Zoro:

Did you get a 60 or 55?
I've been to my local CC and couldn't get anything close to what you said.
Do you mind sending me a pm with more details, or a copy of the invoice?
Thanks a lot.

Originally posted by studranger
oh hell papa!im 60 yrs old--MY pixel died 10 yrs ago lol

LOL, yeah but there's medicine for that

Originally posted by aztjc
zoro

Thanks,
I am in the 12-13' range and was worried that the 60" mightb be a little overwhelming as opposed to 55".

aztjc

Google "hdtv viewing distance" and you will get all sorts of recommendations. My favorite is from an Extreme Tech interview here (http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1558,1119513,00.asp) which says in part:

"While various HDTV manufacturers provide optimal screen size and viewing distance charts (especially front projector vendors), Gary suggested a few simple rules of thumb to calculate optimal viewing distance based on screen height. You must measure the actual screen height of the HDTV in inches (active screen area within the bezel, top to bottom). If you don't have a ruler handy, simply divide the diagonal measurement in half to get an approximate screen height for 16:9 aspect ratio HDTVs. Next, multiply the height by 3.2 to determine optimal viewing distance for 1080i content, or multiply by 4.8 to get the optimal distance for 720p content."

For fixed pixel displays I think you have to substitute "screen resolution" for "content" when it talks about 1080i versus 720p, and you get the optimal viewing distance of 11.76 feet for a 720p 60" screen.

By the way, somebody asked this, the speakers could be detached, but the silver frame around them can't.

So, do I understand that you cannot make the XS 'less wide' by detaching the speakers? i.e., there will be an empty hole in the 'ears', as opposed to removing the 'ears' entirely? :confused: I have not been able to see one in person yet where I live, so I'm trying to visualize what you mean.

Thanks:)

fangsf15,

The ears are a a fixed frame. In a sense the're like handles. The speakers screw in from the back side.

Here is how the speaker removal works for those who can't visualize this.

Originally posted by umr
Here is how the speaker removal works for those who can't visualize this.

So what is the advantage of being able to remove the speakers if it does not reduce the width of the TV? I have about 60" of width in my cabinet so it appears I am limited to chosing a 55" GWIV.

Originally posted by nixima
So what is the advantage of being able to remove the speakers if it does not reduce the width of the TV? I have about 60" of width in my cabinet so it appears I am limited to chosing a 55" GWIV.

It is useful for repair purposes. I see no other advantage.

is there any way to put big CC speaker on it! I saw CC had it on top of xbr

I have the GWIII 42" now, but after having an optical block replaced and having the new block be defective (the picture isn't as sharp as it was, and there was an initial green splotch in the center of the screen), I'm exchanging it for the GWIV that's being delivered on Monday. I'll post a follow-up with first hand knowledge of the differences between the two and if I notice any changes in picture quality or features.

I already know from playing with the GWIV that the menu has been completely revamped. I'm looking forward to trying out the onboard tuner to see what I'm able to pick up in the area. I'm bummed there's no DVI since that's how I have my cable box hooked up, but at the same time I think the connectivity with the DVI still has software issues (it will go to an all fuzz screen ever so often and I have to change it to an HD channel to get it to bring a picture back up). I know about the cable card slots, but I have a Motorola box so I read that their cards don't work yet -- Also, I'm waiting to try On Demand (it's not in my area yet, believe it or not) and like having the option to order Pay Per View. Another thing I like about the box is the onscreen channel guide, even if it is right only about 90% of the time.

Will post again when it comes in and I get it set to the way I like it.

Here's a pic of my current setup:
http://gallery.avsforum.com/showphoto.php?photo=10533&size=big&sort=1&cat=500

Doug

Center Channel Speaker:

Here's my "fix" for the rather large Cambridge Soundworks CC speaker - I velcroed it to the back of the TV.

I attached 2 lengths of 2" wide adhesive-backed velcro on the back of the Sony 55WF655, and 2 lengths of the mating side to the underside of my speaker. The speaker is rather heavy, so I stronlgy reccomend using (2) 2" strips.

Firmly press the velcro in place with a small roller, and let it come to full strenght for 24 hours before putting the speaker on the back of the TV. After the glue has firmly set, align the speaker (pointing up and toward the viewer) and press firmly in place.

It isn't perfect, but it's pretty damn good. I adjusted the volume of the center channel one notch higher, and it works well. Best of all, no thud in the night (so far!)

See the attahched photo.


--------------------------
Motorola Cable Card:
--------------------------

I do have a Motorola cablecard installed - have had for about 3 weeks with no problem. Don't know what other's problems are with the cards -- perhaps there are different lot numbers or firmware burns on the card. Gee, it's so much fun being on the bleeding edge of technology.

Any way to stick it on top?

CC speaker on top?

I suppose you could velcro it to the top - I just didn't like the look. Also the trim on the top of the TV is much narrower than my speaker, so I would have had to do some kind of shim to make it solid.

I also purchased the 60xs955 at CC but went to a local store and had them price match. Just waiting for Monday when it should be delivered...

rmullin,

There is stand that you can put on your tv to hold speakers:

http://www.racksandstands.com/prods/Sanus/TVSb-and-TVSc/Center-Channel-Speaker-Stands/0C276/0PSY0054.htm

I'm considering getting one myself. There are some other sites that have it for about $5 cheaper.

My first post. Been lurking since the Sony press release in Feb-04 about the new GWIV's.

I went to CC today, Saturday, and they actually had the 60XS955 on display. I asked about the projected delivery date I could expect and the salesperson said Weds. I said ok. Before we were done with the paperwork they said it could be delivered today, if I wanted. Well, after thinking for about a millisecond, I said OK. I received it this afternoon.

First impressions:
It's big. The room is large ( 18' x 25' ) but the current viewing distance is about 8'. I think I need to move the couch back to about 12'.

The screen reflections are minimal compared to the KV-27FV15 CRT it replaced. The CRT had very significant reflections such that in dark scenes it seem like I was looking in a mirror. The 60XS955 has very diffused, barely visible reflections.

Widescreen DVD's look great (X-Men 2). Even with only a S-video input. I am waiting on delivery of the new Sony DVP-ND975 DVD player w/HDMI output. I ordered it yesterday from Crutchfields.

Fullscreen DVD's( Harry Potter ) look great in "normal" mode, but look noticeably worse in the default "wide zoom" mode. The wide zoom mode was so bad that I had to try the other modes to see if it would get better. And it did, but we had the black bars on the sides, as expected. Buying this Fullscreen DVD was a mistake but another member of the family.

BTW, the WAF is an astounding "wow".

The SD cable channels had the expected poor quality. Our standards are much higher now that we have seen what is possible.

I am also waiting on an antenna to get the OTA HD local channels. I'll order that tomorrow.

Final note: A 60" TV really makes the defects in the source material stand out. A standard 480i DVD looks great in some scenes and "less great" in other scenes on the same title. This set really needs higher definition material to shine. I will be awaiting the arrival of HD DVD players and titles hopefully next year sometime.

This forum has been a great help to me in researching for this purchase. I have been waiting for the right technology for a few years now. The trigger to buy for me was the availability of reasonably priced DVD players with a digital video output and a corresponding digital video input on the TV. This is a reality with the HDMI connections this TV and DVD player have. I know there have been other solutions with DVI, but those DVD players were generally expensive and no believable commitment to the DVI standard. I think HDMI has the commitment by the right players as indicated by the availability of reasonably price DVD players and TVs with HDMI.


Edit: Changed BB to CC. They deserve the credit for the quick delivery.

Originally posted by Doug Miller


Here's a pic of my current setup:
http://gallery.avsforum.com/showphoto.php?photo=10533&size=big&sort=1&cat=500

Doug

Doug,
I like your stand. Who makes it?

-Bryan

Bryan --

It's a Sauder stand, bought it at Fred Meyer for about $170. It's simple and fits the room's look nicely.

Doug

just got the sony kdf-55wf655 to replace my pioneer pro 610 hd. first impressions;
hd pq is stunning using component input-can't get the hdmi to work

sd is awful; worse than pioneer

pip is terrible; can't get certain inputs-not good for sports fans

switching between inputs is a pain; the pioneer had remote hard buttons for 4 main inputs; is there a way around this on the sony using a pronto remote

i would not buy this tv if i had the chance to do it all over again-i bought it over the internet to save 800 bucks so can't return it

Originally posted by rjhseven
just got the sony kdf-55wf655 to replace my pioneer pro 610 hd. first impressions;
hd pq is stunning using component input-can't get the hdmi to work

sd is awful; worse than pioneer

pip is terrible; can't get certain inputs-not good for sports fans

switching between inputs is a pain; the pioneer had remote hard buttons for 4 main inputs; is there a way around this on the sony using a pronto remote

i would not buy this tv if i had the chance to do it all over again-i bought it over the internet to save 800 bucks so can't return it

Check out remotecentral dot com for discrete codes for the pronto remote to let you switch between inputs. Don't give up on this TV yet, there are many forum members working on tweaks for this set. Keep checking this thread....

Rjhseven

I also have a Pioneer Elite RPTV and a 42” GWIV. I have to agree with you that the Pioneer is hard to beat on analog TV and I too miss the direct input buttons on the Pioneer.

However, the SD quality improved significantly when I replaced my cable box with a cable card and now is pretty close to the Pioneer. HD is very good on the GWIV as are movies. The GWIV form factor also let me fit a TV in my office which never would have happened with the Pioneer Elite.

All in all life is a series of compromises. I am happy with the GWIV.

-Jim

Originally posted by rmullin
CC speaker on top?

I suppose you could velcro it to the top - I just didn't like the look. Also the trim on the top of the TV is much narrower than my speaker, so I would have had to do some kind of shim to make it solid.


Looks good. Are there any potential issues with mounting/resting the center channel speaker on a LCD RPTV?

I would be worried about placing such a heavy speaker on the back (or top) like that. For one thing the weight might bow the case which (although I don't know this for certain) could affect the position of the mirrors inside. Also I would worry about the vibration caused by speaker rattling internal parts.

But hey, it's your TV...

Not to mention that the high frequency drivers are not directly aimed towards your listening position, negating the advantage of having a center channel in the first place...

Originally posted by rjhseven
"just got the sony kdf-55wf655 to replace my pioneer pro 610 hd. first impressions;
hd pq is stunning using component input-can't get the hdmi to work"

What is the issue with the HDMI? I have my DVD player running over HDMI and everything looks fine. Don't know if it's really an improvement over component, but it works. Are you using a DVI->HDMI cable/converter? Is so there have been reports of some of these not working. I'm using a DVI--->HDMI cable from RAM and it's very nice.

"sd is awful; worse than pioneer"

I feel ya here. I'm not so in love with the SD on my 55 WF GWIV. I think I'm getting used to it after about a week, but initially I thought it was much worse than that of the Panny 50LC14 and have found overall that the SSE seems worse on my GWIV. Once again, I think I'm getting used to the SSE as well so it doesn't bother me as much.
Hopefully someone will discover some fabulous tweaks to improve this set! Anybody have anything new to report?

"pip is terrible; can't get certain inputs-not good for sports fans"

Don't know what you mean here. The pip works well for me and can display content from all inputs. NOTE: You do have to remember that only the LEFT picture will display content from Component of HDMI... I think.

"switching between inputs is a pain; the pioneer had remote hard buttons for 4 main inputs; is there a way around this on the sony using a pronto remote"

Word. At least you can skip the ones not in use. glass half full.

"i would not buy this tv if i had the chance to do it all over again-i bought it over the internet to save 800 bucks so can't return it"

Sux that you're that unhappy w/it. Give it some time, it'll grow on you. Try watching some NEWER DVDs on it. Watched Day after Tomorrow on it last night and looked pretty F'in good. Good luck!

Originally posted by UncleCemka
I just found this stand on the IKEA website, and would like to try to use it for the KDF55WF655 (http://www.ikea-usa.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10101&storeId=12&productId=42127&langId=-1&parentCats=10104*10174). Looks pretty nice. Is there anyone who has one, that could tell me what the width of the base of that TV is? The stand is 40", and I think it might be enough.

Sam

Is there anyone out there, that can tell me the width, of just the base of 55WF655? I know the width including the speakers, but the base looks much smaller on the picture. Please let me know, because that stand looks pretty cool, and I need to know if I could use it, for my soon to arrive TV.

Sam

Originally posted by UncleCemka
Is there anyone out there, that can tell me the width, of just the base of 55WF655? I know the width including the speakers, but the base looks much smaller on the picture. Please let me know, because that stand looks pretty cool, and I need to know if I could use it, for my soon to arrive TV.

Sam

At it's widest the base is ~38.5".

mklaessy, thanks for the info.

For those of you who don't like switching through all the inputs, there should be a way to skip unused inputs in the menu so you don't cycle through them.

Got the 50 g4 and it takes about 9 to 10 blinking light to start up? Is this ok i am thinking about have sears bring me a new one>? WHat should i do?

Originally posted by mklaessy
The pip works well for me and can display content from all inputs. NOTE: You do have to remember that only the LEFT picture will display content from Component of HDMI... I think.In PIP ("Twin View"), HD sources -- DTV channels from the Antenna or Cable inputs, and things on the HD/DVD component and HDMI inputs -- can only be in the left window; these won't work on the right window. Of course, any non-HD source can be in either the left or right window. It requires a little planning when switching back and forth between several HD and non-HD shows (like a bunch of baseball and football games on a weekend).
Originally posted by TwinTurboZX
For those of you who don't like switching through all the inputs, there should be a way to skip unused inputs in the menu so you don't cycle through them.Yes, under the "Setup" menu, use "Label Video Inputs" and set unwanted inputs to "Skip."

I posted last week about a green glow in one corner and a blue glow in the other during dark scenes and in split scrren mode. Well, I made the Avia adjustments...it was still there. I just exchanged my set (42WE655) for a new one. It's still there! Maybe even a bit worse than the last set.

I think for $[MSRP ONLY] I should have a uniformly dark (if not black, it's an LCD after all) screen.

Should I keep trying the exchange game or get a tech out to the house?

Originally posted by xrtdr
[green / blue glow is] still there! Maybe even a bit worse than the last set.

Should I keep trying the exchange game or get a tech out to the house? Could there be something generating a magnetic or EM field near your TV? Bad 110V power? Try it with nothing or just a VCR or DVD player connected. If that doesn't help, try moving the TV to another corner of the room (or even another room).

EDIT: [MSRP ONLY!]

xrtdr

Is the green glow only with the svideo connection??

Good thought, David. I do have a shielded Aperion subwoofer and speakers. I moved them away from the TV and no difference. The problem is with all inputs. Here's a pic, albeit ot a very good one

sony set-up

Originally posted by xrtdr
I posted last week about a green glow in one corner and a blue glow in the other during dark scenes and in split scrren mode. Well, I made the Avia adjustments...it was still there. I just exchanged my set (42WE655) for a new one. It's still there! Maybe even a bit worse than the last set.

[MSRP ONLY] I should have a uniformly dark (if not black, it's an LCD after all) screen.

Should I keep trying the exchange game or get a tech out to the house?

Same problem with last years models... Shame they couldnt fix the problem on these new models... I dont thing a tech can do anything except make youre tv worse.... Hmm blue glow too? Id try to see if you can go to the store and pick one youre happy with...

Please stop posting prices unless they are MSRP. Read this post.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=300703

Thanks

Nice post

Many improvements with the tweaked GWII - notice the greens - as I have indicated, next to red push on the GWIII & GWIV, they both suffer from severe decoder errors with green. No one ever seems to discuss this. I hate undersaturated greens that lean towards blue.

Originally posted by umr
Professor Gascan,

There is not 100% agreement, but there are more people happy than not.

Here is an example of the difference with low resolution photos, but it is typical.

My GWII

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?s=&postid=4492824&fullpage=1

An untweaked GWIV

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?s=&postid=4492653&fullpage=1

I received my 60xs955 this morning. Too bad I could only play with it for a short time before having to go to work. I was really surprised how long it took to gather all the analog and digital channels. They aren't kidding when they say 50 minutes. During that time I assembled the 55" z-line stand I got and it looks like it will work well. It is something like 22.5" off the ground which is what most people consider high but I think it will work well for me. When I sit up straight on the sofa my eye level is nearly 48" so that isn't far from center at all and it isn't that important anyway. I wasn't able to put the tv on the stand myself so I'll see for sure when I get some help with that tonight. I didn't notice any dead pixels and I thought the image looked good out of the box when playing star trek nemis on a toshiba sd4800 dvd player (1.5 yrs old) using component and progressive. The thing I was soooo happy with was that the stand allowed my center speaker to just fit. I am talking within a 1/16th of an inch. I have a klipsch rc3 reference line center speaker and it was so close I had to put the speaker in from the back of the stand and when pushing it the little stick on tabs came off the bottom but I think it will work. The grill just fits on the front and the front crossbar of the stand overlaps the top of the speaker about an 1/8".
I'll post some pics later but I think I have a keeper here. If this all works out good setup is complete...at least for a few more weeks until I get a new dvd player...

Originally posted by DirtRider
I didn't notice any dead pixels and I thought the image looked good out of the box when playing star trek nemis on a toshiba sd4800 dvd player (1.5 yrs old) using component and progressive.

Congratulations. I know you will be happy with this set. A few quick things to try.
1. Until you calibrate "Pro" mode, use "Standard", it is the best of the three OOTB ("Vivid" is too overdriven.)
2. Unless the room is very bright, it will probably be best (once you get use to it) to use "Reduced" Power Saver mode. This will extend the life of the lamp and improve black quality.
3. I'm not familiar with your DVD player, but the three I have all work better in "Interlaced" mode on this TV. I don't know why, but the picture is sharper and when using AVIA to calibrate, progressive mode flattens blacks (I do not see the "below black" line?) This disturbs me because if I knew this before, I would not have purchased half of my DVD players.
4. I don't know if you have any HDMI sources, but I would be interested to hear your results via HDMI. I get inconsistent results between the two inputs (7 & 8) and my HDMI devices. My HDMI cable box (SA8300HD) proclaims "This device does not support HDCP" for port 7, port 8 works, but the picture is terrible (really very poor quality.)

Enjoy

4. I don't know if you have any HDMI sources, but I would be interested to hear your results via HDMI. I get inconsistent results between the two inputs (7 & 8) and my HDMI devices. My HDMI cable box (SA8300HD) proclaims "This device does not support HDCP" for port 7, port 8 works, but the picture is terrible (really very poor quality.)

Oh, good -- the dawn of another DRM scheme that does a great job of protecting content by breaking things.

Does anyone know if any pictures of the rear 'in/out' panel for the 55xs or 60xs has been posted ? And where?

thanks

Is it possible to use a lower watt bulb in the we series to help w/ black level?

Originally posted by aztjc
Does anyone know if any pictures of the rear 'in/out' panel for the 55xs or 60xs has been posted ? And where?

thanks http://www.crutchfield.com/S-kaE8AC85Xh0/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?s=0&cc=01&g=153950&id=morephotos&pi=2&i=15860XS955&display=XL#Tab

3. I'm not familiar with your DVD player, but the three I have all work better in "Interlaced" mode on this TV. I don't know why, but the picture is sharper and when using AVIA to calibrate, progressive mode flattens blacks (I do not see the "below black" line?) This disturbs me because if I knew this before, I would not have purchased half of my DVD players.
4. I don't know if you have any HDMI sources, but I would be interested to hear your results via HDMI. I get inconsistent results between the two inputs (7 & 8) and my HDMI devices. My HDMI cable box (SA8300HD) proclaims "This device does not support HDCP" for port 7, port 8 works, but the picture is terrible (really very poor quality.)

Enjoy [/B]

I have heard that about the interlaced and progressive as well. Can someone explain why?
I don't have any hdmi sources yet. I was thinking of getting the new $300 msrp sony dvd player when it comes out since I imagine they make their products to work well together. I have a denon 3805 receiver and would have liked to get a denon dvd player too but too expensive for me besides the 1910 and that seems to have green push fairly bad. I will probably wait a bit and see what others like since I don't need this right away and ended up buying the tv a bit sooner than expected because of the good deal (limited funds).

I'm looking for a new DVD player that does upconversion. Is anyone using the Zenith DVB318 DVI output with their new GWIV? I'm curious to know if there are any compatibility issues with the DVI to HDMI conversion...

I'll let you know! I am cancelling my CC order, getting better price from SO CA Sony Authorized dealer!! Freight is killer $228 for both TV and stand!! But price difference and no wait for gift card is all worth it!

Btw!! Now CC.com telling me $300 gift card, not $400, So I said I dont want it!! Unless someone wants to pay me off!! and pick up for cash! LoL

I am using a Momitsu V880 DVD player with an DVI to HDMI cable. Mostly the picture looks great, but I noticed today watching the Family Guy on DVD there were a lot of interlacing artifacts. Tried 720P and 1080i out of the player. I need to get another component cable to compare between component and DVI output.

Zoro,

What is SO CA ??

Changed out my GWIII for the GWIV today and thought I would post a quick rundown:

Out of the box, I like the new grey, it's darker than the old grey (although I liked the old charcoal rim around the screen I think it added a nice trick to making the picture appear darker). A few things I noticed off the bat are that they did a better job of seperating the inputs than on the GWIII. Another thing is that they overhauled the menu selection -- it looks a lot better, it's much easier to see.

The new built in tuner didn't do anything for local digital for me. Granted, I just bought a $50 Jensen antenae to try it, and got nothing. Not a big surprise considering I barely get cell reception at my house. As mentioned above, they aren't kidding about the 50 minutes to program. I hooked up the cable and let it fly for Analog and Digital channels. I got a big grin on my face when it said it found 249 Digital channels... only to have the rug pulled out when it said I could only look at 50. Oh well, I could always wish that Comcast wasn't scrambling, right? As mentioned earlier in the thread, I think the digital local channels look better through the cable than through the cable box. The picture is a little softer and more realistic. That said, I don't think it's worth the hassle of changing back and forth, along with missing out on the channel guide.

In terms of picture changes, any notices there? Yeah, maybe I'm smoking something, but it looks darker. Maybe the bulb change does make a difference. I thought Vader looked more detailed than on the GWIII. Along with the colors, let me add that the new menus also have a range of where you're at, so it will tell you if you're at "40 Sharpness" instead of the GWIII 15 "ticks" from center or something like that. Sony really did improve the user friendliness of this model.

Problems, things I don't like? Yeah, I don't know why, but my remote won't work with my Sony DVD player. My GWIII remote worked just fine with it. I tried resetting the remote and reprogramming, but nothing. I'll call Sony if I get around to it, in the meantime I'll just use my DVD remote. Also, in terms of the remote, this remote isn't as good as the GWIII. The input change button is moved to the very top and got smaller -- the overall layout changed just enough to annoy me since I was used to the old one.

Other than that, I'm really happy with the set. I wish I didn't have a DVI Monster Cable gathering dust now (I need to buy a DVI to HDMI cable -- anyone using one yet? How's it working?).

Here's picks of old and new:
GWIII
http://gallery.avsforum.com/showphoto.php?photo=10533&sort=1&cat=500&page=1
GWIII Closeup
http://gallery.avsforum.com/showphoto.php?photo=10534&sort=1&size=medium&cat=500&page=1
GWIV
http://gallery.avsforum.com/showphoto.php?photo=10572&sort=1&size=medium&cat=500&page=1
GWIV Closeup
http://gallery.avsforum.com/showphoto.php?photo=10573&sort=1&size=medium&cat=500&page=1
GWIV Menu Change
http://gallery.avsforum.com/showphoto.php?photo=10573&sort=1&size=medium&cat=500&page=1
GWIV Translucent Menu
http://gallery.avsforum.com/showphoto.php?photo=10575&sort=1&size=medium&cat=500&page=1

Doug

Originally posted by Doug Miller


Other than that, I'm really happy with the set. I wish I didn't have a DVI Monster Cable gathering dust now (I need to buy a DVI to HDMI cable -- anyone using one yet? How's it working?).


Doug


I picked up a Monster DVI to HDMI last Saturday to hook up my Dish 811 receiver to my 60XS. It works great.

By the way, I also found that my Sony RDR-GX7 DVD looks better interlaced than progressive. I suppose the TV does a better job at upconverting the signal than the DVD player does.

Does your tv make a video glitch look when you change HD channels?

If not i think i have a problem with my cable box

radius360
" I'm looking for a new DVD player that does upconversion. Is anyone using the Zenith DVB318 DVI output with their new GWIV? I'm curious to know if there are any compatibility issues with the DVI to HDMI conversion..."

I have a 318 that worked over DVI on a GWIII but will not work with a DVI to HDVI cable on a GWIV. However the player also up coverts over component and works well with the GWIV in this configuration.

-Jim

Originally posted by jmmaher
radius360
" I'm looking for a new DVD player that does upconversion. Is anyone using the Zenith DVB318 DVI output with their new GWIV? I'm curious to know if there are any compatibility issues with the DVI to HDMI conversion..."

I have a 318 that worked over DVI on a GWIII but will not work with a DVI to HDVI cable on a GWIV. However the player also up coverts over component and works well with the GWIV in this configuration.

-Jim
Jim,

Thanks for the info! With this in mind, I think I may hold out for a DVD player with HDMI if there truly is a problem with DVI to HDMI and the GWIV's. Has anyone else experienced the same problem??? Could the DVI to HDMI converter cable be the problem?

Well I am quite happy. Setup the new 60xs955 tonight and it looks flat out awesome. I only have analog comcast cable but there is about 4 channels that come in HD and they look outstanding. Just watched the tonight show and it is the best I have ever seen on a TV. This is my first HDTV but I have seen a few friends with them and they were nothing close to this one. The 1080i on NBC looks best but I imagine a lot has to do with the equipment they are capturing these shows on.
DVD looks way better on progressive with my toshiba sd4800 player. There is no question on this so dvd players must be very different as many people discovered differently. Mine is 1.5 yrs old.
The stand worked perfectly for me and just fits my equipment. The center fitting by 1/16th of an inch was a great relief.
I'll try posting a few photos. The photos don't do justice and the colors don't looks nearly as good as on the tv (now i need a new camera too).

1 - My Setup - Sony kdf-60xs955, denon 3805, toshiba sd4800 dvd, klipsch reference sound system (rp-3, rc-3, rs-35), z-line stand

2 - Pearl Harbor dvd on progressive. Lights out.

3 - 1080i NBC comcast cable Tonight Show

Can anyone tell me where I can see the 60XS955 on display in a B&M in Southern California? I have yet to find a store that has one. Also, I haven't really read anyone give the compelling reasons (besides small price diff) on getting a 60XS vs. 60WF.

xs design is only worth extra cost imho

GWIV Easter Egg???

Just took delivery on my 55WF655. When I first turned it on, I cancelled the channel scan and went straight to the Label Video Inputs menu. I was surprised to see little boxes after each input, as if you could enter your own label. I thought maybe this was a software upgrade to the fixed labels as shown in the manual. In any case, I went back to the Channel menu and did an Auto scan. After that finished, I returned to the Label Video menu but now the fixed selections were there instead! I wonder if it's possible to edit your own labels?

As for picture quality, I don't know why, but I thought that the WF in power saving mode might do blacks better than the 50WE655. With all the praise for this mode, I couldn't see that much difference - probably about the same as 1 or 2 units of brightness. I would certainly lower the lamp even more if possible. Anyone know if this is possible in service mode?

For Chicagoland comcast subscribers or others who may know...
Anyone know why the HD channels I get through my only analog comcast cable package show up like 115.5? Do all HD channels have numbers like this? It is kind of a pain to know what is the music channels and what might be HD content. Then when you look at their lineup on the web site they list the HD channel for NBC as 188 and it says 115.5 when I tune to it on the TV. I just don't know how to find the channel on the tv that corresponds to the HD channel listed on the guide. I have figured out how to add them as favorites once I find them and that is a nice feature.

Originally posted by papaduxx
Does your tv make a video glitch look when you change HD channels?

If not i think i have a problem with my cable box

No glitches here, papaduxx, it's just like changing a regular channel.

Dirtrider

Under the digital encoding, you've got a difference between the RF channel and the actual PSIP designation.

The PSIP system was so that channels that had built up name recognition such as CHANNEL 12 could have their actual RF number for digital convert to 12. However to do this, they came up mulitple channel 12s for the same station as they can carry multiple stations on the bandwidth they were allocated. So many stations use 12-1 for their HD, 12-2 for their SD and 12-3 for whatever(i.e. weather radar). In my area, the local PBS affiliate actually has different programming on the -1 and -2 stations, not just different resolutions.

Originally posted by papaduxx
Does your tv make a video glitch look when you change HD channels?

If not i think i have a problem with my cable box

Don't sweat it. It's a common occurrence when you have a feed switching from an analog channel to an HD channel. I've seen this happen on both the panny 50LC14 and the GWIV, when hooked up to cable box over component. The picture scrambles for a second and then beams out in glorious HD. Nothing to worry about.

Originally posted by Doug Miller
Other than that, I'm really happy with the set. I wish I didn't have a DVI Monster Cable gathering dust now (I need to buy a DVI to HDMI cable -- anyone using one yet? How's it working?).
Doug

Doug, I ordered an DVI-->HDMI cable from RAM. Workes great, got here in about a week, and cost about 1/3 of monster.

Originally posted by DirtRider
For Chicagoland comcast subscribers or others who may know...
Anyone know why the HD channels I get through my only analog comcast cable package show up like 115.5? Do all HD channels have numbers like this? It is kind of a pain to know what is the music channels and what might be HD content. Then when you look at their lineup on the web site they list the HD channel for NBC as 188 and it says 115.5 when I tune to it on the TV. I just don't know how to find the channel on the tv that corresponds to the HD channel listed on the guide. I have figured out how to add them as favorites once I find them and that is a nice feature.

The science of this was explained earlier, so I'll just comment that this is just in the case of using your GWIVs internal tuner to get the HD channels. I have the comcast box and all of my HD channels are set standard, like 191, 192, etc. It's cool that you can pick up the HD channels w/o paying for them, but if you upgrade your comcast it'll be easier to just dial in the channel. Course if you just delete the music channels or save the HD as favorites then there's no issue.

Yeah saved the local hd channels from comcast as favorites, now I need to go back and label them so i know which is which.

DirtRider,

How do you like the height of that Z-Line stand? I ordered the same XS set as well to be delivered this Saturday and I didn't buy the Sony stand because 1) it was WAY too expensive, and 2) I thought it looked kind of low. Do you find your stand is too high, or just right? I guess it also helps if I ask you what is your viewing distance?

Thanks,
Jason

Originally posted by DirtRider
Well I am quite happy. Setup the new 60xs955 tonight and it looks flat out awesome.

DirtRider,

What is your typical viewing distance? I too purchased the XS60 and it will be delivered this coming Saturday. Having second thoughts that I should have waited for the 55" model--the old distance vs. size vs PQ debate, but I couldn't pass on the deal I got at BB so I caved in and bought. My typical distance will be 16', closest at about 12'.

I thought the Tonight Show photo looked excellent, so your camera can't be that bad. Or the picture quality of the TV makes up for what your camera is lacking.

Concerns about SD quality have me doubting my purchase as well. I currently have Dish Network on a 26" Mits CRT, and signal quality has always been crystal clear. I'm prepared for the fact that the big screen will reveal any deficencies in my SD, but am hoping it won't be too unwatchable. Can you post a photo or two of your best and worst SD channels to give me a general idea of what I might expect with SD?

Also, while playing Star Wars ATOC at BB I noticed some subtitles (text) on the screen when aliens were talking was terribly jagged. Not sure if it was the DVD player or the set. Maybe the DVD was zoomed or something, they couldn't find the DVD remote so I couldn't tell for sure. Does text on the screen look smooth?

thanks,
-steve

Originally posted by barnabas
What is your typical viewing distance? I too purchased the XS60 and it will be delivered this coming Saturday. Having second thoughts that I should have waited for the 55" model--the old distance vs. size vs PQ debate, but I couldn't pass on the deal I got at BB so I caved in and bought. My typical distance will be 16', closest at about 12'.

At 12-16' you should be fine with the 60". That's almost far enough fo a 70!

Also, while playing Star Wars ATOC at BB I noticed some subtitles (text) on the screen when aliens were talking was terribly jagged. Not sure if it was the DVD player or the set. Maybe the DVD was zoomed or something, they couldn't find the DVD remote so I couldn't tell for sure. Does text on the screen look smooth?

I think that's the DVD. I noticed this same thing on the newly released Star Wars IV-VI, and thought it was a new TV/DVD player thing, but then watched another DVD with subtitles, don't remember which one, and they were smooth and natural looking.

Originally posted by mklaessy
Don't sweat it. It's a common occurrence when you have a feed switching from an analog channel to an HD channel. I've seen this happen on both the panny 50LC14 and the GWIV, when hooked up to cable box over component. The picture scrambles for a second and then beams out in glorious HD. Nothing to worry about.

I'm curious about this.....I get this "flickering" as well when changing channels from SD->HD or even between HD channels of different resolution 1080i->720p etc. My TV is native 720p (Mits DLP) so if I set my HD Sat. receiver to output 720p and the "flickering" goes away...smooth, quck channel changing.

Now, I've always read that you should set whatever box you have to output the signal unaltered and let the HD TV do the scaling, but the "flickering" when changing channels drove me nuts so I changed it. I have not really tested it by switching back and forth to see if I'm losing any PQ.

So, my understanding is that the Sony is native resolution of something slightly greater than 720p right? So, I'm curious if changing the output on the Sat. receiver would make a difference since there will ALWAYS be some conversion by the Sony to it's native resolution.

Originally posted by jrapps
DirtRider,

How do you like the height of that Z-Line stand? I ordered the same XS set as well to be delivered this Saturday and I didn't buy the Sony stand because 1) it was WAY too expensive, and 2) I thought it looked kind of low. Do you find your stand is too high, or just right? I guess it also helps if I ask you what is your viewing distance?

Thanks,
Jason

Most would consider it too high at about 22.5" height but I couldn't ask for better. My viewing distance is probably about 12'. It fits the components and when sitting up straight on the sofa I am right at center screen. It is better when I recline having it a little high anyway. Then my big size 13 feet don't get in the way of the screen:D. Neither does my laptop screen if I am working and watching tv at the same time. Like I said it is the best I could ask for.

Originally posted by DirtRider
Well I am quite happy. Setup the new 60xs955 tonight and it looks flat out awesome. I only have analog comcast cable but there is about 4 channels that come in HD and they look outstanding.

Interesting. I also have Comcast analog cable (in Denver) and was going to upgrade to digital cable with the HD package, at an extra cost of around $15 per month over analog cable (no premium stations). Now I am wondering if it's really worth it. Sounds like I'll get some HD content off the cable anyway without the upgrade.

Are there HD stations available that you DON'T get? For example, locally the HD package includes ESPN-HD and Discovery-HD plus the major local networks HD feeds.

Originally posted by JimP
Dirtrider

Under the digital encoding, you've got a difference between the RF channel and the actual PSIP designation.

The PSIP system was so that channels that had built up name recognition such as CHANNEL 12 could have their actual RF number for digital convert to 12. However to do this, they came up mulitple channel 12s for the same station as they can carry multiple stations on the bandwidth they were allocated. So many stations use 12-1 for their HD, 12-2 for their SD and 12-3 for whatever(i.e. weather radar). In my area, the local PBS affiliate actually has different programming on the -1 and -2 stations, not just different resolutions.

I need a lot more backgound knowledge on this subject. RF I have heard of but don't even know what it stands for and PSIP I never even heard of. From what I gather from one other post the 115.5 HD for channel 5 SD is not like what I'd see with a cable box but instead is intrinsic to the GWIV and its internal tuner. Any threads you can refer me to or if you like please post a little more about it.

Originally posted by barnabas
DirtRider,

What is your typical viewing distance? I too purchased the XS60 and it will be delivered this coming Saturday. Having second thoughts that I should have waited for the 55" model--the old distance vs. size vs PQ debate, but I couldn't pass on the deal I got at BB so I caved in and bought. My typical distance will be 16', closest at about 12'.

I thought the Tonight Show photo looked excellent, so your camera can't be that bad. Or the picture quality of the TV makes up for what your camera is lacking.

Concerns about SD quality have me doubting my purchase as well. I currently have Dish Network on a 26" Mits CRT, and signal quality has always been crystal clear. I'm prepared for the fact that the big screen will reveal any deficencies in my SD, but am hoping it won't be too unwatchable. Can you post a photo or two of your best and worst SD channels to give me a general idea of what I might expect with SD?

Also, while playing Star Wars ATOC at BB I noticed some subtitles (text) on the screen when aliens were talking was terribly jagged. Not sure if it was the DVD player or the set. Maybe the DVD was zoomed or something, they couldn't find the DVD remote so I couldn't tell for sure. Does text on the screen look smooth?

thanks,
-steve

The tonight show photo looks a bit washed out on the guys face. It does not look this way at all on the TV so I think the picture might be slightly overexposed. In any case you can still see that the quality of the image is quite good.
SD definitely looks noticeably worse. I was having fun toggling between the same channel in SD and HD and just being in awe of the difference. However, SD is still very watchable IMO and I think this set would give any other of this size a run for its money.
I don't watch TV much so I have no idea what my best and worse channels are. I just wanted a good TV for when I do and for movies.
Text looked fine to me although I noticed on the PBS HD channel there seemed to be some side to side motion of the horizontal lines. Like they were going back and forth against each other. NBC HD on the other hand with the tonight show was the best looking picture I have ever seen. With that and dvds the text always looked smooth. Granted I have only a couple hours with this TV so far.

Originally posted by jjdenver
Interesting. I also have Comcast analog cable (in Denver) and was going to upgrade to digital cable with the HD package, at an extra cost of around $15 per month over analog cable (no premium stations). Now I am wondering if it's really worth it. Sounds like I'll get some HD content off the cable anyway without the upgrade.

Are there HD stations available that you DON'T get? For example, locally the HD package includes ESPN-HD and Discovery-HD plus the major local networks HD feeds.

Yes, I do not get discovery HD or ESPN-HD. I only get the HD channels I think that are normally broadcast. No antenna is hooked up so it is definitely coming through cable. Discovery would be nice to have. That is probably my favorite channel. Right now I am still on a yr promo for internet and analog cable at $53 month and I don't want to be paying twice that as some do. I am thinking when the yr is up in Feb that I might switch to yahoo dsl and get voom. Don't know much about any of this yet though so I have much research to do.

Originally posted by sombra_azul
No glitches here, papaduxx, it's just like changing a regular channel.

I'm gonna try changing the cable box then, and maybe just swap the cable for a new one. Thanks for your response. One more question, when you hit the guide button does it glitch or scramble at all?... mine like freezes and the guide takes the whole left side of the screen. I usually have to reset the cable box.

Doug Miller: You've probably already tried this, but I found that I had to try all the Sony codes having anything to do with DVD listed in the manual before I found one that worked with my RDR-GX7 Sony DVD recorder.

Originally posted by DirtRider
Most would consider it too high at about 22.5" height but I couldn't ask for better. My viewing distance is probably about 12'. It fits the components and when sitting up straight on the sofa I am right at center screen. It is better when I recline having it a little high anyway. Then my big size 13 feet don't get in the way of the screen:D. Neither does my laptop screen if I am working and watching tv at the same time. Like I said it is the best I could ask for.

I saw this stand, it looked nice and spacious!! But a bit too high, and about 8-10 inch narrower than ur tv!

But in dirtrider Pic it looks fine!

After seeing the set in Sony Stand that is 18 inch! It looked like match made in heaven, so went for matching sony stand, with additional lock in grip for base!

Originally posted by zoro
I saw this stand, it looked nice and spacious!! But a bit too high, and about 8-10 inch narrower than ur tv!

But in dirtrider Pic it looks fine!

After seeing the set in Sony Stand that is 18 inch! It looked like match made in heaven, so went for matching sony stand, with additional lock in grip for base!

The tv sticks out 6" on each side which I could care less about. The stand is 24" deep and the tv is 20" so that leaves and additional 4" of depth on the stand. It is very solid and heavy and costs half what the sony does. IMO it looks like it should cost more and it looks nicer. It only retails at $330 and I got 10% off

Originally posted by jjdenver
Interesting. I also have Comcast analog cable (in Denver) and was going to upgrade to digital cable with the HD package, at an extra cost of around $15 per month over analog cable (no premium stations). Now I am wondering if it's really worth it. Sounds like I'll get some HD content off the cable anyway without the upgrade.

Are there HD stations available that you DON'T get? For example, locally the HD package includes ESPN-HD and Discovery-HD plus the major local networks HD feeds.

I have Adelphia (in COS) and right now I'm getting INHD, INHD2, HDNET, SHOHD, HBOHD, FOXHD and a few others. No STB, cable card, digital cable or subscription to pay TV...just straight analog cable. Not sure how long it will last but I'll ride it out for a while. The quality isn't all that great sometimes though, the HD channels get some serious digital artifacts sometimes. I'm not sure why. Adelphia generally sucks anyway, so it doesn't surprise me.

I'd dump them right now for Dish if I wasn't getting all this stuff for free. Even better, I'd go with Voom if they would allow you to get service without a land line. I dumped mine about 2 years ago and won't get one just for HDTV. It seems kind of stupid to me since more and more people are going wireless, so by default they've alienated a large cross section of the population that they won't service because of this stupid rule.

I did say man!! It looks decent, but I got Sony's for $500

If anyone wants a closer pic of the 55" z-line stand here it is

DirtRider...thanks for the info. I had been considering this stand from BB but I was afraid at 22 7/8", it was too high...

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=1060605669796&skuId=5902302&productCategoryId=cat03116&type=product

My viewing distance will also be in the 12' range, but I only have to worry about looking over my size 11 feet! :-)

Jason

yup, it will have overhang too, but nice!

Originally posted by jrapps
DirtRider...thanks for the info. I had been considering this stand from BB but I was afraid at 22 7/8", it was too high...

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=1060605669796&skuId=5902302&productCategoryId=cat03116&type=product

My viewing distance will also be in the 12' range, but I only have to worry about looking over my size 11 feet! :-)

Jason

Jrapps,

This is the stand that I have and I'm very happy with it. There's a ton of room on the shelves (I have: top shelf: DVD, Center channel, HD STB Bottom Shelf: 300 disk changer, VCR, and receiver) for all your components and the height is really good. It's the perfect width for the 55WF, so It'll be a little slim for the 60's or any xs, but it shouldn't be too bad. It was also pretty easy to assemble.

Originally posted by jrapps
DirtRider...thanks for the info. I had been considering this stand from BB but I was afraid at 22 7/8", it was too high...

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=1060605669796&skuId=5902302&productCategoryId=cat03116&type=product

My viewing distance will also be in the 12' range, but I only have to worry about looking over my size 11 feet! :-)

Jason

What is the height of the top shelf on that stand? I have a JBL Ncenter and wondered if it would fit there.

Check out eCost for the Sony SU-GW11 stand, they had the lowest price I could find...

mklaessy, any chance you could post a picture of your setup? Thanks,

Jason

u need su-gw12 for 55 or 60 inch set, and it is out of stock, and is 200lbs cost a lot of shipping

Originally posted by jrapps
mklaessy, any chance you could post a picture of your setup? Thanks,

Jason

I'll try to post a pic and the height of the shelves tonight after I get home.

Has anybody achieved a 1:1 pixel mapping without extreme over/underscan on the 60" XS? I'm looking to get one, this is the only thing holding me back - I'm a heavy HTPC user.

Originally posted by jvrobert
Has anybody achieved a 1:1 pixel mapping without extreme over/underscan on the 60" XS? I'm looking to get one, this is the only thing holding me back - I'm a heavy HTPC user.

Well get one anyway and figure out how to make it work. Then teach us.:D

Just the thought of seeing bf1942 on this display gets me excited.

There is another thread dealing with HTPC on the XS sets. One person has claimed to get 1177 x 662 working with an nVidia card without much overscan problems. Once I get my TV on Saturday I will have to try this myself.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=461076

Jason

Originally posted by gwood
Plex - Well the CableCard for new Sony LCD rptv is not ready this time. The reason is incompatible...The Motorola will release the CableCard's next version in few weeks to support the new Sony models. Wish you a luck!

My cable company is claiming that there is nothing wrong with their Motorla CableCard but that I likely need a firmware upgrade. Anyone, if you did have some problems with your CableCard...what was the final solution/outcome?

-Bryan

Originally posted by BryanSD
My cable company is claiming that there is nothing wrong with their Motorla CableCard but that I likely need a firmware upgrade. Anyone, if you did have some problems with your CableCard...what was the final solution/outcome?

-Bryan
Bryan,

It wouldn't surprise me. I'm waiting right now for the guys at Sony to hook me up with the firmware update to my 42WE655 to fix my channel memory problem. They say that they can repeat my problem and that a firmware update is coming soon.

PM me with your contact info and I'll pass it along to the Sony engineer that I've been in contact with. Maybe he can shed some light on your cable card problems.

Originally posted by jrapps
mklaessy, any chance you could post a picture of your setup? Thanks,

Jason

Okay, here's a pic of my current setup.

The bottom shelf of the stand is ~9" high and the top (to the bottom of glass shelf, not metal bar) is 10.5-10.75". I really like the stand and think it worked out quite nicely. I originally had purchased the z-line stand from CC that DR posted earlier, but had to swap it out for this one from BB because this stand is angled in the back and fit's better in my room. Also, the stand may be listed on the BB website at $299, but I bought it from them at a "price drop" $50 less. I couldn't find a better stand for a better price anywhere.

Hope the pic turns out, looked good on my PC last night, but looks like crap on my laptop today.

Here's another one at an angle. Once again, pic quality not great, especially after having to reduce the size to attach to this board.

mklaessy,

thanks for the info the stand looks great. I'm kinda confused on the height you post for the top shelf. How How is it? I have a JBL NCenter speaker and I think it is about 7" high, want to know if it will fit in there.

Originally posted by hdiesel1977
mklaessy,

thanks for the info the stand looks great. I'm kinda confused on the height you post for the top shelf. How How is it? I have a JBL NCenter speaker and I think it is about 7" high, want to know if it will fit in there.

That should fit, no problem.

If you look at the stand:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=1060605669796&skuId=5902302&productCategoryId=cat03116&type=product

You'll notice that the bottom shelf space is 9" from bottom glass shelf to middle glass shelf. The top shelf space, though, is actually ~10.5" from Middle glass shelf to the top glass shelf (that TV sits on). There is a metal bar in front of the top shelf that lowers the front opening to ~8.5 or 9", but if you have something larger than that you can slide it in from the back. With a 7" high center channel, though, you shouldn't have a problem.

Bryan - don't you mind telling me what version your cable card is using - can you find this number through the menu? (Don't remove the card from your TV! Or you would have to call the technician to come over and redo it.)
Maybe not same firmware for different cable company, not sure.

My Comcast(near Annapolis, MD) should be ready with the firmware update for my GWIV 42" by this Monday to correct a problem with premium channels HBO and SHO.

Originally posted by mklaessy
That should fit, no problem.

If you look at the stand:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=1060605669796&skuId=5902302&productCategoryId=cat03116&type=product

You'll notice that the bottom shelf space is 9" from bottom glass shelf to middle glass shelf. The top shelf space, though, is actually ~10.5" from Middle glass shelf to the top glass shelf (that TV sits on). There is a metal bar in front of the top shelf that lowers the front opening to ~8.5 or 9", but if you have something larger than that you can slide it in from the back. With a 7" high center channel, though, you shouldn't have a problem.

Ok understand you now, thanks for the reply!

the couple of images I saw in this thread do NOT look like the newest Sony WEGA, what am I missing here ? .... the new models i saw are all black

no grand wegas r black!

well, they are very dark compared to the images I saw... maybe a very dark gray.... but they are not the color I saw in those images...

Originally posted by umr
You have all of the information I have on the subject in this TV. It may only effect the test patterns and not be useful. If it works like I hope it should do the following...

7 = all on
6 = blue off
5 = green off
4 = red only
3 = red off
2 = green only
1 = blue only
0 = all off

This is a three bit binary thing. RGB is the bit order from most to least significant bit. This is how the GWII worked for a similar setting.

The bad news is that this setting does not turn off individual panels... :(

The good news is, your GWIII tweaks significantly improved overall picture quality on my KDF-50WE655. They don't work perfectly - reds are still too intense - but the difference is night and day. I haven't gone further than that yet, so there's still more tweaking to do.

Originally posted by AllGrainBrewer
well, they are very dark compared to the images I saw... maybe a very dark gray.... but they are not the color I saw in those images...

Well, before you work harder to prove your point, I thought I would introduce you to the GWIVs (see links). Look for the WF655, XS955, and WE655s. You'll note, no black at all. Silver and gray.


http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_BrowseCatalog-Start?CategoryName=tv_ProjectionTVs_RearProjection_55to70TVs&Dept=tv


http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_BrowseCatalog-Start?CategoryName=tv_ProjectionTVs_RearProjection_42to51TVs&Dept=tv

Bryan:

Had my Cable-Card installed last night on my 60XS955, and only 2 of the 7 HD channels can be found and several digitals are MIA, comcast said they know that an upgraded card is needed. The HD channels that are coming in OK but not great, my RP-CRT looks much better

Quick question, is there a way i can stop running through each video 1,2,3...to to get to my DVD player? can i delete links 1-5 and 7,8?

well I may be looking at a different TV then, this is the TV I'm talking about, it looks considerably darker than the ones I've seen on SonyStyle.com -

( this is the Canadian model )
check out this image:

http://www.dumoulin.ca/items/SON/SON_KDF55WF655.jpghttp://www.dumoulin.ca/items/SON/SON_KDF55WF655.jpg

Originally posted by Plex
Quick question, is there a way i can stop running through each video 1,2,3...to to get to my DVD player? can i delete links 1-5 and 7,8?

Yes. I was able to do this via the menu, I think it was the channel set up. You can label the device, and remove inputs from the list the tv/video button switches to.

Everyone,

I would first like to thank everyone who has posted regarding the GWIVs. You all provided a lot of great insight and knowledge I would never have gotten otherwise.

I ordered a 55WF and had it delivered and set up last week. (just in time for game one of the World Series) This is my first entrance into the higher end TV/home theater, and so far so good.

First, my setup. I'm using component from digital cable box, a marantz sr7400 reciever, and am waiting for the new marantz dvd player w/ hdmi. As of now, the reciever isn't doing any of the switching. All the video goes right into the TV. In the meantime I'm using an old sony player from about 4-5 years ago.

The picture on standard cable is better than I thought it was going to be based on all the stories I'd heard on AVS. Admittedly, this may be due to lack of reference points, since I've never seen other big screen setups. I haven't done any tweaking yet, in the SM, but OOTB on Pro I turned the sharpness and brightness way down. ( I'm at work right now and forget the exact tic marks). The one complaint I have is regarding how blacks are displayed. If an object in the foreground is dark and so is the background, pretty much all detail is lost--it all looks dark. I'm hoping for this to get better once I tweak it a bit.

I get my HD box on Monday, so I haven't seen any HD content yet, and DVDs don't look great b/c the TV is doing all the conversion work.

I don't have a dig camera, or I'd take pictures.

Quick question,

I was just wondering if this was a common thing, There is a little blackish spot (unable to see from 3 ft away without looking) in one of the pixel boxes. I displayed a 60XS sony at BB and i seen 2-4 on that screen too.

If others have somthing like this too then i will not even exchange it. I have one bright/Black pixel and like one little tiny blackish one. Any if it is somewhat common i don't want to risk exchange for a potentially worse one.

Thanks in advance.

Are the tweaks for the GWiV consolidated one one page for easy access?

Thanks,
Mike:confused:

What you are describing is very common with LCD RP sets and usually called "stuck pixels". If you look hard enough you can probably find at least one on most displays, but from any reasonable distance they shouldn't be noticable. I don't seem to have any on my 42WE655 but I haven't spent any considerable time looking...ignorance is bliss!

Originally posted by gwood
Bryan - don't you mind telling me what version your cable card is using - can you find this number through the menu? (Don't remove the card from your TV! Or you would have to call the technician to come over and redo it.)
Maybe not same firmware for different cable company, not sure.

My Comcast(near Annapolis, MD) should be ready with the firmware update for my GWIV 42" by this Monday to correct a problem with premium channels HBO and SHO.

The cable guy didn't leave the card in my system. And in case I wasn't clear, the cable company claims that the problem is not with their card but the Sony. They are suppose to get in contact with Motorola and/or Sony to see if my WE655 needs a firmware upgrade.

-Bryan

Originally posted by radius360
Bryan,

It wouldn't surprise me. I'm waiting right now for the guys at Sony to hook me up with the firmware update to my 42WE655 to fix my channel memory problem. They say that they can repeat my problem and that a firmware update is coming soon.

PM me with your contact info and I'll pass it along to the Sony engineer that I've been in contact with. Maybe he can shed some light on your cable card problems.

I may take you up on the offer. I'm going to give my cable company the benefit of the doubt for a week that they know what they're doing. If by early next week I don't hear from them...I'll likely PM you.

-Bryan

Bryan

Comcast just left my house and fixed all issues with cablecard they told me it was a head-end problem. All i can say is this comcast tech when the extra mile, he gave me his cell number and said to call if i have and problems and even called me after he finished work to see if the CC was working. I've read allot of bad things about the cable techs, but this man has shown me that he and his company are trying its best to solve problems.

Side note: my tech told me that my Comcast and the Sony (Pgh,Pa. plant) swapped cablecards and TV's this month so both side could work on issues and solve problems.

KUDOS Comcast!!!!!!!

Wow Plex, sounds like a great customer service experience -- too bad that's so rare these days. I'd take the time to write a quick note to the tech manager of your local office bringing this to their attention; you never know if they have some kind of bonus program to reward good employees like your tech.

Originally posted by jpm121
Wow Plex, sounds like a great customer service experience -- too bad that's so rare these days. I'd take the time to write a quick note to the tech manager of your local office bringing this to their attention; you never know if they have some kind of bonus program to reward good employees like your tech.

I agree. We got to do our part and give them praise when it is due so the don't just hear us bitching all the time.

60XS955 Owners:

When watching a 4x3 native format picture (i.e., not zoomed or wide), can someone please tell me whether you can can change the gray bars on each side of the picture to become black bars on each side? I find the gray bars pretty distracting.

Does this also apply for signals input via component cables from an external ATSC/HDTV tuner such as the ? I realize that the 60XS955 has an integrated ATSC tuner.

Thanks for the responses,

Steve

Originally posted by Plex
Quick question, is there a way i can stop running through each video 1,2,3...to to get to my DVD player? can i delete links 1-5 and 7,8?


yes, go to the setup menu and label the unused inputs "SKIP"

Originally posted by TH3_FRB
What you are describing is very common with LCD RP sets and usually called "stuck pixels". If you look hard enough you can probably find at least one on most displays, but from any reasonable distance they shouldn't be noticable. I don't seem to have any on my 42WE655 but I haven't spent any considerable time looking...ignorance is bliss!

Ditto! I did a quick scan from closeup while displaying all black and all white screens from Avia and I saw no stuck-on pixels and no dead pixels. What I did see on the all white screen was 4 or 5 small splotches (smaller than a pixel) within the pixel grid. I assume these to be dust or some such thing. They can only be seen from 2 or 3 feet away with an all white screen, so I am not stressing about it. Seeing as all my pixels seem good I consider myself lucky (or maybe just average...)

Originally posted by jpm121
Wow Plex, sounds like a great customer service experience -- too bad that's so rare these days. I'd take the time to write a quick note to the tech manager of your local office bringing this to their attention; you never know if they have some kind of bonus program to reward good employees like your tech.

I agree! Even though I've had problems with 2, count'em 2, 655's, I have to say that the level of support that I've received from Sony has been top notch. They're really watching the launch of these new TV's very closely and seem to take all customer issues/complaints very seriously. I really do appreciate it when I get a call directly from a plant engineer wanting to know about my TV problems.

...and on that note, the Sony tech will be at my house tomorrow at 10AM to upgrade my firmware and fix (hopefully) my TV.

My biggest complaint with the GWIII and the GWIV has been the hazy green tints that I keep getting in the corner. I had the optical block replaced on my GWIII before trading it for the GWIV, and now am having the same issue, but in a different area this time.

Doug

Finally saw the 60XS today next to the 60XBR and 55WF. I've been waiting a long time to see one of these as I'm undecided as to which one to get.
I'm stuck between the WF & XS.
I do prefer the look of the WF over the XS, it's much simpler and cleaner looking.
The question is about PQ, is it worth $300 extra for the user advanced video controls?
I thought I read somewhere that the same adjustments could be made for the WF in the service menu, is this correct?
Also, when I was checking out the advanced video adjustments on the XS they were all locked/greyed out. Does this mean they are only available with particular inputs/sources?

Doug, this may be a complete shot in the dark, but have you tried a good power conditioner? (Not any Monster crud!) If it is a consistent problem like two seperate tvs, it may be EMI. I put a BPT 2.5 in my system and it sparkled afterwards. Got rid of all grain on the tv and any fuzz in the sound. Granted, I know that the GWIV is digital, but there are still analog parts in the tv that may be affected. Hope this might help. Check out the power conditioner/clean power thread(can't post links yet). I've been readin' that for months and it's helped a bunch.

Originally posted by fretbored03
The bad news is that this setting does not turn off individual panels... :(

The good news is, your GWIII tweaks significantly improved overall picture quality on my KDF-50WE655. They don't work perfectly - reds are still too intense - but the difference is night and day. I haven't gone further than that yet, so there's still more tweaking to do.

Thanks for the update.:)

delete

I noticed another odd software problem with the WF655. I will post here and hopefully Sony will address the issue.


When holding down the channel button (on the remote), the set scans quickly through the channels labels and after releasing the channel button, the set tunes to that final channel.

When I duplicate this on the channel buttons on the side of the set (you know these are there, don't you?) the channel scans quickly through the channel labels but after releasing the button, does NOT tune to the channel.

Is it possible to update the firmware in these sets, if and when updates become available? I've seen mention of that in the forum. What is involved in doing that? What is the cost?

Originally posted by arkid

Also, when I was checking out the advanced video adjustments on the XS they were all locked/greyed out. Does this mean they are only available with particular inputs/sources?

You have to select Pro picture mode in order to access the advanced video functions.

Originally posted by barnabas
You have to select Pro picture mode in order to access the advanced video functions.

Thanks. Do you know if these functions are available through the service menu on the WF's?

Originally posted by davis03
I noticed another odd software problem with the WF655. I will post here and hopefully Sony will address the issue.


When holding down the channel button (on the remote), the set scans quickly through the channels labels and after releasing the channel button, the set tunes to that final channel.

When I duplicate this on the channel buttons on the side of the set (you know these are there, don't you?) the channel scans quickly through the channel labels but after releasing the button, does NOT tune to the channel.

Is it possible to update the firmware in these sets, if and when updates become available? I've seen mention of that in the forum. What is involved in doing that? What is the cost?

Sony won't address anything said here...only when you place a service call to the Help Line (in India by the way). The people on the other end of this line are pretty much useless and regurgitate whatever's on the screen in front of them. Anyway...if you think what you're seeing is a problem, give them a call. Someone may contact you that eventually knows what they're talking about.

Firmware...as far as I know, only a certified Sony tech can update it.

Originally posted by papaduxx
I'm gonna try changing the cable box then, and maybe just swap the cable for a new one. Thanks for your response. One more question, when you hit the guide button does it glitch or scramble at all?... mine like freezes and the guide takes the whole left side of the screen. I usually have to reset the cable box.

I had the same problem with a Pioneer V3500HD cable box using the DVI out. Had to go back to component out. Now I have an SA 8000HD but they've disabled the DVI out - probably because of all these problems.

Originally posted by BigTVSteve
60XS955 Owners:

When watching a 4x3 native format picture (i.e., not zoomed or wide), can someone please tell me whether you can can change the gray bars on each side of the picture to become black bars on each side? I find the gray bars pretty distracting.

Does this also apply for signals input via component cables from an external ATSC/HDTV tuner such as the ? I realize that the 60XS955 has an integrated ATSC tuner.

Thanks for the responses,

Steve

They are black on mine. Maybe you should tone down the brightness.

Originally posted by davis03
I noticed another odd software problem with the WF655. I will post here and hopefully Sony will address the issue.


When holding down the channel button (on the remote), the set scans quickly through the channels labels and after releasing the channel button, the set tunes to that final channel.

When I duplicate this on the channel buttons on the side of the set (you know these are there, don't you?) the channel scans quickly through the channel labels but after releasing the button, does NOT tune to the channel.

Is it possible to update the firmware in these sets, if and when updates become available? I've seen mention of that in the forum. What is involved in doing that? What is the cost?

OH MY GOD, WE HAVE ANOTHER PROBLEM CHILD, IN THIS CASE A SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT HD TUNER PROBLEM---------CHECK THIS THREAD!! YOU'LL BE IN TOUCH WITH SONY SHORTLY! WOLFIE

LIFE IS GOOD !

I got my 60XS yesterday, in time to watch the Red Sox win the World Series (I am a liftime Boston area resident). OOTB, the PQ was unbelievable on my local Fox HD channel. No time to do any tweaks. JustI connected Comcast cable directly in and enjoyed!. The HD box is coming today and then there will be time to check everything out.

Really impressed with this set.

Originally posted by arkid
Thanks. Do you know if these functions are available through the service menu on the WF's?

I have no clue. Check with someone who has the service manual.

I don't have avia or anything special yet but just ran the thx optimizer last night and found one interesting thing. The horizontal and vertical position is definitely way off. I adjusted the horizontal to 3 and now it is very close to centered. I could not adjust the vertical though as it was grayed out. I just saw the post that it has to be in pro mode so I may try this later. Note that the horizontal position is a menu item called game ... and I was using it in standard mode. Pro mode looked very grayed out to me. I have turned the settings down on nearly everything in standard mode except for sharpness which I believe I turned up slightly. I also have the lamp running on reduced. I am still totally amazed with the TV so far. I wish it had a bit more detail in the blacks but I wouldn't trade it for anything else out there in its price range.
BTW- what is the recommended disc for tweeks? I don't want to go nuts and am obviously not the most technical guy here but do want to make it as much better as I can within reasonable time spent (a few hours for now).
Also, anyone have any info for me regarding my warranty question? $600 at CC seemed like a lot but can I buy one elsewhere which covers the bulb?

Some more pics for those who haven't yet taken the plunge (60xs955)...these look fairly good but don't even compare to the quality when watching the tv. I never knew how bad my camera was until now. Also keep in mind if it looks at all blury it is because the image is moving and I am taking a shot in the dark...slow shutter speeds.

1 - my ht

2 - z line 55" stand closeup

3 - Baseball...I never watch sports but this good of an image could get me started...

4 - Some cartoon on PBS HD

5 - City

6- Some dude playing a stinged instrument...whats that called...chello?

Notice the black detail in the suit. Like I already said the pics don't do justice but will still give you an idea.

yeh, I agree black detail in HD is excellent, but I can't believe how bad it is in SD. I'm thinking of swiching from Comcast to Directv. Comcast has so much compression on the digital channels, but I don't know if Directv will be any better. Just got cablecard yesterday and the picture is slightly better on the analog channels from motorola 6200/component, but they can't get some channels to work(HBO HD, ABC,PBS). Overall, I'm happy with the 60xs955(especially the sound).

Originally posted by Riddy
yeh, I agree black detail in HD is excellent, but I can't believe how bad it is in SD. I'm thinking of swiching from Comcast to Directv. Comcast has so much compression on the digital channels, but I don't know if Directv will be any better. Just got cablecard yesterday and the picture is slightly better on the analog channels from motorola 6200/component, but they can't get some channels to work(HBO HD, ABC,PBS). Overall, I'm happy with the 60xs955(especially the sound).

Sound from the tv speakers isn't too bad. I was surprised it doesn't get very loud though even when turned nearly all the way up. Don't get me wrong...it is loud enough but my little 27" interlaced toshiba can go as loud (not as good of quality though.
One thing I thought about though was what about that sub shaking all the internals. That can't be good for the bulb. I don't have to worry about that though because the denon/klipsch reference combo is awesome. My tv speakers are set to off.

In regards to the remote, I posted problems with my remote working with my 5-disk Sony DVD. After an hour on the phone with "support" they're sending me a new remote (after I insisted). I had the 610 before and the remote worked fine, but this one won't work the player. I noticed a few differences in remote layout so I know they changed it up -- my bet is that the new remote will also not work, but we'll see. I think we're going to find that the new remote is a problem. I've already seen 3 other posts with differing remote issues. Still, I'd rather their be a problem with the remote than with the TV.

Doug

Has anyone seen a 60XS955 in the SF Bay area? I hear all these proud owners, but no CC or BB here seems to have any XS on display (only WF and WE)?

I don't have avia or anything special yet but just ran the thx optimizer last night and found one interesting thing. The horizontal and vertical position is definitely way off.

How can you be certain this shift you're seeing is not being generated by the DVD player? Was it centered with other TV's?? Just curious. Pictures look great though, thanks.

Nice stand. I considered it myself, but I think it wouldn't fit well in my area. Is that lower glass shelf bowed down slightly near the center due to the weight of your receiver? Or is that just an optical delusion?:D

Jeff

Anyone know when the 55" XS will be in the stores? I've seen the 60", but it's too big for my room... I'm sitting 9' away from the TV. I can'tz wait much longer for a HDTV!

Sound Advice in Orlando, FL said they'll have it on the floor next tuesday.
BB here said they aren't carrying the 55XS, just the 55WF and 60XS.

Originally posted by JeffZX9R
How can you be certain this shift you're seeing is not being generated by the DVD player? Was it centered with other TV's?? Just curious. Pictures look great though, thanks.

Nice stand. I considered it myself, but I think it wouldn't fit well in my area. Is that lower glass shelf bowed down slightly near the center due to the weight of your receiver? Or is that just an optical delusion?:D

Jeff

Just optical delusion from riding your zx9r too fast...but my gsxr 750 is faster. So fast in fact it was stolen. Not all bad though...no more 165 mph speeding tickets.:mad:
All kidding asside the glass is very very heavy and tempered so it is very strong. The tv is supported in the center by 1 post sticking up in the front only which I think you can see.
Also, since I never changed the dvd player I know it is the tv. The setting is not to the extreme or anything and I think it only move around 1/2" on the screen. I should test it on my old tv again as you say just to make sure though. However, the old one was a 4:3 so maybe the dvd player setup to do 16:9 is screwing something up.
Now just to get some new stunt videos of the starboyz, lvx, judgement day and such...i hear the newer ones were recorded in hd

Got Avia today...now just to figure out the best way to use it....... anybody else adjusted with this yet?

jonesi

I saw some one listed settings on their 60xs955, now cant find it? need help!

Originally posted by BryanSD
I may take you up on the offer. I'm going to give my cable company the benefit of the doubt for a week that they know what they're doing. If by early next week I don't hear from them...I'll likely PM you.

-Bryan

I got a surprise call from my cable company (MidContinent Communications) that they were ready to try a new CableCard on my WE655. They found out they needed a different type of card, so no firmware upgrade from Sony was necessary. Given that some have posted waiting for months to see a CableCard to work...I can't complain that it only took a week for them to figure it out.

The cable guy was here for about an hour and a half, so even with the right card it wasn't smooth sailing. The first card he tried didn't work, but the second did (though I'm not convinced the first card had problems beyond some lack of patience). Evidently I also had a weaker cable signal than desired because an amp was also installed. I'm also a little nervous that TV was never turned off before inserting the card as recommended by the manaul. Coming from an I.T. background, I'm always concerned when the techs are over-confident that the equipment will not be harmed by not following established procedures.

In the end though...it works and I'm happy!

-Bryan

I own the KDF55WF655 and have a question for people that owned past models of GW sets:

The bottom edge of my picture rises 3 pixels from the left side of the set to the right side. I can see this on news tickers and Video Essentials test patterns. I don't notice much wrong with the geometry in other areas of the set.

Is this something that can be tweaked out with the service menu (by myself or a service tech)? Or does this require opening up the set? I'm within my 30 day return period and could ask for an exchange.

Originally posted by timick1
Anyone know when the 55" XS will be in the stores? I've seen the 60", but it's too big for my room... I'm sitting 9' away from the TV. I can'tz wait much longer for a HDTV! tim the difference between them is soooo insignifigant---on HD especially--get the 60--youll be sorry later--ive been there-good luckPS i too sit 9 feet away--and the HD pic is glorious at any distance-on old std signal distance was a factor-NOT on hd -hell!! i had a 36 inch sony tube (NOT hd)that looked GREAT from outside my garden apt when coming back from dumping the garbage thru the glass door 20 ft away lololol that is IF you can fit the entire size of the tv to the room that is--i couldnt-42 inch is all my little garden apt would tolerate-wished i got the 50 inch tho--boy do i!i can chop out the needed space lol

Anyone????
Still need some info from WF owners out there.
Can the advanced user menu adjustments available on the XS be made in the service menu of the WF?
Has anyone made any significant PQ improvements with the WF service menu?
I'm ready to buy today and need to know which will be more 'tweakable'.
Thanks.

Ive got the 42...but if you've got the 'scoots' get the XS. I would have but I have neither the room nor the scoots for the bigger (and cooler) XS.

I've got my set cranked down a little from the way it came from the factory, but I think its a little low ( I can say that grass now looks less blue...) But I need a tutorial for using Avia...

jonesi

DirtRider, you are killin me with your pics! Looks great. My set is supposed to be delivered on Saturday and I am growing increasingly impatient. I went ahead and picked up the Avia and DVE discs so once I get around to testing the whole system out, I will have to post some pics of my own.

Jason

Just a quick update...

The Sony service tech stopped by today with my firmware update. All it took was 2 seconds and a memory stick and now my TV works fine! No more loss of channel memory!!!!

All in all, I'd have to say that I'm fairly pleased with the level of support that I have received from Sony concerning the problems I've been having with this TV. Now I'm totally satisfied. Thanks, Sony!

On another note, CC is offering the 42WE655 at $200 below what I originally paid at BB 3 weeks ago. I just got a nice price adjustment that just covered part of the new TV stand that I purchased tonight. Yippee!!!

does any one think, side bars on 4:3 material, on 60xs are a bit bowed!!

I hated that on dlp sets, but it is not that bad!

Any time something comes up 4:3 I switch to one of the zoom/stretch modes. I think the XS does a better job of this than other 16:9 sets I've seen (XBR technology?). I'd check on it but I'm trying to avoid getting into "measure-bation" mode with this set on the first day. :)

Originally posted by zoro
does any one think, side bars on 4:3 material, on 60xs are a bit bowed!!

I hated that on dlp sets, but it is not that bad!

More like a lot bowed. They were pretty bad on the one I saw.

Question for all of you.
Imagine you have a problem with the tuner of your GWIV, like radius360 and myself; Sony knows how to fix the problem, and a Sony tech is scheduled to come in a couple of days.
HAS ANYONE OF YOU IN A SIMILAR SITUATION EVER TRIED TO "SQUEEZE" SONY TO UPGRADE SAY A 42" TO 50", "since that is the least that you, Sony, can do to compensate for weeks of suffering and frustration."

And, if anyone of you has ever done such a thing AND BEEN SUCCESSFUL, what would be the best route to achieve such end??

Help and hints, please.

I retired in July after 24 years as a master tech for a LARGE vendor and would like to say that the mosy difficult issues are field firmware upgrades. We would visit the customer site and then check our lap tops for reported fixes for the problems at hand. If similar issues hadn't been reported we would call Tech Support....anywhere from 5 minutes to _?_ on the phone. ( After 6-7 minutes we would usually hang up and leave ) If we made no phone contact we would go on line the next time at the office, usually within a day, and check for upgrades. If none addressed the issue we had we would call again. If Support hadn't had the problem reported they would email engineering.......

IF THE firmware had available upgrades we would download it and 'burn' it using our lap tops and visit the customer agin in a day or 2---if not.......well. Fixes from field reporting usually would take 2 to 3 weeks. My DAD always told me not to buy a new product until it had been out for 6 months and NOW I KNOW WHY !

OF COURSE, if we had made the incorrect problem assumption on the initial service call this cycle repeats itself. This prolly happens 10-20% of the time but on display devices less often.

This is a continueing state of field reporting and engineering fixes. Sometimes the process would go on for a year on new products....Dan

i did it too! my wife and i went to sears on wednesday and bought 60xs955 with some discount. initially i went there to ask for a pricematch, but when i mentioned " pricematch" , even before i told him how much, he offered additional 10%. (later i found out, it wasn't really coming from him, cuz, apparently they have membership sale 10% AND energy star appliance sale 10%) but it was cheaper than online price i found anyway. so it's getting delivered on saturday with 3yr warranty.

yesterday, we went to CC just to see if they can match the price and get me no-interest financing. CC guy went away for a few minutes, and said, "that looks like a great deal, sorry we can't match that" so much for their "unbeatable price"

then we went to BB, not expecting anything either. one of the sales guy asked me what he can do, in the middle of helping another customer. i asked about possible pricematch and he looked at my receipt and said, we don't pricematch. as we were leaving, we ran into their general manager and he asked if we needed help. i said, " that guy over there said you don't do pricematch here, so i am leaving." and he said he can do anything to match the price.

so i ended up buying my 60xs955 at bestbuy in pasadena,CA , with BB's 4yr warranty (they said they cover light bulbs too and it's 4 vs 3yr at sears), and even after free delivery and tax, i paid slightly less than BB's advertized price, out the door.

but what's even better? BB is giving $300 gift card for the purchase of THAT tv. so, i ended up paying A LOT less than MSRP , plus 4yr warranty and 24 month no-interest which sear did not give me.

what a great day yesterday was... i just hope the tv is pretty excellent when it comes to me on sunday. at that price, it doen't have to be the best tv outthere.. HAHAHAHA

now i gotta go cancel sears delivery. sorry for the long reply, but im just too excited and had to tell everything

Originally posted by jonesi
But I need a tutorial for using Avia...
jonesi

Have you watched Avia? It is a tutorial for calibrating your TV! I don't think it gets any easier than Avia...

TV stand question...

I just purchased a stand (Bush VS74377) for my 42WE655 yesterday and I feel like the TV is sitting way to high on it. I know a lot of people on this list are using the same stand and I was wondering if they feel the same way I do. And, if so, what have they done to the stand to get the TV to sit lower. Right now, I'm considering removing the feet and possibly modifying the 1" bushing that supports the top plate of glass to bring things down a bit. What do you thinK?

My 655 was originally sitting on an 18" coffee table for a few weeks and that height (as I'm now noticing) felt more optimal.

Hi MedicalWaste,

Lots of congrats. Do you mind PM me a copy of your invoice??
I'll go to BB and pull the trigger.
Thanks a lot in advance.

For whoever was looking for the box measurements of the 60XS955, they are:

H = 45"
W = 70"
D = 24"

For all in O.C, S. Calif area they have 60XS955 on display at Fry's Electronics in Anaheim. Looks very nice but they only have a promo HD Loop on it. No other signal so really could not see SD picture.

Additionally on box dimensions -- the sets need to be transported upright, so you'll need 4ft high interior space i.e. pickup or UHaul van rental. Learned the hard way last weekend....big bummer on bringing home a set for the Sox...

took the plunge today! 60xs955 arrives tomorrow! Can't wait...the main project now is getting my room ready for it - not an easy task. Oh well - that should be worth it!

I bought a TechCraft stand - but only for temp use. It is only 58 inches wide. For my setup, I need a stand the same width as the TV. So I have 60 days to return this one and get another - I'm thinking of getting the Sony stand. I think the prices is a ripoff - but I like the looks of it. So I think it may be the way to go.

once it's in and I get a chance to view, I'll post again.

by the way...anyone in northern VA looking for a display unit - the BB in Fair Lakes has it. I bought from Sears at Fair Oaks - they did price match (on the CC web deal), etc, and no interest for 12 months. But they did not have it on display. Only place I found it locally on display was the BB at Fair Lakes.

Originally posted by mweppner

I bought a TechCraft stand - but only for temp use. It is only 58 inches wide. For my setup, I need a stand the same width as the TV. So I have 60 days to return this one and get another - I'm thinking of getting the Sony stand. I think the prices is a ripoff - but I like the looks of it. So I think it may be the way to go.

Hey folks - I've had th 55WF655 for about 3 weeks now. Love it love it love it. I thought I'd post a quick pic of my setup, esp with people talking about stands. I hate the idea of people running off and spending $500+ on a Sony/oem stand that ONLY works with one or two of their sets. You can do much better with generics - which will work with any TV. The 55WF is 110lbs - my granny can lift that - so why spend $500 on a stand? I'm not paying for strengh. My choice? Two $25 IKEA 27" TV stands screwed together. Good for 150lbs+, matches color - doesn't look as slick as a $500 stand, but I've just saved myself the cost of a mid-range up-scaling DVD player..... hey.... THERE's an idea....


Cheers - Rob.

so i need to post 5 times before I can insert a pic...

just one more

<waits 30 seconds> There you go. Sorry about that everyone :)

http://mcewan.biz/tv1.jpg

Rob,
Looks nice. Is there any problem with having your Bose center channel speaker set on top like that? Is it just set there, or did you attach it somehow? How wide is that part of the TV? I have mine on top of my old Mits 31 inch direct view CRT, and was wondering whether I'd be able to keep it on top if I got the 55WF or XS. I see a lot of people have the center speaker under the TV, on the stand - do people find this sounds better than on top of the set? Or just looks better? I would think you'd want it as close as possible to the center of the screen - if that's so, on top would seem to be a little better than under.

Hi MedicalWaste,

Can you pm me the price at which u bought the tv after all the addded discounts like the $300 gift card.

Thanks!

Has anyone had any luck with the Scientific Atlanta Cable Card in the XS955?
I picked up the HD PVR awaiting the arrival of the Card, and love the picture, if not the SA8000HD interface.
The local Cox folks came out a few days later to install the card. It "works" but cannot find any digital or HD channels. It does display the analog channels and the local network simulcast of NBC. But no premium channels (HBO, Discovery) or the channels in the digital package (including the music only ones).
Any ideas?
Thanks

Originally posted by heywood jablomy
Rob,
Looks nice. Is there any problem with having your Bose center channel speaker set on top like that? Is it just set there, or did you attach it somehow? How wide is that part of the TV? I have mine on top of my old Mits 31 inch direct view CRT, and was wondering whether I'd be able to keep it on top if I got the 55WF or XS. I see a lot of people have the center speaker under the TV, on the stand - do people find this sounds better than on top of the set? Or just looks better? I would think you'd want it as close as possible to the center of the screen - if that's so, on top would seem to be a little better than under.

http://mcewan.biz/spkr.jpg

I am embarrassed to say that is in fact duct tape holding the speaker on. Temporary solution I assure you.

That part of the TV is only about 3inches wide - maybe less. It is also NOT HORIZONTAL - it leans to the front somewhat.

I'm going to be making a custom speaker shelf out of some 1/4 inch clear perspex, a coping saw, and a blow-torch. (I don't like the look - or safety - of the center channel tv-top shelves you can get at BB, CC, etc).

Originally posted by heywood jablomy
I see a lot of people have the center speaker under the TV, on the stand - do people find this sounds better than on top of the set? Or just looks better? I would think you'd want it as close as possible to the center of the screen - if that's so, on top would seem to be a little better than under.

Dunno the audio-phile argument, but in my opinion - there is a clear and unobstructed path from that speaker to my head. Under the TV, the sound would need to get past (in this order) the dog, the coffee table, chinese or other takeout food, and my feet before it gets to my ears. Not to mention, that the center channel is going to need another shelf, which raises the TV higher, and further out of your optimal eye-level-while-sitting zone.

Has anyone tried using heavy duty Velcro (from hardware stores) to attach center channel AND R/L speakers to the top of a TV like this? I have a Boston Acoustics 5.1 set and the speakers are small (not quite as small as Bose but close). I don't think I would worry too much about the stuff coming loose. I would be more concerned about messing up the finish on that top TV rail if I ever have to take the Velco off, or about speaker vibration affecting the TV.

I did see a picture where another owner used velcro to attach a rather large center channel speaker to the BACK of the TV, but this looked a little scary to me, whereas something sitting balanced on top ought to be pretty easy to hold in place.

That's too funny about the duct tape -
I was considering some velcro strips (seriously) - the speaker's' light enough that I'm sure it would be safe.
What is perspex? I'd love to see a picture once your shelf is done.

i get more mail regarding how and what size center chan speaker to use-
advise=i have the sony 42 inch lcd and the humungous infinity il35c center-biggest speaker you can buy and its on TOP of the tv--howd i do this?simple-i measured from the wall to the tv front--then i went to home depot and for 2 bucks got a piece of plywood-(scrap)-cut it to fit-used L brackets and 2 molleys to mount--drilled hole in shelf for cable-sprayed black-viola!!speaker shelf rests on top of the tv--just a little imagination thats all--you DONT have to go with a small speaker for the center--and a center should be on top--not the bottom and the BIGGER the better cause 80 percent of a movie IS dialogue!--good luck

Originally posted by heywood jablomy
What is perspex? I'd love to see a picture once your shelf is done.

Hmmm.. I'm a Brit import... I guess it's called plexiglass in the states? Anyways - clear plastic "glass". You can cut it, heat-bend it etc. I was going to go the wood route like studranger, but I think the plexiglass will give me a "slicker" look.

My issue with the strips is the stability. If you can wobble it, then *some* of the speaker's output will end up as vibration of the speaker instead of vibration of the air (e.g. sound).

quick question on the 60xs955 - are all the inputs/outputs on the left hand side, right hand side, or middle (looking AT the TV from the FRONT)??

Thanks.

right

thanks...that's what I was afraid of! My stack is on the left (facing the front of the TV), so in addition to all this money, I now have to buy all new cables!!! Frustrating...but I'm sure it's worth it.

I know it's off topic but WTF is that woman doing with that dog in the TV picture? :eek:

BTW nice setup you got there.

Originally posted by TwinTurboZX
I know it's off topic but WTF is that woman doing with that dog in the TV picture? :eek:

BTW nice setup you got there.

LOL....Anybody that has just come in to the forum, may wonder about this quote :)

I like the stand you have it on, that looks nice...What kind of stand does the GWIV sit on? I likey.

spj

Originally posted by TwinTurboZX
I know it's off topic but WTF is that woman doing with that dog in the TV picture? :eek:

BTW nice setup you got there.

That does look kind of disgusting!

http://mcewan.biz/tv1.jpg

[QUOTE]Originally posted by aaronwt
[B]That does look kind of disgusting!

One word: FOX

If you're talking about my stand (above) - it's this: http://www.ikea-usa.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10101&storeId=12&productId=10219&langId=-1&parentCats=10104*10174
I use two of em screwed together without the castors. Cheap as dirt (2x$25), matches color. Saved a couple of hundred for my Sony 975.

While we are talking about stands, I had a got the IKEA Stormark stand for 59.00. It looks great when matched with my 42 inch GWIV.


though the colors don't match exactly, it almost looks like it was made for the TV

And with my 5th post, here is the link to the stormark stand:

http://www.ikea-usa.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10101&storeId=12&langId=-1&productId=42127

Well, I could not take it any longer the rainbows on my Mits WD62725 got the best of me and its going back to GG! It was a hard decision to make because I really loved the PQ and features but the rainbows kept distracting me more and more.

I got a great deal on the 60XS955. They matched CC's current web price including the free delivery and gift card... I cant wait to start enjoying HD again.

My set gets delivered Monday!!!!! :D

Just got my 60wf655

And it looks fantastic!!

weold,

Who did you get your set from?? I'm still waiting for U.E. to deliver. They haven't gotten any yet!!

Thanks
Jeff

Been lurking for a bit...and can now officially post as an owner on this "GWIV owner" thread. (been waiting for the XS since July)

My 60 XS was from BB at about $740 below MSRP (plus a $150 gift card on top of that...enough to take a dent out of that HD-Tivo price). They had a sale until last Saturday. It seems a bit unusual to discount a brand-new model like that, but since all the planets had aligned, I pulled the trigger. Other than some very minor quibbles, I think this set might be perfect in every way. I've never seen anything better, at least.

I, too, was concerned about the floating frame on speakers design, and at first it struck me as odd and over-complicated. The pix I had seen both here and on SonyStyle did it no justice. It looked better in the store, but it looks really terrific in my LR. Other than the Sony plasma sets, I think it is the best-looking design I've ever seen for a TV set. I guess it grew on me. Plus, I can wire the pod speakers directly into my main system, bypassing the Sony electronics if I choose. (I'll post results of that experiment if anyone cares)

My only issue was the pix height. I bought a really nice Bush stand (maybe the Kerry stands are better, smarter, and don't lean so far to the right?) but it was 22.5 inches high. Measuring, its another 22.5 inches from the base of the set to the center of the screen. Since my seated eye height is 33 inches, this puts the set exactly a foot higher than it probably should be (I know, low furniture...Japanese futon/sofa). So I decided to swap for a lower stand.

It's extremely difficult to find a stand thats low enough and wide enough to work with this set. The only two I found were $800, and one of those was the matching Sony stand. Eventually, I settled for a SUGW1 Sony stand, which is last year's 55"-compatible, apparently, and is actually slightly lower (15.75") than the $800 matching stand. Although it was half the price, it is about a foot narrower than the set itself, meaning that the speaker pods protrude a bit, but it still doesn't look under-sized, and the lower height is much better...now I no longer feel like I'm living with the obelisk from "2001: A Space Oddysey" glaring down at me. Even at 10 ft away, it seemed way too high.

I really like having the ability to edit 3 profiles for each of the 8 inputs. That helps take some of the shock out of returning from HD sources to SD from DirecTV.

I'm using a $4 antenna on my $4K TV (the T antenna from my FM tuner taped to the inside of some window glass), and it works perfectly, especially since I have 5-mile line-of-sight. With 21 channels (12 digital) my 50-minute setup took less than 5 minutes. Everything else will port in via HD-Tivo via HDMI and component for the DVD.

I can't find any problems with this set at all. Zero complaints. I have been a broadcast engineer for decades, worked with DTV since '97, I QC high-quality video daily as a part of how I make my living, and I am totally impressed by this set in every way. Kudos to Sony, who always has and still does make the finest displays in the world.

Originally posted by JeffZX9R
weold,

Who did you get your set from?? I'm still waiting for U.E. to deliver. They haven't gotten any yet!!

Thanks
Jeff

I got it direct from Sony. I had a defective 60we610 and they had to replace it with the 655.

TomCat,

Thanks for your informative post on your new 60XS955.

For best aesthetics/appearance and seated viewing, I also think that low (below 20 inches in height) stands are essential for this set. The SUGW12 stand for the 60 inch models is only about 16 inches in height.

I was thinking about using the same Sony 55 inch stand that you used on my new 60XS955 (to be delivered in about 10 days). Can you post a photo of your stand/TV setup? I am a little worried about the appearace of the overhanging edges of the TV on the smaller stand.

thanks,

Steve

I noticed that the instructions for using the stand with the GWIV instruct you to strap the TV to the stand. The Sony stand has a belt for doing this.
Does anyone feel that this is a requirement? or is the risk of the TV falling over extremely remote?

Has anyone had a problem with the TV falling off the stand?

Just in time for Sunday Football, the bulb in my-had-it-for-less-then-a-week Sony 42WE655 just burnt out. I know this was a problem with the inital batch of GWIII's...I just did not expect it on a brand new TV. I got it from BB, and they offered to swap it out for a new Sony, but I am giving some though to avoiding Sony altogether and perhaps going with one of the DLP sets.

That is a sony thing...I remember that my parents had a 36' Sony Tube with sony stand and it had the same kind of strap as well....I guess its just as a precaution so that if the tv gets bumped etc. its not gonna fall over.

spj

I just traded my Mits wd62725 (Darn Rainbows) for the 60XS955 which gets delivered tomorrow. :p

I have a built-in media nook that is 13 inches off the ground and 73 inches across by 3 feet deep and 7 feet high.

My question is if I put the TV on a 15inch stand than the bottom of the set would be about 28 inches off the ground. So I'm assuming the bottom of the screen would be about 6 to 8 inches above that. Would that be to high for normal seated viewing from 8 to 12 feet back?

In the alternative I was thinking of building a shelving unit above the TV to house the components, center channel and front speakers and placing the TV at the 13 inch height.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!!

How do I stop the 60XS from asking me the language and if I want to scan for channels everytime I power on? Seems like I should only have to answer these quesitons on the initial power on, but instead it asks the questions at every power on. Is this a problem or is there something I need to change in one of the menus?

Originally posted by barnabas
How do I stop the 60XS from asking me the language and if I want to scan for channels everytime I power on? Seems like I should only have to answer these quesitons on the initial power on, but instead it asks the questions at every power on. Is this a problem or is there something I need to change in one of the menus?

Sounds like you have a problem. Contact Sony ASAP. I'm sure the sustaining engineer from the plant will be giving you a call. At least they did when I reported the problem with the 42WE655.

Originally posted by jonesi
That is a sony thing...I remember that my parents had a 36' Sony Tube with sony stand and it had the same kind of strap as well....I guess its just as a precaution so that if the tv gets bumped etc. its not gonna fall over.

spj ahahahah jonsei i had the 36 inch tube and the only way that heavy monster at 250 lbs is gonna tip over is if its hits by a train--takes 3 men to move it lol

Originally posted by BigTVSteve
...I was thinking about using the same Sony 55 inch stand that you used on my new 60XS955 (to be delivered in about 10 days). Can you post a photo of your stand/TV setup? I am a little worried about the appearace of the overhanging edges of the TV on the smaller stand...

Steve:

I understand your concern, as this was a bit of a leap of faith for me as well. I'll have to borrow a camera, so that might take a bit of time. Until then, I can tell you that the edge of the stand is directly under the vertical edge of the charcoal frame surrounding the screen so it looks almost like a natural extension of the vertical line of the main set body (55 3/8 above 54.5). Since the speaker pods are floating extensions beyond the physical body of the screen, their extra width does not detract from the aesthetics, IMO. I think I would slightly prefer the "12" stand, but not at that price. Some compromises are necessary sometimes, and this was a very small one. Also, I do not require the storage of the "12", as most of my gear is in another Ikea unit (I will only need close shelving for HDMI units).

Davis:

The 60XS does have a connector port for what looks like a belt clip. None of the literature mentions any glaring precautions or recommendations for that, however, other than the stock anti-litigation stuff ("Use of other tv stand may result in instability and result in possible injury"). I think that is a legacy feature for flat CRTs, which have 80% of their weight in the front 2 inches (my 36" XBR weighs some 230 pounds, over twice what my 60XS weighs). CRTs have thick glass to make the screen flat because without it the vacuum would cause the tube to implode. RP, glass or plastic, hold no such requirement. I have had the pleasure of lifting the 60XS, and the weight is distributed normally, making me think the belt might just be another way for Sony to soak us. If you have the entire base on solid footing, even a severe bump won't be a problem. That set isn't going anywhere. On a CRT even a small push from behind can sometimes tip them forward, however. If you have small children, I would definitely go for the "12" stand and belt anyway, as I'm sure you value their safety over spending the extra $400.

Reyfam:

The height is critical for a couple reasons. Aesthetics, for sure. On a 22/23 inch stand this thing looms over everything, dominating the room in an almost disturbing fashion (of course mine is out a foot to 18" angled from the wall, and if built-in, height would not be such a factor). While the horizontal angle is good at 120 degrees or so, the vertical viewing angle is about 25 degrees. LCDRP and DLP have some falloff that plasmas don't have, making eye height critical. I think the best course is to figure your seated eye height, and shoot for that as the middle of the screen or as close as possible. I was 12" below on a 22.5" stand, and at 15.75" I'm still about 6" below, but that falls in the sweet spot at 10 ft away.

Here are some measurements for you: H = 39 5/8, W = 66 3/8, d = 20 1/4. The base of the set is 5 1/8 high, and the bottom of the screen is 7 3/4 above the bottom of the set. The center of the screen is 22 3/8" above the bottom of the set.

Originally posted by Reyfam
My question is if I put the TV on a 15inch stand than the bottom of the set would be about 28 inches off the ground. So I'm assuming the bottom of the screen would be about 6 to 8 inches above that. Would that be to high for normal seated viewing from 8 to 12 feet back?


Way too high IMHO assuming your viewing distance isn't like 25ft. My stand is 15inches high, and I find my 55WF655 to be pretty much perfectly centered at eye-level (sitting on sofa in standard slouch position).

My seating position is about 12 feet back from the TV and my sitting/slouching eye height is about 36 to 37 inches. So I think if I just put the TV on the nook at 13 inches off the ground I should be just right at the center or as you say the sweet spot!

Thanks again!!!

21 hours till my set gets delivered:p

Took delivery of 60xs955 this morning and have been setting everything up since. Using a 24" Home Tech 3000 stand from Best Buy....it's higher than optimal but it does nicely hold all of my components and the center channel speaker, allowing me to get rid of another component rack and freeing up more space in the room. I've seen lots of discussion about optimal distance....I sit approx. 9ft away and it's fabulous.....really a great picture particularly for the hd channels and dvd is quite good as well. My dvd player, an inexpensive Samsung, seems to provide best pic with progressive scan rather than interlace mode. I find the pro mode to provide a good pic and have made a few adjustments to sharpness, brightness, etc. to provide a better picture for my tastes.

Originally posted by studranger
ahahahah jonsei i had the 36 inch tube and the only way that heavy monster at 250 lbs is gonna tip over is if its hits by a train--takes 3 men to move it lol

LOL yeah...I asked my dad today on the phone about it...yeah. There is a strap on that. I guess its a sales gig to get you to buy the sony stand so that you can strap it down. After spening big $ on a Sony TV they figure you will strap that puppy down as best as humanly possible.

Steve J.

Just swapped my PT50lc14 Panny for the KDF55WF, less vertical banding which was driving me nuts. SD looks better on these sets too IMHO.

When watching widescreen movies I did notice that the black bars are larger on the bottom of the screen as opposed to the top. The Panny displayed the bars equal and was just wondering if this was normal for this set? I tried several movies like the Gladiator and the bottom is about 25% larger then the top. I didn't see any place for adjusting the screen position unless it's a service menu thing.

Thanks,

-Rob

The Sony 55XS is most appealing, save for excessive overscan problems (could service menu take care of or at least mitigate this?), but more knowledgeable than most salesperson at BB last night voiced concern than long term LCD may be more problematic and difficult and/or expensive to repair than DLPs due to the design factors. Unfortunately, BB doesn't carry Panasonic DLPs, nor does CC. The Sony 55XS shows up on BB computer, but none in stock anywhere yet. Was told bulb began being covered a couple of months ago in extended warranty (less expensive than CC's). But long term dead pixel problems is a worry - how bad would it have to be before being eligible for extended warranty repair? Salesman said on DLPs repair problems would be easier to fix for bulb/color wheel/fan/circuit board. With fan noise problems noted elsewhere on Panasonic DLPs, what to do? Gotta get this purchase right the first time. Overall PQ of the Sony shines, but have they solved service and bulb/ballast issues?

Does anyone know if there exists a SmartMedia to Memory Stick adapter? I would like to use the Memory Stick port on the XS, but my camera uses SM. I've searched the internet and found adapters that convert MS to other formats, but none that go the other way (i.e. CF to MS, or SM to MS, etc.) I could always get an external memory card viewer and connect to one of the XS video intputs, but would prefer to take advantage of the slot on the set instead.

Barnabas:

I'm glad you asked this question. My digital camera uses smart media as well. I'm interested in the same thing.

uncledougie, did you consider the possibility that your extra-knowledgeable BB sales droid might have been planting the seed for a hard sell of the extended warranty? Or maybe that management told them to put the push on some of the DLP models that maybe aren't selling so hot this month?

Dead/hot pixels, generally speaking, are there when you take the unit out of the box. They don't breed and multiply over time. Make sure you get a no hassle 30 day return policy with no restocking fee, and you're covered. If it's worth 10-15% of the purchase price for your peace of mind, then by all means buy the service plan.

I have had the GWIV KDF 55WF655 for about three weeks now and am THRILLED.
The PQ on SD thourgh DirecTV is good to great (depending on the station) and the PQ on HD is AWESOME. Progressive scan DVDs look stunning. All in all I am VERY satisfied with my first foray into HD.

Question for other 55WF655 owners: I know the native resolution is 720p (or 788 or something close to that). With HD coming in through my RCA receiver at both 1080i and 720p (over a DVI-HDMI cable), am I better off setting the receiver to output 1080i and let the TV downconver to 720p or am I better off letting the receiver do the conversion to 720p (which, for ABC, ESPN, etc, means doing nothing). I am leaning toward leaving the output at 720p. That way 720 signals move through unchanged and 1080 are converted by the receiver. It seems that setting to 1080 output would mean 720 signals are converted TWICE. Once in the reciever (to1080) and then by the TV (back to 720).

Is my logic flawed? I would hate to keep having to change the output back and forth (makes channel surfing a pain). Otherwise, a GREAT set.

Originally posted by AdamHLA
I have had the GWIV KDF 55WF655 for about three weeks now and am THRILLED.
The PQ on SD thourgh D* is good to great (depending on the station) and the PQ on HD is AWESOME. Progressive scan DVDs look stunning. All in all I am VERY satisfied with my first foray into HD.


Hey Adam - fraid I can't answer your question except that IMHO, football in 720P (Fox) is better than 1080i (CBS).

I did want to ask YOU a question tho: did you have your RCA HD D* recvr before you got this set? If you had an SD model before - did you notice an improvement in PQ from an SD-only rvcr to SD via the HD rcvr?

Originally posted by robshdtv
When watching widescreen movies I did notice that the black bars are larger on the bottom of the screen as opposed to the top. The Panny


Don't have Gladiator, but all my movies show equal width bars.

Originally posted by barnabas
How do I stop the 60XS from asking me the language and if I want to scan for channels everytime I power on? Seems like I should only have to answer these quesitons on the initial power on, but instead it asks the questions at every power on. Is this a problem or is there something I need to change in one of the menus?

I'm sure my 55WF asked me a few times just out of the box. I can't remember exactly what I did, but I think I let it start the scan process, then I cancelled and it didn't ask at power-on any more.

Just got my 60xs955 up this last weekend. Running a Dish 921 and the HD is unbelievable. Even my skeptical wife is blown away. SD seems pretty bad compared to my 36" XBR400.

I bought the Elite stand from GG. With the glass it stands 26" tall. I sit about 11 feet way from the TV. At that height it did not change the picture, but my eye level was about at the bottom of the screen. It all seemed like the TV was taking over the room - I don't mind it, but it could be a little overwhelming.

Solution: I removed the glass top and steel support bars. That lowered the TV about 7 inches and it's perfect now. I lose space for a center channel, but am removing the top drawer, inserting a shelf and sticking my center channel in there.

I will post pictures shortly.

Originally posted by AdamHLA
Question for other 55WF655 owners: I know the native resolution is 720p (or 788 or something close to that). With HD coming in through my RCA receiver at both 1080i and 720p (over a DVI-HDMI cable), am I better off setting the receiver to output 1080i and let the TV downconver to 720p or am I better off letting the receiver do the conversion to 720p (which, for ABC, ESPN, etc, means doing nothing). I am leaning toward leaving the output at 720p. That way 720 signals move through unchanged and 1080 are converted by the receiver. It seems that setting to 1080 output would mean 720 signals are converted TWICE. Once in the reciever (to1080) and then by the TV (back to 720).

Is my logic flawed? I would hate to keep having to change the output back and forth (makes channel surfing a pain). Otherwise, a GREAT set.

Since, as you say, everything is displayed at 788p the signal will be scaled no matter what. And, digital signals are converted to analog in the set for processing before they are displayed anyway (based on comments elsewhere in this forum). Try 1080i and 720p out of your box and see which works best. Unfortunately, it might vary depending on which station you are watching.

Also, try plugging your cable directly into the TV - some people have said that this actually works better than going through the STB, at least for the stations that you can receive that way. Downside - you have to switch back and forth between the cable input and the STB depending on what you are watching.

Originally posted by AdamHLA
Question for other 55WF655 owners: I know the native resolution is 720p (or 788 or something close to that). With HD coming in through my RCA receiver at both 1080i and 720p (over a DVI-HDMI cable), am I better off setting the receiver to output 1080i and let the TV downconver to 720p or am I better off letting the receiver do the conversion to 720p (which, for ABC, ESPN, etc, means doing nothing). I am leaning toward leaving the output at 720p. That way 720 signals move through unchanged and 1080 are converted by the receiver. It seems that setting to 1080 output would mean 720 signals are converted TWICE. Once in the receiver (to1080) and then by the TV (back to 720).

Is my logic flawed?

Your logic is correct. If your receiver has a "Pass-thru" option, that would be best (as it would let the set do the conversion.) If not, 720p would probably be better than 1080i (following your logic.) Or you could try different settings and see what you like best.
BTW, my sa8300hd cable box has a pass-thru option, and that is what I use with my 60XS955.

I broke down and got the SU-GW12 matching stand for the 60xs955 - I liked the way it looked/matched, and I actually DID want the safety strap in the back (children issue). So, I decided to just spend the extra money - for the next 5+ years, this extra money will be money well spent not having to worry about that issue. Besides - it's the perfect height and looks pretty nice.

Only thing now is to find a way to hide all the wires that are visible through the open back. Any ideas/suggestions???

I haven't done nearly as much research on LCD as I have DLP... but the Sony WF model intrests me..

I was at Best buy and asked the guy about the 60XS mode if the picture can get darker (they had no remotes around anywhere). He turned it to Pro mode, which some people mentioned in this tread. He claimed though that in Pro mode is not good for the TV, that's why the TV is shipped in vivid mode.

I'm aware BB and CC employees alot of time don't know what they are talking about... (I had one guy at a BB tell me the Mits 725 series does not exsist.. because they don't have it) is this another case?

Does Pro mode put more strain on the TV or bulb?

Just returned my Sammy HLP for the 55WF on Friday due to video game lag and rainbow issues with the Sammy....

Although I have only had the GWIV for 3 days I am very pleased with my decision. Video games are now playable!!! I am using a PS2 connected via s-video. The twin-view (picture-in-picture) is awesome on the GWIV!! I can play video games on a sizeable window that takes up most of the screen and then watch TV in a smaller window. I know you can do this on the Sammy also but I can get a bigger window for the PS2 on the Sony.

The built-in tuner is way better than my Moxi Motorola DVR STB!! SD throught the built-in tuner is comparable to my old 35" Sony CRT. I could not believe the difference between watching SD through the Moxi vs the Sony. I hope to post pics on this soon.

The auto setup was able to find the 2 network HD stations that my cable company broadcasts along with all the music stations and some other stuff like talk-radio stations and a few digital cable stations.

As far as the picture quality goes, I think the Sammy DLP was better on the HD channels, but not much. SD is about the same through the Moxi on both sets but SD using the Sony tuner is awesome!! I ran throught the AVIA disk on my DVD and PS2 and I didn't sway too far from the default pro mode settings. Mostly redused the sharpness.

Did anyone ever start up an official "tweak" thread for the GWIVs?
I can post my settings but I was thinking there was another thead out here for stuff like that.

Originally posted by Ckuch9
I haven't done nearly as much research on LCD as I have DLP... but the Sony WF model intrests me..

I was at Best buy and asked the guy about the 60XS mode if the picture can get darker (they had no remotes around anywhere). He turned it to Pro mode, which some people mentioned in this tread. He claimed though that in Pro mode is not good for the TV, that's why the TV is shipped in vivid mode.

I'm aware BB and CC employees alot of time don't know what they are talking about... (I had one guy at a BB tell me the Mits 725 series does not exsist.. because they don't have it) is this another case?

Does Pro mode put more strain on the TV or bulb?

I don't think he knew what he was talking about (then again, maybe I don't either). Vivid mode should be harder on the blub because it uses higher brightness settings. Pro mode is a lot darker, hence less bulb wear.

I personally prefer Vivid for HD stuff, Standard for SD cable and Pro for DVD viewing...

Originally posted by Ckuch9
Does Pro mode put more strain on the TV or bulb?

The BB guy was completely clueless. Vivid mode might look better in a bright, wide open store environment and therefore the TV gets more attention.

The bulb always burns at the same level. Lowering the brightness simply allows less light to get through to the screen.

Exception: The WF655 sets and up have a power saving mode with actually DOES run the bulb at a lower power level. However, this has nothing to do with the video status (pro. std, vivid) or the brightness settings.

I've seen so many posts on stands in this thread ... figured I'd post a stand that I made myself. Cost about $200 in materials and more hours than I had planned, but the final result works for me ... Its got glass doors, PVC pipe connecting the 2 compartments (1 for power and 1 for signal) and I had to put in cooling and exhaust fans to maintain the Tivo tempature. Still have to figure out where to put the side speakers.

Gotta say that the 55WF is somewhat disappointing for me. I had to return a Philips Matchline LCOS 55" (because I saw rainbows) and, quite honestly, the Philips handled SD broadcast so much better than the Sony that my wife even commented on it. Overall, the Philips was a much more detailed and sharp picture regardless of source. And the Philips didn't have screen door effect. However, the Sony's color is more lifelike than the Philips and of course, I don't see any rainbows now. Perhaps when I learn to optimize the DRC/Clarity settings on the Sony I'll get the SD picture better. Regardless, this TV is a keeper.

another

Originally posted by mdjl4
another

job well done man! bravo!

just wanted to say...awesome job on the stand...I'd buy it for 200 bucks anyday.

Originally posted by jjdenver
The bulb always burns at the same level. Lowering the brightness simply allows less light to get through to the screen.

Exception: The WF655 sets and up have a power saving mode with actually DOES run the bulb at a lower power level. However, this has nothing to do with the video status (pro. std, vivid) or the brightness settings.

So, brightness settings don't affect bulb life at all??? I thought otherwise. This is interesting to know.

Originally posted by rmcewan
Don't have Gladiator, but all my movies show equal width bars.


Had the guy at CC hook up a dvd player to the floor model and confirmed at least on the KDF55WF the widescreen bars on the bottom were 1/4" larger then the top. The dvd was the Fast and Furious 2 in widescreen. For some reason the WE model displayed both bars equal but the WF was a tad off. He even measured it with his tape measure to be sure. It's not a big deal but I was looking for peace of mind that I didn't have the only set that did this. I wonder if it's adjustable or that for some reason this set, (2) I've seen so far display widescreen movies this way?!? Hmm....?

I've seen other models of various brands have the bars tilted right or left, uneven, etc... so there might be some variation in the factory setup before they go out the door. I'm aware that different movies in the same format will have larger or smaller bars but I've never seen the bottom bar being bigger then the top. Just another one of those looking to close to be critical situations.

-Rob

The difference in the size of the bars could be caused by differing amounts of overscan on the top and bottom of the screen. I noticed when I ran Avia on my 55WF that I have more overscan on the top of my screen than on the bottom. There is an overscan adjustment and screen position adjustment in the user menu, but only the overscan adjustment was available when using the HDMI input so I wasn't able to center the screen position. I beleive you can adjust both the overscan and centering of the screen using the service menu, but I haven't worked up the guts to delve in there yet.

I know this is an GWIV owners' forum..but I am trying to decide between a XS and a WE. I only have limited room and the 42' is perfect and fits my budget better. However, if the XS outperforms the 42 out of the box by a great deal, I'd much rather get the XS and cough up the extra $, anyone has any suggestions?

The XS is only available in 55 and 60 inch, so it sounds like it wouldn't fit for you.

It's purely for aesthetic reason that I don't want a 55 inch tv in my room. I would only do it if the XS is far superior in PQ and user friendly.

Saw them both today, and you've got to look at the physical dimensions, not just the size of the screen. The XS is even bigger than the WF model.

Here is my Sony 55WF on Bush TV Stand from BB. Height of this stand is around 17" which is almost same as what Sony recommends.

Good lord! That thing looks HUGE.... I guess I need to stick w/ the 42 inch. The older generation had a problem w/ light bulb (the 610), and it was the reason why I chose to wait for the new 655. Anyone has any problem w/ the We655?

Well got the 55WF earlier today, and since there have been some posts on stands I thought I'd chime in. I ended up getting the Sony stand for the 42" and 50" GW's. Model # SU-GW11. Price wise it's about half the price of the stand meant for the set. In terms of width it matches the tv perfectly, however the base of the set is maybe an inch over the stand in the back. No stability issues. Here's a pic with stuff half put together.

sorry haven't posted enough on the site to put up a url, I'll try and post a couple times to put the pic up or PM me

After this post I should be able to post a pic of the stand.

But I do have a question. Haven't had time to hooked up a better quality DVD player to the new 55WF but I hooked my PS2 and played a DVD through it. I noticed the image seemed to have a whole row of blue pixles above the main image. (kinda like the convergence was off even though there is no convergence) Is this an issue or am I being anal?