My blackscreen situation is now almost a constant thing. You cant watch more than 20 minutes without a crash of some sort. It has become so much worse, so quickly, I am only on day 3 of this TV.

We will have to return it. I told my husband, we are lucky to still have the option. IF Philips knew the cause, and just had to come fix it, that would be ok.

I WANT this TV, but I guess I will have to switch brands.

That does sound like a bad display as I've had my 42PF7320A for a couple months using the tuner with an antenna, component video from my progressive scan DVD and HDMI-DVI from my Mac Powerbook and I have not seen the BS issue.

Are you sure you didnt mean USB? As far as I know the 7320 doesnt have firewire though I guess that would be good for a "server" type situation which seems to be gaining ground.


Sorry! No firewire. There was one other input that seems to have been deleted on the new model....RGB maybe.. Go check out the Phillips website, there are some differences between the two. I am especially intrigued by the 15:9 aspect ratio of the new model. What does that actually mean?

Perhaps my final update here, my 42"Philips, now 4 days running in my home, is totally unusable. It now blackscreens every 5 minutes. Originally, it would go black, and you could not switch it off or use remote, red light would be on. Power had to be cut to reset. Now, that sometimes happens, but it also has episodes of flashing lights, including colors thru the AMbilight that is interesting, goes black, and seems to reset itself, comes back on, then repeats, green light not red. Since it now does this every 4-8 minutes, I give up. It also does the red light black screen.

We contacted Best Buy, we are still under the 30 day window. We bought this open box, with X% off on set for openbox, and another X% with a coupon, total being 2X% off, almost. BB offered us a single X% off on a NEW set, not open box. (I am trying not to violate the rules here with the X%) In any case, we will now pay $400 more than before for a NEW non-Philips set. It seems like a pretty good deal, for them and us. They keep the sale, we get a new non-openbox set, and leave blackscreen behind us. I will miss this set, the Ambilights, sigh.

Good luck all, thanks for ALL your advice and assistance.

Interesting.....the Phillips website reports that the 42PF5321D is 15:9 while the 42PF7320 is 16:9. It shows one less HDMI input as well as no firewire. Also, it reports that while the 42PF7320 is progressive, the 42PF5321D is not. I called Phillips cs and they told me that the 42PF5321D was a lower line model than the 42PF7320. Now this was from the mouth of a csr drone, so take it with a grain of salt. I did take mine back to Sam's opted to exchange for another one rather than swap it for the 42PF5321D. This was before the AstroSaberIII review.

AstroSaberIII, you mention a reduction in digital noise with the new model? Could you elaborate on that? I watch mostly Dish over component and do notice some noise in the picture when sitting up close to the screen. Are you saying that this new model PQ is sharper when viewing non HD feeds very close to the screen and not a little 'fuzzy' like the 42PF7320? How does HD compare on the 42PF5321D compared to the 42PF7320 at regular viewing distance? One last thing, does the new model suffer from red push as the 42PF7320 does and are their any additional color balance controls to correct it?

Sorry for all the questions, but I have exchanged TVs twice at Sam's and would rather not a third time, however if the PQ difference on the new model is substantial then I guess I will have too. :)

Both the 7320 and 5321 have 1024x768 Resolution, and the 5321 manual refers to 16X9 and other times 15X9.

When I refer to digital noise on the 7320, It is because when a pure primary color is feed through the media slot, or via HDMI, or component, there is other colors than the pure color dotting around the screen. I made some test images in photoshop that filled the screen with different colors, and most colors on the screen intruduced some sort of color distortion speckles. Almost like snow on the screen. These same test images I feed into the 5321 via the USB, and the colors were pure with absolutly no speckles what - so- ever. The digital noise I speak is not the flickering of each pixel when your looking at the screen fron less than a foot. Also, the screen doesn't have to be one solid color to notice the digital noise, but is noticable when any sections of a movie that has one color (like the blue sky) - and it must be a bright color to notice.

On a white screen I would get pink speckles mostly on the botton half of the screen. wonder if these pink speckles are the start of the red push? I never noticed any red push on the 7320. Start paying attention when commercials come on and the screen is for the most part white. look at the bottom for pink speckles.

Yes, it appears that the 5321 is a stripped down version of the 7320. Features/inputs missing. These missing items furtunally doesn't effect me with my particular setup.

One thing I forgot to mention, is that the 5321 does NOT have PIP or POP. Nice feature I will probably miss.

The 5321 as well as all plasmas are progressive, so the litature or information stating it is not progressive is wrong.

Just for fun, put 42PF7320 into Google, and go through the sites. Some sites say the 7320 is ED, while others say it's 1080p. A few got it right stating it was HD.

I'm still playing around with the menu settings, and these are for the most part the same as the 7320. No additional color settings other than tint and color.

Sorry for the delays reporting back, but my electricity has been out for the better part of the day. A old tree finally decided it was time to fall into the powerlines.

On a final note for today, when I did have the 7320, i had the BS problem VERY VERY saldom. the only thing I'm doing different than most of you guys, is I have a panamax power filter/switcher. When I'm done watching tv for the day, I press the power button on the panamax, and it removes power from ALL my A/V stuff. So most of the time the TV is not plugged into the wall socket 120V. Guys, try unplugging your sets, and let it unplugged fpr 5 minutes when you have the BS problem often.

Cheers guys/gals :)

ASIII

How were you able to find out about the diagnostic LED's? Are they visible without "wrenching"? Sounds like a great set.

Just looking through the vent holes, I count no less than 10 SMT LEDS, and of these 10 or so, 2 are blinking with 480i dishnetwork.

I'm in the soon-to-be process of exchanging my 7220 at Costco and re-purchasing at either Costco's or BJ's warehouse (membership to both) and notice that the BJ's store has the 7321 as opposed to Sam's Club 5321.

Looking at Philips website it appears the only difference is that the 7321 has a 3D comb filter while the 5321 does not and the unit itself is half an inch thicker. The black color surrounding the screen is smaller as well. Everything else is the same.

Just wondering if you're still happy with your 5321. This is going to be my 2nd return, and I am just wanting tv set #3 to be the last.

Both the 7320 and 5321 have 1024x768 Resolution, and the 5321 manual refers to 16X9 and other times 15X9.

When I refer to digital noise on the 7320, It is because when a pure primary color is feed through the media slot, or via HDMI, or component, there is other colors than the pure color dotting around the screen. I made some test images in photoshop that filled the screen with different colors, and most colors on the screen intruduced some sort of color distortion speckles. Almost like snow on the screen. These same test images I feed into the 5321 via the USB, and the colors were pure with absolutly no speckles what - so- ever. The digital noise I speak is not the flickering of each pixel when your looking at the screen fron less than a foot. Also, the screen doesn't have to be one solid color to notice the digital noise, but is noticable when any sections of a movie that has one color (like the blue sky) - and it must be a bright color to notice.

On a white screen I would get pink speckles mostly on the botton half of the screen. wonder if these pink speckles are the start of the red push? I never noticed any red push on the 7320. Start paying attention when commercials come on and the screen is for the most part white. look at the bottom for pink speckles.

Yes, it appears that the 5321 is a stripped down version of the 7320. Features/inputs missing. These missing items furtunally doesn't effect me with my particular setup.

One thing I forgot to mention, is that the 5321 does NOT have PIP or POP. Nice feature I will probably miss.

The 5321 as well as all plasmas are progressive, so the litature or information stating it is not progressive is wrong.

Just for fun, put 42PF7320 into Google, and go through the sites. Some sites say the 7320 is ED, while others say it's 1080p. A few got it right stating it was HD.

I'm still playing around with the menu settings, and these are for the most part the same as the 7320. No additional color settings other than tint and color.

Sorry for the delays reporting back, but my electricity has been out for the better part of the day. A old tree finally decided it was time to fall into the powerlines.

On a final note for today, when I did have the 7320, i had the BS problem VERY VERY saldom. the only thing I'm doing different than most of you guys, is I have a panamax power filter/switcher. When I'm done watching tv for the day, I press the power button on the panamax, and it removes power from ALL my A/V stuff. So most of the time the TV is not plugged into the wall socket 120V. Guys, try unplugging your sets, and let it unplugged fpr 5 minutes when you have the BS problem often.

Cheers guys/gals :)

ASIII

Thanks for the feedback! I will look for those speckles and noise when I go home tonight. Overall, it sounds like the PQ is just slightly better than the older model. Since, I don't have the BS problem (yet.......knock on wood) I will probably stay with 7320 for now but if starts having problems I will not hesitate to go back and swap for the 5321.

Hey, does anyone know how to get into the servivce menu to adjust color?? I want tone down the red a bit and bring up the blue and green a little. Thanks!

My blackscreen situation is now almost a constant thing. You cant watch more than 20 minutes without a crash of some sort. It has become so much worse, so quickly, I am only on day 3 of this TV.

We will have to return it. I told my husband, we are lucky to still have the option. IF Philips knew the cause, and just had to come fix it, that would be ok.

I WANT this TV, but I guess I will have to switch brands.
Identical issue but I'm more than 6 months outside the 30 day window to return to BB. So...TVs gone in for repairs. Just based on the behaviour it appears to be behaving similar to a PCs video card/power supply when it overheats...corrupted display, lack of response and an eventual shutdown. Here's hoping it's fixable and I'm not stuck with a snazzy looking paperweight at the end of the day...of course they said it could take upwards of a month so I guess I'll be waiting a while :(.

Identical issue but I'm more than 6 months outside the 30 day window to return to BB. So...TVs gone in for repairs. Just based on the behaviour it appears to be behaving similar to a PCs video card/power supply when it overheats...corrupted display, lack of response and an eventual shutdown. Here's hoping it's fixable and I'm not stuck with a snazzy looking paperweight at the end of the day...of course they said it could take upwards of a month so I guess I'll be waiting a while :(.

It depends on whether the parts are on backorder or not =)....I finally recieved my TV yesterday after 3 full weeks of waiting. The repair guy said it was a good thing the TV was under warranty, because they replaced 3 circuit boards and some wiring and that would have cost me about $1700 without the warranty. I'd say count on possibly about 17-22 business days for a turn around time depending on what's wrong with your TV.

I'm in the soon-to-be process of exchanging my 7220 at Costco and re-purchasing at either Costco's or BJ's warehouse (membership to both) and notice that the BJ's store has the 7321 as opposed to Sam's Club 5321.

Looking at Philips website it appears the only difference is that the 7321 has a 3D comb filter while the 5321 does not and the unit itself is half an inch thicker. The black color surrounding the screen is smaller as well. Everything else is the same.

Just wondering if you're still happy with your 5321. This is going to be my 2nd return, and I am just wanting tv set #3 to be the last.

Yes, still very happy, however I've owned the set for less than a week. I have not encountered any problems or issues with the 5321. The calibration levels (color/tint/brt/cntr) are close to what the 7320 was calibrated to. Heat generated by the 5321 is also approx the same as the 7320.

It will take you a few days to get used to the black bezel around the screen if your used to watching a 7320/7220.

Looking for general help setting up my surround sound on the 7320. I have used the HDMI cable to connect from the TV to the surround sound. When I switch to HDMI 1 on the TV, I get a green screen. Which source needs to be selected under HDMI 1? Also, I know I am very close but what is the next step to make it so that the green screen disappears and my cable station is displayed w/ surround sound?

Thanks!

Where are you getting the tv signal from? How is that wired to the tv or the receiver?

Looking for general help setting up my surround sound on the 7320. I have used the HDMI cable to connect from the TV to the surround sound. When I switch to HDMI 1 on the TV, I get a green screen. Which source needs to be selected under HDMI 1? Also, I know I am very close but what is the next step to make it so that the green screen disappears and my cable station is displayed w/ surround sound?

Thanks!
The way I read your post, it sounds as if you are trying to output "from the TV to the surround sound" using HDMI1? This is not possible since the HDMI ports are for Input only and not Output.

Where are you getting the tv signal from? How is that wired to the tv or the receiver?

The cable runs into the cable box (yes, I use the box) and then through the TV. The HDMI cable runs from the TV to the receiver. Is this wrong? I am pretty bad at this kind of stuff.

This is wrong. If your cable box does HDMI, you can attach the HDMI cable to the Receiver (if the receiver has HDMI in) then, if the receiver has HDMI out, attach that to the TV. Pls give us a little more info and we will give you the solution. It will be easy.
So, we need to know what outputs the cable box has (and tell us the mfr and model and your cable company) and what receiver you have.

No Audio output (but there is a workaround - use the headphone output, which is independetly controlled from the master volume)

The 5321/7321 both do have Audio Out. It's just that it is digital coax only. If you are outputting to a receiver/amp, you should be ok, as most do have digitial coax. You can also get a coax-to-optical adapter and go that way if your receiver only has optical (you can get these for around $20 or slightly higher at any electronics store). For a little more (say around $50-$70) you can get a digital converter that will take the digital output and convert it into your standard analog plugs...and vice versa. Once such device can be found here... http://www.trianglecables.com/adv-2000.html

Anyway, just saying that there is an audio out :)

It depends on whether the parts are on backorder or not =)....I finally recieved my TV yesterday after 3 full weeks of waiting. The repair guy said it was a good thing the TV was under warranty, because they replaced 3 circuit boards and some wiring and that would have cost me about $1700 without the warranty. I'd say count on possibly about 17-22 business days for a turn around time depending on what's wrong with your TV.
Ya I'm not expecting anything really less than that unless they pull some miracle out of the air. I was told on the day of pickup that they wouldnt even get to looking at it until most likely early next week because of backlog and then like you mentioned parts availability could play a huge role.

Hopefully yours is fixed up and the problem resolved...after reading this thread I was beginning to wonder if any repairs could address the problem.

I am trying to decide between the Toshiba 42hp66 and the Phillips
42PF5321D/37.

Both are 42" and about the exact same price. Is anyone familiar
with the Phillips versus this Toshiba and can you tell me which
do you think is the better plasma?

Thanks I really appreciate any feedback on this manner.

Peter

Those of you who are still experiencing the BS issue.
Is your TV mounted on the wall or on a stand ?

I ask because it's been over 3 months since I experienced the BS issue and it stopped after I got a wall mounting kit(Omni Mount) and installed the TV on the wall.

This almost has me believe that perhaps the BS issue may be a heat related issue and when the TV is on a stand, there's not enough ventalation and causes the TV to heat up
and shutdown the screen temperarily as it recovers/cools off.

Also, my periodic sound/audio being muted has gone away since upgrading my firmware to BX23U-1.2.0.0_01471

Those of you who are still experiencing the BS issue.
Is your TV mounted on the wall or on a stand ?

I ask because it's been over 3 months since I experienced the BS issue and it stopped after I got a wall mounting kit(Omni Mount) and installed the TV on the wall.

This almost has me believe that perhaps the BS issue may be a heat related issue and when the TV is on a stand, there's not enough ventalation and causes the TV to heat up
and shutdown the screen temperarily as it recovers/cools off.

Also, my periodic sound/audio being muted has gone away since upgrading my firmware to BX23U-1.2.0.0_01471
Mine's sitting on the stand but the TV has a good 2 feet behind, 8 feet above and then nothing but open space to the sides. I think whenever I get it back I will try sliding it closer to the front of the TV stand...it just makes me nervous having it that close to the edge but I'd rather that then have to go through this again. I can't imagine it needs any more breathing room than I'm giving it though...only way that'd be possible is to stick it outside :).

I felt along the bottom of it immediately after it turned off and felt no heat...there wasn't even that much rising out the top but I'm pretty much in agreement it's some sort of overheating issue for whatever reason. Still no call and they've had the TV for almost a week so I'm assuming they haven't even looked at it yet but I'll still provide an update when they get back to me.

Mine's sitting on the stand but the TV has a good 2 feet behind, 8 feet above and then nothing but open space to the sides. I think whenever I get it back I will try sliding it closer to the front of the TV stand...it just makes me nervous having it that close to the edge but I'd rather that then have to go through this again. I can't imagine it needs any more breathing room than I'm giving it though...only way that'd be possible is to stick it outside :).

I felt along the bottom of it immediately after it turned off and felt no heat...there wasn't even that much rising out the top but I'm pretty much in agreement it's some sort of overheating issue for whatever reason. Still no call and they've had the TV for almost a week so I'm assuming they haven't even looked at it yet but I'll still provide an update when they get back to me.


Has anyone who's been having the BS issue tried directing a fan across the TV for a while to assist with cooling? If so did the amount of BS decrease? I don't think anyone wants to use a fan as condition for watching television but it may help prove if it's in fact an overheating issue. Just a thought.

Tiga

The 5321/7321 both do have Audio Out. It's just that it is digital coax only. If you are outputting to a receiver/amp, you should be ok, as most do have digitial coax. You can also get a coax-to-optical adapter and go that way if your receiver only has optical (you can get these for around $20 or slightly higher at any electronics store). For a little more (say around $50-$70) you can get a digital converter that will take the digital output and convert it into your standard analog plugs...and vice versa. Once such device can be found here... http://www.trianglecables.com/adv-2000.html

Anyway, just saying that there is an audio out :)

Your 100% correct, there is a digital audio out, but unlike the 7320, the 5321 does not have an analog audio output (except for the headphone). The headphone output can be set individual from the master volume - it is not strapped. This headphone output can be feed into a Dolby 5.1 system without digital inputs. Sound quality is excellent via the headphone output. I notice no difference between the audio out on the 7320 and headphone 5321 output.

I thought I would need a digital to analog converter as you mentioned above, but he headphone output is the same thing as having an adjustable line level out, so thankfully I won't need it. :)

Something I've noticed with the 5321 is that there is virtually no image retention. TV logos no longer temporarly remain on the screen after changing channels. How they did this, I dunno??

So is the BS issue resolved with the 5321?

Also, my periodic sound/audio being muted has gone away since upgrading my firmware to BX23U-1.2.0.0_01471

When I go Philips Support site they don't have this update on there, they have the previous one, anyone know why?

When I go Philips Support site they don't have this update on there, they have the previous one, anyone know why?

Not sure why the new upgrade isn't on the site...when I received my TV back from the repair shop--the new boards that they replaced already had the BX23U-1.2.0.0_01471 upgrade in the system....I've had the TV back for almost 1 full week and have seen absolutely NO problems so far (knock on wood).

When I go Philips Support site they don't have this update on there, they have the previous one, anyone know why?

They had that update on their site for a few days and removed it.
Not sure why but my audio drop/loss issue has been cured from the new upgrade as far as I can tell.
I use to encounter the audio drop/loss issue at least a couple times a week and haven't had it occur since installing the upgraded FW.

Only time will tell if the BS issue is resolved in the new model.

Also, I'm not familar of this image retention issue because I've never encountered it on my TV but I do watch everything in fullscreen(entire screen) so perhaps I don't see this burn in when I change to different channels after a logo has been present for an hour or more on the previous channel I was watching.

So is the BS issue resolved with the 5321?

Can't say for certain there will be no BS issue, however I've been watching the 5321 for 6-12 hours/day for 10+ days with no BS or anyother problems/issues.

There are some issues in electronics that can be fixed with new firmware, however other hardware problems can never be fixed with new firmware.

I have a Motorola XTS3000 (police radio) that since it's been released, Motorola has never been able to fix a few problems/issues dealing with name aliases. This alias problem should be simple to fix, but in 10 years THEY HAVE NEVER FIXED ThE PROBLEM, and there have been 35+ firmware updates. /\/\otorola knows about the problem, but refuses to fix it 9probably because firmware can't fix this problem).

In order to solve the BS issue, everyone who reports that they have the BS issue should provide more information like: how long is the TV on before it BS's the first time - how hot is the top vents - what video source - what inputs.
The more information we have the better chance to nail down what is causing this anoying BS. I'd like to see the service manual for the 7320 to see the boot sequence when first turned on. when the TV BS's, it's a partial reboot of the TV.

I have a feeling the BS issue has to do with the low voltage power supply section overheating. The 7320 is not detecting an error, because no red error light ever comes on.

I'm a radio repair technician, and if TV's are anything like two-way radios, most of the problems are in the power supply section. 4 out of 5 radios I see for repair have something wrong with the power section/regulation circuit.

BS issue - lets try to solve this - seeing as philips can't.

We need to find what circuit board is causing this problem. Here's a suggestion to start.

1 unplug the TV, and let it sit for a few minutes
2 plug the TV into 120V ac, AND listen very carefully for the relay clicks - count how many relays click when the TV is just plugged in and not turned on.
3 press the power button and count the relay clicks

When the TV black screens (BS), how many relays do you hear click? Zero? One? two?

Once we narrow down if any board is resetting, we can dig further into that board and find out WTF is going on causeing a reboot.

If anyone has a service manual they would lend out to me for a week, that would be great. I have a few ideas whats going on, but need a service manual to verify my hunch.

Also if your unfortunate to have the BS issue often, try turning the TV to "ECO" mode. This ECO mode brings down power consumption and heat. It reduced the heat 8 degrees from going from normal (calibrated) to "ECO"

Cheers

Has anyone tryed to use this TV with an HTPC? Can anyone help me with the powerstrip settings?

Hi. I just bought this TV yesterday and it is beautiful… most of the time… I love it when it’s fully wide screened on the HD channels but when I put on HBO On demand (Time Warner) or any of the SD channels I get the two ugly bars on each side of the screen. My question – isn’t there a way to get rid of these? I can’t use the format button because Super Zoom and most of the other options are “Grayed Out”. Is that how it’s supposed to be?

You should at least have two formats available - wide screen and automatic. Choose automatic and the screen will stretch accordingly (just a little in the middle and more towards the sides). There should also be a setting on your cable box that will also auto-stretch 4:3 content.

Do you have a cable box? Have you "told" the cable box that your TV is 16:9?

Thanks both of you!

I kept looking on the TV and didn't think of the Cable box. I set it to upconvert-1 and everything fits and looks a lot better. Next question -- How do I connect my PC to it? I tried S-Cable to the side but nothing showed up is it a computer problem? If so what card/cables would you recommend?

I had this set for 4 months now but I had to return my first set.
My first set began shutting down by itself off at times and finally it would not turn on at all. I did not realize that this model had problems until I looked at this forum trying to find info. on a service manual to do a gray scale calibration.
I think that these sets run on the warm side and that, maybe, they don't have adequate ventilation.
One of the posters said his set did not have problems and that it was hung on the wall. It is possible that it gets rid of the heat easier hanging on the wall, since it does have unobstructed ventilation from the bottom up. If this is the case, it is a design problem that we might have to live with unless Philips comes up with a fix.
I have not have any problems so far with my second set :) , and I pray that I don't, it was a pain repacking the first set to bring it back to COSTCO. COSTCO gave me no problems though.

Thanks both of you!

I kept looking on the TV and didn't think of the Cable box. I set it to upconvert-1 and everything fits and looks a lot better. Next question -- How do I connect my PC to it? I tried S-Cable to the side but nothing showed up is it a computer problem? If so what card/cables would you recommend?

If you have a VGA port on your laptop (monitor port) like most of them do, buy a VGA to RGB-5 cable (with RCA connectors NOT BNC) and connect it to input 1.

So has anyone else come across this problem?

I was watching cable on the plasma when I noticed a weird green static on the top third of the screen. I thought it was just a bad connection with the cable, so I turned off the tv and turned it back on, but it was still there. I turned it off again, and after it came back on, the picture completely dissapeared. The audio can still be heard through the tv's speakers, the lights are on... but absolutely no picture. I tried to switch to a different input, but the tv's menu does not even show so that means that the television is not even displaying anything anymore. I disconnected all wires, let it sit for a few hours, and plugged it back in and it still is the same. The lights on the television blink everytime I press a button on the remote, but there is absolutely no picture whatsoever. Whats going on?

I called up philips and they gave me a number to a local service department, but I still am completely confused on what is going on...

Anybody with BS issue - are you sending the TV or DVD video signal directly to the TV or through your receiver to the TV? I wonder if my receiver might have been part of the problem so I have sent the video direct to the TV with S-Video to see if this helps me.

HD display is brilliant , the best features on this tv are all the various input options. Two HDMI inputs, Three back mounted input boards, and a full side panel input board with USB and S Video (which make digital cameras, camcorders, and flash drives a snap to use)

I personally am very happy with it.

Anybody with BS issue - are you sending the TV or DVD video signal directly to the TV or through your receiver to the TV? I wonder if my receiver might have been part of the problem so I have sent the video direct to the TV with S-Video to see if this helps me.
I had the HDMI going directly from my high-def cable box to the TV. Same goes for my component on my 360...straight through to the TV. The only cables hooked directly to my theatre are for sound.

Also, called the repair shop today, they've ordered whatever part they needed but it's on backorder. Supposed to arrive at Philips by Friday and then here by no later than the end of next week. Looks like I'm about 3 weeks out still seeing my TV...oh well I'll remain optimistic it'll be fixed when I get it back :).

Hey all- I've been a spectator here for months but this is my first post...

I've had a couple picture issues with this set... the first is that when reds and blues mix on the right side of the screen only, they tend to distort slightly, and end up being blue and red "sparkles" that deter from picture quality... any ideas why this happens?

Also... there is a small strip of pixels at the bottom of the screen only that tend to black/grey up in spots when trying to render white - especially when watching hockey and showing the ice.

Any suggestions/ideas here? I'd appreciate it, thanks, and keep up the good work, everyone!

Hey all- I've been a spectator here for months but this is my first post...

I've had a couple picture issues with this set... the first is that when reds and blues mix on the right side of the screen only, they tend to distort slightly, and end up being blue and red "sparkles" that deter from picture quality... any ideas why this happens?

Also... there is a small strip of pixels at the bottom of the screen only that tend to black/grey up in spots when trying to render white - especially when watching hockey and showing the ice.

Any suggestions/ideas here? I'd appreciate it, thanks, and keep up the good work, everyone!

Had a very similar problem. Only I just had only red, not red and blue. Ultimately they had to replace my plasma display. Took 2 months becuase it was on back order. After repair picture is great. Now my TV is down again because of a bad power supply. Never again do I buy Philips.

New firmware release 6/27.

BX23U-1.3.0.0_01481
• Robustness improvement when receiving channel map changes.

New firmware release 6/27.

BX23U-1.3.0.0_01481
• Robustness improvement when receiving channel map changes.
Good news to report on my end. The new firmware BX23U-1.3.0.0_01481 has solved one of my problems. As I reported many posts ago, I had taped episode of American Idol saved on my DVR (connected to TV via HMDI). At a certain point in the episode I could get the black screen problem to repeat everytime I played the episode at that point. With the new upgrade no black screen to report. This is great news, but I'm still not sold that it won't happen again. I'll report back if I get another "black screen" occurrence, but keeping my fingers crossed.

Note that the new firmware also has other changes, from 1471, the stuff that was pulled awhile ago.

To those that have upgraded their firmware to BX23U-1.3.0.0_01481 please post if you find any problems. Last time I upgraded my firmware to 1.2 (can't remember the exact version) I noticed that the TV kept losing certain tuner channels that I had it memorize. It was so annoying that I reverted back to earlier firmware.

To those that have upgraded their firmware to BX23U-1.3.0.0_01481 please post if you find any problems. Last time I upgraded my firmware to 1.2 (can't remember the exact version) I noticed that the TV kept losing certain tuner channels that I had it memorize. It was so annoying that I reverted back to earlier firmware.


Hey wfiveash

I just upgraded to 01481. I had the problem where my preferred channels that I told it not to show by taking the X off would show back up after I restarted the TV. Well, in this upgrade they SORT OF fixed that. Now if I take the X off a digital channel it remembers after a restart... however, if I take the X off an analog channel, they show back up after a restart. To the software QA folks at Philips, It is the ANALOG channels I don't want to see on my preferred channel list!!!

I even did a rescan off all my OTA channels and had everything remapped - same thing. I know it is a small thing but I hate to go backwards on anything.

Hey all- I've been a spectator here for months but this is my first post...

I've had a couple picture issues with this set... the first is that when reds and blues mix on the right side of the screen only, they tend to distort slightly, and end up being blue and red "sparkles" that deter from picture quality... any ideas why this happens?

Also... there is a small strip of pixels at the bottom of the screen only that tend to black/grey up in spots when trying to render white - especially when watching hockey and showing the ice.

Any suggestions/ideas here? I'd appreciate it, thanks, and keep up the good work, everyone!

Didn't see the hockey part of the post. That is exactly when I would have the problem, at least is was the worst with anything white, especially a hockey game. Most likely , your problem is the same one that I had.

Also, 3 weeks after reporting my power problem, TV doesn't turn on, They came to replace the power supply. After it was replaced, TV still would not work. They had to take it to the repair shop for further tests. This sucks. Had my TV for 7 months, was able to watch it for only about 4 of them and Philips can't do anything for me. Plasma problem took 2 months to repair first time.

I've now joined the BS crowd. I had no problems with my TV for six months and shortly after I moved the TV has done it twice. Perhaps there is something to tell by this change? Here's my last setup and current setup with BS happening:

Before move and BS issue:

1. Directv without HD
2. Streamed HD content via Xbox 360. I rarely watched HD content.
3. Composite cables were connected to directv receiver to TV

After move and now with BS issue:

1. Switched to Comcast with HD package. HD is the majority of content watched. Component cables are connected from cable box to TV
2. No xbox 360 connected yet (not unpacked)
3. I now use the digital audio coax connection in place of the audio cables

The TV is placed about the same distance from the wall in both places so this shouldn't be a problem. It's not hung on the wall, i'm using the stand. If anyone has any futher questions feel free to ask me. :(

I've got a room fan placed in the back of the plasma blowing all air constantly around the TV. I noticed my TV was hot, especially on top. I'll let you all know if I expirience the BS issue with the fan constantly blowing hot air away from the TV.

Wish I had found this site before I purchased my 7320A. Had it for about seven months so too late to return. Experiencing BS, except that mine doesn't come back. Cannot turn off with remote or power switch on set, have to unplug to reset and then it will only work for about 60 second before problem repeats. I get LED flashing eventually - 5 long, 3 short, anyone with a service manual know what that means? Called Philips service, like talking to a wall, no attempt at problem resolution, I was just told to call the auth service provider. I expected the service rep to do some sort of diagnostics in my home, I was told I had in-home service. but he was really just a delivery man. Wanted to toss my TV in the back of an open pickup truck, I sent him away. I finally became upset at the whole Philips experience. Went to BB yesterday and bought a Pio 42" to be delivered on the 5th. Hopefully, will have better luck. Scheduled a pickup on the 7th with the second service company they suggested, will hope for the best.

Reading this forum, this problem seems to be very pervasive. Is there any option that we could force Philips to issue a recall and either fix or replace our panels or offer a refund? This is my second set, by the way. The original set went out about 24 hrs after purchase, sound went out completely and was replaced by Sears. I like the display when it works but I guess you get what you pay for. Lots of good info ont this site... look forward to exchanging information and ideas! :cool:

Wish I had found this site before I purchased my 7320A. Had it for about seven months so too late to return. Experiencing BS, except that mine doesn't come back. Cannot turn off with remote or power switch on set, have to unplug to reset and then it will only work for about 60 second before problem repeats. I get LED flashing eventually - 5 long, 3 short, anyone with a service manual know what that means? Called Philips service, like talking to a wall, no attempt at problem resolution, I was just told to call the auth service provider. I expected the service rep to do some sort of diagnostics in my home, I was told I had in-home service. but he was really just a delivery man. Wanted to toss my TV in the back of an open pickup truck, I sent him away. I finally became upset at the whole Philips experience. Went to BB yesterday and bought a Pio 42" to be delivered on the 5th. Hopefully, will have better luck. Scheduled a pickup on the 7th with the second service company they suggested, will hope for the best.

Reading this forum, this problem seems to be very pervasive. Is there any option that we could force Philips to issue a recall and either fix or replace our panels or offer a refund? This is my second set, by the way. The original set went out about 24 hrs after purchase, sound went out completely and was replaced by Sears. I like the display when it works but I guess you get what you pay for. Lots of good info ont this site... look forward to exchanging information and ideas! :cool:

Feel the same way about finding the forum. I was having similiar problem with the power. My TV would not turn on at all. When unplugged and then plugged back in, the green light would flash for a few seconds and then turn off. They replaced the power supply for me (after 3 weeks) and still did not work. I emailed Paul Zeven (CEO - Philips) and got a quick response. I explained to him that this was the second problem I had, (previously my plasma display was replaced) and that I felt the TV was defective and didn't want to get stuck with repair costs when the warranty expires. So they decided to send me a new TV. They said it takes 3 weeks to get it. I will let you know how it is.

Feel the same way about finding the forum. I was having similiar problem with the power. My TV would not turn on at all. When unplugged and then plugged back in, the green light would flash for a few seconds and then turn off. They replaced the power supply for me (after 3 weeks) and still did not work. I emailed Paul Zeven (CEO - Philips) and got a quick response. I explained to him that this was the second problem I had, (previously my plasma display was replaced) and that I felt the TV was defective and didn't want to get stuck with repair costs when the warranty expires. So they decided to send me a new TV. They said it takes 3 weeks to get it. I will let you know how it is.
Hi johng - Now that sounds like service! Im amazed you even got a reply from the CEO, Ive tried that route before with other companies & gotten nothing but more frustrated. I think the fact you got a reply says something positive here.

Feel the same way about finding the forum. I was having similiar problem with the power. My TV would not turn on at all. When unplugged and then plugged back in, the green light would flash for a few seconds and then turn off. They replaced the power supply for me (after 3 weeks) and still did not work. I emailed Paul Zeven (CEO - Philips) and got a quick response. I explained to him that this was the second problem I had, (previously my plasma display was replaced) and that I felt the TV was defective and didn't want to get stuck with repair costs when the warranty expires. So they decided to send me a new TV. They said it takes 3 weeks to get it. I will let you know how it is.

That is good service. What's his email address?

Mine goes back to Sam's tomorrow. I've had it 5 months and I'm tired of the Black Screen issue. It also has keeps having Error reports for the Cable card. They said a refund shouldn't be a problem.

Ever since I placed a fan on the back of the TV my BS issue hasn't shown itself. Either i've just been lucky or my BS issue was heat related.

I noticed that when watching in the dark, black scnes look 'blotchy' when viewing up close (4 feet or less). Is this normal? Can someone please elaborate? THANKS!

1

Management
Philips Electronics North America Headquarters
1251 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10020

Paul Zeven
CEO
Philips Electronics North America
email paul.zeven@philips.com


Wilco Groenhuysen
CFO
Philips Electronics North America
email wilco.groenhuysen@philips.com


Tom Patton
Vice President
Government Relations
email tom.patton@philips.com


Raymond Fleming
Vice President & Controller
email raymond.fleming@philips.com

Joseph Innamorati
Senior Vice President
Chief Legal Counsel
email joseph.innamorati@philips.com


Terry Fassburg
Vice President
Brand Communications
email terry.fassburg@philips.com


Donald Welsko
Senior Vice President
Human Resources
email don.welsko@philips.com

For Philips product support please visit our Support Center or Contact Philips.

Well finally at the 4 week mark the replacement part (which was on backorder) has arrived and assuming everything goes as planned I should have my TV back by Monday at some point. Hopefully this fixes my BS issue and I can get back to enjoying my TV rather than worrying about when I'm going to get it back :).

Management


Thanks, johng. The repair service is supposed to pick my set up tomorrow. I'll wait a while to find out what they think before I escalate. FYI, I bought a Pioneer 4271 and it was delivered yesterday. I haven't even had a chance to read the manaual yet but the BB guys set it up and the picture is light years ahead of the Philips and I really thought the Philips was good.

Thanks, johng. The repair service is supposed to pick my set up tomorrow. I'll wait a while to find out what they think before I escalate. FYI, I bought a Pioneer 4271 and it was delivered yesterday. I haven't even had a chance to read the manaual yet but the BB guys set it up and the picture is light years ahead of the Philips and I really thought the Philips was good.

Good Luck, I'm going to check out the pioneer. I am looking for a 32" for my bedroom. Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks.

Ever since I placed a fan on the back of the TV my BS issue hasn't shown itself. Either i've just been lucky or my BS issue was heat related.

I agree 100%. Try sgr215 fan fix. I measured the temp at the top vent holes, and it was anywhere from 106 degrees (left side) & 115 (right side). The room temp was around 73 degrees.

AstroSaber,

Are you saying that you're getting BS with your new 5321 Philips? Or is it still working out alright?

I thought these were supposed to be software upgrades!!!!

updated the firmware to BX23U-1.3.0.0_01481 and the disappearing channel issue is back again. I have a strong cbs affiliate mapped to 4.1, watch the channel for a while, goto to another channel and 4.1 disappears. Can't even call it up by punching 4.1 into the remote. Had to go in and remap the channel using the weak channel function. Isn't anyone at Philips QA'ing these upgrades?

Curious...has anybody seen a price on these things lately or bought one? This model pre-dates the 9630; when I saw it a few weeks ago at CC it was priced the SAME as the 9630. When I asked why it was really because they didn't update pricing on the 7320 and they said it would be 10-15% less than the 9630.

So I guess if you can find it, you could get a great price on any remaining sets.

Moderator: would mentioning a price if someone sees this set be a TOS violation? The 7620 is 2 models removed from the current set...it's not even readily available at most places.

I think I am having problems with the latest firmware. I have experience the BS issue from the start of owning the set. But with this latest firmware upgrade (at least since I made the upgrade), I am having an issue where the I get the BS and it never comes back on. I have to unplug it to get it showing an image again. I reverted back to the previous version and am hoping that fixes the problem. If not, it is going back to Costco for something other than Phillips. UNLESS there are other phillips models that do not have the BS issue. Does anyone know of one?

Well I took it back to Costco and bought the Panasonic TH-42PX6U for $300 more than what I paid for the Phillips. I have to say I was very pleased with the return policy at Costco....6 month after I purchased it....no hassle at all. In comparison, I believe the Panny PQ is better than the Phillips. It just looks sharper and the deeper. I hated to give up on the Phillips b/c I really liked it, but I just got tired of the BS issue especially since it was getting worse.

If anyone is interested I stumbled upon this site listing how you access the service mode of this TV.

WARNING: Modifying settings in this mode can damage your TV. If you do modify stuff be sure to make a backup of all settings before!

http://home.tiscali.nl/m.majoor/tv__matchline_service_mode.htm

Well mine went back to Sam's the other day after 6 months! Samsung LCD all the way!

Today I was moving stuff around my room and turned off the fan that was keeping my TV cool. My TV was tuned to a HD program and after 30-60 minutes it got the BS. The BS issue never showed its face for the nine days I had a fan blowing on the TV 24/7 and shortly after removing that fan it appeared again. Although i'm hesitant to admit it i'm almost positive my BS issue is related to heat. I'm going to expiriment over the next month with keeping a fan on it one day and not the next. I'm going to then log each BS occurence and note whether the fan was on or off. Perhaps if it is heat related I can make some sort of cooling system for the TV. Considering I still have a warranty I figure i'll do some type of external cooling using a spare PSU from a computer along with 2-4 80mm artic cooling fans around the vents of the tv. Maybe someones got a better idea though?

Thanks goes to Tiga for suggesting the fan idea! I hate to speak for others but this so far seems like it might be heat related for me.

I think I am having problems with the latest firmware. I have experience the BS issue from the start of owning the set. But with this latest firmware upgrade (at least since I made the upgrade), I am having an issue where the I get the BS and it never comes back on. I have to unplug it to get it showing an image again. I reverted back to the previous version and am hoping that fixes the problem. If not, it is going back to Costco for something other than Phillips. UNLESS there are other phillips models that do not have the BS issue. Does anyone know of one?


i had the exact same issue. Went back to the previous firmware and have not had the black screen since. Many say it is a heat issue but i think there is some proof here that it maybe the firmware.

I found a way to reproduce the BS issue from an unsuspected source!

This gets even more strange. I bought a black light (Five foot tube) and while my TV was on I plugged in the black light and went to attach it to the wall. The black light suddenly turned off even though the switch was set to on. At this same moment my TV lost sound. I fiddled with the black light and it turned on and oddly the sound on my TV also turned on. This got me thinking so I decided to intentionally mess with my black light and cause it to turn off again. I found simply touching it and moving it around caused it to loose power and guess what? My TV litterally lost volume EVERY time the black light turned off for no apparent reason. I kept this up and after the TV loosing volume several times suddenly I got a BS! I repeated this and yet again got a BS after so many volume drops. I can litterally repeat this over and over. I'm not really sure what to make of this. Wouldn't this suggest it's a power issue? I'd love to hear any opinions you all have.

Another thing to note: My previous house was brand new so I would imagine it was wired to handle all the high powered electrical toys out today. For at least six months I never had the BS issue appear in that home. The house I moved into is from the 60's and now i'm getting the BS.

Do you live in Cuesta Verde Estates or Amityville?

i had the exact same issue. Went back to the previous firmware and have not had the black screen since. Many say it is a heat issue but i think there is some proof here that it maybe the firmware.
Hi muranp2 - what version are you running that works?

Hi muranp2 - what version are you running that works?


I am running BX23U-1.1.0.0_01461 which was the last version before this new one was released. I was still getting BS once in a blue moon but it would only be for 10 seconds and the tv would recover on it's own. This new version causes the tv not to recover and i would have had to unplug to reset. So i am going with the lesser of two evils. Whoever is doing QA at Philips for these updates should be shot and pissed on.

Don't anyone take this the wrong way but it appears that applying firmware updates is accepted as a matter of course. This is a freaking TV! I expect it to work out of the box, I don't want to have to constantly be updating it like it was my workstation. Is this what I have to look forward to in the world of HDTV?

Don't anyone take this the wrong way but it appears that applying firmware updates is accepted as a matter of course. This is a freaking TV! I expect it to work out of the box, I don't want to have to constantly be updating it like it was my workstation. Is this what I have to look forward to in the world of HDTV?


No -- it's what you have to look foward to with a PHILIPS. :( Too bad too, since I really like the picture quality, features and style of their sets. But there just seems to be far, far too many complaints from Philips owners (here and every other forum I've read) about numerous issues which sooner or later crop up with their TVs (among other products). Apparently they release their sets with "quality control" that is slim to none, then expect their customers to do firmware "updates"
to solve probelms which should've been solved by THEM before the sets left the assembly line (or, preferably, when they were designed). With the resources Philips has they could be The "Premier" electronics company if they wanted. Unfortunately they're content to be "King of the Refurbs". Again, too bad.

Best,
Jeff D.

If you would have looked in the back of your Philips set, it is a Samsung. Thats why it looks great.
Andy

AstroSaber,

Are you saying that you're getting BS with your new 5321 Philips? Or is it still working out alright?

So far, no BS issue with the 5321. The temperatures are almost identical 7320 VS 5321 from the top vent holes.

Been using the 5321 for extended periods of time - 8-12 hours a day. So far no problems. My room temperature in the summer time in the house is 75-80 degrees.

IMHO, if Philips has not been able to fix the BS issue by now, it CAN NOT BE FIXED WITH A FIRMWARE UPGRADE. This BS problem is NOT a firmware issue, but a hardware issue that can't be fixed upgrading the MAIN firmware. There is a seperate TSOP from the main firmware TSOP and OTP rom's in the 7320 - both non upgradable by the avarage user. Just from experience, the TSOP's content can get corrupt from exessive heat, static discharge, etc. This doesn't happen very often, but does occasionally. I was tempted to read the secondary TSOP, but could not find the BFR(Boot From Reset) pad on the circuit board - I have no service manual. A simple read from this TSOP would reveal a checksum error - either from factory programming, or corruption from ???? It's very possasble some 7320 got a corrupt/defective TSOP/OTP ROM IC's from the factory.

This BS issue is an intermitent problem, which is the hardest to solve. The TV works 99% of the time. In the past, I've had to set up a video camera and 8 hour VHS tape to monitor the defective unit while I was not at the repair bench. This is a very tedious way, but you got to do what you have to do to find the problem.

Why don't you all with the BS issue set up a video camera to catch the problem. Once you caught the TV acting up, call Philips and tell them you got video of the BS. If enough people have video with their 7320/7220 black screening and philips still won't acknowledge the problem, start a website like 'hxxp:/wvw.DONTBUYPHILIPS.com" and put all the BS videos online. This will get philips attention FAST.

Once enough people get the BS on video, start a class action lawsuit against Philips for selling a defective product. I'm sure we got many lawyers in this forum :)

There is a $5000 Motorola two-way radio that also has a BS(reboot) problem. Motorola keep telling us we were crazy or not using the radio properly because they could not get it to reboot. They suggested upgrading the firmware (costs us $385 for every radio that got uplifted/upgraded), and we did. Of course the problem actually got worse. All it took was an online video of the radio rebooting while just sitting on the table for Motorola to take action. Here's the video that Motorola got to look at: http://home.comcast.net/~sllewd/reboot3.mov After seeing that video, the radios were replaced with new ones. Pssst, if your police dept wants to get XTS5000's - DON'T

Quality control is a thing of the past. We consumers are their QC more often than not these days. I'm getting sick and tired of buying stuff that has not been fully tested. Manufactures are skipping QC so their products can get to the market place faster. The only thing this does is piss off the customer who bought a "beta" version of the product. Also manufactures are relying on upgradable firmware to fix any issues that pop up after you purchase the item.

OK, I'll shut the heck up now

AstroSaberIII

Im having the same probelm with newist Firmwear. How do i Revert? It seems the past 2 updates had made the problem worse for me :(

Im having the same probelm with newist Firmwear. How do i Revert? It seems the past 2 updates had made the problem worse for me :(

I wish Philips would allow you to download older builds of the firmware. I would really be interested in checking out some of the previous builds and seeing how the BS issue reacts to them. I was peaking around Philip's website earlier seeing if I could find downloads to old builds but had no luck. Don't know if anyones interested but if people would be willing to send me various builds I could create a website containing all of them for download. Let me know if interested and i'll post an email to send to and link to site. Currently i've got:

BX23U-1.1.0.0_01461
BX23U-1.2.0.0_01471
BX23U-1.3.0.0_01481

Don't anyone take this the wrong way but it appears that applying firmware updates is accepted as a matter of course. This is a freaking TV! I expect it to work out of the box, I don't want to have to constantly be updating it like it was my workstation. Is this what I have to look forward to in the world of HDTV?
I agree 100% with that - while I noted early on researching the set that you could "upgrade" the firmware & thought OK that might be a good thing I was quite suprised that in the first day or 2 I would actually be told by Philips I NEEDED to upgrade due to the sound dropping! When my dad asked how the set was (he was an early adopter of plasma & has a Panasonic) I told him I had to "upgrade the firmaware & his reply was along the lines of "WTF".

Im having the same probelm with newist Firmwear. How do i Revert? It seems the past 2 updates had made the problem worse for me :(


I saved the previous firmware and just ran it like you would a new firmware update and it will ask you if you want to use this older version. Answer yes and it will load.

Crap I didn’t save it, Hey sgr215 think I could grab one of the older ones you have saved?


My line of thinking is if they can make it worse with firmware, they can also make it better. Get off your butts Philips!

I do still have Firmware Upgrade BX23U-1.0.13.0_01441, which was from February 8th, 2006.....but nothing older than that.....on a side note...I've had my TV back for just about 1 month now since having 3 out of the 10 or 12 circuit boards replaced...and *knock on wood* everything is working like it should...not even a single black screen problem :D

Crap I didn’t save it, Hey sgr215 think I could grab one of the older ones you have saved?


My line of thinking is if they can make it worse with firmware, they can also make it better. Get off your butts Philips!


This is the version i am running BX23U-1.1.0.0_01461

AstrosaberIII..... I agree with you. I own a 50PF9630A and owners of both the 42" and 50" sets are experiencing the BS issue as well. I may post a link on their thread to yours, if you don't mind. The intermittent problem is a main reason why I won't let a shop take it. It may or may not happen for them and who knows how long they'll have it? We may hace to "force" Philips hands to get this resolved.

I went ahead and just uploaded the BX23U-1.1.0.0_01461 and BX23U-1.2.0.0_01471 builds to rapidshare. Here's the link:

http://rapidshare.de/files/25681954/Plasma_Firmware.zip.html

Just scroll down, click the free link and wait for the counter to finish counting down then enter the verification text and click "Download from mirror ......" Download will start.

I wish Philips would allow you to download older builds of the firmware. I would really be interested in checking out some of the previous builds and seeing how the BS issue reacts to them. I was peaking around Philip's website earlier seeing if I could find downloads to old builds but had no luck. Don't know if anyones interested but if people would be willing to send me various builds I could create a website containing all of them for download. Let me know if interested and i'll post an email to send to and link to site. Currently i've got:

BX23U-1.1.0.0_01461
BX23U-1.2.0.0_01471
BX23U-1.3.0.0_01481



Great idea! Many will be interested.
I have BX23U-1.0.13.0_01441. Send me your e-mail address and I'll send it to you.

Sryche22, How much for the repair? I got my TV on Xmas, Not sure if it still be covered


sgr215, Your the man TY for the file!

Sryche22, How much for the repar? I got my TV on Xmas, Not sure if it still be covered


sgr215, Your the man TY for the file!

No problem. I've created an email to send old firmwares to, plasmafirmware@gmail.com. So far everything I've got is in the above rapidshare link excluding the newest version which is available from Philip's directly. As soon as I get any other versions I'll update the link. If theres a demand for it I'll switch to something better than rapidshare.

UPDATE: I've created a website. It's http://home.comcast.net/~sgr215/. I'll keep it updated with any other builds I get. Build BX23U-1.0.13.0_01441 is now on it thanks to Wayne2201!

On a side note: I'm considering taking the site a step further and not only provide firmware downloads but also a comprehensive site about the BS issue. I think it would be cool if a site existed showing what the BS was, what models were affected by it, and perhaps even a video of it in action like AstroSaberIII suggested. I'll start working on it but if anyone has ANY information that they think is useful please email me it. If any of you constantly get the BS screen and have a video camera it would be awesome if you could capture it on camera. If we get this problem out there perhaps Philip's will actually do something about it. My BS issue isn't really a problem for me yet but considering the amount I paid for this TV I don't feel that I need to settle for a TV that I occasionally have to unplug just to get it to work.

Sryche22, How much for the repair? I got my TV on Xmas, Not sure if it still be covered


sgr215, Your the man TY for the file!

HEH---If I didn't have the 1-year waranty, it would have cost me $1700 for the replacement circuit baords & wiring, and the labor

Here's a list of the firmware upgrade history for an fyi-

I'm running 1.2.0.0_01471, which cured my sound dropout/mute issue so I haven't bothered to upgrade to 1.3 since I currently have no issues.
(BS has not came back since mounting TV on the wall using Omni Mount mounting kit. Mounted in center of house/living room on wall in well ventilated area.
Bottom of TV is about 3 feet from the floor.)

BX23U-1.3.0.0_01481
Following improvements are made:
• Robustness improvement when receiving channel map changes.

BX23U-1.2.0.0_01471
Following improvements are made:
• Channel map changes of the OOB channel table are reflected in the TV's channel map
• Robustness improvement to support streams which have wrongly set Audio Only bit
• Solution for sudden audio drop
• Audio improvement to avoid click in sound in case of high input signal
• Make RRT5 functionality user controllable
• Data only channel are filtered out after installation
• Give priority to SCTE21 above SCTE 20 compliant captions to prevent duplicate characters in the CC text
• Improvement of CC processing on scrambled HD channels


BX23U-1.1.0.0_01461
Following improvements are made:
• solution for sudden popup of menu or disfunctioning of keys on the television
• improved robustness in POD behavior
• improvements for playback of some specific streams not following standards.
• based upon customer feedback: the permanent channel nr is not displayed anymore when OSD is put to normal, this enables the customer to have the volume bar without permanent channel numbers

BX23U-1.0.13.0_01441
Following problems are solved :
• improvement for selection of Secundary Audio Program on digital channels
• extra step in automatic installation to detect scrambled channels and unmark them in
preferred channel list, as a consequence the scrambled channels will be skipped when pressing CH+/CH- and are not visible in the channel map
• default horizontal & vertical center value corrected on inputs where horizontal & vertical shift is allowed

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.

No problem. I've created an email to send old firmwares to, plasmafirmware@gmail.com. So far everything I've got is in the above rapidshare link excluding the newest version which is available from Philip's directly. As soon as I get any other versions I'll update the link. If theres a demand for it I'll switch to something better than rapidshare.

UPDATE: I've created a website. It's http://home.comcast.net/~sgr215/. I'll keep it updated with any other builds I get. Build BX23U-1.0.13.0_01441 is now on it thanks to Wayne2201!

On a side note: I'm considering taking the site a step further and not only provide firmware downloads but also a comprehensive site about the BS issue. I think it would be cool if a site existed showing what the BS was, what models were affected by it, and perhaps even a video of it in action like AstroSaberIII suggested. I'll start working on it but if anyone has ANY information that they think is useful please email me it. If any of you constantly get the BS screen and have a video camera it would be awesome if you could capture it on camera. If we get this problem out there perhaps Philip's will actually do something about it. My BS issue isn't really a problem for me yet but considering the amount I paid for this TV I don't feel that I need to settle for a TV that I occasionally have to unplug just to get it to work.
Great info and facts on your page.

Probably should mention the duration of the BS.
For me personally, when I had the BS issue, the screen would black out for about 5-10 seconds than come back on normally without any actions from me/remote.

No problem. I've created an email to send old firmwares to, plasmafirmware@gmail.com. So far everything I've got is in the above rapidshare link excluding the newest version which is available from Philip's directly. As soon as I get any other versions I'll update the link. If theres a demand for it I'll switch to something better than rapidshare.

UPDATE: I've created a website. It's http://home.comcast.net/~sgr215/. I'll keep it updated with any other builds I get. Build BX23U-1.0.13.0_01441 is now on it thanks to Wayne2201!



Thanks for providing that site with access to the firmware. As an additional improvement it would be nice to also include issues that users have had with the firmware. For example several users have had problems with the TV deleting saved channels on it's own with the 1.2 and 1.3 firmware. I went back to BX23U-1.1.0.0_01461 for this reason (I upgraded to 1.2 and had the TV repeatedly delete saved channels).

Probably should mention the duration of the BS.
For me personally, when I had the BS issue, the screen would black out for about 5-10 seconds than come back on normally without any actions from me/remote.

I'll add that into it. It's odd, the first time I got the BS it did exactly what you're describing. Now it just stays at the BS until I unplug it.

Thanks for providing that site with access to the firmware. As an additional improvement it would be nice to also include issues that users have had with the firmware. For example several users have had problems with the TV deleting saved channels on it's own with the 1.2 and 1.3 firmware. I went back to BX23U-1.1.0.0_01461 for this reason (I upgraded to 1.2 and had the TV repeatedly delete saved channels).

Good idea, i'll add this into it.

If anyone has any additional ideas let me know. I also don't have a video camera or I would get a video up. So at the risk of sounding like a begger; anyone with a video camera and the BS (and a ton of patience) it would be awesome if you could catch it in action.

Thought I should post for people thinking of purchasing. I've had no problems at all. Had the TV for about 7 months, using comcast cable card input and a hitachi upconverting DVD through HDMI input.

Thought I should post for people thinking of purchasing. I've had no problems at all. Had the TV for about 7 months, using comcast cable card input and a hitachi upconverting DVD through HDMI input.

I have not had the Black Screen problem either. The only problem I've had is with buggy firmware that somehow causes the TV to delete saved channels as I mentioned earlier. It would be nice if Philips did better firmware testing.

I have not had BS in about 3 weeks. I do have the problem with the preferred channels coming back after I deselect them. I could live with that compared to the BS.
I'm knockin on wood that the BS doesn't come back. I uploaded the latest firmware last week.

If anyone could help out a Dumb SOB it would be greatly appreciated.

Heres my story...

I started having the BS issue 2 months after I bought my 42PF7320A, at first it was like all the others (Picture blacks out for 20-30 seconds or so)...

But then I started geting what I call the "Fatal BS" (Screen goes black, red power light flashes and set needs to be unplugged to resume)

I call Philips and tech acts like he has never heard of the problem, gives me a number for a local repair who takes two weeks to get here with no parts. Says he will have to call Philips and get back to me. Two months later they call and say they'll be here in two weeks to fix it. (we're now three months in)

Tech shows up takes it apart and replaces the motherboard, turns it on, we have picture, and he's gone. So I start reprogramming all my settings and realize there is no way I can get the picture to fit on the screen, like the picture belongs on a 50" screen?

And then while I'm sctratchin' my head...

BLACK SCREEN!

Ten minutes later...

FATAL BLACK SCREEN!

I call Philips again and got the rudest service rep I have ever dealt with, he tells me its now the local companys problem and he won't do anything... Until I ask him his name, now he wants to help me and says someone will call me in 3-4 days!

So I ask him if he can at least have someone walk me through setting the ratio so I have a viewable picture while I'm waiting? No!

Heres where I got Stupid...

I access the service menu "062596 + info" and sure enough the screen is set for 50", easy enough but there is more than 1 42" option so I pick the first one back out save and turn set off then on...

NO PICTURE!

(Stop Laughing!!)

Now, with no picture I can't even access the service menu to reset or try another option.

So... What I'm hoping is that someone could go through the motions, write down the button sequence and I can try to reset it "in the dark"

Please??!!

Mine has been in the shop for a week with the "Fatal Black Screen". They called yesterday and said that they had ordered an "SSB" board and that it was out of stock. Service guy advised that I call Philips and raise heck. I'm thinking no, I already bought a Pioneer 4271 because I had a feeling that this was going to take a long time. I'm just gonna wait till they've had it for a month and then ask Philips to refund my money. It's only six months old and is the second set I've had. The first one crapped out in two days.

If anyone has any additional ideas let me know.


Version 1.2.0.0_01471 fixed my audio drop out issue.
Audio no longer intermittenly mutes.

Issue: Picture was OK but sound/audio would intermittently mute while watching cable or DVD.
Mute was not enabled and volume bar showed sufficient level.
Changing the volume level/bar had no effect.
Audio output on rear of TV also was not outputting audio.

Issue could be corrected by changing to another channel.

Upgrading to version 1.2.0.0_01471 resolved this issue.

To those of you who say you have not experienced the Black Screen problem are you using any of your HDMI inputs?

Thanks.

To those of you who say you have not experienced the Black Screen problem are you using any of your HDMI inputs?

Thanks.

I have used the HDMI 1 input to watch video from my Mac Powerbook's DVI port a number of times without any Black Screen issues.

To those of you who say you have not experienced the Black Screen problem are you using any of your HDMI inputs?

Thanks.

Yes, I am using both HDMI inputs, and have never experienced the black screen issue.

To all of those who say they have experienced the black screen issue, are you using a battery backup power supply (UPS), or are you only using a surge protector?

Yes, I am using both HDMI inputs, and have never experienced the black screen issue.

To all of those who say they have experienced the black screen issue, are you using a battery backup power supply (UPS), or are you only using a surge protector?

Thanks, I was just curious. I'm using a monster surge protector, no battery backup power supply.

I just stumbled on this in the manual. This sure sounds like the black screen to me.

No picture and power switched on: Your TV has a protective mode in case there is too much heat build-up. Check the clearance around the vents of the device to be certain there are no blocking walls or cabinets
which would limit the air flow

I think the service manual may describe the black screen issue in the following, from the Error Codes & Fault Finding chapter:

"Most of the software protections and errors use either the stand-by
microprocessor or the VIPER controller as detection device.

->Protections related to supplies: check of the 12V, +5V,
+8V6, +1.2V, +2.5V and +3.3V.

Remark on the Supply Errors
->The detection of a supply dip or supply loss during the normal
playing of the set does not lead to a protection, but to a cold
reboot of the set."

I think the service manual may describe the black screen issue in the following, from the Error Codes & Fault Finding chapter:

"Most of the software protections and errors use either the stand-by
microprocessor or the VIPER controller as detection device.

->Protections related to supplies: check of the 12V, +5V,
+8V6, +1.2V, +2.5V and +3.3V.

Remark on the Supply Errors
->The detection of a supply dip or supply loss during the normal
playing of the set does not lead to a protection, but to a cold
reboot of the set."

Do you know where I could find the service manual? I've been looking everywhere for it.

Do you know where I could find the service manual? I've been looking everywhere for it.
Yes, where please.

To those of you who say you have not experienced the Black Screen problem are you using any of your HDMI inputs?

Thanks.

I started out with a Comcast STB going to HDMI, after a few days Comcast came out and installed a cable card, so that got rid of HDMI. I had a DVD player using component (RGB) in and have now upgraded the DVD player to HDMI. I've never experienced any black screen issues. So I've used 3 different inputs with no issues.
My mounting is a bit unique. I built steel rails for the TV to hang from above a recessed book shelf in the wall. The TV hangs over the open shelf area which I'm certain provides good air flow behind the TV. I didn't plan that but in reading the last couple posts about heat build up, it sounds very likley thats the problem some are having. Do those of you experiencing black screen have your sets mounted up against a wall, limiting airflow behind the TV? Prior to the Phillip, I had a Maxent 42 inch plasma and it had a fan built in, the Phillips does not so I'm guessing heat could be a problem.

I have a similar setup as danfiveoh; however, still get the occasional BS. Mine is above a fireplace (which we don't use at all). The fireplace is in a corner of a room. There is an open "nook" above the FP. I built a false wall out of two 2x4s then used a traditional tilting wall mount. It is open behind the TV.

Both the DVD and the STB (Comcast HD) are hooked up via component. BS is pretty intermitent...mostly when my kids are watching cartoons...but I think that is just coincedence or the fact they watch it more than I do. I haven't paid attention to the heat issue until now.

Both the STB and DVD are directly below the TV. I know the STB puts off a lot of heat. I think it might have a switched outlet on the back. I might look for a small fan to put back in the nook and if the convenience outlet on the STB is switched...it might help me out.

Do you know where I could find the service manual? I've been looking everywhere for it.Yes, where can we get a service manual.

Yes, where can we get a service manual.
Click here (http://www.pcrescueoc.com/philips.htm)

Click here (http://www.pcrescueoc.com/philips.htm)

Thank you!!!

Click here (http://www.pcrescueoc.com/philips.htm)Excellent, Thank you
Now I might be able to check the gray scale or white point as Philips calls it.

Anybody out there have any experience with a refurbished version of this TV? There's an outstanding deal with Phillips right now.

Steve

TO those of you with the Philips fatal black screen, I know in my case heat had nothing to do with it. It was wall mounted, plenty of airflow. Mine was only a week old when I returned it, by the time I did it was not working at all. It went from fatal black screen less than once a day, to every 10 minutes in a few days of use. (BUT it was a BB open box, returned for black screen for all I know!) Obviously my set had major issues, and since it was under 30 days I just returned it. (Rather than tie it up in a shop for weeks awaiting a repair) I MISS the Ambilight terribly. My Panasonic is flawless and wonderful, but no Ambi.

Hi,

Thanks to all involved with creating / contributing to the firmware site. I have one suggestion. Should it maybe mention 1.0.13 was the last firmware before TVGuide On Screen was killed?

Take care,
Mike

If anyone could help out a Dumb SOB...

...I access the service menu "062596 + info" and sure enough the screen is set for 50", easy enough but there is more than 1 42" option so I pick the first one back out save and turn set off then on...

NO PICTURE!

(Stop Laughing!!)

Now, with no picture I can't even access the service menu to reset or try another option.

So... What I'm hoping is that someone could go through the motions, write down the button sequence and I can try to reset it "in the dark"

Please??!!

I debated whether I should even encourage this, but here goes.

I also suggest you see if the service folks have a ComPair. If so they can input the hex number directly and not muck around in the dark. I can certainly see why you wouldn't want to make that call though.

If you really want to, at your own risk...

062596
INFO
red button
7 downs
right
2 downs
2 rights
000
2 lefts
2 downs
right
OK
MENU

Good luck,
Mike

PS
I just realized something very important. I'm on firmware 1.0.13. If you're on anything else your sequence could be completely different.

To those of you who say you have not experienced the Black Screen problem are you using any of your HDMI inputs?

Thanks.

I don't have a BS problem and am not using HDMI. Running a Comcast Cable card and Home theater hooked up through the RGB inputs. I would add that I've been through 3 cable cards to get one that worked right but all appears stable at the moment.

Click here (http://www.pcrescueoc.com/philips.htm)
Hey Plasmaman - Hopefully I'll never need that but THANKS! I grabbed a copy (BIG file - 30MB). Is PCRescue your company? I was just wondering cause it seems odd a PC place would have the manual for the TV:-)
Thanks Again!

I'm ready to go into service mode but when I tried to, as soon as I pressed o6... the TV wanted to switch to Channel 6, what am I doing wrong?

I'm just wondering if the screen blanking out issue has been fixed? I apologize for not reading all 38 pages to find the answer to this question, but it took me over 2 hours just to read the first 12 pages. I will be purchasing a new t.v. in about 2 weeks and I'm heavily considering this t.v. (42PF7320A/37) if the bugs have been worked out. Thanks!

Hey Plasmaman - Hopefully I'll never need that but THANKS! I grabbed a copy (BIG file - 30MB). Is PCRescue your company? I was just wondering cause it seems odd a PC place would have the manual for the TV:-)
Thanks Again!Nope. Someone posted that link a while back in one of the pages in this thread and I just happen to save the link for quick reference so I would remember to download.

Ok, I just bought the 7320 yesterday, just because I got a awesome deal on it..I currently have Comcast cable, and was wondering do I just need to buy the HDTV package to enhance my pic quality or do I need some other things in order to enhance the PQ substantially?

Ok, I just bought the 7320 yesterday, just because I got a awesome deal on it..I currently have Comcast cable, and was wondering do I just need to buy the HDTV package to enhance my pic quality or do I need some other things in order to enhance the PQ substantially?
BUY THE HD PACKAGE!!! It won't effect other channels but IMHO why have a plasma TV if you don't have HD. With comcast, you'll need one of the digital packages first, then you add HD (I think it is $5 a month more). So if you don't currently have the digital package, then yes, your PQ will be better.

I'm just wondering if the screen blanking out issue has been fixed? I apologize for not reading all 38 pages to find the answer to this question, but it took me over 2 hours just to read the first 12 pages. I will be purchasing a new t.v. in about 2 weeks and I'm heavily considering this t.v. (42PF7320A/37) if the bugs have been worked out. Thanks!
vdubbed81, apparently some people who have this tv don't have the blackscreen problem and some of us (like me) have tried everything to fix it. So to answer your question, no the blackscreen issue has not been fixed by Philips. If you do buy, just make sure they have a good return policy and take the tv back at the first sign of BS.

thanks for the reply. I was actually going to purchase a refurb unit from philips outlet store, but considering how many people get the fatal black screen, I think I'd be taking too much of a risk, and because it's a refurb, the return policy isn't that great. For anyone willing to risk it though, you can get this t.v. for under a grand right now (did I just break the rules, mentioning price?) My original decision was to get the new 32" Samsung LCD, and I think I'm reverting back to that.

Hi,

Thanks to all involved with creating / contributing to the firmware site. I have one suggestion. Should it maybe mention 1.0.13 was the last firmware before TVGuide On Screen was killed?

Take care,
Mike

Added. Also a link to the service manual is now included on the site.

So Philips replaced my 42PF7320A with 42PF7321D/37. Picture seems great, but I lose an HDMI port and also cable card. My question is which model is better. Am I getting screwed or is the new one better. Cable card and HDMI is not a factor, so which one is the better TV. Thanks

Philips may have ALOT of these TVs to sell as refurbs. When I returned mine to BB, I BEGGED them NOT to resell it to another unsuspecting consumer. (It was an open box bargain). They said it would be returned to Philips for "repair". I have no idea if they were telling the truth.

I'm ready to go into service mode but when I tried to, as soon as I pressed o6... the TV wanted to switch to Channel 6, what am I doing wrong?

Possibly nothing
The channel will change; this is normal.
Ignore it and keep going; don't pause at all.
I think the sequence only fails if you take more than 2 seconds between numbers.

Mike

Possibly nothing
The channel will change; this is normal.
Ignore it and keep going; don't pause at all.
I think the sequence only fails if you take more than 2 seconds between numbers.
MikeThank you, I'll try it again.

Does this TV have a built in HD Tuner?

Does this TV have a built in HD Tuner?

Yes.

wow, i thought it was simply HD Ready....cool beans

I got a video of the notorious black screen. It's from a cell phone so the quality pretty much sucks but you get the basic idea of what happens. It shows the most common black screen where the screen goes black for 2-10 seconds and then comes back. During which the green light remains on and no controls on the remote/side of TV work.

http://home.comcast.net/~sgr215/blackscreen.3gp

(Use quicktime or real player to view it)


As seen in the video the picture goes from a bright scene with the sun lighting up a beach to a dark seen with very little light. About a second after that happens you see the BS happen. I also had this show recorded on another HD-DVR on another TV in the house and the same scene was perfect (CRT TV). It doesn't appear to be related to the video signal to me since the TV itself looses certain functions (No remote and/or buttons on TV do nothing). Like others have stated it doesn't do it if you rewind the scene or use slow-mo.

Possibly nothing
The channel will change; this is normal.
Ignore it and keep going; don't pause at all.
I think the sequence only fails if you take more than 2 seconds between numbers.

MikeSuccess, thank you. It did a couple of strange things but it did go into service mode. It only has about 5 gray scale adjustments(white point) but it might be enough to get rid of orange faces. I'll get into it when I have some time to spare.

I had some time to mess with the recording that produced the BS. I first verified it still happens every time at the same scene, which it does. I'm currently using a DVI-to-HDMI cable from a moto 6412. I switched the the cable from the HDMI 1 source over to the HDMI 2 source and then replayed the same scene. It also produced the BS. I then removed the DVI-to-HDMI cable and replaced it with component cables and replayed the scene again. To my suprise the BS didn't happen. I still don't really know if this provides anything new regarding the BS but I found it interesting nonetheless.

Somewhat off topic; I also discovered the component cables provided a better overall picture than the DVI-to-HDMI cable. I doubt it has anything to do with the TV and more to do with the DVR or cable though. There were even several times my screen would have yellow noise everywhere in the picture using this connection. So much so you couldn't see the picture. (handshake problem I guess) Because of this i'm using a component cable now.

I had some time to mess with the recording that produced the BS. I first verified it still happens every time at the same scene, which it does.

I've owned a 37PF7320A for 3 weeks, and we've experienced the BS problem 3 times, and each time it was when my son was watching an animated DVD. I never took the time to see if it always occurred during the same scene(s).

I have not experienced BS during regular cable tv viewing.

It seems to me I’ve have never got black screened while using the HDMI ports, Hmmm My black screen problems started when I switched my cable box over to the composite hook up off the HDMI. I’m going to get me a longer cable and try that out

One of our members suggested we find out where TV's with the BS problem were manufactured. I put up a survey at http://home.comcast.net/cgi-bin/PBEntry?owner=sgr215. Please only take the survey if you get the BS!

I also want to thank everyone who has emailed me with information about the BS. (No clue what your usernames are here but you know who you are) It's amazing how much stuff i've received regarding the BS so far. I can always use more information though. If you have ANYTHING you think can help please email it to plasmafirmware@gmail.com. Too much evidence is a good thing. :)

Eventually I will compile all information I get and forward it to Philips in hopes of finally getting Philips to recognize the problem.

One of our members suggested we find out where TV's with the BS problem were manufactured. I put up a survey at http://home.comcast.net/cgi-bin/PBEntry?owner=sgr215. Please only take the survey if you get the BS!

I also want to thank everyone who has emailed me with information about the BS. (No clue what your usernames are here but you know who you are) It's amazing how much stuff i've received regarding the BS so far. I can always use more information though. If you have ANYTHING you think can help please email it to plasmafirmware@gmail.com. Too much evidence is a good thing. :)

Eventually I will compile all information I get and forward it to Philips in hopes of finally getting Philips to recognize the problem.
Hi sgr215! - Arent all of this model made in Mexico? Also I clicked the link for your poll & it didnt seem to work properly, something about "polling booth entry not available". :eek:

Update on my "fatal" BS. Guys from the repair shop called yesterday, said they had received the part and scheduled delivery for today. I already had purchased a Pioneer 4271 since I have little confidence in Philips so I figured I would use the Philips in my bedroom. I live in an apt so they had to lug it up three flights of stairs. They placed it where I wanted and hooked it up. Guess what...sound but no picture. They goofed around for a half hour and decided they would have to take it back to the shop. I'm writing to the CEO of Philips, mentioned a few pages earlier in this thread, and will be asking for my money back. This is a TV, not rocket science and we shouldn't have to put up with this chit! As I have mentioned earlier, this is my second Philips PDP, the first one crashed after two days and was replaced by Sears. Each time I have to deal with this issue it disrupts my schedule since I have to be here to accept delivery or allow someone to pick it up. The initial price was terrific but it's costing me so much more in grief.

Hi sgr215! - Arent all of this model made in Mexico? Also I clicked the link for your poll & it didnt seem to work properly, something about "polling booth entry not available". :eek:

From what i've heard some were made in Canada and the USA too. It's odd the poll wasn't working, it should be working now.

I got a weird email message today. This is what it says:


*Note this email account is not monitored.

BX23U-1.4.0.0_03081
Following improvements are made:
• Issue related to intermittent video loss is solved.

aka "BS" issue

This firmware is for Philips Models:
32PF7320A/37
32PF9630A/37
37PF7320A/37
42PF7220A/37
42PF7320A/37
42PF9630A/37
42PF9730A/37
42PF9830A/37
50PF7220A/37
50PF7320A/37
50PF9630A/37
50PF9830A/37


No other information was attached and this version doesn't seem to be available on the offical site. It was compiled on July 17th, 2006. The email it was sent from originates from a free email provider. So i'm leaving it up to you guys. For all I know it could seriously screw up your TV. Should I release it for anyone willing to give it a test or should I keep it until an offical version is released by Philips?

set it free!!

WARNING: USE AT YOUR OWN RISK!

As stated before I have no clue if this is real firmware or a hoax by someone with too much time on their hands. Use at your own risk and if you damage your TV because of it it's your own fault.

http://home.comcast.net/~sgr215/warning.htm

If you give it a go and install it please let us know how it goes. Also be sure to check the software version to make sure its not just an old version someone sent as a hoax.

According to the email this firmware should work on these models:

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

I can't verify that its even real yet alone claim to know which it will work on. I sound like a broken record but again... USE AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!

UPDATE I got an email from a user stating this firmware is indeed legitimate. He stated he hasn't had any BS problems after the upgrade (although its a bit early) and also said another new feature called "Download Ratings Table" allows you to set regional rating locks.

upgrade works fine. No problems. I rarely saw the 'BS' issue before, but didn't see it last night. Doesn't look like it enabled any other features.

Edit - Sgr, I missed your update. I didn't check to see about the addition of the ratings table thing.

Ok...I downloaded and upgraded the firmware like I have at least five times in the past.

My wife and I watched TV last night from about 8:15 (right after the upgrade) to the end of the Tonight Show...and guess what???

NO BLACK SCREEN ISSUE!!!!

We usually had the problem a minumum 1 time per night up to sometimes 3 times!!!

This morning when I got up, I turned the set back on and told my wife (she has a real job...she's a Mom) to leave the set on all day and email me at work if there are any Black Screen Issues with the TV.

Could it be? Could the Dutch have finally figured this one out???

I really hope so.

sgr215, I think these sets are made in Europe and Mexico, only. Philips according to their website has no Canadian manufacturing.

Question guys.

what do I need to maximize the beauty of this screen? Any settings? cords? hook-ups? systems? what do I need to do? HELP!

Ok...I downloaded and upgraded the firmware like I have at least five times in the past.

My wife and I watched TV last night from about 8:15 (right after the upgrade) to the end of the Tonight Show...and guess what???

NO BLACK SCREEN ISSUE!!!!

I'll be installing this new firmware in the next 2 or 3 days.

I've only seen the black screen 3 times in 3 weeks, so the absence of BS will be more difficult for me to determine, but I'll let the board know the results.

Pulling the trigger on a cheap one today...hopefully I get a good one!

if you dont the warranty should still be good...

My BS is pretty rare so I think I'll probably wait for the official release.

Ok...I downloaded and upgraded the firmware like I have at least five times in the past.

My wife and I watched TV last night from about 8:15 (right after the upgrade) to the end of the Tonight Show...and guess what???

NO BLACK SCREEN ISSUE!!!!

We usually had the problem a minumum 1 time per night up to sometimes 3 times!!!

This morning when I got up, I turned the set back on and told my wife (she has a real job...she's a Mom) to leave the set on all day and email me at work if there are any Black Screen Issues with the TV.

Could it be? Could the Dutch have finally figured this one out???

I really hope so.

sgr215, I think these sets are made in Europe and Mexico, only. Philips according to their website has no Canadian manufacturing.

After getting three BS's last night (most i've ever had to date) I decided to go ahead and install the new firmware myself. So far no BS but only time will tell. This would really be amazing if a firmware update finally fixed the BS. The BS is the only thing keeping me from loving this TV.

If the new firmware resolves the BS issue and it was indeed a power/heat issue, perhaps they have backed off on some features/circuits in the TV to draw less power to get less heat.

If this does resolve the issue, hopefully you can not tell any picture, feature or performance differences.

Hey,

Can we hear from more people as to whether this software upgrade resolve the BS issue.

Thanks

Hey,

Can we hear from more people as to whether this software upgrade resolve the BS issue.

Thanks

I installed it last night, but as I said in a previous post, I get the BS about once a week, so I can't draw any conclusions yet.

By the way, from what I've read, I don't think we can say for sure that the problem was heat-related. I've read at least a couple posts that it may be video-content related, which was also my experience.

It seems to me that if the BS problem was heat related that once the tv BS'd it would do it repeatedly because the small amount of time that it is cycling is not really allowing much heat to bleed off the unit. This has not been my experience at all. I get a BS once in a while. Never had it twice in the same sitting that I can remember.

Just a little background on my BS issue.

1. It would occur randomly while watching TV shows or movies.
DVD = Component or HDMI
TV = Coax

2. Once while watching the movie Saw2 on DVD, I could replay a specific part over and the BS would occur. After about replaying the specific section 3 times, it didn't occur on the 4th or any more replays of the same section.

3. The BS would occur for about 10 seconds than the picture would return normally.

I have not had the BS issue ever since mounting my TV on the wall with a Omni mount wall mount(non-tilt version). It's been 4+ months since I mounted the TV on the wall.

42Plasmaman, where did you have your TV prior to mounting it on the wall? Did youi have it in a cabinet enclosure or on a table.


Thx.

I just helped my friend with setting up her refurb unit. Unfortunately, there was no "Quickstart Guide leaflet" that came with the TV. I could not figure out how to attach the TV to the stand. Customer Support was of no help via phone (I just submitted a request for help on their website, but don't know what the timeline is for getting back to us). We'd like to be able to set the unit up properly this weekend. Sorry if the question has already been answered here, but 1162 posts would take me really long to search through. I'll try to use the search function to see if I can find this info.

In the meantime, does anyone have a pdf or jpg of the Quick Start Guide that they can email me with? Please PM me if you can help out or point me in the right direction here.

THX.

--Nhan

Nhan, You can go to the Philips website for the info you need. Go to support,
enter the model number of the TV, don't forget the /37.
Then under "Documentation" you will find PDF's of the Users Manual, Hookup Guide, etc.

I hope this helps.

Nhan, You can go to the Philips website for the info you need. Go to support,
enter the model number of the TV, don't forget the /37.
Then under "Documentation" you will find PDF's of the Users Manual, Hookup Guide, etc.

I hope this helps.

Thanks, I already tried that before posting here, but can't find the document that I'm looking for:

http://www.usasupport.philips.com/productDocuments.html?ProductCode=42PF7220A/37B&subCat=PLASMA_LARGE_32_42_SU_US_CONSUMER

Nhan, What specifically are you looking for?
I have all the doc's that came with my 42PF9730A.
The setup & connections are the same on the 42PF7220A.

Hi everyone, I have owned this model tv since March and have gotten the "black screen" problem since the beginning. It didn't really bother me much until I watched "King Kong" a few weeks back, and the BS problem happened a half dozen times during the movie. Before that it only happened once or twice during movies (never during regular or HD tv), and then only in certain movies (half the James Bonds movies, I have the set) and only in certain scenes in those movies, but this time it happened so much it really took away from my enjoyment of the movie.

I also had a problem with captions - when turning on dvd captions, the screen would blank out and get distorted whenever the text appeared on the screen, like the signal was broken up or something. I have no idea what this is, but it was annoying too, as some dvds come with text commentaries that cause the same problem.

Anyway, I turned the tv on like normal (power button on the remote) about 2 weeks ago and it just crashed. It made a sharp "shattering" sound and the picture was filled with random static. After that, every time I turned it on it would stay on for a short time and then shut itself off, usually with the crashing sound. Even after unplugging and testing several times, I kept getting the same problem - half an hour of the usual performance and then a sudden crash. I don't think it was an overheating issue - the tv sits on a stand and I even had a fan pointed at it to dissapate the heat rising off of the top vent. It wasn't due to the signals, as I previously had a Toshiba hooked up to the same HT system and it worked perfectly. It wasn't due to mechanics, as the tv was moved around very little after initially placing it on the stand, and even then it's on a kind of swivel platform.

So now the repair shop still has the tv (after several weeks). They have no idea why the BS is happening (they say it could be the cable signal or something). I'm pretty sure they are going to replace the power supply and that's it. I've decided to e-mail the CEO (I can't find the post where another user listed several Philips representatives' addresses...) and ask for a refund. The tv has a great picture and a lot of inputs, but it's not worth it if you have to live with BS errors and long times at a repair shop, is it? Several other users seem to have been through frustration with buying /recieving alternate versions of this tv, only to have the same problems over and over.

I'll let you all know how he responds - if I get a refund, I was looking at this tv:

Samsung HL-S4266W 42" Widescreen DLP Projection HDTV

...maybe in a larger size, I don't know. The PQ was fantastic in the store, and DLP seems to be a very nice technology (though I am concerned about bulb replacement). Samsungs seem to be a popular brand, too.

Hi everyone, I have owned this model tv since March and have gotten the "black screen" problem since the beginning. It didn't really bother me much until I watched "King Kong" a few weeks back, and the BS problem happened a half dozen times during the movie. Before that it only happened once or twice during movies (never during regular or HD tv), and then only in certain movies (half the James Bonds movies, I have the set) and only in certain scenes in those movies, but this time it happened so much it really took away from my enjoyment of the movie.

I also had a problem with captions - when turning on dvd captions, the screen would blank out and get distorted whenever the text appeared on the screen, like the signal was broken up or something. I have no idea what this is, but it was annoying too, as some dvds come with text commentaries that cause the same problem.

Anyway, I turned the tv on like normal (power button on the remote) about 2 weeks ago and it just crashed. It made a sharp "shattering" sound and the picture was filled with random static. After that, every time I turned it on it would stay on for a short time and then shut itself off, usually with the crashing sound. Even after unplugging and testing several times, I kept getting the same problem - half an hour of the usual performance and then a sudden crash. I don't think it was an overheating issue - the tv sits on a stand and I even had a fan pointed at it to dissapate the heat rising off of the top vent. It wasn't due to the signals, as I previously had a Toshiba hooked up to the same HT system and it worked perfectly. It wasn't due to mechanics, as the tv was moved around very little after initially placing it on the stand, and even then it's on a kind of swivel platform.

So now the repair shop still has the tv (after several weeks). They have no idea why the BS is happening (they say it could be the cable signal or something). I'm pretty sure they are going to replace the power supply and that's it. I've decided to e-mail the CEO (I can't find the post where another user listed several Philips representatives' addresses...) and ask for a refund. The tv has a great picture and a lot of inputs, but it's not worth it if you have to live with BS errors and long times at a repair shop, is it? Several other users seem to have been through frustration with buying /recieving alternate versions of this tv, only to have the same problems over and over.

I'll let you all know how he responds - if I get a refund, I was looking at this tv:

Samsung HL-S4266W 42" Widescreen DLP Projection HDTV

...maybe in a larger size, I don't know. The PQ was fantastic in the store, and DLP seems to be a very nice technology (though I am concerned about bulb replacement). Samsungs seem to be a popular brand, too.

It was me who had posted the info, just to let you know they replaced my TV with a supposedly "better model". PQ is great, but I lost one of the HDMI inputs and PIP. Still debating if I should request a different one. Also, when the repair shop came to my house to replace a part on the old set, the inside of the TV had samsung logos in a few different spots. The plasma display is definately a samsung component as well as some other parts inside.

Nhan, What specifically are you looking for?
I have all the doc's that came with my 42PF9730A.
The setup & connections are the same on the 42PF7220A.

Hi boggsaz,

On page 2 (or 4) of the manual, under the Preparation section, it states the following:

Do not insert the power plug in a wall socket before all connections are
made.
Place the TV on a solid surface or place the TV on the supplied stand. For
the mounting instructions of the stand, see the Quick Start Guide leaflet
supplied.

I'm looking for the "Quick Start Guide leaflet."

Thanks.

42Plasmaman, where did you have your TV prior to mounting it on the wall? Did youi have it in a cabinet enclosure or on a table.


Thx.
On a table about 2 feet high and about 16 inches from the wall with nothing blocking anything in front, side or rear of TV.

These TV's do get hot.
I went up to my TV this weekend after being on for about an hour and you could feel the heat off the front/picture about 8-10 inches away. I'm not talking about the vents on the top and bottom but right off the screen itself.

I've decided to e-mail the CEO (I can't find the post where another user listed several Philips representatives' addresses...) and ask for a refund. The tv has a great picture and a lot of inputs, but it's not worth it if you have to live with BS errors and long times at a repair shop, is it? Several other users seem to have been through frustration with buying /recieving alternate versions of this tv, only to have the same problems over and over.

Good luck, I sent an email on the 24th and have not even received an acknowledgment. Since I sent the email, the repair shop has brought the panel back, set it up in my bedroom and found out it is still broken. I told them to keep it until they are sure it works. Anyway, the clock is ticking and I call Philips support once a week to complain, and to record my frustration. The only good thing that has come out of this is that I bought a Pioneer 5071 and could not be happier. To all who are considering this panel, think again. It will cost you more in time and effort than it's worth. :mad:

I've still had zero problems with my Phillips.

After getting three BS's last night (most i've ever had to date) I decided to go ahead and install the new firmware myself. So far no BS but only time will tell. This would really be amazing if a firmware update finally fixed the BS. The BS is the only thing keeping me from loving this TV.

sgr215 just checking up to see if that new firmware took care of you BS issue. How long since you last BS.

I've still had zero problems with my Phillips.


Thats great. I don't understand why we are not hearing from all the others that have been having a problem with BS so that we know if this new software has really fixed the problem.

And does anyone know why this new version is not posted on the Philips site?

Thanks

Hi boggsaz,

On page 2 (or 4) of the manual, under the Preparation section, it states the following:

Do not insert the power plug in a wall socket before all connections are
made.
Place the TV on a solid surface or place the TV on the supplied stand. For
the mounting instructions of the stand, see the Quick Start Guide leaflet
supplied.

I'm looking for the "Quick Start Guide leaflet."

Thanks.

Nhan, I have what are looking for, but it is "bedsheet" size.
PM me and we will figure something out.

I recently had the chance to ask an anonymous source at Philips a few questions. At his/her request the answers have been summarized by myself. (Perhaps to protect from identification)

Q) What does your job involve?
A) The individual states he/she isn't a programmer but is involved with the Flat TV products and works closely with the development teams

Q) In technical terms, what was causing the black screen to occur?
A) Firstly, the BS has been very hard to find in the software. It was nearly impossible to fix; yet alone replicate in the lab. Eventually we figured it out. It deals with signal information in the video stream. Most of the time the TV recovers without a BS but sometimes it wouldn't.

Q) I'm aware of the many types of black screen problems but I'll limit it to the two most common. The first one causes the TV to black out for a short period of time and then work as if nothing happened. The second type causes the tv to black out for an infinite amount of time and the only way it'll work is if its unplugged. Does this firmware fix both of these types of BS? If not, do you know what causes the BS for each of these types?
A) Both *should* be fixed and have shown to be in testing. Both were related to the same bug. When the TV refused to come back on it just didn't recover properly from the error.

Q) I've noticed with the new firmware when I turn on my TV the volume icon displays for a short period of time. (The same icon when you unmute your TV) Does this have anything to do with the BS fix? If not is it a new bug introduced or perhaps a feature?
A) I'll have to look into it

Q) Some users reported that after contacting Philips they had a tech come out who replaced their small signal board and/or power supply. Considering the introduction of the new firmware was this NOT needed?
A) CORRECT. It also had nothing to do with heat. Temperature has no effect on the bug.

Q) Is there anything else you want to tell me or the users over at AVS regarding the BS or the TV in general?
A) Nope

There you have it, unfortunately journalism isn't my major (Majoring in Computer Science) so forgive me if I missed any questions that you felt needed to be answered. Hopefully this has shed some light on the BS though. I've yet to see any BS since installing the software nor have I had any emails stating others have. It does appear that the BS gets misidentified sometimes. IMHO, and I could be wrong, if your TV constantly gets no video and blinks red it most likely is a hardware failure and won't be fixed by the new firmware. I'm aware the newer model TV's also get the BS. I'm hoping a firmware fix for these models will be released in the future.

Excellent work sgr215, I cannot tell you how relieved I am to hear that this issue is finally being resolved, I've just ordered one from Philip's outlet for under a grand and was worry that this problem would pop up.

Excellent work sgr215, I cannot tell you how relieved I am to hear that this issue is finally being resolved, I've just ordered one from Philip's outlet for under a grand and was worry that this problem would pop up.
WOW that sounds like a real bargain! Is the outlet found on the Philips website?

WOW that sounds like a real bargain! Is the outlet found on the Philips website?

Just do a search on yahoo for both outlet &Philips

Just a heads-up for anyhone who had bookmarked the Philips support page for this set, it appears they have moved it to:

http://www.usasupport.philips.com/productDocuments.html?ProductCode=42PF7320A/37&subCat=PLASMA_LARGE_32_42_SU_US_CONSUMER

Whats a 7320a/37B by the way? I stumbled upon it trying to find the /37A

Nhan, I have what are looking for, but it is "bedsheet" size.
PM me and we will figure something out.

Thanks for your help with this, boggsaz! Hopefully, I'll have some luck when I contact Philips about sending me the missing "stand feet".

Ahh thanks, johng126.

Just curious, did they replace it with another 42" (just another model number), or give you one with a larger screen? Any problems with this new set (other than losing PIP and an HDMI slot)?

Thanks again...

Before I get more emails/messages making ludicrous statements allow me to clarify a few things. Firstly, here's a quote from a confused AVS member. I have no clue if they even own one of the Philips models affected by the BS but I figured I would address their statement anyways.

Don't beleive the hype... an unnofficial firmware update cannot "fix" the BS issue. The only people that can fix this issue is Philips.

There are several things wrong with this statement. Firstly, who do you think compiled this firmware? ;) (As far as I know the source code isn't available to the public so that pretty much limits who could have compiled this) Secondly, what if the source code was released to the public? Someone with the right expertise could find the bug, fix it, recompile the software and release a "third-party" version. Would you still proclaim only Philips can fix it despite the fact the BS is no longer occurring?

I just felt I needed to address this before I get more emails, PM's, or guestbook messages with similar comments. If you feel like you can't trust the "unofficial" build simply wait for the official release.

pillot - Unless I get a refund before the tv is repaired, I will try to install the upgrade after I get it back. I'll try testing the same dvds (Batman Begins, T2 Extreme Edition, etc) which brought on BSs before and post the results.

Ahh thanks, johng126.

Just curious, did they replace it with another 42" (just another model number), or give you one with a larger screen? Any problems with this new set (other than losing PIP and an HDMI slot)?

Thanks again...
Here is a post I made a few days ago. I forgot to mention the cable card feature is also missing.

Philips replaced my 42PF7320A with 42PF7321D/37. Picture seems great, but I lose an HDMI port and also cable card. My question is which model is better. Am I getting screwed or is the new one better. Cable card and HDMI is not a factor, so which one is the better TV. Anyone know?

As luck would have it, I suddenly remembered a few other important questions I forgot to ask. Luckily the anonymous source was willing to put up with me for a little longer, LOL.

Q) When can we expect an official release on the Philips website?
A) Most likely by the end of the week. The version sent to you is the official version that will be available soon. Obviously, I wouldn't send out a development version.

Q) Can use of the unofficial firmware void your warranty? (I doubt this but some seem to think it will, would be nice to hear your thoughts on it.)
A) Nope, this will be the official version located at Philips directly soon. It's surprising to me that users at AVS are concerned about this considering many of them change options in the service menu and skip right over the "void warranty" screen. (He/she also warns about entering the service menu)

Q) The BS seems to also happen on the newest models such as the 42PF7421D. Can we expect a firmware fixing the BS on this model too?
A) Yes, the BS bug is the same as the 2005 model TV's. Expect a firmware addressing the BS on the newer models in the next 1-2 weeks.

SGR215: I really appreciate you helping us at AVS! Since you've sent the firmware I've yet to hear of anyone still getting the BS who updated to this firmware including myself.

Response: Let me know if you have any problems. We do try to do as much testing as possible but it's simply implausible to recreate every real life situation in the lab.

Here is the list from an earlier post if anyone would like the info.


Management
Philips Electronics North America Headquarters
1251 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10020

Paul Zeven
CEO
Philips Electronics North America
email paul.zeven@philips.com


Wilco Groenhuysen
CFO
Philips Electronics North America
email wilco.groenhuysen@philips.com


Tom Patton
Vice President
Government Relations
email tom.patton@philips.com


Raymond Fleming
Vice President & Controller
email raymond.fleming@philips.com

Joseph Innamorati
Senior Vice President
Chief Legal Counsel
email joseph.innamorati@philips.com


Terry Fassburg
Vice President
Brand Communications
email terry.fassburg@philips.com


Donald Welsko
Senior Vice President
Human Resources
email don.welsko@philips.com

For Philips product support please visit our Support Center or Contact Philips.

Here is a post I made a few days ago. I forgot to mention the cable card feature is also missing.

Philips replaced my 42PF7320A with 42PF7321D/37. Picture seems great, but I lose an HDMI port and also cable card. My question is which model is better. Am I getting screwed or is the new one better. Cable card and HDMI is not a factor, so which one is the better TV. Anyone know? Should I request a different TV. I believe also that this TV is 15:9 not 16:9.

Hello all,
Hopefully, the BS problem is fixed. I have a slightly different problem. When I tried to upgrade my firmware I get an "Invalid Firmware, Bad Checksum or No Signature" Error (or words close to that affect. Any one have that problem? After reviewing the service manual, I suspect maybe the partition 0 in the software, but am not sure and don't have that software to upload anyway. Thanks for any help.

sgr215: This all sounds great, hopefully the BS problem is solved for good. Nice work. I wonder if it's related to my tv crashing like that, or the caption problems I had.

johng126: According to hdtvsolutions, the newer one has less brightness and no anti-reflection screen but has AutoPicture, Autosound, an Auto Volume Leveller (whatever those are) and weighs less. Check the product sheets on that site (paste the model #'s into search).

I don't suppose the anonymous contact could provide us with an email for feature requests/bug reports can he/she? Also, is the TVGOS a dead project since the 2006 TV's seem to include only an EPG for digital channels only?

Oh and I don't know much about aspect ratios, but it seems that having a 15:9 screen would squish the picture down slightly. Do widescreen movies look different on this new tv?

Hello all,
Hopefully, the BS problem is fixed. I have a slightly different problem. When I tried to upgrade my firmware I get an "Invalid Firmware, Bad Checksum or No Signature" Error (or words close to that affect. Any one have that problem? After reviewing the service manual, I suspect maybe the partition 0 in the software, but am not sure and don't have that software to upload anyway. Thanks for any help.

I've got a few questions. Did this happen with the unofficial firmware? If so, try other official versions; does the error still occur? Is this the 42PF7320A or a different model? What exactly happens when you get the error? (Does it happen right away or does it happen at the very end?) Give as much information as possible.

I don't suppose the anonymous contact could provide us with an email for feature requests/bug reports can he/she? Also, is the TVGOS a dead project since the 2006 TV's seem to include only an EPG for digital channels only?

Unfortunately, no. Sorry! :(

Thanks for the quick reply...have not posted to forums very often and forget to add details!

I have a 7320A bought Nov 05.

I have successfully upgraded firmware 3 time to the 1461 upgrade. It did take a few tries to get 1461 to take, the previous 2 (1441 and one earlier) worked exactly as described in the manual.

I tried to upgrade to 1481. I turn off the TV using the power button on the TV. Insert the flash drive into the USB port (file name autorun.upg in the root dir).
I turn the TV on using the power button.
The software loads.
Then validates.
After the progress bar for validates completes, the message comes up -- "Invalid Firmware! Bad Checksum or Bad Signature".

I tried to go back to 1441 and it gives me the same message.

In addition, after doing this, a couple of pixels appear to be dead. However, when I touch any functional button (remote or tv) including volume, the pixels come back. Touch a button again, they appear to die (repeat the steps it happens over and over...). The worst that got was when I spent a lot of time in the menu, ~5000 pixels appeared that way in a strip 1/4 to 1/3 from the top of the screen. Unplugging and plugging back in seemed to fix it until I got into the menu (or tried to upgrade) again.

Thanks for the quick reply...have not posted to forums very often and forget to add details!

I have a 7320A bought Nov 05.

I have successfully upgraded firmware 3 time to the 1461 upgrade. It did take a few tries to get 1461 to take, the previous 2 (1441 and one earlier) worked exactly as described in the manual.

I tried to upgrade to 1481. I turn off the TV using the power button on the TV. Insert the flash drive into the USB port (file name autorun.upg in the root dir).
I turn the TV on using the power button.
The software loads.
Then validates.
After the progress bar for validates completes, the message comes up -- "Invalid Firmware! Bad Checksum or Bad Signature".

I tried to go back to 1441 and it gives me the same message.

In addition, after doing this, a couple of pixels appear to be dead. However, when I touch any functional button (remote or tv) including volume, the pixels come back. Touch a button again, they appear to die (repeat the steps it happens over and over...). The worst that got was when I spent a lot of time in the menu, ~5000 pixels appeared that way in a strip 1/4 to 1/3 from the top of the screen. Unplugging and plugging back in seemed to fix it until I got into the menu (or tried to upgrade) again.

It sounds like it's a hardware failure. I would suggest getting a tech out to check it out.

SofChance: the 7320A/7220A also has autopicture, autosound, and auto volume leveller as well. Just go into the menu under picture and sound respectively and you will see those options. Autopicture is just the factory presets of Natural, Rich, Soft, and Eco. Autosound is similar - Movies, Normal, Theater, etc..

Auto volume leveller is also an option under sound that will normalize the volume levels between television/movies and commercials.

The 7321 does have an anti-glare screen. Pretty much, the only difference between the new model and the 7320/7220 is less inputs and a different bezel style. The Samsung glass that they all use may be a newer generation, but it's pretty much the same tv.

Hello all,
Hopefully, the BS problem is fixed. I have a slightly different problem. When I tried to upgrade my firmware I get an "Invalid Firmware, Bad Checksum or No Signature" Error (or words close to that affect. Any one have that problem? After reviewing the service manual, I suspect maybe the partition 0 in the software, but am not sure and don't have that software to upload anyway. Thanks for any help.

Try re-formatting your USB stick, and reloading the upgrade on it. This happened to me once too, and my IT friend recommended this to me. Worked like a charm.

Well, after 4 months I have my first problem with the Philips. Last night I lost the HDMI inputs, both. I went to the component input and that is working good, so far.
If I switch from TV to HDMI, the image comes up for 2 seconds and then it's gone.

Thanks for the replies. I will try the reformat then call the shop if it doesn't work. Either way, I am glad the error message is here so others will find it on a search.

Mahnster

Well, after 4 months I have my first problem with the Philips. Last night I lost the HDMI inputs, both. I went to the component input and that is working good, so far.
If I switch from TV to HDMI, the image comes up for 2 seconds and then it's gone.The HDMI inputs came back up over night :confused: I guess that the TV had a chance to cool down over night, oh well.
BTW, I did a partial white point balance and the colors are much better. I'll be doing more detail tweaking later.

What can I say?

I really REALLY gave them a chance.

Unfortunately, the lastest firmware (the one that isn't on the site yet) that sgr15 received still does not remedy the BS problem. Well, it kind of did, but introduced a third type of BS (well, third type to me).

Here is the scenario: Last night after watching a movie, I switch over to tv. I flipped through a couple of channels...left it on some strange show while I went to the kitchen to grab a drink. When I returned I decided that I needed to feel a little more enlightened, so I turn the channel to PBS-HD (90.2 on my QAM tuner). BAM! I got nothing. Green light is on, so at first I thought that the QAM tuner is just taking its sweet time searching the channel. Still nothing. "uh oh", I thought. So I tried to change the channel back to NBC or something. "uh oh", I thought again...no numbers are showing up in the upper left corner. Hmm...the remote isn't working. Great. So I get up and walk over to the tv and manually turn it off to maybe "reset" it. "Uh oh"....the on-tv controls don't work either. So of course, I go to the wall outlet and unplug the whole thing to turn it off. Wait a few seconds and turn it back on. Everything works again...for now.

I've never had the BS issue before by flipping channels. I think the Philips folks are on the right track solving the BS issue, but they aren't quite there yet. And I just can't justify keeping a tv that cost me quite a sum of money (for me) that only works "most" of the time.

I'm just going to return this guy back to CostCo and go get the LG 42PC3D at CC or BB (it's the same price that I purchased mine at the time).

Oh well, what can ya do? :o

What can I say?

I really REALLY gave them a chance.

Unfortunately, the lastest firmware (the one that isn't on the site yet) that sgr15 received still does not remedy the BS problem. Well, it kind of did, but introduced a third type of BS (well, third type to me).

Here is the scenario: Last night after watching a movie, I switch over to tv. I flipped through a couple of channels...left it on some strange show while I went to the kitchen to grab a drink. When I returned I decided that I needed to feel a little more enlightened, so I turn the channel to PBS-HD (90.2 on my QAM tuner). BAM! I got nothing. Green light is on, so at first I thought that the QAM tuner is just taking its sweet time searching the channel. Still nothing. "uh oh", I thought. So I tried to change the channel back to NBC or something. "uh oh", I thought again...no numbers are showing up in the upper left corner. Hmm...the remote isn't working. Great. So I get up and walk over to the tv and manually turn it off to maybe "reset" it. "Uh oh"....the on-tv controls don't work either. So of course, I go to the wall outlet and unplug the whole thing to turn it off. Wait a few seconds and turn it back on. Everything works again...for now.

I've never had the BS issue before by flipping channels. I think the Philips folks are on the right track solving the BS issue, but they aren't quite there yet. And I just can't justify keeping a tv that cost me quite a sum of money (for me) that only works "most" of the time.

I'm just going to return this guy back to CostCo and go get the LG 42PC3D at CC or BB (it's the same price that I purchased mine at the time).

Oh well, what can ya do? :o


That really sucks, it seemed as if it was fixed. I've yet to get the BS since the upgrade but now it seems like it's only a matter of time until I do. I wonder if the BS is now limited to the QAM tuner perhaps? I use a cable box so that would explain why its yet to happen to me. Hope you have better luck with the LG.

IcemanDallas, I got an email from the CEO today saying he is forwarding it to the CS manager. I think I can convince them to give me a refund for the tv, especially since (apparently) multiple models are having the same problems.

If I do, I'll let everyone know.

IcemanDallas, I got an email from the CEO today saying he is forwarding it to the CS manager. I think I can convince them to give me a refund for the tv, especially since (apparently) multiple models are having the same problems.

If I do, I'll let everyone know.

I did too. I was going to wait on the resolution before I posted. Sounds like he's cleaning out his inbox. :cool:

The new firmware is up on the Philips site (at least for the 42pf9630a). They just haven't changed the date on the website. It is specifically for the BS problem.
SGR215, excellent source.

The new firmware is up on the Philips site (at least for the 42pf9630a). They just haven't changed the date on the website. It is specifically for the BS problem.
SGR215, excellent source.

Great! It'll be interesting to see how prevalent the BS is now that this firmware is released officially.

On a side note, I let the source know about YERP's BS. They are going to investigate it and see if they can discover anything with QAM and the BS.

EDIT: For those who care I compared the MD5 checksum to both the unofficial firmware and the official released on Philips. The files are identical with a MD5 checksum of 60543fd4ec006c1c1a691796609e09b7 meaning theres no reason to upgrade from the unoffical version to the offical.

Does anyone know if I can mount this TV using the inner holes which are about 26 inches apart? I purchase a wall mount which cannot reach the outer holes which are 32 inches apart.

Thanks

Can someone explain what "make RRT5 functionality user controllable" refers to...
Also, is there any way to keep Auto Picure set to "personal". Anytime I change Input to HDMI, it defaults to "soft" preset. Has anyone else noted this? TV is Philips 42PF9630A/37

jscvb....... This simple to do. Just change your input selection to anything other than HDMI. Hope this helps.

simms51.... not sure what you mean by that; my DVR/Cable box is hooked up via the HDMI input, so when I switch from TV input to HDMI input, the auto picture defaults to "soft".

Sorry jscvb if I wasn't clear. I happen to have the same set as you. Do this, go in to the Philips menu, then to Setup, Source and select anything other than HD. You can select digital STB, cable or, as I have, PVR. Again, hope this works.

simms... thank you very much. Mine was already set to digital STB, but changing it to HD, or anything except digital STB has fixed the problem. What a relief, it was a huge pain, constantly having to go into the menu to change this setting everytime I changed from TV to HDMI input.
I found the following in the archives:
QUOTE=double d6]No, but this new firmware does get rid of the av input from the upper left corner. But I still can't figure out why I can't get my picture to stay on "personal". When I turn off the TV with the Phillips remote or the cable box remote, it always goes back to "SOFT". It even states that the TV will remain on the last selected format. But everytime it comes back to soft. Anyone have this problem?[/QUOTE]

You have to change the source setting you used for your cable box's input. Push the Menu button, go to Setup, then Source, then select whichever input you chose "Digital STB" for, and change it to "HD" or "Cable" or "Other" or something besides "Digital STB." It seems to be one of these idiosyncratic Philips issues.
From page 33 in the user manual:
"Due to possible digital image distortion when displaying signals from connected digital equipment, automatically the Auto picture setting Soft is selected. See Picture menu, Auto picture, p. 19. Changing this setting during reviewing will not be stored as Personal setting after switch off."

Simms.. Thank you Again!!

It appears the newest firmware has introduced a new bug. If you use the HDMI input and turn the TV on the picture will appear normal. After about 5-10 seconds it will be bombarded by green or yellow static. So much so its next to impossible to see the picture itself. Here's the only known fixes:

Permanent fix: Use component inputs until Philips fixes this problem. It only effects HDMI.

Temporary fixes:
1) Once static appears turn your TV off and back on. If static persists repeat until it stops.
2) Once static appears switch back and forth between inputs until static goes away.

I'll forward this to the source and hopefully it'll get fixed soon. :(

It appears the newest firmware has introduced a new bug. If you use the HDMI input and turn the TV on the picture will appear normal. After about 5-10 seconds it will be bombarded by green or yellow static. So much so its next to impossible to see the picture itself.


I installed the unofficial version over a week ago and have not seen this problem. My only input is HDMI from my AVR. Nor have I seen the BS problem since installation but it was fairly rare on my 42pf7320a/37.

No problems with mine either, using HDMI for DVD and Computer. Both inputs work fine.

Very strange, I wonder if its going to be just as elusive as the BS. So far I know of two people and myself that it happens to. (And now two who don't get it) It's starting to sound similar to the BS. :(

FWIW, I never had BS problems either.

Hi all, sorry this got long.

I've been pursuing a problem with a local OTA station, and I want to get your take on it. I'm posting here because it may or may not be tv-specific.

I have the 42pf7320/37; it has been fed by a Terk HDTVa since I got it in January. From January til two weeks ago I received 12-1 and 12-2 perfectly. Then, two weeks ago they added 12-3, and the 12-1 picture went to digital noise.

I have been emailing back and forth with an engineer at the station. First, he said the new subchannel had no effect on their signal. Then he said he talked to the engineers who installed new equipment and now their transmission was variable bit rate instead of constant and that some receivers have trouble with VBR and to check my receiver mfr's website.

I continue to receive 12-2 and 12-3 with the same equipment, though he says they all went VBR.

BTW I have a friend with a Dell LCD, and his 12-1 is also garbage. Plus, the fellow at the station says he has received several similar emails.

Interestingly, 12-1 came in for 90 minutes on Saturday and went south again, so I really think my equipment is good. Mr. F. hasn't responded to that yet.

So, has anyone with the 7320 encountered VBR problems? or accusations of VBR problems? Is this a complete buck-passing by the station? or should I be upset with Philips instead? Is this potentially worth an email to the FCC if lots of people can't receive a signal?

Thanks all for your time.

Mike

So, has anyone with the 7320 encountered VBR problems? or accusations of VBR problems? Is this a complete buck-passing by the station? or should I be upset with Philips instead? Is this potentially worth an email to the FCC if lots of people can't receive a signal?

Thanks all for your time.

Mike
Just my opinion (& you all know what those are like) but it sounds like the station either doesnt know the "whole truth" or they arent telling it - you friends Dell has the same issue & it came on for a period of time - sounds like transmission not reception. :rolleyes:

Add another bug to the list on the new firmware. Type 123654 to go into the CSR menu and your serial number and model number are messed up. I've got the 50PF9630A.

Add another bug to the list on the new firmware. Type 123654 to go into the CSR menu and your serial number and model number are messed up. I've got the 50PF9630A.


Who cares about that. Did your T.V. have the black screen and did this fix it. I would think that is more of a concern than your serial number and model number not being correct. Look on the back of the T.V if you have to for this information. i think most people on this forum are more interested in the functionality of their T.V(i.e. can I watch a show and not worry about losing the picture). Just my opinion.

I havent gotten the BS in a couple weeks <knocks on wood> (havent upgraded to the latest firmware yet) but I'm tired of the problems and I'm going to return it for a Sceptre or Westy, most likely the Sceptre since I can get it from Costco and feel safe about my purchase.

I dont' have BS but I do have Dead Stare from watching too much TV!

I have a few problems with mine but no BS problem.

1. My screen keeps friggin readjusting itself evrytime a widescreen commercial or something comes on...how can I fix this? Is there a good permanent setting to leave it on?

2. What are the best visual setting to have this TV to get the best picture? Thanks! It says the TV has HD built in but it doesn't appear so when watching some HD telecasts. Any direction would be appreciated! thanks in advance!

I have a few problems with mine but no BS problem.

1. My screen keeps friggin readjusting itself evrytime a widescreen commercial or something comes on...how can I fix this? Is there a good permanent setting to leave it on?

2. What are the best visual setting to have this TV to get the best picture? Thanks! It says the TV has HD built in but it doesn't appear so when watching some HD telecasts. Any direction would be appreciated! thanks in advance!

1 - It will always do this if you have it on "automatic" because of the way different formats are shown, especially in commercials. You can leave it on widescreen and it won't shift, but then you'll have pillarboxed SD stuff. I've just gotten used to that.

2 - I'm not sure what you're asking ... "HD built in?" Maybe you're not connected with the right cables ... or, do you have an HD cable box and/or service? OTA HD?

no, i thought the TV had built in HDTV....so that means it will show HD quality broadcast correct without the box?

All I really need to know is what are the best picture settings to have your TV on? What do you guys have yours set up on?

Oh you have a built in HD tuner?

Oh you have a built in HD tuner?


is this TV Hd ready, or does it have it already built in?

It has an HD tuner, so if you get HD channels through cable tv, it will show them in high definition. Set your to a custom setting and keep everything low to prevent burn-in.

I'm still sorting things out with the repair shop (today = 3 weeks they've had the tv) and Philips' CS contact. Looks like I'm stuck with the tv, but if the shop still has it at the end of this week I'm gonna complain again. I'm still hoping they can do some kind of refund though.

Who cares about that. Did your T.V. have the black screen and did this fix it. I would think that is more of a concern than your serial number and model number not being correct. Look on the back of the T.V if you have to for this information. i think most people on this forum are more interested in the functionality of their T.V(i.e. can I watch a show and not worry about losing the picture). Just my opinion.

Ummm...because it's software code and if they got some of the addresses offset (which it looks kinda like it did), then it's possible other anomolies have been introduced that we haven't noticed yet.

Hi,

Well, I just tried 1.4.

I imagine I suffered the digital channel loss described by some as applying to 1.2 and 1.3. Basically, my location requires different antenna placements for different stations. The "new" glitch (new to me) is that if the station isn't coming in when you surf past it, it is deleted. This never happened while I had been happily using 1.0.13 until my reception trouble described earlier (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8162727&&#post8162727).

So, I rolled back to 1.0.13 and am downloading 1.1 as I type. 1.1 is the first to mention improved reception of non-standard streams and apparently doesn't have the channel drop issue.

fingers crossed,
Mike

I just got the 42PF7220A last night (from Philips Outlet - unit seems great) and I am wondering if I can somehow use the internal speakers in place of my center channel speakers - I was thinking of just using the center pre-out on my amp and sending that to the TV - or should I use the Digital Audio In and send the digital Audio from my HK receiver?

Thanks everyone!

I will also be updating my firmware later and will report any issues.

By the way a friend ordered the 50" Plasma from Philips Outlet and the unit looks like it was drug behind a car - dents, big scratches etc...The shipping box had some damage so he refused the package!

still need help on my pic settings...what is the best in your opinion to have everything from brightness to tint set on?

I have been considering getting a second Philips Plasma. I currently have the 42PF7320A and can get a great deal on the 42PF9630A/37B. I have seen one post about Philips outlet. Can anybody provide detail as to their experience with the factory reconditioned units. On another note regarding BS. I have had the set now since December 05 and have not experienced a problem. The set is wall mounted. I absolutely love the set but would like to see better menus. Any help or advice re: Philips outlet would be great. Would need to pull the trigger by Aug 21.

Thanks in advance

CD70

By the way a friend ordered the 50" Plasma from Philips Outlet and the unit looks like it was drug behind a car - dents, big scratches etc...The shipping box had some damage so he refused the package!
Bet it was shippped UPS right?

I have been considering getting a second Philips Plasma. I currently have the 42PF7320A and can get a great deal on the 42PF9630A/37B. I have seen one post about Philips outlet. Can anybody provide detail as to their experience with the factory reconditioned units. On another note regarding BS. I have had the set now since December 05 and have not experienced a problem. The set is wall mounted. I absolutely love the set but would like to see better menus. Any help or advice re: Philips outlet would be great. Would need to pull the trigger by Aug 21.

Thanks in advance

CD70

I purchased 2 42ps7320s from the outlet and I am very happy with both. Both look brand new, no scratches or dents and the picture quality is great.

BTW, does anyone have their's wall mounted using the inner holes? Need to know.


Thanks

Bet it was shippped UPS right?

Actually it was shipped by EGL Trucking - not too happy with company.

The deal at Philips outlet for July included free shipping, so I guess you get what you pay for.

Back to my original question:
Does anyone know about using the built-in speakers as the center channels only?

Thanks!

Does anyone know about using the built-in speakers as the center channels only?

I think I know what you're asking. There's no setting in the tv that will pull the center only out of a surround mix and play it through the speakers. Also, there's no direct speaker level input as on some models. However, if your receiver has pre outs, you could certainly send the center pre out to the tv's audio inputs.

FWIW, the sound on this model is certainly decent as flat panels go, not amazing. The sound does fall apart above medium volume, though. If your main left and right are decent, are placed well, and have good imaging at all, you will probably be happier with either a real center speaker or even setting the receiver for no center at all and letting the receiver split the center to the main left and right.

A good stereo pair placed well will completely give the illusion the sound is coming right from the screen.

Mike

can anyone help with the picture settings?

I purchased 2 42ps7320s from the outlet and I am very happy with both. Both look brand new, no scratches or dents and the picture quality is great.

BTW, does anyone have their's wall mounted using the inner holes? Need to know.


Thanks

Thanks for the info. I think I will pull the trigger on another TV. As to your questions with wall mounting I believe there is a post about 6 mos ago regarding this. I believe the individual actually contacted Philips or the mount manufacturer and they said you could do it. I have mounted mine on larger outer holes but you do have to get a bigger mount to use them. Try searching the thread for post regarding the inner holes.

cd70

Actually it was shipped by EGL Trucking - not too happy with company.

The deal at Philips outlet for July included free shipping, so I guess you get what you pay for.

Back to my original question:
Does anyone know about using the built-in speakers as the center channels only?

Thanks!
I stand corrected:-) I dont know why these shippers cant take a little pride in their work (like FedEx seems to do). Do they like their packages to be delivered smashed with possible damge to the contents? I doubt it. Sorry for the rant.

I think I know what you're asking. There's no setting in the tv that will pull the center only out of a surround mix and play it through the speakers. Also, there's no direct speaker level input as on some models. However, if your receiver has pre outs, you could certainly send the center pre out to the tv's audio inputs.

FWIW, the sound on this model is certainly decent as flat panels go, not amazing. The sound does fall apart above medium volume, though. If your main left and right are decent, are placed well, and have good imaging at all, you will probably be happier with either a real center speaker or even setting the receiver for no center at all and letting the receiver split the center to the main left and right.

A good stereo pair placed well will completely give the illusion the sound is coming right from the screen.

Mike

Thanks Mike, that is the information I was looking for - My HK receiver does have pre-outs for the center channel - and I am thinking of my future plans to wall mount the Plasma and get rid of the center channel and have all of the boxes off in a seperate corner of the room. For now I have a good center channel setup and good fronts so I am keeping it that way for the time being.

Thanks again!

can anyone help with the picture settings?

Blue

Here are my settings. I posted them quite a while back, I believe on page 11 or 12 of the forum. Hope they help. I have since toned down the contrast slightly.

Here are the settings that I ended up with, these may change based on your room size, amount of light in the room etc...

Contrast 73
Brightness 61
Color 73
Sharpness 2
Color temp - Warm
Tint 5

CD

I purchased 2 42ps7320s from the outlet and I am very happy with both. Both look brand new, no scratches or dents and the picture quality is great.

BTW, does anyone have their's wall mounted using the inner holes? Need to know.


Thanks

I use the inner holes for mounting. Let me know if you need the model# and i will check it out.

thanks,
Steve

I have the same yellow/green static problem. It is much worse when using 720p and 1080i. It is less frequent with 480p. I tried 3 different DVD players with 720p/1080i outputs with the same static problem. The problem was not result of the last firmware, it started 1-2 months after purchase. Has anyone tested this TV set with 720p/1080i?

I have been very patient with this TV, upgrading firmware again and again, in the hopes of a 100% working television and that has not happened. I've lost my patience!

I just use QAM and analog cable and SDTV and composite and I've had a few black screen issues with the QAM tuner. But not enough to really bother me. Now that I've upgraded to 1.4 things seemed to get better, but then all my HDTV channels disappeared. I was watching channel 2.1 just fine and started flipping channels (I'm a guy after all) and noticed after a while I wasn't getting any .1 .2 .3 ,etc channels. Went back to 2.1 and it was gone as well.

A TV should work like a toaster. Plug it in and watch TV. Now I know that these types of TVs have more brains than some home computers, but if I pay for a working TV, I expect to have a working TV.

I will NO longer continue to beta test this TV for Phillips while I'm paying for it. RIDICULOUS!

I am having problems with the "prefered channels"
ever since doing the so called "upgrade"
need older firmware please

Thanks

I am having problems with the "prefered channels"
ever since doing the so called "upgrade"
need older firmware please

Thanks
Check out SGR215's website - he has most (if not all) versions there:

http://home.comcast.net/~sgr215/

He's done a GREAT service for anyone who owns one of these TV's:-)

I have been very patient with this TV, upgrading firmware again and again, in the hopes of a 100% working television and that has not happened. I've lost my patience!

I just use QAM and analog cable and SDTV and composite and I've had a few black screen issues with the QAM tuner. But not enough to really bother me. Now that I've upgraded to 1.4 things seemed to get better, but then all my HDTV channels disappeared. I was watching channel 2.1 just fine and started flipping channels (I'm a guy after all) and noticed after a while I wasn't getting any .1 .2 .3 ,etc channels. Went back to 2.1 and it was gone as well.

A TV should work like a toaster. Plug it in and watch TV. Now I know that these types of TVs have more brains than some home computers, but if I pay for a working TV, I expect to have a working TV.

I will NO longer continue to beta test this TV for Phillips while I'm paying for it. RIDICULOUS!

I feel your pain! If the techies would stop trying to fix the problems and complain to Philips, it would be better for all of us! :( Mine has been TOTALLY DOWN for two months with no resolution in sight.

I have been watching this thread for sometime. I had mild BS issue, once in 10 days or so. Since upgrading to the latest firmware official release, I have not seen it again. Is this everyone elses experience.

Also I have not seen any othere issues. My set up is HDMI via digital cable box.