Originally posted by videoaddikt
It seems if it is ONLY visible when watching HD it could well be the DTV receiver. Do you get the same thing when using a different receiver, or when hooking up an antenna and receiving an HD signal OTA?

If you isolate it down to the Direct TV receiver, try different cables also before giving it the boot.

This is my first HD receiver and TV. I cannot get reception using OTA antenna. Right now I'm connected using DVI to HDMI. I can try component but I thought DVI/HDMI was better.

If you get the same symptom with component cables you may still not know definitively if it is the receiver or the display. But at least know if it's only one or both inputs when you see the problem.

The Sony has very good upscaling. Some upscaling DVD players will benefit with HDMI but I would not expect much difference when using a Sat. receiver. At least that has been my experience with Dish. I just use component outs on my sat rcvr and the results are stunning!

Well, I received my 55XS955 today and I've set it all up and calibrated it with Avia. I am fairly impressed with the overall PQ, although the blacks are noticably less distinct than the Panny 50DL54 DLP set. So far, that's the only negative that I can see.

That negative is outweighed by the fact that the analog and SD channels are much cleaner than the Panny and the built in HD tuner receives a lot more that I thought it would [several digital and most of the HD channels].

I've programmed my Harmony remote and it works fine with the Sony, in fact, it doesn't have to be aimed at the TV quite as accurately as the standard remote. I like the fact that it has 2 HDMI ports. I have my Comcast DVR connect to input 7 (via DVI to HDMI cable) and my Panny S97 DVD player to input 8. I will experiment a bit more with the component connections, but I doubt if there will be any improvement and since the HDMI eliminates a conversion, I'll probably stick with HDMI.

The speakers are surprisingly clear and will save some wear and tear on my receiver. The ability to skip over inputs makes changing from one input to another a lot quicker.

I do have a question. I've noticed that most folks who've published their settings have the NR turned off. Does NR have an adverse effect on HD or digital channels? I haven't examined it enough yet to see if it really makes a difference for analog reception.

Went from the 55WF to the 60XS this week, and I am very disappointed with the picture quality now. I love the size and new frame, but the picture looks fuzzy and I don't see nearly as much detail as I did before on HD broadcasts. The 55 looked like I was looking out a window, but the 60 looks like I'm looking out a window covered with fog. Suggestions?

Originally posted by Magicmirror3
Went from the 55WF to the 60XS this week, and I am very disappointed with the picture quality now. I love the size and new frame, but the picture looks fuzzy and I don't see nearly as much detail as I did before on HD broadcasts. The 55 looked like I was looking out a window, but the 60 looks like I'm looking out a window covered with fog. Suggestions? Are all other things equal? No change to STB, cables, etc? No splitter introduced?

Yes, everything is exactly the same. I can't see as many details in the grass, etc. The XS is "supposed" to be better, but I did go up in size. A friend of mine has the same 55 I just exchanged, and his looks perfect.

Originally posted by Magicmirror3
Yes, everything is exactly the same. I can't see as many details in the grass, etc. The XS is "supposed" to be better, but I did go up in size. A friend of mine has the same 55 I just exchanged, and his looks perfect. You may want to consider returning it, if that is a possibility. Painful, but probably your best bet.

Do you believe the problem might be unique to this set, or a problem I might experience with all of the 60xs vs my 55wf? I was so happy with that set that I spent the extra bucks to go bigger. Now I'm just frustrated. I'm thinking I shouldn't have messed with success.

Originally posted by Magicmirror3
Do you believe the problem might be unique to this set, or a problem I might experience with all of the 60xs vs my 55wf? I was so happy with that set that I spent the extra bucks to go bigger. Now I'm just frustrated. I'm thinking I shouldn't have messed with success.
I just bought the 55XS and am very satisfied with the PQ. As I mentioned earlier, it does suffer with the black level as compared to the Panny DLP, but that shouldn't be your problem. Did you calibrate? What mode are you using? I've calibrated the pro mode with Avia and thought the Master's Golf tournament looked incredible.

I have the television set on the same settings as the last one. I did not have it calibrated or use any calibration discs or tools. I was super happy with the last tv on standard mode. I've spent hours messing with this one, but I can't get the detail out of it like the last one.

Magicmirror3,
I had a 60xs and the picture was perfect but I got pissed at BB and told them to take it back. I then went and bought one from CC. I was unable to get a picture anywhere near as good as the old set (in addition to the unit started to have problems in the first week) so I returned it and went to a 70" Hitachi. Now the Hitachi is more user friendly and looks cosmetically better but I have been unable to get this unit to look as good as the last Sony. Are you going to try another Sony? I am trying to figure out if I am going to go back and try another Sony or not.
Ron

I am sold on the Sony televisions completely, however I am stressed out over the picture of this new television. The 55 was picture perfect and I was estatic except for one dead pixel. Since I had to have BB swap the set anyways, I decided I would go for the 60" and enjoy it that much more.

Now I am losing sleep over this. I love the size and aesthetics of the new TV, but the picture just isn't cutting it. Out of the box the last one really impressed me. Everybody says such good things about the 60xs I'm not sure what is wrong. If I go back to the 55, I'll certainly miss the size. My friends 55 looks perfect.


What differences did you see between the two sets you purchased? Mine just isn't giving me the same level of detail and such that I had with the last. I wonder if it is a function of screen size?

BTW, my friend that has the 55WF had a 50" Hitachi RPLCD before. When he hooked up the Sony he started cheering- literally. I think the Sony's have much better pictures - at least the 55's I've seen do. He's not looked back since.

Well, I've been up all night tweaking this set. I figured I would try some of the service menu tweaks listed in other threads since I had nothing to lose. I didn't want to get into all that, but it ended up being pretty easy. The results - WOW!

It is so much better now. It's so late and I'm so tired that I can't necessarily say it is perfect, but it is finally HD quality I expect and saw in my last set. Now I'm keeping it. Thanks for the support folks! I'm going to be tinkering more with it now to see just how far it can improve.

Originally posted by Magicmirror3
Well, I've been up all night tweaking this set. I figured I would try some of the service menu tweaks listed in other threads since I had nothing to lose. I didn't want to get into all that, but it ended up being pretty easy. The results - WOW!

It is so much better now. It's so late and I'm so tired that I can't necessarily say it is perfect, but it is finally HD quality I expect and saw in my last set. Now I'm keeping it. Thanks for the support folks! I'm going to be tinkering more with it now to see just how far it can improve.
I was going to say... some of those service menu tweaks make a HUGE difference. Especially the ones that alter resolution. They can make a "fuzzy" looking picture sharp and clear (and not as in fake sharpness, but truly sharp without added artifacts.)

-Terry

Magicmirror3,
The second Sony didn't have a good scaler apparently. The first set always looked much better when you let it upscale the picture while the second set looked better when you set your sources to progressive. Even when you set your sources to progressive the picture still didn't have as much detail. The second set also started having problems locking in with the internal scaler ( text would me unreadable then it would lock in). The day they picked up the second set the picture started to occasionally jump. Well I am going to go out and look at sets today, it looks like I will be going back to the Sony. I just hope this set has no problems.
Ron

I think we can all agree that television shopping is a beating. Good luck in the trenches.

Magicmirror3,
Well I just got back. I went to GG and they had the Mitsubishi DLP on display next to the XS60 and there was no comparison, the Mitsubishi won hands down. So I then went to another local store and the Sony blew away the Mitsubishi. Went back to CC and I am going to try the Sony xs60 1 more time. Manager of the store told me if this doesn't work they want to come over and check my install. I told the manager the HD channels looked soft and the SD channels looked horrible. He said using a antenna doesn't give you a good signal (I thought a rooftop Channelmaster was better than cable or satellite for locals). I told him the first Sony was flawless with all sources. The Hitachi looked ok on HD and DVD but not like a $7000 set should look. So they will be delivering the XS60 on Wednesday, we will see if it looks as good as the first set.
Ron

I just received the TV Saturday and love it so far. Have not had a chance to do much tweaking but it looks fiarly decent in Standard Mode out of the box. Will be able to play with it this week-end.

I was not able to successfully get my TV to display my PS2 in widescreen. I have it hooked up through S-Video running through my Onkyo TSX989 Receiver and then to the TV.

I went into the default menu of the PS2 and set it to 16:9. I then went into two games to try and get the widescreen to work:

NCAA Hoops 2K5 and Madden 2003. (I am not a big-time gamer so I don't have a slew of newer games).

In Madden, I went into the game's settings and set to 16:9. My screen still showed with the black bars on both sides (as if the image was still 4:3). When I changed the stretch modes on the TV, the picture filled the screen, however it seemd to be just stretching the image instead of presenting in widescreen.

The same went for NCAA 2K5.

Does the PS2 not transmit a signal in true widescreen? Do I need component caples instead of S-Video to get this to work? Are my games just not titles that offer Widescreen?

thank you for your help.

Originally posted by brad31
I just received the TV Saturday and love it so far. Have not had a chance to do much tweaking but it looks fiarly decent in Standard Mode out of the box. Will be able to play with it this week-end.

I was not able to successfully get my TV to display my PS2 in widescreen. I have it hooked up through S-Video running through my Onkyo TSX989 Receiver and then to the TV.

I went into the default menu of the PS2 and set it to 16:9. I then went into two games to try and get the widescreen to work:

NCAA Hoops 2K5 and Madden 2003. (I am not a big-time gamer so I don't have a slew of newer games).

In Madden, I went into the game's settings and set to 16:9. My screen still showed with the black bars on both sides (as if the image was still 4:3). When I changed the stretch modes on the TV, the picture filled the screen, however it seemd to be just stretching the image instead of presenting in widescreen.

The same went for NCAA 2K5.

Does the PS2 not transmit a signal in true widescreen? Do I need component caples instead of S-Video to get this to work? Are my games just not titles that offer Widescreen?

thank you for your help.
I was using my PS2 in true widescreen (480i and 1080i) with no problems but I only use the component inputs.

Originally posted by brad31

I was not able to successfully get my TV to display my PS2 in widescreen.

Hi Brad...

Congrats on your purchase! :cool:

There's a Home Theater Gaming forum here on AVS that should be able to help you with some insight, but I will give you a few observations on my experiences with a PS2 on my 60XS955...

The component cables were a waste, I'm glad I didn't spend much on them. I'm sure they are great for certain TVs, but our Sony has such good de-interlacer I can't tell the difference between s-video at 480i and component at 480p. After messing with the component vs. s-video, I went back to s-video.* Remember that you cannot to progressive scan through s-video and many people will tell you that progressive scan looks SO much better... maybe they believe that and maybe it's true. But testing reveals I can't tell a difference.

As for widescreen... I know there's a 16:9 option in the PS2's browser, but I believe that's mainly for DVD playback. For widescreen gaming, it's purely a software issue. Very few titles do widescreen, and the ones that do you have to go into the options of the game and select widescreen and save that setting. Also note that the PS2 will not pass the widescreen flag through s-video which means your TV will not automatically switch to 16:9. You will have to manually choose "Full" mode on your TV.

I can't comment on the games you mentioned, but if you want the check out an awesome game that has a widescreen mode, rent or buy "God of War". The widescreen mode of this game does cut off a little at the top and bottom, but the 16:9 really adds to the epic feel of this game.

*One note: If you are interested in playing the Gran Turismo 4 racing game, you might want to consider the component cables. This game has a simulated 1080i mode. It's not true 1080i, it's more of a 480i upconverted to 1080i, but it still looks good. I'll attach I pic so you can see what I mean.

If you have any other questions about gaming on the 55/60XS955, feel free to post in the "HT Gaming" forum or PM me.

ellisr63,

Good luck. I came home this afternoon and turned on the set. Still all smiles now that I've got it tweaked the right way. I'm so relieved to be done with this mess. I can enjoy it now.

I was right where you are not 24 hours ago. There is a light at the end of the tunnel and it all works out in the end.

Magicmirror3,
When I was out this afternoon I heard something that I hope is not true. I heard that Sony is using a organic material for making their lcd screens and that these screens will develop mold. Toshiba supposedly discovered and released the info (I hope this is only concerning the LCD flat panels). I am definitely getting the extended warranty now!
Ron

ya.. and maybe orange trees or weird kiwi's will also start growing on the pixels... "nano fruit" ?? :)

organic LCD technology and other panels as well as organic light have been talked about since 1998. use google.

I was at BB, In Albany, NY this past weekend and overheard a salesperson tell a perspective customer not to purchase a LCDRP TV because the panels will degrade in six years and will look like crap. I can't help but wonder if his misconception is based on the front projector experiments that showed this. Has anyone else had this experience?
Joeren

hey guys...first off forgive me if this has been answered already, but i was just wondering how you guys are calibrating (color, black level, picture, etc.) your settings for inputs other than DVD with Avia, DVE...etc. on the 55XS when you change your input, your DVD calibrated picture settings change as well. i just finished tweaking with DVE & when i change to my HD cable input, the settings are all different. i don't know how i can possibly calibrate my settings accurately without test patterns & i naturally cannot bring up any test patterns on my HD input. if i just copy my DVD settings over, the picture is really bright, oversaturated with color etc...


again guys forgive me if this is an ignorant question...
thanks so much
Carmine.

Originally posted by joeren
I was at BB, In Albany, NY this past weekend and overheard a salesperson tell a perspective customer not to purchase a LCDRP TV because the panels will degrade in six years and will look like crap. I can't help but wonder if his misconception is based on the front projector experiments that showed this. Has anyone else had this experience?
Joeren

BB salespeople (and their managers for that matter) are usually morons. This is just another example of that.

Originally posted by noizemaker07
hey guys...first off forgive me if this has been answered already, but i was just wondering how you guys are calibrating (color, black level, picture, etc.) your settings for inputs other than DVD with Avia, DVE...etc. on the 55XS when you change your input, your DVD calibrated picture settings change as well. i just finished tweaking with DVE & when i change to my HD cable input, the settings are all different. i don't know how i can possibly calibrate my settings accurately without test patterns & i naturally cannot bring up any test patterns on my HD input. if i just copy my DVD settings over, the picture is really bright, oversaturated with color etc...
Are you using your 2 HDMI ports for connecting your DVD and Cable input? Does your DVD player have both HDMI and component connections? If so, just disconnect your dvd connection and hook up your player via the same connection as your cable connection (unless you connect directly through the coax on your TV) and calibrate from there. If you can't connect your DVD player to an input (eg coax) you're stuck with simply eyeballing it.

With regards to doing the 'input dance' with OTA signals and even Sat or Cable, these inputs can also be tweaked with the early morning test patterns some HD broadcasters provide.
The problem is, I have no idea who offers such test patterns, exactly when they are on, or how accurate they are as related to ISF (DVE or Avia) standards.
Maybe someone can interject on the subject.

Originally posted by noizemaker07
hey guys...first off forgive me if this has been answered already, but i was just wondering how you guys are calibrating (color, black level, picture, etc.) your settings for inputs other than DVD with Avia, DVE...etc. on the 55XS when you change your input, your DVD calibrated picture settings change as well. i just finished tweaking with DVE & when i change to my HD cable input, the settings are all different. i don't know how i can possibly calibrate my settings accurately without test patterns & i naturally cannot bring up any test patterns on my HD input. if i just copy my DVD settings over, the picture is really bright, oversaturated with color etc...


again guys forgive me if this is an ignorant question...
thanks so much
Carmine.
If you get HDNet they broadcast some images at 6 a.m. (MT time) on Tuesdays that should help you out. They aren't nearly as good as DVE or Avia but you should be able to correctly set your contrast and brightness with them, the colors are a little tougher because the color/hue bars aren't touching.

Originally posted by rugrad9093
Hi Folks:

I posted a problem I am experiencing with my KDF55" in a new thread but no one replied so I figured that I try posting it here hoping someone can answer my question.

I have DirecTV HD and while watching HD programs, I've noticed a barely visible separation between the top half of the screen from the bottom half of the screen, thus giving the appearance of a fine horizontal line running across the middle of the screen. It's hard to describe but it looks like the top half of the screen is slightly shifted from the bottom half.

This line is not visible or as visible on standard definition or when I'm watching DVD's. I'm not sure if its my connection, how the TV displays certain HD signals, an issue with DirecTV or converting DirecTV's RCA box from DVI to my TV's HDMI.

Has anyone else experienced the same?

Thanks,

Will.


I also see this line, I thought maybe it is a seam in the display. It is quite annoying. I have a xs 60.:(

Originally posted by joeren
I was at BB, In Albany, NY this past weekend and overheard a salesperson tell a perspective customer not to purchase a LCDRP TV because the panels will degrade in six years and will look like crap. I can't help but wonder if his misconception is based on the front projector experiments that showed this. Has anyone else had this experience?
Joeren

I bought my set at BB, and the salesperson excitedly told me how I will be enjoying this set for the next 15 years....

My thoughts- I really hope I have something better than this set in 15 years. Geez, HDMI will probably be out of vogue in 6 months. Some of the guys at BB are smart, but not many.

Originally posted by Magicmirror3
I bought my set at BB, and the salesperson excitedly told me how I will be enjoying this set for the next 15 years....

My thoughts- I really hope I have something better than this set in 15 years. Geez, HDMI will probably be out of vogue in 6 months. Some of the guys at BB are smart, but not many.


Same here, If you think they are bad you should try Frys. 99% of the time the only info you will get is bad info. I guess knowledge of product is not a requirement.

Originally posted by Magicmirror3
Well, I've been up all night tweaking this set. I figured I would try some of the service menu tweaks listed in other threads since I had nothing to lose. I didn't want to get into all that, but it ended up being pretty easy. The results - WOW!

Hi, all. Been reading this site for about a week as we deliberated over which set to purchase. The KDF-60XS955 arrived this morning (yay!) and now comes the challenge of getting the best image we can. Both hubby and I are novices about televisions (this whole forum is *amazing*), and being a bit of a computer geek only counts for so much! :)

I'm working my way thorugh this particular thread hoping to pick up some tips, but figured perhaps I should just *ask* for people to point me to favorite tweaks that have worked well for similar sets. I'm not sure we want to take the risks of tinkering with the service menu, since we're really just beginning to learn this stuff, but I won't rule it out. We've got the Avia DVD on order; it should arrive in a few more days. Should we wait to make any changes until after tweaking with that?

I'd love a pointer to the threads that worked so well for you, Magicmirror3, assuming that's appropriate here. And likewise -- I've figured out that the best settings are probably in the eye of the beholder, but I'd like to know what tweaks other people have found useful.

Now back to working through the many hundreds of posts in this thread! They make a bit more sense now that I actually have the TV on hand. Thanks. :)

Originally posted by Grym
I'd love a pointer to the threads that worked so well for you, Magicmirror3, assuming that's appropriate here. And likewise -- I've figured out that the best settings are probably in the eye of the beholder, but I'd like to know what tweaks other people have found useful.
What connections are you going to use to hook up your DVD player and cable/satellite? HDMI will calibrate differently from Component or S-Video or Composite.

Originally posted by ellisr63
Same here, If you think they are bad you should try Frys. 99% of the time the only info you will get is bad info. I guess knowledge of product is not a requirement.

Santa Clara? Didn't you try Magnoila A/V?

BB has never been a favorite of mine. I remember last year when I went there to buy a Pioneer DVD 563A. It was "ON SALE" for $180.00. I informed the salesman that the week before it was $170.00, to which he replied "impossible". At my prompt he looked it up. I was right. I than asked if it was their policy to jack the prices up for a sale, after which I turned and walked out.
joeren
I love to torture those guys

i think alot of the electronic store guys, BB, CC, what ever, alot of guys know some stuff, few really might know their ****, and are serious about it, and then there are some that like to hear them selves speak i guess.. at the same time , i remember when used to work at BB, the store had mystery shoppers come in and every once and a while probe you for knowledge, and try to push some of your buttons to see how you would react and then provide the report to your manager.. employees never knew who was who so we always had to be on our best behavior.

i tend to get pissed at the guys sometimes too when they keep rambling off on stuff they have no right to talk about (completely clueless about the subject). at that point i firmly but polightly shut them down. and go about my shopping adventure. i don't let any of them ruin my day.. but at the same time remember that i used to be in their shoes and they're just trying to help... if you find someone who knows a lot, but maybe you find or think not as much as you, you can dabble around with them, but then start throwing some serious curve balls into the conversation and watch them stumble around on it... lol

Actually, I don't think it's really reasonable to expect the salefolks at places like BB and CC to be that intimately knowledgable about the each product. They don't work on commission and they get moved around from department to department on a regular basis. Most of them are fairly young, working their way through school etc. They should not offer misinformation, that's true, but we have to remember that for most of us, we've researched the heck out of the particular models we're interested in and we should probably know more than they do since it's our money we're spending.

What concerns me more is salesfolk in AV specialty stores like Tw... who do make their living on commissions. I believe that many of them deliberately mislead customers. I had the same salesman talk to me about total superiority of the Mitsubishi DLPs over anything else. Then when I showed interest in the Panny DLP, he backtracked and told me that they were really the best.

Three weeks later, when I had to turn the Panny in because I saw rainbows, he started telling me about all the problems Mitsubishi and Panny were having with their DLPs (actually, the Panny is still the best I've seen except for the rainbows) and how the Sony LCD (after I told him I'd already researched it) is a much wiser choice...like he was just making all this stuff up on the fly. This same salesperson also told me at different times over a three week period that I was one of the 20%, then 10%, then 5% who could actually see the rainbows in DLPs. The first week I started looking at DLPs several months ago, he told me they were a myth and didn't really exist.

If you're a smart buyer for anything that is as expensive as these sets, just like with automobiles. the only safe thing is to do the research yourself through forums like AVS etc. JMHO.

damn.... i want want ever that guys is smokin.

Hey, Mr. GRYM, Congrats on your new VX955.

As a voice of reason in the wilderness, let me point out there is nothing wrong with deciding the set looks just fine without you screwing with it. All the tweaking mentioned here is mostly, unless you have a lemon, probably absolutely UNNECESSARY.

I have had a 55XS955 for a couple of months now and with a good signal, it still looks just fine the way it popped out of the box. I would bet most of these tweakers are guys that swear they can hear differences in cable.

I personally found best buy customer service, right next to CC to accomodate customers, and to honorably honors, price matches and promotions..I always got kinda idea, that they are not willing to sell!!

So, how can we keep our buisness to brick and mortar!

Originally posted by BJMoose
What connections are you going to use to hook up your DVD player and cable/satellite? HDMI will calibrate differently from Component or S-Video or Composite.

We've got the DVD hooked up with a component connection and at the moment cable/satellite aren't an issue. (We're too far out in the boondocks for cable and have only just begun looking at satellite). This gigantic TV will mostly be used for DVDs and hubby's PS2, at least for the next little while.

BBH: Thanks for that! I definitely don't want to mess with a good thing; but I'm certainly curious after reading so many pages from the tweak-o-philes here at AVS. :D

guys - what are the measurement dimensions of the 60xs BOX?
im trying to figure out if i can fit it in my pacifica. again i want to know what the dimensions are of the box the 60xs was shipped to you in.

regards

Does any one have this tv with 59avi? pls chime in

Originally posted by Liquidous
guys - what are the measurement dimensions of the 60xs BOX?
im trying to figure out if i can fit it in my pacifica. again i want to know what the dimensions are of the box the 60xs was shipped to you in.

regards

~ 71" long x 43.5" tall

THANK YOU! much

Liquidous,

When measuring, please keep in mind that the TV (and box) should be kept upright during transportation. That means that height of your pacifica opening needs to be 44+" to accomodate.

PS, does anybody know why the box has to remain upright? Or is it just a recommendation?

Magnolia A/V unboxed mine, putting it gently on it's back in the rear of my MDX, cushioned all around and the screen covered with the OEM wrap of course.
I drove home with it 150 miles. Not a problem.
IF you ask Sony, they will say keep it in it's box, vertical only. That's a liability issue for them. I don't blame them if you have seen how some yahoos load their vans and pickups.
I felt much better having in there like that, than bouncing around in a UHaul, even in the box.
The set is almost 2 months old now, no issues, and it is pristine!
I read on another thread someone had ordered a GW that arrived by freight, in the factory box, with the shock sensor in the red.
When opened, the case had a crack in it.
The dealer took it right back and immediately sent a new one. No guarantees no matter what you do. Just proceed with caution, and common sense. If you think about it, out of the box, it is much less stable being vertical.
If you can keep it in the box, and lean it againt something soft but stable, I don't see a problem. If you think those boxes don't get shuffled back and forth during regular shipping, you are dreaming.

Originally posted by BlaZeR2
Liquidous,

When measuring, please keep in mind that the TV (and box) should be kept upright during transportation. That means that height of your pacifica opening needs to be 44+" to accomodate.

PS, does anybody know why the box has to remain upright? Or is it just a recommendation?

GOOOOOOOOD point.. i measured for it laying down..
if i have to keep it sitting up. it simply wont work.
unless i get a pickup truck which i don't have.
i have a motorcycle trailer tho. haha.

i was planning to have it delivered to the office where i work then tossing it into that huge of a back seat pacifica. looks like ill need to give them the home address instead.

Just got my 60XS955 today, the fan is driving me nuts. A constant backgroud drone. I can hear it during quiet parts of a movie. At 1st I thght it was the HTPC fans but I've isolated it to the TV. Dealer told me that the noise will die down after a period of use. Is this true from pple's experiences or will it remain the same or even get louder. Happy with PQ so far. Blacks are not as deep as my departed Sammy DLP (duh), but overall PQ is acceptable. Just dont want to have to send the set back for a noisey fan since this was a replacement set for my defective Samsung and the store is baring all the delivery charges.

Originally posted by Tinker
Just got my 60XS955 today, the fan is driving me nuts.

Do you have the "reduced power" option turned on? I believe it lowers the wattage of the bulb, which makes it cooler and perhaps the fan will go into quiet mode? Also make sure you don't have "high altitude" turned on. I don't know if these will do anything, but it's all I could think of.

With my experience, I would say the fan is noticeable but doesn't drive me nuts. I only hear it when the sound of what I'm watching is completely silent. It is pretty loud when I first turn it on, but after 30 seconds or so it goes into a quieter mode.

Good luck, I hope it works out for you.

DaverJ

I did all those things and its the same. The fan is not real loud but just the backgroud drone is annoying . It sounds like a PC fan on a typical Dell computer, not real loud just always there. The Samsung was very quiet, never heard the fan at all unless I was behind the set, but the Sony's fan is noticeable at 8-10 feet away. I quess its what you are use too.

Thanx
Tinker

Originally posted by BlaZeR2
Liquidous,

When measuring, please keep in mind that the TV (and box) should be kept upright during transportation. That means that height of your pacifica opening needs to be 44+" to accomodate.

PS, does anybody know why the box has to remain upright? Or is it just a recommendation?
I believe it is just a recommendation, and I believe it isn't even mentioned in the 55/60XS manual. I know you have to keep CRT RPTV's upright because of the mirror placement, but AFIAK you can turn an LCD RPTV any which way as necessary. I had to turn mine sideways to get it down a stairwell with no detriments. Of course it is much easier to carry without turning it sideways.

Originally posted by Tinker
DaverJ

I did all those things and its the same. The fan is not real loud but just the backgroud drone is annoying . It sounds like a PC fan on a typical Dell computer, not real loud just always there. The Samsung was very quiet, never heard the fan at all unless I was behind the set, but the Sony's fan is noticeable at 8-10 feet away. I quess its what you are use too.

Thanx
Tinker

I'll second what DaverJ said. I also have hardwood floors, and someone else posted that flooring matters, where carpet etc. helps. I believe someone here at AVS rigged a solution (pillows? Cork? and got over it). I think I've just screened it out at this point (as I've done with the 'fridge when that kicks on, or the ticking clock in the same room). If you listen closely they're all there, but to me don't really make a difference.

Originally posted by IamtheWolf
I'll second what DaverJ said. I also have hardwood floors, and someone else posted that flooring matters, where carpet etc. helps. I believe someone here at AVS rigged a solution (pillows? Cork? and got over it). I think I've just screened it out at this point (as I've done with the 'fridge when that kicks on, or the ticking clock in the same room). If you listen closely they're all there, but to me don't really make a difference.

I noticed the fan noise when I first purchased my 60xs ( a week ago) but now I don't notice it at all from my seating (about 12'). I have hardwood floors and can only notice the fan noise when I get up close to the tv.
Ron

Originally posted by ellisr63
I noticed the fan noise when I first purchased my 60xs ( a week ago) but now I don't notice it at all from my seating (about 12'). I have hardwood floors and can only notice the fan noise when I get up close to the tv. Ron
I can hear the fan on my 55SX if I'm listening for it, but it's a breath of fresh air compared to the Panny that I traded in. I think, as with all ambient noise, it just becomes part of the background after awhile.

my TV is on a wood stand. I havent put the Sony stand together yet. It's a frigging heavy stand. Dont know but does the Sony stand have any deadening material in the base under the TV. Lucky I didnt have to buy that stand. It list fof $1200cdn. Got it free as store promo...Return my Samsaung and got me the Sony with free Sony stand plus a 19 LCD BrenQ monitor,12' HDMI cable, couple of cable adapters (DVI->HDMI and HDMI->DVI) and discount for cordless headphones. Just hope the fan quiets down or I get use to it after a few days. Over all the set is performing better then expected. The only probm is that I havent gotten the shadow details to the point I had the Samsung DLP yet.

anyone recommend an online shop for cables? component, dvi -> HDMI , sound cables, etc.... good price, quality, fast shipping. want to plan it out to arrive with tv in another week.

don't want to find im missing something at last minute.

Originally posted by Liquidous
anyone recommend an online shop for cables? component, dvi -> HDMI , sound cables, etc.... good price, quality, fast shipping. want to plan it out to arrive with tv in another week.

don't want to find im missing something at last minute.

You might want to try out the new Audioquest ITC connectors and cables (DIY solder less and crimp less). You can make your cable exactly the length you want and they are very easy to make. The only tools you need are a cable stripper (less than $10) and a magnifying glass (to look for stray strands after stripping the wire). The connectors will cost from $3-$5 each and then you buy the cable by the foot. Magnolia carries the connectors and cable as do several online dealers. As far as DVI and HDMI, I you might want to try Belkin.
Ron

thanks ellisr63. sounds fun, but totally not interested . i want to open it and use it - and will pay extra for the luxury :)

too much on my plate right now to find time/desire to do that. :)
i will book mark them anyway to keep them around in my list.

thanks

Originally posted by Liquidous
anyone recommend an online shop for cables? component, dvi -> HDMI , sound cables, etc.... good price, quality, fast shipping. want to plan it out to arrive with tv in another week.

don't want to find im missing something at last minute.

I ordered HDMI from RAM via this site. I'm pleased. Could I buy (a little)cheaper? Maybe. It was worth it.

PS: I have no affiliation with them, other than consumer.

try accessories4less.com

I just got a Theater Master mx500 remote, it solved the flaky sony remote problems (having to point directly at the right side of the set and sometimes having to hit a button twice).

probably has a wider angle transmitter. i was already planning to smack open that sony remote and solder in a wider IR bead. glad to know you figured something else out that works.

The black level of a display is very important to me. I was able to view the Panasonic PT-LC14 LCD rear projection for a good while. The black level was so bad on this tv that I couldn't even watch it.
My questions is are you XS955 owners happy with the black level on your sets? Also are there any adjustments in the service menu that I can do to adjust the black level for peek performance?
I have looked at DLPs and the black level seems to be pretty good on these sets.

Originally posted by cjlawson
The black level of a display is very important to me.

I would say that if black level is very important to you, you might want to steer toward DLP. I think I've got the black level on my 60XS955 pretty good. VERY good, in fact, with HD shows with a high level of contrast such as a bright scene with someone wearing a dark suit. I can see the fibers and creases in that suit. However, a dark scene where someone is hiding in the shadows and their face is faintly seen... the blacks are somewhat on the gray side.

Every time I think that black levels aren't an issue, I look at the screen as it powers off and notice it going from gray-black (lamp standby cool-down) to pure black (lamp off). I wish I could get the blacks at that "lamp-off" level of black, but I don't think that's going to happen with this generation of RP LCD. Maybe with the upcoming variable iris aperture magic?

I highly recommend the picture quality of the 55/60XS955- it delivers a stunning picture, especially dark to light contrast. But if your highest priority is simply black level, you might want to consider something else.

I did a search and couldn't find what just happened to me. Last night I did an auto scan to capture some realligned channels. I did some surfing to see what it found and went to bed. This morning I turned on the TV and it was where I left it, on channel 5. I tried changing the channel via channel up and down and it flashed the screen like it was changing, but went no where. I was able to direct tune to other channels but not with up and down. I then did a quick rescan and found I could surf among the few channels it captured. I am now in the process of a full rescan.
Has this happened to anyone else? Is this a known issue? I also found it odd that in last nights scan some channels the I thought had dissapeared were right where they usually were but wouldn't tune via surfing or direct input BUT were recaptured by the rescan. Do I have a tuner issue?
TIA for any feedback!
:(

I asked the Mods to move this here this morning. I redid it here.

Update: It happened a second time. I called it in to Sony. She had me unplug the set. Didn't help. Then rescan, that "ended the call." If it happens again they'll schedule a service call.

Is there a fix available for the information screen randomly popping up? When that happens the Wide Mode switches back to the default too. Just wondering if an available firmware update fixes this.

Originally posted by drwtsn32
Is there a fix available for the information screen randomly popping up? When that happens the Wide Mode switches back to the default too. Just wondering if an available firmware update fixes this.

Considering everyone is getting this to some degree or another, it seems like Sony should be able to isolate the problem.

I notice when I'm playing a game in wide mode that it randomly switches back to the default normal mode, although no menu pops up. I'll bet this is a related issue.

Has Sony ever admitted to this bug?

Originally posted by drwtsn32
Is there a fix available for the information screen randomly popping up? When that happens the Wide Mode switches back to the default too. Just wondering if an available firmware update fixes this.

Please don't laugh at this, since its a work around and not a fix. My experience has been it may be related to signal interference. I simply point the remote (infra red) away from the the TV when its not being used.

My son has had the same issue (and uses the same work around) with a 15 year old Hitachi used for PS/2 games.

Originally posted by IamtheWolf
. I simply point the remote (infra red) away from the the TV when its not being used.


It's a good theory, but the remote for my TV isn't anywhere near the set. I have an MX500 universal remote which I use to control the 60XS955. So I don't think it's anything the remote is doing. But I'll try pointing that away from the set and see if the problem continues.

about to get the 60xs955 .. is there a list of things i can do to totally test out all the features that users have most problems with to figure out in the first 5 days of having the set if there is anything wrong with it. i need to act in 7 days per terms of the company i bought it from.

Originally posted by IamtheWolf
Please don't laugh at this, since its a work around and not a fix. My experience has been it may be related to signal interference. I simply point the remote (infra red) away from the the TV when its not being used.
Are you suggesting that the remote transmits IR when it's sitting idle on a table? I find that hard to believe! I am not using the OEM remote.. rather a Sony VL-900 universal remote. Never had any problems with IR on any other device I've ever owned.

Originally posted by drwtsn32
Are you suggesting that the remote transmits IR when it's sitting idle on a table? I find that hard to believe! I am not using the OEM remote.. rather a Sony VL-900 universal remote. Never had any problems with IR on any other device I've ever owned.

I have had the same problem and I know that the remote wasn't pointed anywhere near the tv and this was with the stock Sony remote.

Quick question for owners: are there discrete codes for switching between different inputs? I just want to make sure that I can continue to use macros. Thanks!

Originally posted by eujin
Quick question for owners: are there discrete codes for switching between different inputs? I just want to make sure that I can continue to use macros. Thanks!
Yeah, I know they exist because the VL-900 lets you jump to a specific input by pressing the TV/VIDEO button plus a number.

I've been reading through the Sony posts as they are the stand outs in almost every store I go in. I know there has been some frustration with the lack of knowledge in the salesmen at the big box stores but I actually had a good experience at UE today. My wife and I went to several stores here in Phoenix and came across the same off the wall comments from sales guys at most of the stores until we went to Ultimate. I've had plenty of bad experiences there so we were caught off guard. Anyway, again we looked hard at the various DLP's, Dila and LCDs and again the Sony's stood out. The sales guy who helped us was pretty much right on with what I've read here and other places on the net. I told him that I was pretty much set on the 60xs955 because I love the pq and I also love the way it looks with the speakers on the side (I know I'm in the minority but it looks more high tech to me and the Sammys look so square compared to it). He could have pushed the 60xs but he told me that after debating between that and the 60WF655 he went for 60WF. He said that he didn't need the extra HDMI and couldn't see enough difference in the pq to justify the cost.

I stared at both of them for awhile and I want to know what all the 60xs offers that the 60wf doesn't. I like the looks of the 60xs quite a bit more than the 60wf but pq is most important to me so I want to know what is different about the two. I think I preferred the pq of the 60xs but I'd like some specs to confirm that. I can live with one HDMI but can also afford the $400 difference for the xs if I'm getting something that will effect pq for the better. I also know that Sony is releasing new models soon and am wondering how and when this will effect the prices of the older models?

thanks,

Just received my xs955 and pq is excellent out of the box. I did notice that anytime a banner is viewed across the top of the tv, example score of a game, the top of the tv seems uneven when you view the banner. Also when a letterbox line is present across top and botton. The bottom looks even however the top does not. Has anyone expierenced this? Is it a big deal? Its not off by much, just noticable.

I think this forum is great. I've had my 55XS955 for about 6 weeks now and have the DVE disk. According to the DVE overscan test pattern the set is about 3%. This is with the overscan in the user menu set to -1. Is there a overscan tweak in the service menu? Is there a comprehensive service menu guide that I can download somewhere?
many thanks
Joeren

Hey Guys great site and thread, just got my new 55XS last week hooked up Time Waner HD box (Scientific America not sure of the model) dvi to hdmi on video 7, have the cable line split and connected to the ant for PIP, bought the HDTV connector for my xbox connected it on video 5 using and played Star Wars Republic Commando, game play was awesome. HD picture out of the box is great out of the box but because of the dvi to hdmi connection I get a bit of a dealy when I first navigate to video 7 (have seen post on this issue I think its related to the cable box), the pq of the SD is so so, but I'm going to try some of the tweaks I read on post here, especially the pro mode stuff.

Just wondering if there are any post where all of the suggested tweaks are kept

UGH! its been a LONG day. waiting for the package to arrive. its getting late and no package. so i called shipping company and they said they called the driver and its another 10 minutes or so before they arrive. 5 minutes left, and im dying :) lol

Originally posted by eujin
Quick question for owners: are there discrete codes for switching between different inputs? I just want to make sure that I can continue to use macros. Thanks!

Yes for 1-7, haven't found one for video 8 yet.

WHOOOOOOOOOOOOhooooooooooooooo!

ye-haw!

now i have to bash the person on this thread who gave me box dimensions. uhm. either sony changed the dimensions or i have a box thats expanded. lol

won't fit in the truck.

now on to make a ramelectronics.net purchase :)

An interesting experience installing a cableCARD in a 55XS955. The TW cable tech showed up, spot on, at his appointment time of 4:30pm. It took about a half hour to replace a few short runs of old RG59 cable and an old splitter. He also re-ran the ground wire to the main power ground. For starters he connected the cable directly to the TV, to eliminate any issues with my surge arrestor and ground loop eliminator. I warned him about the subwoofer hum but he insisted I wouldn’t need the GLI. To which the subwoofer responded HUMMMMMMMMMMMMM. (I unplugged it). After two failed attempts to get the TV to see the cableCARD, I checked it and found it was not inserted all the way in. OK here we go. The Sony prompt appeared said it found a CC and said hit enter to proceed. [Enter] It started searching for channels. It found none, gave an error message and sat there. After a few phone calls the tech was asked, is it a Sony? He was told to just wait. After an hour a message appeared, (Initializing cableCARD may take 1hr.). Twenty minutes later it finished and we were able to access the host ID # and cableCARD # through the CC menu. He called in the numbers and a short time after that the channels appeared. Total time = 2.5 hours. He thanked me for my assistance. I thanked him for putting up with me looking over his shoulder

does the 60xs keep track of how many clock hours its been running? is it in the system menu, is it only balb hours or total system/tv time.

i thought it was funny that the TV runs linux and .o libraries.

Originally posted by jefe91
Hey Guys great site and thread, just got my new 55XS last week hooked up Time Waner HD box (Scientific America not sure of the model) dvi to hdmi on video 7, have the cable line split and connected to the ant for PIP, bought the HDTV connector for my xbox connected it on video 5 using and played Star Wars Republic Commando, game play was awesome. HD picture out of the box is great out of the box but because of the dvi to hdmi connection I get a bit of a dealy when I first navigate to video 7 (have seen post on this issue I think its related to the cable box), the pq of the SD is so so, but I'm going to try some of the tweaks I read on post here, especially the pro mode stuff.

Just wondering if there are any post where all of the suggested tweaks are kept

So you dvi to hdmi from the south atlantic works? I have a Sony 32HS420 and when I use the dvi out on the cable box it fails to swicth between 1080i and 480i modes. If I turn the tv on and its on a 1080i channel then all 480i channels will be letter boxed. That is until I turn off the tv and turn it back on, then it is stuck in 480i mode. Before this the TW pioneer hd cable box would crash when opening the guide on an hd channel. Everything works fine on components, but the dvi out doesn't work at all for me. So is the firmware in my south atlantic messed up? Or is the problem from my 4:3 crt tv?

Ok, I know the question of what the differnece between the WF and XS sets are has been asked a dozen times. My question is, would it be better to get the 60WF or the 55XS, since I can get them for less than $100 of each other. Is the PQ of the XS worth the 5"?

Originally posted by sawyer1370
Ok, I know the question of what the differnece between the WF and XS sets are has been asked a dozen times. My question is, would it be better to get the 60WF or the 55XS, since I can get them for less than $100 of each other. Is the PQ of the XS worth the 5"?

Since you almost always have the option to sit closer than futrher away, I would go for the XS.

I joined the club and bought a 60xs955 at Sears which won't be in until Monday so I have a few questions for you in preparation for my tv.

What have you all found to be the best (<$250) DVD player for this tv? In another thread some have said that the scaler in the Sony's are so good that it's best to just use a regular dvd player in 480i via component allowing the tv to convert it to whatever (I don't quite recall what it converted it to....480p? 720i? 720p? Anyway, I'm open to buying a decent progressive scan player or even an upconverting one since my 5 year old toshiba isn't that great but I'd like to know what you all have found to work best.

I'd also like to know if you cable users are using the cable card or the box? I can either take in my digital box and exchange it for a hd one or I guess I can use the cable card. What are the pros and cons of each and what cables will I need?

Lastly, what do you recommend for line conditioning/ups/surge protection? We don't have blackouts/brownouts or much lightning here and I'm moving into a brand new house but I sure don't mind spending a few hundred for protection if it's justified. Model numbers would help out a bunch.

Thanks!

Originally posted by dhauser
In another thread some have said that the scaler in the Sony's are so good that it's best to just use a regular dvd player in 480i via component allowing the tv to convert it to whatever (I don't quite recall what it converted it to...

Welcome to the owners thread! :cool: Be sure to subscribe and come back once you get your set and tell us what you think.

As for the answer to one of your questions... everything (Standard Def, Enhanced Def, the High Def resolutions, DVD, video games, etc.) is converted and displayed at 768p.

Is anyone using a Panny S97 dvd player with their Sony? I have a 60xs955 that will be arriving Monday and I picked up this Panasonic player on clearance for $195 tonight. This seems like the unanimous fovorite for afordable upconversion players it also seems like most people prefer 480i or 480p with their Sony rather than 1080i. I still don't know what macroblocking is so maybe I'm in for a surprise when I hook things up Monday.

If you get a chance? try 59avi on your display too, you will see what I mean!

dhauser, I have the 55XS955 along with the S97 with the 540 firmware upgrade. Trust me, you will be pleasantly surprised with this setup. Macroblocking is kind of like pixelation that sometimes occurs with DVDs. The last 2 firmware upgrades have really negated this in the S97.

I saw your post over in the S97 forum and my advise is to just read through that forum from the beginning. I know it's a lot of reading, but there is much useful info and it will help you get the best out of your player.

Remember. many of the users in that forum are perfectionists and are often talking about issues with the S97 that are on paper only and not visible to most naked eyes. I believe this to be about the best player on the market for the money (with the firmware upgrades)...especially now that the price is being reduced.

Start off with Paul's settings on your player and then tweak them (if you have to) to meet your own standards. You'll be very happy with this combo.

Originally posted by dhauser
Is anyone using a Panny S97 dvd player with their Sony? I have a 60xs955 that will be arriving Monday and I picked up this Panasonic player on clearance for $195 tonight. This seems like the unanimous fovorite for afordable upconversion players it also seems like most people prefer 480i or 480p with their Sony rather than 1080i. I still don't know what macroblocking is so maybe I'm in for a surprise when I hook things up Monday.

First of all try 720P as your S97 setting. I have mine set that way and it's awsome! Why use any interlaced settings? Get the 540 ROM upgrade (unless you want PAL ability, and don't look back. You got a GREAT price!
The included HDMI cable is all you need, unless it's too short for you.

Thanks guys...I'm already feeling better! IS the upgrade easy to do? I skimmed over Paul's directions as I was trying to find out more about the player itself before starting to tweak it. I'll get my tv up and running tomorrow and then can tweak it. Is it a given that it should be upgraded to 540 or is dependent upon the tv? I'm not much of a tweaker and want to get things set the best I can so that I can forget about it and enjoy watching some movies so should I just go for the upgrade and never look back?

I can't wait to get my tv tomorrow!

Thanks,
Dane

Where are you guys finding the Panny S97 at a reduced price? I can't find it.

Hi everyone. Just joined this thread. I have the KDF60XS955 and I just got the new stand. It's a little higher than we wanted, but doesn't interfere with the picture, and gives me a lot more storage than the Sony unit. The price was about the same.

a way lot more, I can tell!

This is a little odd. I got the KDF60XS955 about a month ago and it's great. I have the TV speakers turned off. The analog and digital audio is piped to my Yamaha receiver, which automatically switches the inputs between the two. This works perfectly....except for the scenario below.

For some reason, if I am watching an analog channel and turn on either the Twin View or Freeze features, the screen blanks momentarily (which I think is normal) but when it comes back on, I have no audio. If I disengage the Twin View or Freeze functions, the audio stays off. To get the audio to work, I have to switch to a digital channel. Then it comes back on. Switching to another audio channel does not do the trick.

Some things to mention.

The audio with the internal speakers does not have this problem. It's only with the external audio feeds.
This does not happen when activating these features while watching a digital channel.
If I switch my receiver to Analog Audio Only, everything works fine.

My theory.

The TV is sending some signal down the digital output that causes the receiver to switch from the analog to digital audio, even though the set is tuned to an analog station and there is no sound coming down the digital cable. That's why the forced analog mode on the receiver works.

Anyone else have this problem? My set was built in January 2005. I reported it to Sony, but haven't heard anything.


Thanks!!!

I hope this is the proper site to post this question. I would like to hear from you experienced people about getting extended service plan directly from sony. I had a phone conversation with their sales rep and found out that it covers lamp replacement 'though I would prefer to see it in print, also covers the lemon law policy. the price is almost 60% less than the CC's.please, any input is greatly appreciated. thanks.

my 55xs955 is due for delivery this weekend.

ajim

Originally posted by ajim
I would like to hear from you experienced people about getting extended service plan directly from sony.
ajim

Read this thread. (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=503367)

In the end, I got no extended warranty. I purchased my TV using my American Express card, which automatically doubles any manufacturer warranty.

My experience with electronics is that if anything is going to go wrong, it will happen within the first week or month. After that, it wont break till many years later. For example, my 8-track that was running great and broke this past week! Ok...just kidding about that. I would save your money.

Enjoy your new set!

-steve

Originally posted by tender

My experience with electronics is that if anything is going to go wrong, it will happen within the first week or month. After that, it wont break till many years later.

This is good advice for a $200 DVD player, or even a $1000 computer.

But you might want to reconsider this stance on a delicate $3000 TV set that's probably going to need a $300 bulb replacement after a year or three....

Originally posted by tender
My experience with electronics is that if anything is going to go wrong, it will happen within the first week or month. After that, it wont break till many years later.
-steve


There are always exceptions. And Murphy's Law says, the exceptions will occur when least expected, most inconvenient, or very expensive. In some cases, all three.

As a test engineer for more than 30 years, I hold Murphy's words close to my heart. :)

thanks tender for the link. I'm going to double check with sony if the plan indeed covers the bulb. i'll ask them to fax me a copy of the terms and conditions of the said plan.

ajim

Thanks for starting this thread, it is nice to have a forum to talk to other owners and learn a few things as well.

I just purchased the Sony KDF-55XS955 HDTV and it will be delivered next week. I am going to be using it with the new "942" HD receiver/DVR from Dish Network.

My question is this....which video input will provide the best picture, HDMI or Component Video? In the Sony owner's manual it states that only the component video will allow for true 1080i viewing. I thought HDMI did as well?

Any recommendations? What have you experienced?

Any other tips I should look into as I set the tv up?

Thanks,

RB

Originally posted by Red Bastard
...My question is this....which video input will provide the best picture, HDMI or Component Video?

...Any other tips I should look into as I set the tv up?

Thanks,

RB

1. I see no difference through my TWC SA8300HD to my 55XS955, where I let the STB do the upscaling.

2. My tip - get familiar with the set to your own comfort by navigating throughout the User Menu. Don't go with the flow using settings of others until you've settled on what you like best. Then, if you try suggestions, they've got to beat your best ...and so on.

Welcome aboard.

I just got my 60XS955 last week and I'm loving it. I've noticed some things that I think I need to tweak, but in general the picture is very good. I'm waiting for my AVIA disc to get hear.

I've been doing a lot of reading in the other threads especially about the SM tweaks, but am still uncertain as to weather they apply to this set versas the GWII and GWIII.

I've definitely noticed that there is some Red Push going on.

I had my 36 inch sony CRT tweaked pretty well using SM changes and calibrating it using the old Video Essentials Disc. Can't wait to see how much better I can make this set look.

Originally posted by tabish
I've been doing a lot of reading in the other threads especially about the SM tweaks, but am still uncertain as to weather they apply to this set versas the GWII and GWIII.



There are some basic SM adjustments that cross all GW generations. Other more specific to GWIV are spelled out under tweak subjects for those models.

I keep hearing about this Avia disc for calibrating your TV. If it's not too much to ask, can the knowledgeable person hit more on this. Is it a must and where can I get this? Thanks.

ajim

Hello,

I own the KDF-55XS955 and have it "tweaked" by changing some of the settings in PRO mode. A buddy of mine just bought the KDF-55WF655 and I told him I would "tweak" it for him. Right now he is just using the out-of-box set up (plugged in the TV and turned it on and started watching).

Are the user menu setting options the same on the WF as on the XS?
If my recolition is correct (I'm at work now), some of the settings I can change are:

Color Temp
Noise Reduction
Mild Mode
BN = Off
LiveColor
ClearWhite
Detail Enhancer
Black Corrector
Gamma Corrector

Thanks,

Tim

Question, the tweaks that people have made with the avia disc for the XS, would those same settings apply for the WF model. My 55WF655 was delivered today, and I'm about to start setting it up with my HT. I would love to be able to sit and tweak it to get the PQ just right.

settings listed earlier in the thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=5167210#post5167210)

and here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=5183817#post5183817)

Thanks

Originally posted by sawyer1370
Question, the tweaks that people have made with the avia disc for the XS, would those same settings apply for the WF model. My 55WF655 was delivered today, and I'm about to start setting it up with my HT. I would love to be able to sit and tweak it to get the PQ just right.

Thanks!

For the most part, they would be identical. Look at tweaks under GWIV. They should apply.
With some cautious tweaking as described in those threads, you can obtain some significant improvements. Maybe not as good as a professional calibration, but will certainly get you going in the right direction. And yes, results you can be very pleased with.

I suggest a basic cal in the users menu using Avia, or DVE for starters. You will be going back to those on a regular basis as part of the tweaking process. So you want to be most comfortable and familiar with the basics. Gain a certain understanding of what you are doing, don't do it just because it's a recommended setting.

Beyond the test disks, you have the option of having an ISF tech do a professional calibration for a few hundred dollars. This is highly recommended if you have any reservations about going into the SM.

Do some research, document any changes, tread lightly, and check and recheck if you plan to puruse some tweaks on your own.

And as UMR and other experienced techies will tell you..you enter the SM at your own risk. Knowing full well it is possible to invalidate your warranty or cause conditions that will require professional help to rectify.

Getting a good 100 hrs on the lamp is advisable before going too deep in the world of tweaks or having a professional cal.

But Avia or DVE should be used to correct any contrast/brightness and color settings initially. This will give you a more natural picture with lifelike images, rather than the flashy overly bright and contrasty picture common in dealer's showrooms.

I experienced a problem with my 60XS955 this morning. I had just talked to the BestBuy tech who is coming over to still work on my tuner problem. A few minutes after talking to him (do I have a Karma issue??) the TVs brightess DROPPED by about 30%. I touched nothing, it just dropped. It hasn't returned and I tried adjusting brightness, it just distorts the image further. Has this happened to anyone, I see to recall something with bulb failures, but the bulb is still on, just dimmer by a lot. The tech hasn't arrived yet, if it's a known issue maybe I can get him to replace this part too. Oy!
:mad:

Originally posted by joe221
I see to recall something with bulb failures,

Joe...

Sorry to hear this is happening. This sounds familiar to me too... something like "just before the bulb fails, it will get dim for a while and then *pop*" I can't remember where or even if I read that.

How long have you owned the set, and how many hours would you say are on the bulb?

Since late November. Not sure but the set gets used plenty, but is turned off at night.

is there a menu that tells you how many clock hours are on the bulb. i thought this would be great to have as a feature. i probably have less than 3 hours on the tv all together yet... i was going to start a timer but figured it was tooo much of a hassle

This may be a stupid question, but I'm now wondering about the logistics of installing a rotor outdoor antenna for my Sony 55XS955. I've bought the antenna and all the equipment, but it will probably be a couple of weekends before I have the time to get up on the roof to install it.

Here's my logistics question: Do I have to rescan for available channels everytime I change antenna directions? I live in Newark, DE and want to receive the OTA HD signals (among others) from Baltimore, MD...Washington, DC...and Philadelphia, PA. Neighbors with conventional TVs are able to receive signals from all these areas.

If I scan with the antenna pointed at Baltimore, won't those channel possibilities disappear when I scan to get the Philly channels in (opposite direction)? Will I only be able to tune in channels that are registered with a particular scan? Or if I know the frequency of a channel, can I just tune it in manually? Does this make any sense at all. Have I misunderstood something about the scan and rescan feature? Thanks for any guidance on this.

While on the subject of off-air roof antennas. Direct TV give us the opportunity to do a secondary scan. My primary scan is Philadelphi area. Can I do a secondary scan to another area and receive both Philly and beyond or will I just receive Philly?

Originally posted by BJMoose
This may be a stupid question, but I'm now wondering about the logistics of installing a rotor outdoor antenna for my Sony 55XS955. I've bought the antenna and all the equipment, but it will probably be a couple of weekends before I have the time to get up on the roof to install it.

Here's my logistics question: Do I have to rescan for available channels everytime I change antenna directions? I live in Newark, DE and want to receive the OTA HD signals (among others) from Baltimore, MD...Washington, DC...and Philadelphia, PA. Neighbors with conventional TVs are able to receive signals from all these areas.

If I scan with the antenna pointed at Baltimore, won't those channel possibilities disappear when I scan to get the Philly channels in (opposite direction)? Will I only be able to tune in channels that are registered with a particular scan? Or if I know the frequency of a channel, can I just tune it in manually? Does this make any sense at all. Have I misunderstood something about the scan and rescan feature? Thanks for any guidance on this.

It's not a stupid question. Based on my experience with the 60XS it takes an hour to scan through the channels on my cable, but less for OTA. I forgot how much less. The set is NOT very good about adding channels manually. ie turn the antenna, manually tune to 7.3 and try to have the set lock on to it. It just doesn't keep it, although it may tune to it. Using "Favorites" is a work around. I was able to have the set keep channels that it couldn't hold on to by making them a favorite. You have 16 of these. Hope this idea helps. Good luck with your Sony. :(

How do you unlock some of the advance options like DRC mode and palette. The manual says not available in 480, 720p or 1080i. I am connected with component vidio.

Originally posted by tonjjbt
How do you unlock some of the advance options like DRC mode and palette. The manual says not available in 480, 720p or 1080i. I am connected with component vidio.

Digital Reality Creation is to make lower-rez 480i analog signals look more "digital-like". It should work through a component connection on 480i sources, like DVD players in non-progressive mode.

I got my tv 60xs955 about 2 weeks ago and I have mixed feelings. I have cableone digital cable with a Motorola stb hooked up via component cables. Unfortunately, my first view was of a analog channel which was so bad that it was like someone punched me in the stomach. I kept flipping through the SD channels and though some were better than others, they are all really grainey. I'm sure this it due to the source rather than the tv. I had a tech come out because I live in an older house (8 years) and figured the cable might be bad. I was hoping that he'd confirm this since our new home will be finished in 6 weeks but he tested the signal and said it's about as good as it can be. I asked him about satelite and he said that the non-hd channels would be a lot better but I like having my local channels in hd or I'd switch.

Anyway, I finally made my way up to the high def channels and was absolutely blown away! If all of my channels were that good, I would be fine if pq never got any better (in my lifetime) than what I was seeing on my tv. I was very excited but still bummed since I only get like 5 hd channels.

I then hooked up my Panasonic S97 DVD player via HDMI and tried out all of the resolutions. I'm not at all impressed as all of my DVDs look grainy regardless of the setting. Maybe I was expecting too much since I went from a 13 year old 27" tv but I was hoping that I would be blown away with a "theater like" viewing experience. I need to get another component cable so that I can see if the picture is better with my old non-progressive DVD player. Maybe I'll be shocked but I can't imagine the pq will be that big of a difference.

As I type I'm flipping through some SD channels and I'm still having irrational thoughts of taking the tv back. I know someday we'll have a lot more hd channels and I'll be loving this tv but I'm not sure it's worth the $3000+ since my SD viewing experience is almost more discouraging than my 27". But then I watch the playoffs on HD TNT and I'm thrilled.

I need some advise if it's possible to get DVD's and SD cable to look better. If I take back the Panasonic S97 and wait for the new HD players to come out, will I be as blown away by the pq as I am with HD cable? I've tried tweaking the video settings according to other's setting in this thread but I'm not that much of a tweaker, didn't notice a huge difference and don't have Avia or DVE DVDs to dial things in. Should I get those? Should I get a professional calibration? Should I take back the tv and wait until things switch to hd or at least the tvs are cheaper so atleast I wouldn't be paying so much for grain?

This TV looks as good as anything I've seen when its fed a good source so I don't think I'll be happier with a different set. I was just hoping I'd be a little happier after shelling out that kind of money. Please help!

Did you try setting your dvd player to 480i? I did and even my Sony 400 disc dvd changer looks excellent, not at all grainy unless you have a poor quality dvd and that is through my component input. My Denon 2910 looks excellent also using HDMI.
Ron

dhauser, before you think about taking the tv back, try a couple of other things first. Split your cable coming out of the wall and send one of the cables directly to your coax on your set. A good signal amplifier could help too. The analog and SD signals, although not perfect, are much better than through the box. And actually, I think a clear signal through an outdoor antenna is better yet. I suspect it has something to do with the compression of the signal with cable vs. antenna. Hope this helps.

dhauser, I had better luck with hooking up the S-Video cable just to watch SD.

dhauser...

Your experiences accurately reflect what this set can do. I have to ask what your viewing distance is? Also, how much prime-time TV do you watch?


The thing about Standard Definition is this: the bigger it gets, the worse it looks. You have a 60" screen and that's blowing up SD material far beyond what it was intended. If this is a lot of what you will be watching in the next couple years, you might have jumped on the HDTV bandwagon a bit too soon.

On the other hand, HD is here and growing - most prime-time shows are broadcasted in HD, and many movies in prime-time are HD. These should look awesome on your set. Tune into an episode of American Idol to see how good your TV can look. Also, high definition DVD is coming soon - maybe within a year or so. With your set you are ready for what WILL be coming.

A correctly set-up DVD should look decent on this set. Remember that DVD is standard definition based on NTSC, which is going away in the next couple years. You can get accurate color, but the SD picture on a 60" is going to look soft no matter what player you use. I recommend using the THX optimizer available on THX DVDs like the Star Wars or Pixar movies, among others. Also be sure that with SD material you are a reasonable viewing distance back from the TV... at least 9' or more is preferred.

Spend some time with the set and learn what is reasonable to expect from it. Watch prime-time shows (Lost, CSI and 24 are other good HD examples), calibrate your DVD as good as you can and don't sit too close to a 60" screen showing SD. After a week you should have a good idea as to whether you want to keep this set.

Good luck!

dhauser...
If you ask me about returning your set, I might have a different answer than most. So I won't harp on that.
As for SD from cable, mine looks very good with direct connect (through a quality amp) from Adelphia in West L.A. YMMV. (it's F'n awful through the Motorola Moxi HD Box) As for the S90 I set the S90 to 720p and used the included HDMI cable and it's STUNNING. I use Finding Nemo as my showcase. It's as sharp and colorful as good as I've ever seen, short of a 1080p Aquos! When it works this set can deliver awsome HDTV (see Discovery HDT) when it flakes out, as has mine, it's ulcer creating! The REASON I bought this set was how well it delivered SD the HD was a given. I saw so many SD aftifacts on other DLPs and other brands that I went against my previous Sony experience and bought it. I now wish I hadn't but that's a different thread. (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=531971&highlight=gwiv+atsc)

I'm confused, I have been reading about people suggesting to connect direct coax from the wall into the TV for best SD. Isn't it better to go component or HDMI from Sat receiver to TV?

Hello all,

I ordered the SU-GW12 stand and 55XS from different vendors. The stand came a few days ago and I had the delivery guys put it together and it looked like it was put together fine. I got the tv yesterday and put it on the stand, but now I cannot get that final removable "lip" piece to click in over the tv base. It went on fine with no tv but now it seems like the actual tv base is a little higher and giving me some resistance to the point it just won't fit. Anyone else run into this issue - I tried pushing the tv right up to the edge in the back but that still doesn't seem to work. Any advice would be a great help.

Originally posted by tonjjbt
I'm confused, I have been reading about people suggesting to connect direct coax from the wall into the TV for best SD. Isn't it better to go component or HDMI from Sat receiver to TV?

Good question....

For CATV subscribers ("cable" as in Comcast, etc), the best way to connect is to take the direct coax into the set and let the TV's tuner display the image. If a cable subscriber has an external box to decode channels like HBO, then that box acts as the tuner and HDMI or component are good connections to display the source. These sets can accept one-way cablecard that can make the external box unnecessary, but it has some limitations and not all cable companies have a cablecard option yet.

For receiving over-the-air signals, connecting an antenna via coax straight into the TV is best.

For Satellite subscribers like DirecTV, you MUST have a box to receive SD. For these people, component or HDMI is the best connection for these boxes.

Originally posted by tonjjbt
I'm confused, I have been reading about people suggesting to connect direct coax from the wall into the TV for best SD. Isn't it better to go component or HDMI from Sat receiver to TV?

From satellite of course. But from cable, the less massaged the better. And don't forget, we're talking ANALOG signals with cable. The DIGITAL signals generally go through a box of some type. But the ATSC tuner can capture many digital channels too, though it needs to function and that's my problem. See above post.

dhauser,

I see you are on the S97 thread also. Have you tried Paul's tweaks as a starting point? I calibrated my 55XS955 using DVE and Avia. Avia works better for me (easier for me to see the necessary adjustments via the patterns and filters). After tweaking according to Avia and Paul, I then made minor adjustments to fit my own viewing tastes.

It can be a bit time consuming, but I calibrated Standard, Vivid, and Pro for each input that I have anything connected to. I actually created an Excel chart to enter all the settings, just in case I lose them in my set for some reason.

I am extremely pleased with DVDs on the S97 (I had 2 more expensive Denons before I bought this one). As others have said, I'm blown away by HD, especially when viewing live sports broadcasts. I use the pro settings for both my DVD and Motorola DVR (both connected to the HDMI connections). I use the standard settings when viewing via Coax through the built-in ATSC tuner.

I think all the stores have their sets tuned to the Vivid setting, which though it produces some highly defined colors, I find not to be very realistic and difficult to get accurate facial tones for Anglo or African Americans. Some may like this setting, but after a few days of watching via calibrated standard and pro settings, I find the PQ to be much more lifelike.

All this being said, SD is still far from perfect, even at its best, but I find it an acceptable trade-off for the DVD and HD PQ. I bought my set from a retail store (Twee...) that had the set connected to satellite, cable, DVD, and OTA antenna. They let me play with and observe all the inputs for as long as I liked. So I was aware of what the different sources were going to look like once I got the set home.

As other have said, give it some time, try some of the workarounds that have been mentioned, and I'll bet you wind up happy with your purchase.

My Sony KDF-55WF655 came in today, I tried out an old DVD player I had with the cables that came with it and the PQ was not all that great... So I went today and bought Toshiba SD-5980 DVD Player and hooked it all up using the HDMI cable that came with it... and the PQ is much better than the older DVD player but the PQ still lacks in my eyes... It's nothing compared to what you would see on the TVs while they are on the showroom floor... Granted the straight cable into the TV isnt going to look anything special, I have my cable provider coming out tomm and hook me up with a digi box and digi cable... I have the 5980 upconverting to 720p and used the THX Optimizer off the Finding Nemo DVD to tweak the settings... I fired up Shrek 2 and it's not all that clear in edges and fine detail... Put in Alamo DVD to see what the action was like on this set and the PQ looked the same in lack of detail... Im sure the question of how far am I away is going to come up, so to answer that 12 ft 4 3/8th from the TV... Any ideas on what my settings should be on the TV and DVD Player? Any advice would be much appreicated... Yes this is my first HDTV if you couldn't tell haha... Thanks again!

-J

Originally posted by anygiven60
My Sony KDF-55WF655 came in today, I tried out an old DVD player I had with the cables that came with it and the PQ was not all that great... So I went today and bought Toshiba SD-5980 DVD Player and hooked it all up using the HDMI cable that came with it... .. Any ideas on what my settings should be on the TV and DVD Player? -J
Set the DVD player to 480i. That should improve things. When it does, start working on the TV tweaks.

Anyone?

Originally posted by stuff
Hello all,

I ordered the SU-GW12 stand and 55XS from different vendors. The stand came a few days ago and I had the delivery guys put it together and it looked like it was put together fine. I got the tv yesterday and put it on the stand, but now I cannot get that final removable "lip" piece to click in over the tv base. It went on fine with no tv but now it seems like the actual tv base is a little higher and giving me some resistance to the point it just won't fit. Anyone else run into this issue - I tried pushing the tv right up to the edge in the back but that still doesn't seem to work. Any advice would be a great help.

Anyone know if the 55XS has any EDID memory? if yes, how much?

thanks guys.

Carmine.

Does anyone have their 55/60XS955 connected to a Belkin PureAV Home Theater Power Console UPS? If so, does it allow the set to be powered down normally, or does the set turn itself off immediately upon the UPS kicking in? When the UPS kicks in, does it issue an audial alarm and if so, can the alarm be silenced as is the case with many of Belkin's computer UPS's? Thanks.

Originally posted by BJMoose
Does anyone have their 55/60XS955 connected to a Belkin PureAV Home Theater Power Console UPS? If so, does it allow the set to be powered down normally, or does the set turn itself off immediately upon the UPS kicking in? When the UPS kicks in, does it issue an audial alarm and if so, can the alarm be silenced as is the case with many of Belkin's computer UPS's? Thanks.

I'm not sure how the TV "knows" to shut down with any UPS. But, a monoth ago at night, I was watching a show on my ReplayTV and all of a sudden it was dark in the apt. but my show continued! Both the TV and RTV are on my APC UPS! :D

hi - I just ordered my 55XS955 a couple of days ago after 2 months of research. Very excited, I found the PQ to be the best I saw of all rptv's and some flat panels as well. I already have a Sony ns975 DVD and was wondering if anyone else has this combo already and what settings you are running through HDMI? Great to find a forum for my specific model of choice!:)

Hi guys, sorry it took me a few days to get back with you. Your advice was great and I really appreciate it.

First off, I'm definitely not going to run back to the store to take this tv back as the hd shows absolutely blow me away so I know this tv is the best (to my eyes at least) as long as the source material is good. I still have to figure out if I jumped the gun since there isn't a whole lot of hd material out there.

To answer a few questions you guys asked me, my viewing distance is about 15 feet and my primary use will be prime time tv and dvd movies.

As I've said before, hd material is incredible without me having adjusted anything on the tv so no need for tweeks there. I took your advice on running the coax directly into the tv and it made a big difference. SD still isn't great and I understand that it never will on a 60" tv but I can actually see where the basket ball is now on the court....seriously, it was that bad through the box! I'm still wondering if some adjustments wouldn't take away some of the blurriness and artifacts? Can you guys give me some setup advice for sd cable? What would be the optimal settings? Also, it seems that I can get all of my channels including hd without using my cable box so what is the point of having the box? I do like being able to use the cable menu though plus I dont get any info on the channels if I don't use the box so is my only choice to hit the tv/video button to engage the box to see what's on and for digital channels since it's a pain to get to them with the sony remote (I have to enter something like 73.452) and then hit tv/video again to go directly to the cable input for sd viewing?

I hooked up component cables to my Panny s97 dvd player so that I could check out 480i and I'm still not that impressed. The picture reminds me of watching vcr movies prior to dvds coming out. Maybe I'm being harsh or expecting too much or maybe the movies I selected weren't the best for testing. I used the intro fight seen from Gladiator (chapter 2 I think) which was really grainey and then put in LOTR Fellowship of the ring which was ok but not great. I didn't notice much of a difference in clarity between 480i, 720p and 1080i but the color seemed much richer in 1080i. It also seemed a lot brighter. When I had the player set to 480i and hit the Sony remotes display button it showed 480i. Is that correct or would the tv show the upscaled resolution? Am I confused on what the tv does with the 480i dvd?

I'll try and pop in a cartoon dvd as I'm sure that will look better than real life footage. I think the real issue is that my eyes are so blown away by hd tv that everything else looks bad compared to it. So will hd dvds look as good as hd tv? That will be incredible.

Some final thoughts......in contrast to what most people think, I love the way the tv looks with the speakers on the side. The tv is centered on a 20' wide wall with 11' ceilings so the added width makes the tv look like a monster. Also, the sound out of the tv is actually really good! I have a nice Denon receiver with high end speakers and I'm going to save a lot of wear and tear on them because the tv is plenty good for regular tv.

Thanks for all your help getting this thing dialed in!

dhauser,
I'm not sure if you have the S97 set up right. It should be giving you as good a picture as currently available (short of a $3k deck). On the Panny remote (using the HDMI cable) press Display then Picture then Video Output. Is 720p checked? If it is, I don't get it. The DVDs I've watched look real good. (That is before my set went nuts)

Sorry to be slightly off-topic, but is there a replacement model for the Panasonic DVD player S97 that's just as good or better?

Originally posted by DaverJ
Sorry to be slightly off-topic, but is there a replacement model for the Panasonic DVD player S97 that's just as good or better?

As in any electronics that's always true. It's just a matter of when. Check the DVD forum for the latest. HERE (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=18)

Originally posted by joe221
dhauser,
I'm not sure if you have the S97 set up right. It should be giving you as good a picture as currently available (short of a $3k deck). On the Panny remote (using the HDMI cable) press Display then Picture then Video Output. Is 720p checked? If it is, I don't get it. The DVDs I've watched look real good. (That is before my set went nuts)
So the S97 has a better scaler than this TV? If it doesn't, I imagine leaving the DVD signal in its native format (480i) would be best.

All I know is what I saw. I can't comment now as the TV is a POS/Lemon and everything is bad now.

Originally posted by joe221
As in any electronics that's always true. It's just a matter of when. Check the DVD forum for the latest. HERE (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=18)

The reason I asked is I can't find a S97 anywhere, except eBay where the seller has a $250 reserve on a , what, $200 DVD player? Sheese. :rolleyes:

So I was wondering if anyone here had any info on what Panny's current version of the S97 was and if it's as good. (The DVD forum scares me! :eek: )

Originally posted by DaverJ
The reason I asked is I can't find a S97 anywhere, except eBay where the seller has a $250 reserve on a , what, $200 DVD player? Sheese. :rolleyes:

So I was wondering if anyone here had any info on what Panny's current version of the S97 was and if it's as good. (The DVD forum scares me! :eek: )

Don't be scared, they don't bite! ;) There's a new model (77) coming with a list of $200 but I believe it's below the 97 not a replacement. The 97 lists at $300 I paid 280, 250 is fair but is the warranty valid?

Originally posted by joe221
The 97 lists at $300 I paid 280, 250 is fair but is the warranty valid?

Thanks for the info Joe... The unit is lightly used, but I'll have to ask if the warranty is still good. hmmm... If I can get it for $250 I might go for it.

Someone on these boards got one for $200! Used I think. so there may be a deal out there. But it's hard to find one. :(

Originally posted by DaverJ
Thanks for the info Joe... The unit is lightly used, but I'll have to ask if the warranty is still good. hmmm... If I can get it for $250 I might go for it.
The S97s are few and far between now. Tweet... finally began selling their floor models at a reduced price. AVS has an entire forum (actually 2 now) devoted to the S97. The S77 which is replacing the S97 looks to have most of the same specs, however it does not ship with an HDMI cable. It hasn't been out long enough for any real dependable testing to see if the PQ is on a par with the S97. With the latest firmware corrections, I have found (as Joe said) that the S97 is a better overall player for PQ and tweaking that many top of the line players costing several times as much. Panasonic listened to the customers and has been working hard to perfect this unit. I'd say that you won't go wrong if you're still able to get an S97 for under $300. There are a couple that have appeared on eBay, on the cheap.

Originally posted by dhauser
I hooked up component cables to my Panny s97 dvd player so that I could check out 480i and I'm still not that impressed. The picture reminds me of watching vcr movies prior to dvds coming out.

Have you tried your S97 on another TV set? It might be possible that there is a problem with the player itself. Is it still under warranty? Probably not much chance of getting an exact replacement, but you might want to investigate. You really shouldn't be seeing graininess in the clips you mentioned. Animated movies, although they look great, don't actually give you a true barometer of your player's performance. Colors and sharpness are way over exaggerated as compare to 'real' movies.

Have you found and tried Paul's settings over in the S97 forum? What picture mode are you watching? I think you mentioned it was fine right out of the box, and if I'm not mistaken, out of the box, mine was set to Vivid with some very unnatural settings.

Everyone's own eyes turn out to be the best test for what they want to see, but I personally find that an Avia tweaked Pro mode is more to my liking. If you go to a lot of movies, you'll notice that the colors and sharpness of people and backgrounds are set nowhere near as high as they are in the Sony's original Vivid mode.

Thanks for the info on the S97 guys! I'll think I'll brave my way over to the appropriate forum, but the player sounds like a winner.

I've been searching for a TV for a while and finally decided on the 55sx955. It was delivered today and it's a beautiful set. So far I've only gone through the basics with Avia and played with the advanced settings a bit. OTA HDTV looks great but I can only pick up a few channels with my little RS double bow tie set top antenna. Looks like I'll be getting an antenna to put in the attic. DirecTV SD is poor compared to what I had with my previous Mitsubishi Diamond 65" RPTV. I'm hoping that some of the tweaks listed in the other thread will help improve the picture. I can't wait to try out some Xbox and PS2 to see what they look like!

Are any of you using this box with the directv high definition tivo box -- the HR10-250? I just bought one and it's due to arrive soon. As I understand it, the HR10-250 does not have native pass through. What do folks who have this set find preferable -- 720p or 1080i output. Or do you change output as the source changes? Also, are you using component or hdmi?

Originally posted by VetteMan04
I've been searching for a TV for a while and finally decided on the 55sx955. It was delivered today and it's a beautiful set. So far I've only gone through the basics with Avia and played with the advanced settings a bit. OTA HDTV looks great but I can only pick up a few channels with my little RS double bow tie set top antenna. Looks like I'll be getting an antenna to put in the attic. DirecTV SD is poor compared to what I had with my previous Mitsubishi Diamond 65" RPTV. I'm hoping that some of the tweaks listed in the other thread will help improve the picture. I can't wait to try out some Xbox and PS2 to see what they look like!

Some things I've learned.
The little Zenith/Phillips HD antenna readily available on Amazon for just around $20 is great. Looks like a flaming arrow. The Terk (About $40) is a POS. A roof antenna is better if you have bad reception, I don't so it serves me very well.
SD on all HDTVs in general, suck. The Sony does the best job of making lemonade with lemons. It's really all about the HD.
Get the HD kit for the XBox, don't be surprised if you have to manually zoom some of the games even though they rate 480p or 720p, it's a "feature". They look fantastic! Look on the back of the box grid to see which mode is supported. Don't forget to go into the console and tell it the proper video settings, after hooking up the HD kit.
Good luck and enjoy!

Originally posted by lark
Are any of you using this box with the directv high definition tivo box -- the HR10-250? I just bought one and it's due to arrive soon. As I understand it, the HR10-250 does not have native pass through. What do folks who have this set find preferable -- 720p or 1080i output. Or do you change output as the source changes? Also, are you using component or hdmi?
Looks like BestBuy is breaking the price on this item, finally. Are you protected?

Originally posted by lark
Are any of you using this box with the directv high definition tivo box -- the HR10-250? I just bought one and it's due to arrive soon. As I understand it, the HR10-250 does not have native pass through. What do folks who have this set find preferable -- 720p or 1080i output. Or do you change output as the source changes? Also, are you using component or hdmi?

I would also like to ask 55/60XS955 owners that also have the HR10-250 to step forward and give advice and/or comments.

I have been tempted to buy one of these HD DirecTivos ever since I bought my 60XS back in Dec. but have been playing the wait game and sticking with the SD DirecTivo while watching live HD OTA. The Significant Other hasn't been happy about sitting through commercials during our non-Tivo programs, not to mention having to be at the TV at the start of the program - Tivo spoiled up big-time! :p

With Best Buy dropping the price to $699, I think I'm going to jump... but could use as much advice as possible and a little friendly nudge.:cool:

TIA!

Ok, so I had a little more time to play around and compare the DVD formats on my s97. First off Joe, I did have it properly set to either 720p or 1080i when I was watching the dvd scenes. I was wrong though on my 480i test via component because I was comparing apples to oranges. I had my component cable on my tv connected to my cable box which I unplugged and went in to my s97 so that I had both component 480i and HDMI 720p and 1080i which I could switch back and forth on with my tv remote. What I didn't realize is that I had messed around with the settings trying to get my cable box to look better so I wasn't comparing equal settings when comparing component to hdmi.

BTW BJMoose, I did say that I was happy (at least until I get a calibration or cali dvds) with the tv out of the box but I forgot that I immediately switched it to standard so as not to melt my eyes on vivid. So I was actually referring to the out of box settings for the standard mode.

Interesting.....I bought Nemo today since it has the THX optimizer and comes highly recommended for the pq. So as I said, my comments before that 480i didn't have as rich of colors or seem as bright as 720p or 1080i (which I can't tell the difference of at all by the way) were based upon the fact that I had tweaked the settings for cable so they were way off. Once I set all of the standard settings back to their defaults and compared the 480i via component to HDMI, the 480i was a huge improvement over the upconversion. I only had time to check this with finding Nemo but it wasn't even close. It seems that the scaler/deinterlacer in this tv is much better than even the Panasonic's. Many people had said this before in this thread but I didn't believe it until I tried it. Now I still need to compare some other dvds which I'll try to do tomorrow night. The 480i out of my s97 is much better than my 7 year old toshiba but that's to be expected. My initial advise to you Daver would be to try your current dvd player if you have a decent 480i or progressive scan player before spending money on the s97. I got a floor model for $197 a few weeks ago (which is probably where Joe got $200 from) and will probalby keep it but it appears that I'll be using it with a component cable at 480i. I'm wondering if it wouldn't look just as good if I got a $100 dvd player for playing 480i. Then again, the s97 gets such good reviews but I think it's for its 1080i images as opposed to 480i so I'm wondering how it compares to others in that setting. Please take all of this with a grain of salt as I'm a total newbie and I could be over looking something like I did before. My research on this forum found that most people are happier letting their Sonys do the work rather than the upconverting dvd players.

All of that being said, and even with Nemo in the player, the dvd image is still a little grainy/fuzzy. It's not bad and Nemo actually was breath taking with the colors but it's nothing like watching an HD basketball game. I guess my question to you guys is what should I be expecting with 480i dvds? Nemo looked good but other action movies like LOTR and gladiator look kind of like what watching VCR tapes on my 27" was like. When I went from VCR to DVD on my 27" it was a huge upgrade just like when I go from DVD to HD tv on my 60". I think I'm ok with this as long as HD DVDs aren't too far away.

As I said earlier, your advice to take cable direct into the tv for SD made a big difference so I'm feeling much better. I would like to know what I can do to make the image even better for SD cable and even HD cable if it can get much better. Can someone who knows how to calibrate give me settings for both SD and HD cable since I can't use a DVD to set those up? I'll get a calibration dvd and try to teach myself that but I here a lot of guys talking about pro mode but I don't even know where to begin to set up for cable.

Thanks a lot guys....this forum is fantastic!

dhauser, here are the settings I'm using. My Motorola DVR is connected to Video 7 via an HDMI/DVI cable. My Panasonic S97 is connected to Video 8 via HDMI. Both of these are using the Pro mode and there are only slight variances. These were calibrated using Avia and then tweaked for my own personal viewing preferences--mostly to get rid of some red crush.

I use the Tuner input for my direct cable connection, and for my eyes, the Standard mode seems to work best. I hope the formatting of these tables remains when I push the submit button and I hope it helps some.



Pro Mode Video 7
Picture 46
Brightness 30
Color 20
Hue 0
Sharpness 5
Color Temperature Cool
Noise Reduction Low
Mild Mode Off
Power Saving Reduced
DRC Mode Greyed out
DVC Palette Greyed out
BN Smoother Greyed out
Live Color Medium
Clear White On
Detail Enhancer Medium
Black Corrector Low
Gamma Corrector Medium
White Balance (all zero’s)
----------------------
Pro Mode Video 8
Picture 46
Brightness 32
Color 19
Hue G3
Sharpness 5
Color Temperature Cool
Noise Reduction Off
Mild Mode Off
Power Saving Reduced
DRC Mode High Density
DVC Palette Custom 1
BN Smoother Off
Live Color Medium
Clear White On
Detail Enhancer Medium
Black Corrector Low
Gamma Corrector Medium
White Balance (all zero’s)

----------------------
Standard Mode Tuner
Picture 50
Brightness 35
Color 24
Hue 0
Sharpness 35
Color Temperature Neutral
Noise Reduction Medium
Mild Mode Off
Power Saving Reduced
DRC Mode Greyed out
DVC Palette Greyed out
BN Smoother Greyed out
Live Color Medium
Clear White Greyed out
Detail Enhancer Greyed out
Black Corrector Greyed out
Gamma Corrector Greyed out
White Balance N/A

[edit] Well the formatting didn't work out, but I hope you can still make heads or tails out of this.

Originally posted by dhauser
I guess my question to you guys is what should I be expecting with 480i dvds?

THanks for the update dhause!

It's been said before and I'll re-iterate it for people thinking about a large HDTV but will be watching a lot of Standard Definition :

With Standard Definition TV (NTSC) - the bigger the image, the worse it looks. The smaller the image, the better it looks. I would say the size for SD tops out at around 35", your mileage may vary.

With High Definition TV - the bigger the image, the better it looks. This, of course, is a simplification because the image doesn't actually "improve" on a bigger screen, but the perception and experience is much better for most people on a big screen.

Many people compare Standard Definition on a 32" screen with the same SD image on a 55" "HDTV" and are shocked to find out their $3000 TV looks worse than the old smaller screen. This is a very unfortunate comparison because they are comparing an image that has been expanded far beyond what it was intended. But at the same time a realistic comparison because SD will be around for a while.

With the above said, take note that current DVDs are Standard Definition based on NTSC.

Originally posted by joe221
Looks like BestBuy is breaking the price on this item, finally. Are you protected?

Tough to say. People in the know indicate that directv has historically been very good with hardware updates. But it is a crap shoot.

Still, I've had my 60xs955 for 4 months now, and I'm simply missing too much. There isn't enough HD programming as it is, and the fact that much of it is on when I can't watch means this wonderful $3000 set is not showing off as much as it could in my living room.

Plus, I got a crushing deal on the hd directivo box. I think many of you are also members of the tivo community forum. There is a sponsor over there offering the box to community members for less than the prices being quoted here from the B&M stores, and they give a 5 year extended warranty (which is important with this box given some of the glitches.)

Plus, there's also a thread over on the tivo community forum about how good customers from directv (pay bills on time customer over a year with some premium services) can get credits to defray the cost. One of my SD directivo units blew out this weekend, and with $370 in credit from directv, my final cost on the hd tivo came out to be only about $120 more than an SD tivo replacement box. (Although I do need to re-up with directv for another year to get the discount.)

Has anyone experienced an excessive amount of video noise from their sets??
I have the cable coming through a Monster HTS3600 Power conditioner to the Motorola 6208 then to the TV Via HDMI, so the DRC/BNSmoother options aren't accessible. HDTV and SDTV seem to exhibit this noise rather clearly for some reason, I've also run an S&V Tuneup already. I ran 3 previous Hitachi 50VS810 with the exact same setup and didn't have this Noise at all. DVD's on my Samsung HDDVD841 exhibit this to a lesser extent to almost non existent. Anyone have any clue? I really hope this has nothing to do with the TV itself.

Why can't I get to some of my advance settings on my 60XS955. I have DTV HDMI to video 7. I can't get to DRV mode, DRC palette, etc...

can someone help!

Digital Reality Creation is only for 480i images. I'll bet whatever you have into your HDMI input isn't 480i.

DaverJ, I think you are correct. My Motorola 6208 HDTV Box allows me to send SD pictures at either 480i or 480p as I chose (HDTV is selectable at 1080i or 720p). I am currently running it in 480p I think. I'll recheck tonight and see if I can get rid of some of this video noise using 480i and the extra features that I can use.
tonjjbt, take a peak at your DTV settop box/satellite receiver and find where you can view the display mode. I know I can use these settings with the OTA input selection that also uses the HDMI cable but through the Selected Input 7 using the Box, these options I think aren't selectable just as you indicate.

Originally posted by stuff
Hello all,

I ordered the SU-GW12 stand and 55XS from different vendors. The stand came a few days ago and I had the delivery guys put it together and it looked like it was put together fine. I got the tv yesterday and put it on the stand, but now I cannot get that final removable "lip" piece to click in over the tv base. It went on fine with no tv but now it seems like the actual tv base is a little higher and giving me some resistance to the point it just won't fit. Anyone else run into this issue - I tried pushing the tv right up to the edge in the back but that still doesn't seem to work. Any advice would be a great help.

Does your TV sit flat on the stand? I originally tried the less expensive GW11 stand, but it had two plastic pieces that keyed into openings on the bottom of the TV to keep it from sliding on the stand. These pieces lined up VERY close, but off just enough to cause a slight wobble.

My 60WF fits perfectly on the GW12 stand. I am trying to remember if the GW12 has those pieces also. If so, they mey be off enough to make the TV sit a tad too high. Loosening the screws might allow them to line up better.

Gary

Thanks for the reply - I did need to adjust the TV slightly so that is caught into the openings you are talking about. It now fits perfectly.

Originally posted by gmanning
Does your TV sit flat on the stand? I originally tried the less expensive GW11 stand, but it had two plastic pieces that keyed into openings on the bottom of the TV to keep it from sliding on the stand. These pieces lined up VERY close, but off just enough to cause a slight wobble.

My 60WF fits perfectly on the GW12 stand. I am trying to remember if the GW12 has those pieces also. If so, they mey be off enough to make the TV sit a tad too high. Loosening the screws might allow them to line up better.

Gary

BJMoose, thanks for giving me a list of your settings! I don't have much time during the week so I'll try those out this weekend.

Dhauser

Hey guys - new lurker/purchaser viewing the thread -

I've been doing some research, and I like what I see in the Sony XS 55/60 inch TV - haven't made the purchase yet - (gotta see if Best Buy will give me a line of credit or not - LOL) - otherwise I may just do it anyways on the credit card -

I'm glad this thread is up and running - if I find problems, I'll know where to start, as well as stuff I need to know for tweaking/fixing/not panicing when something goes weird on me -

bear in mind, this will be my first serious TV - everything I've ever owned is a piece of crap - usually found by the dumpster before I left - LOL.

I'm a little worried about transporting it when I move - but that'll come when that'll come and I buy a home - not this yr.

plan on not pimping out speakers cause in an apt. one can only go so much pimp anyways before they call the cops so I'll probably use the ones in set for now - - I'd like to find a nice cheap stand for one - I have a 30 inch wooden box (don't ask) I keep my current TV on - not sure if that's enough stand widthwise for this TV, but it used to hold 100 pound amps, so it can certainly take the weight if the edges hang off the side a bit..

If anyone has any suggestions (I'm in Minneapolis) for purchasing/warranties - please let me know - I may be making the purchase next week or the week after - my email is whiskeytown@gmail.com

also one question, while it's not important at all, I've heard that there can be issues with "burn" on these - like with stock tickers that go all day at the bottom of the TV or if someone plays a video game without any screen move - is this still an issue with these Sony LCD's?

I've bookmarked the thread - and will be trying to read thru it all before making a purchase next week - thanks.

also, if someone can explain this Avia disk you are using to calibrate, that would be cool (like where I could get one when I get a standalone DVD player - thanks)

RB

Thanks again -

RB, I don't mean to sound condescending at all, and I don't know how much of your post is 'tongue in cheek' but on the surface of what you say, my sincere advice would be to wait until you move before investing in a new TV. That $3000+ would go a long way toward making a significant difference on your down payment for the new home you mention (which is way more important than a TV). That way, you get your new home, don't have to worry about moving your TV, and you get to take advantage of whatever newer technology will be available at the time (and there will be a newer technology...there always is). Good luck on your decision.

Is anyone using an HTPC with your 55/60XS955?

I was thinking about building one, but wanted to get some experiences from others first.

I'm mainly looking to build an HTPC to browse the internet (already have Wireless-G setup in my house), be able to stream MP3s from my other computer or from the HTPC harddrive, and lastly consider using the DVD-ROM to upscale DVDs to 720p or 1080i. I'm not too concerned with making it function as a DVR as I already have a S.A. 8300HD to do this. My wife wouldn't be game for using the PC as it would complicate things for her. She's likes life simple. :)

Anyone have any experience?

Tim

I would like to know this too. Can I hook this sony set to a computer?

Right now I have a PC with an ATI All In Wonder (DVI output), Delta Dio 2496 Digital Soundcard with optical/coax output, P4 2.0Ghz with 1gig ram, 120gig HD.

If I just take a DVI to HDMI cable and go in HDMI input 8, what will happen?

I know that I'll need to probably use Powerstrip to change the resolution to 1920x1080i or something similar. Maybe 1280x720.

But after that I should be good right? Anyone have experience. I've been reading the HTPC forum, but most of that is over my head with things that I don't need.

Tim

Originally posted by tmm0f5
Right now I have a PC with an ATI All In Wonder (DVI output), Delta Dio 2496 Digital Soundcard with optical/coax output, P4 2.0Ghz with 1gig ram, 120gig HD.

If I just take a DVI to HDMI cable and go in HDMI input 8, what will happen?

I know that I'll need to probably use Powerstrip to change the resolution to 1920x1080i or something similar. Maybe 1280x720.

But after that I should be good right? Anyone have experience. I've been reading the HTPC forum, but most of that is over my head with things that I don't need.

Tim

Since you already have both the TV and a PC, why don't you just try it and tell us? ;-)

But seriously, this is something of an open question. I do, however, recall someone posting that he was playing games on a PC with the TV as a monitor. Search the GWIV owner thread for "computer monitor" or some similar term.

I'll go get a DVI > HDMI cable and see what happens.

:)

PC DVI to Sony GWIV HDMI connection

I just posted this to help someone with 1280x720 over HDMI Video input 7. Looks like a couple of you might be interested.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=5658639#post5658639

Robert

I some questions about improving the black levels on my 55XS955, by installing a neutral density filter. Where in the light path is the filter installed? I would assume that for simplicity it would be installed right after (near) the lamp. How much of an improvement would it make? Would this also improve the, sometimes over-bright whites? Could a lamp be made to just put out less light or have an intregated NDF?
Thanks
joe

Im real close to picking up a KDF60XS955. Can anyone share opinions relating to Directv standard definition signal, and how it looks on th KDF60XS955? Thanks...

Im real close to picking up a KDF60XS955. Can anyone share opinions relating to Directv standard definition signal, and how it looks on th KDF60XS955? Thanks...

Hi Tom.

I have the 60XS and DirecTV. Your question is very hard to answer. The easy question would be "how does DirecTV HD look on this set" and the answer would be AMAZING. :D HD Net, Discovery HD and HD-HBO knocks my socks off. Watching Shrek2 in HD off HBO is breathtaking because of the overwhelming high detail and colors that pop out of the screen - it's almost a 3-D IMAX experience! :cool:

But you asked about SD, which is a different story. This depends on the channels (some better than others), the distance from the screen and the time spent tweaking. I can describe SD on my 60" screen as "reasonable" or "acceptable", or even "suprisingly above average" at best. But it takes tweaking to get it there and if I switch back and forth between SD and HD, the SD always takes a few moments to get adjusted to.

So to answer your question, I would say be prepared to be disappointed with SD on the 60XS955... you might be pleasantly surprised that, with a little effort, it can look "not bad".

EDIT: I will add that you will be best off getting your local channels using an antenna connected to the 60XS's internal digital tuner and not DirecTV's "local channels". Or use the DirecTivo DVR HD10-250 which also has 2 internal digital tuners and 2 DirecTV SD/HD tuners, but these are $700 and will become obsolete sooner or later.

Thanks, DaverJ.

"I would say be prepared to be disappointed with SD on the 60XS955" .

Is this disappointment a 60XS955 kind of thing; or just large screen LCD/DLPs in general? My HD local antenna is already on the roof and waiting... (make an excellent FM anttena for the moment). I should get 6 or 7 HD channels......

Tom.

Is this disappointment a 60XS955 kind of thing; or just large screen LCD/DLPs in general?

Definantely a large screen in general thing. SD just wasn't designed to be blow up to a 60" screen. DirecTV tends to compress certain SD channels, making them look even worse.

With Sony's DRC (Digital Reality Creation) function of the the Grand Wegas, this set does as good of a job making SD 480i look as good as possible.

DaverJ is correct. SD on any large screen will leave something to be desired, especially if you switch back and forth between HD and SD often. It's kind of like switching between DVD and VHS on a normal set. One of the things I've found myself doing is taking advantage of the twin view and bouncing between 2 things at the same time. SD PQ is much better because of the reduced size of the picture, although even from 15 feet away the picture size still okay.

Most of the SD stuff I watch is more than passable at its full resolution, but this is one case where smaller is better.

Forgive me if the answer is somewhere in the forum, I coudn't find it.
I'm trying to calibrate the set after all the repairs were done the other day. I had a little free time tonight and ran DVE and did some basic set up. I thought I remembered that this TV passed Blacker Than Black from a S97 using a HDMI cable with the player on Auto1. I can't see the BTB bar. Does this mean I have more repairs to be done. I want to cry. :(
The DVD player was set to 422 and 444 neither helped. I think all the other settings are fine, just no BTB bar.

Forgive me if the answer is somewhere in the forum, I coudn't find it.
I'm trying to calibrate the set after all the repairs were done the other day. I had a little free time tonight and ran DVE and did some basic set up. I thought I remembered that this TV passed Blacker Than Black from a S97 using a HDMI cable with the player on Auto1. I can't see the BTB bar. Does this mean I have more repairs to be done. I want to cry. :(
The DVD player was set to 422 and 444 neither helped. I think all the other settings are fine, just no BTB bar.
Joe, with my set, I had to change the brightness setting on the S97 to see and adjust the BTB bar. If my memory serves me correctly, I changed it to +1. Does your post mean that your problems with your set have hopefully been solved?

I thought I remembered that this TV passed Blacker Than Black from a S97 using a HDMI cable with the player on Auto1. I can't see the BTB bar. .

Joe...

I can't speak for the S97 and if you want to send me your player I would be more than happy to check it out! :D :D

But seriously, I think there are certain setups that don't send the pluge (blacker than black) signal. With my DVD, if it's set to progressive I don't get the superblack but in interlaced mode it does come through. So something must have changed on your player.

There has been discussion (I beleive on this thread) about the differences between the KDF60XS955 and the KDF60WF655 (please nobody take this as me bashing either TV). I had my heart set on the WF because I did not require the intigrated XS sound system. I have a fairly nice external surround system, and I figured I could save $300 or $400 buying the WF. I went to a local retailer the other day, and luck have it, they had both on the floor. The XS's picture looked better (again, please nobody take this as me bashing the WF). This difference in PQ could have been caused by any number of variables. The WF on the floor did look a little abused. I believe the XS has "Live Color" and the WF does not? Does anyone have a preference between these 2 TVs? Thanks in advance. Tom.

Joe, with my set, I had to change the brightness setting on the S97 to see and adjust the BTB bar. If my memory serves me correctly, I changed it to +1. Does your post mean that your problems with your set have hopefully been solved?
Thanks, I set it to +1 2 3 etc the higher the more BTB showed I settled on +1 and adjusted from there, this morning. It's overcast so it's not too bright in the room. Doesn't DVE mention something about not using the DVDs adjustments? I thought I did this before all my problems, but I guess I didn't or don't remember.
As for my problems, I think they're solved. The set is holding on to the channels now and I thought the drop in brightess and detail went away. Using DVE the picture looks fairly nice again.

Joe...

I can't speak for the S97 and if you want to send me your player I would be more than happy to check it out! :D :D

But seriously, I think there are certain setups that don't send the pluge (blacker than black) signal. With my DVD, if it's set to progressive I don't get the superblack but in interlaced mode it does come through. So something must have changed on your player.
The player I like, want to make an offer on the TV, see my other posts first before you leap! :eek:

The player I like, want to make an offer on the TV, see my other posts first before you leap! :eek:

Yea, I just read your ATSC tuner epic... unfortunent but interesting reading. I'm sorry that is happening to you. :(

I won't mention my 60XS955 has been trouble-free for 5 months... that would be rude to you and jinx my set, right? :eek: :eek: :eek:

Yea, I just read your ATSC tuner epic... unfortunent but interesting reading. I'm sorry that is happening to you. :(

I won't mention my 60XS955 has been trouble-free for 5 months... that would be rude to you and jinx my set, right? :eek: :eek: :eek:

Yup. My previous set was a Sony that had at least 9 repairs in the 5 years I owned it. I really shouldn't have bought another Sony, but I couldn't get over the picture I was seeing in the store, and was afraid of rainbows from DLP. I didn't see them, but knew with my track record, I eventually WOULD! It's my luck. If I didn't have bad luck, I'd have no luck at all! :eek:

I fell in love with KDF69WF655 the first time saw it at Best Buy a couple of weeks ago. Since then, my love for the Sony has easily withstood challenges from the Toshibas, the JVCs, the Optomas... until I saw the new Samsung HLR6167W recently. Now, I can't decide whose PQ I like better - the Sony's, or the Samsung's. Both look gorgeous - at least with the in-store HD loop feed. Since my eyes can't decide, my heart pulls me to Sony, my brain wants me to go for the "latest & greatest" from Samsung.

Has anyone seen these two sites side-by-side? Any comments? I am aware of the general LCD vs. DLP debate. I don't see rainbows, and given my viewing distance of 14 ft, screen door shouldn't be a problem either...

Thanks!

I fell in love with KDF69WF655 the first time saw it at Best Buy a couple of weeks ago. Since then, my love for the Sony has easily withstood challenges from the Toshibas, the JVCs, the Optomas... until I saw the new Samsung HLR6167W recently. Now, I can't decide whose PQ I like better - the Sony's, or the Samsung's. Both look gorgeous - at least with the in-store HD loop feed. Since my eyes can't decide, my heart pulls me to Sony, my brain wants me to go for the "latest & greatest" from Samsung.

Has anyone seen these two sites side-by-side? Any comments? I am aware of the general LCD vs. DLP debate. I don't see rainbows, and given my viewing distance of 14 ft, screen door shouldn't be a problem either...

Thanks!

At that viewing distance, and with no sensitivity to rainbows, it could indeed be a 'draw'. You will get plenty of support on this forum for either display.
I have not seen that one or the other is more reilable. However, after viewing several different forums, I think it is fair to say more folks have returned their DLPs for an LCD proj. than the other way around.
But I think the gap is narrowing.
LCD has the edge in color, and the DLP possibly an edge in sharpness. Personally, the Sony has a naturalness to the image I don't see on DLPs, but it's sooo subtle.
Proper tweaking of both displays makes it a fair choice no matter which way you go. My set (KD55WF655) has been totally reliable for 3 months now, except for the occassional display pop-up...about 2 or 3 times a month. I beleive that has been linked (unofficially) to a sensitivity to power line fluctuations.

There has been discussion (I beleive on this thread) about the differences between the KDF60XS955 and the KDF60WF655 (please nobody take this as me bashing either TV). I had my heart set on the WF because I did not require the intigrated XS sound system. I have a fairly nice external surround system, and I figured I could save $300 or $400 buying the WF. I went to a local retailer the other day, and luck have it, they had both on the floor. The XS's picture looked better (again, please nobody take this as me bashing the WF). This difference in PQ could have been caused by any number of variables. The WF on the floor did look a little abused. I believe the XS has "Live Color" and the WF does not? Does anyone have a preference between these 2 TVs? Thanks in advance. Tom.

I think your conclusions are fairly accurate. I saw a WF that looked better to my eyes than a nearby XS. But I know they are essentially the same display (with obviously different menu settings), but the XS does offer greater tweakability. We have fanatics on here who can do some miracles in the service menu, and adjusting the WF gamma within the service menu can make some appreciable improvements in black level. Not to say it is as good considering the additional user flexibility offered in the XS user menu along with other settings, which are largely enhancements, but certainly narrows the gap.
I doubt the differences are that great on a day to day viewing, perhaps with more critical, or marginal program material, the differences would be more apparent.
To say does one have a preference over the other (putting cosmetics and speakers aside), I think most would go for the XS. More is usually better. How much better against the additional cost, is another thing, and mostly personal. If you can handle either a 60 or 55" screen, that could be your deciding factor. Get a 55XS for the same money as a 60WF.
In the end, I am sure you would be pleased with either display if you are settled on a Sony GW.

I have cable internet and no cable tv. I unplugged the connection to the modem and plugged it into the tv's cable input. After scanning I came up with about 30 digital channels, half of them local, that are always shown. The scan located more but if I tuned to any of the other channels, I would get no signal everytime. There were three instances where I would surf the no signal channels and get a signal through, video and audio. If I left it on that channel, I could watch it. As soon as I changed channels and came back after a round of surfing, it was back to the no signal. Is there anyway to lock into the channel permanently like the others?

I have cable internet and no cable tv. I unplugged the connection to the modem and plugged it into the tv's cable input. After scanning I came up with about 30 digital channels, half of them local, that are always shown. The scan located more but if I tuned to any of the other channels, I would get no signal everytime. There were three instances where I would surf the no signal channels and get a signal through, video and audio. If I left it on that channel, I could watch it. As soon as I changed channels and came back after a round of surfing, it was back to the no signal. Is there anyway to lock into the channel permanently like the others?
Sounds familiar. Your set is defective and needs the firmware updated. See my tuner thread.

Definantely a large screen in general thing. SD just wasn't designed to be blow up to a 60" screen. DirecTV tends to compress certain SD channels, making them look even worse.

With Sony's DRC (Digital Reality Creation) function of the the Grand Wegas, this set does as good of a job making SD 480i look as good as possible.


I need help getting into the DRC settings. I have the H10 DTV receiver. I tried setting it to 480i and still can't get in. The receiver has HDMI going into input 7. How do I unlock these valuable settings for best SD??

Well, last night I bought the KDF60XS955. HD is very very nice. Directv is pretty good; I was expecting much worse. I only have an svideo connection on the Tivo SAT-T60. The streching capabilities take a little getting used to. Overall, I am pleased. Thanks all for your comments and expertise. Tom.

Sounds familiar. Your set is defective and needs the firmware updated. See my tuner thread.

Joe221,
I don't order cable tv so what ever channels I get are pretty much free. The only good ones I get are Discovery HD, KCET HD, food, and a couple more. These channels are good and do not lose the signal no matter what. The others are repeats of local channels I already get OTA on an antenna. I have gotten on lucky occasions: the Cartoon network, Anime channel, and some other channel that came through. But once I change channels I lose the signal. I am assuming these "no signal" channels are scrambled even though it was found by the tuner. I guess this is where the cable card comes in. Somehow, the tv locks on the signal and gets through. I have not been able to repeat the lock afterwards. I tried to add the channel to my favorites, but after changing channels, it was gone. It seemed like a fluke where I just happened to be at the right place at the right time. Does this still sound like the problem you are having with the tuner? I would think that someone else has run into this situation before. All I'm trying to find out is if there is a way to keep the lock on.

I had a couple of questions about how WF655 models handle audio that may help me decide between WF655 and Samsung HLR :
(1) Folks who have the Dolby Digital output going from the HD receiver (Comcast in my case) and DVD player going to their audio receiver (bypassing the TV), do you notice any lip-synch issues?
(2) When using the HDMI input, does the optical audio output pass all the 5 channels of the Dolby Digital audio? Apparently, HLRs are only able to pass stereo output. There is debate about whether it is a cable hd tuner problem or a TV problem.

Thanks. And, apologies if this has been discussed before. I couldn't find any posts.

Joe221,
I don't order cable tv so what ever channels I get are pretty much free. The only good ones I get are Discovery HD, KCET HD, food, and a couple more. These channels are good and do not lose the signal no matter what. The others are repeats of local channels I already get OTA on an antenna. I have gotten on lucky occasions: the Cartoon network, Anime channel, and some other channel that came through. But once I change channels I lose the signal. I am assuming these "no signal" channels are scrambled even though it was found by the tuner. I guess this is where the cable card comes in. Somehow, the tv locks on the signal and gets through. I have not been able to repeat the lock afterwards. I tried to add the channel to my favorites, but after changing channels, it was gone. It seemed like a fluke where I just happened to be at the right place at the right time. Does this still sound like the problem you are having with the tuner? I would think that someone else has run into this situation before. All I'm trying to find out is if there is a way to keep the lock on.

I still think a firmware upgrade will help you, but, I don't pull in Discovery HDT with just the TV. That's unique. At what channel does the TV assign the signal?

Can anyone advise? I just bought my KDF60XS955. I am trying to send the audio out signal from my cable and outsite antenna to my Sony receiver. I turned my TV speaker off, and set the TV audio out to FIXed. I installed an optical cable from the TV's PCM/Dolby optical digital out to my receiver (video 2 optical in), and I installed RCA left/right channel cables from the the TV's Audio out (fix/var) to the receiver (video 2 RCA audio in). From what I read in the TV's owners manual, sound should be coming out of one or the other "ports" at all times. If the audio currently playing is Dolby Digital I get great sound thru the optical connection. However, I cannot seem to get any sound thru the RCA cables. I tried to re-route the RCA cables to different RCA audio in connections on my receiver. The RCA connection just does not seem to work. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks in advance. Tom.

Tom, did you turn off the set's speakers? it won't send audio out otherwise...

Also on the receiver, can you associate rca and optical with the same input? Or do you have have a "tv optical" input and "tv analog" input? I'm not sure if the receiver can do something like sense sound over the inputs and choose one automatcially. Which seems like a pain to have to choose the receiver input depending on what channel (ie is it transmitting dolby) you have tuned.

Can anyone advise? I just bought my KDF60XS955. I am trying to send the audio out signal from my cable and outsite antenna to my Sony receiver. I turned my TV speaker off, and set the TV audio out to FIXed. I installed an optical cable from the TV's PCM/Dolby optical digital out to my receiver (video 2 optical in), and I installed RCA left/right channel cables from the the TV's Audio out (fix/var) to the receiver (video 2 RCA audio in). From what I read in the TV's owners manual, sound should be coming out of one or the other "ports" at all times. If the audio currently playing is Dolby Digital I get great sound thru the optical connection. However, I cannot seem to get any sound thru the RCA cables. I tried to re-route the RCA cables to different RCA audio in connections on my receiver. The RCA connection just does not seem to work. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks in advance. Tom.

What is your video source from cable box to TV? If its HDMI then in order to hear audio from your tv you need to go back in and set the PCM/Dolby digital to PCM. That's what I need to do with my DTV H10 receiver. You should howver be able to hear sound from non dolby digital programs from your vcurrent set up.

The receivers VIDEO2 input has both RCA and OPTICAL input. Using the OPTICAL may inopt the RCA. So, I moved the RCA to VIDEO3 (keeping the OPTICAL on VIDEO2). Still no RCA activity. The TV's speakers have been turned off, and set to FIXed. I do not have a cable box. The cable and outside atenna connections are both RG6; connected straight from outsite to the back of the TV. Its almost as if the TV's RCA out is just not sending out a signal. I bought new RCA cables (like that was going to be the problem). Tom.

The receivers VIDEO2 input has both RCA and OPTICAL input. Using the OPTICAL may inopt the RCA. So, I moved the RCA to VIDEO3 (keeping the OPTICAL on VIDEO2). Still no RCA activity. The TV's speakers have been turned off, and set to FIXed. I do not have a cable box. The cable and outside atenna connections are both RG6; connected straight from outsite to the back of the TV. Its almost as if the TV's RCA out is just not sending out a signal. I bought new RCA cables (like that was going to be the problem). Tom.

Sounds to me that you have this set up correctly. You hit on one of my major peeves of this TV (other than reliability). WHY do you have to turn off the speakers to activate the RCA outputs?? My old Sony had no such requirement, thus was able to drive wireless headphones CONCURRENTLY with speaker sound. Very bad ADA implementation! Try tweaking any other TV sound settings, also disconnect optical just in case you found another Sony bug in their sound implementation.

I saw my info screen on my XS show up once. I noticed it happen when there was a glitch in the Time Warner broadcast of some HD channel. I'm wondering if this is the problem that everyone is seeing.

I think the info screen popping up is definitely a HD-cable and SD-cable related issue. I've had this happen to me a couple of times now, each time when I was watching cable on either of my cable boxes--one Comcast Moto HD-DVR and the other a Comcast Moto SD box. Each time, the cable box in question also experienced some bizarre spontaneous event, like trying to change channels on its own or some such oddity. Also, I noticed that on each of these occassions, it was extremely windy outside (I live in a particularly windy part of SF). It has never happened on any non-cable source. At any rate, it's a little annoying and distracting, but I can always rewind with Tivo or the HD-DVR if the info screen causes me to miss anything important. Hope this info is helpful to someone.

I dunno, I don't have cable, just DirecTV and OTA antenna. I've had it happen on different inputs when:

-watching DirecTivo (SD model)
-playing a videogame
-watching a DVD
-watching broadcast via internal tuner

It happens infrequently, and it seems to be happening less and less for me lately. But I haven't detected any pattern as others are speculating.

[QUOTE=DaverJ]I dunno, I don't have cable, just DirecTV and OTA antenna. I've had it happen on different inputs when:

-watching DirecTivo (SD model)
-playing a videogame
-watching a DVD
-watching broadcast via internal tuner

It happens infrequently, and it seems to be happening less and less for me lately. But I haven't detected any pattern as others are speculating.[/QUOTE

I mentioned the power glitch because someone else did. ... :)
It's only a theory, and a hard one to prove, since most power glitches are quite 'stealth' if you will. Fortunately, it does not happen often. Of course, if it did, we might have a cure by now.

I still think a firmware upgrade will help you, but, I don't pull in Discovery HDT with just the TV. That's unique. At what channel does the TV assign the signal?

I am located in Orange County, CA. Discovery HD is coming in at channel 102.73 from a direct connection of the cable to the tv.

I am located in Orange County, CA. Discovery HD is coming in at channel 102.73 from a direct connection of the cable to the tv.

Thanks, not for me... :(

I have had my 60xs955 for a couple of weeks and am very pleases with PQ so far.
I read in earlier posts here that the inputs could be accessed directly if you used a Sony universal remote (RM-VL900 was what a couple of people used) but not with the remote that came with the set.
I found a new RM-VL900 on e-bay for 15.00 so I ordered it and I still can not get to the inputs directly. I have video 1 thru 5 set to skip on the TV and use 6 for the component output of my Rotel 1098 which switches between a DVD recorder and 2 SD Tivos, Input 7 is for my Denon 3910 hooked up via HDMI to HDMI, and number 8 is hooked up to Cox Cable Motorola HD-DVR box via DVI toHDMI.
I would like to be able to direct access the inputs and put the codes into my universal remote (Home Theater Master) so that when I select a source the TV switches along with the audio on my Rotel. But I can not get the TV to do this. All it does is switch to the next input in numeric order (6,7,8). If I push the input on the remote and then the input number as others have said the TV switches to that channel on the cable input (I get channel C8 for example) I can't find a way to turn the over the air inputs off to see if this fixes it. If anyone can give me any help with fixing this it would be Great. Thanks

I have had my 60xs955 for a couple of weeks and am very pleases with PQ so far.
I read in earlier posts here that the inputs could be accessed directly if you used a Sony universal remote (RM-VL900 was what a couple of people used) but not with the remote that came with the set.
I found a new RM-VL900 on e-bay for 15.00 so I ordered it and I still can not get to the inputs directly. I have video 1 thru 5 set to skip on the TV and use 6 for the component output of my Rotel 1098 which switches between a DVD recorder and 2 SD Tivos, Input 7 is for my Denon 3910 hooked up via HDMI to HDMI, and number 8 is hooked up to Cox Cable Motorola HD-DVR box via DVI toHDMI.
I would like to be able to direct access the inputs and put the codes into my universal remote (Home Theater Master) so that when I select a source the TV switches along with the audio on my Rotel. But I can not get the TV to do this. All it does is switch to the next input in numeric order (6,7,8). If I push the input on the remote and then the input number as others have said the TV switches to that channel on the cable input (I get channel C8 for example) I can't find a way to turn the over the air inputs off to see if this fixes it. If anyone can give me any help with fixing this it would be Great. Thanks

My Harmony 676 can direct tune 1-7, 8 is done by tuning 7 then video next. I've yet to see any discrete code for video 8. You need to learn about Discrete codes and/or JP1 programming of a remote control. Or an Internet enabled remote like Harmony. Check out Remote Central (http://www.remotecentral.com) .

Newbie here. I am considering buying the KDF-60XS955 next week, but feeling a little apprehensive after reading some of the posts complaining about picture quality etc. That the living room into which I am proposing to house it, is only 11.5 x 22, with a viewing distance ranging from 7 1/2 - 15 ft is not helping.

I have standard cable, which at present weaves into my (Sony Wega 36 Tube) TV via a VHS player. The DVD player is a Sony DVP-C650D, 5 years old, and component-hooked to the TV. The 5.1 comes from a Bose Lifestyle 50 System.

The PQ and sound I enjoy with this setup are excellent. But, as many of you will say, that is relative.

My goal in opting for the 60XS is to significantly enhance the PQ from status quo, with, for the moment, using the same components I have . Reading through, I get the vibe that the basic cable that I have (SD?) will deliver a picture that is far worse, due to dramatic magnification from 36 - 60". While accepting this to be true, since SD is a dying breed, can I receive HD signal over the air? What do I need to do for this?

My main reason for wanting to go to an HDTV bigscreen is I enjoy watching DVD movies immensely. Again, with the player that I already have, can I expect at least to enjoy the same PQ as on my 36" tube? Dare I ask if it could it be better, since the new TV is HD?

Since the TV comes at significant expense, I was hoping not to have to spend any more money on upgrading other equipment. In order to get the best picture, on cable and DVD, what would the experts on this issue suggest I buy, please? How much loss of quality using component video in place of HDMI? Can I even use HDMI, considering the Bose has no such input provision? What could I possibly use TWO HDMI inputs for? That is a serious question!

Can someone please also detail the difference between the Card that the cable company installs in the 60XS, versus a box? I understand that the menu may not be accessible, but what else? I am assuming that the sound quality will not nose-dive?

With regard to the narrowness of the room, I realize the proposed 66-inch invasion is a bit ambitious, but have persuaded myself to deal with it, thinking that, over a period of time, it'll become part of the scene. At first I entertained the 55XS, which would also represent a significant occupation. Given that the 60XS is only 4" wider, it seems the way to go. Also, one or two responses on the forum readily advocated the 60 when asked to choose. I have been laying out the room (yes, AutoCAD) over the past few days, moving couches in every direction but the ceiling. I have finally decided that the new TV should go into a corner (like there was ever a choice) at a 30 degree angle. Perhaps a few of you guys have done something similar in squeezing such a leviathan into scarce space? Are you still related to the significant other at the time?

And I am getting freaked out with all this tweak talk. I have been really psyched over the past few days, planning for the new baby, but woke up this morning in a sweat and felt I should seek counselling. The wife thinks I should seek the lawnmower and cut grass instead.

Finally, I am planning the purchase the TV via internet, since prices are significantly different. The company deals massively on eBay and has a 99.6% feedback record. I plan to buy from them, but OUT of eBay. Delivery will be via Truck. Cost of delivery about $250. I called to place the order and the guy said he would charge me insurance of about $180. Talk about extortion. Please suggest if I MUST buy the five-year extended warranty at the time of purchase - again at a huge price - or is it okay to go for one later with one of the other companies. Which one? Any other thoughts on the issue, just hit me.

Someone out there want to hold my hand - without getting any funny ideas?

A great forum. Even greater if any suggestions I get will let me keep to my plan.

Many thanks!

Manhar :confused:

Personally, I would stick with a retailer like Onecall.com, Vanns.com, AbesofMain, TVAurthority, etc. plus a few other very reliable retailers if you plan to do internet buying. The additional insurance quote is ridiculous, some even have free shipping on sale items, but in any case, insurance should always be included in the shipping price.
On your other queries, other may jump in, I just want to say the Sony is probably the most proven of any LCDRPs. This forum is full of information that should address everything you ask, but unless you are willing to do some tweaking (and reading) you will not get all the potential designed into it.

My goal in opting for the 60XS is to significantly enhance the PQ from status quo, with, for the moment, using the same components I have . Reading through, I get the vibe that the basic cable that I have (SD?) will deliver a picture that is far worse, due to dramatic magnification from 36 - 60".

Manhar :confused:

Hi Manhar....

This is both correct and incorrect. You say the the picture is "far worse". I would say the picture is "larger". If blowing up an image beyond what it's intended makes it worse, then you are correct. However, it's not the set that's causing it to look bad.

If you want the big screen experience for HDTV (awesome), DVDs (very good) Standard Definition (fair to good, depending on the source), and maybe video games (awesome at 720p and beyond, good at 480i/p) then the 60XS is an excellent choice at a viewing distance at around 10'. I bought mine in December and I still get a thrill when I watch prime-time HDTV programs or HDNet. When I watch SD programming I don't feel it looks "bad", it's just the equalivent of a 48" 4:3 screen.

If you can, go to a store and look at the 60XS displaying SD material and/or a DVD. Remember that the picture isn't tweaked on the showroom, so keep in mind that's the worst it's going to look. If you can tolerate that in living room... go for it!

I'm about to buy a Belkin device that protects against power surges, spikes, does noise filtering and acts as a UPS. I can save mucho $$ if I don't get one with a UPS. At first I thought that a UPS wouldn't be necessary but I was wondering if a UPS would help my bulb in the case of a sudden power failure. I figure it would prevent the bulb from blowing since, in the event of sudden power failure, the UPS would allow the fan to cool the bulb. I'm not sure if my thinking makes sense but just a thought. I'm looking for input into whether this is plausible thinking.

Thanks much.

I'm about to buy a Belkin device that protects against power surges, spikes, does noise filtering and acts as a UPS. I can save mucho $$ if I don't get one with a UPS. At first I thought that a UPS wouldn't be necessary but I was wondering if a UPS would help my bulb in the case of a sudden power failure. I figure it would prevent the bulb from blowing since, in the event of sudden power failure, the UPS would allow the fan to cool the bulb. I'm not sure if my thinking makes sense but just a thought. I'm looking for input into whether this is plausible thinking.

Thanks much.
The bulb is EXACTLY why you want a UPS. Check the Sunday paper for a deal at one of the Office type stores or one of the big box stores. APC/Belkin/Tripplite are good brands.

This is with regard to a 60XS that I hope to purchase soon...

There's some talk about surge protectors and noise filters etc. on this thread, and I would appreciate some guidance in the purchase of one. I understand there is likely to be huge choice, but any info will be useful. Since, I am still negotiating, I may be able to nudge the protector into the deal. Would you please share your experience with regard to model number, price, protection etc?

Thanks!

Manhar :)

does anybody know if there is going to be a 50" model in this line? With the speakers on the side of the 55", it makes the W dimension 62" in total, which is going to be too wide for my spot.

I like the performance and styling of this line, just need a smaller size

This is with regard to a 60XS that I hope to purchase soon...

There's some talk about surge protectors and noise filters etc. on this thread, and I would appreciate some guidance in the purchase of one. I understand there is likely to be huge choice, but any info will be useful. Since, I am still negotiating, I may be able to nudge the protector into the deal. Would you please share your experience with regard to model number, price, protection etc?

Thanks!

Manhar :)
There are often rebate deals on APC surge/UPSs in the paper or online. Get one with a 500 rating at least and you'll be fine. It could be as low as $20 if you're VERY LUCKY, figure more like $50-60.

does anybody know if there is going to be a 50" model in this line? With the speakers on the side of the 55", it makes the W dimension 62" in total, which is going to be too wide for my spot.

I like the performance and styling of this line, just need a smaller size
I imagine they would have rolled the 50" out at the same time as the 55 and 60. Since there is already talk of newer models, I personally think you may be out of luck. :)

Manhar, I looked around the forums, but couldn't find any mention on newer Sony models. Do you have any idea of when they will be announced?

Sony has dropped their pricing on their existng models, so something must be coming out soon. Question is how soon? (and keeping my fingers crossed for a new 50" :)

Thanks

Information on the new Sony models is located at:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=517862&

I was going to say... some of those service menu tweaks make a HUGE difference. Especially the ones that alter resolution. They can make a "fuzzy" looking picture sharp and clear (and not as in fake sharpness, but truly sharp without added artifacts.)

-Terry


Hi Terry,

I just purchased my 60xs955 and wanted to ask you what exactly are the steps
involved in accessing the service menu. Could you break it down for me? I would like to get as sharp a picture as you have. Any help on this is greatly appreciated. :D

Thanks....Mike

Hey everyone...great posts, one and all.

I am on the verge of buying the 60XS955. I will go through this entire thread in the next day or so, as it will surely be a valuable resource deciding between this set and the Samsung 61" DLP. In the meantime, those of you who are generous, please answer these questions:

1) Brochures say the tv's resolution is displayed at 788, not 720. How does that affect what I decide on outputs from HD cable and/or DVD. Should I select 720p or 1080i? Does the 788 have any practical impact as far as viewing HD content?

2) As of June 1, 2005...better to wait for a tv with 1080p? Is this overrated? I will mainly be watching HD cable signal...and the occasional DVD. I know 1080p programming will be a long way off, but I suspect Blu-Ray/HD-DVD will be outputting in 1080p for high-def movies. I suspect the "true" 1080p sets (not the trumped-up Samsung DLP1080p) will be quite expensive.

3) What about the dreaded "black crush" I have read about on the Sony LCD's? How is the black level performance on this tv? Have they improved at all?

4) Please feel free to say YAY or NAY as to whether you recommend this set. I will be making a decision in the next several days.

Finally, THANK YOU ALL for your help!

David
Dallas, TX

1) Brochures say the tv's resolution is displayed at 788, not 720. How does that affect what I decide on outputs from HD cable and/or DVD. Should I select 720p or 1080i? Does the 788 have any practical impact as far as viewing HD content?

2) As of June 1, 2005...better to wait for a tv with 1080p? Is this overrated? I will mainly be watching HD cable signal...and the occasional DVD. I know 1080p programming will be a long way off, but I suspect Blu-Ray/HD-DVD will be outputting in 1080p for high-def movies. I suspect the "true" 1080p sets (not the trumped-up Samsung DLP1080p) will be quite expensive.

3) What about the dreaded "black crush" I have read about on the Sony LCD's? How is the black level performance on this tv? Have they improved at all?

4) Please feel free to say YAY or NAY as to whether you recommend this set. I will be making a decision in the next several days.

Finally, THANK YOU ALL for your help!

David
Dallas, TX

Hi David... Good luck with your choice. I can't say if the 60XS is the best set for your money, but in my case it has been a great set for HD, SD, games and DVD. As you will be reading in this thread, there are a few issues to know about but I consider myself very picky and have no problem recommending this set.

1) the brochures are wrong... the set actually outputs 768p. Every input and signal is converted to this resolution. My HD Tivo can switch between 480i, 480p, 720p and 1080i output and I can honestly say that there's no perceivable difference between the 720p and 1080i output on this set once it becomes the native 768p. Watching OTA HD, both 720p and 1080i look awesome - I don't think the average viewer could tell the difference.

2) hard to say, but after viewing a well calibrated HD signal on this set I can't imagine it being any better. At my viewing distance of 10', I don't think my eyes would perceive finer pixels or not... The newer sets are supposed to have a dynamic iris to help the black levels, so this might be something to consider.

3) Of the two or three things I would improve on this set, black level is one of them. "Black crush" only exists if the person using the video menu settings doesn't know what they are doing - it can be avoided. A full black scene (i.e. nighttime or outer space) can be a little on the grey side with a SLIGHT tint of blue - BUT that opinion is VERY picky. I asked a professional graphic designer if she thought the black level was acceptable and she thought it was very reasonable. In bright scenes with black details, the black looks as dark as it should. So in other words, the set doesn't display DLP or Plasma black, but it's only a problem if the deepest blacks is the top of your concerns.

4) I would give it a firm YAY. :D

Hi Terry,

I just purchased my 60xs955 and wanted to ask you what exactly are the steps
involved in accessing the service menu. Could you break it down for me? I would like to get as sharp a picture as you have. Any help on this is greatly appreciated. :D

Thanks....Mike
Sent you a PM.

-Terry

Hi David... Good luck with your choice. I can't say if the 60XS is the best set for your money, but in my case it has been a great set for HD, SD, games and DVD. As you will be reading in this thread, there are a few issues to know about but I consider myself very picky and have no problem recommending this set.

1) the brochures are wrong... the set actually outputs 768p. Every input and signal is converted to this resolution. My HD Tivo can switch between 480i, 480p, 720p and 1080i output and I can honestly say that there's no perceivable difference between the 720p and 1080i output on this set once it becomes the native 768p. Watching OTA HD, both 720p and 1080i look awesome - I don't think the average viewer could tell the difference.

Daver...thanks for your feedback...really appreciate it. Please forgive if this is a dumb question (I have never owned an HDTV before), but does one control the resolutions (720p, 1080i, etc) on the TV itself or the source, such as a cable box or DVD player? In other words, do you switch the resolution being accepted in the Sony's menu options or in the source's menu options?

I am noting that the Samsung DLP's resolution is 1280X720, while the Sony is 1386X768. But I think the Sammy has a better contrast ratio. I guess it all comes down to watching both side by side in the store and deciding on which is best for me. It's a very tough decision...I'd say it's a real dead heat right now. Unfortunately, I think only extended viewing after purchase will tell the real tale. Any store can make any television look good on the showroom, right?

But I have to say, I've seen the Sony in several stores and each time, have been blown away by its HD picture. Granted, the SD picture is poor but I think that's the case for every HDTV.

Thanks for the help!

Please forgive if this is a dumb question (I have never owned an HDTV before), but does one control the resolutions (720p, 1080i, etc) on the TV itself or the source, such as a cable box or DVD player? In other words, do you switch the resolution being accepted in the Sony's menu options or in the source's menu options?


Not a dumb question at all - this is one thing that even people with good knowledge don't really understand.

As you mentioned, this set is a fixed pixel display. All inputs are converted to the set's native resolution. When the set receives a 480i signal, it deinterlaces it and uses it's circuits to output the a 768p signal. There's nothing to be done on the set... it's only the inputs (HD tuners, game machines, broadcast stations, DVD players, etc.) that can change the resolution going into the TV, which all gets converted to 768p in the end.

Not a dumb question at all - this is one thing that even people with good knowledge don't really understand.

As you mentioned, this set is a fixed pixel display. All inputs are converted to the set's native resolution. When the set receives a 480i signal, it deinterlaces it and uses it's circuits to output the a 768p signal. There's nothing to be done on the set... it's only the inputs (HD tuners, game machines, broadcast stations, DVD players, etc.) that can change the resolution going into the TV, which all gets converted to 768p in the end.

Ok, that makes perfect sense...thanks!

Daver, do you personally think 1080p is worth waiting for?

I finally ordered my 60XS through an internet dealer, and will soon know if the decision, driven by a huge difference in price, was the right one. I also bought a warranty from the guy because it covers bulb replacement. I hope that's not as Utopian as it sounds.

Watch this space for further developments, sometime next week.

Meanwhile I note that kemac provided atlantadan with a link to the new models. While I knew of their impending arrival, I was also aware that they are likely to be quite expensive, and are yet to be tested in the field. If I waited, then it would take away valuable HD experience time, especially since Sony is probably working on replacing even the new babies.

TerryJ, since I will be hopefully tweaking away at my new acquisition, I 'd appreciate a copy of the info you PMd to Congusto!

Thanks in advance.


Manhar :)

Curious...what DVD player do you guys use with your Sony set? I would want to get a nice upconverting model to display a nice HD-like picture. Do you opt for 720p or 1080i for your DVD movies? Component or HDMI connections for best connection quality?

i have a Denon 2910 upconverting DVD player connected to my 55XS. i use 720p as my output format, although many say just to output 480i & let the superb de-interlacer in the tv do the upconversion to 768p (tv's native resolution). unfortunately you will not find any DVD player's (to my knowledge) that will let you upconvert over component only HDMI or DVI.

hope this helps
Carmine.

Thanks, Carmine. Which has given you a better DVD picture...letting the TV upconvert from 480 or selecting 720 on the Denon? Have you tried both?

i haven't gotten a chance to check what Sony's upconverted 480i looks like yet. the only way i can output a 480i image is to connect my Denon with component cables & right now I have it connected HDMI. HDMI will only output progressive images. haven't had the time or the energy to go behind my set & hook up a set of component cables.

Terry/ Mike, I may have missed it, I also am interested in accessing the service menu. Can one of you shed some light on this for me.

Greatly appreciated!

Tony

Hi Guys, I'm new to the forums, but this seemed like a good place to ask a question. I've had my 55xs955 for about 2 months now, and I absolutely love it. Tonight I noticed something odd though.

When I go into split screen mode, the second screen's (the right) colors, for all inputs, are inversed. Flesh tones appear blue. blue's appear red, green's appear yellow. Blacks and whites display normally. This only occurs in the split screen mode however. When I flip back to regular viewing, the colors are fine.

I don't use the split screen very often, and nothing significant has happened since the last time I used it a few weeks ago (dropping, bulb burning out, even plugging anything new into it).

Is there some setting I don't know of, or something I'm just not bright enough to figure out? Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

My 60xrs is almost daily popping up with the channel #. It won't go away unless I hit the display button. I know it is not my remote causing the problem as I have programmed my Theatermaster 500 with all the buttons except the display button and I have removed the batteries from the Sony remote. Anyone know what is causing this problem?

Ok, that makes perfect sense...thanks!

Daver, do you personally think 1080p is worth waiting for?

1080p probably isn't, but the dynamic iris of the newer sets might be something worthwhile....

My 60xrs is almost daily popping up with the channel #. It won't go away unless I hit the display button. I know it is not my remote causing the problem as I have programmed my Theatermaster 500 with all the buttons except the display button and I have removed the batteries from the Sony remote. Anyone know what is causing this problem?

I think it's a bug. I'm not sure if my firmware update fixed it, but I don't think so.

Hi Guys, I'm new to the forums, but this seemed like a good place to ask a question. I've had my 55xs955 for about 2 months now, and I absolutely love it. Tonight I noticed something odd though.

When I go into split screen mode, the second screen's (the right) colors, for all inputs, are inversed. Flesh tones appear blue. blue's appear red, green's appear yellow. Blacks and whites display normally. This only occurs in the split screen mode however. When I flip back to regular viewing, the colors are fine.

I don't use the split screen very often, and nothing significant has happened since the last time I used it a few weeks ago (dropping, bulb burning out, even plugging anything new into it).

Is there some setting I don't know of, or something I'm just not bright enough to figure out? Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

Doesn't sound good. Check your cables and connections. Call for service.

I just noticed this yesterday when I had the menu up on my 55XS955. Although not off very much it is noticeable from several feet away, with text, I can see red to the left and green to the right of letters. I'm sure I looked at this when I got the set in March. Is there any way to adjust this in the service menu or is this a mechanical alignment? Has anyone checked or noticed miss-converging? :(

joeren

Hey guys...I am reading some of the other avsforum threads and they make a big deal out of the 1920x1080 pixel resolution. Since the 60XS955 isn't close to this resolution, it can't do "true" 1080i, right?

A bit confused....

Hey guys...I am reading some of the other avsforum threads and they make a big deal out of the 1920x1080 pixel resolution. Since the 60XS955 isn't close to this resolution, it can't do "true" 1080i, right?

A bit confused....

I guess you can say that, but it also can't do "true" 480i, 480p, or 720p either. :rolleyes:

Hey guys...I am reading some of the other avsforum threads and they make a big deal out of the 1920x1080 pixel resolution. Since the 60XS955 isn't close to this resolution, it can't do "true" 1080i, right?

A bit confused....

Basically all sets convert to their "Native Resolution" in our case it's 720p. Much better than earlier CRTs which were 480p and not as good as the newer 1080p sets. The last number tells you the native resolution of the set. Or it's equivelent, like our 768 is a superset of 720p.

My Harmony 676 can direct tune 1-7, 8 is done by tuning 7 then video next. I've yet to see any discrete code for video 8. You need to learn about Discrete codes and/or JP1 programming of a remote control. Or an Internet enabled remote like Harmony. Check out Remote Central (http://www.remotecentral.com) .


The Harmony 688 will direct tune all inputs including video 8

The Harmony 688 will direct tune all inputs including video 8
Are you sure about that? I just got the 880, but my 688 had to do the 7+next trick to get to 8. I even called Harmony a while back to see if they could find 8 somewhere. Did they add a discrete code in just recently?

Found this place by accident. I bet it's gonna be very helpfull. I have a 60 XS sitting at home that came today. Unfortunately, I'm at work and haven't seen it yet. OK big question.....Should I buy the protection plan for $600 for 4 years of coverage or should I buy a Sam's print of the unit? I pretty much shot my stash on the purchase of it and the table. Thanks ahaead of time for the reply. Lou

Found this place by accident. I bet it's gonna be very helpfull. I have a 60 XS sitting at home that came today. Unfortunately, I'm at work and haven't seen it yet. OK big question.....Should I buy the protection plan for $600 for 4 years of coverage or should I buy a Sam's print of the unit? I pretty much shot my stash on the purchase of it and the table. Thanks ahaead of time for the reply. Lou
On an item as expensive as your TV the warranty is well worth the piece of mind. But $600 is kind of high. Check out the following:

http://www.tvauthority.com/Electronic-Extended-Warranty-Plans/RepairMaster-RMT45000.asp

I would recommend to save those $600 for upgrading to possibly 70 inches 1080P set in a couple years!