SP Controls Application Note Panasonic TH-37PW5 Revision C I. Driver Features
1. Command Format This device is controlled through RS-232. 2. RS-232 Commands
Power On Power Off Volume (level) Source: Video Source: S-Video Source: Component Source: RGB Mute On Mute Off Blank On Blank Off
3. Other Driver Features Default Power Status Feedback: Projector Restart Lockout Timer (Default):

RS-232 Polling 2 Seconds

II. RS-232 Control Wiring
Wire RS-232 control to a male DB9 as follows:

GND to 5 TX to 3

SP Controls Device

RX to 2

Control Cable (shown from front)
Connect male DB9 to projector port labeled SERIAL. Serial Adapters (for NRC only): A & B

2009 SP Controls Inc.

SP Controls reserves the right to modify specifications without notice at any time.

0306wv37 Panny 37 TV

10/4/2003

4:42 pm

Page 56

PANASONIC TH-37PW5

37in widescreen Nicam plasma screen

SPECIFICATIONS

FEATURES
37in VGA 852 x 80-pixel resolution (up to UXGA compressed); NTSC/PAL/Secam compatible; 525i, 480i, 625i, 575i, 525p, 480p, 625p, 575p, 750p, 720p, 1,125/60i, 50i, 24p compatible formats; 3,000:1 contrast ratio; 500cd/m2 brightness; Real Black Drive System; Adaptive Brightness Intensifier; built-in progressive scan; optional tuner box and terminal board (500), wall bracket, stand & detachable stereo speakers; multiple aspect ratios; 3:2 pulldown detection (NTSC only); contrast, brightness, colour, tint, sharpness adjustment; white balance (adjustment of red and blue levels); black extension; horizontal and vertical position and size adjustment; noise reduction; four picture modes; three colour modes; clock phase; 3D Y/C filter; virtual surround mode; music and speech modes; off timer

PLASMA PEACH

It may prop up Panasonics plasma range, but theres nothing cheap and nasty about the TX-37PW5. Marco Bilello enthuses about this hang-on-the-wall stunner
The 3,000 TX-37PW5 is Panasonics most affordable plasma to date, but thats not its chief claim to fame. Like the TH-42PW4 (May 02 issue) its quoted as having the highest contrast ratio available in a plasma, rated at an amazing 3,000:1. These claims must always be taken with a pinch of salt, but theres only one way to be sure. The TX-37PW5 is somewhat dull aesthetically, with an appearance thats far more commercial than consumer. At least the dashing slim frame injects a touch of glamour. Basic inputs comprise a 15-pin VGA PC input with stereo audio support, a 9-pin RS232C port and two pairs of springclip terminals for attaching optional speakers. However, the optional TU-PT600 tuner box is available for 500, and is connected to a terminal board that slots in the back. This attractive unit resembles Panasonics DVD-XV10 deck. It outshines the screen, especially the glorious semi-mirrored finish. Under a flap on the front panel youll find S-video, AV inputs and a headphone jack. Rearwards lie
Chunky but a breeze to use
three Scarts (two of which take RGB) and component video inputs. Unfortunately, theres no DVI input or digital audio connections. The displays basic remote offers one-touch access to picture, sound and setup menus. The same can be activated by the tuners more extensive zapper, which also controls teletext and Panasonic DVD decks/VCRs. Its a cinch to use with the clearly flagged and well-positioned buttons. Auto tuning does its stuff as soon as the screen is turned on, storing channels in the correct order. The onscreen menus are a paragon of design and identical to those used by Panasonics CRT TVs. Features are excellent. The display boasts a natural VGA resolution of 852 x 480 pixels, but is capable of compressed UXGA with signals from a PC. The display can deliver 720p PAL progressive scan images and features 3:2 pulldown detection, although only with NTSC sources. As mentioned earlier, the claimed contrast ratio is a massive 3,000:1, with brightness rated at 500cd/m2. The Real Black Drive System is key to the high contrast rating. Conventional plasmas tend to illuminate blacks, thus reducing contrast. But the TH-37PW5 decreases the intensity of pre-discharge emissions, which delivers deeper blacks. The displays built-in prog scan is applied to all signals, reducing
flicker and image lag to suit the dot matrix of the screen.

SOCKETS

Panel: RS232 in; VGA input with PC stereo audio in; display in; springclip speaker terminals Tuner box: RF in; three Scarts (two RGB); component video input; stereo audio input; stereo audio output; display out; S-video input; composite video in; stereo audio in; headphone minijack

PERFORMANCE

The contrast ratio may not reach 3,000:1, but its still very impressive. In Moulin Rouge, Ewan McGregors dinner jacket is as black as the day the costume-maker created it. The greyscale is excellent, too, providing good definition to shaded areas of the picture, while the colour range is astounding. The kaleidoscopic swirls of colour on the can-can dancers dresses are fiercely vivid. Pictures are also incredibly stable, with virtually no image lag or smearing trailing moving objects. Weaknesses are negligible, although there is a little grey pixel noise which makes edges look slightly soft and skin tones a little pitted. Its an occasional and minor glitch, though. Even from a sub-standard RF feed images are impeccably vivid, with hardly any grain or noise. Overall, the TH-37PW5 may be Panasonics most affordable plasma, but it punches above its weight. Picture quality is sensational, with the black level in particular meriting high praise. This allows the vibrant colours to appear all the more spectacular. The built-in progressive scan plays an influential role, ensuring that moving images remain smooth and solid at all times. A stunning effort from Panasonic s

DIMENSIONS

930(w) x 89(d) x 550(h)mm

WEIGHT

25kg Panasonic www.panasonic.co.uk

CONTACT

TEST DATA
Colour: excellent. Minimal bleed, no noise and solid edges Geometry: perfect Frequency response: excellent. Clear all the way to 5.8MHz

VERDICT

WHATS GOOD
Colours; contrast; moving images; ease of use

WHATS BAD

Slight noise and soft edges; connectivity without tuner box and terminal board

OVERALL

As close to plasma perfection as youll get for 3,000
PICTURE.77777 FEATURES.7777 EASE OF USE.77777 VALUE.77777 OVERALL.77777
J U N E s W H AT V I D E O W I D E S C R E E N E N T E R TA I N M E N T