hdmi to this unit and I think it looks great. I actually returned my 42 inch samsung dlp for this unit and hands down its slicker. No complaints so far. I also have a 50 inch pioneer in my basement that costs almost 3 times as much, but is definitely not 3 times nicer. For the price, I am very pleased with this unit so far.

2006-05-10, 01:00 PM	#1
craigstar Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Montréal: Akai PDP4273; Bell 6131, Xbox 360, Philips Soundbar Posts: 117	Akai PDP4273M 42" 1024x1024 This was posted in Digital Deals, but I understand there is no discussion there... Costco has the Akai PDP4273M plasma available. I took a look at one last weekend there but the signal they had hooked up was horrible. I'm no expert on plasmas, but I know it's not possible for one to look that bad. Here's the specs: http://www.akaiusa.com/products_deta...uctno=PDP4273M What are your expert opinions on this set? This is my first plasma. I'll be hooking to it an Pace 551HD via HDMI and an Xbox via component. From what research I can find it's a rebadged Samsung which seem to get good reviews. Common reviews seem to suggest the black levels are low but can be fixed by calibration via the service menu. I've collected a copy of Avia and already found the service menu sequence... let the games begin! thanks!

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2006-05-12, 04:18 PM	#2
craigstar Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Montréal: Akai PDP4273; Bell 6131, Xbox 360, Philips Soundbar Posts: 117	Well I bought it. I couldn't resist. It looks stunning... PBS HD and Discovery HD are ... breathtaking... I'll play with it for a few days and post more in case anyone else is looking. It was fairly cheap - $1699+taxes at Costco and with their incrediable return policy you can't go wrong. C.

2006-05-13, 12:51 AM	#3
princebro Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 6	I am quite interested in this model too. waiting for your further comments. Thank you!

2006-05-29, 02:32 PM	#4
craigstar Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Montréal: Akai PDP4273; Bell 6131, Xbox 360, Philips Soundbar Posts: 117	Hi, Well I'm finally able to give some thoughts. I've had it for almost a month now - I was waiting for my HDMI cables to arrive, calibration, and to get my final setup. I'm using a Pace 551HD via Videotron hooked up via HDMI cable. I subscribe to all 14 of Videotron's HD channels now.. My thoughts: via HDMI it's near perfect. I had ran into a problem with black levels via component cables, but HDMI cleared that up nicely. Skin tones are normal and the only thing I adjusted was a little on the brightness level - but I don't believe that was necessary. My PQ has so been improved by the HDMI cable that I managed this weekend to impress my non-videophile friend. We both were watching "Mean Girls" on MHD and he looks at me and said "This looks better than it did last weekend, the colours are amazing! Is it just me". No no, it's the HDMI connection. It's REALLY better. There are a couple quirky things about the set. It has a slow startup - when I turn it on, it takes a good 20 seconds before you will see an image. I don't know if this is normal or not for a plasma set. I can't test PIP. It has PIP, but you can only PIP between HDMI/Component1/Component2 and VGA/S-video which is useless to me. You can't PIP between HDMI and the component connections for example which is too bad. I called their tech support and they confirmed that there is no way to do it. I have an Xbox hooked via Component cables and the offical Microsoft HDTV kit. The xbox has both Xboxmediacentre and Microsoft's Extender installed. No problems here - I'm not much of a gamer, but I did play for a few minutes a game in widescreen and it was impressive. The xboxmediacentre auto configed to 480p and automatically detected streaming movies in widescreen. Very cool. Over the component connections you will need to make some adjustements, but that's what plasmas and calibrations is all about. It's interesting to note that only in Component2 can you make some serious heavy changes in the service menu. Component1 is also adjustable, but not to the same degree. Another posted commented on the look of the monitor. At the store with the warehouse lighting - I also thought it looked bad. However, after unpacking one at home it really is a sleek looking monitor. The silver speaker on the bottom is detachable should you desire, just takes a screwdriver. I have my plasma mounted on the wall and if you decide to buy a mount - it's apparently the VESA "C" specification. I am very very very happy with my purchase. The PIP thing is my only outstanding issue, but in all honesty - I'm not sure I'd even use it if it was working the way I want. It's a beautiful set with a very clear picture. Craig

2006-05-30, 09:38 PM	#5
decadent Join Date: May 2006 Location: Qc City - 50PX60U SA 8300HD Denon AVR-1705 (3)Polk Audio RM7302 HSU STF-1 Posts: 38	craigstar, thanks for the update. I'm curious, did you manage to fix your handshake problem over HDMI with your videotron STB? I went to look at this PDP tonight and I was not blown away by its picture but I feel very tempted to get one regardless. The display model at Costco had the Discovery HD channel logo burned in, but so did the Pioneer model. I plan on using it for xboxmc and DVD. I'll get HD TV later with videotron.

2006-05-31, 02:38 PM	#7
decadent Join Date: May 2006 Location: Qc City - 50PX60U SA 8300HD Denon AVR-1705 (3)Polk Audio RM7302 HSU STF-1 Posts: 38	Thanks for the xbmc tip. I'm not sold yet on this TV, I'm still torn between getting this or the 42" Daytek or going with the Daytek 40" LCD. There's also the possibility of unlocking more funds and getting a Hitachi or Panasonic. I'm not too thrilled about the panel life of this Akai. From what I have read in other boards (that you also visit BTW), this panel isn't rated for 60 000hrs.

2006-06-05, 02:06 PM	#8
milo Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Mississauga, ON Posts: 137	Thanks for the detailed information regarding this model. Can you give some info on SD quality? I am very tempted to get this unit. Thanks

2006-06-05, 02:44 PM	#9
craigstar Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Montréal: Akai PDP4273; Bell 6131, Xbox 360, Philips Soundbar Posts: 117	Hi milo, SD looks great on it over the HDMI cable. This also coincides with what some other members are saying regarding a recent update to our digital cable boxes which improved SD quality. I have a Pace 551HD box which is also offered by Rogers I believe.

2006-07-04, 01:37 PM	#10
decadent Join Date: May 2006 Location: Qc City - 50PX60U SA 8300HD Denon AVR-1705 (3)Polk Audio RM7302 HSU STF-1 Posts: 38	Well I finally bought it along with the AVF mount. The front of the TV is only 6.5" from the wall. I've installed it with a floor - bottom of image distance of 37". It looks really nice up on the wall and the W is pretty happy. I'm only using component cables right now, the black levels are pretty bad. I was watching CSI Miami last night in 1080i and I was a little disapointed. I'm not sure yet if I will keep it, it's too early to call. I will place an order for an HDMI cable. I managed to get into the service menu, thanks for the remote code. However, I can only adjust the contrast and brightness of each RGB channels. Other settings cannot be changed. If I remember currently the unit has firmware 1.6 installed. Craigstar, what settings are you using?

2006-08-02, 08:42 PM	#11
decadent Join Date: May 2006 Location: Qc City - 50PX60U SA 8300HD Denon AVR-1705 (3)Polk Audio RM7302 HSU STF-1 Posts: 38	FYI to anyone who has bought a set. $100 price drop Now $1599 at Costco B&M.

2006-08-03, 03:48 PM	#12
TheFuzz Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 131	Can anyone comment on the PIP and POP modes? Limitiations, can it do side by side, and is it limited to a digital and analoug source? I'm pretty interested in this display for the price. Thanks!

2006-08-03, 04:03 PM	#13
decadent Join Date: May 2006 Location: Qc City - 50PX60U SA 8300HD Denon AVR-1705 (3)Polk Audio RM7302 HSU STF-1 Posts: 38	It also does side-by-side PIP, but like Craigstar mentionned only between HDMI Component1/Component2 and VGA/S-video/composite. IMO, the PIP is useless. Worse of all, the PIP button is located just above the Up-Arrow button on the remote. If you press it by accident, you have to press it again twice to get out of PIP.

2006-08-04, 09:48 AM	#14
TheFuzz Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 131	Thanks, sorry, i missed that in Craigstars post.

2006-10-30, 10:49 PM	#15
natron Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 1	This TV dropped to 1399 at costco today. I picked one up and run my stdb through hdmi to this unit and I think it looks great. I actually returned my 42 inch samsung dlp for this unit and hands down its slicker. No complaints so far. I also have a 50 inch pioneer in my basement that costs almost 3 times as much, but is definitely not 3 times nicer. For the price, I am very pleased with this unit so far.