0312wv33 Panasonic TX-32PS12

10/13/03

5:10 PM

Page 105

ON TEST: PANASONIC TX-32PS12

32in Nicam TV 950

SPECIFICATION
FEATURES 100Hz 16:9 TV; flicker reduction; Nicam stereo with Ambient/speech/music modes; pic presets; noise reduction; tilt correction; autotuning; Q-Link; owner ID system; multiple aspect ratios; pic freeze; picture/text split screen; AI; colour balance; off timer; teletext sub-page access SOCKETS Rear: Three Scarts (two RGB); stereo audio outputs; RF jack Front: S-video input; composite video input; stereo audio input; headphone jack WEIGHT 55.5kg DIMENSIONS 564(h) x 902(w) x 553(d)mm CONTACT 08705 357357, www.panasonic.co.uk

Mixed bag

Panasonics TX-32PS12 is the archetypal TV mid-ranger, boasting 100Hz pictures, a respectable features count, and Nicam stereo sound. It looks pleasant, too. A glossy deep grey inner frame is set off well by the lighter silver outer frame that also scores style points by curving gently towards you at its extremities. The only aesthetic bumnote is the customary front AV jacks. These have been left under the screen, rather than being tucked away down the side somewhere. Rear panel connections are dominated by three Scarts two of which, happily, can take RGB. Unlike some of Panasonics other recent TVs, there arent any component video inputs but then, this isnt a progressive scan TV, so they wont be too sorely missed. During set-up we revelled in the usual fabulously designed Panasonic remote control. The TVs autotuning system did its job quickly and efficiently, with Q-Link on hand if you need to download tuner settings to a suitable VCR. The chief picture adjustments comprise noise reduction, flicker reduction, and an optimistically titled AI mode thats really just a fancy contrast booster. As for sound, there are Music and Speech presets, together with an Ambient mode for widening the soundstage. Reduction is off (since its introduction drastically ups the processing noise), switch off noise reduction, and finally, keep the contrast no higher than 50 per cent. Stray from this guide and the picture looks much softer and more processed. Not all problems can be circumvented with careful set-up, though. First of all, tuner pictures look significantly worse than RGB feeds. Theres more grain and colours seem less natural and more muted. The picture is also prone to kinking and bending, particularly during 4:3 viewing, when the edges arc in at the middle really quite alarmingly. Finally, not being able to use Flicker Reduction, because of the extra processing murk it introduces, can leave some bright scenes (check out the white-dominated Sky Sports News) flickering like mad over their top few inches. The TX-32PS12s sonics are fair. Good volumes are possible in fact the soundstage sounds richer the louder you make it. However, a lack of dynamic range means the speakers are overloaded in the mid-range, so that theres no great sense of bass or treble detail, and dialogue can sound muddy. For all its faults, though, the TX-32PS12s picture is so damn good when it is at its best that it just about won us over in the end. Provided youre not restricted to analogue tuner feeds for your TV needs, the 32PS12 definitely deserves an audition John Archer
TEST DATA Colour: very good no bleed, hard edges, rich saturations, though ghosting over edges and red bleed to top right Geometry: fair excellent with dark footage, but serious bending with bright fare, especially in 4:3 mode Frequency response: excellent clarity to 5.8MHz

ALSO CONSIDER.

PANASONIC TX-32PS5 Lower priced 50Hz set, but has Dolby Digital sound AND works better with standard tuner sources. Reviewed: August 03 PHILIPS 32PWdearer and short of inputs, but delivers sublime, Pixel Plus boosted pictures Reviewed: July 03

PERFORMANCE

Pressed into action, the TX-32PS12 proves a mixture of the sublime and the merely fair. On the plus side, the TV excels in the colour department, with RGB and S-video feeds. Sky digital broadcasts are richly saturated and vibrant, with plenty of depth and contrast. Edges are tightly controlled too. For instance, the white text against rich red and blue backgrounds on Sky News remains almost entirely unsullied by seepage. RGB pictures look very sharp and finely detailed, too not least because, in a major improvement over some previous Panasonic TVs, theres precious little mess caused by the 100Hz processing. Movement remains relatively smear free and for the most part, theres no evidence of colour noise over more muted colours. Make no mistake: at its best, the picture is simply superb. To make it look its best, though, you need to make sure that Flicker

Genius. Some day all remotes will be made this way!
WHATS GOOD Picture with RGB sources, design WHATS BAD Poor 4:3 geometry, tuner sources PICTURE. SOUND. FEATURES. EASE OF USE VALUE.77777.77777.77777.77777.77777
VERDICT Capable of delivering a fabulous picture, but suffers one or two flaws and inconsistencies
December 2003 s WHAT VIDEO AND WIDESCREEN TV 105

ton Musical Society Mil

Volume 2, Issue 9

August Newsletter

AUGUST 2010

EDITORIAL

August is traditionally the silly season with not a lot going on.but, this is not the case with MMS. Rehearsals continue a pace for Hitchhikers and behind the scenes preparation for the publicity launch are well in hand. Box Office is open either via our web site for online sales or by phone on

17th-20th November

Well, Hitchhikers, rehearsals are finally under way and a fabulous start has been made by all. The choir sound amazing and are having to work extremely hard at some quite complicated harmonies. The dance team are being put through their paces by Ria and they look absolutely fabulous. Im worn out just watching them! And the rehearsal that I had with the four Hitchhikers, Aunty Donna and the Galactic Leader really brought a smile to my face. They really brought their characters to life and were just as I had imagined them in my head, so I was thrilled. A huge well done to you all for your efforts so far. Pat Barnett and Anne Ponting are working hard to put some great costumes together for you all and John Teather will soon be announcing the date for the Hitchhikers photos. So theres also plenty of action going on behind the scenes already too. Id like to remind all the cast that if you havent yet paid your 15 show fee then please do so ASAP. You can always BACS it straight into the Milton bank account, using the following details: Milton Musical Society. Account Number 61506133. Sort Code 601504. Please use your name, followed by HH, as a reference, so we can trace the payment back to you. Also, if you are a new member, your subscription fee is overdue. This payment includes your contribution towards insurance for rehearsals, so if you havent paid yet you shouldnt be rehearsing! Please see Marie (Secretary) if you havent yet received your membership pack. Your payment can also be made via bacs to the above account details, using your name as a reference, followed by MMS. Well done to everyone once more, Jo Mansfield

0845 8723444

Socially we have the annual Croquet on the Lawn at the Vicarage Sopley. Also tickets are on sale for the Annual Dinner. So enjoy your holidays if you have one coming and see you soon.

John Teather

View from the Chair
All is quiet on the Milton front-or so it would seem!! This time of year always seems a little bit nondescript in terms of bustling about, but in terms of the Society, everything is ticking along just fine. Our production teams for the next three shows are well engrossed in the early stages of preparation. Hitchhikers is starting to come to the boil now as we have had several rehearsals already-where does the time go? The sound in the rehearsal hall last Wednesday was fabulous and although we have a long way to go, and so much to do, the hard work is going to be fun! It will really help if you have a copy of the music score and the lib to help with the harmonies and will speed things up to. Our production team have bent over backwards to get this organised for you, please contact them if you need help with this. So what else have we got in the pipeline, have a look at the social calendar, those who missed the Karaoke Barbe-cue, note to selves-dont do it again! It was a great, relaxed evening with many members taking to the stage. The food as ever was fantastic and it proves men can multi task as Martin flipped burgers, stage managed and sang to the crowds delight. Thanks also to Jo who spent many hours preparing the food and for hosting the event on her birthday. The next event is the croquet at the Vicarage in Sopley, get your name on the list now!! The Committee continue to meet during the quiet times and it is in the quieter times we get to reflect on what has happened so far this year for Milton, where we are going and who is helping to pave

(Continued on page 2)

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Milton Musical Society Newsletter

Volume 2, Issue 8

ROCKERY FUN DAY
We have been approached by NAPRA Area Link regarding providing entertainment for their annual fun day in the Rockery (just off Iford Lane), on Saturday September 11th. The event will take place between 12 and 4pm but we will only be required for approx 20 minutes, at a time to suit us. We already have close ties with this association as it was set up by my parents and others a few years ago, in an attempt to make improvements to facilities in their local area and to bring about better communication and relationships between the different generations. They have been hugely successful in their work so far, winning awards for their hard work, dedication and results. They are also huge supporters of MMS, selling many tickets for our shows and social events. This would be an ideal opportunity for us to advertise Hitchhikers. We could sing a couple of songs from the show (my initial suggestions would be Colour my World, Raise your Voice and Anything Can Happen) and hand out flyers. If you are not involved in Hitchhikers you would still be very welcome to join us. We need names of anyone who is prepared to take part so please can you see me at rehearsals to put your name on the list. Thank you Jo Mansfield
who would be suitable, to help with this very important task during the run of the show please inform me, either by email or informing Vicky at rehearsals. There are many tasks to do, and the more people who are available the easier it is for everyone. My final words for this Newsletter are, 'Please start to sell tickets'. Marlene

Can you help?

Volunteers are required to serve coffee/tea at rehearsals for Hitchhikers, in the absence of Margot plus assist her if she requires help. Unfortunately Front of House help for I am unable to be at rehearsals to Hitchhikers carry out this task. Vicky has kindly offered to be available when she is O.K. it may seem too soon to be askable to do so, but it would be great if ing for help for FOH in November, but other members of the cast would be willing to help when necessary. Coffee/ time whizzes by! If you know anyone,
tea etc is provided, all you need to do is make it! If you feel you can help please contact me, or offer your help at rehearsals. Thank you,
View from the Chair continued

(Continued from page 1)

the way. Every member of the committee has contributed to the management of the Society and I have been blessed to have such a robust group of people to work with. It is however the members who make a Society grow with their continued support. The AGM in November will be upon us quickly and it is now that we encourage any member to con- I hope you enjoy this edition of our newsletter and look forward to seeing you at our socials or rehearsals very soon. sider applying to be on Committee. If you would be interested, now is the time to see one of the Best wishes. Vicky x

Committee to ask any questions about the role and what it is all about. You may be interested in getting involved to test the water too. My ethos, which I am sure is shared with my Committee is that of encouragement and development, both on stage and off, so if you are young, old, or inbetween, if you are a Milton newbee or old timer - Your Society Needs You!
The Scarlet Pimpernel which Character are you?
The Scarlet Pimpernel is a straight-faced attempt at recapturing the theatrical thrills of old-fashioned musical melodrama, with its secret letters, clandestine meetings, and romantic espionage. Underneath the adventure and breathless escapes, The Scarlet Pimpernel is a story of sacrifice, of taking a stand against greater odds no matter what the cost. If you decide to audition for a part (and I hope loads of you do), then here is a flavour of what we will be shall be looking for. Our hero is Sir Percy Blakeney, a country gentleman with a double life. To the outside world, Percy is a hopeless fop, interested only in the cut of his vest and the colour of his cravat. But in reality, he is the Scarlet Pimpernel, whose band of men courageously takes part in guerrilla actions that frustrate the Jacobean slaughter. A challenging part, requiring the slight arrogance that comes with being a British aristocrat and then the foppish (camp?) persona that he puts across to hide his real identity. A big singing part, and a big acting part, but one to really get your teeth into. Our heroine is Marguerite. In the novel of The Scarlet Pimpernel, Marguerite is called "brilliant," and "the cleverest woman in Europe." She is a vivacious woman who seems to break every convention, even the unwritten rule about women taking a backseat in adventure stories. She's an actress,

Page 3

Armand St. Just, Marguerite St. Just's brother, is in cahoots with the Pimpernel. Chauvelin uses Chauvlin captures her character Armand to blackmail Marguerite perfectly in his song Wheres the in an attempt to get to the PimGirl? pernel. He shares a duet with Margueite, You Are My Home. Where's the girl Who could turn on the edge Then we have our minor singing parts. First of all the League of of a knife? The Scarlet Pimpernel, made up Where's the girl who was of 9 of Percys closest friends, burning for life? and Armand, the brother of MarAgain, a fabulous acting part, and guerite. The League is dedicated to following Sir Percy "into the some really expressive songs. fire," against the tyrannies of the French Revolution's Terror; their And Chauvlin; For every hero, beliefs in freedom mean more to we have to have an anti-hero, them then their safety. and here we have ours, archrevolutionary, a politician: t They share two fabulous numbers with Percy; Into the Fire, These are the days! and Creation of Man, two very contrasting numbers. The first Yes! very masculine, as they are leavDays of glory! ing for France, unsure of what they will find but relishing the Days of rage! challenge and the latter very

a bold career in the 18th century, when the theatre was still thought of as a shameful profession. She is also brave. To marry a British aristocrat and move to England at a time when most people didnt leave their own villages, never mind their own country, must have taken guts. By her own admission, she lived in France as a free woman no shy virgin here!
And the dream of Paris preys on my bones
.this contrasts beautifully with Wheres The Girl, a song where he is reminding Marguerite of the girl she was and the girl he once knew.
not! The Creation of Man is the comedy number of the show, where Percy and his League really camp things up to put people off their trail. All but two of the 9 have some solo singing lines, and if you want to be part of this League you will have fun!
Madame Guillotine and loses his head to her!
Robespierre; the other real-life person in the show, and a very meaty non-singing part. is one of the best-known and most influential figures of the French Revolution. He largely dominated the Committee of Public Safety and The Prince of Wales; one of only two real-life characters in the was instrumental in the period of show, he is determined to reveal the Revolution commonly known the identity of the Scarlet Pimper- as the Reign of Terror, which ended with his arrest and execunel and is convinced that Percy and his friends have something to tion in 1794. I would suggest hide. A small singing and speak- anyone who fancies a pop at this one do some research! ing part. Marie Grosholtz, Marguerites dresser who aids the Pimpernel when in France. She also has a talent in making wax likenesses, very useful if one is facing Madame Guillotine! A relative small speaking and singing part. Her fiance, who she marries during the show is Tussaud (Ill leave you to work that one out.), a nonsinging part. The Marquis de St. Cyr is a French noble who was condemned because Marguerite betrayed the whereabouts of his familys hiding place to Chauvlin. He has a solo singing line in Copeau, Mercier (both aides to Chauvlin) are non singing parts with the odd speaking line, as is Jessup (Butler to Sir Percy) The Company thats you! You will change from Paris mob, to wedding guests, to guests at the Prince of Wales Ball, back to Paris mob. So prepare yourselves for the new musical adventure of the Scarlet Pimpernel and see you all on September 6th. Michele

Social Report

Hello All, So, another month has passed and we will soon be in August! As you will all know from the social calendar this means it is time for the Annual Croquet Match. This is kindly hosted by Michele and Max in Sopley and will be on the 8th of August from 12pm. This will be 5 per person and will include food, please bring something to drink with you. I need an idea of numbers so can you please contact me (details at the back of the newsletter) and let me know if you will be attending, I need to know by Wednesday the 4th of August at the latest. The planning is well underway for the Annual Dinner event on the 9th of October. This will be a black tie event held at St. Marks Hall. Please contact me to let me know if you will be going, we have had to limit the amount of tickets available to 90 so to avoid disappointment please book today! I will have the tickets with me at Wednesday rehearsals, if you are not involved with Hitch Hikers then please e-mail/phone me and I will do my best to get the tickets to you. Thank you all for reading, if you have any questions about the up-coming events or any ideas for social events please let me know! Emily

Milton Musical Society

Asumptuous2course dinnerwithannualawards ceremonyandentertainmentinthe companyofthemembersandfriendsof MiltonMusicalSociety. Saturday9thOctoberatStMarksChurchHall,Highcliffe

Annual Dinner

TICKETS16
6.30pmfordinnerat7.00pm.Dressformal

The Committee

President Alison Peach alison.peach@hotmail.com Chairman Vicky Clark / vixsyclark@yahoo.co.uk Secretary Marie Coltman / 07971 106137

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

August Sunday 8th Monday 9th September Monday 6th
* New since last Newsletter
Annual Croquet Match Committee Meeting Introduction to Scarlet Pimpernel (Sopley)
Monday 13th October Saturday 9th at 6.30pm for 7.00pm Sunday 10th 2.00pm6.00pm Monday 11th November Monday 1st 17th - 20th Brockenhurst Village Hall Monday 22nd December Saturday 4th at 7.30pm
Committee Meeting Annual Dinner at St Marks, Highcliffe Scarlet Pimpernel Auditions (Sopley) Committee Meeting Committee Meeting Hitchhikers Guide to the Musical Galaxy AGM Milton Entertains Milton2
crazysmalls@tesco.net Treasurer & Vice Chairman Jo Mansfield / jo65red@googlemail.com Assistant Treasurer Chris Wharton bolderick99@ntlworld.com Technical, Web & Newsletter John Teather / technical@miltonmusical.org External Communications Jonathan Shiner jonoshine@aol.com Publicity Les Del Nevo / delnevo29@aol.com Social Secretary Emily Manion / mmz6891@msn.com Front of House Marlene Lewis marlene.lewis@talk21.com MAY 2012 JUNE 2011

Wednesday 8th

Scarlet Pimpernel 1st Rehearsal

MAY 2011

18th - 21st Regent Centre Saturday 18th at 7.30pm
Scarlet Pimpernel the Musical Milton Entertains Milton3
16th - 19th Regent Centre

Ragtime

HONDA JAZZ SPORT 2007 BLACK AMETHYST, MOT/TAX APRIL 2011, 15000miles, SUNROOF, EXCELLENT CONDITION, 7,600 Marlene and/ or jeff.white@talk21.com

TV for Sale

Panasonic TX 32PS12 - 32" CRT TV. Size: 32" - widescreen Dimensions (WxDxH): 90.2 cm x 55.3 cm x 56.4 cm. The TV is 7 years old and we are looking for 50 ono. A Sony Freeview box is included. Happy for anyone to come and see both working!' Terry & Pat Barnett 01202 382401