So i'm trying to figure out why 1080i channels on my pro-620HD are cutting off the edges, channel logos are not fitting on the screen, and sports scores are cut off on the bottom of espn.

After messing with the hd cable box for a while, (yes its in normal mode, and the tv is in "FULL" mode....

I decided to test another source, sure enough dvd player, cut off in exactly the same proportions.

Basically its as if the TV is zoomed in on the picture. But it is in FULL mode, as it should be.

Is there an alternate setting in a service menu that adjusts this? Its like i need to set it up like an old CRT computer monitor, that is over scanning the edges of the monitor.

Any thoughts?

It is definitely the tv and not the source.

Interesting you mention that. I noticed this same exact issue on my Pioneer SD533HD5 (a lower end model that came out right around the same time as the 620HD and uses some similar parts). Can't figure out what the deal is but it's like it's cutting off an inch and a half or so all around.

This set was properly calibrated a while back too.

its really frustrating, spanish soccer on right now (comcast, 720) can't even see the left side of the score box

I have had the same issue on my PRO-530HDi. HD Cable, and Blu Ray images are stretched.

What you are experiencing is quite a bit of overscan. You'll never be able to get the overscan down to 0 on these TVs, but you can get it much lower than it comes from the factory. I've got mine at about 2.5% all around, which allows me to see all logos, tickers, menus, etc.

To reduce the overscan, the geometry of the TV needs to be adjusted via the service menu. Depending on how precise you want to be, you can spend quite a few hours doing this.

At a minimum, you'll need to adjust the various vertical and horizontal size parameters (for 480p first, then 1080i, even if you don't use the 480p side of the TV).

Most likely you'll also need to correct convergence problems that appear once you make the size adjustments.

Or you can go really crazy and use a light-weight aluminum t-square and a ruler and spend hours working on just the green geometry (using an HD source to generate a perfect grid pattern) making sure every vertical line is perfectly vertical, every horizontal line is perfectly horizontal and all lines are equally spaced. Then you need to converge the red and blue to the green. I recently did this with my PRO-730HD, followed by a complete calibration with an Eye One Display LT colorimeter and HCFR. The picture is absolutely amazing. Even just looking at a DirecTV program guide is so nice since the grid is all perfectly rectangular.

You should not even attempt to access the Pioneer's archaic service menu without the service manual for your TV and understanding of how to make these adjustments. It's far too easy to screw something up and then require hiring someone to fix it.

If you hire someone to do this (I would do it, but I'm in Austin, TX), make sure they know how to make geometry and convergence adjustments on Pioneer RPTVs. Quite a few years ago before I did this myself, I hired an ISF calibrator to calibrate a previous TV who only worked on color and greyscale issues and left some really horrible geometry and convergence problems. That's what finally pushed me to learn how to do this myself.

-Carl

What you are experiencing is quite a bit of overscan. You'll never be able to get the overscan down to 0 on these TVs, but you can get it much lower than it comes from the factory. I've got mine at about 2.5% all around, which allows me to see all logos, tickers, menus, etc.

To reduce the overscan, the geometry of the TV needs to be adjusted via the service menu. Depending on how precise you want to be, you can spend quite a few hours doing this.

At a minimum, you'll need to adjust the various vertical and horizontal size parameters (for 480p first, then 1080i, even if you don't use the 480p side of the TV).

Most likely you'll also need to correct convergence problems that appear once you make the size adjustments.

Or you can go really crazy and use a light-weight aluminum t-square and a ruler and spend hours working on just the green geometry (using an HD source to generate a perfect grid pattern) making sure every vertical line is perfectly vertical, every horizontal line is perfectly horizontal and all lines are equally spaced. Then you need to converge the red and blue to the green. I recently did this with my PRO-730HD, followed by a complete calibration with an Eye One Display LT colorimeter and HCFR. The picture is absolutely amazing. Even just looking at a DirecTV program guide is so nice since the grid is all perfectly rectangular.

You should not even attempt to access the Pioneer's archaic service menu without the service manual for your TV and understanding of how to make these adjustments. It's far too easy to screw something up and then require hiring someone to fix it.

If you hire someone to do this (I would do it, but I'm in Austin, TX), make sure they know how to make geometry and convergence adjustments on Pioneer RPTVs. Quite a few years ago before I did this myself, I hired an ISF calibrator to calibrate a previous TV who only worked on color and greyscale issues and left some really horrible geometry and convergence problems. That's what finally pushed me to learn how to do this myself.

-Carl

Carl, how do I get a service manual for my Pioneer Elite PRO-530HDi? Thanks also for your response on this matter! I am ready to sell this and buy a Pioneer Plasma to satisfy my taste of perfection

Carl, how do I get a service manual for my Pioneer Elite PRO-530HDi? Thanks also for your response on this matter! I am ready to sell this and buy a Pioneer Plasma to satisfy my taste of perfection

Don't get rid of the 530! My 730 has a much better picture than any flat panel I've ever seen. Once your 530 is fully calibrated, you'll be amazed at how good it looks. I wish I lived close so I could give you hand getting it looking perfect.

About to send a PM regarding the SM.

-Carl

You guys may want to check out this guide http://www.curtpalme.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=10457
A little investment in eye-one LT, service manual and some patients will award you with one of the best looking TV sets. If you haven't found a SM yet - PM me.