I just changed the model of my Samsung with one setting in the service menu! Write down all you settings before you proceed they will be set back to factory default when you enter the service menu.

First enter the service menu with the TV off by pressing mute, 1, 8, 2, then power. Press enter with option highlighted then the down arrow twice to get to model then press enter and the left arrow once and then enter again, your model should now be listed as PB560, now press the power button to exit the service menu and once more to turn the TV back on. Now put on some 24p content and Cinema Smooth is now an option in the menu.

interesting. i wonder if it's really working or just letting you select it in the menu and really not doing anything. i thought it was confirmed that the difference between the 550 and 560 was hardware, and not just a setting in the firmware. something about the 560 having the crystal full hd engine or something.

I'll do a visual test with the Kung Fu Panda credits after my daughter is done watching Chicken Little. Is the Crystal Full HD engine a hardware or software engine?

This is absolutely working! I just tested the credits for Kung Fu Panda and it was silky smooth without a single judder!

I just changed the model of my Samsung with one setting in the service menu! Write down all you settings before you proceed they will be set back to factory default when you enter the service menu.

First enter the service menu with the TV off by pressing mute, 1, 8, 2, then power. Press enter with option highlighted then the down arrow twice to get to model then press enter and the left arrow once and then enter again, your model should now be listed as PB560, now press the power button to exit the service menu and once more to turn the TV back on. Now put on some 24p content and Cinema Smooth is now an option in the menu.

This doesn't surprise me. This same service menu option was found a while ago and reported here on the 850, effectively making it an 860 (but for the day/night calibration option). It also makes the 63" 550 a deal over the 590 (especially with the current deals running on the 550), but for the better anti-glare filter and speakers...

I just wish the Cinema Smooth feature didn't totally suck, at least on my 590 and many other people's sets. It kills the picture with severe dithering (tiny sparkling pixel noise) that is distracting and appears to brighten the image from a distance.

I had hoped after reading about this hidden feature in the 850 that we'd find other Easter eggs in the service menu but no such luck on my 590. D-Nice played around in the service menu last night when calibrating my set and while it has the expert menu and even a day/night option, all the gutss of that feature are missing, as is color management. Its clear Samsung seems to have started with one master firmware then stripped out features selectively for various models. For whatever reason, whether intentionally or accidentally, they didn't strip out Cinema Smooth. I bet it’s in all 2009 models.

This doesn't surprise me. This same service menu option was found a while ago and reported here on the 850, effectively making it an 860 (but for the day/night calibration option). It also makes the 63" 550 a deal over the 590 (especially with the current deals running on the 550), but for the better anti-glare filter and speakers...

I just wish the Cinema Smooth feature didn't totally suck, at least on my 590 and many other people's sets. It kills the picture with severe dithering (tiny sparkling pixel noise) that is distracting and appears to brighten the image from a distance.

I had hoped after reading about this hidden feature in the 850 that we'd find other Easter eggs in the service menu but no such luck on my 590. D-Nice played around in the service menu last night when calibrating my set and while it has the expert menu and even a day/night option, all the gutss of that feature are missing, as is color management. Its clear Samsung seems to have started with one master firmware then stripped out features selectively for various models. For whatever reason, whether intentionally or accidentally, they didn't strip out Cinema Smooth. I bet it’s in all 2009 models.

Cinema Smooth seems to knock the gamma up a couple notches when engaged so I have to set it to -2 in the user menu to get the picture right. The expert mode in the service menu is inaccessible also on the 550/560, it would have been nice but I'll live with the nice little free upgrade I just got.

I have the 42b450 and it worked on mine also, cinema smooth is now there, I havent had the chance to try it out yet though but what I did find out that mediaplay(usb) is now there and I was able to hook up my external hd to the tv using usb service input and it rocognized the hd and let me see picture and music. It did't give me any option for movies though bummer but I guess just being able to use the usb is good enough

Just tried this and can't get my new PN58B550 to enter into the service mode. This set is only a week old. Any suggestions?:confused:

You tried mute 1 8 2 then power, sometimes you have to do it a few times for it to enter into service mode

Just tried this and can't get my new PN58B550 to enter into the service mode. This set is only a week old. Any suggestions?:confused:

Make sure the set is fully powered off and then press mute, 1, 8, 2, power on the remote.

Cinema Smooth seems to knock the gamma up a couple notches when engaged so I have to set it to -2 in the user menu to get the picture right. The expert mode in the service menu is inaccessible also on the 550/560, it would have been nice but I'll live with the nice little free upgrade I just got.

Adjusting the gamma doesn't work for me. I'm not seeing simply a lighter picture -- I am seeing thousands and thousands of single-pixel-sized noise (they are not static but constantly gone and go randomly) in the picture spread consistently all over the screen that goes away completely when Cinema Smooth is disengaged. It is really easy to see up close in letterboxing -- its more subtle in the video stream, but still there.

What's the firmware on your TV? Mine is 16.....Samsung's Firmware update on their website is only 13. I wonder if they've turned it off in firmware? I've punched mute, 1,8,2, power until the remote's battery is almost dead. Still no service menu.....

Bestpractice

Update: Got it to work finally. I have no idea why it would not work previously though I turned on the DVD player to begin the Plasma Burn DVD before I powered on the TV. That seemed to make the service menu pop up. Changed the settings as instructed in this thread and now my 550 thinks it's a 560. :)

Thanks to all,

Bestpractice

The above procedure seemed to work for me. My PN58B550 now has "Cinema Smooth" in the options. Have not had time to see if it actually does anything. Will report my findings.

I wonder if I can turn my 650 into an 860?? You know, replace the red bezel with the grey one and shave 2 inches off the depth. :D

Good for all those 550 owners that were about to do this. What's the price difference between the 550 and 560? Was CS the only difference?

is it better to chose the PB560 or PB590?

is it better to chose the PB560 or PB590?

Appels-to-oranges. The 590 is exclusively a 63" model and the 560 does not have a 63" version. Size aside, they are similar, though the 590 has a better anti-glare filter and it may (I do not recall) have better speakers.

Any idea if this would work on a 540? Sams only carries the 540 model, which I havent seen very much info on. Anyone familiar with this model???

Any idea if this would work on a 540? Sams only carries the 540 model, which I havent seen very much info on. Anyone familiar with this model???

You can bump the 540 up to 560, all the 5 series are the same panels.

You can bump the 540 up to 560, all the 5 series are the same panels.

Maybe the firmware, but the 590 has the better anti-glare coating that's on the 6 series.

Maybe the firmware, but the 590 has the better anti-glare coating that's on the 6 series.

The 590 is for 63" only though.

should I press and release : mute, 1, 8, 2, power with every command? as soon as i hit the "1" the TV turns on at channel 1 SD.?

should I press and release : mute, 1, 8, 2, power with every command? as soon as i hit the "1" the TV turns on at channel 1 SD.?

You have to start with the power off.

I wonder if I can turn my 650 into an 860?? You know, replace the red bezel with the grey one and shave 2 inches off the depth. :D

Good for all those 550 owners that were about to do this. What's the price difference between the 550 and 560? Was CS the only difference?

Found out last night that you actually CAN make your 650 into an 850 or 860 (obviously not the bezel color or thinness). Not sure what advantage it would do for you though (I didn't try it). You can turn on the Cal-Day/Night though for the 650. I did so and did a non-meter calibration in the user menu afterwards. I'm pretty sure it doesn't start with Movie mode as it's basis. Seemed like you can make it brighter than Movie mode will ever go. Would be interested to see some others calibration settings under these as compared to what they get from Movie. One other interesting note, it looked like you could also turn it into an LED tv as they were also models listed. Not the 5xx or 4xx series plasmas though or they were past the LED's (I didn't go any further when I hit them). I originally went in to look at hours and got distracted by all this other and never did find them (they didn't seem to be where I've seen people say they were supposed to be in the PDP Options). I wish I could find some documentation on what some of the other stuff does in the Service Menu. Very interesting...

Found out last night that you actually CAN make your 650 into an 850 or 860 (obviously not the bezel color or thinness). Not sure what advantage it would do for you though (I didn't try it). You can turn on the Cal-Day/Night though for the 650. I did so and did a non-meter calibration in the user menu afterwards. I'm pretty sure it doesn't start with Movie mode as it's basis. Seemed like you can make it brighter than Movie mode will ever go. Would be interested to see some others calibration settings under these as compared to what they get from Movie. One other interesting note, it looked like you could also turn it into an LED tv as they were also models listed. Not the 5xx or 4xx series plasmas though or they were past the LED's (I didn't go any further when I hit them). I originally went in to look at hours and got distracted by all this other and never did find them (they didn't seem to be where I've seen people say they were supposed to be in the PDP Options). I wish I could find some documentation on what some of the other stuff does in the Service Menu. Very interesting...

Just to clarify, you confirmed you had the full features of the day/night calibration after you did this? For example, D-Nice found the day/night cal features in the service menu of my 590 but siad that they were striped out of full functionailty. So the idea of the feature was there but not the full guts that would allow for 2 customer picture modes. The 650 is different of course, so it doesn't surprise me it would be different but just checking...

For anyone that changed there tv model# to 560 or 590, I was wondering if it also gave you auto1 and auto2 or just the CS. I have the 450 and I changed it to the 560 and CS is now there but not auto1 or auto2. Also does anyone know if CS works by the firmware telling the TV to change the refresh rate from 60 to 96 or does it also need hardware to do the changing. thanks

I have the 590 and it just has "Auto" but not Auto1 and Auto2.

Just to clarify, you confirmed you had the full features of the day/night calibration after you did this? For example, D-Nice found the day/night cal features in the service menu of my 590 but siad that they were striped out of full functionailty. So the idea of the feature was there but not the full guts that would allow for 2 customer picture modes. The 650 is different of course, so it doesn't surprise me it would be different but just checking...

Yes, I now have the Cal-Day and Cal-Night modes and am able to put in different settings for each just like any other mode (I did them through the user settings and not in the sm). When I activated them, I had the option of either making them available for just the current source or all sources. I chose all. They seem to have the ability to go brighter than the movie mode and have the ability to set all of the color sources, unlike standard. Right now I'm using one for trying other peoples settings and the other for my own basic calibration as I don't have measurement equipment (yet) and I'm still only a little over 100 hrs. Eventually, I will use them as intended for a brighter daytime setting for watching sports and a nighttime one.

I have the 590 and it just has "Auto" but not Auto1 and Auto2.

Thanks Citivas, hmm where did I get the auto1 and auto2 from maybe the 650 or 850/860 thread. read so much good stuff I sometimes forget where I read it from:D

Citivas whats your opinion on CS being just firmware based or both hardware and firmware? The reason I ask is because mine being the 450 and 720p it uses a different panel then the 500 series.

Citivas whats your opinion on CS being just firmware based or both hardware and firmware? The reason I ask is because mine being the 450 and 720p it uses a different panel then the 500 series.

Whether the CS can be fixed purely with a firmware update is an open question.

In the it CAN be fixed with firmware camp are:
-- Some people insist they have made the problem go away with a work-around reported in this forum. It didn’t work for me so I can’t speak to it first hand. But if it did work, then it suggests there is no hardware issue and it is merely a software bug.
-- Similarly, some people say they have made the problem invisible with a change tot eh gamma settings. If so, theoretically it should be something the could compensate for similarly in the software.
-- Logically, it “feels” like a software issue. Assuming it is legitimately doing 96Hz (which none of us have any way of knowing or testing that I can think of), any noise or picture alteration should be a digital processing artifact and theoretically be fixed by the firmware. That might not be true if the artifacts appeared in every picture mode, which might suggest a chip issue, but since they don’t, it seems like some mistake introduced only in CS mode. If so, that’s software.

In the it may NOT be fixable with a firmware update camp are:
-- The biggest reason to be skeptical is that they haven’t fixed it yet, despite many firmware revisions. This probably was first reported many months ago, right after these models hit the market. It unequivocally is the biggest persistent and reported problem with the model line other than the buzzing. So if it were a software problem it’s a little suspicious they haven’t found the fix yet. It seems like it would be simple if it were a firmware issue.
-- Some people insist they don’t have the bug. And others report a completely different kind of behavior for the bug than what most are seeing. It’s possible this speaks to a hardware failure, like the buzzing (though I am dubious of this).

Neutral to firmware or hardware:
-- It is odd that it seems to affect all model lines. Since they all started with the same firmware version (as has been established), this would lead me to think firmware. But they the buzz is affecting all model lines too and is a hardware issue. So it theoretically could be a common hardware issue.

The bottom line is whether it is software or not it is very concerning that Samsung feels compelling to officially deny the existence of this problem. It has been noted in major reviews and thousands of posts online. And it is very easily repeatable. So they clearly know about it and have for a long time. If it were an easy firmware fix, it’s hard to imagine why they wouldn’t have fixed it by now. So if it is a firmware issue, it must be something that they are having trouble getting to the root cause of. And they will only expend limited resources fixing a current model line since the vast majority of their focs will always be on the next product line. So I personally would rank the odds of it being fixed this year as (well) less than even.

Citivas I'm with you all the way, If I could I would call samsung ECR and complain also, though It might fun to explain how I have a B450 and have CS:D The reason why I ask you if CS was firmware or hardware based is because I'm just wondering if I really have it and it is working when I turn it on. Hey just curious but what would happen if you updated a B450 with a B560 firmware?

Got into service menu ok but would not let me change model number latest firmware made March 08.

Does this service menu allow you to adjust the colors independently?

Changed it from 50B550 to 50B560 and it worked. I didn't like the look of the cinema smooth though, it washed the whole picture out. Could this be because it wasn't meant for this model? I don't want to screw up my TV so I turned it back to 550.

got to hand it to you droid civitas and kanpol youve discovered that for the sake of mfg and assembly all 500 series are the same with hidden features.i wonder if entering the service menu voids warranty or if it could be detected.

I love getting stuff for free with a little work, rather than having to pay for it. Too bad no one can find how to make a Panasonic S1 turn into a V10.

hello all, was wondering if anyone turned on there cal-day and cal-night option in the service menu and if so what is your opinion of it

So glad i came across this thread. Got a great deal on the B550 but was kind of bummed about not going for the 650 with the cinema smooth. I wasn't a fan of the red TOC either and this is a great find. Thanks!

Changed it from 50B550 to 50B560 and it worked. I didn't like the look of the cinema smooth though, it washed the whole picture out. Could this be because it wasn't meant for this model? I don't want to screw up my TV so I turned it back to 550.

Cinema Smooth doesn't work on anybodies set but if they ever fix it then you know how to access it.

FYI, vanns.com has the 560 for $1,499.98 and the 550 for $1,579.98. All you have to do is click on the "Get a Better Price, Click Here" link on the product page. I got the 560 with a 3 year warranty for $1649.

Cinema Smooth doesn't work on anybodies set but if they ever fix it then you know how to access it.

You have a point there!:D

hey i just bought a 58b550 what do i need to do to break it in and change settings to to have the best picture bb wanted $300 to calibrate

hey i just bought a 58b550 what do i need to do to break it in and change settings to to have the best picture bb wanted $300 to calibrate

I just bought the 50", I bought a plasma break in cd from http://www.eaprogramming.com/downloads/download_main.htm

This is absolutely working! I just tested the credits for Kung Fu Panda and it was silky smooth without a single judder!

Cinema Smooth doesn't work on anybodies set but if they ever fix it then you know how to access it.

Umm...color me confused but, uh, does it work or not? Considering a 52B550

NightowlKY:

A 52? Are you talking lcd? The cinemasmooth feature they're talking about here is on the plasmas.

When Droid6 says it doesn't work, he means the feature itself has a bug. It tends to lighten the display on many (but not newer???) versions of the 530, 540 and 550 plasmas. But yes, you can still enable it.

I have a build date of 8/09/2009 and it lightens my display when I try to use it.

NightowlKY:

A 52? Are you talking lcd? The cinemasmooth feature they're talking about here is on the plasmas.

When Droid6 says it doesn't work, he means the feature itself has a bug. It tends to lighten the display on many (but not newer???) versions of the 530, 540 and 550 plasmas. But yes, you can still enable it.

Ugh, sorry. I'd been looking briefly at a 52" LCD (someplace had listed a good deal on it then I realized it was a 60hz set)

I meant the 46-50". I'm probably not going bigger than 50" for now (as this is a set that will eventually work its way into a master bedroom by end of next year when I get something bigger for the living room)

Ugh, sorry. I'd been looking briefly at a 52" LCD (someplace had listed a good deal on it then I realized it was a 60hz set)

I meant the 46-50". I'm probably not going bigger than 50" for now (as this is a set that will eventually work its way into a master bedroom by end of next year when I get something bigger for the living room)

Whoops, I messed up too. I should have said that the CinemaSmooth feature has a bug across the line, in the 5 series and the 6 series, not just hacked 530, 540 and 550 models.

Some people claim they can't see it and others say they can settings correct it away, but it still seems to be a problem that hasn't been fixed by Samsung yet.

SOOO tempting to head to Sears after work today:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_05775059000P?adCell=W3

But still considering a Panasonic G10 or S1

Ahhh....decisions, decisions!

SOOO tempting to head to Sears after work today:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_05775059000P?adCell=W3

But still considering a Panasonic G10 or S1

Ahhh....decisions, decisions!

check out amazon.com, i just bought it from there and didn't have to pay tax and shipping was free. Amazon is also an authorized dealer.

Yeah but that means having to wait! :-)

I'm going to have put all three models onto pieces of paper and put them in a hat and draw one at random. ha!

The G10's THX mode is tempting me but the price of the 50S1 at Amazon with free Blu-Ray player bundle (thru Nov 21) is just as tempting.

But I've liked Samsung for a long time and the more immediate availability via Sears...


Or wait a few more days and see what Black Friday ads have.



Stupid choices. ;-)

Yeah but that means having to wait! :-)

I'm going to have put all three models onto pieces of paper and put them in a hat and draw one at random. ha!

The G10's THX mode is tempting me but the price of the 50S1 at Amazon with free Blu-Ray player bundle (thru Nov 21) is just as tempting.

But I've liked Samsung for a long time and the more immediate availability via Sears...


Or wait a few more days and see what Black Friday ads have.



Stupid choices. ;-)


If you want a panasonic check out us-appliance.com, they're authorized and they're offering a free blu ray disc player with purchase. The 50" g10 is only $1199, best price i've found.

Whoops, I messed up too. I should have said that the CinemaSmooth feature has a bug across the line, in the 5 series and the 6 series, not just hacked 530, 540 and 550 models.

Some people claim they can't see it and others say they can settings correct it away, but it still seems to be a problem that hasn't been fixed by Samsung yet.

The bug is the same in the Series 8's too.

FYI, vanns.com has the 560 for $1,499.98 and the 550 for $1,579.98. All you have to do is click on the "Get a Better Price, Click Here" link on the product page. I got the 560 with a 3 year warranty for $1649.

SOOO tempting to head to Sears after work today:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_05775059000P?adCell=W3

But still considering a Panasonic G10 or S1

Ahhh....decisions, decisions!

Am I invisible? $1999.99 at Sears, $1579.98 at Vanns.com. Is Vanns a bad site or something?

That's out of my price range.

Sears has the 550 for $1059.99

That's out of my price range.

Sears has the 550 for $1059.99

Sorry, I must have looked at the wrong set. Are you talking about the PN58b550? Is this the one?

Never-mind, I read your previous posts.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_05711242000P?keyword=pn58b550&sLevel=0

I changed the model to 560 and I can't find where to engage the cinema smooth option. Any help?

chaging the set to B560 worked for me..

I changed the model to 560 and I can't find where to engage the cinema smooth option. Any help?

i had to enable 24p on my BD player, once that is on and the movie is running, go to picture settings and cinema smooth should be selectable

chaging the set to B560 worked for me..



i had to enable 24p on my BD player, once that is on and the movie is running, go to picture settings and cinema smooth should be selectable

Thanks man, I just found it in picture settings, it appears to work fine for me.

I bought a PN50B550 around the first of November bundled with a Samsung BD-P1600. I changed to the B560 setting in the service menu, and it appears to work flawlessly. I set the 1600 to output 24P, and it displayed a screen asking if I wanted to keep that resolution. It looked perfect, so I clicked "yes".

Popped in a blu-ray, "Cinema Smooth" option showed up, TV showed a 1920x1080@24Hz source and away we went. Looked perfect. No gamma/brightness change, no sparklies, just a great, amazing picture.

Does anyone have any screenshots of the SM and the steps to get to the model # section? My brother just bought a 550 yesterday, and I offered to help him do the 560 SM upgrade when I see him at Christmas. Since I've never been in the Sammy plasma SM (only Hitachi HDX99's), some visual help would make me feel more comfortable to do this.

Thanks in advance for any pics, or even some detailed instructions on exactly how to navigate to the model # choices. I'm assuming that all navigation while in the SM is done with the 4-way keypad on the remote...

heya mak99 you can also turn on cal-night and cal-day. with that go into sm and it under expert. once you enter expert you will see n/d adjust( or something to that extent)your only choice is that or source. not sure what source does, but highlight the n/d adjust and hit enter then right button on keypad to change it to on. left and right will change option on what ever you highlight and push enter. the up and down keys will bring you to what ever is up or down on the main menu. hope that helps. I cant remember off hand where the section that you change it to 560 or 590 is and I dont want to go into sm because i will had to redo all my settings but honestly if you read this thread from the start it should tell you in detail how to do it. Most important thing is if your not sure what it does ,please dont click on it

I wish I had seen this post yesterday and picked up a 58B540 from Costco....

Is everyone positive that they are engaging the feature or are you just tricking the menu to think that the feature is running? And how do you tell if it is running? Sorry for doubting, but just hoping to get a great deal...!

Out of curiousity, has anyone pulled one of these open or have access to an actual service manual? Thanks.

heya mak99 you can also turn on cal-night and cal-day. with that go into sm and it under expert. once you enter expert you will...
Thanks for the reply. I was hoping to get specific, step-by-step instructions from a seasoned pro so that I do not mess anything up. I'm pretty sure that I could get around the SM just fine, but always good to have some instructions in hand! :)

Maybe some proud owner will YouTube a video showing what happens onscreen as they navigate the SM to do the 550-to-560 upgrade... ;)

Thanks for the reply. I was hoping to get specific, step-by-step instructions from a seasoned pro so that I do not mess anything up. I'm pretty sure that I could get around the SM just fine, but always good to have some instructions in hand! :)

Maybe some proud owner will YouTube a video showing what happens onscreen as they navigate the SM to do the 550-to-560 upgrade... ;)

Eh, it's really not hard. I got my 550 yesterday, and one of the first things I did was followed the OP's directions, and changed it to a 560.

Eh, it's really not hard. I got my 550 yesterday, and one of the first things I did was followed the OP's directions, and changed it to a 560.
Thanks, I'm sure I'll be fine as I'm very careful when in a SM...and glad it worked out for you!

does anyone know if this works with the 63b550?

^^^^^^

I would assume it does.

Adjusting the gamma doesn't work for me. I'm not seeing simply a lighter picture -- I am seeing thousands and thousands of single-pixel-sized noise (they are not static but constantly gone and go randomly) in the picture spread consistently all over the screen that goes away completely when Cinema Smooth is disengaged. It is really easy to see up close in letterboxing -- its more subtle in the video stream, but still there.

I change it to 560 and have the same noisy picture. Can't find the option to turn the CS off in the picture menu, change it back to 550 and still have the same noisy picture. HELP!!!!!!!!

Should I do a factory default? What should I do and I don 't think I mess up or change anythings else. Other than I push down the right button too long and it scroll through all the model #. Please, any suggestion.:(

so i just ordered a pn50b540.

Is there anyrisk to using this trick to switch it to a 560? What kind of things do i gain by doing this?

I change it to 560 and have the same noisy picture. Can't find the option to turn the CS off in the picture menu, change it back to 550 and still have the same noisy picture. HELP!!!!!!!!

Should I do a factory default? What should I do and I don 't think I mess up or change anythings else. Other than I push down the right button too long and it scroll through all the model #. Please, any suggestion.:(

Any help, suggestion? Should I reset factory default, maybe it will mess it up more!!!! :( Please help!!

hey vic.when you went in the s/m your mode went to dynamic by default switch to standard mode and in the now available advanced options cinema smooth will be there to turn off or on.:o

hey vic.when you went in the s/m your mode went to dynamic by default switch to standard mode and in the now available advanced options cinema smooth will be there to turn off or on.:o

I make sure the model # is 560, I change the mode to standard, dynamic or movie mode and did not see the cinema smooth option at all under advance options or anywhere.

it will be under picture options then film mode, but only time you can engage or disengage if your watching a blu ray on anything coming in at 24p otherwise it wont be used

I pop in a HD DVD (I know) and 24p materials play perfectly. I go in the menu and find the option of cinema smooth, disable and enable it. I change it back to my cable TV and it seems like that the TV is back to normal and the noisy picture is gone. Thanks for the help.

It looks like I can turn my 560 into a 590 which is a 63". I know it wont change the size, but what might it change if anything at all?

Does the 560 have "Game Mode"? I was under the impression that the 5 series did not have it.

I just tried this on my 42B430... Had the option to go to PB450 or PB540... Any1 aware is any significant differences/changes to these modes?

Does the 560 have "Game Mode"? I was under the impression that the 5 series did not have it.

ya they do, my 540 has it.

B530 also.

does this apply to a series 50a550's? or only b's

ok i just got my 550 today and i connected it to my ps3.

i went into the service menu and changed it to a 560. when i put in bluray disc it says input 1920x1080@24hz. does this mean my cinema smooth is working?

ok i just got my 550 today and i connected it to my ps3.

i went into the service menu and changed it to a 560. when i put in bluray disc it says input 1920x1080@24hz. does this mean my cinema smooth is working?

go into picture options and it should be available where it says film mode.

i have a PN50B550 and i changed the model to 560 and now the CS function is available with a 24p source... although i'm flat out seeing any difference in PQ apart from a slight brightness/contrast change. How to confirm if it is actually working?

The only complaints i have had with a 24p BD source is a very slight flicker in dark scenes...

I have a 550A also and wonder if it work the A series.

ok i just got my 550 today and i connected it to my ps3.

i went into the service menu and changed it to a 560. when i put in bluray disc it says input 1920x1080@24hz. does this mean my cinema smooth is working?

No, it doesn't mean Cinema Smooth is or is not working. The dispplay only shows you what it is receiving from the source, so even if you have a model without Cinema Smooth or without Cinema Smooth engaged it would show this information.

You can can turn on Cinema Smooth from the Picture menu. It can only be turned on while it is receiving a 24fps source. There is NO WAY on the TV to verify whether it is actually working other than to trust that the feature bing on means it works or your eyes if you are convinced you can see the difference.

There is NO WAY on the TV to verify whether it is actually working other than to trust that the feature bing on means it works or your eyes if you are convinced you can see the difference.

Going to be pretty tricky to see imo, given that the set already runs 24p at 48hz (you can see it in the service menu).

I wonder if you can even force 72hz via a PC......

thanks, i followed your directions and the cs option is there when i play bluray. but your right who knows if its actually working

I switched my PN50B550 to a 590, threw Guardians in the PS3, told the PS3 to allow 24p, turned on CinemaSmooth, and watched the movie.

I chose Guardians due to the night scenes with helicopters, stormy ocean water, and flashes of light, fire and such. IMO it looked great and performed well without being choppy or flickery.

Has anyone determined what the Crystal Full HD Engine really is? Is that just a fancy term used to talk about the Cinema Smooth features? I am almost ready to pull the trigger on a 550 and change it in the SM to a 560, but if there are other benefits of the Crystal Engine other than enabling the Cinema Smooth that would be good to know.

Anyone? I am heading to Best Buy today and want to make sure I end up making the right decision. If I have to pay a little more to get something that is noticeably better, I would do so.

Thanks!

I saw the 550 and 560 next to each other and I definitely think that the 560 is worth the extra cash. Looked like it had clearer front glass.

I saw the 550 and 560 next to each other and I definitely think that the 560 is worth the extra cash. Looked like it had clearer front glass.

I ended up ordering the 650 tonight because I wanted the better filter. Should have it on Sunday.

I'm still playing around with the TV, but switching the model in the service settings to 590 doesn't give me noticeable PQ issues with my 550. I'm still playing around with the tv, so I'm not saying that everything is working perfectly well, but so far so good. Can some of you try switching to 590 and report back with your findings?

i dont see any difference between the two. In my opinion they both look the same, use either one. Has anyone enabled cal-day and cal- night, if so your opinions on it.

The cal-day/night work fine. It just gives you another couple of places to save settings. Now if only I could find where to turn on the color space menu :(

B530 masquerading as a B560

I've read through the thread, but haven't seen any definitive answer regarding whether changing to 560 provides a perceptible difference in PQ. Looks like some people are happy, and some aren't. Additionally, I was thinking it could be that the input sources may have an affect on the final outcome when using cinema smooth?? If so, I just received a 58b550 this morning and came across this thread. Blu-ray source is Pioneer BPD51FD. Anyone have any insight on whether changing setting would make enough difference to make it worthwhile?

Please help me as i am about to walk into a store TODAY....

I'm in Toronto, Canada...

Costco has a 58" 530 for 1700
FUture Shope the 540 for 1799

If i do this i can get a 560??

Please let me know what to do or what your thought s are...

Thank You SO very much for doing this. I always look for hacks BEFORE i buy and this TV is a huge purchase for me.

Thanks.

Aaron

Juran, did you go buy the Sammy, or do something else? It looks like I will either have to try the "upgrade" myself and determine if it makes a difference, or leave my set at it is.

The cal-day/night work fine. It just gives you another couple of places to save settings. Now if only I could find where to turn on the color space menu :(

B530 masquerading as a B560

You could access the color space from service menu.
Go to service menu, then highlight "advance option" press '0' 5 times and it will enter into advance menu and there you will see color space menu.

If you are able to get the good settings there, could you please share with us.

I have B550 TV running as B590.
In service menu I see an option 1080p/48 -- off.

My question is, if I turn it ON will it help in PQ of Blu ray of high def videos.

You could access the color space from service menu.
Go to service menu, then highlight "advance option" press '0' 5 times and it will enter into advance menu and there you will see color space menu.


Does your model have luminance in there when set as a 560? The Euro 530 only has hue and saturation (which also affects luminance).

Very tricky to dial it in with only two controls - I eventually found it was only possible when tint was set to G35/R65, because that allows you to get green close to the correct xy while the sat was turned down enough to get luminance right.


ps anyone know what FWC Red and FWC Blue are?

Does your model have luminance in there when set as a 560? The Euro 530 only has hue and saturation (which also affects luminance).

Very tricky to dial it in with only two controls - I eventually found it was only possible when tint was set to G35/R65, because that allows you to get green close to the correct xy while the sat was turned down enough to get luminance right.


ps anyone know what FWC Red and FWC Blue are?


I'm running it in B590 mode and don't see the "luminance" option anywhere.

I have my switched to 560 model and the colorspace in the service menu just has hue and sat. I read that the color space in the service menu does not work very well. Also I notice on my cal-day and cal-night that if I try to change the black tone, dynamic contrast or color space it has no effect what so ever. I dont use them but what I am worried about is that maybe the black tone and dynamic contrast is perminatley on high just like dynamic is. I did a little test and made cal-night, cal-day and dynamic mode with the same settings and they all look exactly the same, which now leads me to believe unfortunatley the cal modes are the same as dynamic mode as far as black tone and dynamic contrast stuck on high, bummer. Well at least with cal modes we can still change white balance and gamma and color temperature. Can someone please test cals modes also.

what happens if you hit eemmprom reset in service menu?

I'm running it in B590 mode and don't see the "luminance" option anywhere.

Thanks - makes sense, given none of the US models have a full CMS (the Euro 560 does).

The sat/hue in the service menu aren't totally useless though, once you get the hang of how they interact (specifically with the main tint control). You can improve colour accuracy a fair bit, although not as much as a full CMS.

Thanks - makes sense, given none of the US models have a full CMS (the Euro 560 does).

The sat/hue in the service menu aren't totally useless though, once you get the hang of how they interact (specifically with the main tint control). You can improve colour accuracy a fair bit, although not as much as a full CMS.


Hi arfster,

In the service menu I see the option 1080/48Hz as OFF.
Will it help if I turn it ON.

Currently I'm seeing some flickering while watching HD channel (TENNIS) on Dish network.

FYI, I was able to get into the menu and change a LN40A530 (options were 500, 550, 580, 540?). dunno if any of these would make a difference. my tv is out of warranty now so I'm not willing to try anything fancy, but for someone else who's still in warranty, care to try it?

will it do anything for the LCD series?

Hi arfster,

In the service menu I see the option 1080/48Hz as OFF.
Will it help if I turn it ON.

Currently I'm seeing some flickering while watching HD channel (TENNIS) on Dish network.

It'll only affect films. It's probably off cos cinema smooth performs the same function (ie frame repeat of 24fps content) but at 96hz.

I have B550 TV running as B590.
In service menu I see an option 1080p/48 -- off.

My question is, if I turn it ON will it help in PQ of Blu ray of high def videos.

Can you tell me where that is in the menu?

Can you tell me where that is in the menu?

I think it is either in "Sub option" --> PDP option
or it is "Advanced" menu.

RY35AN it will be in section where you find panel hours. 1st column on the very bottom. You will also see Dynamic CE and Dynamic Dimming now what those do I have no idea.

Let me know if you cant find it and I will go into SM and help you locate it.

Has anyone checked there cal-night and cal-day and see if you notice any difference if you change colorspace from auto to native, black tone and dynamic contrast also, I would appriciate it

I wonder if this can be replicated for the 850 to "turn" it into an 860 and take advantage of Cinema Smooth. Does anyone have any information on this?

RY35AN it will be in section where you find panel hours. 1st column on the very bottom. You will also see Dynamic CE and Dynamic Dimming now what those do I have no idea.

Let me know if you cant find it and I will go into SM and help you locate it.

Has anyone checked there cal-night and cal-day and see if you notice any difference if you change colorspace from auto to native, black tone and dynamic contrast also, I would appriciate it

I'll see if I can find it later tonight, thanks.

I'll see if I can find it later tonight, thanks.


It is under "Advanced" --> ADJUST --> 1080p 48Hz

To enter "Advanced" menu , select it and then press "0" 4-5 times.

I wonder if this can be replicated for the 850 to "turn" it into an 860 and take advantage of Cinema Smooth. Does anyone have any information on this?

on the 850 there was an option found in the service menu to turn on cinema smooth, I believe it was 24x4 on/off

I turned on the option 1080p/48Hz, but didn't see difference in pic quality.

Also Is there a way to watch movies from USB. I read in other forums that we need to enable the Wiselink options in the SM, but I don't have those options at all.

The firmware on my TV is 1021.1
it is PN50B550 running as PN50B590.

i dont have the wiselink either, but I can know use my usb to look at jpegs. I think the wiselink is in the lcd model and european models only. Did you enable the cal-night and day yet?

Has anyone figured out what the "WM calib" is?

Does anyone know if switching the B550 to a B560 in the menu will cause any problems? I'd like to try out the CS option but not at the expense of the set :eek:
eg pushing the set beyond it's capabilties.

I've seen similar things in cars. example, in a porsche 986 the OBC is there even if you don't have that option, it just needs to be turned on by a dealer/other software and add the 4th stalk.

Thanks guys.

as an aside, I emailed Samsung with this question but i'm doubful that they would "officially" say that it works.

I did this with my PN58B550 which I had for about 3 weeks.... then I found the PN58B650 for the same price and decided to return the 550 for the 650 (I really wanted PIP functionality).

The CS option did appear for me after changing the setting to 560, and I could notice a big difference (TV registered a 24Hz signal versus a 60Hz signal prior) and screens seemed smoother (such as the building on the right in the very first few seconds of Dark Knight, where it would stutter a bit on 60Hz, it's a very consistent motion on 24Hz).

I wouldn't worry about processing power or any of that. If it wasn't capable it wouldn't work.

I did have to reset it back to B550 prior to returning it, since I didn't wan't to have any potential refund issues.

Does anyone know what the PNB690 has over the 650? That was an option in the 650's service menu. ;)

Only tip I would give is to press the sequence quickly. At first I did the MUTE-1-8-2-POWER (I think that's what it was) very slowly to ensure it was registered. That didn't work. I had to do that whole thing in about 1-2 seconds and it worked every time like that.

-JB

as an aside, I emailed Samsung with this question but i'm doubful that they would "officially" say that it works.
FYI, I think they would officially void your warranty if you asked Samsung if it worked. :)

so, I've played with the 560 switch for a while, off an on, using the plasma review settings as a base. switched to 590 tonight, and added the 48p switch from the advanced menu (as discussed earlier in the thread). i think this made one heckuva difference in my tv.

Cars was beautiful, way more impressive then I have remembered from before, and monsters vs. aliens is amazing.

thus, switching to 590, with the 48p might just be the ultimate setting for this set.

so much pops much more than usual!

I did the 560 switch and I think it blu-ray’s look better.

This doesn't surprise me. This same service menu option was found a while ago and reported here on the 850, effectively making it an 860 (but for the day/night calibration option). It also makes the 63" 550 a deal over the 590 (especially with the current deals running on the 550), but for the better anti-glare filter and speakers...

I just wish the Cinema Smooth feature didn't totally suck, at least on my 590 and many other people's sets. It kills the picture with severe dithering (tiny sparkling pixel noise) that is distracting and appears to brighten the image from a distance.

I had hoped after reading about this hidden feature in the 850 that we'd find other Easter eggs in the service menu but no such luck on my 590. D-Nice played around in the service menu last night when calibrating my set and while it has the expert menu and even a day/night option, all the gutss of that feature are missing, as is color management. Its clear Samsung seems to have started with one master firmware then stripped out features selectively for various models. For whatever reason, whether intentionally or accidentally, they didn't strip out Cinema Smooth. I bet it’s in all 2009 models.


Wait,

Are you saying that a *converted* 850 to 860 willl *NOT* have the ISF Day/Night modes?

I really need to know before buying a 850/860!

thx


bob

When D-Nice played around in the service menu of my set it was before this topic had been posted or I would have directed him to it. He found the day/night cal options striped of full functionality.

But what he did not do was use the service menu to change what model the firmware identified the set as -- and even if we had known this I'm not sure I would have been comfortable using it since there is no model designed with 63" that would have had that functionality, unlike the more benign conversion of a 550-560 or 850-860. And I think this is the key difference. Others have subsequently described full use of the day/night mode and CMS as long as they first changed the model to one that comes with those features. I didn't have the benefit of that knowledge at the time.

The one exception to watch out for is others have noticed that any subsequent firmware revisions wipe out all these settings, so either avoid those upgrades or be careful to document all your settings first (a good idea anyway).

When D-Nice played around in the service menu of my set it was before this topic had been posted or I would have directed him to it. He found the day/night cal options striped of full functionality.

But what he did not do was use the service menu to change what model the firmware identified the set as -- and even if we had known this I'm not sure I would have been comfortable using it since there is no model designed with 63" that would have had that functionality, unlike the more benign conversion of a 550-560 or 850-860. And I think this is the key difference. Others have subsequently described full use of the day/night mode and CMS as long as they first changed the model to one that comes with those features. I didn't have the benefit of that knowledge at the time.

The one exception to watch out for is others have noticed that any subsequent firmware revisions wipe out all these settings, so either avoid those upgrades or be careful to document all your settings first (a good idea anyway).

Thanks,

So do the 560 and 860 have the exact same full CMS once "upgraded"?

bob

Thanks,

So do the 560 and 860 have the exact same full CMS once "upgraded"?

bob

I haven't done this first hand so take that for what it is worth. But logicaly you should need to change it to a model that is supposed to have the full CMS, which would be the 650 or higher. The 560 is not supposed to have a full CMS so presumably it should have a striped one similar to the 590. The CMS you get with the 650 and 860 should be similar, but again this is better answered by someone who has explored that first hand.

I haven't done this first hand so take that for what it is worth. But logicaly you should need to change it to a model that is supposed to have the full CMS, which would be the 650 or higher. The 560 is not supposed to have a full CMS so presumably it should have a striped one similar to the 590. The CMS you get with the 650 and 860 should be similar, but again this is better answered by someone who has explored that first hand.

Thanks,

Wasn't sure about CMS control on the different series.


bob

I tried this on my 50PB450, and I had the option of 550, 560, 590, and a bunch of 400 level.

I picked 560.

Changes I've noticed:


USB Media is now active. I tested it with a USB and it plays Pictures and Music :)
Black Level Selector (Off, dark, darker, darkest) - It didn't seem to make a difference so i left it off.

Cinema Smooth - I haven't tried this yet.

Sound level options - looks like preconfigured equilizer settings to pick from


Has anyone tried setting a 450 to 590?

As far as I can tell, going to a 560 from 450 has no negative side effects.

Cheers

I believe there are also additional NR options now as well.

After some more testing, Media Play (via USB) works perfectly with Flash card readers as well.

This is huge for me personally, since now my wife can bypass the HTPC to view photos from her digital camera.

Thanks OP :)

I tried this on my 50PB450, and I had the option of 550, 560, 590, and a bunch of 400 level.

I picked 560.

Changes I've noticed:


USB Media is now active. I tested it with a USB and it plays Pictures and Music :)
Black Level Selector (Off, dark, darker, darkest) - It didn't seem to make a difference so i left it off.

Cinema Smooth - I haven't tried this yet.

Sound level options - looks like preconfigured equilizer settings to pick from


Has anyone tried setting a 450 to 590?

As far as I can tell, going to a 560 from 450 has no negative side effects.

Cheers

The 590 is exclusively a 63" model.

If you do the change to the 560 what model number do you use for future firmware upgrades?

If I ever do a firmware upgrade, I'd set it back to 450 first.

I noticed also that the menu's now indicate 4 HDMI ports, even though I only have 3.

I wonder since a 560 is 1080p and my 450 is 720p if there are any other impacts on any digital image processing.

So far everything seems fine, although I didn't use the set for long before the change, so I might not be able to appreciate any differences.

I tried this on my 50PB450, and I had the option of 550, 560, 590, and a bunch of 400 level.

I picked 560.

Changes I've noticed:


USB Media is now active. I tested it with a USB and it plays Pictures and Music :)
Black Level Selector (Off, dark, darker, darkest) - It didn't seem to make a difference so i left it off.

Cinema Smooth - I haven't tried this yet.

Sound level options - looks like preconfigured equilizer settings to pick from


Has anyone tried setting a 450 to 590?

As far as I can tell, going to a 560 from 450 has no negative side effects.

Cheers

Ok, after checking another 450 it looks like they only differences are

USB Media is now active.

Cinema Smooth


Sorry for any incorrect info,

Mo

So far, I believe those are the only two additions when changing a PS58B550 to a B680 down here in OZ. But those are enough to be honest, the USB movie playback was all I was after anyway.

Cheers

You get movie playback?

I only get picture and music.

(going from a 450 to 560)

You get movie playback?

I only get picture and music.

(going from a 450 to 560)
-
Sorry guys, but yes we get movie playback down here, avi ,mpeg, mkv etc etc, without having to add that Sammygo firmware hack.

We also get most of the model range to choose from in the Service Menu, I went through 6, 7 and 8 series models to see what differences I would get and went back to the 680 for best results.

I'm interested to see what settings you guys have applied in "night" and "day" if anyone wants to share or either PM me.

Cheers

Can I do this with my PN50B550?

Pretty sure you can. (Change the firmware that is. Not sure about the video part. Pictures and mp3 for sure though)

Turned the nd adjust to on but still have no night day cal option??

Turned the nd adjust to on but still have no night day cal option??

How did you do it. The firmware has a striped out shell of the calibration functions by default. You have to change the model # to the appropriate set to get the full functions appearing.

How did you do it. The firmware has a striped out shell of the calibration functions by default. You have to change the model # to the appropriate set to get the full functions appearing.

changed my 550 to 590 then followed instructions on here to turn n/d option on.
got the cin smooth but no night/day modes.

changed my 550 to 590 then followed instructions on here to turn n/d option on.
got the cin smooth but no night/day modes.

But the 590 doesn't have the day/night custom calibration option -- only the striped down version like the 550. The 860 has it, though since there is no 63" 860, try this at your own risk.

But the 590 doesn't have the day/night custom calibration option -- only the striped down version like the 550. The 860 has it, though since there is no 63" 860, try this at your own risk.

I see...590 is my Highest option set

Anyone try this with the pn42b430 model ?

But the 590 doesn't have the day/night custom calibration option -- only the striped down version like the 550. The 860 has it, though since there is no 63" 860, try this at your own risk.

After reading thru this thread I decided to venture into the Service Menu and see if activating the Day / Night ISF modes would improve my PN63B590's PQ.

After activating Day / Night mode in the service menu I exited to start re-entering my settings.

I entered the Night Mode and my picture was a total mess!
I looked at the picture settings and everything was pegged at 255!
That's right...255!!! :eek:

I quickly turned off my cable box as to not damage my screen.
I manually reduced all the settings from 255 to my normal settings.
(ie. Cell = 10, Brightness = 52, etc...)

I exited the set-up menu...turned on the cable box and the Night mode once again reverted to the maxed out "255" settings. :mad:

I went back into the Service Menu and disabled the Day / Night mode.
All is now back to normal.

Has anyone had any luck activating Day / Night in a PN63B590?
Do I need to change the model from 590 to something else to get Day / Night working?

Pete

The 590 does not have a fully functional day/night ISF calibration feature, nor is it promoted to come with this feature. Samsung left aspects of it in when they striped down the master firmware they use for all the 2009 models but it is not fully functional. That's according to D-Nice who played with it on mine before using the user menu to calibrate my set.

Thanks Citivas.
My days playing in the Service Menu are over.

Pete

to get cal-day and cal-night to look right and not a total mess, after you turn it on and then go into user menu select cal- night, It will look like a total mess, just hit the picture reset and it will then look fine. I have a b450 and both my cals work fine

^^^^^
Thanks Kanpol!
I will give it a try.

Pete

I am getting my PN58B550 ISF Calibrated on Sunday. It's being shipped to me this morning. I will be posting my calibration report, along with my offsets in the main PN58B550 thread. If you are looking to try new offsets, stay tuned.

A few questions:

#1 - Has Cinema Smooth been fixed with an updated firmware?

#2 - Will my tv ship with an updated firmware? Is Cinema Smooth strictly for enabling 24p playback? Or does it have other uses?

#3 - Does the latest firmware allow you to play .mkv files? Or did Samsung eliminate the option to do so with their latest firmwares?

#4 - Are there any issues that have been reported if you switch your set from a 550 > 560?

#5 - I plan on switching my TV to a 560 before it gets ISF calibrated but if I ever have to revert back to the 550, will the calibration be impacted in any way?

#6 - Where on the set can I check to see my firmware version?

^^ .. doesn't need calibration yet; should have at least 400hrs of use before any calibration conducted. the calibrator should have asked this; you'll need it redone in the 'near' future. :)

^^ .. doesn't need calibration yet; should have at least 400hrs of use before any calibration conducted. the calibrator should have asked this; you'll need it redone in the 'near' future. :)

I've read 120 hours. Where have you seen 400? Link?

I've read 120 hours. Where have you seen 400? Link?

.. will try to find, but a trusted calibrator to this Forum, D'Nice, recommends 'at least' 400 hrs before any calibration. :)

**update: though its been awhile, i'm almost certain of an exchange btwn D'Nice & another member where the 400hr amount was
mentioned. after some searches, it now appears many of the Forum's noteworthy calibrators are using 150-200hrs benchmark prior
to full calibration. the newer sets must be able to 'break-in' sufficiently prior to this process. thanxs for the challenge to my post; i'll
note it if ever its queried again. :)

to get cal-day and cal-night to look right and not a total mess, after you turn it on and then go into user menu select cal- night, It will look like a total mess, just hit the picture reset and it will then look fine. I have a b450 and both my cals work fine

Kanpol,

It worked!
Thanks so much...I now have Cal-Day & Cal-Night modes.

One thing I notice with the Cal-Day & Night modes is the Black Tone & Dynamic Contrast settings have no effect on the picture.
Normal operation perhaps?

Pete

ptlurking colorspace doesnt have any effect either. I asked someone who has a b650 and he said on his cal modes they do have an effect. So I think on the b500's and b400's it's a striped down version. Its almost like Dynamic mode with the advanced menu options available.

it worked here (cinema mode) for my pn50b5500 (now 560), thought cinema mode/b ray player @24p seems to do what it is supposed to, i'm not sure i like the changes in image 'settings' (whites seem subdued, dark areas seem less detailed. the gamma adjustment to a negative helped some, though not as effective as just leaving this (cinema) mode disabled). i'll need to run more of a variety of content, see how this plays out...

ptlurking colorspace doesnt have any effect either. I asked someone who has a b650 and he said on his cal modes they do have an effect. So I think on the b500's and b400's it's a striped down version. Its almost like Dynamic mode with the advanced menu options available.

Added cal day and cal night on my 63b550 turned into 590 in SM.
I also find that the dynamic contrast and black level settings seem to have no effect and are likely set same or close to those of dynamic mode.
Makes me wonder if I should avoid em. Though Cal night with warm2 has quite the pop.
Any idea if making these tweaks to non official settings can harm the set?

OK umm, what are all the factory settings for the PN42b430, I think I ****ed something up, the factory reset isn't a real factory reset. Any help would greatly be appreciated. Also if someone could tell me or point me in the direction where I can find out what all the settings do?

Hi Guys,

For those that have enalbed Cal Day/Night, can you tell me step by step where and how to do this. I spent quite a while last night going through all but the "Advanced" areas of service menu and could not find it anywhere.

For some reason, I cannot get into "Advanced" though, this may be because I changed my model from B550 to B680, or I'm doing something wrong.

Cheers

i pressed "0" a bunch of times in a row, and was able to enter.

Added cal day and cal night on my 63b550 turned into 590 in SM.
I also find that the dynamic contrast and black level settings seem to have no effect and are likely set same or close to those of dynamic mode.
Makes me wonder if I should avoid em. Though Cal night with warm2 has quite the pop.
Any idea if making these tweaks to non official settings can harm the set?

Interesting... I have a PN63B590 on the way and am doing some catching up on it on AVSForum. It looks like the 590 has had zero firmware updates, but the 550 has. Also, it looks like the 550 can be "turned into" a 590 via the Service Menu.

Have any 590 owners tried updating to the 550 firmware? It seems that the two sets have identical or nearly identical electronics (based on my 2 hours of reading AVSForum, I am now an expert on the internals of tv sets that I do not own).

i pressed "0" a bunch of times in a row, and was able to enter.
-
Enter what...."Advanced" Yes/No..

Cheers

yes

Thanks for that, I'll give it a go tonight.

I am getting my PN58B550 ISF Calibrated on Sunday. It's being shipped to me this morning. I will be posting my calibration report, along with my offsets in the main PN58B550 thread. If you are looking to try new offsets, stay tuned.


I'm curious as to what your settings are. I have the same TV. We watch it in either total darkness, or in very low ambient light.

If you do the change to the 560 what model number do you use for future firmware upgrades?

On the Samsung website, it appears that the 550 and 560 series run the same firmware. Here's a link:
http://www.samsung.com/us/consumer/tv-video/televisions/plasma-tv/PN58B550T2FXZA/index.idx?pagetype=prd_detail&tab=support

Hope this helps.

Would like to see a consolidated post with what to do to enable each option? I have a friend with the 550 and enabling Cinema Smooth and USB Media would be good. ISF modes prob a plus as well but I don't know yet if I'll be able to calibrate that for him.

From what I understand now, with a 550:
1. you can set it to 560, are there other models to set it to in the US?
2. when set to 560, Cinema Smooth is enabled, what about ISF Night/Day?
3. if using ISF Day/Night to calibrate, do we still use the service menu's CCA system to calibrate?

i pressed "0" a bunch of times in a row, and was able to enter.
-
Hey O'Reilly,

I need some help with this.

I go into service menu, scroll down to "Advanced" then press 0 four times, this takes me to another menu, scroll down to "Advanced" but still cannot enter into that menu. Tried pressing 0 four times, all it does is refresh the menu that I am already in. I checked across all of the columns and rows of information and cannot find D/N Cal settings anywhere.

Please help, anyone.

Cheers

Anyone ??

Thanks for the tips. I have tried setting up the USB and now it shows pix & Mp3's.

Can anyone tell me when you turn on the Cal Night/Day setting, does it add two more choices to the picture setting: eg will I get Dynamic/Standard/Movie/Night/Day or will
I get two other choices in the Menu settings?

If it only gives me two choices in the Menu settings, do these two settings include Nght/Day/OFF, or will one of these two choices always be in effect unless turned off in the service menu? I am trying to figure out beforehand if I will still have my Dynamic/Standard/Movie menu setting which work right now..

Thanks!

Can anyone tell me when you turn on the Cal Night/Day setting, does it add two more choices to the picture setting: eg will I get Dynamic/Standard/Movie/Night/Day or will
I get two other choices in the Menu settings?

You will keep the choices of Dynamic, Standard, and Movie, and will gain CAL-DAY and CAL-NIGHT settings.

However - I recommend writing down ALL of your settings beforehand - they will be reset once you enter the service menu to add the additional display modes.

Good luck!

You will keep the choices of Dynamic, Standard, and Movie, and will gain CAL-DAY and CAL-NIGHT settings.

However - I recommend writing down ALL of your settings beforehand - they will be reset once you enter the service menu to add the additional display modes.

Good luck!

Is unlocking ISF settings as easy as changing the model from 550 to 560? or is this only doable on other models?

From what I understand now, with a 550:
1. you can set it to 560, are there other models to set it to in the US?
2. when set to 560, Cinema Smooth is enabled, what about ISF Night/Day?
3. if using ISF Day/Night to calibrate, do we still use the service menu's CCA system to calibrate?

#1 - There are other models to choose from, but the 560 seems to be the one that is most stable and appears to give most people the "extras" they are hoping for.

#2 - Night/Day has to be enabled in another section of the service menu. Setting to a 560 will enable Cinema Smooth when viewing a 1080p, 24hz signal.

#3 - I haven't really experimented with the service menu to calibrate. After reading through many posts, I think the consensus is that you don't really have to. Most feel that the user menu is more than adequate to set a good calibration.

Is unlocking ISF settings as easy as changing the model from 550 to 560? or is this only doable on other models?

From what I understand, ISF Night/Day can be unlocked from any 5 series Samsung model, if you select the 560 option in the service menu. Though the 590 is a selectable option, it has been discussed that it may or may not allow for the night/day modes. The 590 classification applies to the 63" size plasma, and there may be differences that are specific only to that particular model.

From what I understand, ISF Night/Day can be unlocked from any 5 series Samsung model, if you select the 560 option in the service menu. Though the 590 is a selectable option, it has been discussed that it may or may not allow for the night/day modes. The 590 classification applies to the 63" size plasma, and there may be differences that are specific only to that particular model.

Thanks, I'm looking to calibrate my friend's 550, I'm not sure yet if I want to go into the SM or just do his grayscale for him.

I did this, and I'm not entirely sure it worked (no blu ray player yet haha!), but it may have caused horizontal line banding. I'm going to switch back and post my results, and when I get blu-ray, I'll post if it worked.

Just found this review for the 650 here (http://www.displaycalibrationonline.com/reviews_samsung_plasma_2009.asp)

This was mentioned:
Note: for 2009, Samsung has removed the CMS from the 550 series. Only the 650 series and above include this great feature

Does the service menu allow changing model number to 650 (it looks like none of the 500 series have this in user menus)? If so does doing so open up the CMS in the User Menu?

Anyone ??

hey norm, i pressed 5 times. i had no info as to what i would want to change, so i left it.

Just found this review for the 650 here (http://www.displaycalibrationonline.com/reviews_samsung_plasma_2009.asp)

This was mentioned:


Does the service menu allow changing model number to 650 (it looks like none of the 500 series have this in user menus)? If so does doing so open up the CMS in the User Menu?

CMS stands for Color Management System - not cinema smooth. And no - you cannot change a 500 series to a 650.

Can I change this back from the service menu if I want to remove the option from the TV?

Clearly there are some software differences in these models. It seems the U.S PN model number only allows certain changes in the service menu to the model number. The Ozzie PS model gets the entire model number range to choose from. My PS58B550 was tweaked to a 680 model number, I remember when scrolling through the numbers I could go all the way up to 8 series - although the sound was a little poor....

when I turn on cinema smooth, the picture seems to brighten and sometimes flutter. Is there a way to fix this? Do you think it could be fixed in a future firmware update?

Does this service menu allow you to adjust the colors independently?

Bump

I have a b540, and blue ray movies already show up as 24hz is that normal for a 540?

I have a b540, and blue ray movies already show up as 24hz is that normal for a 540?

That 24Hz simply indicates the signal coming from the source, it is being converted via 2:3 (or 3:2) pulldown to 60Hz for output.

im wanting to try this with my c550 when i get it to make it a 590..does it screw up the warranty, manufacturer or black tie protection if you change the model?

Can we get a consensus of how this adjustment is working out?


Can the process be reversed?
Will it affect future firmware upgrades?
Any confirmed problems caused by this process?
Will Samsung know the service menu has been accessed, for example changing the model but then returning it to the original when you might require service?
Please provide 'original' and 'new' model numbers. ie. PN50B540>PN50B560 (from what I find this is listed in the 'Contact Samsung' menu option)
Please original firmware and if you have sucessfully upgraded to a new level 'after' the model change


I am very curious about trying this but would like to know the possibly down sides before I do. I am sure there are others that feel the same, I have a C series model and it is not clear within this thread that any 2010 models have been modified by this process.

BTW, the only reason I would like to 'only' hear from those that have done it is because I would like to stick to observed factual information. We can fill this thread with chatter about warnings and thoughts but real observations would provide a better understanding of the change.

Thanks!

they want to share...mine sounds hollow.....

[QUOTE=Al Sherwood;18510540]Can we get a consensus of how this adjustment is working out?


Can the process be reversed?
Will it affect future firmware upgrades?
Any confirmed problems caused by this process?
Will Samsung know the service menu has been accessed, for example changing the model but then returning it to the original when you might require service?
Please provide 'original' and 'new' model numbers. ie. PN50B540>PN50B560 (from what I find this is listed in the 'Contact Samsung' menu option)
Please original firmware and if you have sucessfully upgraded to a new level 'after' the model change

[QUOTE]
-
Hi mate, from my experience I will give you the following.

Australian model PS58B550, tweaked to B680 model to allow movie playback via USB and unlock "cinema smooth" option in "Movie" picture setting for bluray playback - note - no issues detected during bluray playback - although I understand "cinema smooth" may have been an issue in the US. Also unlocked nicer user menus.

Successfully changed back to B550 model with no movie playback - promptly changed back to B680 again LOL.

I wouldn't change the firmware - why would you if the TV is working properly and the tweak allows movie playback.

The only thing I have noticed that is different since tweaking is the start up time for the TV, takes approx 20 seconds - didn't before.

The Australian models will allow you to change to anything in the current model range whereas from what I understand the US B5 series can only be changed to another B5 series model number. I tried changing my B550 to a B850 but the sound was terrible - changed back to B680 again.

Hope this helps.

[QUOTE=Al Sherwood;18510540]Can we get a consensus of how this adjustment is working out?


Can the process be reversed?
Will it affect future firmware upgrades?
Any confirmed problems caused by this process?
Will Samsung know the service menu has been accessed, for example changing the model but then returning it to the original when you might require service?
Please provide 'original' and 'new' model numbers. ie. PN50B540>PN50B560 (from what I find this is listed in the 'Contact Samsung' menu option)
Please original firmware and if you have successfully upgraded to a new level 'after' the model change

[QUOTE]
-
Hi mate, from my experience I will give you the following.

Australian model PS58B550, tweaked to B680 model to allow movie playback via USB and unlock "cinema smooth" option in "Movie" picture setting for bluray playback - note - no issues detected during bluray playback - although I understand "cinema smooth" may have been an issue in the US. Also unlocked nicer user menus.

Successfully changed back to B550 model with no movie playback - promptly changed back to B680 again LOL.

I wouldn't change the firmware - why would you if the TV is working properly and the tweak allows movie playback.

The only thing I have noticed that is different since tweaking is the start up time for the TV, takes approx 20 seconds - didn't before.

The Australian models will allow you to change to anything in the current model range whereas from what I understand the US B5 series can only be changed to another B5 series model number. I tried changing my B550 to a B850 but the sound was terrible - changed back to B680 again.

Hope this helps.

Hey there Norman,

Yes, thanks for the feedback!

I need to check some more movies and players before closing the book on Cinema Smooth, I watched a movie that did judder when I had this set on, but smoothed out when it was off, opposite of what you would think. Interesting your comment about the possible problems with this feature in the US. :confused:

My comment about firmware was not to advocate changing it but if it had an effect on the proper operation of these features. I wonder if all of the models within a range use the exact 'same' version? The basic reason for my question.

I thought it was only me, I noticed that the startup took longer as well, I figured it was just paranoia! I wonder why this would be? :eek:

Regarding the model to change up to, I would think you are safer to stay within the 'subgroup' of TV you have, ie. C5XX should remain with in the 'C5' range: C540/C550/C551/C590... It would be much more likely that the family range has the same if not identical hardware, with feature availability controlled through model selection. Although you can see many different models in the pick list it wouldn't be reasonable to think that every set has all of the same hardware. The firmware is much like an operating system, it can run on various platforms but it can't access hardware that doesn't exist.

It is under "Advanced" --> ADJUST --> 1080p 48Hz

To enter "Advanced" menu , select it and then press "0" 4-5 times.

on my C550...err C590, I could not get into the 'Advanced' menu' using this process, but now Cinema Smooth is available as an option in the "Film Mode" settings.

I wonder if there is anything elses to turn on to ensure this is working or have the changed it for 2010?

In one of the other threads (Calibration of the PN58C590) I posted that I see judder with this option 'on'?

Hi Guys,

For those that have enalbed Cal Day/Night, can you tell me step by step where and how to do this. I spent quite a while last night going through all but the "Advanced" areas of service menu and could not find it anywhere.

For some reason, I cannot get into "Advanced" though, this may be because I changed my model from B550 to B680, or I'm doing something wrong.

Cheers

Norman, did you ever get into the menu to set Cal Day/Night on?

I don't have a 'B' series my explanation might not be valid... But for what it is worth on a 'C' series:

On the first Service Menu there were 6 selections:


OPTION
CONTROL
SVC
EXPERT
ADC/WB
ADVANCED

Selecting "EXPERT" brought up two more selections:


N/D ADJ
Source

Selecting "N/D ADJ" allows you turn the Cal Day/Night menu on/off.

BTW, I too was never able to get into the "ADVANCED" menu, it just brought me back to the top of the menu after the fourth '0' was entered.

The reason I bolded were in the sentence above the first list is because after the model changed to C590 there is now a 7th selection albeit greyed out: "PICTURE"

Hi Al,

Thanks for that, I went for the B680 model to gain movie playback via the USB primarily as none of the other 5 series model numbers unlock movie playback.

I get to the first menu, scroll down to "Advanced" but if I press enter on the remote nothing happens. I have to press 0 four times which takes me into another menu - below.

..................Column 1...........Column 2

Row............OPTION..............
.................CONTROL............
.................SVC...................
.................ADVANCED..........
.................Can't remember....EXPERT ( Greyed out )

No matter what I try, I cannot get across to the second column. I'll try again tonight by resetting the model back to a B550 to see if I get into these other modes. If not, I'll try changing to a B590 an report my findings.

Thanks again

I enabled cal-day/night. But both look like either Dynamic mode or like dynamic contrast is on high. Even though I can make adjustments, the colors still seem too strong. Like the various processing modes aren't turning off...even though they are all set to off.

Anyone else experience this? How do you tone down cal-day/night?

Hey prerunner,

If you go back a couple of pages, I think Kanpol says to hit picture reset and it makes the picture right.

Cheers

Hiya Norman just sent you a pm. But yes when you 1st enable the cal modes you have to do a picture reset to get it to look right.
PrerunnerV6 you are correct, the dynamic contrast, black tone and colorspace cannot be changed. Now you can go from low to high in them(dynamic contrast, black tone) but you wont see any change. To me they seem to be stuck on high. Colorspace you can switch from auto to native but you wont see a change either. On the C series 590 model inkyjinx has stated that when he turned on the cal modes the dynamic contrast, black tone and colorspace work. They are not stuck on high like the B series.

Noman D - I had read about the reset earlier so I was ready. Even still, when the crazy screen first came up I was like :eek:.

Kanpol - Thanks for the info. Yes, I have a B model. Oh well. At least the USB Media (slideshows/music) and the Cinema Smooth seems to work.

Please be patient with me- my first flat panel ever is the Samsung PNB58540(S3F) I got last week from Costco US. My first Blu-ray movie blew my mind, of course (played on the new Samsung HTiB 6730.) The improvement with the 540 just viewing in the store was so great I thought anything better couldn't possibly be worth paying more for. But NOW I'm greedy for more!

Can you tell me what the 540 is already showing me in terms of 24p DISPLAY and how that's related/compared to Cinema Smooth? (Before "upgrading" to another model in the menu.) I enjoy sports on TV but my real love is movies-I want as close as I can afford to the movie theater experience.

I have a general notion of what 24p means, but don't know how it should look. BTW, my eye is usually "critical." Am I already seeing 24p, would I see it with Cinema Smooth (if I could get it from the service menu) or do I return the 540 and start over? Thanks for any help!!

Popped in a blu-ray, "Cinema Smooth" option showed up, TV showed a 1920x1080@24Hz source and away we went. Looked perfect. No gamma/brightness change, no sparklies, just a great, amazing picture.

Are you sure there is not Gamma/Brightness change?

Please pass the TEST (http://www.megaupload.com/?d=KB6DRLG1)

To get the ADVANCED menu in the service menu just press "0 0 0 0"... try and try and you will get into. "0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0...."

To every body, this is the service menu of PS50C550 european plasma

the original thread is here (http://www.forodvd.com/showthread.php?t=79528) (use google translator)


http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/1930/ps50c550001.th.jpg (http://img526.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ps50c550001.jpg) http://img580.imageshack.us/img580/5729/ps50c550002.th.jpg (http://img580.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ps50c550002.jpg) http://img693.imageshack.us/img693/8356/ps50c550003.th.jpg (http://img693.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ps50c550003.jpg) http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/651/ps50c550004.th.jpg (http://img402.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ps50c550004.jpg) http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/8330/ps50c550005.th.jpg (http://img402.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ps50c550005.jpg) http://img580.imageshack.us/img580/4464/ps50c550006.th.jpg (http://img580.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ps50c550006.jpg) http://img693.imageshack.us/img693/31/ps50c550007.th.jpg (http://img693.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ps50c550007.jpg) http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/5186/ps50c550008.th.jpg (http://img708.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ps50c550008.jpg) http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/1892/ps50c550009l.th.jpg 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http://img547.imageshack.us/img547/9813/ps50c550018.th.jpg (http://img547.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ps50c550018.jpg) http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/826/ps50c550019.th.jpg (http://img534.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ps50c550019.jpg) http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/1736/ps50c550020.th.jpg (http://img411.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ps50c550020.jpg) http://img547.imageshack.us/img547/9372/ps50c550021.th.jpg (http://img547.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ps50c550021.jpg) http://img547.imageshack.us/img547/7382/ps50c550022.th.jpg (http://img547.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ps50c550022.jpg) http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/1175/ps50c550023.th.jpg (http://img534.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ps50c550023.jpg) http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/7366/ps50c550024.th.jpg (http://img534.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ps50c550024.jpg) http://img260.imageshack.us/img260/8562/ps50c550025.th.jpg (http://img260.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ps50c550025.jpg) http://img545.imageshack.us/img545/3308/ps50c550026.th.jpg (http://img545.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ps50c550026.jpg) http://img545.imageshack.us/img545/2710/ps50c550027.th.jpg (http://img545.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ps50c550027.jpg) http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/1713/ps50c550028.th.jpg (http://img411.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ps50c550028.jpg) http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/6299/ps50c550029.th.jpg (http://img411.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ps50c550029.jpg) http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/52/ps50c550030.th.jpg (http://img411.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ps50c550030.jpg) http://img260.imageshack.us/img260/3794/ps50c550031.th.jpg (http://img260.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ps50c550031.jpg) http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/2975/ps50c550032.th.jpg (http://img177.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ps50c550032.jpg) http://img693.imageshack.us/img693/234/ps50c550033.th.jpg (http://img693.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ps50c550033.jpg) http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/677/ps50c550034.th.jpg (http://img12.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ps50c550034.jpg) http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/6664/ps50c550035.th.jpg (http://img12.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ps50c550035.jpg) http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/673/ps50c550036.th.jpg (http://img177.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ps50c550036.jpg) http://img693.imageshack.us/img693/1622/ps50c550037.th.jpg (http://img693.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ps50c550037.jpg) http://img541.imageshack.us/img541/8392/ps50c550038.th.jpg (http://img541.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ps50c550038.jpg) http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/4898/ps50c550039.th.jpg (http://img85.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ps50c550039.jpg) http://img693.imageshack.us/img693/6932/ps50c550040.th.jpg (http://img693.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ps50c550040.jpg) http://img541.imageshack.us/img541/5678/ps50c550041.th.jpg (http://img541.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ps50c550041.jpg) http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/1317/ps50c550042.th.jpg (http://img12.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ps50c550042.jpg) http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/2282/ps50c550043.th.jpg (http://img177.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ps50c550043.jpg) http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/2155/ps50c550044.th.jpg (http://img534.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ps50c550044.jpg) http://img693.imageshack.us/img693/967/ps50c550045.th.jpg (http://img693.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ps50c550045.jpg) http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/2998/ps50c550046.th.jpg (http://img12.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ps50c550046.jpg) http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/722/ps50c550047.th.jpg (http://img255.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ps50c550047.jpg) http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/7938/ps50c550048.th.jpg (http://img176.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ps50c550048.jpg) http://img203.imageshack.us/img203/2462/ps50c550049.th.jpg (http://img203.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ps50c550049.jpg)

does anyone know what "debug mode" is for? I have 3 choices "off,smart and runtime." Not sure what its for was hoping someone knows

Have a 63b550. Was able to get into the service menu & changed to 590. Turned on the bluray & went back to picture settings on the Sammy & still didn't see cinema smooth. Did I miss something? Switch from Dynamic to Standard & went to advance & still no cinema smooth.
Can't figure out what else I missed. The bluray play is a Sony & went to the options & 1080p/24 is set to auto

Have a 63b550. Was able to get into the service menu & changed to 590. Turned on the bluray & went back to picture settings on the Sammy & still didn't see cinema smooth. Did I miss something? Switch from Dynamic to Standard & went to advance & still no cinema smooth.
Can't figure out what else I missed. The bluray play is a Sony & went to the options & 1080p/24 is set to auto

You said "Picture Settings". Did you check "Film Mode" under "Picture Settings" while movie is playing.?

You said "Picture Settings". Did you check "Film Mode" under "Picture Settings" while movie is playing.?

I will have to check, but I don't remember seeing film mode under the picture settings. I did check while I was playing Avatar.

Have a 63b550. Was able to get into the service menu & changed to 590. Turned on the bluray & went back to picture settings on the Sammy & still didn't see cinema smooth. Did I miss something? Switch from Dynamic to Standard & went to advance & still no cinema smooth.
Can't figure out what else I missed. The bluray play is a Sony & went to the options & 1080p/24 is set to auto

Take a look here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=17817903#post17817903

So it seems like a mixed bag of results here. Is the 24p really worth it? I haven't really noticed anything wierd while watching BRD's.

I asked the same question several months ago, and have sat back and read the continuing responses to this thread. I still don't know that there's been a definitive determination that making these changes actually makes a difference in the actual performance of the TV. Is there anyone on this thread that has the expertise and equipment to perform quantitative analysis to see if making the changes actually makes a difference in performance? Relying on everyone's subjective determinations just isn't helping.

My problem is I want to make sure I am not going to goof up a good TV just to get something I should of paid for to have in the first place. I am a worry wart and it is usually my luck that I will try something and the worst usually happens.

I have the 58B850

I did change it to a 860.....to try the cinema smooth option.

I have no issues with the video. The issue playing a BD movie set to 24fps is the audio.

The lip sync is terriable and I have to adjust my receiver delay very high to just come close to matching. :(

Anyone else solve the lip sync issue? Is this common for playback set at 24?

My problem is I want to make sure I am not going to goof up a good TV just to get something I should of paid for to have in the first place. I am a worry wart and it is usually my luck that I will try something and the worst usually happens.

I know the feeling as that is usually my luck! :eek:

AFAIK there have been no reports of problems caused by this change, either on the 'B' series or the 'C' series.

If you are happy with the TV my recommendation is leave it alone, really, will 24p make a movie with a bad story better, or do you have to have 2 more mode settings? (Cal night/day)

I think that most of us are 'tweakers', can't leave well enough alone, search for things to change just because we can... I speak from experience, I spend waaaay too much time on this stuff when I should watch the movie and not the picture! ;)

I know the feeling as that is usually my luck! :eek:

AFAIK there have been no reports of problems caused by this change, either on the 'B' series or the 'C' series.

If you are happy with the TV my recommendation is leave it alone, really, will 24p make a movie with a bad story better, or do you have to have 2 more mode settings? (Cal night/day)

I think that most of us are 'tweakers', can't leave well enough alone, search for things to change just because we can... I speak from experience, I spend waaaay too much time on this stuff when I should watch the movie and not the picture! ;)
Well if 24p actually gave some form of better picture/movie quality then I suppose it would be worth it. I agree though with what you are saying. I am still on the fence with this one. It can be changed back though right so no harm done if I dont like it, yes?

Well if 24p actually gave some form of better picture/movie quality then I suppose it would be worth it. I agree though with what you are saying. I am still on the fence with this one. It can be changed back though right so no harm done if I dont like it, yes?

yes, it can be changed back.

I have the 58B850

I did change it to a 860.....to try the cinema smooth option.

I have no issues with the video. The issue playing a BD movie set to 24fps is the audio.

The lip sync is terriable and I have to adjust my receiver delay very high to just come close to matching. :(

Anyone else solve the lip sync issue? Is this common for playback set at 24?

I have a 58C550 and have noticed sync issues when playing back programs using AllShare, I wonder if this is related?

I picked the 58C550 up tonight. So far love it.

H.H.G. had it set up next to a 55C8000 LED and to my eyes the LED had worse blacks, and PQ was the same. However the price was half for the C550.

I thought I would drink the koolaid and go LED but my eyes don't lie.

I am however having an issue with the Blu Ray player. When I hooked up the C550, I seem to only be able to play DVD's. I threw in Avatar which worked fine on the old set, and it loaded for about 2 miniutes then a big red screen came up telling me I need to upgrade my BRP software, in order to play this disk?

Oh no you didn't

Everything work flawlessly:

1.The 24p source viewing,

2. Day/Night Calibration

3. No buzzing

Wish I could get into the advance settings:

1. Would love to able to switch sources in PIP.

2. Would like to have "My Color Control" with the Pink, Green, blue and (Especially) White level options settings. Different from "White Balance" settings.

I downloaded the update to my BRplayer and now all is well
.
I believe my picture is nearly as good as the $7000 Led 9 series BB is cranking out the Avatar demo in the showrooms.

So what should I change my 50C550 to if I want to try and get cinema smooth? 590 or 560? Thanks.

CNet says the C590 can't properly play 24p... I thought Cinema Smooth made this possible? So it's not true 24p playback then??? WTF... Can somebody confirm?

So what should I change my 50C550 to if I want to try and get cinema smooth? 590 or 560? Thanks.

C590... but read XciteMe83's post below.

CNet says the C590 can't properly play 24p... I thought Cinema Smooth made this possible? So it's not true 24p playback then??? WTF... Can somebody confirm?

The following is what cnet said and I can confirm that I saw the same effect when I turned on CS, the opening scene of Attonement (camera pan across room), when I turned it off the that pan smoothed out. I'll have to check out the scene in I am Legend to compare but for now caveat emptor! :o

Video processing: The C590's film mode menu has an option called Cinema Smooth that's designed to handle 1080p/24 content. Unfortunately, it did not work well. When we used it to watch our favorite test scene for proper handling of 1080p/24, the flyover of the deck of the Intrepid from "I Am Legend," we saw an unusual jerking of the entire frame about every half-second. This issue was more distracting in our opinion than the more subtle hitch introduced by standard 2:3 pulldown, which we saw when we turned Cinema Smooth off. Given Samsung's history of updating firmware, we wouldn't surprised if the company issued another "fix" for this issue at some point, but for now we recommend avoiding Cinema Smooth mode.

C590... but read XciteMe83's post below.



The following is what cnet said and I can confirm that I saw the same effect when I turned on CS, the opening scene of Attonement (camera pan across room), when I turned it off the that pan smoothed out. I'll have to check out the scene in I am Legend to compare but for now caveat emptor! :o

Hopefully samsung fixes the cinema smooth with an update. Sucks that something is supposed to make it better actaully makes it play worse.:confused:

Well I did this to my 50" C550 today and it worked! I was able to turn on cinema smooth.

Should I let the tv update through the internet since I changed the model number? Also are there any other differences in the menu or other changes from the 550 to 590? Thanks.

Well I did this to my 50" C550 today and it worked! I was able to turn on cinema smooth.

Should I let the tv update through the internet since I changed the model number? Also are there any other differences in the menu or other changes from the 550 to 590? Thanks.

It would be interesting to hear back how CS works for you, the posts above talk about a couple of movies and scenes that seemed to indicate issues with this setting.

For menu changes, the change to C590 added (of course) CS, Cal-Day and Cal-Night, but not much else from what I can find. I am in the process of mapping out the menu tree on this set for reference...

I too am curious about updates now that it has been set to a quasi-C590, everything on the screen indicates that it thinks it is a C590, but that might not hold up during a firmware update.

No matter which process you use (USB or Internet), both processes ask for confirmation before installing any updates. AFAIK, no updates are forced...to date there have been none available for this TV.

I tried this on my 50PB450, and I had the option of 550, 560, 590, and a bunch of 400 level.

I picked 560.

Changes I've noticed:


USB Media is now active. I tested it with a USB and it plays Pictures and Music :)
Black Level Selector (Off, dark, darker, darkest) - It didn't seem to make a difference so i left it off.

Cinema Smooth - I haven't tried this yet.

Sound level options - looks like preconfigured equilizer settings to pick from


Has anyone tried setting a 450 to 590?

As far as I can tell, going to a 560 from 450 has no negative side effects.

Cheers

does this ONLY work for the "B" models? i have a 450"a" model, and would like to try this out. is there anything for us "a" model owners to mess around with?

It would be interesting to hear back how CS works for you, the posts above talk about a couple of movies and scenes that seemed to indicate issues with this setting.

For menu changes, the change to C590 added (of course) CS, Cal-Day and Cal-Night, but not much else from what I can find. I am in the process of mapping out the menu tree on this set for reference...

I too am curious about updates now that it has been set to a quasi-C590, everything on the screen indicates that it thinks it is a C590, but that might not hold up during a firmware update.

No matter which process you use (USB or Internet), both processes ask for confirmation before installing any updates. AFAIK, no updates are forced...to date there have been none available for this TV.

I went into the service menu on my 50C550 and changed it to the C590 reset the TV to factory default, the menu hadn't changed at all.
When I looked at the model number in the service menu again it said C590.
Why don't the extra changes come up in the settings?

I went into the service menu on my 50C550 and changed it to the C590 reset the TV to factory default, the menu hadn't changed at all.
When I looked at the model number in the service menu again it said C590.
Why don't the extra changes come up in the settings?

The 'new' features will be there, you have to go deeper into the menu structure as the base menu is pretty much identical between a C550 and a C590.

You should have Cinema Smooth (CS), Cal Day and Cal Night now. Keep in mind CS only becomes available when you feed the TV with a 24p source.

Was there something else that you expected to find?

tried changing a 50B530 into a model that activates CAL-DAY and CAL-NIGHT just to see what this fuss was about...

From a calibrator's standpoint, these two picture modes activated on this TV are useless as they do not function like MOVIE mode - they look more like DYNAMIC as stated elsewhere in this thread. I would never watch programming with these modes activated unless the TV was designed to have them activated.

The first test I tried on it I knew right off the bat I didn't need to investigate further. The TV cannot hold black regardless of image content. If adjusting black level in a new CAL mode to a 0% PLUGE, when changing the pattern to a 50% or 100% PLUGE, you've lost all shadow detail (the 4% bar). Turning off the dynamic contrast controls etc, did nothing to solve this. MOVIE MODE maintains the correct level and calibrates wonderfully afterwards.

Not sure what the advantage would be then to change the model of these sets. The issues with the 24p playback cinema smooth not worth it. I sort of skipped through these posts so if I missed anything groundbreaking, feel free to share it with me here.

My conclusion is that if you want these modes officially...you need to spend the extra $$ on the TV that's designed to have it. That's why they are more money. No point in activating something if it only works half-assed or not at all.

The only groundbreaking thing missed would be the value of this TV.
Tricks or no tricks, this TV is a champ!

Does anyone know if there is some way in the service menu to make the display brighter but maintain calibration? I have been doing calibrations with ColorHCFR and i1Display LT for the last couple weeks but I can't get a really good reading unless the contrast is down at like 75 and the brightness to about 50 which is too dark for my liking so I bump up the contrast and the brightness to about 90 and 54 respectively. Using movie mode/warm2 for settings. Service menu frightens me but I just can't get this display looking as bright as my old LCD which I think is what I'm trying to do. I mean the calibrations are close but I'm trying to force myself into watching a properly calibrated TV with the right colors because I want to adjust to watching things correctly. Before I seemed to set it with higher blues when I was doing it by eye which obviously is a bit more bright so I think that is what I'm trying to achieve. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

to michael the thx guy,you nailed it.the only thing gained by the service menu model switch is cinema smooth that all reports say doesnt work well and usb function that is on my 540 and i never use.:)

The only groundbreaking thing missed would be the value of this TV.
Tricks or no tricks, this TV is a champ!

I agree. It's a good set. Samsung did a great job with their C-series this year. The CMS in the C6 series makes it that much better.

Does anyone know if there is some way in the service menu to make the display brighter but maintain calibration? I have been doing calibrations with ColorHCFR and i1Display LT for the last couple weeks but I can't get a really good reading unless the contrast is down at like 75 and the brightness to about 50 which is too dark for my liking... Service menu frightens me but I just can't get this display looking as bright as my old LCD which I think is what I'm trying to do. I mean the calibrations are close...

Hi there Mr. FuzzyReets

Your calibrations will be only "close" with the equipment you are using...but it's better than doing nothing at all...so there will be a time when you'll have to settle with something you like.

Maintaining calibration with a brighter white level could be possible but generally there are compromises in grayscale throughout the range. With CELL LIGHT set to 10 and CONTRAST set to 100, the 50" set pumps out 50fL in MOVIE mode which is plenty of light output even for a room with windows open. There will be some non-linearities in the grayscale with contrast set at 100 (note the set does not clip at max), but if that is something you are willing to sacrifice for light output then that is what you'll need to do.

If you found your black level too deep when correctly setting PLUGE, I would not recommend raising black level so information below black is seen. You still want to get the most usable dynamic range possible. What I'll recommend you to do is set the black level correctly and change your gamma control (how quickly the TV rises out of black). Not every Samsung is the same between panels in the same model number or between different model numbers...but you can use these as a general guideline or measure yourself.

If we divide the video signal in "half" with our video patterns (50% box pattern is only 18% of luma), setting the Samsung's gamma control to:

-2 is about 2.2 in the darker parts of the image, 2.5 in the brighter
-1 is about 2.0 in the darker parts of the image, 2.3 in the brighter
0 is about 2.0 across the board
+1 is about 1.7 in darker parts, 2.0 in the brighter

If you watch a lot of TV with lights on in the room, you'll want a gamma of about 1.9-2.0. Dim lighting 2.2, and dark room 2.4...Don't forget to check black level again after setting it... So pick a target, and with some craftiness with the controls (brightness, contrast, gamma, grayscale) you can get a relatively consistent gamma across all light levels.

I'm using B560 connecte to a HTPC, but i'm unable to see the CS option in the menu. I've set the refresh rate to 24hz and i still see the cinema smooth option... any idea what can i do? the pc i have is using an ati hd 5450 with an i3 cpu.

I just changed my C7000 to the C8000, and was wondering, when I update the firmware should I download and install the C7000 updates from Samsung's site or should I be doing the C8000 updates?

I tried changing to a c6500 in the service menu to get the extra calibration options for that model.

While just an experiment, the extra options did come up though they didn't seem to work properly. When I tried to adjust the secondry colors the TV went out, and I had to disconnect from the wall to restore. Additionally, there was no sound (the c6500 has a SRS system). I suspect that if you fiddle around with the model numbers too much there may be the possibilty of damaging something.

When I changed back to a C550, all the service menu whitebalance adjustments had reset - unfortunately I didn't take a screen shot of settings prior. Nevertheless, contrast is a lot wider now, and I can nearly remove the green halos in movie mode SD content. This has come at a the loss of a little detail in blacks (clipping), though overall the look is a lot more punchy.

To the poster that was having trouble getting a bright enough picture calibrating through the menu, I could just about guarantee you will find the adjustment you are seeking through white balance in the service menu (range for offset and gain goes from 0 to 1024 - default is 512. Gamma goes from 0 -256). I would love to know how to turn off the different picture modes to use these native settings. Just remember to make a note of the factory settings before you change anything.

To the poster that was having trouble getting a bright enough picture calibrating through the menu, I could just about guarantee you will find the adjustment you are seeking through white balance in the service menu (range for offset and gain goes from 0 to 1024 - default is 512. Gamma goes from 0 -256). I would love to know how to turn off the different picture modes to use these native settings. Just remember to make a note of the factory settings before you change anything.

That'd be me. Yeah I mean I have to it to a point now that I like it for the most part. I bumped up the contrast, brightness, gamma, and a tad more blue offset and gain and I think I have it to where I like it but ultimately I would like to get it brighter with maybe some better settings. I have it pretty dead on according to Color HCFR and I swear it has some issue with green. I think I could almost guarantee that the calibrated settings it wants have a bit of a green tint to them, unless it's just my eyes. If I add a tad more blue, it seems to come together for me.

As much as I'd like to (and probably will at some point) I think I'm going to stay away from the service menu for now. I feel like I have spent more time tinkering with getting my settings the way I want them then actually enjoying the TV. Every time I see something I think looks off I start tinkering....two hours later I'm done and think I have improved but then like 2 days later I see something and go through it again....repeat, repeat, etc etc. I love to tinker and always feel there is something that looks better but I'm trying to resist that temptation and just enjoy the TV and concentrate on the movies I'm watching instead of what every single scene looks like.

I'd really like to just take a peek in the service menu and see what is there but I feel like it's going to reset things that I'll never get back to the way I want them even if I record the settings and put them back when I'm done. I know in my mind I will think something is different and it will piss me off. Just the way I am. I have tinkered in the service menu in my older Sammy LCD and that does have a wider range of things which I'm sure is similar to this TV.

Can anyone confirm what will happen to my current settings if I were to go into the service menu to take a peek? Or does anyone have a layout of what settings are in this TV's service menu? Thanks.

going in and out of service will not reset things. your TV will just default to dynamic mode when you reboot. just turn the overall picture setting back to where it used to be (eg. MOVIE). if you change the "model number" of the TV, yes, everything will reset.

Make sure the set is fully powered off and then press mute, 1, 8, 2, power on the remote.

Do you mean switched off at the wall or powered down into standby mode using the remote?

After powering down to standby mode (red light still flickers), when I press 1 on the remote the TV switches on and tries to tune to the first channel, hence my confusion.

Thanks.

Do you mean switched off at the wall or powered down into standby mode using the remote?

After powering down to standby mode (red light still flickers), when I press 1 on the remote the TV switches on and tries to tune to the first channel, hence my confusion.

Thanks.

Did you press 'mute" first?

I'm less interested in color accuracy than in the judder/strobing issues of frame rate processing. I'm a little worried about my purchase now.

Noticing an irritating amount of judder in panning shots got me looking at netflix. From there my attention was directed at the blu ray player and then on to the television itself. A google search led me to the owners thread on this model and then finally here to this thread. So my PN50C550 does not have Cinema Smooth. But apparantly, at least, the judder is not something I've only imagined or 'nit picked' on this television. But CNET suggests that I'm not missing much anyway without the Cinema Smooth.

So what's a guy to do now? Can I at least rest somewhat assured that the panning judder I notice is no worse than on other sets, including LEDs, in this price range? For god's sake, my choice of plasma was HUGELY influenced by its generally high scores on "motion blur" since I'd found that to be so irritating in the past when viewing friends HDTVs (this is my first). I realize that, technically, panning judder is only a subset of the broader category of motion blur affecting HDTV and its various screen types and frame rate/pixel assignment/pull-down programming hijinx.

Any other settings options for this on my television? Can I hope for firmware updates from Samsung to address this? Is any of this inherent to my hardware/screen and unlikey to find remedy anyway?

I'm less interested in color accuracy than in the judder/strobing issues of frame rate processing. I'm a little worried about my purchase now.

Noticing an irritating amount of judder in panning shots got me looking at netflix. From there my attention was directed at the blu ray player and then on to the television itself. A google search led me to the owners thread on this model and then finally here to this thread. So my PN50C550 does not have Cinema Smooth. But apparantly, at least, the judder is not something I've only imagined or 'nit picked' on this television. But CNET suggests that I'm not missing much anyway without the Cinema Smooth.

So what's a guy to do now? Can I at least rest somewhat assured that the panning judder I notice is no worse than on other sets, including LEDs, in this price range? For god's sake, my choice of plasma was HUGELY influenced by its generally high scores on "motion blur" since I'd found that to be so irritating in the past when viewing friends HDTVs (this is my first). I realize that, technically, panning judder is only a subset of the broader category of motion blur affecting HDTV and its various screen types and frame rate/pixel assignment/pull-down programming hijinx.

Any other settings options for this on my television? Can I hope for firmware updates from Samsung to address this? Is any of this inherent to my hardware/screen and unlikey to find remedy anyway?


tsk, tsk cross posting the same question here, time to go back to the PNxxC550 thread and read my response! ;)

I agree. It's a good set. Samsung did a great job with their C-series this year. The CMS in the C6 series makes it that much better.



Hi there Mr. FuzzyReets

Your calibrations will be only "close" with the equipment you are using...but it's better than doing nothing at all...so there will be a time when you'll have to settle with something you like.

Maintaining calibration with a brighter white level could be possible but generally there are compromises in grayscale throughout the range. With CELL LIGHT set to 10 and CONTRAST set to 100, the 50" set pumps out 50fL in MOVIE mode which is plenty of light output even for a room with windows open. There will be some non-linearities in the grayscale with contrast set at 100 (note the set does not clip at max), but if that is something you are willing to sacrifice for light output then that is what you'll need to do.

If you found your black level too deep when correctly setting PLUGE, I would not recommend raising black level so information below black is seen. You still want to get the most usable dynamic range possible. What I'll recommend you to do is set the black level correctly and change your gamma control (how quickly the TV rises out of black). Not every Samsung is the same between panels in the same model number or between different model numbers...but you can use these as a general guideline or measure yourself.

If we divide the video signal in "half" with our video patterns (50% box pattern is only 18% of luma), setting the Samsung's gamma control to:

-2 is about 2.2 in the darker parts of the image, 2.5 in the brighter
-1 is about 2.0 in the darker parts of the image, 2.3 in the brighter
0 is about 2.0 across the board
+1 is about 1.7 in darker parts, 2.0 in the brighter

If you watch a lot of TV with lights on in the room, you'll want a gamma of about 1.9-2.0. Dim lighting 2.2, and dark room 2.4...Don't forget to check black level again after setting it... So pick a target, and with some craftiness with the controls (brightness, contrast, gamma, grayscale) you can get a relatively consistent gamma across all light levels.

I know this thread is a bit old, but I was wondering if there are any setting recommendations? I bought a Panasonic 42" S2 for the bedroom and the setting recommendations on this site were amazing. The Samsung PN50B560 is the living room set, but I realized after setting up the Panasonic that the Samsung was WAY off. You calibrating experts.... please post your B560 settings.