Is it normal for the input display to say NTSC? Shouldn't it just be 480i?

Re: Christmas and price drops

Many of us purchased our 42" sets during the Labor Day sale at BestBuy when they were $1599.

I personally would not buy one at this point until you can meet or better that price again.

Check your email... CC just sent out a 10% off coupon good in store OR online. I just bought a 42a10 for $1799 (sale price) - 180 (10% off coupon) = $1619 + tax. Sweet! Oh, and "White Glove" delivery (they call it "basic") is $49.99 - 49.99 rebate = free! :)

Has anyone played with the a/v sync option in order to adjust lip sync problems?

I've searched this thread & have found very little on this topic.

Any comments would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.
Mike

I have had my 50" A10 for about a week. Excellent picture, great OTA HD reception and quality. Even does a great job with most analog sources.

HOWEVER:

I cannot stand the audio sync issues (video lags the audio by a varying amount). Enough so that I may return this, simply because $2300 is too much money to deal with under-developed video processing technology. If audio sync is a problem for all digital tv's, I'll stay with my old analog tv until the technology improves. I have other hobbies :-)

Some sources are worse than others, but it doesn't matter if it is digital OTA, analog cable, DVD, or VCR, the audio sync problem comes and goes in varying amounts of delay. So even if an audio delay was an option, it wouldn't help much since it would be a fixed delay time.

Does anybody know if video processing will improve to the point that audio sync is not an issue anymore?

Thanks, sorry for the rant!

Tim

I have had my 50" A10 for about i month and have had no audio issues with it. Could it be how you are running your audio?

I have had my 50" A10 for about i month and have had no audio issues with it. Could it be how you are running your audio?

I have a dvd in right now (Doobie Brothers - Rockin Down the Highway), component input, analog audio to tv, analog audio from the tv to my receiver.

Sometimes the video and audio sync almost exactly, other times there is a short but noticeable delay. It just varies with no particular pattern.

It does this with all sources to varying degrees. Sometimes I know it's the source, like our local NBC (KWQC). KWQC has a constant long delay, whether local or network feed. Other OTA digital is pretty decent, with only an occasional delay.

I'm learning that newer dvd players, receiver, etc, have audio delays to help compensate for video processing issues. My preference is to just turn the tv on (like analog tv's) and not have to be concerned about sync issues.

I have a dvd in right now (Doobie Brothers - Rockin Down the Highway), component input, analog audio to tv, analog audio from the tv to my receiver.

Sometimes the video and audio sync almost exactly, other times there is a short but noticeable delay. It just varies with no particular pattern.

It does this with all sources to varying degrees. Sometimes I know it's the source, like our local NBC (KWQC). KWQC has a constant long delay, whether local or network feed. Other OTA digital is pretty decent, with only an occasional delay.

I'm learning that newer dvd players, receiver, etc, have audio delays to help compensate for video processing issues. My preference is to just turn the tv on (like analog tv's) and not have to be concerned about sync issues.


Connect your DVD player (audio) directly into your reciever.

Connect your DVD player (audio) directly into your reciever.
Yankee is correct, Absolutly dvd player directly into your reciever

Another vote for the 'straight to your reciever' option. When you're going to be listening to it via your reciever, may as well plug it straight in there. This way the audio is being fed directly to the piece of equipment that needs the audio. That's always the way you want to try and hook up your equipment anyways unless you're connecting something to a piece of equipment that's truly meant to better performance. Point A to Point B directly usually seems to be best.

Well I'm an owner of a 50" A10 now! Just picked it up at Costco at the well you know
price with the stand. Bought it there mainly because of their return policy. I don't need
the stand but I'll have to keep it for a while to see if the set works out. Grabbing a bite to
eat and should have it up and running directly.
Grateful11 :D

I do use my receiver for the audio. But it makes no difference. As others have pointed out, sometimes it's NBC, sometimes it's another station. As I mentioned, my wife can partially lip read (I have to be carefull around her). Out of sync really gets to her on our 27" CRT set. We have looked at larger sets, but this just makes lip movement more obvious.

I understand the A10 and Sony's flat panel LCD sets have an audio sync setting mode. I was discussing A/V sync with the saleperson at a Sony Style store. However he never mentioned there was any sync settings on any of the sets. With many of their new sets having this option you would think the Sony guy would have known.

I was wondering if anyone has adjusted the A/V sync and if it has cured their sync problems.

Mike

I do use my receiver for the audio. But it makes no difference. As others have pointed out, sometimes it's NBC, sometimes it's another station. As I mentioned, my wife can partially lip read (I have to be carefull around her). Out of sync really gets to her on our 27" CRT set. We have looked at larger sets, but this just makes lip movement more obvious.

I understand the A10 and Sony's flat panel LCD sets have an audio sync setting mode. I was discussing A/V sync with the saleperson at a Sony Style store. However he never mentioned there was any sync settings on any of the sets. With many of their new sets having this option you would think the Sony guy would have known.

I was wondering if anyone has adjusted the A/V sync and if it has cured their sync problems.

Mike

The audio sync setting is only available when you have the digital audio out connected to a digital receiver. It has no effect on the tv's own speakers, which seems odd to me.

I'm currently watching HD college football (Notre Dame/Syracuse on NBC, Alabama/Auburn on CBS). Both look stunning as long as there is little motion. Once the plays begin, especially on NBC, the picture pixelates, sometimes very badly.

I know that I am very picky about technical details. It's my living and my hobby. I also have a background in tv broadcast equipment (in the analog days anyway). It just looks to me like digital tv is still very limited and crude. I guess I will end up watching analog tv until digital tv technology matures, or at least improves.

Prospective Canadian buyers of the A10 series sets: There appears to be confirmation of a rumour posted earlier at this site about forthcoming models of the 42 and 50 inch sets that will not have the built-in ATSC tuner or CableCARD. SonyStyle has just issued their Fall-Winter 2005 catalogue, which on page 12 shows both the KDF-E42A10 and the KDF-E50A10 as well as two new models that will be available in November: the KF-E42A10 and the KF-E50A10. No prices are given yet for the latter two models, but they undoubtedly will be cheaper. These new sets will also lack a couple of other features from the KDF line: no PC input and no TOS link audio out. Given that some posters here have complained about problems with the CableCARD and others have mentioned the various advantages of using a STB rather than the built-in ATSC tuner, the "lower" models could be worth waiting for, if the selling price turns out to be sufficiently less. The lower models likely will not be available in the US, in view of regulations that now require these larger sets to have built-inATSC tuner. So one query: Is the lack of a TOS link audio out on the forthcoming sets anything that will be missed?

I'm new to this forum and all the recent TV changes. I am about to make the plunge and buy the KF-E50A10 when it comes out in a week or two.

According the Sony website it has all the same inputs and outputs as the "KDF-E50A10" except the cable card, but the quoted post above stated that it didn't have a PC input or TOS link audio out.

What are the chances the Sony website is wrong?

I have no use for the tuner or cable card, but it would be nice to be able to hook up my computer.

BTW, what is a TOS link audio out? I don't see any outputs on either TV listed as TOS out. Is it the digital audio out?

I guess I'll know for sure when they arrive and I have a good look at it, but just curious if anyone has any insight on it.

Thanks!

Thanks Mitch, but we don't have CC in Canada, Let me check out BB and Futureshop.

Actually, CC bought out radio shack. All radio shacks are now called "The Source by Circuit City". So you may be able to find what you are looking for there.

I'm new to this forum and all the recent TV changes. I am about to make the plunge and buy the KF-E50A10 when it comes out in a week or two.

According the Sony website it has all the same inputs and outputs as the "KDF-E50A10" except the cable card, but the quoted post above stated that it didn't have a PC input or TOS link audio out.

What are the chances the Sony website is wrong?

I have no use for the tuner or cable card, but it would be nice to be able to hook up my computer.

BTW, what is a TOS link audio out? I don't see any outputs on either TV listed as TOS out. Is it the digital audio out?

I guess I'll know for sure when they arrive and I have a good look at it, but just curious if anyone has any insight on it.

Thanks!
The TOS is the fiber optic cable that carries the digital audio out to a receiver.

Using the vga input on my 42A10. Every resolution I try, I can see the tv refreashing so its worthless to do anyting on it. I tried all the ones in the manual but still no love. I have a 6600 gt with the componet adaptor but I'd would need a 25ft cable and that would have to be $$$.

Coule someone please tell me what resolution they are running at with vga cable. I dont have the special options that DVI provide so I'm thinking I'm screwed.

And another thing about 16:9. I know I'm playing a game in 16:9 because it says so in the settings, madden 06, but the display thing says its 4:3. How do I make it go to 16:9?

cetme, I'm running my Gateway laptop with x600 video card on my 50A10 via vga. I'm getting 1028 x 768 and it is oh-so-sweet. Not having any refresh problems, seems like this tv was made with computers in mind, good luck.

Is there any real concern for burnin with a rear projection lcd? I've found info for plasma and flat lcd but not rear proj lcd. Thanks

... I have a 6600 gt with the componet adaptor but I'd would need a 25ft cable and that would have to be $$$.
...
$10 isn't so bad:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10235&cs_id=1023501&p_id=322&seq=1

Well I have it programmed with the channels and I'm getting 97 Analog and 81 Digital
channels, how's that compare to others sets running cable and an antenna?
I was not expecting to be able to get the digital channels through cable, my
Sanyo never picked them up. Not only am I getting digital but also quite a number of HD
channels: TNT, Discovery, ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, Fox, UPN and more all through cable
without a STB. I'm getting way more Digital channels through my roof top antenna than
I ever got with my 32" HD Sanyo HT32744. I'm very, very surprised at the PQ. Just got
through watching Nemo and the colors were amazing! Watching TNT right now and I'm
not sure I could ask for a better picture. It looks like it's a keeper. This HD is ruining me.
I was planning on getting the STB with HD through TWC but I think I'll live with this for a
while.
Grateful11 :)

What kind of bulb life are people getting with this set? Also, how much does a new one cost? I ask because Circuit City has a Panasonic 44" LCD RP on sale right now for an unbelievable price, but from what I've been reading about it people are saying that the bulb life is horrible. At $300 a pop for less than 1000 hours of life is just not worth it.

The A10 series only came out this past August... so I don't think you're going to get a very definitive answer on that.

I've had my 50in a10 for about a week, the picture is fantasic however I'm noticing something that sort of distrubs me, and was wondering if maybe this is something common, or maybe I got a lemon. Any rate, I was really hoping someone could lend a hand. Here's what happens, and I'v only notice this happen on HD content over my digital cable (hdmi) and OTA HD with my antena. Havn't had a chanc to really test with the dvd player yet, but haven't noticed it in the couple dvd's I watched.

Back to the point, here's what happens.

Durring a show, just about 50% of the time the camera changes to another angle, or to another sceene, for the fastest fraction of a second all the finer detail in the picture and some line edges will be pixalateed. THen just as fast, they seem to "focus" back to normal. As long as the camera stays in the same sceene, everything's okay, but as soon as it changes, I'll get the pixalation?

Does anyone else get this or seen this? I thought for sure it was my hd digital cable, but when I saw it OTA, I started to get nervous. I've turned off the noise reduction and still notice it. I'm not sure it's one of those sort of things I can live with, unless it's a source issue... but it doesn't seem to be source related

That sounds like just the regular artifacts that can commonly be seen on poorly encoded HD content. It's not inherent in the TV, but in HD TV as a whole right now. Better encoded content most likely won't show these artifacts. Do you see this with DVDs at all?

I know next to nothing about HDTV's (though I'm learning by reading threads on this site). I have a relative who works at Sony and he can get me a KDFE50A10 for $1,794. Is this deal too good to pass up? The stand is $297. They also sometimes have 'B' stock available for quite a bit cheaper. These are mostly customer returns and have the full warranty. Would you guys buy a B stock unit?

I haven't yet seen one of these in person, but will look for one at CC/BB.

Also, would this set be too small for a viewing distance of 12'? If so, I'll consider the 55", or get the 50" and use it in the family room, where the distance would be around 8'.

Tim60,

I too was disappointed with the pixeliztion I saw on the 42A10 set. At the beginning of Jay Leno the camera pans the audience and the whole upper part of the picture breaks up. Even the backdrop behind his desk had a sort of shimmering look in the upper part.

I'm not sure if it's the set, the broadcast, poor encoding by NBC, or just the best that HDTV can offer. If the latter, then HD has a long way to go.

I saw the same effect at a Sony Style store. You'd think they would have the best set up in order to promote their own product. So I'm not sure where the problem originates. Not much good if I can only watch static images.

Mike

I've had my 50in a10 for about a week, the picture is fantasic however I'm noticing something that sort of distrubs me, and was wondering if maybe this is something common, or maybe I got a lemon. Any rate, I was really hoping someone could lend a hand. Here's what happens, and I'v only notice this happen on HD content over my digital cable (hdmi) and OTA HD with my antena. Havn't had a chanc to really test with the dvd player yet, but haven't noticed it in the couple dvd's I watched.

Back to the point, here's what happens.

Durring a show, just about 50% of the time the camera changes to another angle, or to another sceene, for the fastest fraction of a second all the finer detail in the picture and some line edges will be pixalateed. THen just as fast, they seem to "focus" back to normal. As long as the camera stays in the same sceene, everything's okay, but as soon as it changes, I'll get the pixalation?

Does anyone else get this or seen this? I thought for sure it was my hd digital cable, but when I saw it OTA, I started to get nervous. I've turned off the noise reduction and still notice it. I'm not sure it's one of those sort of things I can live with, unless it's a source issue... but it doesn't seem to be source related

This happens because when the image is moving or changes a lot, more information is needed. Because of limited bandwidth, more compression is added to keep the image on the screen. This problem is on the broadcaster and/or cable company end and isn't your TV. The problem with the cable companies is that they tend to compress the image even further which causes the image to break up a lot more.

This issue will get better once MPEG-4 encoding becomes the norm. I think you'll see better quality HD in a few more years.

Tim60,

I too was disappointed with the pixeliztion I saw on the 42A10 set. At the beginning of Jay Leno the camera pans the audience and the whole upper part of the picture breaks up. Even the backdrop behind his desk had a sort of shimmering look in the upper part.

I'm not sure if it's the set, the broadcast, poor encoding by NBC, or just the best that HDTV can offer. If the latter, then HD has a long way to go.

I saw the same effect at a Sony Style store. You'd think they would have the best set up in order to promote their own product. So I'm not sure where the problem originates. Not much good if I can only watch static images.

Mike

In the 1 week that I have owned this, I know that NBC is terrible!!! It is happening at the network level. I have watched live sports on NBC/ABC/CBS/FOX on this tv. Only NBC pixelizes this bad. My son lives in another town and it is the same on his tv. NBC's audio has terrible sync issues.

On the up side, most things look good. Even reasonbly clean cable analog video looks decent. DVD's look great, and I don't even have a progressive scan player yet. And most HD looks stunning.

All things considered, I still am undecided if I will keep this tv. I have 30 days to evaluate it from Sam's Club. I was surprised to learn that digital tv is currently so finicky, so I have no problem waiting for the technology to mature. I really would hate to find out that technical standards improve in a couple years and aren't backwards compatible with this tv.

Other than being only 720P, as opposed to 1080P, there is nothing coming in the next decade (AT LEAST) that will be somehow incompatible with the A10s (or any HDTV for that matter). This talk of MPEG4 taking over for MPEG2 is moot, since that processing is handled via the cablebox, not the TV itself. The only way that TV's are (will be) able to decode HDTV signals is by utilizing a CableCard. I could see wanting to wait until that technology solidifies into something stable, but I wouldn't hold my breath. CableCard 2.0 is slated to rollout mid-late 2006 (which means it MIGHT show up in next holiday season's sets) and will then offer Cable Guides and On Demand without the need for the cablebox. That is of course IF your cable provider starts offering CableCard 2.0 adaptors. As it is, CableCard 1.0 (the kind in the A10s) is quite a minority of cable subscribers, so I can't see most providers racing to support 2.0. CableCard 1.0 is MPEG2 based currently. MPEG4 is not yet the standard for HDTV, and until it's ratified as such, I doubt that CableCard will be pushed to support that. And again, if you are using satellite instead of cable, everything I just mentioned won't apply anyhow.

Basically, only hold off on the set if you'd rather wait a couple years for 1080P to come down in price. Otherwise, there's nothing that's going to obsolete these sets for a LONG time to come.

Other than being only 720P, as opposed to 1080P, there is nothing coming in the next decade (AT LEAST) that will be somehow incompatible with the A10s (or any HDTV for that matter). This talk of MPEG4 taking over for MPEG2 is moot, since that processing is handled via the cablebox, not the TV itself. The only way that TV's are (will be) able to decode HDTV signals is by utilizing a CableCard.

...

Basically, only hold off on the set if you'd rather wait a couple years for 1080P to come down in price. Otherwise, there's nothing that's going to obsolete these sets for a LONG time to come.

I looked at a tv (can't even remember the manufacturer!!) that was 1080p, and it had internal storage with a demo 1080p show. I could not see any difference between that and my 720p side by side. Both are fantastic.

I don't use a cable box for HD, and probably won't for a while. In my area, HD digital cable with no other extras is very expensive, and they still don't carry all of the local channels. I am getting hd OTA and am very happy with the reception. So my obsolescence concern (no facts here, totally hypothetical) would involve OTA hdtv.

Since the digital tv's are computer based, I wonder if it will be necessary/possible to upgrade the firmware for better decoding or more features. Again, just a hypothetical question.

Not sure about your last question, that would be nice though.

As for concerns of obsolescence though, as far as over the air is concerned, look at it this way: regular analog broadcasts aren't going to be discontinued prior to 2009 at this point. And even then, that is only with the assumption that 50-60% of TV's (in homes) will have the ability to receive DTV/HDTV. That's a guaranteed 3-4 years right there. In addition, take into account that current NTSC standards lasted about 70 years.

To sum up... I wouldn't worry about it. :)

See response above. Same thing. Yes, HD still has a long way to go.


Yep -- slow-mo, is how I figured it out as well it's the signal :mad: not the TV
oh well. MPEG-4 come on down :D sooner than later
Mark

I am wondering if anyone has this problem. I recently brought the 50A10 and there are parts of the screen that looked washed out or dull. Is this SSE effect everyone talks about. Or could the screen be damaged. I can especially see it when the set is off. Most of the screen looks nice and shiny and a bit glossy and even toned. But towards the center and on one side (looking from an angle) it looks like the screen is dull and whiteish. Is this common with Rearprojection screens? When the set is on I don't notice the washout but when its off its really bothing me. Do I have a defective screen? Should the sceen have a uniform coating when off or are washout spots common?

Sorry to hijack this thread but I couldn't figure out how to post a new thread (newby here). My E50A10 is a couple weeks old and my digital cable/HD was installed a few days ago using the cable card provision. So far, every day, I have lost my signal and can get nothing. I use the menu and go to: SETTINGS/APPLICATIONS/CableCARD and there I use the cableCARD "reset" feature and everything comes back online as it should. I don't think I should be loosing the CableCARD set up all the time and can't believe it is normal to have to reset it continually. (It seems that when the TV is on it holds a signal, but looses it sometime during the night.) Anyone else having this problem and do I go to Sony for a fix, or to my cable company for a fix? Thanks for the help.

I am wondering if anyone has this problem. I recently brought the 50A10 and there are parts of the screen that looked washed out or dull. Is this SSE effect everyone talks about. Or could the screen be damaged. I can especially see it when the set is off. Most of the screen looks nice and shiny and a bit glossy and even toned. But towards the center and on one side (looking from an angle) it looks like the screen is dull and whiteish. Is this common with Rearprojection screens? When the set is on I don't notice the washout but when its off its really bothing me. Do I have a defective screen? Should the sceen have a uniform coating when off or are washout spots common?

It's just ambient light reflecting off the mirror inside of the TV. It's normal as mine does it as well.

Thank you. As allways this group is quick to respond and very helpful. Now that I know its a common problem I have to say I love my 50A10. Now if only My Xbox 360 would ship with the first batch I would be complete.

By the way for lunch I walked over to Best BY and started turning off Rear Projection TV's and they all had similar refelective issues.

Thank you. As allways this group is quick to respond and very helpful. Now that I know its a common problem I have to say I love my 50A10. Now if only My Xbox 360 would ship with the first batch I would be complete.

By the way for lunch I walked over to Best BY and started turning off Rear Projection TV's and they all had similar refelective issues.

did anybody chased you out of the store? :D :D

Thanks to everyone in this thread who provided such great information, I decided to go with this TV. I place my order from Vanns on Saturday, and my TV is shipping out today. On top of their smoking price, I also got a free Harmony 659 remote.

Also, my Oppo DVD player shipped on Friday, so I should finally be entering the Digital Video era this week or next. Now I just have to call Comcast and get HD installed!

(EDIT: I got the KDF-E50A10.)

ok folks.... well things went a little different then I expected when I went to purchase my sony this weekend... I was all set to follow you advice and get the 50in, but I got put in a sticky situatiion....

Like I mention in my first post, I get the empoyee discount for one purchase since I have a relative who works at a B&M store.... what I didn't realize was that in order to get the deal approved, the mangager of the store required me to purchase the 4yr warranty...

I am not going to list any prices, but when it was all said and done it was around $1800 and some change, this includes tax. Well it was still a good deal, but this littel extra requirment put the 50in out of my price range. Oh well, I still have a 42inA10 coming tomorrow and I will be enjoying HD for Turkey Day :).

Besides, I didn't mention that my best seat in the house can go from 13ft to 7 ft when I move my chair into position, which I do currently when I am getting down on the xbox or movie.......

Over all I'll just be happy that I will be able to enjoy HD and bigger widescreen DVD's....

Thanks for input fellas.

tmeader,

I'm not so sure about "The only way that TV's are (will be) able to decode HDTV signals is by utilizing a CableCard". My Comcast cable supplies local channels in SD and HD as part of their standard basic. I can watch all the local network channels in HD by just feeding the coax from the wall directly into the HDTV. No CableCard or cable box needed. It's all done in the TV.

Mike

Thanks to everyone in this thread who provided such great information, I decided to go with this TV. I place my order from Vanns on Saturday, and my TV is shipping out today. On top of their smoking price, I also got a free Harmony 659 remote.

Also, my Oppo DVD player shipped on Friday, so I should finally be entering the Digital Video era this week or next. Now I just have to call Comcast and get HD installed!

(EDIT: I got the KDF-E50A10.)

I was about to pull the trigger on the same deal as well, but since I don't have an upconverting DVD player i was going for the Samsung HD850 deal. Does anybody have any thoughts on that particular DVD player? Thank you

Is there a timetable to roll out Mpeg4?

I was under the impression that a Cable Card is not a tuner or MPEG decoder per-se, but rather that it is just a card that works in conjunction with the ATSC/QAM tuner in your TV to enable the encrypted channels that the cable co sends out to be viewed and takes care of the mapping to the channel numbers supported by the cable co (as opposed to the sub-channels that they would be on without a Cable Card). If so, a Cable Card alone would not enable a change from MPEG2 to MPEG4 but instaed woudl a change to the TV's tuner.
That's correct ATSC(8vsb)/QAM is used for modulation, MPEG-2 is for decoding and the cablecard for decryption.
MPEG-4 requires an updated tuner.

Sorry to hijack this thread but I couldn't figure out how to post a new thread (newby here). My E50A10 is a couple weeks old and my digital cable/HD was installed a few days ago using the cable card provision. So far, every day, I have lost my signal and can get nothing. I use the menu and go to: SETTINGS/APPLICATIONS/CableCARD and there I use the cableCARD "reset" feature and everything comes back online as it should. I don't think I should be loosing the CableCARD set up all the time and can't believe it is normal to have to reset it continually. (It seems that when the TV is on it holds a signal, but looses it sometime during the night.) Anyone else having this problem and do I go to Sony for a fix, or to my cable company for a fix? Thanks for the help.



I have had my 42a10 for a couple of months and have the same problem with my cable card from charter comunications. I called sony when it first happened on the second day I had the tv and they directed me to unplug the set wait 30 seconds and then replug it in and this reset worked. I called charter several resets and a week later and they put in a different cable card. Three days went by and then the same thing. I have now reset this tv every day or 2 since that time and am about to call Sony again although they tried to assure me the problem was he cable card. I hope since others have had this problem since, I read of at least one other instance on this thread, Sony will take care of the matter under the warrenty. I would have taken this untit back to BB but they did not have a replacement at the time, and when this tv works it is spectacular.

From what I have read, ATSC (the OTA broadcasts) employs MPEG-2 data compression.

So if MPEG-2 is part of the HD spec, how could any OTA broadcaster use MPEG-4? Perhaps the decoder in the TV will handle both. But again, if MPEG-4 is not part of the spec, who would transmit a non-standard signal?

You would think if one broadcaster could transmit a high quality HD signal that they all could/would do it.

Is the LCD response time of an LCD rear projector an issue as it in the LCD flat panel sets?

Mike

I have had my 42a10 for a couple of months and have the same problem with my cable card from charter comunications. I called sony when it first happened on the second day I had the tv and they directed me to unplug the set wait 30 seconds and then replug it in and this reset worked. I called charter several resets and a week later and they put in a different cable card. Three days went by and then the same thing. I have now reset this tv every day or 2 since that time and am about to call Sony again although they tried to assure me the problem was he cable card. I hope since others have had this problem since, I read of at least one other instance on this thread, Sony will take care of the matter under the warrenty. I would have taken this untit back to BB but they did not have a replacement at the time, and when this tv works it is spectacular.

Thats why you should get the cable box like i did. THough it defeats teh purpose if you are trying to save money. I almost always watch tv through the 6412 dvr but if im recording 2 shows and want to watch a third i have to video switch the tv to the cable card and most of the time i have to reset it. it takes about 11 seconds for it to get the signal. its a fault with it, no fix but it doesnt bug me that much. I thought i had it figured out a process to make sure that it doesnt lose the info cause i thougt that if i switched on the cable card while the dvr was recording i would have to reset but i turned on the cable card when the dvr was not recording and i still ahd to reset. i have my coax split from the wall to the dvr and to the back of the tv. get a dvr and you dont have to worry about reseting all the time.

I just hooked up a dvd player to 42A10. I go to input 4 and keep getting asked to enter "Input Passwrd". I have never set any passwords or used the parental lock feature. The manual says to enter 4357 to reset the password. I keep doing this and it does not reset. Anybody else run into this problem?

Apologies for confusing the CableCard information. I believe those stating that it is used for decrypting only are correct. Still, this doesn't change the fact that the ATSC standard calls for MPEG2. Since this standard is still relatively brand new, and NTSC lasted for SEVENTY years, I think anyone worrying about future compatibility at this point is just overthinking their purchase. I think what's confusing people about the whole MPEG4 thing is that DirecTV keeps talking about using it in the future. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong, but I think what DirecTV is doing is simply REcompressing the HDTV feeds they receive into MPEG4, and then sending them out via MPEG4 through the satellites. This doesn't make for better quality than standard HDTV (though, MPEG4 being extremely efficient and relatively lossless if done well, it liekly won't lower the quality much if at all). DirecTV is ONLY doing this because they don't have the bandwidth to send out hundreds of stations via satellite if they use MPEG2. DirecTV can do this because a box is REQUIRED for their service, and since you're simply going through a component or HDMI feed into your TV, the tuner never comes into play. Should cable decide to do this in the future (to allow for a thousand channels if they chose, since cable already has inherently more bandwidth than satellite), they MPEG4 decoding on the user's end would still simply be handled by the set-top box. IF they go this route, a box would definitely be required I believe. The only way TV's are going to change to include an MPEG4 decoder is if the ATSC spec is updated to require MPEG4. To do that at this point would be suicidal on manufacturers' part. To suddenly render the millions of brand new $1500+ TVs obsolete is just NOT an option. Eventually ATSC will be replaced... but not for a LONG time.

Apologies for confusing the CableCard information. I believe those stating that it is used for decrypting only are correct. Still, this doesn't change the fact that the ATSC standard calls for MPEG2. Since this standard is still relatively brand new, and NTSC lasted for SEVENTY years, I think anyone worrying about future compatibility at this point is just overthinking their purchase. I think what's confusing people about the whole MPEG4 thing is that DirecTV keeps talking about using it in the future. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong, but I think what DirecTV is doing is simply REcompressing the HDTV feeds they receive into MPEG4, and then sending them out via MPEG4 through the satellites. This doesn't make for better quality than standard HDTV (though, MPEG4 being extremely efficient and relatively lossless if done well, it liekly won't lower the quality much if at all). DirecTV is ONLY doing this because they don't have the bandwidth to send out hundreds of stations via satellite if they use MPEG2. DirecTV can do this because a box is REQUIRED for their service, and since you're simply going through a component or HDMI feed into your TV, the tuner never comes into play. Should cable decide to do this in the future (to allow for a thousand channels if they chose, since cable already has inherently more bandwidth than satellite), they MPEG4 decoding on the user's end would still simply be handled by the set-top box. IF they go this route, a box would definitely be required I believe. The only way TV's are going to change to include an MPEG4 decoder is if the ATSC spec is updated to require MPEG4. To do that at this point would be suicidal on manufacturers' part. To suddenly render the millions of brand new $1500+ TVs obsolete is just NOT an option. Eventually ATSC will be replaced... but not for a LONG time.
This is correct except that D* is not just talking about MPEG-4 they are already using it- starting with Detroit HD-LIL.

I just hooked up a dvd player to 42A10. I go to input 4 and keep getting asked to enter "Input Passwrd". I have never set any passwords or used the parental lock feature. The manual says to enter 4357 to reset the password. I keep doing this and it does not reset. Anybody else run into this problem?

Are you the only one that uses it? If not somebody else may have fiddled with it. If you are then give Sony a call since this isn't normal.

Can anyone think of any reason why I can't use the vga input for as an extra component input by using this: http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10235&cs_id=1023503&p_id=2170&seq=1&format=2&style=

to hookup xbox or dvd camcorder? The side hookups are out because the ent. center that I have coming will have towers that butt up against the side of the television.

Thanks in advance.

Phil

You can not use that signal, since the VGA input is a real pc input that expects certain resolutions and the cable will not convert them for you. There are devices that pass component over a vga connector which is different from what the A10s have. For instance the Panny plasmas can be configured to accept a regular component input over the vga connector included. I do not think it is possible to switch the sony's vga input over to a component one.

Also that cable is vga out to a component in...for instance if you have a video card for your pc that can output component over it's vga port.

I am looking to buy the 50A10 before Thanksgiving. Does anyone know of where to find one in San Diego under 2K before taxes? Thanks, Leo

You can not use that signal, since the VGA input is a real pc input that expects certain resolutions and the cable will not convert them for you. There are devices that pass component over a vga connector which is different from what the A10s have. For instance the Panny plasmas can be configured to accept a regular component input over the vga connector included. I do not think it is possible to switch the sony's vga input over to a component one.

Also that cable is vga out to a component in...for instance if you have a video card for your pc that can output component over it's vga port.

Thanks for the reply, that is pretty much what I figured.


Phil

I am looking to buy the 50A10 before Thanksgiving. Does anyone know of where to find one in San Diego under 2K before taxes? Thanks, Leo


Costco is close at $2399, which includes the $349 stand. So that's at $2050 for the tv. Try your local electronics store, I'm sure they'll more than likely try to beat Costco, Sears, Best Buy's prices. They're there to wheel and deal.

Thank you. As allways this group is quick to respond and very helpful. Now that I know its a common problem I have to say I love my 50A10. Now if only My Xbox 360 would ship with the first batch I would be complete.

By the way for lunch I walked over to Best BY and started turning off Rear Projection TV's and they all had similar refelective issues.

I'm glad you asked this question. I noticed the same issue with my set, and wondered if this was a problem. I finally was able to diagnose the problem at night with all the lights out, no reflection was present. I think the only way to solve the problem is to some how change the way light is reflected in the room.

Yeh - I mentioned in my note that they were marked up (meaning I thought the MSRPs were inflated) before they were marked down. Still particularly with the add'l 15% off the resulting price looks pretty good. -- Wonder if they will offer the SXRD's on this site soon?

Edit - now I have enough pts for the 42, I tested the 15% off coupon with it and followed the process further, verifying that, yes with the coupon the price goes to $1,445, there is no shipping charge, and they do add state sales tax (which would be $101.16 for me) so my price would be $1,546.16 delivered.

I just signed up and started with 1000 pts. I then got 500 pts (x2 = 1000) for filling out a survey. I got another 1000 pts for adding an item to my wishlist. So I'm now at 4000 pts and haven't watched WOF even once. :)

The problem is the 50A10 is now 2400 + 3000pts - 15% (includes shipping). It's not quite as good as the price you listed but still better than what I could do at CC or BB.

Update: Says 15% coupon is not eligible to be used with 50A10. I say keep your privacy in tact and avoid this lame Sony gimmic!

I am looking to buy the 50A10 before Thanksgiving. Does anyone know of where to find one in San Diego under 2K before taxes? Thanks, Leo

Ebay auction ID 5829933337
Claims to be in the LA area / good feedback.

I am looking to buy the 50A10 before Thanksgiving. Does anyone know of where to find one in San Diego under 2K before taxes? Thanks, Leo

I just bought one this last Saturday (11/19) at Pacific Sales in Cerritos for <$2k before tax delivered and installed. The salesman said it was a special price for them, and he was glad someone was taking advantage of it. They delivered on Sunday, which the salesman said is unusual, but they were trying some Sunday deliveries because of the holiday. (The store itself is closed Sundays and Mondays.)

Their website doesn't show any stores in San Diego itself, but they do have stores in Carlsbad and Rancho Bernardo.

Hey guys, I am looking at a 42" A10 or maybe the 50" SXRD.

I'll mainly be using the HD for gaming on Xbox and Xbox 360. All of my cable is SD and fed through my series 2 TiVo. My current viewing distance is 7-9'

I got a chance to look at both at CC today, but they both were playing different DVDs. It seemed as tho the A10 had a screen door effect that was worse than the SXBR, but is it really a problem in day to day life.

The SXRD would require a new TV stand, and of course be almost twice the money.

Any tips and experience would be greatly appreciated.

i am an HD noob who just purchased the 42A10 and love it, HD channels look great. but I just noticed every HD channel is showing 1080i when I press display and every SD channel is 480i. is the "display" button an accurate way to know what resolution the channel is being shown at?

anyway, seeing how the native resolution for this tv is 720p I believe..I was thinking I would like to see the 720p channels broadcast is their original 720p. I have a comcast motorolla dvr box which is constantly noisy, does that mean it is constantly converting all the signals to 1080i before it even gets to the tv? I went looking everywhere in the dvr setup and see no options in the STB for resolution choice or a "pass through" option that I read others discussing. and should regular digital cable be 480p or just 480i like it is currently showing?

thanks for any help, and thanks to all the people that already contributed to this thread and others - you helped many a lurker like me know more than every salesman and clueless cable dofus I encountered already...

Phathead: If you can (easily) swing the money and can deal with way the SXRD design looks (i.e. that goofy bezel and speaker design), I would vote for the SXRD. It doesn't have screen door and I generally like the image better. That said I have the A10 because I couldn't justify the difference in cost and I am still quite happy - no regrets.

m-dogg: The 1080i, 480i stuff is showing the source resolution. Since the A10 is a 720p machine, it converts everything to 720p. For example, if you watch Fox HD, you should see that it's 720p while NBC HD is 1080i but the set is always showing the image in 720p.


Mitch

Just came back from Costco in St Peters, MO and the price of the 50" A10 with stand is down to $2345. I plan on pulling the trigger soon, can't wait!

I stopped at a Navy Exchange store & they had both the 42A10 & 50A10. The 42A10 was marked down 10% off retail & they would price match local retailers. I did not really look at the 50A10 price, but not an issue if they price match.

And no sales tax. Of course you have to be qualified military in order to buy.

Extended warranty was $69.99 for 3 year beyond the factory warranty. I read thru the warranty brochure & it said covered wear & tear. So this might cover the lamp. Warranty was handled by a third party and depended on where you lived.

So for all you Armed Forces personnel, wait till CC or BB has another 20% off sale and do a price match. No tax. Inexpensive warranty. I did not ask about delivery.

Mike

i am an HD noob who just purchased the 42A10 and love it, HD channels look great. but I just noticed every HD channel is showing 1080i when I press display and every SD channel is 480i. is the "display" button an accurate way to know what resolution the channel is being shown at?

anyway, seeing how the native resolution for this tv is 720p I believe..I was thinking I would like to see the 720p channels broadcast is their original 720p. I have a comcast motorolla dvr box which is constantly noisy, does that mean it is constantly converting all the signals to 1080i before it even gets to the tv? I went looking everywhere in the dvr setup and see no options in the STB for resolution choice or a "pass through" option that I read others discussing. and should regular digital cable be 480p or just 480i like it is currently showing?


m-dogg, I just got the 50", and I suspect that your cable box might be converting everything to 1080i. I am using OTA digital (which works fantastic, btw), and FOX and ABC display 720p, NBC and CBS display 1080i. The standard def secondary channels of the main stations are all 480i.

edit: What do you mean when you say your converter is "constantly noisy"? You can see noise on the tv? You can hear noise coming from the converter?

As for 1080i or 720p on this tv, it all looks good. Our local PBS station is 1080i and it looks stunning.

I'm not sure what regular digital should say since I only have analog cable. Digital cable around here is rediculously expensive and lacking in programming. Plus I like the digital OTA signals I am getting so far.

As for the screen door effect, it may be visible up close, but for me at any normal viewing distance I can't see it.

Tim

This is off-topic of the cable card issue, sorry. :)

How are people cleaning the screens of these TV's? I have a 50" A10 and am wondering what to do when dust or finger prints get on the screen. Any suggestions?

I'll mainly be using the HD for gaming on Xbox and Xbox 360. All of my cable is SD and fed through my series 2 TiVo. My current viewing distance is 7-9'

It seemed as tho the A10 had a screen door effect that was worse than the SXBR, but is it really a problem in day to day life.



I would recommend saving the money. The Sony SXBR's don't accept 1080p over any signal lines that I could tell.

I sit 6-9' from my 50" and have not ever noticed it during a football game or movie. I will say, I almost always watch HD channels now. It bugs me when NBC HD drops out of HD, which it seems to do all the time. :) I will say that I notice the SSE (silk screen effect) from time to time.. especially during commercials or winter sporting events. It doesn't bother me, however.

Our gamecube looks fine on it and there is an xbox 360 thread that discusses what people are seeing.

Well honestly I'm not too worried about the 1080p becuase the 360 can only output at 1080i or 720p (any idea what would be the better setting)?

I also have some Qs in the 360 thread, just trying to learn about these TVs before I make the HD step.
Also when watching 4:3 NTSC normal TV on a widescreen, what is the viewable area? Like if I had black bars on the 42" 16x9 to show a 4:3 show.

A 42" widescreen in SD mode is like watching a 32" 4:3 TV.
A 50" widescreen in SD mode is like watching a 40" 4:3 TV.


Mitch

Thanks Mitch!

Great site for all your size conversion needs:

http://www.htexplained.com/more/tvsize.htm

A 42" widescreen in SD mode is like watching a 32" 4:3 TV.
A 50" widescreen in SD mode is like watching a 40" 4:3 TV.
Mitch

I believe the numbers below are bit more accurate (when rounded to whole inches).

42" 16:9 TV in 4:3 mode -> 34" diagonal
50" 16:9 TV in 4:3 mode -> 41" diagonal

Well honestly I'm not too worried about the 1080p becuase the 360 can only output at 1080i or 720p (any idea what would be the better setting)?

I also have some Qs in the 360 thread, just trying to learn about these TVs before I make the HD step.
Also when watching 4:3 NTSC normal TV on a widescreen, what is the viewable area? Like if I had black bars on the 42" 16x9 to show a 4:3 show.

I suspect for games 720p would be better, but I guess you would just want to try it out.

Also.. Though your viewing size for SD was answered, I wanted to point out the "wide zoom" on the A10 looks very good to me. The wife and kids prefer it over the black bars. It's got a decent algorithm for "stretching" the display.

Thanks for all the tips guys, this site really is helpful.

I think I'm gonna get the A10, instead of waiting to afford the SXRD

This is off-topic of the cable card issue, sorry. :)

How are people cleaning the screens of these TV's? I have a 50" A10 and am wondering what to do when dust or finger prints get on the screen. Any suggestions?

Go to Wal-Mart in the auto dept. They have a 4 pack of soft micro-fiber cloths for about $3.00. Use a small amount of distilled water on one of the cloths if the screen is really dusty or dirty and wipe with another micro cloth. Save these cloths in a plastic bag for future use.

post 4

i have the sony 42 inch a10 my ? is, i scann for digital channels but after about 10 minutes it comes on the screen 0 channels found but when i go threw the channels with the remote it has picked up 5 of them is this normal not to find any with the scan but able to watch them, also is it possible to enter a digital channel number like 29.1 using the remote. and does the sony display siginal strength for digital channels
thanks

I suspect for games 720p would be better, but I guess you would just want to try it out.

Also.. Though your viewing size for SD was answered, I wanted to point out the "wide zoom" on the A10 looks very good to me. The wife and kids prefer it over the black bars. It's got a decent algorithm for "stretching" the display.

Well I'm glad the wife and kids prefer it, and really it's all about personal preference. Personally, I prefer to watch everything in its original aspect ratio without distorting the image. Yeah, the wide zoom for 4:3 images is alright since it stretches the sides mostly and not the center of the picture, but to me it still looks pretty awful.

I am a proud new owner of a 42" A10! I purchased today from CC and paid $1764.00 out the door for it.. I'll pick it up Friday but won't get my stand that I purchased from "Racks and stands" for another week or so... I don't know if I can keep it in the box for a week!

Well I'm glad the wife and kids prefer it, and really it's all about personal preference. Personally, I prefer to watch everything in its original aspect ratio without distorting the image. Yeah, the wide zoom for 4:3 images is alright since it stretches the sides mostly and not the center of the picture, but to me it still looks pretty awful.

Certainly sometimes it looks really awful. Like on HGTV when they are always zooming in on the people, it's very awful. The people become "stretchy". :)

I was just pointing out that you don't have to have vertical bars and a 4:3 ratio as the screen sizes that were being mentioned. (34",41", etc.) You can use the full 42" or 50" inches if you prefer any of the zoom modes. The other zoom mode just chops some off the bottom and top, and that's not bad either, depending on what you are watching.

For me.. I prefer "full" mode as well and just deal with the bars. :)

Go to Wal-Mart in the auto dept. They have a 4 pack of soft micro-fiber cloths for about $3.00. Use a small amount of distilled water on one of the cloths if the screen is really dusty or dirty and wipe with another micro cloth. Save these cloths in a plastic bag for future use.

Thanks for the advice. This seems almost too good to be true. They don't leave any micro scratches or anything? It seems I should have to pay at least $19.99. ;)

I just bought this set and love it, HD looks incredible as do DVD's, but I seem to be having a little trouble with the aspect ratios of the DVD's. Am I crazy or if I am playing a DVD with a 1.85:1 aspect ratio shouldn't I still have black bars on the top and bottom? If I hook up my DVD player with component cables and set the DVD player to display on a 16:9 TV I get no black bars. If I put in a DVD that is 2.35:1 I get black bars, but when I take measurements of the picture the aspect ratio is still off. I've tried everything I can think of and nothing seems to get the right aspect ratio. Has anyone else had this problem.
for info I am using a Pioneer 563A DVD player which is Progresive scan.
I've tried it with a different DVD player and gotten the same results.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Erik, I think it's because 16:9 is very close to 1.85:1 so you would not expect to see black bars. 2.35:1 is a wider screen so you would see some bars. I do not know this to be fact, but that's how I figure it.

16:9 == 1.7778:1 (or 1.78:1)

1.85:1, 1.66:1, 1.78:1 all seem to show on the full widescreen without letterboxes. (With the small sampling I have. apollo 13 was 1.66:1, and a few have been 1.85:1)

2:35:1 shows with letterboxes.

I have posted this url before, but it explains how they mask certain aspect ratios in the TV's to have them fit.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/16:9

Greetings all,

Having a problem with the KDFe50a10.

Randomly, the set does not turn on. More specifically, the set blinks green for roughly half a minute and during that time I randomly hear buzzing noises coming from the lamp. After this, the TV turns off and the red lamp light starts to blink.

Originally thought this was a surge protector problem, but this is not so- I've been through two surge protectors and I have plugged it into the wall directly- still having the same problem.

Also thought it was a lamp problem when this first started back in September. Sony sent me a new lamp and it seemed to work for a while, but then last week the same problem started again.

I've tried re-inserting the original lamp that came with the TV, plugged back into the wall. To my surprise, the darn thing came on. However, a week later, same problem- half a minute of green blinking, buzzing, and red lamp indicator.

Just tried putting the "new" lamp back in- nothing. Still the same problem, whether I go through a surge protector or the wall itself. I have a service call scheduled for next week, but if I am, for some unknown reason, am able to turn the TV on again, I will not know what to say to the service tech, because from their perspective, the TV turns on- what's the problem? Strangely enough, I hope the problem persists.

Has anyone had this issue before? I still love the TV, just thinking I got a bad one. I'm well past the 30-day exchange time for BB (bought this late August).

Also, I am part of a condominium unit (attached to other units). Could power consumption be a problem? I personally doubt this, because everything else in the house works just fine.

Additionally, I've been careful to check that the fan runs while the TV powers down- nothing wrong there- seems to always work.

Many thanks for reading and any assistance/advice anyone has to offer!

Trevor

Question for you all?

Its been over 30 days since I have had my tv from Best Buy, approximitly 44 days, and just this week I have now 3 stuck pixels. They are near the center of the screen, one is bright red the other two are green. They are within 2 inches of each other. They were not there before but now are there. I also purchased an extended warranty and have called for service. The people at BB @ the stroe said they would either repair or replace my TV.

My question is have any of you ever dealt with a repair or replace with stuck pixels and with Best Buy? I am afraid they will try to shaft me even though the people at the store said they would fix it and take care of the problem? I guess I am looking for any tips or words of advice when this tech shows up to my place next week.

Thanks.

Trevor78- I am no TV expert but i have had some experience with various types of lamps. The problem you are mentioning sounds like a problem with the actual lamp ignition circuit as i think the lamp is a gas discharge type. I am sure you could get it fixed on warranty no problem.

Again, i am no TV expert though.

I am a proud new owner of a 42" A10! I purchased today from CC and paid $1764.00 out the door for it.. I'll pick it up Friday but won't get my stand that I purchased from "Racks and stands" for another week or so... I don't know if I can keep it in the box for a week!
Checkout the Circut City Thanksgiving newspaper insert. KDF-E42A10 on sale Friday & Saturday with 5 hundred off - $1499. plus tax. That is the lowest price I have seen. I have had my set for nearly 2 months with lots of enjoyment. Happy Thanksgiving

Did anybody check out the Macys parade in HD? I just wanted to check it out since NBC was making a big deal about all the HD cameras they would be using. I thought it was rather "crappy", lots of pixilation.

Did anybody check out the Macys parade in HD? I just wanted to check it out since NBC was making a big deal about all the HD cameras they would be using. I thought it was rather "crappy", lots of pixilation.

Mondo,
My Time Warner cable was out, but I watched the Macy's parade on an OTA antenna which has a very good signal strength. Mine was terrible. Much worse than any thing I have previously seen on HD. The sound and picture would would drop out way too often. I have a Sony KDF-E55A20 LCD which has had a very good PQ. I was wondering if I had a problem with my TV. Thanks for the info. TW was not at fault, since they were dead in the water completely. WolfpackRon.

Checkout the Circut City Thanksgiving newspaper insert. KDF-E42A10 on sale Friday & Saturday with 5 hundred off - $1499. plus tax. That is the lowest price I have seen. I have had my set for nearly 2 months with lots of enjoyment. Happy Thanksgiving

Are you sure about this price? The CC insert I have for NJ doesn't have any of the Sony A10 models in it for sale this weekend. Does anyone else have a flyer for this $1499 price, or a online link to that info? I didn't see anything at FatWallet.com, and they are usually all over these deals.

BrandsMart USA, Kennesaw, Georgia has the 50A10 on sale for $2,498.88 minus $500 instant rebate which would be $1,998.98 + tax. They also have the Sharp DLP 56" Mdl. 56DR650 for $1,498.88. Quite a deal - Friday only.

Are you sure about this price? The CC insert I have for NJ doesn't have any of the Sony A10 models in it for sale this weekend. Does anyone else have a flyer for this $1499 price, or a online link to that info? I didn't see anything at FatWallet.com, and they are usually all over these deals.
Hi Snatta:

MY MISTAKE - THE SALE IS IN THE COMPUSA insert (Sacramento Bee - Thanksgiving Day edition) Page 20. I have no idea if this is regional or all USA?? Sorry for my orginal error.

Just got a 50A10, been reading about these back -ups surge protectors, Office Depot has one on sale tom. its a APC Back-UPS BE500R. Do i really need one of these things? and is this one that will do a good job for my entertainmet center? its has like 325 joules, that too low?...help a brother out

Using the vga input on my 42A10. Every resolution I try, I can see the tv refreashing so its worthless to do anyting on it. I tried all the ones in the manual but still no love. I have a 6600 gt with the componet adaptor but I'd would need a 25ft cable and that would have to be $$$.

Coule someone please tell me what resolution they are running at with vga cable. I dont have the special options that DVI provide so I'm thinking I'm screwed.

And another thing about 16:9. I know I'm playing a game in 16:9 because it says so in the settings, madden 06, but the display thing says its 4:3. How do I make it go to 16:9?

I'm running at 1280X768

Hi Snatta:

MY MISTAKE - THE SALE IS IN THE COMPUSA insert (Sacramento Bee - Thanksgiving Day edition) Page 20. I have no idea if this is regional or all USA?? Sorry for my orginal error.
Hmmm...I don't see it. I don't even see that TV on their website. I was hoping because i'd certainly jump on it in that price range.

Just got a 50A10, been reading about these back -ups surge protectors, Office Depot has one on sale tom. its a APC Back-UPS BE500R. Do i really need one of these things? and is this one that will do a good job for my entertainmet center? its has like 325 joules, that too low?...help a brother out


Do you live in an area with frequent power outages or brownouts? I do, so I picked up a ups for the tv, the fan stays on for up to 2 minutes after the set is turned off to cool the bulb. At $200 a pop for the bulb, I found the ups to be a worthy investment.

If anyone seen my rant about the 42A10 and ps2 issue, I got my answer. Pretty much, the games dont actually support 16:9. They say widescreen support which pretty means the camera changes. Take resident evil 4 for example. When you start, its in letterbox so in options, it has widescreen option. You turn that on and suddenly, it fills up the top and bottom. True 16:9, nope, but its better then nothing. Gotta get a new console, xbox360 or ps3, before you get the true 16:9.

Anyway, I will be getting my HD cable box tomorrow so I will finally be able get the most out of my tv.

And, if you seen my PC rant like KBI mentioned, I got some comments. My old laptop has an ati card and 15pin monitor output. When I set that to 60hz and 1280X768 and finally the tv to pc mode 2 or such, the screen is damn good. I've ordered componet cables for my desktop 6600gt card which came with a componet addon thing. Hopefully, that will take care of the annoying refreashing I've notice.

All in all, I love the tv. When I watch SD, I set the wide option to full and barely ever notice any difference. The bad side of me has been trying to find defects in any way but its all good. Sorry for my long post. :D

Just got back from CC with my 42A10. Wasn't much of a sale price, but the 18 months same as cash hooked me. In the process of setting up the area in my bedroom for this puppy while the set warms up. Brought it home in the back of my pickup - 27 degrees outside. Going to give it a long time to stabilize. :D

Happy Thanksgiving weekend to all. :)

m-dogg, I just got the 50", and I suspect that your cable box might be converting everything to 1080i. I am using OTA digital (which works fantastic, btw), and FOX and ABC display 720p, NBC and CBS display 1080i. The standard def secondary channels of the main stations are all 480i.

edit: What do you mean when you say your converter is "constantly noisy"? You can see noise on the tv? You can hear noise coming from the converter?

As for 1080i or 720p on this tv, it all looks good. Our local PBS station is 1080i and it looks stunning.

I'm not sure what regular digital should say since I only have analog cable. Digital cable around here is rediculously expensive and lacking in programming. Plus I like the digital OTA signals I am getting so far.
Tim


yeah, even Fox and ABC are listed as 1080i on my A10, which made me start to think my cable box was converting everything to 1080i. the cable box is noisy like it is constantly doing work or writing to disc or something (no screen or picture effects or anything, just audible noises) whenever my TV is on. when the tv is off, silence. but its not coming from the tv, definitely from the cable box and nothing is being recorded with the dvr. strange. I certainly don't want my xbox360 to display in 1080i when it outputs 720p normally and my tv displays 720p natively.

maybe I need to download my cable box's manual if I can find it because I dont see any kind of options for display signals in the cable box menus anywhere....?

If anyone seen my rant about the 42A10 and ps2 issue, I got my answer. Pretty much, the games dont actually support 16:9. They say widescreen support which pretty means the camera changes. Take resident evil 4 for example. When you start, its in letterbox so in options, it has widescreen option. You turn that on and suddenly, it fills up the top and bottom. True 16:9, nope, but its better then nothing. Gotta get a new console, xbox360 or ps3, before you get the true 16:9.

Anyway, I will be getting my HD cable box tomorrow so I will finally be able get the most out of my tv.

And, if you seen my PC rant like KBI mentioned, I got some comments. My old laptop has an ati card and 15pin monitor output. When I set that to 60hz and 1280X768 and finally the tv to pc mode 2 or such, the screen is damn good. I've ordered componet cables for my desktop 6600gt card which came with a componet addon thing. Hopefully, that will take care of the annoying refreashing I've notice.

All in all, I love the tv. When I watch SD, I set the wide option to full and barely ever notice any difference. The bad side of me has been trying to find defects in any way but its all good. Sorry for my long post. :D


According to the manual, the set only supports 60 Hz refresh at the two highest resolutions. You will have to drop down to 1024 X 768 to get a higher refresh. I take it that the “flicker” is what bothers you? If you try to push illegal vertical refresh rates you may get an “out of range” dialog or bad looking picture.

My son reported that the X-Box 360 looks fantastic (his words) through the #2 component inputs. I don’t get back in town for another two weeks before I get to check the 360 out and play with hooking computer up to 42”KDF.

Mike

yeah, even Fox and ABC are listed as 1080i on my A10, which made me start to think my cable box was converting everything to 1080i. the cable box is noisy like it is constantly doing work or writing to disc or something (no screen or picture effects or anything, just audible noises) whenever my TV is on. when the tv is off, silence. but its not coming from the tv, definitely from the cable box and nothing is being recorded with the dvr. strange. I certainly don't want my xbox360 to display in 1080i when it outputs 720p normally and my tv displays 720p natively.

maybe I need to download my cable box's manual if I can find it because I dont see any kind of options for display signals in the cable box menus anywhere....?


The cable box is probably outputting HD at 1080i regardless of what the TV station is sending. And in general the A10 has a better scaler than your cable box, so leave it set to 1080i. But, you should have the option to output HD to 720p.

Your DVR is constantly recording whatever channel you're watching to a buffer so that you can pause "live" TV and then start it again from where you stopped it. You can also rewind it while it continues to record. This comes in handy for sports. It only stops doing this if you shut the cable box off.

The cable box is probably outputting HD at 1080i regardless of what the TV station is sending. And in general the A10 has a better scaler than your cable box, so leave it set to 1080i. But, you should have the option to output HD to 720p.

Your DVR is constantly recording whatever channel you're watching to a buffer so that you can pause "live" TV and then start it again from where you stopped it. You can also rewind it while it continues to record. This comes in handy for sports. It only stops doing this if you shut the cable box off.



thanks, I didnt realize the dvr is always buffering for the whole tivo functionality lol. one mystery solved.

and I guess I'll just leave the box sending everything at 1080i since I cant find a way to change it and it does look good....just wanted to view the channels in their original broadcast resolution or at least have the A10 do all the scaling instead of the cable box if need be.

oh just noticed the user name, dark rain, I should also thank you for your settings you posted. I couldnt believe what a difference the settings can make on this tv, out of the box was crazy. saved me a lot of time and trouble with a great place to start with settings wise...looks incredible now...

Just got back from CC with my 42A10. Wasn't much of a sale price, but the 18 months same as cash hooked me. In the process of setting up the area in my bedroom for this puppy while the set warms up. Brought it home in the back of my pickup - 27 degrees outside. Going to give it a long time to stabilize. :D

Happy Thanksgiving weekend to all. :)

That's a good idea to let it sit a while. I wonder how many people don't read the instruction manual where it says to let it sit for a little while when changing temperatures quickly.

Just got my 50A10 from crutchfield and have some questions. I already have a GWIII 60" and figured that the features were the same. So I discovered there is no twin view, is this accurate? Bummer. I also noticed that I can stretch 1080i signals where on my GWIII, this aspect was locked in full mode when going to HD channels. Had me wondering for a while if I had things hooked up right and if I was really getting a HD signal.

Could someone please confirm no twin view and also you can change wide modes when on HD channels. Lastly, with no twinview, is there any need to split the cable? I can't see any reason. I'll get to some custom tweaks tomorrow, looks great out of the box.

By twin view do you mean PIP? A10 does NOT have PIP. But I'll tell you what the 50A10 is a fantastic unit. Friends that come over can't believe the HD channels. BTW Comcast tried to put receiver and DVR on my set- horrable picture. They came back with the cable card, perfect.

ok, i'm new to the display section of these forums, and have a quick question. i just purchsed the 50" version of this Sony the other day, but after i purchased it was thinking that it may be too big for my room, i was just curious what you guys think. the room is 14.25 x 14.25, and you figure after the stand depth i will be sitting about 11 feet away from the tv, do you think the 50" will be fine or would the 42" be the better choice based only on viewing distance and nothing else...

i'm only asking because i've done some research on the subject, and normally people say to double the size of the tv, as far as minimum viewing distance goes. earlier today though, i read somewhere that you should double the size of the tv for HD viewing and TRIPLE the size of the tv for non-HD viewing. is that true? if it is, that would put me too close to the 50" tv, so i just wanted to ask people that both have the tv and know more than myself about the subject...

the main viewing location is 11 feet away, horizontal to the tv, and the secondary viewing location is about 7 or 8 feet away, perpendicular to the tv on the right side. i'm not worried about the secondary location, since that's where my friends sit when they come over to watch a movie or sporting event, i'm more worried about myself in the primary viewing location since it's my house and my tv... lol

and thanks in advance for any help. if you can help, feel free to PM me with any advice, i don't want to tie up the thread...

By twin view do you mean PIP? A10 does NOT have PIP. But I'll tell you what the 50A10 is a fantastic unit. Friends that come over can't believe the HD channels. BTW Comcast tried to put receiver and DVR on my set- horrable picture. They came back with the cable card, perfect.

Can you get premium channels with a cablecard?

ok, i'm new to the display section of these forums, and have a quick question. i just purchsed the 50" version of this Sony the other day, but after i purchased it was thinking that it may be too big for my room, i was just curious what you guys think. the room is 14.25 x 14.25, and you figure after the stand depth i will be sitting about 11 feet away from the tv, do you think the 50" will be fine or would the 42" be the better choice based only on viewing distance and nothing else...

the main viewing location is 11 feet away, horizontal to the tv, and the secondary viewing location is about 7 or 8 feet away, perpendicular to the tv on the right side. ...

I've had my 50" for about 2 weeks now. My family room is long and narrow with the tv at the far end. Closest seating 5' away, furthest is 15'. When I first got this home, I also thought that it might be too big, especially since it replaced a 27" set. I'm enjoying it now though. Give it a few days - it's really a big change.

and thanks in advance for any help. if you can help, feel free to PM me with any advice, i don't want to tie up the thread...
That's funny - with 5000 posts in this thread I think it's already tied up! :)

Tim

ok, i'm new to the display section of these forums, and have a quick question. i just purchsed the 50" version of this Sony the other day, but after i purchased it was thinking that it may be too big for my room, i was just curious what you guys think. the room is 14.25 x 14.25, and you figure after the stand depth i will be sitting about 11 feet away from the tv, do you think the 50" will be fine or would the 42" be the better choice based only on viewing distance and nothing else...

i'm only asking because i've done some research on the subject, and normally people say to double the size of the tv, as far as minimum viewing distance goes. earlier today though, i read somewhere that you should double the size of the tv for HD viewing and TRIPLE the size of the tv for non-HD viewing. is that true? if it is, that would put me too close to the 50" tv, so i just wanted to ask people that both have the tv and know more than myself about the subject...

the main viewing location is 11 feet away, horizontal to the tv, and the secondary viewing location is about 7 or 8 feet away, perpendicular to the tv on the right side. i'm not worried about the secondary location, since that's where my friends sit when they come over to watch a movie or sporting event, i'm more worried about myself in the primary viewing location since it's my house and my tv... lol

and thanks in advance for any help. if you can help, feel free to PM me with any advice, i don't want to tie up the thread...
at 11ft the 42 would be too small. I am at 9.5 ft and have the 50 and think it's great. I had a 42 inch toshiba for 3 years and upgraded to the 50a10

at 11ft the 42 would be too small. I am at 9.5 ft and have the 50 and think it's great. I had a 42 inch toshiba for 3 years and upgraded to the 50a10

Yep. 7' to 8' is better for the 42". Anything beyond 8' will be good for the 50".

Can you get premium channels with a cablecard?
Yes, the cablecard is for the encrypted channels.

I switched on the Macy's parade and thought my 42 had nuked out. The beginning number by all the kids was the worst picture I have seen in HD. I love OTA CBS football and Monday Night football and NBC's HD football look great. But this broadcast was crap, NBC should be ashamed.

I switched on the Macy's parade and thought my 42 had nuked out. The beginning number by all the kids was the worst picture I have seen in HD. I love OTA CBS football and Monday Night football and NBC's HD football look great. But this broadcast was crap, NBC should be ashamed.

I agree. I was watching this also and things from a distance looked good but when it was close up of people it started to look pixelated. I know that this TV can keep up with the action and close-ups because I watched the last Star Wars on my up converting DVD payer and it was incredible, and Star Wars has tons of action and close-ups at the same time. It's as if there was not enough band width to provide a quality picture, if that makes since.

I switched on the Macy's parade and thought my 42 had nuked out. The beginning number by all the kids was the worst picture I have seen in HD. I love OTA CBS football and Monday Night football and NBC's HD football look great. But this broadcast was crap, NBC should be ashamed.
worst hd broadcast I have ever seen. Everything that moved was pixilated

worst hd broadcast I have ever seen. Everything that moved was pixilated



That's weird, I was turning Macy's off and on while watching football and the picture didn't ever pixilate for me. Maybe I wasn't watching too closely but I would have thought I would have seen something to what many of you witnessed.

For me it might be that I am in a medium antenna location and I am using a cheaper boosted rabbit ear antenna that I had to point in a certain direction from the other channels to pickup NBC. On antenna web is says that NBC is a medium antenna channel for me so that could have something to do with it?

I notice my tv getting 'blocky' when they show close-ups in football and the player is jogging around etc. What causes this? Also, is it possible to have a cablecard and dvr?

I'm hoping you guys can help me out here. We went away for thanksgiving weekend and left out neighbor to watch the cat. When we got back tonight, the TV was on, but the cable box off, ie black picture. Since we've gotten home we cannot switch back and forth between hd and sd signals. If we try, all we get are the crazy wavy lines. If I turn the cable box from a SD to HD channel then turn the TV off and back on, I can switch (I don't turn the cable box off), but cannot switch back without the same problem. Obviously I don't want to have to turn the TV off and on every time, not good for bulb life, etc.

By way of background, I'm connecting my moto6412 to my 50a10 via DVI->HDMI. The TV is about 3 months old and has never had this problem before. I've also tried turning everything off for a short while and it hasn't helped. The only thing that has helped is turning the cable box to only output 480i, but that's obviously not acceptable.

Anybody ran into this or have any ideas?

I'm hoping you guys can help me out here. We went away for thanksgiving weekend and left out neighbor to watch the cat. When we got back tonight, the TV was on, but the cable box off, ie black picture. Since we've gotten home we cannot switch back and forth between hd and sd signals. If we try, all we get are the crazy wavy lines. If I turn the cable box from a SD to HD channel then turn the TV off and back on, I can switch (I don't turn the cable box off), but cannot switch back without the same problem. Obviously I don't want to have to turn the TV off and on every time, not good for bulb life, etc.

By way of background, I'm connecting my moto6412 to my 50a10 via DVI->HDMI. The TV is about 3 months old and has never had this problem before. I've also tried turning everything off for a short while and it hasn't helped. The only thing that has helped is turning the cable box to only output 480i, but that's obviously not acceptable.

Anybody ran into this or have any ideas?

Ask the neighbor what happend to the TV. It's sound to me like he might have watched the TV and the cat unless you left the TV on the whole time.

I'm fairly sure this has probably been asked before but here it goes. I have a 50A10 and
I'm running a Pioneer Progressive Scan 5 disc changer with it connected to RGB connectors
on Video Input 4. I realize there is suppose to be bars on the top and bottom but why
doesn't it automatically fill-in from side to side? When I put it in a Wide Mode Normal whether it be a
2.40:1, 2.35:1 or 1.85:1 I have Black bars all the way around. I have to put it in Wide
Mode Full or Wide Mode Wide Zoom to remove the side bars. Wide Mode Wide Zoom
seems to distort it the least. Am I doing something wrong? My older 32" CRT HD always
filled in from side to side with out zooming. Also all the HD channels running 16:9 or
whatever automatically fill-in side to side.
Thanks,
Grateful11

ok, i picked it up and set (almost) everything up today, but i just have a quick question. i didn't notice anyway to skip the cable input, and i know that my 5 year old Sony had the option to skip it, am i missing the option or is there no way to skip it. i know you can skip every other input, but not that one. i'm guessing maybe they left that option out, since you can go to specific input using the Wega Gate, but it would be better if i didn't have to view white static every time i use the tv/video button...

also, i'm running into a problem with my center channel, the Athena AS-C1. there's no way to mount it on top of the tv, which i expected. my problem is that the mounting instructions for the center channel stand that i have says not to mount the rear feet at more than a 45 degree angle, and the slope at the back of the tv seems to be way more than a 45 degree angle. i was just wondering what you guys were doing, as far as mounting your center channel goes, at least those that mounted it on the top their tv? i can mount it on the top shelf of the stand, but that seems like it will be way too low, at least compared to the level it should be. also, i don't have enough room in front of the tv to use a seperate center channel stand. lastly, the speaker is too tall to mount it in front of the tv on the every top of the stand, which i know some people were able to do with earlier models because the factory speakers were forward facing and under the screen...

and the sound quality of the factory speakers surprised me, it's not bad at all for factory speakers. i take it things have come a long way in the last 5 years, since my last tv purchase...

and thanks for the replies of my previous post, i decided to stick with the 50, and i'm glad i did...

Yeah, I tried to get her to tell me what happened, but she claims she just hit the power button to turn it on and off......
.....granted when you hit the power button I have it setup to turn on the Tv, Cable box, and the tuner, but she probally wasn't pointing the remote at the setup when she hit it, which left the Tv on.

And I hid the remote that gives you access to the Tv menus. I only left out the remote that came with the cable box (but it can control the basics on the TV like power, channel up/down, volume).

I'm fairly sure this has probably been asked before but here it goes. I have a 50A10 and
I'm running a Pioneer Progressive Scan 5 disc changer with it connected to RGB connectors
on Video Input 4. I realize there is suppose to be bars on the top and bottom but why
doesn't it automatically fill-in from side to side? When I put it in a Wide Mode Normal whether it be a
2.40:1, 2.35:1 or 1.85:1 I have Black bars all the way around. I have to put it in Wide
Mode Full or Wide Mode Wide Zoom to remove the side bars. Wide Mode Wide Zoom
seems to distort it the least. Am I doing something wrong? My older 32" CRT HD always
filled in from side to side with out zooming. Also all the HD channels running 16:9 or
whatever automatically fill-in side to side.
Thanks,
Grateful11

I suspect this is your DVD player and has nothing to do with the TV. 2.40:1, 2:35:1 should only have letter box on top and bottom. I wouldn't expect any letter-boxing on 1.85:1.

Look at the DVD player setup and see if it requires you to select the viewing mode. (widescreen or full screen or something like that.) I suspect it's outputting 4:3 images to the TV.

ok, i picked it up and set (almost) everything up today, but i just have a quick question. i didn't notice anyway to skip the cable input, and i know that my 5 year old Sony had the option to skip it, am i missing the option or is there no way to skip it. i know you can skip every other input, but not that one. i'm guessing maybe they left that option out, since you can go to specific input using the Wega Gate, but it would be better if i didn't have to view white static every time i use the tv/video button...

also, i'm running into a problem with my center channel, the Athena AS-C1. there's no way to mount it on top of the tv, which i expected. my problem is that the mounting instructions for the center channel stand that i have says not to mount the rear feet at more than a 45 degree angle, and the slope at the back of the tv seems to be way more than a 45 degree angle. i was just wondering what you guys were doing, as far as mounting your center channel goes, at least those that mounted it on the top their tv? i can mount it on the top shelf of the stand, but that seems like it will be way too low, at least compared to the level it should be. also, i don't have enough room in front of the tv to use a seperate center channel stand. lastly, the speaker is too tall to mount it in front of the tv on the every top of the stand, which i know some people were able to do with earlier models because the factory speakers were forward facing and under the screen...

and the sound quality of the factory speakers surprised me, it's not bad at all for factory speakers. i take it things have come a long way in the last 5 years, since my last tv purchase...

and thanks for the replies of my previous post, i decided to stick with the 50, and i'm glad i did...

There's no way to skip the cable input except by using the Wega Gate input menu.

For my center speaker, I use the OmniMount A/V component shelf that I bought at BB:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7035736&type=product&id=1099395889869

It works perfect with my 42A10 and is made of quality material. It's very sturdy and doesn't move once mounted.

I agree about the factory speakers. They're not bad at all and I use them when I don't feel like firing up my surround sound system.

I suspect this is your DVD player and has nothing to do with the TV. 2.40:1, 2:35:1 should only have letter box on top and bottom. I wouldn't expect any letter-boxing on 1.85:1.

Look at the DVD player setup and see if it requires you to select the viewing mode. (widescreen or full screen or something like that.) I suspect it's outputting 4:3 images to the TV.

epchristi, you were right it was set to 4:3. I switched it to 16:9 and in Wide Normal a
1.85:1 still has black bars all the way around but everything looks squished. When I
choose Wide Full it completely fills the screen, I thought I should have some black bar
on the top and bottom with a 1.85:1? Now with Star Wars III which is 2.35:1 I have
about 2-3" of black bar top and bottom and none on the sides with Wide Mode Full, in
Wide Mode Normal I have 5-6" of black bar on the sides and about 2-3" top and bottom
but again everything looks squished with this mode. I may try another DVD player
when everyone gets up, I'm too noisy when doing something like that when someone
is asleep. I believe everything looks better now with the DVD player switched to 16:9
it's a vast improvement in PQ over the DVD player being set to 4:3. Is anyone else
having to using Wide Mode Full when watching a Widescreen DVD? It just seems to
reason that Wide Mode Normal would fill-in the sides and let the top and bottom be as
it may.
Grateful11

ok, i'm new to the display section of these forums, and have a quick question. i just purchsed the 50" version of this Sony the other day, but after i purchased it was thinking that it may be too big for my room, i was just curious what you guys think. the room is 14.25 x 14.25, and you figure after the stand depth i will be sitting about 11 feet away from the tv, do you think the 50" will be fine or would the 42" be the better choice based only on viewing distance and nothing else...

i'm only asking because i've done some research on the subject, and normally people say to double the size of the tv, as far as minimum viewing distance goes. earlier today though, i read somewhere that you should double the size of the tv for HD viewing and TRIPLE the size of the tv for non-HD viewing. is that true? if it is, that would put me too close to the 50" tv, so i just wanted to ask people that both have the tv and know more than myself about the subject...

the main viewing location is 11 feet away, horizontal to the tv, and the secondary viewing location is about 7 or 8 feet away, perpendicular to the tv on the right side. i'm not worried about the secondary location, since that's where my friends sit when they come over to watch a movie or sporting event, i'm more worried about myself in the primary viewing location since it's my house and my tv... lol

and thanks in advance for any help. if you can help, feel free to PM me with any advice, i don't want to tie up the thread...

We have the 42A-10 and the seating positions in our living room are arranged between 9 and 14 feet.

I went through the same angst about the size difference between the 42A-10 and the 50A-10 and heard much advice from people on this forum to buy the larger set.

My wife had a different opinion and she used to work for one of the largest big screen (Commercial) manufacturers in the world. She thought he 42A-10 would be fine.

So in my quest to get the larger set I made a cardboard mock up of the sizes of the two units. To both of us, and my wife already had this opinion, the 50A-10 was just too large in our setting. I still had doubts but with the price difference at that time (Special Best Buy Sale) the decision became very easy.

I have not regretted the decision in the least. I am the lucky one sitting only 9 feet away but at 14 feet the set looks fine in HD and in SD.

I did notice in the store that SD did not look nearly as good on the 50" A-10 as it did on the 42 A-10 and that was another deciding factor as we watch a great deal of SD. It could have been the setting on the two TVs in the store but I think it is also the size difference.

Go with what works for you, if you are enjoying the 50 A-10 and you think the SD content looks fine , and it fits in your decor, by all means stick with it! But if the 42 would fit better in your living room and you want even better looking SD you will be just as happy if not happier with the 42" set.

I am proud of our 42A-10 and my wife was right - bigger is not always better. (No matter what other women may have said...

epchristi, you were right it was set to 4:3. I switched it to 16:9 and in Wide Normal a
1.85:1 still has black bars all the way around but everything looks squished. When I
choose Wide Full it completely fills the screen, I thought I should have some black bar
on the top and bottom with a 1.85:1? Now with Star Wars III which is 2.35:1 I have
about 2-3" of black bar top and bottom and none on the sides with Wide Mode Full, in
Wide Mode Normal I have 5-6" of black bar on the sides and about 2-3" top and bottom
but again everything looks squished with this mode. I may try another DVD player
when everyone gets up, I'm too noisy when doing something like that when someone
is asleep. I believe everything looks better now with the DVD player switched to 16:9
it's a vast improvement in PQ over the DVD player being set to 4:3. Is anyone else
having to using Wide Mode Full when watching a Widescreen DVD? It just seems to
reason that Wide Mode Normal would fill-in the sides and let the top and bottom be as
it may.
Grateful11


There is no such thing as a "Wide Mode Full" on the A10.

Let me break down the various screen modes on the A10 for you and anyone else that may need some help:

FULL - use it for HD and anamorphic DVDs. Black bars will be present on anamorphic DVDs with an aspect ratio of 2.35:1 or higher. HD broadcasts will be the same. Nothing should look stretched or squished in this mode if the DVD player is set to output at 16:9. The A10 should be detecting this mode as long as the player is set for 16:9 and the DVD is anamorphic.

WIDE ZOOM - use it for stretching ANYTHING that is 4:3. This would include DVDs that are in FULL SCREEN format and say 1.33:1 aspect ratio on the back. This mode will eliminate the black bars on the sides. This mode stretches the sides in a non-linear fashion while zooming in on the center. It's perfect if you hate seeing black bars on the sides.

ZOOM - use it for non-anamorphic DVDs. The A10 will default to WIDE ZOOM on these DVDs making everything look stretched. Switching to ZOOM mode fixes this problem. No black bars should be present on a non-anamorphic DVD with an aspect ratio of 1.85:1 in this mode. Movies shot at 2.35:1 will still have black bars but they should be small. If you set it to NORMAL mode you will get the letterbox look with black bars on all 4 sides of the screen. Use ZOOM mode to correct this.

NORMAL - use it for 4:3 content. Black bars will be seen on the sides on FULL SCREEN DVDs. This mode is best if you prefer to watch 4:3 content in its original aspect ratio of 1.33:1.

There is no such thing as a "Wide Mode Full" on the A10.

I see what you're saying. In the gray box in the lower feft corner when changing modes,
everything says Wide Mode: Then you have Full, Wide Zoom, Zoom and Normal. That's
what I meant by "Wide Mode Full". My whole problem was not setting the DVD Player, a
Pioneer HTD540 part of HTiB system, to 16:9. I just got the TV last weekend and I
should have realized the DVD was still set on 4:3 when it was hooked up to my Sanyo
HT32744. Anyway thanks to everyone for the help. I'm sure I'll have more questins
down the road and you folks are great!
Grateful11

BTW: The set looks great and even better now with this help and using some of the
picture settings found here. Give me Widescreen or give me death! I hate Full screen.
Picked up a copy of Shark Tale at Wal-Mart Friday for $3.44, the last one they had and
didn't see Full Screen until I got home. I may just sell it unopened on eBay and go get
the Wide Screen.

looking for answers but new to this forum... i just received my new 50inch a10 yesterday and immediately i noticed that in the upper right corner of the tv i notice a bluish green glow during dark scenes. It is not that small either as it takes up a good portion of the upper right hand, i would say approx an area 10x10. I was just wondering if this was normal or acceptable or if i should notify sony and\or bestbuy to get myself a new set. Thank you in advance for your input

Yeah, I tried to get her to tell me what happened, but she claims she just hit the power button to turn it on and off......
.....granted when you hit the power button I have it setup to turn on the Tv, Cable box, and the tuner, but she probally wasn't pointing the remote at the setup when she hit it, which left the Tv on.

And I hid the remote that gives you access to the Tv menus. I only left out the remote that came with the cable box (but it can control the basics on the TV like power, channel up/down, volume).


Well, the problem seems to have repaired itself. I'm still worried that she did some longer lasting hidden damage and the problem not being able to switch resolutions was an early symptom.

I have no idea how long the TV was on, I know we left it off, but she might have turned it on as early as Wednesday and then never turned it off again until we returned Saturday night. *sigh* This is a woman that shouldn't be allowed near any sort of technology.

Does anyone think that leaving the TV on that long could have caused my problem? Or do you think she did some other damage leaving it on that long? (other than decreasing the life of the bulb)

Thanks guys!

Has anyone had their A10 cleaned? Specifically the front screen? Not the outside, but the inside.

I posted in this thread a few (or more) pages back about my spider problem. The small blotches on the inside of the screen have not become any worse, but it still bugs me and if cleaning the screen on the inside is only a matter of taking out screws, dropping the front screen down and spraying compressed air in there, then I am ready to give it a go.

Anyone ever had the inside of the screen cleaned on any type rear projection TV?

ok, i picked it up and set (almost) everything up today, but i just have a quick question. i didn't notice anyway to skip the cable input, and i know that my 5 year old Sony had the option to skip it, am i missing the option or is there no way to skip it. i know you can skip every other input, but not that one. i'm guessing maybe they left that option out, since you can go to specific input using the Wega Gate, but it would be better if i didn't have to view white static every time i use the tv/video button...

Funny, I got my set two days ago and just hoped on to these forums to ask this exact question. I see it was answered and this kind of sucks. This is my second GW LVD RPTV and I was hoping I wouldn't need to go out and buy a harmony remote because I only have three devices hooked up to it; moto HD box, DVD, and XBox. I figured I could get by with one remote fairly easy and I can, except for the white snow on the coax which is annoying.

No clue what you guys are talking about.

I have mine set up with the follwing:

Video 4 Game
Video 5 DVD
Video 6 Cable Box

Hitting TV/Video takes me to the built in HD tuner, pressing TV/Video again takes me to Game again to DVD again to Cable Box and so on.

Coax input?

If it's one of the available input options go into Wega Gate, go to external inputs, drop to the bottom to label inputs or whatever it is, then just put skip on the input you don't want to see.

No clue what you guys are talking about.

I have mine set up with the follwing:

Video 4 Game
Video 5 DVD
Video 6 Cable Box

Hitting TV/Video takes me to the built in HD tuner, pressing TV/Video again takes me to Game again to DVD again to Cable Box and so on.

Coax input?

If it's one of the available input options go into Wega Gate, go to external inputs, drop to the bottom to label inputs or whatever it is, then just put skip on the input you don't want to see.

Well, you are using your coax input (Ant) for your over the air HD. I am not and this is what we are trying to skip because it is nothing but snow. I have the same setup, except my cable box is my HD source. See if you unplug the HD antenna from the back and cycled through, you would get snow. This is what we are trying to "skip".

No clue what you guys are talking about.

I have mine set up with the follwing:

Video 4 Game
Video 5 DVD
Video 6 Cable Box

Hitting TV/Video takes me to the built in HD tuner, pressing TV/Video again takes me to Game again to DVD again to Cable Box and so on.

Coax input?

If it's one of the available input options go into Wega Gate, go to external inputs, drop to the bottom to label inputs or whatever it is, then just put skip on the input you don't want to see.


My child has PS2 connected to the left side input. The input on the TV says Video 2 Composite. The pq is at best fair. What is he doing wrong?

My child has PS2 connected to the left side input. The input on the TV says Video 2 Composite. The pq is at best fair. What is he doing wrong?

Video 2 auto detects component or composite. Use component cables for the PS2 if possible. You may have to buy an adapter for the Playstation, to get component. Not sure. Composite PQ on a largescreen is not going to look good, especially games. If you are using component, and it's not detecting this, go into the settings and check and see if auto detect is turned on for video 2.

Have decided to purchase the E50A10. I plan on using my AVR surround sound system & turn off the speakers on the A10. By hooking up the digital optical out audio on the A10 to my AVR will the A10 pass thru a 5.1 Dolby source from my DVD player or any other source I'm feeding to the A10?

I wanted to know whether my E50A10 is within normal tolerances or whether I need to have it repaired. I bought it about 45 days ago, and have just starting to notice that when displaying 4:3 formatted programming with pillar box bars, the bars are about 1/4 inch wider at the bottom than the top. It's not a huge difference, but it does look a little off and the edge of the picture is not perpendicular to the bottom.

I bought the extended warranty, so is this something that is to be expected and normal, or should I call and have it fixed? Can it be adjusted?

I know one thing! Shrek tonight on NBC-HD is drop dead gorgeous on my 50A10, puts the
DVD to shame! Not sure I can look at the Shrek DVD now. I'm liking this set more and more.
Grateful11

Video 2 auto detects component or composite. Use component cables for the PS2 if possible. You may have to buy an adapter for the Playstation, to get component. Not sure. Composite PQ on a largescreen is not going to look good, especially games. If you are using component, and it's not detecting this, go into the settings and check and see if auto detect is turned on for video 2.

Yes, you will need the PS2 component adapter to do this. It is about $15 or so (it's been a while since I bought mine).

Well, you are using your coax input (Ant) for your over the air HD. I am not and this is what we are trying to skip because it is nothing but snow. I have the same setup, except my cable box is my HD source. See if you unplug the HD antenna from the back and cycled through, you would get snow. This is what we are trying to "skip".


OK, I see what you are saying now.

Why not just use wega gate instead of the TV/Video?

Then you can go straight to the desired input.

Yes, you will need the PS2 component adapter to do this. It is about $15 or so (it's been a while since I bought mine).


Is this what the vast majority of this forum do? Buys an adapter? Do they use the side inputs? When hooking up this way, how does it change to Video 4, like I know alot of you have stated? Thanks.

Have decided to purchase the E50A10. I plan on using my AVR surround sound system & turn off the speakers on the A10. By hooking up the digital optical out audio on the A10 to my AVR will the A10 pass thru a 5.1 Dolby source from my DVD player or any other source I'm feeding to the A10?

You are using all your digital inputs on your AV receiver, both optical or coaxial (orange RCA) for other devices? Sending component video in and L and R audio from your DVD to the A10? I'm not 100% sure, but I doubt the set has a stereo to Dolby 5.1 built in sound processor. I'm not seeing anything in the manual about this capability. Try it out and let us know.

I know one thing! Shrek tonight on NBC-HD is drop dead gorgeous on my 50A10, puts the
DVD to shame! Not sure I can look at the Shrek DVD now. I'm liking this set more and more.
Grateful11

Yes, it was a great picture wasn't it? Now all you need is a good quality DVD player to go with your tv.

Is this what the vast majority of this forum do? Buys an adapter? Do they use the side inputs? When hooking up this way, how does it change to Video 4, like I know alot of you have stated? Thanks.

The side connection is Video Input 2. It takes both component and composite connections and can auto detect which type of cables you are using. Yes, most people will buy a component adapter for their game boxes, especially if they own a game that outputs at 720p.

Yes, it was a great picture wasn't it? Now all you need is a good quality DVD player to go with your tv.

I'd think most of us are using the HDMI input for DVD players with upconverting capabilities. I have seen mixed results with this. Some titles look awsome, others don't do as well with the conversion. But in general, it's worth the upgrade, I agree. Now only if the set had two inputs, that would have greatly enhanced things. One for the STB, one for the DVD. Using a cable card with mine, so it's not an issue for me.

I'd think most of us are using the HDMI input for DVD players with upconverting capabilities. I have seen mixed results with this. Some titles look awsome, others don't do as well with the conversion. But in general, it's worth the upgrade, I agree. Now only if the set had two inputs, that would have greatly enhanced things. One for the STB, one for the DVD. Using a cable card with mine, so it's not an issue for me.

I don't see myself getting an STB at this time. My 50A10 found so many channels and I
have so many DVD's I don't need anymore channels to deal with. I may try an
up-conversion DVD but my Pioneer does an excellent job so there's going to have to be a
real improvement in PQ in order for me to keep it once get one.;)

Does anybody know if the Circuit City Advantage Protection Plan covers 1 bulb replacement? I thought I read before that either Best Buy or Circuit City covered 1 replacement, and you might have to get the sales person to put this in writing.

Thanks for any info.

Does anybody know if the Circuit City Advantage Protection Plan covers 1 bulb replacement? I thought I read before that either Best Buy or Circuit City covered 1 replacement, and you might have to get the sales person to put this in writing.

Thanks for any info.

i know the best buy plan covers the bulb for the life of the warranty (4 years). i asked the manager directly, does that mean if it burned out 10 times in 4 years all 10 bulbs would be covered? the answer was yes.

at least that is what the manager said today when i purchase the 42a10.

not sure how circuit city does it.

Hello to all! My wife and I are going to be purchasing a new TV soon and are leaning towards the 42A10 or the 50A10. My wife thinks the 42" is sufficient, but of course, I want to make sure we get the one that will look the best. This is our setup:

The farthest viewing spot is 11 ft. away, but sometimes people may be sitting as close as 4 ft. Which one would best suit this set up?

Also, is the picuture on the 50" not as clear as the 42" because it is larger or are they about the same? I didn't know if you lose any quality as you go bigger or not.

Thanks again!

Jeremy

Has anyone had their A10 cleaned? Specifically the front screen? Not the outside, but the inside.

I posted in this thread a few (or more) pages back about my spider problem. The small blotches on the inside of the screen have not become any worse, but it still bugs me and if cleaning the screen on the inside is only a matter of taking out screws, dropping the front screen down and spraying compressed air in there, then I am ready to give it a go.

Anyone ever had the inside of the screen cleaned on any type rear projection TV?
I have cleaned mine. One night as I was watching mine I noticed a half inch line on the TV on a white scene. I went up to the TV and tried to wipe it off and it did not go away, I then removed the lamp and check that and did not see anything.

I then took the front off the TV and looked inside and there was a tiny piece of something that I used a vacuum to suck off the TV and now it is perfect. I love this TV.

I just got off the line with a CC rep, and he said that CC will replace all bulbs during the 4 year protection plan coverage for free. Some how I don't think this sounds right to me, as I thought I read somewhere online that most of these EW plans only replace the bulb once, unless there is a problem with the bulb.

Does A10 has grayscale or individual RGB settings? Cnet.com review quoted that this unit has TERRIBLE color decoder error and I wanted to fix that with Avia via settings... is that possible? This is pretty much last thing I need to know before buying this!

Thnx

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=567709&page=1&pp=30

Of course there are adjustments in the service menu but I'm not aware of any published instructions in this forum yet. There's a thread entitled 'Grand Wega V Tweeks' and there are instructions on how to reduce red push by changing the CHAXIS value. I changed this value to 003b on my neighbor's 42" A10 and red push was within 5% on the color decoder check test screen after making this change. Before the adjustment, red push was around 15 - 20%. I didn't check gray scale on his tv.

Has anybody found a great deal on the Sony stand for the 42A10? Everybody is selling it for $300, but that seems a little high. The TV's have really come down in price, but how about the stand? Anybody know how far you can push PC Richards on this?

Hello to all! My wife and I are going to be purchasing a new TV soon and are leaning towards the 42A10 or the 50A10. My wife thinks the 42" is sufficient, but of course, I want to make sure we get the one that will look the best. This is our setup:

The farthest viewing spot is 11 ft. away, but sometimes people may be sitting as close as 4 ft. Which one would best suit this set up?

Also, is the picuture on the 50" not as clear as the 42" because it is larger or are they about the same? I didn't know if you lose any quality as you go bigger or not.

Thanks again!

Jeremy

This is a re-post to a similar question just a few days ago... Hope it helps:

We have the 42A-10 and the seating positions in our living room are arranged between 9 and 14 feet.

I went through the same angst about the size difference between the 42A-10 and the 50A-10 and heard much advice from people on this forum to buy the larger set.

My wife had a different opinion and she used to work for one of the largest big screen (Commercial) manufacturers in the world. She thought he 42A-10 would be fine.

So in my quest to get the larger set I made a cardboard mock up of the sizes of the two units. To both of us, and my wife already had this opinion, the 50A-10 was just too large in our setting. I still had doubts but with the price difference at that time (Special Best Buy Sale) the decision became very easy.

I have not regretted the decision in the least. I am the lucky one sitting only 9 feet away but at 14 feet the set looks fine in HD and in SD.

I did notice in the store that SD did not look nearly as good on the 50" A-10 as it did on the 42 A-10 and that was another deciding factor as we watch a great deal of SD. It could have been the setting on the two TVs in the store but I think it is also the size difference.

Go with what works for you, if you are enjoying the 50 A-10 and you think the SD content looks fine , and it fits in your decor, by all means stick with it! But if the 42 would fit better in your living room and you want even better looking SD you will be just as happy if not happier with the 42" set.

I am proud of our 42A-10 and my wife was right - bigger is not always better. (No matter what other women may have said...

looking for answers but new to this forum... i just received my new 50inch a10 yesterday and immediately i noticed that in the upper right corner of the tv i notice a bluish green glow during dark scenes. It is not that small either as it takes up a good portion of the upper right hand, i would say approx an area 10x10. I was just wondering if this was normal or acceptable or if i should notify sony and\or bestbuy to get myself a new set. Thank you in advance for your input

I'm kinda in the same boat. I got my set back in mid-October and it's been great. Recently, only during dark scenes, or when looking at a video input that has nothing tied to it, the top center quadrant of my screen has a horizontal line that vibrates back and forth. This line is green, and can be pretty distracting in dark scenes. I'm wondering if a piece of hair got caught on the bulb or something and is just being blown by the fan back and forth or something. I know next to nothing about the construction of this TV, and so I'm going to contact Sony support and see what they say.

If anyone knows anything more about this, let me know, it's very distracting.

Anyone in Canada knows where I can buy the stand which host the center channel channel on top of the 50A10? Did I mention in Canada?

Navmaster, I sit 8 feet away from 42A10 and could not decide between the 50 or 42. I bought it during the "Great Sale" of Labor Day weekend. The low, low price of the 42 made up my mind for me. The deal was better on the 42. I love this TV. Not a single complaint. Yet every time I go into an electronics store, I am drawn to 50A10 like a magnet. The pq is just as good and the total size is not that much bigger, compared to how much more screen you get. I wish I didn't go the cheap route. The extra money only hurts at the time of purchase and quickly fades.

I have cleaned mine. One night as I was watching mine I noticed a half inch line on the TV on a white scene. I went up to the TV and tried to wipe it off and it did not go away, I then removed the lamp and check that and did not see anything.

I then took the front off the TV and looked inside and there was a tiny piece of something that I used a vacuum to suck off the TV and now it is perfect. I love this TV.


Ok, you are the man then.

Can you tell me what you did to remove the front screen?

I see some of the screws. Is the screen hinged at the bottom? Is it just a screen that comes off? no wires attached or any surprises to look out for?

This is just what I need to do to get these brown blotches out from the inside of the screen.

I just got the 42a10 a week a go, however I did not get the warrenty from CC.. From what I understood it would cover everything the Sony warrenty does but it also covers the bulbs up to two years.. The bulb should last that long any way right?

The t.v does come with a 1 year warrenty from Sony correct? Can I call Sony within the year to extend my warrenty? Any one know how long you can extend it and what it costs?

Ok, you are the man then.

Can you tell me what you did to remove the front screen?

I see some of the screws. Is the screen hinged at the bottom? Is it just a screen that comes off? no wires attached or any surprises to look out for?

This is just what I need to do to get these brown blotches out from the inside of the screen.

I think if you complain about the inside dust marks Sony or the store you purchased it at, will send out a tech to do this for you under warranty if you don't want to do it yourself. Just tell them it came out of the box that way and it's really been bothering you. They will also clean the lenses and sometimes this dust is trapped between the layers and can't be cleaned by just dropping the front of the set without further tinkering.

I've used one of those micro static wands to clean the front and have seen this dust inside move around and settle elsewhere. I'm wondering why they let them out the door so dirty inside. We should all call Sony about this, dirty out of the box is not acceptable. I know these units attract dust like a magnet but QC must be missing this.

navmaster,

I saw that post too. That does help to read that, but I'm in a little different boat since some people viewing my TV could be as close as 4 ft. (but usually won't be). People will normally be at least 6 ft away. I would LOVE to get the 50", but just want to make sure the picture won't look bad for those sitting closer.

Also, once our baby gets a little older and wants to sit on the floor and watch TV, is it ok for him to be so close? Y'know, like 2 ft away?

I think if you complain about the inside dust marks Sony or the store you purchased it at, will send out a tech to do this for you under warranty if you don't want to do it yourself. Just tell them it came out of the box that way and it's really been bothering you. They will also clean the lenses and sometimes this dust is trapped between the layers and can't be cleaned by just dropping the front of the set without further tinkering.

I've used one of those micro static wands to clean the front and have seen this dust inside move around and settle elsewhere. I'm wondering why they let them out the door so dirty inside. We should all call Sony about this, dirty out of the box is not acceptable. I know these units attract dust like a magnet but QC must be missing this.


Totally agree with this.

Okay, I will do just that, contact the store I bought it from and see what they can do about it.

That said, it would still be easier to do it myself if it's just unscrewing 10 screws and dropping the screen down and cleaning the inside than going through the dealings with the store. Just need Russ to post back in this thread about how he did it to see if it's easy or a pain.

It would be nice to know how to clean it ourselves, for when the warranty expires. So, someone please post how to do it!

It is the screws around the outside perimeter of the TV. If you want to take it off completely I would say you will probably have to remove the lower skirt to remove the screws down below also. I removed all the screws but only had to access the top right hand corner.

If you have a warranty and are not impatient, like me for so simple you should just have them come and clean it through the warranty. Remember this is at your own risk and I am not responsible for any damage that you may cause when doing this.

I just got off the line with a CC rep, and he said that CC will replace all bulbs during the 4 year protection plan coverage for free. Some how I don't think this sounds right to me, as I thought I read somewhere online that most of these EW plans only replace the bulb once, unless there is a problem with the bulb.
This is from the terms and conditions of the Circuit City Advantage Protection Plan PDF can be found the CC site

B. If the covered product is a television that requires a lamp to generate a picture (e.g. DLP, LCD, LCoS televisions) Your contract covers one (1) lamp replacement per Contract term. Refer to Section 6.E. for lamp replacement details.

6
E. If through troubleshooting a television that requires a lamp to generate a picture (e.g. DLP, LCD, LCoS televisions), We determine that the non-functioning component is the lamp, You will be required to uninstall the lamp and return the lamp to the Service Provider or its designee, at the Service Provider’s reasonable expense. Upon the defective lamp being received and inspected by the Service Provider, You will be sent a replacement lamp from an authorized warehouse for installation by You. Lamps found to be non-defective or excluded from coverage will be automatically returned to You at Your expense. You may be required to provide a credit card number as a guarantee for return shipping on lamps found to be non-defective or excluded from coverage.

Has anyone watched Spielberg's "War of the Worlds" on the Sony 50" A10? It looked awful, like looking at a photograph shot at 1600 ISO. I tried two different DVD players, one with HDMI and one with component. Both were terrible. I haven't seen a DVD that looked so bad. I was wondering if it was the A10 but I tried a couple of other films, "Ray" and "Van Helsing" and they were fine. I can't believe a movie of that production would look so lousy. :eek:

It is the screws around the outside perimeter of the TV. If you want to take it off completely I would say you will probably have to remove the lower skirt to remove the screws down below also. I removed all the screws but only had to access the top right hand corner.

If you have a warranty and are not impatient, like me for so simple you should just have them come and clean it through the warranty. Remember this is at your own risk and I am not responsible for any damage that you may cause when doing this.


OK, so you just took those screws out and then you were able to "pry" the screen back to get to the top corner.

I have 4 dust or whatever spots on my screen. Two about midway down center of the screen and one in the bottom right corner and the other one in the center about 5 inches up from the bottom.

So I am asking how much room do you have between the tv casing and the screen when you just take the screws you can get to out?

So i've had my 50a10 for about a week now and it's beautiful.

I bought through CC, and plan on getting the extended warranty through Sonystyle.

My question, has anyone actually done this? I know there was talk of waiting till the 1 yr warranty was close to running out and then getting the warranty through sony. Does this work?

Any help would be appreciated.

50a10 or 55a20? I have a 50a10, but had been used to a 53" 4:3 RP, so it looks a little small.. It's in a large room, so you're sitting back 13 feet from the picture. My in-laws have the 50" version from 2003.... You sit much closer, and the TV looks much larger. It could be because it's so bulky.

My wife likes the smaller size/speakers on the bottom(I do too), but this is a big purchase, and I'm thinking of swapping it for the 55A20. It's probably not THAT much of a difference... it's 8.9%... compared to the 42 to 50" jump which is 20%

OK, so you just took those screws out and then you were able to "pry" the screen back to get to the top corner.

I have 4 dust or whatever spots on my screen. Two about midway down center of the screen and one in the bottom right corner and the other one in the center about 5 inches up from the bottom.

So I am asking how much room do you have between the tv casing and the screen when you just take the screws you can get to out?

I am not exactly sure since I only pulled the right corner out to get to that piece with the vacuum. I think the whole front will come off if you unscrew all the screws around the perimeter. Just remember never pry, mine slid off without much effort once the screws are loose. So if it does not come off easily you need to look for other screws.

navmaster,

I saw that post too. That does help to read that, but I'm in a little different boat since some people viewing my TV could be as close as 4 ft. (but usually won't be). People will normally be at least 6 ft away. I would LOVE to get the 50", but just want to make sure the picture won't look bad for those sitting closer.

Also, once our baby gets a little older and wants to sit on the floor and watch TV, is it ok for him to be so close? Y'know, like 2 ft away?
4' or 6' from even the 42" A10 is too close since you can see the SDE and pixel structure. So, for the 50" A10 you would most definitely be disappointed by the PQ at those distances. The minimum sitting distance would be around 8'-9' for HD and a bit more for SD.

2' isn't a problem except that the viewing angle from the floor won't be very good at that short of a distance. The image will be very dim and will look terrible.

I'm not sure if it was posted here or not, but there's a good web site out there on how the engine in this TV works.

3lcd
c o m

great videos and info... including comparison to DLP and LCOS.

I have no idea, but I should think that the screen may have some sort of anti-reflection coating on the inside, so I would avoid actually touching the screen on the inside.

Does anyone know if this is true?

Has anyone watched Spielberg's "War of the Worlds" on the Sony 50" A10? It looked awful, like looking at a photograph shot at 1600 ISO. I tried two different DVD players, one with HDMI and one with component. Both were terrible. I haven't seen a DVD that looked so bad. I was wondering if it was the A10 but I tried a couple of other films, "Ray" and "Van Helsing" and they were fine. I can't believe a movie of that production would look so lousy. :eek:


i wouldnt say it was lousy but it definetly ha dthe photograph look to it as well as the bloom effect that is so overused these days, i think it sets the film apart form other movies.

Funny, I got my set two days ago and just hoped on to these forums to ask this exact question. I see it was answered and this kind of sucks. This is my second GW LVD RPTV and I was hoping I wouldn't need to go out and buy a harmony remote because I only have three devices hooked up to it; moto HD box, DVD, and XBox. I figured I could get by with one remote fairly easy and I can, except for the white snow on the coax which is annoying.
page 59 of the instruction manual shows how to label the inputs. If you label it 'skip' it will skip over unused inputs.

I have no idea, but I should think that the screen may have some sort of anti-reflection coating on the inside, so I would avoid actually touching the screen on the inside.

Does anyone know if this is true?

Don't know about anti-reflection, wouldn't you want all the light coming through that you could get?

If yes or no, I still am ambivalent about taking the screen off. I really really really want to do it. I even got the screwdriver out and it's about 4 feet from the TV laying in a chair.

The part that is holding me back now, other than the obvious, is how do I mark the spots that I need to clean? TV off and the screen off I will only have a general idea where the blotches were. They are at most 2-4 pixels wide so they aren't going to readily show themselves.

So I am contemplating how to indicate where the splotches are and then get over the whole "I am taking apart my $2000+ TV" thing.

Screwdriver is still nearby, mocking me. :D

4' or 6' from even the 42" A10 is too close since you can see the SDE and pixel structure.

Really depends on the source. With my ps2, I can be within 4' easily and see no ill effects. Only by watching HD do I want to sit back as the SDE becomes more evident. SD dont really matter to me. Some programs do look better further away but most can be viewed at any distance. Saying that, this is my own view and yours can be different. This being my first HDtv, I dont have a train eye looking for visual aspects as some others.

Bemije - Thanks for the manual tip. :D

Don't know about anti-reflection, wouldn't you want all the light coming through that you could get?

If yes or no, I still am ambivalent about taking the screen off. I really really really want to do it. I even got the screwdriver out and it's about 4 feet from the TV laying in a chair.

The part that is holding me back now, other than the obvious, is how do I mark the spots that I need to clean? TV off and the screen off I will only have a general idea where the blotches were. They are at most 2-4 pixels wide so they aren't going to readily show themselves.

So I am contemplating how to indicate where the splotches are and then get over the whole "I am taking apart my $2000+ TV" thing.

Screwdriver is still nearby, mocking me. :D

What about a small piece of tape, or something like that?

Good idea, I was thinking right along those lines.

I have some of those colored 3M bookmark tabs that have a light tack to them. That should do the trick.

page 59 of the instruction manual shows how to label the inputs. If you label it 'skip' it will skip over unused inputs.
yeah, but the cable input isn't listed in the manual or on the screen, so no matter what you do you can't skip the white snow. unless, of course, you use a cable card and connect the cable input directly to the back of the tv...

Okay, I am there.

Except I am not.

I have taken the screws out that run across the top and the sides. 13 total.

I can now slightly pull the screen back but it's still screwed in along the bottom. So I can't do anything but look inside. It's worse than I thought, the spider wreaked havoc. There are webs all along the back of the TV and a few across the bulb at the bottom.

I need to clean this.

Russ to thread please...Russ to thread...

Only screws I have not taken out are the two on each side that are near the lamp replacement cover (forward of it) and on the video 2 side (not the ones holding that part on) the screws that are on the vented portion that have arrows pointing to them.

Arrrgggghhhhh. All I need is to be able to pull the screen back another 5 inches so I can get in there and do some cleaning.

Looks cool inside the TV, it's a whole lot simpler in there than I thought it was going to be.

Wow. Ok next step I was able to get in there with a can of compressed air and just blow the cobwebs down.

The picture looks better already. After more investigation I think the blotches may be on the reflective plate in the back rather than on the screen itself. Key reason being I marked the blotch spots and then when I pull the screen away from the rest of the set as much as I can the blotches move. They would not do that if they were on the front screen.

All makes sense, as the spider seems to have spent the most time setting up shop on that back plate. Nothing being able to get in there and get it off wouldn't fix.

I am so close.

navmaster,

I saw that post too. That does help to read that, but I'm in a little different boat since some people viewing my TV could be as close as 4 ft. (but usually won't be). People will normally be at least 6 ft away. I would LOVE to get the 50", but just want to make sure the picture won't look bad for those sitting closer.

Also, once our baby gets a little older and wants to sit on the floor and watch TV, is it ok for him to be so close? Y'know, like 2 ft away?

I have two 4 year old children and a six year old and they all get "Too Close" to the TV. I of course tell them what our parents told us... "Back up from the TV it will rot your eyes" but in reality I don't recall any ill effects from when I was a child and I don't see my kids rubbing their eyes after nearly pressing their noses up to the A-10.

I think you will be happy with either set. I got mine during the Labor Day sale event and saved a great deal of money on the 42 A-10 so I don't even go look at the 50's in the stores. I don't need to look. I know the 50" is a bit bigger but I also know that my 42" looks just fine in my living room, I enjoy HD football, DVD Movies are wonderful and I really am pleased with the broadcast standard definition performance. So, why should I continue to look for another TV? I don't have buyers remorse so....

Anyway, buy what works for you... Once the TV is in your home it will look better than it ever did in the store and you will be happy with which ever unit you buy.

I just don't buy completely into the "if you are more than 6.25 feet from the screen you need a 52.45 inch screen" theory. I think the 42 works well and is light years ahead of the 32" CRT I had before. If I had 20 foot ceilings and a 30 x 20 living room I would think 60 inch plus.... But I have 8 foot ceilings and a 14 x 18 living room... And I paid just 1500 for my new HD TV, something I never thought would happen. So, pity me for my size if you must, just don't look at the smile on my face. A good deal is sometimes better than size alone. And if the TV fits, enjoy it!

My KDF-E50A10 came in yesterday, along with my free Harmony 659 remote and my Oppo OPDV971H DVD player. I hooked everything up, and the picture is fantastic, fully worth the money. I watched The Fellowship of the Ring (Extended) and The Fifth Element (Superbit), and they both looked incredible upconverted to 480p. I have to wait until Saturday morning for Comcast to set up my HDTV to see this baby in 720p or 1080i. I can't wait!

Thank you to everyone in this thread for all the great information and help! :D

You can also set the Oppo to 720p. See what looks best to you. I can't remember if the A10 locks 720p and 1080i into full screen mode. If it does, set your Oppo to Wide SQZ and the A10 to Full Screen.

I posted this question in another thread but haven’t gotten any responses. I figure this may be a better thread for the info that I need. I am looking for the opinion of current A10 owners on how it handles HD sports broadcasts. I am particularly interested in those who have owned other HD sets in different formats. I am an HD veteran and I am going to upgrade my Sony 32” HD set. I have done extensive comparison shopping, in several outlets, and have always found that the A10 and also the Hitachi 50V710 seem to have the superior picture, at least on store demo loops. I have reservations on the RP LCD format. I mainly watch sports and network HD, very few DVDs, so black level is not a big concern and I plan on sitting far enough from the set so that SDE shouldn’t be an issue. The main concern I have is fast motion blurriness. I’ve had HD for a while so I understand that a certain amount of macro blocking is inevitable and I even see it on my direct view. In watching the demo loops, at the store, I could certainly see this on fast action scenes but I saw it just as much on the DLP’s and even on some RP CRT sets. I think the crappy split signal in stores accounts for most of these artifacts. Unfortunately stores don’t show live sports broadcasts and I don’t know anyone who owns an RP LCD set, so I can’t see for myself. I guess my question is if this issue is overblown and not really a factor or do you see some blurriness during sports. Again, for me personally, the reason I own HD is for sports so if this format doesn’t handle it as well as others then I will have reconsider my choice. Thanks in advance for any info.

Sports viewing is exactly what I bought my A10 for and I love it.

I only see blurring with the fastest camera pans. Like say a deep throw in football. On a punt or kickoff camera pan I see no blurring at all. I have a 50" and sit about 8 feet away. Comcast SA8300HDDVR box and HDMI connection.

I have OTA HD and watching NFL on Fox or Monday Night Football is an absolute joy. Although I don't like Nascar I found myself watching some on NBC just because the picture is so good.

That said, I believe I can tell the difference between 1080i HD source (e.g. NBC) and 720p HD source (e.g. Fox, ABC) in fast moving scenes. As would be expected, the 720p source does a better job with it.

But, the bottom line is that if you're looking to watch sports, I don't think you'll be at all disappointed in the A10's performance.


Mitch

Has anyone watched Spielberg's "War of the Worlds" on the Sony 50" A10? It looked awful, like looking at a photograph shot at 1600 ISO. I tried two different DVD players, one with HDMI and one with component. Both were terrible. I haven't seen a DVD that looked so bad. I was wondering if it was the A10 but I tried a couple of other films, "Ray" and "Van Helsing" and they were fine. I can't believe a movie of that production would look so lousy. :eek:

I think it's the film stock that Spielberg has been using for a while. He seems to like grain: Minority Report is especially the best example of high grain.

hey guys, about to pull the trigger on the 42A10

I heard this from somebody but doubt the statement:
color fidelity on an LCD projection TV will start to go downhill after a year or two, depending on use. This is due to the high intensity of the light causing fading in the organic dyes used in the color filter.Any truthfulness?

I have found that the A10 has outstanding viewing angle an colors, the only thing I am really worried about is the detail in blacks and shadows.

Has anyone watched Spielberg's "War of the Worlds" on the Sony 50" A10? It looked awful, like looking at a photograph shot at 1600 ISO. I tried two different DVD players, one with HDMI and one with component. Both were terrible. I haven't seen a DVD that looked so bad. I was wondering if it was the A10 but I tried a couple of other films, "Ray" and "Van Helsing" and they were fine. I can't believe a movie of that production would look so lousy. :eek:

This dvd is garbage, unbeleiveable, ain't it? It's like they captured the video from off the wall of a 35mm projector in some high school science class...

hey guys, about to pull the trigger on the 42A10

I heard this from somebody but doubt the statement:
Any truthfulness?

I have found that the A10 has outstanding viewing angle an colors, the only thing I am really worried about is the detail in blacks and shadows.

There may some truth to it but I've never seen any REAL proof that it will happen. I guess you could ask any Grand Wega III owner if they are seeing this effect.

Being a LCD RPTV there are going to be some compromises when it comes to contrast and black level. The Adavnced Iris in the A10 does a good job at producing better blacks and shadow detail. But to me it's still a bit murky looking and needs more improvement. If more light could get blocked without sacrificing brightness then the A10 would be near perfect for me. If you want really good black levels then I'd suggest getting a DLP or Plasma.

I just pulled the trigger on the 50A10. I ended up buying it from *REARS for <1900.00 plus tax. I did a PM to *th Ave. I think that I got a good deal on this set. Can anyone recommend a calibration technique for a newbie. I do not want to go to the service menu and muck around in there.

Thanks for eveyone's input on this television. This thread rocks!!!

To continue my cleaning saga I figured out a good way to get in to the TV to clean it.

After taking off the screws along the back of the top and back of both side edges I can pry the screen back about 4 inches.

So I went and bought an extended electro static duster.

All to do now is go home and gently swish it around and collect the dust and cobwebs that have gathered.

I think I am going to pull the bulb out too and clean it with a microstatic cloth as well.

So for $8 for the duster and the cost of time I should have a clean like new A10.

Thanks for the tips Dark Rain.

I dunno about DLP, I would hate to get it and the RBE drive me nuts. Also I could never use it for its main use if there was bad lag with Xbox and 360.

Man, I wish I had the cash and room for a SXRD :D then most of my issues would be solved

This dvd is garbage, unbeleiveable, ain't it? It's like they captured the video from off the wall of a 35mm projector in some high school science class...

From DVDActive:


However, as with the film itself, there are negative aspects that prevent the transfer from attaining the level of excellence one might expect. For starters, some scenes exhibit what could be called ‘excessive’ blooming, and the image is also pretty grainy, much more so than most recent releases I’ve come into contact with. I can’t remember back to the theatrical showing I caught to compare it with the DVD presentation, but from various still images and trailers I’ve seen it would appear that the DVD is considerably more washed out than it should be. This is particularly apparent during the war scenes, where flames are more yellow than orange. I also noticed some minor edge enhancement during a number of scenes, although it wasn’t particularly distracting on a 32” set. It’s a pity that these niggles tarnish what should have been an outstanding transfer.
http://www.dvdactive.com/reviews/dvd/war-of-the-worlds-special-edition.html

Looks like a bad transfer. I have to yet to see it, but my guess is that the studio rushed it.

To counter War of the Worlds, check out the recently released RAN Criterion Edition. Gorgeous. They really did an ace job on this and this movie finally gets the love it deserves.

Looked great on my cobwebby A10 last night.

Wow. Ok next step I was able to get in there with a can of compressed air and just blow the cobwebs down.

The picture looks better already. After more investigation I think the blotches may be on the reflective plate in the back rather than on the screen itself. Key reason being I marked the blotch spots and then when I pull the screen away from the rest of the set as much as I can the blotches move. They would not do that if they were on the front screen.

All makes sense, as the spider seems to have spent the most time setting up shop on that back plate. Nothing being able to get in there and get it off wouldn't fix.

I am so close.

Just wondering why you don't just call Sony and get this thing fixed. It is not your fault the spider got in there. Had mine repaired a few weeks ago with no hitches.
They replaced the entire light lense assembly.

Brad

Let us know how that goes! Dang my baby will be in a very dusty room, I will just have to keep on top of dusting and keep the air cleaner cranked.

had this beauty for about a month-will need to try the red push fix..otherwise it is a
great looking set...also picked up the uprezing sony dvd player...also a nice improvement for this big screen

Hey guys. I have been lurking on this forum the past couple of weeks. I made the plunge Saturday on buying this set. I bought it off Ibuydigital for under 2k including shipping. I did the cheapest shipping method so it may be a couple of weeks. Has anybody dealt with this dealer before? WHo has tried hooking up their computer to this set? I got a hdmi-dvi cable cable and my video card has a dvi out on it. All I need now is some a/v cords correct? How does the picture look? I'm so pumped to get this set home. Great forum by the way!

Looks like a bad transfer. I have to yet to see it, but my guess is that the studio rushed it.

Ha, then the joke is on them. Movie wasnt that good to begin with. I still remember yelling them to do something while at that farm house. Also, it shouldn't of been called war of the worlds, you barely seen any war. Could've been called "girl crys, punk rebels, and dad runs".

Just had my 50a10 delivered Sunday. HD & digital cable won't be hooked up until Thursday. But I have a question regarding a Gamecube. I hooked up the system to video 1 using an S-video cable specifically for GC. However, the picture is worse than composite cables that came with the unit.

What am I missing?

Thanks in advance.

Ok all, I am looking at getting the 42" A10 not too long from now, and have some questions regarding inputs. I will likely have 2 main devices: (1) an HTPC, which will handle DVD and standard def DVR duty and (2) a High Def set top box. I note that the 42" only has one HDMI input. So this leaves me with a couple of options:

(1) HTPC on HDMI (via DVI-HDMI cable), STB box on Component.
(2) HTPC on Component (via ATI DVI->Component adapter), STB on HDMI.
(3) HTPC on PC Input, STB on HDMI

Option (3) seems the most logical, but it gives me pause. I noticed from reading this thread that the A10s PC Input accepts standard PC resolution (1280x768) and not the TVs native resolution (1280x720, or 720p). While convenient, this leads me to believe the TV has to do some kind of resize of the image, which is possibly less than ideal for picture quality. DVD movies are, to me, the single most important item in terms of picture quality, so that is a sacrifice I'd prefer not to make..

So, this leads to some questions:

1) Is anyone using the PC input. Has anyone tried both the PC Input and using DVI-HDMI on a PC? If so, how does the PC Input's quality stack up? I'm not obsessed with digital - if the PC Input doesn't result in the TV doing weird resizing and the image is just as good as the HDMI, I'm happy to use it!

2) How does the Component compare to HDMI on this TV? I know usually, in actual practice, they tend to be similar in quality.

3) Given my situation, which option would you suggest?

Just wondering why you don't just call Sony and get this thing fixed. It is not your fault the spider got in there. Had mine repaired a few weeks ago with no hitches.
They replaced the entire light lense assembly.

Brad


Guess I am just crazy. I have always enjoyed seeing how things work and this is no exception, even at $2000+. :)

Anyway, the cleaning procedure was an unmitigated success.

It was brutally easy and now the inside of the set is pristine.

All I did was take the 13 screws out that surround the backside perimeter of the screen and then pried it apart and deduced that I wasn't going to be able to figure out what was holding the bottom part of the set together and then brainstormed what to do next since I could not get my hand or arm into the set to clean it out, figured out a solution and went to the store to buy the electrostatic telescoping duster for $7.99 + tax then came back home and pried the set apart, while my son held a flashlight and then I gently brushed the duster across the reflective plate and then everywhere else inside the set.

All splotches gone and I swear the set looks better than when I purchased it.

This was so easy to do that I am seriously thinking of only putting back in 4 screws so I can quickly clean the set out whenever I deem necessary.

Sony could have helped us out. The set could easily have hinged where the black section meets the gray/silver section. Then the user could undo the screws and then lay the screen out towards the room at a 90 degree angle and clean at will.

All in all it was 100% successful and it's a relief to have a clean set.

Anybody has any questions I will be more than glad to help out.

I completely missed an opportunity to take some before and after photos.

Ok all, I am looking at getting the 42" A10 not too long from now, and have some questions regarding inputs. I will likely have 2 main devices: (1) an HTPC, which will handle DVD and standard def DVR duty and (2) a High Def set top box. I note that the 42" only has one HDMI input. So this leaves me with a couple of options:

(1) HTPC on HDMI (via DVI-HDMI cable), STB box on Component.
(2) HTPC on Component (via ATI DVI->Component adapter), STB on HDMI.
(3) HTPC on PC Input, STB on HDMI

3) Given my situation, which option would you suggest?

You could also buy a HDMI splitter, like the one at Pacific Cables (can't post the link yet, but easy enough to google).

I haven't tried it yet, but plan to if/when I get the A10. Anyone else have any info. about how well something like this would work?

-Scott

You could also buy a HDMI splitter, like the one at Pacific Cables (can't post the link yet, but easy enough to google).

I haven't tried it yet, but plan to if/when I get the A10. Anyone else have any info. about how well something like this would work?

-Scott

This is an idea. I do wonder seriously though if the PC Input is any good. It would certainly be easier than messing with powerstrip for hours trying to defeat severe overscan. I assume that the fact it takes 1280x768 that it requires some kind of PQ reducing resize, but maybe not? Maybe the TV has some other was of dealing with it? The more I think about it, the more it seems kind of silly to include an input that would mess up PQ... So if anyone has any input on the quality of the PC Input I would be very interested!

I've got a mysterious blue/green-ish tint at the top right corner of my 42. It only occurs when the screen is blacked out when switching inputs or channels (now I just saw it on a night shot in a movie. Is this normal?

Just had my 50a10 delivered Sunday. HD & digital cable won't be hooked up until Thursday. But I have a question regarding a Gamecube. I hooked up the system to video 1 using an S-video cable specifically for GC. However, the picture is worse than composite cables that came with the unit.

What am I missing?

Thanks in advance.

I use regular RCA for my gamecube and it looks fine. The only thing I can think of is that you have a later model gamecube that is not compatible with the composite cables. I know that they have a service where you can send it in and they'll replace it with a refurb. free of charge. Those knuckleheads quit equipping them with component outputs because of "lack of interest" vs. cost of production and then the HD revolution hit and people freaked out and caused this assinine way of fixing the problem and then they were sold out of composite cables all the time. I finally gave up, stayed analog, and ordered an XBOX. You might want to call Nintendo and ask them about it. And see if you can find out when the next dang Zelda is coming out, too!!!!

You could also buy a HDMI splitter, like the one at Pacific Cables (can't post the link yet, but easy enough to google).

I haven't tried it yet, but plan to if/when I get the A10. Anyone else have any info. about how well something like this would work?

-Scott

I purchased the HDMI splitter from monoprice. Unforunately, when you have both DVD player and a Phase III comcast box attached, neither one will work. Both signals are scrambled. Also, I have a Pioneer THX 7.1 surround receiver that has 2 HDMI inputs. My Toshiba DVD works fine but my Phase III Comcast cable box does not. I believe the software in the cable box scrambles the signal for some reason. Also the receiver's manual states this too. I've said it before that my biggest complaint on the 50" A10 is that it only has 1 HDMI input. Bummer. :(

I purchased the HDMI splitter from monoprice. Unforunately, when you have both DVD player and a Phase III comcast box attached, neither one will work. Both signals are scrambled. Also, I have a Pioneer THX 7.1 surround receiver that has 2 HDMI inputs. My Toshiba DVD works fine but my Phase III Comcast cable box does not. I believe the software in the cable box scrambles the signal for some reason. Also the receiver's manual states this too. I've said it before that my biggest complaint on the 50" A10 is that it only has 1 HDMI input. Bummer. :(

Have you tried the Component connection for your cable box? I know upconversion on DVD players doesn't usually work over Component, but that's a non-issue for a cable box. I know HDMI is technically better, but everything I have read suggests in practice, Component is usually almost if not just as good. This could very well be the case with this TV as well.

I assume that the fact it takes 1280x768 that it requires some kind of PQ reducing resize, but maybe not? Maybe the TV has some other was of dealing with it? The more I think about it, the more it seems kind of silly to include an input that would mess up PQ... So if anyone has any input on the quality of the PC Input I would be very interested!

jahutch,

I am using the VGA and feeding it 1280x768 (also tried 1280x720 and the HDMI port). I've settled on VGA 1280x768 as best. It is giving me a pixel perfect picture (not sure of the LCD is actually bigger or if the Sony is ignoring 48 of the pixels, but I used 1x1 squares, and 1x100 lines both horizontal and vertical to verify that I was indeed getting pixel perfect. Also at 1280x768, the TV doesn't complain that it is getting "an unsupported signal" on the popup display.

I am very happy with at this resolution using 6600GT VGA output and use HTPC exclusively for movie watching. There is significant overscan, but I haven't bothered to try and fix it and probably will live with it as is.

enjoy...mv

mv

jahutch,

I am using the VGA and feeding it 1280x768 (also tried 1280x720 and the HDMI port). I've settled on VGA 1280x768 as best. It is giving me a pixel perfect picture (not sure of the LCD is actually bigger or if the Sony is ignoring 48 of the pixels, but I used 1x1 squares, and 1x100 lines both horizontal and vertical to verify that I was indeed getting pixel perfect. Also at 1280x768, the TV doesn't complain that it is getting "an unsupported signal" on the popup display.

I am very happy with at this resolution using 6600GT VGA output and use HTPC exclusively for movie watching. There is significant overscan, but I haven't bothered to try and fix it and probably will live with it as is.

enjoy...mv

mv

Interesting. So it sounds like it accepts 1280x768 because it is a default resolution, but then simply ignores the extra pixels - hence you get pixel perfect 720p. This looks better to you than the HDMI, or looks about the same (I'd expect the latter - at least on computer monitors, VGA tends to be just as good as DVI in most cases)?

Now for the inevitable questions =P. Anyone who has used the PC input, please feel free to answer..

1) Regarding the overscan... I understand this is normal with all HDTVs, but how significant is it? I assume you can still see the taskbar, etc, to use the HTPC? As long as that's possible, a little overscan doesn't seem to hurt in my opinion.

2) Does the VGA Input give you all the calibration options? Can you apply the red push fix to the VGA Input?

3) I won't be using MCE, I'll be using Media Portal. Will I have "black crush" issues with this (presumably from PC vs. Video black levels)? Any suggestions on fixing this?

4) Since you tried the HDMI input - how bad was the overscan there? Terrible, or was the HTPC usable?

Thanks in advance! And sorry for all the questions... since I'm going to be using the HTPC as my DVD player, I really want to try to get the best setup possible for it!

I've got a mysterious blue/green-ish tint at the top right corner of my 42. It only occurs when the screen is blacked out when switching inputs or channels (now I just saw it on a night shot in a movie. Is this normal?
I have the same problem. I called Sony Support and am having a guy come in next week to fix this. I'll let you know if he tells me anything specific.

I was playing xbox yesterday on my a10. It's hooked up through the HD pack and I was playing Soul Caliber in 720P... Here is my question. The manuel says when the tv receives a 720P or 1080i signal the "full" mode will not be an option yet it was while playing the game.. does that mean it's not picking up a 720 signal?

Or does it only matter for HI-Def viewing rather then video games? My hi-def isn't hooked up yet so i dont know if the tv displays what signal it is picking up..

blkacklover,

Thanks for describing the cleaning procedure. Yet another entry in the non-existant FAQs for the A10.

I was playing xbox yesterday on my a10. It's hooked up through the HD pack and I was playing Soul Caliber in 720P... Here is my question. The manuel says when the tv receives a 720P or 1080i signal the "full" mode will not be an option yet it was while playing the game.. does that mean it's not picking up a 720 signal?

Or does it only matter for HI-Def viewing rather then video games? My hi-def isn't hooked up yet so i dont know if the tv displays what signal it is picking up..

"Full" mode is the default for 720 or 1080i. "Normal" is the one that can not be selected (see page 53). If you go into the wega gate and turn on your info banner you will see the signal detected on the input when you hit the display button on the remote. In the xbox video options menu choose 16:9 set, and turn on all video signal options. A lot of folks forget to change their settings for their DVD players and games boxes when they switch to a 16:9 widescreen. As long as you are using the HD adapter and component cables for the xbox, you should be getting 720p.

I have the same problem. I called Sony Support and am having a guy come in next week to fix this. I'll let you know if he tells me anything specific.


Please do. I really want to know what is going on.

"Full" mode is the default for 720 or 1080i. "Normal" is the one that can not be selected (see page 53). If you go into the wega gate and turn on your info banner you will see the signal detected on the input when you hit the display button on the remote. In the xbox video options menu choose 16:9 set, and turn on all video signal options. A lot of folks forget to change their settings for their DVD players and games boxes when they switch to a 16:9 widescreen. As long as you are using the HD adapter and component cables for the xbox, you should be getting 720p.


Thanks for the response...Stupid me just realized that I am using the "advanced A/V pack" not the "HD pack"... So, after work i'm going to go get the HD pack and i'll be all set... I'll have to make sure to turn everything on like you said.

blkacklover,

Thanks for describing the cleaning procedure. Yet another entry in the non-existant FAQs for the A10.


Man, a FAQ for the A10 would be a wonderful thing.

There is so much good info in this thread, it's just tough to find it quickly when you need it. Search helps a little but a FAQ would be excellent.

Thanks for the response...Stupid me just realized that I am using the "advanced A/V pack" not the "HD pack"... So, after work i'm going to go get the HD pack and i'll be all set... I'll have to make sure to turn everything on like you said.

Yep, the advanced pack only allows for s-video out. With the HD pack you'll get component out and digital optical audio which you can plug into an A/V receiver u for 5.1 or dolby surround if the game supports it, or to play your own sound tracks/cd's.

Have you tried the Component connection for your cable box? I know upconversion on DVD players doesn't usually work over Component, but that's a non-issue for a cable box. I know HDMI is technically better, but everything I have read suggests in practice, Component is usually almost if not just as good. This could very well be the case with this TV as well.

I've had the Comcast box hooked up via component. This is initially how the cable company hooked it up. The technician said it would look better. Bull. A friend of mine has the identical television hooked up w/HDMI and it was crystal clear. I called comcast and they told me to come down to their offices if I'd like and they would switch out the DVR/cable box. I did and not only did they exchange the box for a new PhaseIII box, they gave me a brand new HDMI cable in it's package to go along with it at no charge! Let me tell you, HDTV stations are stunning. No comparison to component. Don't let anyone fool you. When the DVR records HDTV, it's the same clarity as if it was live. Unbelievable. Really no degradation. For example, CSI:Miami is gorgeous in HDTV. The shots of Miami and the lab are glorious. Also, there was a special on Beavers on the Discovery HDTV theater. I think it's the best thing I've ever seen on HDTV. Another friend of mine saw my 50" A10. He loved it so much he went out and got one. I now know 3 people, including myself, that have this television. The only problem other than having 1 HDMI input is that this television is very addicting. :p

My parents are settled on the 42A10 but are still considering the Panasonic 50U 42" plasma. I've told them the A10 has better features and when we all saw it in the store, we all thought the picture quality as phenomenal. But the Panny is also great, so my question to you A10 owners is, all things being equal, which set would be best overall?

My parents will be watching DVDs, digital satellite channels, and HD.

I've had the Comcast box hooked up via component. This is initially how the cable company hooked it up. The technician said it would look better. Bull. A friend of mine has the identical television hooked up w/HDMI and it was crystal clear. I called comcast and they told me to come down to their offices if I'd like and they would switch out the DVR/cable box. I did and not only did they exchange the box for a new PhaseIII box, they gave me a brand new HDMI cable in it's package to go along with it at no charge! Let me tell you, HDTV stations are stunning. No comparison to component. Don't let anyone fool you. When the DVR records HDTV, it's the same clarity as if it was live. Unbelievable. Really no degradation. For example, CSI:Miami is gorgeous in HDTV. The shots of Miami and the lab are glorious. Also, there was a special on Beavers on the Discovery HDTV theater. I think it's the best thing I've ever seen on HDTV. Another friend of mine saw my 50" A10. He loved it so much he went out and got one. I now know 3 people, including myself, that have this television. The only problem other than having 1 HDMI input is that this television is very addicting. :p

Hmm I'm really surprised HDMI is that much better. Component can handle 1080i and 720p HD signals just fine. The difference between VGA and DVI on a PC monitor is completely negligible in most cases, so I'm curious why the difference between HDMI and Component would be any different... Perhaps its something in the cable box - to some extent, its a lot easier to send a digital signal, which tends to be "all or nothing" than an analog signal (which can be anywhere from flawless to terrible). I suspect the cable box just does a bad job at analog out.

In any case, I think when I get the TV I'll try to go the cablecard route - that will free up the HDMI =).

PING - FIVE ONE SIX

Just a thought but you may want to try unhooking the coax connections from the back of the set and doing an auto channel search. I had the same problem but after i did the auto channel search, and it finds no signal on those inputs, it appears to automatically skip the inputs. Give it a try.
Cheers

Edit> Also thanks to blkacklover and others for his info on screen cleaning. I have a dusty house and will no doubt need this someday.

yeah, but the cable input isn't listed in the manual or on the screen, so no matter what you do you can't skip the white snow. unless, of course, you use a cable card and connect the cable input directly to the back of the tv...

PING - FIVE ONE SIX

Just a thought but you may want to try unhooking the coax connections from the back of the set and doing an auto channel search. I had the same problem but after i did the auto channel search, and it finds no signal on those inputs, it appears to automatically skip the inputs. Give it a try.
Cheers
.

This was my thinking as well as I originally did an auto scan with the coax cable plugged into the set, then I realized Twin View was no more and unplugged.

For the life of me, I can't find Auto Channel Search in any of the menu's. Can someone point me there?

Ahhhhh, trick to that one. You must be in Antenna mode for the option to show up in the menu. (greyed out otherwise)

go to menu/antenna mode (first level of menu)
go to menu/settings/channel (4th one down)
choose "Auto program"

that should do it

I purchased the HDMI splitter from monoprice. Unforunately, when you have both DVD player and a Phase III comcast box attached, neither one will work. Both signals are scrambled. Also, I have a Pioneer THX 7.1 surround receiver that has 2 HDMI inputs. My Toshiba DVD works fine but my Phase III Comcast cable box does not. I believe the software in the cable box scrambles the signal for some reason. Also the receiver's manual states this too. I've said it before that my biggest complaint on the 50" A10 is that it only has 1 HDMI input. Bummer. :(

Does anybody know if this is a problem for more than just the Phase III comcast boxes? For instance, in Arlington, VA we have the 8300HD boxes, and I'm wondering if those also scramble the signal. Hrm...this is disappointing news. I thought the splitter would fix the HDMI problems.

-Scott

Hmmm, I didn’t think any sort of HDMI splitter would work. I believe with HDMI there is a negotiation between the sender and receiver that has to take place before it will connect. Kind of like a MODEM connection. One of the reasons I think that HDMI was created was that it is all scrambled (HDCP) isn’t it? That is why they are talking about making HD-DVD and Blue-Ray only output HD over HDMI and not component video to make it more secure (what a joke!). It has all the early adopters of HDTV pissed off because they may not even be able to receive HD from a DVD player on their HDTV’s because of the lack of a HDMI input. So I don’t think more than one device can share an HDMI output. Maybe if the splitter was a device that could electronically receive and retransmit the signal to two devices. I don’t know. I could be wrong.

Edit> Yes there are HDMI Splitter devices avalable i see. Not too cheap though.
http://www.gefen.com/kvm/product.jsp?prod_id=2514

There is a link at the bottom to a page that explains how the HDMI/HDCP protection scheme works

To use two output signals into one device you need to get a HDMI switch. Available but also not all that cheap.

Or just buy something like this!!! LOL
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-JkMrVHk1bEq/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=10420&id=essential_info&i=033AV5805B#Tab

To use two output signals into one device you need to get a HDMI switch. Available but also not all that cheap.

Or just buy something like this!!! LOL
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-JkMrVHk1bEq/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=10420&id=essential_info&i=033AV5805B#Tab

Well let me explain what I want to do, and maybe it will add some clarity to the situation:

I want to take the one HDMI IN on the A10, plug the splitter into that IN to create two IN'S. Then I want to plug both my STB (more than likely a 8300HD) and my Upcoverting DVD Player into each one of those IN'S. It seems to me, if for instance I had the DVD Player off and the 8300HD on, it should work fine, and vice versa. It's really just the convenience of not having to switch the cable going into the IN everytime I want to use the DVD vs the STB.

Do we still think that even the above situation won't work with a HDMI splitter?

-Scott

I have the 50A10 , and just switched out my Monster surge protect. for a APC back-ups, for lamp reasons, question is- can surge protectors have any bearing on picture quality?, researched the APC seems to be a good brand. Is my thinking that the picture quality is alittle worse all in my head (prolly), can anyone help ,or am i on the wrong board

I believe you are refering to a switcher. There's no such thing as a splitter for HDMI (or DVI). Anyways, I use a remote-controlled switcher in my system and it works fine with my Oppo DVD player and Samsung STB. However, I do have to remember to shut off my Samsung before switching to the input that I use for the DVD player. Otherwise the Samsung loses its connection with the tv and I have to reboot the STB. If the Samsung is turned on, it has to have a connection to the tv at all times. The 8300 may not be quirky like this but I just wanted to bring it up in case you experience this.

I believe you are refering to a switcher. There's no such thing as a splitter for HDMI (or DVI).

Well, it's referred to as a "splitter" by Pacific Custom Cable:

http://www.pacificcable.com/Picture_Page.asp?DataName=DVIY%2D9

I don't want to get off-topic, but I'm still curious as to whether this would do the job I think it should with the A10, or not. Thanks for the input.

-Scott

As you can see in the picture below, I got an issue with pc out on my 42A10. I tried changing different settings but I still get stuck with that damn bar. I'm assuming its the refreash going very slowly across the screen. My card is a 6600 gt so any help would make me very thankful. I'm using componet out.

http://img465.imageshack.us/img465/1963/a10errr5hb.th.jpg (http://img465.imageshack.us/my.php?image=a10errr5hb.jpg)

HDMI Switch: Insiders Guide

HDMI Switch Guide (http://forum.ecoustics.com/bbs/messages/34579/172158.html)

http://store.cwc-group.com/4hdswforhoth.html

I believe with time these things will be much cheaper.
Grateful11

hey guys any tips on center channel placement? I was planning on putting it in front of the TV, but my wire is too thick. would rather not have a $30 BB stand as they are ugly and way overkill for my Klipsch Quintet

Best Buy is scrapping my 50"Panasonic on the lemon policy for 4 bulb replacements in 23 months, 3 in the last 11 months. Along with replacements were ballasts and other attempts at correction. I am considering the Sony 50" A10 to roll into. Does anyone have a history on maintenance, especially the bulb. Thanks

Well, it's referred to as a "splitter" by Pacific Custom Cable:

http://www.pacificcable.com/Picture_Page.asp?DataName=DVIY%2D9

I don't want to get off-topic, but I'm still curious as to whether this would do the job I think it should with the A10, or not. Thanks for the input.

-Scott

Hmmm. I just don't see how that splitter could possible work unless you made sure that only one input device was turned on at a time. Here's what I use...


http://www.lenexpo-electronics.com/detail.php?m_id=265&price=224.00

Ahhhhh, trick to that one. You must be in Antenna mode for the option to show up in the menu. (greyed out otherwise)

go to menu/antenna mode (first level of menu)
go to menu/settings/channel (4th one down)
choose "Auto program"

that should do it

You're the man! Thanks!

[QUOTE=dusterscott]Hmmm. I just don't see how that splitter could possible work unless you made sure that only one input device was turned on at a time. Here's what I use...


I agree.

Hear is a quote from Pacific about their splitter; "The Y Cable is meant to split a signal from one source to two displays. Doing this can be unpredictable, depending on the equipment you have. The only guaranteed way is to use our switch." :eek:

Their link to the switch is broken :rolleyes: too!

Could someone please answer my question regarding overall PQ, value and features for the 42A10 versus the Panny 42" 50U plasma? My parents want to make a decision by today and I want to help them finalize.

Thanks in advance.

I have a 50 inch A10 and my 18 month old daughter loves kissing the screena dn putting her hands on it. My question is what should i use to clean the screen. I am currently using a cotton sock to clean this off...but is there something better??

I think I'm going to buy the 42A10 tonight after work at Best Buy. I was there the other day and it was listed at $1599, which is lower than what's online.

I'd like to just take the set home with me. Did anyone who took the set home from the store have trouble getting it home in their car? I don't really want to wait on delivery, as it's tough for me to accomodate with my work schedule. It was tough to judge the real size of it there at the store, in such a large space.

Hopefully, I can have them remove it from the box and just slide it into the backseat of my car, and use the collapsed box to brace it. I have a Hyundai XG350, which is a four-door sedan with a fairly roomy back seat.

Let me know if this set is cumbersome enough that transporting it by car would be a bad move... otherwise, I'll just wait till Saturday and borrow my friend's truck.

I think I'm going to buy the 42A10 tonight after work at Best Buy. I was there the other day and it was listed at $1599, which is lower than what's online.

I'd like to just take the set home with me. Did anyone who took the set home from the store have trouble getting it home in their car? I don't really want to wait on delivery, as it's tough for me to accomodate with my work schedule. It was tough to judge the real size of it there at the store, in such a large space.

Hopefully, I can have them remove it from the box and just slide it into the backseat of my car, and use the collapsed box to brace it. I have a Hyundai XG350, which is a four-door sedan with a fairly roomy back seat.

Let me know if this set is cumbersome enough that transporting it by car would be a bad move... otherwise, I'll just wait till Saturday and borrow my friend's truck.

out the box, I fit mine in the back of my Honda Accord Coupe with no problem. Just keep it wrapped in the protective wrap that comes with it and you should be fine

Could someone please answer my question regarding overall PQ, value and features for the 42A10 versus the Panny 42" 50U plasma? My parents want to make a decision by today and I want to help them finalize.

Thanks in advance.

PQ-wise, nobody can do this legitimately. You (or your parents) really need to go to a store - preferably one where you can tinker with the controls - and decide which you like better. I would also suggest seeing them in different stores to get a feel for what they look like with different source material.

Feature-wise, you're best bet is to look at the manuals (I'm assuming Panasonic publishes their manuals) and decide which features, inputs, outputs, you like best.

Value-wise, I think the 42A10 is still a better deal - assuming you like the PQ and the features. :)


Mitch

Could someone please answer my question regarding overall PQ, value and features for the 42A10 versus the Panny 42" 50U plasma? My parents want to make a decision by today and I want to help them finalize.

Thanks in advance.

PQ wise, the plasma wins, IMHO.

Features, Sony has a slight edge.

Overall value, not sure. Note that the Sony will need a $200 bulb every maybe 4 years.

Hopefully this will be a quick question that someone can answer. My sister picked up a 42"A10 about two weeks ago. After doing some adjusting for them, the HD looks great, the digital SD channels look good but the analog channels look absolutely horrid. They have Brighthouse Digital Cable with the HD DVR. For a short time the analog station looked okay when I was tweaking them but they they reverted back to being really poor. I have no idea why this happened and spent another 30 or so minutes trying to figure it out without success. Any input would be greatly appreciated.