$600 is at the upper end of extended warranty prices; for that money it should include some sort of projection bulb replacement.

If you bought the set with a VISA "Signature" Card, you already have a second year of coverage through the VISA guys. You can also buy further extensions for years 3-5 from the same source. Look at this url for info on warranties through VISA card purchases:

http://usa.visa.com/personal/cards/benefits/index.html?it=h4|/cardadvisor/CardAdvisor|Card%20Benefits

I have not used my VISA card for this purpose, but the terms of the warranty look pretty intriguing, including getting your own necessary repairs through an authorized service center repairs and then sending the bill to the VISA carrier for reimbursement. That gets around the potentially unqualified technician problem that might happen with other plans.

Another place to get a warranty is at www.sonystyle.com. A five year warranty through Sony is considerably cheaper than $600, but it definitely does not include bulb replacement.

If you are on a budget, I would by all means purchase an extended warranty for your new set. Replacing parts on these beauties can be a real budget buster. For other views on the subject from experienced owners, you should search this thread on the words "extended" and/or warranty. There are some good ideas out there, as well as some very happy warranty purchasers. Plans specifically mentioned as good are Circuit City, Sears, and Phillips warranties. Good luck.

Steve

Yes, there are a number of options out there depending on your budget. I chose the $289 Warrentech which extends the warranty for a full 4 years after the 1st year is up. And it's transferrable. I opted to just buy a spare replacement lamp because I didn't want to have to wait for a day or two should my bulb decide to go like on SuperBowl Sunday or something. You can find them for sub $200 online. And it will add value to the set should you decide to sell it and get that 70" 1080p set mentioned above. Enjoy your TV.

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?

I thought I was sure. I have a DVP-NS975V connected to Video 8. When I set up the remote, the input was available for selection and when choosing the Watch DVD action, the set seems to switch to Video 8 immediately. If there is no discrete code for 8 then the remote does a good job of switching to it without a noticeable lag or any special setup on my part.

I thought I was sure. I have a DVP-NS975V connected to Video 8. When I set up the remote, the input was available for selection and when choosing the Watch DVD action, the set seems to switch to Video 8 immediately. If there is no discrete code for 8 then the remote does a good job of switching to it without a noticeable lag or any special setup on my part.
What I might do is create a new device for my Sony and see if they've added something. When I first created this device (a few months ago now) the Harmony presets only went to 7. I added an 8 to mine by teach a macro of 7+next to another remote and then uploading that to the Harmony site. But when I tried using it, it stopped after the command to goto input 7 and never registered the inputnext. Boy, just when I thought I was completely tweaked.

Hi all. I am a new owner of the WF55. Any tips for a first time user?

What I might do is create a new device for my Sony and see if they've added something. When I first created this device (a few months ago now) the Harmony presets only went to 7. I added an 8 to mine by teach a macro of 7+next to another remote and then uploading that to the Harmony site. But when I tried using it, it stopped after the command to goto input 7 and never registered the inputnext. Boy, just when I thought I was completely tweaked.

I just went to the Harmony web site and set up a test drive for the 688. The presets included all inputs on the TV including Video 8. It also had an option to select Video 9. I did not realize there was a Video 9.

Boy, I would love to purchase the 55" XS, but the entertainment unit we are buying is only (just) large enough to house the 55" WF ( I believe the unit is 57 1/2" wide inside with the WF weighing in JUST under that). If Sony hadn't put those dang speakers on either side of the unit, it would be coming home with me. As it is, looks like the WF for me.

Yes, there are a number of options out there depending on your budget. I chose the $289 Warrentech which extends the warranty for a full 4 years after the 1st year is up. And it's transferrable. I opted to just buy a spare replacement lamp because I didn't want to have to wait for a day or two should my bulb decide to go like on SuperBowl Sunday or something. You can find them for sub $200 online. And it will add value to the set should you decide to sell it and get that 70" 1080p set mentioned above. Enjoy your TV.

Thanks all for the replies about the extended warranty info.....
I just bought the warrentech policy and it saved me about $320. The circuit city policy was $600. Thanks all.... Now I can sleep at night...Or at least watch TV in peace. Now can you do something about getting rid of the wife...LOL

Well, just finished installing a 0.3 neutral density filter in my sony 55xs955. All I can say is WOW. The smile has not left my face for the past 3 hours...heheh.

With some light in the room, it rivals crt black level. In total darkness, you can still see it's not true black; but heck, it's a 50% improvement at the very least. The struggle to install it was all worth it.

I even had it ISF calibrated and that in itself made a 50% improvement. This tv is really quite incredible after all the "tweaking."

Well, just finished installing a 0.3 neutral density filter in my sony 55xs955. All I can say is WOW. The smile has not left my face for the past 3 hours...heheh.



ohhhh... DO TELL!!!!

How hard is it to install? Where does the filter go, near the lamp? Shouldn't it be ISF calibrated AFTER the filter is installed? Does the black level change much when, turning off the set, between "lamp on" cool down and "lamp off" cool down?

I would love to hear more.

ohhhh... DO TELL!!!!

How hard is it to install? Where does the filter go, near the lamp? Shouldn't it be ISF calibrated AFTER the filter is installed? Does the black level change much when, turning off the set, between "lamp on" cool down and "lamp off" cool down?

I would love to hear more.
Yes, I'd like to hear more of the very detailed specifics about this too.

where can i find the tweaks to fix the black level. I am sure the current black level wont bother me that much. I am not as anal as some here on the boards when it comes to color and stuff like that. As long as its bright and sharp, thats all I want in an HDTv.

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.
The "naturalness" noticed is indeed a distinct advantage of 3LCD displays. DLP displays dither according to signal level, with darker shades having more noise.

The stores such as "Best Buy" have upgraded their display source picture quality. But they still use component with some noise. This mediocre signal quality tends to make DLP and LCD look more alike. In the home environment, with DVI/HDMI HD signals, the no noise of the LCD finally becomes apparent.

Then we read the many comments such as the Sony LCD looks **fantastically beautiful** with HD sources.

BTW, Sony FACTORY SERVICE has a flat fee of $350 for out of warranty service. Never use FACTORY authorized SERVICE as this will cost an arm-and-a-leg!

The stores such as "Best Buy" have upgraded their display source picture quality. But they still use component with some noise.

Hopefully, this will improve even more as Magonlia A/V takes over the A/V side of Best Buy, which I understand is in the plans.

Yes, there are a number of options out there depending on your budget. I chose the $289 Warrentech which extends the warranty for a full 4 years after the 1st year is up. And it's transferrable. I opted to just buy a spare replacement lamp because I didn't want to have to wait for a day or two should my bulb decide to go like on SuperBowl Sunday or something. You can find them for sub $200 online. And it will add value to the set should you decide to sell it and get that 70" 1080p set mentioned above. Enjoy your TV.

Thanks all for the replies about the extended warranty info.....
I just bought the Warrentech policy and it saved me about $320. The circuit city policy was $600. Thanks all.... Now I can sleep at night...Or at least watch TV in peace. Now can you do something about getting rid of the wife...LOL

Hopefully, this will improve even more as Magonlia A/V takes over the A/V side of Best Buy, which I understand is in the plans.

I bought my XS last November from a Magnolia rep inside the West LA BB.
I'm sure more will be converted.

Ragermac,

This is the wrong thread for your set. Look up the GWIV Owner's thread for your tweaks.

How hard is it to install?

It was rather tricky to install as I just couldn't remove the top. Tried 3 or 4 different ways to access the optic assembly. I found it was easiest to remove the assemblies to the left and right of the optic assembly, and then slide the optic assembly out just far enough to access the lens. I just attached the ND filter with a single piece of electrical tape to the plastic housing around the optic assembly. That's really the brief explanation for what took far too long...heheh. Lots of trial and error but I got it in the end. I highly suggest having the service manual on hand as the illustrations were somewhat helpful.


Shouldn't it be ISF calibrated AFTER the filter is installed?

Well actually, my friend ISF calibrated it beforehand, but he double-checked everything afterwards and it looked great. No real touch-ups required if the TV is calibrated properly to begin with. The ND filter just brings down the light output as if you were using a lower watt lamp.


Does the black level change much when, turning off the set, between "lamp on" cool down and "lamp off" cool down?

??? No real change that I can see. The set warms up as usual. It seems to be 50% more black now though :)

Everything looks more dimensional now, producing lots of picture depth. HD material looks very photorealistic. With some ambient light in the room the black level is superb. I'd even recommend a 1 1/2 to 2 stop ND filter as the 1 stop is just slightly too light for a completely dark room. But I think the 1 stop ND filter is a good compromise if you do a lot of daytime viewing or have some ambient light present.

No regrets. Every source looks much better--Games, DVDs, HD and SD material.

Thanks for your explanation Bitwize. This is something I might do on a sub-$500 piece of equipment, but I'm just not that brave. I wish Sony would have put this in from the start... In an ideal world, there would be a slot we could slide these filters in for quick change.

I congratulate you on finding a good solution to the only noticable weakness of the XS line.

Thx, DaverJ.

It was a thrilling experience....heheh. And I appreciate the filter even more having done it myself. Sony could easily remedy the problem by offering a lower output lamp for the XS series. Unfortunately, market research shows that a super bright TV is what the general public "wants." Especially in a projection unit. The lamp is too bright though for good black level. I called Sony to inquire about a lower output lamp from maybe a third party and they wouldn't give me a thing...no surprises there though. If you can find a lamp for the XS series other than the one sony requires in the user manual, than that would be the thing to try. Too bad there isn't a 100 watt lamp :( that's compatible.

While I am not sure if all of Sony's GWIV sets have this control, my 60XS955 does have a "high altitude" setting in the setup controls. By selecting high altitude, the light output of the lamp is reduced somewhat.

Since the lamp runs at a lower brightness level on this setting, it should give the effect of a 90-110 watt bulb and the bulb life should be a bit longer because of reduced heat generation. My set (which is at high altitude in Nevada) has been running on the high altitude setting since last November.

While I am not sure if all of Sony's GWIV sets have this control, my 60XS955 does have a "high altitude" setting in the setup controls. By selecting high altitude, the light output of the lamp is reduced somewhat.


The "high altitude" setting lowers the lamp? I thought the "power saver" feature did this and the "high altitude" kept the cooling fan running at the higher speed longer.... :confused:

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.

Noizemaker, I don't quite understand. Do you mean the 1) TV won't upconvert if the connection to the DVD is over component or 2) the DVD player won't do the upconversion if the connection to the TV is component?

Noizemaker, I don't quite understand. Do you mean the 1) TV won't upconvert if the connection to the DVD is over component or 2) the DVD player won't do the upconversion if the connection to the TV is component?

These TVs convert (up and down) all signals to 768p.

The job of the upconverting DVD player is to output a 720p or 1080i signal, and what Noizemaker is saying is all the upconverting DVD players output those higher resolutions via either HDMI or DVI - or 480 interlaced or progressive via a component.

I didn't know that, but it does make sense.

Yep, I thought the "high altitude" setting was to increase fan speed for more adequate lamp cooling. I don't see how that would affect the lamp light output.

The "high altitude" setting lowers the lamp? I thought the "power saver" feature did this and the "high altitude" kept the cooling fan running at the higher speed longer.... :confused:

About two months ago, I was told by a TV tech (non-Sony guy) in San Diego that the high altitude setting on the Sony XS sets did lower the lamp's operating temperature by reducing voltage to it. Perhaps he got his facts wrong...

With this setting on, my XS955's fan seems to run at the same speed all of the time whether the TV is on or has just been turned off and is in its cool down cycle. Since I am at high altitude, I don't think I will change the setting to see if it affects the fan speed or the light output level. Perhaps others have more definite information and can quote from the service manual.

Sorry if I have caused confusion on this issue, but, like others, I won't be taking my set apart to reduce the light level via a filter.

Hey, I don't blame ya. It was a risky operation that yielded incredible results though.

I know the "power saving" setting slightly reduces the power to the lamp which helps a tidbit with the black level. I'll enable the high altitude setting to see if that changes anything with the light output. I doubt it though.

Btw, why would an lcd rptv need a high altitude setting? I thought lcd was able to function safely at high altitudes. Seems plasma sets have the most trouble with that. I know the sony XS plasmas have the high altitude option, which makes more sense.

Time to head home and enjoy my TV :)

Well guys, I took delivery of my 60XS two days ago, and am happy to relate that it seems to work fine. I subscribe to basic cable and have experienced ONE HD (PBS) channel. There isn't another one to be found, unless I get a juicier package from Comcast. Since I had read on this thread that one could pick up some over-the-air HD, I bought a Terk amplified HD antenna ($50) and hooked it up, but have had ZERO joy out of it. I know that I have hooked it up right, and I have also pressed the ANT button on the remote...but all I get is fuzz. I have tried positioning the antenna in every possible direction. Is the antenna's location within 3ft of the TV the culprit? The Bose woofer is also within close range. Could someone who has experienced this, please help me with a solution? Should I take the antenna back?

Many thanks!

Manhar Chauhan

I just went to the Harmony web site and set up a test drive for the 688. The presets included all inputs on the TV including Video 8. It also had an option to select Video 9. I did not realize there was a Video 9.
I would sure like to know what the exact model number you used to set your TV up. I just went back to my 688 and added a new device. I used television>sony and then did a search for every model that ends in 955 (and several that end in 655). I installed every model I could find from 32" to 65" and all the variations thereof and the highest input I see on any of them (I'll bet I tried 30+ models) was inputvideo7. If it's on any other model, I'd install that device on my remote, and then learn it to my 55XS955 device. Could you give me a step by step of how you found 8 and 9? Thanks.

Manhar, I first tried the Terk also and had the same results as you. Then I went to Sears and picked up a Zenith Silver Sensor for about $15 less and I picked up all the major networks from Phila, and Balto. I'm about in the middle in DE. The closest tower is about 35miles and the furthers is about 56. I've since gone out and invested in an outdoor OTA HD antenna and have access to everything I want with virtually no breakup.

Manhar,
I vote for the Zenith/Phillips/Gemini antenna too. The Terk I bought (non amp) was junk. The added benifit of the Zenith is you can connect an extra long cable if you need to do some positioning tricks. The Terk is hard wired so you'd need an extender (barrel connector) so you'd get signal loss.

BB have (or had) a funky looking Samsung indoor antenna (amplified). I tried one out about 6 months ago but it too was outperformed by the Silver Sensor at 1/3 the price.

No surprise there. If the SS does not do it indoors, time for an outdoor antenna.

I would sure like to know what the exact model number you used to set your TV up. I just went back to my 688 and added a new device. I used television>sony and then did a search for every model that ends in 955 (and several that end in 655). I installed every model I could find from 32" to 65" and all the variations thereof and the highest input I see on any of them (I'll bet I tried 30+ models) was inputvideo7. If it's on any other model, I'd install that device on my remote, and then learn it to my 55XS955 device. Could you give me a step by step of how you found 8 and 9? Thanks.

Go to the Harmony Remote home page (http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/features/harmony/US/EN,CRID=2078) and click on Take a Test Drive.

1. Create a Login
2. Agree to terms
3. Select H688
4. In the Add column select TV and choose Sony in the Manufacturer dropdown. Select DVD and select any Manufacturer.
5. Select KDF-60XS955 and the proper DVD model.
6.When you click next and get to the Setting up Watch TV Activity you will see a list of available inputs, including 8 & 9.

I don't have the software installed at work, so I can't actually login and view my current configuration or add a new device, but when I set up the remote and activites, it worked exactly the same. Hope this helps.

I ran setup when I got home and was able to add a second 955. This setup also had all inputs including 8 & 9. Logged in, selected More Options, Add a Device. Selected TV and entered model number. I was then able to set up an activity using the new TV and all inputs were available.

I'd like to go and buy a surge protector for my 60XS, and was wondering whether it's necessary to get one which routes the coax cable through it, or whether that's overkill. What function does it serve? Any advice on models/prices would be welcome!

While I was always going to invest in one of these, a scary occurrence last night forced the item front and center. I'll try to explain:

While we were watching TV, the picture exploded momentarily into "lightning bolts", twice in succession, with matching cracking sound. Then it settled to normal, with no more incidents. The event reminded me of the bar guy in The Simpsons who lets out those giant burps with lips going into a frenzy. Imagine that multiplied and you've got the picture (or not).

Any ideas?

Many thanks!

Manhar

I just purchased the set after doing some extensive research online(Primarily in these forums) and in stores.

I was wondering if anyone had any tips or setup advice for the TV set. What settings works best for you. What did you find over time that you really did not need. I know that this TV has an abundant of settings. I know that sometimes we can go overboard with tweaking, because we can, then find out that the simplest was best.

I am hooking up an HD Dish network via HDMI.
I also have an HTPC that I am hooking up via second HDMI(HTPC forum here much helpful).

On the front page I posted my price for the TV because I got an outstanding deal($2900) plus 5 year extended warranty plus bulb replacement for 349.

I am really excited about the set and I can’t wait to have it delivered to my new home and hook my home theater back up and watch ALL my DVD’s all over again.

BTW what is your favorite DVD to watch on this TV?

Thanks is advance!!!!

I just purchased the set after doing some extensive research online(Primarily in these forums) and in stores.

I was wondering if anyone had any tips or setup advice for the TV set. What settings works best for you. What did you find over time that you really did not need. I know that this TV has an abundant of settings. I know that sometimes we can go overboard with tweaking, because we can, then find out that the simplest was best.

I am hooking up an HD Dish network via HDMI.
I also have an HTPC that I am hooking up via second HDMI(HTPC forum here much helpful).

On the front page I posted my price for the TV because I got an outstanding deal($2900) plus 5 year extended warranty plus bulb replacement for 349.

I am really excited about the set and I can’t wait to have it delivered to my new home and hook my home theater back up and watch ALL my DVD’s all over again.

BTW what is your favorite DVD to watch on this TV?

Thanks is advance!!!!


These displays beg to be tweaked, either professionally or otherwise to realize their full potential.
It's a bit tedious, but you are best searching for tweaks under your model number as well as 'GWIV'. (4th generation Grand Wega).
It's sounds like you got a nice deal. In my opinion no extended warranty is worth it if it does not include bulb replacement (or a substantial discount) and can be cancelled anytime with a pro-rated refund.
Favorite DVD? Too many DVDs, not enough tme!
Any real barnstormers like The Fifth Element are quite impressive. Of course, how well DVDs work is largely a function of the player you have, and the associated interface. When HD DVDs become a reality, that will be awesome to say to least!
Congrats on your wise purchase!

Go to the Harmony Remote home page (http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/features/harmony/US/EN,CRID=2078) and click on Take a Test Drive.

I ran setup when I got home and was able to add a second 955. This setup also had all inputs including 8 & 9. Logged in, selected More Options, Add a Device. Selected TV and entered model number. I was then able to set up an activity using the new TV and all inputs were available.
Texadillo, thanks for this info. I had to travel this weekend so I didn't have a chance to try it, but I did this morning and you are correct. The 60XS955 has discrete codes for 8 and 9 (although I don't think there's a 9 on the TV either). However, those codes are only available in the section where you set up the sequence order of your equipment. You can't just copy the code for 8 to create a separate button for it (at least I couldn't figure how to do it) so you can toggle directly from 5 to 8 the way you can go from 5 to 7.

I did create a bogus hex file for just my set and dvd player and the code does work. So I'm going to call the Harmony folks when I get a chance and ask them to add the direct discrete code for 8 to the list. They've been pretty good about that stuff in the past. Thanks again.

I wrote to Harmony after reading the above info. They added the TEST version of the XS to my profile. I had so many problems with it I removed it. The codes for 8 and 9 are not discreete. They are Video 7- Next -(Next).

I wrote to Harmony after reading the above info. They added the TEST version of the XS to my profile. I had so many problems with it I removed it. The codes for 8 and 9 are not discreete. They are Video 7- Next -(Next).
Joe, thanks for that...even though it's not what I wanted to hear. Actually, wanting the discrete for 8 is just reaching for perfection in the tweaking of my hex code. I would very very rarely flip between dvd and another input and since the TV takes a while to actually turn on, the 7+next happens before the picture is available anyway. So it's not like it's life and death, just something nice to have.

Joe, thanks for that...even though it's not what I wanted to hear. Actually, wanting the discrete for 8 is just reaching for perfection in the tweaking of my hex code. I would very very rarely flip between dvd and another input and since the TV takes a while to actually turn on, the 7+next happens before the picture is available anyway. So it's not like it's life and death, just something nice to have.

I agree, I'd have loved it to have a discreete 8 but since it didn't and was turning the TV off instead of changing inputs, I couldn't find their error in the settings so I just deleated it and told them. No further contact from them so I wait.

I'm having a 60SX955 being delivered in a couple of weeks. I was wondering in general what is the suggested video connection hookups:

From source --> to TV: Pick video input on TV

or

From source --> to AV/Receiver --> to TV. Pick video input from AV/Receiver

If you have a TV with multiple video inputs, why ever hook video to the AV/Receiver?

I actually have the same question as it pertains to Audio also.

Thanks,
Evan

Does anyone know where I can purchase a "service Manual" for the kdf-60-xs-955?
Thanks,
Lou

Not sure if you aren't an authorized SONY repair facility.

[If you have a TV with multiple video inputs, why ever hook video to the AV/Receiver?

I have digital audio and component video cables running from my 2 DVD players to my receiver and then from my receiver to the TV because having a receiver with these inputs gives me more felxibility. My KDF-50WE655 only has so many inputs. The receiver allows for more inputs to be made. The receiver then becomes a switching device.

If you have a TV with multiple video inputs, why ever hook video to the AV/Receiver?



There's advantages and disadvantages to each.

Advantage of switching with the AV (TV on one input)... audio and video switch together and no fumbling for which video input to switch to. This allows the speakers on the TV to be OFF and it acts as a one-input monitor only, keeping it simple.

Advantage of switching inputs on TV... different inputs (DVD, VCR, PVR, Xbox, etc.) can have individual video settings tweaked for each. Also, can use the internal HD tuner with an antenna.

I have mine both ways...Have lots of wires , but I have audio to most everything to the Tv. If someone can not keep the amp up with the picture from the differant inputs . then all they need to do is turn up the Tv Volume.....

Does anyone know where I can purchase a "service Manual" for the kdf-60-xs-955?
Thanks,
Lou

I downloaded the manual for the Sony.
However as I type this are you looking for the special "service mode" manual?
That they don't have

Just call sony to order the service manual. It's around $25-$30 and I got mine in a few days. Unfortunately most of the service codes are not in the manual. Just a handful. There are a lot of diagrams for disassembling the set though...heheh. Handy for installing a neutral density filter :p

Handy for installing a neutral density filter :p

YOU AND YOUR NEUTRAL DENSITY FILTER!!!! ;) ;) ;)

I wish you lived in East Tenn, I would hire you to install one in mine. :cool:

what is the bulb lifelike on these sets? I just bought the KDF-55WF655 and i put it in powersave mode.

DaverJ,
I actually have lots of family in and around Nashville, but not sure how far you are from there.

Just ordered a 4x4 2 stop Optiflex ND filter from bhphoto.com. Now that I've seen the 1 stop results, a 2 stop should be superb. The 132 watt lamp in the 55xs955 is just a bit too bright for the 1 stop. Granted, I'm a perfectionist :o

Hi, I recently purchased the 55" XS955 and should be delivered very soon. I've been reading throughout this thread that this TV does an excellent job upsampling a signal to its native resolution and thus, input STB should be set to 480i.

So my noob question is, I have an old JVC DVD player. It's not even progressive scan. I don't want to buy a new DVD player since HD-DVD (or Blu-Ray) will be coming out soon. So, will this TV do a good job upsampling the signal off my old DVD player coming in at 480i? Even dumber question, will it do so if the signal is coming through S-Video or will it only upsample if the signal comes in through component video? This DVD player does not have HDMI/DVI outputs so there is nothing I can do about that. I would just like to see my DVD's upsampled to HD.

I am very confused about a post I read early in this thread. Someone with HD cable liked 720p and 1080i but someone else suggested setting the box to 480i and letting the TV upsample... Wouldn't you lose HD at that point? I don't understand that! It would make sense to me to disallow an STB to upsample a 480i source opting for this TV to do the upsampling but the same logic makes no sense if the source is 720p or 1080i... Perhaps I misunderstood the suggestion.

Thanks everyone!!!

UnixPerson...

Congrats on your purchase. I hope I haven't added to the confusion - I'll try to sort this out.

These sets are fixed pixel display at 768p. EVERYTHING that comes in gets displayed at 768p, regardless of the cable used to connect. Sources with lower resolution gets upconverted (480i, 480p, 720p), sources with higher resolution (1080i) gets downconverted.

All inputs (set top boxes, DVD players, game consoles, etc.) should be set to output the highest resolution they can. One exception for many people is DVD players at 480p because in this case the player is converting a 480i signal to 480p and many lower-end DVD players don't do as good a job with the conversion as the Sony Grand Wega. This is because 480i sources get extra tweaking options in the TV's video menu and Sony's excellent DRC feature (Digital Reality Creation) is only available for 480i sources. So non-upconverting DVD players are best left at 480i.

If you have ANY HD device, set it to 1080i. Some people prefer 720p, but I can't tell the difference between the two on this set - your milage may vary.

I hope that cleared up some confusion. Feel free to ask away if there's still some things that don't make sense.

DaverJ,

Thank you very much. You response makes perfect sense. My old DVD player outputting at 480i (regardless of what connection type I use), will be upconverted by the TV using DRC and I should see my movies at 768p... right?

Alright, now for my dumb question that's going to make some people go "duh"... I know component video interconnects have a much better video quality over s-video... however, for my old, dinkity DVD player that only outputs at 480i would I see a noticibly better picture quality on my TV (that has taken that signal and upconverted it to 768p) if I used component video?

I am just being cheap in that if I don't have to buy the component video cables then I won't. Once HD DVD boxes come out, I'll get one and use HDMI at which point I wouldn't have any other use for that component video interconnect.

Thanks!!

DaverJ,
My old DVD player outputting at 480i (regardless of what connection type I use), will be upconverted by the TV using DRC and I should see my movies at 768p... right?

Yep, but keep it mind it's a 480i signal at 768p. Don't expect it to look HD-quality.


would I see a noticibly better picture quality on my TV (that has taken that signal and upconverted it to 768p) if I used component video?


Yes. How much better, that's up to the eye of the beholder. I would say with the amount you spent on the TV, $50 for a set of short quality component cables should be an easy sell. If you have a Best Buy near you, the Acoustic Research brand is good quality at a reasonable price. Monster brand is good quality but WAY overpriced.



I am just being cheap in that if I don't have to buy the component video cables then I won't. Once HD DVD boxes come out, I'll get one and use HDMI at which point I wouldn't have any other use for that component video interconnect.


The first HD DVD boxes will be very expensive. Consider the money putting into quality component cables now as buying you some time to wait for the price of the upcoming HD players to come down.

Here's the big question: Do you have your HD viewing options decided? Are you using antenna, cable, DirecTV?

DaverJ,

Thanks again. I don't expect HD quality out of my DVD player (besides it being impossible) but as long as it'll look better than it did over SD on my old TV, I'll be thrilled.

I'll get a pair of component video interconnects, and don't worry, I'm one of those that believe MonsterCable is a *bit* overpriced!

Anyway, you asked about my HD options. Currently, I have SD DirecTv with Tivo. I plan to get an antenna for OTA HD of my local channels. I feel that going HD with DirecTv is still an expensive option since only a handful of channels are being offered in HD and if I was to get a new box, I would really want it to have DVR capability and that's still quite expensive. I can't justify the $800 for HD DVR + subscription charges for only a few channels of HD. Perhaps a year from now, prices would be more reasonable, in my opinion.

Currently, I have SD DirecTv with Tivo. I plan to get an antenna for OTA HD of my local channels.

You are in the exact same boat I was in last December. I'll tell you what happened to us.

The wife and I stuck with SD DirecTivo and watched as much live HD off OTA antenna as we could. But my love of Tivo time shifting and the wife's love of Tivo's commercial-skip drove us crazy watching live TV, even HDTV. :o So we pounced on the HD DirecTivo when the price dropped to $650.

I'm very happy with the HR10-250 because it records over-the-air digital with antenna (note: it does NOT record analog channels!), and the few DirecTV HD channels as well. I love HBO-HD. :cool: Yes, this unit will be replaced down the road when DirecTV switches to MPEG4 in the next couple years. I hope what they replace it with is as good or better than Tivo. :o

I think you are on a good track, but I just wanted to warn you what happened to us. Tivo is wonderful. HD OTA is wonderful. It's hard to use one without the other... :p

I was afraid you'd say that! :)

If it were up to me, I would get HD DirecTivo. My wife is apprehensive of new toys around the house but once she gets used to them, she'll be the first to admit "gosh, I couldn't imagine living without it".... It took her a couple of months to fall in love with Tivo. I have a feeling that once we start to watch OTA and are unable to timeshift or skip commercials, she'll look at me and give me the thumbs up! :D Heck, she doesn't even like watching live TV anymore for those same reasons.

Anyway, I ordered my TV from OneCall. I've done business with them in the past and I've always been very satisfied. I am just nervous because I've never bought a TV online. They've had a good price on this model so I finally took the dive. Their sale has it quite a bit cheaper than the WF models.

My decision to buy this late in the game has me nervous too since 1080p is around the corner (even if there aren't any 1080p sources out there, they are coming) but I figured that if I wait for TV's to be as low as they are right now with the 1080p technology, I'll be waiting for a long time to have HD in my house.

HOLY COW!!!! I didn't know ND filters were so expensive!!! I thought they were around $200 or so, but they are 3-4x that! :(

can anyone recommend some filters and places to get them??? thanks!

Ok guys. Pulling the trigger this weekend. Should I go for the 55 or the 60. Difference is $635. Whaddaya think? Viewing from 9.5 ft.

HOLY COW!!!! I didn't know ND filters were so expensive!!! I thought they were around $200 or so, but they are 3-4x that! :(

can anyone recommend some filters and places to get them??? thanks!

Look at the posts (above and other threads) by Bitwize... they are in the $44-99 range. B&H Photo, Adorama, etc.

hi all -

glad to have a xs thread myself. i own the 60xs955 and love it. i'm subscribing to this thread, and will prolly read the whole thing tonight.

for now, i've turned off all the video "enhancement" features (which i find i tend to like best), calibrated using s&v tuneup, and am quite happy with the pic.

but, for now, can anyone recommend (or link to) what would be a good next step? i must admit i have no clue what some of those video settings do. :)

if not, i'll just perouse the thread....

thx,

ted

Ok guys. Pulling the trigger this weekend. Should I go for the 55 or the 60. Difference is $635. Whaddaya think? Viewing from 9.5 ft.

A very tough call. The 55's resolution will seem a little sharper (esp. SD and DVDs), because the image isn't stretched as much. But for me the impact of the bigger screen is worth it. I want as much the movie theater experience as I can get.

That's seems like a high price difference. I think when I bought my 60 it was around $350 to $400 difference....

Ok guys. Pulling the trigger this weekend. Should I go for the 55 or the 60. Difference is $635. Whaddaya think? Viewing from 9.5 ft.

At <10' I'd vote the 55. My distance ia 13' and the 60 is great the 55 would be a stretch visually. No plans on moving anytime soon to a larger place??

i paid 1957 for the 55 inch and the 60 inch was 2257

No plans to move or add space. OneCall is pushing the 55 harder than the 60. Greater discount from list ($450), freight included ($150) and a lower price on the extended warranty ($110) but a smaller rebate (-$75). I'll waffle a little longer. Thanks to all who have posted the last couple of months. I have read them all to help with my decision.

Are those prices from an authorized dealer? Waaaayyyy lower than I have seen anywhere for the XS series.

Criminy! That One Call deal is something else. I've been sitting on the fence waiting patiently, probably beyond all hope and reason that the new line of Sony's would all have the CBP feature. A price like that may make me decide to live with the ugly wing span speakers for a few of years. Looks like I got just a few days to decide.

I think I'll use that time to check out onecall's reputation.

jc

i paid 1957 for the 55 inch and the 60 inch was 2257

Where did you get it from? And it was the XS955?

Jim,
One Call is an authorized Sony reseller. That in itself says alot. Sorry for the confusion with the pricing. Those were the differences in prices between the 55 and the 60 equalling the $635 price difference, not the prices for those items themselves.

RIKMEISTER - are you for real? I'd be real interested in those deals plus some. Sounds too good to be true. I'm a skeptic, make me a believer.

...why would an lcd rptv need a high altitude setting? I thought lcd was able to function safely at high altitudes. Seems plasma sets have the most trouble with that. I know the sony XS plasmas have the high altitude option, which makes more sense...

It's not the LCD technology, it's just that air is thinner at higher altitudes, and it takes correspondingly more fan speed to move the heat out of the cabinet.

where can i find the tweaks to fix the black level...

There is no electronic tweak to adjust the absolute black level, as it is defined by how much light leaks inside the cabinet. There is one true adjustment that will actually lower the light in the cabinet, and that is by invoking the "power saver" mode, which runs the 132w lamp at 100w. This is the only way to actually improve the absolute black level (short of a ND filter), as it actually lowers the amount of light leak by actually lowering the amount of light emitted. Adjusting the picture and contrast will compensate for the now lower light output without increasing light leak, so it is somewhat effective and there is still plenty of brightness range.

(Those who have had the cabinet open, I assume the inner walls are painted black. Would it be practical to tack or glue black velveteen to most surfaces within the light box? Maybe this would absorb more ambient light improving ABL, and probably should not cause a cooling or airlow problem. Hmmm. Just a thought)

Cranking gamma will change the transfer curve relationships between black, full white, and intermediate greys favorably towards allowing us to perceive what (falsely) looks like better contrast levels, and correspondingly more ratio between white and black without actually changing full white OR full black. It doesn't really change the absolute black level, but it works very well and the effect is a dramatic improvement, even if it's just a parlor trick, essentially.

Adjusting the picture and contrast so that the lowest levels of detail are just visible is also important. Too high, and the absolute black level increases. Too low, and the dark detail crushes.

Do these things and black performance will be very acceptable, and noticeably high only on the darkest scenes. Or wait for Sony's new dynamic iris technology :) .

Hey guys,
I'm new to this forum and have a few questions for anybody who can answer them. I am about to purchase the 60xs955 (as soon as I get back to the U.S., in about a week or so) and couldn't decide whether to buy from an online dealer or from a brick store like CC or BB. The prices at online stores are much cheaper but there is that risk I may get a defective product or no product. The prices at the bricks are ridiculous but then I have a place to go to if my set is bad or damaged during delivery. Is the price difference worth the risk?

I've also been trying to find out how to navigate in the service menu and what are some good settings. I hear about using avia or dve but do these discs have tests that allow you to optimize all or any of the settings typically found in service menus? I have a samsung hdcrt and there are some pretty weird things you can adjust but I know the THX optimizer on some movies don't help with those adjustments. I have been searching the internet for about 4 months on settings and navigating the service menu for the xs models and was eventually led here but all I found was how to enter the service menu, not how to adjust or what to adjust to.

Any info on the above subjects would be greatly appreciated. By the way, I'm sorry if it seems like I butted into your in-depth conversation about adjusting light leak in the television.

You can go to www.resellerratings.com and compare online stores. Some B&Ms might negotiate online prices. Biggest advantage of buying locally is not getting a set without defects, but being able to exchange or return a product within a reasonable time.

The adjustments in the service menu are under tweaks... ie; "GWIV Tweaks".... etc. ..just a couple of examples:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=331875&page=1&pp=20

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=465144&perpage=20&highlight=tweaks&pagenumber=14



You need to read through many pages of posts to understand what needs to be done. But there are tables available that show sequences, etc.

Have a plan on what you want to do and take your time doing it.

Aiva, etc. are primarily for adjusting your user controls, initially, and after you have done tweaks in the service menu.

The additional test patterns in Avia are used in conjunction with service menu adjustments.

Actually, most things you would do with Avia can also be done with THX Optomizer.
It works quite well, and is much easier to navigate. At a minimum it is useful for doing a quick or final check on your progress.

Thanks for the info videoaddikt. Unfortunately those are adjustments for GWIII tweaks. I was under the impression that the xs models were GWIV models. Trust me I have read many pages on making changes in the service menu. I have a samsung hdcrt in which I was able to turn on some features (pip, demo mode etc.) that I would have to pay for on an upgrade manual. I know about the dangers of the service menu, but it seems that the best way to maximize the picture quality of my tv is to make these adjustments. Sounds like I'll be sticking with the THX optimizer and not spending the extra money for those DVE and Avia discs.
I guess I'll stick with Abe's of Maine for my tv purchase. None of the stores around where I live (wash. d.c.) will negotiate with the online stores prices. They don't know how these stores can sell these sets so cheap, and I'm wondering how they do it. I'm wondering if anybody has ever purchased a big screen tv online and what there experiences were like.

ogbuehi,
Welcome to the forum. Noticed you on another board also. Make sure the on-line etailer is recognized by the manufacturer. If not, warranty service may be a problem. Also, non-authorized resellers may be selling grey market, open box, or refurbished equipment. Go to the SonyStyle website for authorized dealers. Good luck. I'm doing the deed this weekend as a Happy Fathers' Day to me.

Thanks for the info videoaddikt. Unfortunately those are adjustments for GWIII tweaks.

There is basic information on tweaking even for the lower gens that applies to all.
I have a gen IV and found reading earlier information very valuable. I would not expect things to be repeated, they might certainly get left out. Most of the folks that compiled the GWIV tweaks extrapolated the info from earlier topics.
The second link is for GWIV. At least the title is. There are others. I had not intended to look them all up at this time. :)

I did not mean to imply the Avia, or VE are without value. The Optimizer can handle the most common adjustments. The others have more test patterns which could be very useful depending on how deep you want to tweak.
Especially, if you intend to do internal gamma or decoder adjustments.

Look at the posts (above and other threads) by Bitwize... they are in the $44-99 range. B&H Photo, Adorama, etc.


they are actually in the $11-$720 range :confused:

is there a DYI anywhere? which Filters have people bought?

any info is appreciated.

they are actually in the $11-$720 range :confused:

is there a DYI anywhere? which Filters have people bought?

any info is appreciated.

I meant the filters most people bought in the 0.3 to 0.6 range. It seems 4X4" is about as big as you need. The Optiflex seems to be the one of choice. Hope to install one myself, as I learn more.
If you do some searches on ND filters here on the forum, you will learn more.

Wow, I really appreciate all the info everybody is giving me. It's nice to see some seriousness on a forum. On the gwiv tweaks thread I was trying to read it and it looks like a bunch of piecemeal tweaks. It's really not about the info about each particular tweak. I don't think I have a very calibrated eye and don't want to spend a bunch of money on equipment to calibrate the tv. I'm just trying to find a good reference point and go from there. Will the tweaks from GWIII work on a GWIV? Those threads are pretty huge and it's been taking me a long time to read them completely. (It took me 2 days to read this one completly)

I'm flying back to the states today (Father's day) so I guess my set purchase will have to be a belated Father's day gift to me. What exactly do you do on Sony's website to get a list to see if a particular online dealer is an authorized dealer. The list they had showed less than fifty dealers across the U.S. (not even cc or bb). It almost seems if you don't buy it from their factory outlets, they won't honor the warranty. I know that can't be right.

I placed my order last Sunday with OneCall. The TV shipped Monday and given the quick turn around of the order, I thought I would receive it by Wednesday or so. The TV arrive at some warehouse, 62 miles from my house Wednesday morning where it sat until Thursday night. All along, the tracking website kept telling me that delivery is scheduled for Friday and I was told I would receive a call to let me know delivery time. Finally I call Thursday night wondering why I haven't heard from anyone so they told me that the TV was being routed to another warehouse and I'll get a call Monday to set up a delivery time. However, Friday, I got a call that the TV was going to be delivered Monday but that I would get a call Monday morning to let me know at what time. Well, I just got a call that the delivery guy didn't come into work and the delivery would have to wait until tomorrow.

What's going on? And why won't they know the delievery time until the day of the delivery? I am going to call OneCall to complaint but there is not much they can do since it's out of their hands. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

Make sure you issue a formal complaint with 'onecall'. Even though they are not in the shipping business, it is their responsibility to ensure every customer is satisfied with the receipt of their purchase and the implementation of the order.

Onecall is usually very good and responsive. If nothing else, they can work with the shipper to avoid future problems for other customes. Maybe if you clearly (and not rudely) state your dissatisfaction they will make some compensation. Typically onecall is very popular because they do ship quickly.

Not to say you should not complain to the shipper also. So what if the delivery guy got sick..and never came back to work. Would they have the receptionist deliver your TV? ......idiots!

Thanks videoaddikt. I called OneCall but they told me that this is typical and that I should just wait. He said that if however, they set up a delivery time and never show up then that would be a different story.

That still bothers me because if I pay for shipping, shouldn't I expect some level of service? Specially when the package has been sitting at some warehouse for 5 days.

As you said, what if the delivery guy never comes back to work? Will I wait until they find a replacement. There is just something wrong here!

Thanks videoaddikt. I called OneCall but they told me that this is typical and that I should just wait. He said that if however, they set up a delivery time and never show up then that would be a different story.

That still bothers me because if I pay for shipping, shouldn't I expect some level of service? Specially when the package has been sitting at some warehouse for 5 days.

As you said, what if the delivery guy never comes back to work? Will I wait until they find a replacement. There is just something wrong here!

On the plus side, at least you are getting one. I placed my order with onecall, it was confirmed via email and I was asked to call the 800number, which I did. At that time a very friendly CS rep talked to me about the delivery service and went into great deal about what to expect and how to address any issues. Half hour later the guy calls me and says "we've over sold this item" and it's not coming after all. Disappointing after such a long and frustrating shopping period.

Currently it's on back order. Maybe prices will drop further by then, somehow I doubt I'd get that lucky though.

I was almost an XS955 owner :rolleyes:

jc

Jim,
I just went through the same scenerio. But on the bright side, The TV I currently use works just fine and I am locked into the sale price. If in a couple weeks when the new inventory is in, the prices are lower, OneCall will price match themselves. I look at it as a win-win for me.

Jim,
I just went through the same scenerio. But on the bright side, The TV I currently use works just fine and I am locked into the sale price. If in a couple weeks when the new inventory is in, the prices are lower, OneCall will price match themselves. I look at it as a win-win for me.

Yup, I know what you mean. My 32 Sony Wega does work just fine and I can use the time to decide how on earth I'm gonna present this new TV, when it finally arrives. Thinking Salamander triple 20 but my dealers aren't open on Monday and I can't see them in person until Tuesday anyway. No biggie now that I have some time on my hands! That was a pretty impressive price, no wonder they oversold.

good luck to you.

jc

Hey Guys. I bought the 60XS955 yesterday in BB. Good deal I think, $3.799 so I bought service plan for 4 years which includes lamp replacement. Very excited by this TV. I was reading this forum for months and have to say it helped a lot. I have a Directv and HD looks amazing (my old SAT HD200 still delivers great picture). I have a progressive DVD player and first question is if I should buy up converting DVD player. Is it worth it? Any advice? Also why some movies still have black bars on top and bottom? Do I have to change some settings? DVD player is set on 16:9. Thank you all and hope to hear some ideas what should be done make this baby even better.Ivan

Jim,

Areyou saying that onecall is sold out and not going to have any more? Was that the XS55?

Thanks

Jim,

Areyou saying that onecall is sold out and not going to have any more? Was that the XS55?

Thanks

Condensed: Yes, no, and yes.

Yes, they sold more of the XS55 than they had in stock. They did not however charge my card so that's a good thing. When I asked if they were getting more in, the rep. wasn't positive. He did tell me that they get their shipments of Sony product in at the end of the month so I'm holding out some hope. I'm also thinking about taking my printed confirmation and seeing if I can get any similar type deals out of the area B&M's. You never know.

That was a tremendous deal and I can see why it sold out so quickly.

jc

...Also why some movies still have black bars on top and bottom? Do I have to change some settings? DVD player is set on 16:9. Thank you all and hope to hear some ideas what should be done make this baby even better.Ivan
Movies are produced in different ratio formats. A ratio of 1.85:1 will fill your 16:9 screen. 2.35:1 format will still leave black bars on top and bottom. You can use one of the zoom features of the TV to get rid of the bars, but the picture will be much better in its native format.

Hey Guys. I bought the 60XS955 yesterday in BB.

Congrats on your purchase Ivan! Hope you enjoy it as much as many others on this thread.

I have a progressive DVD player and first question is if I should buy up converting DVD player. Is it worth it? Any advice?

I can't offer advice except to check out your current DVD outputting an interlaced signal connected via component cables. You might be content with how it looks. Don't expect HD-quality - DVDs are 480i sources which HDTVs and up-converting DVD players are trying to make them resemble something higher-resolution. HD looks GREAT, DVDs look good. So your current player may be good enough... give it a chance.

Just talked to the shipping people, my 55" XS955 will be delivered between 12 and 4... They didn't even call to let me know, I had to call them... gotta love the service of some of these companies.

I have a progressive DVD player and first question is if I should buy up converting DVD player. Is it worth it? Any advice? i feel that there is a slight but noticeable improvement when using an upconverting player. i had the sony upconverting hooked up to my 60" lcd ... and i definitely noticed a difference.

essentially, the picture was a tad brighter and there were less "jaggies". i really had to look for it, and if i was just doing casual viewing i probably wouldn't have even noticed it.

so, if you're hardcore, i say it's worth at least trying out ... just make sure you buy the gear from some place with a liberal return policy.

Just to chime in about upconverting DVD players. Even my inexpensive Pioneer 563A shows an improvement in resolution (resolution section of Digital Video Essentials DVD), using component cables and switching between interlaced and progressive. In interlaced mode the TV shows severe morie effects on the higher resolution. patterns.
Joe

I'm new to this board. I just got my xs60 last week and this thing rocks. but my problem is that i haved noticed 3 black pixels. its no noticable when far away but when i'm close to it i can see them.

I was wondering if anybody else had this problem? Should I exchange it? Hopefully someone can help.

Thanks-josh

In interlaced mode the TV shows severe morie effects on the higher resolution. patterns.


In interlaced mode, the Grand Wegas' Digital Reality Creation function is active. All moiré problems can be adjusted and elimitated with a litte experimenting with the DRC menu.

josh - afaik, you shouldn't see any black pixels. ;)

since you just bought it, i'd return it for another. why even take a chance....

hello once again guys. just wondering if anyone wishes to share some DRC settings for optimized 480i DVD viewing. i have my Denon 2910 currently connected via HDMI for upconverting capability, but i've been frequently hearing how much better the quality is when connected via component & letting the superb scaler in the TV do the upconverting to 768p. any help would be greatly appreciated.

thanks again.
Carmine

just wondering if anyone wishes to share some DRC settings for optimized 480i DVD viewing.

I can't offer any advice except to experiment. I thought I had my DRC settings looking good until I popped in a season 1 of the Sopranos. At one point I noticed a shirt Tony was wearing that had a lot of thin lines that suffered from some severe noise. Also, there was some problems with the trees in the background during the backyard scenes with the ducks. I paused the DVD and went into the DCR menu and adjusted that mysterious "dot in the box" to clean that image up.

Please note I'm not saying that 480i is the BEST way to go. If I had an upconverting DVD player I would set it at 1080i and be happy. I'm saying that between buying a $200 upconverting player or saving that money and connecting an older player via component and setting to INTERLACED.... the difference between the two might not be great enough to justify the money for many people.

I have the Sony DVP-NS975V and the 55XS955. I use the HDMI on the DVP-NS975V set the player to 1080i. Seems 1080i is slightly sharper than 720p as the 55XS955 is capable of 768p. I definitely notice a difference going from component to hdmi set at 1080i. The image is sharper and the jaggies are reduced significantly or are non-existent. Not sure how the other HDMI dvd players perform compared to the DVP-NS975V. I just know the DVP-NS975V looks great via HDMI/1080i when it's connected to the 55XS955.

josh - afaik, you shouldn't see any black pixels. ;)

since you just bought it, i'd return it for another. why even take a chance....
thanks hyimted-someone will be getting a hold of me in the next couple of days. :D

another ? how does anyone clean thier screen?

Well, my tv finally arrived yesterday (yes, I know, it should have arrived Friday, then Monday, then Tuesday... nevermind that, it's home now where it belongs!!). I love this set. Aesthetically, I think it's beautiful and it looks good in my house with the exisisting furniture.

I did very little tweaking after it arrived. I mostly just wanted to get a feel for the tv. I have SD DirecTv with Tivo. I was expecting a "horrible" SD picture but actually, I thought it looked very good.

I have an old JVC DVD player that I bought in 1998. I got it connected via component cables. After playing Finding Nemo, I thought it looked good but I wasn't like "wow!"... that could be because the player itself is so old. My wife was impressed though. I guess I was expecting a little more. To be fair though, I played the DVD with the TV right out of the box, no tweaks.

I thought the PS2 looked great... I was pleasantly surprised. After reading some of the posts, I really expected much worse.

I don't have an HD signal, yet, but it's something I am really looking forward to.

So I was curious... I got a 5yr extended warranty with this TV. I know most of you recommend getting an EW... my curiousity question is: how many years of warranty do most people get?

bitwize - i had the 975 myself for a while.

i believe the dvd player and the tv can "talk" to eachother via the hdmi connection. from what i've read (via a soundandvision review of the dvd player), the dvd player will automatically output the correct resolution...i know it's in the menu somewhere ... maybe called 'auto' or some such.

did you play around with that at all? i really didn't notice much of a difference myself ... just curious since you have the same setup.

another ? how does anyone clean thier screen? i use the monster screen cleaner. really, a very soft cloth (baby diaper) and some mild cleaning solution would work.

but, i like the fact that the monster cloth is a micro-fiber cloth, and the solution is (basically) some kind of water ... so there's no abrasive action going on.

the *worst* thing you can use is a paper towel ...

Hey unixperson,
I noticed that you live in the dc area. I live in Alexandria. You said you used onecall to make your purchase. How much was it with shipping and taxes. I'm assuming that this is an online store. I'm currently ready to make my purchase of the same model but am a little hesistant to buy online. I want to buy from a store called Abe's of Maine. The local stores around here are charging insane amounts for the set ($3700 to $4200) without warranty or shipping. I would suggest you buy the samsung upconvert dvd player. It is capable of outputting 768p which is Sony's native resolution. In my opinion I've noticed that upconverting players make a noticeable difference on this set. I think it's determined by the type of movie you watch. I saw LOTR (the third movie) and the matrix (the third one) upconverted and I was sold. I'm going to take my xbox to cc or bb and play some high def games to make check some thing and then I will most likely buy it today or tomorrow. What stand did you purchase? The sony one isn't able to handle all of my components and is too expensive. Any sites or stores you can recommend would very helpful. Thanks.

Iused yamaha upscaling player to AUTO choose native of my TV via HDMI, it chooses 1080i on this tv?

ogbuehi,

Forgive me if I miss one your questions! I did get the tv from Onecall. I ordered it last week when they had a huge sale on this model. Shipping was around $170 or so and Onecall never charges tax. However, the day after I placed the order, they offered the TV at a little higher price but had free shipping so the final price delivered was a bit cheaper than what I had bought it for. I called and they credited the difference. They have a 7-day price protection policy.

I believe that after the sale, they are now out-of-stock for this model but their price is still much lower than BB or CC, by about $1000 (if you want to wait for them to stock back up). In fact, I got a 5yr extended warranty with the TV and the final price delivered was still under $3000.

I've dealt with Onecall in the past and I've been very satisfied with their service. I would certainly recommend them. And they are a Sony certified dealer which is a good thing. The TV was out of their warehouse and on a truck literally just hours after I placed the order. However, the shipping company dropped the ball with the delivery and caused a delay. Onecall did an outstanding job tracking the TV and getting on the shipping company to expedite the delivery. I was very satisfied with the way Onecall handled it.

As for furniture, I bought the (don't laugh), Pottery Barn Signature Large Stand. It's a beautiful mahagony stand that is beatiful to just look at. It's more expensive than the Sony stand but it has a very high WAF. I also got the bookshelf stands that compliment the stand. Turns out it works very well because it balances the size of this TV.

Hope that info helps. Thanks for the tip on the DVD player. I'll look into it.
Cheers.

Ogbuehi,
The link for authorized online dealers has mysteriously disappeared form the SonyStyle website. Try going to Sony.com and searching for "authorized internet online dealers". I found that to work yesterday.
I also placed an order for the 55xs955 during the sale at OneCall. Got a call within 5 minutes from a chipper customer service rep stating they were oversold. Should be a couple weeks and the unit will be shipped. They will price protect during the delay. Still the best price around. Unit and 5 year extended warrenty for less than $3000 delivered.

Is there a way to see the signal strength of a digital signal into the antenna via the ATSC tuner. I can't find this anywhere. (60XS955). Other sets seem to have a signal strength inidcator.

Is there a way to see the signal strength of a digital signal into the antenna via the ATSC tuner. I can't find this anywhere. (60XS955). Other sets seem to have a signal strength inidcator.

It's inside the Applications menu choice in Diagnostics.
It's available to me with my antenna but greyed out for CATV.

Well, I had a little more time last night to tweak my set. I used the THX Optimizer that comes with Finding Nemo. After some minor changes, I played a few clips from The Matrix and Armageddon... All I can say is WOW! Yeah, even with my 7yr old DVD player, this TV rocks! I thought the movies appeared smooth, clear and "film-like". I found myself sitting there all giggly!

Can't wait to see HD!

UnixPerson,
Glad you are lovin' your new TV. I have the 55XS955 and have been thrilled with it. HD material will knock your socks off. I do highly recommend you get an ISF calibration on your set though. If does greatly improve the picture quality of your tv. Using an Avia or THX disc in conjunction with the user controls will not get you an optimal picture. And if you are really wanting to make your tv looks it's best, have a neutral density filter installed. I have a 0.3 ND filter installed in mine and it makes a big difference in the black level, providing a deeper, more dimensional picture. A 0.6 ND filter should bring the black level close to that of crt rptvs. I'll know next week when I install the 0.6.

Well guys it looks like I will be joining your ranks shortly. My set is due to be delivered tomorrow. I can't wait. I just bought the Harmony remote, a line conditioner, a new receiver and an upconvert player. I will buy the sat receiver (hopefully if I can get it in my area) after I get the set in and I get everything hooked up. I'm wondering if everybody bought some sort of a line conditioner for their set. I was under the impression that these types of tv's really needed good regulated sinusoidal voltage going to the set in order for them to work properly. Getting the set ISF calibrated isn't something that everybody can afford. I'm going to try the GWIII tweaks and hope that they work on this set.

Oh yeah, I went to bb and told them that I was going to buy the set online and they knocked $800 off the price and got rid of the shipping. I only had to pay taxes. And they gave me a $50 gift card. It's kind of funny how it went down. I usually go to 2 closer bb's to check the price of the set but I had to travel about 35 mi to go to Ikea to buy a stand for the set. I stopped by a third bb that was close to the Ikea and found the exact stand that I was looking for. The sales lady asked me why I was buying the stand and not the set and I told her the price was way cheaper online. After buying the stand, remote, receiver and dvd player they came back and said they could match the online price. The bb's that were closer to me never even attempted to lower the price. For unixperson: the bb's closer to me were the one in potomac yard and springfield. The bb that slashed the heck out of the price was the one in woodbridge by potomic mill.

Hi All,
I've had my 60XS955 for about 3 months and love it.Was wondering what source others are using for their XL2200 replacement lamps.By Muphys law I know it will go out during some event like the Superbowl when friends are over.

Also can anyone recommend someone in the Chicago area that can calibrate my set?

Bitwize,
Is the nuetral density filter you speak of something you can install yourself and where did you get yours from?

TIA,
Randal

I feeling little brave and want to venture into the service menu of my 60xs. But I need bit more security that a manual would offer. Does a service menu manual or service manual exists for this TV? If so, where would I find it?

Thanks many.

I purchased a spare lamp for my KDF-50WE655 online at Sony Style ($199.99). Although I'm covered for lamp failure through my Circuit City 4 year "Cityadvantage" plan, I wanted a back up to pop in to cover the time period that I have to ship it back to CC and for them to ship me a new lamp.

...I have SD DirecTv with Tivo. I was expecting a "horrible" SD picture but actually, I thought it looked very good.... I was pleasantly surprised. After reading some of the posts, I really expected much worse.

I don't have an HD signal, yet, but it's something I am really looking forward to...

I don't want to harshen your buzz, but once you are able to compare HD directly with SD DBS, it will become a bit more clear why some folks are not impressed (even shocked and stunned) by how the two look comparitively.

But that's only a slightly-annoying side-effect of a very good thing (HD). Where are you located? Looks like DC. You might want to jump on antennaweb.org and see what HD is available OTA. Also, any network locally O&O stations qualify you for NY HD feeds free from DirecTV (of course you'd need a HD STB or HD-Tivo for that).

I have a question about the occasional 5.1 sound that is broadcast with HDTV. I subscribe to Comcast standard cable, with which I get some HDTV. I have 60XS and a Bose Lifestyle 50 system, which has 5.1 facility. Is it possible for me to get the 5.1 TV sound with this setup? If so how do I hook it up from the back of the TV? If not, what do I need? Am I involuntarily poised on the HDMI doorstep?

Thanks in advance for the help on this issue, and also to those who were kind enough to share their knowhow in the past!

Manhar

I have a question about the occasional 5.1 sound that is broadcast with HDTV. I subscribe to Comcast standard cable, with which I get some HDTV. I have 60XS and a Bose Lifestyle 50 system, which has 5.1 facility. Is it possible for me to get the 5.1 TV sound with this setup? If so how do I hook it up from the back of the TV? If not, what do I need? Am I involuntarily poised on the HDMI doorstep?

Thanks in advance for the help on this issue, and also to those who were kind enough to share their knowhow in the past!

Manhar
ID the specific cable box from Comcast and there should be a thread for it to research/post. You'll likely find the answer to be Coax or Optical out from the cable box to the audio In on the 60XS.

If your set up is not like this, then request a HD box from Comcast.

ogbuehi, congrats! Sounds like you got an awesome deal. Potomac Mills isn't too far from my house so it's a good thing to know that the BB there will work with you!

TomCat, as you said, if I saw HD, I know I would look back at my SD signal and think it looks horrible! For now, ignorance is bliss! I live outside DC and according to antennaweb, I am some 26 miles from all the local broadcasting towers. I have a lot of very tall trees around my house and I would most likely have to use a roof antenna, except that my HOA doesn't allow them. My boss who lives much closer to DC was unsuccessful locking a signal, so naturally I have my doubts of being able to get a lock.

I'm planning on upgrading to the HD DirecTivo package but for now, I think it's a bit overpriced so I am waiting for a good deal to come along. Besides, DirecTv is switching to the mpeg4 format so I don't want to spend all this money on a box that will need replacing in the next 2-3 yrs.

DirecTv is switching to the mpeg4 format so I don't want to spend all this money on a box that will need replacing in the next 2-3 yrs.

The going logic is that DirecTV will foot the bill to replace all customers' hardware when it comes time to switch because of technical changes they have made which require different hardware. They have done this in the past.

...now if they don't do this with the thousand of HD DirecTivos out there, I'm sure there will hell to pay. :eek: I can't imagine a company like DirecTV screwing up THAT bad.

I have a question about the occasional 5.1 sound that is broadcast with HDTV. I subscribe to Comcast standard cable, with which I get some HDTV. I have 60XS and a Bose Lifestyle 50 system, which has 5.1 facility. Is it possible for me to get the 5.1 TV sound with this setup? If so how do I hook it up from the back of the TV? If not, what do I need? Am I involuntarily poised on the HDMI doorstep?

Thanks in advance for the help on this issue, and also to those who were kind enough to share their knowhow in the past!

Manhar

On the other hand, if you really have standard/basic cable (ie. no box) you can take an optical/digital signal out from the back of the XS to your Bose using a TOSLink cable. This will pass the 5.1 signal many broadcast.
I assume your Bose has an optical input.

Hey guys, I just bought a 60xs955 this past saturday! It's going to be delivered on wednesday. Can't wait! :D After I bought it, I thought about going back and exchanging it for a 70xbr950 that my local dealer had on closeout. But, after thinking about it long and hard, I decided against it as the price difference is a significant jump! I got a great deal on my 60 xs. ;)

Joe221- I was curious if you ever got your 60xs repaired or replaced? I read in some other posts that you were having alot of problems with your set. Just wondering if you ever got your problems resolved?

Joe221- I was curious if you ever got your 60xs repaired or replaced? I read in some other posts that you were having alot of problems with your set. Just wondering if you ever got your problems resolved?

After a lot of aggrivation, mostly because the repair techs don't know what to do with this set, yet. The FlashMemory upgrade fixed the problem. The other problems were caused by changing working parts for bad parts and it made all the problems spiral out of control! The original parts were put back and all is well, for now. I now also have a cable card and it works flawlessly. This would not have been the case with out the rom flash.
Thanks for asking. Enjoy your set. I don't know how to tell you what ROM you'll have on your version, but it's a good thing to investigate. You definitely want the most current.

How do you get the firmware upgrades for these sets? I thought I read somewhere that you can get them through a memory stick but how would I be able to obtain these?

That's good to know. Hopefully you won't have any more problems with your set. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I don't have any problems with my set for that matter. Only time will tell.

I subscribe to Comcast standard cable, with which I get some HDTV. I have 60XS and a Bose Lifestyle 50 system, which has 5.1 facility. Is it possible for me to get the 5.1 TV sound with this setup? as already stated, you will need to run a digital signal (either coax or optical) from the back of the cable-box to the digital connection (again, either coax or optical) on the back of your bose system.

the tv doesn't have a digital output (at leaast i don't think it does), so that won't work - at least not for 5.1 sound ....

hey Guys, I am soon going to be Purchasing the 60XS, can't wait.

right now the Deal is I get a free wireless sony dream system with it.

The reason that they are giving the system away is to make way for there new Dream system with HDMI.

so the one I would be getting is the one without the HDMI.

has anyone done this deal yet in canada, how is the dream system, or should I just take the Stand instead.

the tv doesn't have a digital output (at leaast i don't think it does), so that won't work - at least not for 5.1 sound ....

Yes it does and yes it can. RTFM (Read The Fine Manual).

sheesh ... guess i stand corrected. :o

sheesh ... guess i stand corrected. :o
It's OK, you just didn't know how "good" your TV is! :eek:

Hey guys, thanks for advice DaverJ and others. I bought the Sony stand for it yesterday. CC had it on sale for $427 so I thought, why not. It looks amazing now. What do you guy use to calibrate the picture. I have the Sound&vision dvd which helped a bit but is there anything better? I think am going to buy up converting DVDplayer. I see big difference in picture quality after I hooked up my Directv receiver via HDMI. So is Samsung DVD player good? Or do you guy know if Sony makes one? All my devices are Sony so I would like to stay with them, very happy with all of it. Thanx again, Ivan

Hey guys, I just bought a nice cherry wood stand from a furniture store for my 60xs955. The stand is 28" tall. After getting back home, I started to wonder if maybe this is too high of a stand for this tv. I found it for a great price and it is very nice looking with plenty of room for my components. The Sony stand is way overpriced and that is why I went looking for other options. My tv is going to be delivered on wednesday. If you all think this stand is too tall then I'll need to go and cancel the sale for the stand first thing in the morning as it's going to be delivered tomorrow. I don't want it to affect picture quality if it's sitting too high. I've looked at quite a few stands and like I said this one has plenty of room for my stuff. Alot of the other stands I looked at, the shelf space was way too narrow for my receiver to fit into. Which is by the way a Pioneer Elite 56txi, and this thing is HUGE! Anyway, do you think I'll be ok by keeping the stand? Any and all advice or opinions are appreciated and welcomed. Thanks.

UMCanes5,

I purchased a stand that was 24" tall and I thought it was too tall. I have a Pioneer Elite 54tx that I was trying to find a stand for.

I found this stand at CC http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Nea-Moda-Wide-TV-Stand-220337-/sem/rpsm/oid/110765/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do and it is working very well for me. It fit my Pioneer, HD-DVR 942, DVD player, Xbox, CD changer, and Gamecube.

The only drawback is that the shelves angle back to mimick the back of a TV. I had to move my 54tx a little closer to the middle to get it to fit.

Jason

For seated viewing, aim for a stand that's around 20" tall.

There's a stand thread you might want to check out, but there's other solutions to stands you might want to consider. I went to an Unpainted Furniture place and found something that, while it wasn't cheap, had a very high Wife Acceptance Factor. After buying the 60XS I needed all the WAF I could get! :o

Here's a picture of what we got:

Thanks for the replys guys. I will go and cancel the sale on the stand and look for something around 20".



DaverJ- That is a very nice looking stand you have for your setup. Also, I just noticed on my receipt for the stand I bought in real fine print is says "all sales final." I hope I don't have any trouble out of these people. It hasn't even been 24 hours since I bought it. I will raise hell if they try to give me the runaround. :mad: We'll see. Anyways, thanks for the advise.

Thanks for the replys guys. I will go and cancel the sale on the stand and look for something around 20".

You might want to check out www.laurierfurniture.com. They have very nice stands and entertainment centers. I purchased the Prelude model through Sound Advice (Tweeters) and it looks great. It is on the expensive side but very well made and will last a lot longer than the TV. The stand is adjustable to different widths so it will accommodate the 55 or 60.

My Sauder Stand stands just under 20" WITH THE INCLUDED LEGS REMOVED. It's also far more stable with those legs gone. I put those slider things under the four corners so I can easily get behind it. The TV slides on the top just fine too. Since we're in earthquake country I have the center channel in the space of the lower drawer. It works. I drilled a hole in the rear to run the speaker wire. I find the height perfect.

It's OK, you just didn't know how "good" your TV is! lol ... so true, so true!

btw, regarding a tv stand, you may want to take into consideration your seating. if you have a really high/low couch, then that may affect your tv stand decision. what i always tell my customers is that you want the screen to be about eye level at your seating position ... maybe a tad higher.

Hey guys,
Sorry for the late response. I've been spending the last few days getting my tv and av stuff set up plus work. The set arrived on Saturday and was amazing. Unfortunately they sent me 2 wrong stands. The first one was the sony stand (which I didn't like) and the other one was definitely not the one I wanted. So I had this big tv sitting on the floor in my living room. I went back to the store to and found out that the stand I picked out on the floor had the wrong price tag. Finally got it all squared away and got them to send the corect stand.

I had purchased the samsung hd850 upconvert player because it could output 768p. The first player didn't give me the option to select it (it would just cycle through 480p, 720p, then 1080i). I called samsung and they said it was defective and I should return it for another one. I did that and the next one did the same thing. I called samsung again and they said they had no idea how it was possible that two separate models had the same problem. The samsung tech tried it with the player he had right next to him and it would cycle to 768p. I purchased this player because it could output that resolution and was within the price range I was willing to pay. The upconversion to 720p or 1080i was mind blowing but I would like to take the tv out of the scaling process when watching dvd's. They are going to check and see what the heck is going on. I will probably make the drive one more time and get a third player while they try to figure something out.

Aside from all that this tv kicks butt. I don't even have hd hooked up and I am 100% satisfied. I had a friend and her brother come over to help me pick it up and put on the stand and now they want to come over all the time to watch movies. I always go for the full 5.1 setup with a separate receiver and speakers but this tv's speakers sound wonderful. Granted it is not true 5.1 but it does a good job when you don't need to hear your movie like you're at the local theater. It's probably the reason I have been taking my time hooking up my stereo.

I would like to get hd but it is really becoming a pain to get it. I'm going to have a directv satellite tech come out and see if it will be an option because of where the building is and the direction I need to point to. Otherwise I may be stuck with COX cable. I have to pay a monthly fee for the box (I have 2 hd sets in my house), a fee to get hd channels, a fee to get the premium channels, and a fee for the basic channel (and just to top it off COX says that not all their channels are digital). All that times 2 for each set. That adds up to $160 a month. That's just too expensive just to watch hd movies. I don't know how well this cable card thing works and the salesperson knew that they had it but that was it. I've read too many threads that say that cable cards don't work.

Well I think this post is long enough. I will try to take pics after I hide all the wires.

Great TV

I have the CableCard, with Adelphia and it works just fine. ($1.75/mo) If you know my story you know I had the TV flashed with the current firmware. That helped.

ogbuehi,

Your idea of getting an upconverting DVD that outputs 768p is interesting. Does the Sony accept 768p? Specs only list the usual 480i, 480p, 720p, and 1080i.

Could it be that the dealer's hd850 was connected to a display that does accept 768p so that it was a selectable option, whereas the xs955 doesn't allow that option?

Once you get a working player, let us know the results!

I have the CableCard, with Adelphia and it works just fine. ($1.75/mo) If you know my story you know I had the TV flashed with the current firmware. That helped.

Joe, please tell me more about the firmware update. Did you have the problem with the overlay screen popping up randomly? Did you have the problem with the 4:3 "zoom" mode randomly dropping back to "normal" mode.

What version is your firmware. How can I tell what mine is? If I just place a call to Tweeter (extended warranty), will they know how to get the firmware. I do NOT want to take off a day of work to have some tech guy fiddle with my TV for hours and not know how to fix it. I want them to have firmware in hand ready to flash so I can get back to work.

Thanks,
Dale

Hey guys, thanks for advice DaverJ and others. I bought the Sony stand for it yesterday. CC had it on sale for $427 so I thought, why not. It looks amazing now. What do you guy use to calibrate the picture. I have the Sound&vision dvd which helped a bit but is there anything better? I think am going to buy up converting DVDplayer. I see big difference in picture quality after I hooked up my Directv receiver via HDMI. So is Samsung DVD player good? Or do you guy know if Sony makes one? All my devices are Sony so I would like to stay with them, very happy with all of it. Thanx again, Ivan


The Avia home theater dvd is pretty good;--here's the review from amazon.com:

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Tastefully designed for both beginning and advanced home-theater enthusiasts, the AVIA Guide to Home Theater is a terrific gateway to system set-up and integration--perfect for either planning or upgrading your home-entertainment system. AVIA, which was written by David Ranada of Stereo Review's Sound & Vision, takes full advantage of the nonlinear DVD-Video format. It lays out simply and clearly the basics of home theater: source components, video setup, and audio setup. Its seven chapters range in topics from home-theater components to viewing environments to system tools, and the disc features a host of professional-quality test signals for complete system calibration. Handy "hot buttons" give more depth on a range of subjects for those who want it. The disc gives insufficient weight to the importance of audio cable (and it recommends optical digital connections over the better-sounding coaxial type), but by and large AVIA is a trustworthy and extremely informative presentation.

Joe, please tell me more about the firmware update. Did you have the problem with the overlay screen popping up randomly? Did you have the problem with the 4:3 "zoom" mode randomly dropping back to "normal" mode.

What version is your firmware. How can I tell what mine is? If I just place a call to Tweeter (extended warranty), will they know how to get the firmware. I do NOT want to take off a day of work to have some tech guy fiddle with my TV for hours and not know how to fix it. I want them to have firmware in hand ready to flash so I can get back to work.

Thanks,
Dale

I don't know how to bring up the version you have now but my update is
01.52 0070 Jan 14, 2005.
I was droping channels that were in memory. That stopped. I never saw the zoom bug and the overlay still pops up every so often, I know that one.
My BB tech first came over with the upgrade on a USB Thumb drive, SO make sure they know it needs to be on a MEMORY STICK to be able to work.
This may be a job or Sony, I had BB do it because I wanted to have a track record under their lemon clause. Initially he changed physical boards and all my problems got worse. The flash fixed everything and putting the original parts BACK helped.

I have went back and gotten a 3rd player but I haven't had a chance to hook it up yet. It isn't the tv because if the tv couldn't display 768p the screen would go blank. The player itself isn't giving me the option to select as it is supposed to. The tv has to be able to accept 768p because that is its native resolution. Samsung is researching the issue with my specific tv and should be getting back with me some time today.

It looks like the cablecard solution may work but I don't have a way to get that flash upgrade. I don't have a computer that I can hook up a memory stick to.

Got my 60xs delivered today. All I got to say is I love this tv! Great picture! However, I'm having trouble accessing my advanced video settings. It won't let me adjust " clear white, detail enhancer, black corrector, gamma corrector, or white balance". It will let me adjust everything but these. Can anyone help me and tell me what I might be doing wrong? Thanks in advance! ;)

Got my 60xs delivered today. All I got to say is I love this tv! Great picture! However, I'm having trouble accessing my advanced video settings. It won't let me adjust " clear white, detail enhancer, black corrector, gamma corrector, or white balance". It will let me adjust everything but these. Can anyone help me and tell me what I might be doing wrong? Thanks in advance! ;)

Are some of these not available for certain resolutions like 780p?

Got my 60xs delivered today. All I got to say is I love this tv! Great picture! However, I'm having trouble accessing my advanced video settings. It won't let me adjust " clear white, detail enhancer, black corrector, gamma corrector, or white balance". It will let me adjust everything but these. Can anyone help me and tell me what I might be doing wrong? Thanks in advance! ;)
I think you need to be in "Pro" mode to make several of the adjustments you've mentioned.

ogbuehi, I too have a Cablecard from Comcast (Miami-Ft Laud) and it seems to work fine. You are supposed to get the CableCard for free when you request it.

ogbuehi, I too have a Cablecard from Comcast (Miami-Ft Laud) and it seems to work fine. You are supposed to get the CableCard for free when you request it.


Is this (free) a Comcast thing? It's certainly not Adelphia. But then again is anyone at Comcast doing 15-20 years? :D

Joe221, i like the sauder stand you have, looks perfect height and width.. Can you reveal were you got it..

Joe221, i like the sauder stand you have, looks perfect height and width.. Can you reveal were you got it..

Best Buy. No secret, but I think it's exclusive to them. It was $300. Now it's $150! If they build it for you make sure to tell them you don't want the legs attached. It doesn't affect anything with structural integrity. If anything, it's more stable.
The model number is 846-920 Entertainment Credenza.

How are you guys coping with the lack of HDMI with the 60XS955? My cable-box outputs HDMI and although I could use component -- it seems all-digital would better.

Anyone playing D-VHS tapes or Sony HDV via FW into the 60XS955?

Has anyone compared the 60XS to the 60A20 --the A20 seems a lot cheaper and IMHO better looking.

Do the XS955 speakers come-off?

How are you guys coping with the lack of HDMI with the 60XS955? My cable-box outputs HDMI and although I could use component -- it seems all-digital would better.

Anyone playing D-VHS tapes or Sony HDV via FW into the 60XS955?

Has anyone compared the 60XS to the 60A20 --the A20 seems a lot cheaper and IMHO better looking.

Do the XS955 speakers come-off?
Not sure we're talking about the same TV here. One of the great features of the SX955 is that it has 2 HDMI ports, 1 more than most sets. One thing the SX955 lacks though is a FW port. Speakers are permanent (unless you take the advice of someone's earlier comment on this and use a hacksaw). You can check out the detailed specs on this set on Sony's website.

How are you guys coping with the lack of HDMI with the 60XS955? My cable-box outputs HDMI and although I could use component -- it seems all-digital would better.....

There are 2 HDMI ports. Any "lack" is likely due to STB and the software used, or the Cable Co not enabling HDMI.

To my eyes, HDMI and Component look the same (others have said the same). I do use Component and Optical Audio when I want DD 5.1, which my STB won't deliver when using HDMI.

Otherwise I use HDMI, since it also feeds audio to the XS955, and turn my audio receiver off.

I'd love to get rid of the extra cables (separate Component and Optical Audio in addition to the HDMI) and use only HDMI to get rid of cable clutter. I'm not expecting relief from my Cable Co anytime soon.

I have the CableCard, with Adelphia and it works just fine. ($1.75/mo) If you know my story you know I had the TV flashed with the current firmware. That helped.

I correct myself. I just got my Adelphia bill. They charge $4.75 for the CableCard because I have a Moxi. This is the end of my CableCard experiment. I'm returning it and going full steam ahead on Dish Network or maybe DirecTV.
:mad:

Is this (free) a Comcast thing? It's certainly not Adelphia. But then again is anyone at Comcast doing 15-20 years? :D

Joe, pretty funny.

Actually I read somewhere that the cable companies were required by law to issue the cablecards free of cost. I believe this is the same law where the Feds are requiring digital TVs with a tuner to be built with cablecards. The fact that Adelphia is charging for the card makes me question the validity of that. Someone else may know more on this and might want to chime in. In any case, before I signed off on the cablecard I got Comcast to confirm that the CableCard would be free. They agreed to give me the cablecard but only after trying to talk me out of it by pointing out the pitfalls like no VOD and no interactive guide.

I correct myself. I just got my Adelphia bill. They charge $4.75 for the CableCard because I have a Moxi. This is the end of my CableCard experiment. I'm returning it and going full steam ahead on Dish Network or maybe DirecTV.
:mad:

I would contest that charge. See my post above and do a little research.

What's a moxi?

I read on the last page that someone was considering buying and upconverting player for this TV. I would suggest that you don't. It has taen me a couple of months to come to realization and acceptance that 480i is actually the best for this TV. To start I have a 59avi DVD upconverting player. Highly regarded and overall an excellent player. Unfornately with this television it cannot accept the signal and process it properly. I didn't realize it with most normal DVD's, but it took my son's Baby Mozart that is formatted with very high contrats to show noise on object, especially with reds. All settings but 480i with adjustments of all kinds of parameters showed this.

So as a recommendation, if you aren't into music and want just an upconverting player...for this set personally i wouls say to stick with a regular player and use the money fo rmore DVD's.

Budd

I would contest that charge. See my post above and do a little research.

What's a moxi?
A Moxi is basically another way to spell PoS.

Another opinion might be that it's an HD Tuner/DVR. But based on personal experience, I'd say they were wrong.

Also I can't find anyone giving a CC for free. If they do, they raise other fees just the same. I was quoted 1.75 but the actuality was 4.75 because it's my 2nd HD tuner device. Adelphia has an unsettleing habit of lying in their promotions so I got fooled. They just can't seem to ever tell the truth about what something costs. It's not the $3 it's the anger that's driving me away.

i'm using a Denon 2910 upconverting dvd player with my 55XS. i had the player connected via HDMI to the tv upconverted to 720p. after all the readings about running a straight 480i signal to the tv, i connected the player via component & tried it out. my overall findings were that the tv did do a very good job of upconverting to it's native 768p, but i still think that dvd's looked a bit smoother via HDMI upconverted to 720p thru the player. i have since reconnected HDMI & am still in favor of my denon's upconversion.

Ok, dumb question of the day so please bear with me... I understand that an input source that is 480i will look better through this TV as oppose to letting the source upconvert to anything higher (ie., an upcoverting dvd might look better at 480i). However, since I don' t have any HD sources, how does it work for sources that are 720p or 1080i, since those are also converted to 768p by the TV, do they look better than a 480i source? I can see how a 720p or 1080i source has more "material" than a 480i so there is more there for the TV to work with but like I said, since I don't have HD, I don't know...

Thanks!

i'm using a Denon 2910 upconverting dvd player with my 55XS. i had the player connected via HDMI to the tv upconverted to 720p. after all the readings about running a straight 480i signal to the tv, i connected the player via component & tried it out. my overall findings were that the tv did do a very good job of upconverting to it's native 768p, but i still think that dvd's looked a bit smoother via HDMI upconverted to 720p thru the player. i have since reconnected HDMI & am still in favor of my denon's upconversion.

My results with a Sony NS975V were very similar. Very little difference with slightly less grain through HDMI.

By the way, Oppo is considering adding 768 as a selectable resolution option with a future firmware revision.

I found there was a huge difference between my old Toshiba 2805 via component at 480i (non progressive) and my new Panasonic S97S via HDMI 720p. It was no contest, the Panny kicked butt.

I am outputting via HDMI just at 480i. As I said I used to use the player at 720p as what I thought looked the best, but I came home early one day and my son and wife were watching baby einstein. I saw all kinds of problmes with reds interacting with the surrounding areas. Looked like lines intruding into to ojects outside edges and such. Drove me crazy seeing it. I realize that these DVD's are made to be high contrast and such and maybe create an unnatural situation. My thinking was that if it looks the best with the worst material...shouldn't that be the best for all?? I could be wrong.

I am kinda hoping that someone else has baby mozart from baby einstein and could see if they find similar results, or maybe a pro can jump in and say that those discs are crap and not to pay attention to the artifacts/noise whatever that are generated playing them and to use the 720p setting.

Budd

Ok, dumb question of the day so please bear with me... I understand that an input source that is 480i will look better through this TV as oppose to letting the source upconvert to anything higher (ie., an upcoverting dvd might look better at 480i). However, since I don' t have any HD sources, how does it work for sources that are 720p or 1080i, since those are also converted to 768p by the TV, do they look better than a 480i source? I can see how a 720p or 1080i source has more "material" than a 480i so there is more there for the TV to work with but like I said, since I don't have HD, I don't know...

Thanks!

I'm not sure if I understand the question....

For sources that are native 480i, like DVDs, SD PVRs and the like, the set does a great job if you send that source to the TV at 480i through component cables.

If the source is 720p or 1080i like broadcast HD, HD PVRs, Xbox, etc., by all means do NOT use 480i - set that device for 720p or 1080i and use a HDMI or component cable! This set, in addition to doing 480i reasonably well, also does HD (720p, 1080i) amazingly well.

Did that answer your question?

Thank you DaverJ, you answered my question!

Joe, pretty funny.
Actually I read somewhere that the cable companies were required by law to issue the cablecards free of cost..It's one thing to require seat belts and airbags in all new cars. It's something else to say that the manufacturers can't pass along the costs.

What we're seeing with cable card is a multi-handed game with the cable operators, the consumer electronics manufacturers, the public, the FCC and local regulators all pressing their overlapping and sometimes conflicting interests. Cable companies are required to supply a CableCARD on request, but not for free. If you can negotiate getting it for free, or if your local regulators have negotiated that on you behalf, you're doing well.

Don't mean to jump in the convo but....

I've finally been able to watch a ton of material now that I have a receiver that works and makes sense. This tv top notch. It's just as beautiful as my samsung hdcrt. I've been watching ota hd material but primarily upconverted dvd's. I don't know when I'm gonna get the cable company to try out the cable card so I'll have to wait to report on that. Ota hd is beautiful when actually watching a broadcast that's sent in 1080i/720p 16:9. Can't really complain about the analog stuff as it looks the same as it would on my analog tv. Upconvert dvd players are the way to go. This set doesn't do dvd's sent in 480i/480p justice. This is evident when playing dvd's on my xbox in both those resolutions. When upconverted on my samsung player motion artifacts and pixelation are gone. This set has went beyond my expectations and performed flawlessly (in my eyes) with everything I have thrown at it. A couple of questions though

1)Is there a way to skip through unused inputs? I keep having to go through from antenna to input 8.

2)Does the optical output really do anything? I hooked my dvd player via hdmi and set the player to output the sound bitstream (vs. PCM) through the hdmi but my stereo receiver gets no signal from the optical cable coming from the tv. I know it's not the receiver because I had to hook the player up to to the receiver via coax and I have my xbox hooked up to the other optical input and they both provide a 5.1 signal.

3)The pip doesn't work if everything hooked up to the set is 480p or better? I guess I nullified that ability.

Oh just to add some info COX wants to charge $2.50/mo for their cable card here in VA. That's just for one tv set.

It's one thing to require seat belts and airbags in all new cars. It's something else to say that the manufacturers can't pass along the costs.

What we're seeing with cable card is a multi-handed game with the cable operators, the consumer electronics manufacturers, the public, the FCC and local regulators all pressing their overlapping and sometimes conflicting interests. Cable companies are required to supply a CableCARD on request, but not for free. If you can negotiate getting it for free, or if your local regulators have negotiated that on you behalf, you're doing well.

And Adelphia is the most "multi-handed" of all. At least twice and maybe more I asked "What does the cable card cost me" Each time I was told $1.75/mo. and $25 to install. I was really pissed about the install, because I KNOW HOW TO INSERT A PCMCIA CARD, and calling an 800 number and reading some numbers isn't hard either. I finally capitulated and went ahead with the install after fixing the firmware issues with my TV. On install day the techs were over an hour late so I gladly called the 800 # and requested the ontime or $20 guarantee. It was promissed. I just got my bill and the $25 charge was there but no $20 credit. AND the monthly charge was listed at $4.75!!! for the cablecard. I called and the agent completely removed the install fee for my inconvienience but now informed me, because I have a Moxi device the CC is the second HD controller and there is no discount so it's $4.75. It doesn't matter how many times I asked for the cost, Adelphia only knows how to lie. All their charges are on a sliding scale and they never tell you what it actually costs until you get the bill and it's too late.
I imedietly called Dish Network, but because of my Condo's cable agreement, my costs for satillite are just to high to switch. If I can lobby at the next meeting to drop Adelphia then I can have a cost advantage with satillite. I notice others have dishes, so maybe we can dump Adelphia/Time Warner.

Don't mean to jump in the convo but....

I've finally been able to watch a ton of material now that I have a receiver that works and makes sense. This tv top notch. It's just as beautiful as my samsung hdcrt. I've been watching ota hd material but primarily upconverted dvd's. I don't know when I'm gonna get the cable company to try out the cable card so I'll have to wait to report on that. Ota hd is beautiful when actually watching a broadcast that's sent in 1080i/720p 16:9. Can't really complain about the analog stuff as it looks the same as it would on my analog tv. Upconvert dvd players are the way to go. This set doesn't do dvd's sent in 480i/480p justice. This is evident when playing dvd's on my xbox in both those resolutions. When upconverted on my samsung player motion artifacts and pixelation are gone. This set has went beyond my expectations and performed flawlessly (in my eyes) with everything I have thrown at it. A couple of questions though

1)Is there a way to skip through unused inputs? I keep having to go through from antenna to input 8.

2)Does the optical output really do anything? I hooked my dvd player via hdmi and set the player to output the sound bitstream (vs. PCM) through the hdmi but my stereo receiver gets no signal from the optical cable coming from the tv. I know it's not the receiver because I had to hook the player up to to the receiver via coax and I have my xbox hooked up to the other optical input and they both provide a 5.1 signal.

3)The pip doesn't work if everything hooked up to the set is 480p or better? I guess I nullified that ability.

Oh just to add some info COX wants to charge $2.50/mo for their cable card here in VA. That's just for one tv set.

1-In Menu/Setup/ you can label the inputs. One label is "Skip". OR the better choice is get a good remote like a Harmony and direct tune to all the inputs (except 8) and live large! :D
2- If you connect the optical out to your 5.1 amp and are tuning to a channel broadcasting in 5.1, so it will be from the amp.
3-One of the PaP inputs MUST be in 480i.

I'm confused. I bought the Video Essentials DVD and used it to calibrate input 5 (DVD player component input). But..... How do I calibrate input 7 (the HDMI input from the 8300HD STB)???

I'm confused. I bought the Video Essentials DVD and used it to calibrate input 5 (DVD player component input). But..... How do I calibrate input 7 (the HDMI input from the 8300HD STB)???

You can't, really. What you can do is use the resulting settings as a guide to set other devices. Just fine tune by eyesite as different devices may not be as good as or superior to the DVD.

Hey guys,
Great info on the XS series, its really invaluable, although it's making my buying decision a little harder now! :) Up to this point I have been considering mostly 50" models from Sony and Samsung and 52" models from JVC and Mits. This decision was based primarily on the size of my living room( appox. 10' wide x 13' long). On the smallish side but thats what ya get in a 2 bedroom apt. :( after reading through about half of this thread I have seen many people with the 55" and even the 60' XS series with viewing distances ranging about 7-10 ft. I thought initially these distances were too close for a set this large. I guess I thought wrong. I am strongly considering the 55XS955. It seems to have a superior feature set with gamma correction, multiple video options, 2 HDMI, 132w lamp, etc compared to its competition(including the new 55A20). The prices on these sets right now cant be beat. I dont wanna end up with a set that overwhelmes my living room. I am OK with the 55" viewing from approx. 8-9ft in a room this size?

Good luck with your choice. I can understand wanting the additional features of the XS over other models, but I don't know if gamma adjustment will be such a big deal next to the dynamic iris for controlling black level. I would want to see that feature in action. It could be a big plus for this display technology.

I'm confused. I bought the Video Essentials DVD and used it to calibrate input 5 (DVD player component input). But..... How do I calibrate input 7 (the HDMI input from the 8300HD STB)???
Your best bet is using your HD Cable DVR to record the INHD Tune Up and HDNET test signals from your HD cable (assuming you get those channels.) The HDNet signals are 8am on Tuesdays and the INHD signals are 7am on Saturdays. Both are a battery of test patterns (similar to Avia/DVE) and will help you calibrate the inputs that your HD cable is going through.

-Terry

Hey guys,
Great info on the XS series, its really invaluable, although it's making my buying decision a little harder now! :) Up to this point I have been considering mostly 50" models from Sony and Samsung and 52" models from JVC and Mits. This decision was based primarily on the size of my living room( appox. 10' wide x 13' long). On the smallish side but thats what ya get in a 2 bedroom apt. :( after reading through about half of this thread I have seen many people with the 55" and even the 60' XS series with viewing distances ranging about 7-10 ft. I thought initially these distances were too close for a set this large. I guess I thought wrong. I am strongly considering the 55XS955. It seems to have a superior feature set with gamma correction, multiple video options, 2 HDMI, 132w lamp, etc compared to its competition(including the new 55A20). The prices on these sets right now cant be beat. I dont wanna end up with a set that overwhelmes my living room. I am OK with the 55" viewing from approx. 8-9ft in a room this size?

I have a 13' throw in my LR with the 60XS. I think 8.5' with the 55" would be grand! Remember an awful lot of the programming is still 4:3 so the true size will be more like 48". Something to consider.

I'm confused. I bought the Video Essentials DVD and used it to calibrate input 5 (DVD player component input). But..... How do I calibrate input 7 (the HDMI input from the 8300HD STB)???
You can do what TerryJ suggests, or you can simply connect your dvd player to the different inputs that you'll be using via hdmi, dvi, component, s-video, or composite cables, depending on what connections your dvd player has and the needs of the various inputs. It's a little tedious, but it's the only way to use AVIA and DVE on all your inputs.

This is true. Some things do not change like they should when your in the service menu. I have suggested doing it this way. Then you know you are on the correct page in each part of the service menu....The mid 5 section is one example... will not go to the right place when in the service menu....

Don't mean to jump in the convo but....

I've finally been able to watch a ton of material now that I have a receiver that works and makes sense. This tv top notch. It's just as beautiful as my samsung hdcrt. I've been watching ota hd material but primarily upconverted dvd's. I don't know when I'm gonna get the cable company to try out the cable card so I'll have to wait to report on that. Ota hd is beautiful when actually watching a broadcast that's sent in 1080i/720p 16:9. Can't really complain about the analog stuff as it looks the same as it would on my analog tv. Upconvert dvd players are the way to go. This set doesn't do dvd's sent in 480i/480p justice. This is evident when playing dvd's on my xbox in both those resolutions. When upconverted on my samsung player motion artifacts and pixelation are gone. This set has went beyond my expectations and performed flawlessly (in my eyes) with everything I have thrown at it. A couple of questions though

1)Is there a way to skip through unused inputs? I keep having to go through from antenna to input 8.

2)Does the optical output really do anything? I hooked my dvd player via hdmi and set the player to output the sound bitstream (vs. PCM) through the hdmi but my stereo receiver gets no signal from the optical cable coming from the tv. I know it's not the receiver because I had to hook the player up to to the receiver via coax and I have my xbox hooked up to the other optical input and they both provide a 5.1 signal.

3)The pip doesn't work if everything hooked up to the set is 480p or better? I guess I nullified that ability.

Oh just to add some info COX wants to charge $2.50/mo for their cable card here in VA. That's just for one tv set.

Hi,

I just move to Fall Church, VA -- just have COX for HD locals since I can not do OTA properly in my high rise apartment location -- The apartment is perfect for DirecTV reception and I have that working fine for HD and other Satellite channels

I just bought a 60 XS and I have the COX box on component -- Does a cablecard allow HD without the external SA 3100HD cable box that COX installed

Does you know an ISF calibrator in the area that will fine tune the set and maybe help me install a ND filter

thanks

I think I'm about ready to order a 60inch 60wf655. After looking at 5 stores just now, I'm leaning to sony, the blacks seemed good enough without loosing any detail. in fact, just when the entire screen were black, like almost off, sony seemed to be darker and a samsung lighter. I know all of what I saw can easily change with a new set in my home. But overall, if after seeing all those sets at many stores and deciding sony, that must say something, plus I don't have to worry about rainbow and lip sync problems.

Sounds like the A20 isn't much of a step up over the 55wf655's when considering what's taken out, while the A10 might have something new, 50" isn't what I'm looking for unless I sat 8feet away instead of 12feet.

So for $2799 shipped for a 60wf655, you guys think I should go for it?

I should be getting a 55XS955 very soon, and I just want to be ready when I get it. This will be my first HDTV. What will I need to calibrate it and such? (Links are apreciated) , and how exactly do I go about calibrating it? (I have a Xbox, PS2, etc.) Any other pointers as to what I should do to get the best picture out of my TV, and avoiding ruining it (burn in or some horrible thing) would be nice. Thanks in advance!

I should be getting a 55XS955 very soon, and I just want to be ready when I get it. This will be my first HDTV. What will I need to calibrate it and such? (Links are apreciated) , and how exactly do I go about calibrating it? (I have a Xbox, PS2, etc.) Any other pointers as to what I should do to get the best picture out of my TV, and avoiding ruining it (burn in or some horrible thing) would be nice. Thanks in advance!

First, lcd technology doesn't burn in. So no worries. Get the HD kit for the XBox! Many like Digital Video Essentials or Avia as the tuning disks of choice. DVE is the newest so it might be preferable. Enjoy!

First, lcd technology doesn't burn in. So no worries. Get the HD kit for the XBox! Many like Digital Video Essentials or Avia as the tuning disks of choice. DVE is the newest so it might be preferable. Enjoy!

Actually, I already have the HD cables for my PS2 and Xbox, so I'm all set there :cool: . Thanks for the disc suggestions, I'll look into it. Would I need to run it on each individual thing? (Xbox, Ps2, etc)

Actually, I already have the HD cables for my PS2 and Xbox, so I'm all set there :cool: . Thanks for the disc suggestions, I'll look into it. Would I need to run it on each individual thing? (Xbox, Ps2, etc)
Yes, for your best overall experience, you'll want to run AVIA or DVE through all the inputs you will be using. If you will have something connected to both hdmi inputs, then calibrate both...the same for your component, s-video, and composite inputs (only the ones you're actually going to use to save some time).

Even after calibrating an input, you may still find in necessary to tweak each one while actually viewing something that's representative of what you will normally be watching on that input. If you notice, there's a difference between what one person publishes as the best result for them and what someone else publishes for the same set and input. There is some subjectiveness to setting up your TV since it's your eyes that need to be pleased by the final result.

As far as calibrating for both your xbox and ps2, if they're on different inputs...yes. If they share the same input, not a re-calibration each time, but it is possible that you might tweak things like color and brightness for a particular game machine, but I think you'll probably find that not necessary.

I have made an excel chart of all 3 picture settings for all inputs that I use...after I've tweaked them to my liking. That way, if you lose them somehow, you can re-enter them rather quickly. Hope this helps.

Hey joe221,

I have a question for one of your responses. I have the harmony remote that you speak of (model # H659). How did you get the remote to do what you are talking about direct tuning? I have the DVD player hooked up to video 8 so does this mean I can't us direct tuning?

Hey joe221,

I have a question for one of your responses. I have the harmony remote that you speak of (model # H659). How did you get the remote to do what you are talking about direct tuning? I have the DVD player hooked up to video 8 so does this mean I can't us direct tuning?
Video 8 is the only input that Harmony doesn't have a discrete code for. It requires a hit on input 7 and then next input...or, if you're already on 7, just the hit next input.

Video 8 is the only input that Harmony doesn't have a discrete code for. It requires a hit on input 7 and then next input...or, if you're already on 7, just the hit next input.

Even though Harmony does not have a discrete code for input 8, you can configure an action such as "Watch DVD" that will switch to input 8 with only one button push.

Do these AVIA/DVE allow you to tweak the settings in the service menu? I'm wondering how much more these discs can calibrate your set since some movies already come with the THX optimizer. That was almost useless since I don't have a calibrated eye to tell me when the screen is as at the correct sharpness, brightness, contrast, or color.

you do know that THX is just a certification / standard (s) set of methods.

Even though Harmony does not have a discrete code for input 8, you can configure an action such as "Watch DVD" that will switch to input 8 with only one button push.
Yes, this is available for an activity as when you first turn your system on. But if you want to change inputs from within different activities, Harmony hasn't yet made that macro available to us.

Do these AVIA/DVE allow you to tweak the settings in the service menu? I'm wondering how much more these discs can calibrate your set since some movies already come with the THX optimizer. That was almost useless since I don't have a calibrated eye to tell me when the screen is as at the correct sharpness, brightness, contrast, or color.
Avia and DVE don't access the service menu, but they provide color filters and a whole smathering of test patterns to help those of us without the 'calibrated eye'.

Hey joe221,

I have a question for one of your responses. I have the harmony remote that you speak of (model # H659). How did you get the remote to do what you are talking about direct tuning? I have the DVD player hooked up to video 8 so does this mean I can't us direct tuning?

The above answers sum it all up. I'll add that with a little tweaking in the Harmony software you can assign the available inputs to a soft menu choice in the LCD. Since the Harmony is "Activity" based it's not a priority of it's design. Ther's little advantage to being able to choose "Video 6" in a Harmony, it prefers "Play A Video Tape" to be programmed. Home Theatre Master remotes are device based so it's easier for them to do macros based on buttons. Once fully tweaked, I now prefer the Harmony method. It does take some user play to get the remote perfectly tweaked. My most complicated activity was to playback a ReplayTV show and record it on a VHS. I still have to use some device commands to fully implement that, but I've got it down. Glad my RTV does a countdown. :D

I am about to order the 60xs955 after researching all of the options. I sit about 15 feet from the set, which ruled plasma out since I can't afford a huge plasma. This set seems to get good reviews, and I can get a deal through Cablevision where it will cost a little over 3k. I didn't mean to spend that much on a tv, but now that I have HD cable, and plan to use the set for years, I am trying to justify spending that much.

Anyone think I would be making a mistake? I know 3k isn't that much to AV afficionados, but it's still a pretty good chunk of change. I would love to get it soon so I can watch the rest of the Tour de France on the big screen!

Thanks,

Peter

I am about to order the 60xs955 after researching all of the options. I sit about 15 feet from the set, which ruled plasma out since I can't afford a huge plasma. This set seems to get good reviews, and I can get a deal through Cablevision where it will cost a little over 3k. I didn't mean to spend that much on a tv, but now that I have HD cable, and plan to use the set for years, I am trying to justify spending that much.

Anyone think I would be making a mistake? I know 3k isn't that much to AV afficionados, but it's still a pretty good chunk of change. I would love to get it soon so I can watch the rest of the Tour de France on the big screen!

Thanks,

Peter
Isn't the TdF mostly in SD? I think Discovery HDT is mostly doing specials not full coverage? OLN is covering in SD?

For PeterM,

I think that if you can get the set without sending your savings to $0 - $1000 then you should get it. I would have gotten a plasma but a 60in. plasma is way too expensive for a good quality one. For the money this set provides a beautiful picture. This is my second big screen Sony set and it has performed just as good as the first one. My only regret is that I couldn't get the Qualia set instead.

Okay so this may sound like a dumb question, but is it safe to tip a 55xs on it's side, so that it stands vertical on the speaker side for a little while while I move it ? The reason I ask is that I can't get it into my room otherwise. I was planning to do this with the tv still in the box...do you think the pressure would cause the "wings" or speaker pods to break off ? or would it be ok?

Steve

visual....sorry noob here :eek:

I know this pic shows a sammy dlp...getting rid of it for an xs, hopefully :cool:

I know this may have been answered but there are 33 pages on this thread. What do you use to clean your screen? I have the 55SX955.

Thanks

I know this may have been answered but there are 33 pages on this thread. What do you use to clean your screen? I have the 55SX955.

Thanks

Good question, I use a 3M microfiber cloth, it's soft and doesn't scratch. But, I don't know if that's the "correct method". Also what if it's in need of something more than a dusting? :confused:

Good question, I use a 3M microfiber cloth, it's soft and doesn't scratch. But, I don't know if that's the "correct method". Also what if it's in need of something more than a dusting? :confused:

It would seem dusting with a soft cloth such as the 3M, would suffice. Anything more I would use some warm water and a drop of gentle liquid soap. If that didn't work, would go for some recommendations. I think isopropyl alcohol would be the strongest I would use.

I remember reading (probably here) that you could void your warranty if you are not using the proper stuff. I will look at my owners manual when I get home and see what it says.

I remember reading (probably here) that you could void your warranty if you are not using the proper stuff. I will look at my owners manual when I get home and see what it says.

Owners Manual States on page 15:

To remove dust on the screen, wipe with soft cloth.

Do not use any type of abrasive pad, alkaline cleaner, scouring powder, window cleaners or solvent such as alcohol or benzene. Using these types of products may damage the screen.

To clean the screen, use the cloth lightly moistened with a mild detergent and water solution. Use gentle pressure when cleaning.

i also use a microfiber cloth to clean my screen ... it came with that monster cleaning kit i bought ... but any mf cloth will work. as long as the cleaning solution isn't too "soapy", i think it will suffice. the stuff i use is mostly some solution of water and some other gunk ... but not too harsh.

the *worst* thing you could use would be paper towels though ... that stuff is definitely too coarse.

Is there anyway to post pics on this thread? I don't know if this is the right thread to do that but at the same time I do own the 60xs.

hey guys I am going to be making the plunge soon,

Dont' know if this is the best thread to ask,

Which is the better tv, The 60XS or the new kdf-e60a20? and why?

to me the only diffrences I see are the inputs on the tv, can anyone let me know if the picture quality is better thanks

Is there anyway to post pics on this thread?

Yep, click "Post Reply" and scroll down to the Additional Options. There you will find "Attach Files". Be sure to size pictures down to 640x480 or smaller.

Motion blur?

Hi - I've had my 55XS for about 2 months now. For the most part I love it and the picture is amazing, but I am sometimes seeing the motion blur (not sure if that's the right term for it - lagged refresh, or pixelation?) the I've read occurs on the LCD RPs. Basically, its only when watching HD material - if the camera angle switches quickly or moves, the picture seems to take a second or two to adjust and appears blurry. It does not happen all the time, but enough- I particularly noticed it during the NBA finals on ABC HD and INHD material. I am running HD through Cablevision and it happens with both HDMI and component cables.

I have read through most of this thread, and few if any people mentioned this problem - any thoughts?

Motion blur?

Hi - I've had my 55XS for about 2 months now. For the most part I love it and the picture is amazing, but I am sometimes seeing the motion blur (not sure if that's the right term for it - lagged refresh, or pixelation?) the I've read occurs on the LCD RPs. Basically, its only when watching HD material - if the camera angle switches quickly or moves, the picture seems to take a second or two to adjust and appears blurry. It does not happen all the time, but enough- I particularly noticed it during the NBA finals on ABC HD and INHD material. I am running HD through Cablevision and it happens with both HDMI and component cables.

I have read through most of this thread, and few if any people mentioned this problem - any thoughts?

I'm willing to except motion blur over some of the rainbow after images I see in dlp, more often so when showing a dark picture with whites where they are suppose to be good at. I game on a 16ms LCD panel, it does have some blur, but nothing more than what's kind of natural looking, not like a 25ms or higher. Is the projection supposed to be 8ms? And how come I her people comment DLPs don't do good with fast motion now and then, did they get it backwards and meant LCD?

I'm about to order a 55xs955 so I haven't had a whole lot of experience. When in the store with a HD baseball game on I tried to look at the detail in the grass as the cammera followed a player, or a mesh fence too. The DLP might have appeared clearer, but it was 5" smaller than the LCD next to it.

Motion blur?

Hi - I've had my 55XS for about 2 months now. For the most part I love it and the picture is amazing, but I am sometimes seeing the motion blur (not sure if that's the right term for it - lagged refresh, or pixelation?) the I've read occurs on the LCD RPs. Basically, its only when watching HD material - if the camera angle switches quickly or moves, the picture seems to take a second or two to adjust and appears blurry. It does not happen all the time, but enough- I particularly noticed it during the NBA finals on ABC HD and INHD material. I am running HD through Cablevision and it happens with both HDMI and component cables.

I have read through most of this thread, and few if any people mentioned this problem - any thoughts?

I think you're describing what is known as the "screen door effect". It's a trait of LCD technology. I chose it over DLP "rainbows and headaches". It's basically pick what offends you the least. There's no perfect technology.

I think you're describing what is known as the "screen door effect". It's a trait of LCD technology. I chose it over DLP "rainbows and headaches". It's basically pick what offends you the least. There's no perfect technology.

I don't seen how blur has to do with Screen door effect. This sounds more like a response rate, how quicly the pixels refresh. Screen door effect is more, I would think, noticing the grid between the pixels if you are too close.

I think you're describing what is known as the "screen door effect". .

I think it sounds more like a compression issue associated with the source. It sounds to me like the data flow is needing more bandwidth than what is being sent, so at shot changes where the picture changes drastically it looks very compressed at first and then quickly clears up.

If the above is what is noticed, it has nothing to do with the LCD technology - it's a flaw of the transmission.

I think it sounds more like a compression issue associated with the source. It sounds to me like the data flow is needing more bandwidth than what is being sent, so at shot changes where the picture changes drastically it looks very compressed at first and then quickly clears up.

If the above it what is noticed, it has nothing to do with the LCD technology - it's a flaw of the transmition.

That's probably it as the guy only mentioned it happening with HD, if it was the TV it would happen no matter what the source is.

i have to agree with the transmission as well. i have seen plenty of HD broadcasts on my sony xs955 with comcast that have looked no better than digital broadcasts. heavy compression, video noise, etc...

just my 2 cents.
Carmine

Motion blur?

Hi - I've had my 55XS for about 2 months now. For the most part I love it and the picture is amazing, but I am sometimes seeing the motion blur (not sure if that's the right term for it - lagged refresh, or pixelation?) the I've read occurs on the LCD RPs. Basically, its only when watching HD material - if the camera angle switches quickly or moves, the picture seems to take a second or two to adjust and appears blurry. It does not happen all the time, but enough- I particularly noticed it during the NBA finals on ABC HD and INHD material. I am running HD through Cablevision and it happens with both HDMI and component cables.

I have read through most of this thread, and few if any people mentioned this problem - any thoughts?
I've had the 55XS for about 2 weeks now. I'm really pleased with it.
I noticed on the PBS HD broadcast of the 4th of July celebrations that crowd shots with movement had severe pixelation around people moving or dancing, but the cameras aimed at the stage didn't seem to have the problem. I was watching this via antenna.

I also noticed several times that the screen went black momentarily during the broadcast. This wasn't during the taped replay but during the live broadcast

Motion blur?

Hi - I've had my 55XS for about 2 months now. For the most part I love it and the picture is amazing, but I am sometimes seeing the motion blur (not sure if that's the right term for it - lagged refresh, or pixelation?) the I've read occurs on the LCD RPs. Basically, its only when watching HD material - if the camera angle switches quickly or moves, the picture seems to take a second or two to adjust and appears blurry. It does not happen all the time, but enough- I particularly noticed it during the NBA finals on ABC HD and INHD material. I am running HD through Cablevision and it happens with both HDMI and component cables.

I have read through most of this thread, and few if any people mentioned this problem - any thoughts?
I think what you're describing is normal. Its also noticable at the movies. Saw War of the Worlds this weekend. Saw it then, too.

I think what you're describing is normal. Its also noticable at the movies. Saw War of the Worlds this weekend. Saw it then, too.


Funny you mention this. I noticed it during War of the Worlds as well. I thought it was just me imagining it since I've been thinking about it so much recently.

i have to agree with the transmission as well. i have seen plenty of HD broadcasts on my sony xs955 with comcast that have looked no better than digital broadcasts. heavy compression, video noise, etc...

just my 2 cents.
Carmine

Some broadcasts are actually upconverted lower resolution material. A fair percentage of Fox baseball broadcasts are done this way.

Okay so this may sound like a dumb question, but is it safe to tip a 55xs on it's side, so that it stands vertical on the speaker side for a little while while I move it ? The reason I ask is that I can't get it into my room otherwise. I was planning to do this with the tv still in the box...do you think the pressure would cause the "wings" or speaker pods to break off ? or would it be ok?

Steve

Any thoughts ?

Any thoughts ?

My "thoughts" are, in the box you are probably safe for a short haul, as even the manufacturer knows no one actually reads "This End Up". But outside the original packaging, no way the speaker will sipport 100 pounds very long. I think I'd still not risk it. It's a mighty expensive mistake if it cracks, no warranty support on that one. :eek:

islandx - why can't you just carry the tv from the main part? just put your hands in the gap between the speakers and the actual tv?

stuff - i haven't noticed any motion lag/blur/whatever on my set ... but (tbh) i'm not really trying to look for it. it's one of those out of sight, out of mind kinda things. but, as others have stated, it's not the screen door effect. that's a constant thing where it looks like a real super-fine "mesh" is placed over the screen ... it's pretty easy to see on solid white backgrounds. go look at a zenith lcd to see what i'm talking about ... ;)

Thanks for the replys guys....The reason I would need to tip the tv into the vertical position is that my room is perpendicular to a hall and the hall is not wide enough to angle the tv through my doorway. Hopefully the box has enough foam support for about 1min of "compromised positioning"

islandx, if I remember correctly, the tv is secured by 4 styrofoam pads. Each pad is placed on each corner of the tv. The pads are big enough to cover the width of the box but do not span the length of the tv. I would recommend holding the box by the corners. Since there is no padding between the corners, if someone was to hold the tv by the sides, the box may collapse and potentially damage the tv.

I was playing around with the menu tonight, and now the video box (the box in the upper left corner that displays what particular video input you are currently using) will not go away - it just stays there.

How do I get it to go away???

Nevermind.... figured it out.

I finally ordered a 55xs955 with a 4 year warranty from OneCall. I think my Amex should add 1 year to that warranty.

For those with this set:

I haven't found a stand yet, any suggestions around upto $400?

I also still have the same dvd player I bought 5 something years ago with a new composite cable, will it do okay on composite with the TV's own upconversion?

It's the Toshiba SD-2200: some info on it here (http://audioreview.com/cat/home-video/dvd-players/toshiba/PRD_124197_1587crx.aspx)

If not, what DVD player are you using with this tv. I've given up hopes finding the perfect all around player with DVD-A, SACD, upconverion, good PQ with great sound at the same time for SACD's. Looking at $200-$250, maybe a little more if it can do everything above.

I probably should ask this stuff in the right dvd forum, but my post is more on now that I've ordered the 55xs955, what should I get now to enjoy it the best and what you have found best for it.

good with the tv and is sturdy. but print the page out casue it is 265.00 in store but they will price match it.

when you get the tv let it kool or warm to the room temp and better if you do not turn it on for 24 hrs if you have to tip it. helps the bulb life

It is most apparent on light grey/colored objects that move vertically in the image. If you track them up or down the screen, you'll see the appearance of what look like horizontal "scan lines", though this isn't really an accurate name for them.)

This efffect is from the deinterlacer. Upon vertical motion it is dropping one field in the area of vertical movement. So you see everyother line.

Only a VERY expensive deinterlacer will prevent this.

It is a nasty artifact for those who see it. You;ll note you wont see it on 720p.

If you want a good TV stand go here. TV Stand (http://www.ikea.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10101&storeId=12&productId=11149&langId=-1&parentCats=10104*10174)
I bought it and it fits my 55 inch perfectly.

I also just tested out the Sony - DVP-NOS975V. This unit is amazing.
We hooked it up via HDMI and compared it to several other DVD's Home theatre solutions that I have. The picture quality was great. We repeated the scene in LOTR ROTK where Gondor lights the beacons. There is a scene in the beginning on the second beacon where the camera rotates and has the mountains in the background and a purplish haze to the whole scene. 2 of my DVD players stuttered. My MS HTPC laggied up. But the Sony was smooth as silk. The overall picture quality is much better. We picked one up on the famous action site for 209.00 buy it now.

So good luck with the TV!!!!

For TimothyB,
I would definitely think about upgrading your dvd player. Your Tv is capable of so much more than what your current dvd player is capable of providing. I would check out the samsung hd950. It has DVD audio/sacd capabilities and it comes with an HDMI cable is about $200 online. Haven't seen any stores that sell it though.

Does anybody know if the Superbit editions of DVD's are a good benchmark when viewing this set? I haven't seen any of the above problems (motion artifacts, blurring or pixelation) when watching movies that are upconverted before they reach the set. If the signal is not upconverted (sending 480i/480p signal) pixelation is obvious as the set does not do a good job of upconverting those signals at all.

I agree with TomCat. I'm not trying to take the food off of anybody's table but IMHO ISF calibration is not worth the money. I've adjusted hundreds of TV before there was ever an ISF. I know what I see and if I like it. I work with an engineer that is color blind and can't tell the difference between red and green. Would an ISF calibration improve his viewing experience? We each see color with minor differences. No instrument can calibrate for each individual.
Cheers
Joeren
Having had one set ISF calibrated I've done the others myself. BUT, I know that with out and instrument that MEASURES color temperature I have a gray scale that looks good to my eyes -- but I also know that I may well not be seeing content as it was created on calibrated monitors. That's obviously not ideal.

The plain fact is if you get a set ISF calibrated you do NOT need to make fundamental adjustments. Red push has been eliminated. Thus the XS955 special adjustments are may not be needed. Thus, you must look at the other extra features you get in the XS955 context of it's extra price plus the way it looks as compared to the newer units.

Moreover, if you are using your HDTV to monitor content creation (i.e., color correction) you can not work with an uncalibrated monitor. (So why would you want to watch one?)

Once calibrated, any adjustments you make have to do with your input sources. (You do not adjust red push on a channel to channel basis.) I don't know how many more adjustments the XS955 offers over other lower cost Sony's. But, I do believe the RC adjuster that deals with SD material is probably the most important feature a big-screen can have. I'm not sure this is available on the XS955.

Help
I have a KDF60SAX955 and when I play a VHS tape or DVD the picture is awful. Is there something I need to do with the TV? The VHS deck is connected with Video Out and the DVD with component out to the TV
seabee

Help
I have a KDF60SAX955 and when I play a VHS tape or DVD the picture is awful. Is there something I need to do with the TV? The VHS deck is connected with Video Out and the DVD with component out to the TV
seabee

I wouldn't expect much from a VHS playback stretched to 60" but "awful" isn't what I have. What type of DVD is it? My old Toshiba 2805 gave a fair picture via component. I wanted better and got the Panasonic 97s for upscaling HDMI playback and it's stunning (for non-HD).
What was your previous TV?? Are you comparing this to a 27" tube?

Thank you for your reply
I have the Sony SLV81 for the VHS and the DVP 8570D for the DVD. The other TV I had was the KP-61HS10 and they both played great on this TV. Am I missing some info about this new TV?
Thanks Joe
seabee

Here is my attempt at uploading a picture to the internet. Sorry for the wires, I just got my cable management system, my laptop, and my cablecard so I got a lot on my hands right now.

Thank you for your reply
I have the Sony SLV81 for the VHS and the DVP 8570D for the DVD. The other TV I had was the KP-61HS10 and they both played great on this TV. Am I missing some info about this new TV?
Thanks Joe
seabee

Seabee,
My old set was a 53XBR200 and standard def stuff looked better on it. The DRC mode of the XS is not as effective with SD signals as the old ones were. This set does a BETTER job than many other sets I looked at, so I think, unless yours is actually defective, it may be a case of having to get used to it. All HD sets I looked at did a pretty piss poor job with 4:3 material. This one was better than average. Did you actually see any SD material in the store before you made your choice? I don't think you can fault the HD images on this TV very much, it can produce some jaw dropping results. Since the future is HD, I accepted it's flaws and went with it. I've since had troubles, documented elsewhere in AVS and might not have chosen this set if I knew what I know now. But, since it was firmware upgraded my problems stopped. You may want to check out the DVD thread in AVS and get an upscler like the Panny 97S or Sammy 950 and try it out. Get it with a good return policy so you can be sure. VHS, not much you can do.

ogbuehi, is that the Bush stand you can get from Best Buy? That's the exact same one I am going to buy, but with the 60" the TV comes out alot more. I also wanted to buy the matching audio rack, but it is only sold online.

C_hernandez32,

I bought the stand at best buy but it's made by Bello. Don't know if you were referring to the model name. I don't know the model name but I actually found it online and luckily found it at a Best Buy. It was the last one available (floor model). As you can see though, I don't have many components I want hooked up to the set so an audio rack isn't really a necessity.

Comcast guy came the other day to install CableCard in my 60XS and sent a shiver up me when he declared (a) he'd never installed one of them before and (b) that he had not heard of ONE card installation that actually worked.

While I sat there nervously, he called a handful of "wizards" who walked him through the install. He sounded almost disappointed that it actually worked.

Anyway guys, I have had my first taste of DiscoveryHD Theater, INHD and INHD2. PQ in all of them is incredible!

I did buy the SU-GW12 Sony stand a couple of weeks ago. They had reduced it by $300 and the shipping was free, so I dived in. I found the top panel dented so I called, and after being given the runaround for a week, managed to find a willing ear who has offered to reimburse me $175. I've fixed the dent and it looks perfect.

I was cut off from the forum for a few days for no apparent reason, but am glad to be back!

Manhar

Joe
No I did not check the SD material in the store, so I guess it is my fault. The TV looks great in most of my cable channels and outstanding in HD. I just figured that my VHS and DVD would work with this TV, But I was wrong I guess. Thanks again Joe for your input
seabee

Joe
No I did not check the SD material in the store, so I guess it is my fault. The TV looks great in most of my cable channels and outstanding in HD. I just figured that my VHS and DVD would work with this TV, But I was wrong I guess. Thanks again Joe for your input
seabee
It's not your fault, it's that most HD sets suck on SD. I still think this one is better than average, overall.
Enjoy the HD! and relax. :D

I just picked up the Bush Universal Stand (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=5902302&type=product&id=1060605669796) at Best Buy today.

It's a nice width and double shelf with plenty of space. Though, it is 22" 7/8 tall. I ordered the 55inch 55xs955, will this stand be too high? It's about 5 or sinces taller than the Sony matching stand. Being a little high doesn't matter too me unless it effects the viewing angle.

For those with the similar model I have or other 55 inch, even 60 inch which this stand says it takes, does one this tall work okay, or should I find a 17inch instead?

I sit about 11-12 feet away.

I guess I'll have to wait until the tv arrives, I just hope I don't have to return the stand and assembling it.

I just picked up the Bush Universal Stand (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=5902302&type=product&id=1060605669796) at Best Buy today.

.

I wouldn't sweat it. It's not even 3" above recommended target, and depending on how high up your furniture is it might be perfect.

I receivedved my 55XS two days ago and like it....it's replacing a samsung dlp, HLR model. Initial reactions are that the Samsung had a slightly clearer picture. But due to it throwing rainbows so much I couldn't watch for more than 1/2 hour. The sony looks might smooth though, but maybe a little washed out.
Also is it normal for the TV to have a slight greenish tinge on the lower left and upper right corners and a slight reddish tinge on the lower right and upper left hand corner ? Is this due to the placement of the chips ? I can only see it when displaying a black screen such as when cycling through inputs. It is very slight but I can see it and wonder if it's normal.

Thanks,
Steve

Not normal. If mine is normal, which exhibits a perfectly dark-grey screen with no input. Make them send a Sony tech to calibrate to factory standards, which with a memory stick any low-level tech can do perfectly in a few minutes. You may not notice it on video, but my best guess is it is still polluting the color-tracking of all video.

After, crank gamma and turn on "power saver', and it will become very "CRT-like".