Philips 42PF9630A HD Plasma [Text View] - Page 10

PhilipsPhanatic

12-04-06, 04:33 PM

Has this been fixed with one of the software upgrades? I tried looking in the posts but didn't locate it. thanks, Roger

Yes, the BSOD problem has been fixed with the August update which may (or may not) still be up there. If you read the recent posts here and on the 9631 thread, it appears a NEW upgrade has been affixed but it is still labeled as "August" on the Philips.com website.

Whatever....goto the Philips.com website and upgrade your firmware immediately, so you can grab the August update if it's still there. If it has been replaced, use the November/December one. I believe the upgrades are additive, so the Nov/December one should also fix BSOD.

You should write down your current software version before you upgrade; it's available from the On Screen Menu under Software. Write it down and then compare to what's on the Philips site.

Don't stay away from the Philips.com website or AVS that long...things happen usually no longer than every few months, sometimes sooner !!! :D

rkelly89

12-06-06, 11:29 AM

Thanks, PhilipsPhanatic . . . .

Magna2006

12-07-06, 01:27 PM

PhilipsPhanatic

12-07-06, 02:33 PM

I was on the phone with the Philips support technician a couple of days ago and they said that there was a new firmware update in the "pipline" for the 42PF9630A. His "guess" was that we should see it before the end of the year. Don't hold your breath though.............

Is this in addition to the "November" update that is out for the 9631's and might also be out right now for the 9630's ?? So you're saying 2 updates this year AFTER the August update ?

I also asked the Philips support technician about the solarization / contourization / blocky-color issues I see when sometimes viewing dark (especially blue underwater) scenes on the cable. He suggested that the cable signal might be weak for that particular channel or that maybe I have a weak signal on the cable overall. Has anyone bought one of those line signal boosters (I believe even WalMart sells them) and noticed any real improvement in the picture?

I'm not aware of this problem and am not sure what you mean by "solarization/contourization/blocky" problems. Seems like 3 problems right there -- can you describe it ?

Some SD channels are very weak signal-wise and the way to verify if that is a problem with the TV or the signal is to simply check out an HD channel. If it doesn't show there (or on a DVD at 480p) then it's the signal. I sometimes see blockiness (clay face ???) on some fleshtones on SD but other times the PQ on SD is so good I've had friends think they were watching a channel in Hi-Def !!

As for line boosters, I actually had one on my 27" CRT (got it mostly for the extra coaxial outlets) and it did a good job of upping/dampening signal to the TV. But I don't know if those things work as well on fixed-pixel displays. I wouldn't spend too much money on them as it might just collect dust; check out the AVS forum as alot of promises on boosters and 'line cleaners' are just marketing hype.

A stronger signal is a definite plus, though. The way to get it is to contact your cable provider and have them boost the signal, fix any problems, or as a last resort have THEM give you a signal booster (it's cheaper for them to do that than to add more fiber to the node in your area).

Magna2006

12-07-06, 05:39 PM

Is this in addition to the "November" update that is out for the 9631's and might also be out right now for the 9630's ?? So you're saying 2 updates this year AFTER the August update ?

I'm not aware of this problem and am not sure what you mean by "solarization/contourization/blocky" problems. Seems like 3 problems right there -- can you describe it ?

Some SD channels are very weak signal-wise and the way to verify if that is a problem with the TV or the signal is to simply check out an HD channel. If it doesn't show there (or on a DVD at 480p) then it's the signal. I sometimes see blockiness (clay face ???) on some fleshtones on SD but other times the PQ on SD is so good I've had friends think they were watching a channel in Hi-Def !!

As for line boosters, I actually had one on my 27" CRT (got it mostly for the extra coaxial outlets) and it did a good job of upping/dampening signal to the TV. But I don't know if those things work as well on fixed-pixel displays. I wouldn't spend too much money on them as it might just collect dust; check out the AVS forum as alot of promises on boosters and 'line cleaners' are just marketing hype.

A stronger signal is a definite plus, though. The way to get it is to contact your cable provider and have them boost the signal, fix any problems, or as a last resort have THEM give you a signal booster (it's cheaper for them to do that than to add more fiber to the node in your area).

I was referring to the firmware update(s) to the 42PF9630A that (I presume) will add the same "fixes" and "picture improvements" that came out for the 42PF9631D in November. The current firmware update for the 42PF9630A is dated 03 Aug 2006 with no updates since then.

For a dark scene (such as a blue underwater scene) coming out of the HDMI port on the Comcast/Motorola DCT6412 cable box, I sometimes see "blockiness" in the blue background with abrupt color shade changes as opposed to smooth gradual changes. I see this effect much less when running the signal from the cable box through the Philips DVD recorder and it's HDMI connection, but that ruins the high definition resolution as the DVD recorder "dumbs down" the 1080i or 720p to 480p. From my conversation with the Philips support technician, I thought adding a cable line signal booster might help. That is why I posted this issue on this blog, to see if anyone else had tried it and gotten any results.

PhilipsPhanatic

12-07-06, 06:17 PM

I was referring to the firmware update(s) to the 42PF9630A that (I presume) will add the same "fixes" and "picture improvements" that came out for the 42PF9631D in November. The current firmware update for the 42PF9630A is dated 03 Aug 2006 with no updates since then.

Check by clicking on it; it might still be listed as August but it might have advanced to the "1.9" software upgrade. It will erase your earlier "August" one though even the underlying upgrades are different so if you want that earlier zipped file better save it or rename it.

For a dark scene (such as a blue underwater scene) coming out of the HDMI port on the Comcast/Motorola DCT6412 cable box, I sometimes see "blockiness" in the blue background with abrupt color shade changes as opposed to smooth gradual changes. I see this effect much less when running the signal from the cable box through the Philips DVD recorder and it's HDMI connection, but that ruins the high definition resolution as the DVD recorder "dumbs down" the 1080i or 720p to 480p. From my conversation with the Philips support technician, I thought adding a cable line signal booster might help. That is why I posted this issue on this blog, to see if anyone else had tried it and gotten any results.

I'll leave this to others more knowledgeable but it sounds like it might be black levels on SD ?

I see vertical pillars of lightish-black and purplish-blueish-black in very dark scenes on SD. I don't see it on DVD's or HD. It's a combination of SD programming, a weak signal, and in my case, a bad job of calibrating my blacks/grays. I can live with it though. :D

Donniewb420

12-07-06, 08:35 PM

Check by clicking on it; it might still be listed as August but it might have advanced to the "1.9" software upgrade. It will erase your earlier "August" one though even the underlying upgrades are different so if you want that earlier zipped file better save it or rename it.

I'll leave this to others more knowledgeable but it sounds like it might be black levels on SD ?

I see vertical pillars of lightish-black and purplish-blueish-black in very dark scenes on SD. I don't see it on DVD's or HD. It's a combination of SD programming, a weak signal, and in my case, a bad job of calibrating my blacks/grays. I can live with it though. :D

Yea the firmware is still 1.8 they havent updated our sets (even by mistake) yet. Magna i somewhat understand what ur saying, sometimes during water scenes, or a wall of a certain color, when the camera pans, it tends to not transition all the way smoothly, and leads to a different shaded blue inside a given area while the rest of the water around that area may be slightly a different shade.. i know it sounds stupid in words, but i full understand what your saying... I will be able to tell you about signal strength related to cable, i have a technician coming out tomorrow to hopefully up my strength, ive been getting some artifacting and sound loss thru TWC. Phanatic... did u see any improvements in the picture from your most recent upgrade?? did they state specifically what was improved in regards to this new update? Thanks fellas

PhilipsPhanatic

12-07-06, 10:47 PM

Yea the firmware is still 1.8 they havent updated our sets (even by mistake) yet. Magna i somewhat understand what ur saying, sometimes during water scenes, or a wall of a certain color, when the camera pans, it tends to not transition all the way smoothly, and leads to a different shaded blue inside a given area while the rest of the water around that area may be slightly a different shade

Is that from the TV set though? Best way to tell is to watch an underwater sea program that is in HD and see how it looks. Or the DVD set "Blue Planet."

".. i know it sounds stupid in words, but i full understand what your saying... I will be able to tell you about signal strength related to cable, i have a technician coming out tomorrow to hopefully up my strength, ive been getting some artifacting and sound loss thru TWC. "

Not sure if TWC uses SA boxes, but you can get the signal strength from the SA 4200 and 8300 STB's very easily. Can probably get it from other types, too, but I don't know how to do it. Your cable company can tell you.

Phanatic... did u see any improvements in the picture from your most recent upgrade?? did they state specifically what was improved in regards to this new update? Thanks fellas

I didn't upload it onto the TV....when I found out that the "1.9" upgrade was coded AUGUST on the 9631 Support Area, I stopped after I got it onto my PC. As it was, it already overwrote the files from August that were there.

I have the August upgrade -- labeled as such -- on my USB and I do NOT want this upgrade to overwrite that one, too. I am waiting for a friend to help me with this whole zipped file thing and get the August one on my USB back to my PC for safekeeping. Still have it on the USB and don't want to lose it -- I would like to keep all the upgrades going forward in case I ever have to go back or someone else needs it.

Donniewb420

12-08-06, 06:35 AM

Is that from the TV set though? Best way to tell is to watch an underwater sea program that is in HD and see how it looks. Or the DVD set "Blue Planet."

I dont actually know, Im pretty sure its cable related, i dont ever have problems when watching a dvd.. its only during HD programming...

Not sure if TWC uses SA boxes, but you can get the signal strength from the SA 4200 and 8300 STB's very easily. Can probably get it from other types, too, but I don't know how to do it. Your cable company can tell you.

Yea they have diagnostic screens that I have gone into and everything seems to be on ok levels(signal wise), yet i still have issues, hopefully they will tweak it somehow..

I didn't upload it onto the TV....when I found out that the "1.9" upgrade was coded AUGUST on the 9631 Support Area, I stopped after I got it onto my PC. As it was, it already overwrote the files from August that were there.

Good idea...

I have the August upgrade -- labeled as such -- on my USB and I do NOT want this upgrade to overwrite that one, too. I am waiting for a friend to help me with this whole zipped file thing and get the August one on my USB back to my PC for safekeeping. Still have it on the USB and don't want to lose it -- I would like to keep all the upgrades going forward in case I ever have to go back or someone else needs it.

Well whenever you upload the new firmware to your tv, let us know:) im interested to see if it makes any discernable improvements in PQ.

Donniewb420

12-08-06, 06:38 AM

Is that from the TV set though? Best way to tell is to watch an underwater sea program that is in HD and see how it looks. Or the DVD set "Blue Planet."

I dont actually know, Im pretty sure its cable related, i dont ever have problems when watching a dvd.. its only during HD programming...

Not sure if TWC uses SA boxes, but you can get the signal strength from the SA 4200 and 8300 STB's very easily. Can probably get it from other types, too, but I don't know how to do it. Your cable company can tell you.

Yea I have the sa 8300, they have diagnostic screens that I have gone into and everything seems to be on ok levels(signal wise), yet i still have issues, hopefully they will tweak it somehow..

I didn't upload it onto the TV....when I found out that the "1.9" upgrade was coded AUGUST on the 9631 Support Area, I stopped after I got it onto my PC. As it was, it already overwrote the files from August that were there.

Good idea...

I have the August upgrade -- labeled as such -- on my USB and I do NOT want this upgrade to overwrite that one, too. I am waiting for a friend to help me with this whole zipped file thing and get the August one on my USB back to my PC for safekeeping. Still have it on the USB and don't want to lose it -- I would like to keep all the upgrades going forward in case I ever have to go back or someone else needs it.

Well whenever you upload the new firmware to your tv, let us know:) im interested to see if it makes any discernable improvements in PQ.

PhilipsPhanatic

12-08-06, 12:58 PM

Well whenever you upload the new firmware to your tv, let us know:) im interested to see if it makes any discernable improvements in PQ.

I think a few of the 9631 guys uploaded it and didn't see any discernable difference in PQ. Might have to do with improving signal quality to the TV via the HDMI. Even that might be marginal -- I'm very happy with my PQ so I really don't need any changes (one reason why I want the older firmwares in case an upgrade is WORSE for my TV :D ).

Only major 'must have' upgrade so far for me and the other 9630/31 owners this year seems to be fixing the BSOD problem.

Regardless, I will post here and on the 9631 when I get the Nov/Dec upgrade onto the Philips.

PhilipsPhanatic

12-08-06, 01:04 PM

I dont actually know, Im pretty sure its cable related, i dont ever have problems when watching a dvd.. its only during HD programming...

What about SD programming -- can you see it then ?

Could be a glitch related to HD or HDMI (using that or component?) digital but I'm not sure? Definitely NOT the Philips TV per se otherwise you'd also see it on DVD's. It's either a particular program, the way the TV processes the signal from the HDMI (or component), or both. If not visible during DVD's or SD, definitely related to digital processing from HDMI/component and probably easily solved with an upgrade (which I'm sure Philips will have pronto....about 2008 :D ).

Yea I have the sa 8300, they have diagnostic screens that I have gone into and everything seems to be on ok levels(signal wise), yet i still have issues, hopefully they will tweak it somehow..

OK....good to periodically check signal strength if you ever get dropped sound or pixelization on the TV. I've posted how to get it before; let me know if you can't find it.

Donniewb420

12-08-06, 02:33 PM

What about SD programming -- can you see it then ?

Could be a glitch related to HD or HDMI (using that or component?) digital but I'm not sure? Definitely NOT the Philips TV per se otherwise you'd also see it on DVD's. It's either a particular program, the way the TV processes the signal from the HDMI (or component), or both. If not visible during DVD's or SD, definitely related to digital processing from HDMI/component and probably easily solved with an upgrade (which I'm sure Philips will have pronto....about 2008 :D ).

OK....good to periodically check signal strength if you ever get dropped sound or pixelization on the TV. I've posted how to get it before; let me know if you can't find it.

SD is fine, its only on HD content, and not very often at that... no biggie. TWC came out this morning and said signal strength on channels were fine, it was something that just "happens" lol gotta love that response! ;)

PhilipsPhanatic

12-09-06, 10:38 AM

SD is fine, its only on HD content, and not very often at that... no biggie. TWC came out this morning and said signal strength on channels were fine, it was something that just "happens" lol gotta love that response! ;)

Could be something that a firmware upgrade might fix -- remind me when I contact some Philips higher-ups.

Very strange that it's not SD or DVD's but only HD -- this tells me it's not the TV and probably a firmware problem. Minor annoyance but we'll hopefully get it fixed down the line. ;)

Donniewb420

12-09-06, 11:49 AM

Could be something that a firmware upgrade might fix -- remind me when I contact some Philips higher-ups.

Very strange that it's not SD or DVD's but only HD -- this tells me it's not the TV and probably a firmware problem. Minor annoyance but we'll hopefully get it fixed down the line. ;)

Yea its nothing major, or anything that takes away from the viewing experience, just me being nitpicky;)

PhilipsPhanatic

12-10-06, 06:54 PM

Can someone tell me how to get to the HOURS OF OPERATION menu or page on the 9630/31 ? I have the "06" code but I'm not finding the hours of use. Thanks.

SRJ1957

12-11-06, 08:31 AM

Go into the the settings menu. From the main TV settings/setup menu, go to PREFERENCES, then to MENU PREFERENCES, and then to OSD. Then set the OSD value from MINIMUM to NORMAL and exit. The volume slider should now appear when adjusting the volume.

Hi guys,

When I set theh OSD from MINIMUM to NORMAL to show the volume slider also the picture source AV1 is displayed in the top left corner, how can I get rid of that. ?

SRJ1957

12-11-06, 08:53 AM

Magna2006

12-11-06, 10:25 AM

Hi guys,

When I set theh OSD from MINIMUM to NORMAL to show the volume slider also the picture source AV1 is displayed in the top left corner, how can I get rid of that. ?

Assuming you have a 42PF9630A/37, then you probably need to upgrade your firmware to version BX23U-1.1.0.0_01461 or newer. The firmware upgrade can be found here:

http://www.usasupport.philips.com/productDocuments.html?ProductCode=42PF9630A/37

Click on the "Firmware Upgrade Software" link to download the *.zip file containing the firmware and the instructions. The link contains the latest version BX23U-1.4.0.0_03081 firmware; I understand there is yet another firmware update/upgrade to be release for this TV in the near future as well.

Magna2006

12-11-06, 10:37 AM

When I want to view photos on the TV I use the SD card input, my digital camera also takes video but I cannot see the video. The video file type is a .MOV,

I also tried the USB to view video from my razor phone but that would not show video either. I think this this is an MPEG5 fromat

Is this a problem for anyone else ?

I believe that the 42PF9630A can only view static/still *.jpg files on a camera memory module when inserted into the "memory card" slot(s). The TV can play *.mp3 audio files also. A little off the subject, but my Philips DVDR3400 can run video files natively off of a USB drive (mpeg2 and DivX) and pump them up to the 42PF9630A.

Donniewb420

12-11-06, 10:50 AM

Can someone tell me how to get to the HOURS OF OPERATION menu or page on the 9630/31 ? I have the "06" code but I'm not finding the hours of use. Thanks.

the only code i have ever heard of was the 062596... my hours were in the menu... unfortunately never heard of any other code types

SRJ1957

12-11-06, 11:55 AM

I believe that the 42PF9630A can only view static/still *.jpg files on a camera memory module when inserted into the "memory card" slot(s). The TV can play *.mp3 audio files also. A little off the subject, but my Philips DVDR3400 can run video files natively off of a USB drive (mpeg2 and DivX) and pump them up to the 42PF9630A.

OK thanks....Magna2006 for replying to both my questions...

This may be a good question for PhilipsPhanatic to send to Philips ?

Do you think they'll upgrade to be able to view *.mpegs and *.avi etc in the near future...

PhilipsPhanatic

12-11-06, 01:02 PM

When I set theh OSD from MINIMUM to NORMAL to show the volume slider also the picture source AV1 is displayed in the top left corner, how can I get rid of that. ?

Just hit "00" on the Philips remote; it won't swtich to the "TV" source but it will eliminate the "AV1" or "HDMI" blue logo it's displaying.

If the firmware upgrade fixes this, great....my friend had the problem on his 9630 but we may have found the "00" solution before we did the upgrade. I think he's been clean since.

Ybarra

12-11-06, 10:37 PM

OK thanks....Magna2006 for replying to both my questions...

This may be a good question for PhilipsPhanatic to send to Philips ?

Do you think they'll upgrade to be able to view *.mpegs and *.avi etc in the near future...

Oddly enough, it wouldn't be that hard to do. Philips actually released the 9630's and 9830's in some countries outside the USA that had a different small signal board on it that contained an ethernet port. When connected to a home network it would allow you to stream content directly to your plasma (mpeg2, mpeg4, divx, etc.). The ethernet port even shows up as a source in the menu along with HDMI1 & 2. I have no idea why they didn't include it on the US versions, but I know when I was looking for my set there were some internet vendors in the US that were selling the ethernet enabled set in the US along with the TVGOS enabled. So the short answer to your question is that the codecs are already built into the code (or at least revisions in other countries) and would simply need to be applied to the USB interface. If you look at the Philips repair manual and read the finer details it even mentions that the hardware itself supports (though it is not enabled) the ability to do PVR functions (I'm assuming to a USB hard drive or maybe some kind of internal 2.5HD module that was never released). I've said it before and I'll say it again. The Philips Plasma's are awesome, but they would pretty much bury the competition if they would:

a) Enable TVGOS back for Cablecard and OTA/standard cable use.
b) Enable multiple codec decode on the USB ports (DiVX, mp4, etc.)
c) Enable simple PVR functions on the USB ports (simply capture the HD and SD digital streams on the coax straight to USB storage and allow playback...not necessarily do mpeg encoding of analog as I doubt the hardware supports compression and you can use a standalone DVD-R for that).
d) Fix some of the other stupid bugs like forgetting channels and favorites.
e) Allow you to label channels on the coax/cablecard (I.E. name channel 13 "FOX" or whatever since Comcast in my area only transmits labels for 1/10th the cannels).
f) Sell and enable a USB to ethernet cable to enable streaming media playback since the bastards removed it from the US small signal boards. Maybe set up some kind of TVGOS information download via the internet for those who don't have it broadcast over their cable.

Realistically, it would take less than 2-3 months of development time (from competant programmers at least which I question the skill level of those Philip's currently employs) to knock out all but one or two on my wishlist so WTF is up with you people at Philips? Do you WANT everyone to go buy a Panasonic because it took you guys over a year to solve the black screen issue and your phone support staff has the intelligence and problem solving skills of a preschooler??? I mean...just the ambilight alone makes the set rock, but the PQ is great and Pixelplus 2/3 works like a champ *sigh*.

PhilipsPhanatic

12-11-06, 11:45 PM

Realistically, it would take less than 2-3 months of development time (from competant programmers at least which I question the skill level of those Philip's currently employs) to knock out all but one or two on my wishlist so WTF is up with you people at Philips? Do you WANT everyone to go buy a Panasonic because it took you guys over a year to solve the black screen issue and your phone support staff has the intelligence and problem solving skills of a preschooler??? I mean...just the ambilight alone makes the set rock, but the PQ is great and Pixelplus 2/3 works like a champ *sigh*.

Ybarra, awesome post. I may incorporate that into my letter to Philips execs if you don't mind. ;)

You should be running their Consumer Division....amazing that all we want to do is help these idiots make more money (and give us better, more reliable sets) and they treat us like we want a handout. WE'RE HERE TO HELP...AND WE'RE NOT FROM THE GOVERNMENT !!! :D

Ybarra, can you tell me why I enter "062596" (actually, I only can enter the "06259" and that's it) and can't enter the SM ? I did it once the 1st week and haven't been able to replicate it again since. Why can't I get in and is it because I can only enter "06259" ??? I have the 9631 but I can't believe that's the reason why. :mad: :( :confused:

Ybarra

12-12-06, 09:27 AM

Thanks. I hope I wasn't too harsh, but Philips drives me nuts. I loved my DVDR3400 (or 4300 or whatever) if it wasn't the fact that it had that recording bug whenever you enabled progressive scan and the idiots at tech support said "It's supposed to do that...if you want to record a 480i source, you have to turn progressive mode output off." The next day I promptly returned the DVD recorder and got my money back and I would have taken my 9630 back if it weren't for the ambilight (which I'm in love w/). It frustrates me when I know the HARDWARE on the 9630/9631 is top notch but the people writing the software are deficient.

I wish Philips would just release their source code public along w/ some simple guides (what development platform are they using, how do you JTAG the set to do a low level codeload, etc.) and allow us to write the firmware for them and add the features we want. Linksys/Cisco did this with their Linksys home routers and people have added all kinds of crazy features to them making the units very popular. Motorola cell phones are popular because of their "modding" capabilities. All it would take is some techie wizards to "mod out" the Philips line of TV's far beyond what the competitors can do and Philips would have a hard time keeping them in the stores and probably outsell their competition 2x1. All this and it would cost Philips next to nothing...the public at large would do all the work. Maybe even have a competition where the person w/ the best firmware design gets a free 60+" set or something.

As for the code, you have to enter it in a steady pattern fairly quickly. All the sets only show the first 5 numbers (including mine). Try it several times and you'll get it to work. The DVDR3400 is the same way...it has a secret menu you can enter (different code), but it's hard to get the timing right.

PhilipsPhanatic

12-12-06, 03:33 PM

Tried "06259" + 6 like 10 times, quick, slow, deliberate -- NOTHING.
Tried it with the TV Tuner and with AV1 (STB) -- NOTHING.
HTF did I do it the first time ??????? :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused:

___________________________________________-

Problem Solved: You have to hit INFO after hitting the "6" and then it will allow you into the SM. I have used my set 856/1020 hours so far since I got it in early September.

Ybarra

12-12-06, 10:42 PM

PhilipsPhanatic

12-13-06, 11:09 AM

Doh! I didn't realize you weren't hitting INFO at the end. The service menu is different than the customer service menu (123654) in that you have to hit INFO at the end of the code.

Geez...now I'm wondering if maybe it was the CSM I got into the 1st time -- what does that do ??

SRJ1957

12-13-06, 12:39 PM

I think the AVL setting helps to balance the volume between commercials and programmes so that your ears don't bleed when the next FORD commercial comes on at volume '11' ( Spinal Tap reference)..

However I cannot activate mine...it's 'grayed' out in the menu.
Is this another update issue ? :rolleyes:

PhilipsPhanatic

12-13-06, 03:15 PM

AVL isn't grayed out on my 9631....don't think it should be blocked on the 9630's (check in the Owners Manual !) but maybe it's related to your set up for sounds, cables used, etc ?

Not sure it's critical.....I can't tell a difference, ON or OFF.

Donniewb420

12-13-06, 06:47 PM

Avl is activated on my tv, dont have it on though.

Magna2006

12-13-06, 08:54 PM

PhilipsPhanatic

12-13-06, 11:28 PM

If you go into the service menu (enter 062596 and hit "info"), there are several color and offset settings for "white point" adjustment. Has anyone tinkered with these settings, perhaps while using one of the calibration disks to get a better picture quality? If so, what settings did you change in the white point sub-menu of the service menu?

Some people have, including a few on the Philips Email/Tips Sheet Group. They said they'd post or get back to me with how it turned out.

You have to be VERY CAUTIOUS HERE because you can screw up the TV bigtime and/or void the warranty by tinkering the wrong way. You can do a great job improving the picture quality from what I've heard, but you have to know what you are doing -- which I am not up to myself.

How long have you had the TV? If it's new, break it in properly, tinker with the presets and the OSM inputs for PERSONAL. Wait on going into the SM which is far, far more intricate and tough to calibrate.

PhilipsPhanatic

12-14-06, 01:46 AM

Anybody know why watching a VCR through AV2 and hitting INFO shows "CVBS?" :confused: :confused:

Doing it for a DVD through AV3 shows "480p" which I understand but what does "CVBS" refer to ????? :confused:

mkjnovak

12-14-06, 03:59 AM

Customer menu (123654) just lets you look at some info; you can't change anything.

CVBS is composite in. S-Video shows up as Y/C.

Mike

Donniewb420

12-14-06, 06:34 AM

Some people have, including a few on the Philips Email/Tips Sheet Group. They said they'd post or get back to me with how it turned out.

You have to be VERY CAUTIOUS HERE because you can screw up the TV bigtime and/or void the warranty by tinkering the wrong way. You can do a great job improving the picture quality from what I've heard, but you have to know what you are doing -- which I am not up to myself.

How long have you had the TV? If it's new, break it in properly, tinker with the presets and the OSM inputs for PERSONAL. Wait on going into the SM which is far, far more intricate and tough to calibrate.

Yea i was always told let a proffesional screw with these settings... I wont touch them... supposedly we all voided are warranty the second we entered that service menu;) according to that little warning... I dont see how theyd know if U went in there or not... someone at the store could of done it or at the manufacturing place....

PhilipsPhanatic

12-14-06, 10:50 AM

Yea i was always told let a proffesional screw with these settings... I wont touch them... supposedly we all voided are warranty the second we entered that service menu;) according to that little warning... I dont see how theyd know if U went in there or not... someone at the store could of done it or at the manufacturing place....

Well, most of us -- at least me ! ;) -- entered it just to LOOK. I just wanted to check my hours of operation (about 800 so far in 3 1/2 months).

I think they could only void the warranty if you entered and changed settings to an extreme that ended up damaging the set. I dont' think going in and looking to see your hours of operation, or even changing the green offset (or whatever some people have changed) will void the warranty from either Philips or the retailer you bought it from.

And like you said, I'm not sure they can even tell if you've been in the SM, though if it can keep track of hours of operation and other stuff my guess is somewhere there's a counter counting how many times the SM has been entered. :D

Donniewb420

12-14-06, 11:29 AM

Well, most of us -- at least me ! ;) -- entered it just to LOOK. I just wanted to check my hours of operation (about 800 so far in 3 1/2 months).

I think they could only void the warranty if you entered and changed settings to an extreme that ended up damaging the set. I dont' think going in and looking to see your hours of operation, or even changing the green offset (or whatever some people have changed) will void the warranty from either Philips or the retailer you bought it from.

And like you said, I'm not sure they can even tell if you've been in the SM, though if it can keep track of hours of operation and other stuff my guess is somewhere there's a counter counting how many times the SM has been entered. :D

I was thinking the exact same thing=) I only went in as you did to see hours and to change ambilight to stereo...

PhilipsPhanatic

12-14-06, 12:05 PM

I was thinking the exact same thing=) I only went in as you did to see hours and to change ambilight to stereo...

Nice...what do you mean by 'stereo' ? I have a 9631 with Ambilight 2 but your 9630 has Ambilight and also different modes, right? COOL...AMBIENCE...RELAXED...etc ? Aren't some of those in stereo automatically ?

Donniewb420

12-14-06, 03:48 PM

Nice...what do you mean by 'stereo' ? I have a 9631 with Ambilight 2 but your 9630 has Ambilight and also different modes, right? COOL...AMBIENCE...RELAXED...etc ? Aren't some of those in stereo automatically ?

Yea the 9630 has the cool ambience relaxed etc.. basically as you know they adjusted how often the light changed color and at what intensity or whatever, but both sides of the ambilight or both bulbs stayed the same color. now that we can get into the service menu and enable stereo ambilight, we can have different colors at the same time on the left and right bulbs. Looks much better because if the right side of the tv is say blue and the left is red, now hte bulbs are blue and red... before i think it somewhat blended into one color.

PhilipsPhanatic

12-14-06, 04:12 PM

Yea the 9630 has the cool ambience relaxed etc.. basically as you know they adjusted how often the light changed color and at what intensity or whatever, but both sides of the ambilight or both bulbs stayed the same color. now that we can get into the service menu and enable stereo ambilight, we can have different colors at the same time on the left and right bulbs. Looks much better because if the right side of the tv is say blue and the left is red, now hte bulbs are blue and red... before i think it somewhat blended into one color.

OK...makes sense....I see the lights changing color, I'm going to see if they change DIFFERENT colors next time I get a chance. :)

Still haven't detected any change with PixelPlus vs. Standard, though....anybody else have different luck ? :confused:

Scmedic

12-14-06, 04:28 PM

No big changes here with pixel plus either...

How bout the rest of the picture enhancement modes?

Check this out..I've got the Harmony 520 remote, and the 50FP9631, and a Philips HTIB setup...Both Philips product have similar, if not same, IR remote codes, so when I set it to turn everything off, it turns the HTIB back on... ANyone have a solution to that?

Donniewb420

12-14-06, 05:05 PM

ANGLICO

12-14-06, 05:39 PM

use two remotes;)

Maybe not. If the 520 is similar to the 880, try clicking the 'Devices' button then select the other device and turn it off.

Scmedic

12-14-06, 05:59 PM

Yeah, that's what I've been doing....The devices button I mean...

Thanks for the two remotes idea...I hadn't thought of that before I bought the Logitech! :)

PhilipsPhanatic

12-14-06, 08:57 PM

use two remotes;)

I'm using 4 !!! :eek:

Philips, VCR, DVD, and STB !! :eek:

Scmedic

12-14-06, 10:19 PM

Should get a Logitech...I love it..

Magna2006

12-15-06, 10:54 AM

Philips has posted firmware version 1.5.0.0 on their technical support website. The technical support webpage can be found here:

http://www.p4c.philips.com/cgi-bin/dcbint/cpindex.pl?session=20061212132810_199.209.144.90&scy=US&slg=AEN&ctn=42PF9630A%2F37&submit.x=12&submit.y=1

The webpage with the firmware update 1.5.0.0 can be found here:

http://www.p4c.philips.com/cgi-bin/dcbint/cpindex.pl?scy=US&slg=AEN&sct=PLASMA_LARGE_32_42_SU&cat=FLAT_TV_CA&grp=TV_GR&session=20061212132810_199.209.144.90&ctn=42PF9630A/37&mid=Link_Software&hlt=Link_Software

The firmware update/upgrade lists the following fixes:

BX23U-1.5.0.0_03531
Following problem is solved :
• Availability cablecard channel map.
• Improved info in the service menu.
• Improved picture quality and stability on HDMI.
• Installation of channels.

Have fun!

PhilipsPhanatic

12-15-06, 11:18 AM

I think some people with 9630's reported HDMI PQ problems; if this fixes the problem or others detect improved PQ with the upgrade, please post your experiences before and after. :)

Donniewb420

12-15-06, 02:17 PM

its about damn time;) Thanx for the links, for some reason Clubphilips still didnt have the newest software, and when I went through the phillips.com they didnt have it posted either. where exactly did u have to go to get to that link?

mlandau

12-15-06, 03:28 PM

The firmware is also up on the philips support site:

http://www.usasupport.philips.com/productDocuments.html?ProductCode=42PF9630A/37&SearchByModelNo=true

As usual, it is not labeled with the new date yet.

PhilipsPhanatic

12-15-06, 03:35 PM

Yeah, what happened to the page (or layout) where it said the date of the release and the ReadMe file right below it ??

I wish they'd post the release date.

mlandau

12-15-06, 04:25 PM

On the new firmware - I use cablecard - the inability to save favorites is not fixed.

ANGLICO

12-15-06, 04:59 PM

When are they going to learn to give each update zip file a unique label? Everyone is 42pf9630a_37_fus_aen.

PhilipsPhanatic

12-15-06, 05:26 PM

When are they going to learn to give each update zip file a unique label? Everyone is 42pf9630a_37_fus_aen.

Yeah, right, if you want to save all the upgrades you have to rename your older file/folder/whatever.

Another thing I will bug Philips about in my letter.

ANGLICO

12-15-06, 05:37 PM

I name them using the actual firmware number.

Q*bert

12-16-06, 01:32 AM

PhilipsPhanatic

12-16-06, 01:55 AM

How long is it taking you guys to load a firmare update?? When I try the 'automatic' software upgrade method, the TV quickly locates the firmware and the 'loading' bar goes to the end immediately.... after that NOTHING happens, the 'validating' and 'programming' bars never progress.

It should finish in less than 5 minutes. I would get a new USB....make it simple, nothing else on it, I got a 128 mbyte from CompUSA. It's possible your extra length has to do with the USB or maybe the length you went without upgrades (you should have gotten 2-3 more !). Don't stay away from AVS or the Philips site.

I've left the USB drive in the panel for up to 10-15 minutes several times, but after that I get scared of burn-in and shut it down (I notice the philips OS as a ghost during cable playback for a couple minutes everytime afterwards, but it seems to clear up).

Turn your Contrast and Brightness down to the 20's the next time and let it run as long or longer. That will take care of any burnin/IR problem.

I also tried the 'manual' software upgrade method, however in that case the TV just scans the USB drive forever but nothing ever happens. I've had the plasma for almost 1yr, the current firmware on it is bx23u-1.0.8.0-00841 (dated 9-8-05)!!! :eek: I had updated the firmware once sometime in early '06, and recall this issue before.... I had to try uploading like a dozen times before it worked. If there's something wrong with the plasma, I'd like to get a call-in before my 1yr warranty is up. As an aside, can someone clarify whether the upgrades ARE cummulative? Since there were several upgrades between my current firmware and the latest release, I'm hoping I can (eventually) just install the last one only and still get all the benefits of the other 6-or so releases. hanks!!
ps - I'm using a 'Geek Squad' USB drive w/U3 software on it.

You actually kept trying 10-12 times? "A" for perseverence ! :D

Again, it could be the TV but I would get a new, clean, USB first. $20 -- keep it for the Philips ONLY.

PhilipsPhanatic

12-16-06, 03:06 AM

Here's a bunch of settings which represent the averages from posts from the 9630 and 9631 threads. All are post-broken in settings for Contrast, Brightness, and Color. These are averages for 12 users, with Hi/Low settings for each following.

Contrast.........63 (H/L are 85/50)

Brightness......51 (H/L are 56/45)

Color..............49 (H/L are 69/35)

mlandau

12-16-06, 10:10 AM

Qbert:
The firmware update is cumulative.
I did not have your problem with my loading of the new firmware. I did mine on auto.

Donniewb420

12-16-06, 10:24 AM

Yea it usually takes me about 2 minutes or less to apply the upgrade... Im like phanatic, i just bought a cheapo 128 megabyte usb drive, seems to work ok... the upgrade said it added new features in the service menu, does anyone know what they changed within the menu?

mkjnovak

12-16-06, 02:43 PM

New firmware still sucks.

Digital channel drop is still there. Someone else said favorites is still a problem. I didn't keep it long enough to check out the service menu 'enhancements'.
I imagine they must have found something in there to cripple as well.
I'm really about done letting the Philips software department hold a carrot in front of me and then hit me with it. I'm going to see if I can still do a Sam's return and might jump if I can. There are too many other nice comparable choices now for me to let Philips get away with this any longer.

PhiPhan, are those means, medians, or modes?
Those extremes could really throw off the mean.

Mike

sgr215

12-16-06, 06:36 PM

I saw a few people talking about saving firmware versions. For those who care I keep an archive of firmware at: http://home.comcast.net/~sgr215/firmware.htm. The site will be updated soon to reflect the latest firmware version.

I installed the latest firmware and notice a slight improvement in PQ with HDMI. For example, reds used to be very blocky with high defnition material. After the update reds aren't as blocky as they used to be. I have the 42PF7320A/37 but we all use the same firmware. Matter of fact, all models listed below use the same firmware:

32PF7320A/37
32PF9630A/37
37PF7320A/37
42PF7220A/37
42PF7320A/37
42PF9630A/37
42PF9730A/37
42PF9830A/37
50PF7220A/37
50PF7320A/37
50PF9630A/37
50PF9830A/37

PhilipsPhanatic

12-16-06, 10:50 PM

I'm going to see if I can still do a Sam's return and might jump if I can. There are too many other nice comparable choices now for me to let Philips get away with this any longer. PhiPhan, are those means, medians, or modes?
Those extremes could really throw off the mean. Mike

Mike, if you hold out a few more weeks I'm going to see what kind of action I can get from Philips corporate.

Those are means (averages)....the Contrasts had 2 outliers which skewed it up, Brightness was less dispersed as you can see.

mkjnovak

12-17-06, 06:05 AM

Good luck, really.
I expect corporate to be as in touch as customer service.
They may sincerely want to improve things but be powerless to do so.

I hope it's just that no one in CS has adequately described the problem to software.
The alternative is that software doesn't know what they're doing or don't care.
It seems it should be so easy; everything was fine til 1.2.
Keep the BS tweaks; change all channel storing/deleting changes back.

Mike

Donniewb420

12-17-06, 10:15 AM

mlandau

12-17-06, 10:32 AM

Donniewb420

12-17-06, 11:01 AM

that's the box. I have it on the SA4200HD. If you have the box set to "passthrough," anytime you go to a channel with another resolution, it does what you described. The only way I know of to get rid of that is to set the box to only output one resolution.

Thanx a lot for the response, yet I guess I can deal with it, nothing major, sometimes it just takes it a few flashes to get the channel back... I like having it on the automatic resolution setting. Thanx man.

PhilipsPhanatic

12-17-06, 11:23 AM

Good luck, really. I expect corporate to be as in touch as customer service. They may sincerely want to improve things but be powerless to do so.

It's one thing for corporate to hear from a disgruntled TV purchaser...it's quite another when the purchaser knows what he/she is talking about (thanks to AVS) and more importantly, is a money manager with analyst contacts who cover PHG stock. No guarantees, but I think I will get a response at a minimum and probably even some results. Sending letter early January '07.

I hope it's just that no one in CS has adequately described the problem to software. The alternative is that software doesn't know what they're doing or don't care. It seems it should be so easy; everything was fine til 1.2. Keep the BS tweaks; change all channel storing/deleting changes back. Mike

I intend to incorporate your software suggestions from these threads as well as some others, too (was it you who suggested open software a while back or someone else ???). If I address the letter to the right people, I will definitely get results (if not, PHG executives will probably notice some downgrades from the analyst community :D ). Like I said, if you're still with us in a few weeks, I will send you a copy of the letter (for suggestions in content or just a copy of the final draft). Keep me posted.

The key to getting results is to let them know that this is in their financial interests and will help the stock price. They could care less if someone writes a letter saying they won't ever buy a Philips TV ever again. Tell them you're going to be contacting analysts whom I know personally....talking to money managers who control tens of millions of shares of Philips stock.....trust me, that will get them to sit up and take notice. They may B.S. us and fool us in the end by not doing anyting, but we will get a response of substance. Because if not, they'll have to respond to a more potent force: angry shareholders losing money.

PhilipsPhanatic

12-17-06, 11:27 AM

Ive been pretty lucky to have never had the BS issue come up on my tv... the only real issue i have is sometimes when I change channels on my 8300 HD DVR box(twc) to an hd channel the image wont show up and i get the snow static for a few seconds and then it flashes and the correct channel image appears. I dont know how much of this is related to the box, or the hdmi, or the tv itself... anyone every have this problem or something closely related to it? THanx Guys... very cool sgr for the archive. thanx

Donnie, if the screen goes blank gray and bright colors flash for a micro-second and then the picture appears, it's the SA box. I have the same thing with the SA 4200 -- you are probably using the Advanced Settings on the SA box which I understand accounts for the delay in sending the signal to the TV. Using 'pass-thru' would send only 480i/1080i signals to the TV and then the TV tuner would do more work. I think you are doing it right taking full advantage of the STB's ability to pass multiple-signals through to the TV.

EDIT: Mlandau, sorry I saw your post AFTER I typed this. In fact, you may have helped me with this before. Thanks again and sorry I stepped on your toes. :D

mlandau

12-17-06, 01:11 PM

no problem. We're all in this together.

Magna2006

12-17-06, 07:04 PM

PhilipsPhanatic

12-17-06, 10:05 PM

Personally, I think that the firmware version BX23U-1.5.0.0_03531 is a plus overall. I use a cable box for SD and HD tuning, so the channel memory is not an issue for me. The PQ does seem to have improved. Dark images with saturated colors, such as scenes with dark red or dark blue backgrounds, no longer seem to have the "blockiness" that I have noticed in the past. Does anyone know what Philips did to produce this PQ improvement?

Nope, but I have to say...I am impressed that you and others can pick something like that out. I haven't downloaded it yet so MAYBE I too will notice improved PQ -- but I doubt it.

I mean, I have sharp eyes but I wonder if I would notice what you listed above. \

Impressive....most impressive !! :D

mkjnovak

12-18-06, 02:22 AM

I intend to incorporate your software suggestions from these threads as well as some others, too (was it you who suggested open software a while back or someone else ???).

I just mentioned it just now. Someone else brought it up a page or two ago on one of these threads.

if you're still with us in a few weeks, I will send you a copy of the letter (for suggestions in content or just a copy of the final draft). Keep me posted.

I still have on file the original paper letter I sent after no luck emailing and phoning. I probably couldn't re-describe the problem any more clearly. You can have that file if you want.

I will still be with you in spirit at least even if I don't have the tv. We'll see.
This is one of those times when a sci-fi moment would come in handy.
I want the future me to tell me whether or not to keep this tv.
(You know: the devil you know)
It's too bad the picture is so nice or it would be easier to give up.
The Philips sets still look tops for the price when we shop.

It is of course complicated by more choices now.
You can get 42"s from Panny, Sammy, Toshi, Tachi and LG for what the Philips cost a year ago.

Mike

PhilipsPhanatic

12-18-06, 02:31 AM

I will still be with you in spirit at least even if I don't have the tv. We'll see. This is one of those times when a sci-fi moment would come in handy.
I want the future me to tell me whether or not to keep this tv. You know: the devil you know) It's too bad the picture is so nice or it would be easier to give up.
The Philips sets still look tops for the price when we shop. Mike

I think name-dropping big name institutional investors and money managers will get me some notice.

If I'm wrong, then hey -- competition means we always have a choice if our preferred business partner treats us poorly, right ? ;)

Donniewb420

12-18-06, 06:35 AM

Nope, but I have to say...I am impressed that you and others can pick something like that out. I haven't downloaded it yet so MAYBE I too will notice improved PQ -- but I doubt it.

I mean, I have sharp eyes but I wonder if I would notice what you listed above. \

Impressive....most impressive !! :D

nice Darth impression!

PhilipsPhanatic

12-18-06, 11:02 AM

nice Darth impression!

Thanks...and for those who diss the Phlips plasmas....."I find your lack of faith...DISTURBING !!" :D :D

Scmedic

12-18-06, 11:04 AM

Did you just say "Diss"? Welcome to 1993....

Donniewb420

12-18-06, 12:16 PM

Did you just say "Diss"? Welcome to 1993....

ROFL... yea that was pretty "bap"

TubaSaxT

12-18-06, 06:43 PM

PhilipsPhanatic

12-18-06, 07:26 PM

Just thought I should let everyone know: I attempted to upgrade to the most recent firmware this weekend and my TV froze upon restarting. The power light comes on, but nothing happens, and you can't turn the TV off. Customer service told me that it was stuck doing the firmware update. He said it was rare, but not unprecedented. The repair shop I was directed to by Philips has a two-week backlog. So beware if you're gonna upgrade.

Bummer....can you re-install the previous software using the Auto Upgrade (power off) mode ??? :confused:

Might the problem fix itself ?? :)

If a few people have experienced this, it sounds like the software upgrade should be pulled from the website. This is why Philips gets failing marks -- good initiatives, lousy follow-thru. :mad:

TubaSaxT

12-18-06, 07:47 PM

Bummer....can you re-install the previous software using the Auto Upgrade (power off) mode ??? :confused:

Might the problem fix itself ?? :)

If a few people have experienced this, it sounds like the software upgrade should be pulled from the website. This is why Philips gets failing marks -- good initiatives, lousy follow-thru. :mad:

I couldn't do anything. When the set was plugged in, it was always on but stuck. I retried plugging it in a few separate times over the weekend, getting the same result each time. After two days, I conceded defeat and took then set in as instructed.

If I had the smart sense to find out there was a two week backlog BEFORE I schlepped the thing to the shop, I might have had Philips tell me somewhere else to go.

Q*bert

12-18-06, 10:32 PM

VERY long firmware load time??? How long is it taking you guys to load a firmare update?? When I try the 'automatic' software upgrade method, the TV quickly locates the firmware and the 'loading' bar goes to the end immediately.... after that NOTHING happens, the 'validating' and 'programming' bars never progress......

Thanks for the advice - - I swapped my 1GB U3 USB drive for a basic 128MB drive, and the update loaded immediately!! :)

I never thought I'd have a use for this lame 128MB USB writing pen, but I do now!

Now let's see if anything is different...

PhilipsPhanatic

12-18-06, 11:36 PM

I couldn't do anything. When the set was plugged in, it was always on but stuck. I retried plugging it in a few separate times over the weekend, getting the same result each time. After two days, I conceded defeat and took then set in as instructed. If I had the smart sense to find out there was a two week backlog BEFORE I schlepped the thing to the shop, I might have had Philips tell me somewhere else to go.

If it's any consolation, I'm going to mention your experience to Corporate in my letter.

It seems they KNOW there's a glitch -- a problem that nobody had happen in previous upgrades -- and they let it stay on the site.

I'm going to warn the 9631 User Thread.

PhilipsPhanatic

12-18-06, 11:37 PM

Thanks for the advice - - I swapped my 1GB U3 USB drive for a basic 128MB drive, and the update loaded immediately!! :) I never thought I'd have a use for this lame 128MB USB writing pen, but I do now! Now let's see if anything is different...

Great...so it loaded OK, and you didn't get your TV stuck?

Did you have lots of other 'junk' on that 1 gig USB drive ???

Keep the 128 CLEAN of anything but Philips stuff.

Donniewb420

12-19-06, 08:57 AM

mlandau

12-19-06, 10:21 AM

I've always had that firmware update problem/error on mine (I've owned the tv since July 2005), but the new firmware always shows up in the menu.

SRJ1957

12-19-06, 01:19 PM

PhilipsPhanatic

12-19-06, 02:17 PM

as soon as I saw the upgread post I immediately thought I stick in me telly...but I thought I'd wait till we got some feedback. My upgraded always took less that 2 mins...I also had nothing but the firmware upgrade on a 512mb stick
Philips should be ashamed for sending out dodgy upgrades... :o I'm losing faith quiclky with these guys.... ..sorry for your pains guys.

It's not like other manufacturers don't have glitches, it's just that we could be assisting Philips technical people and correcting the problem. Instead, we have no one to turn to. :mad:

Hate to repeat myself, but this is another reason why I'm drafting the letter.

PhilipsPhanatic

12-19-06, 02:20 PM

I've always had that firmware update problem/error on mine (I've owned the tv since July 2005), but the new firmware always shows up in the menu.

I can't be sure but it might have happended on mine too, I just remember seeing an UPGRADE SUCCESSFUL mention -- I think. New software definitely got into the firmware.

Scmedic

12-19-06, 04:51 PM

PhilipsPhanatic

12-19-06, 05:21 PM

Before all the negativity about the company, let's talk about one thing... How many other companies even offer updateable software, as easy as the Philips usually is, to fix common problems that come up? All sets have issues. There is no perfect set. I would say the best thing to do would be find the one that fits your needs and wallet the best.

Excellent point...hey, look at my name, I'm a Philips phan, er fan !! :D

Look at the threads in this section of AVS...plenty of other manufactuers whose sets have firmware problems, stuck pixels (haven't seen a Philips set with that yet -- fingers crossed !), and other problems.

I think what our gripe sessions here on AVS indicate is what I am trying to incorporate in the letter to Philips (2/3rds done, BTW):

(1) Philips sets offer great value for the money. Their PQ is outstanding and their features like Ambilight and PixelPlus win rave reviews even from Philips detractors.

(2) Philips needs to improve their reliability and production control so they can be right there with the Big Boys.

(3) Philips needs to drastically improve their Customer Service

(4) Philips needs to improve our ability to reach competent Technical Support people or an ombudsman, not a phone rep at a 1-800 number. This is especially true with regards to Firmware Upgrades.

(5) Email, online, or chat sessions could address (3) and (4) at little cost to Philips

(6) If Philips does (1)-(5), they could find their market share increased dramatically with more profits for the parent firm while we get better TV's at no additional cost.

Q*bert

12-19-06, 09:09 PM

Great...so it loaded OK, and you didn't get your TV stuck?

Did you have lots of other 'junk' on that 1 gig USB drive ???

Keep the 128 CLEAN of anything but Philips stuff.

TV didn't get stuck AT ALL - it was lightning fast! When I 1st tried to use the 1GB drive it DID have some pics on it, and some word docs. But I did clear it out and it still didn't work. I think the sheer size of it and the U3 software bogged it down fatally.

I'll keep the 'pen drive' dedicated to Philips. The update shows up fine in the menu, and after using it I got the "Installation Successful" message.

PhilipsPhanatic

12-19-06, 10:56 PM

TV didn't get stuck AT ALL - it was lightning fast! When I 1st tried to use the 1GB drive it DID have some pics on it, and some word docs. But I did clear it out and it still didn't work. I think the sheer size of it and the U3 software bogged it down fatally. I'll keep the 'pen drive' dedicated to Philips. The update shows up fine in the menu, and after using it I got the "Installation Successful" message.

Congrats and happy viewing.....if your latest upgrade was about 10 mbytes, that seems to be the approximate size of most/all of them. Which means a 128-mbyte cheapie USB drive would hold about 10-12 of them, which at the current rate means 3-5 years of updates.

SRJ1957

12-20-06, 10:04 AM

mlandau

12-20-06, 02:20 PM

One of the reasons I bot the Philips was the easy upgrade/fixability. It really is a smart way to go.

PhilipsPhanatic

12-20-06, 05:15 PM

One of the reasons I bot the Philips was the easy upgrade/fixability. It really is a smart way to go.

Agreed...they just need to make sure that the upgrades are identifiable by month/code, they don't have any glitches (latest one appears to have them, at least for some), upgrades continue for older sets (don't make them orphans !! :mad: ), and we would also like the ability to offer suggestions directly to Philips technical people.

jes1955

12-20-06, 09:00 PM

I think the autoupdate is flawed in many ways... everytime i put my 128 mb usb drive in the slot and turn on the tv it always loads and programs fine, but at the very end it gives an error message about the .upd file something or other. Everything updates fine, and the tv works, it just goes to show more and more that they dont have their software down to a science.

I have the 42PF9730A LCD model. Mine does the same thing, but the upgrade always takes. I'm going to hold off with the latest upgrade until I see more feedback. It still makes me nervous every time a do an upgrade.

PhilipsPhanatic

12-20-06, 09:38 PM

I have the 42PF9730A LCD model. Mine does the same thing, but the upgrade always takes. I'm going to hold off with the latest upgrade until I see more feedback. It still makes me nervous every time a do an upgrade.

At a minimum, users should download the new software and save it to their PC's under a name that doesn't overwrite the previous versions and not download it to their USB.

That way, they have it once they want to upgrade in case another upgrade is put out by Philips and replaces this one on their website.

Casey Jones

12-20-06, 11:14 PM

I have the 42PF9730A LCD model. Mine does the same thing, but the upgrade always takes. I'm going to hold off with the latest upgrade until I see more feedback. It still makes me nervous every time a do an upgrade.

I upgraded my 9630a with the most recent software using a 2 gig usb thumb drive with others files on it .The installation was flawless and took a few mere seconds to accomplish. And yes I am connected via HDMI and do see an improvement in picture quality. :)

Casey Jones

12-20-06, 11:17 PM

One of the reasons I bot the Philips was the easy upgrade/fixability. It really is a smart way to go.

You can say that again. Its the only way to fly. :)

chris_wTX

12-21-06, 12:20 AM

Casey Jones

12-21-06, 12:49 AM

OK, not related to the recent firmware upgrade (which worked flawlessly on my 9630) or customer service--I have an HDMI query:

I have a D-link DSM520 connected via HDMI. I have had it in 480p mode for the past 6 months, finally figuring out today out how to change it to 720p (if anyone has a DSM520, you'll understand it isn't the easiest box to use). Anyway, the 9630 still appears to recognize it as a 480p device (when I switch to the HDMI2 connection, it says 480p). However, my HD files do appear to be in HD, though I may just be dreaming that.

I have tried disconnecting the HDMI, unplugging the TV, etc., in an attempt to 'reset' the HDMI connection. So my question is, is the Philips actually playing in 720p or is it really still 480p?. Any thoughts?

I have no experience with the Dlink you mention but can tell you that if the PDP recognizes it as a 480P device that is exactly what you are getting. On the SA boxes resolutions can be selected with the Setup wizard. This allows for the panel to select between 1080i, 720P or 480p dependent on the incoming signal which is recognized by the plasma and displayed as such.

PhilipsPhanatic

12-21-06, 02:21 AM

I am connected via HDMI and do see an improvement in picture quality. :)

Casey, improvement on SD, HD, or both? What's the improvement -- sharper picture, brighter, more contrast ?

mlandau

12-21-06, 08:51 AM

Casey Jones:

Welcome Back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!

Casey Jones

12-21-06, 09:13 AM

Casey Jones:

Welcome Back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!

Hey thanks. Good to see you again also :) . I guess you and I are some of the "Old timers" ( Veterans) on this thread. Nice to see the threads alive and well.

Casey Jones

12-21-06, 09:36 AM

Casey, improvement on SD, HD, or both? What's the improvement -- sharper picture, brighter, more contrast ?

I have never been disappointed by the picture quality my 9630a produced whether it be HD or SD. Of course once you get used to the superior HD image this panel displays SD viewing pales by comparision. Having said that my SD is at least as good as it was on my prior CRT. There may be an exception or two a channel here or there but overall very pleased. What I, and suprisingly enough my spouse recently commented on, was the improvement(which I would have never thought possible) of the image after the recent upgrade was installed. The reason I say this is that we entertain often and many friends have plasma and LCD panels from other manufacturers . It really makes one feel good to have them comment on the superior picture quality my Philips produces .The recent upgrade could best be described as making the picture even clearer and more detailed with greater depth of field when viewing HD channels. SD looked fine also but with a lesser improvemnt to our eyes. So once again I say Kudos Philips after almost 20 months since the panel was introduced they are still providing software updates to improve it. I think many other manufacturers could take a lesson from them. :) :) :)

ANGLICO

12-21-06, 11:18 AM

I had no problem installing the latest update. I also have saved all the previous updates in separate folders, no possibility of overwriting.
Regarding improved picture quality, I notice a difference. My wife doesn't, but she's never been very critical about TV. On the other hand, I have been, going back to the early days of 'compatible color'. I was always opening the back of the TV to adjust the convergence and anything else I could get into, while she prayed I wouldn't fry myself. I was younger and relatively well 'insulated' against all perils.

(Welcome back, Casey)

PhilipsPhanatic

12-21-06, 11:34 AM

Hey thanks. Good to see you again also :) . I guess you and I are some of the "Old timers" ( Veterans) on this thread. Nice to see the threads alive and well.

Well, us newcomers are trying to keep the torch alive that you original Philips 9630 owners started !! Thanks for all your initial efforts ! ;)

I guess you and some of the others will be approaching 2 years of use with your Philips plasmas -- congrats. Definitely would like to hear how the experience has been for most of you -- I would venture to guess that without hearing from you over long stretches that the sets have given you relatively problem-free viewing.

I was even thinking how cool it would be to hear from folks who bought the 1st and 2nd generation of Philips -- or other companies' -- plasma TVs from 1998-2001. I was going over some old HT mags the other day and saw a covers story called "Yes, Plasma Is For Real" !!! That 42" Fujitsu Plasmavision was $14,000 !!!!!! :eek: :eek: :eek: :D :D :D

Anyway, welcome back Casey and hope to see you around from time to time with those great posts that helped educate me about Philips and plasma TV's.

PhilipsPhanatic

12-21-06, 11:37 AM

Donniewb420

12-21-06, 11:43 AM

Casey, that's what I've been saying for a while regarding the Philips plasma and SD: almost, if not as good, as my Sony 27" CRT it replaced.

I am not using HDMI at this time but will welcome the upgrade once I start using it in the near future. I need to get the SA 8300 upgrade with HDMI output.

What box do you have? does it have dvi output? if so u can get an adapter to go dvi to hdmi. I used that on my old set top box i think it was the pace 550hd. I dont know if this degrades the pq any or not with the adapter. u can have mine if U want =P

Casey Jones

12-21-06, 11:48 AM

Casey Jones

12-21-06, 11:52 AM

Well, us newcomers are trying to keep the torch alive that you original Philips 9630 owners started !! Thanks for all your initial efforts ! ;)

I guess you and some of the others will be approaching 2 years of use with your Philips plasmas -- congrats. Definitely would like to hear how the experience has been for most of you -- I would venture to guess that without hearing from you over long stretches that the sets have given you relatively problem-free viewing.

I was even thinking how cool it would be to hear from folks who bought the 1st and 2nd generation of Philips -- or other companies' -- plasma TVs from 1998-2001. I was going over some old HT mags the other day and saw a covers story called "Yes, Plasma Is For Real" !!! That 42" Fujitsu Plasmavision was $14,000 !!!!!! :eek: :eek: :eek: :D :D :D

Anyway, welcome back Casey and hope to see you around from time to time with those great posts that helped educate me about Philips and plasma TV's.

Thank you for the kind words :) .

Casey Jones

12-21-06, 11:55 AM

Casey, that's what I've been saying for a while regarding the Philips plasma and SD: almost, if not as good, as my Sony 27" CRT it replaced.

I am not using HDMI at this time but will welcome the upgrade once I start using it in the near future. I need to get the SA 8300 upgrade with HDMI output.

Thats the STB I am using with the DVR included. In the bedroom I have a 32 inch Sammy HD LCD connected via HDMI to the SA 4250 HD STB.

Donniewb420

12-21-06, 12:39 PM

Thats the STB I am using with the DVR included. In the bedroom I have a 32 inch Sammy HD LCD connected via HDMI to the SA 4250 HD STB.

Yea i love my 8300 especially with an external sata drive ;)

PhilipsPhanatic

12-21-06, 12:43 PM

What box do you have? does it have dvi output? if so u can get an adapter to go dvi to hdmi. I used that on my old set top box i think it was the pace 550hd. I dont know if this degrades the pq any or not with the adapter. u can have mine if U want =P

Donnie, I have an SA 4200...it works great and I DID get an HDMI adaptor (male-female, female-male, whatever) but I am using the digital input on the Philips for the DVD player so I really needed to use HDMI so I could get the digital feed with 1 cord, not 2.

Going with DVI and re-configuring everything was a PITA and I said, screw it, I'll use the HDMI when I get the 8300 in early '07. ;)

PhilipsPhanatic

12-21-06, 12:45 PM

Thats the STB I am using with the DVR included. In the bedroom I have a 32 inch Sammy HD LCD connected via HDMI to the SA 4250 HD STB.

Didn't know there was a 4250 SA, does it have any features above the SA 4200 (besides the ability apparently to take an HDMI)?

BTW, anybody seen or heard of this 9831 technology called 'Aptura' that was discussed in the current (Dec.) issue of HT ? Apparently it brightens and smooths the LCD picture problems that have plauged LCD's and I wonder if it's usable for Philips plasma lines, too. They gave both types of TV's PixelPlus and Ambilight so maybe this Aptura will be coming to the next set of plasmas.

jes1955

12-21-06, 07:43 PM

Casey Jones,

I know many have already said it, but welcome back! So good to hear from you again!

Casey Jones

12-21-06, 11:35 PM

Casey Jones,

I know many have already said it, but welcome back! So good to hear from you again!

Thanks Jes good to hear from you again :) .

PhilipsPhanatic

12-21-06, 11:39 PM

This is going from the "Official 9630 User Thread" to the "9630 Reunion Thread" :D :D

Casey Jones

12-21-06, 11:42 PM

Didn't know there was a 4250 SA, does it have any features above the SA 4200 (besides the ability apparently to take an HDMI)?

BTW, anybody seen or heard of this 9831 technology called 'Aptura' that was discussed in the current (Dec.) issue of HT ? Apparently it brightens and smooths the LCD picture problems that have plauged LCD's and I wonder if it's usable for Philips plasma lines, too. They gave both types of TV's PixelPlus and Ambilight so maybe this Aptura will be coming to the next set of plasmas.

Yes its a recent introduction just out of Beta test at least from my Cable company , Cablevision. If you go to the Scientific Atlanta explorer site you can register and download the manual for the SA 4250HD as a Pdf file. From reading the manual it operates the same as the 4200 HD but as you say does have the HDMI connection. I wanted it for that reason and figured that like all electronics there may be modest improvements to the internals as newer models of the STB are released.

mlandau

12-22-06, 07:59 AM

Casey:

How did you get the 4250. I have lovely cablevision, also. Do you just walk in to a customer center and ask for it?

Casey Jones

12-22-06, 09:16 AM

Casey Jones

12-22-06, 09:21 AM

I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!
I'm sure that Santa will fill your stockings and put under your tree all manner of Electronic equipment and entertainment. So enjoy and Happy Holidays to all :)

manicstreet

12-22-06, 11:27 AM

I just installed the new update yesterday so far so good. Before the update everytime i turned on the tv with the cable box on i would get a green screen only when connectede through hdmi when on an analog channel. Since the update no green screen at all (fingers crossed it lasts).

One problem i do have since getting a new cable box is, some channels are pushed over to the right about 1/2 inch. Ive tried shifting the picture with the remote but it doesnt do anything. Has anyone else had this problem?

Also does anyone have a ps3 hooked up via hdmi? If so how is it?

PhilipsPhanatic

12-22-06, 12:35 PM

Casey: How did you get the 4250. I have lovely cablevision, also. Do you just walk in to a customer center and ask for it?Yes I visited our local walk up center and asked if they had a SA STB without DVR that had HDMI connections. They had just gotten in limited supply the 4250 HD box ( two cases worth) . One thing to note is that this box is in BETA test in certain areas right now and may not be available to all at this time. It appears Cablevision Beta tests boxes with there employees before upgrading there system to run the boxes and distribute them. I was told that if I was one town over from where I am that the box wouldnt have worked due to limited system availablity at this point.

Casey, if you wanted HDMI why not get an SA 8300 ?? I understand it's free too as long as you don't get the PVR for $10/month (BTW, I have Cablevision, too).

Were they out of 8300's or do you have to get the PVR from your Cablevision area if you get that particular box? I live in the NY suburbs and I believe you can get the 8300 and not take the PVR for extra $$$.

Casey Jones

12-22-06, 01:42 PM

Casey, if you wanted HDMI why not get an SA 8300 ?? I understand it's free too as long as you don't get the PVR for $10/month (BTW, I have Cablevision, too).

Were they out of 8300's or do you have to get the PVR from your Cablevision area if you get that particular box? I live in the NY suburbs and I believe you can get the 8300 and not take the PVR for extra $$$.

I already have the SA8300 HD DVR in the living room with my plasma. I wanted to try the newest SA offering. :) Where I live they have the SA 8300 HD DVR they dont offer the 8300 HD without DVR . So for most the SA 4200HD is what they offer, until now. And yes this is our second box so they charge you a rental fee per month.

Casey Jones

12-22-06, 01:47 PM

Chiahead

12-22-06, 02:07 PM

Also does anyone have a ps3 hooked up via hdmi? If so how is it?

I should have on Wednessday, but with 37" of snow outside my door, no UPS delivery. So whenever they deliver, I already have the HDMI hooked up and just need the machine.

manicstreet

12-22-06, 04:00 PM

I dont game on the plasma so cant help you there. What STB do you have? Are those channels you mentioned analog, digital or HD, or a mixture of both?

I will have to check what box it is when i get home, but i believe it is a motorola hd dvr with a dvi hookup in the back.

I know for a fact that the hd channels are normal. The channels that seem to be affected are the lower numbers such as non hd cbs, the cw and some other channels in the 20 - 50 range. I want to say that the problem lies only with the analog channels but i think non hd discovery had a problem as well and i thought that was a digital channel so im not really sure.

simms51

12-23-06, 07:02 PM

PhilipsPhanatic

12-23-06, 09:20 PM

Good to see you on here again Casey Jones. Would you have believed that the black screen issue we had been experiencing would have been solved by a firmware upgrade? That's exactly what it took for me, and ever since, I have not had one occurrence of the dreaded black screen.

I believe it...just like I believe that if Philips spent 1% of their advertising budget on customer and technical support -- meeting our needs -- they could probably double their flat-panel/plasma market share. :mad:

Casey Jones

12-24-06, 06:23 AM

Good to see you on here again Casey Jones. Would you have believed that the black screen issue we had been experiencing would have been solved by a firmware upgrade? That's exactly what it took for me, and ever since, I have not had one occurrence of the dreaded black screen.

Nice to see you again also. Glad to hear the issue has been resolved :) .

zxfiles007

12-25-06, 11:31 PM

Has anyone experienced a problem where you can't turn the TV on from the remote, but the volume & mute buttons were? I think I pressed some buttons but can't figure out how to reset the remote. I've tried new batteries, unplugging the TV.

Any suggestion???? :mad:

Casey Jones

12-26-06, 05:35 AM

zxfiles007

12-26-06, 12:00 PM

Yes. I've been using this remote for 7 months now. Thanks for you reply

mlandau

12-26-06, 01:58 PM

As a longshot, try the instruction manual section called, "To put the remote control function back to the factory mode." It's on the CD for sure, probably the website, and maybe the paper manual.

PhilipsPhanatic

12-26-06, 08:21 PM

Its a universal remote. Have you selected the TV button?

Is it universal? I thought the other functions were only for Philips products (DVD, STB, etc).

Can I get the Philips remote to control other items (the manual says no) ??

Also, what's this 'advanced mode' -- as usual, the manual is unclear.

mlandau

12-26-06, 08:37 PM

It's universal for sure. The CD manual has all the codes, plus the remote has learning capability. Remember, I'm speaking about the 9630.

zxfiles007

12-26-06, 08:41 PM

According to the instructions on the CD, you can program other remotes.

mlandau

12-26-06, 08:50 PM

PhilipsPhanatic

12-26-06, 10:11 PM

PhilipsPhanatic: I checked the manual on the 9631, there is no mention of the universal remote capbailities - you are not going nuts. I would got to the 9630 manual on the support site and try and follow the instructions for putting in the codes (page 39 and forward). It might work.

Thanks Mlandau...the 9631 remote is basically the same, a bit more 'glassier' but I'd be surprised if they dropped that ability. But then again.....

Anyway, I'll hit that side and give it a try. Thanks! :)

Casey Jones

12-26-06, 10:42 PM

Is it universal? I thought the other functions were only for Philips products (DVD, STB, etc).

Can I get the Philips remote to control other items (the manual says no) ??

Also, what's this 'advanced mode' -- as usual, the manual is unclear.

You can control other devices with the 9630a remote and not just Philips. Before I began using my Logitech 880 I was doing it with the factory remote. The manual provides as does the cd codes for accessory peripheral devices hence a universal remote :) .

PhilipsPhanatic

12-27-06, 01:36 AM

On Page 6 of the manual, it says "this remote control can not be programmed to work accessory devices."

Then why does it have the DVD, STB, VCR, and AUX buttons on it -- hey 9630 owners, your remote has the same buttons, does your manual in the REMOTE section say what I quoted above ??

Casey, this is confusing. Just like having that YELLOW button which to my mind controls nothing. What a waste of a good button when it could control a popular function..... ;)

Donniewb420

12-27-06, 06:35 AM

Donniewb420

12-27-06, 06:36 AM

Is it universal? I thought the other functions were only for Philips products (DVD, STB, etc).

Can I get the Philips remote to control other items (the manual says no) ??

Also, what's this 'advanced mode' -- as usual, the manual is unclear.

On the 9630 remote advanced mode, is if u switch between tv and say AUX on the remote within 60 seconds if U havent used the remote it reverts back to TV function, i know there is an option to where you can make it stay on the input you have selected permanently, until u switch it back to tv.

Casey Jones

12-27-06, 10:17 AM

PhilipsPhanatic

12-27-06, 07:25 PM

Its all contained in pages 38 -42 of the 9630a manual.

OK, I'll download the manual (?) from the Philips website since I have the 9631. Thanks again!

Donnie, thanks, that 'revert' function is pretty standard on alot of remotes I thought the 'advanced' function was something more dramatic.

And I'm still bugged about that non-useful Yellow button ! :mad:

desertfoxaz

12-27-06, 07:30 PM

I had an appointment today for the technican to come look at my TV. I had to take the day off of work to meet their schedule, but the guy didn't show up. This is the second time they've done this and I'm getting fed up. The first time he didn't show up until two days later and then had the audacity to leave me a message saying I'm not home so he couldn't do anything.

I bought my television in July 2005 and it's been repaired twice, but I'm still having the intermittent black screen issue. I applied the most recent firmware upgrade two days ago and I still have that problem. The signal board has been replaced twice, and the sound board and the power supply has been replaced once each. The color settings are still messed up and I occasionally have sound dropouts as well when watching television or DVDs. Additionally, the HDMI inputs seem coupled. I have a DVD player connected to one but I get the signal on both HDMI 1 and HDMI 2. This can't be normal can it?

I just sent an email to Philips and it came back undeliverable. I purchased a service contract from Philips and I am seriously considering canceling it and purchasing another television. I am telling everyone not to buy Philips plasma TVs because they are crap.

What do I do? It seems like I'm stuck with a lemon. It seems everyone else that was having the black screen problem has a working unit now, but not me.

PhilipsPhanatic

12-27-06, 08:57 PM

I had an appointment today for the technican to come look at my TV. I had to take the day off of work to meet their schedule, but the guy didn't show up. This is the second time they've done this and I'm getting fed up. The first time he didn't show up until two days later and then had the audacity to leave me a message saying I'm not home so he couldn't do anything. I bought my television in July 2005 and it's been repaired twice, but I'm still having the intermittent black screen issue. I applied the most recent firmware upgrade two days ago and I still have that problem. The signal board has been replaced twice, and the sound board and the power supply has been replaced once each. The color settings are still messed up and I occasionally have sound dropouts as well when watching television or DVDs. Additionally, the HDMI inputs seem coupled. I have a DVD player connected to one but I get the signal on both HDMI 1 and HDMI 2. This can't be normal can it? just sent an email to Philips and it came back undeliverable. I purchased a service contract from Philips and I am seriously considering canceling it and purchasing another television. I am telling everyone not to buy Philips plasma TVs because they are crap. What do I do? It seems like I'm stuck with a lemon. It seems everyone else that was having the black screen problem has a working unit now, but not me.

If it's any consolation, I'm going to mention your problem in my corporate letter.

Did you try applying ONLY the August upgrade that has the fix for BSOD ?

You have a right to be infuriated, not angry. I wish I could help -- besides my letter, of course. It seems you got a bad unit and the repairs since have been totally useless.

I would ask them -- no, DEMAND of them -- a 9631 42" or let them know you will take it up with the state Better Business Bureau and/or Attorney General. :mad:

desertfoxaz

12-27-06, 09:02 PM

The August 3 update was already applied when they installed the new signal board on August 16. I waited for another update and installed the one labeled August 3 two weeks ago and it acted like it was a newer release than the one already installed. Then two nights ago, I saw the December 15 release and installed it.

Since the service guy didn't show up, I went to work. When I came home and turned on the TV, behold, I had sound but no picture. I turned the unit off and waited about ten seconds and then turned it on again. This time it worked. This has been happening ever since they replaced the two boards and the power supply after the unit stopped working after the Ambilight recall work was done.

I checked Philips' website and the case was closed on December 15. I tried calling them back but I got a recording saying they were closed.

PhilipsPhanatic

12-27-06, 09:07 PM

IMPORTANT NEWS: There is a Priority Recall/Repair notice on some serial number units of the 9630. :eek:

http://www.p4c.philips.com/cgi-bin/dcbint/cpindex.pl?ctn=42PF9630A/37&scy=US&slg=AEN&searchtxt=42PF9630

It asks you to check to see if your model number is affected by an 'arcing/capacitor problem' (sounds like it could cause fires, no wonder they're giving out good contact info.). :(

It says to call 1-888-PHILIPS and use "PRIORITY CODE 4445" when prompted. :(

For those of you who have serious Philips problems, I'd contact them there even if your serial number is outside their parameter. :)

Or tell them it is. ;)

PhilipsPhanatic

12-27-06, 09:15 PM

Its all contained in pages 38 -42 of the 9630a manual.

I see it...but unfortunately, I don't see a SELECT button which is central to having the 9631 remote do what the 9630 does. I have the AV/SOURCE button below the "7" key but without the SELECT button, I now know why the 9631 manual says that it's remote CAN'T control accessories.

They made the 9631 remote alot nicer and sturdier than the 9630's, so of course they took away one of the latter's key functioning abilities. Brilliant......... :mad: :(

mlandau

12-28-06, 06:06 AM

That "priority/Recall" is the ambilight recall that's been around for many months.

Casey Jones

12-28-06, 03:41 PM

I see it...but unfortunately, I don't see a SELECT button which is central to having the 9631 remote do what the 9630 does. I have the AV/SOURCE button below the "7" key but without the SELECT button, I now know why the 9631 manual says that it's remote CAN'T control accessories.

They made the 9631 remote alot nicer and sturdier than the 9630's, so of course they took away one of the latter's key functioning abilities. Brilliant......... :mad: :(

Interesting observation. I always thought my Philips remote was built better then any other remote I own. The build quality I find very heavy duty. Seems they may have scaled down the 9631 remote.

Paul_Ness_

12-28-06, 03:51 PM

Hello Friends, I was just told that maybe this thread can help me with my query below, if not please excuse the post in this thread and kindly let me know if there is somewhere else I should try.

I just bought the Philips 50PF9431D from Costco. All was fine the first few days, and then I upgraded the firmware to the 11/26/2006 (BJ24U-1.9.0.0_03161) release and now the speakers are putting out a buzzing noise!

I have tried numerous times to talk to Philips tech support to get the old firmware and downgrade to try to resolve the problem but they swear up and down that they do not have any way to send me the old version. All my authorized service centers in the area are of no help either. So I thought I'd post here...

I suspect it's a firmware problem because:
- if I MUTE the volume, exactly 10 seconds later, the buzzing stops
- it happens on every input no matter what the picture (meaning it does not seem related to high intensity pictures, lots of bright colors, etc which could be causing interference on the audio circuits)

Two questions:
1. Does anyone else have this problem and if so is there a resolution?
2. Does anyone have the old firmware ( BJ24U-1.8.0.0_03141) laying around that you can email to me (or post to this thread?)? I want to try it out before I return this lemon. Do not post the latest version (BJ24U-1.9.0.0_03161)-- I already have that (and it's on the Philips website).

Here is what I've tried:
- Moved power to a surge protector strip
- Tried all inputs

Thanks!

Paul

Donniewb420

12-28-06, 03:54 PM

Interesting observation. I always thought my Philips remote was built better then any other remote I own. The build quality I find very heavy duty. Seems they may have scaled down the 9631 remote.

I second that, one of the nicest remotes ive ever owned.

Magna2006

12-28-06, 06:37 PM

Paul_Ness_

12-28-06, 06:56 PM

Hi,
Yes, I have redownloaded and reflashed it 4 times -- twice on a PC and twice on a Mac, on two different flash drives, and one of the times I used the 'manual' upgrade method where I copied the new firmware to a folder called 'upgrades' and renamed it 'firmware_upgrade.upg'.

One thing that I noticed, but dismissed as not an issue -- during the manual upgrade method, a red message flashed across the screen for < 0.5 second, and went away, during the 'Programming' phase, but the message did not persist, I could not read what it said, and it said 'successful upgrade' after the message flashed and went away. I dismissed this because I imagined it was a spurious message, but maybe it was a sign of something going wrong. Not sure if anyone else has seen this when doing a 'manual' firmware upgrade method as described above.

Thanks,
Paul

Donniewb420

12-28-06, 07:06 PM

kuyote

12-28-06, 10:06 PM

I am having a BSOD on my 30" philips LCD. It doesn't appear that I can flash it, however there are 2 service ports on the back. Maybe a cable can be made for it. But there aren't any upgrades out for it either. I unplugged it and let it set for hours, and when I turn it on I get a black screen, with only sound working.

PhilipsPhanatic

12-28-06, 11:05 PM

I second that, one of the nicest remotes ive ever owned.

The 9631 is a bit 'glassier' made of tougher plastic or enamel or whatever. Both are nice remotes, I don't know why they got rid of the accessory capability.

michael.collins

12-30-06, 10:45 AM

Is anyone using a DVDO or similar scaler with this set? I got one a few weeks ago and am trying to tweak the IScan to get the best picture possible...and hopefully bypass the Philips internal converter/scaler. Anyone know what the true, native resolution of this set is...that will allow me to feed a signal that bypasses the internal scaler?

I've tried setting the output of the iScan at 1024 x 768 and 1366 x 768, but I can't even get a picture at those two resolutions. Anyone have any suggestions? Come on, tweakers...I know you're out there!

Thanks,
Michael

PhilipsPhanatic

12-30-06, 01:53 PM

Is anyone using a DVDO or similar scaler with this set?

What's a DVDO ? :confused:

I got one a few weeks ago and am trying to tweak the IScan to get the best picture possible

How did you get the 9630 model -- it's been discountinued and the 9631's replaced it ??? :confused:

...and hopefully bypass the Philips internal converter/scaler. Anyone know what the true, native resolution of this set is...that will allow me to feed a signal that bypasses the internal scaler?

Native resolution of the Philips 42" models (I think ALL 42" plasmas) is 1024x768

I've tried setting the output of the iScan at 1024 x 768 and 1366 x 768, but I can't even get a picture at those two resolutions.

Should have worked...what is an iScan ??? :confused:

michael.collins

12-30-06, 04:14 PM

I have the 9630 model, which I've had for about a year. I've only had the DVDO for a few weeks, not the set. The DVDO IScan VP30 is a HDTV/SDTV video and audio processor/scaler/converter and switcher. I use it for all SD and HDTV via cable and DVD upconverting and switching, so I can send everything over one HDMI cable to the set...rather than having to run separate cables for everything. Not only does it do a MUCH better job of video conversion/converting than the internal processor built into the Philips, but it provides more controls over the picture than the set.

The idea is to feed all your video sources to the DVDO in their native resolution, allow it to do all the up or down converting and processing, then feed the Philips all the signals in it's native rate. That way, any video signal is only being processed once in the chain.

The problem I'm having is getting the TV to accept a signal from the IScan at it's native rate of 1024 x 768. When I select this rate on the IScan, the TV won't show any image. It will take 480i/p, 720i/p, and 1080i/p just fine. I'm currently sending 720p at 60hz to the set, but my concern is that the TV is still processing the image. I'm trying to get the set out of the processing business, so to speak.

Thanks,
Michael

PhilipsPhanatic

12-30-06, 06:43 PM

The problem I'm having is getting the TV to accept a signal from the IScan at it's native rate of 1024 x 768. When I select this rate on the IScan, the TV won't show any image. It will take 480i/p, 720i/p, and 1080i/p just fine. I'm currently sending 720p at 60hz to the set, but my concern is that the TV is still processing the image. I'm trying to get the set out of the processing business, so to speak. Thanks, Michael

The set is naturally a 720p set (1024 x 768), not sure why you can't get it to take that signal and the corresponding resolution. Doesn't sound like a problem with the TV, just the way it works with this DVDO thing you have. I had never heard of one before, maybe the TV's aren't prepared to accept it ? :confused:

jphaus

01-03-07, 11:56 AM

One big change I just thought of: changing the color of the PIP box and the side-by-side from bright yellow to a light gray or non-threatening color to avoid burn-in. The little PIP box is already gray or blue when you move it around or turn the controls over to the big box. This should be EASY to implement !!!

Glad I found this thread. I have the 9630A and finally got so fed up with the bright yellow causing short-term burn-in that I actually called Customer Service to ask if the color could be changed through a firmware upgrade. This was my first experience with their wonderful C.S. and their response was that the yellow box should not cause burn-in and my plasma must have a problem. They gave me a case number and wanted to send out a repairman just for that! I never did have someone come out because what's that guy going to do about it? Philips needs to be more accepting of our suggestions, but I don't need to tell all of you that.... ;)

While I haven't made it completely through this thread yet, and maybe my question is addressed already, I'll ask anyway:

Does anyone else's plasma turn itself on intermittently? My TV is located in the living room and several times a day I can hear the relay click on and off a few times while I'm in the next room. By the time I rush into the living room it is done making noise and turned off like normal. Is this common or should I be concerned?

rolento76

01-03-07, 12:02 PM

Does anyone else's plasma turn itself on intermittently? My TV is located in the living room and several times a day I can hear the relay click on and off a few times while I'm in the next room. By the time I rush into the living room it is done making noise and turned off like normal. Is this common or should I be concerned?
My TV does the same thing. Nothing on the screen ever comes up but I do hear it click on and then off. At first I accounted it to the fact that I once had enabled the TVGOS feature that was preveiously available. I assumed it was just gathering guide data. After disabling TVGOS, the clicking continued. Even after the TVGOS was removed from the firmware, the clicking continues.

My wife and I joke around that the TV has a mind of its own and we don't let it bother us. We haven't noticed an detrimental effects.

Magna2007

01-03-07, 12:33 PM

My TV does the same thing. Nothing on the screen ever comes up but I do hear it click on and then off. At first I accounted it to the fact that I once had enabled the TVGOS feature that was preveiously available. I assumed it was just gathering guide data. After disabling TVGOS, the clicking continued. Even after the TVGOS was removed from the firmware, the clicking continues.

My wife and I joke around that the TV has a mind of its own and we don't let it bother us. We haven't noticed an detrimental effects.

Philips has posted firmware version 1.5.0.0 on their technical support website. The firmware update/upgrade lists the following fixes:

BX23U-1.5.0.0_03531
Following problem is solved :
• Availability cablecard channel map.
• Improved info in the service menu.
• Improved picture quality and stability on HDMI.
• Installation of channels.

It also addresses the power issue(s). Check out posting number #2302 in this thread for the web links, if you indeed have the 42PF9630A. If you have a slightly different model, then you should be able to search on Philips technical support website for the appropriate firmware update.

Hope this helps.

Chiahead

01-03-07, 03:09 PM

rolento76

01-03-07, 04:04 PM

Philips has posted firmware version 1.5.0.0 on their technical support website. The firmware update/upgrade lists the following fixes:

BX23U-1.5.0.0_03531
Following problem is solved :
• Availability cablecard channel map.
• Improved info in the service menu.
• Improved picture quality and stability on HDMI.
• Installation of channels.

It also addresses the power issue(s). Check out posting number #2302 in this thread for the web links, if you indeed have the 42PF9630A. If you have a slightly different model, then you should be able to search on Philips technical support website for the appropriate firmware update.

Hope this helps.
I had updated to this firmware already and I can honestly say that I haven't noticed any random clicking lately... either because it hasn't happened or I've gotten used to it. ;)

PhilipsPhanatic

01-03-07, 07:08 PM

Glad I found this thread. I have the 9630A and finally got so fed up with the bright yellow causing short-term burn-in that I actually called Customer Service to ask if the color could be changed through a firmware upgrade. This was my first experience with their wonderful C.S. and their response was that the yellow box should not cause burn-in and my plasma must have a problem. They gave me a case number and wanted to send out a repairman just for that! I never did have someone come out because what's that guy going to do about it? Philips needs to be more accepting of our suggestions, but I don't need to tell all of you that.... ;)

The side-by-side yellow will lead to burnin since you can't turn it off...but the little box PIP goes to yellow only when you are changing channels or controlling functions for it as opposed to the larger box. You hit the round toggle left-ward and it will change it back to gray and you can use the PIP for hours safely. I do move my little PIP box every few weeks just to add another precaution for the non-yellow burnin, however remote that is. Just move it to another corner or move it slightly lower or higher in a designated corner.

As for Philips infamous customer service....about to be addressed directly in my almost-finished corporate letter. :D

Does anyone else's plasma turn itself on intermittently? My TV is located in the living room and several times a day I can hear the relay click on and off a few times while I'm in the next room. By the time I rush into the living room it is done making noise and turned off like normal. Is this common or should I be concerned?

I believe that is the TV upgrading or doing circuit checks...it does NOT go on. It just clicks twice.

PhilipsPhanatic

01-03-07, 07:17 PM

Someone asked a while back how the PS3 looked on this set.
At first, it was amazing. connected through HDMI port 2. After 12 hours, HDMI no longer worked. I think it is the PS3, not the TV. I tried a different HDMI cable, and the other port. Both ports and cables work with my Dish box. Online I have seen others having this problem too, so I think it is Sony's. They just haven't fessed up to it yet.

Keep us posted if this is a PS3 or Blu-Ray glitch and if it gets fixed.

I switched to the HD cable (Red, Blue, Green - can't remember the difference between composite and component.)

Composite is a COMPOSITE -- everything all together. One cable/string and everything is sent through it together.

Component breaks them up via Red, Green, Blue. ;)

Now the picture is once again amazing. Blue ray is fine through the cable. Hopefully they don't disable HD through the cable in the future and only allow it through HDMI.

What do you mean 'the cable' -- you mean component cables via AV1, 2, or 3 ??? :confused:

PhilipsPhanatic

01-03-07, 07:21 PM

While I haven't made it completely through this thread yet...

While I wouldn't discourage you from going through all the posts on this or the other Philips threads, alot of the earlier posts have been superceeded or made irrelevant.

You might just want to go back a few months and/or scan the Philips Tips Sheet -- PM me your email if you want it.

ballers34

01-03-07, 08:27 PM

I just bought a ps3 and hooked it up to my philips plasma. playing games it was fine but when I put in the blu ray movie I get a green line on the right side of my screen and help about this would be appreciated

Barmat

01-03-07, 09:01 PM

Use the direction pad on the philips remote to nudge the screen left/right, up/down.

Scmedic

01-04-07, 07:56 AM

If you do that, say, by accident, how do you reset it to the center?

Donniewb420

01-04-07, 09:18 AM

If you do that, say, by accident, how do you reset it to the center?

I believe anytime you throw on some HD content it will automatically reset itself back to factory settings for center. if im not mistaken when HD content is on the screen you cant move the picture left to right using the remote pad...

Chiahead

01-04-07, 11:37 AM

What do you mean 'the cable' -- you mean component cables via AV1, 2, or 3 ??? :confused:

Yes, the component cable through AV3.

PhilipsPhanatic

01-04-07, 11:54 AM

I believe anytime you throw on some HD content it will automatically reset itself back to factory settings for center. if im not mistaken when HD content is on the screen you cant move the picture left to right using the remote pad...

I'm not sure about that.....you CAN move HD content around, it's the non-HD that is unable to be moved since it's not digital and/or moveable.

"Centering" ?? I would move it both ways to the extreme, then split the difference between the two. If you can go LEFT 15 clicks and RIGHT 9 clicks, then go all to one side and move back 12 clicks. Of course, we're talking about moving the screen about 1" at most past the borders, sometimes you might want the top/bottom at the extremes (don't want to see a ticker for ESPN, etc).

Donniewb420

01-04-07, 04:25 PM

I'm not sure about that.....you CAN move HD content around, it's the non-HD that is unable to be moved since it's not digital and/or moveable.

"Centering" ?? I would move it both ways to the extreme, then split the difference between the two. If you can go LEFT 15 clicks and RIGHT 9 clicks, then go all to one side and move back 12 clicks. Of course, we're talking about moving the screen about 1" at most past the borders, sometimes you might want the top/bottom at the extremes (don't want to see a ticker for ESPN, etc).

Your right I went home after work and my hd did move, my mistake, Im a putz. I just use the info bar on the twc box try to get even spaces on each side of it, not necessarily precise, but close enough for government work ;)

TubaSaxT

01-05-07, 03:28 PM

If it's any consolation, I'm going to mention your experience to Corporate in my letter.

It seems they KNOW there's a glitch -- a problem that nobody had happen in previous upgrades -- and they let it stay on the site.

I'm going to warn the 9631 User Thread.

For those that didn't see before, my television got stuck powered on but not functioning during the middle of a firmware upgrade. Philips had me take the set to a shop that had a two week backlog due to a recent storm.

Now the update: I called the shop after two weeks to inquire about the progress on my TV. I was told that my set had been looked at some days before and the signal board was faulty. The receptionist also said that the replacement part Philips sent them was also faulty and that another was en route, but she didn't know when it would arrive.

One week later, today, I still haven't heard anything from the shop, so I called again. The receptionist said that the latest contact they had with Philips was on Tuesday, and that they still could not provide an ETA for this part.

As you can imagine, I'm a little peeved at Philips. The shop gave me the order numbers, so I'm gonna bug Philips customer service when I get home. One-month minimum repair jobs should just not happen.

Whenever I get my TV back, I'm gonna be hard pressed to ever do a firmware upgrade again, even if it is a critical update. That's really too bad, because that feature was a big factor in leading me to purchase this set, among others.

PhilipsPhanatic

01-05-07, 03:40 PM

For those that didn't see before, my television got stuck powered on but not functioning during the middle of a firmware upgrade. Philips had me take the set to a shop that had a two week backlog due to a recent storm. Now the update: I called the shop after two weeks to inquire about the progress on my TV. I was told that my set had been looked at some days before and the signal board was faulty. The receptionist also said that the replacement part Philips sent them was also faulty and that another was en route, but she didn't know when it would arrive. One week later, today, I still haven't heard anything from the shop, so I called again. The receptionist said that the latest contact they had with Philips was on Tuesday, and that they still could not provide an ETA for this part. As you can imagine, I'm a little peeved at Philips. The shop gave me the order numbers, so I'm gonna bug Philips customer service when I get home. One-month minimum repair jobs should just not happen. Whenever I get my TV back, I'm gonna be hard pressed to ever do a firmware upgrade again, even if it is a critical update. That's really too bad, because that feature was a big factor in leading me to purchase this set, among others.

I am not sure it was the firmware upgrade per se or more the faulty signal board.

I may add your 'signal board' to my brief list of quality control problems in my letter to Philips corporate.

Don't give up on the firmware upgrades, it's a nice feature and sometimes essential. I have noted your lack of quality control, lousy customer service, and occasional lack of parts and slow repair time in my letter if it's any consolation.

BTW, for any 9630 owners who are not on my e-mail list and haven't received the Philips Tips Sheet, my letter to Philips corporate execs detailing a list of items we feel need to be addressed (quality control, cust. svce., etc) goes out next week. If you want to see it and/or offer comments (and/or get the Tips Sheet if you haven't already), PM me with your email.

stagemaster

01-06-07, 11:53 AM

You can control other devices with the 9630a remote and not just Philips. Before I began using my Logitech 880 I was doing it with the factory remote. The manual provides as does the cd codes for accessory peripheral devices hence a universal remote :) .
Is there any way to put this remote in punch-through mode to control my AV receiver volume at all times instead of the TV's volume? I too like this remote, but if it can't do punch-through I guess I'm gonna have to get a Harmony. My only concern about that is switching sources. The Philips remote doesn't have discrete source buttons, you have to hit the AV+ then arrow up/down to select the source. How does the Harmony switch sources on this TV? Does it use discrete codes or a macro? Just curious.

Casey Jones

01-07-07, 01:37 AM

Is there any way to put this remote in punch-through mode to control my AV receiver volume at all times instead of the TV's volume? I too like this remote, but if it can't do punch-through I guess I'm gonna have to get a Harmony. My only concern about that is switching sources. The Philips remote doesn't have discrete source buttons, you have to hit the AV+ then arrow up/down to select the source. How does the Harmony switch sources on this TV? Does it use discrete codes or a macro? Just curious.

The Harmony 880 and other logitech models allow you to create activities using discrete remote control codes for all functions on your other remotes.Logitech uses an online client server with a vast database of makes and models of video and audio equipment. If by chance a specific code is missing that you need you can have the logitech read it into the database and then download your user created software program to program your Harmony remote. When I change sources ie. hdmi1 to hdmi2 I have fully automated this into the particular actvity.
You can read the instructions on the 9630a remote on pages 38 -42 of the 9630a manual.

PhilipsPhanatic

01-07-07, 11:04 PM

Magna2007

01-08-07, 09:18 AM

Is there any way to manually 'label' the FAVORITES channels on the 9630/31 ??

My Philips and cable company are working such that all the digital and a few HD stations are numbered weirdly -- "101.704", "0", etc. I can't remember all the stations because I usually use the STB.

I don't suppose there's a tweak that allows this kind of labeling ? You'd think they'd have it, especially since the INFO key sometimes shows the channel source.

I wondered that same thing. I connected a "regular" antenna to my 42PF9630A and tried over-the-air (OTA) scanning the SD and HD channels just to see what I signals I could "pull in". I believe the answer to your question is "no"; I could not change the labeling of the channels nor see any way in the menus to do that either. The labeling also does not indicate whether the station is 480p, 720p, or 1080i as it does when HDMI-connected to the cable box. However, the 42PF9630A (with the 1.5.0.0 firmware) does appear to remember my "favorates" in the channel listing though.

PhilipsPhanatic

01-08-07, 12:20 PM

Magna, I bet it's an easy software add to make the channel label possible. If we could reach a Philips tech guy, we could ask them.

Something to keep in the vault..... ;)

Magna2007

01-08-07, 01:11 PM

Magna, I bet it's an easy software add to make the channel label possible. If we could reach a Philips tech guy, we could ask them.

Something to keep in the vault..... ;)

Well, my past experience with Philips and other vendors in general tells me that firmware updates are used to fix problems, possibly improve performance, and not add functionality. I noticed that the lack of "channel data" is mainly an analog channel problem. The station ID, program title, and other information generally seems to come through on the DTV/HDTV channels. So, I think this problem (plus a lot of the 16:9 vs 4:3 crop/zoom issues) will fix itself in a couple of years when the broadcasters cease analog transmissions and migrate to an all digital format. All of the Comcast cable channels have digital ID tags already. I have the feeling that the 1.5.0.0 firmware for the 42PF9630A is probably going to be the last update for this model TV. On Philips' main website, they posted their new HDTV's for CES. So, the Philips 2007/2008 model HDTV's are already being marketed and so I would bet that the "2005/2006" 42PF9630A model is steadily moving off of the radar screen.

Donniewb420

01-09-07, 08:50 AM

Well, my past experience with Philips and other vendors in general tells me that firmware updates are used to fix problems, possibly improve performance, and not add functionality. I noticed that the lack of "channel data" is mainly an analog channel problem. The station ID, program title, and other information generally seems to come through on the DTV/HDTV channels. So, I think this problem (plus a lot of the 16:9 vs 4:3 crop/zoom issues) will fix itself in a couple of years when the broadcasters cease analog transmissions and migrate to an all digital format. All of the Comcast cable channels have digital ID tags already. I have the feeling that the 1.5.0.0 firmware for the 42PF9630A is probably going to be the last update for this model TV. On Philips' main website, they posted their new HDTV's for CES. So, the Philips 2007/2008 model HDTV's are already being marketed and so I would bet that the "2005/2006" 42PF9630A model is steadily moving off of the radar screen.

I really hope thats not the case, it would be nice if they would keep updating the set with future firmware releases...

PhilipsPhanatic

01-14-07, 10:47 PM

onuxis

01-15-07, 03:51 PM

Magna2007

01-15-07, 05:42 PM

I'm having issues with my 50" 9630

If any type of text is displayed (subtitles or menus from the cable box) the screen flashes to a black screen then back to the normal display over and over again.

Im using the newest firmware and tried a few of the older versions with no luck.

It does this with the hd-cable ( Motorola DCT 6412/2000 and the Philips DVD/DVR player)

It’s hard to explain; maybe I can take a video of it and post it to show you all

Thanks for any help, I couldnt find anything like this by searching.

I have a 42 inch screen 42PF9630A and a Comcast/Motorola DCT-6412-III cable box both connected via an HDMI cable. I have not ever seen this problem. When you say you are using an "hd-cable", do you mean an HDMI or component cable? Has this a new issue, or have you had this trouble all along?

Gabriel Heller

01-17-07, 01:46 PM

Hi guys,

I use my laptop to view Region 2 Dvds. My laptop has a S-Video output, SPDIF output and a VGA output. I have already connected it to my receiver (Onkyo 674) using the S-Video and SPDIF output. My question is if I were to connect my laptop directly to the TV using a VGA to RGB5 cable, would I notice a big difference in video quality? My receiver is connected to the TV via HDMI and it is supposed to "upgrade" a 480i signal to a 480p one. Am I better off with the original setup? I belive that my laptop´s highest resolution is 1024 x 768, but I also beleive that the S-Video output is limited to 800 x 600. By the way, my laptop is a Samsung X10.

Hope my post is clear.

Best,

rolento76

01-17-07, 01:51 PM

Gabriel Heller

01-17-07, 02:03 PM

You would achieve a significantly improved picture. Using a VGA to RGBHV5 cable lets you use the TV's full resolution (1024 x 768). I am currently using a Steren SVGA to RGBHV cable and it looks great. If your laptop has DVI output, you can also use an HDMI - DVI cable.

Hi Rolento,

Thanks for the quick reply. Ok, I´ll try to find that cable. We have a Steren shop down here in Mexico City. Hope they carry it.

Just to make sure, I do need the 5-cable set for the TV right? RGB and HV.

Is this the product you have?
http://www.sterenusa.com/catalog/products_desc.asp?fam=3&sfam=165&item=1038&mv=253-806IV&cuenta=12&posicion=10

Thanks

rolento76

01-17-07, 02:10 PM

Hi Rolento,

Thanks for the quick reply. Ok, I´ll try to find that cable. We have a Steren shop down here in Mexico City. Hope they carry it.

Just to make sure, I do need the 5-cable set for the TV right? RGB and HV.

Is this the product you have?
http://www.sterenusa.com/catalog/products_desc.asp?fam=3&sfam=165&item=1038&mv=253-806IV&cuenta=12&posicion=10

Thanks
Make sure that the 5-cable end has RCA connectors and not BNC connectors.

This is the one I am using:
http://www.digitalconnection.com/Products/Cables/SCVM5R.asp

This is the same one available from buy.com:
http://www.buy.com/prod/steren-253-606iv-vga-to-rgbhv/q/loc/111/90133234.html?dcaid=17379

Gabriel Heller

01-17-07, 02:20 PM

Make sure that the 5-cable end has RCA connectors and not BNC connectors.

This is the one I am using:
http://www.digitalconnection.com/Products/Cables/SCVM5R.asp

This is the same one available from buy.com:
http://www.buy.com/prod/steren-253-606iv-vga-to-rgbhv/q/loc/111/90133234.html?dcaid=17379

Oops, my bad. Gottcha. Thanks a lot.

Best regards

Mikead

01-17-07, 11:17 PM

PhilipsPhanatic

01-17-07, 11:29 PM

Interesting news bit: The newest Philips 42" plasma model #42PF7321D/37 only has one HDMI input. But 4 component. I have the 9630 that has two inputs. So glad I do cause I have my upconvert DVD using one of them. And I could not get 720p conversion from my DVD without it. And it is selling at BB for the same price I paid for mine last summer...$1,799.

Newest model? I think the 7321 predates the 9630. The followup to the 9630 is the 9631 and the new 63" 1080 plasma out in June has the model number 7422.

mkjnovak

01-18-07, 02:33 AM

I agree. 73** is older.

PhilipsPhanatic

01-18-07, 04:13 PM

Using my remot e alot today during the NFL games and "24", I was really frustrated that the YELLOW KEY doesn't do anything on my 9631 remote (presume it's the same as the 9630). :mad: RED activates the demo.....GREEN is time....BLUE is format......if we could reach Philips, what 1-key function would you guys want that YELLOW key to control ?? I was thinking maybe flipping (swapping) the PIP boxes ??? Or the respective audios ??? :confused:

You 9630 owners don't have a function with that YELLOW key, do you ?? :(

Also, does anybody in the NY area with Cablevision get any information when they hit GUIDE (the EPG program) on the remote ? :confused:

ANGLICO

01-18-07, 05:46 PM

I tried the Yellow, nothing. I rarely use that remote anyway , I have an 880. The 9630 manual doesn't reference it if I recall.

GUIDE - I use the 880 for that. Before the 880 I would press the IO button then SEL (I think). If you're talking about the TV tuner itself, I've never used it.

PhilipsPhanatic

01-18-07, 06:21 PM

GUIDE - I use the 880 for that. Before the 880 I would press the IO button then SEL (I think). If you're talking about the TV tuner itself, I've never used it.

You have Cablevision and the EPG comes up when you hit GUIDE? It works ?? :confused:

ANGLICO

01-18-07, 08:15 PM

My 880 is programmed for that. I press GUIDE and the first Cablevision screen comes on, then I press the OK button. That brings up the Cablevision program grid. This is not using the TV tuner. I get everything through my ONKYO receiver.

I don't use the TV tuner or the TV audio.

rolento76

01-18-07, 10:53 PM

You have Cablevision and the EPG comes up when you hit GUIDE? It works ?? :confused:
When I had enabled the TVGOS (when it used to be part of the firmware), it did work with Cablevision and I was able to get updated guide info for the TVGOS.

rambo1999

01-19-07, 05:07 PM

Magna2007

01-19-07, 05:36 PM

Does everyone agree that the latest firmware seems to be safe? I noticed one user that experienced a lock-up during the flash, but other than that, it appears to have been problem free. I am bit nervous about upgrading since the firmware from August resolved my BSOD issue. I do however experience a periodic Green Screen at startup along which I am hopeful the new firmware will resolve.

I wonder if the "problem" in that case was with the USB flash drive that person was using, or maybe possible that TV really did have a bad signal processing board, or maybe there was even a computer virus in there causing the trouble. I think the newest firmware is a good release. If there were a problem with the firmware itself, then I think we would have seen a LOT more postings from different people about it. Personally, I think my 42PF9630A gained a certain amount of picture quality improvement from my HDMI connected peripherals after loading the 1.5.0.0 firmware update.

If possible, when flashing the latest firmware, I would use a USB flash drive that does not have a lot of other files on it that would slow the update process down. Be sure to put the firmware update into the root directory of the flash drive too.

Donniewb420

01-19-07, 06:03 PM

I wonder if the "problem" in that case was with the USB flash drive that person was using, or maybe possible that TV really did have a bad signal processing board, or maybe there was even a computer virus in there causing the trouble. I think the newest firmware is a good release. If there were a problem with the firmware itself, then I think we would have seen a LOT more postings from different people about it. Personally, I think my 42PF9630A gained a certain amount of picture quality improvement from my HDMI connected peripherals after loading the 1.5.0.0 firmware update.

If possible, when flashing the latest firmware, I would use a USB flash drive that does not have a lot of other files on it that would slow the update process down. Be sure to put the firmware update into the root directory of the flash drive too.

second that, its good to go.

TubaSaxT

01-20-07, 02:42 PM

I'm the one who had the problem...and I don't think it was the firmware. The TV shop said it was a hardware issue and I believe them, especially since no one else has reported issues. Besides, I had just formatted my flash drive right before I put the upgrade on it.

On the other hand, the shop still hasn't gotten the replacement part from Philips....arg!

PhilipsPhanatic

01-21-07, 12:36 AM

I strongly suggest that everybody re-name the latest upgrade (or older ones) under a different name so that when you download a new Philips firmware upgrade, it doesn't overwrite on both the PC and the USB.

That way, you'll have older firmware upgrades available for any reason.

PhilipsPhanatic

01-21-07, 08:51 PM

Is anybody else pissed that the remote on our 9630's/31's doesn't have a SWAP function to switch the 2 PIP boxes? Watching the NFL games today, it really teed me off. I have it on my 11-year old ProScan, what gives ? :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

Do other plasmas have PIP and a SWAP function? :confused: :confused:

Come on Philips, you have a useless Yellow button, give us SWAP capability !!! :mad: :mad: :mad:

Quatre

01-22-07, 05:17 PM

I am not sure it was the firmware upgrade per se or more the faulty signal board.

I may add your 'signal board' to my brief list of quality control problems in my letter to Philips corporate.

Don't give up on the firmware upgrades, it's a nice feature and sometimes essential. I have noted your lack of quality control, lousy customer service, and occasional lack of parts and slow repair time in my letter if it's any consolation.

BTW, for any 9630 owners who are not on my e-mail list and haven't received the Philips Tips Sheet, my letter to Philips corporate execs detailing a list of items we feel need to be addressed (quality control, cust. svce., etc) goes out next week. If you want to see it and/or offer comments (and/or get the Tips Sheet if you haven't already), PM me with your email.

The following errors occurred when this message was submitted:

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PhilipsPhanatic

01-22-07, 05:28 PM

The following errors occurred when this message was submitted:

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Problem fixed, sorry ! :)

Quatre

01-22-07, 05:31 PM

i haven't done a firmware upgrade in awhile. my 9630 had been working well since the last one i did and the one in late summer was some confusion where it was labled wrong or was put out then taken off before coming back and i figured if it aint broke...

since i dont get bsod anymore but as someone else mentioned i have gotten a green screen but only a couple times total i think so very rare.

with new hd dvr qcip 6416 stb and verizon fios tv i'm redy to try a new firmware but am rusty.

what is the link to dl the latest firmware? and then i'll reread the instructions but i know its pretty simple.

has anyone seen some of the new phillips ambilight sets.

in Magnolia HT in Best Buy i saw the flat lcd with ambilight but am disappointed they didn't make it 1080p as its just plasma which is expensive to make 1080p but to just do a 42" flat lcd in 1080p is no problem and inexpensive these day though it would still make the set more expensive.

i noticed the newer ambilights have a smooth surface while the older ones on ours are the ridged light cover. not sure which i prefer but i think i saw on one model they went back to the ridged.

i did see a model that i think was plasma but with a buiit in white backing to reflect the light . as well it had the ambilight above and below in addiotn to the sides. I searched and found a wall unit that was white just to mount the 9630 on but that one would eliminate the need for that and i like the added ambilight on top and bottom

i like how the new version of the plasma doens't have the speakers on the side so its not as wide but i heard/read the speaker on the bottom is not as loud/good or as many watts as the side speakers of the 9630's which to me are already pretty low so i wouldn't want worse as in bedroom i often use the tv speakers and dont bother with surround sound as i have the rear speakers up front on the wall unit anyway and just angled out to simulate and reflect surround sound becasue i didnt' feel like runnign the wires or mounting them and didn't really have the room.

in other words for bedroonm tv its important to have good tv sound and not just expect to have to use surround.

At this point i do like the phillips ambilight models but will wait until they make a 1080p model before i upgrade.

I continue to enjoy this model in the bedroom and though its aged and there are newer slicker versions, it still gets a lot of compliments and is good. I really like the auto picture adjust/zoom feature to fill the screen on 4:3 material which is mostly just on the hd chans when its not in hd.

I just wish the stupid sub contracted Circuit City install guys had mounted it on my wall unit higher. i said in between the top and bottom and instead they installed it in between the glass shelf near top and teh counter top below so its a tad low for me. i didn't buy it from CC just used them for mounting on teh piece of furniture so if they messed it up i had someone to blame to get new wall unit instead of at my expense.

PhilipsPhanatic

01-22-07, 05:59 PM

i haven't done a firmware upgrade in awhile. my 9630 had been working well since the last one i did and the one in late summer was some confusion where it was labled wrong or was put out then taken off before coming back and i figured if it aint broke...

By and large, if your set is working well, no rush to update. At a minimum, you should re-save the old firmware upgrade you have under a different name on your PC. That way, you can get it back if a newer one has a problem or glitch. ;)

since i dont get bsod anymore but as someone else mentioned i have gotten a green screen but only a couple times total i think so very rare.

Did you upgrade with August firmware to KO the BSOD problem? :confused:

Can you explain the 'green screen' problem? How often? :confused:

with new hd dvr qcip 6416 stb and verizon fios tv i'm redy to try a new firmware but am rusty. what is the link to dl the latest firmware? and then i'll reread the instructions but i know its pretty simple.

Insert your model number for the 9630.... :)

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9548437#post9548437 :)

Read the instructions in the manual and use the AUOTMATIC UPGRADE (TV is OFF) -- it's easier. ;)

has anyone seen some of the new phillips ambilight sets.

Yes, very nice...3-sided Ambilight is nice, but the big improvement is just getting 2-sided vs. none at all. :)

in Magnolia HT in Best Buy i saw the flat lcd with ambilight but am disappointed they didn't make it 1080p as its just plasma which is expensive to make 1080p but to just do a 42" flat lcd in 1080p is no problem and inexpensive these day though it would still make the set more expensive.

Philips isn't rushing out the 1080p technology (see the 63" 1080p thread). I agree with this strategy, I'd rather they continue to upgrade reliability on existing technology first.

i noticed the newer ambilights have a smooth surface while the older ones on ours are the ridged light cover. not sure which i prefer but i think i saw on one model they went back to the ridged.

Smoothed is definitely nicer, IMO, but then again in the dark you really don't notice. :o

i did see a model that i think was plasma but with a buiit in white backing to reflect the light . as well it had the ambilight above and below in addiotn to the sides. I searched and found a wall unit that was white just to mount the 9630 on but that one would eliminate the need for that and i like the added ambilight on top and bottom

Could be the new 9831 LCD with APTURA backlighting technology. New technology that eliminates motion blur and improves brightness/contrast. :)

i like how the new version of the plasma doens't have the speakers on the side so its not as wide but i heard/read the speaker on the bottom is not as loud/good or as many watts as the side speakers of the 9630's which to me are already pretty low so i wouldn't want worse as in bedroom i often use the tv speakers and dont bother with surround sound as i have the rear speakers up front on the wall unit anyway and just angled out to simulate and reflect surround sound becasue i didnt' feel like runnign the wires or mounting them and didn't really have the room. in other words for bedroonm tv its important to have good tv sound and not just expect to have to use surround.

The speakers are 12w down from 15w on the 9630. They are plenty loud enough -- I don't know anybody who runs their Philips volume at over 30-40% of maximum anyway.

At this point i do like the phillips ambilight models but will wait until they make a 1080p model before i upgrade.

1080p is something that few of us can use right now. To have it for little premium over another set is one thing; to pay up for it is not worth it right now, IMO, or even for some of the newer models. Outside of PS3 and hi-def DVD players, there are no 1080p broadcasting sources. Unless you're spending most of your time with PS3 or a hi-def DVD player, it's something you won't utilize.

I continue to enjoy this model in the bedroom and though its aged and there are newer slicker versions, it still gets a lot of compliments and is good. I really like the auto picture adjust/zoom feature to fill the screen on 4:3 material which is mostly just on the hd chans when its not in hd.

Philips got it right with the 9630 and 9631, if they continue to improve PQ and QC, then the new 63" TV and the 63" 1080p will be big hits.

I just wish the stupid sub contracted Circuit City install guys had mounted it on my wall unit higher. i said in between the top and bottom and instead they installed it in between the glass shelf near top and teh counter top below so its a tad low for me. i didn't buy it from CC just used them for mounting on teh piece of furniture so if they messed it up i had someone to blame to get new wall unit instead of at my expense.

Can't you re-do it if it bothers you that much ??? :confused:

Ybarra

01-22-07, 07:57 PM

Yeah. I'm getting the green screen on my HDMI port. I suspect my small signal board is going out. I'm getting the following problems:

1) Sync'ing on my component ports. The screen is dark, the wrong color, and has distorted horizontal lines. Changing cables or flipping channels back and forth doesn't fix it. Usually the only thing that fixes it is turning off the TV until you hear the relays "click" and then turning it back on.

2) Dark picture on coax input on all analog stations (both cable and OTA).

3) HDCP error message with my SA HD box. Again fixed by turning the TV off until the relays "click" and then back on.

4) Green screen with SA HD box. Usually fixed by changing to any source of a different resolution (i.e. going from 480i to 480p or 720p and then back).

I've got a tech ticket in and I assume I'll be getting a new small signal board and/or power supply soon.

PhilipsPhanatic

01-23-07, 01:16 AM

Yeah. I'm getting the green screen on my HDMI port. I suspect my small signal board is going out. I'm getting the following problems:

Only when using HDMI ? Can you describe the 'green screen' ???

1) Sync'ing on my component ports. The screen is dark, the wrong color, and has distorted horizontal lines. Changing cables or flipping channels back and forth doesn't fix it. Usually the only thing that fixes it is turning off the TV until you hear the relays "click" and then turning it back on.

Is this like the old 'vacuum cleaner' distortion? Big wavy lines, left-to-right, moving up and down ?

2) Dark picture on coax input on all analog stations (both cable and OTA).

Active Control isn't on MAX, is it ?

3) HDCP error message with my SA HD box. Again fixed by turning the TV off until the relays "click" and then back on. 4) Green screen with SA HD box. Usually fixed by changing to any source of a different resolution (i.e. going from 480i to 480p or 720p and then back).

Hmmm...sounds like electromagnetic interference, like with my 'vacuum cleaner' screen problem that crops up every now and then.

I've got a tech ticket in and I assume I'll be getting a new small signal board and/or power supply soon.

Let us know if that fixes it, what the tech guys say caused the problem, and why the signal board went. Are you under warranty -- who's fixing it ? Did you bring it in or did they come to your house ? :confused:

Donniewb420

01-23-07, 06:35 AM

PhilipsPhanatic

01-23-07, 10:40 AM

Bullseye !! Got contacted by a high-ranking officer at Philips earlier today. They want to address some of the product questions (technology, marketing, firmware, etc) that we have.

This is your chance to reach Philips. I want to have a list of items -- in addition to what I listed on my letter to corporate -- when I talk to them later this week. If anybody thinks something should be directly addressed that was NOT on the corporate letter, post it here.

Below is a list of the 6 main items I covered in my letter:

**Quality Control
**Customer Service
**Plasma/LCD Repairs
**Technical/Firmware Upgrades
**Ambilight/PixelPlus/Aptura
**Warranty Coverage

Chiahead

01-23-07, 11:42 AM

How about the PIP yellow box? I no longer use PIP because of it.

PhilipsPhanatic

01-23-07, 02:51 PM

How about the PIP yellow box? I no longer use PIP because of it.

That's very specific, I may bring it up but that's the kind of thing I/we want to bring up with the guys in technical.

This is a high-ranking corporate guy from The Netherlands, works with the Chairman of the Board, CEO, etc. I'm not going to give him a list of 'do's and don'ts' including PIP, even though that's important.

What I will tell him is that we need to have a contact to the Philips upgrade and technical staff -- and not a 1-800 number or an e-mail -- that allows us to address problems like the Yellow PIP.

BTW, you do know that Side-By-Side is yellow but the small PIP box can be changed to gray from yellow by hitting the left-arrow on the circular keys ???

Chiahead

01-23-07, 04:55 PM

That's very specific, I may bring it up but that's the kind of thing I/we want to bring up with the guys in technical.

This is a high-ranking corporate guy from The Netherlands, works with the Chairman of the Board, CEO, etc. I'm not going to give him a list of 'do's and don'ts' including PIP, even though that's important.

What I will tell him is that we need to have a contact to the Philips upgrade and technical staff -- and not a 1-800 number or an e-mail -- that allows us to address problems like the Yellow PIP.

BTW, you do know that Side-By-Side is yellow but the small PIP box can be changed to gray from yellow by hitting the left-arrow on the circular keys ???
yeah, but I want to sit far away and have both large enought to tell what is going on.

PhilipsPhanatic

01-23-07, 07:05 PM

yeah, but I want to sit far away and have both large enought to tell what is going on.

Gotcha....I can make out the outlines of football games in the small PIP box and I sit almost 10 feet away. You can't see tons of detail in the smaller box, that's for sure.

But I agree on changing that bright yellow on the side-by-side PIP. :mad:

Magna2007

01-23-07, 10:45 PM

What asking the Philips rep about allowing the user to:

1. Replace the black letterbox or black pillarbox (sidebars) with gray or some sort of pattern to help prevent burn-in.

2. Use gray or some other dark or neutal color with the PIP function to reduce the chance of image retention and/or outright burn-in on the screen. Yellow is not a very attractive color to use for this application anyway.

3. Philips should modify the TV setup menu and allow the user to more than one "personal" auto-picture menu of user-defined brightness, contrast, color, and sharpness picture setting combinations, such as for SDTV viewing vs HDTV viewing or for HDMI-1 vs HDMI-2 viewing. The sound menu apparently allows some of this.

4. Use the TVGOS menu(s) again.

Finally, tell Philips that overall their previous firmware updates did make positive incremental improvements to the 42PF9630A/37 HDTV function and picture quality and to please keep it up.

PhilipsPhanatic

01-23-07, 11:19 PM

What asking the Philips rep about allowing the user to:

It's a high-ranking Philips corporate executive, not some guy from the tech area. But I wrote down all your suggestions in case he gives me a reference. :)

1. Replace the black letterbox or black pillarbox (sidebars) with gray or some sort of pattern to help prevent burn-in.

So you want lighter colors, right? I think some STB's allow color changes there but I'll note this. ;)

2. Use gray or some other dark or neutral color with the PIP function to reduce the chance of image retention and/or outright burn-in on the screen. Yellow is not a very attractive color to use for this application anyway.

Gotcha....for both the small PIP when the functions are there and also the S-by-S PIP full-time. ;)

3. Philips should modify the TV setup menu and allow the user to more than one "personal" auto-picture menu of user-defined brightness, contrast, color, and sharpness picture setting combinations, such as for SDTV viewing vs HDTV viewing or for HDMI-1 vs HDMI-2 viewing. The sound menu apparently allows some of this.

No, I think SOUND has like 5 choices where as PICTURE has like 6. But I noted more than one PERSONAL set of inputs.

4. Use the TVGOS menu(s) again.

Definitely noted. :)

Finally, tell Philips that overall their previous firmware updates did make positive incremental improvements to the 42PF9630A/37 HDTV function and picture quality and to please keep it up.

Noted again ! :)

Ybarra

01-23-07, 11:47 PM

Only when using HDMI ? Can you describe the 'green screen' ???

Yes, only on HDMI and green as in red and blue are missing from the screen...the only color is green.

Is this like the old 'vacuum cleaner' distortion? Big wavy lines, left-to-right, moving up and down ?

No... I don't know how to describe it. When I worked in video editing (many moons ago) it is like what happens when the sync of a video signal is bad. It reminds me of the old scrambling CATV used to use (the first generation kind) where you can still see the picture pretty clearly, but the color is all messed up and there are 5 or 6 horizontal lines that drift up and down as the picture changes. In my opinion it is the small signal board not locking onto the Green input of component (sync) and it does it on component 1 and component 3.

Active Control isn't on MAX, is it ?

Oh come on... I probably know as much about these TV's as anyone in this forum. Of course not, and besides when I say dark I mean dark enough that I'd have to up the contrast 20 to compensate for the difference between Analog and Digital sources in brightness.

Hmmm...sounds like electromagnetic interference, like with my 'vacuum cleaner' screen problem that crops up every now and then.

EMI from what??? No...this is definitely a problem with the circuitry being in the area of "marginal." Not bad enough to fail all the time, not good enough to work all the time. Again...my bet is the small signal board or the power supply is fluctuating causing the small signal board to fail (and not lock on to component and HDMI signals properly and not power the analog coax fully).

Let us know if that fixes it, what the tech guys say caused the problem, and why the signal board went. Are you under warranty -- who's fixing it ? Did you bring it in or did they come to your house ? :confused:

I'll post back. I have the CC 3 year warranty (in house), so yes, the tech comes to my house and will eventually either repair it in my house or take it back to the shop for repair. Currently it is under Philips 1 year so I'm dealing primarily with a Philips authorized repair tech. Once it's out of the Philips warranty I'll be dealing with CC for the other 2 years.

PhilipsPhanatic

01-24-07, 12:55 AM

mlandau

01-24-07, 10:45 AM

Am I supposed to be short or long Philips?

Donniewb420

01-24-07, 10:46 AM

Am I supposed to be short or long Philips?

Huh??

Ybarra

01-24-07, 08:45 PM

OK, Ybarra, keep us posted....anything negative in your repairs, let us know and I'll forward it to Philips Corporate if I can. I'm curious as to how responsive and quick and accurate Philips is in fixing the set.

Maybe they have had this happen before and it'll be a quick diagnosis. If not, again, let us know. One of the things I told Philips was that repairs needed to be quicker and if they couldn't fix something or if a part was out, they should make loaner sets available.

The biggest problem is that they use independent dealers to do the repairs. In other words my local repair shop has maybe 6 total employees and they fix like 8-10 different brands (other than Philips) so they really aren't tied directly to Philips corporate. It's hit or miss whether you get a good tech or not.

Ybarra

01-24-07, 08:47 PM

Am I supposed to be short or long Philips?

Personally, I wouldn't go short OR long on Philips. AT&T stock is doing quite well after the alliance with Apple on the iPhone. Go long on AT&T and Apple.

PhilipsPhanatic

01-24-07, 11:40 PM

Am I supposed to be short or long Philips?

I've made good money with Philips. Ironically, they can improve profitability in the short term by skimping on R&D, customer support, etc. But in the long run, it comes back to bite you in the a**. Just ask the Detroit car makers in the 1980's and 1990's. ;)

I wouldn't be short Philips. They are focused on GE-type profitability in all their major segments. If they can't be #1 or #2 in something, they sell the division. That's why I hope they can improve market share and profitability in Consumer TV's -- I'd hate for them to exit that segment or sell it to someone like RCA did with Thompson years ago.

collingwood

01-25-07, 09:19 PM

rolento76

01-25-07, 10:23 PM

I have a 50PF9966 (50 inch Plasma) and after two years of use, the ambilights started buzzing and flickering odd colors...on both sides. It was suggested it might be bulbs but they wouldn't both go at the same time or flicker the same.

TV has been fantastic, love it otherwise but am very afraid of even engaging with service. Thinking I might just leave it off...but its frustrating because I like the feature.

Usage is a couple hours per day.

Suggestions?
It appears that your only option is a service repair. Did you buy an extended warranty?

I, too, love the ambilight feature. If it was me, I would spend for the repair if I didn't have an extended warranty. Just my opinion.

PhilipsPhanatic

01-26-07, 12:23 AM

Colling, have you contacted Philips or a repair shop that handles Philips' stuff and told them about the Ambilight? They might be able to diagnose it as bulbs or something else right away.

Magna2007

01-27-07, 08:30 AM

Colling, have you contacted Philips or a repair shop that handles Philips' stuff and told them about the Ambilight? They might be able to diagnose it as bulbs or something else right away.

PhilipsPhanatic:

Have you spoken to the Philips' technical support lately (in addition to their corporate people)??? Although I think that firmware version 1.5.0.0 is probably the last firmware update we'll see for a long time (if not the last one), nevertheless did they SAY anything to you about any further updates/upgrades that may be in the pipeline?

PhilipsPhanatic

01-27-07, 03:09 PM

PhilipsPhanatic:Have you spoken to the Philips' technical support lately (in addition to their corporate people)??? Although I think that firmware version 1.5.0.0 is probably the last firmware update we'll see for a long time (if not the last one), nevertheless did they SAY anything to you about any further updates/upgrades that may be in the pipeline?

Magna, I spoke to a high-ranking exec from the marketing department...I am going to e-mail him our concerns on the technical/firmware upgrade issues. I will post a synopsis of my conversation with him on some of the Philips AVS threads and also e-mail it to the Philips Tips Sheet recipients.

ANGLICO

01-28-07, 01:36 PM

Donniewb420

01-28-07, 04:05 PM

Calibration

After 1 year, I've decided to experiment with calibration. I don't have Avia or any of the other tools. All I have is the disk that Circuit City provided. I've found that confusing. I discovered that some DVDs include THX Optimizer. It's very easy to use. There is one problem. The TV on-screen menu display overlays part of the THX display. This makes it impossible to see all the test patterns.
Has anyone solved this problem?
I think these calibration programs were written for TVs with the old button controls.

I had similiar problems with the avia disc, the best thing i could do was change the format of the screen (widescreen, subtiled widescreen etc) and hten move it up and down left and right till I was able to get a clear enough view. Ive also heard that the THX optimizers on those dvds are specifically designed for that film itself, and wont render great results on other films. Id recommend an avia disc or something similiar. hope it helps.

dollar99

01-28-07, 04:24 PM

Magna2007

01-28-07, 06:28 PM

I'm using a Comcast cablecard and I just updated to this firmware. Now all my Channel names in the channel list is gone. Is there something I can do to "refresh" the channel list so it displays names as well?

You might need to re-scan/re-install the channels from the installation menu.

By the way, were you satisfied with the Comcast Cable card function in your TV?

mlandau

01-31-07, 10:00 PM

dollar 99:

Are you able to save your preferred channel list? I cannot. I have cablecard and cablevision.

desertfoxaz

01-31-07, 10:11 PM

I just wanted to let everyone know that I've had my extended warranty since late July and still haven't been able to get Philips to find a service center that will service my television.

The first shop they referred me to failed to show up for the three appointments I made with them. I told Philips this and they said there was another shop I could use. I called them and they said I was outside their service area. I called Philips again and they said they'd find another service center. A few weeks passed and I called again yesterday and they said that they had found another shop willing to do the work and did a special agreement to service it. They were supposed to contact me, but that never happened. They said this was all authorized two weeks ago and had assumed that I was inquiring on the status of the repair when I called, as if my TV was already in the shop.

I called the shop today and they said that they don't service Philips products, which really irritated me so I called Philips again and I told them that they need to contact the shop and straighten this out. If I don't hear from anyone by tomorrow, I'm calling again.

Philips said that they'd be willing to replace my TV but I'd have to get a shop state the unit was unrepairable. I've already had the main signal board replaced twice and I suspect that the one currently in it is bad too.

I'm writing a letter to Philips to explain what's been going on, along with a detailed list of problems I've had with this unit since I purchased it.

I have:
Philips Service Contract Department
P.O. Box 7448
San Francisco, CA 94120-9824

PhilipsPhanatic

01-31-07, 10:40 PM

Desert, do you have a 9630 model?

I will report back on my marketing contact from Philips this weekend. I believe a few people contacted me about reaching Philips executives regarding service/warranty issues; give them a few days to respond here.

desertfoxaz

01-31-07, 10:52 PM

Yes, its a 42PF9630A/37.

I already printed the letter, attachec copies of my previous work orders and will be mailing it tomorrow.

Here's a list of my grievances:

• Side USB connectors stopped working; could not view photos or perform firmware upgrade using same USB memory stick which I had used previously. This problem was fixed by the second repair.

• Intermittent video/audio dropout. This occurs frequently at startup and occasionally after the set has been on for some time. The loss of video/audio signals do not typically coincide. However, when the video is lost on startup, the on-screen display does in fact work. This problem has existed since the unit was new.

• Color temperature settings are backwards. Cool setting has a red tint while warm setting has a blue tint. Other pre-set color settings are red/brown in appearance. The set did not have these problems prior to the signal board being replaced the first time.

• When changing input selector to HDMI (DVD player), the background screen (which should be blue) occasionally appears bright pink, or freezes up and requires a restart. This problem existed since I purchased a DVD player with HDMI output.

• Attaching DVD player to either HDMI input makes signal appear on both HDMI1 and HDMI2. This is not expected and could cause problems connecting a second HDMI device. This problem existed since I purchased a DVD player with HDMI output.

• I have been unable to connect my Scientific Atlanta 3250HD cable converter to the television via DVI/HDMI using a Philips conversion cable. Either snow appears or I get a screen originating from the cable converter saying that the television is not HDCP-compliant (it is). Occasionally the signal will work but switch back to this message intermittently making it impossible to view programs while using the HDMI inout. This occurs regardless of whether the DVD player is connected to the other HDMI input. I have tried two cables and three different cable boxes and the problem still exists.