for people using an HDMI/DVI cable with the LDA-531/DVB418, just to let you know, owners of the LDA-531 have actually reported better PQ through component. It reduces/removes white crush, and some even say it removes black crush.

edit: yeah, definitely... HDMI/DVI is definitely brighter and is has higher contrast. it also washes the colors out a bit, but it DOES seem a LITTLE sharper. overall, component is definitely better looking.

I have the 511 hooked up via hdmi. I was wondering why the player automatically zooms some widescreen movies and on others keeps the black bars. I can't figure out any rhyme or reason to it at all.

Hi, JeffD2

What MB settings did you do on the LG 511 and what is SM tweak thanks. :confused:

SM == service menu

KrammerTC,

Thank you very much for you suggestion, it worked. However the widescreen is really wide..not in sync. any solution for that

Some movies have a much wider aspect ratio than the 16x9 shape of a widescreen television.

I haven't read your previous postings... so bear with me. Do you have a 16x9 display? If so make sure that on the set up menu of your 511 the tv is set to 16x9. If it is then play the movie "40-year old virgin"... (the widescreen version). If it fills the screen then all is well with your player. Or play "The Matrix" (which is 2.35x1).. it should have significant black bars on top and bottom.

For the record- Sony 36" DV CRT. LG 511 connected via HDMI/DVI

Sure you can. It is called Chopped Steak. :)

Are you saying you cannot see the difference between different grade de-interlacer (Progressive Scan) and Scalers?
That's exactly what I'm saying almost. 480p, 720p and 1080i are better than the 480i setting. But the differences between the latter three are subtle at best on my display.

If you saying that you can just hook any DVD player up to most displays and get a good picture? In general I will agree with that assertion. Only videophile types typically even care enough to try to improve upon what that gives you.
No the LG511 blows away my old Pio in overall performance. Though it's been suggested I might be happy with a $30 player in the sticky at the top of this forum. This was stated because I opted to turn off MB which disables "the magic of deinterlacing" according to the respondant GSB. With it off, I observed no degradation to PQ or detail but rather an abscence of MB annoyances.

Thus I've decided to add the MB off/on factor in the blind test I'll conduct this weekend.

Hey Jeff, I think you've confused macroblocking (MB) and macrovision. The hack Bud-man posted, is for macrovision ON/OFF, which has to do with copy protection, not macroblocking or deinterlacing. See my last post on the "sticky" thread.

Thanks Gary. I saw your reply in the "sticky". My bad. I read the hack advice incorrectly the first time and it just stuck with me. Now things are starting to make a bit more sense. Thanks for your input.

I have LG DVB418. I thought there weren't any hacks for this unit, but I guess I was wrong! I've flashed it with the latest LDA531 firmware. I've tried all the pause + NNN tricks. I've done the region free update. Everything was smooth and seamless. Thanks a lot everyone for the valuable information.

I'm not sure what the firmware update fixed, but I don't see anything immediately different after the update.

I've spent some time comparing upconverted output from HDMI and component video. The component output looks good. HDMI is noticeably sharper, but at the same time I think I see some noise through HDMI where component looks smoother. I can't say which one I like better. I'll probably be using component because of convenience of switching.

I'm running it through 50" Sony PDP with 720 lines of resolution. I can definitely see huge PQ improvement from 480i -> 480p, and from 480p -> 720p, when standing close to the screen. At the usual viewing distance, the difference would be more subtle.

I have LG DVB418. I thought there weren't any hacks for this unit, but I guess I was wrong! I've flashed it with the latest LDA531 firmware. I've tried all the pause + NNN tricks. I've done the region free update. Everything was smooth and seamless. Thanks a lot everyone for the valuable information.

I'm not sure what the firmware update fixed, but I don't see anything immediately different after the update.

I've spent some time comparing upconverted output from HDMI and component video. The component output looks good. HDMI is noticeably sharper, but at the same time I think I see some noise through HDMI where component looks smoother. I can't say which one I like better. I'll probably be using component because of convenience of switching.

I'm running it through 50" Sony PDP with 720 lines of resolution. I can definitely see huge PQ improvement from 480i -> 480p, and from 480p -> 720p, when standing close to the screen. At the usual viewing distance, the difference would be more subtle.
HDMI looks a tad sharper, but the contrast is WAY too high, and theres black and white crush through HDMI (with the LDA-531 anyway). i also noticed that the colors were a bit washed out through HDMI. overall, component has better PQ IMO.

On Sunday 1/29/06 I invited my three family members to participate in a blind testing session of the LG LDA511. They were to evaluate the 4 resolution settings of this up converting DVD player. They would have no prior knowledge as to which setting was being used. They were also advised there were no right or wrong answers but simply to choose the setting they thought looked best. Their level of expertise is that of complete novice. I would not participate or speak during the demo with the exception of “setting 1, setting 2”, etc. We would repeat the procedure three times.

Display: Sony KV-36HS510, Direct View Hi-Def CRT. Viewed in standard mode. (I’ve calibrated with DVE in “pro mode” but the settings are almost identical).
Player: LG LDA511. Connected via component. HDCP and Macrovision hacks applied. BLE set to OFF.
Demo Disc: Spiderman 2, flipping police car scene. Player set to A-B repeat function.

I started them on 480i and played the demo twice as a point of reference. I then switched to 480p which was met with a collective “better” comment. I then switched to 720p which was met with a collective groan and comments of “too dark” (I myself noticed some black crush, but said nothing.) There was a difference of opinion on 1080i however. One viewer said he liked the 1080i better than 720p (more detail) while the other two said there was no difference.

We then went through the procedure two more times.

ALL agreed the 480p setting was clearly best. One viewer liked 1080i, while the other two couldn’t tell a difference between 720p and 1080i. All agreed 480i was better than either of the upconverted resolutions (too dark).

Of course, YMMV. :D

I dont see any difference either, never did on any upconverting player, what matters is how good the original dvd was encoded/filmed to begin with.
My plasma is ED 480p anyway so it really doesnt make a diff to begin with.
480i/p is were i set it, i only like the LG because of the great zoom feature for letterboxed 2:35:1 dvd's...thats it.

If you have ED display with 480p resolution, you are NOT supposed to see any improvement going from 480p to 720p.

You don't mention whether you re-calibrate between switching resolutions. Did you do that prior to their arrival? does you set have seperate memories for each resolution?

jeff

No I don't recalibrate between resolutions though I potentially could set up four different settings with my HDTV. Nor do I think I should have to.

Here's why- my STB (SA3250HD) is set to "Auto DVI" or "Pass Through" (depending on how its connected) to the display which means it sends the pure digital signal being received without any "filtering". There are no PQ issues with any of the HD resolutions let alone 480p (an ED resolution). I do like this player and will keep it only because the pros outweigh the cons IMO, and it was a gift. If I paid for it, might be different story. But I'm not about to bend my entire system around it.

Apparently "near HD quality" is quite subjective. I can assure you this player looks NOTHING like the 1080i uncompressed signal I'm getting from HDN and HDNM, let alone INHD and INHD2.

I agree with Bud-Man, 480p right for me.

BTW- my display is 1080i native.

This test is consistent with a thread I started regarding the display scaler vs. dvd player scaler/upconverter. My plasma displays 768 lines of data whether it gets 1080 lines of data or 480. It does a beautiful job scaling and, in my opinion, is superior to the scalers I have tested in low cost DVD upconverting players.

Hi,

I just bought LDA511 and tried the remote hacks, however I am able to get the screen [Ok M] but I am not able change anything. I tried all the keys on the remote but nothing changed. Is there any particular combination of keys which I should press to change in the SM?

Thanks

Hi,

I just bought LDA511 and tried the remote hacks, however I am able to get the screen [Ok M] but I am not able change anything. I tried all the keys on the remote but nothing changed. Is there any particular combination of keys which I should press to change in the SM?

Thanks
you push pause to confirm. OK M means you've disabled macrovision; you just have to push pause to confirm.

Hey y'all. I just wanted to share my experiences with this DVD player. I used the info on this site to help me select my HDTV, so it's only fair that I give something back.

This Monday, I purchased an LC LDA-511 upconverting DVD player and a Sony KV30HS420 widescreen CRT HDTV. I selected this DVD player because of its specs (upconvert to 1080i, component and HDMI out, DIVX playback) and very sleek looks. Best Buy had put a $30 rebate on this model, and was sold out. Because I really wanted to try it out with my TV that night, I bought the open box model ($99).

This first DVD player would not load my disks. I exchanged it for a closed-box model. This DVD player would not load my disks, either. I called LG, who claimed this sometimes happens if the box is handled roughly and the laser is knocked out of alignment. It went back to Best Buy. Nothing if not persistent, I'm now on my third DVD player of this model, and can finally test the picture quality.

To use a technical term, the picture quality is often "sucky". I have the LDA-511 hooked to my TV through a 4' Monser Cable HDMI cable. I've tried all resolution settings, but - for example - the entry scene for Blade III continues to look really bad. The blood looks like ever so many pixely red splotches on the screen. To check that it wasn't a problem with the disk, I hooked up my extremely cheap non-upconverting APEX AD-1100W DVD player. The APEX blows the LG away, even though it's hooked up through a composite video cable!

According to others on this thread, the HDMI technology just is not very well implemented in this LG. I'd say that is an understatement. I'm debating whether to try the hacks and component video cables or just return it to BB for good.

Can anyone recommend a DVD player in this price range that does work?

Welcome to AVS!

I have a Sony HDTV (mentioned numerous times in this thread) and watched Blade III. The PQ was great, all things considered. Have you tried calibrating your display? Is it still in "torch mode"? I'm not thrilled with this player, but as with all HT components, there's a pro/con evaluation process. My 511 was functional right out of the box (guess I'm lucky). IMO, forget the upconvert settings, keep 480p, and never buy Monster cables again. You can get equal performance for A LOT less money.

Welcome to AVS!

I have a Sony HDTV (mentioned numerous times in this thread) and watched Blade III. The PQ was great, all things considered. Have you tried calibrating your display? Is it still in "torch mode"? I'm not thrilled with this player, but as with all HT components, there's a pro/con evaluation process. My 511 was functional right out of the box (guess I'm lucky). IMO, forget the upconvert settings, keep 480p, and never buy Monster cables again. You can get equal performance for A LOT less money.

I have no experience calibrating TVs, so I haven't messed with it yet. What do you recommend? IMO, the TV picture already looks awesome.

The HDMI cable is going back if Best Buy will still accept it. Which brand cables do you use?

There's plenty of info on AVS about calibration. You can start by setting your display in standard/normal mode. No "expertise" necessary, but you'll have to do your homework. You may be able to find a thread with your particular model of display like you did for this DVD player.

I run RS gold series cables for the most part with a Dayton/Parts Express HDMI/DVI cable. However it looks like RS is using Monster for their "premium series" now. Check out PartsExpress.com you'll be SHOCKED at what you paid for Monster vs PE prices.

Good luck, it's all here on AVS, but you'll have to invest the time and do the legwork.

According to the Manual, the LG-511 can do 480i over the HDMI cable. Very few DVD players can do this, and the others are much much more expensive.

The current "wisdom" in these forums is that Plasma tv's with the best scalers (like Pioneer , Fujitsu and NEC) will do a much better job scaling and de-interlacing a DVD than any but the most expensive players. Therefore, 480i over HDMI (where no digital to analog conversion is done) is the current "Holy Grail" of DVD players.

Has anyone tried 480i over HDMI with a high quality plasma tv using the LG-511?

Hi
I just bought LDA531 form futureshop and I am using HDTV Sony KDF-E42A10 42 Inch Grand WEGA™ 3LCD Rear Projection HDTV.

i update firmware to 1.437, using DHMI to connect TV.
EDID on
macrovision off
HDCP off

Here`s what i see
i can`t see the different from 480p, 720p to 1080i. Is that besause my TV allready up convert to 1080i? Please help me.

I seem to me that afther update firmware, DIVX play back are more ugly.
can Someone confirm or unconfirm please.

Thank a lot

According to the Manual, the LG-511 can do 480i over the HDMI cable. Very few DVD players can do this, and the others are much much more expensive.

The current "wisdom" in these forums is that Plasma tv's with the best scalers (like Pioneer , Fujitsu and NEC) will do a much better job scaling and de-interlacing a DVD than any but the most expensive players. Therefore, 480i over HDMI (where no digital to analog conversion is done) is the current "Holy Grail" of DVD players.

Has anyone tried 480i over HDMI with a high quality plasma tv using the LG-511?

Yes, with non-satisfactory results. Search for my posts in this thread... there are only 3 or 4 of them, and they all relate to my findings (with a picture!) :)

According to the Manual, the LG-511 can do 480i over the HDMI cable. Very few DVD players can do this, and the others are much much more expensive.

The current "wisdom" in these forums is that Plasma tv's with the best scalers (like Pioneer , Fujitsu and NEC) will do a much better job scaling and de-interlacing a DVD than any but the most expensive players. Therefore, 480i over HDMI (where no digital to analog conversion is done) is the current "Holy Grail" of DVD players.

Has anyone tried 480i over HDMI with a high quality plasma tv using the LG-511?

Am I confused here.

My DVD Player does 1080i on my Zenith 50" Plasma just fine using HDMI.

I dont even mess with 480i/p or 720i/p just go straight to 1080i

BTW please let me know if I am "missing something" cause you guys sound crazy. :p

Am I confused here.

My DVD Player does 1080i on my Zenith 50" Plasma just fine using HDMI.

I dont even mess with 480i/p or 720i/p just go straight to 1080i

BTW please let me know if I am "missing something" cause you guys sound crazy. :p

Both the plasma and the "upconvert" DVD player have the ability to scale the image to the appropriate resolution (1080i or 720p) and deinterlace it (if 720p is used). The issue is which will do a better job of it? By sending a 480i signal over HDMI to your tv, you are letting the plasma do all of the work. If the tv has the better scaler than the DVD player, you will get the best picture this way. Using the HDMI cable rather than component, you are sending a signal that has not been converted to analog first.

If your DVD player has a better scaler/deinterlacer than you plasma tv, then your best picture will be achieved if you let the DVD player do the work.

Both the plasma and the "upconvert" DVD player have the ability to scale the image to the appropriate resolution (1080i or 720p) and deinterlace it (if 720p is used). The issue is which will do a better job of it? By sending a 480i signal over HDMI to your tv, you are letting the plasma do all of the work. If the tv has the better scaler than the DVD player, you will get the best picture this way. Using the HDMI cable rather than component, you are sending a signal that has not been converted to analog first.

If your DVD player has a better scaler/deinterlacer than you plasma tv, then your best picture will be achieved if you let the DVD player do the work.

Wow thanks, I see the light now.

Well at least I enjoy my DVDs at 1080i even if it is being scaled. :)

There is also the ability of the dvd player to put out clean 480i. It seems like it would be the simplest thing for a dvd player to do, but through my experience with this dvd player, I've found that isnt the case.

I've found that I actually see more detail by letting the dvd player upscale itself (@1080i). theoretically if the dvd player is putting out perfect 480i, then 1080i should look no better than 480i.

I originally thought I had a bad unit since it wasnt showing as much detail at 480i as it was at 1080i, but after taking it back and getting another, I dont see any difference from my first one. Not to bash the player or anything, it just isnt working for my situation/display.

I just want to thank everyone who has contributed to the great information in this thread. I had gotten so frustrated with my DVB-418 that I stopped using it (audio sync, white crush over hdmi, no upconversion of commercial content over component). Earlier this week, I was readjusting the settings on my DLP (got a new SpyderTV calibration package), and decided to take another shot at the DVD player. The firmware upgrade and macrovision hack details were very timely. They worked for me on the first try.

Now with the DVD player switched over to component, I put my HD DirecTivo on hdmi and all is right with the world (mostly). The 418's white crush seems much less severe over component (though I still needed to turn down the contrast quite a bit compared to my other inputs). I still need to do more testing, but the audio sync issue appears to be fixed.

By the way, if you're just looking for upconversion over component, the only hack needed is the one for macrovision.

Thanks again.

I got this DVD Player for 2 things... That you can make it Region Free and the UPscale stuff...

My TV is a Sony KDS-R50XBR1 DVD is connected over HDMI.

How do I know what resolution I am watching... when I press the RESOLUTION BUTTON on the DVD player, goes black then I see the movie but there is no Information on what resolution is on?

Am I missing something??

Thanks in advance...

Febrero

Look at the players front panel the resolution number lights up when you push the button, if it doesnt you have a defective player.

Player was bad... I went to BB to exchange it, new unit now shows resolution... Thank you!

Feb

Just picked up the LDA-511 and every disk I put in says disk error. I have the problem even with store bought DVD's. Anyone else have this problem?

my player seems to upconvert to 1080i of copy protected materials fresh out of the box. I do not see any difference after turning macrovision off. Question is, does turning off macrovision allow one to copy the video material? ie I connected the S-video out from LDA511 directly to the input of my DVD recorder but it would not allow me to copy anything even when the macrovision is off. I checked to make sure the macrovision is off but still cant copy. What gives? Now I wonder if it is indeed doing upconversion. Need some advise. Thanks.

Hi Guys,

I have been lurking for quite a while. Great site!

Just thought I would post my opinion of the lda511. I am using this with an In-Focus X1 projector. I can't see any noticeable difference between the 480p setting and the 1080i. My projector says it is 1080i, but no difference in quality. I bought it locally, so it is going back.

Thanks,
Mark

i just purchased this player and applied hdmi and macrovision hacks, also updated with the region code cd. everything seems to be working great. it has a build date of november 2005 and has the firmware version 1.43801 versus the 1.437 talked about in this thread, anyone know what the 1.43801 fixes or improves?

i just purchased this player and applied hdmi and macrovision hacks, also updated with the region code cd. everything seems to be working great. it has a build date of november 2005 and has the firmware version 1.43801 versus the 1.437 talked about in this thread, anyone know what the 1.43801 fixes or improves?
my player was made on Nov 2005 too. i didnt check the firmware version, i just assumed the one on the LG site was the latest one. i wonder what the difference is with 1.43801 vs 1.437. v1.437 was made on Jan 2006, so i wonder why the version number with your player indicates a newer version?

Hi guys,
This tread made me go with the LG 511 for the chance at up-conversion and it was worth it. I have a Hitachi 32Udx10s, 7.1 JBL speakers, with a Sony 698 receiver and now the LG 511. Once I hacked the system to show 1080I on CP dvds all i can say is WOW.

LG-511 480p/I did not look that great for certain movies. EP III, too many objects so this forced me to try and turn off Macrovison. Once I did that, wow is all i can say.

For me the 511 was my only choice since I could find any other player that did up-conversion via component.

Just wanted to say thanks to all those who posted on what to expect with the system. I am very happy with this player.

Let me add my observation. If you get the 511 and use as is, save your money and get a cheaper one. The 480i/p settings don't look all that great on CP dvd's (tested using EP III).

If you intend to use it for the 1080I (via component) setting go for it.

Hi all,

I've been thinking about getting the lda-531 but I'm not sure it would be worth it for me. My panasonic plasma alreay upconverts everything to 720p. For those of you who have tried, is there a significant difference between dvd material upsampled to 1080i vs 720p?

Cheers,
Andrew

I found the 1080I to be crisper then 720P using EP III. Dunno if that helps but I will look at it again tonight and see if i see any major differences.

Where to get or download the latest firmware for this (LDA511) Player?

thx

Thanks very much. I'd be very keen to hear about any differences you see. Funny, I would use a Star Wars movie to test this as well! :)

The 511 was given a short comparo in this months AVGUIDE.. worth a read and they found basically the same thing I did.

http://www.avguide.com/AVG_monthly/index.jsp

The 511 was given a short comparo in this months AVGUIDE.. worth a read and they found basically the same thing I did.




Wish they would have stated that you can use the up-conversion via component but I do agree with them about the picture at 480 P it's horrible. Thanks for the link im now a member of AV guide :)

For me the 511 BIGGEST factor was HD via Component vs HDMI. I was upset to learn all other players (at best buy) needed HDMI to up code.

Hi all,

I've been thinking about getting the lda-531 but I'm not sure it would be worth it for me. My panasonic plasma alreay upconverts everything to 720p. For those of you who have tried, is there a significant difference between dvd material upsampled to 1080i vs 720p?

Cheers,
Andrew
a lot of people with Plasma displays have noticed little to no difference. I find the biggest difference comes from HDMI vs Component.

i have a CRT RPTV, and i did A LOT of switching back and forth. i found that 1080i through component, is a LITTLE sharper than 480p, but through HDMI, its quite a bit sharper. BUT the contrast is too high, and theres white crush via HDMI. You'll definitely have to turn the contrast down a little.

i myself can live with the white crush, others are using component because they cant stand it.

I found the 1080I to be crisper then 720P using EP III. Dunno if that helps but I will look at it again tonight and see if i see any major differences.

720p looks fine, I used DOOM , to test it out. Looks nice. 1080I also looked nice and i could barely tell any difference just slight.

Hope that helps.

PS Used The Mummy and Shrek later. While 720p is fine, IMO 1080I is better. Then again I could be insane :)

As I switch between the various settings 480i, 480p, 720p and 1080i I can't seem to notice the difference. I am not certain if it is working. Using the hack codes I went into the video/HDMI info page and a few pieces of information are displayed. I am most curious about the NOs beside 720P and 1080i. hmm... any thoughts?..anyone? Most of the info is self explanatory. heck probably all of is.

HDCP - OFF
-HDCP Auth: Fail
EDID Parsing
- 480P: YES
- 720P: NO
- 1080i: NO
MACROVISION: OFF
VIDEO MODE: YPbPr - 1080i
AUDIO MODE: SPDIF

Thanks for all the help

As I switch between the various settings 480i, 480p, 720p and 1080i I can't seem to notice the difference. I am not certain if it is working. Using the hack codes I went into the video/HDMI info page and a few pieces of information are displayed. I am most curious about the NOs beside 720P and 1080i. hmm... any thoughts?..anyone? Most of the info is self explanatory. heck probably all of is.

HDCP - OFF
-HDCP Auth: Fail
EDID Parsing
- 480P: YES
- 720P: NO
- 1080i: NO
MACROVISION: OFF
VIDEO MODE: YPbPr - 1080i
AUDIO MODE: SPDIF

Thanks for all the help
if your TV has an info button, check what the resolution is at. Or look at the players display, and when you switch between resolutions, the current resolution will flash on the screen for a few seconds. The info page will say 720p: no, 1080i: no through component, but it does work.

through component, the difference is VERY small. most probably wont even see a difference. You really have to look hard. The only way i could really tell the difference is on one scene in pirates of the caribbean, theres a far away shot of a fairly thin rope on jack sparrows sinking ship. the rope was noticeably less jagged and sharper at 1080i compared to 480p.

again, the biggest difference is when you use HDMI. Switching through the resolutions with HDMI, i can see quite a bit of a difference and at 1080i through HDMI, it is quite a bit sharper than 1080i through component.

As I switch between the various settings 480i, 480p, 720p and 1080i I can't seem to notice the difference. I am not certain if it is working. Using the hack codes I went into the video/HDMI info page and a few pieces of information are displayed. I am most curious about the NOs beside 720P and 1080i. hmm... any thoughts?..anyone? Most of the info is self explanatory. heck probably all of is.

HDCP - OFF
-HDCP Auth: Fail
EDID Parsing
- 480P: YES
- 720P: NO
- 1080i: NO
MACROVISION: OFF
VIDEO MODE: YPbPr - 1080i
AUDIO MODE: SPDIF

Thanks for all the help

I think I am in same boat as you.
My friend who has the 511 also says you have to use Master HD Dvds to see the difference. He said Spiderman 2 is a Master HD dvd. I have yet to test his theory.

Hi, do any of these hacks do anything with hdmi, when i switch resolution on lda511 my Sony detects the different resolution in the display menu but I can’t see any difference. I have not applied any hacks to this unit.

the player upconverts via hdmi OOTB, no hacks required.

I've just bought the LDA-531 to try it out to see if I want to keep it. I've run into a snag and been through the manual so I am hoping someone can answer my question on this forum.

Any time I play a DVD that is not widescreen material (for example a DVD of an old 4:3 television show) in 720p or 1080i mode it stretches the 4:3 picture to be 16:9. Everyone looks like hobbits. Is there no way for it to add black bars on the sides to keep a 4:3 aspect ratio? It seems to do this fine for any 4:3 DIVX files I play but none of my 4:3 DVDs.

Thanks!

I don't think there is. to get tthe correct aspect ration back, you have to stretch vertically, loosing a bit of the image vertically.

jeff

AlphaEagle,

Do you have a Sony display?

Due to wife directed space limitations I must mount my DVD player vertically. This probably means slot load. I want progressive scan, HDMI output and up-scaling. The only slot load with these specs (I assume vertical mount because none of the DVD specs talk about vertical loading, even the slot loaders) DVD unit on the market I can find is the LG LDA511. It will feed into Denon 3806 AVR (love it) HDMI, and then HDMI out to a JVC HD-61Z575 TV (love it). I've heard there might be some HDCP digital rights management problems going thru the Denon to the TV all over HDMI with copy protected disks, and/or upscaling/sampling. Don't want to buy the LG if there will be problems using its features.

Hi no, I have a Panny plasma. It's a really strange limitation and probably means it is going to be returned. Any 4:3 divx I play upsampled is no problem as it is smart enough to add bars on either side but put in a 4:3 dvd and you are hosed.

I no longer have the player, but IIRC you could get 4:3 material to display correctly, but you had to go into one of the setup screens and tell it you had a 4:3 TV to do it.

Yes, that is very strange that that's the only way to do it (one of several reasons I returned it). :)

I've recently purchased the LG LDA - 531. I have it hooked up to my Samsung HLN 5065 which is natve 720p resolution through a hdmi to dvi cable. When choosing resolutions , It won't go to 1080i. However my Samsung HD 931 would play at 1080i. Could anyone explain why ? Great picture by the way. Thanks ; Pcarel

Why wont this unit play XVID all i get is audio and bad video pixelation

I've recently purchased the LG LDA - 531. I have it hooked up to my Samsung HLN 5065 which is natve 720p resolution through a hdmi to dvi cable. When choosing resolutions , It won't go to 1080i. However my Samsung HD 931 would play at 1080i. Could anyone explain why ? Great picture by the way. Thanks ; Pcarel

load the 531 firmware on LG's site, do a search here i posted it a month or so ago.

What is the best setting for HDMI going to a 1080P Samsung? 1080i or 720p?

I just applied the HDCP and macrovision hacks to my LDA-511, am watching Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow at 1080I on my hdtv using componet cause it doesn't have either a hdmi or dvi input and it looks pretty darn good, I also got a DVD-HD850 and applied the HDCP hack to it and the picture quality at 1080I is about the same as the LDA-511, the 511 is a little softer but not enough to make a difference.

Couple weeks ago I bought a Sony NS70 but of course it had a 3/4" vertical shift over HDMI on my Sony 60" SXRD :mad: . I returned it and decided to wait for the NS75 the end of March to see if Sony decided to fix the problem. I was up to CC yesterday and saw the 511. Decided what the heck and bought one. Figured I could return it if I see any problems.
Hooked it up when I got home (HDMI) and changed resolution to 1080i. Got out my DVE disc and ran through setting it up. I put in a couple of discs that have been mentioned back in this thread and played them for a while. Did not see any problems. Have watched 4 movies since yesterday and am quite impressed with this player. The scaling appears to do a great job and DVDs look pretty much HD quality. Happy camper so far! Gerry

I forgot to mention the Auto play function. Why do i have to watch trailers when I have the damn DVD already :)

Hi- I just bought this player a week ago. Haven't done much with it yet, but I noticed that the drive is very loud when loading/ejecting. Is this normal, or did I get a bad unit?

thx, Don

Hi- I just bought this player a week ago. Haven't done much with it yet, but I noticed that the drive is very loud when loading/ejecting. Is this normal, or did I get a bad unit?

thx, Don

I picked one up to test a couple of days ago, and yes, the loader sounds like a dump truck!

Dave

The 511 has a option to change the BLE. My understanding is that this is essentially changing the output between 0 IRE and +7.5 IRE. In the US I believe the standard is 0 ire? and in japan area it is 7.5? I expected to see quite a bit of difference in brightness when changing this setting but don't seem to. Can someone in the know give me a little insight into which setting I should be using here in the US and why? Thanks in advance, Gerry

Hi- I just bought this player a week ago. Haven't done much with it yet, but I noticed that the drive is very loud when loading/ejecting. Is this normal, or did I get a bad unit?

thx, Don


Yes its very loud but it's not all that bad. I think they did this because its a slot loader.

The 511 has a option to change the BLE. My understanding is that this is essentially changing the output between 0 IRE and +7.5 IRE. In the US I believe the standard is 0 ire? and in japan area it is 7.5?


I think US levels are 7.5 and Japan is 0 IRE. I did try it set to 0 IRE and found it too dark for my tastes on a HD-CRT

This may be a stupid question, but I have a 16x9 TV, and when I tell the LG DVD player that, it stretches everything to be 16x9 using HDMI or using component. Is this normal? I can compensate by telling TV if the source should be interpreted at 4:3, or 2.35:1, but shouldn't the DVD player pad the picture with black bars or is this standard?

Heres a list of hacks from videohelp, if they work i dont know, the info page does we know that........

I just bought the LG 531. Bought in Canada on March 13, 2006.

I tried the HDCP on/off hack for upconversion over component. The "OK H" in a green box comes up on the screen and then I pressed "pause" twice to exit. Ok, it exits, but copyrighted DVDs will still not upconvert. I still get the red line in a red circle symbol when I hit the "resolution" button on the player. Non-copyright DVD's play perfectly at 720p or 1080i, but the copyright ones just refuse. I even tried setting the resolution to 1080i with no dvd in the player, but once I start playing it goes back down to 480p. (I know this because the monitor identifies it as a progressive scan signal.)

I checked if maybe it needed a firmware update. But, the firmware on the player is already at 1.437 and that seems to be the latest one available online.

Anyone know why the store bought DVDs are refusing to upconvert via component? I've tried 4 or 5 different titles. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Sorry, this is the full quote that I mention above. Posted by Bud-man on page 7: Heres a list of hacks from videohelp, if they work i dont know, the info page does we know that........
I'm at work so i cant test right now.

HDCP off/on:
PAUSE,1,2,3,6,9
on screen: "OK H" or "Default H" (Status)
(2xPAUSE to leave)

Macrovision off/on:
Pause,7,4,1,5,3,6,9
on screen: "OK M" oder "Default M" (Status)
(2xPAUSE to leave)

EDID off/on: (Extended Display Identification Data)
Pause,1,4,7,8,9
on screen: "OK E" oder "Default E" (Status)
(2xPAUSE to leave)

Region Code:
Pause,3,1,4,1,5,9
0=all

Video/HDMI Info Page:
Pause,2,4,8,6,5

Factory reset + SYSTEM INFORMATION page
go to Setup/video/TV Aspect/16:9
and press 1,3,9,7,1,3,9,ENTER

Anyone else having trouble with DivX playback. I was extremely satisfied for about a month with my LDA-511. But more recently it seem like 1 in 5 DivX videos stutters very badly, I see roughly 1 frame every 15 seconds or so. I thought maybe some of the videos used a newer codec then the player supported so I started throwing in some older content and it did the same thing. I then went back and threw in some of the movies I've already watched on it and they all worked fine. I'd imagine it's either the player, the DivX files, or my DVD burner just don't know of a way to figure out which one. Any ideas, also are there any firmware updates for the 511?

jujitsu300 to up convert on component, the Macrovision has to be off.

This may be a stupid question, but I have a 16x9 TV, and when I tell the LG DVD player that, it stretches everything to be 16x9 using HDMI or using component. Is this normal? I can compensate by telling TV if the source should be interpreted at 4:3, or 2.35:1, but shouldn't the DVD player pad the picture with black bars or is this standard?

A couple other people on this thread have noted this behavior. AFAIK, the only way to get the player to display 4:3 material correctly, was to go into one of the setup screens and tell it you had a 4:3 TV. No it's not very convenient or intuitive. :)

jujitsu3000, did you try pushing the button with the disc stopped?

jeff

Holy Macrovision, Batman!! It works! Thanks for the tip zeta. I can now set all resolutions via component.

One more question: What is EDID off/on: (Extended Display Identification Data) ?? What's that used for?

Greeno said: jujitsu3000, did you try pushing the button with the disc stopped?


Yeah, I had tried that. Didn't work. Zeta provided me with the fix ---> turn off macrovision. Works well now.

Holy Macrovision, Batman!! It works! Thanks for the tip zeta. I can now set all resolutions via component.

One more question: What is EDID off/on: (Extended Display Identification Data) ?? What's that used for?

No problem glad I could be of help.

I believe that's only for your HDMI connection, if you have a display that has HDMI, when it handshakes it sends the unit's supported display resolution to the display.

I am actually planning on purchasing this DVD player to go along with my Sharp Aquos 32DA5U. I am a total newbie at this so please bear with me.
#1, From what i can tell reading these posts, HDMI gives you better quality than component, and is the best way to hook up to your tv, am i correct?
SInce my sharp LCD has HDMI input should i use it?

#2, what is the difference between 720p and 1080i, and which is the best to play at?

#3, The hacks are only for component so no need if i'm running HDMI?

#4, What is this macrovision

#5, Is the 511 worth buying or should i go with something else?

Again sorry for the "dumb" questions, i know about computers but know nothing about home theatre, Did much research on this site before i bought the aquos also.

#1, From what i can tell reading these posts, HDMI gives you better quality than component, and is the best way to hook up to your tv, am i correct?
SInce my sharp LCD has HDMI input should i use it?

Display dependent, but with a digital display it is often better. Search here and you will find alot of info.

#2, what is the difference between 720p and 1080i, and which is the best to play at?

You don't know until you try both. It depends upon your displays native resoluition and the quality of your scaler. Again, search.

#3, The hacks are only for component so no need if i'm running HDMI?

As stated in this thread several times--yes.

#4, What is this macrovision

Copyright protection scheme. Google is your friend. You should always google or wikipedia terms first, search the archives second, and ask last.


#5, Is the 511 worth buying or should i go with something else?

It is decent and cheap, but not as detailed scaling as the Oppo or Panny S97. If you don't need component, these are worth trying.


i know about computers but know nothing about home theatre,

If you are willing to put in a couple hours of research, there is a ton of info on the web and this and other home theater sites. Most of the basics have been covered ad infinitum.

Dave

This may be a stupid question, but I have a 16x9 TV, and when I tell the LG DVD player that, it stretches everything to be 16x9 using HDMI or using component. Is this normal? I can compensate by telling TV if the source should be interpreted at 4:3, or 2.35:1, but shouldn't the DVD player pad the picture with black bars or is this standard?
Tim-

It's even worse for me. At 1080i (which is definitely the best output for my TV), my TV won't let me display the picture at 4:3 at all. So I have to change the resolution on the DVD player to 480i or 480p, or go into the DVD player menu and change TV aspect to 4:3. Seems pretty goofy to me. Luckily, I only have a few 4:3 DVDs.

Tim-

It's even worse for me. At 1080i (which is definitely the best output for my TV), my TV won't let me display the picture at 4:3 at all. So I have to change the resolution on the DVD player to 480i or 480p, or go into the DVD player menu and change TV aspect to 4:3. Seems pretty goofy to me. Luckily, I only have a few 4:3 DVDs.

I returned this, while it did a better job than my TV at upconverting - having to change aspect ratio all the time is ridulous - even got laughed at by customer service rep on LG 1-800 number. I have since tried upconverting DVD players from Samsung (845) and Toshiba (4980) all of which are also going back because they have the same problem. My several-year old JVC DVD player (non-upconverting) works just perfect though!

No wonder people don't want widescreen TVs - if most everything just wants to stretch 4:3 TV

Problem: I have the 511 connected via HDMI->DVI cable to my westinghouse 32" LCD. When I switch to 720p I get picture shift 1/2" to the right. Any solution? I've read others having similar problems vonnected via component, but I'm using HDMI.

It could just be me, but the 720p picture looks better than 1080i but I can't stand the 1/2" black bar on the side when selecting 720p.

LG customer service was completely useless when I called to ask. They would only repeat the phrase, "this model will only output 1080i through HDMI." He actually repeated that phrase at least 10 times until I hung up.

Anyone else have this problem or do I exchange it?

I returned this, while it did a better job than my TV at upconverting - having to change aspect ratio all the time is ridulous - even got laughed at by customer service rep on LG 1-800 number. I have since tried upconverting DVD players from Samsung (845) and Toshiba (4980) all of which are also going back because they have the same problem. My several-year old JVC DVD player (non-upconverting) works just perfect though!

No wonder people don't want widescreen TVs - if most everything just wants to stretch 4:3 TV
Tim-
I've only got a couple of old TV series collections that I'm having trouble with- all my movies are widescreen. Some of the new TV show DVDs are widescreen, so I think the issue will eventually go away. And DVD-HD/Blu-Ray shouldn't be a problem. It does seem like current DVD players should have a setting to handle this, though.

Quick question.... I am using a Toshiba 36AF43 CRT which only has component hookups and the manual says it won't accept 480p or 720p progressive scan signals or 1090i hd signals. Is using this player a mute point since it says the TV won't accept anything but the 480i signals?

Thanks everyone for posting in this thread.

I think I read the entire think at least 3 times this weekend.

I purchased the LDA-511 Saturday, March 18, 2006 at CC in Houston.

I have some comments and observations:

(maybe we should start seperate threads for the 531 and 418 DVD players!)

I hooked up the LDA 511 with BOTH an HDMI cable connected directly to my Sanyo 32 inch CRT HDTV AND via component via my Pioneer VSX-1015 AV receiver.

(I wanted to see the difference between component and HDMI)

I played my first DVD, Domino, (original DVD, straight from NetFlix)

Tried BOTH the 720P and 1080I, and they worked with BOTH component and HDMI, with no "remote control" hacks.

So, maybe, I am guessing, if the HDMI connection is active, the lda-511 "unlocks" the component upscaling.

AND, someone else asked earlier if the video output can output via BOTH the COMPONENT and HDMI, and the answer is YES.

Audio is hooked up the the 1015 via a Coaxial digital audio out (one of the never ending discussions, optical out vs coaxial digiral out, I know it is all just zeros and ones, but I think coaxial is a little better, no electrical / optical conversion.)

I turned off the Macrovision and HDCP via the remote controll (THANKS to whomever found these codes!)

Turned on EDID, and turned on B.L.E.

Turned all audio to Bitstream (let my Pioneer 1015 do all the work!)

I was very impressed with the LDA-511. I was very happy with the video output.

For me, it was between the Samsung HD950 and the LDA-511. I could not find any 950's anywhere in Houston, and I read in the Samsung thread, that all 950's produced after dec 2005 have disabled the HDCP and Macrovision "hacks".

I wish it supported SACD, other than that, I am very happy with this player. Only reason, is that I own one very special SACD (Buddy Rich, "The best band I ever played with", a re-mix of a direct to disk (Album!!!) called Buddy Rich, Class of '78)

Now, an interesting observation about HDMI vs Component video. (And, realise that my component video path goes THROUGH my Pioneer VSX-1015, whereas the HDMI connection goes directly from the DVD to the TV.

I was hardpressed to see any difference!

This suprised me, as HDMI is a pure digital signal path, whereas the Component is digital to analog, then back to digital (I think) again. (Now I do use very high quality component cables . . .)

Ever since I heard of DVI and HDMI, I thought that these connections would somehow bring a new level of clarity and crispness and detail to my video, and I am still convinced that HDMI and DVI is the prefered connection, but component is, at least in my case, just as good!

This HDMI vs Component test also showed me how nicely my video is being preserved when I send my video signal thru my Pioneer VSX 1015 receiver! I always wondered how much detail is lost.

One final note, I will make any further comments / corrections / addendums as I spend more time with my LDA 511.

<snip>
Now, an interesting observation about HDMI vs Component video. (And, realise that my component video path goes THROUGH my Pioneer VSX-1015, whereas the HDMI connection goes directly from the DVD to the TV.

I was hardpressed to see any difference!
<snip>
Some TVs convert HDMI to analog first thing, then the signal flows through the TV same as component. That means using HDMI on those TVs has an additional D/A conversion compared to using component.

I haven't tested HDMI vs component on my TV, since both of my TV's component inputs are in use. My TV lets me set up each input separately, so I don't switch video through my receiver- if I did, all those sources would have to share the same TV setup (brightness, contrast, white balance, etc).

Using a resolution test from DVE, I could easily see that 720P and 1080i out from the DVD player look much better than 480i or 480p. I'm not sure if this is due to the DVD player having a better upscaler than the TV (seems doubtful) or the DVD player's 720P/1080i output just being better for some reason than its 480i/480p output.

Tried BOTH the 720P and 1080I, and they worked with BOTH component and HDMI, with no "remote control" hacks.

Are you absolutely positive about this? When I tried it before the remote hack, I could put it into 720p or 1080i and the display would sync to that, but if I actually played back a protected DVD, it was 480p.

Dave

BuddTX might have gotten it to work is the disc was not copy protected. If it's copy protected, I would think like you that the hack would be required.

jeff

Are you absolutely positive about this? When I tried it before the remote hack, I could put it into 720p or 1080i and the display would sync to that, but if I actually played back a protected DVD, it was 480p.

Dave

BuddTX might have gotten it to work is the disc was not copy protected. If it's copy protected, I would think like you that the hack would be required.

jeff

Sorry that I do not know more. I used an ORIGINAL DVD, the title was DOMINO, (it was an original DVD directly from NetFlix, not a copy etc.

My TV's remote has an INFO button, and I can see the resolution that is being received by the TV.

I would assume a high budget DVD like DOMINO would be copyright protected (or copy protected). I think the deal is, that with copyright protected material, the upconverting is only supposed to work with HDMI.

Maybe the reasoning is that if the device sees an HDMI connection, it upconverts the signal, not differentating a component signal vs a HDMI signal.

Maybe the HDMI connection somehow "unlocks" the upconverting?

I dont know for sure, just reporting what I saw.

And again, this is with the 511 in the DEFAULT FACTORY RESET mode (no remote control hacks).

If anyone knows if the DVD DOMINO is copy or copyright protected, please post it here.

My dvd went back to netflix, so I cannot test it any further, and I am pretty happy with my settings, so I do not want to fool around with changing them any more!

Quick question.... I am using a Toshiba 36AF43 CRT which only has component hookups and the manual says it won't accept 480p or 720p progressive scan signals or 1090i hd signals. Is using this player a mute point since it says the TV won't accept anything but the 480i signals?

I meant 1080i of course........

FYI for those who want to test 720P vs 1080I. All of the LoTR (extend) DvD are not copy protected. Go figure.

It does seem like current DVD players should have a setting to handle this, though.

The Sony NS70H handles 4:3 perfectly on a 16x9 TV - menu option so people can have it stretched if they want or padded with black bars - does excellent job upconverting too....
No hacks like the LG, but for upconvert over HDMI, I'll take the nice sony over this LG any day!

LG handles it fine for me with no issues. But then again I have the Pull down option so I can make 4:3 widescreen or well 4:3. I never found this to be a issue really.

Bump for all the recent LG questions.

Player works great for me, applied the "hacks" and now have 1080i over component, hard player to beat considering it has a $30 rebate.

After watching many DVD's, I have to say that overall I am VERY HAPPY with the LG-511.

My only complaints:

1. The DVD intake system - I think it is very cool, and I have had ABSOLUTELY NO problems, but I do prefer the older, standard DVD drawer because I think it is more reliable, and safer for the DVD's.

2. The ZOOM. I have a new, HD TV that is also HDMI, yet it is still a 4:3 tv. SO, when a DVD movie is in 2:35, the image is too small. My older dvd had a nice zoom, where it would incremently toom, where it would make a 2:35 format look like a 1:85 zoom (and it would cut off a little on the left and right and have smaller tom/bottom black bars).

The LG 511 can stretch the width little by little, so you can get rid of some of the top/bottom black bars and NOT LOOSE the sides, but everything (of course!) is stretched.

I do not know yet if I prefer this method of stretching or not. On one hand, I do not loose any left/right video, but OTOH, everything looks stretched.

I guess it is all about comprimise.

Now this would only be an issue for someone who had a 4:3 TV.

Problem: I have the 511 connected via HDMI->DVI cable to my westinghouse 32" LCD. When I switch to 720p I get picture shift 1/2" to the right. Any solution? I've read others having similar problems vonnected via component, but I'm using HDMI.

It could just be me, but the 720p picture looks better than 1080i but I can't stand the 1/2" black bar on the side when selecting 720p.

LG customer service was completely useless when I called to ask. They would only repeat the phrase, "this model will only output 1080i through HDMI." He actually repeated that phrase at least 10 times until I hung up.

Anyone else have this problem or do I exchange it?


I haven't found a way around it on my Westinghouse 30w2 either with HDMI............however, with the remote hack it looks great at 720P over component!

After watching many DVD's, I have to say that overall I am VERY HAPPY with the LG-511.

My only complaints:

1. The DVD intake system - I think it is very cool, and I have had ABSOLUTELY NO problems, but I do prefer the older, standard DVD drawer because I think it is more reliable, and safer for the DVD's.

2. The ZOOM. I have a new, HD TV that is also HDMI, yet it is still a 4:3 tv. SO, when a DVD movie is in 2:35, the image is too small. My older dvd had a nice zoom, where it would incremently toom, where it would make a 2:35 format look like a 1:85 zoom (and it would cut off a little on the left and right and have smaller tom/bottom black bars).

The LG 511 can stretch the width little by little, so you can get rid of some of the top/bottom black bars and NOT LOOSE the sides, but everything (of course!) is stretched.

I do not know yet if I prefer this method of stretching or not. On one hand, I do not loose any left/right video, but OTOH, everything looks stretched.

I guess it is all about comprimise.

Now this would only be an issue for someone who had a 4:3 TV.

Lg has one of the best zoom's out there, once you go past the enlarging zooms you get into letterbox removal zoom mode, you try that?

Also all car cd players use the slot load system , i dont see many of those ever going bad, i work in a auto dealership...........

Anyone using the HDMI connection to the TV with the Coaxial Digital Audio Outputs to a receiver?

Anyone using the HDMI connection to the TV with the Coaxial Digital Audio Outputs to a receiver?


Audio is hooked up the the 1015 via a Coaxial digital audio out (one of the never ending discussions, optical out vs coaxial digiral out, I know it is all just zeros and ones, but I think coaxial is a little better, no electrical / optical conversion.)

The Audio works perfectly, with both component video (again, going into the Pioneer VSX-1015) and with the direct HDMI connection from the LG 511 to the TV.

Audio ALWAYS goes to the Pioneer 1015 via Coaxial digital input from the LG 511 to the 1015.

Lg has one of the best zoom's out there, once you go past the enlarging zooms you get into letterbox removal zoom mode, you try that?

Yes, that is exactly what I was talking about, the POSITIVE side, is that I do not loose any left/right video, but the NEGATIVE side, is that ALL the video looks "stretched".


Also all car cd players use the slot load system , i dont see many of those ever going bad, i work in a auto dealership...........

Good point, My truck has a CD player that works this way, I have had the truck for over 6 years with not one CD problem, so good point!

The Audio works perfectly, with both component video (again, going into the Pioneer VSX-1015) and with the direct HDMI connection from the LG 511 to the TV.

Audio ALWAYS goes to the Pioneer 1015 via Coaxial digital input from the LG 511 to the 1015.


Thanks Budd just saw your pevious post on this :=)

Thanks everyone for posting in this thread.


AND, someone else asked earlier if the video output can output via BOTH the COMPONENT and HDMI, and the answer is YES.

Audio is hooked up the the 1015 via a Coaxial digital audio out (one of the never ending discussions, optical out vs coaxial digiral out, I know it is all just zeros and ones, but I think coaxial is a little better, no electrical / optical conversion.)

I turned off the Macrovision and HDCP via the remote controll (THANKS to whomever found these codes!)

Turned all audio to Bitstream (let my Pioneer 1015 do all the work!)

.

Hows this player at handling xvid and divx? I am looking for an HDMI player that will play divx and xvid files well...
Thanks in advance
Matt

Plays it just fine, so far to date I have not tried any WMV.

Plays it just fine, so far to date I have not tried any WMV.
when i play xvid it is always pixelating and freezes :mad: :mad: :mad:

Does the 1080i over component hack work on the LDX-514 too? I'm assuming it's the exact same machine as this, with the addition of vhs.

By the way, my DVB418 does recognize a 4GB FAT32 Secure Digital card, and plays DivX files off it.

I had one of my two DVB 318's stop playing mp3's, back up movies etc a few weeks ago. So I was in compusa and see a few LDA-511's on clearance for 119 some were open box and two were new. I grabbed a new box and told the wife it may be worth it if it can upconvert over component (X1 and plasma:-). Well have a 3 week return so I used the remote to "change the settings to component ;-) and it works! Wife also asks if we're keeping it because she will need the upc code for a $30 rebate! I cant get the region free to work but that doesn't mater for me anyway. My date of mfg is Nov, 05. Now I have a DVB-318 that will upconvert to 1080 only with original DVD's will not play any type of DVDr's. Oh well....

Aloha

By the way, my DVB418 does recognize a 4GB FAT32 Secure Digital card, and plays DivX files off it.
Could everybody share their experience about performance while playing DivX, Xvid files from SD cards.
I noticed it takes a lot of time (1-2 minutes) to load any file.
Also my LDA-511 plays only Divx out of SD card.
For some reason it doesn't play Xvid, it just stucks in those yellow dots and nothing happens.
Although if I burn same files to DVD-r, they play perfectly from there.
So I am wondering if it's just my unit or it's a common problem?
Are there any hacks, mods to speed up this memory card reader?

Ok, I've gone over this post along with others and I'm still having issues. I have both HDCP and MV disabled but when I switch over to 720p and 1080i my Mitsu WS-65869 wigs out on the input by displaying distorted, rolling images with the display goes black. My HDTV signals work fine with OTA HDTV signals so I'm stumped....Ideas???

I'm not familiar with your display, but you don't say what type of connection you're using. If you're using component, then it should work provided your component connection can accept and display 720p or 1080i.

If you're using hdmi, then you don't need to disable anything to get 720p or 1080i.

jeff

Jeff, sorry I did leave that out...I'm connecting via component which my display will accept 720/1080 signals through. I read on here someone was having a similar problem with a Sammy 850 and Toshiba RPTV as well and the recommendation was to adjust the vertical/horizontal adjustments or play with the zoom feature. I tried the zoom feature on the DVD with no luck and my Mitsu uses Net Command for inputs so there's no vertical/horizontal adjustments that I'm aware of.

I saw that this is available at a certain retailer for $99 after an instant savings and $30 rebate. Are those who are using this player for 1080i via component still satisfied? I'd be replacing a Zenith 318 which I don't even use anymore because the MB drives me crazy.

Ok, I've gone over this post along with others and I'm still having issues. I have both HDCP and MV disabled but when I switch over to 720p and 1080i my Mitsu WS-65869 wigs out on the input by displaying distorted, rolling images with the display goes black. My HDTV signals work fine with OTA HDTV signals so I'm stumped....Ideas???

This will happen if you send an HD signal to an SD only component input? Typically, the mitsu RPTVs have both HD and SD component inputs. Make sure you are going to an HD component input.

Dave

Dave, you're 100% correct I pulled a really silly mistake. I had the LG connected to the comp1 impute on the set not knowing that comp1 and comp2 can not display 720p or 1080i. I broke down and read the Mitsu manual and re-learned this so simply switched to DTV and got it working. I was really interested to see just how much of a difference I would see so I tested with Pearl Harbor on the "hostility imminent" chapter and was stunned at the difference. Just to make sure I wasn't imagining thing I hooked the LG up to Comp1 and ran the same scene over. Overall it's a fairly dramatic difference and made the purchase of the LG worth the $50 over a non-conversion player and I think I'm set until BR/HD-DVD seriously drop in price.

My first time posting.

Is there a hack or firmware that will allow the LG LDA-511 to upconvert copyright protected DVDs via component video. It stinks that it won't upconvert copyrighted DVDs via the component video :( .

frank69,
Search is your friend. Look in this thread or the 418 thread.

jeff

My first time posting.

Is there a hack or firmware that will allow the LG LDA-511 to upconvert copyright protected DVDs via component video. It stinks that it won't upconvert copyrighted DVDs via the component video :( .

Its on page 7 by Budman I think but here is the info. Use the remote to preform that needed actions.

Posted by Bud-man on page 7:
Quote:
Heres a list of hacks from videohelp, if they work i dont know, the info page does we know that........
I'm at work so i cant test right now.

HDCP off/on:
PAUSE,1,2,3,6,9
on screen: "OK H" or "Default H" (Status)
(2xPAUSE to leave)

Macrovision off/on:
Pause,7,4,1,5,3,6,9
on screen: "OK M" oder "Default M" (Status)
(2xPAUSE to leave)

EDID off/on: (Extended Display Identification Data)
Pause,1,4,7,8,9
on screen: "OK E" oder "Default E" (Status)
(2xPAUSE to leave)

Region Code:
Pause,3,1,4,1,5,9
0=all

Video/HDMI Info Page:
Pause,2,4,8,6,5

Factory reset + SYSTEM INFORMATION page
go to Setup/video/TV Aspect/16:9
and press 1,3,9,7,1,3,9,ENTER

Which sequence of commands should I execute on the remote? The HDCP commands?

I followed the directions for the remote hack and can't seem to get 720p or 1080i. I just bought my player. I paused on a movie and input the numbers and nothing. Is there a chance LG has changed something in new shipments. Also the vacumn loading is the worst idea EVER!

You must have the player stopped before executing the hack. pausing and hacking does not work.

jeff

Right stop the dvd player then use the hacks.

ANyone using this player to feed a VP30 with 480i over HDMI?

If so, how are the results? I cannot find much discussion regarding this in this forum, though the sticky indicates that 480i HDMI is possible.

Thanks.

To be a little clearer, you need to REMOVE the media (DVD) before applying the remote hack.

If it still does not work, try turning off the DVD player, then turning it back on, again, without any DVD's or CD in the player. Then apply the remote controll hack.

I have the LDX-514, the HACKS on page 7 all work except for REGION FREE. When you enter the hack the player does NOTHING. Is the DVD portion of the LDX514 like the LDA511??? Is there a REGION HACK for the LDX514????

Is the EDID hack really needed? What does it buy you? Is this only needed for component output. I have 1080i output on my MD6580 HP TV using HDMI and it is Fantabulous!!!!

Any help on the first issue is greatly appreciated!!!!! Thanks.

I found this for LG 5000 series. I tried it and it did ask to update the Region. I entered 0. Unfortunately I don't have any other region disc's except Region 1. Can some one with a LDX514 DVD/VCR combo try this. The remote hack for region hack doesn't work.

I copied the RTM folder to the root of the new CD. then burned it to a CD-R at 16x with Nero in ISO mode - I named the disk RTM.

Here is the link I used to download the zipped up folder
http://www.area450.co.uk/images/LG5000.zip

I shut the player off - then on and opened the tray, inserted the disk and closed it, it then read the disk and opened up the region setting screen by itself, then I selected "0" on the remote as instructed and then pressed pause to exit as it said to..The DVD LED read "00" on it..
I then shut the machine off for a few seconds, then hit the eject buuton to start it up again and removed my disk. I put in a region 2 -4 DVD that I had, and closed it, and it played beautifully.. That's it...

I found this for LG 5000 series. I tried it and it did ask to update the Region. I entered 0....
Thanks for this info!
Everything you described worked flawlessly with LDA-511, although I am not able
to test DVD playback since I currently don't have any DVDs with different Region code except 1.

I did the lg5000.zip hack to my player, and it works great. My lda-511 is from a Feb 2006 batch, bought at BB in the US. Before the hack I could only play R-1 discs. After the hack I can play discs from R-1, R-2, and probably other regions too (I only have discs from R-1 and R-2 to check with though).

I have my LG LDX-514 set up just the way I want it except for one thing. My HP MD6580 HDTV supports PAL input and display.

Does anyone know of a way to have the LDX-514 output a PAL DVD disc in PAL? Right now it transcodes the PAL DVD disc and outputs it in NTSC.

Mine's going back, audio sync problems with vizio 42"

I can't believe that no one knows a hack to get PAL output from an LDA-511 and/or
LDX-514? I am shocked............

I dont think that can be done,it's all in the chipset's, buy a pal player from europe then.
LG can play pal movies just cant output PAL.
I have a Kingwell player that outputs in PAL, same as the Neuneo.
Do you have a PAL television?

Yes, yes I do (from the Yes, yes I am, Bud commercials) have a TV that supports PAL and NTSC input, HP MD6580 DLP2+. Great TV by the way... I have to believe the LG LDA-511 and/or LDX-514 can output PAL because it can transcode a PAL DVD and output it in NTSC. Sounds like there has to be a "HACK" to reconfigure the player, NOT to Transcode but to play the DVD in whatever format it is in. In other words, if the DVD is NTSC output NTSC, if the DVD is PAL output PAL. Simple right???? The only question is if it can output the PAL on HDMI or does it have to come out of the Composite video.

I think I have a problem with my AD511. When I play CDs in it I get good volume at about 35 on my receiver but with movies I have have to go much higher. Am I missing something?

Did you check your audio connections?

What should I be doing with my player to get it to play DVD-Audio? I can see the video lyrics on the screen and the menus but I don't see that it plays anything special. My reciever is not showing that it is using any other speakers other than the left and right speaker. I think I saw something where you cannot use optical but rather analog to run DVD-A, is this true? I hooked up analog but no Dolby Digital option. How do I know if I am getting the Advanced Resolution sound from the disc?

What should I be doing with my player to get it to play DVD-Audio? I can see the video lyrics on the screen and the menus but I don't see that it plays anything special. My reciever is not showing that it is using any other speakers other than the left and right speaker. I think I saw something where you cannot use optical but rather analog to run DVD-A, is this true? I hooked up analog but no Dolby Digital option. How do I know if I am getting the Advanced Resolution sound from the disc?

You have to hook up to your receiver using the 5.1 audio output on the player, by doing this the player is decoding the signal.

Unless of course your receiver is capable of decoding the DVD Audio signal, since using the coax or optical connection sends the DVDA signal raw to your receiver, which it then needs to decode.

I can't believe that no one knows a hack to get PAL output from an LDA-511 and/or
LDX-514? I am shocked............

the 511 DOES play PAL. However, it is not region free. I think there is a patch posted somewhere in this thread to make the player region free.

I do know it plays PAL, as I have a PAL DVD (OWD BOB) that I could not find anywhere in USA, so I had to buy a europian version that was R2 (I think and PAL).

It still would not play in my recorder, so I made it region free, and then it played just fine.

BuddTX thanks for the reply. I am at the same point as you. I can play any Region DVD even if it PAL but the player outputs the video in NTSC...I want the output in PAL. My TV supports PAL and the full picture can only be seen if the output from the player is PAL.

Know of anyway to do this????

Dumb observation by way of 4th base but ya'll know that the macrovision and HDCP hacks work on the 418 too, eliminating the need to lust after the Zenith 318, so those of us who don't have an hdtv with either an HDMI or DVI input can also rejoice. Being as I own both a 418 and 511 I rejoiced myself!! I run both of mine at 1080I as that is the native resolution of my hdtv (componet inputs only, no DVI or HDMI-darn Advent!!)

I also own a 418. IIRC, you need to update the firmware of the 418 with the latest 531 firmware if you want to get component upconversion, after turning off macrovision.

I did test component upconversion, but without doing the hack first, and it would not upconvert copy protected dvd's OOTB.

jeff

zrdb, if i recall do you have a panny plasma?, the 511 i had earlier had a 1/2" top shift when using 1080i, the 418 i have now has 6 white dots that are across the extreme top of the screen, annoying!!
When using component on the 418 i get a 1/2" right side shift on both 720 and 1080.
I just set the output to 480p, i dont see any at all difference in pq in hd modes anyway.

BuddTX thanks for the reply. I am at the same point as you. I can play any Region DVD even if it PAL but the player outputs the video in NTSC...I want the output in PAL. My TV supports PAL and the full picture can only be seen if the output from the player is PAL.

Know of anyway to do this????

I don't belive what you are asking is possible or logical at all IMO, why would the manufacturer include hardware to output PAL when the unit is being sold in NA?? This just brings up the manufacturing cost of the unit.

IMO your best bet is pick up a player from one of the PAL contries.

Does anyone know if this DVD player has sync issues through component or is it just an hdmi issue? MIght have to go back to this player as all my solutions aren't working out well...

Note to Slayer -- earlier in the thread someone said the sync problem was specific to the HDMI audio. The other audio outputs were fine.


Hi all,

Just looking into the LG 511 and 418 and have a couple questions.

From what I read, the 418 exhibits the "macroblocking" problem -- apparently typical of Faroudja. It's apparently especially bad with the component outputs, where it's actually worsened by inability to pass blacker-than-black (0 IRE) above 480p. Seems the HDMI output passes 0 IRE fine.

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/cgi-bin/shootout.cgi?function=search&articles=all&type=DVD+Player&manufacturer=72&maxprice=400&deInt=0&mpeg=0

Does anyone know where the 511 sits regarding these issues? I'm hoping that since it's a later generation player, there might be some good news.

Also, if there is any insight regarding other aspects such as Y/C delay via component (418 HDMI was OK, not so component) and pixel cropping behaviors, etc, I'm very interested in hearing about it.

TIA -- Trevor

PS Seems the 418 video response through HDMI is far worse than that with component -- anybody know anything about the 511 behavior?

I don't belive what you are asking is possible or logical at all IMO, why would the manufacturer include hardware to output PAL when the unit is being sold in NA?? This just brings up the manufacturing cost of the unit.

IMO your best bet is pick up a player from one of the PAL contries.

I have a LiteOn LVW-5005 DVD recorder/player that can record PAL or NTSC. There is a selection in the menu for the record function, otherwise it outputs in whatever format the DVD is in. Obviously, it is only hacked to be region free.

The reason why the manufacturer would do it (via a hack, if I ever find one) is so that you can buy DVD's overseas that are not available here and play them in the player without losing movie quality during the transcoding process.

I also have a portable player that actually has a switch on it so you can select the out, PAL or NTSC.

zrdb, if i recall do you have a panny plasma?, the 511 i had earlier had a 1/2" top shift when using 1080i, the 418 i have now has 6 white dots that are across the extreme top of the screen, annoying!!
When using component on the 418 i get a 1/2" right side shift on both 720 and 1080.
I just set the output to 480p, i dont see any at all difference in pq in hd modes anyway.Nope-I have a 2 year old Advent hdtv (crt) with 3 sets of componet inputs-that's why upscaleing through componet is important to me. I haven't really noticed any shifting-and I definetly do notice a difference in pq going from 480p to 1080I which is the native resolution of my tv.

is the 418 the same as the 531 in canada?

is the 418 the same as the 531 in canada?

Yes, but the 531 has a slightly higher video dac, if it really amounts to anything i dont know.
The 531 is hard to find in the usa and very expensive compared to the 418.

You can get the LDA-531 shipped to the U.S. from onlybestrated (http://www.onlybestrated.com/lda531-1080i-upconverting-divx-xvid-player-with-hdmi-p-47.html) . They told me they would honor the manufacturer's warranty if I have any issues. At $170 shipped, the price is pretty good. I'm very satisfied with mine.

the 418 can be had, reburbished, on ebay for about $80 USD shipped. same warranty as brand new. you can update the 418 with the 531 firmware and then all the hacks work and you get component upconversion. *That's* a deal.

jeff

I have a LiteOn LVW-5005 DVD recorder/player that can record PAL or NTSC. There is a selection in the menu for the record function, otherwise it outputs in whatever format the DVD is in. Obviously, it is only hacked to be region free.

The reason why the manufacturer would do it (via a hack, if I ever find one) is so that you can buy DVD's overseas that are not available here and play them in the player without losing movie quality during the transcoding process.

I also have a portable player that actually has a switch on it so you can select the out, PAL or NTSC.

I guess you are assuming that the hardware to output PAL is already there in the player, whereas I am assuming that it's not. That is why I said the easiest thing to do is to pick up the exact player from one of the PAL regions instead.

Correct me if I am wrong, but having a player that outputs in whatever format the DVD was orginally in, will end up costing more (you need a multi display) for the consumer in the end vs having a player that output to the native format of the region, correct??

If I am correct then from a marketing or consumer's perspective, the latter is simply a better option. After all if you ask anyone if they would rather buy a player that plays everything on their existing TV, or a player which requires you to buy a new expensive multi TV, I am sure most if not all would pick the first player.

ANyone using this player to feed a VP30 with 480i over HDMI?

If so, how are the results? I cannot find much discussion regarding this in this forum, though the sticky indicates that 480i HDMI is possible.

Thanks.

Anyone able to to give any update to this?

Jeff

Well, here I am again.

I got no responses to my earlier request for input regarding LDA511 macroblocking, pluge passing, white or black crushing, bit offsetting, Y/C etc delays, or HDMI & CP video responses (particularly in comparison to the DVB418), so I'll ask something else.

I've read all the way through both the 531 and 418 threads trying to get a handle on the behavior/issues of that basic player (my choice being refurb 418 at $81 or new 511 at $120). One thing that's definitely not an issue with the older player is the drawer scratching discs. However, I've run into a number of references of people having disc feed/eject problems with the 511.

Is there any sense of how much of an issue disc scratching/scuffing/sticking with the LDA511 really is? (Is it only 2-sided DVD? How about risk to RW types?)

Lastly, is there any reason why the 418 would be a better deal other than the lower price I can get it at? (Drawer Vs Vacuum Load maybe -- Other ???)

I really would appreciate thoughts on this -- the fundamental behavior of the 511 (pretty well evaluated for the 418 in the 418/531 threads) isn't especially clear to me from reading through this thread -- seems a little less objective here, but perhaps I'm missing something.

Thanks for any insights/help -- Trevor

PS -- I'm aware of the 418 -> 531 firmware update, the region code and keycode mods -- have all the information and files -- I'm just trying to home in on exactly what is right and what is not so right on the 511. Thanks!

PPS -- By the way, is it true the 511 does a better job of handling DIVX movies than the 418? (Something to do with clipping and/or subtitle display?)

PPPS -- Is it dangerous to go refurb on a 418 rather than new ($140)?

I think the 511 does a better job with xvid/divx files-I haven't had any issues with my 511 scratching discs, I have both a 511 and 418, for movies I prefer the 418 due the Farjouda processing-I use componet output on both cause my hdtv only has componet inputs. My advice is either one will do fine.

Hi,

Thanks for responding. Since you own both and I'm sure you've updated the 418 firmware (to the 531 version) -- I'd really appreciate you sharing your opinions on a few questions (thinking specifically of component hookup, though HDMI would also be nice to know):

How would you appraise the macroblocking behavior between them?

Can you verify the 418 only supports 7.5 IRE, whereas the 511 supports both 0 and 7.5?

Am I safe presuming lip-synchronism is a non-issue for both?

I'm guessing you prefer the 418 for movies because you find the picture a little sharper than the 511?

How would you compare white/black crush performance between them?

Sorry to bug you with this stuff, but since you have been living with the two players, I'm really hoping you can give me some helpful comparisons. Anything else occurs to you, I'm all ears :).

Thanks very much -- Trevor

PS -- I'm under the impression the 531 firmware update may have improved the 418 macroblock problem -- not clear. Also not clear whether the 511 has such a problem -- not Faroudja. Also, the 531 FW update may have improved the 418 HDMI white crush problem -- again, not clear. No idea whether the 511 exhibits white or black crush.

Macroblocking enhance is display dependent.

The 418 (with 531 firmware) passes blacker than black, i.e. 0 ire, at least on component. which by the way is the real reason to own this player.

Again lipsync is display technology/proccessing dependent.

with the 418 I see no black/white crush, but then my display has been isf'd.

At this price point, why not just try the 418 and see how it works for you? don't like, ebay it. I'll bet you can get back most of what you spend on it.

jeff

Thanks Jeff,

I actually pulled the trigger on the eBay refurb DVB418 two or three hours ago -- simply because it seemed like the best bet from my continued reading of different threads. Your input is exactly the kind of information I was looking for and suggests that I made the right move. Always nice!

In reality, my primary interest is probably the Divx capability, with everything else being bonuses. Would have been nice if it supported 480i through HDMI, but I get the impression it doesn't -- would need the LDA511 for that.

I'll be curious to see what happens with HDMI to DVI (Sony 36" XBR CRT), but I'm expecting excessive white intensity together with crush -- maybe a black crush as well, though I understand 0 IRE works for HDMI.

I always use VE to setup video changes so if the problems are tameable, I'll certainly try. Will have to get a cable first though :). (Thinking about Blue Jeans Cable.)

Thanks again -- Trevor

PS -- Ordered a 12ft HDMI cable plus HDMI to DVI adapter -- should be interesting :).

The 418 does support 480I through HDMI.

The 418 does support 480I through HDMI.

Thanks for the good news!

I was studying my TV manual and web searching like mad last night, trying to figure out the DVI situation -- DVI-D Vs DVI-I Vs DVI-A :(. Supposed to just look at the TV connector, but there isn't enough space back there and moving it is not an option -- heavy bugger and no casters. Finally stumbled onto a thread that identified it as DVI-D (DVI-HDTV = DVI/HDCP) -- whew!

The TV performs magnificently with a 480i input, but is also able to accept up to 1080i (component and DVI) so it'll be fun to see what the LG 418 will do.

I had great success with Blue Jeans Cable component cables so I opted to check out their HDMI/DVI products. Lot cheaper than my old Tributaries focus. Tributaries seems to have gone seriously upscale now, not like the old days when they were still breaking into the market. I see they're currently cutting their old retail ties and moving into the boutiques! Suppose that's good for them, but does nothing for me (outside of picking up some closeout cables on Ebay, etc).

Don't know how much of a negative it is to use an HDMI to DVI adapter instead of a converting cable, but hopefully minimal. Seems worthwhile in terms of future flexibility. Blue Jeans has plenty of discussion on their cables, but didn't mention any caveats regarding adapters.

Thanks again -- Trevor :)

Honestly for me (well on my old CRT) 480I had way too many artifacts. Once I set the player to 720P or 1080I it was a very clear Picture. This was via component( hack or non HDCP needed for this).

Seems HDMI may handle 480I better.

The 418 does support 480I through HDMI.

Not according to the user manual, (and neither does the 531 which is what I have) the 418 can only output 480i through component, the 511 can however output it via HDMI.

Honestly for me (well on my old CRT) 480I had way too many artifacts. Once I set the player to 720P or 1080I it was a very clear Picture. This was via component( hack or non HDCP needed for this).

Seems HDMI may handle 480I better.

Interesting -- thanks for the info! Although I plan to try out the LG (full mods) on my XBR, that's really for the sake of experimentation (HDMI and component). My modded Denon 2900 gives me an excellent picture via component 480i and I'm really not expecting the LG to supplant it.

The real intent is to drop the LG into component drive duties for my Sony 27FS series replacing a Pioneer DV-414 -- an aged, but still effective 480i only unit. If I can't extract (VE) a respectable 480i picture, that will be a disappointment. I guess at worst I could use it via S-Video for Divx only.

Oh well, to be seen -- I don't even know what condition the player will actually be in given it's a refurb. However it works out, I can't complain too much at $81 shipped :).

Thanks much -- Trevor

I did a post on the 418 and 511 but it got deleted for some reason. I can't really say about IRE levels but both seem to pass btb quite handily. For xvid/divx playback I prefer the 511 because it doesn't have cropping problems, the 418 does. I haven't really noticed the dreaded "Farjouda macroblocking syndrome" on my 418, I have to say I have a 27" Advent hdtv with componet inputs (no hdmi or dvi inputs) so I do my upscaleing through componet with the 511 and 418. I haven't flashed my 418 with 531 firmware-just the updated firmware LG sent me to correct the audio video sync problem of the 418. I can't really recommend the 418 over the 511 or vice versa-they both have pluses and minuses, but I'm damn glad to have both of them!!

I did a post on the 418 and 511 but it got deleted for some reason. I can't really say about IRE levels but both seem to pass btb quite handily. For xvid/divx playback I prefer the 511 because it doesn't have cropping problems, the 418 does. I haven't really noticed the dreaded "Farjouda macroblocking syndrome" on my 418, I have to say I have a 27" Advent hdtv with componet inputs (no hdmi or dvi inputs) so I do my upscaleing through componet with the 511 and 418. I haven't flashed my 418 with 531 firmware-just the updated firmware LG sent me to correct the audio video sync problem of the 418. I can't really recommend the 418 over the 511 or vice versa-they both have pluses and minuses, but I'm damn glad to have both of them!!

Well, seems like the advantages of the DVB418 are maybe the drawer (perhaps just preference), and a less soft picture than the LDA511.

The advantages of the LDA511 appear to be no excessive white on the HDMI (similar performance to the component), no cropped DIVX pixels, no HDMI white or black crush, 480i on HDMI.

With the 531 firmware update (also 418 synch update?), they appear to both support BLE on component and HDMI , both be free of A/V sync problems, both have pixel cropping problems with the higher resolutions. Both have problems with 480i on component?

Remaining uncertainty appears to be macroblocking dependence on 418 HDMI and display device compatibility -- perhaps not an issue for the 511.

Does that look right?

Looks to me like the only reasons to go with the DVB418 are a little sharper image and if one prefers the drawer. Otherwise, the 511 appears the better player.

Is there any sense of how much the 418 crops Divx pixels compared to the 511?

Thanks again -- Trevor

With xvid/divx the 418 cuts off maybe 5 or 6 pixels vertically and horizontaly, the 511 not.

Ya know-what with all this talk about dvd players that can play h.264 (the not yet released Kiss 700) I found a company in China that makes a full line of xvid/divx players and they have about 4 models in their lineup that play h.264, they are called Gowell Enterprises-I don't know how one would go about buying one unless you know someone in Hong Kong or mainland China-but it definetly looked intriguing.

With xvid/divx the 418 cuts off maybe 5 or 6 pixels vertically and horizontaly, the 511 not.

Thanks for the info! I guess I'm still inclined towards the 418 with its drawer since I expect to be using DVD+RW (maybe DL as well when I get a burner). I'm a little leary of damage to the recording surface with the 511 slot -- fear of scratches.

The slightly sharper image performance at 1800i component also speaks for the 418, but otherwise, the 511 sure seems attractive. I can understand why one might end up owning both.

I was just notified my refurb 418 has shipped and should arrive Tuesday. Funny that the seller (EmilyandLily on eBay) declared the package weight as 2 lb. According to the manufacturer, the weight of the player alone is 2.2Kg (5 lb). Add the packaging and accessories, and I would guess 7 lb.

What am I getting -- an empty box? (Or is this a scam operation on UPS?) Well, I can definitely see they don't want much of that $26 shipping charge falling into someone else's hands.

Later -- Trevor

PS -- Just printed the mod documentation and burned the CD ROMs -- all ready to go :).

I guess you are assuming that the hardware to output PAL is already there in the player, whereas I am assuming that it's not. That is why I said the easiest thing to do is to pick up the exact player from one of the PAL regions instead.

Correct me if I am wrong, but having a player that outputs in whatever format the DVD was orginally in, will end up costing more (you need a multi display) for the consumer in the end vs having a player that output to the native format of the region, correct??

If I am correct then from a marketing or consumer's perspective, the latter is simply a better option. After all if you ask anyone if they would rather buy a player that plays everything on their existing TV, or a player which requires you to buy a new expensive multi TV, I am sure most if not all would pick the first player.

Thanks for replying. The chip supports multisystem. I would doubt LG makes 2 different H/W models, one for PAL and one for NTSC. That would cost more money then to just make a common player with a setting depending on where the player is being sold. Here in lies the "HACK." Just a matter of finding out what it is...also, HDMI does support PAL format signals of 1440 X 576p @ 50 Hz and 720 X 576p @ 50 Hz. It's in the official HDMI specification.

Can the LDA511 be mounted on its side? Or does it have to be flat and level on its four feet? Thanks.

Drew

Thanks for replying. The chip supports multisystem. I would doubt LG makes 2 different H/W models, one for PAL and one for NTSC. That would cost more money then to just make a common player with a setting depending on where the player is being sold. Here in lies the "HACK." Just a matter of finding out what it is...also, HDMI does support PAL format signals of 1440 X 576p @ 50 Hz and 720 X 576p @ 50 Hz. It's in the official HDMI specification.

Even if you are correct about this, I highly doubt that it would be a hack such as a code on the remote. IMHO It'll be more likely to be a dip switch on the board, or something involving a soldering iron. That's why I still say the easiest thing to do is to just buy a unit from the PAL area, or a second and more expensive option will be to buy a multi TV. Anyway good luck with your search.

I just picked up an LG lda 531 to use with my panny 700u projector on a 106" screen.
did the component hack, as my hdmi is being used by my shaw hd box. When I switch it to 720p or 1080i it cuts off 2.5" from the right side, .75" from the bottom, and .25" from the top. The screen is filled fully when in 480 i/p. Does anyone know why this is happening?



sorry all, I just figured out it was the HD overscan setting on the projector.

I recently purchased a LG LDX-514 because I read you can hack upconvert through the component cables (I have a Panasonic CT32HX42 that supports 420p and 1080i but no HMDI input). I did the following:

HDCP off/on:
PAUSE,1,2,3,6,9
on screen: "OK H" or "Default H" (Status)
(2xPAUSE to leave)

Macrovision off/on:
Pause,7,4,1,5,3,6,9
on screen: "OK M" oder "Default M" (Status)
(2xPAUSE to leave)

EDID off/on: (Extended Display Identification Data)
Pause,1,4,7,8,9
on screen: "OK E" oder "Default E" (Status)
(2xPAUSE to leave)

Region Code:
Pause,3,1,4,1,5,9
0=all

Video/HDMI Info Page:
Pause,2,4,8,6,5

Factory reset + SYSTEM INFORMATION page
go to Setup/video/TV Aspect/16:9
and press 1,3,9,7,1,3,9,ENTER

The region code didn't work and I didn't try the Factory reset but I did download the zip file to open up the region to 0 so that's ok now (it did ask me to press pause to 'exist'). Interesting note: The macrovision code hack forms a 'M' on the remote. The others seem to form shapes as well but the region code doesn't.

Anyways, my problem is that I don't seem to be able to get the 1080i to work. When I select it, the screen turns blue with the words "HIGH DEFINITION" across the screen. I can get sound, however.

The video/HMDI info page looks like this:

.HDCP: OFF
-HDCP Auth: Fail
.EDID: OFF
-EDID parsing:
-480p: Yes
-720p: No
-1080i: No
.Macrovision: OFF
.Video Mode: YPbPr -480i:
.Audio Mode: SPDIF

Is there something I'm missing or doing wrong? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

In case anyone was following my experience with the Ebay refurb LG DVB-418, it arrived this week and I tried it last night without mods (making sure it works properly first).

It's of January 2005 manufacture and gives a lovely image on my 27" Sony FS210 at 480i component, but the digital audio output jack is intermittent (have to put sideways pressure on the cable plug to make it work reliably) so it's going back for exchange.

Aside from the lovely picture (nice color, nice 3D) the sound seemed a little on the tizzy side. I think my old Pioneer DV-414 has better sonic quality out the digital RCA. Still, the LG may have needed more break-in -- fifteen minutes isn't very much.

Otherwise, the unit appeared in new condition, likewise the remote (seemed to work fine -- better ergonomics than my DV-414 remote) -- had all accessories except the 'included' batteries, had to provide my own.

Hopefully the next player I receive will work properly :).

-- Trevor

Ok I figured out my problem. I had the tv set to channel 3 and it would automatically switch over when I inserted a VHS or DVD. This was going through a coax connection. My wife was playing a DVD for my daughter but wasn't getting any sound. I told her that to get sound she had to turn on the receiver for the optical cable to work. As my brain was starting to sort things out, I remembered that I had been getting sound before from DVD's without the stereo being on. At this point, I realized that I had not selected the proper input on the tv via the remote. Since my wife had the tv in the proper mode for DVD's, I tried selecting the 1080i and voila it worked.

Can the LDA511 be mounted on its side? Or does it have to be flat and level on its four feet? Thanks.

Drew


Works fine on its side.

Works fine on its side.
I wouldn't try it unless you like scratched up discs.

............I'm a little leary of damage to the recording surface with the 511 slot -- fear of scratches.............
The recording layers are sandwiched between the polycarbonate layers, not on the surface of the disc. IOW coated with plastic protective shielding.

I've had the 511 for five months now and have yet to see any disc damage.

My LDA-511 impressions:

After reading nearly every page of this thread, and desperately wanting a better divx player than my Philips DVP-642, I picked up this player at BB on Thursday evening, but due to a huge thunderstorm here in the Austin area, I was unable to test it until Friday.

It went back today (Saturday).

When I first hooked it up via component, I was unable to view any of my DVDs once upconverted to 720p or 1081i. I came here and poked around, found the codes and turned off Macrovision and HDCP. Still nothing. Sadly, after poking around, I found out that my TV display's (Protron) second component input will not accept an HD feed. GRR! I ranted about that in a few other Protron threads. :)

Well, I still wanted to try it out, and so I unplugged the HD cable box and hooked up the 511.

The first thing I noticed was that the color was waaaaaay off. I don't know if I had a bad model from the get-go or if it was my display (though no other input has given me this problem) but this player ran everything to the absolute red end of the spectrum. I had to adjust the hue on my TV to the complete opposite end of the spectrum just to get it to display a correctly colored picture. I thought maybe I had the inputs wrong, but I tried every other configuration and they would not display a proper picture (switching the Y around gave only black; switching the B with the R gave either B&W or a green picture that would not correct regardless of how I calibrated my set). I did not change anything from how my Philips was connected, so I'm 99.9% sure it was the player.

Well, after that was solved, I tested the upconvert capabilities using Constantine and a fairly recent anamorphic 16:9 anime disc, Last Exile (vol. 2).

Constantine's opening scene features a man in Mexico, in a dusty dirt lot. While my Philips showed some nice detail here, the 511 completely blurred things out. I watched this sequence several times in each format, and each time the result was the same: a picture that looked like it had fallen victim to a gaussian blur-happy Photoshopper. :) I tried one still -frame on pause, and again, huge amounts of blurring. I was floored by how understated the previous comments regarding the lack of fine detail were, because it was more like complete lack of detail. It looked like a RealVideo encode. Throughout the remainder of the movie, faces especially failed show detail, like VHS without the noise. Aside from the extras, the main function of DVD IMO is to show detail, so this basically negated the player's value for me from the get-go.

I tried the same test on another scene where a religious artifacts collector is reading from an apocryphal Bible. I paused the scene when the camera is right on the Bible and the text can be clearly read. 480i was all right, but there were some artifacts in the picture that you could see if you were really picking it over. 480p showed a noticeable improvement. It smoothed out the artifacts, but the text was still sharp! Cool. 720p smoothed out the text a bit without looking blurred---I could really tell the difference. I suppose some might prefer this look a bit more, but I prefer the sharper look of interlaced video. I was suprised at 1080i, as it looked nearly identical to the 480p. This confused me, but I checked my monitor input data and it confirmed a 1080i picture. If I was pressed to site a difference between 4809 and 1080i, the only difference I could say was a slightly more smoothed out picture on some small regions; it seemed that some areas of the image which had "bands" or "steps" of color gradation instead of smooth color gradients were somewhat nicely smoothed out by 1080i. To be honest, I don't know if this was what I was actually seeing, or my mind demanding that there be a difference between the two.

I then popped in Last Exile and was instantly welcomed by a bright, vibrant image. My Philips does not do a very good job with animation, and the smoothness of the LDA-511 actually helps quite a bit here, as the minor blockage and noise where the animated line art hits color is cleanly smoothed out, producing a pristine animated picture. The effect was pretty similar to the above test with Constantine and the Bible text. Here, the same results were achieved: 480i was definitely sub-par to all other options, but not horribly so; 720p displayed the smoothest picture; 480p and 1080i looked nearly identical, with 1080i (*possibly*) smoothing out some stepped color gradations. If I was buying this player purely to play anime, I would be a very happy camper. Sadly, my anime interests have dwindled of late, so it's not a huge sell for me.

Last but not least was the divx test, for which I used a disc playing a season 2 Battlestar Galactica encode. Here, the LDA-511 was a winner. This was the one time where I could tell a huge difference with 1080i, which produced a much more smooth and vibrant image than my Philips DVP-642. Color reproduction on divx was also much better, and it happily filled out the entire screen instead of weirdly letterboxing it like the Philips. When I first made the move to HD, I was suprised to find how bad my divx files looked on my HD set in comparison to my old SD CRT, but 1080i on the 511 made them look nice again, if still not as nice as they did on my JVC CRT.

Overall, the 511 did some things very well and some things very poorly. In the end, I would rather live with a middling player like my Philips DVP-642 than the (dare I say?) idiot savant that is the 511. For me, it was not worth paying double for less than double the performance.

If not for the price, and the online-only availability, I would probably try out the Oppo to see how the Farouja chip performed on my display, as my heart lies with fine detail. In the end, I think I'll stick with my Philips until we get reasonably-priced true HD DVD players with HD divx capabilities.

2010, I'm waiting for you. :D

The Protron is junk by your own admission here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7613741&&#post7613741). Although you've written a well thought, comprehensive review, you're in no position to be judging the LDA511 or any other connected video device.

If this were my only DVD player and I didn't have another one to judge it by, I would certainly agree; but the blurred output matches up with several other user comments and pics (I witnessed the same symptoms that are shown in the Battlestar Galactica DVD pictures), and the blurriness I saw on Constantine is not reproduced on my DVP-642 (or even, for that matter, my 2001 APEX.)

My comment might not be of value to you, but please recognize that might not be the case for those users with budget displays.

Bought LDA-511 yesterday. paired it with syntax olevia 30" using component cable (goint thru Yamaha receiver)
None of my home videos (TDK DVD +R and TEON DVD +R)
or backed up movies (again same media) played on this dvd player.
The player makes a lot of noises for a long time and gives disk error :(

2. tried the remote region hack, that did not work
also tried to use the LG5000.zip file, that CD returned disk error.

3. Most original DVDs played fine. (1-2 gave disk error)

All of these DVDs work fine on my samsung dvd player.
I read all of this thread, but did not find anybody reporting this player being picky about the DVD +R media.

Am I missing something obvious?

Thanks

.....(or even, for that matter, my 2001 APEX.)

My comment might not be of value to you, but please recognize that might not be the case for those users with budget displays.
Wolf, been there. I had the Apex (my first DVD player) and liked it a lot. I started on the low road and worked my way up too. My point is that a $150 player will not make a significant difference in PQ on a budget display let alone a mid level one. Just don't make judgements on the player when the dispaly is problematic. You can read my results on a blind test here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7024868&&#post7024868).

The recording layers are sandwiched between the polycarbonate layers, not on the surface of the disc. IOW coated with plastic protective shielding.

I've had the 511 for five months now and have yet to see any disc damage.


Hello Jeff,

Thanks for your input.

My concern was the possibility of surface scratches (polycarbonate layer) of the recording side of rewritable media. I understand it doesn't take much of an injury to interfere with further writes, in which case the media is ruined. (My approach is to develop my recording with RW first, then burn to R.)

-- Trevor

If this were my only DVD player and I didn't have another one to judge it by, I would certainly agree; but the blurred output matches up with several other user comments and pics (I witnessed the same symptoms that are shown in the Battlestar Galactica DVD pictures), and the blurriness I saw on Constantine is not reproduced on my DVP-642 (or even, for that matter, my 2001 APEX.)

My comment might not be of value to you, but please recognize that might not be the case for those users with budget displays.

Hello Wolf,

I helped a friend setup an LG LDA-511 a couple weeks ago on his DPL Toshiba 52"(I think) HD-RPTV. I took my Video Essentials disc and set it up pretty accurately (only modest adjustment required moving from his Pioneer DV-09) -- absolutely lovely 3D picture. It's running 1080i through component using the remote hacks for HDCP and Macrovision and he's satisfied. (Needs to keep the HDMI free for decoder boxes.)

The negative was he tried different scaling settings and it wasn't clear 720p and 1080i were acheiving all that much over 480p, nothing to write home about anyway. The test disc was Cliffhanger SuperBit. One thing I noticed was Stallone's brow in closeups appeared smoothed -- the loss of detail you mention.

As I indicated, the picture color and sense of depth is just wonderful, and my friend is keeping it for movie playback. It didn't cut it for CD playback sonics, so he plans to keep the Pioneer for that.

It's that exposure that prompted me to purchase either the 511 or 418 (refurb 418 as it turned out). My 27" setup should definitely benefit from that lovely picture, plus it adds Divx playback -- a bit more flexibility for me (thanks for the Divx review :)). The upscaling capability probably won't see much use outside of experimentation -- can never be sure though :).

-- Trevor

Hello,

I've just bought the australian version of the LDA511, and I'm encountering a weird problem related to HDMI cable lengths. I bought a 15m SLAC HDMI cable from Lindy to connect the DVD player to my Panasonic AE900 projector. However I experienced the weird flickering and sync problems others have described on this thread.

I bought a 1m Dick Smiths HDMI cable, and it worked perfectly. I took the 15m Lindy cable to the local Hi-Fi shop, and he hooked it up between his Denon DVD player and Plasma screen, and it worked just fine.

He sold me a 5m HDMI cable, and I exchanged the Dick Smith 1m for a 10m. I took them both home, and the 10m experienced the same problems as the 15m, but the 5m cable works perfectly.

The DVD was a shelf stock display, and the last unit the shop had. I rang LG support, and they indicated that the DVD player would only output to a maximum of 5m through HDMI, which I don't believe is correct.

Does anyone have any suggestions? I'd like to keep the player if possible, as the only other choice I seem to have is the Philllips (I want WMA and DIVX).

regards,

Craby

Read this article: http://ultimateavmag.com/miscellaneous/605ultra/

Luck -- Trevor :)

Hi,

I bought the same player too recently.. it works like charm to my VIZIO 50" via HDMI..

I did the HDCP to OFF, so it can upscale even the Copy-protected DVDS?
I did the MACR to OFF, Not sure wot this is used for?

What is EDID? Do you need to turn this OFF too? Thanks.

Also, do you happened to know if anyway to upscale VHS too? I could only get video-out by RCA-out :(.. Wish you could connect VHS atleast via S-VIDEO!


I recently purchased a LG LDX-514 because I read you can hack upconvert through the component cables (I have a Panasonic CT32HX42 that supports 420p and 1080i but no HMDI input). I did the following:

HDCP off/on:
PAUSE,1,2,3,6,9
on screen: "OK H" or "Default H" (Status)
(2xPAUSE to leave)

Macrovision off/on:
Pause,7,4,1,5,3,6,9
on screen: "OK M" oder "Default M" (Status)
(2xPAUSE to leave)

EDID off/on: (Extended Display Identification Data)
Pause,1,4,7,8,9
on screen: "OK E" oder "Default E" (Status)
(2xPAUSE to leave)

Region Code:
Pause,3,1,4,1,5,9
0=all

Video/HDMI Info Page:
Pause,2,4,8,6,5

Factory reset + SYSTEM INFORMATION page
go to Setup/video/TV Aspect/16:9
and press 1,3,9,7,1,3,9,ENTER

The region code didn't work and I didn't try the Factory reset but I did download the zip file to open up the region to 0 so that's ok now (it did ask me to press pause to 'exist'). Interesting note: The macrovision code hack forms a 'M' on the remote. The others seem to form shapes as well but the region code doesn't.

Anyways, my problem is that I don't seem to be able to get the 1080i to work. When I select it, the screen turns blue with the words "HIGH DEFINITION" across the screen. I can get sound, however.

The video/HMDI info page looks like this:

.HDCP: OFF
-HDCP Auth: Fail
.EDID: OFF
-EDID parsing:
-480p: Yes
-720p: No
-1080i: No
.Macrovision: OFF
.Video Mode: YPbPr -480i:
.Audio Mode: SPDIF

Is there something I'm missing or doing wrong? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

EDID Info:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EDID

It looks like you need this to be ENABLED? why would you disable it?

Hi,
Also, do you happened to know if anyway to upscale VHS too? I could only get video-out by RCA-out :(.. Wish you could connect VHS atleast via S-VIDEO!

Analog video can be scaled with a scaler. Here is an example: http://www.dvdo.com/pro/pro_isvp30.php

-- Trevor

PS -- VCR S-Video output probably limited if the tape isn't recorded as S-VHS -- there's a big bandwidth difference.

Yikes! $2000 product :d

I mean't able to watch VHS Tapes via HDMI connection, so my Vizio 50" can use its Faroudja DCDi to upscale to its native resolution.. I heard Toshiba DVD/VCR combo unit would output VHS too via same DVD-out HDMI connection...

Also, I currently set my LDX-514 to output 1080i via HDMI.. Is this correct?
I am not sure what output mode to set, since my Vizio 50" has builtin Faroudja DCDi scaler..

Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

Yikes! $2000 product :d

I mean't able to watch VHS Tapes via HDMI connection, so my Vizio 50" can use its Faroudja DCDi to upscale to its native resolution.. I heard Toshiba DVD/VCR combo unit would output VHS too via same DVD-out HDMI connection...

Also, I currently set my LDX-514 to output 1080i via HDMI.. Is this correct?
I am not sure what output mode to set, since my Vizio 50" has builtin Faroudja DCDi scaler..

Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

I've no idea whether the LDX-514 can output digitized VCR video on the HDMI port -- read the manual. If you don't have it, download from LG.

The best output resolution to use is the one that gives the best picture on your TV. Try each setting and make your choice. (Make sure you use an especially well mastered DVD for the test.)

Have fun -- Trevor

Hey folks,

Just wanted to drop a note and say thanks.I picked up the LG511 open box at my local BB today.After hooking it up to my Tosh 65h82(no hdmi connections),and inputing the hacks,Its outputing 1080i through component on all the dvd's I've checked so far.

Nice improvement in PQ compared to my tosh dvd player.

Good for you Cruzin -- keep on cruzin :)

I always said it was a good (not great) player.

Thanks for the reply Trev,

I suppose the big question for this thread is this:-

Does anyone have an LDA511 hooked to a AE900 at a HDMI length over 5m?

The ultralink looks like it will solve the problem, but with that cost, I may as well upgrade the player for another make, which I really didn't want to do as I really like it.

I'm assuming the problem I'm having is because the HDMI output of the LG is too weak at distances over 5m for the AE900.

thanks,

As a sidenote to my previous post,

I have noticed one disadvantage to the 511(its still a keeper).My Tosh dvd player which the LG replaced,had the "eye" for recieving remote signals in the middle of the player.The LG has the "eye" in the extreme right hand side of the player.My audio rack is off center to my seating position,and my cabinet extends out farther then the player( doh,of course it does).

I need to move much closer to the center of the player for it to recieve the signal from the players remote or my universal remote.Not a big deal once a movie starts,but an annoying issue none the less.

As a sidenote to my previous post,

I have noticed one disadvantage to the 511(its still a keeper).My Tosh dvd player which the LG replaced,had the "eye" for recieving remote signals in the middle of the player.The LG has the "eye" in the extreme right hand side of the player.My audio rack is off center to my seating position,and my cabinet extends out farther then the player( doh,of course it does).

I need to move much closer to the center of the player for it to recieve the signal from the players remote or my universal remote.Not a big deal once a movie starts,but an annoying issue none the less.

Have the same problem in my tv stand the doors are glass with a wood frame so the "eye" is covered, but do to the low height it fits under my plasma stand perfectly so it sits outside right under the plasma.
I had 2 511's they both had audio skip problems, bought a 418 off e-bay, never had a problem and NO blue light!!!

As a sidenote to my previous post,

I have noticed one disadvantage to the 511(its still a keeper).My Tosh dvd player which the LG replaced,had the "eye" for recieving remote signals in the middle of the player.The LG has the "eye" in the extreme right hand side of the player.My audio rack is off center to my seating position,and my cabinet extends out farther then the player( doh,of course it does).

I need to move much closer to the center of the player for it to recieve the signal from the players remote or my universal remote.Not a big deal once a movie starts,but an annoying issue none the less.

Have the same problem in my tv stand the doors are glass with a wood frame so the "eye" is covered, but do to the low height it fits under my plasma stand perfectly so it sits outside right under the plasma.
I had 2 511's they both had audio skip problems, bought a 418 off e-bay, never had a problem and NO blue light!!!

Hey, I'm a noob in the upconverting DVD player market and a proud new owner of a Sammy HLS-6187W 1080p input set. I have mucho $$$ credit at CC and would like to buy an upconverting DVD player from them if possible. On the CC website, this player seemed to get the best reviews by far. So my question is if this is the BEST upconverting DVD player (I'm only interested in HDMI quality since that is what I will be using for my player) available at CC and if not, which one is? I've read around the forums and have also heard good things about the Panasonic S52S. Finally, I'm also considering going for a 1080p player, such as the Sammy HD960, but would really like to use my CC credit first. So, what's #1 overall (Oppo?) and what's #1 at CC? Thanks for any help!

Just buy the HD player, it will play all other dvd's and upconvert them, go read in the HD player forum about it.

But there is my major problem with either HDDVD or Bluray-if I want to make a backup copy of a disc that I paid 30 bucks for-and don't tell me that discs don't get damaged-I can do that with a dvd-with either hd format-tough crap, no way. Remember the copy protection scheme with the originial audio cd format-you can make a copy, but not a copy of a copy-that seems fair to me.

I am not interested in HD-DVD or Bluray since I will never buy those DVDs and do not want to waste even store credit money on them. I'd rather pocket the extra cash and get something else instead. So, do you know what the best upconverting player is at CC?

Few yrs HD-DVD burners will be in our computers, it's just like 6 yrs ago when dvd-r came out, in less than 5yrs dvd HD blanks will be $1 a peice.
Iceman i would only recommend renting HD-DVD, like thru Netflix, i would never buy a dvd movie, you really only watch them once or twice anyway.

"do you know what the best upconverting player is at CC?"

Thats a very hard question to answer.So much depends on your display.Folks have reported better performance with a particular player matched with certain displays.Others have had the exact opposite results.Look at the thread in this section that deals with display/player match ups.

Just my opinion-the Sony DVP-NC85 0r 75 through HDMI has a very nice picture.

I am not interested in HD-DVD or Bluray since I will never buy those DVDs and do not want to waste even store credit money on them. I'd rather pocket the extra cash and get something else instead. So, do you know what the best upconverting player is at CC?


Like Cruzin said, "so much depends on your display". Go to CC and pick up a 511 and see how it works with your Sammy. If it's no good, return it.

Thanks for the reply Trev,

I suppose the big question for this thread is this:-

Does anyone have an LDA511 hooked to a AE900 at a HDMI length over 5m?

The ultralink looks like it will solve the problem, but with that cost, I may as well upgrade the player for another make, which I really didn't want to do as I really like it.

I'm assuming the problem I'm having is because the HDMI output of the LG is too weak at distances over 5m for the AE900.

thanks,

Hello Craby,

I can't answer your question, but I think it would make sense to look at it a different way.

The HDMI distance standard spec is apparently 5m. It's to be expected that players will be able to exceed that to some degree simply in order to guarantee meeting it, but it's not something you can count on. The LDA-511 meets the spec, but just as for any player (unless guaranteed otherwise), beyond that is a gamble. My earlier response wasn't intended to sell you on that particular repeater, but rather to point out LG's response to you was consistent with the spec and if you want to extend further, it would make sense to consider alternatives.

Point being, even if you buy some player that accomplishes the job for one person, it may still be inadequate for your situation -- cable capacitance, loading, and EMI conditions will all effect it.

In any case, as I said before --

Luck -- Trevor :)

.......... On the CC website, this player seemed to get the best reviews by far. .......
Forget about the CC review section. It's driven by revenue/profit only. I.E.- how they need to clear inventory. I've purchased some budget products from them and written positive reviews based on a price/performance perspective, only to have the review bounced out. Don't expect honesty from the retailer in this case.

returned the 511 and got another one. That one plays all the DVDs just fine.

resolution button and memory card menu on the player is a PITA. Is there a remote code for those?

I am thinking about picking up the 531, and was looking for some opinions. I have a 34" sony HD CRT, and I'm currently using the philips DVP642. I know its all subjective, but how much of a picture quality improvement should I expect to see if I upgrade? I saw in this thread talk that plasma/lcd hd's have built in up-converters which mean the pq increase isn't as big, but is that the case with CRT HDs as well? Like I said, just looking for some opinions before I make a final decision to buy.

The picutre quality of LG 511 is very poor. Too much smoothing causes the image losing details.It looks like there are tons of makeup on everyone's face in the image. Really bad PQ! It may relate to the poor upconversion algorihtm and cheap video DAC (only 10bit/27 MHz) and audio DAC (24bit 96 MHz).

Just bought a Samsung HD850 (video DAC 10bit/54 Mhz, audio DAC 24bit/192 Mhz) from ebay for about $70. The picture quality of this samsung HD850 is much better than that of LG 511. Besides, much cheaper too. The picture quality of HD850 is same as the upscale version HD950. The HD850 just lacks of DVD-audio and SACD support. So why spend $200 on 950 insteday of a $70 refurb 850 if DVD watching is your primary focus.

I have compared Oppo 751 , LG 511, Samsung 850 and Philips 5960 with my Vizio 42HDTV via HDMI connection. The Oppo 751 has the best PQ but has random green sparkles problem due to DVI to HDMI connnection on Vizio side (I know it is Vizio problem not Oppo problem .But I keep the vizio and send the Oppo back to Amaz*n). LG 511 (~$99 for open box) has the worst PQ (so it is back to BB right after I test the samsung 850). The Samsung HD850 has the best performance/price ratio and PQ is good enough. I have also tried new Philips 5960 but the HDMI output does NOT work at all (so it is back to CC). I cannot believe that this cheap Philips one (~$70 for NEW) has the highest scores at CNET review. Just remind you that you get what you paid.

The picutre quality of LG 511 is very poor. Too much smoothing causes the image losing details.It looks like there are tons of makeup on everyone's face in the image. Really bad PQ! It may relate to the poor upconversion algorihtm and cheap video DAC (only 10bit/27 MHz) and audio DAC (24bit 96 MHz).

Just bought a Samsung HD850 (video DAC 10bit/54 Mhz, audio DAC 24bit/192 Mhz) from ebay for about $70. The picture quality of this samsung HD850 is much better than that of LG 511. Besides, much cheaper too. The picture quality of HD850 is same as the upscale version HD950. The HD850 just lacks of DVD-audio and SACD support. So why spend $200 on 950 insteday of a $70 refurb 850 if DVD watching is your primary focus.

I have compared Oppo 751 , LG 511, Samsung 850 and Philips 5960 with my Vizio 42HDTV via HDMI connection. The Oppo 751 has the best PQ but has random green sparkles problem due to DVI to HDMI connnection on Vizio side (I know it is Vizio problem not Oppo problem .But I keep the vizio and send the Oppo back to Amaz*n). LG 511 (~$99 for open box) has the worst PQ (so it is back to BB right after I test the samsung 850). The Samsung HD850 has the best performance/price ratio and PQ is good enough. I have also tried new Philips 5960 but the HDMI output does NOT work at all (so it is back to CC). I cannot believe that this cheap Philips one (~$70 for NEW) has the highest scores at CNET review. Just remind you that you get what you paid.


I love my 511

The picutre quality of LG 511 is very poor. ... It may relate to the poor upconversion algorihtm and cheap video DAC (only 10bit/27 MHz) and audio DAC (24bit 96 MHz).


Well, it's certainly good to know the true cause of any 511 video problems -- the darned Audio DAC!!! :)

I have the 418 (essentially a 531) and would say the pq is far from poor. Many have been quite happy with the 418/511/531 players, so YMMV.

jeff

I recently got one of the new LG players thinking-Oh boy with that 12 bit 110 mhz video dac it'll have a much nicer picture and with the much better audio dacs better sound-know what? I hardly saw any difference at all-and what I saw might have been subliminial perception. Took it back the next day-will stick with my 418 and 511 for the forseeable future.

Were you using the HDMI output? If so, the video DAC isn't being used so its specs are irrelevent. The video DAC is for component output.

Were you using the HDMI output? If so, the video DAC isn't being used so its specs are irrelevent. The video DAC is for component output.

But not digital component, right?

I was upscaleing through componet to 1080I-like I said there no perceptable improvement in pq.

I was upscaleing through componet to 1080I-like I said there no perceptable improvement in pq.

So you've hacked the player? I know this model isn't hard to do, but it won't upconvert over component straight out of the box.

No--it's just like the 511 and 418 in that reguard-it'll upscale xvid/divx and dvds that aren't copyprotected through the componet output.

xrdb, but if you upgrade the firmware it'll upconvert all dvd's. don't know about xvid and divx.

jeff

But not digital component, right?

Component is inherently analog, just as HDMI is inherently digital.

xrdb, but if you upgrade the firmware it'll upconvert all dvd's. don't know about xvid and divx.

jeff

Updating the firmware isn't what allows copyprotected DVDs to be upscaled via component -- that's accomplished by remote keycode entries. This is discussed earlier in this thread (information originally from the LG DVB-418 thread).

-- Trevor

Component is inherently analog, just as HDMI is inherently digital.


Okay, apparently I need a little educating on this. The back of my TV says "Digital Component In (480p/720p/1080i)" for one of the component inputs, differentiating it from the analog component input also on the back. So really, what's the difference then, other than the Y-Cr-Cb naming for digital and Y-Pb-Pr for analog? I always figured that the digital component connection was much like DVI or HDMI in that the DVD player would use it to pass a digital signal through to the TV. Hence my hope that Video DACs were also not involved with digital component output.

Updating the firmware isn't what allows copyprotected DVDs to be upscaled via component -- that's accomplished by remote keycode entries. This is discussed earlier in this thread (information originally from the LG DVB-418 thread).

-- Trevor

I beg to differ Trevor. the remote hacks do not work on the 418 unless you update with the 531 firmware. I have one (a 418 that had the latest 418 firmware) and I checked it before updating the firmware. After updating the firmware the hacks all work and all DVD's can be upconverted via component.

jeff

I beg to differ Trevor. the remote hacks do not work on the 418 unless you update with the 531 firmware. I have one (a 418 that had the latest 418 firmware) and I checked it before updating the firmware. After updating the firmware the hacks all work and all DVD's can be upconverted via component.

jeff

I'm wondering if the difference is that yours had the latest 418 firmware (which I think was late 2005/early 2006). I'd have to go back to the 418 thread, but I'm pretty certain people were using those remote hacks long before the 531 firmware update became available. I understood they were a major part of the player's attraction long before the 531 update was even released.


Okay, apparently I need a little educating on this. The back of my TV says "Digital Component In (480p/720p/1080i)" for one of the component inputs, differentiating it from the analog component input also on the back. So really, what's the difference then, other than the Y-Cr-Cb naming for digital and Y-Pb-Pr for analog? I always figured that the digital component connection was much like DVI or HDMI in that the DVD player would use it to pass a digital signal through to the TV. Hence my hope that Video DACs were also not involved with digital component output.

Regarding YCbCr: I was interpreting you from the player RCA outputs which are the only component outputs provided. The following link looks specifically at digital YCbCr, which is handled differently. No idea why the TV has three YCbCr RCA inputs -- no comprendo :confused:.

http://computing-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/YCbCr

"YCbCr Is Digital
MPEG compression, which is used in DVDs, digital TV and Video CDs, is coded in YCbCr, and digital camcorders (MiniDV, DV, Digital Betacam, etc.) output YCbCr over a digital link such as FireWire or SDI. The ITU-R BT.601 international standard for digital video defines both YCbCr and RGB color spaces. See YCbCr Sampling.

YPbPr Is Analog
YCbCr is the digital counterpart of YPbPr (component analog video). YCbCr uses a single cable between video equipment, whereas YPbPr uses three cables (see YPbPr). See YUV, YUV/RGB conversion formulas and ITU-R BT.601."

Hope this helps :)

-- Trevor

YCbCr uses a single cable between video equipment, whereas YPbPr uses three cables (see YPbPr).

That's interesting, since every digital component input or output I have ever seen in magazines and on consumer equipment is the 3-plug type...

Can anyone here actually verify seeing a single-plug component jack? Anyone have one on their equipment?

I recently bought a 531 and performed the macrovision hack ok. I cannot bring up the system information, I tried several times, to see what firmware version it has. It was purchased from FS in May 2006 and has a October 2005 build date. I am occasionally having lip synch issues about 1/2 way through a movie. if I stop and restart it is then ok. is there a fix for this?

That's interesting, since every digital component input or output I have ever seen in magazines and on consumer equipment is the 3-plug type...

Can anyone here actually verify seeing a single-plug component jack? Anyone have one on their equipment?


Personally, I've never seen a three RCA digital component cable connection, only analog. All my video components have them as well - YPbPr (except my processor, it stopped at S-Video, also analog).

-- Trevor

If any one could help me here with info I tried this remote hack off the wall ,and this is what I got;

Pause,1,4,7,2 a screen appears that reads "ee prom" with a set of 8 2digit numbers and letters ,and at the bottom is a cursor you can move under each number and you can change the setting of the numbers.I have not tried to change any numbers don't know if this will do any harm or not,or if it will do anything . Wondering if anyone has come across this before?

I recently bought a 531 and performed the macrovision hack ok. I cannot bring up the system information, I tried several times, to see what firmware version it has. It was purchased from FS in May 2006 and has a October 2005 build date. I am occasionally having lip synch issues about 1/2 way through a movie. if I stop and restart it is then ok. is there a fix for this?

Because of the sync issues, I would think it safe to assume you have the earlier firmware. It's very easy to update, did it myself recently to a 418 (the US version of the 531). Earlier in this thread, they go into how to update the firmware, using a file from LG Canada's website. It starts here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=534154&page=7&pp=30), at post #191. There are some posts about how to burn it and such, as well.

Personally, I've never seen a three RCA digital component cable connection, only analog. All my video components have them as well - YPbPr (except my processor, it stopped at S-Video, also analog).

-- Trevor

FWIW -- I just yesterday bought a Westinghouse 37W2 HDTV with SD and HD tuners. It includes HDMI and two sets of analog component inputs -- YPbPr again. My 3-1/2 year old Sony 36XBR800 HD ready TV (no HD tuner in those days) has DVI and two sets of analog component inputs (YPbPr). I've thus far bought three DVD players, an early Pioneer DV-414, a more recent Denon DVD-2900, and I'm currently again awaiting receipt of a replacement LG DVB-418 -- in each case with analog component video outputs (YPbPr). Sure seems consistent to me!

-- Trevor :)


PS. Oh, yes! My Sony 27FS210 also has YPbPr inputs, though since it's not a digital TV, I suppose that would be expected :).

If any one could help me here with info I tried this remote hack off the wall ,and this is what I got;

Pause,1,4,7,2 a screen appears that reads "ee prom" with a set of 8 2digit numbers and letters ,and at the bottom is a cursor you can move under each number and you can change the setting of the numbers.I have not tried to change any numbers don't know if this will do any harm or not,or if it will do anything . Wondering if anyone has come across this before?
Smokijo-

Good find!

I just opened my LGA511 up because it has started turning itself off while watching DVDs. It looks like it crashes and reboots. I have already returned it to LG because when I first got it, it would stop playing DVDs and start clicking loudly. They fixed that, but now I've got this new issue. I thought maybe a cable wasn't securely attached, but they all looked fine to me. I had changed some of the remote hack settings, so I came here to see how to set them back when I saw your post.

Anyway, while I had the case open, I noticed a couple of those little 8-pin serial EEPROMs on the board. There is a little header by one of them that I bet you can use to program it, and I'm guessing this menu lets you change some of the data without opening the case. These same 8 bytes show up as "PROM OPTION" on the system information page. The first 2 are ASCII for "US".

Sean

I wouldn't screw around with it unless you know what it's for.

Does anyone have suggestions for a cheap remote to replace the original one. I purchased an open box without a remote and need a remote. Would a cheap universal remote allow me to access the display menu and to enter the upscale component hack?

what deinterlacer does this unit use? Also what model? Thanks

Has anyone had a problem with the display on the front of the 511. Some of the lines that make out the "hello", "open", "close" etc. are out, but come back sometimes.

I must say the picture on from this player looks great on my Westy 42. The region free and upscale component hacks works like a charm. I did have a weird issue in that the player and/or Westy would not properly output a 16:9 image until I did the component hack. Overall I am very happy for a cheap player to use until I wait out the hi-def format battle. Any thoughts about whether my picture would improve if I switched to HMDI ? I have heard that on the Westy the HDMI looks softer but have not tried it.

IMO there is no problem playing the disc, the problem is the time it takes to load the disc. It took me 1 minute from the time I put the disc in, to when it started playing it. That might be why some would say it does not play the LOTR disc, because they did not wait long enough for it to start.

You are right it does take a bit for it to load. I have not tried the first Harry Potter movie yet but it also has an issue. I called LG support when I first got the player and they said it was a known issue with those 2 movies and that they were working on a firmware update. I contacted LG support yesterday by phone and they said there was an update available and that they would email it to me. After 4 or 5 hours of not getting it, I contacted support again and was told that they do not email firmware that I have to get it on a disc from them. If it ever comes in I will post a link to my website and upload it there. I just got my Samsung HL-R5678W dlp installed yesterday and the movies from the dvd look great using hdmi.

Hi, I got this Model (LDA-511) from CC today, it was an open box. Am getting ready for my Philips 42" plasma being delivered on Tuesday.

I hooked it up with my CRT and applied the MV & HDCP hacks right away. I then verified the hacks and this is what I had seen:

.HDCP: OFF
-HDCP Auth: Fail
.EDID: OFF
-EDID parsing: (do not remember whether it said Fail)
-480p: Yes
-720p: Yes
-1080i: Yes
.Macrovision: OFF
.Video Mode: YPbPr -480i: (do not remember)
.Audio Mode: PCM

------------------------------

But then to check the system firmware version, I used the hack code and it actually perfomed the System Reset as well. duh !

The version displayed after the reset was E141 (Is this the default ?) Does 511 have an upgrade?). I again re-applied both the hacks (MV & HDCP).

I go to verify the same and it shows the hack worked. But what is bothering me the most is 720P and 1080i now shows No.
.HDCP: OFF
-HDCP Auth: Fail
.EDID: OFF
-EDID parsing: Fail
-480p: Yes
-720p: No
-1080i: No
.Macrovision: OFF
.Video Mode: YPbPr -480i:
.Audio Mode: PCM

I tried EDID hack to turn it back ON which it did (EDID says ON), but still no change in 720p and 1080i - they still say No & EDID Parsing still says: Fail.

------------------

It is still connected to the same CRT (GE 31") through the composite. Why would it show "720p: Yes and 1080i: Yes" before the reset but not after ? Is there a way to enable the setting to Yes. I tried different resolution setting from the Player console, but no luck. Could it be some firmware update was applied to it by the previous owner which the reset overwrote? Does 511 even have an upgrade ? I have spent the entire night for an answer about the 511 firmware but surprizingly did not find any.

I got so desperate that I tried applying the 1.437 meant for LDA-531. But the player would error out stating "Check Disk". I used the correct path too (LG_DVD/Firmware/.../...)

Please someone help me before I go totally crazy.

Thx
-cj :mad:

Hi, can anybody please reply to my last post ?

Dear all, something weird happened with my 531 today. I wanted to use its remote to control my SONY KDFE50A10. To program a remote code, you have to keep the TV power button pressed and insert it (all the remote codes are at the end of the owner's manual).

For the SONY I chose 12. When I inputted this code, the 531 was on and something blinked in its led display.

As a result, the remote changed the aspect ratio and now this is no longer correct when displaying pictures at 1080i/60

The remote works with my tv set, but the problem is that this code did something also to the DVD player changing the aspect ratio in a wrong way when picture is being displayed at 1080i (wide 16:9 by default through HDMI connection). This does not happen at lower resolutions. The display menu won't help, to correct the wrong setting. Not even resetting the device or flashing the firmware again will. Please help, if you can. There must be a new code that will correct the default aspect ratio at 1080i.

Before using this remote code, this player worked great at 1080i for several months with no problems at all. I know for sure that this is not related to my Sony TV set, as I've hooked up other devices @1080i and the aspect ratio at that resolution is correct.
Thanks for your help. Here is the system information of my 531:

Model: LV8070261
REGION NO. 1
Chip ID: MT1389
Main Ver: E143
Sub Ver: 0007
Servo Ver: 1418
MICOM Ver. 1.437
PROM OPTION: 55 53 00 67 02 55 fc 00

returned the 511 and got another one. That one plays all the DVDs just fine.

resolution button and memory card menu on the player is a PITA. Is there a remote code for those?

i just realized last night that my harmony 676 remote has a resolution button in the menu! sweet!

I have an LDA-511 and for the most part I have been very pleased with it. My only real complaint is what I've just recently discovered after hooking it up to my new JVC RX-D411s HDMI receiver.

I am unable to get the player to pass out raw bitstream Dolby Digital audio from a DVD over the HDMI connection. It only seems to pass out decoded PCM stereo. This makes little sense to me as the player is actually doing the extra work of decoding the signal rather than passing it raw as it is doing through SPDIF out. It also makes little sense as to why there is no option to decode to 6 channel PCM and pass that out over HDMI as the it has more than enough bandwidth to do this, but that is beside the point.

The manual clearly states that the player is capable of passing out bitstream audio over HDMI by simply selecting Bitstream in the audio setup. I have tried changing the frequency and still no luck. In one place the manual also states that if the player is hooked up to a television that does not support Dolby decoding then it will automatically decode to stereo PCM. To check if this was causing the problem set the receiver to forced Dolby Digital decoding. Once again this did not solve the problem.

I have talked to two LG support reps and both have told me that it "should" work, but I'm out of ideas, so I'm asking if anyone else here can confirm this problem on their unit or give me some other idea on how to get it working.

Thanks,

i just realized last night that my harmony 676 remote has a resolution button in the menu! sweet!


Are you talking about the "upconvert" button? I have one on my 676, but it doesn't work.

yes, that's what i'm referring to.

yes, that's what i'm referring to.

And yours works?