The Official Sony 30XS955 Thread [Text View] - Page 2

bullgates

11-09-05, 01:47 PM

No, I understand that I won't be getting true HD, but I look at it this way:

I had absolutely no problem with my DVD's when I had an SDTV. Now I have an HDTV and picture looks bad.

Haven't got a cableCARD yet, so my next visual experience will be with the Xbox360.

1. Try turning the sharpness all the way down or close to it.

2. Use Pro mode

3. Picture down a few nothces
4. Brightness up a bit
5. Color down a bit
6. Color Temp = Neutral
7. Clear Edge VM = OFF
8. Color Axis = Monitor

You'll most likely have to get a calibration DVD if you want to fine to f or your own equipment.

I have 2 30's and both were pretty much the same what I listed.

lancejustice

11-09-05, 02:00 PM

dlhunt0410

11-09-05, 02:13 PM

The unit is a display model, so I figure 5 yrs coverage for under 100 is a good deal. The surge protector is a good idea, I know, but I am hoping to pay 20 or 30, not 100. I think I asked b4, but can anyone give me the name of a relatively cheap but good surge protector.

We got a good deal on a Panamax surge protector for around $20~$30.

I believe my wife got it at a Home Depot or Lowes.

I used to work at a high end AV store years ago and we used to sell a lot of the

Panamax surge protectors.

high def mon

11-09-05, 02:37 PM

High all

To Five or any one else that is thinking about buying a stand that moves or swivels. I have a homemade stand that swivels my xs955. When you turn the TV on it automatically degausses itself, however when you move this behemoth you may notice some discoloration in the corners. This is what gauss looks like and can be removed by turing the TV off and on again.
I went to my local hardware store and bought the ballbearing part to a lazy susan mounted it to a peace of 3/4 ply wood of the appropriate size, sat that on an sturdy old bedroom end table. Take note that you might have to shim the lazy susan if it wants to rotate on its own.

tacitus

11-09-05, 04:12 PM

How is that unit holding up under the weight of the 30XS? Ikea's website says it can only hold 40kg/88lbs.... about half the weight of the 30xs...

Actually, this particular TV table is the one with the following specs - its a annoying that ikea choose not to put part numbers on their site (at least not that I could find). Its the one which is silver colored.

Width: 35 3/8 "
Depth: 23 1/4 "
Height: 15 3/4 "
Max. load: 220 lb

Width: 90 cm
Depth: 59 cm
Height: 40 cm
Max. load: 100 kg

Brian E

11-09-05, 06:28 PM

This is the one I bought for my KD30XS955 and I love it!

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Z-line-Designs-44-Stand-SKYLAR44S-/sem/rpsm/oid/126257/catOid/-12892/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

mjoshi

11-09-05, 09:09 PM

DaylightSM

11-09-05, 10:11 PM

I got cablecard yesterday and gave up my HDTV cable box. Now I'm seeing problem with Cable Card, no program guide at all. And I cannot get any channel above 100 on my Tivo because the incoming cable is not passing anything above 100. Although picture quality is better on Cablecard compared to cablebox but still it is lot inconvenient. I think I might go back to cablebox as I cannot record any of my HBO programs with current configuration. Is there anyway to make Tivo work with cablecard ? Also when I use cable directly from wall into TV (UHF/VHF) connection and do autoprogram, I dont get any HDTV channels. It seems Comcast is blocking all HDTV channels in my area.

I have sort of a primitive workaround for this situation, that works just fine for me. I have both a SD cable box and a CableCard. The coax line coming from the wall is split in two --- one goes to the TV/Cablecard; the other goes to the SD cable box, which in turn feeds the tivo, which in turn goes to a secondary input on the TV.

The reason I'm using a standard-def cable box is that my cable company charges an extra $10/month for an HD box... since I'm getting HD via the CableCard, and since TiVo can't handle HD anyway, this is the best of both worlds... TiVo can record everything (except the HD channels) and I get the purest of pure signals via the CableCard.

This should solve your other problem as well...

I saw this solution posted on here a few months ago, and thought it seemed a bit too complicated, but it's actually much simpler than it may sound at first...

DaylightSM

11-09-05, 10:17 PM

no program guide at all.

This is definitely a drawback. Since we keep our wireless laptop in the living room, I always just keep a web window open to TV Guide... or just flip over to the TiVo input and check the guide there.... It's tough to get used to, but it's better than nothing.

The 30XS does pick up some program titles, runtimes, etc., but only the SD channels... but you can't collate them all into a grid format

bullgates

11-10-05, 05:21 AM

This is definitely a drawback. Since we keep our wireless laptop in the living room, I always just keep a web window open to TV Guide... or just flip over to the TiVo input and check the guide there.... It's tough to get used to, but it's better than nothing.

The 30XS does pick up some program titles, runtimes, etc., but only the SD channels... but you can't collate them all into a grid format

My HD stations (both ota and cable) display show title, info, time.....

five

11-10-05, 09:28 AM

My HD stations (both ota and cable) display show title, info, time.....
With a cablecard? I didn't think that was possible. The data is only incoming right?

DaylightSM

11-10-05, 09:46 AM

With a cablecard? I didn't think that was possible. The data is only incoming right?

Yep, the data is only incoming ... the program titles, ratings, runtimes, are fed as an incoming signal, decoded by the tv. this is fairly commonplace, especially on the major broadcast networks ... tvs have been around for years that can decode this information. So, it's not quite a "program guide" but it's better than nothing.

five

11-10-05, 10:31 AM

Take note that you might have to shim the lazy susan if it wants to rotate on its own.
What does that mean?

investor27

11-10-05, 11:57 AM

I just purchased the Sony 30XS955 for my wife's room after reading all the comments on this board. I remember people stating how great the black levels were on this unit. But our unit has very poor brightness, and I'm a little disappointed. I don't know if my unit is defective or not so I'm posting here to see if any kind person here can offer some advice as to how to fix this.

Our unit has gone through the requisite 1000 hours, and it's still very dull and dark on all inputs (including HDMI). Good dark levels are supposed to bring out the contrast and detail in the overall quality of the image, I know, but this is not what is happening here. Our other cheap Sanyo 32 inch HDTV with the same cable inputs is more than twice brighter than the Sony, and the Sanyo brightness and contrast levels are set slightly below the middle after using our DVD disc calibration from Sound and Vision on both sets. Our Sony is set on Pro setting with brightness at new max at 58 and contrast at 45 and the overall pictures on all inputs are just dark. I don't know how many of you have the contrast at 32 and brightness at 50 or below, because you can't see anything there (detailed or not).

We can't really transport this thing back to Bestbuy, and so we must make dues with what we have. Any advise here on how to correct the issue (whether using the service menu or what not) would greatly be appreciated.

DaylightSM

11-10-05, 12:49 PM

Our Sony is set on Pro setting....

I never watch on the "Pro" setting ... how many other folks do?

investor27

11-10-05, 01:30 PM

Almost all of them. Every person who had posted their settings either on this thread or other for this model has advised to leave on Pro setting.

greg du jour

11-10-05, 01:41 PM

What & where is the Pro setting? I'm only 3 days into mine..

investor27

11-10-05, 02:25 PM

If you check your video setting, you have various options like Vivid, pro, cinema, etc. Check your manual for additional info. I hope this helps.

bullgates

11-10-05, 02:36 PM

With a cablecard? I didn't think that was possible. The data is only incoming right?

Over ATSC and QAM tuners. I don't use cablecard.

nick-g

11-10-05, 02:55 PM

For the brightness thing, I have been struggling with this too. I found that the picture looks clearer on neutral color setting (in warm its like watching TV with sunglasses on) with my brightness turned up a bit and the color axis set to normal (monitor, though it tones down the reds, also makes the other colors look too dull to me). My HD programs look really good, but SD is still a bit cloudy or dull and I don't know if there is anything more to do.

five

11-10-05, 03:23 PM

Over ATSC and QAM tuners. I don't use cablecard.
mjoshi is using a cablecard. That's why the tv guide is not showing up.

five

11-10-05, 04:27 PM

I went to my local hardware store and bought the ballbearing part to a lazy susan mounted it to a peace of 3/4 ply wood of the appropriate size, sat that on an sturdy old bedroom end table. Take note that you might have to shim the lazy susan if it wants to rotate on its own.
I got one from a local store that I am going to try 6" (500 lb. cap) one later tonight. I am going to take it a step further and make my whole stand swivel.

At least that's what I am going to try anyways.

(Thanks for the idea high def.)

high def mon

11-11-05, 11:57 AM

High all

Originally Posted by high def mon
Take note that you might have to shim the lazy susan if it wants to rotate on its own.

QUOTE=five]What does that mean?[/QUOTE]

As the TV rotates the weight distribution changes it wants to find a balanced resting place, This however may not be the position best for viewing, so I use a cedar shim (lightly jammed between the bearings and the table) to stop the rotation. You might want a door stop since your lazy susan is closer to the floor. The friction from the carpet might be enough. Then again maybe you won't have this problem at all, hope so. Just make sure the set up is safe!

mjoshi

11-11-05, 08:13 PM

After using cable card for last 2 days I'm seeing very big improvement in picture compared to being fed from cablebox. I think I'll need to get cablebox only for the purpose of Tivo otherwise I dont need cablebox. There is issue with TVguide but when you compare with improvement in picture it is worth moving to cablecard.

J.C. Eagle

11-12-05, 01:05 PM

Is anyone able to get program info from their CableCARD?

Mine was installed four days ago, but it still doesn't have any program listings. Would the "Reset CableCARD" option in the menu help?

DaylightSM

11-12-05, 02:13 PM

Is anyone able to get program info from their CableCARD?

Mine was installed four days ago, but it still doesn't have any program listings. Would the "Reset CableCARD" option in the menu help?

CableCards do not allow program listings, that's one of the downfalls of the system. You may, however, be able to get occasional program titles, ratings, etc., originating from the networks... but nothing elaborate like what is provided by a cable box.

ambiades

11-12-05, 03:44 PM

Hey, I have a question about this TV's built in tuner. I'm not subscribed to cable at all, I'm currently subscribed to SD DirecTV with local channels. At the moment, I can't upgrade to HD DirecTV. My question is can I receive local broadcast HD channels without being subscibed to cable? From what I've read, I've found that HD channels can only be received if the standard analog cable is plugged in. Also, if I can receive these channels, is this possible straight out of the box or do I need to purchase an OTV antenna?

kny3twalker

11-12-05, 04:20 PM

you will need to purchase an antenna
DirecTV does not work the same as cable
they use a modified version of DVB S (cause it is mpeg1.5 or something, unlike Dish which uses mpeg2) and cable is QAM
cable was forced by the FCC to make it so there could be digital cable ready TVs
meaning cable card slots in TVs
so that meant that cable would have to be tunable by the ATSC tuner in HDTVs

your TV will never tune any of DirecTV content, you will always have to use an external box with DirecTV

and just wait once you get an antenna, you will see much better HD is than DirecTV

dc_pilgrim

11-12-05, 07:06 PM

Check out antennaweb.org to see how far from the broadcast towers you are. This will also give you guidlines for types of antenna's to consider. Then look in the HDTV forum, for your local thread which should help a lot. You ATSC tuner + an appropriate antenna is all you need to pick up OTA (if available).

Mike__P

11-14-05, 01:05 PM

did you actually count?
, cause I had to program the time into my Harmony remote so it knows when to switch inputs
and it was just over 10 seconds although it certainly does not seem that long

Same here. This is really annoying for remote control macros because inputs can't be selected while it is "warming up". Do all of the xs series do this?

Sixtywatz

11-14-05, 02:32 PM

Hi everyone.

I was lucky enough to stumble on all the mythology and actuality of how wonderful the 30xs955 is. I immediately returned my LG 30FZ4D as soon as I heard about the 30xs955. When I found out that I could get the 30xs955 for cheaper than the LG and get a 50 dollar gift certificate i was immediately sold. Sounds like I got more value, quality, and reliability out of this deal.

My only question is if I should go through Ken Tech's long ass guide to pimping sony's. It seems to me that some of the stuff he was talking about was clearly beyond me. Also I noticed he contradicts himself and goes back and changes things. So if you start the post than you'd have to finish all 23 pages ::Geeesh::. If anyone has any highlights than that would be much appreciated.

Also is AVIA or DVE better? Avia implies being more "userfriendly" but I'm sure I can find out info about how to use each one on the internet right?

Finally, what are some things that the average consumer would ignore and the more veteran TV viewer would see that proves the TV is absolutely screwed and needs service or should be returned?

-Chris

MaxDam77

11-14-05, 03:19 PM

lancejustice

11-14-05, 03:43 PM

mjoshi

11-14-05, 04:52 PM

I just called Sony style and was told that the 5 yr extended warranty would be 179.00. I told them others got it for 96/119 but he said they charge based on what it would cost them to replace it, not what I paid for it. Any ideas.

Thanks

try again and see if you get different rep. I bought mine for 96USD based on price of 686. And also tell them that when time comes to replace cost of TV wont be 1299 for which they are charging you.

Dennito

11-14-05, 05:12 PM

I've had this set for a couple of weeks. I also have an XBR 910 and a JVC LCD. I think the XS has the best picture of the 3 of them. You might want to put the picture setting on "standard". It is the setting most compatible with SD TV broadcasts and to some extent, many DVDs. If you view the TV in a well lit room, you'll naturally have to turn up the picture and brightness settings to compensate. SD can look "smeary" or dull on a HD set because it has twice the resolution and exposes the liabilities of SD. My SD viewing improved when I dropped Dish Network and went to Comcast. I was seeing a lot of digitalization/compression on the Dish. I hope this helps. Keep the set, it is terrific.

lancejustice

11-14-05, 06:48 PM

Which sony number did you call to get the warranty. Maybe I am just talking to the wrong people.

Thanks

Brian E

11-14-05, 09:49 PM

The extended 5 year service plan for my KD30XS955 was $119.00.
Try another rep, they asked me how much I paid for the TV and quoted me a price based on $763.00
Call 1-877-865-7669, option #1 and option #7.
Good luck.

PS I got e-mail confirmation of the purchase within minutes of placing the order.

Brian E

lancejustice

11-15-05, 12:52 PM

I have not registered my t.v yet, does that make a difference? How do they confirm what you paid for it. I think I paid 673?

Brian E

11-15-05, 04:09 PM

I have not registered my t.v yet, does that make a difference? How do they confirm what you paid for it. I think I paid 673?

1) Not sure.
I did register mine first.
They did ask me for my serial number and date of tv purchase while on the phone .

2) The honor system. (although I am sure that Sony gets a record of the purchase from the selling store)

lancejustice

11-15-05, 06:58 PM

How long after date of purchase can you get the warranty? I will try to register mine tonight or tomorrow in case that is an issue. When I talked to them, they didn't ask for anything, they just told me it would be 179.00. I do recall now that the first guy I talked to passed me to his supervisor as soon as I told him that it was an xs955.

Sixtywatz

11-16-05, 12:05 AM

Hi Guys,

Finally got the 30XS955 shipped into my home. It's beautiful, and watching Indiana Jones well... it made me.... all warm inside.

Was just about to ask how to test digital internal tuner but now all of a sudde it seems to be recognizing all sorts of channels.

This tv is awesome.

Thank you everyone for being a wonderful source of information. Now I can't wait to get xbox 360 now that shiznat will make me cream my pants.... = )

DaylightSM

11-16-05, 12:11 AM

Congrats, Sixty... enjoy!

bigevan23

11-16-05, 11:35 AM

Ico-Jones

11-16-05, 02:33 PM

I bought this stand on overstock.com:

http://www.overstock.com/cgi-bin/d2.cgi?page=proframe&prod_id=1400276

It is solid wood, assembles easily and is a near perfect fit for the tv. Search the web for some overstock coupons and you can get it even cheaper.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

dc_pilgrim

11-16-05, 06:19 PM

Greetings all, first post so please pardon any naivete off the bat.

I am looking to purchase the 30XS955 right away and I have noticed some people mentioning sub $800 prices. Searches on dealtime and other pricebots haven't been anywhere near as low...usually around the $950-1110. Are there other rebates or incentives that still exist, enabling this TV to be purchased at such a low price? Please advise, any information would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,

Evan

If your local best-buy has one in stock, you can get it for $763+tax. Might get a $50 g.c. back, and a few bucks with their 'reward zone'. You need it to find one in stock (hard part), and have the 15% clearance coupon (easy).

All the details are in this thread.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=590841

Last time I checked the coupon expires 11/19. They may have extended it, if not, act fast.

picachux

11-16-05, 06:33 PM

Hadoken

11-17-05, 08:18 AM

bradbomb

11-17-05, 09:50 AM

Sorry, I'm sure you guys are sick of answering Xbox 360 questions, but I have one more.

The 360 can be played in 720p or 1080i, but apparently it's native to 720p and upconverts to 1080i. So my question is, which would provide better quality, run the 360 set to its native 720p and then have the TV upconvert to 1080i, or just set the 360 to 1080i and let the TV have what it wants?

Thanks

That question will be best answered by yourself when you try it out because its all about your preference to it. You have to test and see which upscaler works better, the xbox's or the TV cause either one of them is going to upscale the 720p info to 1080i

Eluder

11-17-05, 02:46 PM

Actually, I don't believe this is true, the 360 doesn't have a native resolution, it's whatever resolution the game developer wants to output to. For example: Gotham 3 is 720p, but Perfect Dark Zero is 1080i.

Sorry, I'm sure you guys are sick of answering Xbox 360 questions, but I have one more.

The 360 can be played in 720p or 1080i, but apparently it's native to 720p and upconverts to 1080i. So my question is, which would provide better quality, run the 360 set to its native 720p and then have the TV upconvert to 1080i, or just set the 360 to 1080i and let the TV have what it wants?

Thanks

Copingsaw

11-22-05, 01:38 PM

I just wanted to thank those who posted in this thread and lead me to a great deal on a fantastic TV this past weekend.

Picked up the 30XS955 at Best Buy on Saturday. After the 10% open box and 15% internet only coupon, I paid $687 final price. That doesn't include the $50 mail in gift certificate/rebate that I also received. Without this thread and these forums I probably would have ended up with a lesser set at a much higher price.

ambiades

11-22-05, 09:04 PM

hello again. unfortunately, i have a big problem. i recently purchased an xbox 360 along with my xs955, and while it looks absolutely insane in HD, i have a major problem. i'm having a horizontal geometry issue where the right side of the screen is being clipped off (in 720p and 1080i). it's like i need to center the image horizontally, but i can't find the option in the tv menu or xbox 360 menu. any ideas?

EDIT: i got response from someone in the home theater thread and here is what he had to say - "Sounds like a horizontal timing issue. I've seen this on some inexpensive transcoders when going from Component to RGBhv, and the Sony is taking the Component signal you are feeding it and converting it to RGBhv to the tube. I doubt you will find anything in the X360, and unless something appears in the way of a service menu you are probably SOL."

is this really true? if so, should i just return it as defective and get another?

kny3twalker

11-23-05, 03:07 AM

is this really true? if so, should i just return it as defective and get another?

that person is smoking something

the issue can be corrected in the service menu either through horizontal aligment and/or overscan adjustment

I found my KD30XS955, overscans more with the HDMI input than with the tuner itself
so there is a chance the component input is doing the same

by the way you are not converting RGB to Y Pb Pr component anyways
the xbox360 is outputting component as far as I know
and if it is transcoding RGB to component thats would be an issue with the xbox

but in reality!!!!
it sounds like an easily adjustable service menu fix

you can call Sony and ask them to do it
or becareful, and you can do it yourself

J.C. Eagle

11-23-05, 10:56 PM

Does this TV support 720p natively, or does it upconvert the signal to 1080i?

Larry Fletcher

11-24-05, 01:54 AM

Please help. turned on Tv and xbox 360. I started to rip a cd to my xbox 360 so I turned the Tv off. After about 15 minutes i turned it back on . Red light flashed a few times but after that I get nothing. no sound no picture? please help. :confused:

kny3twalker

11-24-05, 03:13 AM

Does this TV support 720p natively, or does it upconvert the signal to 1080i?
answered a million times do search if you want the reasons and explanation but it only display 1080i for HD sources

high def mon

11-24-05, 03:29 PM

justsc

11-24-05, 06:07 PM

If a quick unplug and replug doesn't work, then unplug the tv from any and all power sources and leave it that way for at least 2 hours. The plug it back in and give it a try.

Ico-Jones

11-24-05, 08:46 PM

I'm having a problem since I switched from Directv to cable. The cable box is connected to one of the component inputs (#5). I also have a DVD player connected to the HDMI input. These are the only two inputs that I am using. I have changed the input label to "skip" for all the other inputs, but when I hit the tv/video button it cycles through input5/input7/cable input. It did not do this when I had the Directv box hooked in to an S-video input. It is really annoying and I'd love a solution if anyone has one.

Thanks!

Larry Fletcher

11-24-05, 08:58 PM

Thanks!! I unplugged it from the wall for a while then plugged it back in and it worked. :)

mboland

11-26-05, 05:43 PM

Any 30XS955 owners out there with a XBOX 360? Tell us what to expect when we are able to get one too.

Mike

kny3twalker

11-26-05, 07:02 PM

read the XBR960, XBR910 xbox360 thread
it is will be the same on the XS955 models

Scott MS

11-27-05, 09:12 AM

Any 30XS955 owners out there with a XBOX 360? Tell us what to expect when we are able to get one too.

Mike

The 30XS955 is an awesome display for the Xbox 360. I just picked it up a couple of weeks ago (via the Best Buy/coupon/closeout deal) and couldn't be happier. Added Xbox 360 on Tuesday and the picture is incredible. You can tell the difference between game developed in 720p (like PGR3) and games that support full 1080i (like Madden 06).

Scott MS

11-27-05, 09:16 AM

Thanks!! I unplugged it from the wall for a while then plugged it back in and it worked. :)

Probably because your Xbox 360 is sucking so much power running at 203W. If you don't have a good quality Powerstrip, I would get one. Good quality would be something more than $30 from companies like Panamax.

Jerm357

11-28-05, 09:33 PM

Does every one have there 30XS955 set to the warm color temp and pro setting?If so I was just wondering what is wrong with the standard setting? Is it that the pro is just a better starting point because every thing is in the middle? And is the pro setting best for just dvds or for dvds and tv

kny3twalker

11-28-05, 09:46 PM

I use movie for DVDs and movies sometimes on directv
pro mode for all HDTV and over the air DTV
and standard or pro for all other directv

playstat88

11-28-05, 11:06 PM

oh man i want this tv so bad you guys are so lucky....anyone kno if they're ever gonna go down in price again (and when)

kny3twalker

11-28-05, 11:17 PM

Crutchfield is currently selling the TV for 1050 after the 50 off 250 coupon
and thats shipped and setup in your home
with no interest no payments for 18 months

and it is possible that Sony may discontinue the 30" cause it has not been updated to the XS955N like the 34" sets
so you might consider getting while you can

matted

11-29-05, 03:52 AM

Actually, I don't believe this is true, the 360 doesn't have a native resolution, it's whatever resolution the game developer wants to output to. For example: Gotham 3 is 720p, but Perfect Dark Zero is 1080i.

From what I understand the 360's ATI graphics chip renders natively to 720p (actually, 1376x768) regardless of your settings, and everything else is the scaler.

I've seen this mentioned numerous times, but in a pinch I could only find one article mentioning it. From Gamespot:

"The Xbox 360 renders all games natively at 720p, so it's only natural that everything coming out of the 360 looks great at that resolution." (http://www.gamespot.com/features/6140186/index.html)

kny3twalker

11-29-05, 11:59 AM

720p is 1280x720
and I have heard games will be 720p and 1080i based on the game developer
but all 1080i games will be 720p native as well
just like with the older xbox where the developer could what resolutions were available
and there is a scaler to upscale 720p to 1080i

matted

11-29-05, 04:48 PM

720p is 1280x720

Yes, but the ATI chip renders to 1376x768 as far as I know.

Jerm357

11-29-05, 08:34 PM

What about the color temp? Does everyone use warm? I started with the neutral setting when I first got the set, But after awile I think the warm gives better colors. Does every one feel the same?

kny3twalker

11-29-05, 09:37 PM

warm is the correct color axis for NTSC
pro IMO looks better for HDTV though

Yes, but the ATI chip renders to 1376x768 as far as I know.

why would it do that? and where did you read that

M$ is using Samsung 720p native LCDs for store displays

seems like a strange decision if thats the case
and what TVs accept 768p as input

none afaik over component
VGA is a different story though more than likely on most TVs

nick-g

11-29-05, 11:23 PM

What about the color temp? Does everyone use warm? I started with the neutral setting when I first got the set, But after awile I think the warm gives better colors. Does every one feel the same?

I think warm makes everything look too tinted...like I am wearing sunglasses. I know this is "wrong," but instead I set it to neutral and to keep things from looking too green/grey, I leave the color axis to 'default' rather than monitor. It keeps the whites white and the colors are not dull or greenish.

nick-g

11-30-05, 12:49 AM

I have a question about watching DVD's on my TV (the 955). My DVD player is a JVC N50 that is a couple of years old, so I thought the obvious thing to do was to leave it on standard output and let the TV do the conversion via the DRC (CineMotion), but after doing some more reading it seems like my player's interlaced output is actually re interlaced. According to a couple of posters here on this forum, the chip in the N50 creates a 480p image and then recreates the 480i image if PS is not activated. So, would I be smarter to leave my set up how it is (DVD outputting 480i and TV's DRC doing its thing) or turn on the PS on the DVD to counter act this re-interlacing? Perhaps this is the wrong place for this question, but I thought I'd put it out there.

Thanks

kny3twalker

11-30-05, 01:16 AM

sounds like you should turn on progressive scan
(I have never heard of any DVD player doing that though)

and then compare images

justsc

11-30-05, 02:34 PM

Over in the display calibration forum there's a sticky near the top where AVS members can get special pricing on a dvd that puts video processor through a cadre of tough tests.

I purchased this disc long ago and use it to compare tvs at shops as well as in helping others decide just what you're asking about - whether to use the tv's processor (DRC) or the dvd player's processor.

FWIW, I used this disc with my 34" Sony and it was clear that the dvd player in progressive scan did a much better job and the tv.

edouble

11-30-05, 02:47 PM

Yea I'm really thinking hard about this set too. Too bad I didn't start looking into it until after the BB clearance.

nick-g

11-30-05, 02:48 PM

Thanks for the heads up on that DVD! I found the post I was referring to:

Posted by: dmunsil

The JVCs are not good players to use for interlaced, because (like all Mediamatics-based players) they derive their interlaced output from the progressive frame buffer. For normally-flagged film content, this doesn't usually matter. For video content, the video is first deinterlaced using a simple algorithm (probably bob), then re-interlaced. At that point it's lost vertical resolution and nothing is going to get it back.

As for Scott's results, I don't find them surprising - we said essentially the same thing. On normally flagged film-based DVDs the JVC has excellent picture quality. Where it falls down is in deinterlacing quality on difficult material, including video-based discs and oddly-flagged discs.

This is from an October 2003 thread: http://archive.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=308834

Looks like PS is good for most movie DVD's, but TV shows and other video based DVD's should be output at 480i and the TV should just do its thing. I'll have to check out that DVD, though!

gelcoatman

12-07-05, 02:04 PM

Hooking Up DVD - Interlaced-Progressive
---------------------------------------------------
Have a ESA [CC brand] vcr/dvd combo. In the instructions it says if I set the dvd output to 'interlaced' to connect it to the 'interlaced' input on the tv. If 'progressive', to the 'progressive' input on the tv.

Understand there are no separate inputs - when the dvd is set to interlaced, the picture is fine; when set to prgressive the picture is scrambled.

Given the capabilities of the set, is in necessary [possible] to set my dvd player to output progressive?

TIA
Jim

kny3twalker

12-07-05, 06:19 PM

should like you are using incorrect cabling, you will have to component cables if you are going to output progressive scan 480p

UdderlySexyCows

12-08-05, 04:43 AM

Anyone hooked this thing up as a PC monitor? If so, how does it look? Is the text decent and readable, and would it be decent for gaming on every now and then? Thanks to anyone who can help.

kny3twalker

12-08-05, 05:16 AM

well just like any other display, if you want readable text you need a progressive display
the XS955 like most other CRTs, will display 480p but it will be 720x480p not 848x480 widescreen, anything above 480p is displayed at 1080i which is not a good format for text, 1080i just like older 480i TVs has flicker from being an interlaced resolution

and PC games, look great IMO, although my PC is not fast enough for 1080i gaming, at 720p converted(by TV) to 1080i, games look near xbox360 quality IMO

Super Freak

12-08-05, 05:24 AM

Hi guys.

Quick question...

How does the picture quality of the 30XS955 compare to the 34XBR960?

I have the XBR960, but want something smaller for my XBOX360.

Thanks!

kny3twalker

12-08-05, 06:04 AM

same image IMO, just smaller screen, and yes I did side by side comparsion when I bought my XS955 30"

UdderlySexyCows

12-08-05, 07:08 AM

Chris Gerhard

12-08-05, 09:39 AM

Is the text completely unreadable, or would I be able to manage with in-game text?

It is manageable but not if you sit too far back. I am happiest with my KV-30XBR910 when sitting only 5' from the screen.

Chris

Chris Gerhard

12-08-05, 09:42 AM

Hi guys.

Quick question...

How does the picture quality of the 30XS955 compare to the 34XBR960?

I have the XBR960, but want something smaller for my XBOX360.

Thanks!

I think the 30" is a little better. I like my KV-30XBR910 because geometry is easier to get right, otherwise sitting closer to a 30" and the picture quality is comparable. Sitting further away and of course the 34" is best. Anything beyond 7' from the screen and I would get the 34".

Chris

kny3twalker

12-08-05, 01:14 PM

Is the text completely unreadable, or would I be able to manage with in-game text?

I found in game chat, like on multiplayers like Counter Strike Source, was difficult to read, much like surfing the internet cause it is not properly scaled for TVs like on consoles
but just normal in game text is fine IMO, though

benraymond

12-10-05, 09:15 PM

SCriss

12-10-05, 10:03 PM

I got one early September (just BEFORE BB started selling them out, if that makes you feel any better). Mine had a bad "Q box," or HD tuner. Would only tune in OTA when it felt like it. But otherwise, the set was perfect. Since I had heard the same stories about on-off problem, and in general (but not with this TV) concerns about geometry and convergence, etc. with HDTV's in general, I didn't want to return my otherwise perfect TV.

So I had a service tech come out, diagnose the problem, and had a new tuner in it in about two days. Phenomenal service from the local authorized Sony tech.

Other than that hiccup, it's been fabulous. I could not be happier with the choice, and I got it at the same price you are looking at now. For what it's worth, it seems like the on-off problem and dead TV problem complaints were much earlier this year. I don't recall any recent complaint of that sort. So perhaps Sony got those bugs worked out.

Chris Gerhard

12-10-05, 10:20 PM

I got one early September (just BEFORE BB started selling them out, if that makes you feel any better). Mine had a bad "Q box," or HD tuner. Would only tune in OTA when it felt like it. But otherwise, the set was perfect. Since I had heard the same stories about on-off problem, and in general (but not with this TV) concerns about geometry and convergence, etc. with HDTV's in general, I didn't want to return my otherwise perfect TV.

So I had a service tech come out, diagnose the problem, and had a new tuner in it in about two days. Phenomenal service from the local authorized Sony tech.

Wow, we don't often read about good service experiences here. Despite so many seemingly bad experiences posted about Sony, I still trust the company. I know I love my KV-30XBR910.

Chris

longfellowfan

12-10-05, 10:26 PM

I have had no problems with this T.V. turning on and off. Also no problems with the tuner. The only problem I have had is that s.d. feeds look like crap. This is a problem with most hdtv. But in contrast (no pun intended) HD material looks awesome better than most other tvs i have seen. Also dvds look awesome. I love this tv. I have a 6 to 12 foot viewing distance. If it was anymore than that I would think about the 34".

snatta

12-10-05, 10:27 PM

Anybody have trouble with this TV?

I'm kicking myself for not buying it when BestBuy was selling them out - can't find it for under $1100...

In multiple postings, I've seen complaints about dead TVs, having to turn it on-off-on, etc.

Anybody had to take one back?

Anybody with a broken one?

Still looking,

Ben

Amazon had this set for $780 shipped yesterday afternoon for a few hours. You can read the info here: http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?sduid=0&t=167464&highlight=sony

I was suprised it didn't make FatWallet.com, or it would have sold out in minutes probably. I couldn't pull the trigger after I put it in my cart, as I am not a game player, and want/need the larger 34 inch screen. When are the Sony XS and XBR 34's going to get discounted?

Ocalus

12-10-05, 10:43 PM

UdderlySexyCows

12-11-05, 04:17 PM

Got it, nevermind,.

UdderlySexyCows

12-12-05, 09:22 PM

Is there any way to switch between antenna and cable without the original remote? I only have a universal remote, so it doesn't appear I can do it. Otherwise, is there any way to get over to the digital channels?

cat6man

12-19-05, 12:58 PM

justsc

12-19-05, 01:22 PM

what is with this 'it won't start, so unplug it for a few minutes, then it starts up?'

this has happend twice now on my 30xs955........does anyone know the source of the problem? overheating or what?

shouldn't we be contacting sony for a fix, since this seem to be happening to a bunch of us?
It's always best to get problems logged by contacting the OEM, regardless of what you end up doing. If they don't know about it they can't very well address it.

Apart from that, the reason to do the "unplug - replug" thing is because it works so often. I'm assuming it's akin to a computer halting or freezing, requiring a full shutdown and start-up. In the case of these sets, that requires completely unplugging from any possible power source, leave it that way for sometimes up to 2 hours, and plugging it back in. Whether or not there can be corruption in memory on these sets I don't know - but this techniques has rescued many a user.

SCriss

12-19-05, 03:24 PM

Here's something that drives me crazy about this T.V.'s remote: When changing inputs from Antenna to Cable Box or visa-versa, it doesn't automatically change the operation of the keys. So if you're watching cable and want to change over to the Antenna input, you hit the Ant key. But unless you also hit the TV key above, your channel up and down button still control the cable box. And visa-versa. That's ridiculous. Anyone figured a way around this?

kny3twalker

12-19-05, 05:39 PM

consider purchasing an activity based remote like the Harmony remotes
although their price tag is like 200 dollars
I purchased my 680 for 70 after rebate
just have to watch the online deals

chellyaz

12-19-05, 11:16 PM

what is with this 'it won't start, so unplug it for a few minutes, then it starts up?'

this has happend twice now on my 30xs955........does anyone know the source of the problem? overheating or what?

shouldn't we be contacting sony for a fix, since this seem to be happening to a bunch of us?

I've had my 30xs955 for about 9-10 months now, and very happy, but today for the first time, my set would not come on. Standby/Timer light would flash, as normal, and then nada. blank, no sound, nada. Totally unresponsive. The set was on, as I saw occasionally a single scan line briefly appear, about 25% down from the top, completely across the screen. and lasting about 1/4-1/2 second (approximate). This was the only evidence that it was doing anything. Turn off using remote, and turn on, and no change, did this 2-3 times. I did notice that the degauss cycle was possibly absent each time (no hum). Unplug and replug, and all is well. I believe that it was sourcing from the HDMI interface which had no input signal at the time.

Any ideas?

JohnGZ28

12-20-05, 07:16 AM

I've had my 30xs955 for about 9-10 months now, and very happy, but today for the first time, my set would not come on. Standby/Timer light would flash, as normal, and then nada. blank, no sound, nada. Totally unresponsive. The set was on, as I saw occasionally a single scan line briefly appear, about 25% down from the top, completely across the screen. and lasting about 1/4-1/2 second (approximate). This was the only evidence that it was doing anything. Turn off using remote, and turn on, and no change, did this 2-3 times. I did notice that the degauss cycle was possibly absent each time (no hum). Unplug and replug, and all is well. I believe that it was sourcing from the HDMI interface which had no input signal at the time.

Any ideas?

Welcome to the world of the 955. It happens from time to time. Some say it's akin to a computer freezing up and needing to be powered down. Just unplug, wait a few minutes, plug it back in and all is well.

Jediphish

12-20-05, 10:52 AM

I have a small problem with my tv which is the 30xs955. when i adjust the vertical correction i notice as the picture is adjusted up the top half of the picture begins to widen while the lower narrows like this \ /, it does the opposite happens when its adjusted down / \...just wantin to see if this is a problem or the norm for this tv..

I've noticed this - I THINK it has something to do with the fact that the CRTs are emitting a spherical image that is then distorted for projection onto a flat surface. When you move the image vertically up or down, the image distortion becomes apparent. I don't think its anything to worry about. If you moved the image very far in one direction so that the geometry no longer seems correct, there are service menu options for altering the trapezoidal nature of the image.

matrixrok10

12-21-05, 09:24 PM

I need help! Bought the tv about 4 months ago and had the tv fixed (through sony's warranty, took about a month to fix it, repair dude kept coming back) about a week ago because optical wasn't working. Optical is working fine now.

Now another problem showed up. There's a green blob on the bottom left of the tv and a smaller purple blob on the bottom right that appeared on Tuesday. Turned it off and turned it back on. The blobs didn't show up anymore I read that the cause of this is, is magnet but my surround sound speakers are magnetically shielded, so what's going on here? Today the green blob showed up again. I noticed that it appears when I move my tv to the side, so I can access the component/antenna/ inputs, this is when the blob appears. How much do you think it will cost to have this repaired (I think I read it needs to be degaussed?) because labor warranty is over but warranty for parts is still in effect. Thanks.

JohnGZ28

12-22-05, 11:07 AM

Now another problem showed up. There's a green blob on the bottom left of the tv and a smaller purple blob on the bottom right that appeared on Tuesday. Turned it off and turned it back on. The blobs didn't show up anymore I read that the cause of this is, is magnet but my surround sound speakers are magnetically shielded, so what's going on here? Today the green blob showed up again. I noticed that it appears when I move my tv to the side, so I can access the component/antenna/ inputs, this is when the blob appears. How much do you think it will cost to have this repaired (I think I read it needs to be degaussed?) because labor warranty is over but warranty for parts is still in effect. Thanks.

Just because the speaker is shielded does not mean it's not the problem. Move the speaker and see if the blob shows up again.

snarl16

12-22-05, 05:04 PM

I'm having a problem. When I hook up either my dvd player or xbox on video 5 which is component, the player will show up on both video 5 and video 6. When I hookup something into video 6, nothing shows up on the tv. Its kinda like all the wires on the 2 hookups got put together rather than seperated. Anyone else have this happen?

justsc

12-22-05, 05:41 PM

snarl16

12-22-05, 11:07 PM

That's really strange.

I would definitely get someone in to look at it - hopefully it's still under warranty.

It is still under warranty. Its only a month and a half. Has anyone had any warranty work done? Sony said that I would have to take it to a repair store which sucks cause that tv is freakin heavy.

kny3twalker

12-22-05, 11:29 PM

you should be able to find a repair shop which does pickup if it still under warranty

UdderlySexyCows

12-25-05, 05:28 PM

kny3twalker

12-25-05, 05:58 PM

I don't suppose anyone has any reccomendations for powerstrip settings for when I have this yhooked up through my computer? I've fiddled with a lot, and I'm not having much success. Any help is appreciated. Also, is there a reason why, when I have my computer hooked up through DVI, and I switch away from Video 7, when I cycle back the picture won't show up? I have to restart the computer to get it to appear again. This doesn't happen with any other inputs, and it's a pain to be sure.

sounds like you have an ATI video card, roll back your video card drivers to 5.7 catalyst to avoid the black screen issue

you should not need to use powerstrip, if you are having trouble with DVI output, consider switching to component (there will be no quality difference)

what video card are you using? that would help

the XS955 will only accept 1080i, 720p, and 480i/p no 1024x768 etc....

UdderlySexyCows

12-25-05, 06:12 PM

Thanks for the Cat info. I'm using an X800Pro, and I've tried 1280x720, but I have overscan problems. If I use the service menu to fix this, will this alter just the Video 7 input (HDMI/DVI), or will this affect other settings as well? Because if it only changes this input, I'll go that route.

Edit. Also, I assume I'm not the only one who finds 1080i text completely unreadable?

kny3twalker

12-25-05, 10:12 PM

oh 1208x720 gets converted to 1920x1080i so I would not bother with 720p if quality is a concern

furthermore you do not, do not want to adjust the overscan in the service menu for HDMI
that will adjust it permanently for any future devices as well

PCs are based off of no overscan, so the best way to get the windows desktop to match the TV, is using the video card driver underscan options

Edit. Also, I assume I'm not the only one who finds 1080i text completely unreadable?

yeah thats normally since only half the resolution is displayed at once
720p just has so much larger fonts cause of the lower res, but the interlaced flicker is still there

CRT HDTVs are not monitor replacements but are great video or gaming displays

there should be an option in the video card drivers for 1776x1000i, you can adjust it more, but most like this setting

if you still have trouble with 1080i use component
the x800 supports it
if it did not come with the output dongle
you can buy it from ATI
there are different models for different cards so buy the right one

Leehro

12-26-05, 10:20 PM

so where are people buying these sets now? I missed the boat on the early november clearances at best buy, and now i'm kicking myself that I won't be able to buy one locally. But I think that getting this TV for under $1000 will make me happy. been eyeing it for nearly a year now and watching the price fall.

JR lists it for 699+shipping, so it's around 850 (but not in stock)
bhphotovideo has it for 799+shipping (around 950) also not in stock.

KMR

12-27-05, 09:42 AM

I currently have a Toshiba 30HF83, which I love. However, I may have an opportunity coming up to buy the 30XS955 as an "upgrade" of sorts.

I'm curious if you guys think it would be worth the investment. Of course, I would sell the Toshiba as a good chunk of the money to put toward the Sony.

My main concern is picture quality comarison on DVDs and console games; both look awesome on the Toshiba, and I imagine that they're equally as good, if not better, on the Sony. I really don't care too much how SD looks, since I can live with poor-quality cable (to an extent).

So, is it worth it to try and "upgrade" from the Toshiba to the Sony?

kny3twalker

12-27-05, 12:54 PM

yes definitely

gelcoatman

12-27-05, 11:40 PM

Set Availability
-----------------
Here in the St Louis area there are still a few open box items at a couple of BBs. Both Ultimate Electronics and American Stores seem to have new stock and an infrequent open box.

On line Sony Style recently had it with free shipping.

jim

Leehro

12-28-05, 08:05 AM

thanks for that update. I wonder if any of the BB's around Raleigh have any.

Leehro

12-28-05, 01:10 PM

OK, I went to a local best buy today. There's ONE of these in transit from some store in FL, and the price showed up as $897.98. not bad, and on par with what B&H is offering. is there a coupon or something I should be using?

gelcoatman

12-28-05, 05:50 PM

There have been a couple of coupons noted here at AVS - but both have now expired - they were for Open Box and Discontinued mdse. The 30XS is classifed as Discontinued by BB and was the $898 price you saw for unopened mdse juust about everywwhere. Am not aware of any active coupons now but others may. There is an open box here in St Louis today for a couple hundred less but lacks the manual and remote.

jim

kny3twalker

12-28-05, 05:52 PM

undertsand though that discontubued by BB and discontinued by Sony is different

this TV is still in production

griffine

12-30-05, 07:37 PM

I've had my 30XS955 for about a month now and have just noticed red/green/blue tinging on the left upper and left lower corners of the screen. On some material it's more noticable than on others. Anyone know if this is correctable? Thanks.

Gregg

DaylightSM

12-30-05, 08:18 PM

gelcoatman

12-30-05, 11:18 PM

Upconverting DVD player with XS955?
---------------------------------------------------

Check out this current thread.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=619779

Other general AVS discussions seem to indicate that the 30XS955 preformance may not be significantly improved by an upconverting DVD player

jim

DaylightSM

12-31-05, 11:15 AM

Excellent -- thanks, Jim!

justsc

12-31-05, 12:48 PM

Hi all:

Has anyone tried an upconverting DVD player with their XS955? I've had my 30XS955 for about 6 months, and have some Christmas cash to burn... but I'm not sure that I'll see any improvement over the standard Sony progressive scan player I have now...

Any ideas?
I've got mine hooked up to an Oppo player and I am enjoying significantly better PQ. But it's not necessarily from upconversion. The video processors in the Oppo are much superior to that in the Sony sets and almost every other player on the market, including the $3,500 Denon 5910. So the output PQ is superior. But the results are not earthshattering.

I have also found that the audio out via digital optical is much better than any other player I've used.

At $200, I feel it was a very good investment.

Cheers! ;)

JohnGZ28

12-31-05, 05:06 PM

The video processors in the Oppo are much superior to that in the Sony sets and almost every other player on the market, including the $3,500 Denon 5910. So the output PQ is superior.

Easy there Sparky. Let's not get carried away with statements like this and open up this debate again. :rolleyes:

justsc

12-31-05, 09:52 PM

Easy there Sparky. Let's not get carried away with statements like this and open up this debate again. :rolleyes:
I'm referring to hometheaterhifi's benchmark dvd tests and my personal observations. If you have a problem with the DVD Benchmark you'll have to take that up with them. My personal experience is what it is.

I'm unaware of and disinterested in any previous debates. :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

JohnGZ28

12-31-05, 11:10 PM

I'm referring to hometheaterhifi's benchmark dvd tests and my personal observations. If you have a problem with the DVD Benchmark you'll have to take that up with them. My personal experience is what it is.

I'm unaware of and disinterested in any previous debates. :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

You're right, it wasn't a debate, Kris, publisher of the benchmark, said the Oppo wasn't better matter of fact(ly) so there wasn't a need to debate it.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=525949&page=18&pp=30&highlight=Oppo

See his post #527 and 555

justsc

12-31-05, 11:37 PM

You're right, it wasn't a debate, Kris, publisher of the benchmark, said the Oppo wasn't better matter of fact(ly) so there wasn't a need to debate it.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=525949&page=18&pp=30&highlight=Oppo

See his post #527 and 555
Thanks for the references - very good reading! ;)

bigalbklyn

01-02-06, 11:03 PM

My HDMI input on my 30xs955 has just gone dead. I alredy did all the troubleshooting to make sure it wasn't the cable, or the devices connected to it.
As I have good tech skills is this a part I could order and replace myself?
Does anyone know how to order a part like this?
Any advice is appreciated.

Alan

mjoshi

01-03-06, 09:03 AM

I'm so far happy with y 30XS955 but once in a while I've issue of color spread from both vertical sides of TV. It starts spreading green and blue color from sides of screen and over time it gets more and more intense. I've to restart TV and after that it will go away. My TV is connected to surgeprotector + UPS outlet from APC. Is there anything wrong with my TV? or should I consider chaning power supply ? This happend only 2 times so far within last 2 months of my TV ownership.

Also is anyone using there TV with TiVo ? I've Toshiba RS-TX20 Tivo and the picture quality coming out of DVD player is not that good. DVD playback from this same unit is okay (but not as good as my Sony up-converting DVD player). I'm feeding cable directly into Toshiba DVD - TiVo unit and from toshiba I'm taking component out (progressive scan) and feeding it to TV.
I've second cable connection going directly into cablecard and when I compare picture quality between cable card input and Toshiba, the quality of cable card is much better. The output from Toshiba is very snowy.

HoNuts

01-05-06, 07:37 PM

kevbeck122

01-05-06, 08:12 PM

That's normal.. the cable company is sending those channels in the clear, no box or card needed to decrypt the signal.

justsc

01-06-06, 11:47 AM

Thanks to everyone for all the useful (and confusing) info about this set. I just bought it 3 days ago and it continues to amaze me every day so far.

I have a very strange situation I've discovered with this set though. I'm on basic cable, which is basically channels 2-78, 98 and 99. I've never had access to any sort of pay channel through this cable setup. After the initial channel scan that the set went through when I first turned it on, it's giving me channels that I definitely shouldn't have. I'm getting about 50 of the audio-only channels, the Movieplex channel, and access to what looks like someone's On-Demand service. It's been quite an adventure viewing an On-Demand movie and watching someone pause and rewind/fastforward it randomly. I also get all of the local HD channels which I think is normal. Has this happened to anyone else, or is my situation fairly unique? Is there any way that I can get into trouble for having a setup like this? If so, then the TV is going to jail, not me. Thanks for any comments.

W
I've got a friend with similar problems. He's got Comcast's non-DVR HD STB and he gets random messages about his recordings... I bet his box was at one time a DVR and they took the drive out to make it just an HD STB. Something's stuck in its non-volatile memory.

What you're getting - You're correct, it's normal to be getting the local HD channels. If you're picking up INHD or ESPN HD then that's a gift. ;) I can't speak for the music channels. I believe On-Demand may be part of your package. Is it stealing? I try not to make those kind of judgments for other folks. If you're getting services for which you're not paying, then ........

Jerm357

01-06-06, 01:47 PM

I also get all of the audio-only channels with my 30xs955 that I didnot get before Cant say I use them much tho

HoNuts

01-06-06, 03:28 PM

It's the On-Demand channels that's making me wonder. I'm not complaining at all, it's just something that I know I shouldn't have access to, but do. I thought On-Demand channels were Digital/Satellite only, not basic cable like what I have. Weird.

W

justsc

01-06-06, 03:40 PM

After thinking about a little more - I think you're right that On-Demand requires some level of digital cable service.

speedmonster185

01-06-06, 05:03 PM

I just bought a new 30" Sony XS955 tv and so far it's great, except for one thing that I don't know what's going on. I have a computer with a DVI-out on the video card (the card is a Radeon 9700 Pro) and so I bought a DVI-to-HDMI cable so I could play my computer games on the tv. I plugged it in and it works, but only on the "p" settings. In the Ati Catalyst Control Center it has options for 1080i and 720p, and then "optimized" versions of them which have a few less pixels. You can also make your own custom resolutions based on an "i" or a "p" signal. When I go to the p signal to create my own, the very most I can put is 1152x648 without it going off the edges of the tv so I can't see stuff anymore. When I turn it on any of the "i" signals, either the full 1920x1080 or the "optimized" 1776x1000 the screen on the tv goes completely screwed up. It flashes on and off and the picture only shows parts of it at a time, not the whole thing, and it is always in different places, not centered. I would really like to be able to get this up to the 1080i resolutions for my games because even thought they look pretty good at 1152x648 they would look a better if they were up in the 1400xSomething range (thats what this tv is supposed to be able to do, right?). Even though the screen is all screwed up when i put it on 1080i, when I hit the display button on my tv controller is shows that it has a 1080i 16:9 signal coming in, its just all messed up. I know other 1080i signals work with it too. I have MX vs. ATV Unleashed on my Xbox which sends out a 1080i and I also have a dvd player that upconverts it to 1080i, so I know the tv isn't messed up, it works with those. Anybody have any ideas how I can fix this? Or maybe someone knows what's wrong and could tell me how to fix it?

Thanks very much to anyone who can help!!

aktick

01-06-06, 06:07 PM

Just ordered this morning for ~$850 after shipping from JR.com. :D My first HDTV!

So now I've gotta get cables, HD-DVR, DVD player (Oppo? I've heard it's good...and cheap!), etc etc etc.

Anything else I should be aware of or do before it shows up (early next week hopefully :))? Thanks a lot...pretty excited.

Ballz2TheWallz

01-06-06, 07:33 PM

is jr really a trustable site? why do they get such bad reviews and have such a cheap price?

aktick

01-06-06, 07:45 PM

is jr really a trustable site? why do they get such bad reviews and have such a cheap price?
I did read the reviews at resellerratings.com, and while not exactly good, it seemed most problems were with DVDs and smaller items, as well as things not being shipped out real quick. I'm not in a hurry, so as long as I have the good price and my TV arrives unscathed, I'll be happy. If I got my set by the end of next week I'd be satisfied.

Anybody else use JR for a TV?

(and as far as the cheap prices go...it seems this TV was the only one that was really cheap compared to other stores, and I think they have a very limited supply...hopefully they didn't take too many orders for it and end up having to cancel some)

Ballz2TheWallz

01-06-06, 08:22 PM

kny3twalker

01-06-06, 08:57 PM

use this site

http://www.cavecreations.com/tv2.cgi

kny3twalker

01-06-06, 08:59 PM

I did read the reviews at resellerratings.com, and while not exactly good, it seemed most problems were with DVDs and smaller items, as well as things not being shipped out real quick. I'm not in a hurry, so as long as I have the good price and my TV arrives unscathed, I'll be happy. If I got my set by the end of next week I'd be satisfied.

Anybody else use JR for a TV?

(and as far as the cheap prices go...it seems this TV was the only one that was really cheap compared to other stores, and I think they have a very limited supply...hopefully they didn't take too many orders for it and end up having to cancel some)

one thing to consider would be the return policy
and whether you will have to pay the return shipping if the TV is damaged
another 150 and you will be close to Crutchfield price

aktick

01-06-06, 09:07 PM

can anyone tell me how big of a widescreen tv it would take for it to have an image 16inch tall?thats how tall my 27inch is and if i buy i tv i wanna make sure i feel at home with the size i get

Here's a site I found when looking for just that... http://www.cavecreations.com/tv2.cgi
EDIT: Meh, I'm way too slow.

Main differences between 30" 16:9 and a 27" 4:3 -

-4:3 (1.33:1) will be 1.5" higher and 2" wider on the 27", and 21.4% larger total viewing area

-16:9 (1.78:1) will be 2.5" higher and 4.5" wider on the 30", and 46.8% larger total viewing area

These differences are basically the same in other 16:9 modes (1.85:1, 2.35:1).

At first I was turned off by the smaller 4:3 size, and was thinking about a 34", but then figured I'd be watching mostly HD anyways, so I could live with a slightly smaller 4:3 image.

aktick

01-06-06, 09:09 PM

one thing to consider would be the return policy
and whether you will have to pay the return shipping if the TV is damaged
another 150 and you will be close to Crutchfield price
I'm not worried about having to return the TV because of not liking it - but it being damaged or needing repair is what worried me. But I was told that when under warranty, Sony sends somebody? And from sonystyle.com, extended warranties can be had fairly inexpensively.

Leehro

01-06-06, 10:40 PM

After thinking about a little more - I think you're right that On-Demand requires some level of digital cable service.

when people do on-demand with digital cable, the cable company actually gives them a subchannel for it, and it's often unencrypted. they open the channel to send the video and the subscriber controls it from their box.

I think it's localized though, so you'd only see what your neighbors are watching.

They fire up a movie and control it, but the video stream is on the cable line that goes to your house too, so you can tune it.

and oh yeah, don't buy all the 30xs955's from JR. I still need one :D

aktick

01-07-06, 12:31 AM

DVD player recommendations? For the last year I've been using a Pioneer DVR-420H on the my old TV. Don't know how good it would be for the new set, but I actually wanted to sell it since I don't use the recording/hard drive features at all anymore (have a D*Tivo, plus a DVD burner on my lappy).

I also have a lot of "backup" copies of my DVDs...do all new playes play these, or not?

Other than that, I'm not really sure what my preferences would be. I don't watch a ton of DVDs, but I probably will watch more now that I have the new TV. I don't want to spend more than a couple hundred $$$.

Recommendations?

Thanks a lot.

Ballz2TheWallz

01-07-06, 12:50 AM

use this site

http://www.cavecreations.com/tv2.cgi
thank you, very very much........i still cant over how big the 27inch looks in my room but it looks like a mini trailer-crap tv in stores......i was to distracted by the 70+ inch tobisha though :eek:

Jediphish

01-07-06, 01:08 PM

Has anyone figured out a Remote Code for the remote that comes with this Sony set (the remote is the RM-Y 199) that will allow the remote to control the D* HR10-250 HD Tivo receiver? The manual for the Sony lists several codes for Hughes brand D* satellite receivers, but none of those work for the HDTivo unit. I've also tried many, many other codes just to see if any of them would work just by chance, but no luck. All I want it to do is change channels on the D*/Tivo; I know its not going to perform the other functions of the standard Tivo remote.

And yes, I know that I can use my Tivo remote to control the TV. I do that currently, but the Sony remote will also control my DVD player, so I'm trying to get it to be as functional as possible. I'll still use the Tivo remote most of the time.

Thanks!

aktick

01-07-06, 02:37 PM

Jerm357

01-07-06, 06:47 PM

looks good But for 60 bucks it looks realy good

aktick

01-07-06, 07:40 PM

looks good But for 60 bucks it looks realy good
My thoughts exactly :p. I'm just hoping I'll be able to hide cables good enough.

gelcoatman

01-07-06, 08:35 PM

Sony Remote
----
The manual for the Sony lists several codes for Hughes brand D* satellite receivers, but none of those work for the HDTivo unit-----------Jediphish

-----------------------------
Although I don't have the D*Tivo, I am having similar problems finding the right codes for my D*10-300 and other equipment. I also have an after market Sony remote that will work with some of my equipment but not my D*10-300.

jim

jim

Dr. Spankenstein

01-08-06, 04:51 PM

Hi all,

I have a new 34xs955 and was trying to do some adjustments to the overscan settings. I was able to adjust the size and position of the raster in the 2170-d 1 & 2, but when I went to do the picture size/pos. adjustment in MID3, I found that none of the lables were congruent with the service manual. This particular set has a build date of July 2005. Has something changed and is there anyone else who has come across this? There has to be a way to make this adjustment somewhere. I have had nothing but bad luck w/ this model (this being my 5th unit!) and I'm starting to wonder if this store received a rediculously large batch of lemons!
Looking forward to any feedback.

Bryan

aktick

01-08-06, 10:14 PM

What do you think of this stand for this set? http://www.ikea.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?topcategoryId=15561&catalogId=10103&storeId=12&productId=42127&langId=-1&parentCats=15561*15641*15962

Seems pretty cheap, looks kinda nice, simple. I guess the only problem would be hiding wires behind it, hmmmmm...
Went to Ikea and looked at this stand today...no thanks. The website makes it look nice and says it will support 220 lbs...it looked like crap in person, and I wouldn't trust the 150 or so lb. Sony set on it. I guess it was no big surprise, considering the price. (And a little OT: that's the first time I've been to Ikea - what a bunch of cheap crap they have! It looks cool in the magazine and ads, but when you see it in person and check how sturdy it is, yikes. The first and last time I'll ever go there.)

chellyaz

01-08-06, 10:45 PM

Jediphish

01-09-06, 08:40 AM

Gentle people,
I've been using the HDMI interface directly connected to a Denon DVD-3910 for about 9 months and the PQ and audio have been excellent!!!! I just tried to connect to a Denon AVR-4306 using the HDMI interface, and the PQ is again excellent, but, because the 4306 does not supply a audio signal to the HDMI, I had to connect the audio source to my Audio In jacks that are just under the HDMI interface. Unfortunately, no sound. If I attach the audio cables to any other set of audio in jacks, and switch to that input, the sound is fine!!!

..... so .....

either my HDMI audio in jacks are dead, or possibly there is a configuration option that I need to modify to get the HDMI audio in jacks to work, or possibly a ribbon cable maybe loose, or remotely possible there is some incompatibility between the 4306 HDMI output where it shuts down the HDMI audio in jacks ?

Any suggestions/advice/comments/ideas will be most welcome!!!!!!

Thanks in advance,

Carter

Maybe there is still an audio signal coming through - just an empty one. The analog audio jacks below the HDMI input are primarily designed for use when connecting a DVI source, which of course carries no audio. I'm just guessing here, but the Denon receiver could be stripping out the audio without actually turning off the entire audio signal? Only trying to help think through the problem.

If you're running the HDMI through your Denon receiver, then the Sony Set is sending audio to the Receiver - it's just being dumped by the receiver. Have you tried running the analog audio cables from the source to the receiver and then out from the receiver to the TV?

Jediphish

01-09-06, 08:48 AM

BTW - I finally decided to see how the component output of my D* HR10-250 High Def Tivo reciver compared to the HDMI output that I've been using for six months since installation (connected directly to my XS955). I have to say that prefer the component cable connection. For one thing, when I switch from 480i to 1080i on the remote, there's still a brief interuption in the signal, but there's no loud noise. And, when I change from panel to full, it is instantaneous over the component connection without any loud noise. More importantly, while the HD signal appears to be identical to that travelling via HDMI, the SD pictures are far superior.

Lastly, the SD 480i output over HDMI was offset on my screen to the right by about 2 inces. Over component - perfecly centered. Allows for perfect zooming on Battlestar Galactica using 480i with Sony's scaler instead of out at 1080i using the D*/Tivo scaler.

JoCo13

01-09-06, 10:42 AM

When watching HD channels over the air and I go to diagnostics. What does SNR and the AGC mean?

tooalan

01-09-06, 07:13 PM

Aktick,

I purchased a 30SX955 from J&R over the holidays and finally set it up last night ... after returning the Panasonic 30WX15 I'd purchased earlier in the month from CC ... no comparison in picture quality on HD or SD ... hands down the Sony is worth the extra money.

Set was delivered on time from J&R ... one guy delivered the set inside the door ... I insisted on opening the box upon delivery and found no problems at that time. Plugged in 2 weeks later ... last night ... and picture is superb!!! ... tho' I do need to do some basic calibration to tame the VIVID colors. Build date of set is November, 2005.

Overall, with 3 purchases over the past month from J&R I have been pleased ... tho' I use my AMEX to provide additional protection.

kny3twalker

01-09-06, 10:45 PM

When watching HD channels over the air and I go to diagnostics. What does SNR and the AGC mean?

have you tried google before posting?

AGC is automatic gain control
SNR is signal to noise ratio

I did not know SNR, but did know AGC
but funny enough google knew both in the first search

http://www.google.com/search?hs=DWU&hl=en&lr=&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial_s&q=SNR+abbreviation&btnG=Search
http://www.google.com/search?hs=hWU&hl=en&lr=&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial_s&q=AGC+abbreviation&btnG=Search

next time please try to figure it out on your own before just posting and relying on others to do your work

aktick

01-09-06, 11:02 PM

What stands are you guys using?

I want a decent stand, but don't want to spend the money at this point that most of them cost, so I'm thinking about building my own. Anybody built their own?

aktick

01-10-06, 12:28 PM

justsc

01-10-06, 12:45 PM

My TV should be here by Thursday, and I've gotta figure out what cables I need.

I'll be using an HR10-250 DirecTivo, will probably get an OPPO DVD player, PS2, and A/V receiver eventually (but not for a few months).

It sounds like the component out on the HR10-250 might be just as good as HDMI? I have a set of Accoustic Research Performance Series High Definition composite video cables - I'm assuming these will work fine on the HR10-250?
I use component out from my STB, as they provide PQ as good as through HDMI. Regarding the "High Definition composite video cables" - are you planning to use one each for the three required?

For the OPPO - I'm thinking I'll order from OPPO, meaning I get a DVI-HDMI cable, right? Will that one be good?
Yes - order from Oppo and you get the DVI-HDMI cable. Specify it to be sure. I got both the DVI-DVI and the DVI-HDMI.

For the PS2 - obviously I'll just use my component PS2 cables - right?
Yep.

For audio, I'm assuming I just use the red/white RCA cables?
How do you intend to connect these?

If I used a straight HDMI-HDMI cable, it'd carry audio as well, right? But the DVI-HDMI doesn't?
DVI-HDMI does not carry audio.

Is it OK to run things through the same $40 Surgemaster surger protector I've been using, at least for now?
Yes - but keep it reserved for electronic components - no appliances.

leebo

01-10-06, 01:38 PM

I just bought a new 30" Sony XS955 tv and so far it's great, except for one thing that I don't know what's going on. I have a computer with a DVI-out on the video card (the card is a Radeon 9700 Pro)...
When I turn it on any of the "i" signals, either the full 1920x1080 or the "optimized" 1776x1000 the screen on the tv goes completely screwed up. It flashes on and off and the picture only shows parts of it at a time, not the whole thing, and it is always in different places, not centered. ....
Anybody have any ideas how I can fix this? Or maybe someone knows what's wrong and could tell me how to fix it?

Thanks very much to anyone who can help!!
Go to the Home theater PC section and do a search for my user name or ATI.
There is some info on this problem there.

The short answer is, ATI cards have a problem with 1080i. You'll have to change your PC's video display card.

aktick

01-10-06, 01:40 PM

Regarding the "High Definition composite video cables" - are you planning to use one each for the three required?

I fixed my original post, meant that I have AR component cables, the red/green/blue ones.

As for the audio - I was thinking that L/R, composite cables was the only option for sending audio from the DVD player or HD-Tivo to the TV?

Jediphish

01-10-06, 01:42 PM

justsc

01-10-06, 02:15 PM

I agree with JUSTSC's responses. Regarding your audio connnections, you are correct that you'll use analog RCA connections (Red & White cables typically). However, once you get an A/V receiver, you'll want to connect the digital output from the HR10-250 to your receiver using an optical cable. Same goes for the Oppo. This is assuming your receiver does not do HDMI switching, which only the more expensive units currently do.
All true! ;)

Regarding the Oppo - I advise using the digital optical out to your soon-to-be-purchased receiver. Some lip sync issues have been reported with the Oppo's analog and digital coax audio interfaces.

aktick

01-10-06, 02:40 PM

All true! ;)

Regarding the Oppo - I advise using the digital optical out to your soon-to-be-purchased receiver. Some lip sync issues have been reported with the Oppo's analog and digital coax audio interfaces.
Hmmm...how many receivers have 2 optical inputs? Because the HD-Tivo will also need that.

And I might as well ask here - is the coax and speaker wire at MonoPrice good? I know it's cheap...

justsc

01-10-06, 02:44 PM

Hmmm...how many receivers have 2 optical inputs? Because the HD-Tivo will also need that.

And I might as well ask here - is the coax and speaker wire at MonoPrice good? I know it's cheap...
If you require the optical input for the STB, then use the coax for the Oppo. I've used both and had no problem with either one - I was just advising based upon some posts I've read.

I'm sorry, but I don't know anything about MonoPrice.

Tumalu

01-10-06, 04:50 PM

aktick

01-10-06, 05:41 PM

Aktick, if you don't mind me asking, did your TV get shipped yet? I also ordered a 30XS955 from JR (early Saturday morning), and haven't heard any info from them yet (other than the order confirmation, of course). Just trying to figure out when I can expect mine to get shipped.
I ordered Friday morning, it was shipped out yesterday afternoon. If you want shipping info you'll have to call and get it, and there is no tracking. But I did call the shipper's # that they gave me, and they said it's guaranteed by Friday. I'm just curious what they're going to do if I'm not home when they show up?

justsc

01-10-06, 06:10 PM

I suggest you do everything possible to be home until it shows - otherwise they'll either return it or try on another day. They usually leave a note if you weren't there for delivery.

Jerm357

01-10-06, 06:26 PM

What stands are you guys using?

I want a decent stand, but don't want to spend the money at this point that most of them cost, so I'm thinking about building my own. Anybody built their own?

This is the stand I am using http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=1957081

Looks great and hides the wires fine. I was sure I wanted a black stand for the tv with dvd space and glass to cover the receiver and DVD player. and dont let the 68 dvds storage scare you I have it packed with about 150 to 200 dvds thats includes all The Simpsons, Lord of the Rings, Indiana Jones, Star Wars And Nightmare on Elm street box sets. I have a picture on this site but its not great but you can see the tv on the stand. (the walls have since been painted) http://gallery.avsforum.com/showgallery.php/cat/500/ppuser/7544901/perpage/12/sort/4

titaniumx

01-11-06, 01:06 AM

You guys got me excited about this TV. I bought it from JR on Monday so hopefully I will receive it by early next week. The last TV I bought was in 1991 for a Sony and it's still alive and kickin today. I'm not much of a TV fan, so obviously I've been missing out a lot and am a total nubcake to all of this HDTV thing.

Also, what do I need to buy with this new TV ? I already ordered myself an Zenith HDTV antenna, a Panasonic S77S DVD player, and a surge protector. I am going to go to the local store to look for a stand once my TV arrives. I already have a 5.1 surround sound speaker system. So is there any extra techies out there I should buy?

BTW, I have a subscription to consumer report and it rates this TV as one of the best in its class. I also bought the dvd player because it was also listed in CR and it looked the coolest and has every bell and whistles, including an HDMI connector and "upcoverting" support. I just can't wait.

titaniumx

01-11-06, 03:38 AM

BTW, here's the consumer reports rating. I save them and upload them to my webspace for people who don't have a subscription to CR:

http://67.18.198.30/html/hdtv.htm HDTVs

http://67.18.198.30/html/crdvd.htm DVD Players

kny3twalker

01-11-06, 10:36 AM

ok those people from CR must be idiots

they have the ease of use for the KD30XS955 as bad, but for the XBR960 and 34" XS955, they both got neutral ratings

then the XBR960 got a neutral rating for sound, but the two XS955s got a half good rating

then finally the 34" XS955 got a hafl good rating for HD picture, but the XS955 30" and XBR960 got a full good rating

I mean are different people rating the TVs?

also the 34HS420 beats out the KD30XS955 cause of ease to use, when the KD30XS955 has better DVD quality

just by looking at their ratings, I am having a hard time accepting they know what they are doing

the 34XS955, 30XS955, and 34XBR960 all have the same picture tube and speakers

and then only the XBR has a more complex menu system simply cause it has more features

golferadam

01-11-06, 12:42 PM

I ordered the KD-30XS955 on Monday from Crutchfield. I also ordered a Winegard Sharpshooter 3000 from SolidSignal. I doubt that I will be able to get much OTA reception because I am surrounded by brick walls, but it is worth a try. I could have gotten Adelphia's digital package with HD but that would take the fun out trying to get some HD...haha. I am hoping the TV gets here by Friday so I can watch some football on it this weekend. BTW, I also ordered the Sony DVP-NS70H DVD player and a copy of AVIA and DVE. Fun times ahead...

titaniumx

01-11-06, 01:10 PM

golferadam

01-11-06, 01:16 PM

titaniumx

01-11-06, 02:32 PM

justsc

01-11-06, 04:29 PM

...Also, what do I need to buy with this new TV ? I already ordered myself an Zenith HDTV antenna, a Panasonic S77S DVD player, and a surge protector. I am going to go to the local store to look for a stand once my TV arrives. I already have a 5.1 surround sound speaker system. So is there any extra techies out there I should buy?....
Your 5.1 surround sound speaker system - does that include a receiver? If not, I would recommend adding one to your list. Your tv won't drive the speakers and your dvd player probably won't either.

tooalan

01-11-06, 05:22 PM

Peace of mind.

Ultimate "peace of mind" is purchasing from an authorized Sony online dealer ... which both J&R and Crutchfield are ... and most importantly using your bank card for ALL online purchases!

titaniumx

01-11-06, 06:32 PM

Your 5.1 surround sound speaker system - does that include a receiver? If not, I would recommend adding one to your list. Your tv won't drive the speakers and your dvd player probably won't either.

The speakers I have is a Logitech z-680. That should be sufficient right?

Tumalu

01-11-06, 06:41 PM

I'm not sure why you would buy it from Crutchfield for over 1 grand, when you could have bought the exact model, brand new, from JR. My was shipped yesterday. Can't wait to receive it.
Wait. What? Maybe I misunderstood aktick's post, but do they send an email when it gets shipped? Or do I actually have to call them to find that out too? I ordered mine on Saturday, and I still haven't gotten an email saying it was shipped (nor does the website indicate that it was). :(

justsc

01-11-06, 06:46 PM

The speakers I have is a Logitech z-680. That should be sufficient right?
How are you going to drive the speakers? How will you hook them up?

You will need a receiver to drive the speakers.

EDIT: I'm sorry. I looked it up and I think you'll be just fine. Sorry for the confusion.

aktick

01-11-06, 08:34 PM

Wait. What? Maybe I misunderstood aktick's post, but do they send an email when it gets shipped? Or do I actually have to call them to find that out too? I ordered mine on Saturday, and I still haven't gotten an email saying it was shipped (nor does the website indicate that it was). :(
I didn't get an email, try calling them and have your order #.

titaniumx

01-11-06, 09:24 PM

Tumalu & aktick:

I ordered my 30XS955 from JR on Monday morning and I received an e-mail the next day saying that my item has shipped via "Menlo Freight." I logged into their website and check my order status, and same thing. I hope I will receive it soon. BTW, does anyone know if Menlo Freight delivers on Saturday too? How about Sunday?

titaniumx

01-11-06, 09:26 PM

How are you going to drive the speakers? How will you hook them up?

You will need a receiver to drive the speakers.

EDIT: I'm sorry. I looked it up and I think you'll be just fine. Sorry for the confusion.

Eheh justsc. To be honest, I have no idea what a "receiver" is. Is it the control pod? Like I said I'm a total nubcake when it comes to all of this. All I know is which wire plugs into what to get the sound going lol. LOL.

aktick

01-11-06, 11:17 PM

Yeah, call Menlo to check on your order status - you might have to call JR customer service to get a shipping #. The Menlo # is 800-443-6379.

When I called yesterday, they said it's guaranteed by Friday (ordered last Friday morning, and it shipped Monday) - I don't think they update their location or anything.

justsc

01-12-06, 11:45 AM

Eheh justsc. To be honest, I have no idea what a "receiver" is. Is it the control pod? Like I said I'm a total nubcake when it comes to all of this. All I know is which wire plugs into what to get the sound going lol. LOL.
There's a "first time" for all of us in learning all this stuff. Be glad it's here because there's so many knowledgeable folks willing to help. Nearly everything I've learned has come by frequenting forums like this one.

When I read about your speaker system I noticed what appears to be a controller box, maybe it's this "control pod" you're referring to? This may be acting as your Receiver. Receivers perform a whole bunch of functions. To simplify, let me tell you about my set-up. I've got a Sony 34" tube set, a dvd player and a cable box. I could hook up a set of powered speakers to my tv's low-tech "audio out" port (I did this once) but the results are very poor. My dvd player, by itself, cannot drive speakers - it needs some kind of help. My cable box has audio out, but by itself it won't drive speakers either. So I went out and purchased a 5.1 channel Home Theater in a Box (HTiB), which includes all the speakers and a "box" to which I connect the speaker wires. This box is the Receiver. It also has inputs on the back for the audio cables coming from the cable box and the dvd player. The receiver has the technology and power to amplify the signals, decode the audio formats (Dolby Digital,DTS, etc) and drive the speakers as they should be. It also tunes in AM and FM radio.

From what I see, your control pod has the connections to which you can connect the audio cables from your devices, correct? So when you asked if you needed anything else, not knowing about your speaker system, I wondered how you were going to amplify and distribute the signals from the various components in your system.

I sure hope this makes sense - it's been a tough morning.

Cheers! ;)

aktick

01-12-06, 09:04 PM

Jediphish

01-12-06, 09:31 PM

My TV came around noon today :). I was very pleasantly surprised that my rooftop antenna gave high 80s, lower 90s for digital signals.

I'm trying to figure out the settings now though...I'm just watching via the on-board tuner now, but will be getting an HD-Tivo tomorrow that I'll be watching through (via the OTA tuner). Will there be any difference in the signals?

So on CBS and NBC, it is 1080i, and fills the widescreen nicely in "Full" screen mode, looks wondeful. But ABC and FOX, in 720p, don't look nearly as good, and don't fill the screen in "Full" mode. Does something else have to be changed, shouldn't these be widescreen?

Other than that, I'm very impressed with my first HDTV.

I have this set and the HDTivo and the signal reception for OTA is about the same. All HD shows should default to Full, regardless whether the originate as 1080i or 720p. What shows on Fox and ABC have not been widescreen, specifically? Try the OC right now - it should be widescreen - assuming your local affiliate broadcasts in HD.

aktick

01-12-06, 10:12 PM

I have this set and the HDTivo and the signal reception for OTA is about the same. All HD shows should default to Full, regardless whether the originate as 1080i or 720p. What shows on Fox and ABC have not been widescreen, specifically? Try the OC right now - it should be widescreen - assuming your local affiliate broadcasts in HD.
Aaah, ok, I think my problem is that Dancing with the Stars was on ABC, and That 70s Show was on FOX - apparently it isn't broadcast in HD?

Will the same setting (Full) be used on the HD-Tivo?

Is there any reason to have the antenna plugged into both the TV and the Tivo? I'm guessing that if the satellite loses it's signal for rain or whatever, the built-in OTA tuner will still work?

Jediphish

01-12-06, 10:46 PM

Aaah, ok, I think my problem is that Dancing with the Stars was on ABC, and That 70s Show was on FOX - apparently it isn't broadcast in HD?

Will the same setting (Full) be used on the HD-Tivo?

Is there any reason to have the antenna plugged into both the TV and the Tivo? I'm guessing that if the satellite loses it's signal for rain or whatever, the built-in OTA tuner will still work?

You can still recieve OTA signals, even when weather affects a Sat signal (unless theweather also affects the OTA as well, in which case you're just SOL).

Try splitting the antenna signal and see if you lose signal strength - you probably will. If you do and still want to be able to use the tuners in both the set and the HDTivo, then get an amplfier, which might help.

The TV will still automatically go to FULL when it receives a 1080i or 720p signal. I suggest you go into the settings menu on the HDTivo and eliminate 480p and 720p from the Up Arrow resolution switch ("Output Format"). Tell the HDTivo you've got a widescreen set ("TV Aspect Ratio on settings).

Set TV ASpect Correction to Panel, so that SD material will have side pillars inserted. Finally, on the XS, set the TV's default for 4:3 to FULL.

Alternatively, you can get the same SD results using "Normal" for the TV, and "Full" (instead of Pillars) for the Tivo.

I prefer to toggle to 480i output for non-HD material, becaue my eyes tell me the Sony scaler does a better job of upscaling the signal. Just my opinion.

Finally, read both manuals and you'll be much better educated than even after you read this thread.

Jediphish

01-12-06, 11:16 PM

Stingray40

01-13-06, 03:12 AM

irhxcbcziuzxs

01-13-06, 04:20 AM

If i decide to get this TV where is a good place to get it from JR has some bad ratings i guess.

irhxcbcziuzxs

01-13-06, 04:32 AM

also i cant seem to find it but whats the native is it 1080i , someone told me the slimfit is 1080i, but then another person says it does 720p without scaling... im so lost...

Jediphish

01-13-06, 08:06 AM

720p gets scaled to 1080i.

aktick

01-13-06, 09:08 AM

If i decide to get this TV where is a good place to get it from JR has some bad ratings i guess.
Mine came fine from JR in 6 days. Their online tracking and that type of thing isn't real convenient, but they seemed to be reliable.

titaniumx

01-13-06, 02:30 PM

What state do you live in aktick? I know JR is in New York... so I hope I'm closer to NY than you.

irhxcbcziuzxs

01-13-06, 02:38 PM

720p gets scaled to 1080i.

is that bad, i plan to play my old games, my 360 and ps3 on here

Jediphish

01-13-06, 02:46 PM

Some of you may know this already, but for those who don't . . . large TVs are not transported by express parcel companies like FedEx or UPS. The only avenue for shipping such items is via commercial trucking companies. Their business model does not provide for "next-day" or "express" delivery typically. Instead, their delivery times are merely a function of distance and consolidation of freight to particular places. Generally if, you live within 350 miles of the origin, you can expect delivery in 2-3 business days (no Sat or Sun delivery). Outside that range, tack on at least 1-2 days for every additional 400 miles or so. Also, their tracking capabilities are not as robust as the express parcel companies because the market doesn't demand it, from a cost perspective. Most of the freight that trucking comapnies haul is business-to-business, not business-to-consumer, so they are not as customer service oriented as UPS or FedEx, and have other means to track shipments in place for the B2B scenarios.

Just my 2 cents from having worked in the industry in years past.

Ninjak

01-13-06, 04:00 PM

If i decide to get this TV where is a good place to get it from JR has some bad ratings i guess.

J&R is actually a quite large and reliable store. I used to frequent it when I lived in NYC. Over the past 5-6 yrs I've ordered two Sonys from them (most recently the 30XS955 on Jan 1) and have had no problems with them. You should know, though, that Menlo Freight has been absorbed by UPS Supply Chain not long ago, so they're really the ones doing the shipping. I asked J&R to provide the tracking number to me, but if you call UPS Supply Chain, give them your name, originating zip code and delivery zip code, they'll be able to find your order. The set was on backorder when I submitted my order, but came in a few days later. I was told on the phone when I called on Monday that it should arrive by Wed-Thurs of this week, between noon and 5pm. The woman even suggested I call back Wed morning to get a narrowed-down delivery time. Most unexpectedly, it showed up at my apartment building on Tuesday at 1pm while I was working. I faxed my leasing manager permission to let them into my apartment, but she did say the guys were being difficult, almost refusing to leave it while I was out. So be careful when trying to pin them down for an exact delievery date. The UPS tracking site doesn't even give any estimated delivery date info, just where the item recently was. I hope this info helps anyone who has any shipping queries.

Leehro

01-13-06, 04:18 PM

Jediphish

01-13-06, 04:24 PM

I'm planning on getting this from JR sometime too, but I won't be home during the week. I live in an apartment, 3rd floor. So if the truck shows up and I'm at work, what happens? The rental office is at the other end of the property, and even if they could be let in, I don't think the freight guys will take it upstairs.

If it's possible to narrow down the delivery day reliably, i'd probably call in sick :-D, but of course that means I need to know exactly when it's coming.

Maybe I can request to work from home that week, but i'd like to know what i'm getting in to, in case i need to get this TV somewhere else. Probably won't fit in my car and I don't know of any B&M store that has it.

Try to find out the who the transportation company is (sounds like its Menlo Logistics) and make friends with someone on the phone there. They want to get your shipment off their truck as much as you want to recieve it; they just can't wait around all day to do so becasue they probably have a hundred more deliveries to make after yours. I know Crutchfiedl contracts for inside delivery with their transporation providers, but I have no idea about J&R, but surely they're prepared to help you get it inside with their handtruck.

irhxcbcziuzxs

01-13-06, 04:38 PM

J&R is actually a quite large and reliable store. I used to frequent it when I lived in NYC. Over the past 5-6 yrs I've ordered two Sonys from them (most recently the 30XS955 on Jan 1) and have had no problems with them. You should know, though, that Menlo Freight has been absorbed by UPS Supply Chain not long ago, so they're really the ones doing the shipping. I asked J&R to provide the tracking number to me, but if you call UPS Supply Chain, give them your name, originating zip code and delivery zip code, they'll be able to find your order. The set was on backorder when I submitted my order, but came in a few days later. I was told on the phone when I called on Monday that it should arrive by Wed-Thurs of this week, between noon and 5pm. The woman even suggested I call back Wed morning to get a narrowed-down delivery time. Most unexpectedly, it showed up at my apartment building on Tuesday at 1pm while I was working. I faxed my leasing manager permission to let them into my apartment, but she did say the guys were being difficult, almost refusing to leave it while I was out. So be careful when trying to pin them down for an exact delievery date. The UPS tracking site doesn't even give any estimated delivery date info, just where the item recently was. I hope this info helps anyone who has any shipping queries.

going to a few stores to check for it today, we'll see how it goes, someone told me slimfit does true 720p, but im not sure if thats true, plus i think this is the TV i want, a nice upgrade from the ancients..if not ill order from JR

Stingray40

01-13-06, 08:37 PM

Regarding the black screen on changing inputs.

Using Powerstrip I set-up two hotkeys for two separate resolutions. Then when I switch back to input 7 I just hit the hotkey to switch away from my previously set resolution and then back.

Hope this helps someone

kny3twalker

01-13-06, 08:40 PM

going to a few stores to check for it today, we'll see how it goes, someone told me slimfit does true 720p, but im not sure if thats true, plus i think this is the TV i want, a nice upgrade from the ancients..if not ill order from JR

the Slimfit does not do 720p displayed, only 1080i for HD content

who ever told you this was lying or was mistaken

no Consumer CRT HDTV does

furthermore I see the slimfit as even less of an upgrade considering its problems with geometry cause of its shorten depth of the tube

leebo

01-13-06, 08:44 PM

I have this same problem. I have a radeon 7200. I tried using the 5.7 catalyst as was suggested. Has anyone found a solution?

Supposedly changing your video display card to an Nvida based card is the only fix (that I've read of).
ATI cards have this problem.

I simply unplug the HDMI card from the TV then plug it back in, and the pic returns.
:(

kny3twalker

01-13-06, 08:54 PM

the correct drivers are 5.6 drivers, I am not an ATI user
I apoligize for the trouble if I am the one that posted 5.7

I simply unplug the HDMI card from the TV then plug it back in, and the pic returns.

you can damage your video card by doing this, so I would avoid it

leebo

01-13-06, 10:17 PM

I meant to say I unplug the HDMI cable from the TV and then plug it back in. I don't touch the end going to the computers video card.

And I'm not going to re-boot my computer every time I change inputs. I plan on changing the card eventually anyway. I'm not going to put up with this forever.

aktick

01-13-06, 11:08 PM

What state do you live in aktick? I know JR is in New York... so I hope I'm closer to NY than you.
I'm in southern WI. Funny thing is, I live in the country, up a looooong lane - the poor truck driver had to back all the way down my muddy lane, took him 15 minutes. :p

titaniumx

01-14-06, 12:17 AM

Man, you shouldn't have tell me where you live. I live all the way down to Texas. I just hope that I will get my TV next week so I can have some time to bond with it b4 school starts. :p

aktick

01-14-06, 12:41 AM

Man, you shouldn't have tell me where you live. I live all the way down to Texas. I just hope that I will get my TV next week so I can have some time to bond with it b4 school starts. :p
I'm sure if you ordered it this week you'll get it next week.....and it's frickin' sweet, you don't know what you're missing! :p

kny3twalker

01-14-06, 05:56 AM

leebo

01-14-06, 01:21 PM

Thank you, kny3twalker.

AFAIK, I'm using the latest Catalyst driver for my card (a four or five year old AIW Radeon, w/only 16 megs). It says "Version 05.9. BTW, I'm running MCE.

I believe I'm due for a graphics card upgrade anyway. Although I would prefer to continue using this card and upgrade my MB AND video card later this year. But like I said, I can't keep doing the cable trick forever.

I also have another problem with this card though. The picture is off center, an inch to the right. the Catalyst Control Center doesn't appear to have any adjustment for that. I suppose I could adjust it through the sets service menu, but I'm planning on getting an HDMI tuner soon and that would throw off the other inputs connected through that piece of equipment.

Also, 1080i has never worked (wont sync). That apparently also is a known issue with this line of cards.

I'll look for a Catalyst update, but I just did one three months ago, so I'm not hopeful.

leebo

01-14-06, 02:12 PM

Well, I installed 5.13 and find no difference.
I played around with the hotkeys settings though, and discovered another work around.

I enabled a hotkey for rotating the display 90 degrees to the left, and another for returning the display to normal. When I switch inputs and return to input 7, then execute the first hotkey, the pic returns. I then execute the second hotkey and I'm good.

kny3twalker

01-14-06, 02:37 PM

but I'm planning on getting an HDMI tuner soon and that would throw off the other inputs connected through that piece of equipment.

well that would be a waste, use component for devices which do not require HDCP

Blu Ray, HD DVD, and upscaling DVD players are the only devices which would require HDMI

that being said, yes do not adjust the TV for the PC

you can use powerstrip to adjust the picture centering

Well, I installed 5.13 and find no difference.

as I said you will need to download the older 5.6 drivers

I enabled a hotkey for rotating the display 90 degrees to the left, and another for returning the display to normal. When I switch inputs and return to input 7, then execute the first hotkey, the pic returns. I then execute the second hotkey and I'm good.

another workaround is resolution switching

but which ever is fine

Also, 1080i has never worked (wont sync). That apparently also is a known issue with this line of cards.

thats normal for cards older than the x700 cards, you will need to use component if that is the case, of course it does not sound like your video card supports component either

I'm running MCE.

your video card is definitely not supported by MCE

you will need a directx9 video card

without it MCE will not produce a quality image

leebo

01-14-06, 03:04 PM

Wow. I will have to think about your last post a bit to absorb it all.

I did not realize you intended to suggest older drivers. I will try that this week.
As for the other, I find no hotkey setting for resolution. W/o a hotkey, I do not know how to change resolutions w/o seeing the screen.

My new cable DVR (coming this week) has HDMI, but also componant, I believe. So I should continue to use componant for that? Maybe I should be looking for a receiver with componant rather than HDMI?

justsc

01-14-06, 03:20 PM

Also, while the HDMI connection offers the ultimate in simplicity, after using it for 8 months, I found out that, with my set at least, that the component connections were better. The HD images were the same either way, but the SD images are superior using component vs. HDMI - at least with my setup. Others may disagree - you'll have to make that judgment call for yourself.

By the Way - I hope your using the Pro picture mode and Warm color temperature settings. These are much more acurate settings than Vivid and Cool, although you may have to play with the brightness (black level) and picture (white level) a little to improve the image. Get a calibration DVD to do it properly.
I also found that I get better PQ over component cables than from HDMI.

I'm not so sure I agree with what's been said about the Warm color temp - for me, at least when calibrating, I can get the colors closer to "correct" using "Neutral." Just my experience.

justsc

01-14-06, 03:27 PM

the Slimfit does not do 720p displayed, only 1080i for HD content

who ever told you this was lying or was mistaken

no Consumer CRT HDTV does

furthermore I see the slimfit as even less of an upgrade considering its problems with geometry cause of its shorten depth of the tube
SlimFits and 720p has been an unfortunate point of contention because of Samsung's poor online data sheets. If one takes these data sheets seriously, it would be easy to conclude that the TX-R series, including the SlimFits, can display 720p.

I really do encourage Samsung to correct these data sheets, as they are untrue and misleading.

kny3twalker

01-14-06, 04:03 PM

My new cable DVR (coming this week) has HDMI, but also componant, I believe. So I should continue to use componant for that? Maybe I should be looking for a receiver with componant rather than HDMI?

any receiver that has HDMI switching will have component as well

and then furthermore, you may need HDMI switching in the future, upscaling DVD player and Blu Ray/HD DVD Player

I would use component for the HD DVR though

as far as switching resolutions for your PC, this would be done through setting up profiles, thats how it is done with the nvidia cards at least

MIAsony

01-14-06, 07:06 PM

Well i just ordered my 30xs955 today from J&R. I hope to post good stuff on this tv. I really hope they take care of it on that freight truck!!!!! :) :D

irhxcbcziuzxs

01-14-06, 07:55 PM

is the XS955 Silver?

MIAsony

01-14-06, 08:00 PM

Its 2 tone,silver and black..

chellyaz

01-14-06, 10:23 PM

Gentle people,
I've been using the HDMI interface directly connected to a Denon DVD-3910 for about 9 months and the PQ and audio have been excellent!!!! I just tried to connect to a Denon AVR-4306 using the HDMI interface, and the PQ is again excellent, but, because the 4306 does not supply a audio signal to the HDMI, I had to connect the audio source to my Audio In jacks that are just under the HDMI interface. Unfortunately, no sound. If I attach the audio cables to any other set of audio in jacks, and switch to that input, the sound is fine!!!

..... so .....

either my HDMI audio in jacks are dead, or possibly there is a configuration option that I need to modify to get the HDMI audio in jacks to work, or possibly a ribbon cable maybe loose, or remotely possible there is some incompatibility between the 4306 HDMI output where it shuts down the HDMI audio in jacks ?

Any suggestions/advice/comments/ideas will be most welcome!!!!!!

Thanks in advance,

Carter
Sorry for the delay in following up on this. I experimented a bit and its clear that my audio in jacks associated with the HDMI are not working. I swapped the HDMI for a DVI cable, without any difference, and then I plugged a number of audio inputs to the jacks without any video and no sound. All other audio sources work, so I'll have to make a service call.

Ninjak

01-14-06, 11:24 PM

Its 2 tone,silver and black..

It's actually silver and grey. The pics on some sites make it look black, but there's no mistaking it's grey in person. Especially if you have black components or an Xbox sitting next to it.

SCriss

01-14-06, 11:50 PM

the Slimfit does not do 720p displayed, only 1080i for HD content

who ever told you this was lying or was mistaken

no Consumer CRT HDTV does

What? I thought the very subject of this thread displays 720p. Am I wrong, or not understanding you?

Jerm357

01-15-06, 12:01 AM

Its 2 tone,silver and black..

Its silver and dark silver I would not call it black

Oh sorry somebody already correct that

kny3twalker

01-15-06, 02:10 AM

What? I thought the very subject of this thread displays 720p. Am I wrong, or not understanding you?

you are wrong and did not misunderstand me

the KD30XS955 does not display 720p, it will take 720p inputs but its internal scaler, scales 720p inputs to 1080i for displaying

and colors are gray, dark gray, and silver for the XS955 line

titaniumx

01-15-06, 02:53 AM

irhxcbcziuzxs

01-15-06, 04:02 AM

What are your guys opinions on the TV's size, i live in a big house right now, not sure what i want, this or the XBR, i have lots of room and sit far from the TV but when i move out into an APT, .. .. well im not sure what ill need

irhxcbcziuzxs

01-15-06, 04:07 AM

it just seems kind of small

SCriss

01-15-06, 08:48 AM

you are wrong and did not misunderstand me

Well, thanks for clearing that up! For some reason I was under the impression that it could display all formats.

- msc

Jediphish

01-15-06, 10:58 AM

Ninjak

01-15-06, 11:00 AM

I have a question for those of you who own this TV. Do you guys notice any quality differences between using an HDMI and component connectors? Also, can the HDMI carry audio signal and if so, how good is the sound quality compared to TOSlink and coaxial digital?

I've got my Scientific Atlanta Explorer 8300HD dvr connected directly to the set via HDMI, and it sounds wonderful, to address the sound query. I just wish the 30XS955 had some optical in ports. I've got my Xbox and Lite-On dvd player connected through standard audio and it annoying by comparison. The tv maxes out at 60 for the sound meter, and with HDMI it gets nice and loud already at 15. The most I've put it up to is 30 for a brief test, and 15-20 was enough to drown out most casual conversation in the room. For the Xbox and DVD, I have to ramp up the volume to 25+ to reach the same level. I, too, am curious to hear how the HDMI compares to TOSlink, though.

kevbeck122

01-15-06, 11:16 AM

Ninjak

01-15-06, 11:23 AM

the KD30XS955 does not display 720p, it will take 720p inputs but its internal scaler, scales 720p inputs to 1080i for displaying

I'd actually been wondering about this myself while following most of the discussions on this. Does this mean the "display" button on the 30XXS955 remote tells the user what signal the set is receiving, or what the screen is actually displaying? For example, my Lite-On LVD-2001 dvd player has a progressive button to let me cycle through alls its available modes, including 480p, 720p, and 1080i. After choosing one, the screen changes, and the "display" button confirms the setting that I have on the player. When the display shows me "720p", it does look a little different from the 1080i display. So, if I'm following everyone correctly, that would mean that when the screen says "720p", that's really an upscaled-to-1080i image compared to a "pure" 1080i when the display button shows "1080i?" Naturally, the manual doesn't help there. :) If so, it'd be more appropriate to say "720p signal in" onscreen instead of just "720p". Thanks.

justsc

01-15-06, 02:03 PM

it just seems kind of small
When I was in the market last year I initially settled on either the 30" Sony HD set or the 32" Sony HD set. I was upgrading from a very good 27" set. I really wanted widescreen but that would have made the 4:3 picture on about 25", way too small and seemingly a step backwards. Then I set my sights on a 34" set. At the time the 34XS was going for about $2K, while the 34HS was on sale for $1.5K. For my taste, I just couldn't see $500 worth of added value, so I got the 34HS420, and I have been so happy that I went larger - even though it's for the master bedroom.

These days the XS and even the XBR are going for much less. If I were in the market today, I'd be buying one of those.

kny3twalker

01-15-06, 03:28 PM

I'd actually been wondering about this myself while following most of the discussions on this. Does this mean the "display" button on the 30XXS955 remote tells the user what signal the set is receiving, or what the screen is actually displaying? For example, my Lite-On LVD-2001 dvd player has a progressive button to let me cycle through alls its available modes, including 480p, 720p, and 1080i. After choosing one, the screen changes, and the "display" button confirms the setting that I have on the player. When the display shows me "720p", it does look a little different from the 1080i display. So, if I'm following everyone correctly, that would mean that when the screen says "720p", that's really an upscaled-to-1080i image compared to a "pure" 1080i when the display button shows "1080i?" Naturally, the manual doesn't help there. If so, it'd be more appropriate to say "720p signal in" onscreen instead of just "720p". Thanks.

yeah the OSD says what the input is

there are 240p over the air digital channels and of course the XS955 does not display 240p natively

personally I would prefer to know the source is rather than what it displays
I already know what it displays natively

irhxcbcziuzxs

01-15-06, 04:40 PM

best for an apartment XBR or n XS955

aktick

01-15-06, 07:46 PM

best for an apartment XBR or n XS955
I have this set (30XS955) in a smaller living room - not an apartment, but probably about the size of living room in most apartments. I think it's fine size-wise, but I'm also planning on getting a front projector soon, so that may influence my decision. If you will be watching mostly widescreen programs, it is quite a bit bigger than 27".

Stingray40

01-16-06, 04:04 AM

I also have another problem with this card though. The picture is off center, an inch to the right. the Catalyst Control Center doesn't appear to have any adjustment for that. I suppose I could adjust it through the sets service menu, but I'm planning on getting an HDMI tuner soon and that would throw off the other inputs connected through that piece of equipment.

You can fix this by using Powerstrip. Using the tray icon click Display Profiles -> Configure then advance timing options.

Jediphish

01-16-06, 09:16 AM

yeah the OSD says what the input is

there are 240p over the air digital channels and of course the XS955 does not display 240p natively

personally I would prefer to know the source is rather than what it displays
I already know what it displays natively

240p? I've never seen this in the list of 18 ATSC standards for digitial television. Can you expound about 240p? Is this rougue broadcasting by some independent stations who aren't subject to FCC regs because of their size?

irhxcbcziuzxs

01-16-06, 11:43 AM

I have this set (30XS955) in a smaller living room - not an apartment, but probably about the size of living room in most apartments. I think it's fine size-wise, but I'm also planning on getting a front projector soon, so that may influence my decision. If you will be watching mostly widescreen programs, it is quite a bit bigger than 27".

I play alot of video games, so that means older games too...
I watch alot of TV to DVD
Some TV and lots of movies