Philips 42PF9630A HD Plasma [Text View] - Page 5

Casey Jones

01-03-06, 12:43 AM

I bought this recently from costco.com, I have few issues with it

1. I cannot make the closed captions to appear, I have tried everything as metnioned in the user manual
2. When I connect HDMI from the cable box (motorola DCT6208 comcast), there is a green vertical bar at the right edge (Is it ia problem with cablebox?)
3. Sometimes when I am viewing HBO HD movies, it appears as if picture is beyond the screen, is it normal?
4. Pictures keep expanding and compressing (moving from HD to non-HD or from HD to guide and back), it is quite irritating at times. Is it something to expect with HD
5. Is there any way to make the menu transperent? It is very annoying. (I had sony tube tv, whose menu had a transperent background)
6. Why there is no button on remote to switch on display or to control closed caption? I feel that there is lot to be desired when it comes to remote (or may be I am too used to Sony's remote)
7. Cannot play mpeg movies from the card readers, probably "as designed", but is it that hard to provide a mpeg decoder?

I dont know, there are some small small things that are irritating me with the choice of this TV. Initially, I was thinking that 500+ for ambilight is too much. Now, I am starting to think that non-ambilight tv would also suffer from the same problems that I have listed.

It is not an easy task to return this TV and find another that would make me happy. Since Sony does not have plasma offering, I guess I need to swift thru the online manuals to make sure I find what I want!!! :rolleyes:

I might be able to help you some. Number 2 -you can use the wheel on the remote to move your plasma screen left right up or down.Number 3 -if your using hdmi to hdmi connection you need to choose automatic to fill your screen or widescreen which may leave black bars. These are in the aspect control of your internal menu reachable via the remote control. If your viewing a non hd channel, you have to go into the aspect control its sounds like you dont have it on the correct setting. Number 4 - You must have something set wrong with your cable or sat box. Try the internal setup menu in the cable or sat box probably the output signal that not correct, ie. 480p,720p,1080i. Closed caption is available in the tv set up menu. Look there. You may not have it turned on from your source. Number 5- If I recall correctly it can be done from the plasma internal menu. Number 7 - yes you can play mpeg 2 I have done it look in your manual. Dont be so hasty to blame everything on the plasma . Sounds like you need to familarize yourself more with the unit . I"ve owned mine for over 7 months and have not experienced any of the problems you have described. :) Hope some of this helps. :)

briguybb

01-03-06, 02:16 AM

WHAT WOULD YOU DO AND WHY?

Am ready to take the plunge and pick up a PDP. for the exact $xxx I can choose between the current Philips 42" Ambilight or the much beloved Vizio 50.

Pros of Philips:
Ambilight is cool
Philips has more features - tuner, cable card, memory slots
Philips has anti-ageing circuit
42" may be a better fit in the room (seating 10' from screen)
Good local retailer delivers and installs
Philips is more likely to be around in x years

Pros of Vizio:
Reportedly gorgeous, huge display
See above
Great bargain
Vizio seems to be responsive
Costco awesome return policy
Bigger is better (hey I'm a dude)

How would you resolve this?

Thanks for the input

Jdef,
Before I originally purchased my TV, it was a really tough choice. I read this forum day and night and also went to several different stores to check out the TVs. In most cases ALL of the stores did not have the "optimal" setup to really showcase each TV's features.
One thing that I did to help narrow down my choices was to look at the Input/Outputs. With the Philips you get two HDMI and other units you only get one. In all honesty, it was the 2nd HDMI port as well as the Ambi light that got me hooked. This forum helped sway my decision as well. I have to say that I'm EXTREMELY pleased with this set. I had a New Year's party and played various concerts on DVD and EVERYONE WAS AMAZED at the whole effect the TV had with ambi light. A friend of mine even returned his newly purchased Panasonic to get the Philips.
To help your decision, you can also purchase the Philips at your local Costco. If they don't have it available you can also order it online and have the great return policy as well. Hope this helps.

BT

Bavarian_Bully

01-03-06, 07:24 AM

Not really much of a hack, since its in the DFU.

I am very interested in the Ambi2 hack. Check p/m. :)

jvolkman

01-03-06, 09:27 AM

Alek

01-03-06, 01:10 PM

Alek

01-03-06, 02:47 PM

attybo

01-03-06, 02:58 PM

I bought this recently from costco*, I have few issues with it

1. I cannot make the closed captions to appear, I have tried everything as metnioned in the user manual

I had the same problem. I have Comcast, and although I don't know the manufacturer or model number of my box, it is DVR with 2 tuners and HDMI output. After calling Philips support, they suggested the box may have to be enabled for closed captions. Bingo. Comcast walked me thru it and they work fine.

One problem, they can only be turned off thru the cable box also. On my box, you simply had to turn the box off, leaving TV on. Push the Menu button on box remote until the user setup screeen appears, and enable captions.

attybo

01-03-06, 03:08 PM

black_macleod

01-03-06, 03:35 PM

nomansi

01-03-06, 03:55 PM

Has anyone ordered thru costco online? How long did it take for you guys to recieve it?

I just ordered the 42PF9630A/37, I dont know if they'll send me the shipping date in email, I did not see anything in the order form or order status page.

For this model, s&h was included in the price, why is it only for this model, but not for other model (42PF7220A/37)?

Since most of the stores in SF bay area dont keep either of these models, I guess only option is to order online.

Anyone know if there is any store in SF bay area with7220A or 9630A?

Like any one else, once I decided to pull the trigger, I want this piece right now !!

(Reposting this from another 7220A thread hoping to see someone answer)

I got mine from Costco in about 21 Calendar-days.

sanjath

01-03-06, 05:01 PM

I have some loss of image with the SDT channels sometimes. they are similar to the sound drop outs. The screen goes black or snowy (of green or red color) and I have to switch to any HD channel to recover the connection and then can go back. Did anyone notice anything like that? I have a motorola STB and an HDMI-to-dvi cable. When the screen is black, the TV says at the moment of loss that there is no signal. Then the STB shows (when I switch to the hdtv channel that it recovers the dvi connection). It is sort of similar to this re-boot problem in stand by, except that I continuously have the green light on, showing that the TV is on all the time. I rather blame the STB or the cable (the latter is not likely though).

I also found on this forum that people had these reboot problems in stand-by mode, at exactly the same time with other gear, such as Sony's hdr. Then Sony made an announcement that they were upgrading software via the cable which could cause this problem. However, in my case I don't have the cable connection, only an HDMI. On the other hand, the STB identifies it even if they both, the TV and the box are in the stand-by mode. That is, maybe, some cable information is passed via an HDMI connection as it does via the coaxial cable connection?

I finally got the service manual and studied the section about the error diagnostics - there is nothing about this problem there. Thus, the chances that a regular tech can help are slim or it is not a TV problem at all. Maybe, some other firmware upgrade is needed?

I also had similar problems when watching TV, initially I also felt that it is the STB that was causing the problem. Yesteraday, I saw a couple of image blackouts while watching a DVD. I changed to some other source and back to AV1 (DVD) and image seemed to resume. I saw some messages in another thread (on Philips 7320), where they were also talking about image dropping.

I have not spent much time in figuring out if my firmware is latest or I need to do an update. As one of the posters metntioned above, these are becoming like computer not easy to learn without going through the manual.

Since I recently switched from satellite to cable and also HD being a new thing for me, it is been painful to understand what is going wrong. I feel that it is very hard to find time to do experiments by checking the manual and trying out different things. I just want to enjoy my time watching some shows rather than understanding all the things about TV.

Thanks for all the answers guys, I just saw it now, I will try them out tonight.

My intention is not to blame the new plasma for everything, but being the most expensive electronics purchase of my life, expectations were high, can't help it!!

attybo

01-03-06, 06:56 PM

The TV has an optical in, so just use that if you have optical out of your 'puter. No adapter needed.

I don't think so. Mine has digital audio in, not digital optical audio in.

rolento76

01-03-06, 08:14 PM

I don't think so. Mine has digital audio in, not digital optical audio in.
You are correct attybo. I would recommend connecting your computer's optical out to your audio receiver's optical in.

Casey Jones

01-03-06, 11:01 PM

Well, the small scratch on the screen wasn't enough to make me want to exchange my 9630A, but this morning it developed an annoying red flickering pixel. This bright flicker is very noticable from normal viewing distances. Does anyone know Philips' policy on bad pixels? Will Best Buy take this back for an exchange?

Thanks

Sounds like you have a stuck pixel. It may go black (dead pixel) or it may function properly only time will tell.I think the return policy depends on where it is located ie. center of screen.

Casey Jones

01-03-06, 11:19 PM

I also had similar problems when watching TV, initially I also felt that it is the STB that was causing the problem. Yesteraday, I saw a couple of image blackouts while watching a DVD. I changed to some other source and back to AV1 (DVD) and image seemed to resume. I saw some messages in another thread (on Philips 7320), where they were also talking about image dropping.

I have not spent much time in figuring out if my firmware is latest or I need to do an update. As one of the posters metntioned above, these are becoming like computer not easy to learn without going through the manual.

Since I recently switched from satellite to cable and also HD being a new thing for me, it is been painful to understand what is going wrong. I feel that it is very hard to find time to do experiments by checking the manual and trying out different things. I just want to enjoy my time watching some shows rather than understanding all the things about TV.

Thanks for all the answers guys, I just saw it now, I will try them out tonight.

My intention is not to blame the new plasma for everything, but being the most expensive electronics purchase of my life, expectations were high, can't help it!!

One of the most important things you can do is to check to see what firmware upgrade you have installed and to keep it updated to avoid problems like your reporting now. Heres the list so far:

Software history

BX23U-1.0.8.0 00841
Following problems are solved :
• intermittent black flashes seen with specific distribution amplifiers
• Preferred Channel menu item temporarily disabed in BX23U-1.0.7.0 00831 is enabled with this
release

BX23U-1.0.7.0 00831
Following pro blems are solved :
• improved robuustness for digital audio connections with some specific cable boxes
• improved robustness for source selection and recovery time with some specific HDMI or DVI device
• bad colours after switching between HDMI and YPbPr inputs
• wrong decoding of very low bit rate ATSC streams
• general performance improvement

BX23U-1.0.6.0 00431
Internal release only, should not be used in the field

BX23U-1.0.4.1 00421
Following problems are solved :
• stereo ambilight last status improvement (Only for xxPF9830A/37 sets)

BX23U-1.0.5.0 00411
Following problems are solved :
• improved robuustness for digital audio connections with some specific cable boxes
• improved robuustness for source selection with some specific HDMI or DVI devices
• bad colors after switching between HDMI and YPbPr inputs
• wrong decoding of very low bit rate ATSC streams

BX23U-1.0.4.0 00201
Following problem is solved :
• Problem at production line.

BX23U-1.0.3.0 00191
Following problems are solved :
• Vertical picture shift not restored at startup.
• Thumbnails not visible in content browser after fast scrolling down through the list.
• Some specific CableCards reset on scrambled signals supporting multiple audio languages.
Prevention :
• Eliminate risk on picture detoriation.

BX23U-1.0.2.0 00181
Following problems are solved :
• Sometimes the digital CC can get stuck.
• In PIP/DW sometimes HDMI picture freezes while switching channels in the other window.
• Problem : sometimes bad detection of video signals on AV1 and AV3.

End_of_file

I feel your pain trying to understand all the new concepts. This learning curve I believe is important as since your an "early adopter" of a relatively new technology avenues for explanations are somewhat limited. This forum is one good source of information. However nothing can substitute hands on experience with your own panel. Without that type of experience we all would be virtually lost.

Casey Jones

01-03-06, 11:35 PM

Heres my recent observations in connecting and viewing an upconverting DVD player to the 42PF9630a/37.

A few days ago I replaced my 3 year old JVD DVD player model XV75GD with a new SONY DVPNS90V upconverting DVD player. The unit is connected to HDMI2 on the plasma via an HDMI to HDMI cable. Theres been alot said on many threads about upconverting players and although my JVC did produce a very nice picture I felt that the 9630a could do even better. Well for anyone on the fence about this type of upgrade I can tell you know that this plasma and the player mentioned are one great combination. The picture has taken one giant leap in quality with amazing clarity and a much more detailed image. On many DVD's they actually appear three dimensional as your eye would naturally perceive HD images. So much depth of field. I have the option of displaying the movies in either 1080I ,720p or 480P. Currently I flip back and forth between 720P and 1080i havent made up my mind yet on which I like best yet. :)

Chiahead

01-04-06, 10:48 AM

I am trying to hook my computer up to my plasma. I was able to get a picture (resolution is messed up, but I'm working on it) by using a DVI-HDMI adapter on my vid card (ATI x 800 series) and an HDMI cable to one of the inputs on the TV. However, I can't get sound from my sound card to either the TV or home theater receiver. Sound card has both optical out and standard outputs for computer (mini's?). Where would the connecting cable have to be hooked on the TV? Is there such an animal as a digital optical audio to digital audio adapter. or am I stuck with a standard connection? Any help would be appreciated.

attybo, I needed something similar to hook up from the digital coax out on the TV to my optical in on the receiver.

Partsexpress has some items that may help.

This is a coax to optical: (which is what I needed)
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=180-960

And you might need an optical to coax:
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=180-961

Hope it helps, it got my system up and running. I haven't tried anything from my laptop yet though. This was just getting audio to my receiver.

sanjath

01-04-06, 01:29 PM

I had the same problem. I have Comcast, and although I don't know the manufacturer or model number of my box, it is DVR with 2 tuners and HDMI output. After calling Philips support, they suggested the box may have to be enabled for closed captions. Bingo. Comcast walked me thru it and they work fine.

One problem, they can only be turned off thru the cable box also. On my box, you simply had to turn the box off, leaving TV on. Push the Menu button on box remote until the user setup screeen appears, and enable captions.

Thanks! that was the problem. But it really sucks, comcast box (Motorola DCTxxx) does not have an easy way of enabling the caption. I have to power off the box and then press the menu (mind you not in the remote but on the box) and then enable the CC. Once it is enabled, it is in the signal itself, so TV has nothing to do with it. I dont know what Motorola or Comcast guys were smoking when they decided to make the CC enablement so complex. :mad:

When I think about it, I do wonder if that is how it will be if I take the output thru HDMI or YrYbYg? i.e: TV can control CC only if the signal is through the co-axial input. I do not recall if I was getting CC when I connected the sat box using the RCA cable, I had both co-ax and RCA connected to my old sony tv and I kind of recall that CC was OK (enable disable using TV remote) in both modes.

Can anyone with sat box clarify this question, i.e: if input is through HDMI or YrYbYg, then sat box will process the CC and not the TV?

sanjath

01-04-06, 01:32 PM

One of the most important things you can do is to check to see what firmware upgrade you have installed and to keep it updated to avoid problems like your reporting now. Heres the list so far:

Software history
<...snip....>
End_of_file

I feel your pain trying to understand all the new concepts. This learning curve I believe is important as since your an "early adopter" of a relatively new technology avenues for explanations are somewhat limited. This forum is one good source of information. However nothing can substitute hands on experience with your own panel. Without that type of experience we all would be virtually lost.

Thanks, I guess I should update my firmware ASAP.

Bavarian_Bully

01-04-06, 02:30 PM

Thanks, I guess I should update my firmware ASAP.

I just updated mine last night. Do you know where to get the firmware for your television?

sanjath

01-04-06, 03:04 PM

Update:
I bought this recently from costco.com, I have few issues with it
1. I cannot make the closed captions to appear, I have tried everything as metnioned in the user manual
It is all STB's fault, I should've enabled the CC in STB.
2. When I connect HDMI from the cable box (motorola DCT6208 comcast), there is a green vertical bar at the right edge (Is it ia problem with cablebox?)
Thanks to the suggestion by other posters, by using the cursor keys I can move the piture to clear the green bar.
3. Sometimes when I am viewing HBO HD movies, it appears as if picture is beyond the screen, is it normal?
I guess it is same as above, but I have not figured out if there will be some content outside the frame (or is it an issue of me properly selecting the format)
4. Pictures keep expanding and compressing (moving from HD to non-HD or from HD to guide and back), it is quite irritating at times. Is it something to expect with HD
5. Is there any way to make the menu transperent? It is very annoying. (I had sony tube tv, whose menu had a transperent background)
I have not figured how to work around 4 and 5
6. Why there is no button on remote to switch on display or to control closed caption? I feel that there is lot to be desired when it comes to remote (or may be I am too used to Sony's remote)

I guess this is irrelevent if STB need to handle the CC (question 1)
7. Cannot play mpeg movies from the card readers, probably "as designed", but is it that hard to provide a mpeg decoder?

I think what I tried were the avi files that canon produces while creating a movie. I will try this again with different types of files and see what happens.

sanjath

01-04-06, 03:06 PM

I just updated mine last night. Do you know where to get the firmware for your television?

No, I was planning to go through this thread and the manual (CD) and figure out what need to be done. Is there any webpage that provides all the information (philips site)?

Bavarian_Bully

01-04-06, 03:52 PM

No, I was planning to go through this thread and the manual (CD) and figure out what need to be done. Is there any webpage that provides all the information (philips site)?

www.philips.com/support

Choose your country/language. It will then prompt you to enter your model number. Once found, check for the software upgrade. You'll have to right click/save as, and then unzip the file once saved. Once unzipped, copy the AUTORUN.UPG file onto a memory card, or usb mass storage device. You can then do a manual upgrade, or an automatic upgrade.

Manual: Enter your settings menu, choose software upgrade. Once completed, remove the storage device, power off/on the television.

Auto: With the television off, insert memory card/storage device, power on the television. It will automatically begin downloading the upgrade. Once completed, remove the device, power off/on the television.

MNChris

01-04-06, 03:54 PM

Bavarian_Bully

01-04-06, 03:56 PM

where I can hook up all the consoles and have them come out to a single source like a component or even better an Hdmi output?

Thanks.

Use the various A/V component outputs located on the back/side of the television.

sanjath

01-04-06, 04:25 PM

www.philips.com/support

Choose your country/language. It will then prompt you to enter your model number. Once found, check for the software upgrade. You'll have to right click/save as, and then unzip the file once saved. Once unzipped, copy the AUTORUN.UPG file onto a memory card, or usb mass storage device. You can then do a manual upgrade, or an automatic upgrade.

Manual: Enter your settings menu, choose software upgrade. Once completed, remove the storage device, power off/on the television.

Auto: With the television off, insert memory card/storage device, power on the television. It will automatically begin downloading the upgrade. Once completed, remove the device, power off/on the television.

Thanks, seems simple enough, I will try it out tonight.

Chiahead

01-04-06, 05:41 PM

Hello all, I'm new here. I just bought one of these Plasmas and I'm expecting it to get delivered tomorrow. I have some questions that I'm hoping you can help me with. First - What mount should I use to hang this up, I've read that this TV doesn't work with all the universal mounts, (I would like a tilting mount) where can I find it for the best price? Where is the best place to get cables (HDMI, Component)? Is it hard to mount this thing on wall? I'm not the most handy person but I think through the use of laser levels and stud finders I can probably do this, am i just fooling myself is this tougher than it seems? And lastly, I work in the videogame industry so I'm probably going to play a lot of games on this thing, and alot of the games I play are on old consoles Nes, genesis etc. is there a switch or something where I can hook up all the consoles and have them come out to a single source like a component or even better an Hdmi output?

Thanks.

Hello MNChris.
The Omnimount U3-T works for this set. It tilts, and more importantly, it comes with extensions which are needed for this set. (just need to add the extensions to one side, not both. Circuit City had it for full price, and wouldn't budge even though I bought a 42 inch plasma at the same time, so I got it on Amazon for quite a bit less, and free shipping. (I won't quote prices due to forum rules).

The best cable prices I found varied. I got most of them from monoprice.com, the only thing I got elsewhere was a digital coaxial to optical converter from partsexpress.com.

Actual mounting was not bad, but just figuring out how to run the cables, and having an extra person to help hang it and hook it up is the hard part. Most people seemed to get it up easily, unless they were hanging it over a fire place. There are many messages in this thread dealing with how people mounted it. For me it is over the fireplace, and the power cable running through the wall (which is a code no-no, but I don't care, I will take it with me when I move anyway)

I have only played the PS2 on it, and it has the same problems as a high def TV playing a standard def channel. Some scaling may make it look funny, but I don't mind. The next generation consoles is where this TV should shine.

Don't know about how to hook them all up, but you could find a switch box to hook all ysstems into, then just run the output once to the TV. Control which system you will be using from the switch box itself.

Hope this helps.

Casey Jones

01-04-06, 11:21 PM

roopG

01-05-06, 08:16 PM

This is an excellent forum and has answered lot of my questions.

But I have one question about built in Tuner which I cannot find any solution. Perhaps this forum can help me again. Here is the question:

Since this TV has only one tuner, how do I connect HDTV Antenna and Comcast analog cable toghether and what do I select during AutoPrograming (Antenna or Cable). I want to watch HD channels and cable channels.

Thanks.

sanjath

01-05-06, 10:59 PM

One of the most important things you can do is to check to see what firmware upgrade you have installed and to keep it updated to avoid problems like your reporting now. Heres the list so far:

Software history

BX23U-1.0.8.0 00841
Following problems are solved :
• intermittent black flashes seen with specific distribution amplifiers
• Preferred Channel menu item temporarily disabed in BX23U-1.0.7.0 00831 is enabled with this
release
<snip>

I already have the BX23U-1.0.8.0.00841 upgrade. Date of this update is sep 8 2005, that is pretty old. So, blank flashes happened even with the latest firmware.

I just tried to put the autorun.upg in an USB and tried to see if I can upgrade, but when I went to upgrade screen it said that no upgrades were found in the inserted media. But according to readme file, it should warn me and ask if I want to replace.

Bavarian_Bully

01-05-06, 11:06 PM

I already have the BX23U-1.0.8.0.00841 upgrade. Date of this update is sep 8 2005, that is pretty old. So, blank flashes happened even with the latest firmware.

I just tried to put the autorun.upg in an USB and tried to see if I can upgrade, but when I went to upgrade screen it said that no upgrades were found in the inserted media. But according to readme file, it should warn me and ask if I want to replace.

That most recent update was added to the site on 10/5/2005. I'm assuming that 9/8/2005 was its creation date. As far as the AUTORUN file is concerned, you need to make sure that it is the only item on the storage media, and that it isn't located in folder.

Casey Jones

01-05-06, 11:44 PM

Casey Jones

01-05-06, 11:47 PM

sanjath

01-06-06, 01:41 AM

That most recent update was added to the site on 10/5/2005. I'm assuming that 9/8/2005 was its creation date. As far as the AUTORUN file is concerned, you need to make sure that it is the only item on the storage media, and that it isn't located in folder.

I formatted the media fresh (fat32) and put only this file in the root. I tried with both USB media and memory stick (is it supposed to work with any media or only USB?)

Anyway, since my TV has the latest firmware, I guess there is no point in trying this.

sanjath

01-06-06, 01:46 AM

The 42pf9630a/37 has dual tuners. ATSC and NTSC. :)

Just to try out, I bypassed the cable STB and did autoprogram using cable. It came out with a message that 200 odd digital channels and 70 something analog chanels detected. However, quality of the picture was just bearable. Any of you know how the channels get matched. My STB channels numbers run upto 1000 but the TV has only 120 channels, however when I did autoprogram some of the channels appeared with decimal number like 80.1 80.2 etc. I could not understand if 80.1 is same as 801. I guess not, 702 in STB is Fox HD, but when I went through direct 2.1 was FoxHD.

I want to ask Comcast (SF bay area) for a cable card and see if quality is better (bypassing the STB). Anyway, if I need the DVR, I got to have the STB :(

Bavarian_Bully

01-06-06, 01:57 AM

I formatted the media fresh (fat32) and put only this file in the root. I tried with both USB media and memory stick (is it supposed to work with any media or only USB?)

Anyway, since my TV has the latest firmware, I guess there is no point in trying this.

It's supposed to work with any media. I used CFII. In either case, you do have the latest update, so all is well. Did you try it manually, or automatic?

Casey Jones

01-06-06, 02:52 AM

Casey Jones

01-06-06, 02:55 AM

I formatted the media fresh (fat32) and put only this file in the root. I tried with both USB media and memory stick (is it supposed to work with any media or only USB?)

Anyway, since my TV has the latest firmware, I guess there is no point in trying this.

If your plasma already has the latest version of the firmware installed it wont allow you to reinstall the same firmware version or roll it back to an earlier version. I have always used a thumb drive (USB microdrive) and never had a problem. :)

sethaniel

01-06-06, 04:19 AM

Does anyone know if the Ambilight 2 hack described here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6274552&&#post6274552) still works with the latest firmware (BX23U-1.0.8.0 00841) for the 42PF9630A/37?

I just ordered mine today, so I'm huming the Heinz Ketchup songl, "Anticipation" now.

I wanted to mention that the numerous posts on this forum have been a great help.

-Seth

rolento76

01-06-06, 08:46 AM

Chiahead

01-06-06, 10:30 AM

Just to try out, I bypassed the cable STB and did autoprogram using cable. It came out with a message that 200 odd digital channels and 70 something analog chanels detected. However, quality of the picture was just bearable. Any of you know how the channels get matched. My STB channels numbers run upto 1000 but the TV has only 120 channels, however when I did autoprogram some of the channels appeared with decimal number like 80.1 80.2 etc. I could not understand if 80.1 is same as 801. I guess not, 702 in STB is Fox HD, but when I went through direct 2.1 was FoxHD.

I want to ask Comcast (SF bay area) for a cable card and see if quality is better (bypassing the STB). Anyway, if I need the DVR, I got to have the STB :(

It does depend on what Comcast is sending out in your area. In The Denver area, we got all the locals, until just this week, when they started simulcasting all the regular basic cable stations in digital. Now I can watch NBC on 9 for analog, 81.8 for digital, or 91.1 for HD. There doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to how the channels are laid out.

As for using an antenna, you don't really need it if you are getting the stations from the cable, unless there are more offered in your area on OTA than Comcast sends. The HT guys mention this sometimes on their PODcast where they can pick up more signals in the San Diego area than they should.

There are threads in other parts of the message board dealing with OTA topics for each different city, and cable topics for each city. You may try those to see if they can answer some of your specific questions about SF area stations.

roopG

01-06-06, 11:42 AM

The 42pf9630a/37 has dual tuners. ATSC and NTSC. :)

Thanks for your reply Casey.

I guess what I'm asking is how do I connect both cable (without STB) and HD Antenna to only one input available on this TV and what do I select while doing AutoProgramming in TV's Setup menu (Should I choose Cable or Antenna as source).

Is this possible at all?

Alek

01-06-06, 12:25 PM

Thanks for your reply Casey.

I guess what I'm asking is how do I connect both cable (without STB) and HD Antenna to only one input available on this TV and what do I select while doing AutoProgramming in TV's Setup menu (Should I choose Cable or Antenna as source).

Is this possible at all?

Why not to use a standard splitter from a Radioshack? But you need it for the HD signal - up to 2300Mhz or I am not sure?

roopG

01-06-06, 01:20 PM

Thanks for your reply Casey.

I guess what I'm asking is how do I connect both cable (without STB) and HD Antenna to only one input available on this TV and what do I select while doing AutoProgramming in TV's Setup menu (Should I choose Cable or Antenna as source).

Is this possible at all?

Philips Tech support told me that its immpossible to hook up two sources this way. Has anyone here ever tried this setup?

Thanks.

roopG

01-06-06, 01:21 PM

Why not to use a standard splitter from a Radioshack? But you need it for the HD signal - up to 2300Mhz or I am not sure?

Alek,

I'm trying to combine two signals. So I don't think I should be using splitter.

attybo

01-06-06, 02:00 PM

Yes. It works. I have the latest firmware and stereo Ambilight is still working. I love it.

Has anyone had this problem?: I made the hack changes to Ambilight 2 but the result was a constant, unchanging light on the left side of screen (looking at it) and a dimmer, unchanging light on the right. Obviously not satisfactory, then couldn't figure out a way to "revoke" the hack. I changed Ambilight setting back to mono, but it stayed just the way I described above. The change simply would not store. Even tried turning set on and off several times. Ultimately, following something I read on this forum, I turned off TV, unplugged, plugged back in, and it seemed to revert to the default Ambilight. All's well that ends well.

To Chiahead: Thanks for the help on that. I thought that would be the way to go.

And to all: This forum rocks! Thanks for your collective inputs.

TommyZ

01-06-06, 02:04 PM

black_macleod

01-06-06, 02:18 PM

Don't think you can. Have to use a switch box. Or get a cable box for your cable and use a different kind of input on the tv.

tattootearz

01-06-06, 02:25 PM

The Philips 963 Plasma ranked #2 over the Panny by Team XBOX as the best Plasma you can get..... http://features.teamxbox.com/xbox/1427/The-TeamXboxcom-Guide-to-HDTV/p3/#plasma

I was really shocked. :eek:

roopG

01-06-06, 02:36 PM

The only solution is to use an A/B switch. You can get the manual slide switch version or a remote controlled version.

Not really the elegant solution you were hoping for to go with your shiny new Philips, huh? I have the same dilemma. :(

Tommy

Do you Autoscan on your TV for channels every time you switch from ANtenna to Cable or back. I don't mind using A/B switch but then I think I'll have to Autoprogram every time I switch.

Bavarian_Bully

01-06-06, 03:43 PM

Has anyone had this problem?: I made the hack changes to Ambilight 2 but the result was a constant, unchanging light on the left side of screen (looking at it) and a dimmer, unchanging light on the right. Obviously not satisfactory, then couldn't figure out a way to "revoke" the hack. I changed Ambilight setting back to mono, but it stayed just the way I described above. The change simply would not store. Even tried turning set on and off several times. Ultimately, following something I read on this forum, I turned off TV, unplugged, plugged back in, and it seemed to revert to the default Ambilight. All's well that ends well.

To Chiahead: Thanks for the help on that. I thought that would be the way to go.

And to all: This forum rocks! Thanks for your collective inputs.

You have to change the balance of the Ambilight in the settings so that it is equal on both sides. My television did the same thing. I believe the settings are that way by default because Ambi1 is mono. The stereo Ambilight is definitely the better of the two.

Alek

01-06-06, 06:01 PM

Alek,

I'm trying to combine two signals. So I don't think I should be using splitter.

I meant to use it as a splitter with two ins and one out, so you can combine two inputs in one output. I did not try it myself though, and I think it will only work if the antenna and cable have non-overlapping frequencies (as one might expect).
(And then it is not a ``splitter'' - I am not sure if it works both ways, and I don't know if it can be done - we need an engineer here).

If the latter is not true (which would negate the purpose of having a tuner in this tv designed to handle both), then, most likely, you will not be able to store the found channels, I mean if they have the same frequency, as the tv, probably, will not be able do distinguish them in its list of channels, unless it is a much more unnecessarily sophisticated arrangement. But I heard that the govenment assigns for each company its own frequecy (bandwidth). I can be wrong though.

An A/B switch suggested here should definitely work.

Casey Jones

01-07-06, 12:25 AM

Has anyone had this problem?: I made the hack changes to Ambilight 2 but the result was a constant, unchanging light on the left side of screen (looking at it) and a dimmer, unchanging light on the right. Obviously not satisfactory, then couldn't figure out a way to "revoke" the hack. I changed Ambilight setting back to mono, but it stayed just the way I described above. The change simply would not store. Even tried turning set on and off several times. Ultimately, following something I read on this forum, I turned off TV, unplugged, plugged back in, and it seemed to revert to the default Ambilight. All's well that ends well.

To Chiahead: Thanks for the help on that. I thought that would be the way to go.

And to all: This forum rocks! Thanks for your collective inputs.

What Bavarian Bully said is correct. However if in doubt just go into the menu and reset all settings to factory defaults. :)

kahlilj

01-07-06, 03:06 AM

:confused: The Philips 963 Plasma ranked #2 over the Panny by Team XBOX as the best Plasma you can get..... http://features.teamxbox.com/xbox/1427/The-TeamXboxcom-Guide-to-HDTV/p3/#plasma

I was really shocked. :eek:

are u sure that's a ranking & not just a numbered list?

fishbone

01-07-06, 08:25 AM

Chiahead

01-07-06, 10:54 AM

I apologize for the newbie question, but what is the deal with resolution on 42" plasmas? Will they offer a significantly less sharp picture than both larger and smaller HD sets due to their 1024 x 768 resolution? And what's up with that?

All 42 Plasmas are not "TRUE" HD. You need to go to the larger sizes or LCD. I had heard, for the dimensions the 42s would have had to be were not popular. That could just be my friends speculation though.

Yes, there is some scaling that the TV does, but it doesn't seem to be a big loss. It is still much better than standard definition. Besides, what is true high def. Some seta are 720, some are 1080...

This set looks great to me, and my space was too small (and bank account too small) for a larger set.

Anyone else have any input or insight on this?

Alek

01-07-06, 11:48 AM

I apologize for the newbie question, but what is the deal with resolution on 42" plasmas? Will they offer a significantly less sharp picture than both larger and smaller HD sets due to their 1024 x 768 resolution? And what's up with that?

I think, as far as I recall, it is 768p, that is, it can be called an HD set (you need at least 720p for that - ABC and, I think, ESPNHD NFL games). Practically, this means to me that I can see the pixels (``squares'' ) from my viewing distance (5-9') with an ED plasma but I don't (practically) see them with an HD plasma. If you sit further away, there is no difference.

Hey, when I watch, pretty much any SD channel (like CNN or HGTV) from 12' away it looks like an HD to me. I make an effort sometimes to decide whether it is a SD HBO channel or not, even at 9' away.

drewdown

01-07-06, 12:12 PM

Alek

01-07-06, 12:20 PM

I meant to use it as a splitter with two ins and one out, so you can combine two inputs in one output. I did not try it myself though, and I think it will only work if the antenna and cable have non-overlapping frequencies (as one might expect).
(And then it is not a ``splitter'' - I am not sure if it works both ways, and I don't know if it can be done - we need an engineer here).

If the latter is not true (which would negate the purpose of having a tuner in this tv designed to handle both), then, most likely, you will not be able to store the found channels, I mean if they have the same frequency, as the tv, probably, will not be able do distinguish them in its list of channels, unless it is a much more unnecessarily sophisticated arrangement. But I heard that the govenment assigns for each company its own frequecy (bandwidth). I can be wrong though.

An A/B switch suggested here should definitely work.

I just purchased an LG HD tuner/dvd-player (great thing!) for some other application, and am facing the same problem how to combine the cable and antenna with one coax input. The picture in the manual looks like they use a splitter (but it is marked ``OR''). So, I called to the customer service and they told me that a ``splitter' is not going work, and that I need an RF-modulator to use two coax in and one out (an AB-switcher).

oldrtyfrog

01-07-06, 04:31 PM

jvolkman

01-07-06, 06:20 PM

Alek

01-07-06, 06:42 PM

Alek,

I'm trying to combine two signals. So I don't think I should be using splitter.

The only solution is to use an A/B switch. You can get the manual slide switch version or a remote controlled version.

Not really the elegant solution you were hoping for to go with your shiny new Philips, huh? I have the same dilemma. :(

I went to a Radioshack and found what is needed: A 2-directional (bi-directional?) splitter (as I wrote) designed to combine (or split) several antennas and/or a sat cable in one out. It is called a splitter/combiner, or duplexer or ... There were at least 5 of them (just pick the right bandwidth - I saw at least up to 2045 Mhz). So, no switch is needed and you can autoscan them all together and have a joint list of favorite channels, I guess.

Casey Jones

01-07-06, 10:14 PM

All 42 Plasmas are not "TRUE" HD. You need to go to the larger sizes or LCD. I had heard, for the dimensions the 42s would have had to be were not popular. That could just be my friends speculation though.

Yes, there is some scaling that the TV does, but it doesn't seem to be a big loss. It is still much better than standard definition. Besides, what is true high def. Some seta are 720, some are 1080...

This set looks great to me, and my space was too small (and bank account too small) for a larger set.

Anyone else have any input or insight on this?
Heres some info from the industry:

In response to the proliferation of new digital
television (DTV) products available at a range of
price points, the Consumer Electronics Association
(CEA) has introduced more detailed definitions for
the DTV products now available to consumers. The
new product definitions, with corresponding logos
identifying each class of products, are designed
to give retailers and consumers a clearly defined
explanation of the various choices in the growing
digital TV marketplace.
NEW CATEGORY OFFERS MORE CHOICE
A new digital TV product category called Enhanced
Definition TV (EDTV) has been added between High
Definition TV (HDTV) and Standard Definition TV
(SDTV). EDTV products are digital TVs with higher
display performance than SDTV. This new category
offers consumers another range of options when
purchasing DTV products.
COMPONENT PRODUCTS CLEARLY DEFINED
The new definitions and logos also address the
component nature of many manufacturers’ television
product lines. With new definitions and logos for
“monitors” and “tuners,” consumers and retailers will
now be able to distinguish sets with integrated DTV
tuners from monitors and tuners sold separately.
Therefore, consumers can be sure that the EDTV or
HDTV monitor they purchase can be combined with
the appropriate tuner to receive digital broadcasts
and display at Enhanced Definition (ED) or High
Definition (HD) quality levels.
NEW CLARITY FOR RETAILERS AND CONSUMERS
The definitions are expected to be incorporated into
manufacturers’ television marketing materials in
the coming months. CEA’s Video Division Board
developed the definitions to more clearly define
parameters for the varying levels of DTV products
available and to make it easier for consumers to
differentiate between the types of DTV products
offered. The Board defined minimum attribute
resolution requirements that, until now, had not
existed for High Definition televisions and monitors.
Specifically, HDTV displays must have active top-tobottom
scan lines of 720 progressive, 1080 interlaced,
or higher. For the first time, consumers will be able
to understand the different technical approaches
taken by manufacturers to the display of widescreen
high definition programming, particularly on 4:3
aspect ratio HDTV displays. (Manufacturers will
disclose the number of active scan lines for a high
definition image within a 16:9 aspect ratio “letter
boxed” image area on an HDTV display).
The CEA Video Division Board also adopted two
resolutions that provide clear guidelines to manufacturers
and retailers for the advertising of DTV products
to consumers. The first resolution will allow consumers
to clearly differentiate between the new DTV sets
and analog-only televisions. The resolution states that
analog-only televisions (televisions/monitors with a
scanning frequency of 15.75 kHz) should not be
marketed or designated to consumers as having any
particular DTV capability or attributes.
In a second related resolution, the Board agreed that
the new definitions for monitors and tuners should
be used by all manufacturers and retailers to replace
general, non-industry terminology like “DTV-ready” or
“HDTV-ready.”
This new terminology will give consumers a ‘goodbetter-
best’ choice when shopping for digital TV
products. Manufacturers created this range of definitions
so that consumers will be armed with the information
they need to make informed buying decisions across
varying budget levels.
D I G I T A L T E L E V I S I O N
P r o d u c t a n d C o m p o n e n t D e f i n i t i o n s
HIGH-DEFINITION
TELEVISION (HDTV): HDTV
refers to a complete product/system
with the following minimum
performance attributes:
Receiver—Receives ATSC terrestrial digital transmissions
and decodes all ATSC Table 3 video formats
Display Scanning Format—Has active vertical scanning
lines of 720 progressive (720p), 1080 interlaced (1080i),
or higher
Aspect Ratio—Capable of displaying a 16:9 image1
Audio—Receives and reproduces, and/or outputs Dolby
Digital audio
HIGH-DEFINITION
TELEVISION (HDTV)
MONITOR: HDTV Monitor
refers to a monitor or display
with the following minimum performance attributes:
Display Scanning Format—Has active vertical scanning
lines of 720 progressive (720p), 1080 interlaced (1080i),
or higher
Aspect Ratio—Capable of displaying a 16:9 image1
1In specifications found on product literature and in owner’s
manuals, manufacturers are required to disclose the number of
vertical scanning lines in the 16:9 viewable area, which must be
540p, 810i or higher to meet the definition of HDTV.
HIGH DEFINITION
TELEVISION (HDTV) TUNER:
HDTV Tuner refers to a RF
receiver with the following minimum
performance attributes:
Receiver—Receives ATSC terrestrial digital transmissions
and decodes all ATSC Table 3 video formats
Outputs—Outputs the ATSC Table 3 720p and 1080i/p
formats in the form of HD with minimum active vertical
scanning lines of 720p, 1080i, or higher. Additionally, it
may output HD formats converted to other formats. The
lower resolution ATSC Table 3 formats can be output at
lower resolution levels. Alternatively, the output can be a
digital bitstream with the full resolution of the broadcast
signal.
Audio—Receives and reproduces, and/or outputs Dolby
Digital audio
ENHANCED DEFINITION
TELEVISION (EDTV): EDTV
refers to a complete product/system
with the following minimum
performance attributes:
Receiver—Receives ATSC terrestrial digital transmissions
and decodes all ATSC Table 3 video formats
Display Scanning Format—Has active vertical scanning
lines of 480 progressive (480p) or higher
Aspect Ratio—None Specified
Audio—Receives and reproduces, and/or outputs Dolby
Digital audio
ENHANCED DEFINITION
TELEVISION (EDTV)
MONITOR: EDTV Monitor
refers to a monitor or display
with the following minimum performance attributes:
Display Scanning Format—Has active vertical scanning
lines of 480 progressive (480p) or higher
Aspect Ratio—None specified
ENHANCED DEFINITION
TELEVISION (EDTV) TUNER:
EDTV Tuner refers to a RF
receiver with the following minimum
performance attributes:
Receiver—Receives ATSC terrestrial digital transmissions
and decodes all ATSC Table 3 video formats
Outputs—Outputs the ATSC Table 3 720p and 1080i/p
and 480p formats with minimum active vertical scanning
lines of 480p. Alternatively, the output can be a digital
bitstream output capable of transporting 480p, except the
ATSC Table 3 480i format can be output at 480i.
Audio—Receives and reproduces, and/or outputs Dolby
Digital audio
STANDARD DEFINITION
TELEVISION (SDTV): SDTV
refers to a complete product/system
with the following performance
attributes:
Receiver—Receives ATSC terrestrial digital transmissions
and decodes all ATSC Table 3 video formats, and produces
a useable picture
Display Scanning Format—Has active vertical scanning
lines less than that of EDTV
Aspect Ratio—None specified
Audio—Receives and reproduces usable audio
STANDARD DEFINITION
TELEVISION (SDTV) TUNER:
SDTV Tuner refers to a RF
receiver with the following minimum
performance attributes:
Receiver—Receives ATSC terrestrial digital transmissions
and decodes all ATSC Table 3 video formats
Outputs—Outputs all ATSC table 3 formats in the form
of NTSC output
Audio—Receives and reproduces, and/or outputs Dolby
Digital audio
C E A D T V D e f i n i t i o n s

Casey Jones

01-07-06, 10:26 PM

I have to say after looking at the Phillips, Panasonic and Hitachit 42" plasma's the Phillips appeared to have the worst picture out of all of them. Any type of lettering or logo was cloudy and showed pixalation on the Phillips. Whereas the Panasonic and Hitachi were crystal clear. And this was at two different places.

There were to 42" Phillips at Circuit City, the 42PF9630A and the 42PF7320A. The 7320 had a much better picture than the 9630 and when I adujsted the settings on the 9630 to match the 7320 it still did not look as good. I truly tried to convince myself to buy the Phillips for the ambient light and all the positive reviews here, but I couldnt do it.

Will probably get the Hitachi instead.

Viewing a plasma at a store and using that as the basis of your decision to make a purchase isnt always a good idea. There are to many variables that you as the end viewer cannot control and are not aware of. Is the set properly adjusted? Are you familiar with the controls of a specific model to make meaningful changes? What type of signal was it receiving,and from what source, and what was the quality of that signal? How was it connected? Same feed or different? Cabling same or different? How was it connected? Analog or HDMI or DVI? As you can see it doesnt matter what plasma or lcd you buy you could go to a dozen stores and the picture quality on all the units would look good at some stores and worse at others. And one thing you can be sure of if you dont have good signal quality in your home no matter what panel you buy it will never look good.

Casey Jones

01-07-06, 10:31 PM

Hey guys. I recently called Philips support because my 42pf9630a kept powering off while watching it. It started off happening once in a while, but eventually it got to the point where it would only stay powered on for an hour at a time. Anyway, the local tech came out today to pick up my TV, but he layed it flat in the back of a van to transport it to the shop. I told him that I thought plasmas had to sit upright, but he said as long as the glass is facing up, it would be OK. I even called Philips who said that it would be OK to lay flat. Does anyone know if this is going to damage my TV even more? I have a bad feeling about this.

If you look at the information package that came with your plasma, you'll remember that yes you can lay it flat but on the styrofoam blocks they provided as part of the plasma box. The instruction sheet said to lay it flat(face down). If you remember an earlier post of mine I took mine apart to get at a memory stick I dropped inside. I used those blocks and had no problem at all. Having said that why didnt you or them repackage the plasma in the orignal box, I would think that the best way to ship it not face down or face up. Question why did they take the plasma dont you have in home service?

Casey Jones

01-07-06, 10:35 PM

Got my exchange from Best Buy today. I thought they'd give me a hard time for bringing it back due to a bad pixel, but everything was simple. The new one has no bad pixels (afaik), and no scratches on the front glass. Hopefully that was my only exchange. :)

More often dead pixels and stuck pixels occur when a panel is first used. Thats not to say they cant occur later but it is not the rule. Keep an eye on it and good luck with your plasma. :)

drewdown

01-08-06, 10:29 AM

Viewing a plasma at a store and using that as the basis of your decision to make a purchase isnt always a good idea. There are to many variables that you as the end viewer cannot control and are not aware of. Is the set properly adjusted? Are you familiar with the controls of a specific model to make meaningful changes? What type of signal was it receiving,and from what source, and what was the quality of that signal? How was it connected? Same feed or different? Cabling same or different? How was it connected? Analog or HDMI or DVI? As you can see it doesnt matter what plasma or lcd you buy you could go to a dozen stores and the picture quality on all the units would look good at some stores and worse at others. And one thing you can be sure of if you dont have good signal quality in your home no matter what panel you buy it will never look good.

I understand what you are saying, but both stores that had the Phillips on display both had crappy pictures compared to the Panasonic. I am hesitant to buy it because of that. If it looked good I wouldnt hesitate, but it doesnt.

CC just dropped the price on them as well today. :confused:

black_macleod

01-08-06, 11:44 AM

Dont't buy it. More for us!

Seriously, its a great tv.

fumippu

01-08-06, 12:01 PM

Hello PurdueMarc,

I have 42PF7320A and noticed the same problem when I played Hot Shot Golf on PS2. Same like you, I do play a lot of rhythm games as well, and they were all unplayable... I connect all sound sources directly to home theatre, and do notice the echo effect as well due to this lag issue.

Thanks for doing all the reseach for me and even calculating the actual time lag. I decided to return this unit since it has only been 1 week. Oh, I did make a call to philips and complained this a lot for you.

Now my problem is to find out which TV is safe from this issue. I hear LCD's are better than Plasma but it seems that not so many people even noticed this issue, I wonder how much info I can get... I am considering Sharp 32 or 37 LCD models right now. I will let you know if I have any update on this.

I've learned a few things- First, that time delay (especially with gaming) is a recognized problem with HDTVs, and is even discussed quite a bit on this site. I wish I would have looked into that before making a purchase, but oh well. Second, no one on this thread is as vexed by it as I am, and I don't know why. Maybe I'm the only one who plays rhythm games.

In any case, tonight I talked to Philips tech support. The guy told me that they realize time delay is an issue with this set, but he said it can be fixed with a firmware update. I asked when this update would come out, and he said he didn't know- it would depend on how many people complain about the delay. If only a few people have a problem with it, they're less likely to work on a fix.

So here's my request: If the delay bothers you, or if you're calling Philips tech support for any other reason, mention it and maybe they'll put out a fix faster (if it's even possible). Thanks!

Alek

01-08-06, 12:54 PM

I understand what you are saying, but both stores that had the Phillips on display both had crappy pictures compared to the Panasonic. I am hesitant to buy it because of that. If it looked good I wouldnt hesitate, but it doesnt.

CC just dropped the price on them as well today. :confused:

Hitachi is a great plasma, no question about it. However, the fact that you saw Philips in 2 stores with a PQ you did not like is not a complete argument. Maybe, in some other stores it is not so, for example. Another thing is that some TVs look good for a day or a month/year and then you start to hate them (though you loved them in a store). I normally prefer a naturally looking picture. For example, again, every time I go to a store I can't help myself and check TVs. In my opinion, Panasonic looks artificial. For example, it provides seemingly a good 3-D picture, but it looks to me as a 3-D computer animation. It is really interesting, but I can't live with it for a long time. And so forth (connections you need, and ...). It might be a good idea to take another and another look at them ...

oldrtyfrog

01-08-06, 04:22 PM

If you look at the information package that came with your plasma, you'll remember that yes you can lay it flat but on the styrofoam blocks they provided as part of the plasma box. The instruction sheet said to lay it flat(face down). If you remember an earlier post of mine I took mine apart to get at a memory stick I dropped inside. I used those blocks and had no problem at all. Having said that why didnt you or them repackage the plasma in the orignal box, I would think that the best way to ship it not face down or face up. Question why did they take the plasma dont you have in home service?

I'm supposed to have in home service but both places that I called said that they had to take the TV back to the shop to troubleshoot the problem. If they damage my TV in any way, I'm assuming Philips will replace it. I've only had it for about 4 months.

Casey Jones

01-08-06, 05:06 PM

I'm supposed to have in home service but both places that I called said that they had to take the TV back to the shop to troubleshoot the problem. If they damage my TV in any way, I'm assuming Philips will replace it. I've only had it for about 4 months.

Just a thought but alot of places will say they cant do in home service only because its easier for them not for you. And if they were recommended then they are obligated to do so. They are fully aware of how to diagnose a unit in home. They just dont want to make two trips one to diagnose and the other to install a part. I would let Philips know the responses and if the warranty is inhome then in home it is. They(Philips) would have to get you a repair service tech to come in home or replace the unit . The squeekiest wheel always get the most oil. Anyhow I hope all works out. :)

mlandau

01-08-06, 07:24 PM

Casey Jones

01-08-06, 10:04 PM

Casey:

In home doesn't mean in home. It means you don't have to ship it or take it to a service center. I think virtually all the mfrs treat it that way, at least for the plasmas, because their contracted service reps would never contract with the mfr any other way. It would take many hours to get the support they need to diagnose many of the problems and the mfrs would have to provide a lot more immediate telephone support to the service companies toassist them on a timely basis.

I cant say that I agree with your statements. Perhaps in some areas of the country this practice may occur due to remote areas where an individual lives or the lack of local service techs in a specific geographic area. However, I have many friends who own plasmas and LCDS and in home does mean in home. I know personally local individuals who have had there panels diagnosed in home, upgraded firmware in home, and replaced parts in home and one had the entire plasma display unit replaced in home after the manufacturer sent it crated to his doorstep. If you read the numerous posts on this forum over the last year there are many others who have elaborated on techs providing in home servce for them. And I am not talking about this occuring with just one brand name, or as an isolated incident but as a common business practice of major plasma and lcd manufacturers. I even know of one real close friend who refused to have the plasma picked up by a tech and was sent a new plasma ( thank you Philips). If you read the numerous posts on this board regarding repairs you will see that inhome is the rule for consumer units and not the exception to the rule. Its the manufacturer that pays the bill it doesnt matter how long or ardous the repair techs job is , thats the point of the warranty to protect the end users investment. In almost every situation techs have to order the parts because they are not available on site and need to recieve an authorization to do the repair from the manufacturer. So they take the easy way out for them and tell you they need to take the panel so they can do all this at once. When a panel of this value malfunctions the owners are rightfully upset and when confronted with an unwilling service tech will give in to them to have it repaired ASAP thinking they have no other options or recourse to having the situation resolved in a timely manner. Sometimes you have to stick to your guns and not except less then you are entitled to. You will find that if you do have an in home repair warranty you will get just that or a replacement like I have said. Once again the squeekiest wheel gets the most oil. If you dont complain and make it an issue no one else will. If you let your plasma be taken well thats your decision but dont think that the manufacturer is responsible for it once it leaves your home because they are not. Now if the manufacturers warranty doesnt specifically say in home repair then thats something all together different. I would suggest that a prudent person purchase a separate in home warranty that overlaps the manufacturers warranty and extends it (like I have) for IN HOME repair be in place. :) That way you have the best of all worlds, not to mention peace of mind. :)

drewdown

01-09-06, 09:54 AM

With the price drop I was about to buy this TV to check it out at home however all my local CC's were out of them. Closest one was 85 miles away.

black_macleod

01-09-06, 09:58 AM

Try Sears? They were as cheap as CC - and will price match at any rate. (+ 10%)

noahhadas

01-09-06, 04:07 PM

I would suggest that a prudent person purchase a separate in home warranty that overlaps the manufacturers warranty and extends it (like I have) for IN HOME repair be in place. :) That way you have the best of all worlds, not to mention peace of mind. :)

Speaking of extended warranties, when I purchased my set from CC, the extended warranty seemed very expensive. I don't know if the rules of this thread allow me to say what they charge, but it represents about 10% of the purchase price per year of extended warranty. Is this reasonable?

black_macleod

01-09-06, 04:36 PM

Speaking of extended warranties, when I purchased my set from CC, the extended warranty seemed very expensive. I don't know if the rules of this thread allow me to say what they charge, but it represents about 10% of the purchase price per year of extended warranty. Is this reasonable?

Thats about what I was quoted from both Sears and the Phillips own warrenty. Quite a lot more than what I paid for 3 years on my old RP Panny. I didn't buy one :p

everest_plasma

01-09-06, 06:00 PM

With the price drop I was about to buy this TV to check it out at home however all my local CC's were out of them. Closest one was 85 miles away.
Well, I ordered 7320A online from CC on Thanksgiving Day, when all local B&M CCs
were closed, because I didn't want to wait in line on Black Friday.

Same price, same rebate and same tax rate. I saved $50 delivery fee after mail in rebate. (Free delivery after rebate on TV $399 and up ordered from web.)

The TV got delivered 3 days later (on Sunday) to my living room by a CC delivery truck.

One difference I can tell is the return policy. On its web site, it said 'web order may
not be returned to local stores'. When I called 800 number to schdule a delivery
appointment, it said 'web order may be returned to local stores'.

Check price and call them to get clarification before you place an order online.

9630A is cheaper than 7320A on the CC web site as of today !
Really strange.

jvolkman

01-09-06, 07:03 PM

Speaking of extended warranties, when I purchased my set from CC, the extended warranty seemed very expensive. I don't know if the rules of this thread allow me to say what they charge, but it represents about 10% of the purchase price per year of extended warranty. Is this reasonable?

Yep, their service agreement seemed pretty expensive to me too. I went to Best Buy and got a 4 year agreement for much less than CC's 3 year.

Alek

01-09-06, 09:07 PM

FYI from 7320A thread:

Quote:
Originally Posted by bad_boy
i called philips tech suport they told me CLICKING NOISE when TV off is normal
all 42PF7320/37 7220/37 HAS THE SAME SYMTOM according to Philips Tech guy

noahhadas

01-10-06, 10:54 AM

Yep, their service agreement seemed pretty expensive to me too. I went to Best Buy and got a 4 year agreement for much less than CC's 3 year.

So are you saying that you can buy a service agreement from Best Buy for a TV purchased from CC? If so, does anyone out there have any experience with BB's service dept?

jvolkman

01-10-06, 12:36 PM

So are you saying that you can buy a service agreement from Best Buy for a TV purchased from CC? If so, does anyone out there have any experience with BB's service dept?

No.. I bought the TV at BB. CC had the lower price (10% off), but BB matched it.

Chiahead

01-10-06, 05:04 PM

I just took the defualt warrenty for 1 year, but my credit card automatically doubles the warrenty. The CC sales man was fine with that, but since then I have received calls from the CC warrenty center trying to sell me another warrenty. Either they don't believe in the products they are selling, or there is huge mark-up on the warrenties. (I think it is both)

Same thing happened with my car I bought a few years ago, they constantly pester me to get the warrenty. I tell them to stop calling me, but the next day someone else does. The incompetance is just staggering.

BasketCase

01-10-06, 07:49 PM

I purchased my Philips 50PF9630A/37 about two months ago. Since I've been adding things to the component and have run out of component connections, so I decided to move my primary cable box to the HDMI input.

I have a DirecTV HD DVR and the HDMI cable with it was awful - anything higher than 480 didn't look well. So to solve this problem, I decided to buy a cable from one of the AVSForum sponsors, BetterCables.

The problem that I'm having is I have to run the TV, when it's cold, for about 15 minutes in order for the picture to finally improve. It seems that the TV (perhaps the cable? :D) needs to warm up in order to operate. I see things such as: color snow with no picture visible, black screen with no picture and this lasts about 2 to 3 seconds randomly, and white lines (about 1/3 of a line randomly on the screen will be covered with white (usually more noticable in the outer edges when there's black bars/borders.) After about 15 minutes problems go away but occassionally the screen will go black for about 2 to 3 seconds before resuming - with the DVR, I just go back to what I missed but this is annoying. I have tried changing 480 to 720 and 1080 without any luck.

No problems when I'm connected via component cable. Yes, the TV has the latest firmware.

I have requested another HDMI cable from BetterCables to see if this will fix the problem so I hope they will ship me a replacement in advance. In the meantime, I'm working with Phillips to get someone out here to look at the TV and see what needs to be repaired.

Has anyone else experienced this problem and is this a known issue?

rolento76

01-10-06, 07:58 PM

I purchased my Philips 50PF9630A/37 about two months ago. Since I've been adding things to the component hookup and have run out, so I decided to move my primary cable box to the HDMI input.

I have a DirecTV HD DVR and the HDMI cable with it was awful - anything higher than 480 didn't look well. So to solve this problem, I decided to buy a cable from one of the AVSForum sponsors, BetterCables.

The problem that I'm having is I have to run the TV for about 15 minutes in order for the picture to finally improve. It seems that the TV (perhaps the cable? :D) needs to warm up in order to operate. I see things such as: color snow with no picture visible, black screen with no picture and this lasts about 2 to 3 seconds randomly, and white lines (about 1/3 of a line randomly on the screen will be covered with white (usually more noticable in the outer edges when there's black bars/borders.) After about 15 minutes problems go away but occassionally the screen will go black for about 2 to 3 seconds before resuming - with the DVR, I just go back to what I missed but this is annoying. I have tried changing 480 to 720 and 1080 without any luck.

No problems when I'm connected via component.

I have requested another HDMI cable from BetterCables to see if this will fix the problem so I hope they will ship me a replacement in advance. In the meantime, I'm working with Phillips to get someone out here to look at the TV and see what needs to be repaired.

Has anyone else experienced this problem?

Have you updated to the latest firmware? Many of the firmware updates incorporate better reliability with various HDMI devices.

BasketCase

01-10-06, 08:02 PM

Have you updated to the latest firmware? Many of the firmware updates incorporate better reliability with various HDMI devices.

Yep, that was one of the first things I checked. I just edited my post to reflect this information.

oldrtyfrog

01-10-06, 08:31 PM

So I received a voicemail today from the tech working on my TV. He said that the part that he needed was on back order from Philips and would not be available until FEB 20!!! This is insane! I'm about to call Philips and complain. Casey, hopefully your "squeaky wheel" theory will pay off.

hdman 2

01-10-06, 11:11 PM

I recently purchased the 42pf9630a from costco and found this to be an outstanding tv. Would like to purchase the 50pf9630a for the main room. Unfortunally, costco doesn't sell this model. Anyone out there know of a dealer offering a good price on this set would be greatly appreciated.

Casey Jones

01-12-06, 12:06 AM

Speaking of extended warranties, when I purchased my set from CC, the extended warranty seemed very expensive. I don't know if the rules of this thread allow me to say what they charge, but it represents about 10% of the purchase price per year of extended warranty. Is this reasonable?

Have you ever inquired what an average plasma repair can cost? Its very expensive. I think the warranty is cheaper. Thats my 2 cents. :)

Casey Jones

01-12-06, 12:13 AM

:) I purchased my Philips 50PF9630A/37 about two months ago. Since I've been adding things to the component and have run out of component connections, so I decided to move my primary cable box to the HDMI input.

I have a DirecTV HD DVR and the HDMI cable with it was awful - anything higher than 480 didn't look well. So to solve this problem, I decided to buy a cable from one of the AVSForum sponsors, BetterCables.

The problem that I'm having is I have to run the TV, when it's cold, for about 15 minutes in order for the picture to finally improve. It seems that the TV (perhaps the cable? :D) needs to warm up in order to operate. I see things such as: color snow with no picture visible, black screen with no picture and this lasts about 2 to 3 seconds randomly, and white lines (about 1/3 of a line randomly on the screen will be covered with white (usually more noticable in the outer edges when there's black bars/borders.) After about 15 minutes problems go away but occassionally the screen will go black for about 2 to 3 seconds before resuming - with the DVR, I just go back to what I missed but this is annoying. I have tried changing 480 to 720 and 1080 without any luck.

No problems when I'm connected via component cable. Yes, the TV has the latest firmware.

I have requested another HDMI cable from BetterCables to see if this will fix the problem so I hope they will ship me a replacement in advance. In the meantime, I'm working with Phillips to get someone out here to look at the TV and see what needs to be repaired.

Has anyone else experienced this problem and is this a known issue?

Heres something to consider with HDMI and DVI cables. These cables need to perform a handshake between the source device and the plasma TV. So I would suggest you turn on the source device such as a cable STB first then the plasma. I bet that will help. I have a logitech 880 remote for my system and I set it up that way and have had no problems and I am using HDMI to HDMI connections exclusively. As far as cables warming up nah thats not the issue. Im not sure what is but try what I said it may help. :)

Casey Jones

01-12-06, 12:14 AM

rolento76

01-12-06, 08:56 AM

:)

Heres something to consider with HDMI and DVI cables. These cables need to perform a handshake between the source device and the plasma TV. So I would suggest you turn on the source device such as a cable STB first then the plasma. I bet that will help. I have a logitech 880 remote for my system and I set it up that way and have had no problems and I am using HDMI to HDMI connections exclusively. As far as cables warming up nah thats not the issue. Im not sure what is but try what I said it may help. :)
Aha! Casey,

I have been dying to know of what someone thinks of the Harmony 880 and our Philips TV sets. I am interested in getting one. Do you still find yourself reaching for the Philips remote for a function the 880 can't handle? Can the 880 handle the Ambilight functions?

gabriele25

01-12-06, 05:09 PM

Hi, I recently purchased a sony rp lcd a10 that I will be returning. I am considering purchasing a 42pf9630a instead. In the Jan. 2006 issue of home theater mag the 42pf9630a was considered one of the best black level performers. I left a comment in the bugaboo contrast ratio thread regarding the new black level record that the 42pf9630a set according to the data charts. Is there any truth to the 42pf9630a having better black levels than the main competitor in the price range, panasonic? I am also cosidering purchasing the Maxent 50mx3 because of the panny rebadging 1366x768 resolution and cost effective price point. The lack of detailed professional reviews is steering me away from the 50mx3, and I am know seriously considering the 42pf9630a. Some feedback would appreciated, thank you

Barmat

01-12-06, 06:14 PM

I have the 880. Since I set the 880 through internet explorer, I haven't used the original remotes for any of my AV equipment. Including my Philips 9630.

Bavarian_Bully

01-12-06, 07:19 PM

hdman 2

01-12-06, 09:34 PM

for those who are interested in the 50 incher...[EDIT]

EDIT>>

no price or coupon talk, please. Thanks

bigtvluvr

01-12-06, 09:38 PM

With the price drop I was about to buy this TV to check it out at home however all my local CC's were out of them. Closest one was 85 miles away.

How much of a price drop from pre-12/25 MSRP are we talking about?

I went to some northern NJ CC's/BB's a week ago and didn't see any big price changes in Philips, Panasonics, etc.

bigtvluvr

01-12-06, 09:40 PM

9630A is cheaper than 7320A on the CC web site as of today !Really strange.

How can that be? Isn't the 9630 their state-of-the-art top model and the 7320 18-24 months old ?

x420d

01-12-06, 09:50 PM

has anyone tried this mount on the Philips 42PF9630A?

SmartMount DFPT420S

its on sale at costco.com for $79.00

not sure if it will fit..

thanks

noahhadas

01-14-06, 12:18 PM

bcobb1

01-14-06, 03:59 PM

Hey guys,

When you turn on your 42PF9630A, does it always turn on to channel 514 like mine does? This is very annoying and I can't find anything in the setup menus that references this. I've even check the service menu.

Anyone else experience this?

-Bryan

Casey Jones

01-15-06, 12:29 AM

Aha! Casey,

I have been dying to know of what someone thinks of the Harmony 880 and our Philips TV sets. I am interested in getting one. Do you still find yourself reaching for the Philips remote for a function the 880 can't handle? Can the 880 handle the Ambilight functions?

The Logitech Harmony 880 works wonders. I have not used my Philips remote or any other remote for that matter since I programmed the 880. Yes it does Ambilight and just about anything else you might want. It has replaced the remote for my Philips plasma 42PF9630A/37, SA 8300 HD DVR STB, Sony DVP NS90V upconverting DVD player, and my Yamaha Home Theater Reciever. Finally my wife and I have total control of all the system functions with one remote. I would recommend it highly. You won't be disappointed. :)

Casey Jones

01-15-06, 12:32 AM

Casey Jones

01-15-06, 12:36 AM

has anyone tried this mount on the Philips 42PF9630A?

SmartMount DFPT420S

its on sale at costco.com for $79.00

not sure if it will fit..

thanks

You might be best served with a mount that fits the plasma perfectly. Try the Omnimount U3 Tiltmount you'll be glad you did. :)

Casey Jones

01-15-06, 12:38 AM

rolento76

01-15-06, 01:33 AM

Thanks Barmat and Casey for your inputs on the Logitech 880 and our Philips TV. My birthday is coming up so now I get to hint to my wife as to what I want! ;)

Casey Jones

01-15-06, 06:28 AM

Hey Basketcase,
Is your DirecTV box the HR210? That's what I have and have experienced many of the same symptoms. I think it is not the TV but the HR210 that might be causing the problem. I suggest you go over to the TIVO HD forum (www.tivocommunity.com) where there has been a lot of discussion about this box and HDMI cables. For me, I've just been putting up with it, but if you find out anything, let me know.

As far as Casey Jones' suggestion about turning on the STB first, this can't be the solution since the DirecTV box is always ON.

When I said STB I was referring to a Cable STB. I dont have any experience with DirectV so I wouldnt know the box was always on. :)

jes1955

01-15-06, 08:38 AM

jvolkman

01-15-06, 01:03 PM

hdman 2

01-15-06, 04:01 PM

Well we were watching a DVD last night and the TV shut itself off and immediately went back on. This is the second time the TV has done this now. The first time was about a month ago. I know several other people have noted this problem. I'd appreciate any further insight into this. Should I be contacting Philips?
I had a simular problem connected via hdmi dvd direct. changed over to composite and problem solved. Didn't see any noticeable difference in picture quality.

Alek

01-15-06, 09:18 PM

Well we were watching a DVD last night and the TV shut itself off and immediately went back on. This is the second time the TV has done this now. The first time was about a month ago. I know several other people have noted this problem. I'd appreciate any further insight into this. Should I be contacting Philips?

The same problem was noticed with 7320a in their thread, both with hdmi and component in. The theory there is that when the tv gets a ``bad'' signal (an example was a complex sequence in Star wars III) it cannot handle it and has to ``reboot''. One person swtched to a new dvd-player and this solved this problem.

Alek

01-15-06, 09:20 PM

I had a simular problem connected via hdmi dvd direct. changed over to composite and problem solved. Didn't see any noticeable difference in picture quality.

There should be a difference: composite is 480i and hdmi can be 480p-1080i, unless it is a really poorly recorded dvd.

Casey Jones

01-16-06, 06:53 AM

I just got the Harmony 880. I found a discrete on command that works, but the discrete off command that comes with the Harmony doesn't work. Does anyone know if this television has a discrete off code?

Also, re: jes1955, my TV has turned off and on a few times. I bought a better surge protecter and i'm going to try that. Another guy said that worked for him.

When you set up your device (Philips 42pf9630a/37) on the Logitech web site it should have updated your 880 for both codes automatically when you downloaded the file. I did just that and mine works fine. :)

jvolkman

01-16-06, 10:18 AM

When you set up your device (Philips 42pf9630a/37) on the Logitech web site it should have updated your 880 for both codes automatically when you downloaded the file. I did just that and mine works fine. :)

Yeah, it works out of the box, but the harmony site only uses a power toggle command. Therefore, if the TV power is out of sync with the 880, it'll go off when it should go on or vice versa. I found a discrete ON command which only turns the TV on and not off, but I haven't found a discrete OFF yet that works.

Also, if you haven't modified any of the default codes yet, there is a way to have the 880 switch to the various inputs directly instead of scrolling through the AV+ menu. If you look at the Philips manual, there is a way to set the original remote to "advanced mode", and then you can press AV+ followed by a number to go directly to an input.

Barmat

01-16-06, 11:51 AM

Hummmmm......,,, On the 880 If I go to devices, bring up TV, press the Off selection on the right side my TV shuts off. Not sure how yours is set up. You can set up any function under any of the activities or devices.

jvolkman

01-16-06, 12:27 PM

Casey Jones

01-16-06, 02:28 PM

If you press "Off" while the TV is off, does it turn on? That's what I'm trying to avoid.

No it doesnt from the activity.

Casey Jones

01-16-06, 02:30 PM

Yeah, it works out of the box, but the harmony site only uses a power toggle command. Therefore, if the TV power is out of sync with the 880, it'll go off when it should go on or vice versa. I found a discrete ON command which only turns the TV on and not off, but I haven't found a discrete OFF yet that works.

Also, if you haven't modified any of the default codes yet, there is a way to have the 880 switch to the various inputs directly instead of scrolling through the AV+ menu. If you look at the Philips manual, there is a way to set the original remote to "advanced mode", and then you can press AV+ followed by a number to go directly to an input.

Nice find!! :) So your saying this advanced mode code can be input via "RAW" mode?

jvolkman

01-16-06, 03:53 PM

Nice find!! :) So your saying this advanced mode code can be input via "RAW" mode?

Any mode that allows you to learn commands from another remote. There was a wizard online for changing the way inputs worked for a device.

bcobb1

01-16-06, 07:52 PM

Thanks for the reply Casey. I'm actually using a cable card. Wonder if the cable card has a default channel upon power on? Anyone else have this issue?

Is you plasma connected to a STB? If so they usually have a default channel set upon power on. :)

Hey guys,

When you turn on your 42PF9630A, does it always turn on to channel 514 like mine does? This is very annoying and I can't find anything in the setup menus that references this. I've even check the service menu.

Anyone else experience this?

-Bryan

unclemurray

01-17-06, 02:16 PM

So i just got theis TV and it looks great when hooked up to the HDF cable box i got, but i'm very confused baout formats. When connected via component cables to the cable box, i cannoty change the format; i can only see widescreen or 4:3, and the 4:3 channels all have grey bars on the side, not black. However, when i connect via the cable antenna to the set, the same channels all have black bars and I can then change the format of the picture, though the quality is pretty bad compared to the component cables. Can someone explain to me the black.grey bar thing? The grey bars really annot me... Thanks!

jvolkman

01-17-06, 02:32 PM

rolento76

01-17-06, 04:27 PM

unclemurray

01-17-06, 05:13 PM

rolento76

01-17-06, 06:54 PM

It's time warner NYC and its a SA3250HD box. Just weird that the 2 outputs have 2 different settings, but from what i gather, the box might be sending atsc signal only through the component output and the 75ohm output night be regular signal...
That is correct. You won't get HD through your cable box by using the rf connection. The SA boxes require either component or HDMI/DVI (if available) to show HD on your TV. I do know that most SA cable boxes have a setup screen that allows you to select what kind of output occurs over component connections. You will have a choice of 480i, 480p, 720P, 1080i and pass-through. If you select pass-through, the cable box will simply pass the HD signal as the network intended and it will allow your TV to do the necessary conversions and resizing (recommended to take advantage of your televisions great aspect ratio control). If you select only one option (for example, selecting only 480p), the cable box will only output at that selection. If you select multiple options (480p and 720p, for example), the cable box will reconvert an signal to the multiple options selected unless the signal is native to that network.

It sounds like you may only have 1080i enabled on the cable box, therefore anything at 480i or 480p is upscaled and the grey bars are added. Anything 720p is converted to 1080i.

If your cable box has HDMI or DVI, then the setup will not be necessary and you simply select HDMI/DVI in the cable box options.

I recommend you contact your cable company and ask them how to do the initial HD setup on the cable box.

Casey Jones

01-17-06, 10:57 PM

Any mode that allows you to learn commands from another remote. There was a wizard online for changing the way inputs worked for a device.

Well then I guess thats how mine is working . I have it selecting HDMI1 or HDMI2 depending on my source. It automatically changes based on the activity I select. :)

Casey Jones

01-17-06, 10:59 PM

Sounds like the cable box is adding the grey bars to 4:3 material and messing up the TV's auto stretching. Maybe there is an option in the cable box to change the color or send the material at a different aspect ratio.

If its a SA4200HD or SA8300HD DVR STB you can change the settings and Bar colors.

jvolkman

01-18-06, 12:11 AM

Well then I guess thats how mine is working . I have it selecting HDMI1 or HDMI2 depending on my source. It automatically changes based on the activity I select. :)

Right, it did that out of the box. But the default behavior was for the remote to bring up the input menu and actually scroll through it to the correct input, which took about 8 seconds or so to complete. I had to manually add the direct input commands from the old remote. (e.g., I never see that box that lists all of the input modes anymore).

unclemurray

01-18-06, 10:24 AM

Thanks folks. I found the configuration settings and set it up to pass through raw signal to the TV. Now my TV can resize as needed...

Doug

Bavarian_Bully

01-18-06, 10:57 AM

Thanks folks. I found the configuration settings and set it up to pass through raw signal to the TV. Now my TV can resize as needed...

Doug

What setting did you change?

Casey Jones

01-18-06, 05:04 PM

Right, it did that out of the box. But the default behavior was for the remote to bring up the input menu and actually scroll through it to the correct input, which took about 8 seconds or so to complete. I had to manually add the direct input commands from the old remote. (e.g., I never see that box that lists all of the input modes anymore).

OK so tell me exactly what you did and what the commands were. I would like to do that also. Appreciate the assist!

coues

01-18-06, 08:13 PM

Purchased a new Philips plasma and had issues with the plasma. The plasma would not turn on from the remote or the side power button. Placed a call to Philips where tech support tried what seem to be hours of having me try everything under the sun to get the plasma to turn on. Receive a call from Philips the following day and was told that a new plasma was being shipped, when I asked what I should do with the old/new Philips I was told I would receive a call with instructions on returning the old/new plasma. A few days later I received another call and was asked what was wrong with the plasma. Again I told Philips that the plasma would not turn on from the side power button or the remote. Next is what surprised me and caught me totally off guard. I was told that Philips did not want the old/new plasma and that I could do whatever I wanted to do with the plasma.

Anybody else have such an experience with Philips?

jvolkman

01-18-06, 10:34 PM

OK so tell me exactly what you did and what the commands were. I would like to do that also. Appreciate the assist!

From the Harmony members page, go to more options, then go to more options for the TV. Then click adjus inputs and follow the wizard.

On the first page, select the 2nd option ("I go directly to the input I want").
Skip past the second page.

Starting at the third page, you start setting the input commands. There is no discrete input for the tuner, but the TV switches to the tuner if you enter a channel number and press enter (you can put in a series of commands to do that). After the tuner command, each of the inputs has a discrete command which you can learn from the original remote. Just select "I know what button to press on the original remote"

The Philips manual details how to do the discrete commands. Look for the section about switching the remote to "advanced mode" (towards the end I believe)

Hope that helps

Casey Jones

01-18-06, 11:09 PM

Casey Jones

01-18-06, 11:17 PM

From the Harmony members page, go to more options, then go to more options for the TV. Then click adjus inputs and follow the wizard.

On the first page, select the 2nd option ("I go directly to the input I want").
Skip past the second page.

Starting at the third page, you start setting the input commands. There is no discrete input for the tuner, but the TV switches to the tuner if you enter a channel number and press enter (you can put in a series of commands to do that). After the tuner command, each of the inputs has a discrete command which you can learn from the original remote. Just select "I know what button to press on the original remote"

The Philips manual details how to do the discrete commands. Look for the section about switching the remote to "advanced mode" (towards the end I believe)

Hope that helps

So your adjusting the Device (TV). In the setupof the TV device did you still tell it to change to hdmi1 or 2 and then make the changes you detailed above?

jvolkman

01-18-06, 11:28 PM

So your adjusting the Device (TV). In the setupof the TV device did you still tell it to change to hdmi1 or 2 and then make the changes you detailed above?

I don't think I understand. The procedure above is just to tell the remote how to get to the various inputs. The remote then uses the commands you give it there when switching to hdmi 1 or 2 (or AV1, AV2, etc) for your various activities.

PaulModz

01-19-06, 12:19 AM

Costco is selling the 7320 for $1899, while the 9320 goes for $2499. This is a no-brainer, right? The only real differences I could find are:

1. 9320 has a memory card reader in addition to a USB port (don't care)
2. 9320 has Ambilight (don't care)
3. 9320 has "Pixel Plus 2" instead of "Pixel Plus" (don't think I care)

Are the above worth $600?? The only post I've seen here comparing them said the diff should only be $200.

One other thing, the Costco model number is 42PF7220A/37 instead of 42PF7320A/37, which to my surprise is NOT a typo. Both are listed on the Phillips site, but I couldn't find any differences. I'm guessing Phillips created a model just for Costco that is a distinction without a difference, is this correct? (If so, was this done so BestBuy and CircuitCity could sell identical TVs for more $ while maintaining some sort of plausible deniability?)

Casey Jones

01-19-06, 06:14 AM

Scag2

01-19-06, 11:29 AM

I have the 42 in pixel plus 2 model. I have my tv hooked up to my HD cable box (brighthouse) via HDMI. I can use the PIP with the box but its a little square. My tv has PIP which splits the screen but ever since I got the cable box it does not work. Its just black on one half of the screen. I rather have PIP that splits the screen in half rather than the little square box. Thx for ur help.

rolento76

01-19-06, 11:34 AM

have the 42 in pixel plus 2 model. I have my tv hooked up to my HD cable box (brighthouse) via HDMI. I can use the PIP with the box but its a little square. My tv has PIP which splits the screen but ever since I got the cable box it does not work. Its just black on one half of the screen. I rather have PIP that splits the screen in half rather than the little square box. Thx for ur help.
In order to use PIP on your TV, you would need to have two sources going into your TV. If you only have your cable box connected via HDMI and nothing else, you'll only have that one source to view. Or if you have your cable box on HDMI1 and a DVD player on HDMI2, you'll be able to see both on the TV's PIP feature.

Scag2

01-19-06, 11:50 AM

Chiahead

01-19-06, 11:53 AM

In order to use PIP on your TV, you would need to have two sources going into your TV. If you only have your cable box connected via HDMI and nothing else, you'll only have that one source to view. Or if you have your cable box on HDMI1 and a DVD player on HDMI2, you'll be able to see both on the TV's PIP feature.

Be very careful using PIP. I had it on fo a couple of hours for a few days each, using the side by side version. That bright yellow box created a burn in that hasn't gone away. I now have a noticable vertical line right in the middle of the screen during dark scenes. What moron decided to use such a bright color?

If you use the little box PIP, you can get the yellow box to go away, but until that yellow is changed to something else, I will no longer be using the side by side PIP.

rolento76

01-19-06, 11:53 AM

So if Im playing my xbox (which is connected directly to my tv using component) or dvd (connected to my tv using HDMI) then I can use the PIP feature on the tv as a dual screen. thx for ur help
If I'm not mistaken, I believe the 42PF9630A can only do PIP with two HDMI sources.

Chiahead

01-19-06, 03:15 PM

If I'm not mistaken, I believe the 42PF9630A can only do PIP with two HDMI sources.

It can do PIP as long as one input is digital.
I have no STB currently, so I use cable plugged directly into the TV. If I am watching a standard channel, I can see nothing else in the PIP. If I am on a digital channel, or High Def channel, I then can see something from my PS2 in the second window, or a VCR plugged into the TV.

I did notice some digital stations needed to be in the primary window (the big window if you are using the small PIP window, or the left window is you are doing side by side) These are the windows where the sound will be controlled. The other window is visible, but no sound. If the digital station was the secondary window, I only saw pink vertical lines. If the PS2 was in the secondary, I could see both just fine. But this was just for a few digital stations, not all.

Casey Jones

01-20-06, 03:15 AM

Casey Jones

01-20-06, 03:21 AM

Casey Jones

01-20-06, 03:22 AM

Be very careful using PIP. I had it on fo a couple of hours for a few days each, using the side by side version. That bright yellow box created a burn in that hasn't gone away. I now have a noticable vertical line right in the middle of the screen during dark scenes. What moron decided to use such a bright color?

If you use the little box PIP, you can get the yellow box to go away, but until that yellow is changed to something else, I will no longer be using the side by side PIP.

Good point. That was brought out in a post months ago. Its a static image and needs to be avoided. If I view PIP (which I very rarely do) I invoke it from my SA8300 HD DVR STB(dual tuners) the PIP screen(s) are borderless ( no yellow lines or any box outlines).

rolento76

01-20-06, 08:51 AM

[QUOTE=rolento76]If I'm not mistaken, I believe the 42PF9630A can only do PIP with two HDMI sources.[/QUOTE

I'm using a SA 8300HD DVR STB and can do PIP. The STB has dual tuners and just one HDMI connection. :)
Yes. I use the SA8300's PIP rather than the TV's PIP feature because I heard about the bright yellow seperation line that the TV's PIP feature uses. :o

gopdas

01-20-06, 10:43 AM

I have been using a Philips 37PF732 (37" LCD) for the last two weeks. I have been receiving good OTA digital signals to view the local HD channels. Since yesterday (Jan 19) the tuner seems to have dropped all the local digital channels.
I turned the power off and on and recalibrated the TV antenna to get the channels back on again. Everything was fine for a while until I turned off the TV and turned it back on this morning and all the digital channels are no longer available for viewing.

So to make a long story short, I redid the same operation that I did yesterday (on and off) got the OTA digital channels back on and kept a close watch on the TV. After a couple of hours, the digital channels disappered.

Wondering if this is a problem with the TV or the antenna?
Any suggestions?

heprat

01-20-06, 03:07 PM

has anyone tried this mount on the Philips 42PF9630A?

SmartMount DFPT420S

its on sale at costco.com for $79.00

not sure if it will fit..

thanks

I posted in the 42PF7320 thread...but I got this mount. At first I didn't think it was going to work because the mounting bars were not as wide as the outside mounting points on the TV. I contacted Peerless that told me it was OK to use the smaller inner mounts the ones used to mount the table top stand. I called Philips and spoke with one of their tech reps. He told me it was no problem and that they had ten TVs there mounted using the inner holes.....so I did and have not had a problem.

I re-used the bolts that were in the inner holes and had to use washers to tighten them up. Probably not the best option...but the price was right and it is what I had and I really wanted to get it mounted.

Harper

01-20-06, 03:28 PM

gopdas,

I have the 7220 Phillips from Costco and for some reason it has trouble with 2 channels OTA. HDTV in the other room has no problems at the same time as the Phillips, on the same channel. Wife wants to try to exchange it. I'm not sure if it's the tv or the station or what.

Harper

mllacey

01-20-06, 04:20 PM

crisisback

01-21-06, 02:08 AM

heprat

01-21-06, 09:40 AM

Hi everyone, i've searched the forums quite a bit and haven't found anyone with the same problem as me. I have the 42PF9630A/37 and for the past few months whenever i switch on the TV or switch channels AV1 in grey stays frozen in the upper left hand corner of the screen. I used to be able to press PIP twice and it would disappear for a minute or so and come back on. I recently upgraded the firmware and now pressing PIP won't even get AV1 to come off the screen at all. It isn't burned in quite yet, but now i'm a little worried since i can't get it off at all. please help, thanks
Do you also have a volume bar? If so, I believe it is in your OSD (on screen display) set up....re-set to minimum and the AV1 or input should go away...unfortunately so will the volume bar. If it is already at minimum and you don't have the volume bar...hopefully someone else will be able to help.

Casey Jones

01-22-06, 12:34 AM

What amount of heat do the Phillips line of 42 & 50 Inch Plasma give off?

Based on the Power Specs of both units the Max appears to be 400W but I would only expect that with the screen set at Max brightness

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

mllacey

I've had my 42 inch 9630a since August 05. With the convection cooling heat buildup isnt a problem at all. After viewing the plasma for maybe 6 hours or so on a weekend its just barely warm to the touch. Just dont block the ventilation holes an you will be fine. :)

Casey Jones

01-22-06, 12:45 AM

Do you also have a volume bar? If so, I believe it is in your OSD (on screen display) set up....re-set to minimum and the AV1 or input should go away...unfortunately so will the volume bar. If it is already at minimum and you don't have the volume bar...hopefully someone else will be able to help.

Yup, that should do it :) .

ndnbolla

01-22-06, 05:44 AM

I'm not sure if this happens to anyone else but does the set ever stay on even though you shut if off or press the power button.

What happens is I press the power button and then for a split second the tv goes completely off but then turns back on however remains at a blank black screen.

The only way I turn it off is if I unplug it and then plug it back in.

Any suggestions?

rolento76

01-22-06, 03:17 PM

gopdas

01-23-06, 10:11 AM

ndnbolla

01-23-06, 06:23 PM

Do you still have the TVGOS enabled from the service menu?

TVGOS meaning the tv guide?

If so, then yea it still on even though the thing doesn't work. All I get is "No Listing" but that's besides the point.

I think the TVGOS may have caused a couple other problems like blacking some some of my channels at random moments.

What else could be the problem before I go ahead and do the ATSC tuner thing.

rolento76

01-23-06, 08:10 PM

TVGOS meaning the tv guide?

If so, then yea it still on even though the thing doesn't work. All I get is "No Listing" but that's besides the point.

I think the TVGOS may have caused a couple other problems like blacking some some of my channels at random moments.

What else could be the problem before I go ahead and do the ATSC tuner thing.
A few of us who have activated the TVGOS (built-in TV Guide) noticed that when the TVGOS is activated, the TV doesn't really shut down completely. When I activated the TVGOS, the TV set stopped giving the reassuring "click" sound when you shut it off. In fact, sometimes the screen would have a faint glow as if it was on but only displaying black. I am assuming it is doing this to grab TVGOS updates since the updates only happen when the TV is turned off (or probably, actually in standby mode). I had disabled mine when I found no additional value (since I use a cable STB). I also chose to disable it so the TV doesn't become an electricity vampire. That faint glow had to mean that the phosphors were using up electricity. When I disabled the TVGOS, once again my TV began acting as it did when I first bought it, giving me the reassuring "click" sound after powering down. Perhaps this is why it was disabled in the default settings. Try disabling the TVGOS before having your ATSC tuner replaced.

ndnbolla

01-23-06, 08:58 PM

A few of us who have activated the TVGOS (built-in TV Guide) noticed that when the TVGOS is activated, the TV doesn't really shut down completely. When I activated the TVGOS, the TV set stopped giving the reassuring "click" sound when you shut it off. In fact, sometimes the screen would have a faint glow as if it was on but only displaying black. I am assuming it is doing this to grab TVGOS updates since the updates only happen when the TV is turned off (or probably, actually in standby mode). I had disabled mine when I found no additional value (since I use a cable STB). I also chose to disable it so the TV doesn't become an electricity vampire. That faint glow had to mean that the phosphors were using up electricity. When I disabled the TVGOS, once again my TV began acting as it did when I first bought it, giving me the reassuring "click" sound after powering down. Perhaps this is why it was disabled in the default settings. Try disabling the TVGOS before having your ATSC tuner replaced.

I'll definitetly try that. I need to stop thinking that one day, I will press "GUIDE" on my remote and all the listings will show up.

Casey Jones

01-24-06, 12:03 AM

Your Philips ATSC tuner may be dying. That's what happed to mine. You could either call Philips and they would provide you with some local contacts to have it inspected and it the tuner is the cause - replace it (if under warrenty) or you could return it. That's what I did as I was disappointed that the tuner died within two weeks of my purchase.

If your referring to nbnbolla s' post his problem is simply having activated the EPG in the service menu which now needs to be turned off. Once activated the TV attempts to download guide info which may not be available, hence the turning on and glow. Its not a hardware problem. :)

jvolkman

01-24-06, 10:46 PM

So i was scouring over my screen attempting to clean every little smudge or spot over it, all the while knowing in the back of my head that I'd find something I didn't want to know about. Sure enough, I found some smudges on the far right side of the screen. Unfortunately, these smudges seem to be on the inside of the glass. I guess it's not completely strange -- my parents have a double-paned window with a large greasy hand print on the inside of one of the panes. I could probably get the glass replaced by Philips, but I don't know that it'd be worth the trouble. :confused:

Casey Jones

01-24-06, 11:18 PM

jvolkman

01-25-06, 12:05 AM

It was new from a B&M. I don't see how such a smudge could get on there other than from the factory.

Qurious

01-25-06, 06:36 AM

nomansi

01-26-06, 12:52 PM

Bavarian_Bully

01-26-06, 01:20 PM

ANGLICO

01-26-06, 08:58 PM

Greetings All,
I've been following this thread for sometime now just soaking up information. First became interested in the Philips about a year ago. Finally made up my mind and with my wife's authorization, ordered the 9630 today. Delivery is Saturday. Hopefully I won't have to come in here for too much assistance. I will however, try to contribute as I become familiar with the unit. Thanks for sharing your experiences.

Casey Jones

01-26-06, 09:46 PM

From past two/three days, i started getting the problem with some channels not available through CableCard e.g. 10, 17, etc. Called Comcast, rep came in today and after several minutes of debugging, he told me that he saw the same problem with the same model today at other location (hard to believe !!!). Anyway, he discussed it with another tech rep and he mentioned that Philips has recently released the new firmware which might fix the problem. Went to the Philips web site and did saw new Firmware (though the date on the web site is still old).

Here is the change history after 1.0.8.0 (which most of us have). Wanted to know if anyone has upgraded to this firmware or has encountered a similar problem ?

BX23U-1.0.13.0_01441
Following problems are solved :
• handling of 5-digit subchannel numbers
• Picture quality: occasional green borders
Following changes are introduced :
• selective filtering of scrambled channels during automatic installation

BX23U-1.0.11.0_01171
Following problem is solved :
• Philips DTV got exception reset when waking up for download with Cable card setup
• Philips DTV switching channel while recording during download with OTA+Cable box

BX23U-1.0.11.0_01161
Following problem is solved :
• The Guide not preserving data at shutdown

BX23U-1.0.10.0_01151
Following problems are solved :
• Set doesn't wake up for download

BX23U-1.0.9.0 00851
Addition of feature :
• Gemstar feature has been added to the release. This has to be used for Gemstar Model Approval
Following problem is fixed:
• POD card movement detection has been made more robust.

BX23U-1.0.8.0 00841
Following problems are solved :
• intermittent black flashes seen with specific distribution amplifiers
• Preferred Channel menu item temporarily disabed in BX23U-1.0.7.0 00831 is enabled with this
release

If you have been reading the posts on this thread and others about cable cards it should be no wonder that your cable provider tried to blame Philips for your problem( which its not). It seems that many cable providers would rather you have a STB and pay a greater rental fee(hey maybe youll even order some PPVS') and are either unfamiliar with cable cards or IMHO pretending to be.Since the current generation of Cable cards are one way transmission they cant rack in the additional revenue that a STB can provide.
I do know that after extensive reading it appears that many of the problems occur at the head end(cable company) and the authorization sent to the cable card to function. Your question and response from Comcast is identical to what had happened to others and what Comcast told them about there plasma also. Oh and they werent Philips plasmas either (starting to see a pattern here?). If your Plasma is using the latest firmware release your system will function just fine. I myself am not using a cable card only because I didnt want to get involved in this cable company BS and find the picture quality with my SA8300HD DVR STB excellent. There are some who have gotten the cable cards to function but it seems it was a bit of a quest to do so. Good Luck!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

iontyre

01-27-06, 10:34 AM

Ah, finally a new firmware to upload!! But I don't want to have something go wrong now before the Super Bowl, so I will wait to upgrade until after the game.

attybo

01-27-06, 12:32 PM

Ah, finally a new firmware to upload!! But I don't want to have something go wrong now before the Super Bowl, so I will wait to upgrade until after the game.

I just checked the Philips support site. Last firmware update is dated 10-5-05. Is that the one you mean?

Casey Jones

01-27-06, 12:35 PM

I just checked the Philips support site. Last firmware update is dated 10-5-05. Is that the one you mean?

That is the most current firmware ugrade that Philips has released.

nomansi

01-27-06, 03:57 PM

That is the most current firmware ugrade that Philips has released.

Yes the date on the web site is wrong. If you download the zip file and look into it the latest one is from January 2006. I have installed it and have no issues so far. The new feature added to this firmware is Gemstar TV Guide which i have no idea about as i couldn't find anything in standard menu.

attybo

01-27-06, 04:14 PM

Chiahead

01-27-06, 05:22 PM

Is anyone having black screen issues? Many times, either spontaneously while watching a channel, or sometimes after turning a channel, I will get a large black square on screen which nearly, but not completely obliterates the screen. You can still see the edges of the picture on screen. I'm turning the channels on a Comcast Motorola STB, HD with 2 turners, HDMI connection and at first I thought maybe a box issue.

Does the screen stay blocked? It kind of sounds like some kind of Closed Captioning. I had an older TV that would either put the words over the picture, or another setting where it would place a grey box over the picture, and put the words inside that. See if you have closed cap[tioning turned on, otherwise I don't have a clue.

However, there was another problem which is clearly the TV (I think). At random times, the TV will spontaneously shut down. When it happens there is a click, the screen goes dark, followed by the ambilight shutting down. The green standby light stays on. After several seconds, the set then turns itself back on.

Any ideas?

I have not experienced this, but I think I remember others mentioning stuff like that elsewhere in this post. Try searching the post. Some people had the set swapped out, and I think others got a better surge protector. See if their problems are the same as yours.

Casey Jones

01-27-06, 10:59 PM

Yes the date on the web site is wrong. If you download the zip file and look into it the latest one is from January 2006. I have installed it and have no issues so far. The new feature added to this firmware is Gemstar TV Guide which i have no idea about as i couldn't find anything in standard menu.

Thats because a firmware update is for more than one model of Plasma. If your plasma didnt come with the EPG then it wont be available to you as a menu item. :)

Casey Jones

01-27-06, 11:06 PM

Is anyone having black screen issues? Many times, either spontaneously while watching a channel, or sometimes after turning a channel, I will get a large black square on screen which nearly, but not completely obliterates the screen. You can still see the edges of the picture on screen. I'm turning the channels on a Comcast Motorola STB, HD with 2 turners, HDMI connection and at first I thought maybe a box issue.

However, there was another problem which is clearly the TV (I think). At random times, the TV will spontaneously shut down. When it happens there is a click, the screen goes dark, followed by the ambilight shutting down. The green standby light stays on. After several seconds, the set then turns itself back on.

Any ideas?

When the TV shuts down as you have indicated the plasma has gone into protection mode. This can occur due to static electrical buildup or a home electrical issue.

Is that large black box the size of your online TV guide from your cable system?

GPC2

01-28-06, 10:17 AM

OK, let me throw my issues into the mix. About two months ago while watching another one of my NFL Sunday marathons, my TV all of a sudden split the screen in half. Half of the screen was the game I was watching, but the colors were all psychadelic. The other half of the screen just flickered. I have attached a picture to show the issue.

Now my 42PF9630A was pretty new (less than two months), so I naturally assumed that my D* HD box was the culprit. I called them up and complained, and they sent out a tech. By the time the tech came, by midweek the next week, the problem had stopped. My receiver and other components are in an entertainment center, so I just thought that maybe the box had overheated. Even though the problem was no longer occuring, I still had D* swap out my receiver. Well, I had no more issues for about a month and a half to two months. Then all of a sudden, it happened again. What I did then, was take my box into my bedroom and hooked it up to my Sony HD TV in the bedroom, lo and behold there were no weird problems - that's when I realized that it had to be the TV.

I did a search online and could find (and still haven't found) anyone with the same problem as me, but what I did learn about was the software upgrades from Philips' website. I went to the Philips website and downloaded the new upgrade. The upgrade that I downloaded and installed was version BX23U-1.08.0_00. On the website the date is listed as October 5, but when installed, the date reads September 8. After installing this update, the problem went away...

...until last week. I also have a Sony DVP-NS70H DVD player hooked up to the Philips with HDMI. I don't know why, but I never previously tried the DVD player to see if I was getting the same issues. Yesterday I did - and I was having the same issues. I attempted to download another software update, but when I downloaded it, it happened to be the same update that I had from before. I am now reading a couple of people who said they have a January 2006 update - where can I get that update from?

I am at my wits end, and hopefully someone will have something to offer me in the way of a solution. My apologies for the long post, and thanks in advance for any assistance.

jsthomps

01-28-06, 11:22 AM

Does the 42pf9630a have an image orbiter feature? I can't find any info on these.

Bavarian_Bully

01-28-06, 12:53 PM

I'd like to know where the 1/06 upgrade is as well.

attybo

01-28-06, 01:39 PM

When the TV shuts down as you have indicated the plasma has gone into protection mode. This can occur due to static electrical buildup or a home electrical issue.

Is that large black box the size of your online TV guide from your cable system?

No Casey. The box is pretty much centered in the screen. You can see a little of the picture on all four sides.

GPC2

01-30-06, 01:55 PM

....Bueller?

....Bueller?

....Anybody?

iontyre

01-30-06, 03:21 PM

Though the Philips website still shows the firmware date as 10-05-05, if you actually download the file it is the newer one.

Chiahead

01-30-06, 05:10 PM

ANGLICO

01-30-06, 07:27 PM

Well Folks, I got my set Saturday. It's better than I had seen it in displays. I played some DVDs I thought looked great on my 36" JVC, but there's no comparison. The best one was FANTASIA 2000, I guess because it's not hoked up with all the H'wood special effects and it's really colorful.
The latest upgrade has been installed and the Stereo Ambilight activated, thanks to the postings here.

Casey Jones

01-30-06, 10:13 PM

Does the 42pf9630a have an image orbiter feature? I can't find any info on these.

Philips has included an antiaging circuit that moves the image around a few pixels in each direction every few minutes to prevent burn-in. This will help but nothing prevents burn in better then following the break in rules , using common sense and avoiding long term static images. :)

jsthomps

01-31-06, 12:14 PM

Philips has included an antiaging circuit that moves the image around a few pixels in each direction every few minutes to prevent burn-in. This will help but nothing prevents burn in better then following the break in rules , using common sense and avoiding long term static images. :)
Great ... Thanks for the info. :)
Scott

Alek

01-31-06, 11:20 PM

Well, .. my plasma still turn itself on (2 clicks) and then off in a few (4) seconds (one click) every day at 6:51am. as I wrote quite a while ago. Still don't know what is going on (I mean, for sure as there were a number of theories on this account). It is kind of fascinating and intriguing. (And, no, I never went to a service manual. My biggest suspicion is that it is due to having a cablecard for some time as it started after I got rid of it.)

Chiahead

01-31-06, 11:42 PM

No Casey. The box is pretty much centered in the screen. You can see a little of the picture on all four sides.
Attybo, I just saw something like this on Phillips' site. It talks about a black box covering the screen.

http://www.p4c.philips.com/cgi-bin/dcbint/faqlist?ctn=42PF9630A/37&dct=FAQ&slg=AEN&scy=US#

Down the page is a link titled
Black box covering most of picture.

See if that helps.

GPC2

02-02-06, 11:29 AM

Though the Philips website still shows the firmware date as 10-05-05, if you actually download the file it is the newer one.

I tried that. I have downloaded the file, and my TV looked at it as the old one...

roopG

02-02-06, 03:45 PM

Hi,

Just wanted to ask if someone else is also experiencing the picture quality issue that I have.

On darker scenes or scenes where there iare lot of shadows, the shadows don't show black color but instead show maroon color (dark blackish red). For example someone's face shadow on their neck should be either gray or black but comes out as Maroon in color.

I have tried adjusting the brightness and contrast but that did not help.

Thanks.

sanjath

02-02-06, 08:20 PM

Casey Jones

02-03-06, 01:56 PM

I had written about this before, I am just wondering if there is any update on this? I have not visited this forum for sometime, I see there are lot of posts here, but dont know if this one is addressed.

Firmware I have: BX23U-1.0.8.0.00841

Symptom: In some random scenes (while watching cable or DVD, so source is not the problem), TV screen just goes blank and comes back after 5-6 seconds. If the ambilight is on, it will also switch off and come back.

On Philips website you will find firmware version BX23U-1.0.13.0_01441 dated January 25, 2006 (date has now been updated) available for download and installation. I just upgraded my plasma to version BX23U-1.0.13.0_01441 and it went flawlessly. :) It comes with a read me file that tells you what area each firmware upgrade addresses and fixes.

nomansi

02-03-06, 03:13 PM

GPC2

02-04-06, 04:02 PM

I downloaded the new upgrade, and it installed fine, and for now, my flickering problem is gone. Thanks to all.

doublejbass

02-04-06, 10:50 PM

Here's my problem. I didn't see anything about this already discussed. The auto-stretch works fine for all materials, TV with or without cablecard, xbox 720p, 480p, and so on, but with PS2 and GameCube inputs, the picture does not stretch to the edge of the screen with any of the 7 stretch modes, there are ALWAYS black bars, even if they are relatively small, and it won't stretch them away. Has anyone else encountered this? I've upgraded to the newest firmware and I guess I'll call philips on Monday and see what they have to say. Thanks!

Bavarian_Bully

02-05-06, 05:32 AM

I upgraded to the newest firmware last night. With that being said, I didn't have any problems prior.

jdef

02-08-06, 06:56 PM

I've had my new 50PF9630A for about 3 weeks now and totally love it. Breathtaking picture quality, awesome features and Ambilight. No malfunctions, noises or anomalies of any kind, the set is perfect. Now all I have to do is pay for it :)

markyoung04

02-09-06, 03:37 PM

Okay I blew off most of the day reading about 30+ of these posts (will be doing the Ambient 2 upgrade, thx), but I want to ask advice on setup if I may. If this is the wrong area I apologize please forgive a newbie.

My 9630A is above my fireplace (never turned on) and DVD/HDDVR/TIVO etc.. is in built in shelves on side (see attached). I have switched to Comcast but still want to use the TIVO for the stuff on the hard drive:

1. Moto 6412 III HDDVR from Comcast w/ HDMI
2. Samsung DVD (component video output) COAX audio
3. Older TIVO box w/ SVideo and optical audio
4. Older Sony Receiver w/ component input/output, SVIDEO, and Monitor Out SVIDEO.

Pre-plasma, when I had DTV, I had the TIVO and DVD player going into the receiver and SVIDEO monitor out to TV, making it easy to change back and forth. Couple issues:

1. If I run HDMI from 6412 to TV, can I have audio go to receiver and override the TV (mute seems logical), can I have the audio "split" like that?
2. I can not run very many cables to TV as it goes through the wall and is a REALLY tight fit, I must keep the Main line CABLE coax in the shelves.
3. Since I JUST got the TV, I have the HDMI cable going from 6412 to TV only using TV audio :(, and my old TIVO and DVD running through VIDEO2 on receiver using the Monitor OUT (SVIDEO).

How would you set this up?

rolento76

02-09-06, 04:08 PM

4. Older Sony Receiver w/ component input/output, SVIDEO, and Monitor Out SVIDEO.

The monitor out option is only via SVIDEO? Will your receiver output via component to the TV? In other words, can you have your DVD player plugged into the receiver via component, your TiVo connected to the receiver via SVIDEO, and have your receiver output to the TV via component so you can use your receiver to switch between DVD and TiVo?

iontyre

02-09-06, 04:41 PM

Upgrade to latest firmware worked flawlessly on my set. HDCP sync does seem to take a little longer now though ( four or five, sometimes more, flashes of all snow before picture shows up when going from analog to HDTV channels over my HDMI cable between my 42PF9630 and my SA 8300HD DVR). Wife hates that so much she tends to just watch the SD channels!!! No patience.

markyoung04

02-09-06, 11:22 PM

The monitor out option is only via SVIDEO? Will your receiver output via component to the TV? In other words, can you have your DVD player plugged into the receiver via component, your TiVo connected to the receiver via SVIDEO, and have your receiver output to the TV via component so you can use your receiver to switch between DVD and TiVo?

You are correct sir, now that I am back home and can check, I never noticed because my old TV did not have component video. It does have one IN for Video, IN for DVD, and monitor OUT in component.

So - would you run component w/ HD-DVR and DVD? I don't care about the older TIVO, it will used for kids programming and clifford the big red dog can only look so good :).

I can run two units via component via the receiver, but what about the third?

Cleveland Plasma

02-10-06, 01:41 AM

MarkYoung04, Nice stetup. There is no dought that philips makes a good product.

Let me ask an honest question though: What do you think of the black levels?

Casey Jones

02-10-06, 05:23 AM

MarkYoung04, Nice stetup. There is no dought that philips makes a good product.

Let me ask an honest question though: What do you think of the black levels?

My honest answer would be this, my black levels are dark and inky, very inky with tons of detail, Ive always said that. Havent seen anything that caused me envy and yes I do look. Thats one of the many reasons I picked the Philips. Been using the plasma for 8 months now and couldnt be more pleased with it . Using HDMI and SA 8300HD DVR. :)

Casey Jones

02-10-06, 05:53 AM

Theres been discussion here about the volume bar appearing with the connection type ie. HDMI appearing above it and the connection type staying on the screen for 10 to 15 minutes. Well heres a small work around that may work for you also. If you are using the SA8300 HD DVR you can try this. The remote that comes with the SA STB has a mode that will allow the STB to control the volume in lieu of the plasma. It appears the default mode for the SA STB is set to tv to change it to cable do this: Press the CBL button and SEL button at the same time for 3 seconds. Next press the VOL+ button. Next press the CBL button. The remote will now control the volume up, volume down and mute control for the plasma and display a volume bar across the bottom of the screen. Next you need to connect two audio cables( L&R) from the rear audio output jacks of the STB to the plasma audio inputs. You now should have a volume bar that controls the sound :). My SA 8300 HD DVR allows both my HDMI and analog audio outputs to be active at the same time (Cablevision NY) hopefully yours does also. If you like you can leave the audio selection in your setting menu for the SA STB to Dolby Digital for output to your HTR. Those using the Harmony 880 universal remote control can use this function also within an activity as I am doing. :)

Cleveland Plasma

02-10-06, 09:03 AM

^^^^^ I have seen these in the stores and in demo rooms at my distibuters and I thought they "looked good". These units definitely have a ton of features. With the size of this thread maybe I will buy one to test out and take a better look. Then again maybe I should wait for the modes with the double ambilight. I have alway been more of a Pioneer, Panasonic, and NEC kinda guy.

Cleveland Plasma

02-10-06, 09:03 AM

Looks like Philips is getting ready to release a new line up:

http://www.infosyncworld.net/resources/products/philips/philips_50pf9631_p00.jpg

2006 CES saw Philips unveil its new Ambilight FlatTV display. The Ambilight Full Surround features a dramatic color effect on all sides of the screen. Apart from thr Ambilight 4-sided model, Philips also introduced a 3-sided model.

Their lineup includes models from 37" to 50", delivering a cinematic experience. An industry first, the Ambilight achieves dynamic lighting effects on all sides of the display, and the new design surrounds the entire display with an integrated canvas making the screen appear as if it's floating when hung on a wall.

A true cinematic experience can be experienced by even relaxing a viewer's vision. The included Pixel Plus 3HD technology enhances content from various sources including DVD or high-definition content. The Ambilight 2 Channel stereo lighting enhances viewing pleasure through independent colors. It features increased light output and new software that delivers a strong match between the colors on the screen and the light displayed throughout the room.

For more info, access Philips.

Model Display Type Ambilight 2 Channel Ambilight Surround Ambiligh Full

Model MSRP Release

37PF8631D 37" LCD $2,299 June
42PF9631D 42" Plasma $2,499 June
50PF9631 50" Plasma $3,499 June
42PF9731D 42" LCD $2,999 July
50PF9731 50" Plasma $3,999 July
42PF9831D 42" LCD $3,999 July

rolento76

02-10-06, 09:26 AM

You are correct sir, now that I am back home and can check, I never noticed because my old TV did not have component video. It does have one IN for Video, IN for DVD, and monitor OUT in component.

So - would you run component w/ HD-DVR and DVD? I don't care about the older TIVO, it will used for kids programming and clifford the big red dog can only look so good :).

I can run two units via component via the receiver, but what about the third?
I would connect the Cable Box / DVR via HDMI. Then you can run digital audio out from your TV to your receiver.

Then I would connect the DVD Player via component to the Audio Receiver along with digital audio.

Then I would connect the TiVo via SVIDEO to the receiver along with composite audio (red-white L-R cables).

Finally I would connect the receiver to the TV via component cables and composite audio cables.

With this setup, you can watch cable / DVR via HDMI1, or you can watch DVDs or TiVo on AV1 (use the TV to switch to this connection - look for the AV+ button on the remote). When using AV1 on your TV, you can use your Receiver to switch between DVD or TiVo. This type of connection will also give you the choice of where the sound comes out. If you don't want the sound to come out of the TV, mute the TV and turn up the receiver. If you don't want sound out of the receiver, mute the receiver and turn up the TV.

It may sound confusing, but this is how I would do it. I hope this helps.

rolento76

02-10-06, 09:29 AM

Looks like I better start planning in-wall wiring for Ambilight Full! Looks like wall hanging would be the only way to do Ambilight 4-way any justice.

markyoung04

02-10-06, 10:03 AM

Thank you so much for the help, I just have a couple points of clarification:

I would connect the Cable Box / DVR via HDMI. Then you can run digital audio out from your TV to your receiver.
Digital Audio Out - I assume you would use fiber? Or is this the composite you mention I need to run?

Then I would connect the DVD Player via component to the Audio Receiver along with digital audio.
EZ enough setup this way now

Then I would connect the TiVo via SVIDEO to the receiver along with composite audio (red-white L-R cables).
EZ enough too but I may as well use the coax audio I have :).

Finally I would connect the receiver to the TV via component cables and composite audio cables.
I understand the component going to the Component OUT on receiver, what is the composite for....you mention digital audio out in your first step, I wouldn't use composite for this would I?

With this setup, you can watch cable / DVR via HDMI1, or you can watch DVDs or TiVo on AV1 (use the TV to switch to this connection - look for the AV+ button on the remote). When using AV1 on your TV, you can use your Receiver to switch between DVD or TiVo. This type of connection will also give you the choice of where the sound comes out. If you don't want the sound to come out of the TV, mute the TV and turn up the receiver. If you don't want sound out of the receiver, mute the receiver and turn up the TV.

It may sound confusing, but this is how I would do it. I hope this helps.

Casey Jones

02-10-06, 10:27 AM

Casey Jones

02-10-06, 10:30 AM

ANGLICO

02-10-06, 12:20 PM

How do I turn on Pixel Plus 2 ? I searched this forum but no hit. The menu only shows pixel plus.

iontyre

02-10-06, 12:54 PM

Anglico,

If you have the 9630, then Pixel Plus IS Pixel Plus 2. Nothing to set.

ANGLICO

02-10-06, 01:25 PM

Thank You, IONTYRE

Casey Jones

02-11-06, 12:52 AM

How do I turn on Pixel Plus 2 ? I searched this forum but no hit. The menu only shows pixel plus.

Pixel plus2 has to be selected from the internal menu. You need to go under the picture setting select Digital processing and make sure standard processing is not selected and pixel plus is. :)

markyoung04

02-11-06, 01:17 AM

I setup my DVD w/component video straight to my TV after trying the Component Out on my Sony receiver thinking it was the issue but I get the same terrible picture quality - My Samsung DVD-C631P Progressive Scan DVD player is hooked now into (tried both) AV1 and AV3 and it barely comes in and looks horrible....SVIDEO connection works but I worked my butt off to get the wires threaded through my built in shelf....any thoughts? All my other connections look fine. The manual says:
4. COMPONENT VIDEO OUT JACKS
Use these jacks if you have a TV with Component Video in jacks. These jacks provide Pr, Pb and Y video.
Along with S-Video, Component Video provides the best picture quality.
If 525P(480P) VIDEO is selected, progressive scan mode will work.
If 525i(480i) VIDEO is selected, interlaced scan mode will work.d

I tried all three selections and all were crappy

ANGLICO

02-11-06, 12:09 PM

Pixel plus2 has to be selected from the internal menu. You need to go under the picture setting select Digital processing and make sure standard processing is not selected and pixel plus is. :)

That's how it's setup. It just seemed that Plus2 would be a specific option. Now I've got to determine if the DVI out on my cable box works. It appears that some cable companies don't support their use. At least Cablevision said they won't support if there are problems with the DVI connection

flynbw01

02-11-06, 12:21 PM

markyoung04

02-11-06, 12:59 PM

Thanks but I can only manage a brief view of the welcome screen when the DVD comes on and it looks TERRIBLE - I can not even get a picture on screen when the dvd starts.

hdman 2

02-11-06, 01:11 PM

New Firmware Upgrade 02/08/2006 Now Posted On Phillips Site.

ANGLICO

02-11-06, 01:40 PM

MarkYoung,
Are you certain the cables are in the correct jacks? Pb, Pr and Y are not interchangeable. I mistook Green for Blue once. Possibly bad cables? I would suspect the cables before the player or TV.

markyoung04

02-11-06, 01:54 PM

Casey Jones

02-11-06, 03:20 PM

That's how it's setup. It just seemed that Plus2 would be a specific option. Now I've got to determine if the DVI out on my cable box works. It appears that some cable companies don't support their use. At least Cablevision said they won't support if there are problems with the DVI connection

I have cablevision also so I know they do support DVI connections. Prior to having the SA8300HD DVR STB I had the SA4200HD STB which had a DVI output connection and it worked fine. :)

Casey Jones

02-11-06, 03:25 PM

The component video cables worked fine when I plugged them into the HDDVR. So now I know

Dumb question sorry - but digital audio out on this TV is coax right, not digital optical right? I can't see behind my TV w/out taking it down.

If you have the SA 8300 HD DVR STB you only need to connect the Digital output from the STB to your HTR for 5.1 sound. Otherwise connect your cabling( L&R outputs) to the plasma and you will get either stereo or virtual dolby. :) Check out your users manual it has a diagram.

markyoung04

02-11-06, 05:06 PM

Happy Joy all is working thanks!

Well, after I did all you said, including making it 16:9 on the DVD player (after putting SVid back in of course) and checking the cables I re-checked the cables again and don't ya know it worked!!!!

Thanks

ANGLICO

02-11-06, 06:10 PM

Casey,
Which type of DVI connector did you use with the 4200? It has 24+1 but I've seen cables with 18+1.

markyoung04

02-11-06, 07:01 PM

I must say DVDs look a heck of a lot better w/ component on this TV. Too bad the only one I have had to watch for more than 3 minutes is "I Dig Dirt", but the dump trucks looked REALLY BIG!

ANGLICO

02-11-06, 07:56 PM

They do look good don't they? I'm from an older generation, so I tend to view older film. I have a copy of the first wide screen film made, "The Big Trail" Starring John Wayne (1930). It looks great on full screen, if a bit faded. The remastered "Sherlock Holmes" series are beautiful.

Casey Jones

02-12-06, 01:26 AM

[QUOTE=ANGLICO]Casey,
Which type of DVI connector did you use with the 4200? It has 24+1 but I've seen cables with 18+1.[/QUOT

It was a DVI to HDMI cable. Go to your local AV store and Im sure you'll get the correct one. You can always go on Scientific Atlantas web site and download the manual as pdf file for any model STB. :)

jdef

02-12-06, 11:31 AM

New Firmware Upgrade 02/08/2006 Now Posted On Phillips Site.

This is release BX23U-1.0.13.0_0 from 12/22/05. Although they have updated the date on the web site, this is the same firmware that has been out for a couple of weeks already. If you upgraded recently, this is not needed.

Casey Jones

02-12-06, 10:24 PM

This is release BX23U-1.0.13.0_0 from 12/22/05. Although they have updated the date on the web site, this is the same firmware that has been out for a couple of weeks already. If you upgraded recently, this is not needed.

On Philips website you will find firmware version BX23U-1.0.13.0_01441 dated January 25, 2006 (date has now been updated) available for download. This is the latest firmware version. :)

jdef

02-14-06, 04:41 PM

On Philips website you will find firmware version BX23U-1.0.13.0_01441 dated January 25, 2006 (date has now been updated) available for download. This is the latest firmware version. :)

But when you download it and open the .ZIP file you will see it's the same 12/22 firmware file that Philips has been pushing for the last few weeks.

x420d

02-14-06, 05:25 PM

I´m planning to buy a Philips 42PF9630A, since, of all the Plasma I can find for sale on this size, it seems to have the best specifications, but I have a few doubts about using it with a computer. One of the thing I like to do is watch anime fansubs directly out of the computer (I currently use a Sony Wega KV36XBR800 with an ATI X700 for that, using the component cable to connect in 720p mode).

Well, the specifications for the 42PF9630A say its native mode is 1024x768, which for computer monitors would be a 4x3 mode. My question then would be:

- When connecting a computer to the 42PF9630A using a DVI-to-HDMI cable, would it be detected by the computer as a 16x9 monitor despite the 4x3 resolution? If not, would a program like Powerstrip be able to force the computer to see it as a 16x9 display?
Note: Any info at all would help here - for example, if someone is connecting computer to TV using a Nvidia card, and/or a HDMI-to-HDMI cable.

I know that I have the alternative of using the component video (as I use presently on the Sony), but since the 720p output would need to be stretched by the TV to reach 1024x768, the image would probably be less sharp than it could be.

Thanks.

Qurious-
I have my computer connected via DVI to HDMI from an ATI 9250 (pretty low end video i know) and I have the computer resolution set to 1024X768 and it fills the philips screen perfectly- from there i can play video through my PC and watch movies that fill the screen also ( I am using FTA-DVB for television) the clarity seems to depend on the source of the video etc.. but does look good..

my ATI card does detect the philips as a 16X9 monitor the only trick to getting the video card to output 10X7 was i had to choose "list all modes" under the video card properties to allow the video card to output 1024X768 to this plasma..