brt3-
Sony is a big company and like many big companies, information dispersal can be frustratingly slow and inept. Many times, getting specific information involves getting to the right people or person.

If you have excellent credit and still experiece some dely-PM me and I will attempt to hook you up with a seamless transaction person.

Ray,

I spoke to Barry at PA (he's the manager). He told me that he didn't expect to get units in until late Feb/early March, but that fits well with my schedule since the stand won't be ready until late March. And as I said, I want to have a local dealer to terrorize in case the unit has any problems. Heck, they took my $3000 deposit, so they'd _better_ have one for me when I want it. <g>

Re the stand... I'm very fortunate in that I have a perfect-sized corner for it and the bed (this is in a master bedroom) is in the diagonally opposite corner, with an optimal viewing distance (for me) of 11-12'. (Any closer and I'd get whiplash from moving my head back and forth.) The stand is 85" wide in the front, and about 36" wide in back (a truncated triangle) with 5 heavy-duty casters, hidden by a skirt. The front of the stand will have two large center doors for components and two outboard doors for DVDs. (The doors are all solid and I'll be using an infrared repeater for controlling the components, so the look of this stand will be extremely clean... everything's being done in style/rail "contemporary shaker" style, if you believe that oxymoron.) And above the component bin there's a bin for the new Yamaha YSP-1 DSP 5.1 array, which is 42" wide and fits in under the 006. The stand is 21" high, the bed is 27" high, and the screen starts at 31". So, the center-line of the screen ought to be about straight ahead of my eyes when viewing, or maybe I have to tilt my head up 1-2 degrees. The 006 will sit on top of the stand and is not inside of anything, so there's about 14" behind the unit to the wall (only 3" at the sides, so I may have to adjust that a bit) and the top and sides are open, so I don't think that ventillation will be a problem.

Re your issues with Sony re financing... Ouch! I'm sure I'll be avoiding that with the PA folks in SF.

Good luck getting your unit quickly and safely in one piece!

-Gary

Originally posted by DreamCatcher
Any of you guys watching Alias on your 006?
I'm watching it via HD Charter cable. The box only outputs 1080i via it's DVI output. Does anybody know how this show is broadcast?
Anyway just incredible!
The blacks on this set are ..... well.... BLACK!

dc

It was in 720p.

Yes, it was simply incredible. I'm sure glad our favorite couple survived the suburbian nightmare.

Soon I plan on having the calibrator that Sony uses for their V.I.P. installlations (George Lucas, Steven Speilberg, and Robin Williams, etc.)
tweak my 006 in an attempt to go from "incredible" to perfection, as he is right here in L.A. county.

Originally posted by 3deye

Re the stand... I'm very fortunate in that I have a perfect-sized corner for it and the bed (this is in a master bedroom) is in the diagonally opposite corner, with an optimal viewing distance (for me) of 11-12'. (Any closer and I'd get whiplash from moving my head back and forth.)
Believe me....... at 9 ft. viewing distance if you have normal periperal vision(as documented by a good visual fields exam) you will not even move your head one cm. to take in the whole 006 screen.
But, far be it from me to suggest re-location of the bed in the master bedroom of a happily married couple.:)

Originally posted by jb007
It's really disappointing to hear brt3's story. I ordered from Brian at Qualia/LV. Since I was one of the first sales, there were a lot of questions that couldn't be answered. But I'll tell you what, when I inquired about 18 months with no finance charge, Brian said he would look into it and call me back. He took my credit application over the phone (maybe 5 questions!), then called me back to say he got me approved for the $16k. He faxed me a receipt that I signed and faxed back. That was it. I never had to provide any photocopies of anyth

hmmmm,
Exactly how smooth did the purchase proceed when sony initially stalled on delivery according to your timetable? :)

Originally posted by wojtek
Don't worry about the response time...:)

>>The cell gap in the SXRD device measures less than 2µm, thinner than transmissive HTPS or most LCOS devices. The SXRD materials have been developed to accept good driving voltages and high quality optical properties, even in such thin cells. These innovations have enabled the combination of very high 3000:1 contrast and very rapid 5-msec response time. <<
Agreed.
3deye,
In other words, in real time home viewing of several football and basketball games, I have yet to visualize any motionblur at all.
Although, I can not comment upon any gaming applications - if that be your cup of tea.

Originally posted by colortv
This TV sells itself - how could anyone NOT want one after seeing the incredible images? I repeat .. the Qualia 006 has NO competition!

Apparently not now, but probably at the end of the year when a 1080p SED model
is released by Toshiba. Contrast on these is promised to be > 8000:1. The rest should be as good as the Qualia. And it's as thin as the thinnest plasmas. Wait for SED or buy Qualia now, that is the question.

Just curious if anyone noticed this in my previous rant/post:

I was also told (by Qualia/Vegas) that there is a current promotion going on where current purchasers of the set (up to some unknown deadline date) will be given the first bulb replacement free of charge. Maybe this will help offset the cost of being an early adopter!

Has anyone else heard of this?

Originally posted by 3deye
Ray,

Re the stand... I'm very fortunate in that I have a perfect-sized corner for it and the bed (this is in a master bedroom) is in the diagonally opposite corner, with an optimal viewing distance (for me) of 11-12'. (Any closer and I'd get whiplash from moving my head back and forth.) The stand is 85" wide in the front, and about 36" wide in back (a truncated triangle) with 5 heavy-duty casters, hidden by a skirt. The front of the stand will have two large center doors for components and two outboard doors for DVDs.

I saw this website; the guy's local and builds decent furniture, specifically corner cabinets (click on Home Theater). Not over the top custom, but it looks far better than most of the stuff out there.

http://www.mizzico.com./

On the other hand, if your having a custom cabinet built I'm looking for a artisan grade cabinet maker. If yours is that good I'd love to get his name; maybe I could trade you a 006 preview as an exchange? I may be putting my 006 in a bedroom as well, in which case I'll leave the speakers off and have the unit either flush with the cabinet face or hidden behind doors when out of use.

I sure appreciate the support and feedback this forum provides! OK, I've mellowed a bit now; I'm mainly just excited to be finally getting the 006. My other big project is to figure out HDTV recording on my Macintosh. Bought an EyeTV500 at MacWorld, now I'll probably add Comcast HD -- are they providing the Motorola set-top box with FireWire?

Questions for Qualia 006 owners: what results are you getting with standard resolution cable and DSS programming. How good is the set's internal upconversion? What are people using for DVD players, and what would be the ultimate match for this set? I've been "out of the loop" for a year or so -- moving, remodeling, getting married -- and need to get caught up...

Ray

Originally posted by kaduku
ColorTV,
Everytime you say something about the 006, I just feel sooooo good that I own one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I also ordered the Ideal-Lume from CinemaQuest based on the earlier recommendations from nhey.

kaduku,

You don't need to read my posts to know how incredible the 006 is. Turn it on and ear-to-ear smiles are inevitable. I really want the word to get out to those people who may be interested but have no way of seeing one of these puppies. I can't imagine buying any other TV sight unseen, but this is a no brainer. Notice we are not hearing about many (if any) problems with these sets. With a fresh product like this, we might expect the same kinds of unfortunate quirks other displays have, such as lip-sync problems and a host of other maladies. So far, complaints are hard to come by.

Originally posted by Penton-Man


Soon I plan on having the calibrator that Sony uses for their V.I.P. installlations (George Lucas, Steven Speilberg, and Robin Williams, etc.)
tweak my 006 in an attempt to go from "incredible" to perfection, as he is right here in L.A. county.

Penton,

I'll be very interested to hear if this guy can come up with anything more than your money for his tweaks. Is he likely to level with you when he does his tests? In other words, might he say "don't fix it if it ain't broke" if he determines that your set is already in the sweet spot? Or fiddle anyway just because he can? I'm curious to hear about the results - and on video (perhaps something saved on your DVR to make the comparison) you can be sure that the "before and after" are different - and improved. I almost wanted to find something wrong with my set when I ran DVE just so I could praise myself for having made some dramatic improvement - but didn't get the chance. My services were not needed.

Originally posted by brt3
Just curious if anyone noticed this in my previous rant/post:

I was also told (by Qualia/Vegas) that there is a current promotion going on where current purchasers of the set (up to some unknown deadline date) will be given the first bulb replacement free of charge. Maybe this will help offset the cost of being an early adopter!

Has anyone else heard of this?

Brt3 - this is TRUE. I have also been told the same thing by my cierge in the NY Qualia store. This offer is "good" up to 3 years, so you need to call and request a replacement bulb before 3 years. I can't imagine anyone having a bulb that lasts 3 years unless you watch this set on average only an hour of two each day,and considering the picture quality, that is NOT going to be the case. The bulb costs $300 by the way, and apparently only can be purchased from Sony.

The one concern I have about this offer is that I have not seen it in writing from anyone. Maybe we need to get our cierges to provide this in writing.

Anyone have any thoughts about this?

Originally posted by mhafner
Apparently not now, but probably at the end of the year when a 1080p SED model
is released by Toshiba. Contrast on these is promised to be > 8000:1. The rest should be as good as the Qualia. And it's as thin as the thinnest plasmas. Wait for SED or buy Qualia now, that is the question.

Of course, something will always be better later, then Sony will come back again with something even better!!!!!!! No the real question is, are you willing to wait for a year or two for that better tv. I'm not, in fact, I am enjoying it now. While the people that are waiting, are.....well...waiting!

Originally posted by Penton-Man
hmmmm,
Exactly how smooth did the purchase proceed when sony initially stalled on delivery according to your timetable? :)

Penton-Man,

I was talking about the financing/purchasing transaction. However, while it is true Qualia originally quoted me delivery in 7 days, then later said "before the Super Bowl," after voicing my concern, they did make delivery on 1/7/05. My 006 was ordered 12/30/04.

It's my pleasure to officially join the Owners Thread:D It's been along time (psychologically) since I began waiting for this TV to appear and now it's here at last.

It arrived yesterday and was just as I remember it from Vegas. Fantastic! Watched the "Fifth Element" last night and was amazed by the depth, color and sharpness.

I have only one negative and that's the light reflection from the acrylic screen protector. We have complete light control but it's difficult for us since my wife likes to do little projects (sewing, etc.) while watching. Not a problem with bright scenes. We'll just have to adjust things a bit to minimize or avoid reflections. I would be happy to pay for a technician to install a glass one if that was possible but I gather it's not. With poor light control I might wait for an 006 with a glass protector.

No buyer's remorse as, all things considered, it is really an amazing TV. Is it worth the money? Depends on one's financial comfort level. For me the answer is yes, absolutely.

FWIW

http://www.crutchfieldadvisor.com/S-Ozr8tZribJE/reviews/20050119/ces_TV.html?page=2

Note the end of paragraph 3.
Another contender for best-looking big-screen was Sony's stunning 70-inch Qualia 006 model. This elegant-looking set uses Sony's SXRD™ (Silicon X-tal Reflective Display) technology. SXRD is Sony's proprietary flavor of LCoS display technology, and with its high pixel density and smooth motion handling, Sony is already claiming "SXRD will be the Trinitron of the 21st century." It was difficult to pull our eyes away from the high-definition clip from "Spider-Man 2," being fed from a prototype Blu-ray disc player. Although the $13,000 Qualia will only be available in a few salon-like stores, Sony plans to deliver 50" and 60" SXRD-based models — under the Qualia or possibly the XBR® badge — by late summer or fall.

brt3-
Thank you for the very long post, as it was almost word-for-word the same hasssle I had in trying to arrange to purchase mine on Sony credit. While Penton & jb007 had a reasonably easy time, apparently (I was told), Sony has since changed its policy and will not allow the cierges to open 16k credit lines anymore. And the hassles at Sony finance (including getting anyone to admit they could even help me, the EXACT SAME STATEMENT that I wouldn't need an account number to purchase the TV, that statement proving to be wrong... Deja vu all over again!). Wait until you try and take delivery... I had a further complication that my zip code was wrong in someone's system... the delivery folks then claimed that they couldn't "change my address without WRITTEN authorization from Sony headquarters" A call from my cierge failed to make any progress... net result, TV delayed by 3days.

And after all this, I completely agree that it's all worth it. Watched HD last night... omygod. It is difficult to be in at work.

Originally posted by dpc123
Sony plans to deliver 50" and 60" SXRD-based models — under the Qualia or possibly the XBR® badge — by late summer or fall.

Yipppeee - will you guys allow us with smaller (ahem) sizes to participate in the owner's thread?:D

Got a question to those with cable connected via DVI - HDMI. I have had this happen several times. When I turn the TV off and later turn it back on, the audio goes on and off (i.e. noises go from 0 to volume set every couple seconds) Now if I turn the TV to an HD channel, it all goes back to normal. Also, I have had times when I turn the TV on, I get two images like split screen on the TV but not they way split screen looks. I can fix this by pressing the wide screen button on the remote. I am traveling now and my wife is getting these problems at home. I plan to try Composite vs DVI-HDMI to see if that fixes the problem... Anyone else have these problems??

Originally posted by nhey
The bulb costs $300 by the way, and apparently only can be purchased from Sony.

The one concern I have about this offer is that I have not seen it in writing from anyone. Maybe we need to get our cierges to provide this in writing.

Anyone have any thoughts about this?

I believe it IS in writing.

Check paragraph 1 of the Limited Warranty loose page insert.

SRT-10:

Do you have Comcast and are you using the Motorola 6412 dual-tuner PVR box? The dual picture problem has been reported by Penton and by me with that box. It goes away if you change the cable channel (and you have discovered it also goes away by pressing the wide mode button), and is likely a "handshake" problem associated with the DVI-HDMI and HDCP (copy protection). No apparent solution and we are not sure if it is the Qualia or the cable box that is causing the problem. It definitely does not occur with component connections, and I have not noticed any difference in picture quality between component and DVI-HDMI. Once you change the channel or press the wide mode buttion it will not come back until you turn off the cable box and turn it on again.

Have not encountered the exact sound problem you described. Once in a while, when turning on the cable box, I will get no sound from my receiver. I don't use the TV's speakers when I watch DVDs or high-def material. I change my AV receiver to a different sound mode (e.g. from THx to Concert) and then back to THx and the sound comes on and is fine.

Penton - yes, I now seem to recall it does mention the first bulb replacement being free.

Originally posted by jb007
Penton-Man,

I was talking about the financing/purchasing transaction. However, while it is true Qualia originally quoted me delivery in 7 days, then later said "before the Super Bowl," after voicing my concern, they did make delivery on 1/7/05. My 006 was ordered 12/30/04.
Hey, no complaints here!
You did me a HUGE favor!

Since I didn’t take delivery the first 006 as was promised, I received a complimentary perk from Sony for appeasement.(think of that silver thing that the 006 sits on top of – and is actually locked into place with- which is great for us quake dwellers!).

I couldn’t be happier that you “voiced your concern.”
:)

Originally posted by nhey
SRT-10:

Do you have Comcast and are you using the Motorola 6412 dual-tuner PVR box? The dual picture problem has been reported by Penton and by me with that box. It goes away if you change the cable channel (and you have discovered it also goes away by pressing the wide mode button), and is likely a "handshake" problem associated with the DVI-HDMI and HDCP (copy protection). No apparent solution and we are not sure if it is the Qualia or the cable box that is causing the problem. It definitely does not occur with component connections, and I have not noticed any difference in picture quality between component and DVI-HDMI. Once you change the channel or press the wide mode buttion it will not come back until you turn off the cable box and turn it on again.

Have not encountered the exact sound problem you described. Once in a while, when turning on the cable box, I will get no sound from my receiver. I don't use the TV's speakers when I watch DVDs or high-def material. I change my AV receiver to a different sound mode (e.g. from THx to Concert) and then back to THx and the sound comes on and is fine.

Penton - yes, I now seem to recall it does mention the first bulb replacement being free.
The above is correct, in fact, SRT-10 I also noticed the audio problems the first day that I used the set but, these cleared up after a few hours of usage....which I attributed to the delay in my Moto 6200 box downloading ALL of its info from Adelphia - because it has never happened since.

I'm pretty convinced that the dual picture is a handshake problem between the STB and the 006 but, perhaps everyone that has experienced this should document here on what input that has occurred.

For me, it's Video 6.

FWIW, I was approved by Sony credit in the NY store for a 20k line and can buy the Q006 that way. They did need a photocopy of the DL and credit card, but they (1) did have to call first to confirm they could do it, and (2) then I had to talk to Sony finance to confirm some items on my credit report. But honestly, the whole thing took 5 minutes and I was very happy with the way I was treated - courteously and quickly.

Cheers

And P.S.: I wouldn't bank on a statement in a Crutchfield document. At CES and through other channels, Sony has repeatedly stated that there will be no XBR release of the SXRD technology. The Sony show in February should give more answers but that's been the corporate word for now. So it may well come, I'm not saying it won't, but don't hold your breath.

SRT - I have been having some audio issues (although I admit with minimal time to experiment) when using HDMI from my HD-TIVO. The SD channels have audio, HD ones don't.... again, spent most of last night plugging in components and minimal time watching/testing...?

Originally posted by nhey
Brt3 - this is TRUE. I have also been told the same thing by my cierge in the NY Qualia store. This offer is "good" up to 3 years, so you need to call and request a replacement bulb before 3 years. I can't imagine anyone having a bulb that lasts 3 years unless you watch this set on average only an hour of two each day,and considering the picture quality, that is NOT going to be the case. The bulb costs $300 by the way, and apparently only can be purchased from Sony.

The one concern I have about this offer is that I have not seen it in writing from anyone. Maybe we need to get our cierges to provide this in writing.

Anyone have any thoughts about this?

Ever experienced this: friends over for dinner, steaks on the barbie, propane tank runs dry before the steaks are cooked? I have, and never again! I keep a spare, full propane tank!

I know the 006 has the bulb warning lamp on the front, but what is the likelihood that any RPTV bulb could unexpectedly fail at an inopportune time and you have no spare on hand? I'm inclined to shell out $300 to stock an extra bulb in case of such an emergency. But take Sony up on their offer of course, and replenish my spare stock when the first bulb dies. Is it correct to assume that projection lamps don't have a shelf life?

Originally posted by david mcdaniel
It's my pleasure to officially join the Owners Thread:D It's been along time (psychologically) since I began waiting for this TV to appear and now it's here at last.

Conrats, David! It was my pleasure to meet you in Las Vegas and share our enthusiasm for the stellar demo at the Sony Store. Enjoy!

Originally posted by colortv
Ever experienced this: friends over for dinner, steaks on the barbie, propane tank runs dry before the steaks are cooked? I have, and never again! I keep a spare, full propane tank!


Yikes, color, you just scared me into running over to Home Depot for another tank this afternoon.:eek:

Originally posted by Penton-Man
The above is correct, in fact, SRT-10 I also noticed the audio problems the first day that I used the set but, these cleared up after a few hours of usage....which I attributed to the delay in my Moto 6200 box downloading ALL of its info from Adelphia - because it has never happened since.

I'm pretty convinced that the dual picture is a handshake problem between the STB and the 006 but, perhaps everyone that has experienced this should document here on what input that has occurred.

For me, it's Video 6.

I'm so happy with the cable quality via component cables I may forgo the HDMI connection when the DVI-HDMI cable arrives. Has anyone done an A/B test between HDMI and component to see if the digital connection is superior .. or perhaps inferior? One thing is for sure, none of that double image stuff or audio problem using component connection of the 6412 cable box/DVR.

Also, I tried to access the 6412's menus as nhey suggested in a previous post: "To get to the Comcast menu, shut off the 6412 and quickly press the Menu button on the 6412 remote. You'll get a menu..." But in my case, the menu flashes on for a split second , then disappears. Perhaps the menu is only accessible via DVI-HDMI and not component output?

Originally posted by Penton-Man
Yikes, color, you just scared me into running over to Home Depot for another tank this afternoon.:eek:

Think Super Bowl.

Originally posted by nhey
Brt3 - this is TRUE. I have also been told the same thing by my cierge in the NY Qualia store. This offer is "good" up to 3 years, so you need to call and request a replacement bulb before 3 years.... The one concern I have about this offer is that I have not seen it in writing from anyone. Maybe we need to get our cierges to provide this in writing.

nhey,

I agree completely. I kept working Brian at Qualia/Vegas, trying to pin him down on this. I'm not sure how you can offer something like this without detailing it for the customer. He told me the only way to get the replacement is to call Qualia service and that they would be keeping track of purchase dates and eligibility for the free bulb replacement.

Ray

Thanks color TV. It was good to meet you and I appreciate your thoughts both then and on this thread.

I must retract my original reservation about the reflectivity of the 006 acrylic protector. What I was seeing is a problem only when it falls in a very dark area which in my case was the bottom unfilled area of the screen using wide zoom with a DVD. The reflection is not visible when it falls over an active portion of the screen. Secondly, We were watching in a very dark room with no bias lighting. I found this morning that when non reflective ambient light is increased viewing is much more enjoyable.

Just got off the phone with Qualia support supervisor who answered 3 questions I had and was knowledgeable and friendly. So far I'm a happy camper:)

David,

You have a PM from me.

Originally posted by SABAlove
SRT - I have been having some audio issues (although I admit with minimal time to experiment) when using HDMI from my HD-TIVO. The SD channels have audio, HD ones don't.... again, spent most of last night plugging in components and minimal time watching/testing...?
I think you may need to go into HDTivo SETTINGS then AUDIO and change
something to output all types of audio with that connection.
I'm not home to confirm this but check it out.

Martin

Originally posted by colortv
Also, I tried to access the 6412's menus as nhey suggested in a previous post: "To get to the Comcast menu, shut off the 6412 and quickly press the Menu button on the 6412 remote. You'll get a menu..." But in my case, the menu flashes on for a split second , then disappears. Perhaps the menu is only accessible via DVI-HDMI and not component output?
Noticed similar flashing with my DCT5100 and current 6208 setups. Seemed to be solved with a very brief button push--at the STB.

Was an early 006 'near-convert', sight unseen, early in the other thread, and appreciate all your excellent descriptive posts. Almost there, but still clinging to fairly nice images from my ancient 9"-CRTs, 64" Philips RPTV. -- John

(As an aside):

Ah, yes...the 9"-CRT Philips. I have/had (long story) the 7"-CRT 55" Philips HDTV (model 55PP9701)...great set!

ColorTV -


I have never had a problem accessing the Comcast Motorola 6412 (which is the dual-tuner, 120 gig box) menu and I've always used a component connection. This also worked with the previous iterations of the box, the 6208, and 5100. The menu (which looks like a type-written page of black letters on a white background, no colors) stays on the TV screen until I shut the box off again. There is a Comcast thread on these STBs under HDTV Hardware forum where you might be able to get an answer as to why the menu appears only for a second or two. They may advise you to swap out the box.

Penton-man

My dual picture was from video 6 also.

colortv,

Push the menu button on the box (not the remote) when it is off.

Penton and SRT-10 -

My dual picture was also from input 6.

Originally posted by Penton-Man
Hey, no complaints here!
You did me a HUGE favor!

Since I didn’t take delivery the first 006 as was promised, I received a complimentary perk from Sony for appeasement.(think of that silver thing that the 006 sits on top of – and is actually locked into place with- which is great for us quake dwellers!).

I couldn’t be happier that you “voiced your concern.”
:)

Happy I could (unknowingly) be of service!

As Bill Murray said in Caddyshack, "How about a little something for the effort?"

I'm thinking a Blu-Ray player would be a great gift :D

I just stopped in at the Sony Store here in Vancouver, Canada on my work break. WOW! I want one. I was amazed at the film like quality. Gorgeous colors.

I said I would never buy a rear projection TV ... but this is an exception. I tried sitting and standing ... I did not see the usual darkening of the image that you get on most RPTV's.

Actually, 70 inches is a bit too big for my living room. It won't fit between my ML speakers. I am looking for a 55-60 inch screen. The salesmen indicated that there may be one later in the year ... in which case it would go to the top of my wish list!

Also, may need a different stand ... I doubt my Martin Logan Cinema center speaker would fit.

One small concern ... we checked to see if there was anything being broadcast in HDTV (daytime is bad) ... there was nothing. We checked PBS ... it was an upconvert that was producing horrible pixelation ... very large pixels. Any reason for this?

Originally posted by Bill
colortv,

Push the menu button on the box (not the remote) when it is off.

Thanks Bill. I was pushing the menu button on the remote, not the box. I'll try your suggestion tonight.

I know the answer to this question, but it helps if I hear it from you guys.

With every glowing report I want this TV more and more. Somehow 16k doesn't even sound scary any more.

Since I am moving from NJ to Florida in June/July, it doesn't make sense to buy this TV and then risk damage during a move.

Correct right????

slocko,
I agree with you on the moving thing. I just had a couple of guys come pick up one of my old sets and we were talking about if/when I ever have to move the 006. I decided not to keep the original boxes for the 006 which I usually keep. However, I think I got lucky with the crew that delivered the 006 to me. I will definately use a specialty mover when that time comes. I would not want to have to move it twice if I had the choice. If you do, make sure to keep all of the boxes.
brgds,
jp

I have ML reQuests and a Logos Center. The Logos fits very nicely on the floor, angled up toward the viewers. In a properly darkened home theater, it works perfectly that way....

Only it's not in front of an 006. Yet.

I am also experiencing some audio problems. Sometimes the audio would go off and on, and sometimes just the picture for a split second. I thought it was just the sat feed. I am using a toslink cable from my Bose receiver to the 006, while viewing from a Directv source. Sometimes the audio goes off completely and I would have to shut everything down and then everything would be fine afterwards. I also have the HDMI connected to input 6. I am going to try a different HDMI cable and see if it still occurs. If it does, then I will try input 7. I also experienced something strange last night. After shutting down because of the audio problem, I turned on the 006 and the directv receiver and the power light indicator on the 006 kept on blinking green with no picture like it was still searching for a source. It kept like this for several minutes. After several re-boots, it finally worked with sound. Really strange????????? Any comments on this guys!!!!!!!!

Originally posted by jb007
Happy I could (unknowingly) be of service!

As Bill Murray said in Caddyshack, "How about a little something for the effort?"

I'm thinking a Blu-Ray player would be a great gift :D
Hey, we BOTH made out like bandits.
You got yours before the "24" ? season premier and I got mine with a substantial discount.

I'm ALREADY working on the Blu-ray player....um....that be one only - pour moi.:)

Can't burn any bridges you know. You lawyers are actually good for something other than charging obscene hourly rates.:D

Originally posted by slocko
I know the answer to this question, but it helps if I hear it from you guys.

With every glowing report I want this TV more and more. Somehow 16k doesn't even sound scary any more.

Since I am moving from NJ to Florida in June/July, it doesn't make sense to buy this TV and then risk damage during a move.

Correct right????

Correct.
If I had to rely upon ANYBODY to move this TV from NJ to Florida...I would personally have problems sleeping at night.

Originally posted by nhey
Penton and SRT-10 -

My dual picture was also from input 6.
This is quite interesting.
That's apparently 3 people now.

I think we should all try video 7 when we get a chance to crawl behind the monster to see if this is reproducible on that input.

I imagine theoretically, it should be if it is a handshake problem. If we NEVER see it on video 7 then we've got a fly in the ointment errrr perhaps just a gnat - because after all it is really a minor inconvenience.

Originally posted by kaduku
I also experienced something strange last night. After shutting down because of the audio problem, I turned on the 006 and the directv receiver and the power light indicator on the 006 kept on blinking green with no picture like it was still searching for a source. It kept like this for several minutes. After several re-boots, it finally worked with sound. Really strange????????? Any comments on this guys!!!!!!!!
Sorry, can't help you here.

I've never experienced that.
Are you a new directv subscriber or have you been using that serice with a previous display ?

Originally posted by kaduku
I am also experiencing some audio problems. Sometimes the audio would go off and on, and sometimes just the picture for a split second. I thought it was just the sat feed. I am using a toslink cable from my Bose receiver to the 006, while viewing from a Directv source. Sometimes the audio goes off completely and I would have to shut everything down and then everything would be fine afterwards. I also have the HDMI connected to input 6. I am going to try a different HDMI cable and see if it still occurs. If it does, then I will try input 7. I also experienced something strange last night. After shutting down because of the audio problem, I turned on the 006 and the directv receiver and the power light indicator on the 006 kept on blinking green with no picture like it was still searching for a source. It kept like this for several minutes. After several re-boots, it finally worked with sound. Really strange????????? Any comments on this guys!!!!!!!!


Kaduku - I think I have the answer. When you shut off the 006 did you wait about 2 minutes before turning it on again? I doubt it. What happened is that you shut off the set and then turned it on while the set was going through its cool down period and during that time the green light on the set blinks. Try this. Shut off the 006 and stand near the right side. You will hear the fan in the rear of the set go on, and the fan will remain on for about 2 minutes as the bulb cools down. After the fan goes off, then turn the set back on, and you will get the normal "turn on" sequence. You will see a dark picture after about 10 seconds and a fully bright picture after about 30 seconds. Then try whatever you want with the Directv receiver. There was no problem - this is the way the set works.

Originally posted by Penton-Man
This is quite interesting.
That's apparently 3 people now.

I think we should all try video 7 when we get a chance to crawl behind the monster to see if this is reproducible on that input.

I imagine theoretically, it should be if it is a handshake problem. If we NEVER see it on video 7 then we've got a fly in the ointment errrr perhaps just a gnat - because after all it is really a minor inconvenience.


Penton and SRT-10 - I'll try input 7. I'm 100% sure the "double picture" we are seeing is simply the "handshake" issue that you surmised. The test would be for one of us 3 to connect another box such as a DVD player with a DVI output to the 006 using a DVI to HDMI cable to input 6 to see if this "dual picture" problem occurs. If it does, then it is a "glitch" with the 006 and not with the cable box. However, I don't have another box with a DVI output.

I'm sure one of the current owners has already hooked up a DVD player via the DVI to HDMI to input 6 and not had this problem, which would indicate the glitch is not with the 006 but with our cable box. Can someone confirm this?

Heya... I've got a question for the 006 owners (club). Earlier in this thread, someone mentioned that when the 006's speakers are installed, the optical audio output is disabled.

That doesn't make much sense though... I'm planning to use the TV itself as a switcher, and I'd like to have an external audio system (the yamaha ysp-1) hooked up to the optical audio output. But I also want to keep the original speakers hooked up to be used occasionally (for news, etc).

Can anyone please test this to see how it really works?

Thanks....

Originally posted by 3deye
Heya... I've got a question for the 006 owners (club). Earlier in this thread, someone mentioned that when the 006's speakers are installed, the optical audio output is disabled.

That doesn't make much sense though... I'm planning to use the TV itself as a switcher, and I'd like to have an external audio system (the yamaha ysp-1) hooked up to the optical audio output. But I also want to keep the original speakers hooked up to be used occasionally (for news, etc).

Can anyone please test this to see how it really works?

Thanks....

Unfortunately there is only one ANALOG audio output, switchable in the 006 menu - either to the Qualia's speakers OR to the RCA jacks on the back of the set. Simply having the speakers installed does not automatically mute the analog audio output, but I'm not certain if the optical audio output is ever muted in spite of the analog output setting in the menu. Is anyone else running optical audio output to their external audio system? My Yamaha arrives on Friday and I'm planning to make the same connection as 3deye.

Ok here are what I think are some unanswered questions about this set (which I am getting this Saturday!).

1) Does professional calibration help?

2) Is the HDMI input definitely better than the component input. It should be, but can anyone notice a difference?

3) What happens when you try to play a computer game at 1980 x 1080 at a really high frame rate, do you get artfiacts because the set can only do 30 fps?

Originally posted by 3deye
Heya... I've got a question for the 006 owners (club). Earlier in this thread, someone mentioned that when the 006's speakers are installed, the optical audio output is disabled.

That doesn't make much sense though... I'm planning to use the TV itself as a switcher, and I'd like to have an external audio system (the yamaha ysp-1) hooked up to the optical audio output. But I also want to keep the original speakers hooked up to be used occasionally (for news, etc).

Can anyone please test this to see how it really works?

Thanks....


Here's the answer based on reading the manual (not actually testing this): In the user menu, under Audio, you can turn on or off the set's speakers. They DO NOT have to be removed. You can shut off the sets audio output through its 2 speakers by choosing "off" in the Audio menu under Speakers. You can then get audio from the optical digital audio out. So... yes, you can do what you want to do with the Yamaha. The manual also states that you can set "Audio Out" in the user menu to either "variable" which allows the Qualia remote control that comes with the set to control the volume, or to "fixed" in which the audio coming out of the TV is fixed and you control the volume by the receivers remote control. It doesn't say if this works with the optical audio out or just with the analog audio out that the set has.

Originally posted by punkzip
Ok here are what I think are some unanswered questions about this set (which I am getting this Saturday!).

1) Does professional calibration help?

2) Is the HDMI input definitely better than the component input. It should be, but can anyone notice a difference?

3) What happens when you try to play a computer game at 1980 x 1080 at a really high frame rate, do you get artfiacts because the set can only do 30 fps?


Answers:

1) Won't know till one of us gets a professional ISF guy to calibrate our set. My guess is that they will be able to make subtle improvements, but not major because this set is GREAT OUT OF THE BOX - all you need to do is set color temp. to warm and set the picture mode to "pro" instead of vivid.

2) I've been looking at this a lot. I now think it might be a little better with HDMI but not a major difference. With HD material, both are GREAT - the amount of detail you'll see will amaze you.

3) I guess you'll finally get this question answered when you get the set yourself and check it out. Please let us all know what you find.

NOTE TO PENTON et al. Guess what? NO "double picture" when hooking the Comcast HD PVR to input 7 with a DVI to HDMI cable. It may be a glitch with input 6 -but as we'ver said its a MINOR glitch that is quickly overcome by simply changing the channel or pressing the wide mode button on the remote.

NOTE TO COLORTV: The Comcast menu appears when I shut off the Comcast box and press menu on the remote control. I've never had to press the menu button on the box itself.

Originally posted by punkzip
Ok here are what I think are some unanswered questions about this set (which I am getting this Saturday!).

1) Does professional calibration help?

Perhaps reading this article will provide you with more data to make an informed decision.....
http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/article.asp?section_id=2&article_id=233&page_number=1&preview=

Originally posted by kaduku
jp2,

I have know idea what those graphs translate to, but I assume they mean good things about the 006!!!!!

Since I'm in the mindset of providing url's - try this for some enlightenment-
http://www.milori.com/articles/image_quality_issues.asp

Who luvs ya baby?

Originally posted by nhey

NOTE TO PENTON et al. Guess what? NO "double picture" when hooking the Comcast HD PVR to input 7 with a DVI to HDMI cable. It may be a glitch with input 6 -but as we'ver said its a MINOR glitch that is quickly overcome by simply changing the channel or pressing the wide mode button on the remote.

I was curious about that outcome which is why I posted that someone try experimenting with input 7.
A slight blemish on our Venus de Milo?

How about keeping it hooked up to input 7 for a few days just for confirmation.

Originally posted by nhey
Answers:
all you need to do is set color temp. to warm
Well, I'm not so sure about that.
I need more positive reinforcement to switch from neutral to warm.:)

anyone try or thinking of getting a Roku HD media player for the 006? I would imagine it would look pretty impressive. It displays jpegs either from media cards or networked to your computer. Also you can get art packs, etc. Might be nice since there is no burn-in, plus you can zoom in on the pic.
I have one for my 65" crt rptv, but I think it looks much better on fixed pixel displays. www.rokulabs.com

Originally posted by nhey

NOTE TO COLORTV: The Comcast menu appears when I shut off the Comcast box and press menu on the remote control. I've never had to press the menu button on the box itself.

I tried to get the menu up on my Comcast 6412 again tonight. No luck after powering down the box then pressing "menu" on either the remote or the box. The menu appears for about .5 sec then disappears. I can repeatedly push the menu button to see the menu long enough to verify that the component setting is 1080i which is where I want it to be anyway. When my DVI-HDMI cable shows up tomorrow I'll try the procedure via the digital connection. Maybe my 6412 has a bug. I'll also do some A/B comparisons of component vs digital watching identical video off the DVR. I'm very curious to see if what, if any, difference there is between component and digital - I'll report back with my observations.

Originally posted by nhey
So... yes, you can do what you want to do with the Yamaha.

Excellent. Thanks nhey and colortv.

Hey colortv... are you getting the ysp-1? I didn't think that those were going to be available until March? Wazzup?

Originally posted by 3deye
Hey colortv... are you getting the ysp-1? I didn't think that those were going to be available until March? Wazzup?

Nope. I got the Yamaha RXV 2500. Better than perfect for my needs. The ysp-1 looks phenomenal though. Knowing Yamaha, it will be.

The DVE disc talks about setting the color temp relative to the color of the walls surrounding the TV. I found with my yellowish plaster walls that the cool setting gives more accurate flesh colors and more neutral colors elsewhere. The "neutral" setting is too yellow. Hope that helps.

Originally posted by nhey
Kaduku - I think I have the answer. When you shut off the 006 did you wait about 2 minutes before turning it on again? I doubt it. What happened is that you shut off the set and then turned it on while the set was going through its cool down period and during that time the green light on the set blinks. Try this. Shut off the 006 and stand near the right side. You will hear the fan in the rear of the set go on, and the fan will remain on for about 2 minutes as the bulb cools down. After the fan goes off, then turn the set back on, and you will get the normal "turn on" sequence. You will see a dark picture after about 10 seconds and a fully bright picture after about 30 seconds. Then try whatever you want with the Directv receiver. There was no problem - this is the way the set works.

nhey,
I think that explains the light thing, but how about the audio stuff. Anyway, I've switched the HDMI cables between input 6 and 7. So far so good. I am now using a optical audio switch between my Bose and optical outputs (dvd player and directv HD receiver). The only thing I notice now is the audio from my Directv receiver is only coming out from the Bose only and not from the tv, but I am still able to get audio from both the tv and Bose from the dvd player. I still want to be able to hear audio from the tv with the Directv receiver for the wife, when she turns on the tv, without having to mess with the Bose.

Originally posted by skoolpsyk
anyone try or thinking of getting a Roku HD media player for the 006? I would imagine it would look pretty impressive. It displays jpegs either from media cards or networked to your computer. Also you can get art packs, etc. Might be nice since there is no burn-in, plus you can zoom in on the pic.
I have one for my 65" crt rptv, but I think it looks much better on fixed pixel displays. www.rokulabs.com

I am also thinking about getting one of these. Tell me more about PQ. Is it worth the money?

Originally posted by Penton-Man
Since I'm in the mindset of providing url's - try this for some enlightenment-
http://www.milori.com/articles/image_quality_issues.asp

Who luvs ya baby?

Thanks for the info Penton-Man. Good stuff. Because of all you guys, I'm becoming a av expert. Yeah Baby!!!!!!!!!

I really don't understand why this set which displays 1920x1280 does not have an 1080P input.

There are some excellent scalers on the market that scale to 1080P, such as Lumagen and Faroudja. And the new Naim DVD5 has an upgrade card (Faroudja) coming later this year that will scale to 1080P. I am sure that all these scalers are far superior to anything Sony has built in.

And from what I have seen, the Sony scaler does not always do a very good job. I saw a PBS wide-screen upconvert that looked absolutely atrocious on the Qualia ... there was a boat traveling across wave swept water ... the water was a mass of large pixels! It was unwatchable!

One other point - I hate the fact that Sony in there wisdom does not allow each input to be setup independently. After all this is not a product for the average consumer. It is a product aimed at the Videophile.

I am not trying to flame this product - I have always been a huge fan of Sony products (I have never owned anything but Sony televisions) ... and still am (I just bought a top of the line Sony Vaio desktop computer), but there are times that I get frustrated with some of their product designs, because I think they could be even better with the right corporate decisions. We shall see how this product evolves over the next couple of years.

Originally posted by HiDef Bob

One other point - I hate the fact that Sony in there wisdom does not allow each input to be setup independently. After all this is not a product for the average consumer. It is a product aimed at the Videophile.


Ummm, where did you get this information? The Qualia 006 retains independent settings for each of the 7 inputs.

The 1080p input issue has been discussed repeatedly in the old thread. Some, as you, are disappointed. Others have opined there is not any 1080p input that is important to them and they are extremely pleased with the scaler in the 006 outputing at 1080p.

You are correct that Sony will undoubtedly continue to make improvements to this television over the coming years. However, that's the same issue we all face in consumer electronics. Wait until next year because there will something cheaper and better or purchase now and enjoy it immdiately. That's a matter of personal opinion and choice.

Could the 006 be improved? Sure.
Are the current owners on this thread happy with their purchase? Absolutely.

I understand that sometimes people that purchase products -- especially for a lot of money (and no one will deny this is one expensive TV!) -- they may try to defend the product, in order to feel better about their purchase. However, with the 006, everyone that owns one, and most those that have seen one, are extremely pleased with its performance.

Originally posted by jb007
Ummm, where did you get this information? The Qualia 006 retains independent settings for each of the 7 inputs.



I am very pleased to hear this as I mistakenly thought I had read otherwise.

I am sure that if I bought the Qualia I would be very pleased with it too. In fact if they bring out a 60" version I may indeed buy one! I bought the Sony KV36XBR400 a few years ago. There are a few minor things that I could quibble about, but I have very much enjoyed watching HDTV and DVD's on this set over those years.

Penton-man, Colortv;

I am traveling so I can't read the manual on this or test it... If we move our DVI-HDMI cable to Video 7, is there a way to get audio form the TV. I thought the reson they had Audio connectors tied to 6 was for the DVI to HDMI connection. I want to be able to have the TV speakers work without the stereo.

Originally posted by kaduku
I am also thinking about getting one of these. Tell me more about PQ. Is it worth the money?

Like I said, on my display I was a bit disappointed. But I have a large crt that can't display the full resolution of HD, and also has a pretty low light output.
I have seen some spectacular pics from a roku hooked up to a plasma though. I'd love to see it hooked up to an 006!

They had been selling them at Goodguys and Tweeter (I think). Maybe you could pick one up and try it out & return it if it's not up to par...

I have a question to those who have the 006.

Please try to put early adopter pricing aside. Now that you have some experience with the 006, what do you think it should be priced at if there were 3-4 comparable models from other vendors?

Thanks!

Originally posted by SRT-10 Viper
Penton-man, Colortv;

I am traveling so I can't read the manual on this or test it... If we move our DVI-HDMI cable to Video 7, is there a way to get audio form the TV. I thought the reson they had Audio connectors tied to 6 was for the DVI to HDMI connection. I want to be able to have the TV speakers work without the stereo.

Unfortunately, the answer is no. The audio-in connectors next to the HDMI inputs are connected to input 6 only, and not input 7. You could leave the DVI to HDMI cable connected to input 6, and the first time you access that input during a viewing session, simply press the channel up or wide mode button to get rid of the double picture. You'll then be fine until you shut off the set top box and turn it on again. The other option, of course, is to use input 7, and connect an optical digital audio cable between the set top box and an AV receiver and get the sound from an AV receiver. That's what I do, and I avoid the double picture problem (at least last night I did, we'll see what happens tonight).

I've had the roku for a while but do not use it very much. It basically became a slide show machine because they could not get the function to play .vob files with full menu support working properly. They might have gotten that to work by now. They also don't have a pure digital connection only component. You can get the same functionality to work with the built-in memory card slot and the app that comes with the 006. The art packs do look stunning though. I was amazed how nice they looked on my 1st 1080p set and they look very good also on the 006. If you like to tweak, I would suggest just getting a cheap htpc and connecting it via one of the hdmi ports on the 006. You will have so much more flexibility and get the purest pq. With the new nvidia cards it also becomes much more plug and play also.
brgds,
jp

10K list with most retailers selling it at a 10% discount.

Originally posted by HiDef Bob
I am very pleased to hear this as I mistakenly thought I had read otherwise.

I am sure that if I bought the Qualia I would be very pleased with it too. In fact if they bring out a 60" version I may indeed buy one! I bought the Sony KV36XBR400 a few years ago. There are a few minor things that I could quibble about, but I have very much enjoyed watching HDTV and DVD's on this set over those years.


Until about 1 year ago, Sony did not provide separate memories for each input. Thankfully, they now do for all their high-end sets including the 006 and their fine pitch CRT sets (and I'm sure also for all their XBR LCD/Plasma sets).

Originally posted by kaduku
nhey,
I think that explains the light thing, but how about the audio stuff. Anyway, I've switched the HDMI cables between input 6 and 7. So far so good. I am now using a optical audio switch between my Bose and optical outputs (dvd player and directv HD receiver). The only thing I notice now is the audio from my Directv receiver is only coming out from the Bose only and not from the tv, but I am still able to get audio from both the tv and Bose from the dvd player. I still want to be able to hear audio from the tv with the Directv receiver for the wife, when she turns on the tv, without having to mess with the Bose.

Kaduku-

Ok let's try to figure this out. I need to know exactly what audio and video connections you have set up to the 006, and to which inputs.

You have a Directv receiver and DVD player and both have an optical digital out cable running to an optical digital cable switch and then to the BOSE. To which inputs are the Directv receiver and DVD player connected to on the 006?

Originally posted by HiDef Bob

And from what I have seen, the Sony scaler does not always do a very good job. I saw a PBS wide-screen upconvert that looked absolutely atrocious on the Qualia ... there was a boat traveling across wave swept water ... the water was a mass of large pixels! It was unwatchable!


What you saw had nothing to do with the scaler. It was the result of over compressing the MPEG-2 bitstream. If there was a scaling problem it would probably have been at PBS since there widescreen material is normally scaled to 1080i before transmission over the HD feed. The Qualia 006 does not scale 1080i input, it deinterlaces it.

Originally posted by ADGrant
If there was a scaling problem it would probably have been at PBS since there widescreen material is normally scaled to 1080i before transmission over the HD feed. The Qualia 006 does not scale 1080i input, it deinterlaces it.

I must admit that I have occasionally seen some bad pixelation from PBS upconverts on my Sony KV36XBR400. Due to the much larger screen size on the Qualia, it is only make sense that it is going to emphasize these shortcomings more. I guess until PBS HD starts producing all their programming in HD there is nothing at our end that is going to correct their scaling problems and we will have to live with them ... or just not watch those programs!

nhey, kaduku -
I tinkered around with the settings last night, and came to the conclusion that the lack of audio over hdmi is the HD-TIVO's fault. It happens only when watching DolbyDigital or HD content, and if you go into the TIVO's settings->audio, you can tell the TIVO to output non-dolby audio, but that goes for BOTH the HDMI and the SPDIF (optical, whatever) outputs. I could toggle this setting back and forth and the audio would come through both the TV (via HDMI) & the stereo (non dolby); or through the receiver (dolby) only. Again, this was true (for me) ONLY on Dolby Digital content and HD content on the TIVO. Wondering if this is an HDMI limitation (no DD) or something else. I'm not sure if a separate toslink from TIVO to 006 in addition to HDMI would give DD or not...

Originally posted by SABAlove
nhey, kaduku -
I tinkered around with the settings last night, and came to the conclusion that the lack of audio over hdmi is the HD-TIVO's fault. It happens only when watching DolbyDigital or HD content, and if you go into the TIVO's settings->audio, you can tell the TIVO to output non-dolby audio, but that goes for BOTH the HDMI and the SPDIF (optical, whatever) outputs. I could toggle this setting back and forth and the audio would come through both the TV (via HDMI) & the stereo (non dolby); or through the receiver (dolby) only. Again, this was true (for me) ONLY on Dolby Digital content and HD content on the TIVO. Wondering if this is an HDMI limitation (no DD) or something else. I'm not sure if a separate toslink from TIVO to 006 in addition to HDMI would give DD or not...


It is actually an HDMI limitation, and not, in this case, a problem with the HD-TIVO. Check this out:

http://news.designtechnica.com/talkback45.html

I couldn't believe this when I first read it, but HDMI as currently implemented, does not carry DD5.1. A separate Toslink is needed to carry it.

Originally posted by HiDef Bob
I must admit that I have occasionally seen some bad pixelation from PBS upconverts on my Sony KV36XBR400. Due to the much larger screen size on the Qualia, it is only make sense that it is going to emphasize these shortcomings more. I guess until PBS HD starts producing all their programming in HD there is nothing at our end that is going to correct their scaling problems and we will have to live with them ... or just not watch those programs!


Scenes of moving water (roaring oceans, for example) are notorious for giving microdisplays problems. I've made a point of looking carefully at moving water scenes on DiscoveryHD over the one week I've owned the 006, and have never seen any pixelation or any problem whatsoever. It was a PBS overcompression issue , as suggested above, you encountered, I'm certain.

Wow. Well that settles that. Thanks nhey. (actually, this has just made me wonder... is it the TIVO that doesn't send 5.1, the TV that doesn't receive it, or both? forward compatibility at stake... anyone have a DVD player that outputs 5.1 via HDMI want to test this out?)

If 1080i-delivered PBS shows MPEG-2 breakups, perhaps this is related to station multicasting. Lots of reports on these forums of PBS stations squeezing in way too many subchannels. The minimal bit rate then devoted to 1080i spoils what originally was/is some of the best 1080i quality broadcasts; (breakups and greatly reduced resolution). -- John

ext : I'd say lower that $10k since it was originally slated to come out at that price. and with 3-4 competing products it should be more in line with Sony's previous 70" Model pricing. I'd say somewhere in the range of $6-8k. I know I may get flack from those who recently bought this at $13k. But most people really can't afford that. bringing it down to about half it's current price should make Sony a fortune if this set really is that much better than it's competition.

Originally posted by SABAlove
Wow. Well that settles that. Thanks nhey. (actually, this has just made me wonder... is it the TIVO that doesn't send 5.1, the TV that doesn't receive it, or both? forward compatibility at stake... anyone have a DVD player that outputs 5.1 via HDMI want to test this out?)


The TIVO definitely outputs 5.1 over optical cables, but can't output DD5.1 over its HDMI output, since that output doesn't support DD5.1. As a result the TV doesn't get it since it hasn't been sent it.

Originally posted by nhey
It is actually an HDMI limitation, and not, in this case, a problem with the HD-TIVO. Check this out:

http://news.designtechnica.com/talkback45.html

I couldn't believe this when I first read it, but HDMI as currently implemented, does not carry DD5.1. A separate Toslink is needed to carry it.

Wow!
That is quite stunning and disappointing.:(

nhey- understood. question is, if we did have a source capable of outputting 5.1 over HDMI (which from my read of the article you posted is within the HDMI spec) , could the 006 play some form of audio with that signal? currently not that important, but maybe in the future it will be...?

Originally posted by alainl
ext : I'd say lower that $10k since it was originally slated to come out at that price. and with 3-4 competing products it should be more in line with Sony's previous 70" Model pricing. I'd say somewhere in the range of $6-8k. I know I may get flack from those who recently bought this at $13k. But most people really can't afford that. bringing it down to about half it's current price should make Sony a fortune if this set really is that much better than it's competition.

Really, $6-$8k? I can't wait to get Qualia 006 #2 for my bedroom, at that price! :D

Originally posted by jb007
Really, $6-$8k? I can't wait to get Qualia 006 #2 for my bedroom, at that price! :D
You won't beat me to the punch this time!
At 6K, I'll buy one for my garage.:)

Speaking of 2nd sets, my recent purchase of the 006 has left me long a Marantz VP-12S1 (early adopter, ya think?) front projector, which is great but didn't suit the room the 006 now sits in. Question for the group: where is the best place to dispose of a 3yr old DLP only lightly used? ebay? videogon? anyone have any experience selling this sort of thing before?

Originally posted by SABAlove
nhey- understood. question is, if we did have a source capable of outputting 5.1 over HDMI (which from my read of the article you posted is within the HDMI spec) , could the 006 play some form of audio with that signal? currently not that important, but maybe in the future it will be...?

Don't know for sure what will need to be changed to allow 5.1 over HDMI. Will it be new hardware? Who knows?

Try Videogon for your projector sale. That is a very good site from personal selling experience, albeit, not a projector.

You see my point. about $6-8k I'd also probably buy one in a second once I saw one based on the reports of this forum. It would really depend on Sony's ability to Mass produce them. would they make up the profits in volume. At that price I think they would. This is the sort of break through PQ that Sony should use to cut in to Samsungs RPTV market share. But I doubt we'll see prices like that before next year. At that point there will be a lot of 1080p competitors in stores and most people just won't shell out twice the money for the improved picture quality. It's sad but true. This has been demonstrated for years with consumers purchasing computers based on specs that aren't the most important factors in their computers real world performance. But yes if Sony comes in line with the rest of the market and with their own previous RPTV price ranges and comes down in the $6-8K range for the 70" They'll have my money. But my money won't be around for ever. I expect to be siting down and watching my money at work this summer.

I watched a bit of CSI on CBS last night via my Comcast 6412 DVR. The HD show looked awesome, and even the SD 4:3 black pillarbox commercials inserted by the network looked great. Crisp and near-HD quality - very impressive. But when the station break occurred and our local KCBS commercials were shown, SD got ugly real fast. The commercials and a plug for the 11 clock news appeared poorly scaled, heavily compressed and fuzzy, with gray 4:3 pillarbox rather than the network's black pillarbox.

Can anyone speculate why the local SD stuff over the same digital channel looks so much worse than the network feed? Perhaps the scaler used at KCBS is "dollar ninety eight" quality or maybe all the local inserts are come from a very low def, highly compressed server? I know CBS HD broadcasts are 1080i, but is everything on the digital transmission stream at 1080i such that any 480i video needs to be scaled up to 1080i by the local station? Or ... perhaps the local stuff was transmitted at 480i and my Comcast box scaled it up to 1080i to send to the Qualia? My Comcast box is set to force 1080i output.

Of course this is not a Qualia 006 problem - the TV is only showing the best and worst of the incoming video.

On 1080i HD channels any 480i SD material is normally scaled to 1080i before being transmitted. So the problem is at KCBS which is surprising because WCBS here in New York does a decent job of upconverting SD. In fact all the major networks provide a good upconvert.

ColorTV -

Have you tried connecting your Comcast 6412 box to the Qualia via firewire directly (without your JVC DVR in the mix)? I assume there are no user modifications (such as changing the "brightness" or "color" or "hue" or "picture" aka contrast) that can be made to that video stream, correct? (its not one of the 7 video inputs that can be user adjusted in the user menu).

Originally posted by nhey
ColorTV -

Have you tried connecting your Comcast 6412 box to the Qualia via firewire directly (without your JVC DVR in the mix)? I assume there are no user modifications (such as changing the "brightness" or "color" or "hue" or "picture" aka contrast) that can be made to that video stream, correct? (its not one of the 7 video inputs that can be user adjusted in the user menu).

The Comcast 6412 IS the HD STB and DVR in one box. It is currently lashed to the TV via component cables as I await my DVI-HDMI cable (which I may not use if the digital connection is not markedly superior to the current component connection). The 6412 is not currently connected to the TV via Firewire, and my JVC DVHS machine is connected to a separate component input on the 006.

My current theory is that everything on the KCBS digital channel is transmitted at 1080i and the local station's SD inserts are being poorly scaled up to 1080i to maintain a continuous 1080i transmission stream. Therefore, the poor KCBS SD video has nothing to do with the Comcast box or the TV. Since I also have an antenna connected to the 006, the next time I see this problem on KCBS I will quickly switch to the 006's ATSC tuner to see if it looks just as bad and probably eliminate the Comcast 6412 as the culprit.

Obviously, the CBS network is using high quality scalers. Their SD commercials and even The Amazing Race in SD looked better than expected. Only local KCBS SD looks lousy.

The Dolby 5.1 over HDMI issue seems to provide a good reason to feed our DVD players to our TV's and audio systems via component video and analog audio cables. I just popped for a nice 5.1 receiver, the reason being I want to get the most out of my surrounds to replace my 1993 Pioneer Dolby Pro Logic receiver. So it sounds as though everyone who has been watching DVD's via HDMI on modern TV's have not been listening to the proper digital soundtracks. How could that have happened when HDMI was spec'd?

I still find it amazing.
I never really noticed though because I started my set-up via a Toslink to my receiver.

Most people actually use DVD players with HDMI-out solely for the video quality, and use the Toslink optical out or the digital coax out for sound into their receivers, as most receivers do not have HDMI puts. Putting HDMI into the TV, and using the TV's optical out into a receiver didn't seem like a logical idea to some people, despite that it does eliminate the need for an extra toslink/coax cable.

Speaking of HDMI, does anybody know whether HDMI can transfer data two-way...or is it mainly built for data to be sent in one direction? I've been searching the 'net for info on this but nobody seems to be talking about whether HDMI is two-way (meaning can transfer 5 Gbps either way, video and audio between two HDMI connected components...). Anybody have a website they can point me out to or know the answer already?

colortv, can't you use the HDMI for video, and route the DVD's audio optical output to the Receiver? I have a Meridian 568 Proc in my system (No 006) and that is what I would try to do. I assume the DVD Player will output both HDMI and still give 5.1 on the Optical cable.



Originally posted by colortv
The Dolby 5.1 over HDMI issue seems to provide a good reason to feed our DVD players to our TV's and audio systems via component video and analog audio cables. I just popped for a nice 5.1 receiver, the reason being I want to get the most out of my surrounds to replace my 1993 Pioneer Dolby Pro Logic receiver. So it sounds as though everyone who has been watching DVD's via HDMI on modern TV's have not been listening to the proper digital soundtracks. How could that have happened when HDMI was spec'd?

HDMI is two-way in regards to control signals.

Martin

Originally posted by mpsan
colortv, can't you use the HDMI for video, and route the DVD's audio optical output to the Receiver? I have a Meridian 568 Proc in my system (No 006) and that is what I would try to do. I assume the DVD Player will output both HDMI and still give 5.1 on the Optical cable.

mpsan,

That's what I shall do. I was hoping not to have to switch inputs on my audio receiver when listening to DVD's but I will do that now. So far I have been using the TV as the audio/video switcher and listening to the output of the TV on my audio receiver. Yet another reason to get a Harmony or similar remote to reduce keystrokes, not only for me but others in the house. I'm not liking the remote clutter on my coffee table. I push plenty of buttons at work - at home, the fewer the better!

I agree. I have an older IRIQ LCD remote....hmmm, I wonder if anyone will come out with a DLP based remote? :D

Regarding the price thread, I called Qualia and they now list a lot of places to buy. I called and they expect 006's in a few months...then we will see what happens to the price.

Originally posted by colortv
mpsan,

That's what I shall do. I was hoping not to have to switch inputs on my audio receiver when listening to DVD's but I will do that now. So far I have been using the TV as the audio/video switcher and listening to the output of the TV on my audio receiver. Yet another reason to get a Harmony or similar remote to reduce keystrokes, not only for me but others in the house. I'm not liking the remote clutter on my coffee table. And I push plenty of buttons at work - at home, the fewer the better!

OK, this is OT but many of you may get a kick out of this. I value HDTV as much as the last major TV innovation ... check this out on my website if you have nothing better to do:

http://www.kingoftheroad.net/colorTV/RCA-colorTVcommercial.html

Originally posted by Tulsa1
HDMI is two-way in regards to control signals.

Yup, that I'm aware of...and it makes me speculate that HDMI can transfer data both ways equally...but I still don't know for sure. USB for example transfers two way. IDE as well.

If HDMI can transfer two way, that would be marvelous. No longer need the firewire/iLink and the existing TVs out there already equipped with HDMI can then output video to DVR/Tivo units.

EDIT: I also have a question for you 006 owners - does the set need to go through convergence? In the 006's brochure I read that the three light colors are actually routed separately via reflections off of mirror onto the screen...which gets me speculating whether there are any options in case the mirrors become misaligned for whatever reasons.

First, thanks to all who've posted on this thread. I must confess to not hanging out on avsforum for the past year. I was a little tired of some of the sniping that was going on; you folks are to be commended for the helpful and positive focus on display here. The primary reasons for my absence, however, were significant life changes. Over the past year I've finalized a divorce, sold one house, bought and moved into another house, gotten remarried, and adopted my wife's daughter. Still living out of a few boxes, but things are generally pretty great!

Back to the new Qualia! The problems I encountered in ordering my set are (I hope!) in the past, and I am truly jazzed about getting this set. I have extremely high (read: anal-retentive CRT junkie) standards, and I'm amazed at the percentage of positive reviews this set is garnering from some obviously discerning people.

My question is this; I'm wondering what advice you guys might offer regarding the best source material for my Qualia. Presently I'm a DirecTV customer, and though I chose them because of good image quality I am concerned with what seems to be declining PQ by this carrier. Another problem I have is that they only let me get local HD content on ABC; both the NBC and CBS local affiliates have denied my (repeated) applications for a waiver. This despite the fact that I'm north of San Francisco, in a notoriously bad reception area, with a nearly 3,000 foot mountain exactly halfway between me and the transmitter location in SF. I may have to go the "white lie" route, but for now I'm screwed on network HD content.

So, at this point I'm considering a switch to Comcast. Will adding HD service to my cable (I currently get basic cable for my daughter, along with high-speed internet) slow down my computer/internet connection?

OK, that's mostly a side issue. My main goals are:
• best possible PQ
• maximum amount of HD content
• abiltiy to record HD content

I currently have the JVC 3K D-VHS deck. My set top boxes are both by Sony; a SAT-HD100 upstairs and a SAT-HD200 downstairs. My DVD players are older units with component out; one is the older (but excellent) Sony DVP-S9000ES (480i or 480p), while the other is a Meridian 598 DVD player (480i).

I am pretty willing to scrap my current setup for the best possible "ultimate" solution. I also want to eventually figure out HD recording with my Macintosh, as I have one of the El Gato/EyeTV500 boxes that is HD compatible. According to the EFF website at:
http://www.eff.org/broadcastflag/eyetv500.php
this is an excellent way to record HD that will not be subject to the dreaded broadcast flag. My understanding is that other methods (Comcast or DirecTV boxes) will be able to be selectively "switched off" by the broadcaster to avoid HD duplication. Pardon me on these points if I'm mistaken; as I've been out of the forum awhile I'm probably a little bit rusty on some of these issues...

Thanks in advance for your help in helping me put together a system worthy of the mighty 006!

Ray

P.S. : Another SIDE ISSUE: I may be getting a new DVHS deck; can someone please advise me on the differences between JVC's HM-DH40000U, HM-DH5U, and HM-DT100U? Also, does anyone here have experience with the 16X9 solutions for HD reception and recording?

Way OT!

I grew up in Hartford and my Uncle had a TV shop. He got one of the first round Color TV's and we went to the store to watch.....Peter Pan!

My best friends Father was an NBC Newsman and my friend an I "played" at the studio on weekends...we came to watch Science Fiction Theater...many shows at once. We played with the headsets and looked through the camera. One of us said a 4 letter word and the whole place laughed at us. We did not know everyone was hooked up!! I should have known better as I had a Ham license even then.

Originally posted by colortv
OK, this is OT but many of you may get a kick out of this. I value HDTV as much as the last major TV innovation ... check this out on my website if you have nothing better to do:

http://www.kingoftheroad.net/colorTV/RCA-colorTVcommercial.html

brt3,
Fisrst let me say, wecome back!!! This is simply the best thread out there.
I too have been having problems with my 006 order, and I think things have been cleared up now. Just speculation on my part, I think Sony is in short supply of the 006 and is in excuse mode until new shipments come in. From previous post D*tv should work just fine.

ColorTv, nice website!

sj

First I would like to thank all of you guys who have posted on the 006. I can't tell you how many hours I have spent at work (shhhh!) and home following this as well as the previous 100+ page thread.

Maybe some of you lucky owners and even fellow lurkers can give me a pointer or two on my "pre-006 project."

I have to wait on my purchase until late summer (adding a new room for this baby!) and I want to start contacting custom woodworkers to build a wall unit similar in general appearance to some sold by Imagecrafters. I was thinking of asking for the tv "hole" to be around 82"x30"x52". I plan on keeping the speakers attached. Does this seem reasonable? I am aware of the curb weight of this beauty (approx. 273 lb).

Are there any special considerations I should be aware of? I am new to wall units and I am afraid that they might miss something. Just because they SAY they can and have built big and beautiful entertainment units does not mean they know the "little details."

From all of your fantastic observations, I would hate to surround this electronic marvel with 8-10k of polished cherry that misses on the finer points.

Any advise would be appreciated.

I will continue to drool from the sidelines (but not forever!)

I just got the message from my dealer that early February is now early March. Oh well.

Originally posted by RonB63
I am aware of the curb weight of this beauty (approx. 273 lb).

Are there any special considerations I should be aware of?
Welcome Ron!
Actually I believe the listed weight is about 243lb.- if that makes a difference.

You may want to PM "Beefchopper" or search the forum for where he is posting now because I believe he was planning on doing something similar to what you want to do (until he got turned off with the lack of 1080p input capability)

He's a nice guy, very helpful and actually probably only lives a stone's throw away from you.:)

Originally posted by casey
I just got the message from my dealer that early February is now early March. Oh well.
I'm wondering if those first 300 that they air shipped over have already been sold!
Wow, looks like 13K didn't scare many people at all.

Casey, at least you still have a beautiful stand to look at.:D

Originally posted by brt3
Presently I'm a DirecTV customer, and though I chose them because of good image quality I am concerned with what seems to be declining PQ by this carrier. Another problem I have is that they only let me get local HD content on ABC; both the NBC and CBS local affiliates have denied my (repeated) applications for a waiver. This despite the fact that I'm north of San Francisco, in a notoriously bad reception area, with a nearly 3,000 foot mountain exactly halfway between me and the transmitter location in SF. I may have to go the "white lie" route, but for now I'm screwed on network HD content.

brt3,

Much of what you say about DirecTV is why I chose Comcast HD cable and so far I'm glad I did. Excellent HD locals, and it's hard to tell the difference between my HD locals on Comcast vs my OTA antenna into the 006's ATSC tuner. That is a HUGE plus in my opinion until DirecTV carries all HD locals. I'd suggest the Comcast HD DVR which is only an extra $4/month on top of the additional $5 for the HD STB. The 6412 combines the HD receiver and DVR in one box, with Firewire ports to connect to your DVHS machine to record HD stuff you might wish to archive from the DVR. You can also record to HD DVHS from the 006's Firewire ports, but probably won't need to do that considering the poor ATSC reception in your area. I have the JVC 40000 DVHS - I assume your 30000 will record 16:9 HD just as the 40000 does. I think the Comcast HD DVR and DVHS machine are a great match with the Qualia 006. The JVC 40000 does not have a built-in ATSC tuner to record OTA HD broadcasts, although one of the new JVC's does have the tuner. Because you can't receive OTA ATSC anyway, why waste the money? Be sure to compare prices for the DVHS machines only because huge discounts off MSRP can be found.

Casey,

Just out of curiousity, what reason did they give you? I've been told by the NYC cierge everthing from crossed up tracking #s to outbreak of the flu! But finally, it looks like early next wk. The 006 is coming from Pittsbugh,? and the stand from California.

sj

Originally posted by sparkysj

ColorTv, nice website!

Thanks - glad you enjoyed it!

As I said a few posts ago..great site that brought back Memorys. We recorded the Moon Landing on tape when I worked at RCA and I was in Cherry Hill, NJ, for a Computer Class.



Originally posted by colortv
Thanks - glad you enjoyed it!

Originally posted by colortv
I'd suggest the Comcast HD DVR which is only an extra $4/month on top of the additional $5 for the HD STB.
Are you saying you can get TWO boxes for $9.???
Adelphia is charging me $12.95 for the DVR(Moxi) and $6.95 for their HD STB (Moto 6200)
If I'm reading that right...that's a bargain at Comcast.
Nevertheless I agree with color...go cable.
There may even be hope for us Adelphia subscribers as this just came in a couple days ago(Perhaps Comcast with buy Adelphia and my monthly rates will go down?)

Rivals team up for Adelphia bid
By James Politi and Aline van Duyn in New York
Published: January 25 2005 22:09 | Last updated: January 25 2005 23:24

Comcast and Time Warner are planning to submit only a joint bid for all of Adelphia's cable assets after ruling out separate bids for other parts of the company's network.

Bids for Adelphia the fifth-largest US cable company, which collapsed into bankruptcy in one of America's biggest corporate scandals are due next Monday. Creditors have set a minimum price tag of $17.5bn, making its sale potentially one of the biggest transactions to take place this quarter. People who are familiar with the auction indicated that Comcast and Time Warner concluded recently that it would not make sense for them to make separate bids for parts of Adelphia's assets, as this could undermine their chances of winning the whole company.

“They are betting that the company would rather sell the whole thing,” said one person involved in the process.

In putting forward a joint bid, Comcast and Time Warner are likely to face competition from private equity firms and cable entrepreneurs. Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, Providence Equity Partners and JPMorgan Partners have been exploring a bid for parts of the business, as well as a joint bid for all of Adelphia. However, the size of such an offer means it is not at all clear whether one will be made.

The most likely scenario is that Comcast and Time Warner will be competing against a combination of separate bids for each of the seven “clusters” of assets into which Adelphia was split last year. If they were outbid, the two cable giants would probably be offered a second chance to purchase some of the assets they are most interested in. “If the difference is small, it is hard to imagine that they wouldn't get another bite at the apple,” said one person close to the situation.

Comcast is the largest US cable operator, with 22m subscribers. Time Warner wants to increase the size of its cable business. It is the second-largest cable operator, with 11m subscribers, but behind satellite operator DirecTV, which has 13.5m customers.

The rivals have joined forces on the Adelphia bid as a tax-efficient way of unwinding Comcast's 21 per cent stake in Time Warner Cable. Comcast, which gained the stake following acquisitions, has to dispose of it for regulatory reasons by the end of 2007. Adelphia's assets, which stretch from California to Pennsylvania and New York, are potentially attractive to many groups. Comcast, for example, could get its hands on the lucrative Los Angeles market, while Time Warner could consolidate its position on the East Coast.

Adelphia declined to comment, as did representatives of each of the potential bidders.

I have an HD TiVo and absolutely love it! I put in a second 300 GB hard drive and can now record up to 70 hours of HD programming. Just my $.02 for those of you considering DirecTV.

Originally posted by colortv
The 6412 combines the HD receiver and DVR in one box, with Firewire ports to connect to your DVHS machine to record HD stuff. You can also record to HD DVHS from the 006's Firewire ports. The JVC 40000 does not have a built-in ATSC tuner to record OTA HD broadcasts, although one of the new JVC's does have the tuner. Because you can't receive OTA ATSC anyway, why waste the money? Be sure to compare prices for the DVHS machines only because huge discounts off MSRP can be found.

colortv,

Thanks for the advice. I just returned from my local Comcast service center with two 6412s in tow. I'll try 'em out to be sure, but I think they'll be a permanent fixture given the limitations of that satellite provider formerly known as Hughes. This should be a good way for me to RECORD THE PROGRAMMING I'M LEGALLY RECEIVING IN MY HOME FOR VIEWING AT A LATER DATE. (Sorry to shout, but I can't stomach how our tax dollars are at work with the FCC)

BTW, someone here mentioned that if you go with Comcast you should try and get their CableCard to install in the Qualia, and use that along with the 6412 settop box/DVR. The local Comcast store says the two cannot be used together. Any advice would be appreciated, as I could envision that the operation of the 006 with CableCard would be simpler for others in the household to use...

Ray

Pentron-Man,

Thanks for the recommendation. I will PM Beefchopper after I get the little ones to bed. Keep up the great post!

Originally posted by Penton-Man
Are you saying you can get TWO boxes for $9.???

brt3,
I forgot to answer your question about cable internet speed after installing cable HDTV - no change whatsoever - super speedy!

Penton,

Here's the Comcast deal I have:

• Previously I was a Comcast cable internet subscriber only - since I did not subscribe to Comcast cable TV, the ISP fee was a steep $59.95. When I recently added Comcast cable TV, the internet access fee dropped $14 to $45.95 - a nice incentive.

• Comcast digital cable TV - basic package (no premiums such as HBO, Showtime) - $54

• HD STB - $5 + $4 for HD DVR (total for Motorola 6412 all-in-one HD receiver/DVR = $9). DVR has Firewire ports for easy connection to DVHS machine or directly to the Qualia 006.

• additional SD STB for guest bedroom - no extra charge

• no installation charge

• month-to-month, can be cancelled at any time. That was a big deal to me, as I was planning to dump Comcast after a few months and switch to VOOM when their DVR came out in March. Guess that's a dead issue now!

My total Comcast monthly including internet access and HD cable TV with HD DVR = $108.95

A friend of mine in Palm Springs has Charter - there is NO extra cost for the HD STB for his Sony HD CRT. Same price as SD STB. Nice! But after having the HD DVR, I can't imagine life without it! My buddy wants one too assuming Charter offers it.

Originally posted by brt3
colortv,

Thanks for the advice. I just returned from my local Comcast service center with two 6412s in tow. I'll try 'em out to be sure, but I think they'll be a permanent fixture given the limitations of that satellite provider formerly known as Hughes. This should be a good way for me to RECORD THE PROGRAMMING I'M LEGALLY RECEIVING IN MY HOME FOR VIEWING AT A LATER DATE. (Sorry to shout, but I can't stomach how our tax dollars are at work with the FCC)

BTW, someone here mentioned that if you go with Comcast you should try and get their CableCard to install in the Qualia, and use that along with the 6412 settop box/DVR. The local Comcast store says the two cannot be used together. Any advice would be appreciated, as I could envision that the operation of the 006 with CableCard would be simpler for others in the household to use...

Ray

You won't be able to record copy protected content from the 6412 to DVHS - the DVHS on-screen message will be: "cannot decode audio/video. Use set top box or DVR." But it's no problem at all to record non-copy protected content from the 6412 to DVHS. I'm stashing "24" in HD on DVHS. That is one helluva show, HD on not. But "24" in HD is flat out INCREDIBLE on the 006!

I don't know that Cablecard is really going to improve the already great HD cable TV picture. Why not get a Cablecard from Comcast as a trial and compare the results of Cablecard vs 6412 for yourself? Watching the same content of course to keep the playing field level. The video out of the 6412 is great, at least using component connection to your 006. I just received a DVI-HDMI cable and I'm going to compare the quality with component. Also, I want to compare connecting the 6412 via Firewire to the TV. Nice to have 3 options to connect, not to mention a separate digital audio connection to the audio receiver. Choice is a good thing! If I had to choose between a 5% better Cablecard picture or the blessing of a non-Cablecard 6412 DVR, I'd go for the DVR in a heartbeat. The 6412's video is superb.

Originally posted by colortv
You won't be able to record copy protected content from the 6412 to DVHS - the DVHS on-screen message will be: "cannot decode audio/video. Use set top box or DVR." But it's no problem at all to record non-copy protected content from the 6412 to DVHS. I'm stashing "24" in HD on DVHS. That is one helluva show, HD on not. But "24" in HD is flat out INCREDIBLE on the 006!

I don't know that Cablecard is really going to improve the already great HD cable TV picture. Why not get a Cablecard from Comcast as a trial and compare the results of Cablecard vs 6412 for yourself? .

colortv,

I probably didn't make my point very clearly regarding the CableCard. The ONLY reason I'd be interested in installing this in my Qualia 006 would be to make the set simple to use for my wife and kids. I never thought it might improve the picture, though now that you mention it... ;-)

In practical terms what are the limits of copy-protection? Is this in place on any major motion picture played over the networks/cable/sat, or is it more sporadic? Also, do most of the normal broadcast programs allow HD recording?

My purpose in trying to get a Mac running in conjunction with the Qualia 006 would be to timeshift and archive programming. As the 6412 only holds ten hours I'd never be able to watch all the Tivo'd programming before the drive would be full. With the Mac/EyeTV500 combo you can record any HD content.

Still drooling over the prospect of getting my 006 delivered! Have been stocking up on DVHS movies and will be holding a week-long film festival, I think. This should salve my wounds from missing the SuperBowl in HD/QualiaVision...

BUT... at least I've switched to Comcast (thanks to this thread) so that I can get Fox (and the SuperBowl) in high-def --though it will be on my lowly (read: black challenged) Sony 50" plasma...

Ray

I am outright obsessed with this set and I haven't seen it yet!! And I don't know when I will!!
I sure hope I'm not in for a letdown! I remember reading about HDTV and talking about it all the time and then finally seeing my first HD set!!
I was not blown away....it looked...better....
(of course I later learned you really can't be blown away by a crt rptv that has not been calibrated and is in a bright room!---too bad 90% of the public still doesn't know that!)

I'm anticipating seeing this set and saying "this is what I've been waiting for all along....finally!"

Originally posted by nhey
Kaduku-

Ok let's try to figure this out. I need to know exactly what audio and video connections you have set up to the 006, and to which inputs.

You have a Directv receiver and DVD player and both have an optical digital out cable running to an optical digital cable switch and then to the BOSE. To which inputs are the Directv receiver and DVD player connected to on the 006?

nhey,

Now I have the Directv receiver to input 7 and the dvd player to input 6. I did figure out why there was no sound from the tv when on the Directv. I had DD 5.1 selected on the Directv settings. It did produce DD 5.1 on the Bose, but muted the sound from the tv. When I did set it to PCM, walla sound from the tv. This might also explain the audio going in and out on the Bose. Thanks for trying to understand my problem.

Originally posted by jp2
I've had the roku for a while but do not use it very much. It basically became a slide show machine because they could not get the function to play .vob files with full menu support working properly. They might have gotten that to work by now. They also don't have a pure digital connection only component. You can get the same functionality to work with the built-in memory card slot and the app that comes with the 006. The art packs do look stunning though. I was amazed how nice they looked on my 1st 1080p set and they look very good also on the 006. If you like to tweak, I would suggest just getting a cheap htpc and connecting it via one of the hdmi ports on the 006. You will have so much more flexibility and get the purest pq. With the new nvidia cards it also becomes much more plug and play also.
brgds,
jp

JP2,
You said that you had this thing hooked up to the 006. Which art pack do you have. Just wondering how the aquarium looks. I am mainly interested in these art packs. Do you think they are worth the money?

Originally posted by brt3
colortv,

I probably didn't make my point very clearly regarding the CableCard. The ONLY reason I'd be interested in installing this in my Qualia 006 would be to make the set simple to use for my wife and kids. I never thought it might improve the picture, though now that you mention it... ;-)

In practical terms what are the limits of copy-protection? Is this in place on any major motion picture played over the networks/cable/sat, or is it more sporadic? Also, do most of the normal broadcast programs allow HD recording?

My purpose in trying to get a Mac running in conjunction with the Qualia 006 would be to timeshift and archive programming. As the 6412 only holds ten hours I'd never be able to watch all the Tivo'd programming before the drive would be full. With the Mac/EyeTV500 combo you can record any HD content.

Still drooling over the prospect of getting my 006 delivered! Have been stocking up on DVHS movies and will be holding a week-long film festival, I think. This should salve my wounds from missing the SuperBowl in HD/QualiaVision...

BUT... at least I've switched to Comcast (thanks to this thread) so that I can get Fox (and the SuperBowl) in high-def --though it will be on my lowly (read: black challenged) Sony 50" plasma...

Ray

Ray, I'm a Mac guy too and I'll be curious to hear how Eye TV works for you. I've heard of it but not pursued it since my Mac is nowhere near the TV. I'm considering a new Mac Mini for the purpose though. I haven't spent much time checking copy-protected content. It's likely that movies are copy protected but not broadcast TV shows. I tested recording a movie from InHD to DVHS and that's when I got the "could not decode" message on the DVHS machine - I assume copy protection was in force. But I haven't seen that message again on other programming I've recorded to DVHS such as "24."

Originally posted by skoolpsyk
I am outright obsessed with this set and I haven't seen it yet!!

I'm anticipating seeing this set and saying "this is what I've been waiting for all along....finally!"

skoolpsyk,

I'll venture this guess...when you see the Qualia 006 you will say "this is what I've been waiting for all along....finally!" That's what I said when I saw it.

Penton -

I can now confirm, after having tried it over the course of 2 nights, that hooking the Comcast box to input 7 via DVI to HDMI works perfectly well - no double picture, so, it appears that their might be a glitch with the 006 and input 6 (that goes away if you simply change the channel on the Sony remote when you see the double picture - only slightly annoying).


Has anyone else, besides Penton, SRT-10, and me, who have tried using input 6 connected to an STB or HDTIVO (with a functioning HDMI output) via a DVI to HDMI cable, or via an HDMI to HDMI cable, noticed any problems with a "double picture" when first tuning to input 6??

Somewhat OT: By the way, I called Directv and told them my HDTIVO's HDMI output doesn't work. I pay $7.99 per month for a "buyer assurance plan" that covers this HDTIVO. Nevertheless, they told me they are fully aware of the HDMI problem with many HDTIVOs but they are NOT swapping them out, and they are not doing anything about this problem at this time. My guess is that they know they are going to have to swap out all the boxes as they switch to MPEG4 later this year. I'll probably contact their customer retention group and complain. They'll probably give me some sort of credit. I'm using the component outputs. High-def picture is fine, but hi-def in my opinion is much better with Comcast.

Colortv;

So it sounds like Video 6 with DVI to HDMI has problems (sound and double picture)... I will be interested in your evaluation of picture quality of Component vs HDMI/DVI. I would test it but I am off to Spain this week and not home. I also believe you will have a keener eye then me based on your background. I tried the firewire connection... Couldn't get the cable program guide to work so I backed off that solution.

kaduku,
I had the roku hooked up to one of the component connections not input 6 which is hdmi. Since I haven't used the roku in a while, I have a hard time recommending it. I used it as a slide-show viewer for a little while then got bored with that. You can do almost the same thing with the 006 by itself and a lot more with a htpc.

nhey,
I have my d* stb hooked up to input 6 with no issues. I am using a dvi-hdmi cable on my samsung 160 stb. Note that input 6 allows for separate rca stereo input whereas input 7 only allows hdmi. I swapped my hdmi devices (pc and stb) between 6 and 7 because I wanted to try the tv's speakers when watching something like cnn via the stb. I wound up keeping the tv's speakers turned off because I didn't like the sound of the tv's speakers and I was able to program the harmony remote for my wife to always use my other speakers. I have a large center channel speaker the fits in the sony stand and the dialog sounds very good. I wanted to get the new denon 5805 receiver but it looks as if its too tall to fit in either my rack or within the sony stand. I may wait on the denon 4806 which should fit into my existing rack. It will then replace my yamaha rx-v1 which has been a very good receiver. The issue with a/v electronics these days is that they change as quickly as computers. I think my monitor (006) and speaker setup (audiomachina and 3 b&w/velodyne subs) are up to the task. I'm just waiting on the source material to catch up!

I think the sets may have problems. I do not know what the problems are but some may be showing up here. Shipments to dealers are being delayed for 30 days to contain the number of sets out there with problems. I fully expect Sony will be able to design out the problems. Let's hope for you guys that the sets out there do not have o be recalled. My guess is that any problem could be fixed by software and hardware changes in the field by a factory authorized service center. Sony service is very very good and Sony will make it right. So no worries.

Originally posted by SRT-10 Viper
Colortv;

So it sounds like Video 6 with DVI to HDMI has problems (sound and double picture)... I will be interested in your evaluation of picture quality of Component vs HDMI/DVI. I would test it but I am off to Spain this week and not home. I also believe you will have a keener eye then me based on your background. I tried the firewire connection... Couldn't get the cable program guide to work so I backed off that solution.

I was using input 6 via HDMI and did not see any double picture from either the Directv receiver or the dvd player. The audio problem I was having it is seems was coming from my setup on the Directv receiver, which was resolved, I think? Hopefully?

I picked up a copy of HDTV etc. and there was a very nice and thick 4 page ad for the 006, 004, and the SRX-R110, which all uses the SXRD technology. Looks like Sony is going all out to get the word to the masses. Interesting though to see that theres still not much independent reviews out there. Back to enjoying this bad boy!!!!!!

Originally posted by nhey
Has anyone else, besides Penton, SRT-10, and me, who have tried using input 6 connected to an STB or HDTIVO (with a functioning HDMI output) via a DVI to HDMI cable, or via an HDMI to HDMI cable, noticed any problems with a "double picture" when first tuning to input 6??

Somewhat OT: By the way, I called Directv and told them my HDTIVO's HDMI output doesn't work. I pay $7.99 per month for a "buyer assurance plan" that covers this HDTIVO. Nevertheless, they told me they are fully aware of the HDMI problem with many HDTIVOs but they are NOT swapping them out, and they are not doing anything about this problem at this time. My guess is that they know they are going to have to swap out all the boxes as they switch to MPEG4 later this year. I'll probably contact their customer retention group and complain. They'll probably give me some sort of credit. I'm using the component outputs. High-def picture is fine, but hi-def in my opinion is much better with Comcast.

I have an HD TiVo connected to input 6 HDMI to HDMI and have never experienced the double picture phenomenon described in this thread.

Call DirecTV back! They have twice replaced my HD TiVo because of HDMI issues (most recently 2 weeks ago). I don't even have the buyer assurance plan. The HD TiVo has a one-year warranty and DirecTV will FedEx out a brand-new replacement unit. They will also give you $ credit for the hassle. Call back until you speak to the right person (level 2 tech support I believe). Jump over to the TiVo Community for more information/advice. It's been discussed there.

Good luck :)

Originally posted by mark haflich
I think the sets may have problems. I do not know what the problems are but some may be showing up here. Shipments to dealers are being delayed for 30 days to contain the number of sets out there with problems. I fully expect Sony will be able to design out the problems. Let's hope for you guys that the sets out there do not have o be recalled. My guess is that any problem could be fixed by software and hardware changes in the field by a factory authorized service center. Sony service is very very good and Sony will make it right. So no worries.

Mark,

You're obviously someone in the know. Upon what information are you basing your statement that you think the sets may have problems? If shipments to dealers are being "delayed" for 30 days, could that not be related to strong demand or low yields in production?

Thanks for your encouragement regarding Sony's service.

Originally posted by mark haflich
I think the sets may have problems. I do not know what the problems are but some may be showing up here. Shipments to dealers are being delayed for 30 days to contain the number of sets out there with problems. I fully expect Sony will be able to design out the problems. Let's hope for you guys that the sets out there do not have o be recalled. My guess is that any problem could be fixed by software and hardware changes in the field by a factory authorized service center. Sony service is very very good and Sony will make it right. So no worries.

Statements of this nature have more power to influence buying decisions than positive statements - given the financial risk. Is there more substance to this post or is this speculation?

Dilbert1

Quote--- a Mac guy too and I'll be curious to hear how Eye TV works for you. I've heard of it but not pursued it since my Mac is nowhere near the TV. I'm considering a new Mac Mini for the purpose though. I haven't spent much time checking copy-protected content. It's likely that movies are copy protected but not broadcast TV shows. I tested recording a movie from InHD to DVHS and that's when I got the "could not decode" message on the DVHS machine - I assume copy protection was in force. But I haven't seen that message again on other programming I've recorded to DVHS such as "24."

Color TV
Just read an article at AnandTech about the Mac Mini that says you need min of 512 mb ram for it to function in any multi tasking situation. With only a 80GB HD that is a slow 5400 rpm laptop 2.5in unit it might not be the best unit for a htpc. I understand that Mac guys are Mac guys but have you looked at the new HP htpc that is built in the shape of a receiver and easier to add to a home theater system than a tower. It uses Windows Media edition 2005 that is designed for this use.

Roy

Color TV

This system also allows you to stream pics, video and music to other rooms in the house with an optional extender. Many computing and ht options become available.

Roy

This system also allows you to stream pics, video and music to other rooms in the house with an optional extender. Many computing and ht options become available.

Tweeter is setting up their first store to test a new format in Las Vegas that has the store designed as the inside of a home with all the HT equipment you might have in your home and how to connect and configure it. Sounds like a smart concept as this I believe is the way of the future.

kaduku, that 4-page advertisement has appeared in several stereo/video mags for the past month. Hope it catches on!

Originally posted by Ed Weinman
kaduku, that 4-page advertisement has appeared in several stereo/video mags for the past month. Hope it catches on!

Duh!!!!, Thanks Ed, I am just a beginner Videophile and it was my first HD related magazine ever.

Originally posted by mark haflich
I think the sets may have problems. I do not know what the problems are but some may be showing up here. Shipments to dealers are being delayed for 30 days to contain the number of sets out there with problems. I fully expect Sony will be able to design out the problems. Let's hope for you guys that the sets out there do not have o be recalled. My guess is that any problem could be fixed by software and hardware changes in the field by a factory authorized service center. Sony service is very very good and Sony will make it right. So no worries.


Mark - since you are an authorized Sony dealer, I know that you speak from a position of knowledge, however, did they specifically tell you the sets "have problems" or is that your assumption based on the delay in getting you the sets they promised you for 30 days?

None of the 006 owners posting here have reported any problems that we have been able to determine are definitely associated with the 006. The one issue (double picture when first tuning to input 6) discussed here is definitely not occurring with all the sets, and at worst, is only a very minor annoyance that goes away when the channel is changed.

Originally posted by jb007
I have an HD TiVo connected to input 6 HDMI to HDMI and have never experienced the double picture phenomenon described in this thread.

Call DirecTV back! They have twice replaced my HD TiVo because of HDMI issues (most recently 2 weeks ago). I don't even have the buyer assurance plan. The HD TiVo has a one-year warranty and DirecTV will FedEx out a brand-new replacement unit. They will also give you $ credit for the hassle. Call back until you speak to the right person (level 2 tech support I believe). Jump over to the TiVo Community for more information/advice. It's been discussed there.

Good luck :)

JB007 - when they replaced your HD TIVO, did they first send you the replacement box, and you then returned the defective box, or did you have to return the defective box first?

Originally posted by nhey
JB007 - when they replaced your HD TIVO, did they first send you the replacement box, and you then returned the defective box, or did you have to return the defective box first?

They FedEx out the replacement receiver to you first. You send back the defective unit to them in the same box (factory) your replacement unit arrived in. There is a FedEx return bill included. There is NO cost to you whatsoever (unless you for some reason do not return the defective unit).

kadukuk, absolutely no problem! (I think that I've seen that brochure in, at least, four publications...hope it bodes well for the buying population.)

Originally posted by jb007
They FedEx out the replacement receiver to you first. You send back the defective unit to them in the same box (factory) your replacement unit arrived in. There is a FedEx return bill included. There is NO cost to you whatsoever (unless you for some reason do not return the defective unit).

JB007 - GOOD NEWS!!!! I just called Directv and spoke to Tier 2 support. First, she told me that it was a software issue and they can't replace any HDTIVO boxes at this time. I pushed hard and finally convinced her to send me a new box. THANKS FOR THE ADVICE!!! By the way, did they FED EX it overnight or second day delivery?

Originally posted by nhey
Penton -

I can now confirm, after having tried it over the course of 2 nights, that hooking the Comcast box to input 7 via DVI to HDMI works perfectly well - no double picture, so, it appears that their might be a glitch with the 006 and input 6 (that goes away if you simply change the channel on the Sony remote when you see the double picture - only slightly annoying).


Has anyone else, besides Penton, SRT-10, and me, who have tried using input 6 connected to an STB or HDTIVO (with a functioning HDMI output) via a DVI to HDMI cable, or via an HDMI to HDMI cable, noticed any problems with a "double picture" when first tuning to input 6??

I've now got my Comcast 6412 connected both by component and DVI-HDMI (video 6 on SXRD). So far I have not seen the double image you guys have described - I'll continue to watch for it and report back if I see the double image.

I notice the SLIGHTEST improvement in PQ via the digital connection vs component. But I'm trying really hard to notice a difference, and since there is a delay in switching between inputs on the 006 I can't say for absolute certain that digital is better than component. If the double image thing crops up on my setup via DVI-HDMI, I'll have no hesitation whatsoever to watch via the component connection which has no issues at all.

I also experimented with watching the Comcast box into the 006 via Firewire. No real improvement in PQ, and the downside to watching through Firewire/iLink is that the Comcast box menus don't show up through Firewire. This also applies to watching DVHS through Firewire to the 006 - the VCR's on-screen menus do not appear on the 006 through Firewire connection, but you can see them just fine via component connection.

Thanks for the Toslink info in earlier posts. I ordered several Toslink optical-digital audio cables from RAM to connect the TV, DVD player, DVHS machine, and Comcast 6412 to my new Yamaha 2500 receiver.

Originally posted by mark haflich
I think the sets may have problems. I do not know what the problems are but some may be showing up here. Shipments to dealers are being delayed for 30 days to contain the number of sets out there with problems. I fully expect Sony will be able to design out the problems. Let's hope for you guys that the sets out there do not have o be recalled. My guess is that any problem could be fixed by software and hardware changes in the field by a factory authorized service center. Sony service is very very good and Sony will make it right. So no worries.

Mark,

Since the Qualia 004 has such a good track record, I would assume you are not worried about the SXRD technology, but just some minor glitches in some sets, and Sony is carefully watching?
Thanks,

sj

Originally posted by mark haflich
I think the sets may have problems. I do not know what the problems are but some may be showing up here. Shipments to dealers are being delayed for 30 days to contain the number of sets out there with problems. I fully expect Sony will be able to design out the problems. Let's hope for you guys that the sets out there do not have o be recalled. My guess is that any problem could be fixed by software and hardware changes in the field by a factory authorized service center. Sony service is very very good and Sony will make it right. So no worries.

Mark,

Huh? What problems? I haven't had any issues except the potential double image problem on HDMI video 6 that others have seen. I have had nary a problem on my set. What gives you the idea that there are problems? Perhaps you may be referring to production problems? A set this good may not be easy to crank out of the factory in mass quantities.

Originally posted by RDO CA
Quote--- a Mac guy too and I'll be curious to hear how Eye TV works for you. I've heard of it but not pursued it since my Mac is nowhere near the TV. I'm considering a new Mac Mini for the purpose though. I haven't spent much time checking copy-protected content. It's likely that movies are copy protected but not broadcast TV shows. I tested recording a movie from InHD to DVHS and that's when I got the "could not decode" message on the DVHS machine - I assume copy protection was in force. But I haven't seen that message again on other programming I've recorded to DVHS such as "24."

Color TV
Just read an article at AnandTech about the Mac Mini that says you need min of 512 mb ram for it to function in any multi tasking situation. With only a 80GB HD that is a slow 5400 rpm laptop 2.5in unit it might not be the best unit for a htpc. I understand that Mac guys are Mac guys but have you looked at the new HP htpc that is built in the shape of a receiver and easier to add to a home theater system than a tower. It uses Windows Media edition 2005 that is designed for this use.

Roy

I'd put a gig of RAM in the mini and run an external 250 gig HD for video. The Mac mini's small profile has a lot of appeal to me. But the new HP rig is interesting as well and I intend to check it out before making any purchase. Thanks for the heads up!

Be careful with any HTPC - the noise level for almost all of them makes them problematic in a TV viewing area like a living room.

www.niveusmedia.com makes a fanless HTPC, but it is very expensive.

Originally posted by mark haflich
I think the sets may have problems. I do not know what the problems are but some may be showing up here. Shipments to dealers are being delayed for 30 days to contain the number of sets out there with problems. I fully expect Sony will be able to design out the problems. Let's hope for you guys that the sets out there do not have o be recalled. My guess is that any problem could be fixed by software and hardware changes in the field by a factory authorized service center. Sony service is very very good and Sony will make it right. So no worries.

Just my opinion (not a Qualia 006 owner to boot), but it would be helpful to be less cryptic when posting the above info.

Is is a conjecture or a fact?

:confused:

Just got this set. I have an older DVD player that outputs both 480p and 480i. I figured the 480i would be better as mentioned on this board. However, I find the 480p to be substantially better. With 480i there is quite a bit of pixelation to the picture. This doesn't make a lot of sense to me as it is upconverted in the Qualia to begin with and there should be less conversion with a 480i input.

Make sure you keep your fedex bill when you return it. There is a thread about people who were charged 1000 despite having returned the tivo.

I also had mine replaced a few months ago. Hoping it doesn't die since I've upgraded with an additional 250 drive and don't want to have to take the drive out to return it.

Originally posted by nhey
JB007 - GOOD NEWS!!!! I just called Directv and spoke to Tier 2 support. First, she told me that it was a software issue and they can't replace any HDTIVO boxes at this time. I pushed hard and finally convinced her to send me a new box. THANKS FOR THE ADVICE!!! By the way, did they FED EX it overnight or second day delivery?

Originally posted by mark haflich
I think the sets may have problems. I do not know what the problems are but some may be showing up here. Shipments to dealers are being delayed for 30 days to contain the number of sets out there with problems. I fully expect Sony will be able to design out the problems. Let's hope for you guys that the sets out there do not have o be recalled. My guess is that any problem could be fixed by software and hardware changes in the field by a factory authorized service center. Sony service is very very good and Sony will make it right. So no worries.

I am scheduled to put money down on the Qualia 006 tomorrow and take delivery of the TV this coming Wednesday (it is in the warehouse). This last
post concerns me. I need to know what substance there is behind the statement that "the sets may have problems" and that the sets are being delayed 30 days to contain the situation.

What problems are you talking about??

What is the current consensus here??

Thank You,
Dilbert1

Punkzip,

Congrats!!!!! Hope you are loving it! I should get mine in a couple days.

sj

Originally posted by Dilbert1
I am scheduled to put money down on the Qualia 006 tomorrow and take delivery of the TV this coming Wednesday (it is in the warehouse). This last
post concerns me. I need to know what substance there is behind the statement that "the sets may have problems" and that the sets are being delayed 30 days to contain the situation.

What problems are you talking about??

What is the current consensus here??

Thank You,
Dilbert1

A number of us have posted asking Mark H. to explain what he means. He is a very reputable Sony dealer who owns a high-end store so he may have heard something. However, keep in mind that he may have been told something by a Sony rep that may actually not be true to explain why they are not sending him the 3 sets he expected to receive by the end of this month until March. The reality of the 30 day delay in delivery of sets may be due to supply issues. I have no idea what is the real reason.

There are about 7 or 8 owners posting on this thread. So far, the only "problem" noted is that 3 or us get a "double picture" when connecting a DVI to HDMI cable to one of the 006's two HDMI inputs, specifically input 6. As discussed in messages above, it goes away (the picture reverts to normal) when you change the channel or press the wide mode button on the remote. This problem occurs with my set. This does not occur with all sets as 2 other owners don't get this "problem". It is a minor annoyance at most. No other problems noted. With my set, the other HDMI input does not have this "problem" (input 7). I have connected my Comcast 6412 DVR via a DVI to HDMI cable to that input and DON'T get a double picture. It is fine.

I just got my set today. Both of my HDMI inputs do not seem to be working. I do not get a picture when hooking up my satellite box to the set with a DVI to HDMI cable. Anyone have any idea what is happening? I'm not sure if it is my set or the satellite box.

Originally posted by punkzip
I just got my set today. Both of my HDMI inputs do not seem to be working. I do not get a picture when hooking up my satellite box to the set with a DVI to HDMI cable. Anyone have any idea what is happening? I'm not sure if it is my set or the satellite box.

punkzip,
I would try eliminating possibilities first. Try another source like a dvd player on each HDMI input. It is unlikely that both HDMI inputs would have problems at the same time. I would also try a different cable too. I would also try the sat box on another tv if possible. My guess it's either the cable or sat box.

Punkzip, What kind of sat box do you have?





Also, you could see if your sat box is working by using component hookups to the 006.

Ok I figured out the problem, the HDMI inputs are working, it was a problem with the sat box.

Here are some notes from a new owner.

The HD on this set is awesome. I haven't noticed any difference between component and HDMI so far however.

I have DirecTV. The SD is bad on this set, and looks worse on HDMI than oncomponent (anyone know why this might be the case)? In fact on SD HDMI I was almost getting motion sick.

I might just use the component rather than the HDMI because of how bad the SD is on HDMI.

I have also noticed that 480p looks better than 480i on DVDs, contrary to what one might think from basic principles.

punkzip,

Glad to hear that you have resolved your problem. Now thats out of the way, congrats on receiving your 006.

Punkzip,

Try different settings on your sat box with your dvi-hdmi cable,such as 480p,1080i etc. Some of the Directv boxes are quirky at first.

Originally posted by colortv
Ray, I'm a Mac guy too and I'll be curious to hear how Eye TV works for you.

colortv -- Thanks (again) for your input. RE: the MacMini as HTPC; it's dead quiet but needs external storage capacity. I believe nearly any recent G3/G4/G5 Mac can record HD via the EyeTV500, but playback is far more processor intensive and requires a LOT of horsepower. Some sites you should check out:
http://www.ehomeupgrade.com/entry/519/mac_mini_obsessive
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=386740&perpage=20
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=500653http://www.macosxhints.com/article.php?story=20040426151111599
http://www.powerpage.org/cgi-bin/WebObjects/powerpage.woa/wa/story?newsID=13379
http://www.elgato.com/index.php?file=products_eyehome_wireless

Setting this up has not been a priority, but I'll keep in touch. Getting the Qualia delivered, installed, and dialed in may be all the incentive I need to tackle this, however. And FWIW, the EyeTV people at MacWorld ALL touted this thing primarily by claiming it would be immune to broadcast flags. The impression they gave me was that the ability to recognize flags was not required until sometime in June, and that boxes sold before that date did not have to EVER meet that requirement to downrez on command. Something along the lines that the big companies had to cowtow to Hollywood... This could be total BS; I have to read a little more to figure out all the facts and I still wanted the thing...

Come Monday I'll have a firm committment for the delivery date on my Qualia006. If everyone could send some positive thoughts my way maybe we can get this in place by Super Sunday. Tomorrow I'll handle the Comcast 6412 installation (twice) to get things ready for Q-Day. BTW, do you have any idea about the prospects for upgrading the drive capacity in the 6412?

Lastly, I had a good laugh about the Qualia today. My wife took me along to a factory outlet mall, and I decided to run down to the BOSE factory store while she was buying something. The clerk was nice even though I was upfront about "just looking". He asked if I needed a TV set, as he had an amazing new Philips LCOS set. Mentioned I had a new Sony on the way using similar technology, and he allowed as how he'd "heard of that set, but it's just not in the same league as the Philips"...

Ray

Originally posted by nhey
A number of us have posted asking Mark H. to explain what he means. He is a very reputable Sony dealer who owns a high-end store so he may have heard something. However, keep in mind that he may have been told something by a Sony rep that may actually not be true to explain why they are not sending him the 3 sets he expected to receive by the end of this month until March. The reality of the 30 day delay in delivery of sets may be due to supply issues. I have no idea what is the real reason.

There are about 7 or 8 owners posting on this thread. So far, the only "problem" noted is that 3 or us get a "double picture" when connecting a DVI to HDMI cable to one of the 006's two HDMI inputs, specifically input 6. As discussed in messages above, it goes away (the picture reverts to normal) when you change the channel or press the wide mode button on the remote. This problem occurs with my set. This does not occur with all sets as 2 other owners don't get this "problem". It is a minor annoyance at most. No other problems noted. With my set, the other HDMI input does not have this "problem" (input 7). I have connected my Comcast 6412 DVR via a DVI to HDMI cable to that input and DON'T get a double picture. It is fine.

Thanks for the reply.

Obviously I would love to hear more from Mark Haflich regarding his post. I am getting my courage together to buy this television. Usually I would wait but I am under the impression that the technology for this set is essentially a generation 2.

I am considering getting a Denon 2910 DVD player. I will know for sure if it will output 480i tomorrow. I think it is good for playing CDs and should be ok for this application (opinions?).

I will be either using Direct TV or Dish Network and I think local HD signals will have to be received with an antenna. I have a greater interest in educational shows than sports so I am leaning towards Dish Network. Does anyone have any experience with Dish Network?

I assume none of the new owners would return the Qualia at this point.

Dilbert1

Originally posted by nhey
Be careful with any HTPC - the noise level for almost all of them makes them problematic in a TV viewing area like a living room.

www.niveusmedia.com makes a fanless HTPC, but it is very expensive.

That's another appeal of the Mac Mini - it's nearly silent. But I would only run it as a DVR with an external 250 gig Firewire drive and connect it to the Qualia 006 via DVI. I'll take a close look at HP's unit though. The puny 120 gig hard drive in the Comcast/Motorola 6412 fills up with HD fast. But one good side of that...it forces you to either watch the stuff you recorded or dump it. Friends of mine with SD TiVo's admit they have many hours of shows they've long forgotten and will never watch.

What do you guys think about Monster Power conditioners? What kind of power line conditioning are you using?

My personal feeling is that it may make sense to get something like the HTS2600 for surge protection but that as far as picture quality is concerned, spending more for AC power line conditioning is pointless. I would think that the Qualia has power line conditioning built into the set.

Dilbert1

A good friend of mine who's an old hand at HD home theater stopped by today to check out my Qualia 006. He recently placed an order for a $30+K (?) JVC front projector and an accompanying Faroudja $8K scaler. This fellow has always had polite disregard for RPTV's ... until today. He was absolutely stunned with what he saw. I showed a couple of things off my Comcast DVR, including "Wild Hawaii," a gorgeous travelogue from Discovery HD. Also, he had heard of DVHS/D-Theater 1080i movies, but was not prepared for what he saw today. A good D-Theater transfer can show the best of what the 006 can do - akin to driving a Ferrari at full bore on a gruelling test track. My buddy was not only blown away by the stunning 006 HD images, he had to admit he's never seen a scaler this good built into any HDTV. And he was very pleasantly surprised at how good the Sony NS-975V DVD player looks. He agrees that it's just not worth spending a lot more money on an SD DVD player right now after seeing this bargain priced unit. Sending video from the DVD player to the Qualia via HDMI at 480i and letting the TV do the scaling up to 1080p is the optimum way to go, and my friend's critical eye agrees.

A 70" screen just isn't big enough for this guy, but his careful evaluation of the 006 and enthusiastic blessing, especially when compared to his much higher FP investment, confirms what we already know. This is one awesome TV!

By the way, nary a tray locking problem on my Sony NS-975V DVD player - maybe I'm lucky so far.

But as others have reported, I did see the double-image problem from the Comcast DVR when connected to the 006's HDMI video 6 port. Easily cleared by switching inputs or channels, then back to video 6. Since others have reported the the problem does not occur when connecting HDMI to video 7, perhaps the 006 has a bug. But I may go back to component video connections for the cable box and eliminate the hassle entirely. The difference in PQ between the digital and component connections (if any) is so miniscule as to be insignificant in my opinion.

Originally posted by punkzip
I have DirecTV. The SD is bad on this set, and looks worse on HDMI than oncomponent (anyone know why this might be the case)?

punkzip,

SD on this set is NOT bad if you put a decent SD signal into it. SD on DirecTV is HORRIBLE right off the bird - horribly compressed and nearly unwatchable on your SDTV if you look closely! If you are in an area where you can receive OTA ATSC signals, run an antenna feed into the 006 and be prepared - SD can look REALLY good, surprisingly so. DVD's I have burned from my $600 Sony mini-DV camcorder look shockingly good on the 006, proving what a great scaler is built into our TV's.

I won't consider DirecTV until they get more birds up there and change their compression scheme. HD and SD PQ with cable, at least from Comcast, has far exceeded my expectations and complements our very high resolution TV's.

Originally posted by Dilbert1
What do you guys think about Monster Power conditioners? What kind of power line conditioning are you using?

Another thread on AVS Forum discusses power failures and the effect on RPTV lamps. The discussion centered around DLP's, but the problem could be the same for us. The lamps in our RPTV's are designed to be gradually cooled down by forced air when the TV is switched off. But a sudden loss of power could result in improper lamp cool down and premature lamp failure. DLP owners have reported this problem, and there are obviously a lot more of them than us at this point.

There are several UPS (uninterruped power supplies) combined with power conditioners designed for home theaters - probably worth their very lofty prices. I chose an alternate and less expensive route which I think will do the job. I selected an APC UPS (not sure of the model number right now), and a Monster Power 5100 power conditioner. I plan to plug the UPS into the wall for battery backup in the event of a power failure, and plug the Monster Power power conditioner into the UPS. All my components will be plugged into the Monster Power unit. The two units working together should provide clean, uninterrupted power. I called Monster to confirm that this is an acceptable solution and they agreed with my proposal. I think my total investment with online price shopping is around $650. PM me for a method to get a very good price direct from APC - they may still have a trick special offer on UPS units that I discovered.

Or ... among the integrated UPS/power conditioners on the market, APC has this HT unit coming out at $1500 - UPS and combined power conditioner:
http://www.apcc.com/products/family/index.cfm?id=310

Originally posted by brt3
the EyeTV people at MacWorld ALL touted this thing primarily by claiming it would be immune to broadcast flags. The impression they gave me was that the ability to recognize flags was not required until sometime in June, and that boxes sold before that date did not have to EVER meet that requirement to downrez on command. Something along the lines that the big companies had to cowtow to Hollywood... This could be total BS; I have to read a little more to figure out all the facts and I still wanted the thing...

BTW, do you have any idea about the prospects for upgrading the drive capacity in the 6412?


brt3,

Getting around the broadcast flags is a good reason for a Mac guy to consider EyeTV. Keep us posted if you learn more.

I don't see an easy way to open up the 6412. I'd love to slap a sale priced 250 gig drive in there when Fry's has one on sale. I see a red Comcast warning sticker on the back of the 6412 which probably warns against opening the box. Since it's leased, it might not be worth investing in it. But if you come up with a solution that keeps Comcast unaware, please advise - by PM if you wish.

ColorTV -

Could you try to hook up your Sony DVD player to input 6 and see if you get the "double picture"?

punkzip, I am running SD from a Dish 921 into my 006 and have been impressed that the pictures are much better than I expected. They're comparable to my old 19" direct view CRT. So for now Dish is better with SD but who knows by late this year. It may be too late but Dish has been offering an HD setup with the 921 HD DVR for $200. Not bad especially since we don't know where things will stand with new satellites or MPEG-4 later this year. Good luck.

Can anyone with the jvc dvhs deck clarify if I could record something like hdnet (from d*) with the jvc deck connected via the ilink connector? I'm not sure after reading this thread if you can only record ota channels and output of the comcast box or if you can also record from a d* satellite source. I'm not sure how many folks in the other forums have a tv with firewire output on their tvs so this may be a unique setup. Currently I have an ota antenna and satellite dish feed going into a d* samsung 160 stb. The stb is set to output 1080i via dvi into input 6 (hdmi) on the qualia. I would like to be able to connect a jvc dvhs to one of the ilink ports and be able to record some of the hd channels from the satellite dish. Thanks for any insight.
brgds,
jp

Just trying to add a little insight into the double picture issue some seem to be getting. I am not seeing these symptoms and it seems like it is related somewhat to the comcast box. One thing that had come up a long time ago with my toshiba lcos tv was the issue of hdcp compatibility between different stb's and tv's. I remember I think a TPV article that ran these tests to see how the hdcp "handshake" would sync up. I only have d* currently and there is a way to check this by going to channel 201. When I first go to channel 201 there is just snow and then a message about not being hdcp compliant (or something to that extent.) I then go to any other channel then back to 201 and it syncs properly. This is the same symptom that my toshiba had. I'm not sure if this is similar to what is happening with the comcast folks but I just wanted to add a little extra info for people to think about. It doesn't seem likely that half of these tv's would have hdmi ports that were defective in some way. To me it seems like a general hdcp handshake issue that manifests itself differently between comcast and d* stb's.

ColorTV

I have a Sony NSV900 (old player, but very good in its time) which only hooks up via component. I tried both 480i and 480p with this and I felt that 480p was better.

Originally posted by nhey
ColorTV -

Could you try to hook up your Sony DVD player to input 6 and see if you get the "double picture"?

nhey,

I had the Sony player hooked up to input 6 for a week or so with nary a double image. My Comcast box was originally setup by their installer with component cables, but I wanted to see what the digital connection looked like, so I ordered a DVI-HDMI cable from RAM. When the cable arrived, of course I needed to connect the cable box to input 6 because of its added RCA audio inputs, so I moved the DVD player over to input 7.

Now I will probably return to component connections for the cable box until the double pix mystery is solved. The PQ difference is insignificant to my eyes. I'll move the DVD player back to input 6 and see what happens and report back.

One complaint I have about the DVD player via HDMI on input 6: the audio is way too hot and a bit distorted. I also have the analog audio output of the DVD player feeding my Yamaha a/v receiver, and listening to the audio that way instead of through HDMI on the TV is at a normal volume and clean as a whistle. Perhaps there is a menu setting in the DVD player to bring down the audio level over HDMI? But now that we've learned that Dolby Digital surround is not carried over HDMI, I would not listen to DVD audio through the HDMI input to the TV anyway. I'm switching to optical/Toslink cable from DVD player to the receiver.

Originally posted by jp2
Can anyone with the jvc dvhs deck clarify if I could record something like hdnet (from d*) with the jvc deck connected via the ilink connector? I'm not sure after reading this thread if you can only record ota channels and output of the comcast box or if you can also record from a d* satellite source. I'm not sure how many folks in the other forums have a tv with firewire output on their tvs so this may be a unique setup. Currently I have an ota antenna and satellite dish feed going into a d* samsung 160 stb. The stb is set to output 1080i via dvi into input 6 (hdmi) on the qualia. I would like to be able to connect a jvc dvhs to one of the ilink ports and be able to record some of the hd channels from the satellite dish. Thanks for any insight.
brgds,
jp

jp,

I can simulate what you want to do with my Comcast box. I'll try to record some Comcast content to DVHS via the iLink connection to the TV. I have already successfully recorded DVHS from the 006's ATSC tuner, but not tried what you want to do. Since the DirecTV box doesn't have iLink/Firewire, this may be the only way to record DirecTV to DVHS. I'll test it in the next day or so and report back. But if the content is copy protected, you won't have success as I have discovered by trying to record to DVHS via Firewire connection directly to my Comcast box. Most recordings have been successful except for a movie I tried to record from InHD which was apparently copy protected.

Originally posted by punkzip
ColorTV

I have a Sony NSV900 (old player, but very good in its time) which only hooks up via component. I tried both 480i and 480p with this and I felt that 480p was better.

punkzip,

I'll try both settings again and compare them. Do you recall what DVD you were watching to make your comparison? What specifics did you notice were improved by going with 480p vs 480i? Jaggies, perhaps?

Originally posted by jp2
Just trying to add a little insight into the double picture issue some seem to be getting. I am not seeing these symptoms and it seems like it is related somewhat to the comcast box. One thing that had come up a long time ago with my toshiba lcos tv was the issue of hdcp compatibility between different stb's and tv's. I remember I think a TPV article that ran these tests to see how the hdcp "handshake" would sync up. I only have d* currently and there is a way to check this by going to channel 201. When I first go to channel 201 there is just snow and then a message about not being hdcp compliant (or something to that extent.) I then go to any other channel then back to 201 and it syncs properly. This is the same symptom that my toshiba had. I'm not sure if this is similar to what is happening with the comcast folks but I just wanted to add a little extra info for people to think about. It doesn't seem likely that half of these tv's would have hdmi ports that were defective in some way. To me it seems like a general hdcp handshake issue that manifests itself differently between comcast and d* stb's.

Any chance that our Comcast double picture problem could be related to the DVI-HDMI adapter cable? We're not able to go HDMI-HDMI because the Comcast box only has DVI output. I think Penton had the problem as well, and he has Adelphia with a different STB than my Comcast/Motorola box.

I currently have DirecTV with HD and just got the Qualia 06. Is it the consensus here that Comcast is better than DirecTV for HD and SD programming?

I primarily chose DirecTV over Comcast for NFL Sunday Ticket.

I understand that Comcast has superior HD and more HD available. Plus you can get network TV in HD correct? I have a OTA antenna but it cannot get enough signal for most of the network HD channels.

I understand that Comcast has better SD than DirecTV correct?

However I understand the Comcast cable box may have a problem with input 6? I guess I could just use HDMI input 7.

I already invested in the HD satellite unfortunately, but I am thinking of switching back and forth once football season starts since NFL Sunday ticket is really important to me.

So are there any disadvantages of Comcast vs. DirecTV?

ok i spoke with the qualia store in vegas they said my tv is in pittsburgh pa
and i will recieve it late tuesday early wed. so i started gettiing ready so i did a lil shoping :D first off i have the comcast 6412 box, i went out and got
the m1000cv component cables for it 200$ at tweeter, and i picked up a new dvd player denon dvd 2910 with the monster 400 hdmi cables.
dose any one have the dvd player or have any coments on it?
i dont think im going to be able to sleep till it gets here lol.

Originally posted by colortv
jp,

I can simulate what you want to do with my Comcast box. I'll try to record some Comcast content to DVHS via the iLink connection to the TV. I have already successfully recorded DVHS from the 006's ATSC tuner, but not tried what you want to do. Since the DirecTV box doesn't have iLink/Firewire, this may be the only way to record DirecTV to DVHS. I'll test it in the next day or so and report back. But if the content is copy protected, you won't have success as I have discovered by trying to record to DVHS via Firewire connection directly to my Comcast box. Most recordings have been successful except for a movie I tried to record from InHD which was apparently copy protected.


JP2- HDNET (Mark Cuban) does not copy protect any content so it should work.

colortv,
I am also using a dvi to hdmi cable but do not have the issues that you are seeing.

punkzip,
I'm in the same boat as you being a d* customer. I'm also wondering about pq with comcast vs d*. My d* sd pq (direct tv standard def. picture quality) is pretty good. I can also compare it to ota pq and it's not as good but pretty close. I haven't compared features in detail yet but it looks like you will lose hdnet and hdnet movies but gain 2 inhd channels. hdnet and hdnet movie channels have amazing pq but the content is pretty boring. I would also lose a few of the Dallas Maverick's games in hd on channel 97 which I do want. I subscribe to the nba season pass which I think I can still get with comcast and comcast may have some of those games in hd whereas d*'s nba season pass does not run in hd. Comcast looks like I could get into a dvr for a lot less than the hd tivo from d*. I'm also waiting to see if I can record non-encrypted hd from d* into the tv then out the ilink into a jvc dvhs. If I can not, that would be an advantage for comcast.

btw, how does the 006 look with pc games to you? I think you were the one I was trying to test some fast motion pc games for. Were you able to run a test where your graphics card would run faster than 30fps and see how the 006 looked? If so, let me know how you tested this and what games you used.

brgds,
jp

Originally posted by punkzip
I currently have DirecTV with HD and just got the Qualia 06. Is it the consensus here that Comcast is better than DirecTV for HD and SD programming?

I primarily chose DirecTV over Comcast for NFL Sunday Ticket.

I understand that Comcast has superior HD and more HD available. Plus you can get network TV in HD correct? I have a OTA antenna but it cannot get enough signal for most of the network HD channels.

I understand that Comcast has better SD than DirecTV correct?

However I understand the Comcast cable box may have a problem with input 6? I guess I could just use HDMI input 7.

I already invested in the HD satellite unfortunately, but I am thinking of switching back and forth once football season starts since NFL Sunday ticket is really important to me.

So are there any disadvantages of Comcast vs. DirecTV?


I have both Comcast and Directv, so I have no hidden agendas. I can tell you that I'm at the point where I don't watch the HD content on Directv except very infrequently. I used to love watching HDNET but the quality of the picture is so much worse than it used to be, in my personal opinion, due to overcompression, that I am almost exclusively watching Comcast. I get all my local channels in HD via Comcast. I have the Comcast 6412 DVR and it is almost as good, in terms of functionality, as the HD-TIVO. Putting that another way, it is good enough for my needs, and with the better picture quality I'm totally satisfied with Comcast. I really like INHD and INHD2 - by the way - they carry NBATV HD on INHD which is a pleasant bonus. One year from now, Directv may improve once they go to MPEG-4 compression but who knows when we will see that? I now have the Comcast box hooked to input 7 via a DVI to HDMI cable, and an optical digital audio connection to my Pioneer Elite receiver. No double picture, everything works fine.

Looking for help, decided not to buy SU-SX10 stand and I need the optimum dimensions for building my own Oak stand prior to 006 arrival. I have the posted demensions for the 006, but not the stand. Please advise.

Nhey,

Why do you have both DirecTV and Comcast?

Is the Comcast connected via a set-top box or a cable card? What is the 6412 PVR? How much did it cost? Can't you use an HD TIVO with Comcast? Are HD TIVO in the $1000 range?

I'm thinking about alternating six months between DirecTV and Comcast - the DirecTV is just for football season.

nhey,
My question about recording hd content from d* is not about encrypted hd (I wouldn't expect that I could do that) but more of a question whether that could be done from a non-encrypted hd d* channel with a stb that does not have any firewire output. I would be using the 006's ilink output into the jvs deck. This method would not be using the 006's tuner but the samsung 160 d* stb's tuner. I'm wondering what the setup would look like on the jvc when asking it to record a hd d* channel from input 6 (hdmi). I think most of the folks here have connected the jvc to either the comcast stb's firewire output directly or have connected the jvc to the 006's ilink port and recorded either ota or comcast hd. I'm pretty sure that I could use the jvc to record ota hd if I connect my ota antenna cable to the cable input on the 006. I'm not sure if I can do the same with my satellite hd channel that is connected to input 6. Thanks again for trying to test this for me.
brgds,
jp

Does the 6412 DVR record HDTV?

JP2,

How much is the Comcast DVR? THis records HDTV correct? As far as I know there isn't going to be NFL Sunday Ticket on Comcast, plus I already invested in the DirecTV sat and box, so I might get Comcast, stop the Directv service temporarily, and restart DirecTV before football season.

I haven't tried the PC yet. I actually have a "super" PC on order, this one has 2 high end graphics cards and is probably the fasted possible gaming PC. I will hook this up and report the results when i get the PC.

Has anyone noticed any difference with "high end" cables for this set? I personally don't believe in cables, power conditioning etc. improving performance for audio at all and I've always had cheapo cables even with high end audio equipment. I'm not sure about video though. I ordered a DVI to HDMI cable from RAM for about 40 bucks, Monster has one the same length for 150 bucks, could someone try diferrent priced cables with this set and see if there is any difference?

Punkzip tell us how that alienware box works out for you

Originally posted by punkzip
Does the 6412 DVR record HDTV?

YES absolutely. It is a dual tuner box so you can record HD on one channel and be watching another channel at the same time. If you want more details check out the "official Comcast STB" thread in the HDTV Hardware forum. Cost is $9.99 a month. 120 gig Hard drive.

Originally posted by punkzip
Nhey,

Why do you have both DirecTV and Comcast?

Is the Comcast connected via a set-top box or a cable card? What is the 6412 PVR? How much did it cost? Can't you use an HD TIVO with Comcast? Are HD TIVO in the $1000 range?

I'm thinking about alternating six months between DirecTV and Comcast - the DirecTV is just for football season.


I have both Directv and Comcast so I get all available HD channels, although I have to admit I watch the Comcast box almost exclusively. Hoping that Directv will improve their picture quality when they go to MPEG-4.

There is no HD-TIVO for cable, however, at the recent CES, TIVO did announce they will have an HD-TIVO box that will accept a cablecard in late 2005. HD-TIVO's are only for Directv. They can be found for around $800 if you search - maybe less. They will have to be swapped out when Directv moves to MPEG-4. It's expected that Directv will not charge for that, or will charge a small fee -details of the transition are not known right now.

Originally posted by jp2
nhey,
My question about recording hd content from d* is not about encrypted hd (I wouldn't expect that I could do that) but more of a question whether that could be done from a non-encrypted hd d* channel with a stb that does not have any firewire output. I would be using the 006's ilink output into the jvs deck. This method would not be using the 006's tuner but the samsung 160 d* stb's tuner. I'm wondering what the setup would look like on the jvc when asking it to record a hd d* channel from input 6 (hdmi). I think most of the folks here have connected the jvc to either the comcast stb's firewire output directly or have connected the jvc to the 006's ilink port and recorded either ota or comcast hd. I'm pretty sure that I could use the jvc to record ota hd if I connect my ota antenna cable to the cable input on the 006. I'm not sure if I can do the same with my satellite hd channel that is connected to input 6. Thanks again for trying to test this for me.
brgds,
jp


JP2 - Colortv has the JVC DVHS machine. I don't so I can't try it for you. He said he'll try it and let you know.

Nhey,

Can you just get the DirecTV HD package in isolation without getting the basic package? The ideal situation for me would be to have Comcast, DirecTV HD, and DirecTV Sunday Ticket, but I don't want to pay for any Directv basic package as that would be duplicated by Comcast.

Originally posted by punkzip
Nhey,

Can you just get the DirecTV HD package in isolation without getting the basic package? The ideal situation for me would be to have Comcast, DirecTV HD, and DirecTV Sunday Ticket, but I don't want to pay for any Directv basic package as that would be duplicated by Comcast.


Don't think so. Check their web site or call them 1-800-Directv

Originally posted by nhey
I now have the Comcast box hooked to input 7 via a DVI to HDMI cable, and an optical digital audio connection to my Pioneer Elite receiver. No double picture, everything works fine.
FOR PROSPECTIVE QUALIA 006 OWNERS ------

I think at this point it is a fair assumption to state that they ONLY blemish that we have found so far on the 006 is that when one uses a CABLE box (Comcast, Adelphia) hooked up to input 6 via a DVI-HDMI cable – one gets a double pic which is EASILY reversible by simply changing the channel and then going back to the previous channel you were watching if desired.

No other problems at this time.
Is that correct nhey or did I miss something with all the input from various contributors so far?

Penton-man... I would add when connected like you mention the audio goes from 0 to set volume level and back to 0 (up, down, up down...) until you change the channel. I am traveling but my wife reported that the double picture has gone away yet the volume problem persist.

Originally posted by Penton-Man
FOR PROSPECTIVE QUALIA 006 OWNERS ------

I think at this point it is a fair assumption to state that they ONLY blemish that we have found so far on the 006 is that when one uses a CABLE box (Comcast, Adelphia) hooked up to input 6 via a DVI-HDMI cable – one gets a double pic which is EASILY reversible by simply changing the channel and then going back to the previous channel you were watching if desired.

No other problems at this time.
Is that correct nhey or did I miss something with all the input from various contributors so far?


Penton - agree with you - input 6 "glitch" (double picture and possibly an audio issue as described by SRT10 both of which go away when channel is changed) with cable boxes is the only problem reported on this thread so far.

I should have my replacement HD-TIVO this week and I'll hook it up via HDMI to HDMI to input 6 and see if the problem is still there.

Originally posted by rebo77
ok i spoke with the qualia store in vegas they said my tv is in pittsburgh pa
and i will recieve it late tuesday early wed. so i started gettiing ready so i did a lil shoping :D first off i have the comcast 6412 box, i went out and got
the m1000cv component cables for it 200$ at tweeter, and i picked up a new dvd player denon dvd 2910 with the monster 400 hdmi cables.
dose any one have the dvd player or have any coments on it?
i dont think im going to be able to sleep till it gets here lol.

rebo77,
These last couple of days are the hardest. Good decision to go for the mid- class Denon 2910. It's better than the 1910 and has the same chip as the 3910, which I have. Good price range also to where you can maybe replace it in the near future for either a Blu-Ray or HD DVD player. I paid over $1200 for my 3910, so it's going to be a tough sell for my wife to get the new players. The 2910 is definitely good players with great upscaling abilities, though you would probably let the 006 do the scaling. I could only set the 3910 to 480p, not 480i. I'm not sure about 2910, though I think it's the same.

Originally posted by nhey
Penton - agree with you - input 6 "glitch" (double picture and possibly an audio issue as described by SRT10 both of which go away when channel is changed) with cable boxes is the only problem reported on this thread so far.

I should have my replacement HD-TIVO this week and I'll hook it up via HDMI to HDMI to input 6 and see if the problem is still there.
Fabulous !

This should demonstrate to all jealous critics that we…….as Qualia 006 owners are truly open-minded people and quickly publicize and document all deficiencies in our display.

Now, eat your heart out Qualia 006 wannabees!
Back to the show!

Originally posted by Penton-Man
This should demonstrate to all jealous critics that we…….as Qualia 006 owners are truly open-minded people and quickly publicize and document all deficiencies in our display.

Now, eat your heart out Qualia 006 wannabees!
Back to the show!

I couldn't have said it any better!!!

Originally posted by punkzip
Has anyone noticed any difference with "high end" cables for this set? I personally don't believe in cables, power conditioning etc. improving performance for audio at all and I've always had cheapo cables even with high end audio equipment. I'm not sure about video though. I ordered a DVI to HDMI cable from RAM for about 40 bucks, Monster has one the same length for 150 bucks, could someone try diferrent priced cables with this set and see if there is any difference?

Punkzip, since the DVI to HDMI cable only sends 1's and 0's, there should be no difference in a reasonable quality cable versus the ridiculous priced offering from MC. BTW, that applies to all of their cables; i.e. the difference between MC's low/medium/high line video and audio cables would be negligable especially over short distances, EXCEPT for cost.

kaduku;

I was able to set my Denon 3910 to 480i... Not sure why you can't. I have the player connected via HDMI.

After owning this set a grand total of 8 days here is my impression:

Compared to my previous RPTV, which was a Pioneer Elite CRT 730HD, calibrated by an expert calibrator, and considered one of the top 2 or 3 CRT RPTVs available, and based on observations of all the DLP iterations, and the JVC D'Ila sets in stores or owned by friends:

1) Blacks are black. No complaints.
2) Sharpness on HD is best I've seen.
3) Level of detail on HD is far and away the best I've seen. This, I think, is the SXRD's most distinctive advance.
4) Shadow detail in dark scenes is excellent. No complaints.
5) Standard definition programming on Comcast (analog channels) is definitely watchable. Live SD, such as newscasts are, in fact, very good. Good family acceptance factor.
6) Motion blur is not a problem with sports - some may notice it (or think they notice it), but I think it is very infrequent. Not a problem for me. I've compared it to a Sony 34xbr910 I have (the 2-year old fine pitch HD set considered the best direct view commercially available) and what I thought might be an SXRD technology issue is also seen with this CRT set.
7) This set has no "sweet spot" for viewing, as RPTVs have. Just about all angles are excellent.
8) I'm disappointed in the difficulty moving the set as seated on the Sony stand. My previous RPTV was very very easy to move and it weighed about 50 lbs. more than this set.
9) The remote control is very poorly designed - too difficult to read. Previous Sony remotes were better. I've learned all commands to my universal remote, so I don't use it. I feel sorry for anyone having to use this remote. Strongly suggest using a universal remote.
10) I'm very satisfied with the set's menus and the degree to which the picture can be adjusted - including white balance - without having to go into the service menu.
11) I simply don't ever see video noise no matter the video source - the scaler is EXCELLENT.
12) The set's fan is NOT noticeable during viewing even in a silent house at night with the set's volume low

Here's hoping that my opinion doesn't change!

Originally posted by thebishman
Punkzip, since the DVI to HDMI cable only sends 1's and 0's, there should be no difference in a reasonable quality cable versus the ridiculous priced offering from MC. BTW, that applies to all of their cables; i.e. the difference between MC's low/medium/high line video and audio cables would be negligable especially over short distances, EXCEPT for cost.
My feelings EXACTLY.

Originally posted by nhey
After owning this set a grand total of 8 days here is my impressio
Extremely nice synopsis!
With regards to item#8, I suggest a tad more time in the gym - rather than in front of the 006.:)

Originally posted by Penton-Man
Extremely nice synopsis!
With regards to item#8, I suggest a tad more time in the gym - rather than in front of the 006.:)

Yes... unfortunately you have hit the nail right on the head!!!

Well, I pulled the trigger on the Qualia 006 and should have it next week.
I got the Denon 2910 and a Monster Power Conditioner HTS-5100.

I am going to get Dish Network. I do not have Comcast here.
If I am making a mistake with Dish Network please let me know, hopefully it will not be too compressed.

I am keeping my fingers crossed that I will see the same picture quality that the owners here are talking about.

Thank you to all that responded to me and others that post good information.

Dilbert1

Originally posted by punkzip


I understand that Comcast has superior HD and more HD available. Plus you can get network TV in HD correct? I have a OTA antenna but it cannot get enough signal for most of the network HD channels.

I understand that Comcast has better SD than DirecTV correct?


punkzip,

I'm making my reply without reading the other responses that may follow your inquiry, so pardon any redundancy.

My opinons are not meant to insult satisfied DirecTV customers. Obviously their service would not be as successful as it is if customers were unhappy.

I would not say that Comcast has better HD than DirecTV HD. The HD I've seen on DirecTV has been excellent and probably comparable to Comcast. I wish Comcast offered HDNet, but they don't. I guess we Comcast subscribers should consider InHD 1 and 2 to be substitutes.

Some pretty knowledgeable people have explained my dissatisfaction with DirecTV's standard definition compression woes this way. I believe this information to be largely, if not totally correct:

DirecTV is well aware of the bandwidth limitations of their satellites and the situation should improve quite a bit as new satellites are put into orbit and compression is switched to mpeg 4 which is superior in most ways to the current mpeg 2 compression. All the newly available bandwidth should allow DirecTV to transmit local stations across the US in much higher quality HD than the current and very inferior SD.

In order to offer local stations in SD, the only solution has been severe compression of the locals and many of the other channels in order to fit all the content in their available bandwidth. On DirecTV, ever notice how much better HBO looks than other satellite channels and your locals on a standard def TV? HBO demands and is contracted to receive a higher bandwidth allotment on DirecTV which results in a superior standard definition picture. But there's only so much bandwidth available on the current satellites which means the locals receive a pittance of the bandwidth of premium channels such as HBO SD. Result: compression artifacts. It's noticeable on even a marginal standard def CRT, but seen on higher resolution HDTV's, the ill effects of compression are much more pronounced, and unacceptable to my eyes.

I carefully considered all satellite and cable HD services before deciding on Comcast for these reasons:

• Comcast is the only cable provider in my area

• I was already a Comcast high speed cable internet access subscriber. I did not subscribe to cable TV because of past experience with poor PQ before the digital cable days. For the last several years, I have only watched TV from my attic-installed Winegard VHF/UHF antenna on my old 25" Sony XBR CRT.

• I got a break on my high speed cable internet access when I signed up for Comcast digital cable TV

• Comcast offers local stations in high definition - DirecTV does not. For some reason, KTLA (The WB) here in Los Angeles is NOT offered in HD by Comcast - I filed a complaint. I can receive KTLA HD via OTA. My old Winegard antenna delivers a fine signal to the 006's ATSC tuner.

• Comcast standard defintion video looks superior to DirecTV standard definition. On a high resolution TV like the Qualia 006, that is VERY important - at least to me.

• Comcast high definition looks as good or better than DirecTV and my local HD channels look as good on Comcast as they do from my OTA antenna through the 006's ATSC tuner. That was a very pleasant surprise. Based on cable TV experience from the past, I anticipated my locals would look inferior on cable vs the unmolested signal from my OTA antenna. Thankfully, that is not the case. The locals on Comcast are stunning.

• Comcast rents an HD DVR for the very reasonable price of $4/month. The hard drive is only 120 gigs, so the maximum HD content it can hold is 10-15 hours, and of course much more standard definition. I like the idea of not tying my money up in a box that may soon become obsolete. If the Comcast/Motorola STB/DVR combo fails, Comcast will quickly supply a replacement. If Comcast offers a superior DVR in the future, I'll rent that one instead and return the current Motorola 6412. DirecTV's TiVo HD DVR is for purchase only and lists at $1,000 (discounts are available) and requires a monthly TiVO service fee on top of the other DirecTV fees. Comcast does not charge a subscription fee to their nifty onscreen guide which is accessed to create DVR recording schedules. But the TiVO guide is superior to the TV Guide service offered by Comcast, and the HD TiVo has a larger hard drive than the Comcast/Motorola DVR.

• Comcast STB's and DVR's have Firewire ports which allow their boxes to be connected to a DVHS machine to archive content for a longer term than the DVR. That's a big deal to me. DirecTV's boxes do not have Firewire ports and there is no way to archive DVR content to DVHS or another HD storage medium. I am using this feature to save this season's "24" episodes in HD on DVHS. I also saved Jay Leno's HD Tonight Show tribute to Johnny Carson - a memorable "keeper."

• My contract with Comcast is month-to-month. When DirecTV's SD PQ improves and they begin to offer my locals in HD, I may well make a switch. Of course I'll take a close look at who offers more HD channels. I considered VOOM before their impending demise, but they required a 6 month contract. My thought was that I could sample Comcast and if I liked them, I would stick with them. If not, I would quickly jump ship.

Sorry for the long winded reply. Those are my thoughts, and no disrespect to happy DirecTV subscribers.

Originally posted by punkzip
Does the 6412 DVR record HDTV?

ABSOLUTELY! 10-15 hours of HD, depending on bandwidth of incoming signal. The DVR does not recompressed the incoming HD signal.

Originally posted by Penton-Man
FOR PROSPECTIVE QUALIA 006 OWNERS ------

I think at this point it is a fair assumption to state that they ONLY blemish that we have found so far on the 006 is that when one uses a CABLE box (Comcast, Adelphia) hooked up to input 6 via a DVI-HDMI cable – one gets a double pic which is EASILY reversible by simply changing the channel and then going back to the previous channel you were watching if desired.

No other problems at this time.
Is that correct nhey or did I miss something with all the input from various contributors so far?

I'll add my 2 cents...

As stated before, another easy way around this issue is to connect the STB or DVR to another input on the TV via component cables. I can detect NO DIFFERENCE IN PICTURE QUALITY with component connection vs DVI/HDMI. This completely resolves the double picture problem which may not be a fault of the Qualia 006 at all. Connecting this way results in ZERO problems. Find any other RPTV that you can say that about - there isn't one! Qualia 006 rules! Can't wait for SB and Oscars in HD!

Originally posted by Penton-Man
Extremely nice synopsis!
With regards to item#8, I suggest a tad more time in the gym - rather than in front of the 006.:)

That's precisely my problem! I have avoided watching TV for years, and not just because I work in TV production. Other than the news and Amazing Race, I've been off the tube for eons. Until now! This darned TV has gotten addicting. Either there are a lot of great shows on network TV now (24, Numbers, Boston Legal, Lost, Alias) or the 006's incredible images are so mesmerizing that good writing, acting, and cinematography are not necessary (all are necessary, of course). Heck, even SD Amazing Race looks awesome on the 006 - CBS does a great job of scaling their SD content up to 1080i. Time to install a LifeCycle the TV room!

Originally posted by SRT-10 Viper
kaduku;

I was able to set my Denon 3910 to 480i... Not sure why you can't. I have the player connected via HDMI.

Viper,
How are you doing this? I either go through the remote or the player, and I could only select 480p/576p, besides 780p and 1080i. I am also connected via HDMI and the player is set at HDMI. How is your PQ under that setting (480i)?

Originally posted by colortv
I can detect NO DIFFERENCE IN PICTURE QUALITY with component connection vs DVI/HDMI.
But Watson,
Doesn't that go against all we learned in elementary school since we were wee young lads?:)
P.S. Strike "elementary" to read "preparatory" school.

Originally posted by colortv
Either there are a lot of great shows on network TV now (24, Numbers, Boston Legal, Lost, Alias) or the 006's incredible images are so mesmerizing that good writing, acting, and cinematography don't mean are not to blame.
Which is EXACTLY why I bought the 006 NOW.... so that I could enjoy it NOW - rather than procrastinating and waiting several months for reports from the early adopters.....by that time -summertime rolls around with all the reruns!

Originally posted by Dilbert1
Well, I pulled the trigger on the Qualia 006 and should have it next week.Dilbert1

You made a very wise decision. Why wait, enjoy life now!!!!!!!!!!!

How much was the Monster Power conditioner?

Originally posted by Penton-Man
But Watson,
Doesn't that go against all we learned in elementary school since we were wee young lads?:)
P.S. Strike "elementary" to read "preparatory" school.

Tell those McIntosh fans that transistors are better than tubes! It's an easy assumption that digital is better than analog, but not always true and a matter of individual tastes. The store I bought my Chicane stand from sells outrageously priced turntables - to play vinyl records! Huh?? Apparently there are enough discriminating ears out that don't give a whit about digital CD's and vastly prefer analog LP's. Personally, I don't miss the ticks and pops, warped LP's, "Original Master Recordings," etc.

See for yourself, it's an easy test - do an A/B comparison of your cable box connected via component and DVI/HDMI to your Qualia 006. IF there is a difference, it's so slight that my well trained eyes can't spot it. And if going component eliminates the double-pix sydrome, the choice is an easy one for me.

Some brainiac is going to discover the cause of the double-pix, whether the fault of the cable box or the TV - or neither. Since I have not seen the slightest glitch watching DVD's via HDMI input 6, I'm not going to point any finger toward my beloved SXRD - yet.

Hi all,

I have been lurking for a few weeks, but following the development of the 006 for over a year.

Can someone tell me the width and height of the screen size only.

I want to compare it to my KDP-65XBR2 which I will be replacing with the 006.

Thanks,
:)

Please be nice to me...

I decided to play with the picture settings tonight. I've been on PRO with the settings discussed much earlier in this thread, that provides a beautiful film like picture. For the heck of it, I switched to Vivid. I must say I was totally blown away. I realize that the Vivid settings are definitely not ISF accurate, but WOW - I was really impressed. I reduced the "Picture" setting from "max" of 62 to 58 (the setting suggested for the PRO mode) because it is against my religion to view a set at max contrast (I previously had a CRT RPTV where that was FORBIDDEN), but left all the other settings the way they are.

I guess "Vivid" is a guilty pleasure. If you want to totally blow away any friend or family member who is not into, or who doesn't care about accurate settings, just sit them down in front of an HD program, and switch to Vivid. Comes back 15 minutes later. They will be totally mesmerized. I may try this for some friends for the Superbowl next Sunday.

Have I said in the last couple hours that the detail on this set is amazing? Well THE DETAIL ON THIS SET (with HD programming) IS AMAZING!!

Originally posted by kaduku
You made a very wise decision. Why wait, enjoy life now!!!!!!!!!!!

How much was the Monster Power conditioner?

Thanks Kaduku,

As I said I would never have jumped on a technology that I felt was first generation, especially sight unseen. I do feel that this technology is 2nd generation and solves some of the problems that I have had with all the other technologies. Contrast, shadow detail, black level/crush, flat looking pictures were all problems I wanted addressed. My fingers are crossed that these issues are insignificant. I love educational productions and concerts.

The Conditioner was $575.00. I will give it a try and compare it to less expensive solutions. I suspect that it will perform about as well as a unit at least $300.00 cheaper if the power line noise is typical. As colortv said a UPS could protect the bulb.

Incidentally people keep talking about bulb lifetime as when it burns out. These bulbs change their color temperature with time so replacement time may well come before the bulb expires.

Technically, I think the HDMI connection is a plus when you are transmitting the signal a long distance. If the DVD D/A and Qualia A/D converters are designed properly then component should be fine for short distances. I guess I will find out. My fingers are crossed.

If I like Dish Network then I will order the DVR 921 for something like $550.00.



Dilbert1

Originally posted by nhey
I guess "Vivid" is a guilty pleasure. If you want to totally blow away any friend or family member who is not into, or who doesn't care about accurate settings, just sit them down in front of an HD program, and switch to Vivid. Comes back 15 minutes later. They will be totally mesmerized. I may try this for some friends for the Superbowl next Sunday.

nhey,
I personally like the way vivid looks. I know that after this is ISF calibrated, it will have darker tone to it. What is your exact settings on vivid now?

Originally posted by colortv

See for yourself, it's an easy test - do an A/B comparison of your cable box connected via component and DVI/HDMI to your Qualia 006. IF there is a difference, it's so slight that my well trained eyes can't spot it.
I was joking.:D
I have also done the same as above and I find them to be indecernible- but I would like more time just to be sure.

Originally posted by nhey
I realize that the Vivid settings are definitely not ISF accurate, but WOW - I was really impressed.

I guess "Vivid" is a guilty pleasure.
Oh no,
Watch out nhey – now your treading over the “what looks better to me” vs. the “this is SUPPOSED to look better to you” territory.
:cool:

Just biting the apple in the Garden of Eden will bring out the purists that are lurking….very quickly.

Can someone post what they have found to be ideal settings for this set? e.g., pro, normal? color temp? specific values?

Colortv,

I live in the foothills of the Smokey Mnts and on top of a mountain!
Wish I could get cable, but no company is willing to run that much wire just for one customer. So, I am stuck with D*tv. I hope the 006 will at least be watchable on SD? Any of you guys with Directv, how would you rate your PQ on SD?

sj

Originally posted by sparkysj
Colortv,

I live in the foothills of the Smokey Mnts and on top of a mountain!
Wish I could get cable, but no company is willing to run that much wire just for one customer. So, I am stuck with D*tv. I hope the 006 will at least be watchable on SD? Any of you guys with Directv, how would you rate your PQ on SD?

sj

Some channels are better than others. You should be fine with DirecTV. The truth is, most everything not HD sucks! :D

jb007,

Well put!!

sj

Originally posted by sparkysj
Colortv,

I live in the foothills of the Smokey Mnts and on top of a mountain!
Wish I could get cable, but no company is willing to run that much wire just for one customer. So, I am stuck with D*tv. I hope the 006 will at least be watchable on SD? Any of you guys with Directv, how would you rate your PQ on SD?

sj

I use Comcast for the rest of the rooms, because I did not want Directv receivers all over the place, especially in my kitchen, where I have a small 12 inch tv. Comcast is unable to provide me with HD, because my city is preventing them from installing upgraded cabling that can carry that type of bandwidth. That is why I have Directv on the 006. PQ is definitely watchable on SD, and should get better with mpeg-4 later this year.

Originally posted by nhey
Please be nice to me...

I decided to play with the picture settings tonight. I've been on PRO with the settings discussed much earlier in this thread, that provides a beautiful film like picture. For the heck of it, I switched to Vivid. I must say I was totally blown away. I realize that the Vivid settings are definitely not ISF accurate, but WOW - I was really impressed. I reduced the "Picture" setting from "max" of 62 to 58 (the setting suggested for the PRO mode) because it is against my religion to view a set at max contrast (I previously had a CRT RPTV where that was FORBIDDEN), but left all the other settings the way they are.

I guess "Vivid" is a guilty pleasure. If you want to totally blow away any friend or family member who is not into, or who doesn't care about accurate settings, just sit them down in front of an HD program, and switch to Vivid. Comes back 15 minutes later. They will be totally mesmerized. I may try this for some friends for the Superbowl next Sunday.

Have I said in the last couple hours that the detail on this set is amazing? Well THE DETAIL ON THIS SET (with HD programming) IS AMAZING!!

My only serious complaint about VIVID is that that highlights are blown out at the default setting. Maybe your idea to bring Picture down to 58 will help me out since I run 58 in Pro mode anyway.

A friend of mine with an expensive 720p FP setup used to swear that there was no visible difference between his favorite ABC 720P shows and NBC-CBS 1080i. I played a couple of things from all 3 networks for him off my HD DVR tonight and he now sees the extra crispness of 1080i. Of course it takes a display like the 006 to bring out those details, things my buddy never saw on his 720p display. Am I ever glad I waited for the 006 - a 1080p display is the way to go and finally we have one!

Originally posted by kaduku
You made a very wise decision. Why wait, enjoy life now!!!!!!!!!!!

How much was the Monster Power conditioner?

I paid $499 for the Monster Power HTS 5100 from an internet vendor.

Originally posted by sparkysj
Colortv,

I live in the foothills of the Smokey Mnts and on top of a mountain!
Wish I could get cable, but no company is willing to run that much wire just for one customer. So, I am stuck with D*tv. I hope the 006 will at least be watchable on SD? Any of you guys with Directv, how would you rate your PQ on SD?

sj

sparkysj,

I wonder if you are eligiible for one of those DirecTV waivers that will allow you to get network broadcasts in HD, since you are out of transmission range of local stations in your area. That might bring you more HD content, and hopefully you will benefit from the upscaling the networks do on the SD content which will make that SD content immune from DirecTV's nasty compression. Worth a try to get a waiver.

Originally posted by jp2
Can anyone with the jvc dvhs deck clarify if I could record something like hdnet (from d*) with the jvc deck connected via the ilink connector? I'm not sure after reading this thread if you can only record ota channels and output of the comcast box or if you can also record from a d* satellite source. I'm not sure how many folks in the other forums have a tv with firewire output on their tvs so this may be a unique setup. Currently I have an ota antenna and satellite dish feed going into a d* samsung 160 stb. The stb is set to output 1080i via dvi into input 6 (hdmi) on the qualia. I would like to be able to connect a jvc dvhs to one of the ilink ports and be able to record some of the hd channels from the satellite dish. Thanks for any insight.
brgds,
jp

jp,

I ran a simulation tonight and here are the results - not great news for your situation.

I connected my JVC 40000 DVHS machine via iLink/Firewire to the Qualia 006. I was able to succesfully record HD (everything from every channel) from the OTA antenna connected to the 006's ATSC tuner. However, when attempting to record from any other of the 006's inputs than the ATSC tuner, no recording - just a "no signal" message when playing the tape back through the 006.

I attempted to record from my Comcast DVR through HDMI input 6 on the Qualia, and a Sony NS975V DVD player through HDMI input 7 on the Qualia. I also tried recording from a component connection of the Comcast DVR to input 4, again no recording on DVHS.

In summary, I was always able to get a great HD DVHS recording via iLink from the 006's ATSC tuner, but zilch from another other input. Bummer.

To anyone who has not read earlier messages on this topic in this thread ...
it is possible to record HD DVHS from a cable box that is equipped with iLink/Firewire ports. If the content (such as a movie) is copy protected, the DVHS recording will fail. But just about everything else including the major TV networks HD content records on HD DVHS just fine via iLink connection to the cable STB/DVR. Now if those satellite providers would put Firewire ports on their boxes - c'mon!

Originally posted by kaduku
nhey,
I personally like the way vivid looks. I know that after this is ISF calibrated, it will have darker tone to it. What is your exact settings on vivid now?

The only change I have made to the default Vivid settings is to reduce the "picture" setting from the max setting of 62 to 58.

It's very interesting to see what the default Vivid settings are. From memory... some of them are not what you would have in a calibrated set:

Color temp: Cool
Cinema black pro: off
Color corrector: high

Note: When you are in Vivid mode, you can't adjust most of the "advanced" settings, which you can adjust when you are in "pro" mode. However, you can still see what the set's default settings are in Vivid mode.

Colortv,
Thanks for taking the time to test this for me. I didn't think it was possible to record hd from a d* stb or anything else unless the jvc was directly connected to a tuner with firewire out. I've seen some mods that you could do to a d* stb but I was hoping for a standard way. It's starting to look a lot better for comcast.
thanks,
jp

Anyone have a suggestion for a good OTA antenna to pair with this set? going on a rooftop, in Santa Monica so should be able to get good reception form LA local stations. Anyone use a square shooter from winegard?

Penton et al- I am using HD-TIVO via HDMI on input 6 and have no problems with "double picture"

As for DTV/Cable debate, NFL sunday ticket was the only consideration for me. Have cable for internet only (and Vonage... I hate the phone company!).

Originally posted by colortv
If the content (such as a movie) is copy protected, the DVHS recording will fail.
Colortv-
I’m wondering how extensive this is and whether it encompasses practically all movies on all channels(only movies broadcast in HD that is) or if this is a more selective phenomenon rather than so generalized.

If you have time, try taping a few more movies from a couple of different channels; unless, of course you’ve already done that.

Originally posted by SABAlove
Anyone have a suggestion for a good OTA antenna to pair with this set? going on a rooftop, in Santa Monica so should be able to get good reception form LA local stations. Anyone use a square shooter from winegard?

Colortv,
That question is right up your alley....errrr rooftop.

Originally posted by SABAlove

Penton et al- I am using HD-TIVO via HDMI on input 6 and have no problems with "double picture"
.
That's interesting.
It sure seems that this minor glitch has only occurred with people using a cable box into input 6.

Originally posted by SABAlove
Anyone have a suggestion for a good OTA antenna to pair with this set? going on a rooftop, in Santa Monica so should be able to get good reception form LA local stations. Anyone use a square shooter from winegard?

I use a SqS2 (with HDTiVo) and find it works pretty well for me. Here are the things to keep in mind if you're thinking about using the Square Shooter:
1) It's good at pulling in UHF but not so good at VHF. If any of your locals are broadcasting on channels 2-13 (not so in the DC area), they won't come in as well.
2) It's very directional. If your locals are being broadcast from many different locations, then this might not be the antenna for you. In my area, all the locals are broadcast from the same place, except a local Fairfax station that is close enough that it comes in with no problem anyway. The upside is that it's very good at cancelling out reflections.
3) It's not a long-range antenna: the effective range is 35 miles or so. (For me, the towers are something like 15-20 miles away so I'm okay.)
4) For me the difference in using the integrated amp versus not using it is that with the amp the signal stays more consistently high. Without it, it tends to vary. YMMV.

But to put it in perspective, the SqS2 on my roof is not that much better than a Silver Sensor inside the house was . . . so what do I know? :rolleyes:

--Dwayne

Originally posted by Penton-Man
That's interesting.
It sure seems that this minor glitch has only occurred with people using a cable box into input 6.
Addendum-
ATTENTION -nhey and others that have noted the double pic phenomenon.
Perhaps we have a display that exhibits superior intelligence to other displays in that it can LEARN.
I have now had the same cable box hooked up to video 6 via DVI/HDMI for about one week and have noticed NO double picture problems (or audio problems for that matter) at intial start-up.

How about anyone else- is this a persistent problem or is the Qualia bird learning to give a firmer HDCP handshake????

I would like to know before I pass on this minor nuisance to the Qualia engineers.

nhey- how about going back to video 6 for awhile with your box (oh, and what Moto model number is your STB or DVR?)

Originally posted by Penton-Man
Addendum-
ATTENTION -nhey and others that have noted the double pic phenomenon.
Perhaps we have a display that exhibits superior intelligence to other displays in that it can LEARN.
I have now had the same cable box hooked up to video 6 via DVI/HDMI for about one week and have noticed NO double picture problems (or audio problems for that matter) at intial start-up.

How about anyone else- is this a persistent problem or is the Qualia bird learning to give a firmer HDCP handshake????

I would like to know before I pass on this minor nuisance to the Qualia engineers.

nhey- how about going back to video 6 for awhile with your box (oh, and what Moto model number is your STB or DVR?)

VERY INTERESTING - In fact, last night, I did just that - I hooked up the Comcast box to input 6 and had no double picture the whole night. Will look again tonight.

Penton, I have a Scientific Atlanta cable box with a Firewire port. I can record every station including HBO, Showtime, etc. I hate to mention my cable companie's name lest they change this. The recordings are marked copy-once, or is it copy-never so, so that I cannot duplicate the tapes. The good news is that I can create them.