Guess I’ll get this thread started…first off thanks to all who post replies that help us newbie’s out in our purchases! I really appreciate it and have learned a ton about making the best decision based on “MY NEEDS”. From all the data provided on this board the last 3 months, I checked out Panny’s, Pioneers, LG’s and Sammy’s and they’re all fantastic looking panels. Yup I could afford all the above, but couldn’t justify the added cost, I really consider TV a luxury and certainly don’t spend all that much time in front of it. I came from a 27” Phillips CRT, so anything out there will look amazing to me…so all this could be taken with a grain of salt to the hard core enthusiasts out there.

Interest in this model started back with the launch of the XVT LCD series. Like others I became frustrated with the continuous delayed launch of this product. I chose to look at it from two points of view…either something happened in there JIT (just in time MFG) or they (Vizio) determined they had some sort of quality issue that would tarnish the reputation they’re building as a viable option to the big hitters out there…so they made the executive decision to hold back and put a good product out…guess only time will tell, and I’m willing to take the chance. Especially with the Costco return policy.

My TV time consists of NFL Football, AMA Supercross/MX, Superbikes, NHRA Drag racing, F1 and Animated movies...my viewing distance is 12-15’.

So I picked mine up last Friday, with the Integrated NTSC/ATSC/QAM HDTV Tuner I was able to get all my local channels programmed so I could watch both college and NFL HD games. I got it set up in time to watch the 2nd half of the Utah vs. Alabama game in HD…wow! Then on Saturday the Cardinal game was simply amazing on NBCs’ feed…I’ve been to that stadium twice this year and it was so realistic! All the games were fantastic to see in HD, then the Supercross race in Anaheim was broadcast live on Speed...unwatchable with the 480 feed IMO, luckily CBS will have a couple of broadcasts soon, so that will be a good test to justify DirecTV.

I really haven’t had the need to mess with the picture other than the (Standard, Movie, Game and Sports settings). Standard at this point is acceptable for the stuff I’ve watched so far…oh we did watch Iron Man on Blu-Ray last night (dark room). Started in Movie mode…changed back to standard to get the blacks better…FWIW.

In the end of it all, I got a complete system (Panel, Blu-Ray and stand) for $1800 OTD, which left funds available to get the Girlfriend a new MacBook Pro as well!

Cheers all, looking forward to sharing data in the future.

.. tweaktv.com settings:

http://www.tweaktv.com/tweak-my-tv/calibration-guide/vizio-vp505xvt.html

UltimateAVMag settings:

http://ultimateavmag.com/flatpaneldisplays/vizio_vp505xvt_plasma_tv/index7.html

User Manual: (unable to upload; size)

http://www.hdtvsolutions.com/VIZIO-VP505XVT.htm (under Specs Tab)

I have a few questions about this set. I know that it uses a Panasonic panel, but does it share the same flaws as Panasonics? Specifically, will it do 1080p over VGA? Does it have terrible noise in any of the pictures modes (like Panasonics do in non-cinema/THX modes)?

I have a few questions about this set. I know that it uses a Panasonic panel, but does it share the same flaws as Panasonics? Specifically, will it do 1080p over VGA? Does it have terrible noise in any of the pictures modes (like Panasonics do in non-cinema/THX modes)?

Does 1080p via VGA. It corrects the biggest flaw with Panny's as it does not flicker with the 24p setting. Not sure about noise yet.

I just bought one. Got a couple of questions.

The stand is pre-installed right?

Do I break it in or just stay away from static images for the first month or so?

TIA

Does 1080p via VGA. It corrects the biggest flaw with Panny's as it does not flicker with the 24p setting. Not sure about noise yet.

Yeah, but it doesn't actually display judder-free 24p, does it? It just converts to 60hz.

supposedly senses 24p and does 5:5 for judder free 24p (yet unconfirmed) thanks to it's REON chip.

Edit: just read the UltimateAvmag review, apparently it judders with DVDs. (2:3?)

Supposedly the REON chip also does affective noise reduction, even with HD (<-- albeit automatically)

What about IR and screen reflections? This has been a problem with past Vizios. Does it have the same anti reflective screen as the Panasonics? If it really is using Panasonic technology the IR should be greatly improved and probably the same as their 2008 models. It's supposed to have the same black levels at .015. I know there are people that own this set already so please post pics! All I have seen so far of this set is marketing photos. Is the Vizio logo that is lit up on the front distracting?

Panny's have tested from .007 -.015....so if it matches the Panny's it could be as low as .007(which is the level I believe this gen. Panny's are from owning and comparing to my .004 8g kuro)
The glare would then also be the same most likely.
Same with IR.

What about IR and screen reflections? This has been a problem with past Vizios. Does it have the same anti reflective screen as the Panasonics? If it really is using Panasonic technology the IR should be greatly improved and probably the same as their 2008 models. It's supposed to have the same black levels at .015. I know there are people that own this set already so please post pics! All I have seen so far of this set is marketing photos. Is the Vizio logo that is lit up on the front distracting?

Past Vizio plasmas have used LG panels, which have pretty bad IR. I'm sure this will be much, much better in that respect.

How is the color of this TV? I used to own a Panasonic 700u and the colors were so ugly that I had to get rid of it. I can't tell just from looking at a chart of the color points, which appear to be about the same as every other TV (accurate blue, oversaturated red, waaay oversaturated green).

Panny's have tested from .007 -.015....so if it matches the Panny's it could be as low as .007(which is the level I believe this gen. Panny's are from owning and comparing to my .004 8g kuro)
The glare would then also be the same most likely.
Same with IR.

You have/had an 1150, right? Do you think this will be a giant step down from that, as far as black levels? i think the 1150's black levels are fantastic but the picture is so horribly noisy that I'm seriously thinking about replacing it.

supposedly senses 24p and does 5:5 for judder free 24p (yet unconfirmed) thanks to it's REON chip.

Edit: just read the UltimateAvmag review, apparently it judders with DVDs. (2:3?)

Supposedly the REON chip also does affective noise reduction, even with HD (<-- albeit automatically)

5:5 pulldown would really be a function of panel, not just the REON chip.

If this is just basically a rebadged 2008 Panasonic with HQV processor for less than the 800u, why even pay more for the Panasonic if you can get a 2 year warranty from Costco?

If this is just basically a rebadged 2008 Panasonic with HQV processor for less than the 800u, why even pay more for the Panasonic if you can get a 2 year warranty from Costco?

Yup that's why I bought it. Was all set to buy the PZ800U then I heard about the Vizio and figured with the Costco return and warranty policy it was a much better buy than the Panny.

Yup that's why I bought it. Was all set to buy the PZ800U then I heard about the Vizio and figured with the Costco return and warranty policy it was a much better buy than the Panny.

Post some pictures man!!!

I don't find the Vizio logo distracting at all. I love this TV. I have not messed with my settings and find the picture quality to be sharp. is thereanything i can do to make it better? (if possible lol)

Yes, please do.:D

Panasonic has a much better household name. Most people will buy a brand they know and trust regardless of the price.

Also Panasonic is a global CE R&D and manufacturer.

To say that this Vizio is better then Panasonic's 800u is probably accurate in terms of noise reduction, SD performance and adjustability - and perhaps also in reliability due to the active fans.

But next year Panasonic is coming out with extremely low energy panels that rival LCDs, for their own Viera and Pioneer's Kuro line. Vizio will have to wait another year for that technology to become accessible to them. Then when they do get it, Panasonic and Pioneer will have something even more amazing in the wings which Vizio will have to wait for.

Panasonic is just a much bigger and far better company then Vizio. Vizio can easily go the same route as Olevia particular in this economy if they're not careful.

With all that said, I like values more than brand names and am too considering a 505 vxt purchase over a comparable Panasonic -- which doesn't give me as much value for my money (flickering, noisy picture, red push, green tint, lack of adjustability, bad power board, more expensive, etc)

If this is just basically a rebadged 2008 Panasonic with HQV processor for less than the 800u, why even pay more for the Panasonic if you can get a 2 year warranty from Costco?

To say that this Vizio is better then Panasonic's 800u is probably accurate in terms of noise reduction, SD performance and adjustability - and perhaps also in reliability due to the active fans.

I thought the Panasonic also had 3 or 4 fans?

Panasonic has a much better household name. Most people will buy a brand they know and trust regardless of the price.

Also Panasonic is a global CE R&D and manufacturer.

To say that this Vizio is better then Panasonic's 800u is probably accurate in terms of noise reduction, SD performance and adjustability - and perhaps also in reliability due to the active fans.

But next year Panasonic is coming out with extremely low energy panels that rival LCDs, for their own Viera and Pioneer's Kuro line. Vizio will have to wait another year for that technology to become accessible to them. Then when they do get it, Panasonic and Pioneer will have something even more amazing in the wings which Vizio will have to wait for.

Panasonic is just a much bigger and far better company then Vizio. Vizio can easily go the same route as Olevia particular in this economy if they're not careful.

With all that said, I like values more than brand names and am too considering a 505 vxt purchase over a comparable Panasonic -- which doesn't give me as much value for my money (flickering, noisy picture, red push, green tint, lack of adjustability, bad power board, more expensive, etc)

Uhmmmm, thanks for sharing?

I'm not really concerned what improvements Panasonic will roll out in late summer for more than twice the price of this set.

You either want top-of-the-line bleeding edge tech or you want a great value. IMO this is a great balance between the two.

Yeah, and it's available now, not in 6 months. I am giving away my Sony 46XBR4 to my parents as an anniversary gift on Valentines day, so I can't wait that long to pick a new display. That narrows down my choices to presently available sets. The one thing about the Panasonic 85U that bothered me was no color management controls. It's just one of those things I prefer to have on my sets. Floating blacks are another thing I don't like about my Sony, and I hear the Panasonics exhibit this trait. The Samsungs offer blacks that are only a smidge better than my present LCD (the reason I am giving it away), so they are out. Having horrible luck with three Samsung sets doesn't put points in their favor either. But they do have color controls. This Vizio seems to strike a good balance between the two sets, as it has Panny blacks, and a color management system, and so far no reports of floating black levels.

Can people who have this set comment a bit on the HD and SD cable channels? I want to go swap out my Toshiba lcd for this model in the next day or two, and i'm hoping it will perform better in that area. Alot of the HD feeds around here aren't great but I've seen some tv's handle it much better than others, unfortunately the Toshiba doesn't seem to be doing too well with it..

Yeah, and it's available now, not in 6 months. I am giving away my Sony 46XBR4 to my parents as an anniversary gift on Valentines day, so I can't wait that long to pick a new display. That narrows down my choices to presently available sets. The one thing about the Panasonic 85U that bothered me was no color management controls. It's just one of those things I prefer to have on my sets. Floating blacks are another thing I don't like about my Sony, and I hear the Panasonics exhibit this trait. The Samsungs offer blacks that are only a smidge better than my present LCD (the reason I am giving it away), so they are out. Having horrible luck with three Samsung sets doesn't put points in their favor either. But they do have color controls. This Vizio seems to strike a good balance between the two sets, as it has Panny blacks, and a color management system, and so far no reports of floating black levels.

The Vizio doesn't have a color management system. Only Samsungs, LGs and possibly Hitachis do. Pioneer Elites pretend to but it's pretty useless, I believe.

The review at Ultimate A/V mag gives the settings for gain and offset for red green and blue. Maybe I called the color management system something other than what it is, but these adjustments are the ones I mean.


http://ultimateavmag.com/flatpaneldisplays/vizio_vp505xvt_plasma_tv/index7.html

Does this set have any PIP features? Hows the picture coming from a PC out?

The review at Ultimate A/V mag gives the settings for gain and offset for red green and blue. Maybe I called the color management system something other than what it is, but these adjustments are the ones I mean.


http://ultimateavmag.com/flatpaneldisplays/vizio_vp505xvt_plasma_tv/index7.html

That's color temperature control, and the 85u does have it in the servivce menu. It's quite easy to adjust though like all color temp conrols it's only useful withcalibration equipment.

Okay, I thought color temperature control was the ability to switch between neutral, cool, warm, etc. And I figured color management was the ability to adjust the gain and offset of red, green, and blue. What exactly is the color management system on the Samsungs?

None of you owners are bothered by no aspect ratio change with HD sources?? It's one of the things keeping me from considering the vizio.

None of you owners are bothered by no aspect ratio change with HD sources?? It's one of the things keeping me from considering the vizio.

You can change the overscan amount, why would you need to change the aspect ratio of a 16:9 HD source? Cable boxes will do this anyways if you really feel the need to mutilate the picture.

Okay, I thought color temperature control was the ability to switch between neutral, cool, warm, etc. And I figured color management was the ability to adjust the gain and offset of red, green, and blue. What exactly is the color management system on the Samsungs?

The warm, cool, neutral etc settings are also color temperature controls, though obviously much less detailed and usefel than RGB gains and offsets. They both basically control the same thing, though.

Color management systems change the hue, saturation and brightness of the colors. Often plasmas have greens that are way oversaturated and yellowish, for instance. The RGB controls can't do anything about that but at least in theory a CMS could. Tom Huffman has a guide to CMS controls in the calibration forum: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=852536

You can change the overscan amount, why would you need to change the aspect ratio of a 16:9 HD source? Cable boxes will do this anyways if you really feel the need to mutilate the picture.

Sometimes 16:9 shows are shown inside a 4:3 pillarboxed 16:9 signal, meaning that it takes up a very small portion of the screen. A zoom function would fix that.

The zoom mode on my current Pioneer is totally useless, and I don't really miss it that much.

Does anyone know of a way to have specific IR commands for each HDMI input? They were half right by making input-specific buttons for all other inputs, but only one HDMI button. I'll return this set before I put up with another TV that forces me to use "InputNext" commands.

How do you guys set up your Logitech or other advanced universal remotes with this TV?

Still want to know if this Vizio can do 1080p/24 properly as the REON chip suggests.

nice silky smooth pans or judder city?

I already know it judders with SD pans.

Does anyone know of a way to have specific IR commands for each HDMI input? They were half right by making input-specific buttons for all other inputs, but only one HDMI button. I'll return this set before I put up with another TV that forces me to use "InputNext" commands.

How do you guys set up your Logitech or other advanced universal remotes with this TV?

My current Samsung LCD only has a single source button to cycle through all the inputs. With my 880 I was able to single out individual HDMI ports so I wouldn't worry about it at all.

You have/had an 1150, right? Do you think this will be a giant step down from that, as far as black levels? i think the 1150's black levels are fantastic but the picture is so horribly noisy that I'm seriously thinking about replacing it.

If it matches the 08 panny's then no it isn't a huge step down.
I am pleasantly pleased with the panny's black level and brightness.
In my opinion I would keep the 1150 as I think that is an awesome set, but you could go 1080p which would be nice.
Your contrast will be cut in half or more though.

I personally would not trade an 1150 for one, in fact if I were you I wouldn't trade it for anything short of a Panny 850 or Pio 5020.(I dislike the 800)

I'll ship you my week old 50pz80u for your 1150. :)

Does anyone know of a way to have specific IR commands for each HDMI input? They were half right by making input-specific buttons for all other inputs, but only one HDMI button. I'll return this set before I put up with another TV that forces me to use "InputNext" commands.

How do you guys set up your Logitech or other advanced universal remotes with this TV?

The HDMI button on the remote cycles through all the HDMI inputs i.e. hit it once for HDMI1, again for HDMI2 amd so forth.

bowsd....did you grab one of these?
You have owned a Kuro or currently own one, correct?
What are your impressions?

If it matches the 08 panny's then no it isn't a huge step down.
I am pleasantly pleased with the panny's black level and brightness.
In my opinion I would keep the 1150 as I think that is an awesome set, but you could go 1080p which would be nice.
Your contrast will be cut in half or more though.

I personally would not trade an 1150 for one, in fact if I were you I wouldn't trade it for anything short of a Panny 850 or Pio 5020.(I dislike the 800)

I'll ship you my week old 50pz80u for your 1150. :)

The noise on the 1150 is so bad that I'm thinking of getting rid of it. I've been watching my friend's POS LG 50PG20 and it actually looks better than the 1150 most of the time, just because it's silky smooth. The black levels are terrible and the colors definitely don't "pop" the same way, but there's no visible noise.

bowsd....did you grab one of these?
You have owned a Kuro or currently own one, correct?
What are your impressions?


No, I don't have one nor have I owned a Kuro, if I win the lottery maybe:D
But if he was referring to the new Vizio, then the HDMI button comes from my experience with the Vizio and from checking it out in the store.

My impressions is it is a very nice, sharp looking picture. It holds it's own without a doubt.

Just wanted to chime in on some questions that were asked.

1) Yes it comes with the stand on, they did an exceptional job of packaging it.

2) Greens? Well I just don't see the problem here. NFL football looks awesome...the grass and the Eagles uniforms were unlike I've ever seen before. In fact up until last night I thought those Buckeye stickers on the helmets were Blue....they're Green! We watched Madagascar yesterday afternoon and the scenes of the jungle were stunning....I'm thinking of getting Blue Planet on Blu-ray just for the heck of it.

3) Pics - Sorry gang I've tried everything to get something worth posting. My POS 3 megapixel camera just isn't doing the picture justice.

4) Some are concerned about China's ability to produce decent equipment/electronic devices.....what about all the Apple stuff out there?

On a side note....in case those wondered about the heat it produces. I've measured mine at 90 degrees at the top of the panel (note: settings out of the box). No biggie for me, I live in the desert anyway...A/C is on from May until September :D

Just wanted to chime in on some questions that were asked.

4) Some are concerned about China's ability to produce decent equipment/electronic devices.....what about all the Apple stuff out there?


Best Buy (http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-10132370-37.html?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1_3-0-20) is selling refurbed iPhones if you're interested. :D

Hey, when you make a lot of stuff for cheap there's going to be bad apples.... but the question is how many bad apples is normal? Also there's a lot of things that originate from China that most people don't know about.... case in point Asorbic Acid... China has a 70 to 80% lockdown on that market.... but you'd never know that reading any food labels.

Heck our own military is concerned enough about poor QA and kill switches for computer tech coming from China that DARPA is looking into how to find them if the exist post-fabrication.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to say the sky is falling. There's a lot of stuff out there made in China. For some people QA may be a concern. For others it's not a big deal. Heck made in Japan was considered a POS back in the 50s to 70s.

Just buy the TV at Costco with a Costco Am Ex and your TV will be warrantied for 3 years.

FORUM, how about 24p!?!?!?

This is the pretty much the only thing stopping me from purchasing.

I can live with the value name due to it being cheaper and having decent innards.

I can live with it having slight false contour problems (after all it is a cheap TV)

I can live with the neon green.

But I need 1080p/24 smooth playback!!!!!!..otherwise no go!!

FORUM, how about 24p!?!?!?

This is the pretty much the only thing stopping me from purchasing.

I can live with the value name due to it being cheaper and having decent innards.

I can live with it having slight false contour problems (after all it is a cheap TV)

I can live with the neon green.

But I need 1080p/24 smooth playback!!!!!!..otherwise no go!!

If you don't buy this model, what model were you considering as a minimum that you know for sure does good 1080p/24 playback?

http://ultimateavmag.com/flatpaneldisplays/vizio_vp505xvt_plasma_tv/index5.html

Can anyone confirm that it's NOT possible to watch this Vizio without the emblem lit up and glowing? Yes - I am that picky and if it's anything like the Sony LCDs emblem it bothers me :(

It converts it to 60hz. Sorry.

http://ultimateavmag.com/flatpaneldisplays/vizio_vp505xvt_plasma_tv/index5.html

It converts it to 60hz. Sorry.

http://ultimateavmag.com/flatpaneldisplays/vizio_vp505xvt_plasma_tv/index5.html

I don't really get what that means. So its normally 60hz but then if you put on a 24p source it takes that and converts it to 60hz?

So basically its just doing a 2:3 pulldown? Is that different from any other plasma? Just wondering.

I don't really get what that means. So its normally 60hz but then if you put on a 24p source it takes that and converts it to 60hz?

So basically its just doing a 2:3 pulldown? Is that different from any other plasma? Just wondering.

Yes. It's not different than any other plasma, except that it can do the 24 to 60hz conversion. Many only accept a 60hz signal to begin with. In reality I don't think there's any real benefit to accepting a 24hz signal if you are just going to convert it to 60hz, as the source device (PS3, dedicated blu ray player, whatever) can do that just as well as the TV.

But the idea that real 24p playback (at 48 or 72) is more important than false contouring or color inaccuracies ("neon greens") is...nuts. Those are both way, way bigger issues.

I had a problem with this at first but really you can't notice it when you're actually watching tv. I'd try calling Vizio, maybe they have a solution to it.

The HDMI button on the remote cycles through all the HDMI inputs i.e. hit it once for HDMI1, again for HDMI2 amd so forth.

No kidding. This is exactly what I DO NOT want to do. It's too easy to lose an input in the mix. My last TV had like 8 inputs between HDMI and TV...it took over 10 seconds to change between them. Everyone who used that TV/remote complained about it not working. What in the world would possess them to think it's OK to go the distance and do the other inputs right, but not the HDMI?

If anyone happens to have the codes so I can program them in manually to the Logitech for specific HDMI inputs I would really appreciate it.

Yes. It's not different than any other plasma, except that it can do the 24 to 60hz conversion. Many only accept a 60hz signal to begin with. In reality I don't think there's any real benefit to accepting a 24hz signal if you are just going to convert it to 60hz, as the source device (PS3, dedicated blu ray player, whatever) can do that just as well as the TV.

But the idea that real 24p playback (at 48 or 72) is more important than false contouring or color inaccuracies ("neon greens") is...nuts. Those are both way, way bigger issues.

yeh yeh.. thanks...anybody notice the false contouring in their favorite movies?

No kidding. This is exactly what I DO NOT want to do. It's too easy to lose an input in the mix. My last TV had like 8 inputs between HDMI and TV...it took over 10 seconds to change between them. Everyone who used that TV/remote complained about it not working. What in the world would possess them to think it's OK to go the distance and do the other inputs right, but not the HDMI?

If anyone happens to have the codes so I can program them in manually to the Logitech for specific HDMI inputs I would really appreciate it.

Huh? It's really not that complicated, If you are in HDMI 1 and hit the HDMI key you will go HDMI2, its HDMI inputs only, you don't have to cycle through the TV or any other imputs and you won't lose inputs, unless you some sort of physco button pusher, otherwise you are really worrying about nothing.

When I programmed my Samsung LCD which only has a single input select button my Harmony listed separate buttons for every single input so I don't know what you're worrying about.

Huh? It's really not that complicated, If you are in HDMI 1 and hit the HDMI key you will go HDMI2, its HDMI inputs only, you don't have to cycle through the TV or any other imputs and you won't lose inputs, unless you some sort of physco button pusher, otherwise you are really worrying about nothing.

This is using a remote to do it for me. You've got to understand how annoying it is to have people complain about a remote 'not working right' when they only have to push one button to turn devices on and set them to the correct inputs - just because they set the remote down with something blocking it's sight so it ends up on some random input. I'm the only one who can figure out how to get it back to where it's supposed to be.

Further more, were it not for the fact that the Harmony remotes remember the input they're on, it would be impossible to get to any certain HDMI input consistently because it starts where it stopped. Have to change your batteries? You're screwed.

It's just poor design. They could make specific IR commands for all other inputs, they should have gone all the way. I'm sticking with connecting all HDMI devices to my HDMI switch to avoid the mess. That way HDMI 1 is the only HDMI input it should ever be on.

Best Buy (http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-10132370-37.html?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1_3-0-20) is selling refurbed iPhones if you're interested. :D

AT&T had them cheaper on their website last week.... ;)

Chris

The thing is I believe HDMI is the only input that would need to cycle on this set. All other input types are only of one count, PC, Component, Video, etc and then 4 hdmi. So it's not like they were just slacking off on the hdmi for no reason. I mean they probably could of designed it that way still I don't know. Sorry don't know anything about those codes.

Can I get some more opinions are color settings? Does anyone think Cnet's settings aren't the best. I'm trying to figure out what is best for me. Using Cnet and they look great but I don't know if I am missing out on anything. I guess I need to do some still shot comparisons.

This is using a remote to do it for me. You've got to understand how annoying it is to have people complain about a remote 'not working right' when they only have to push one button to turn devices on and set them to the correct inputs - just because they set the remote down with something blocking it's sight so it ends up on some random input. I'm the only one who can figure out how to get it back to where it's supposed to be.

Further more, were it not for the fact that the Harmony remotes remember the input they're on, it would be impossible to get to any certain HDMI input consistently because it starts where it stopped. Have to change your batteries? You're screwed.

It's just poor design. They could make specific IR commands for all other inputs, they should have gone all the way. I'm sticking with connecting all HDMI devices to my HDMI switch to avoid the mess. That way HDMI 1 is the only HDMI input it should ever be on.


I'm still not getting your frustration. I"m not trying to be argumentive. But I still don't understand. You can name each input to know where you are at. If hit the HDMI button and "HDMI1 TV" flashes, hit the button again and "HDMI2 DVD" appears and so on. So you will know where you are.

Lets get some pics in here - sucky pics are better than no pics :D

I'm still not getting your frustration. I"m not trying to be argumentive. But I still don't understand. You can name each input to know where you are at. If hit the HDMI button and "HDMI1 TV" flashes, hit the button again and "HDMI2 DVD" appears and so on. So you will know where you are.

He's trying to use a universal remote like a Logitech Harmony. With remotes like those, you basically hit a button for what you want to do (watch TV, play video games, watch a DVD, etc.) and it sets all of your various devices to the settings they need to be at to do that function.

Therefore, needing to hit the HDMI input a certain number of times to get from the input you're on to the input you want to be on can be a serious PITA.

He's trying to use a universal remote like a Logitech Harmony. With remotes like those, you basically hit a button for what you want to do (watch TV, play video games, watch a DVD, etc.) and it sets all of your various devices to the settings they need to be at to do that function.

Therefore, needing to hit the HDMI input a certain number of times to get from the input you're on to the input you want to be on can be a serious PITA.

OMG LOL! Its been posted a million times that the Harmony will have listings for each individual HDMI input!

AT&T had them cheaper on their website last week.... ;)

Chris

Maybe AT&T knows something more than Best Buy. :)

OMG LOL! Its been posted a million times that the Harmony will have listings for each individual HDMI input!

OMG! LOL! Have a clue what you're talking about before you make such a blatantly arrogant statement.

Logitech has codes for 2 of the 4 HDMI inputs - neither of them work. In fact, most of the "codes" they have for this TV don't actually exist for the TV.

With somebody with a 505XVT please watch say ESPN HD for a significant period of time and then activate the image cleaner and tell me what you see. I see the ESPN HD faintly in the right hand corner. I also see the bullets and ammo info from playing resistance 2. I see alot of image retention and I have only owned this TV for a week.

How should I break this TV in? How much gaming? What settings do you recommend in terms of brightness and color? Should I run the image cleaner every night? I Know after 100 hours it should perform much better but this is still concerning to me. I have never owned a plasma before and am not familiar with burn in or image retention.

Luckily this image retention I am seeing is not seeping through to cable television, blue ray movies and PS3 games. But I'm worried that it could someday. If this is normal then please somebody confirm that it is. I really would appreciate somebody to activate image cleaner after have watched TV or played games with fixed images (ESPN HD in lower right hand corner) so I can measure how my image retention compares to others.

I also have noticed that there is significant volume discrepancies when watching blue ray movies. I could have the volume all the way turned up and still have difficulty hearing voices.

Ive never experienced HQV technology before, so am not familiar with how its upgrading SD definition, and improving HD and blue ray. All I know is my cable provider, Comcast, sucks and compresses everything so my HD is just ok and standard looks pretty standard to me. I guess I expected more from the HQV or at least be able to identify the upgrade.

I have watched Transformers, Dark Knight, and Hell Boy 2 and they all look great. Dark Knight looking the least impressive as it doesn't have as many of those 'wow, look at that scene' moments.

I look forward to watching Planet Earth.

Overall, this TV is satisfying my needs especially for 1200.00 and a three year warranty(when purchases with American Express) from Costco.

I would greatly appreciate some feedback primarily on the image IR. Please activate image cleaner and let me know what you observe on the white screen.

Much appreciated.

C

I picked up a VP505XVTA1 tonight at Costco. Brought it home, but haven't set it up, as I'm wall-mounting it and have cables to run. I'm traveling this weekend, but hope to have it set up early next week. I'll post pics when it's up.

Hi, I live in a condo - the TV watching area is near two HUGE 3 panel sliding glass doors overlooking a lake. I was thinking of the 47" LCD since it's not glossy, or the Samsung A630 non-glossy frame. Is this glossy or not ??

Hi, I live in a condo - the TV watching area is near two HUGE 3 panel sliding glass doors overlooking a lake. I was thinking of the 47" LCD since it's not glossy, or the Samsung A630 non-glossy frame. Is this glossy or not ??
Yup the whole bezel is glossy, along with a reflective screen.

Edit: in reply to twinpeaks below.....Well it has a so called anti-glare screen. I could see 2 distinct images of lighting in Costco when the scene changes. My panel is currently subjected to South exposure sunlight, and with the horizontal blinds closed in the morning until 10 or so, it can be noticed in black scenes. But I find that I'm so into what I'm watching and it really doesn't bother me too much......the bezel is is definitely shiny though.

hmm, at the warehouse itself, it didn't really seem to be reflecting store lights and so forth but perhaps what I was watching in the store was a lighter feed , masking the reflective nature. Any comments ?

I would greatly appreciate some feedback primarily on the image IR. Please activate image cleaner and let me know what you observe on the white screen.

Much appreciated.

C
I'll try this weekend before the NFL playoffs start, but I've yet to see anything on mine for the past week. I've been home sick for the past few days and have been rotating thru multiple channels to break it in, with the ticker at the bottom (news and sports stations).

Side note....last night's BCS game......sweet! I never knew the Gator helmets had sparkles in them.....me likes this set so far:cool:

I have had mine about a week now and so far I am pleased with the SD material so far. I am working on the upgrade to HD on Dish Network so I could be more help with that soon. The only problem I have had is I can't get the vga to come up on the set. I have tried all of the inputs and I can't find the computer sign in screen. Is there something I'm missing?

With so many owners why has no one posted pictures of their set up? Heck, even a cell phone pic at Costco would suffice.

Also, one of the reviews said this set was twice as bright as the Panasonic with the same black level. I find this hard to believe if they are using Panasonics panel they should be exactly the same.

With so many owners why has no one posted pictures of their set up? Heck, even a cell phone pic at Costco would suffice.

Also, one of the reviews said this set was twice as bright as the Panasonic with the same black level. I find this hard to believe if they are using Panasonics panel they should be exactly the same.
Maybe they're not so proud of their HQV plasma or too busy enjoying to take pictures :). Or yet still they don't know how to upload to the forum.

I'll try this weekend before the NFL playoffs start, but I've yet to see anything on mine for the past week. I've been home sick for the past few days and have been rotating thru multiple channels to break it in, with the ticker at the bottom (news and sports stations).
Thanks for the response. Keep me updated after the NFL Playoffs. I probably didn't break it in properly. I couldn't wait to play Resistance 2 and Little Big Planet on the set. I have since played less. Let me know.

Thanks,

C

Thanks for the response. Keep me updated after the NFL Playoffs. I probably didn't break it in properly. I couldn't wait to play Resistance 2 and Little Big Planet on the set. I have since played less. Let me know.

Thanks,

C
Well, I ran the Image Cleaner after the games both Saturday and Sunday and didn't see a thing....left it on Fox News with the ticker Saturday morning for all the business shows....ran it....didn't see a thing:cool: Don't know if this has any effect or not, but I just have Cox cable coming in from the wall at the moment receiving only local HD channels.

someone needs to post some pictures

How is the sound on the Vizio? I had a Vizio 2 years ago and I would say the sound was average to below average. I now have a Panasonic plasma and I would rate the speakers as excellent. In fact, the only time I use the sound system is for watching movies. Have the Vizio speakers improved?

Guys, just found this thread. I was posting on another thread on noise issues with the 505.

Sound is average imho that's comparing a panny tau 34" crt way back but 505 has SRS - average again.

Has anyone notice any excessive video noise (plasma noise) with hdmi sources ie. just have BD player on with no discs playing. While displaying just the logo from my bd35, it's very noticeable - like crawling grains.

Someone suggested just displaying the osd, unfortunately, this also has noise but alot less.

But as far as color fidelity and black level, it's pretty decent especially with this price. I even prefer the movie mode with normal color temp with reduced sharpness at 1 over the Panny 800u I saw at CC in THX mode (I actually switched it from vivid). I have to say it must have been the surrounding lighting at CC that makes the 800 look washed out.

Please chime in on the video noise on your set especially on a white background, thanks.

Hi Jason,

Welcome, brother from another...thread.

I too am on the hunt for an explanation of this noise problem of yours as I have a (deteriorating) interest in this Vizio TV.

Anyway, from my findings, it seems that the problem could be caused by 2 reasons.

1. source.. alot of noisy/grainy BDs out there.. pause the movie, if the noise/grain freezes, it's the movie.

2. The panel, apparently Panasonic plasmas and other plasmas using panny glass (even high end ones) suffer from excessive noise when they're too bright.

link (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb
/showthread.php?t=1090648)

Seems that people have been able to reduce the noise significantly by calibrating their sets...800u owners using the pseudo calibrated THX mode see a vast reduction of noise over the other modes...then again, the PQ in THX is dimmer and is meant for dark room viewing.

Try CNET's Vizio's 505 settings for dark room viewing to see if the noise is minimized.

cnet (http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10100991-1.html?tag=mncol;txt)

If so, you may want to consider getting the Vizio calibrated properly for optimum PQ for your lighting environment.

Yahwey, thanks again for doing so much research!

Good suggestion when playing movies and pausing it...unfortunately even without a movie the logo on the player against a white background has a noticeable "crawl". I have already turned down the contrast to 32 from 45.

I'm in the process of borrowing another BD from a friend who has a Sony BX1. I also will try a WD HD player also via hdmi later when it arrives in the mail. I guess with these different sources, the culprit will be found!

But regarding the VP505, I still have to say the color fidelity, skin tones, black level is very satisfactory comparing it to my calibrated CRT Tau.

I would put this noise issue to rest if I can determine it's not coming from the 505 since exchanging it is so much trouble lugging it back.

Thanks for all those great links!

i'm actually thinking about returning the pz80u that i just bought and getting this set instead. gaining the larger picture is a plus and the price difference is nothing to worry about ($200). i like the fact that you have more control over the picture settings, but honestly the thing that is holding me back is the fact that there are no aspect ratio controls with the HD inputs. that's just ridiculous to me, especially with a plasma and IR in the initial period of owning it.

i'm actually thinking about returning the pz80u that i just bought and getting this set instead. gaining the larger picture is a plus and the price difference is nothing to worry about ($200). i like the fact that you have more control over the picture settings, but honestly the thing that is holding me back is the fact that there are no aspect ratio controls with the HD inputs. that's just ridiculous to me, especially with a plasma and IR in the initial period of owning it.

you dont like the picture on the 80u?

Maybe they're not so proud of their HQV plasma or too busy enjoying to take pictures :). Or yet still they don't know how to upload to the forum.

Go suck a big one A. I have one, and its a great set.

Go suck a big one A. I have one, and its a great set.

I have one too and it is a great set. But let's be a little nice shall we.;)

I'll have pics up soon. And yes I didn't know how to do it.

i'm actually thinking about returning the pz80u that i just bought and getting this set instead. gaining the larger picture is a plus and the price difference is nothing to worry about ($200). i like the fact that you have more control over the picture settings, but honestly the thing that is holding me back is the fact that there are no aspect ratio controls with the HD inputs. that's just ridiculous to me, especially with a plasma and IR in the initial period of owning it.

I respectably disagree. There's no real need for aspect controls with HD..

also, here's no reason to fear IR with modern plasmas even during the 1st 100 hrs. You'll get IR especially after watching SD for hours or a few movies with letter bars, but they'll go away within minutes with a full screen.

Just watch full screen for 5 to 10 mins before turning off your Tv and you'll be happy again.

Burn in is not a real problem anymore...unless you're using this TV has a commerical monitor displaying the same static image for days on end.

someone needs to post some pictures

Vizio owners can't afford cameras :p

someone post some pics!

I respectably disagree. There's no real need for aspect controls with HD..

also, here's no reason to fear IR with modern plasmas even during the 1st 100 hrs. You'll get IR especially after watching SD for hours or a few movies with letter bars, but they'll go away within minutes with a full screen.

Just watch full screen for 5 to 10 mins before turning off your Tv and you'll be happy again.

Burn in is not a real problem anymore...unless you're using this TV has a commerical monitor displaying the same static image for days on end.

you dont like the picture on the 80u?

its not that i don't like the 80u's picture, but it would have been pretty nice to have the ability to tweak it just to my liking without the whole service menu. i was just looking at it from the perspective that for 200 dollars more i could get a bigger screen, which is always a plus, have more customizable picture settings, and have better SD processing.

and Yahwey, you're probably right. there's no need to worry about IR. i'd rather just enjoy the tv.

truth be told i was on the way home from working out tonight and i decided that trading in for the 505 would be a dumb idea. when i went to buy a new tv i wanted one with a nice picture, >42", and under $1000. i achieved that with the 80u after doing research and checking out these boards. i suppose if i really feel the need to tweak the set then i'll get the right programs/equipment and venture into the service menu, but for now i'm just gonna enjoy the set.

I agree with you. What's even worse is that it is not possible to scale, stretch, or even adjust overscan on the TV input.

My big 1A is generally used for clear QAM, so I have noticed another problem that no one seems to have mentioned.

Every once in a while, 3 times so far, the TV has forgotten its channels and needs to be set up again. This takes several minutes, after which I have to manually delete the analog channels, shopping channels, and foreign language channels.

This is my second unit and both have done the same thing despite being constantly plugged in. The first one completely quit after 11 days. Overall I'm happy with this model but, if this keeps up, COSTCO might be getting another one back.

I will be happy to post images if someone instructs me how to.....

Okay, I just got a VP505XVT from my local costco to replace my dead VP50HDM (which I loved very much).

My wife didn't want a separate center speaker for the surround system, so I wired the speakers on the VP50HDM to my DENON amplifier. I used a simple DPDT relay so that when the DENON is not powered up, the TV drives the speakers and when the DENON is powered, the denon drives the speakers as the center channel (wired in parallel with each other and in series with a 2ohm dropping resistor so the amp sees ~6ohms).

This setup worked great and was very easy with the VP50HDM. Unfortunately, the VP505XVT speakers are completely integrated into the display. The little brown speaker grills are purely decorative and can be removed easiliy. Removing the back was simple though there were lots of screws. The speakers are downward firing black boxes in the corners. The labels say 0335-1008-2550 HIBOX 8Ohm 10Watt HH19. Installing the relays was tricky but there is a nice metal pocket near the support post next to each speaker and there is a hole in the cover as well.

I also included a picture of the magic Reon chip for all to enjoy.

--Bob

P.S. Just watched a hidef Sharks game after a month of std-def on a 19" CRT. Life is good again.

^^ awesome

Looks like this TV is easily serviceable (for after the warranty expires), and parts look like they're relatively inexpensive... Excellent job Vizio !!

Pardon???

any Zoom settings for 4:3 material to get rid of the side bars?

If not - than I've lost interest in this set.


I agree with you. What's even worse is that it is not possible to scale, stretch, or even adjust overscan on the TV input.
.

Vizio owners can't afford cameras :p

someone post some pics!

I disagree, Vizio owners can afford mansions, sports cars and exotic girls.

It's the Pioneer and Sony owners who are poor, because they have no money left over for living it up.

Does the HQV have any affect on picture performance if I buy this TV and feed it solely through a HD cable box from Charter? I would love to have better SD processing, since so many channels are not yet offered in HD, but I'm not sure if the TV's processor has any effect when the cable box is used, as it will be.

Pardon???

any Zoom settings for 4:3 material to get rid of the side bars?

If not - than I've lost interest in this set.

The aspect controls all work as long as the source is not 720p or 1080. Actually I think this is more of a feature than a drawback. I've got the cable box sending 480 for the sd channels and 720/1080 for the hd channels. Now the hd channels always have the correct aspect ratio and the sd channels are in whatever aspect ratio you desire. With this tv, I no longer have to keep switching the aspect ratios every time I go between sd and hd channels.

Of course there may be a problem with IR when I play back hd movies from with the black bars but I don't think IR is much of an issue with this set.

Does the HQV have any affect on picture performance if I buy this TV and feed it solely through a HD cable box from Charter? I would love to have better SD processing, since so many channels are not yet offered in HD, but I'm not sure if the TV's processor has any effect when the cable box is used, as it will be.

The SD is truly amazing on this set. Sometimes I forget the channel is sd instead of hd when I have the sd zoomed and cropped to fit the whole screen. I think it must be the HQV that is doing this. Never imagined SD could look so good.

Okay, I just got a VP505XVT from my local costco to replace my dead VP50HDM (which I loved very much).

My wife didn't want a separate center speaker for the surround system, so I wired the speakers on the VP50HDM to my DENON amplifier. I used a simple DPDT relay so that when the DENON is not powered up, the TV drives the speakers and when the DENON is powered, the denon drives the speakers as the center channel (wired in parallel with each other and in series with a 2ohm dropping resistor so the amp sees ~6ohms).

This setup worked great and was very easy with the VP50HDM. Unfortunately, the VP505XVT speakers are completely integrated into the display. The little brown speaker grills are purely decorative and can be removed easiliy. Removing the back was simple though there were lots of screws. The speakers are downward firing black boxes in the corners. The labels say 0335-1008-2550 HIBOX 8Ohm 10Watt HH19. Installing the relays was tricky but there is a nice metal pocket near the support post next to each speaker and there is a hole in the cover as well.

I also included a picture of the magic Reon chip for all to enjoy.

--Bob

P.S. Just watched a hidef Sharks game after a month of std-def on a 19" CRT. Life is good again.

Finally someone with a decent camera. Can you post some picture of the front of the tv and the set in action?

The SD is truly amazing on this set. Sometimes I forget the channel is sd instead of hd when I have the sd zoomed and cropped to fit the whole screen. I think it must be the HQV that is doing this. Never imagined SD could look so good.




I feel the complete opposite of the SD on my 505XVT. I can clearly identify the difference between the 2. And how do you zoom and crop the SD to fit the entire screen? I thought 'overscan' was the only way to go about that and the highest setting on 'overscan' is high which still leaves black bars on the side. Also, what cable provider do you use that you SD is looking amazing. I use Comcast, which I know is horrible, perhaps you use something different. Please reply. Thanks.

Okay, I just got a VP505XVT from my local costco to replace my dead VP50HDM (which I loved very much).


Funny, I did exactly the same thing. A very sad day when my VP50HDM died the pop of death just before christmas after three years. After not finding a Panasonic or Samsung that fit our needs, I found from this forum that the VP505XVT will be in costco in January. So I hooked up my 20" CRT and decided to wait a few weeks.

Anyhow, when I returned the TV to Costco (refunded full price, best return policy ever!), the new VIZIOs arrived early that same day. Didn't have to use the 20" crt after all. I got the new vizio using half the money I got back. Hooked it up and am impressed with how much better this tv is. Used more of the money to get a PS3 to watch blurays. Life is good again.

Very impressed with how you did the speakers. Not sure if I want to try the same thing but its an option. My only problem so far is the old vizio had big speakers on the bottom such that I could put my center channel in front of it. On the new tv, center channel blocks an inch of the screen. So I need to figure out how to raise the stand a couple of inches.

Seems like I just need a big block of wood for the stand to sit on but it needs to look nice. Couldn't find anything online. I wonder what other people are doing. Any ideas would be appreciated.

I feel the complete opposite of the SD on my 505XVT. I can clearly identify the difference between the 2. And how do you zoom and crop the SD to fit the entire screen? I thought 'overscan' was the only way to go about that and the highest setting on 'overscan' is high which still leaves black bars on the side. Also, what cable provider do you use that you SD is looking amazing. I use Comcast, which I know is horrible, perhaps you use something different. Please reply. Thanks.

I use time warner. You may need to configure your stb to ouput 480 as well as 720 and 1080. The box should then output 480 which the vizio can then do the hqv processing and also allows you to change the mode to crop. If your box is outputting only 720 and 1080 then its upconverting the 480 ruining the picture before the vizio can process it.

I use time warner. You may need to configure your stb to ouput 480 as well as 720 and 1080. The box should then output 480 which the vizio can then do the hqv processing and also allows you to change the mode to crop. If your box is outputting only 720 and 1080 then its upconverting the 480 ruining the picture before the vizio can process it.

I would concur with this approach. Having ANY device (whether set top box or DVD player) doing any video processing before it reaches the HQV processor would ruin any benefits the HQV processor has to offer since the only thing left would either be deinterlacing a poorly upconverted 1080i signal or upconverting a poorly upconverted 720p signal.

DVD players should be left to outputting to either 480i or 480p at the absolute most, but I would rather keep it at 480i and let the HQV do all the magic. As for set top boxes, I would tell it to simply pass on the exact same signal it is getting if that is possible (i.e. SDTV).

I use time warner. You may need to configure your stb to ouput 480 as well as 720 and 1080. The box should then output 480 which the vizio can then do the hqv processing and also allows you to change the mode to crop. If your box is outputting only 720 and 1080 then its upconverting the 480 ruining the picture before the vizio can process it.
I have no experience on how to go about this. When you have a chance, would you mind talking me through it. I would definitely love to experience the HQV chip to its fullest potential.

Every channel on my digital comcast box according to my Vizio TV is being broadcast in 1080i (SD and HD)

Would love help in getting the full potential out of my Vizio and its HQV chip.

Thanks,

C

I have no experience on how to go about this. When you have a chance, would you mind talking me through it. I would definitely love to experience the HQV chip to its fullest potential.

Every channel on my digital comcast box according to my Vizio TV is being broadcast in 1080i (SD and HD)

Would love help in getting the full potential out of my Vizio and its HQV chip.

Thanks,

C

On my Samsung box from Time Warner theres a display tab in the settings menu, in there you just select all the output resolutions you want the box to output (480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i) it's probably a little different on yours but it should be in the settings menu somewhere.

I have no experience on how to go about this. When you have a chance, would you mind talking me through it. I would definitely love to experience the HQV chip to its fullest potential.

Every channel on my digital comcast box according to my Vizio TV is being broadcast in 1080i (SD and HD)

Would love help in getting the full potential out of my Vizio and its HQV chip.

Thanks,

C

Not sure how much help I can be since its not something thats configured on the tv. Its configured on the set top box. On my SA3250, they had a menu setting for the output formats and I selected 480, 720, and 1080. You know you have it right when you tune to a sd channel and the tv says its a 480 source and when you tune to an hd channel and the tv says its either 720 or 1080.

The aspect controls all work as long as the source is not 720p or 1080. Actually I think this is more of a feature than a drawback. I've got the cable box sending 480 for the sd channels and 720/1080 for the hd channels. Now the hd channels always have the correct aspect ratio and the sd channels are in whatever aspect ratio you desire. With this tv, I no longer have to keep switching the aspect ratios every time I go between sd and hd channels.

Of course there may be a problem with IR when I play back hd movies from with the black bars but I don't think IR is much of an issue with this set.

Not always a good feature though - why disable it? Last night the local PBS channel was 1080i and centered on the screen. Ugly black bars all around. What is this - a way to force subscribers to pay for cable boxes? Thanks Comcast!

480p from a very old Sony DVD player scales beautifully on component input. Hopefully there will be a software update to fix some of the issues with this set.

Is it also possible that there is no option to skip DTV channels? Blocking yes, skipping no. Unbelievable. :mad:

Here is a picture of the front of my VP505XVT. Not sure why everyone wants to see this, but here it is. I still haven't finished my little wiring project, as you can see.

BTW, in case you can't tell easily from the previous picture, there are only three small fans inside the unit. All blow upwards. Two are side-by-side just left of center, and one is just above speaker on the right (which is the left speaker). I don't know if the fans are temperature controlled or not, but so far the unit is extremely quiet.

There are three service ports on the unit, one USB connector, and two six wire RJ11 connectors (I think).

--Bob

Not always a good feature though - why disable it? Last night the local PBS channel was 1080i and centered on the screen. Ugly black bars all around. What is this - a way to force subscribers to pay for cable boxes? Thanks Comcast!

480p from a very old Sony DVD player scales beautifully on component input. Hopefully there will be a software update to fix some of the issues with this set.

Is it also possible that there is no option to skip DTV channels? Blocking yes, skipping no. Unbelievable. :mad:

Yes, there are times when you want to stretch HD. But I 'd live with this rather than having to switch the zoom every time I go from SD to HD. I do wish they will update the firmware as well. They have problems with the menu where you can't change some settings unless you switch the input to tuner. Also the PIP is hard to use. I got component to work with PIP before but now I can't. Haven't figured out what I did to make it work before, frustrating. It always works as the main window but its hard to get it work for the PIP window.

Don't use the tuner much except for PIP so its a don't care for me for skipping DTV channels.

Overall, I'm still extremely satisfied with the set.

Yes, there are times when you want to stretch HD. But I 'd live with this rather than having to switch the zoom every time I go from SD to HD. I do wish they will update the firmware as well. They have problems with the menu where you can't change some settings unless you switch the input to tuner. Also the PIP is hard to use. I got component to work with PIP before but now I can't. Haven't figured out what I did to make it work before, frustrating. It always works as the main window but its hard to get it work for the PIP window.

Don't use the tuner much except for PIP so its a don't care for me for skipping DTV channels.

Overall, I'm still extremely satisfied with the set.

You probably just need to set the PIP Input to component or PIP Style to PIP - they're both under the 5th menu (hand with remote).

This is not a particularly good photo, but here's what 5-1 PBS look like on the 1A. Notice that the info is 1080i HD.

Vizio service told me today that DTV channels should be available in the "skip channels" selection. Not on my current TV, or the other one which I have already returned to Costco. Is this true for anyone?

Not sure how much help I can be since its not something thats configured on the tv. Its configured on the set top box. On my SA3250, they had a menu setting for the output formats and I selected 480, 720, and 1080. You know you have it right when you tune to a sd channel and the tv says its a 480 source and when you tune to an hd channel and the tv says its either 720 or 1080.
I can change the cable settings to 480p but this also changes the High Definition stations to 480p. I am not sure how to activate standard television to just 480p and High Definition to 1080i....any help would be appreciated.

I can change the cable settings to 480p but this also changes the High Definition stations to 480p. I am not sure how to activate standard television to just 480p and High Definition to 1080i....any help would be appreciated.
I figured it out. Thanks anyway for your help!

Just to confirm: In order to get the full potential out of the HQV chip I should have the standard definition set to 480i or 480p? Thanks and let me know.

Just to confirm: In order to get the full potential out of the HQV chip I should have the standard definition set to 480i or 480p? Thanks and let me know.

Glad you've gotten it working. I don't know if 480i or 480p is best. I think it depends if the box is getting a 480i or 480p signal. You just dont want the box to do any upscaling. Perhaps you can just try it out and see which you like better. If you can't see a difference then it doesn't really matter.

SD is going to look like ass either way.

Screen Glare:
This has been mentioned but not really discussed.

So the VIZIO VP505XVT is using the Panny screens. Does that mean they have Panny's new reflective coating for screen glare?

I was looking at Panny's TH-50PZ80U because of there screen coating.

So now I am torn between the Vizio and the Panny.

Any thoughts?

Glad you've gotten it working. I don't know if 480i or 480p is best. I think it depends if the box is getting a 480i or 480p signal. You just dont want the box to do any upscaling. Perhaps you can just try it out and see which you like better. If you can't see a difference then it doesn't really matter.

The box is getting a 480i signal.

Just got mine :D. Do I break it in or just watch and enjoy?

I picked this TV up on Sunday at Costco. I only had a regular TW cable box. The picture sucked bad. 2 days ago I got an HD box. I am now living in a completely different world. The SD channels look awesome. Thats why I wanted this TV. We watch a lot of SD TV and I wanted it to look good. The HD channels are so good. I usually fast forward through the commercials, this time I actually watched them. Also, I have a lot of copied DVD's, and they all look really good. That might be from the dvd player though. I can only get 3 out of the 6 surround sound speakers to work though, haven't figured that out yet. I am really happy with my purchase.

WOW!!!!! What a complete POS!

I get it delivered today. I could not turn it on while they delivered it due to it being without windchill -18 below.

I let it heat up for about 6 hours. I start it up and decide to watch some 16:9 Dark Knight Blu Ray scenes to test it out. Looks utterly amazing with CNET's settings. Then I check an all black screen to see if there was any burn in. Turns out the XMB had burned in just from being on for like a maximum of 30 seconds. So I run image cleaner to get rid of it. Three EFFING dead pixels down the middle of the screen. I can't believe it!

Then I go back to the PS3 and have it on the XMB for 10 seconds exactly. Sure enough I can see the outlines of the icons on a black screen.

sucks about the dead pixels
after a frozen trip, the rule of thumb is to let it thaw for 2 days.

Maybe the gasses are still too dense

but image retention is common on new plasmas, generally they go away after a short while if you watch a full screen flick for about 10 mins. Takes awhile with the image cleaner too.

maybe you don't have the patience to be a plasma man.. check out Vizio's new 55 LCD for just a couple of hundred more, you may be happier with that.

sucks about the dead pixels

but image retention is common on new plasmas, generally they go away after a short while if you watch a full screen flick for about 10 mins. Takes awhile with the image cleaner too.

maybe you don't have the patience to be a plasma man.. check out Vizio's new 55 LCD for just a couple of hundred more, you may be happier with that.

Vizio's LCD look like crap to me. The IR is not that big of a deal. Its the dead pixels coupled with IR. I can't believe a set with 3 dead pixels passed any kind of QC process.

shite happens, even to the best of them. Pannys and Pioneers have dead pixels issues too...just the nature of the beast with flat panels.

With new Vizios, buyers have the advantage of returning to local Costcos or Sams club within the two year warranty for a no questions asked exchange or within the 1st 90 days for a refund..so what you waiting for? get cracking :cool:

WOW!!!!! What a complete POS!

I get it delivered today. I could not turn it on while they delivered it due to it being without windchill -18 below.

I let it heat up for about 6 hours. I start it up and decide to watch some 16:9 Dark Knight Blu Ray scenes to test it out. Looks utterly amazing with CNET's settings. Then I check an all black screen to see if there was any burn in. Turns out the XMB had burned in just from being on for like a maximum of 30 seconds. So I run image cleaner to get rid of it. Three EFFING dead pixels down the middle of the screen. I can't believe it!

Then I go back to the PS3 and have it on the XMB for 10 seconds exactly. Sure enough I can see the outlines of the icons on a black screen.
I have had the same problem. Within the first day I purchased my 505XVT I played Resistance 2, watched plenty of ESPN HD. Switching from HDMI 1 and HDMI 2 I have noticed similar burn in images. I run image cleaner after each game and movie and it gets rid of each image retention.

I was very annoyed and didn't know if this was normal or if I had a problem with the 505. Being my first Plasma, this is all new to me.

I am not concerned anymore. This is fairly normal. I don't know what dead pixels are but with my image retention you see the ghost like images and outlines of whatever the burn in may be.

I have yet to see the image retention show up on anything but blank HDMI 1 and HDMI 2 screens as well as the white image cleaner screen. Don't see it while playing PS3 games or watching blue ray movies or simply watching T.V.

I know what your going through, but the picture quality is pretty solid. I've settled down with the IR because it hasn't effected my viewing pleasure and have stopped sweating the small stuff. Sounds like your 'dead pixel' issue is more serious than mine. I hope it works itself out.

Also, what do you think about the volume discrepancies while watching blue rays. I watch Planet Earth, Batman, Transformers and many more and I feel like I have to have the volume maxed out at 100 just to hear the voices. Not an issue with regular television though. Let me know if you have the same issue.

Cheers,

C

ugh, I'd say, the worst thing about Vizios is their sound. Granted most other Tvs besides Kuros have crappy sound too, but Vizios' are just pathetic even with their new 55" with the massive built in soundbar. My guess is the DAC they use is absolute crap.

Spend a couple of hundred on a real soundbar, best yet, get a surround sound system, hook up your sound source to them and you'll be whistling Dixie.

Same issue with sound on HD channels or Blu ray, I dont know why the volume is soooo low. I have to max it to 100 to really hear. I figure after market surround should take care of it.

Is Costco the only place selling these ?

I agree with everyone else about the sound, and its not even really that it doesn't get loud enough but the voices are far too low, the hard coded equalization isn't set right, but that should mean that it could be fixable with a firmware update. So let us hope one comes out... As far as the picture is concerned I couldn't be happier... Simply amazing for the amount spent.

I would also like to point out that I didn't particularly like the CNET settings, I thought the colors were too washed out and didn't have enough pop... I did however like the Ultimate AV Mag Settings much better. Of course YMMV, and a proper calibration in your particular environment would be best. Here's the link to the UltimateAVMag Settings: http://ultimateavmag.com/flatpaneldisplays/vizio_vp505xvt_plasma_tv/index7.html

Well I watched it some more last night. I REALLY do like this set. I have a nice 1080p Samsung LCD and the Vizio does look a lot more natural, everyone was saying that.

Anyways I found 2 more dead pixels :(.

Initially when I saw the IR and the dead pixels I was going to return this TV and never look back. But I really like the look of the picture so I'm going to give it another go. Hopefully its a fluke.

LCDs are nice but harsh, they give you that smack in your face, eye watering PQ, but great for slow strategy games, surfing the web, writing docs, cadd, etc.

Plasmas however are a lot easier on the eyes, warmer/deeper colors and more natural 3d like contrast...and better for video/movies/fast action gaming.

exchange your 505 for another

I agree with everyone else about the sound, and its not even really that it doesn't get loud enough but the voices are far too low, the hard coded equalization isn't set right, but that should mean that it could be fixable with a firmware update. So let us hope one comes out... As far as the picture is concerned I couldn't be happier... Simply amazing for the amount spent.

.. regarding the sound output, was glancing thru the owner's manual referencing "Sound". Have any of the owners adjusted the Treble, Bass and/or SRSTruSurround (On/Off). Also, in the Troubleshooting guide (pg 65), they mention changes in the volume could 'possibly' be related to the source & to switch (HDMI) inputs. Maybe this could be some help. :)

I agree with everyone else about the sound, and its not even really that it doesn't get loud enough but the voices are far too low, the hard coded equalization isn't set right, but that should mean that it could be fixable with a firmware update. So let us hope one comes out... As far as the picture is concerned I couldn't be happier... Simply amazing for the amount spent.

I wouldn't hold your breath. Has Vizio ever released a firmware update for any of their TVs?

Anyways I found 2 more dead pixels :(.

Initially when I saw the IR and the dead pixels I was going to return this TV and never look back. But I really like the look of the picture so I'm going to give it another go. Hopefully its a fluke.

So I did the Image Cleaner (White screen). I don't have any image retention, but I too have 1 dead pixel in the middle right side, about a couple of inches from the bezel......never would of noticed it otherwise. Do these become more frequent as time goes on? Guess I'm not going to worry about it for now, but will keep an eye on it ;)

Howdy folks. Just joined the VP505XVT club yesterday...my first plasma! I just got it up and running late last night, so I haven't had time to do too much yet. A couple questions...

I noticed that there is a slight buzzing noise from the back of the set (not fan noise). The pitch of the buzzing changes with the contrast of the display. It's nothing terribly loud, but is this normal or not?

Secondly, I found one dead pixel. It's toward the outside of the screen, so it's not really noticeable. From what I've read, there's nothing that can be done to "revive" a dead pixel, right? I guess I could exchange it at Costco, but the closest one is about an hour away and this TV is a beast, so I'm not sure if I feel like hauling it over there.

.. regarding the sound output, was glancing thru the owner's manual referencing "Sound". Have any of the owners adjusted the Treble, Bass and/or SRSTruSurround (On/Off). Also, in the Troubleshooting guide (pg 65), they mention changes in the volume could 'possibly' be related to the source & to switch (HDMI) inputs. Maybe this could be some help. :)

I have messed with all of them, and quite frankly i could barely notice a difference when i raised the treble all the way up, I did switch back and forth between SRS on and off, and it didn't really seem to help with being able to hear voices better... SRS ON deffinately does sound better though. It really does depend on the movie im watching... it seems to be okay with Direct TV, but on my PS3 watching Dark Knight I had to jack the sound all the way up just to hear voices which subsequently made all of the explosions and sound effects much louder too... But I just watched Tropic Thunder and could hear most of the voices okay. Sounds like a soundbar is in order or maybe going the whole 9 yards with a reciever/speaker setup.

I wouldn't hold your breath. Has Vizio ever released a firmware update for any of their TVs?

Yeah, after I posted that I took a look at there isn't even a USB port on here, just two RJ-11 Service Ports.

So I did the Image Cleaner (White screen). I don't have any image retention, but I too have 1 dead pixel in the middle right side, about a couple of inches from the bezel......never would of noticed it otherwise. Do these become more frequent as time goes on? Guess I'm not going to worry about it for now, but will keep an eye on it ;)

Dead pixels typically do not pop-up as time goes on, they're just bad from the get go... Whether or not it bothers you is really up to you... Personally I would be irked If mine had 1 bad pixel, and would just take it back to Costco and exchange for a new one... I'm live really close to a Costco though.

Howdy folks. Just joined the VP505XVT club yesterday...my first plasma! I just got it up and running late last night, so I haven't had time to do too much yet. A couple questions...

I noticed that there is a slight buzzing noise from the back of the set (not fan noise). The pitch of the buzzing changes with the contrast of the display. It's nothing terribly loud, but is this normal or not?

Secondly, I found one dead pixel. It's toward the outside of the screen, so it's not really noticeable. From what I've read, there's nothing that can be done to "revive" a dead pixel, right? I guess I could exchange it at Costco, but the closest one is about an hour away and this TV is a beast, so I'm not sure if I feel like hauling it over there.

The buzz is normal, even the Kuro's do it... You shouldn't really be able to hear it while you are watching a movie, but if you had a static image on the screen of high brightness/contrast then ya you may be able to hear it. If it is loud enough that you can hear it while watching a movie then I would say there is something wrong. As far as the Dead Pixel is concerned there isn't really anything you can do with a Dead Pixel on a Plasma... On LCD's you can attempt to massage the pixel to see if you can get it to illuminate again, but on a Plasma the front is glass and you can't put any pressure on it.

Secondly, I found one dead pixel. It's toward the outside of the screen, so it's not really noticeable. From what I've read, there's nothing that can be done to "revive" a dead pixel, right? I guess I could exchange it at Costco, but the closest one is about an hour away and this TV is a beast, so I'm not sure if I feel like hauling it over there.

worrying about 1 dead pixel is dumb. first, you won't be able to see it from your normal viewing distance (unless you are a foot away), and two, the one you exchange it for will have just the same chance of having a dead pixel as well. maybe it will have more than one even. plus, dead pixels can become active again. i had the same thing, one dead pixel but within the first couple of days of break in it became active again.

Howdy folks. Just joined the VP505XVT club yesterday...my first plasma! I just got it up and running late last night, so I haven't had time to do too much yet. A couple questions...

I noticed that there is a slight buzzing noise from the back of the set (not fan noise). The pitch of the buzzing changes with the contrast of the display. It's nothing terribly loud, but is this normal or not?

Secondly, I found one dead pixel. It's toward the outside of the screen, so it's not really noticeable. From what I've read, there's nothing that can be done to "revive" a dead pixel, right? I guess I could exchange it at Costco, but the closest one is about an hour away and this TV is a beast, so I'm not sure if I feel like hauling it over there.

Welcome to the club! I checked and have the same buzz. I also have a periodic clicking sound, which seems to happen at 20 second intervals. This was only noticeable standing over the TV. Not a big deal for either noise.

I had to really think about whether to try to look for dead pixels, because I really don't want to return this TV. Once you know that the dead pixel is there, you really can't enjoy the TV any more, right?

After very close inspection, I have no dead pixels.:)

Has anyone had problems with the TV just going black (no video or sound) randomly for about 10 seconds? It seems to do it to me mostly on TV (internal tuner) but has happened on other inputs - and seems to happen most in the first few minutes after being turned on.

I'm wondering if it's just a quirk or an early sign of impending failure. I got it from Costco so it would be easy to return and replace.

Has anyone had problems with the TV just going black (no video or sound) randomly for about 10 seconds? It seems to do it to me mostly on TV (internal tuner) but has happened on other inputs - and seems to happen most in the first few minutes after being turned on.

I'm wondering if it's just a quirk or an early sign of impending failure. I got it from Costco so it would be easy to return and replace.

I have had no such thing happen to me, might want to exchange it.

Once you know that the dead pixel is there, you really can't enjoy the TV any more, right?
I sit 15' away......life goes on, and I still enjoy it very much:D

If you have dead pixels why don't you just exchange it for another one at Costco? That's why you buy a set in store to take advantage of their generous return policy.

I have had no such thing happen to me, might want to exchange it.

Thanks. I switched from playing my 360 to watching TV today and it did it immediately. Once it was done I tried to change channels and it did it again - but this time the picture didn't come back. I couldn't even turn it off with the button on the side! It was completely locked up and I had to pull the power.

I'll hang on to it until I see a deal for it or the Panny 80u. No sense in returning for the $1200 I paid and having to spend more on a new one.

Thanks. I switched from playing my 360 to watching TV today and it did it immediately. Once it was done I tried to change channels and it did it again - but this time the picture didn't come back. I couldn't even turn it off with the button on the side! It was completely locked up and I had to pull the power.

I'll hang on to it until I see a deal for it or the Panny 80u. No sense in returning for the $1200 I paid and having to spend more on a new one.
Isn't $1200 the normal price? It was for me... I assume you got it at costco just exchange it for another vp505xvt. No cost out of pocket for you... It's a great set you just got a bad apple it happens to every manufacturer.

I haven't posted here often, but I wanted to chime in and say I picked up a Vizio VP505XVT at Costco in the northern Virginia area this past week.

So far, I'm extremely impressed with the set. I'm currently using the CNet settings (linked elsewhere in this thread) and they seem pretty good for the moment--if anything, perhaps a little dark during some scenes of BSG.

I haven't noticed any image retention, burn-in, or anything else of the sort. I've logged at least 15 hours or so from watching standard 4:3 TV (via composite cables... need to upgrade the cable box), playing Fable 2 (1080p via HDMI), and streaming recorded video via MCE on the Xbox 360 (720p source material, but compressed and rendered by the Xbox at 1080p). There aren't any dead pixels or any discolorations/banding present from my limited tests. The only visual aberration I've noticed is dithering, but one can only see that from about a foot or two away (and from what I understand, dithering is fairly common on plasma sets).

I can comment that the Harmony One works fine with this set. The TV doesn't seem to have discrete on/off codes, so occasionally it will get out of sync with the other components. I haven't had a chance to tweak any of the remote settings yet, though.

Since a few people were wondering about pictures and asking about the anti-reflective coating on the screen, I've attached a few pictures I took without a flash in a pretty well lit room. There is a large dining room light (has five really bright bulbs) immediately behind me in the shots. Once you turn the set on, the minor reflection is almost unnoticeable. I'd be happy to take more pictures if anyone wants to see something in particular.

I haven't posted here often, but I wanted to chime in and say I picked up a Vizio VP505XVT at Costco in the northern Virginia area this past week.

So far, I'm extremely impressed with the set. I'm currently using the CNet settings (linked elsewhere in this thread) and they seem pretty good for the moment--if anything, perhaps a little dark during some scenes of BSG.

I haven't noticed any image retention, burn-in, or anything else of the sort. I've logged at least 15 hours or so from watching standard 4:3 TV (via composite cables... need to upgrade the cable box), playing Fable 2 (1080p via HDMI), and streaming recorded video via MCE on the Xbox 360 (720p source material, but compressed and rendered by the Xbox at 1080p). There aren't any dead pixels or any discolorations/banding present from my limited tests. The only visual aberration I've noticed is dithering, but one can only see that from about a foot or two away (and from what I understand, dithering is fairly common on plasma sets).

I can comment that the Harmony One works fine with this set. The TV doesn't seem to have discrete on/off codes, so occasionally it will get out of sync with the other components. I haven't had a chance to tweak any of the remote settings yet, though.

Since a few people were wondering about pictures and asking about the anti-reflective coating on the screen, I've attached a few pictures I took without a flash in a pretty well lit room. There is a large dining room light (has five really bright bulbs) immediately behind me in the shots. Once you turn the set on, the minor reflection is almost unnoticeable. I'd be happy to take more pictures if anyone wants to see something in particular.

You mentioned you have a Harmony One, I have the same Remote and I am having trouble getting it to switch the HDMI Input between HDMI 1 (PS3) and HDMI 2 (Direct TV) I have to use the help button every time so that it cycles thru the 4 HDMI Inputs until it gets to the correct one. When doing the Troubleshooter with the Logitech Software there are 4 Methods for it to switch Inputs and none of the Methods fit the style that this TV uses, Unless I am missing something... Need a little help here.

These are from the Wake vs. Clemson game 1/17/08. Best I could do. Look even with the few features that the 505 can't preform this is a great tv for the COSTCO price. When I first started my search for a 50" plasma the one feature I had to have was POP/PIP. My SONY WEGA 34" (which is still preforming great after 4 years) which the 505 is replacing, and my 32" TOSHIBA (10years old) still delivering same performance as the SONY. I was suprised at how many were without that feature. As I continued to look I learned of more features and upgrades in technology the 505 had and like everyone else I was frustrated with Vizio and there projected release dates, but the wait in my mind was worth it. I'm not a electronic wizard by any means. But I can replace or formate my PC hard drive, install software and hook up all my components. If you take the 505 home and it suits your needs, that's it. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If you like the picture after your adjustments, who cares if it is better or worst then another. There my 2 cents have been added. Hope the PICS help. Oh, I'm hooked up to DISH (HD/DVR 612 BOX) with the silver HD package, and as you can see I know how to upload pics.

Has anyone had problems with the TV just going black (no video or sound) randomly for about 10 seconds? It seems to do it to me mostly on TV (internal tuner) but has happened on other inputs - and seems to happen most in the first few minutes after being turned on.

I'm wondering if it's just a quirk or an early sign of impending failure. I got it from Costco so it would be easy to return and replace.

I have had the same issue with both Tivo Series 3 and Xbox 360, Tivo on HDMI 2 and Xbox 360 on RGB.

Are you going to replace? If so let me know if you have the same issue on the replacement

I have had the same issue with both Tivo Series 3 and Xbox 360, Tivo on HDMI 2 and Xbox 360 on RGB.

Are you going to replace? If so let me know if you have the same issue on the replacement

I haven't made it into Costco to see what the price is yet, but I'll probably hold out for about a month and hope for a price drop. When I do go in I'll ask if anyone else has returned it for that problem.

I suppose I could ask Vizio too, though I've heard horror stories about their CS.

I haven't posted here often, but I wanted to chime in and say I picked up a Vizio VP505XVT at Costco in the northern Virginia area this past week.

So far, I'm extremely impressed with the set. I'm currently using the CNet settings (linked elsewhere in this thread) and they seem pretty good for the moment--if anything, perhaps a little dark during some scenes of BSG.

I haven't noticed any image retention, burn-in, or anything else of the sort. I've logged at least 15 hours or so from watching standard 4:3 TV (via composite cables... need to upgrade the cable box), playing Fable 2 (1080p via HDMI), and streaming recorded video via MCE on the Xbox 360 (720p source material, but compressed and rendered by the Xbox at 1080p). There aren't any dead pixels or any discolorations/banding present from my limited tests. The only visual aberration I've noticed is dithering, but one can only see that from about a foot or two away (and from what I understand, dithering is fairly common on plasma sets).

I can comment that the Harmony One works fine with this set. The TV doesn't seem to have discrete on/off codes, so occasionally it will get out of sync with the other components. I haven't had a chance to tweak any of the remote settings yet, though.

Since a few people were wondering about pictures and asking about the anti-reflective coating on the screen, I've attached a few pictures I took without a flash in a pretty well lit room. There is a large dining room light (has five really bright bulbs) immediately behind me in the shots. Once you turn the set on, the minor reflection is almost unnoticeable. I'd be happy to take more pictures if anyone wants to see something in particular.

I'm think about purchasing this tv would you be able to measure the dimensions of the box if you still have it?

Just picked this up after doing an intense month of research on various brands/models. First, this is an upgrade from an old Philips 32" 720p LCD. I have a PS3 and DirecTV HD DVR to do some various testing scenarios. Second, I'm no videophile so this is just some feedback and observations. The step-up from a 720p 32" to a 1080p 50" is dramatic! a jaw dropping moment from the 1st time I experienced HD back a few years ago with my Philips. I payed a few hundred more for the Philips when HD was starting to enter the market more. Anyway, to answer a few questions people have been asking.

- The Vizio does buzz but its not noticeable even at low volumes or muted.
- As for the IR after watching ESPN/CNN or playing a few PS3 games, I don't see it. Granted this is after 6+ hours from yesterday so YMMV.
- The reflection, glossy bezel is also not noticeable in a well lit environment. My setup has the flexibility to be dark as well as bright, so in my eyes/opinion its the same as my anti-reflective Philips LCD.
- I have to agree with the sound: it doesn't get loud at all and even my smaller 32" sounded louder and better. But I have 5.1 system I use for movies & games...for normal viewing the 'soundbar' is sufficient

Other than that, I'm in the process of fine tuning it and making some adjustments to my home theater setup. Last here's a pic of the initial setup...more re-arranging to come...

http://robvelez.home.comcast.net/IMG_5234.JPG

I'm think about purchasing this tv would you be able to measure the dimensions of the box if you still have it?

The Vizio VP505XVT box measures 55 inches long, 12 1/2 inches wide, and 37 1/2" tall.

I rented a truck from Home Depot for $20 to get it home. I've heard you should avoid putting a plasma face up or face down, so you may want to keep that in mind when transporting it. Even if it's completely bogus, I figured it was worth $20 to avoid the possibility of something going wrong entirely.

Has anyone had problems with the TV just going black (no video or sound) randomly for about 10 seconds? It seems to do it to me mostly on TV (internal tuner) but has happened on other inputs - and seems to happen most in the first few minutes after being turned on.

I'm wondering if it's just a quirk or an early sign of impending failure. I got it from Costco so it would be easy to return and replace.

I've had this happen once or twice while watching TV via a Scientific Atlanta cable box connected to HDMI2, but it only lasts for 2-3 seconds at most. I haven't seen it on the Xbox 360, Wii, or DVD player, so I'm inclined to think it was something in the cable feed. Also, when the image does come back, the VP505XVT displays the "HDMI2 1080" in the top right corner, which leads me to believe the incoming signal was dropped briefly.

Cardboard box size measures: 55" x 38" x 13"

Also rented Home Depot truck for $20.

Piece of cake.

You mentioned you have a Harmony One, I have the same Remote and I am having trouble getting it to switch the HDMI Input between HDMI 1 (PS3) and HDMI 2 (Direct TV) I have to use the help button every time so that it cycles thru the 4 HDMI Inputs until it gets to the correct one. When doing the Troubleshooter with the Logitech Software there are 4 Methods for it to switch Inputs and none of the Methods fit the style that this TV uses, Unless I am missing something... Need a little help here.

Previously, my cable box was connected via component cables, so I didn't have any issues. I just picked up a new cable box last night that supports HDMI output, reprogrammed the Harmony One, and I ran into the same issue you did.

I tried to add the additional two HDMI inputs through the advanced setup in the desktop software, but that still doesn't seem to do the trick. I've email Logitech Harmony support; once they respond with a satisfactory answer, I'll post the solution on this thread.

Previously, my cable box was connected via component cables, so I didn't have any issues. I just picked up a new cable box last night that supports HDMI output, reprogrammed the Harmony One, and I ran into the same issue you did.

I tried to add the additional two HDMI inputs through the advanced setup in the desktop software, but that still doesn't seem to do the trick. I've email Logitech Harmony support; once they respond with a satisfactory answer, I'll post the solution on this thread.

Awesome, thanks... ya I think it doesn't have a problem switching between Component and HDMI but it does seem to have a problem switching between two HDMI inputs... :(

I have enjoyed reading the owner's posts about this TV. I currently had a Toshiba 36" CRT that is close to 12 years old as well as KV32-FV 300 Sony Wega Trinitron (also have the 20" version in my bedroom). The Sony TV's are
'02 versions I believe. Anyway, I finished my basement two years ago and the large wall space (next to the bar) is begging for a large plasma. Initially, I was going to go for a 58" 1080P Panny but my instincts got the better of me and now I'm thinking a 50". I will upgrade to a 60"+ in a few years and move the 50" upstairs.

The Vizio VP505XVT has caught my eye and is definitely in the running. I've also considered the Samsung 550 as well as the 50PZ-85U. I saw an ad in today's paper for the Samsung. It was listed very close to the price of the Vizio. However, I've read some posts about the pink "hue" of this particular set and I'm a bit concerned. I've read several reviews about the 85U and from what I understand its PQ is very close to that of the 800U.

I'm sure some of you Vizio owners compared the same PDP's. What made you choose the Vizio and are you happy with your choice?

Well after some time the pic finally made it. I have been thoroughly happy with this set. The only thing I have been able to watch has been SD material. Though it isn't the best for this or any other tv it hasn't disappointed me yet. I have put off dealing with the remotes due to I am getting Dish HD with DVR on Friday.:D

http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/oo33/dadave428/IMG_1683.jpg

I have enjoyed reading the owner's posts about this TV. I currently had a Toshiba 36" CRT that is close to 12 years old as well as KV32-FV 300 Sony Wega Trinitron (also have the 20" version in my bedroom). The Sony TV's are
'02 versions I believe. Anyway, I finished my basement two years ago and the large wall space (next to the bar) is begging for a large plasma. Initially, I was going to go for a 58" 1080P Panny but my instincts got the better of me and now I'm thinking a 50". I will upgrade to a 60"+ in a few years and move the 50" upstairs.

The Vizio VP505XVT has caught my eye and is definitely in the running. I've also considered the Samsung 550 as well as the 50PZ-85U. I saw an ad in today's paper for the Samsung. It was listed very close to the price of the Vizio. However, I've read some posts about the pink "hue" of this particular set and I'm a bit concerned. I've read several reviews about the 85U and from what I understand its PQ is very close to that of the 800U.

I'm sure some of you Vizio owners compared the same PDP's. What made you choose the Vizio and are you happy with your choice?


I was looking at the Panny's and the Samsung's also. It was a very tough call but like you said everthing is so close it is hard to make any kind of decisions.

The best way I found was to go and look at all of these sets at the same time or at the very least the same day. I took anyone's settings that could be trusted (cnet's was my choice) and fiddled with the sets in the showroom (or warehouse). I found some hues (more red for me) in the Samsung. The Panny's were so close but for some reason the Vizio had the better picture in my eye. Thus the trigger was pulled.

I don't have the Harmony One, but I have the Harmony 890. I was having a problem where the TV wouldn't power off when I hit the "Off" button on the 890, but it would when I cycled through the Help process. I sent Logitech a support request (through the software) on Saturday afternoon, and they responded in about 10 minutes. They made an adjustment in my account settings (whatever that means) and had me update the remote again. Worked like a charm!

Shoot Logitech a support request - they're on the ball.

Jeff

Cardboard box size measures: 55" x 38" x 13"

Also rented Home Depot truck for $20.

Piece of cake.
I got mine in the back of my Toyota Sienna minivan with the back seats folded flat. I moved one of the middle row captains chair seats all the way up and was able to get it in diagonally (still standing up).

FYI, if any of you have Direct TV you should go into the options on your DTV Box and goto HDTV and set Native to On, and check all the resolutions... what this will do is let the TV and its superior HQV scaler do all the scaling, instead of the DTV box...

Thanks nvous!

I was wondering if anyone had some setup advice with this. I noticed on the TV Resolutions tab a 1080p setting-- after setting it the DirecTV box recognized that 1080p is supported! Although there are no current broadcasts using 1080p its nice to know my Vizio 505 is ready.


On a different note, can anyone chime in with the Harmony One and 505 on what the experience is? Pros/cons? I've read there are some technical difficulties with setting individual HDMI input sources with the Harmony. thanks for any comments...

Thanks nvous!

I was wondering if anyone had some setup advice with this. I noticed on the TV Resolutions tab a 1080p setting-- after setting it the DirecTV box recognized that 1080p is supported! Although there are no current broadcasts using 1080p its nice to know my Vizio 505 is ready.


On a different note, can anyone chime in with the Harmony One and 505 on what the experience is? Pros/cons? I've read there are some technical difficulties with setting individual HDMI input sources with the Harmony. thanks for any comments...

Yeah, I'm not quite sure why they have the 1080p Setting there... As for the Harmonies, I really like the Harmony One... I downloaded all of my favorite channel Icon's from http://www.iconharmony.com. The only problem I am having is it is having trouble switching between the HDMI Inputs. I have a feeling that it will be fixed. It isn't a huge concern for me at the moment, I am just enjoying my new TV.

http://http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq321/chris_leedom/coolpix060.jpg

Vizio VP505XVT image TEST

http://s460.photobucket.com/albums/qq321/chris_leedom/?action=view&current=coolpix058.jpg]http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq321/chris_leedom/th_coolpix058.jpg[/URL]

Test 3

http://s460.photobucket.com/albums/qq321/chris_leedom/?action=view&current=coolpix058.jpg]http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq321/chris_leedom/th_coolpix058.jpg[/URL]

Test 4

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq321/chris_leedom/coolpix022.jpg
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq321/chris_leedom/coolpix038.jpg
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq321/chris_leedom/coolpix043.jpg
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq321/chris_leedom/coolpix050.jpg
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq321/chris_leedom/coolpix055.jpg
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq321/chris_leedom/coolpix056.jpg
http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq321/chris_leedom/coolpix058.jpg

The following images are from my VP505XVT. Planet Earth Blue Ray and TNT Basketball HD.

goducks123 - those are excellent shots, especially the ocean scene.

Have you noticed any fine grain noise from light areas such as the white parts of the ocean or similar?

My set has been exhibiting "grain" noise from all hdmi ports especially apparent during white areas of the picture. I can even see it from 10 ft away.

Anyone else notice noise at all?

goducks123 - those are excellent shots, especially the ocean scene.

Have you noticed any fine grain noise from light areas such as the white parts of the ocean or similar?

My set has been exhibiting "grain" noise from all hdmi ports especially apparent during white areas of the picture. I can even see it from 10 ft away.

Anyone else notice noise at all?

I can see grain if I get within like 2-3 feet of the panel, but not farther from that at all... I'm using the Ultimate AV Mag Settings...

I can see grain if I get within like 2-3 feet of the panel, but not farther from that at all... I'm using the Ultimate AV Mag Settings...

nvous - Thanks for replying. I'm trying to gauge how bad is the noise coming from my set versus everyone else's set. The photos from Goducks are great and I cannot detect noise level on the lighted area. But of course, it's difficult to see after post picture processing.

How do you guys upload pictures? Sorry, noob.

Duh, just found the control panel in the FAQ for picture uploading but unable to find the link for pictures/albums to create. Anyone?

Duh, just found the control panel in the FAQ for picture uploading but unable to find the link for pictures/albums to create. Anyone?

Just go make a Flickr account or Photobucket account and upload them to there, and then you can post the link here. I like Flickr the best, even though they're owned by Yahoo.

nvous - thanks for the info, I'll try to snap a couple of shots of the noise I'm referring to and let you all judge whether it's too much or normal.

Also noticed that this panel is not as sharp as I expected but again this is first plasma and only using panel references at BB or Costco.

However, on the plasma's that I can get up close to say 1-2ft, I can only see a tiny bit which I think is perhaps normal. My set display noise so apparent that it takes my attention away from whatever I'm viewing.

I was also thinking of trying to set the upconversion less than 1080p and see if that makes a difference but that pretty much voids the whole idea of getting 1080p to begin with.

Sharpness control, I had thought, only increase edge enhancement but seems like for my set, it actually "defocus" the picture if I set it to 0!:eek:

Aside from the noise everything else is very decent - color decoder is dead on with the blue filter. I care less about the sound coming from the TV speaker since I only use my AVR via bitstream.

I'm trying to get more opinions before I return it back to costco - but I hate to have to lug it back though since they don't have any more VP505 but have lots of VP504's.

???Jason

nvous - thanks for the info, I'll try to snap a couple of shots of the noise I'm referring to and let you all judge whether it's too much or normal.

Also noticed that this panel is not as sharp as I expected but again this is first plasma and only using panel references at BB or Costco.

However, on the plasma's that I can get up close to say 1-2ft, I can only see a tiny bit which I think is perhaps normal. My set display noise so apparent that it takes my attention away from whatever I'm viewing.

I was also thinking of trying to set the upconversion less than 1080p and see if that makes a difference but that pretty much voids the whole idea of getting 1080p to begin with.

Sharpness control, I had thought, only increase edge enhancement but seems like for my set, it actually "defocus" the picture if I set it to 0!:eek:

Aside from the noise everything else is very decent - color decoder is dead on with the blue filter. I care less about the sound coming from the TV speaker since I only use my AVR via bitstream.

I'm trying to get more opinions before I return it back to costco - but I hate to have to lug it back though since they don't have any more VP505 but have lots of VP504's.

???Jason

Does your Costco have a display model still in stock? If so take a look at that and see if you notice the same amount of grain. From what you're saying though it does sound like an abnormal amount. Do you see this grain/noise when watching blu-ray's? Is it source dependent?

Edit: How do you have everything setup? What components are you using and how are you connecting them to the TV.

Awesome, thanks... ya I think it doesn't have a problem switching between Component and HDMI but it does seem to have a problem switching between two HDMI inputs... :(

I just got off the phone with the Logitech Harmony support team regarding the HDMI input problem on the Harmony One; I spent about two hours and twenty minutes working with the level two support guy. After trying countless combinations of timings and codes, the bottom line is that both he and the senior technical manager on duty were convinced the device signals are not set up correctly in their database. They were able to get my configuration working after making a number of custom adjustments that apparently aren't accessible from the client software. The representative said he's flagged the updated codes in my configuration for inclusion in the default TV configuration. He said it should take the engineering team a few days to update. After that, he claimed that anyone using a VP505XVT should be notified of a "new device update" the next time they load up the desktop software.

nvous - Thanks for replying. I'm trying to gauge how bad is the noise coming from my set versus everyone else's set. The photos from Goducks are great and I cannot detect noise level on the lighted area. But of course, it's difficult to see after post picture processing.

How do you guys upload pictures? Sorry, noob.
As somebody else mentioned already, using Photobucket is how I uploaded the images above. I also was using a NIKON COOLPIX S60 Digital camera, so the translation of picture obviously varies. Answering your question in reference to grain and noise, I haven't experienced any significant but they do exist especially depending on how the transfer of the blue ray is executed. So it is definitely limited for myself, but this is my first plasma so I am new issues that surround it. Hope you enjoyed the pics. Best.

goducks123 - those are excellent shots, especially the ocean scene.

Have you noticed any fine grain noise from light areas such as the white parts of the ocean or similar?

My set has been exhibiting "grain" noise from all hdmi ports especially apparent during white areas of the picture. I can even see it from 10 ft away.

Anyone else notice noise at all?
As somebody else mentioned already, using Photobucket is how I uploaded the images above. I also was using a NIKON COOLPIX S60 Digital camera, so the translation of picture obviously varies. Answering your question in reference to grain noise, I haven't experienced any significant but they do exist especially depending on how the transfer of the blue ray is executed and the overall compression of your cable provider etc. I can def see some noise around 2 feet or so but DEFINITELY not noticing at 10 feet like you mentioned. I sit about 9.5 feet from m Vizio. However, this is my first plasma so I am new to the issues that surround it and don't exactly have the keenest of eyes. Hope you enjoyed the pics. Best.

I just got off the phone with the Logitech Harmony support team regarding the HDMI input problem on the Harmony One; I spent about two hours and twenty minutes working with the level two support guy. After trying countless combinations of timings and codes, the bottom line is that both he and the senior technical manager on duty were convinced the device signals are not set up correctly in their database. They were able to get my configuration working after making a number of custom adjustments that apparently aren't accessible from the client software. The representative said he's flagged the updated codes in my configuration for inclusion in the default TV configuration. He said it should take the engineering team a few days to update. After that, he claimed that anyone using a VP505XVT should be notified of a "new device update" the next time they load up the desktop software.

Dude, thats awesome... thank you for putting in the leg work on getting this taken care of... When I get this update I'll think of you :p

I lost video signal 3 times(went to black screen for several seconds was watching a dvd and was playing WII), twice through component going and once i believe going through composite or svideo.

I am not sure if is my video selector. Is it possible that it could be this or the TV?

Any opinions on this?

Hey there. Great thread - have enjoyed reading all of your experiences with this set so far. :)

Have any of you happened to try connecting your PC to this set? If so, how does it look? Any issues?

Also, although I wouldn't plan to use this as a primary monitor for my PC I would like to use this for the occasional game and/or for media center duties etc.. Would IR be a big problem in this situation?

Thanks in advance!

Hey there. Great thread - have enjoyed reading all of your experiences with this set so far. :)

Have any of you happened to try connecting your PC to this set? If so, how does it look? Any issues?

Also, although I wouldn't plan to use this as a primary monitor for my PC I would like to use this for the occasional game and/or for media center duties etc.. Would IR be a big problem in this situation?

Thanks in advance!


I forgot to try my PC connection. Guess I'll try it and let you know since I'm curious if my graphics card can handle 1920x1080.

As for the gaming/media center connection, I have a PS3 and so far IR doesn't seem to be an issue. When I was looking for IR, it was there, ie the XMB (PS3's media cross bar). But after an hour or two of gaming and using the Image Cleaner function, the XMB shadow as I like to call it doesn't show. So far I've been more relaxed about IR since normal viewing hasn't revealed anything at all after 40+ hours.

Hey there. Great thread - have enjoyed reading all of your experiences with this set so far. :)

Have any of you happened to try connecting your PC to this set? If so, how does it look? Any issues?

Also, although I wouldn't plan to use this as a primary monitor for my PC I would like to use this for the occasional game and/or for media center duties etc.. Would IR be a big problem in this situation?

Thanks in advance!

I have had no problems. I don't have it on for very long and it looks great when it is. I have a htpc hooked up and I use for strictly media. Just make sure it has the proper settings in the desktop properties. The owners manual shows all of the possibilites you can set it to.

I forgot to try my PC connection. Guess I'll try it and let you know since I'm curious if my graphics card can handle 1920x1080.

As for the gaming/media center connection, I have a PS3 and so far IR doesn't seem to be an issue. When I was looking for IR, it was there, ie the XMB (PS3's media cross bar). But after an hour or two of gaming and using the Image Cleaner function, the XMB shadow as I like to call it doesn't show. So far I've been more relaxed about IR since normal viewing hasn't revealed anything at all after 40+ hours.

Unless your computer is really old, 1920x1080 shouldn't be much of a problem.

I lost video signal 3 times(went to black screen for several seconds was watching a dvd and was playing WII), twice through component going and once i believe going through composite or svideo.

I am not sure if is my video selector. Is it possible that it could be this or the TV?

Any opinions on this?

If you go back a couple pages you'll notice I have had the same problem...mostly with TV (using the TV's tuner) but it has happened on other inputs on my HDMI selector as well.

I doubt it's the video selector because it happens with me on the TV input. I'm going to return mine.

Hi all, long time lurker and first time poster, been tracking this plasma for a long time and looks like the quality/price point is right for me. However i have some questions about the AV with this set since i hear the built in speakers are so so.

1. since 505xvt has HQV, does it matter that the AV receiver has upconversion? me thinks not and looks like there are deals for sony and onkyo sets without that capability. My inputs will be Comcast Cable with HD, TIVO( non HD for now), PS3 and combo vhs/dvd player for legacy stuff).

2. Does 7.1 vs 5.1 really make a difference ?( me thinks the SO will prefer 5.1 for the reduced # speakers in living room). I plan to get the HSU set to go with the AV

I am thinking i will get all my input devices to send to AV unit and connect the AV unit to the Vizio (via single hdmi) and let it handle upconversion so that i can then just use a logitech device to reduce the remotes clutter.

In all, looking to get the AV unit , logitech remote and speakers first, then get the Vizio plus a back/bias light.

advice, thoughts?

ps. thanks for all the great advice, hints and tips in the forum, makes it accessible for a neophyte.

Does your Costco have a display model still in stock? If so take a look at that and see if you notice the same amount of grain. From what you're saying though it does sound like an abnormal amount. Do you see this grain/noise when watching blu-ray's? Is it source dependent?

Edit: How do you have everything setup? What components are you using and how are you connecting them to the TV.

No, unfortunately they don't even have it in stock...I grabbed it when they had only three and Costco only had the 504's in stock and display.

Pictures turn out insignificant with a casio 7.5mp so I guess I'm not even gonna try uploading.

Utimately realize that the noise even exist with no input on all HDMi ports via the display menu as one member suggested a few pages back. So it's the VP505 that's doing it, or rather the one that I got! Also it gets extremely bad on HDMi port #1 after 30mins of runtime.

It seems simple enough to replace the input board but this is brand new. Dog gone it!

I have a panasonic bd35 and is great using my ACER 24" monitor via hdmi.

I haven't posted here often, but I wanted to chime in and say I picked up a Vizio VP505XVT at Costco in the northern Virginia area this past week.

So far, I'm extremely impressed with the set. I'm currently using the CNet settings (linked elsewhere in this thread) and they seem pretty good for the moment--if anything, perhaps a little dark during some scenes of BSG.

I haven't noticed any image retention, burn-in, or anything else of the sort. I've logged at least 15 hours or so from watching standard 4:3 TV (via composite cables... need to upgrade the cable box), playing Fable 2 (1080p via HDMI), and streaming recorded video via MCE on the Xbox 360 (720p source material, but compressed and rendered by the Xbox at 1080p). There aren't any dead pixels or any discolorations/banding present from my limited tests. The only visual aberration I've noticed is dithering, but one can only see that from about a foot or two away (and from what I understand, dithering is fairly common on plasma sets).

I can comment that the Harmony One works fine with this set. The TV doesn't seem to have discrete on/off codes, so occasionally it will get out of sync with the other components. I haven't had a chance to tweak any of the remote settings yet, though.

Since a few people were wondering about pictures and asking about the anti-reflective coating on the screen, I've attached a few pictures I took without a flash in a pretty well lit room. There is a large dining room light (has five really bright bulbs) immediately behind me in the shots. Once you turn the set on, the minor reflection is almost unnoticeable. I'd be happy to take more pictures if anyone wants to see something in particular.

I, too, am in the NoVa area and have been on the search for a 505. Which Costco did you find your's at?

Parja i thought this is a lcd post #131

Hi all, long time lurker and first time poster, been tracking this plasma for a long time and looks like the quality/price point is right for me. However i have some questions about the AV with this set since i hear the built in speakers are so so.

1. since 505xvt has HQV, does it matter that the AV receiver has upconversion? me thinks not and looks like there are deals for sony and onkyo sets without that capability. My inputs will be Comcast Cable with HD, TIVO( non HD for now), PS3 and combo vhs/dvd player for legacy stuff).

2. Does 7.1 vs 5.1 really make a difference ?( me thinks the SO will prefer 5.1 for the reduced # speakers in living room). I plan to get the HSU set to go with the AV

I am thinking i will get all my input devices to send to AV unit and connect the AV unit to the Vizio (via single hdmi) and let it handle upconversion so that i can then just use a logitech device to reduce the remotes clutter.

In all, looking to get the AV unit , logitech remote and speakers first, then get the Vizio plus a back/bias light.

advice, thoughts?

ps. thanks for all the great advice, hints and tips in the forum, makes it accessible for a neophyte.

1) You don't want a AVR that will do any upconversion, you want the TV to do it all... Also you need to make sure that whatever AVR you do chose doesn't modify the Video Signal at all what so ever. For instance the Yamaha's Clip BTB/WTW even when the video is on passthrough. Let me know what you find, because I'm going to be in the same boat here soon.

Anyone else getting a lot of IR? I get it from anything on the screen for longer than 5 minutes. I mean it goes away pretty quickly but it seems really abnormal to me.

I lost video signal 3 times(went to black screen for several seconds was watching a dvd and was playing WII), twice through component going and once i believe going through composite or svideo.

I am not sure if is my video selector. Is it possible that it could be this or the TV?

Any opinions on this?

/Bump

Anyone else getting a lot of IR? I get it from anything on the screen for longer than 5 minutes. I mean it goes away pretty quickly but it seems really abnormal to me.

It's normal. Most likely it'll happen much less often as the set ages.

I get IR but only when I goto the Image Cleaner function and really look for it. In normal HD channel viewing I don't see any IR at all. After less than a week of viewing, I'm very happy about the Vizio plasma. Picture color and quality is excellent. From my DirecTV to PS3 bluray movies and gaming, this plasma is worth the money. I do have some gripes which are minor details-- after using the individual input source selection buttons, I think Vizio should have added individual HDMI buttons too. Having to push the button so many times to cycle the HDMI source isn't bad but it would be nice to just push one button. Since they're marketing 4 HDMI inputs, why did they skimp on that? Other than those details, this TV is worth the purchase.

BTW, I connected my PC (via DVI-HDMI and not the VGA port) which does support 1920x1080. Wow! I guess its time to build a new HTPC! Graphics and color is amazing but my slow CPU and graphics card could use some upgrading.

I emailed Vizio and asked if the VP505XVT would be available at Sam's and this is the reply:

"Thank you for your interest in our model VP505XVT, this model is only
available to purchase at Costco stores and Costco.com. Unfortunately at
this moment there are no plans for Sam's Clubs to sell this model."

I lost video signal 3 times(went to black screen for several seconds was watching a dvd and was playing WII), twice through component going and once i believe going through composite or svideo.

I am not sure if is my video selector. Is it possible that it could be this or the TV?

Any opinions on this?




This still happens to me. On all HDMI outputs. At first I thought it was my Xbox 360 freezing. But then I noticed that. The display will come back saying Hdmi 2 1080p.. On which ever input I was running it through. The screen doesn't go black it will just freeze, but it does seem to lose connection for a second or so. Occasionally this will happen with the sound as well. I run a sound system through the optical input on this tv. It will cut out from time to time. Or lose sound entirely. But when I change the channel. Or input it comes back. Makes me worry more than enough to want to return it though.. It has to be a connectivity issue. As I've tried many different cords. It's a shame the picture is soo pretty. Maybe it is my xbox? But that doesn't explain the sound.. Suggestions? :-(

This still happens to me. On all HDMI outputs. At first I thought it was my Xbox 360 freezing. But then I noticed that. The display will come back saying Hdmi 2 1080p.. On which ever input I was running it through. The screen doesn't go black it will just freeze, but it does seem to lose connection for a second or so. Occasionally this will happen with the sound as well. I run a sound system through the optical input on this tv. It will cut out from time to time. Or lose sound entirely. But when I change the channel. Or input it comes back. Makes me worry more than enough to want to return it though.. It has to be a connectivity issue. As I've tried many different cords. It's a shame the picture is soo pretty. Maybe it is my xbox? But that doesn't explain the sound.. Suggestions? :-(

Sounds like a bad Input board on the TV... I would exchange it for another IMO. No matter how good of a deal this TV is, it should still function properly regardless.

This still happens to me. On all HDMI outputs. At first I thought it was my Xbox 360 freezing. But then I noticed that. The display will come back saying Hdmi 2 1080p.. On which ever input I was running it through. The screen doesn't go black it will just freeze, but it does seem to lose connection for a second or so. Occasionally this will happen with the sound as well. I run a sound system through the optical input on this tv. It will cut out from time to time. Or lose sound entirely. But when I change the channel. Or input it comes back. Makes me worry more than enough to want to return it though.. It has to be a connectivity issue. As I've tried many different cords. It's a shame the picture is soo pretty. Maybe it is my xbox? But that doesn't explain the sound.. Suggestions? :-(


For the people who are having this problem, where did you buy your TV from?

I purchased mine at Costco.

Picked mine up at Costco too (Tacoma, WA).

I'm not seeing the problems that you're describing but it leads me to ask-- are you running the HDMI (or component) cable from the input source directly to the Vizio, or is it hooked into an a/v receiver? I've read some a/v receivers could be causing this possibly if its upscaling it when it shouldn't. just my 2 cents...

For the people who are having this problem, where did you buy your TV from?

I purchased mine at Costco.

According to Vizio, they're currently only available from Costco (either in-store or online), or direct from Vizio for $300 more :eek:.

Got mine at Costco. Not sure if I just want to exchange for another one or what. And yes the sound is plugged directly into the tv from the surround sound via an optical cable maybe it's the optical cable? Just every now and again the sound will just cut out and won't come back unless I switch function and switch back. I'd hate to think it's the whole input board...

There are enough of us with the problem you can bet it's probably not a cable. Mine happens on both HDMI inputs and the TV input...where the only thing it's getting is cable in.

I will be returning mine, just hoping to hit it on sale sometime in the next few weeks.

This still happens to me. On all HDMI outputs. At first I thought it was my Xbox 360 freezing. But then I noticed that. The display will come back saying Hdmi 2 1080p.. On which ever input I was running it through. The screen doesn't go black it will just freeze, but it does seem to lose connection for a second or so. Occasionally this will happen with the sound as well. I run a sound system through the optical input on this tv. It will cut out from time to time. Or lose sound entirely. But when I change the channel. Or input it comes back. Makes me worry more than enough to want to return it though.. It has to be a connectivity issue. As I've tried many different cords. It's a shame the picture is soo pretty. Maybe it is my xbox? But that doesn't explain the sound.. Suggestions? :-(

Yeah this has happened to me too. Exact same thing. Playing 360 and the screen freezes. Between this, the dead pixels, and the constant IR this thing is going back and staying back.

Vizio had a chance to impress and win over a lot of people with this set. Too bad it looks like it was too good to be true after all.

I hope the rest of you guys have good luck with your sets, or get the problems ironed out. For me though it is not worth the headaches.

Peace.

Yeah this has happened to me too. Exact same thing. Playing 360 and the screen freezes. Between this, the dead pixels, and the constant IR this thing is going back and staying back.

Vizio had a chance to impress and win over a lot of people with this set. Too bad it looks like it was too good to be true after all.

I hope the rest of you guys have good luck with your sets, or get the problems ironed out. For me though it is not worth the headaches.

Peace.



Alright. Well a couple people having the same problem. Is the final nail in the coffin for me. I'll take mine back tomorrow in fear that it may get worse later down the road. It's a shame too because I really had waited for this tv for a while now. Vizio burned me bad. It would have been a good Plasma if not for the poor input board. Gonna get a Panny. Costco has the TH-46PZ800U for sale online for 1299.99. For a couple hundred more. That's more than worth it for me. Best of luck guys. And thank you. :-)

Sorry you guys are having problems with your 505. I must be one of the lucky ones. Not having any of the above problems. Using DISH HD package with there 612 hd/dvr receiver. I use a $10 WALMART antenna for my Atlanta HD over air locals and they come in crystal clear. I have my PIP/POP set up to switch between ant/hdmi DISH programming. Kind of reminds me of my dad who worked for GM years ago. He would say don't buy a new car that was made on a Monday Or Friday. Monday workers were dragging in from the week-end and Friday workers could not wait to end work to start the week-end. I wonder if the same applies here. You bought it from COSTCO, take it back and try one more for good measure.

A question for you guys with the 505, does it have a pixel orbiter setting to reduce IR? Thanks.................

I was really tempted to purchase the VP505XVT until I ran across the Panny TH-PZ850U for a few hundred more. If not for this blockbuster '08 clearance sale, I most likely would have the Vizio on my basement wall.

Do you guys with a 360 set it to 1080p or let the HQV upscale it from 720p?

Bump............

A question for you guys with the 505, does it have a pixel orbiter setting to reduce IR? Thanks.................

I recently bought the Vizio 505 and after a week I still haven't had any of the problems flicker problems others have indicated having :). The HDMI 1 input does make a slight buzzing sound when connected, but it can only be heard when you are behind the TV messing with the inputs. Now to my question.

I understand that this set has a HQV processor, does this mean that it is able to automatically upconvert SD content to near HD?

Standard DVDs look very good on this set. I played Hero on it and the picture appeared sharp, colors were vibrant and there was little to no motion blur. I assume this is from HQV, and am not sure I would benefit from an upconversion type player.

Also does the PS3 have good video quality for a BD player? Its at a good price point and it would be nice to do some gaming as well.

I would appreciate whatever help the others on the AVS may provide.

Thanks

Bump............

A question for you guys with the 505, does it have a pixel orbiter setting to reduce IR? Thanks................. Not that I can see.....it has a manual setting for what they call "Image Cleaner" that brings the screen to full White. The manual says the process should be complete after an hour or so.....the manual is available on the Vizio website to download....if you would like to read it...it's page 55 http://www.vizio.com/assets/0/92/440/94/116/0be164ba-f887-4eeb-aa82-a5f4a5464c03.pdf

Does anyone have a solution for switching HDMI inputs with a Logitech Harmony remote yet? I want to eliminate my HDMI switch in hopes it clears my flickering problem, however it's not possible for me to use my Harmony remote.

I even tried setting it up using the method to bring up the list, press down to select the input I want, and press OK...but for some reason once it had gone 4 - 5 spots down it would hit the InputNext command several times and screw up.

This is really frustrating.

I recently bought the Vizio 505 and after a week I still haven't had any of the problems flicker problems others have indicated having :). The HDMI 1 input does make a slight buzzing sound when connected, but it can only be heard when you are behind the TV messing with the inputs. Now to my question.

I understand that this set has a HQV processor, does this mean that it is able to automatically upconvert SD content to near HD?

Standard DVDs look very good on this set. I played Hero on it and the picture appeared sharp, colors were vibrant and there was little to no motion blur. I assume this is from HQV, and am not sure I would benefit from an upconversion type player.

Also does the PS3 have good video quality for a BD player? Its at a good price point and it would be nice to do some gaming as well.

I would appreciate whatever help the others on the AVS may provide.

Thanks

I've had mine for over a month now and I don't get the flicker problems either. I think it must be the HQV processor since the SD looks much better than my previous vizio P50HDM. Not sure if there are any better BD players but I'm using the PS3 and its working very well playing back both DVDs and BluRays. Seems like the video quality is more a function of the movie than the player. Planet Earth on bluray is jaw dropping while some of the other blurray movies don't seem to be much better than dvd. I guess the most important thing is that at least for me the PS3 is perfectly compatible with the tv, no problems whatsoever. The PS3 is a good match since it can do mp3s and pictures since the tv lacks a usb port to do the same.

Do you guys with a 360 set it to 1080p or let the HQV upscale it from 720p?

Absolutely, set your xbox to 1080p for best quality. My nephew had his xbox and it looked outstanding at 1080p. Almost good enough to get me to play...

I also hooked up a Blu-Ray player yesterday. Sony's BDP-BX1 from my favorite store, Costco. This is equivalent to the BDP-350 and has excellent upscaling for regular DVDs. However, there is a slight difference between that and internally upscaling from 480p - advantage Vizio.

Just got my new 505XVT from costco.

This thing is frigging AWESOME. Haven't had a chance to calibrate it yet, and probably won't until this weekend, but it looked damn good out of the box.

No buzzing, no dead pixels, no IR...it's pretty sweet.

I actually haven't even seen 1080p on it. My HTPC is too crappy to handle 1080p, so we're watching stuff in 720p for now and it looks spectacular. Hoping to get a BD player soon so we can see some 1080p material, but this far I am VERY VERY pleased...

I recently bought the Vizio 505 and after a week I still haven't had any of the problems flicker problems others have indicated having :). The HDMI 1 input does make a slight buzzing sound when connected, but it can only be heard when you are behind the TV messing with the inputs. Now to my question.

I understand that this set has a HQV processor, does this mean that it is able to automatically upconvert SD content to near HD?

Standard DVDs look very good on this set. I played Hero on it and the picture appeared sharp, colors were vibrant and there was little to no motion blur. I assume this is from HQV, and am not sure I would benefit from an upconversion type player.

Also does the PS3 have good video quality for a BD player? Its at a good price point and it would be nice to do some gaming as well.

I would appreciate whatever help the others on the AVS may provide.

Thanks

For some reason this keeps getting perpetuated. The Silicon Optix HQV video processor isn't just for standard definition. This video processor also handles 720p upconversion and 1080i deinterlacing. Upconversion and deinterlacing aren't always done properly and most, if not all, low to mid-range TVs take shortcuts when trying to upconvert or deinterlace these signals.

Howdy folks. Just joined the VP505XVT club yesterday...my first plasma! I just got it up and running late last night, so I haven't had time to do too much yet. A couple questions...

I noticed that there is a slight buzzing noise from the back of the set (not fan noise). The pitch of the buzzing changes with the contrast of the display. It's nothing terribly loud, but is this normal or not?

Secondly, I found one dead pixel. It's toward the outside of the screen, so it's not really noticeable. From what I've read, there's nothing that can be done to "revive" a dead pixel, right? I guess I could exchange it at Costco, but the closest one is about an hour away and this TV is a beast, so I'm not sure if I feel like hauling it over there.

A dead pixel should be a telltale sign you bought an LCD TV. Are you sure you didn't buy an LCD? This is the first I've ever heard of any plasma exhibiting this problem.

After nearly a week and a half of watching including a few hours of 'break-in' time, I'm happy to report no issues, ie IR, buzzing, etc. I calibrated it last night using the bluray DVE HD Basics. I tried a few settings recommended in the 2nd post from UltimateAV and CNet earlier, and with my own living room setup and eyes, I found those settings were ok but not ideal which I suspect is the case for most people. Luckily after calibration and watching a few 1080p bluray movies, everything seems to pop, colors are spot on, the black colors and scenes are perfectly matched. I can't wait till SuperBowl to wow my friends!

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone who helped! As a new plasma owner (I still own an LCD which is in the bedroom) our Vizio is gorgeous. For those considering this tv, you can't go wrong with this model. And at the price Costco is selling it, you definitely should pick this up.

Now onto my next upgrade purchase...7.1 receivers and speakers!

Ok, I finally decided to try one of these from Costco. I purchased a pn50a510 sammy from BB but I think it is going back as the panel has pinkish whites at the top. I hope this set treats me better. I guess I will see in 7 to 10 days when it gets here.............

After nearly a week and a half of watching including a few hours of 'break-in' time, I'm happy to report no issues, ie IR, buzzing, etc. I calibrated it last night using the bluray DVE HD Basics. I tried a few settings recommended in the 2nd post from UltimateAV and CNet earlier, and with my own living room setup and eyes, I found those settings were ok but not ideal which I suspect is the case for most people. Luckily after calibration and watching a few 1080p bluray movies, everything seems to pop, colors are spot on, the black colors and scenes are perfectly matched. I can't wait till SuperBowl to wow my friends!

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone who helped! As a new plasma owner (I still own an LCD which is in the bedroom) our Vizio is gorgeous. For those considering this tv, you can't go wrong with this model. And at the price Costco is selling it, you definitely should pick this up.

Now onto my next upgrade purchase...7.1 receivers and speakers!

Excellent suggestion! Yesterday, I went to Best Buy and picked up the same calibration disk. I thought that the standard/recommended settings would be close enough. This was $25 well spent - it's Digital Video Essentials.

.. tweaktv.com settings:

http://www.tweaktv.com/tweak-my-tv/calibration-guide/vizio-vp505xvt.html

UltimateAVMag settings:

http://ultimateavmag.com/flatpaneldisplays/vizio_vp505xvt_plasma_tv/index7.html

User Manual: (unable to upload; size)

http://www.hdtvsolutions.com/VIZIO-VP505XVT.htm (under Specs Tab)

I have had this display for five weeks now, and am starting to read about calibration and ISF.


Has anyone had this display professionally calibrated?
What would a pro calibration do beyond what the tweaktv.com settings do?
Does this unit have a "service menu" as mentioned all over these forums, how do you get to it?

I found that 480i is not working with my SA3250 cable box through hdmi, I just get the no signal screen. But it works through component. I want to use 480i because it looks better when the vizio does the upscaling.

Has anyone else used 480i successfully with hdmi? I'm trying to figure out if its a problem with the cable box or the vizio. If its the cable box, I can try to get that replaced or perhaps a different model.

Thanks

I found that 480i is not working with my SA3250 cable box through hdmi, I just get the no signal screen. But it works through component. I want to use 480i because it looks better when the vizio does the upscaling.

Has anyone else used 480i successfully with hdmi? I'm trying to figure out if its a problem with the cable box or the vizio. If its the cable box, I can try to get that replaced or perhaps a different model.

Thanks

I can set 480i with HDMI, no problem. Seems like this would be a case where you would be better off at the maximum output of your cable box though, at least if you have any HD channels.

I just got off the phone with the Logitech Harmony support team regarding the HDMI input problem on the Harmony One; I spent about two hours and twenty minutes working with the level two support guy. After trying countless combinations of timings and codes, the bottom line is that both he and the senior technical manager on duty were convinced the device signals are not set up correctly in their database. They were able to get my configuration working after making a number of custom adjustments that apparently aren't accessible from the client software. The representative said he's flagged the updated codes in my configuration for inclusion in the default TV configuration. He said it should take the engineering team a few days to update. After that, he claimed that anyone using a VP505XVT should be notified of a "new device update" the next time they load up the desktop software.

Anybody get this update yet? Or have any kind of info on it? I'm absolutely fighting with this TV and my Harmony right now.

What I'm trying to do is tell it to use the InputNext command to bring up a list on the TV and use DirectionDown to select the input. My problem is that when I turn off my Xbox and try to switch back to TV (2 inputs), it moves down one, flickers a little, and screws up. I think this must be a problem the remote. Anyone else try this?

*edit* HAH! I went into the Troubleshoot link for it and I'm offered an update...reconfiguring my setup now.

*edit 2* Works perfectly. Thanks for your time and effort with Logitech's support jstricker. Kudos to both you and Logitech's CS for working so well here.

I can set 480i with HDMI, no problem. Seems like this would be a case where you would be better off at the maximum output of your cable box though, at least if you have any HD channels.

Seems like its a problem with my cable box then. I wanted the box to send out what comes in without upscaling. Currently its sending 480p, 720p and 1080i since I can't get 480i to work over hdmi. HD is going out 720p and 1080i whcih looks great. SD is being upscaled to 480p by the box which adds some scan lines during movement. Going 480i over component allows the vizio to do all of the upscaling and it fixes this problem. So I'll either need to switch my cable from hdmi to component or replace my cable box.

Maybe I'm too picky but after seeing what it can do when it upscales DVDs, I wanted to fix the cable upscaling as well.

Thanks for your help.

A dead pixel should be a telltale sign you bought an LCD TV. Are you sure you didn't buy an LCD? This is the first I've ever heard of any plasma exhibiting this problem.

Actually, plasma sets DO suffer from dead or stuck pixels. This is a greater problem as the set ages.

A number of people on this forum have reported dead pixels, typically 1 or 2. You don't think they all mistakenly picked up LCDs, do you?:confused:

Did everyone enjoy the game yesterday? I wasn't happy with the final outcome but watching the game was amazing. I felt like I could see the plays more clearly than the officials (who should be permanently banned).:mad:

One of my friends just couldn't stop raving about the brightness and the detail, and he also couldn't believe the price! He's probably at the local Costco today.

I have an hypothesis about the flickering screen issue. My hypthesis is that if you use the specific input buttons that the HDMI button to cycle through HDMI1->4 that the issue rarely occurs, but if you use the input menu the issue never appears. Have any of you had the issue with the input menu or NOT had the issue with the specific input buttons including HDMI1->4

I agree. My family & friends loved our new plasma. I think a few might be at Costco looking for this model too because of first hand experience! :)

As for the flickering issue-- I don't see it when cycling through the HDMI 1-4 from the remote or through the Menu Input directly. I have 3 HDMI devices: directv on 1, ps3 on 2, and upconverting dvd player on 3. I've set each device on, cycled thru the inputs: no flickering. I also tried various devices on/off and still no flickering.

I agree. My family & friends loved our new plasma. I think a few might be at Costco looking for this model too because of first hand experience! :)

As for the flickering issue-- I don't see it when cycling through the HDMI 1-4 from the remote or through the Menu Input directly. I have 3 HDMI devices: directv on 1, ps3 on 2, and upconverting dvd player on 3. I've set each device on, cycled thru the inputs: no flickering. I also tried various devices on/off and still no flickering.

No flickering here either. I must say that the Superbowl last night looked nothing short of spectacular.

My only complaint (and it's very small) is that I can't do the exact combinations of PIP that I want to. You are weirdly restricted as to which combos you can use...but, big deal. Because I really need to watch TV and use my computer at the same time :rolleyes:

I'm hoping to pick up a used PS3 tonight, which along with my (also used) Dinovo keyboard arriving tomorrow will complete my new setup.

I'm currently running HDMI from my cable box, 720p RGB (for now) from my PC (because it's ancient and can't handle 1080p, and also doesn't have HDMI. It does have DVI, but I'm not gonna bother getting a converter cable yet. I'll upgrade my PC soon enough. The RGB looks flawless anyways...no complaints here...

My wii kinda looks like crap, but that's to be expected at it's low resolution. It looks about like it did on my old tube if I sit on my couch 12.5 feet away.
Luckily, I don't have much time to play anymore, so...

I've had no problems with my vizio...although we laughed our a$$es off at that vizio commericial last night that pointed to the logo...awesome.

I forgot about that Vizio ad-- with the new Vizio plasma everyone was looking at me after it showed. That was great timing! They thought I had something to do with some type of subliminal messaging...like I really have millions to spend on a commercial.

Winning this Plasma from my employer: Free

Building an HD antenna and finishing just minutes before the game started (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWQhlmJTMzw): $7

Seeing the Superbowl in 1080 looks so well that you can tell Heniz Ward was having trouble getting the 'Breathe Right' to stick to his nose: Priceless

My only complaint (and it's very small) is that I can't do the exact combinations of PIP that I want to. You are weirdly restricted as to which combos you can use...but, big deal.

I believe you can only pip a combination of back with a side HDMI input. Meaning, you can't pip with two inputs on the back. Right? Not sure, I have not tried.

what settings did you end up using?

My wii kinda looks like crap, but that's to be expected at it's low resolution. It looks about like it did on my old tube if I sit on my couch 12.5 feet away.
Luckily, I don't have much time to play anymore, so...

I've had no problems with my vizio...although we laughed our a$$es off at that vizio commericial last night that pointed to the logo...awesome.

I also have a Wii, I would recommend you pick up the component cable for the Wii system, and hook that up to your VP505. It looks A LOT better and clearer, you will have to go into the Wii settings and tell it you want to use the 480p setting, and 16:9 screen, and also make sure the no "Burn In" feature is turned on. You may already know this, but just trying to share my set up.

I also have a Wii, I would recommend you pick up the component cable for the Wii system, and hook that up to your VP505. It looks A LOT better and clearer, you will have to go into the Wii settings and tell it you want to use the 480p setting, and 16:9 screen, and also make sure the no "Burn In" feature is turned on. You may already know this, but just trying to share my set up.

Done, done, and done. The first thing I did was dive into the wii menu and dig around...I've had the component cables since day 1...

It helped some, but 480 is still 480, no matter how you slice it. When you blow it up to 50", you can really see the jaggies...

No biggie, just means I have to sit further away...

RE: Settings

I plugged in the CNET ones, but they didn't look as good as the default settings, so for now, I'm gonna go with those, which are pretty damn good, I think. It looks pretty spot on to me, but maybe I'll shell out the bucks for a pro calibration one day.

Okay, so I picked up this television before the Superbowl with the hopes of hosting a party, but everyone stayed home and I went to watch the game on a buddy's aging projection TV. No big deal. The story is pretty much the same as everyone:

1) Picked it up from Costco for $1200-ish.
2) Really like the picture, blah, blah, blah... especially considering that the other TVs I've owned (an LG 42" 1080p, VO47LF, VO42LF, and the SV420XVT) were all LCD. As you can tell, after a brief stint with the LG, I swapped over to the Vizio family, so I was going to keep it in the family. But yeah, as any one knows, plasma picture blows LCD picture out of the water. Anyone saying otherwise is just fooling themselves.

Okay, so the bad:
1) I do kind of miss the fake-ness of 120Hz and Smooth Motion I. I don't know, I like that weird 3-D, video effect. But I like the 30000:1 contrast ratio, so it's kind of a toss up.
2) The set is dumb in that it will lose the signal to a channel when I switch from HDMI to TV and I'm going from HD source to an SD source. The screen goes black, no signal information, no sound, can't turn it off. I just wait there until I CAN turn it off and I turn it off. I never pull the plug while it's on. I mean, that can't be good.
3) Sound sucks. I need a 7.1 AVR w/ speakers.
4) Menu stuff is irritating, but I like that I can use different settings for different inputs.
5) Honestly, I like the newer remote over this one. That being said, I like that the SV LCDs have more menu options and picture options, although I like being able to adjust the color gain/offset.

Lastly, here are my calibrated settings using the DVE disc. They're really close to all the other listings. I still feel like there's a bit too much red, but that's basically content related rather than settings:

Brightness: 52
Contrast: 44 (I calibrated it to 47, but turned it down as I felt it was a bit too harsh for my personal taste)
Color: 51
Tint: 2
Sharpness: 1 (I turned it up, eventhough 1 adds information. Zero is the calibrated setting)
Custom color:
R: 243
G: 255
B: 178
Offset:
R: 129
G: 128
B: 129

Eh, I'll keep the TV for a bit. See if I warm up to it. So far, no dead pixels or any other defects... Fingers crossed, because this thing is a monster to haul back!

I had posted earlier about a the video blacking out for about 10 seconds on component/svideo/composite.

I called Costco today, they told me I should call the Costco conceirge first. I spoke to the customer rep. ( of course I need to be in front of the tv) however he is saying that I will have to go into the the menu screen to make an adjustment. I will call them up when I get back from work.

Could this be the Phase setting i need to adjust? Page 49 in the manual? Thoughts?

On a sidenote, I went to the Costco website. This TV is no longer there!!!!

Anyone concerned?

:eek:

I just got mine from Costco. I had to order it as the two stores with in 4 hours of here never got one in so I gave up and ordered online. Lots better set than the sammy 50" 510. I just wish it had a pixel orbiter. Don't worry about it missing from costco's website, they add and subtract tv's every other hour....................

I had posted earlier about a the video blacking out for about 10 seconds on component/svideo/composite.

I called Costco today, they told me I should call the Costco conceirge first. I spoke to the customer rep. ( of course I need to be in front of the tv) however he is saying that I will have to go into the the menu screen to make an adjustment. I will call them up when I get back from work.

Could this be the Phase setting i need to adjust? Page 49 in the manual? Thoughts?

On a sidenote, I went to the Costco website. This TV is no longer there!!!!

Anyone concerned?

:eek:

I don't have any S-video or Composite, but I do have my Wii plugged in with components and it doesn't black out or anything when switching between HDMI or RGB and it...

I have used the phase control to adjust for some wavyness my crappy video card outputs at 1080p...

I don't even know how you can change the Phase setting...it's always blocked out for me.

I've eliminated my HDMI switch hoping it would fix my flickering/blackout issues - it hasn't helped...

Maybe when I have time I'll try to change cables or eliminate them temporarily...but at this point I'm just waiting to see some kind of deal I can jump on that justifies the effort of taking this TV back.

I don't even know how you can change the Phase setting...it's always blocked out for me.

I've eliminated my HDMI switch hoping it would fix my flickering/blackout issues - it hasn't helped...

Maybe when I have time I'll try to change cables or eliminate them temporarily...but at this point I'm just waiting to see some kind of deal I can jump on that justifies the effort of taking this TV back.

Maybe the phase setting is just for the RGB input? I haven't had time to experiment really. I've barely been able to watch anything...lol

Def try some new cables. Also plug your source into another TV and make sure its not that too...

Well, in the last 3-4 days, it hasn't blacked out. I guess the signals have been strong enough. Yeah, don't worry about the TV not being on the site. My last SV420XVT wasn't on the site for two weeks, and now it's back. I'm not concerned. Even if it's not on there, no big deal; it doesn't have to be on the site for them to honor the 90-day return policy or warranty. Found the TV looks better after it's been on for about 30+ minutes. It's been cold here in the DC/MD/VA area and the house isn't exactly balmy (don't like it too hot). Still aching for a "Smooth Motion" feature like the newer Panny and Pioneers have. Yeah, I still want that artificial, 3-D look... but I still love the PQ.

Maybe the phase setting is just for the RGB input? I haven't had time to experiment really. I've barely been able to watch anything...lol

Def try some new cables. Also plug your source into another TV and make sure its not that too...

Phase is only for VGA.

Anybody get this update yet? Or have any kind of info on it? I'm absolutely fighting with this TV and my Harmony right now.

What I'm trying to do is tell it to use the InputNext command to bring up a list on the TV and use DirectionDown to select the input. My problem is that when I turn off my Xbox and try to switch back to TV (2 inputs), it moves down one, flickers a little, and screws up. I think this must be a problem the remote. Anyone else try this?

*edit* HAH! I went into the Troubleshoot link for it and I'm offered an update...reconfiguring my setup now.

*edit 2* Works perfectly. Thanks for your time and effort with Logitech's support jstricker. Kudos to both you and Logitech's CS for working so well here.

I'm happy to hear they are sending out the update and glad it works for you!

I had posted earlier about a the video blacking out for about 10 seconds on component/svideo/composite.

I called Costco today, they told me I should call the Costco conceirge first. I spoke to the customer rep. ( of course I need to be in front of the tv) however he is saying that I will have to go into the the menu screen to make an adjustment. I will call them up when I get back from work.

Could this be the Phase setting i need to adjust? Page 49 in the manual? Thoughts?

On a sidenote, I went to the Costco website. This TV is no longer there!!!!

Anyone concerned?

:eek:


Update,
I called up the "Costco Conceirge" for technial support from work, the tech had an idea but he said I have to be in front of the TV. OK, I go home and call them up only for the tech person to tell me to reset to factory settings. Did that and then I said now what? He puts me on hold and sure enough the problem happened while he had me on hold. He finally got back on and told me he had authorization to call the manufacturer. I told him I am returning the TV.

When I do lose video, it does happen within the first 10-15 minutes, after that it is OK. I would love to get this TV again but Costco by me does not have it in.

I will call Vizio directly myself (skipping Concierge)

I'm happy to hear they are sending out the update and glad it works for you!

I have received the update as well, but I STILL can't get it to work right. It can go from HDMI 1 to HDMI 2 just fine, but going from HDMI 2 to HDMI 1 it just screws up and I have to use the help button and answer 'Now is the TV set to HDMI 1?' "No" like 20 times in order for it to finally cycle all the way around from HDMI 2 to HDMI 1. This is Using Method 3 of Input cycling (ie, bring up the menu hit the down direction then hitting the center okay button if you were using the factory remote.)

I have my computer hooked up to the HDMI1 port. I have had two times in the last few days where it came up no signal. I had to restart the comp. both times to fix this. Is this similar to what you guys are talking about?...........

I have my computer hooked up to the HDMI1 port. I have had two times in the last few days where it came up no signal. I had to restart the comp. both times to fix this. Is this similar to what you guys are talking about?...........

Yes, but wait before rebooting..the signal should pop on in ~10-~30 seconds by itself.

It only does it once every 3-4 days for me, but it is annoying.

Both times it happened I waited quite a while before rebooting and even went through all the hdmi inputs with the remote and still got nothing. I will have to keep an eye on this..........