Well, after using the hdmi input for the last couple of weeks, I switched back to component last night for the football (and baseball) games, and I gotta say, although it has some drawbacks, I liked the component better.

First of all, and most importantly, the red-push is gone on skin tones. Thank god... it was becoming a fixation with me... Second, the colors do seem to have a little more "pop" to them. A little more vivid. And this was after I did a self-calibration after switching to component.

The two slight drawbacks I noticed were 1) a little more picture noise, and 2) a little more clay-face on areas of similar color. The hdmi was just a little cleaner and had more gradiation in colors.

But those drawbacks weren't enough to make me switch back. After watching for awhile, I just had that smile on my face like I did the first day I got it. woo hoo!!!!!!!

Being that hdmi is digital, you would think that all hdmi interaces would be the same. How does a red-push get introduced? I don't know. With digital, you wouldn't think it would be the case, but the picture doesn't lie...

anyway, back to being a happy camper.

anyone need a hdmi cable?!!

Hello fellow maxent owners. I've noticed that during intense action scenes (while watching batman and robin on HBO-HD at 720P) there is a good amount of pixelation. Is there a way to fix this or is it a limitation of the Maxent (or maybe comcast?).

Thanks!

HBO is 1080i not 720P. Also I haven't noticed any problems with fast motion on HBO-HD, or any other station. My guess is it has something to do with comcast compressing the signal, or the rescaling you are doing from 1080i to 720P.

Well, after using the hdmi input for the last couple of weeks, I switched back to component last night for the football (and baseball) games, and I gotta say, although it has some drawbacks, I liked the component better.

First of all, and most importantly, the red-push is gone on skin tones. Thank god... it was becoming a fixation with me... Second, the colors do seem to have a little more "pop" to them. A little more vivid. And this was after I did a self-calibration after switching to component.

The two slight drawbacks I noticed were 1) a little more picture noise, and 2) a little more clay-face on areas of similar color. The hdmi was just a little cleaner and had more gradiation in colors.


I noticed the exact same things. With HDMI I am seeing smoother gradients and less motion artifacts, but the colors are all mushed and no amount of tweaking has got them looking any better. I'm going to try an RGB cable to see how that looks in comparison to component.

I noticed the exact same things. With HDMI I am seeing smoother gradients and less motion artifacts, but the colors are all mushed and no amount of tweaking has got them looking any better. I'm going to try an RGB cable to see how that looks in comparison to component.

I'm looking forward to hearing about this. I have an RGB adapter that I'm waiting to see if something like this works out, although on my particular unit, the RGB settings were inverted for gain and bias.

Technically though, the RGB is uncompressed and should look the best of all the inputs.

hey, it looks like the 50" is now on Maxent's site. When do you think Costco will have it in stock with a $300 coupon?!!!!

http://www.maxentusa.com/_coreModules/eShopping/productDetail.aspx?productMasterID=22

jcampy:
in reference to your splitter and sound issue. What are you using for a second tuner? I have a DVD-R set up with component , on that I'm using RCA audio jacks with a splitter on them so that I can run one set to the TV and the other to my stereo receiver. On my comcast Motorola box, I have the DVI to HDMI and again I split the audio signal to the TV and the stereo receiver. Works great. My only complaint is that last night while using PIP to watch both MNF games, I couldn't use PIP when on the component feed. With this TV, PIP only works when using HDMI. This also appears to prevent one from swapping the signal between PIP and the main screen.

I was just at Costco in LA, south bay, and this particular plasma looked great. Im just waiting for another sale. Glad to see 17 pages of comments.

Anybody use this tv as an everyday tv?

So ... where do you take your Maxent plasma HDTV to if it breaks?? Are there repair places that can fix the Maxent?
I'm assuming it would be easier to have a name brand like Panasonic or Phillips repaired than an off brand like Maxent?

I'm still wrestling whether to purchase the 42 inch Maxent at at Costco or a Pany or Phillips 42 inch elsewhere.
The Maxent has a great picture and great price .. but if you can't get it repaired .. then you are in deep trouble and have purchased a very expensive doorstop.
I also like the Pany 42 inch EDTV, as the price is good and the PQ is good and you can get it repaired .. I'm assuming you can get a plasma repaired as easily as a CRT was repaired.
I like the Phillips because it is slightly more $ than the EDTV, better PQ and more options and I would think more easily repaired than the Maxent.
Can you purchase service warranty contracts at Costco for the Maxent?

So ... where do you take your Maxent plasma HDTV to if it breaks??

That's the good thing about buying from Costco. They have a very liberal return policy.

That's the good thing about buying from Costco. They have a very liberal return policy.


Are you saying that if it breaks .. a year or so later Costco would give the cost of the TV back?

Are you saying that if it breaks .. a year or so later Costco would give the cost of the TV back?

This is why we buy from Costco. Keep your receipt to make the return easier.

Are you saying that if it breaks .. a year or so later Costco would give the cost of the TV back?

Yes.

anyway, back to being a happy camper.

anyone need a hdmi cable?!!

I was going to buy an HDMI cable to test it out, but after reading your post I'm gonna listen to the cable company (Champion) and stick with component.

I guess the "digital lust" we have will not necessarily lead to better results.

I personally have found that 1080i and 480i yeild a better image. These are my thuoghts on the subject.

For me I find 480i unwatchable. 480p is OK.

I can't really tell the difference in quality between 1080i and 720p.

I was just at Costco in LA, south bay, and this particular plasma looked great. Im just waiting for another sale. Glad to see 17 pages of comments.

Anybody use this tv as an everyday tv?

We do, we watch it daily.
Works great, especially the HD programming with the SA 8300 HD.
SD programming takes some getting used to for the stretch modes, I don't like to watch the two black or gray bars on the panel that I paid for :p

We do, we watch it daily.
Works great, especially the HD programming with the SA 8300 HD.
SD programming takes some getting used to for the stretch modes, I don't like to watch the two black or gray bars on the panel that I paid for :p

Why wouldn't you want to use your new plasma for every day TV watching?

Sorry for the newb questions .. but do only HD channels fill the screen correctly and SD channels would have a bar .. or you have to stretch wo wide screen?

My last TV was a 35 inch square CRT that recently died and I am trying to decide which TV to replace it with. I have Direct TV standard right now and intend on getting HD setup when I get the new TV. The only experience I have with 16x9 is with some DVD's I've watched. I'm totally into buying a new set .. it's just so many different choices and flavors.

personally, I like the zoom setting from my cable box as opposed to a stretch mode. and yes, zoom fills the screen.

Sorry for the newb questions .. but do only HD channels fill the screen correctly and SD channels would have a bar .. or you have to stretch wo wide screen?

HDTV has a 16:9 aspect ratio (widescreen). Standard def TV has a 4:3 ratio (not really a square, but almost). So, to watch that 4:3 signal on your widescreen TV, you have a few options:

1) Watch it in what's called a "pillarbox", where the "square" signal is centered on your screen and you get black or gray bars on the sides.

2) stretch it out sideways to fill the screen (this makes everybody look fat)

3) use the zoom function which zooms into the image. This cuts off the top and bottom of the image but doesn't stretch anything, so people look normal (except the tops of their heads are cut off).

Also, depending on what TV or set top box you have, you may get a lot of other zoom or stretch modes that will do things like:

-zoom in a little and stretch a little so you don't clip too much off the top & bottom, but people don't look too stretched either

-only stretch the sides of the image so the middle stays normal but the sides get very stretched

It's all personal preference. Personally, I can't stand any kind of stretch modes. Distorting the entire picture just so you can fill a couple inches on the sides doesn't make much sense to me. I just watch SD in a pillar box (with gray bars to keep the wear a little more even)

Hello everyone,

I am a newbie on this board and I have been reading all the posts in this forum. I found it very helpful as I know very little about HD. Like everyone (almost), I bought this MX-42X3 at Costco in Southern Calif, Orange County. I have been playing with the settings and have not gotten everything straighten out just yet.

I need help. I just signed up with Adelphia for their HD package and they will install it tomorrow. My questions regarding the Maxent to maximize HD programming offered by Adelphia are as follows:

1) I was told by a sale person at Circuit City that in order to get HD signal, I will need to use either DVI or HDMI connection. Is this true? I noticed that at Costco, all of their HDTVs are connected via component cable for video and composite for audio. Their HD pictures are crisp there.

2) I read on this forum that DVI or HDMI introduce some problems and some people are switching back to using component cable for the HD signal. What I want to know is on the Maxent, there is a HDMI input and my Adelphia Motorola DCT6200 HD Set-Top box has DVI output. What type of DVI/HDMI cable do I need to buy to connect the set-top box to the Maxent? What is DVI-D? There are many different types of cables on monoprice. It's confusing.

3) what does RGB connection on the Maxent for? There are RGB in and out.

I am not using the Maxent to hook up my PC at all. It's only for TV viewing purposes.

Oh, anyone who is in Orange County, Southern CA has the Avia calibration disk that I can "borrow" or purchase from?

Thanks all in advance for your help.

Kenton

just use decent component cables from your box to the tv and you should be fine. you certainly don't need hdmi or dvi to get hd picture. I got my component cables from hdtvsupply.com, but you can go to lots of places for quality cables at decent prices.

you can get a dvi to hdmi cable as well, but for this particular plasma set, my personal recommendation would be to use component.

Hello all.

Has anyone compared these sets to the 42' Hisense?

Thanks!

Has anyone tried DVI to VGA on this plasma? Perhaps this fixes the red-push problem.

might as well just use component then, right?

Well I've maxed out my component inputs with XBOX and Dish Receiver, so I need to use either VGA or HDMI for DVD player.

Well I've maxed out my component inputs with XBOX and Dish Receiver, so I need to use either VGA or HDMI for DVD player.

Chris was supposed to check the RGB for DVD for us :)

what's a DVI-D in the "3FT HDMI Male to DVI-D Male CABLE for HDTV PLASMA DIGITAL VIDEO" listed on monoprice?

Chris was supposed to check the RGB for DVD for us :)

I'm going to...(actually RGB from my DirecTV HD box). It's tough because I have it wall mounted now with all the cabling snaked through the wall down to the basement. I need someone to help me lift it off the wall mount, then snake the rgb cable down, then re-attach it to the mount. Hopefully tonight or tomorrow.

what's a DVI-D in the "3FT HDMI Male to DVI-D Male CABLE for HDTV PLASMA DIGITAL VIDEO" listed on monoprice?

There's DVI-A, DVI-D, and DVI-I. DVI-D will work with this set. There's also single link and dual link. All you really need is DVI-D single link.

what's a DVI-D in the "3FT HDMI Male to DVI-D Male CABLE for HDTV PLASMA DIGITAL VIDEO" listed on monoprice?

I'd go at least 6ft. I can't imagine you have your player set close enough to the display to make a 3ft useable.

kentonhq:
I have the Maxent and bought the cable from monomprice.com, it is item number 2402.
It works great. Your cable company should provide you with componant cables. Buy the DVI/HDMI (less than 10 bucks with shipping) and compare the picture between the 2. I thought HDMI was slightly better. The main reason I use the HDMI cable is that PIP only works when using HDMI input. Kind of an odd quirk with this set but no big deal for me.
The Avia DVE calibration disk is nice. I bought it cheap through overstock.com 6 months ago for my rear projection HD TV. Haven't gotten around to calibrating the plasma yet but the Picture is so great out of the box, I'm in no big hurry.......

I'd go at least 6ft. I can't imagine you have your player set close enough to the display to make a 3ft useable.

I have my monitor place atop of the TV stand bought at Costco for $179. The Motorola DCT6200 will be on this stand as well. So 3ft is plenty enough for me.


kentonhq:
I have the Maxent and bought the cable from monomprice, it is item number 2402.
It works great. Your cable company should provide you with componant cables. Buy the DVI/HDMI (less than 10 bucks with shipping) and compare the picture between the 2. I thought HDMI was slightly better. The main reason I use the HDMI cable is that PIP only works when using HDMI input. Kind of an odd quirk with this set but no big deal for me.
The Avia DVE calibration disk is nice. I bought it cheap through overstock 6 months ago for my rear projection HD TV. Haven't gotten around to calibrating the plasma yet but the Picture is so great out of the box, I'm in no big hurry........

Thanks for the info. I checked monoprice and this item 2402 is S-Video. Did you mean 2404? If that is what you meant then I got my 3ft cable ordered yesterday and should arrive today.

Regarding the Avia DVE, it's listed for $38 on overstock. I will check around to see where's the cheapest place to get one.

Is it worthy to have one? does it really work?

HBO is 1080i not 720P. Also I haven't noticed any problems with fast motion on HBO-HD, or any other station. My guess is it has something to do with comcast compressing the signal, or the rescaling you are doing from 1080i to 720P.

Thanks! I'm going to switch it back to 1080i and see if that makes a difference.

Trying to connect my maxent to a cable (Comcast) box using my RGB input, I do not see a RGB output on the cable box, does any one know how? The only connections I have left and available on the cable box are IEEE 1394, Optical SPDIF, S-Video, Audio Inn, Ethernet and USB, and IR.

I'm now trying to connect my maxent to my HD cable (Comcast) box using my RGB input, I do not see a RGB output on the cable box, do you have any sugestions on how? The only connections I have left and available on the cable box are IEEE 1394, Optical SPDIF, S-Video, Audio Inn, Ethernet and USB, and IR.

Any news on the new 50" Maxent? Anyone know if it will be in Costco??

I finally got around to changing the HDMI RGB gain/bias settings to match the Component settings via the rs232 service port. Wow what a difference! I had an OTA tuner box playing thru comp1 and noticed that the colors/tint looked better than thru my HTPC playing thru HDMI. That's what prompted me to give this a go. I would recommend anyone who is not happy with the color from the HDMI input to try changing the HDMI values to match the component values. Remember to jot down the existing settings before making any changes.
-Phil

Phil - can you tell us how to do this? Is rs232 a serial port? If so, you're connected via a pc? sorry if i sound stupid...

i've been back with component for a few days now, and although the colors are better, i am getting more noise and banding than with the hdmi.

thanks!!

Any news on the new 50" Maxent? Anyone know if it will be in Costco??

well, I guess I've answered my own question. Here's the response I got from Maxent:

"The MX-50X3 will be available at Best Buy, nationwide, during the 3rd or 4th
week of October. We currently do not have the information of whether this
unit will be available at Costco."

I finally got around to changing the HDMI RGB gain/bias settings to match the Component settings via the rs232 service port. Wow what a difference!

I did that also. Even though the RGB gain & bias numbers were set the same (and saved), and color, tint, brightness, and contrast were set the same also for both inputs, I was definitely not seeing the same colors on both inputs. I tried with both an htpc and a DirecTV HD receiver. The HDMI colors are still out of whack, just not as much, but enough to make it annoying.

Phil - can you tell us how to do this? Is rs232 a serial port? If so, you're connected via a pc? sorry if i sound stupid...

i've been back with component for a few days now, and although the colors are better, i am getting more noise and banding than with the hdmi.

thanks!!

Yes you connect to the TV with a rs232c serial cable and a PC/laptop. One end of the cable to the service port on the TV the other to com1 on your pc. Check back in this thread a few pages for several posts on the topic. There are a couple of pages in the owners manual that you should look over too. If you still have a problem setting this up, post back here and I'll be happy to walk you through it. I think everyone should give this a try. It made a big difference for my panel. The HDMI input seems slightly cleaner than the component input. Now that the color is right, I'm real happy! I guess they could have spent a little more time calibrating these things back at the factory. But on the other hand, we do have access to the service port which is something most TV owners can only wish for.

-Phil

FYI, I just returned from Costco, while there I checked the Maxent 42" HDTV MX-42X3 out, and to my surprise, the price has drop $200.00, it is now #1799.99, not $1999.99 as before. It is now $100.00 above the June discount price. I'm still ahead price wise.

I did that also. Even though the RGB gain & bias numbers were set the same (and saved), and color, tint, brightness, and contrast were set the same also for both inputs, I was definitely not seeing the same colors on both inputs. I tried with both an htpc and a DirecTV HD receiver. The HDMI colors are still out of whack, just not as much, but enough to make it annoying.

I'll try to post my settings later. I'm sure your color problem can be fixed with the proper settings. Try inputting mine when I post them up. It might get you in the ballpark.

FYI, I just returned from Costco, while there I checked the Maxent 42" HDTV MX-42X3 out, and to my surprise, the price has drop $200.00, it is now #1799.99, not $1999.99 as before. It is now $100.00 above the June discount price. I'm still ahead price wise.

I was in the Santa Clara Costco (Ca) today and it was still at the same higher price.

Try Costco at 1600 El Camino in South City Ca. or Richmond Ca.

HDMI
cont: 70
brit: 21
color: 30
Tint: 0
shrp: 40
tmp : Nat

R-Gain: 210
G-Gain: 222
B-Gain: 215
R-Bias: 492
G-Bias: 512
B-Bias: 496

I know that each panel is different and that using these settings might not help, but short of ISF calibration ($$$), it doesn't hurt to try.
Since I've been trying to eyeball the RGB settings I've come to realize that the source signal can play cruel tricks on your efforts. If you pay close attention you will notice color/tint varies from channel to channel and even from camera to camera within the same broadcast. Since I'm using a HTPC, I simply set up the panel like I would any PC monitor, with static test patterns, macbeth color chart etc. There are plenty of web sites that can guide you through that process. If you don't have a PC driving the panel, adjusting the RGB controls will be very difficult.

Hi, not trying to change topics but, trying to connect my maxent to a cable (Comcast) box using my RGB input, I do not see a RGB output on the cable box, do you know how? The only connections I have left and available on the cable box are IEEE 1394, Optical SPDIF, S-Video, Audio Inn, Ethernet and USB, and IR

Kenton:
sorry bout that, I must have mis-typed the product number. Sounds like you foundthe right cable. Yes, I thought the DVE was worth it, but I don't think I paid that much for it. Someof the stuff on it was way over my head but it is very informative for picture and sound set up.

Mac4big2:
I don't have RGB out on my comcast box either. But ( I gotta ask) what are you feeding the DVI and/or Component outputs to? I played around with all of the outputs and actually got a decent picture on S-video, but of course it is much better with DVI and component.

Mac4big2:
I don't have RGB out on my comcast box either. But ( I gotta ask) what are you feeding the DVI and/or Component outputs to? I played around with all of the outputs and actually got a decent picture on S-video, but of course it is much better with DVI and component.

I'm now using both the DVI to HDMI and also the component cables. I'm using both with an audio split cable for the left and right speakers, as of now I have those two choices, and they are both working with good images, I wanted to be able to use that third choice if I can..

Thanks! I'm going to switch it back to 1080i and see if that makes a difference.


quick update - I did switch it back to 1080i and it did make a difference. There is not as much pixelation but there is still a small amount (acceptable to me :D )

Thanks everyone for your help!

Has anyone who has seen the 50" next to the 42" version comment on PQ similarity/differences? I'm shopping for a 50" and a couple 42" plasma HDTVs and this seems like a good option to consider. I have a friend that can get me some pretty good deals on plasma TVs at a certain large national B&M store but these prices are almost as good or perhaps even better than what I can get on discounted prices there. I read this entire thread and not too much on the 50" version other than it had difference specs on the website.

I would go look for myself but the nearest CostCo is actually quite a ways away and depending on what I find out through research I may go check them out in person. Thanks for the help.

I noticed the exact same things. With HDMI I am seeing smoother gradients and less motion artifacts, but the colors are all mushed and no amount of tweaking has got them looking any better. I'm going to try an RGB cable to see how that looks in comparison to component.
I hope you can help, I would like to try the RGB on my Maxent Plasma, but I do not have a RGB outlet on my HD Comcast cable box. How do I connect the Plasma to the cable box using RGB cable?

I'm looking forward to hearing about this. I have an RGB adapter that I'm waiting to see if something like this works out, although on my particular unit, the RGB settings were inverted for gain and bias.

Technically though, the RGB is uncompressed and should look the best of all the inputs.
About your RGB adapter, are you using this with your cable box to Plasma or your PC to Plasma? I'm also interested in using the RGB connection on my plasma but I do not know what cable buy, plus I do not have a RGB connection on my Cable Box. So my question is, how do I connect using RGB cables.

Im surprised there is not more interest in the origin of the panel, someone gave you guys a huge clue several pages back posting the model number "MCxxx" and origin of manufacture as Japan...

Well, theres only one Manufacturer that I know of that is Japanese, places the date of mfr and version number and uses MC at the beginning of its internal Panel part number designations... and thats Panasonic.

For example the MC94W32P2 is the official designation for a 37 inch Matsushita panel used in some Panasonic branded 37 inch models. This explains the quality of the picture versus the Best Buy version.

Just a tidbit... you all might want to follow up on that. Youll know if its a Panasonic panel because it will have the Matsushita logo (a "M" inside a cube) most likely just ahead of the part number designation.

Id say based on the information given its pretty much 99 percent accurate to say everyone here got a good deal on a repackaged Panasonic glass panel. The further question would be what generation it is.

as I posted earlier, the *new* 50" set is not due to be released until late October. I would not consider the current 50", as its specs are nowhere near the 42x3. The 50x3 will be in BestBuy for sure, and possibly Costco.

Hang in there a few more weeks...



Has anyone who has seen the 50" next to the 42" version comment on PQ similarity/differences? I'm shopping for a 50" and a couple 42" plasma HDTVs and this seems like a good option to consider. I have a friend that can get me some pretty good deals on plasma TVs at a certain large national B&M store but these prices are almost as good or perhaps even better than what I can get on discounted prices there. I read this entire thread and not too much on the 50" version other than it had difference specs on the website.

I would go look for myself but the nearest CostCo is actually quite a ways away and depending on what I find out through research I may go check them out in person. Thanks for the help.

Confirmed that the price has dropped to $200 below what it originally cost at Costco.

This is here in St. Louis

regarding the rgb cable, there's one laying around here at work connected to an old monitor that isn't being used. In addition to the rgb, it also has a gray and black connector. Also, on the serial side, it looks a little weird. It has three rows of pins, but some are missing. It has 4 of 5 pins on the first two rows, then 2 pins on the last row.

Is this ok for me to try and use with a laptop connected to the set??

as I posted earlier, the *new* 50" set is not due to be released until late October. I would not consider the current 50", as its specs are nowhere near the 42x3. The 50x3 will be in BestBuy for sure, and possibly Costco.

Hang in there a few more weeks...

That will be perfect if Best Buy gets it (soon). I can get it cheaper there and 36mos 0% interest to boot.

I was looking on www.CostCo.com and they have the 50x3 listed there and that's why I was confused. This isn't the same one though because they're using the same part number whereas the poor PQ 42" Maxent at BB has a different part number.

Costco has the 50x2, not the x3. I sent an email to Maxent last week, and they said the x3 would be available towards the end of october...

if they get the 50x3 for the same price as the 50x2, I'll be all over that (and if they have a coupon as well, then it'll be a steal...)

I have had my Maxent 42" for about a month now. I notice that my set has an issue with the left edge of faces and some objects. It looks like a double image on that left edge and has a slight blue/green/yellow tint on that left edge. Does that make sense? There are no issues with the right edge of faces/objects, just the left edge. And it is present on SD and HD (I have a Moto 6200 box, I think). I had the Vizio before this set and did not have that problem.

Is this a defect in just my set? Do others have it? Can this be corrected? Thanks!

hey, just a quick note to you guys that, I've bought the plasma recently and the RGB input display images very blurry or nothing at all. So I called up tech support and they said they suspect that it has older firmware, mine said 050615 and they said they just release 050622. They will schedule a tech to come out my house to do a service to upgrade the firmware.

Also, I asked what is the life span of the panel, he said that about 40,000 hours. I also asked that if the panel is a Samsung panel but he said he wasn't sure, but he knows that some models they use Samsung panels on some of their products.

So hopefully the new firmware will be able to fix the bugs that being described here.

To get firmware version, just go to Menu - Information - look at the S/W text.

hey, just a quick note to you guys that, I've bought the plasma recently and the RGB input display images very blurry or nothing at all. So I called up tech support and they said they suspect that it has older firmware, mine said 050615 and they said they just release 050622. They will schedule a tech to come out my house to do a service to upgrade the firmware.

Also, I asked what is the life span of the panel, he said that about 40,000 hours. I also asked that if the panel is a Samsung panel but he said he wasn't sure, but he knows that some models they use Samsung panels on some of their products.

So hopefully the new firmware will be able to fix the bugs that being described here.

To get firmware version, just go to Menu - Information - look at the S/W text.

Wow, mine is REALLY old. I've got 050605!! There has to be a way to do the update through HT. I'm going to call and ask CS to see if they will send an install CD. I bet it fixes some of the HDMI issues as well.

hey, just a quick note to you guys that, I've bought the plasma recently and the RGB input display images very blurry or nothing at all. So I called up tech support and they said they suspect that it has older firmware, mine said 050615 and they said they just release 050622. They will schedule a tech to come out my house to do a service to upgrade the firmware.

Also, I asked what is the life span of the panel, he said that about 40,000 hours. I also asked that if the panel is a Samsung panel but he said he wasn't sure, but he knows that some models they use Samsung panels on some of their products.

So hopefully the new firmware will be able to fix the bugs that being described here.

To get firmware version, just go to Menu - Information - look at the S/W text.

It's Panasonic.

They will schedule a tech to come out my house to do a service to upgrade the firmware.

vboyz103 - Were they willing to send a tech for free?? It seems like they would be better off just giving us the firmware...

vboyz103 - Were they willing to send a tech for free?? It seems like they would be better off just giving us the firmware...

Told me the same thing - that the updated firmware effectively fixes the HDMI issue. Apparently, it's a flash upgrade, and the casing has to be taken apart to get to it.

vboyz103 - Were they willing to send a tech for free?? It seems like they would be better off just giving us the firmware...

Yes, it is free of charge because I'm still in the warranty period and I cannot see anything under RGB connection. So it's pretty much they'll cover it.

Yes, it is free of charge because I'm still in the warranty period and I cannot see anything under RGB connection. So it's pretty much they'll cover it.
vboyz, question what does the RGB cable look like and how do you hook it up. I have the maxent hdplasma and a Comcast HD cable box. I do see the input and output for the RGB on the TV but I do not see a connection on the cable box. I'm completly lost, I do wish to get the RGB up and running as soon as posible.

vboyz, question what does the RGB cable look like and how do you hook it up. I have the maxent hdplasma and a Comcast HD cable box. I do see the input and output for the RGB on the TV but I do not see a connection on the cable box. I'm completly lost, I do wish to get the RGB up and running as soon as posible.

Hey Mac,

It depends on what kind of cable box you have, I had the Dual DVR digital with RCA, Component, and DVI and they all can be used with the TV. The DVI connection need a HDMI converter though to work with this TV. The RGB IN, is located in the outside toward you if you are looking at the back of the TV, where you can hook up the PC with just a generic VGA cable that you do for any other PC monitors. The thing is for some reason, my RGB connection is screwed up and I can't see anything at all. That is why Maxent is scheduling a tech to come out to update the firmware.

Hope this helps.

Hey Mac,

It depends on what kind of cable box you have, I had the Dual DVR digital with RCA, Component, and DVI and they all can be used with the TV. The DVI connection need a HDMI converter though to work with this TV. The RGB IN, is located in the outside toward you if you are looking at the back of the TV, where you can hook up the PC with just a generic VGA cable that you do for any other PC monitors. The thing is for some reason, my RGB connection is screwed up and I can't see anything at all. That is why Maxent is scheduling a tech to come out to update the firmware.

Hope this helps.

I couldn't see anything on the RGB port either, Then I realized that I had plugged into the RGB out, and not the RGB in port. Its an easy mistake to make when your plasma is mounted on the wall and you have no room to maneuver to see what connects where.

You might want to check the same thing on your setup.

i'd just let the tech come out and update the firmware, especially if it corrects the red-push on the hdmi input..

Hey Mac,

It depends on what kind of cable box you have, I had the Dual DVR digital with RCA, Component, and DVI and they all can be used with the TV. The DVI connection need a HDMI converter though to work with this TV. The RGB IN, is located in the outside toward you if you are looking at the back of the TV, where you can hook up the PC with just a generic VGA cable that you do for any other PC monitors. The thing is for some reason, my RGB connection is screwed up and I can't see anything at all. That is why Maxent is scheduling a tech to come out to update the firmware.

Hope this helps.
Thanks for your help, on my Comcast HD cable box I do have the same connection as yours, DVI Plus a RCA for component cables, which I have hooked up, and they are working fine, But what I do not see on the cable box is a connection for the RGB cable. After I hook the cable to my Maxent input where on the cable box do I connect the other end to? And what do the RGB cable look like?
Is the RGB for PC to Monitor only? or is it for cable box to monitor?

I couldn't see anything on the RGB port either, Then I realized that I had plugged into the RGB out, and not the RGB in port. Its an easy mistake to make when your plasma is mounted on the wall and you have no room to maneuver to see what connects where.

You might want to check the same thing on your setup.
I do not see on the cable box a connection for the RGB cable. After I hook the cable to my Maxent input where on the cable box do I connect the other end to? And what do the RGB cable look like?
Is the RGB for PC to Monitor only? or is it for cable box to monitor?
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Mac, there IS NO RGB OUTPUT on your cable box.

Stop trying to look for what isn't there :D

You could possibly get a VGA to component cable from monoprice, but it might not work.

Mac, there IS NO RGB OUTPUT on your cable box.

Stop trying to look for what isn't there :D

You could possibly get a VGA to component cable from monoprice, but it might not work.
Are you saying that if I'm able to get the VGA to Component cable, once I do I would hook the VGA end to the RGB input on the Maxent, and the component end to the cable box?

as I posted earlier, the *new* 50" set is not due to be released until late October. I would not consider the current 50", as its specs are nowhere near the 42x3. The 50x3 will be in BestBuy for sure, and possibly Costco.

Hang in there a few more weeks...

I started a new thread devoted to the 50" version of the 42x3, the 50x3, here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=584830). This way we can update each other with all the info we have. Feel free to add any information or (when it finally hits stores) reviews and personal opinion on PQ of this set.

I posted a few posts earlier in the thread about problems with my Maxent 42X3 (going black at random times on HDMI and Component, especially when first turning on the TV). I have finally verfied that it is infact my tv and not my perpherials that are causing this (i have replaced the DirecTivo HD receiver twice, and tried multiple dvd players). So now I have placed an order for the panny phd8uk and am planning on taking this back to costco. I have a problem however, it is past the "official" 30 day return policy. I know that people claim that costco's are really flexible about this, but has anyone managed to return a plasma to costco after the 30 days and been sucessful? On the same note has anyone been unseccessful with a return? I am worried because i have already placed the order for the panny, and I don't want to be stuck with a malfunctioning 42X3 that I have no use for?

Thanks,

Matt.

Matt - I guess we'll find out, huh?!! It shouldn't be a problem. Let us know how it goes...


Jeremy - my guess would be that until the 50x3's are actually in people's hands, there won't be too much activity on that thread. I'd probably prefer to keep that info on this thread, if other people don't mind.

Although I love the 42x3, I would prefer the 50x3 because of the size and the detachable speakers. Having said that, the street price better be a good 25% cheaper than msrp if it is going to really compete with the Panny. I would think most people would spend a few extra bucks to get the Panny name and reputation.

And... I would much prefer if the 50x3 becomes available at Costco than at BB. I'm just more comfortable with their policies...

Jeremy - my guess would be that until the 50x3's are actually in people's hands, there won't be too much activity on that thread. I'd probably prefer to keep that info on this thread, if other people don't mind.

Well, sounds like it'll be two weeks is all before people will be able to report on their personal opinion of PQ on this bad boy. In the mean time I thought people could post up any new info about it that they may have come across.

Although I love the 42x3, I would prefer the 50x3 because of the size and the detachable speakers. Having said that, the street price better be a good 25% cheaper than msrp if it is going to really compete with the Panny. I would think most people would spend a few extra bucks to get the Panny name and reputation.

The size is a selling point for me as is the detachable speakers. That's huge because if you're doing your own audio you can get rid of one of the eye sores that most plasmas are plagued with. How will the Panny only be a few dollars more than the 50x3? The panny I'm looking at is $3,999 retail and the 50x3 Maxent is $2,999 retail. A thousand dollars is quite a bit difference. Besides, I'll be able to buy them at 25% below retail. ;)

And... I would much prefer if the 50x3 becomes available at Costco than at BB. I'm just more comfortable with their policies...

I'm the other way. I like the 36mos 0% interest and since I have connections at Best Buy and the nearest CostCo is almost 2hrs away it's easier for me to buy at BB and deal with any problems I have there versus CostCo anyway. To each his own and that's why their both still in business I guess.

Bottom line is I think it would be beneficial to have a separate thread for this monitor so that we don't get confused between the two once it comes out and starts getting more popular.

Are you saying that if I'm able to get the VGA to Component cable, once I do I would hook the VGA end to the RGB input on the Maxent, and the component end to the cable box?

I'm saying it MAY be possible. Usually that cable is meant for video cards, but it MAY work the other way around. It's not that expensive, so take a chance and let us know :)

I'm saying it MAY be possible. Usually that cable is meant for video cards, but it MAY work the other way around. It's not that expensive, so take a chance and let us know :)
Here is what I'm trying to do, I already have my DVI, ADMI cable hooked up and it is working. I also have my Component cables hooked up and that is also working. Now what I want to do is install a RGB cable from my Comcast HD Cable box to my Maxent HD Tv, is it possible that this require a converter so that I can apply it to my cable box? and if so what kink of cable do I need.

Jeremy - I am basing the price of the panny 50" at about 25% less than msrp. that is what its at at online dealers. basically the msrp of the maxent.... so I'm saying the maxent should be significantly less than that (at least $500 in my mind...)

2-3 weeks before people get it. the thread would be buried about 10 pages deep by then!!! either way with the thread - i'll follow it either way.

Here is what I'm trying to do, I already have my DVI, ADMI cable hooked up and it is working. I also have my Component cables hooked up and that is also working. Now what I want to do is install a RGB cable from my Comcast HD Cable box to my Maxent HD Tv, is it possible that this require a converter so that I can apply it to my cable box? and if so what kink of cable do I need.

This is what you want:

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10235&cs_id=1023503&p_id=2174&seq=1&format=2&style=

It's $10.22, so I think it's worth the chance. You'd hook this into the component out of your cable box and the VGA in into the RGB of the monitor.

I'm about 50/50 as to whether this will work, but it's worth a shot, no?

forgot to ask, did anybody actually received or had their TV serviced to have the newest firmware? If so, did it fix may issues that others reported in this thread?

Thanks.

This is what you want:

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10235&cs_id=1023503&p_id=2174&seq=1&format=2&style=

It's $10.22, so I think it's worth the chance. You'd hook this into the component out of your cable box and the VGA in into the RGB of the monitor.

I'm about 50/50 as to whether this will work, but it's worth a shot, no?
Got it, there is a Fry's electronics not too far from my location I will call tomorrow for prices if it is too much I will get it from Monoprice.
Now that I know how to do the connection I have one more question, I already have my component and my DMI connected using a 2 cable spliter for the audio that way I'm able to jump from DMI to Component via the remote, the question is,does a 3 cable spliter exist? in other words can I divide the audio three ways instead of two, I supose I could ask at the electronic store, Thanks for your help.

Well... I just got rid of my Vizio P42HDe because that picture was just too darn grainy. I am going to purchase the Maxent in about 5-6 days from Costco.... and when I do....

I plan to set this thread on fire.... :cool:

I posted a few posts earlier in the thread about problems with my Maxent 42X3 (going black at random times on HDMI and Component, especially when first turning on the TV). I have finally verfied that it is infact my tv and not my perpherials that are causing this (i have replaced the DirecTivo HD receiver twice, and tried multiple dvd players). So now I have placed an order for the panny phd8uk and am planning on taking this back to costco. I have a problem however, it is past the "official" 30 day return policy. I know that people claim that costco's are really flexible about this, but has anyone managed to return a plasma to costco after the 30 days and been sucessful? On the same note has anyone been unseccessful with a return? I am worried because i have already placed the order for the panny, and I don't want to be stuck with a malfunctioning 42X3 that I have no use for?

Thanks,

Matt.

I don't know what Costco you are talking about but stores around me "official" policy is 1 year for full cash refund. I never heard of 30 day return policy for Costco. Even there computers have a 60 day return policy. Nobody would by a TV from them because they are not covered by the manufactures warranty if that was the case.

Got it, there is a Fry's electronics not too far from my location I will call tomorrow for prices if it is too much I will get it from Monoprice.
Now that I know how to do the connection I have one more question, I already have my component and my DMI connected using a 2 cable spliter for the audio that way I'm able to jump from DMI to Component via the remote, the question is,does a 3 cable spliter exist? in other words can I divide the audio three ways instead of two, I supose I could ask at the electronic store, Thanks for your help.

If you dont mind my asking why are you "splitting" the audio? Are you connecting the cable box to 3 different inputs on your TV? Component, HDMI, and now RGB as well? all at the same time? If so why would one need to connect a single cable box to the monitor using three different connections? I would not advise "splitting" the audio that many times because you are reducing the signal level and therefore the signal quality each time.

If you are connecting three different pieces of equipment to the monitor using the three different inputs (component, HDMI, and RGB) then you wouldn't need to "split" the audio signal because each would have its own audio output.

Please clarify.

If you dont mind my asking why are you "splitting" the audio? Are you connecting the cable box to 3 different inputs on your TV? Component, HDMI, and now RGB as well? all at the same time? If so why would one need to connect a single cable box to the monitor using three different connections? I would not advise "splitting" the audio that many times because you are reducing the signal level and therefore the signal quality each time.

If you are connecting three different pieces of equipment to the monitor using the three different inputs (component, HDMI, and RGB) then you wouldn't need to "split" the audio signal because each would have its own audio output.

Please clarify.
Ok, here goes, you are right, I'm trying to connect all three from the cable box and unfortunatly the cable box only have one left and right Audio Out, so I had no choice but to split the audio for the HDMI and the Component. The quality of the sound is not important because the speakers on the Plasma sound like a small radio with no base. Now, I also have a Fosgate sorround system going through a Audio Video System Controller which is using the composit connection on the Plasma, at this time I only have a DVD on the controller and room for two more once I decide which to purchase, ( my choice will be a dvd with a Tivo and 40 to 80 Hrs recording time or a Dvr with again 40 to 80 Hrs of recording. I also have the Sorround system directly attached to the Audio out of the Plasma so that I can listen to the Plasma in Sorround or Mono including a variaty of modes. So the only connection I have left to hook up to the Plasma is the RGB, and what I will do is split the HDMI cable again to accomodate the audio in for the RGB, again the sound is so tinnish that it does not matter. and I can always initiate my Sorround if needed. So far every thing works fine including the PIP on HDMI when I'm looking at a Video, and in the composit mode I can Zoom do Panorama and so on. On the Dvd recorder I would really like to purchase a DVR which means I think, that you can record unto a DVD disc if it is not copy protected (contains a hard drive) and like I said 40 to 80 hrs recording and Tivo, which I will probably have to subscribe to. About the firmware, please keep me updated mine is also 050615, old version. Oh, I ordered the cable today it is 6ft vga to 3 rca (HD15-3-RCA). http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10235&cs_id=1023503&p_id=2170&seq=1&format=2&style=

(((((((the Product ID 2170)))))))

Ok, here goes, you are right, I'm trying to connect all three from the cable box and unfortunatly the cable box only have one left and right Audio Out, so I had no choice but to split the audio for the HDMI and the Component. The quality of the sound is not important because the speakers on the Plasma sound like a small radio with no base. Now, I also have a Fosgate sorround system going through a Audio Video System Controller which is using the composit connection on the Plasma, at this time I only have a DVD on the controller and room for two more once I decide which to purchase, ( my choice will be a dvd with a Tivo and 40 to 80 Hrs recording time or a Dvr with again 40 to 80 Hrs of recording. I also have the Sorround system directly attached to the Audio out of the Plasma so that I can listen to the Plasma in Sorround or Mono including a variaty of modes. So the only connection I have left to hook up to the Plasma is the RGB, and what I will do is split the HDMI cable again to accomodate the audio in for the RGB, again the sound is so tinnish that it does not matter. and I can always initiate my Sorround if needed. So far every thing works fine including the PIP on HDMI when I'm looking at a Video, and in the composit mode I can Zoom do Panorama and so on. On the Dvd recorder I would really like to purchase a DVR which means I think, that you can record unto a DVD disc if it is not copy protected (contains a hard drive) and like I said 40 to 80 hrs recording and Tivo, which I will probably have to subscribe to. About the firmware, please keep me updated mine is also 050615, old version. Oh, I ordered the cable today it is 6ft vga to 3 rca (HD15-3-RCA). http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10235&cs_id=1023503&p_id=2170&seq=1&format=2&style=

(((((((the Product ID 2170)))))))

This doesn't really answer the question. let's simplify it: what device do you have plugged into what input? Ex. -

HDMI - DVD Player
Component1 - cable
Component2 - xbox
S-Video - VCR

Etc.

This doesn't really answer the question. let's simplify it: what device do you have plugged into what input? Ex. -

HDMI - DVD Player
Component1 - cable
Component2 - xbox
S-Video - VCR

Etc.
Ok, HDMI (DVI<Comcast Cable Box>--HDMI<Plasma Tv>
Component1 (Component cable on both cable box and Plasma tv)
((((Now the Audio part of both, the component and HDMI))))since there is only one audio in for HDMI and one for component, I bought a spliter one for the right and one for the left audio, making it possible to use both HDMI "audio" in and also "audio in" for the component. On my composit connection I connected my audio video system controller which can controll 3 units, but I only have one so far. I also used the audio out on the plasma to my Sorround system to improve the sound on the plasma if I'm watching a movie on cable channels or any thing interesting .and as I said before they are all working. I almost forgat I'm not using the s-video connection. just the composit cables. which is Video in and audio left and right.

Ok, HDMI (DVI<Comcast Cable Box>--HDMI<Plasma Tv>
Component1 (Component cable on both cable box and Plasma tv)
((((Now the Audio part of both, the component and HDMI))))since there is only one audio in for HDMI and one for component, I bought a spliter one for the right and one for the left audio, making it possible to use both HDMI "audio" in and also "audio in" for the component. On my composit connection I connected my audio video system controller which can controll 3 units, but I only have one so far. I also used the audio out on the plasma to my Sorround system to improve the sound on the plasma if I'm watching a movie on cable channels or any thing interesting .and as I said before they are all working. I almost forgat I'm not using the s-video connection. just the composit cables. which is Video in and audio left and right.

mac4big2,

So here goes with the question I'm sure others are wanting to ask... Why would you need to connect your cable box to the TV through three separate inputs? I'm sorry to say that there is going to be no benefit in picture quality using two or three different inputs at once from the cable box to the monitor. I would pick one (HDMI or component) and stick with it. That way it will free up the other inputs for DVD players, VCRs, etc. If it is because of aspect ratio choices on SD 4:3 zoom then use the component OR HDMI and either composite OR S-video.

Also why bother routing the audio into the TV first since you mention that it does not sound as good as your fosgate system. Just bypass the TV and connect the audio directly through your surround controller/receiver. This way you wont have to worry about "splitting" the audio signals and there will be less wire cluttering your room. Not to mention the sound will be much better that way (better speakers and less signal loss through the multiple connections).

I have had this set a few weeks. Some observations:
1) I have an SA HD8300 DVR. I do not use TV's speakers; Audio is played through a home theater system.
2) Component input works very well. I tried HDMI: it did not work at all, that is I got a blank picture, till I tried setting the default channel to an HD channel. HDMI worked after that but only for HD channels. SD channels were still blanks. Also, I thought that the HDMI PQ was worse than component, just like other people have noticed.
3) PQ on HD is excellent. SD is also good, but may be I need to do some tweaking. Currently, the DVR is upscaling the SD content to 1080i. May be I should use passthough 480i.
4) The DVR remote control would not control this TV, no matter what I tried. I tried the Sempo (sp?) codes and also tried searching for codes, but nothing worked. So I got a harmony remote, and it works very well with this TV. I now just press a single button, and everything comes on correctly. Kids and wife are very happy :-)
5) I have not yet tried calibrating the set. To me, HD looks so good as it is, I don't see why I should bother. But may be SD will look better.
6) I am finding myself just watching HD most of the time. The PQ is stunning: the US Open Tennis was great!
7) DVDs looks very good too. I use 480p for DVDs.

In all, I am very satisfied with my purchase.

mac4big2,

So here goes with the question I'm sure others are wanting to ask... Why would you need to connect your cable box to the TV through three separate inputs? I'm sorry to say that there is going to be no benefit in picture quality using two or three different inputs at once from the cable box to the monitor. I would pick one (HDMI or component) and stick with it. That way it will free up the other inputs for DVD players, VCRs, etc. If it is because of aspect ratio choices on SD 4:3 zoom then use the component OR HDMI and either composite OR S-video.

Also why bother routing the audio into the TV first since you mention that it does not sound as good as your fosgate system. Just bypass the TV and connect the audio directly through your surround controller/receiver. This way you wont have to worry about "splitting" the audio signals and there will be less wire cluttering your room. Not to mention the sound will be much better that way (better speakers and less signal loss through the multiple connections).
I think I know what you mean, but the Sorround system is hooked up between the audio video controller and the Plasma all via composit cable, and using the controller I only need one set of connections for all three units I have a A B and C options on the controller one for each unit and as I said before every thing work so far, let's see how it turns out when I connect the RGB as soon as receive the cable I ordered. The reason I'm using the Audio Out on the plasma to my Sorround is that this way I can watch all of the cable channels on sorround if there is anything depending on what's on other than that I would use the plasma speakers.

I just picked up one of these today at CostCo. It would of cost about the same to internet order the HiSense 42" sight unseen. I'll trade the SD tuner in the HiSense for CostCo's return policy anyday.


So far I am very pleased, HD and DVD's look great. SD is better than expected.

I just picked up one of these today at CostCo. It would of cost about the same to internet order the HiSense 42" sight unseen. I'll trade the SD tuner in the HiSense for CostCo's return policy anyday.


So far I am very pleased, HD and DVD's look great. SD is better than expected.

Welcome to the club!

I've been quite happy with my Maxent and am still tweaking it. Right now I'm waiting on my SVGA multiplier/amplifier and SVGA cables to arrive from Monoprice.com to get my HTPC properly hooked up. I cant wait to be able to watch my WMV-HD DVD movies at HD resolution!

Welcome to the club!

I've been quite happy with my Maxent and am still tweaking it. Right now I'm waiting on my SVGA multiplier/amplifier and SVGA cables to arrive from Monoprice.com to get my HTPC properly hooked up. I cant wait to be able to watch my WMV-HD DVD movies at HD resolution!

HTPC, cool. I'm thinking about that next as I want to aquire a library of HD content beyond what the comcast Motorola DCT-6412 DVR can hold.

I have noticed some glitching in the RGB port though. It's a little concerning but too early to tell. I think I can resolve it. I'm using a really cheap VGA cable and an equally cheap component to VGA transcorder in the video path.

The glitching isn't there when running component straight thru from the same Motorola box.

BTW, the reason for the transcoder is to drive a 8" CRT front projector (Ehome Marquee 8500), which is in the same room. The Motorola only has 1 component out, but the transcoder has 2 rgb outs which splits to both monitors. So when I go component only, I disable cable from the big CRT TV.

If I can't get the glitching resolved on the current RGB path, I should be able to go DVI-D out of the cable box to RGB and/or HDMI.

Right now, for DVD I am running 480i via S-vid to the Maxent and it looks pretty good. The DVD's Component out runs thru a Lumagen Scaler to the CRT projector. I don't mind the 480i, but I am thinking about how I might split the DVD component out to both.

I've been watching HD content on the Maxent 42" side by side with the 120" CRT projection all night. There are so many little differences between the two. The CRT doesn't have the fidelity the PDP glass does. But considering the size of the crt and it's ability to deliver color gradiations better, I wouldn't want to be forced to pick between the two.

Anyway, it's only been a 1/2 day, all calibration has been by eye so far. Overall I am very happy with the Maxent considering the price.

Can someone confirm whether the HDMI port on the Maxent is functional?

I am scheduled to purchase one of these units in a few days.

I don't know what Costco you are talking about but stores around me "official" policy is 1 year for full cash refund. I never heard of 30 day return policy for Costco. Even there computers have a 60 day return policy. Nobody would by a TV from them because they are not covered by the manufactures warranty if that was the case.

The Costcos around here have a Lifetime return policy on electronics, and a 6 month return policy on computer related items. I've asked a couple managers and they have all said the same thing. You can even return the TV without the box!

The Costcos around here have a Lifetime return policy on electronics, and a 6 month return policy on computer related items. I've asked a couple managers and they have all said the same thing. You can even return the TV without the box!


The only thing I have ever purchased from costco was this Maxent. While I was getting my membership photo taken, someone was wheeling up a rear projection tv with no box and what looked like some minor physical damage to the case.

Lifetime return policy is insane, I can't imagine how they do it and still make money. Where do all these returned TV's go anyway?

Can someone confirm whether the HDMI port on the Maxent is functional?

The HDMI port does indeed work. I've got my OTA HDTV receiver plugged into it right now.

However there are some image issues on the HDMI as referenced by others previously

P.S. I think there is a giant warehouse somewhere that has a mountain of used returned electronics from Costco... might be worth looking into.

The Costcos around here have a Lifetime return policy on electronics, and a 6 month return policy on computer related items. I've asked a couple managers and they have all said the same thing. You can even return the TV without the box!

The closest CostCo is about two hours from us. We're looking at a 50" plasma and two 32" LCDs (probably Aquos) and are considering getting them at CostCo. Trying to balance all the options right now and need a few figures to make a final decision. For starters, I see that a membership is $45 per year. Is the renewal rate the same amount or is it a discount amount?

Will the lifetime warranty only apply as long as you're a member? In other words if we get a year membership and buy two or three TVs and let the membership expire after the first year and one (or both) of the LCDs crap out the next year or two... will we still have the warranty or no? (I would assume no but just want an answer from someone who knows)

Sorry for the thread jacking but it seems that there's several here who know and I searched both CostCo's site and Google and couldn't get too much detail on these questions.

Will the lifetime warranty only apply as long as you're a member? In other words if we get a year membership and buy two or three TVs and let the membership expire after the first year and one (or both) of the LCDs crap out the next year or two... will we still have the warranty or no? (I would assume no but just want an answer from someone who knows)

The renewal rate is the same as the initial annual membership price. Also I do believe the return policy is for "members" only as you describe. Therefore if the TV is the only thing that you will ever purchase at Costco the annual cost of membership must be accounted for.

However you can get some fantastic deals on "other" things from Costco member services such as auto/home insurance, travel, etc that may make the membership more worthwhile. Personally, I save enough on gasoline from Costco to pay for the annual membership.

P.S. I was formerly a member at Sams Club and had purchased a automobile battery which months later died out after my membership had expired. I was able to go in and get a replacement based on the store warranty without having to renew. However, I don't think Costco would be as lenient with a big ticket item such as a plasma TV.

The renewal rate is the same as the initial annual membership price. Also I do believe the return policy is for "members" only as you describe. Therefore if the TV is the only thing that you will ever purchase at Costco the annual cost of membership must be accounted for.

However you can get some fantastic deals on "other" things from Costco member services such as auto/home insurance, travel, etc that may make the membership more worthwhile. Personally, I save enough on gasoline from Costco to pay for the annual membership.

P.S. I was formerly a member at Sams Club and had purchased a automobile battery which months later died out after my membership had expired. I was able to go in and get a replacement based on the store warranty without having to renew. However, I don't think Costco would be as lenient with a big ticket item such as a plasma TV.

Well, I doubt we'll do the 50" plasma there since what I want is the Maxent 50x3 and I can order it from Best Buy now at cost and CostCo may not have it for quite some time. I am however VERY interested in buying a couple of the 32" Aquos LCDs that they have for $1,500 retail and if there was some sort of sale that brought down the price a little bit more it would be a no branier to have two $1,500 TVs covered for $45 per year if that's all we bought (which would probably be the case). BB wants like $400 PER LCD to cover them for three or four years (forget which one) and their retail price is higher than this. I can probably get one for about a hundred less from BB but ultimately it might be worth it to get the two LCDs at CostCo and sign up for a membership to have the warranty. If they had the 50x3 as opposed to the 50x2 it would be a no brainer and I would drive down tomorrow to sign up and buy all three.

Thanks for the input and sorry again for the off topic.

Does the maxent have a cable card slot? For those of you with Tivo stand alone units, how do you hook it up to view HD programing, I am not talking about playback since the stand alone units cant record in HD but I want to know if you can view it in HD format if you have Tivo.

Does the maxent have a cable card slot? For those of you with Tivo stand alone units, how do you hook it up to view HD programing, I am not talking about playback since the stand alone units cant record in HD but I want to know if you can view it in HD format if you have Tivo.

Doesn't have Cable Card, sorry.

Not sure what you mean with the Tivo. If you didn't record it in HD, it won't be displayed in HD. It will be displayed it whatever resolution your recorded it in.

I have Tivo hooked up so that the cable signal goes into it and then to the TV. Can an HD signal passthrough Tivo to the TV in HD format or not?

I have Tivo hooked up so that the cable signal goes into it and then to the TV. Can an HD signal passthrough Tivo to the TV in HD format or not?

Well let's use some logic here. If it won't RECORD an HD signal, what makes you think it would pass one?

But it appears your bigger issue is that this display doesn't have a tuner, so you'll have to get a cable box anyway.

I do have a cable box and to an expert perhaps the answer is simple. I thought that since it would simply pass through TIVO it might work rather than recording.

I do have a cable box and to an expert perhaps the answer is simple. I thought that since it would simply pass through TIVO it might work rather than recording.

I re-read my response and it did seem rather snide. That's the problem with the net - no inflection :D Be assured I didn't mean it that way.

What I'd recommend is that you get a splitter and then you can record and watch at the same time.

I finally received my SVGA amplifier multiplier today from Monoprice along with a couple SVGA cables and have connected my Hewlet Packard HTPC to the RGB input of the Maxent. Image detail and text sharpness is spectacular! However there are two MAJOR image related problems that I have encountered. I already posted a lengthy rundown of the situation in the HTPC section but I will post the photo of the problem here to see if any of the Maxent owners who are using HTPCs have had similar issues:

http://24.96.59.129:8080/random/HomeTheater/rgbinput.jpg
The RED area demonstrates a series of faint vertical bars which appear in areas of solid color across the entire image.
The GREEN area demonstrates pixelation and color banding across color gradients.

The Radeon output resolution is 1280x768. 1280x768 must be scaled by the Maxent to display on its native 1024x768 panel maintains the proper image geometry as opposed to a "stretched image" with a 1024x768 one-to-one output setting on the Radeon.

I don't think that there is an inherent problem with the monitor itself as I have connected my Apple iBook via the SVGA port without the vertical bar artifacts seen above. In addition the vertical bar artifacts are not seen on any of the other inputs of the Maxent (component, S-video, HDMI, composite).

How would I connect my Nvidia 6600gt with dual DVI output to this 42" Plasma? They don't list a DVI input. Is the RGB input the same as DVI input?

How would I connect my Nvidia 6600gt with dual DVI output to this 42" Plasma? They don't list a DVI input. Is the RGB input the same as DVI input?

They aren't the same. Are your DVI outputs DVI-I?

I recently purchased the Maxent from Costco. I'm having a problem getting the picture to look normal. I'm new to Plasma TVs so maybe they're supposed to look like this but it seems like in all but the narrowest modes the picture seems stretched. Is this normal?

They aren't the same. Are your DVI outputs DVI-I?

Don't know whether it is DVI-I. The description is that it's HDTV ready and dual DVI.

Some of you may remember that I had reported problems with my 42X3 and was worried about to return it to costco (46 days after purchase).

Well the return went smoothly, I told a guy what was wrong with it, and they just scanned my costco card and receipt and then credited my debit card that I used to make the purchase. While i was there I managed to get the OFFICIAL costco return policy, and would like to point out some errors made earlier.

Costco offers a "30 day satisfaction" money back guarantee, this means that they will take back anything in the first 30 days without asking for any reason. After 30 days they only take back products that are defective/broken and are still under the manufacturers warrantee (which is 1 year on most items sold at costco, including the 42x3). After the period of the manufacturers warrantee they are not supposed to take anything back (but may take back some things--depends on the local manager). The exception to this policy is on computers, costco will only accept returns for the first 6 months, and after that all defective products should be sent to the manufacturer for warrantee repair/service.

Therefore, if nothing is wrong with your TV, you are not supposed to return it after 30 days. Of course, they do not test the items when you return them so you could make up some bogus excuse. I personally think thats a shady, but to each his own.

Additionally, the guy at costco told me that lots of people have been returning the 42X3 complaining of sound problems... just something to look out for.

I hope this clarifies the costco return policy, it is not Lifetime Return.... if you don't believe me ask your local costco return manager (not some random bakery or tire manager).

I finally received my SVGA amplifier multiplier today from Monoprice along with a couple SVGA cables and have connected my Hewlet Packard HTPC to the RGB input of the Maxent. Image detail and text sharpness is spectacular! However there are two MAJOR image related problems that I have encountered. I already posted a lengthy rundown of the situation in the HTPC section but I will post the photo of the problem here to see if any of the Maxent owners who are using HTPCs have had similar issues:

http://24.96.59.129:8080/random/HomeTheater/rgbinput.jpg
The RED area demonstrates a series of faint vertical bars which appear in areas of solid color across the entire image.
The GREEN area demonstrates pixelation and color banding across color gradients.

The Radeon output resolution is 1280x768. 1280x768 must be scaled by the Maxent to display on its native 1024x768 panel maintains the proper image geometry as opposed to a "stretched image" with a 1024x768 one-to-one output setting on the Radeon.

I don't think that there is an inherent problem with the monitor itself as I have connected my Apple iBook via the SVGA port without the vertical bar artifacts seen above. In addition the vertical bar artifacts are not seen on any of the other inputs of the Maxent (component, S-video, HDMI, composite).


I think you will like 1280x720 better. The faint vertical bars will be gone. The problem with VGA at 1280x720 however is vertical overscan. You can reduce it to a point but the ATI drivers won't let you go all the way. I experimented with Powerstrip for a while but I gave up when I realized that the DVI connection is more HTPC friendly. The ATI drivers let you make custom resolutions with the DVI connection. I have mine set to 1280x692 which eliminates the vertical overscan.

While I'm typing I'd like to report success with grayscale calibration via the eyeball method. Using the Avia grayscale ramps I was able to dial out the reddish skin tones I was seeing. It was a simple matter of looking at the graycale display and adjusting the RGB controls. The bias adjusts the dark end of the grayscale and the gain adjusts the bright end. When I began, I must say I thought the grays looked fine. Then I started by lowering the red bias about 10 points. The gray scale suddenly looked a lot more gray! A bit of fiddling back and forth and I was staring at a beautiful steel gray ramp. Flesh tones are now on the money! Things to remember: write down your settings before tweaking, each input has its own settings, the room should be very dark, use the SAV command to save your settings.
-Phil

Just to add, the lady at our Costco told me that Costco guarantees everything they sell. She said if you buy a TV, you should reasonably expect it to work several years. So if it stops working 4 years down the road, and its fairly obvious the TV hasn't been dropped and so on, they'll make good on it. She also reiterated the 6 month computer policy.

So I suppose it's YMMV, we apparently lucked out and got a cool Costco. :)

%100 satisfaction no #of days indicated

http://www.costco.com/Service/FeaturePageLeftNav.aspx?ProductNo=10166081#Returns

While I'm typing I'd like to report success with grayscale calibration via the eyeball method. Using the Avia grayscale ramps I was able to dial out the reddish skin tones I was seeing. It was a simple matter of looking at the graycale display and adjusting the RGB controls. The bias adjusts the dark end of the grayscale and the gain adjusts the bright end. When I began, I must say I thought the grays looked fine. Then I started by lowering the red bias about 10 points. The gray scale suddenly looked a lot more gray! A bit of fiddling back and forth and I was staring at a beautiful steel gray ramp. Flesh tones are now on the money! Things to remember: write down your settings before tweaking, each input has its own settings, the room should be very dark, use the SAV command to save your settings.
-Phil

Phil,

Thanks for the advice! I actually was tweaking the output resolutions this evening using PowerStrip on my HTPC and found 1368x768 works pretty well and minimizes the vertical bar artifacts. However I'm still having a LARGE amount of color banding/posterizing of gradients which tends to really foul up the otherwise amazingly detailed image. These banding artifacts are especially noticeable when playing back the "Dolphins" WMV HD clip and the HDNET SpaceShuttle WMVHD clip. Also on playback of DVDs through the HTPC. Does yours have these issues or is my set's RGB input defective? I am thinking that it may be related to the RGB color scale or perhaps the grayscale calibration.

Also how do you access the gain and bias adjustments on the Maxent or are you adjusting them on your HTPC with PowerStrip?

P.S. Never mind. I see that I need to get my serial connection up and running to tweak the RGB settings.

If I use the RGB in for my HD cable box, will the quality be worse than with the component cables?

Hey guys... the countdown has begun... I was a Vizio P42HDe owner for all of 7 days before I hocked it on Ebay. It was my first Plasma display but not my first HDTV. I was upgrading from a 36" 4:3 HDTV CRT made by Panny that I had for 3 yrs.

But the "sparklies"... "grain" & overall washout on dark colors I saw on the Vizio unit was simply unacceptable. Other than that, I loved the set.

My question is... now that I have (2) days to go before I purchase the Maxent MX-42X3, those of you who are past Vizio owners and anyone else with experience in both units.... is the Maxent TRULY a better display than the Vizio P42HDe?

Again, I layeth my burden on the shoulders of the community.

Well, my brother bought this TV last week. He got his HDDVR from Cox yesterday so I helped him set that up. I hadn't seen the TV until yesterday, and I was astonished at the quality.

First off, was the SD quality. I have a Zenith ED Plasma.. from all thats been said, ED's should display SD better, but his TV blows mine out of the freaking water. If I want to watch standard def, I have to watch it straight from the coax cable, watching it through the component cables is awful, and the coax isn't much better. On his TV you can watch any of those channels, and they look great!

The HD is of course awesome looking over component cables. We ordered him an HDMI cable yesterday as well so he can either use an HDMI dvd player, or run the cable box over HDMI. We didn't adjust any of the settings yet, and things still look fantastic.

Just thought I'd share my experiences here and echo whats been said. Quality TV for a great price.

can someone give a step by step on how to get this rgp serial thing going? I'd love to fix the red push on my hdmi. i have a laptop that plays dvds and can dig up a serial cable. that's about as much as I know...

can someone give a step by step on how to get this rgp serial thing going? I'd love to fix the red push on my hdmi. i have a laptop that plays dvds and can dig up a serial cable. that's about as much as I know...

That info is already in the thread, back a few pages. Search :)

I have the MX-42X3 and I was wondering is there any way to enhance the Analog signal it is really grainy on my set. I have a Cox HD DVR box and RGB cable inputs going into the Plasma?? Any suggestions. HD looks great, but the analog litterally looks like attenna style reception!!!!

Phil,

Thanks for the advice! I actually was tweaking the output resolutions this evening using PowerStrip on my HTPC and found 1368x768 works pretty well and minimizes the vertical bar artifacts. However I'm still having a LARGE amount of color banding/posterizing of gradients which tends to really foul up the otherwise amazingly detailed image. These banding artifacts are especially noticeable when playing back the "Dolphins" WMV HD clip and the HDNET SpaceShuttle WMVHD clip. Also on playback of DVDs through the HTPC. Does yours have these issues or is my set's RGB input defective? I am thinking that it may be related to the RGB color scale or perhaps the grayscale calibration.

Also how do you access the gain and bias adjustments on the Maxent or are you adjusting them on your HTPC with PowerStrip?

P.S. Never mind. I see that I need to get my serial connection up and running to tweak the RGB settings.

I did have a configuration that had the banding that you describe. I'm not sure if it was because of the resolutions I was experimenting with or if it was the VGA port itself. I abandoned VGA when I received my DVI/HDMI cable. I do not have the banding problem with HDMI. I would suggest trying 1280x720 and see if the banding is improved. If there is no change, get a DVI/HDMI cable from monoprice. I'm sure this will solve all your problems, it did for me!

so reading through this thread the compilation I am getting of negative feedback is

hdmi connection sucks
red tint
green tint
fan noise


this thread isn't exactly a glowing review for the thread - i wonder how many people like the set and don't have these problems.

[QUOTE=h00ligan]so reading through this thread the compilation I am getting of negative feedback is

hdmi connection sucks
red tint
green tint
fan noise


this thread isn't exactly a glowing review for the thread - i wonder how many people like the set and don't have these problems.[/QUOTE


I don't think this unit even has a fan. There is a very slight buzz from the rear but on my set, I have to be within 3 feet and have the TV sound off to hear any buzz at all. My HDMI connection works great. Yes there is a slight red push that varies with different channels (most likely the quality of signal), but it is adjustable and it is only noticable with HDMI, not any of the other connections. I have no green tint issues at all. I was very close to buying the VizioP42e. I'm happy I waited and got the Maxent.

1) I have an SA HD8300 DVR. I do not use TV's speakers; Audio is played through a home theater system.
4) The DVR remote control would not control this TV, no matter what I tried. I tried the Sempo (sp?) codes and also tried searching for codes, but nothing worked. So I got a harmony remote, and it works very well with this TV. I now just press a single button, and everything comes on correctly. Kids and wife are very happy :-)

From my previous post in the thread:
For the Scientific Atlanta 8300HD it is the last code listed for Sampo TV, "1191." Works for power on and volume, but a weird result on the Input (only changes to S-Video but not back to component). Maxent/Regent is the US affiliate of Sampo, a Taiwanese company.
Also I noticed if you change the remote to "TV," it will also do some controls such as menu and contrast.

so reading through this thread the compilation I am getting of negative feedback is

hdmi connection sucks
red tint
green tint
fan noise


this thread isn't exactly a glowing review for the thread - i wonder how many people like the set and don't have these problems.


I have the set and saw the Red push on the HDMI connection but I was able to correct this via Hyperterminal. I came into this knowing that I would need to calibrate the display. In my opinion that is just part of the ownership process. I still think this was a great buy for the money.

1. I think we all agree that something isn't right with the HDMI connection (red push) after a little tweaking I have removed that red push and am looking sharp.

2. There is a buzz associated with this set but I can only hear it if I am even with or behind the set. When I can figure out how to watch the display from back there I'll be concerned about making that buzz go away :D

Has anyone that scheduled a firmware upgrade had that done yet? I'm really interested to hear how that process goes...

I note a few pages ago that someone was going to get a RGB cable to component cable (or something like that) and see if they could hook up the cable box via RGB input on the Maxent and then hopefully be able to access the "advanced" settings that those with a laptop or computer could get access to. Any luck? Has anyone done this yet? I'd like to know because I don't have a laptop and moving my desktop computer around the house to hook up to Maxent is not real practical for me.

Thanks!!

OK, some updates regarding to what I posted out in previous thread that I am having my "firmware" upgrades. Well the tech came out ot my house this afternoon but I wasn't home, but then somebody was home. So he actually replaced the image board on the plasma. Basically, he told me that he took the plasma apart and replaced the image board with the new firmware, which is the 22 version.

Some observations on the new image board is that the red tint is now gone, absolutely gone on the components input and the HDMI input. RGB worked flawless and I'm at 1280x768 resolution now and it looked beautiful.

I also tested some HD XBox games such as MX vs ATV on component 2 and picture is flawless. Component 1 on cable box is also flawless, and also HDMI. No red tints at all! One problem on the HDMI though, Comcast non-HD channels are really screwed up, but I think it's because I'm using the HDMI to DVI converter and somehow the output signal is screwed. But I got Comp. 1 to fall back on, but honestly, I don't see a big difference between HDMI and Component though.

Anyway, just a quick overview to update you guys on this plasma and with this upgrade, it is a totally worth the money TV.

Until then, enjoy your plasma.

Well guys... I went back to costco today to take another look at the Plasma that I am buying tomorrow.... (Maxent)... and this time because I was actually in the process of reconsidering for a 46" Toshiba DLP.... I compared the 2 sets..... I immediately noticed that they had cleaned up the HD signal and better claibrated the sets since I had last been there....


Well... the Maxent was better to my eyes. Even my girl was feeling it better than the Toshiba. I cant wait to get this damn thing home tomorrow. Im concerned that the box wont fit in my car though... that really troubles me.


Maybe some hired hacks with vans will be in the parking lot tomorrow and can give me a lift home for a few fugazees...

I really dont care if I have to drag it home. It's coming with me....

Hey about that firmware update... is that covered under the warranty?

I have the set and saw the Red push on the HDMI connection but I was able to correct this via Hyperterminal. I came into this knowing that I would need to calibrate the display. In my opinion that is just part of the ownership process. I still think this was a great buy for the money.

1. I think we all agree that something isn't right with the HDMI connection (red push) after a little tweaking I have removed that red push and am looking sharp.

2. There is a buzz associated with this set but I can only hear it if I am even with or behind the set. When I can figure out how to watch the display from back there I'll be concerned about making that buzz go away :D

Has anyone that scheduled a firmware upgrade had that done yet? I'm really interested to hear how that process goes...


I had a power outage a couple weeks ago, and when the power came on, I heard a pop from the Maxent, and now the sound is out.

I don't want to drag it to Costco, I'd rather just have it repaired (in-house), hopefully.

I've exchanged a couple emails with their support folks, but haven't resolved anything yet.

For now, I have a boom box that my cable audio out is going to. Its in the bedroom, so I have no need for surround sound or anything like that.

I'm hoping I can get a service manual, and then just get a new audio board.

@replaync

Do you have the settings without red tints? RGN, GGN, etc.

thx

Costco will have their Maxent 42" hdtv (1024x768) on sale next week at a very low price.

Has anyone bought this? reviews / opinions please..


BTW: costco has a no questions asked return policy. I have friends that have bought a tv for one big party, then returned it next day. just a thought

BTW: costco has a no questions asked return policy. I have friends that have bought a tv for one big party, then returned it next day. just a thought

Your friends are crooks.

Your friends are crooks.
*sigh*.... people like this make me not wanna come to forums, with their self-righteous judgement of others.

My initial settings came after a calibration with DVE over a component connection:

Contrast:36
Brightness:34
Color:34
Tint: +4
Sharpness: 50
V-pos:46
H-pos:45

When I looked at the RGB Gain/Bias over RS-232 I got the following information for my component input:

R-Gain:278
G-Gain:307
B-Gain:294
R-Bias:508
G-Bias:501
B-Bias:516



I ended up adjusting my HDMI settings to match my component because I didn't have a way to calibrate over HDMI. My settings are still with the older firmware. I'm going to call Maxent today and schedule a technician to come update mine too. Even though I think I've fixed it I'd rather go ahead and get the new firmware.

Hello every1,

Even after upgrade of my image board, my DVD PQ is really screwy on COMP. 2 input, although I tried cable and cable looks reall good. But when I played the DVD movie, doesn't matter what movie, it has a heavy green tint and color is really pale. So my question is is it because of the DVD player?

Thanks.

OK, I got the set now finally. I am now officially part of the family and lemme just say that my "initial" impression of this TV is leaps and bounds beyond what I felt for the Vizio the first day I got it.

I realize that I will have to perform some calibrations to take full advantage of the set's capabilities but I have one question, while watching DVD from the Oppo... how can I get rid of the black bars on the top and bottom of the screen?

I would like to be able to stretch the image to fill the whole screen... the Vizio was able to do this.

My Oppo is set to: Wide (through DVi====>HDMI output)
My TV is set to: 16:9

has anyone managed to get the Maxent to "stretch" a dvd to fill the whole screen on the HDMI input?

I thought I'd share a photograph...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/SnakeA5/NewPlasma1.jpg

I ended up adjusting my HDMI settings to match my component because I didn't have a way to calibrate over HDMI. My settings are still with the older firmware. I'm going to call Maxent today and schedule a technician to come update mine too. Even though I think I've fixed it I'd rather go ahead and get the new firmware.


I now have my HD comcast DVR hooked up via HDMI, and see the red /green push, but not all the time. Seems like film based source has the push and video based source looks more natural. Maybe it's my imagination but CSI and Numbers had it bad, but baseball and football look fine.

I just dug out what I can find for 9pin serial cables. Going to go see if any of them work.

I want to connect my video card's DVI output to the Maxent's HDMI input. How do I do that? Do I use DVI-I or DVI-D? What is the difference?

Or do I buy one of those cheap $12 male to male hdmi to dvi cables from monoprice,com?

Anyone have problems with the pc dvi output to plasma HDMI input?

*sigh*.... people like this make me not wanna come to forums, with their self-righteous judgement of others.

Since I purchase many items from Costco and tattotearz takes note that some people like to defraud Costco and cost other members money I'm not sure where the comment of "self-righteous judgement" comes from. He, as should everybody, is standing up for what is right.

I would hate to lose this Costco privilege because of the low lifes. :(

The picture on my set looks amazing, but I'm always looking for improvement. Is the Firmware upgrade covered under warranty? If so, what's the process in order to get this done? Those who have upgraded the firmware, have you noticed an improvement in the picture.

Thanks.
Chris

Since I purchase many items from Costco and tattotearz takes note that some people like to defraud Costco and cost other members money I'm not sure where the comment of "self-righteous judgement" comes from. He, as should everybody, is standing up for what is right.

I would hate to lose this Costco privilege because of the low lifes. :(
Deltron, I think you have a valid point. It is a great privilege to have the type of coverage that Costco provides but I dont think u have to worry about losing it anytime soon, for so many reasons.

I did NOT like the comment referring to people as crooks. Mainly because I am a firm believer that right/wrong, good/bad is usually a matter of perspective.

There is something morally dificient about buying a TV set that you plan to return in a few days just to watch a sporting event, but the term "crook" is extreme. I would call someone a crook if they had damaged the TV and tried to hide it or something along those lines... but to exploit a policy which states "no questions asked"... nah.

I mean for years women have been buying dresses for one special night and keeping the tags on them for a return. Even very wealthy people do it... *shrugs*... I wouldnt call them crooks. I'd simply say that its a case of poor ethics... but even that is a matter of perspective. :confused:


Hey while I have your attention Deltron.... Do you know how I would stretch widescreen material to fill the whole screen. I'm trying to do away with those black bars. I remember the Vizio had a neat zoom feature... anything similar on the Maxent?

I have had this set for about a month now and love the picture, but I seem to be having sound problems on some of the stations. I have comcast and have noticed on some channels the lips are out of sync with the sound. It happens on different channels and it's not all the time. Is the problen the tv , comcast or network?
It drives me crazy and will not put up with it if it is the tv, I could never live with this type of problem even at this price.

Zoom.
The Maxent has differnet "zoom" options depending on what connection you are using. This is covered in an earlier post on this thread.
I have a Dish Network 942 PVR and it gives me more zoom options on component such as zoom, partial zoom so i never use the maxent options. which on component are 16x9 and 4x3 only i beleive

Lipsync.
I have not noticed this on my TV and I usually do if it's happening, i have seen it on other tv's using DVD's. I suspect this is a broadcaster/comcast issue not a tv set issue. I assuem you are suing the TV speakers which i am not, i play my sound out of the PVR into my home theater system. A very common approach i think you will find.

BTW. I have had this TV for about 2 months and am very pleased with it, SD playback can look bad but HD looks excellent.

I have comcast and have noticed on some channels the lips are out of sync with the sound. It happens on different channels and it's not all the time. Is the problen the tv , comcast or network?

I have not had any lip-synch issues whatsoever.

Hello every1,

Even after upgrade of my image board, my DVD PQ is really screwy on COMP. 2 input, although I tried cable and cable looks reall good. But when I played the DVD movie, doesn't matter what movie, it has a heavy green tint and color is really pale. So my question is is it because of the DVD player?

Thanks.

Have you tried another set of cables? Sometimes if one of the component cables is defective you will have color aberrations (what I suspect is happening with some of the reported BestBuy "green image" sets). Unplug the same cables from Component 2 and plug them into Component 1 and see if the color problems are sill there. Also it could be that perhaps the order of the cables might be incorrect.

has anyone managed to get the Maxent to "stretch" a dvd to fill the whole screen on the HDMI input?


The Maxent does not have "zoom" modes available on the HDMI input (only on Composite/S-video). For my setup my DVD player (Samsung) has a number of zoom options that can compensate for the letterboxing. Does the Oppo player not offer some choices? Personally, I like to watch the movie in the original aspect ratio regardless of letterboxing (so I dont miss any of the action!).

I'm a new Costco Member and while I was there the other week I noticed this TV.
I went back today to buy the MX42x3, and before I bought it I asked the sales associate what the return policy was for that model of television. She told me that Costco's return policy on LCD and Plasma TV's was only one year!!! After that I would need to call the manufacture and purchase an extended warranty if I wanted further protection. On CRT, DLP, and other projection TV's she told me they were covered under the 100% satisfaction guarantee. This didn't make sense to me so I went and asked a woman at the customer service desk the same question and she repeated back the same info. I did not end up buying the TV since only one year of insurance on a TV like this didn't sit well with me. Does anyone know if this is true? Has Costco really changed there return policy? I would like to buy this TV if anyone can clear this up for me.

The Maxent does not have "zoom" modes available on the HDMI input (only on Composite/S-video). For my setup my DVD player (Samsung) has a number of zoom options that can compensate for the letterboxing. Does the Oppo player not offer some choices? Personally, I like to watch the movie in the original aspect ratio regardless of letterboxing (so I dont miss any of the action!).
awwww.... well, ok. I always considered myself a lame for preferring 16:9 over OAR especially on really wide movies. But I can live with it as its not on everything I watch. I was mostly trying to put an additional security precaution in for the possibility of Burn-In.

I am having the Red push issue on the HDMI input so I scheduled for a tech to come out and upgrade my firmware. I will let you guys know how that turns out....

I have my pc plugged into the the s-video input of the maxent. All the picture modes are stretched unnaturally wide except for the 4:3 mode which doesn't even fill up the screen top to bottom. Are there any manual zoom methods? The best zoom mode so far seems to be zoom 1 but it's still stretched.

I have my pc plugged into the the s-video input of the maxent. All the picture modes are stretched unnaturally wide except for the 4:3 mode which doesn't even fill up the screen top to bottom. Are there any manual zoom methods? The best zoom mode so far seems to be zoom 1 but it's still stretched.

You should try to connect the PC through the RGB input on the Maxent. Then adjust the PC's video output to a 16:9 ratio resolution. In terms of manual zoom you can adjust the vertical and horizontal size of the image from the "picture" menu on the Maxent.

wait so is Costcos policy changed now? That is the only reason why I would consider buying from them

I'm a new Costco Member and while I was there the other week I noticed this TV.
I went back today to buy the MX42x3, and before I bought it I asked the sales associate what the return policy was for that model of television. She told me that Costco's return policy on LCD and Plasma TV's was only one year!!! After that I would need to call the manufacture and purchase an extended warranty if I wanted further protection. On CRT, DLP, and other projection TV's she told me they were covered under the 100% satisfaction guarantee. This didn't make sense to me so I went and asked a woman at the customer service desk the same question and she repeated back the same info. I did not end up buying the TV since only one year of insurance on a TV like this didn't sit well with me. Does anyone know if this is true? Has Costco really changed there return policy? I would like to buy this TV if anyone can clear this up for me.

Which Costco was this? If it is true then it is a sad, sad day. Looks like we have all been punished for the "poor ethics" and return policy abuse of a few.

P.S. They are probably feeling the hurt from the number of Vizio 42"s that have come back "suddenly defective" after the introduction of the Vizio 50" and the Maxent 42". :o

The lip sync problem is a comcast issue. I noticed it on my projection TV and asked a tech about it when he was out setting up the HD box. He told me that comcast has had this issue on thier digital signal and they are working on it. That was about a year ago and in my area it has become much better. In fact, it is very rare now.

Which Costco was this? If it is true then it is a sad, sad day. Looks like we have all been punished for the "poor ethics" and return policy abuse of a few.

P.S. They are probably feeling the hurt from the number of Vizio 42"s that have come back "suddenly defective" after the introduction of the Vizio 50" and the Maxent 42". :o

The Costco web site still says 100% satisfaction returns. The only things that are specifically time limited are notebook and desktop computers (6 months).

I was at Costco today and saw the Maxent 42" HD plasma ; I agreed with others that it has good PQ. It also listed 1000 Candelas brightness , 3000 : 1 contrast and HDMI input. It cost much less 2 grands and its looks as good as my Pany 42" HD plasma. The only unknown is the reliability factor of this brand. I have a sense that a big price war is looming for this X'Mas. If a good HD 42" plasma costs only around $1800; the smaller LCD has to go much below that price range. Right now all the brand name 32" LCD HDTV are around $1500 while lesser known brands are about $ 999. To grab market shares flat panel HDTV makers will have to drop their price this winter because there are still many homes that have no HDTV and the cheaper HDTVs are flying off the shelves. A few years from now the demand will drop like desktop PCs when most homes already have one or more already! This will be a good holiday season for HDTV consumers!

Hi guys, this is my first post here and I want to thank everyone who contributes to this forum. I have been reading for a couple days, on here and other review sites learning about plasma's and ed&hd tv stuff. Also, I have sat in front of the plasmas at my local CC for hours :) trying to decide on what tv to buy.

What are your opinions between the Pan EDTV and the MAXent at CC?Prices in my area
PANNY EDTV th- 42pm50/u ---- [which is the th-pd50/u] = 5% cheaper than (maxent below)
Maxent 42x3 (hdtv) = ( i cant put the number here but goto costco dot-com to find out)

which one is better buy? (it seems like the MAxent panel is ALOT better than the BB one that got HORRIBLE reviews)
oh, and I watch a lot of DVD, HD&SD tv channels, and Xbox.
thanks for your time.

Hi guys, this is my first post here and I want to thank everyone who contributes to this forum. I have been reading for a couple days, on here and other review sites learning about plasma's and ed&hd tv stuff. Also, I have sat in front of the plasmas at my local CC for hours :) trying to decide on what tv to buy.

What are your opinions between the Pan EDTV and the MAXent at CC?Prices in my area
PANNY EDTV=$?
Maxent 42x3 (hdtv) =$?
which one is better buy? (it seems like the MAxent panel is ALOT better than the BB one that got HORRIBLE reviews)
oh, and I watch a lot of DVD, HD&SD tv channels, and Xbox.
thanks for your time.
Hey its against the rules here to post pricing other than MSRP. You might wanna edit that post as soon as possible.

Welcome to the site...

I just purchased the Maxent MX-42X3 from Costco on Friday of last week.... but unfortunately I already returned it. The picture quality was just not cutting it for me. Everyone here seems to really like the Plasma, and the fact that its HiDef at such a low price point... how can you blame them? My warning to you is to be SURE, that you are viewing it from a safe minimum 8-9 feet distance. Any closer and your doomed.

However, my dilemma was I was upgrading from a high end CRT and trying to replace with a low end Plasma.... that is not as good move. The black blotches and noise in the picture was unbearable after a few days. I decided to go with a Toshiba DLP from Costco and so far I already feel like my money is well spent....

I wish you the best of luck in your choice.

Cant post prices? Thats weird, why not? Why cant we communicate the prices that companies themselves ADVERTISE. . . .uhhh that makes no sense. Its not like they are a secret. but whatever.

Anyways, I got the Maxent. It was a very hard choice because the panny EDTV was around 5% CHEAPER. So far the plasma all-in all, is very good. The only complain is the [macroblocking, or color blotches] whatever you call them, that gooes on ALOT. It seems like a lot of faces when in the far away from the camera, have "clay like" faces. Alot of the areas that are one solid color, blend in together and start to blotch. This was very apparent on the HD Xmission of the Sox Vs. Angels game I just watched. I played Matrix 3, and SWars Attack of the clones, and I saw it alot too. All the Hd channels I tried showed minor to medium color blocking when the screen encountered a "patch" of the the same color (like a solid color T-shirt, or a face from far away, etc.)
Other than that, the blacks are excellant! The contrast is unbelievable, the Pq is SOOOO much better than the Mx-42xm111 ( or whatever the model is from best buy). I owned that model for a few days and it was horrible compared to this set. I hate to say it . . but if I kept that one I would have shot myself in the leg. The green push was horrendous, blacks where unbearable, and it didnt have any anti-burn in features like the CC model has. This model is MUCH MUCH better than the best buy eqv't. But, that being said, its not perfect. Im not sure how annoying this macroblocking is gonna get ( i hope im calling this thing by the right name). But if it keeps annoying me the next week im gonna take this set back too.

When its not macroblocking the PQ is awesome! But like I said, it has been doing it to the point where it is definately noticeable.

B4 I bought this TV, I read alot about edtv vs. Hdtv, and all of the techy stuff that surrounds plasmas. The argument of hd Vs ED will rage on until ALL channels are in HD, and we have a working HD dvd system. But even then, the fact remains that 42 inch plasmas with 1024x768 resolution WILL NEVER BE TRULY HD. So, what really is the advantage of having a "semi" hd set over a HIGHER QUALITY EDTV set? I dont know if there is a right answer.

But from the few hours that I have had this tv, Im already starting to feel that buying an award winning EDTV (like the pannny @ Costco) might be more enjoyable, than a maxent HDTV, that against what the marketing people try and make us believe, WILL NEVER BE TRUE HD ANYWAYS.

I have read thru this entire forum twice, and I am very surprised I havent seen annyone else complaining about the macroblocking, or at least much. If you are reading this, and like I was, are contemplating buying the Panny EDTV over this one, I am sorry that I cant be more helpful. I pulled the trigger on this set, and I might still be feeling the same way if I went the "other route".

I blame all the marketing people, and the manufacturers for creating this mass confususion. Buying this TV was and is one of the most painful shopping decisions I have ever made. In fact, buying my house was much more painless and less confusing.

So in conclusion, Maxent mx-42x3 has an AWESOME PQ compared to its BEST Buy brother. But it does have a nasty tendency to macroblock thru ALOT of material. Now if you are looking at this set because of the price . . .a panny EDTV is an alternative. Dont be so quick to judge EDTV, and so quick (like so many people are around here) to dismiss EDTV because in our minds we are led to believe that it is something "inferior", and "extinct" Always remember, that alot more goes into a GOOD picture than resolution numbers. I guess, go with your heart, and if you have any hesitation at all, return it quick and try something else.

oh . . .and in response to the above post. . . the fact that you mentioned you bought a DLP opens a whole new can of worms. DLP is not a perfect technology by ANY stretch of the imagination. The fact that you have to replace the bulbs every 2 or 3 years is a HUGE drawback! If you're willing to drop another thousand dollars buying bulbs over the next ten years, I dont know why you didnt just raise your target price, and buy a PANNY HDTV set, which from what I have read, AND SEEN with my own eyes, is a much much better alternative than buying a DLP in so many ways.

comcast digi cable box = component 1
regular dvd = component 2
(both with upgraded cables, not monster, but the upgraded acoustic ones)

Good luck,
if its any consolation, after buying a tv, all your other decisions in life (like when, or if to have kids, what job to take, whether or not to get married, etc) . . . .
will be easy. lol.

Tattoo . . . thanks for the welcome btw.
I hope my post can be of some help to someone.

meow, meow. :)

Hey I'm glad your happy with your Plasma purchase no0b.... I think thats what purchasing things like this is all about. Being happy with your decision and the way you spent your money.

For me, I just wasnt happy with the PQ on the Maxent set. I could not tolerate the poor handling of DVDs and HD material that was not CBS-like. Those color blotches drove me insane and the little "sparklies" on the screen that I could clearly see from even 8 feet away... just unacceptable for me. I loved the design of the Plasma.... how "sleek" it was and so forth... but when I purchase a TV for my primary home theater needs, I need more than that. Mind you, this was my 2nd Plasma purchased in the last fiscal month with an LCD in between purchases. So in the last month alone, I have gone through (2) Plasmas, an LCD and now a DLP...

I must say that I am most certainly pleased with this DLP. Not to mention the fact that it is only 85lbs... thats lighter than the Maxent. LOL...

I dont wanna turn this into a Plasma vs DLP debate or anything so I'll end this by saying that each of the technologies all have their plus & minus marks... in the end, its all a matter of personal preference. Since I had experienced all three technologies in such a relatively short time, I made the decision based on what pleased my eyes the most. If I have to replace a lamp in 2-3 yrs then I'm more than willing to do that. By then, knowing my buying habits.... I'll be ready for an upgrade anyway! :p

I have been contemplating purchasing a new TV, either Plasma or LCD and this board has been great, thanks for all the great information. Could someone please explain what DLP is that was mentioned in an earlier post?

I have been contemplating purchasing a new TV, either Plasma or LCD and this board has been great, thanks for all the great information. Could someone please explain what DLP is that was mentioned in an earlier post?
DLP is short for Digital Light Projection... its probably the newest form of Projection technology. There is waaay more than enough information on DLP within these forums. Simply put, its another option in the HDTV set tug of war.

Hey I'm glad your happy with your Plasma purchase no0b.... I think thats what purchasing things like this is all about. Being happy with your decision and the way you spent your money.

I dont think you understood what I wrote :P
I think it has a very good PQ, BUT it does MACROBLOCK (i think thats what its called) a LOT. Actually its starting to piss me off. These clay faces are getting very annoying. Im sitting here having my morning coffee thinking about how im gonna get this 100 lb tv back to costco, haha.

That will make it my 3rd plasma return. This is getting very annoying.

What other Plasma units did you have?

plasmanoob,

Have you calibrated with AVIA or DVE. I noticed the "clay face" during my initial setup but after I calibrated it looked fine... I'd try that before I lugged it back.

What other Plasma units did you have?
I had a Vizio P42HDe.... I sold it on ebay 5 days after I got it. The PQ was only EXCELLENT on well shot HD material. Mostly the stuff on CBS primetime. But the clayface, blotchy blacks & overall terrible PQ on DVD material was unacceptable.

After I sold that, I opted for an 32" Proview LCD 1080p unit... but the speakers had a horrible hissing sound and I could only get rid of it by hitting the "mute" button. Problem is, when you press the mute button there is an icon on the screen that will not disappear no matter what you do. I thought that was rather odd. The PQ on the LCD wasnt so bad at all... but in comparison to the 36" HDTV CRT that I upgraded from, it paled.

So I took that defective unit back to Costco and decided on the Maxent 42X3 and well... you know the story with that. LOL... it was a better tv than the Vizio unit I had... but again... I was not pleased.

Problem is... I have sat and looked at these displays at several locations. Side by side with other displays and while most of the better name brand Plasma units have a better PQ... its only by a very thin margin.

I am not a whale so right now I cannot drop $3500-$5000 on a Plasma display but I will not believe that you have to spend that much money now for a quality TV.

$2000 is not enough? Well, then I guess Plasma is not for me for now.

I do miss the 5inch depth but my DLP is 15" deep it sits flush against the wall. So all in all my display is about 7 inches closer to my face than before. I can live with that.

the first 2 units I had were the EDTV and HDTV Maxents from Best Buy. Needless to say they were pretty bad.

No I havent calibrated yet, Im looking for a DVE, or Avia disk today. I am going to calibrate it B4 taking it back. I went back to Costco today, and looked at the pictures for like an hour. Looking for the same symptoms Ive seen on my set. I have to say going back, the 42x3 looked incredible, with the content they have playing at the store, I saw little to no color banding, and clay face. I was looking at the very pricey Pioneer and it showed the same amount of those symptoms as the 42x3 Maxent, sitting right next to it. The screens were so similiar that there is no way I could justify paying the extra nine hundred dollars. I went there with that intention, but after comparing them side by side, I decided not to.

Like I said, other than this, the PQ is really really unbelievable. If calibrating the tv reduces this phenomenon the slightest bit, I will definately feel like this is the ULTIMATE buy at this price. But we'll see if I can minimize it.

Anyone have any other ideas of minimzing color banding and clay face on this set?

thanks --

let us know how the calibration goes

The only complain is the [macroblocking, or color blotches] whatever you call them, that gooes on ALOT. It seems like a lot of faces when in the far away from the camera, have "clay like" faces. Alot of the areas that are one solid color, blend in together and start to blotch. This was very apparent on the HD Xmission of the Sox Vs. Angels game I just watched. I played Matrix 3, and SWars Attack of the clones, and I saw it alot too. All the Hd channels I tried showed minor to medium color blocking when the screen encountered a "patch" of the the same color (like a solid color T-shirt, or a face from far away, etc.)
Other than that, the blacks are excellant!

The out of the box modes on this monitor all stink IMHO. If you lower the brightness and the color I think you will see an improvement. A calibration disk will also help you dial in the proper settings. The HDMI input seems to be the best way to drive the panel. Since I use a HTPC the single HDMI input is all I need. If you have an HDMI cable try using it with your cable box. It took a bit of tweaking on my part but I do not see clay face or banding ("patch"). On very dark or black scenes you will see macroblocking if your brightness is set too high. It seems that Maxent didn't spend as much time as they should have calibrating these panels at the factory.
BTW... The Maxent 42x-3 beats the Panny TH-42PD50U/P in PQ. I've spent many hours in front of both!

-Phil

I checked out the Maxent 42" plasma's at bb and at costco and the difference between them is like night and day. The one at bb was said to have been running for 6 months, and the image looked like ****, with color bleeding and blotchs. The contrast levels and brightness levels were so bad that there honestly was no true black, it was more a greenish black colour.

The one at costco was side by side with the panny Vizio 42" edtv and the maxent looked much better ( both tv's were showing the Eagles playing the Cowboys ) with incredibly sharp colours and very nice black levels( not perfect, but nice ) and ALOT less color blotching then the panny edtv.

The Maxents from bb and costco are totally different tvs just with the same casing, one being made overseas. Im hoping the price on them drops in the next week so i can go pick one up at the Delaware costco where they have no tax on electronics

The Maxents from bb and costco are totally different tvs just with the same casing, one being made overseas. Im hoping the price on them drops in the next week so i can go pick one up at the Delaware costco where they have no tax on electronics

Actually the casing is different too! Very similar but definitely not exactly the same. The speakers on the BestBuy Maxent appear to be separable from the monitor casing whereas the Costco Maxent's speakers are completely integrated.

I just purchased the Maxent MX-42X3 from Costco on Friday of last week.... but unfortunately I already returned it. The picture quality was just not cutting it for me. Everyone here seems to really like the Plasma, and the fact that its HiDef at such a low price point... how can you blame them? My warning to you is to be SURE, that you are viewing it from a safe minimum 8-9 feet distance. Any closer and your doomed.

However, my dilemma was I was upgrading from a high end CRT and trying to replace with a low end Plasma.... that is not as good move. The black blotches and noise in the picture was unbearable after a few days. I decided to go with a Toshiba DLP from Costco and so far I already feel like my money is well spent....

I wish you the best of luck in your choice.

Gee whiz why would anyone be sitting closer than 8-9 feet to a 42" screen anyway? Seems a bit too close...

Your experience is precisely why buying at Costco is a good idea since you can "audition" a variety of sets until you find one that suits your tastes.

DLP projection is what I too had been thinking of purchasing all along. However after looking at multiple sets I noticed that I was more and more sensitive to what I can only describe as a "grain" or shimmer like the image was being projected through almost transparent sandpaper. It bothered me enough to decide against it. LCD rear projection was even worse in my eyes with "screen-door" appearance. Of course plasma has its flaws too but on high quality HD material it provides a much cleaner picture to my eyes.

Good luck with your Toshiba!

Anyone have any other ideas of minimzing color banding and clay face on this set?


I agree about the color banding and clay face issues on this set out of the box. However after adjusting the video settings using Video Essentials they have been greatly reduced although not completely eliminated on Component and HDMI. My RGB input from my HTPC seems to have the color banding the worst of all and I'm trying to find a solution at this time. I have visited CircuitCity and BestBuy and have seen these types of artifacts on almost all of the plasma displays. Perhaps it is an inherent problem with plasmas technology general and not brand/model specific.

Having looked into macro blocking it is an entirely different issue. Macroblocking is when the picture breaks up into chunks (large pixels) like an image was converted from 1024x728 to 288x216 for an instant. A search in these forums will turn up some photos that demonstrate this artifact.

P.S. Please let me know what software version your Maxent is running (from the "info" menu). I was hoping that some of the color banding issues would be resolved with a firmware upgrade. My Maxent's software is # 050608.

I have firmware 050615 and I am not noticing the clay face and banding you are talking about. I did have to fine tune the picture to get it where I like it however. I am no expert to this field but th pq looks good. My only problem with the set is what is in my other thread about the screen discoloration when the set is off. Please take a look I am looking for some advice.

Srry so long for reply, I been real busy. Anywho, I have firmware 050615. I still have not calibrated yet. I am going to tomorrow ( sat) for sure. I have had this set just about a week now, I have gone to BB, Circuit city, CCosto, and looked at many different brands of plasmas. I have seen macroblocking on all of them to some degree. I think this is some kind of digital tv, or plasma phenomena, more than just the "maxent" brand. I dont know what causes this, but when watching a SD xmission the picture is perfect. Sure there is noise, and its streched, but there is absolutely no macroblocking on 480i standard def tv. hmm I dont know.
I post again tom.

Is there a way to update firmware on these TV's by yourself or if it can be done must a tech do it?

Hey guys,

Purchased the Maxent MX-42X3 from costco, like everybody else, and so far I'm very happy with the monitor, and that's just about it. It's onboard settings and functions are pretty pathetic... but then again, I did pay less than $2K for a 42" plasma.

Here are my questionns that hopefully some knowledgeable expert will be able to chime in with answers for:

1. The scaler on this monitor puts out at it's native resolution of 1024x768. No matter what feed comes into the telvision, it is being scaled to 1024x768, is this correct?

If that is true, then dvds are being scaled to 1024x768. If they are being scaled, then it doesn't really matter what kind of dvd player you have (of course it does, but you get what I mean), or what monitor you have, it depends on how good the scaler is for the hardware you're working with.

In this case, I have the Maxent monitor, and just purchased costco's new dvd player which I couldn't find any info on under it's costco serial #, but I'm pretty sure is the same as it's Best Buy twin SD-4980.

This dvd player 'upconverts' over HDMI to 480p, 720p, and 1080i. I honestly, after switching between them all, am having a hell of a time noticing any difference.

Can anyone please explain this situation for me a little better?



2. The PiP function on this monitor is a complete joke. I'd like to clarify something, but am hoping I am wrong in this statement so it doesn't suck as much as it seems! The PiP ONLY works when using HDMI as your main source, and the subpicture may ONLY be a/v1-2, or comp1-2. However, when in the RGB mode, and you press PiP, it states PiP only works in HDMI / DVI mode. Isn't RGB the same thing as DVI?

Also, when I do get PiP working (using HDMI main, and Comp1 as subpicture), it is IMPOSSIBLE to toggle between the two. Period. Meaning, one video will FOREVER be the smaller subpicture, hence, there will NEVER be audio! It's only a video picture down there in the corner, and there's just damn near nothing I can do about it. In the manual there is a tiny little asterisk after the description of the swap button (which should swap the inputs between main and sub, but doesn't because it is not usable in this model); stating that I may be able to control this with a 3rd party device? Has anyone does this before? What's the deal with the crappy PiP?



3. When I plug my laptop into the RGB port, and set my laptops native resolution to 1024x768, everything looks crisp... a little large, but crisp. I can surf the net, look at pics, etc. just fine. However, when I try to play a dvd or watch a windows media player video, it just comes up as black. Does this have to do with a weak video card? Or maybe the DVI cable? Pretty clueless on this one.



Thanks for your time guys - I really appreciate it!

Jonathan

I agree about the color banding and clay face issues on this set out of the box. However after adjusting the video settings using Video Essentials they have been greatly reduced although not completely eliminated on Component and HDMI.


Motegi,
Could you please post your settings for component?

I am generally happy with my settings now, but I would like to compare them to those on your calibrated set.

The only time I noticed clay face and macro blocking (if those are the right terms) was on HBO Hi Def last Sunday while watching "Rome". It was a very dark night scene around a campfire. This may have been HBO's fault or even Comcast's.. not sure what they are doing with compression, etc.. it looked like a jpeg that had been compressed too many times. So it may not have been the Maxent's fault.. Otherwise I am very happy with the set.

Thanks,

Jerry

Srry so long for reply, I been real busy. Anywho, I have firmware 050615. I still have not calibrated yet. I am going to tomorrow ( sat) for sure. I have had this set just about a week now, I have gone to BB, Circuit city, CCosto, and looked at many different brands of plasmas. I have seen macroblocking on all of them to some degree. I think this is some kind of digital tv, or plasma phenomena, more than just the "maxent" brand. I dont know what causes this, but when watching a SD xmission the picture is perfect. Sure there is noise, and its streched, but there is absolutely no macroblocking on 480i standard def tv. hmm I dont know.
I post again tom.
yea no0b, that damn blotch & macroblocking was just too much for me to deal with. I'm so used to being able to get really close to the screen on my old HD CRT and seeing a crystal clean image... so I guess I was either tooo spoiled or too ignorant to be able to stomach the flaws in the Plasma technology.

My advice to myself: stay away from Plasma until you can afford a really, really good one.

But reading this thread and seeing how many people are actually happy with this set... and knowing that I was an owner for 5 friggin days... does make me a bit misty. I'm really gonna miss you guys. :cool:

Is there a way to update firmware on these TV's by yourself or if it can be done must a tech do it?

I believe from prior comments on this thread that the exchange must be done by a tech as an entire board needs to be replaced as part of the firmware update. I have contacted Maxent customer service in regard to the issues I have been having with my RGB input and they will be sending out a tech.


1. The scaler on this monitor puts out at it's native resolution of 1024x768. No matter what feed comes into the telvision, it is being scaled to 1024x768, is this correct?

If that is true, then dvds are being scaled to 1024x768. If they are being scaled, then it doesn't really matter what kind of dvd player you have (of course it does, but you get what I mean), or what monitor you have, it depends on how good the scaler is for the hardware you're working with.

You've hit the nail on the head. It depends on which scaler is better - the TV or the DVD player. I get a noticeably better picture upscaling to 1080i in my DVD player.


2. The PiP function on this monitor is a complete joke. I'd like to clarify something, but am hoping I am wrong in this statement so it doesn't suck as much as it seems! The PiP ONLY works when using HDMI as your main source, and the subpicture may ONLY be a/v1-2, or comp1-2. However, when in the RGB mode, and you press PiP, it states PiP only works in HDMI / DVI mode. Isn't RGB the same thing as DVI?

DVI is an uncompressed digital signal. RGB is analog. When transmitting digital information from a device to the plasma screen using a digitial connection such as DVI/HDMI is theoretically better then RGB/Component in that it avoids having to do a digital to analog to digital conversion.

As for the PIP I cannot comment as I have never used it on any of my TVs now or in the past.


3. When I plug my laptop into the RGB port, and set my laptops native resolution to 1024x768, everything looks crisp... a little large, but crisp. I can surf the net, look at pics, etc. just fine. However, when I try to play a dvd or watch a windows media player video, it just comes up as black. Does this have to do with a weak video card? Or maybe the DVI cable?


I think that the problem lies with your laptops video output and not the Maxent as you mention that it displays everything except WMV/DVD just fine. Does the video still show up on the laptops screen? Do you have it set to video mirroring or is the Maxent an extention of your desktop? Also if you are sending a 1024x768 signal from the laptop to the Maxent doesn't everything look horizontally "stretched" with photos appearing distorted? A better resolution that I have found is 1366x768 to maintain the proper image geometry. 1280x768 results in significant image artifacts on my Maxent.

Motegi,
Could you please post your settings for component?


See page 14 of this thread for component settings using my Sammy 850 DVD player as the source.

The settings will depend on the source component characteristics so unless you have the exact same equipment connected the exact same way my settings may not work for you. Also it appears that each set has been adjusted at the factory for the characteristics of its particular plasma panel in regard to RGB gain and bias (accessible through the serial connection via Hyperterminal). I experimented with these values but have reverted them to the factory settings.

There is something morally dificient about buying a TV set that you plan to return in a few days just to watch a sporting event, but the term "crook" is extreme. I would call someone a crook if they had damaged the TV and tried to hide it or something along those lines... but to exploit a policy which states "no questions asked"... nah.

I mean for years women have been buying dresses for one special night and keeping the tags on them for a return. Even very wealthy people do it... *shrugs*... I wouldnt call them crooks. I'd simply say that its a case of poor ethics... but even that is a matter of perspective. :confused:

They are crooks, no matter what you call them.
Here's the definition"
crook: One who makes a living by dishonest methods.

Nordstrom had a problem with this and they put a special measure in Glendale, CA (apparently a lot of the residents are Armenian, who for one reason or another, does this a lot with the really expensive evening gowns and perfumes). They use a special hidden barcode tracking and will call security. It is a form of shoplifting and can be prosecuted. This happens a lot during Christmas time. I guess you can make the same analogy for your friend's sporting event (most stores have this blackout near Super Bowl Sunday, the only store I know that doesn't do it is Costco). It's really people like that who ruins it for everyone.

As to your morality I guess you need to decide for yourself.

I think that the problem lies with your laptops video output and not the Maxent as you mention that it displays everything except WMV/DVD just fine. Does the video still show up on the laptops screen? Do you have it set to video mirroring or is the Maxent an extention of your desktop? Also if you are sending a 1024x768 signal from the laptop to the Maxent doesn't everything look horizontally "stretched" with photos appearing distorted? A better resolution that I have found is 1366x768 to maintain the proper image geometry. 1280x768 results in significant image artifacts on my Maxent.

I think you're right... the problem lies within the laptop. I have a Sony PCG-Z1WA. I am using the Maxent simply as an extention of the desktop, plugged into the rgb port in the back, and using both the laptop's LCD and the plasma. A crappy video card... Mobility Radeon AGP 16mb. How do I do video mirroring? Can you think of anything that may take care of the problem? Thanks

Jonathan

This is a great thread, but I feel like I came late to the party -- is anyone in the know as to whether Costco will run another sale on this item in the (near) future?

WOW!
All I can say is WOW.
I bought the DVE (digital video essentials) disk today and calibrated my MX42X3. For those of you who follow this forum, saw me posting earlier about color banding, and clay face on this set. Well, I finally calibrated it and I couldnt be happier. The two cd's I was using b4 the calibration and after, show an INCREDIBLE difference ( iwas using Star Wars attack of clones, and Matrix 3) The calibration lowered the color banding, AND clay face to levels that are just barely noticeable. it is still there, but at an extremely acceptable rate. I think some color banding is normal across the board (dlp, lcd, plasma, etc) and for how minimized it is right now, I AM FINALLY HAPPY AND CONFIDENT I MADE A GOOD PURCHASE.

The rest of the PQ on this set is INCREDIBLE, now that I tuned it, its even better! If you were on the fence like me, I can definately give a good review and recommend you try this set---- but PELASE, PLEASE calibrate it as soon as possible. It is worth it. Which leads me to my review of the DVE disk

I am a complete beginner to HD, and plasma.
The "DVE" disk is definately a MUST HAVE.I havent used any other calibration disks (Avia, etc) so I cant give a comparison, but make sure you use something.

The information was great, but the delivery was very boring. It reminded me of those sex ed video's they play in Health class in high school. The narrator had a monotone voice, and his delivery was soo dry. The explanation of specifically whats going on was kinda poor. For example:

They disk uses these "test images" of boxes, and stripes of different shades of grey, and colors ( to name a few). Well, on a few occasions, the narrator is telling you to adjust (whatever) according to its effect on "X". Well, with a screen full of boxes and lines and stripes, he doesnt really specify what group of boxes "X" is! (on some screens the "X" element, is combined with a completely different "Y" element on the same screen). This is kinda hard to explain, youll see for yourself when you use it lol. All I can say is I was doing the adjustments and I had to keep doing them over and over, until I could figure out what exactly I was looking for.

So yea, calibrating it was long and boring and confusing, but I made it through, and it made ALL the difference.

This set is definately a winner as far as quality and price go. Now, I just hope it lasts . . . . :)

SOME MORE FOOD FOR THOUGHT.
Fot those of you who are thinking about spending the extra 900 to a thousand dollars to get the pioneer, or panny ( like I was at one point), I want to tell you that the picture on this is so good, spending that extra money to get minimal improvements, might not be worth it to you.

I am so happy with the PQ, and it makes me happier to know I can ALSO buy a 32" maxent lcd for my room, for the SAME amount of money I was gonna spend JUST on the panny, or pio.
something to think about I guess.
in the end, just make sure your happy with you you bought, no matter what it is.
GL.

Sort of related...has any one found the remote codes that wiull work on the Maxent line? I've got mine home, and after diddling quite a bit, I'm very happy with the picture from my Moto 6412 comcast box.

But...I can't find a remote code for the Maxent that works in the Comcast/Moto remote! I just want to turn it off and control volume, but am currently stuck with two remotes on the table. Ick.

Thanks for all the great comments on this thread!

--(from Maxent website) ---Depending on the universal remote you are using these other manufacturers may or may not work. Using the documentation that accompanied your universal remote, look up the following companies and input the 3 or 4 digit code associated with that company.

• Gateway • Sampo • Viewsonic • Magnavox • Phillips • Marantz • Pilot ---------


You can also do a "code search" It might take a little longer but you'll get it eventually.

I have the a Comcast remote. I think I used like the third Magnavox code,
edit here are the ACTUAL code numbers off of the COMCAST instruction sheet.
Sampo = 0030
magnavox= 0054, 0030, 0179 ( i think i used this one) , 0186
philips= 0054
marantz= 0054, 0030
pilot= 0030

earlier post - search thread for comcast

on my Comcast 3in1 remote with a moto box it liked one of the Sampo codes 0030 or 1755

I used the code search on my Comcast remote. Took about 45 seconds to get it.

Thank you all! In Dallas, 1755 and the maxent was under control.

Thanks again!

WOW!
All I can say is WOW.

This set is definately a winner as far as quality and price go. Now, I just hope it lasts . . . . :)

Glad to hear that you got it calibrated properly! DVE is the best.

I've contacted Maxent and they are going to set up a service call to have my sets RGB issues diagnosed. Hopefully the firmware upgrade will improve the color banding on RGB/SVGA.

According to the costco rep, this set is a toshiba? Also said that the vizio is a sony? Not sure how correct those statements are.

I also asked about return policies. He said they have a 1 year warranty on parts but the satisfaction guarantee is in effect as long as you are a member. When I asked about the DLP's he said those are what will probably cause costco to change their policies. He said they get many returns after the bulb has gone out. One last thing, he mentioned that there has been talk by costco of changing the return policy on tv's because of people returning the DLPs. The talk according to him is a 6 month return policy.

did anyone else notice the residue left behind the sticker that's on the top-left corner of the screen? it's exactly the shape of the sticker (triangle) and visible when the screen displays darker colors ( black/grey-ish pictures).
Anyway to remove that stuff? it's VERY annoying and i really don't want to package it up and return it to Costco if i don't have to.

I would hope that Costco would grandfather everyone who has already purchased these sets.

did anyone else notice the residue left behind the sticker that's on the top-left corner of the screen? it's exactly the shape of the sticker (triangle) and visible when the screen displays darker colors ( black/grey-ish pictures).
Anyway to remove that stuff? it's VERY annoying and i really don't want to package it up and return it to Costco if i don't have to.

Check my thread on the topic. Sticker screen discoloration (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=590749)

According to the costco rep, this set is a toshiba? Also said that the vizio is a sony? Not sure how correct those statements are.

I also asked about return policies. He said they have a 1 year warranty on parts but the satisfaction guarantee is in effect as long as you are a member. When I asked about the DLP's he said those are what will probably cause costco to change their policies. He said they get many returns after the bulb has gone out. One last thing, he mentioned that there has been talk by costco of changing the return policy on tv's because of people returning the DLPs. The talk according to him is a 6 month return policy.

Ridiculous. The glass is most likely a Panasonic, the electronics could be anything. Vizio is NOT Sony, those are proprietary glass.

hmm. That really doesnt sound normal. I definately dont have any residue left on my screen. At first I wouldnt think that it would make a difference on the PQ, but if you really do see it when you are watching tv, than I would try and get another one. That sounds so wierd, kinda hard to picture it. I had the ED and HD versions from Bestbuy, I dont remember ANY residue on them ( i returned those, and kept the HD 42x3 from C-Co), and that one is fine too.

Hello again all. I have the tech coming to my house tomorrow evening to perform the image board swap. If any of you have any questions, please let me know, and I'll try to get some answers from the guy. I will try and get before and after pictures as well, but no promises. I will post impressions however :)

Hello again all. I have the tech coming to my house tomorrow evening to perform the image board swap. If any of you have any questions, please let me know, and I'll try to get some answers from the guy. I will try and get before and after pictures as well, but no promises. I will post impressions however :)

When the tech has the back panel open take a peek and see if you can find any identifying logos or serial numbers on the plasma panel to determine it's manufacturer origin. This might answer the Panasonic panel rumors.

When the tech has the back panel open take a peek and see if you can find any identifying logos or serial numbers on the plasma panel to determine it's manufacturer origin. This might answer the Panasonic panel rumors.

I couldn't get a picture, but I did write down all the info

LOGO: The logo is like a McDonald's "M" (a curved M) with legs like this:
_ _
| \/ |
|_ _|


Next to the logo is the date May 2005

Then the rest of the info:

MC106H30D8
Ser. #: YL532xxxx
Ve: 160V, Vsus 188V
Made in Japan TQFC850

That's what I got. Hope it helps.

has anyone wall-mounted the 42x3? If so, does any generic wall mount work? I got one on ebay for $69, its supposed to work with most plasmas.

I couldn't get a picture, but I did write down all the info

LOGO: The logo is like a McDonald's "M" (a curved M) with legs like this:
_ _
| \/ |
|_ _|


Next to the logo is the date May 2005

Then the rest of the info:

MC106H30D8
Ser. #: YL532xxxx
Ve: 160V, Vsus 188V
Made in Japan TQFC850

That's what I got. Hope it helps.

Thanks for your info!

Doing some research I have found an image of the logos for Matsushita Electric Corporation (parent company of Panasonic). Here it is:
http://24.96.59.129:8080/random/matsushita.jpg

Having this logo stamped on the Maxent's plasma panel in addition to the plasma panel product number starting with the initials MC (Matsushita Corp) and it's country of origin listed as Japan is proof that the Maxent MX-42X3 indeed contains a Panasonic OEM HD plasma panel as several have speculated. That being the case and with production dates ranging from 5/05 to 7/05 (newer generation panel) makes the Maxent 42X3 one of the best deals on the market at this time!

Thanks for your info!

Doing some research I have found an image of the logos for Mastushita Electric Corporation (parent company of Panasonic). Here it is:
http://24.96.59.129:8080/random/matsushita.jpg

Having this logo stamped on the Maxent's plasma panel in addition to the plasma panel product number starting with the initials MC (Matsushita Corp) and it's country of origin listed as Japan is proof that the Maxent MX-42X3 indeed contains a Panasonic OEM HD plasma panel as several have speculated. That being the case and with production dates ranging from 5/05 to 7/05 (newer generation panel) makes the Maxent 42X3 one of the best buys on the market at this time!

Nothing like a bit of teamwork Motegi! That is indeed the logo M I was referring to on the panel, so yes, we have a HD Panasonic panel!!

Here's the report on the image board upgrade:

HDMI is now much better. The greens and reds are no longer overpowering and are much mellower. I have yet to recalibrate as the FW upgrade reverts the settings to factory, but I will have much more detail later. Here are the factory settings of the 051622 firmware for component and HDMI with brightness at 60 contrast at 40 and sharpness at 20:

COMPONENT 1

RGN: 313
BGN: 331
GGN: 340
RBS: 465
BBS: 472
GBS: 454

HDMI

RGN: 223
BGN: 228
GGN: 235
RBS: 453
BBS: 458
GBS: 463

What I'd like to do is to get together with someone with an 08 or 15 firmware and sync up screen shots, if that would be beneficial to all.

I just picked up one of these at Costco after debating over it for a few months. So far, so good -- but I'm wondering if anyone has figured out the remote code to be used with a TiVo remote? I tried all of the suggested manufacturers (Sampo, Magnavox, Marantz, Pilot, etc.) but haven't been able to get it to work. If anyone has solved this one, I'd appreciate a nudge in the right direction! Thanks...

has anyone wall-mounted the 42x3? If so, does any generic wall mount work? I got one on ebay for $69, its supposed to work with most plasmas.

It will probably work, but I guess you won't know for sure until you have it there. I went with the Peerless SF660 (about $100 online) which is supposedly compatable with most 32"-63" flat panels and everything lined up perfectly. I wanted it as close to the wall as possible, and this mount only holds it about 1" off the wall.

thanks Chris!

here is my new entertainment center, as you can see I have to drill holes in the back piece, and I don't want to screw that up!! Mine is the "Jazzy".

http://www.jsp-industries.com/Pages/introhomethea.html


and here is the mount I got:


go to ebay and type in item # 5812995665


I hope everythings works!

has anyone heard any updates on the 50x3?

has anyone heard any updates on the 50x3?

I started a thread here for the 50x3. Not a ton of info now and no first hand accounts but soon enough that thread will be a hot spot I predict. Head on over and soon as I sell my 65" Mitsu CRT HDTV I'll order one up and give my review.

Click me. (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=584830)

I just picked up one of these at Costco after debating over it for a few months. So far, so good -- but I'm wondering if anyone has figured out the remote code to be used with a TiVo remote? I tried all of the suggested manufacturers (Sampo, Magnavox, Marantz, Pilot, etc.) but haven't been able to get it to work. If anyone has solved this one, I'd appreciate a nudge in the right direction! Thanks...

This isn't directly responsive, but maybe it will be a help. Most of the signals the remote sends use an Emerson protocol, Device 63, but the discrete inputs, etc. below the sliding panel are Sampo protocol, Device 45, subdevice 10. I've put the latter on a JP1 remote so maybe a universal remote would be a solution for you.

Ok. I already added this info onto a different thread but since this is the official Maxent 42x3 thread it really belongs here. Here are the facts about the MX-42x3:

1) Matsushita/Panasonic 42" HD plasma panel -
The panel has the Matsushita logo printed onto it, is labeled as "Made in Japan", mfg dates btw 5/05 and 8/05 make it newer generation?

2) Large green circuit board along the top of the set is marked as TNPA3553 -
According to Union Electronic Distributors (UED.net) electronic parts database this circuit board's origin is: "PC BOARD PANASONIC (MATSUSHITA)"

3) The largest circuit board, a gold colored panel that occupies the central position inside the case, is marked as ETXMM563MDK -
Based on the database at UED.net parts database this circuit board's origin is again: "PC BOARD PANASONIC (MATSUSHITA) "

So 3 of the major internal components inside the MX-42X3's case are manufactured by Matsushita/Panasonic corporation (the perennial favorite plasma mfg on these forums). So the supposed "third tier" HD plasma that is the Maxent 42X3 doesn't seem quite so low-end after all...

Ok. I already added this info onto a different thread but since this is the official Maxent 42x3 thread it really belongs here. Here are the facts about the MX-42x3:

1) Matsushita/Panasonic 42" HD plasma panel -
The panel has the Matsushita logo printed onto it, is labeled as "Made in Japan", mfg dates btw 5/05 and 8/05 make it newer generation?

2) Large green circuit board along the top of the set is marked as TNPA3553 -
According to Union Electronic Distributors (UED.net) electronic parts database this circuit board's origin is: "PC BOARD PANASONIC (MATSUSHITA)"

3) The largest circuit board, a gold colored panel that occupies the central position inside the case, is marked as ETXMM563MDK -
Based on the database at UED.net parts database this circuit board's origin is again: "PC BOARD PANASONIC (MATSUSHITA) "

So 3 of the major internal components inside the MX-42X3's case are manufactured by Matsushita/Panasonic corporation (the perennial favorite plasma mfg on these forums). So the supposed "third tier" HD plasma that is the Maxent 42X3 doesn't seem quite so low-end after all...

Awesome info. Makes sense. The pq is on par with many other "higher end" plasmas I've looked at. Everyone who has this set and took the time to calibrate it loves it. If Maxent contiues to use Panny for there sets they may become a co. to look for when shopping.

Awesome info. Makes sense. The pq is on par with many other "higher end" plasmas I've looked at. Everyone who has this set and took the time to calibrate it loves it. If Maxent contiues to use Panny for there sets they may become a co. to look for when shopping.

And I have not yet looked up origin of the smaller parts inside the case. Can someone with better access to the back of their set get some other numbers?

Anyone have a good mount for this plasma that will work for mounting the plasma in the corner of the wall? or suggestions? It looks like you could use a swivelling mount and then mount the plasma flat on one wall...anyone ever done this?

Also, can someone PM me the scoop on the costco.........I'm getting ready to buy this plasma and the mount at Costco in the next week or so....


dave c

For all those that are inquiring about the coupon. The coupon was for August and was for $300 off of the original sale price. The original sale price has dropped since that time to be within $100 of the coupon price. There is presently NO COUPON available for the Maxent at Costco.

Unfortunately the current price is not allowed to be discussed on this forum according to the forum rules.

Good luck with your purchase.

Okay I saw this TV for the first time today at Costco and played with the PQ for a half hour trying to get it to loo as crisp as the ED panny next to it at 9 feet. I could not achieve this, All the people who came by watching me felt the same way. from 9 feet back the Panny looked better. This is a tough call because of the HD vs ED argument. But in the end the better PQ has to win out at that distance.

The Maxent was not bad. In fact it looked exactly as good as the Pioneer 42 next to it. But the Panasonic looked amazing. I could not tell what the settings were on the Panny as there was no remote and i could not find the controls. But I tried everything with the Maxent and it seem more "red" . Now the difference is slight and can only be seen side by side I am sure. but nevertheless I was surprised.

For $100 less (17) the Panny was chosen as the better PQ at about 9 feet to all who came by. Is this what reviewers meant when they said Panasonic Ed can be better then some HDTVs?

BTW if Costco changes their return policy the whole reason to buy a TV there is history especially for those who cannot sleep without an EW. I think they should change it for RP TVs only though as most people are not aware of the lamp at all nevermind the replacement costs and intervals on those.

Okay I saw this TV for the first time today at Costco and played with the PQ for a half hour trying to get it to loo as crisp as the ED panny next to it at 9 feet. I could not achieve this, All the people who came by watching me felt the same way. from 9 feet back the Panny looked better. This is a tough call because of the HD vs ED argument. But in the end the better PQ has to win out at that distance.

For $100 less (17) the Panny was chosen as the better PQ at about 9 feet to all who came by. Is this what reviewers meant when they said Panasonic Ed can be better then some HDTVs?


In fact I was also at Costco today (suprise, suprise, its like I live there) stocking up on hurricane supplies and stood in front of the display for a while as well. The Panny ED on display did appear at first glance to have greater "sharpness" than the Maxent (which we know now is really a Panny HD panel), Pioneer, and Vizio which were all set up in the center aisle in line with one another.

Now I'm probably going to get flamed for this by die-hard forum members but let me preface my statements with this:

Before all the Panny-brand-devotees beat me down let me say that it is all a matter of personal preference and what your eyes "see". Just like some can "see" the issues with LCD or DLP while others do not some can "see" the difference between ED and HD with regard to true picture detail. If you are one that does not then you've saved $100 and more power to you!

Back to the point at hand, I feel that the "sharpness" was due to the issue referred to in Video Essentials whereby the difference is a result of artificial edge enhancement and not true picture detail. This is most apparent when there is text on screen and I could clearly see the edge artifacts along the borders and also apparent in video loops showing a golfer standing at a tee box and an SUV driving off-road. The end result is a very "punchy" image that stands out at first glance but is not actually representative of true picture detail. Of course some may prefer this type of picture (back to the personal preference issue). On more stationary HD shots the additional real picture detail in ALL of the HD sets was visible at any distance (from 3 feet up to 15 feet) in comparison to the Panny ED. It would be interesting to see what the calibrated sharpness setting would be on this Panny ED after a few passes with DVE. How would this Panny ED look next to a Panny (brand) HD as opposed to the Maxent(Panny HD panel)?

Posters to this thread should realize now that the Maxent 42x3 is comprised of a newer generation Panny 42" HD panel with multiple other Panny components.

So in other words is this particular Panny ED truly "sharper" than Panny HD or Pioneer HD? That is the question. I think I've opened up a can of worms with this one...

I would love for your words to ring true as the RGB port on the Maxent is more important to me then the added resolution. In fact all of the Plasmas have to be scaled somewhat for HD. Unlike RP which comes in exact resolution flavors.

I do prefer ED for SDTV though. Decisions Decisions........

I would love for your words to ring true as the RGB port on the Maxent is more important to me then the added resolution. In fact all of the Plasmas have to be scaled somewhat for HD. Unlike RP which comes in exact resolution flavors.

I do prefer ED for SDTV though. Decisions Decisions........

Unfortunately in my experience the RGB port is the Maxent's achille's heel :( . Hopefully the newer firmware has corrected the artifacting and false contouring issues that I have experienced through this input. I have tried adjusting the RGB gain and bias settings through the serial RS232 port with only partial success at reducing the false contouring. A output resolution on my HTPC of 1368x768 or native 1024x768 seem to minimize the artifacting. Of course I tend to be quite picky with regard to the video picture. That being said 720p or 1080p WMV HD clips and HDDVDs through RGB are still quite spectacular on the Maxent. It's the color gradients that don't fare quite as well.

I am not going into the ED or HD for SD debate again... :p

Here are some links to photos of analog SD on the Maxent:
Referee pic (http://24.96.59.129:8080/random/HomeTheater/SDvideo/images/DSCF0248.jpg)
OurTopValue pic (http://24.96.59.129:8080/random/HomeTheater/SDvideo/images/DSCF0253.jpg)
BlackWhite pic (http://24.96.59.129:8080/random/HomeTheater/SDvideo/images/DSCF0230.jpg)
And all the rest (http://24.96.59.129:8080/random/HomeTheater/SDvideo/index.htm)

Greetings, and thanks for all of the interesting posts on this thread about the 42" Maxent 42X3. I think I've worked out the answer to the following in my head, from looking at posts here and the appropriate manuals, etc., but I'd be grateful for your insight before I make my final decisions and head off to Costco.

I have the Comcast 6412 box. My TV now is an old Mitsubishi tube with S-Video as its best input. I connect the Comcast box to an older Denon head unit with an S-Video cable and an optical audio cable. The Denon puts out the S-Video signal to the TV, and the audio to separate surround speakers. The picture is what it is, but the audio works fine.

The relevant output options on the Comcast box (besides the currently in use S-Video) are component and DVI. I understand that the Maxent accepts component and HDMI inputs, with room for standard analog audio input and output (red and white RCA jacks).

So with that said, I guess I have a few options, none of which I'm certain are suitable:

I can connect the Comcast box directly to the Maxent with a DVI to HDMI cable. That covers video, but for audio, can I still connect the optical out on the Comcast box to the Denon, and just switch the Denon to that source for the audio? The point is, I want to be able to preserve the Dolby Pro Logic and 5.1 signals that come through the Comcast box. In that kind of a setup, would I have any kind of audio/video sync problems?

If I use the component video cables to go from the Comcast box to the TV, is the answer any different regarding my audio solution?

The answer to the above questions will, I assume, apply equally to my DVD player, which is connected in a similar way as the Comcast box.

More broadly, on plasmas that have optical audio in and out connections, how do people use them with an AV receiver like my Denon? Do you run audio and video in to the TV from the cable box, and then audio back out of the TV into the AV receiver? Does that present sync issues?

I hope this question is focused enough that you can follow me. I'm grateful for your patience and insight.

PJP

I can connect the Comcast box directly to the Maxent with a DVI to HDMI cable. That covers video, but for audio, can I still connect the optical out on the Comcast box to the Denon, and just switch the Denon to that source for the audio? The point is, I want to be able to preserve the Dolby Pro Logic and 5.1 signals that come through the Comcast box. In that kind of a setup, would I have any kind of audio/video sync problems?

If I use the component video cables to go from the Comcast box to the TV, is the answer any different regarding my audio solution?

PJP

Hurricane,

I have only the video signals connected to the Plasma and the audio all going directly to the receiver for processing. I have NO synch issues whatsoever.

It would make sense that with fewer devices that the audio needs to pass through the less degradation of the signal.

The only issue for some people would be that you need to hit two buttons on the remote to switch sources (TV input, and reciever input). Unless of course you have a universal remote.

Thanks Motegi. That's helpful.

PJP

How does the Maxent 42x3 compare to this Philips set? Does the fact that the Maxent is a Panny panel make it better that this Philips model? I'd love to hear impressions from others on this.

http://www.samsclub.com/eclub/main_shopping.jsp?coe=0&oidPath=0%3a-23542%3a-23589%3a-24298%3a-25207%3a946091&mt=a&n=0&BV_SessionID=_SC_1657283848.1130025878_CS_&BV_EngineID=cccladdgdddkfkicfkfcfkjdgoodfkf.0

Thanks

How does the Maxent 42x3 compare to this Philips set? Does the fact that the Maxent is a Panny panel make it better that this Philips model? I'd love to hear impressions from others on this.

http://www.samsclub.com/eclub/main_shopping.jsp?coe=0&oidPath=0%3a-23542%3a-23589%3a-24298%3a-25207%3a946091&mt=a&n=0&BV_SessionID=_SC_1657283848.1130025878_CS_&BV_EngineID=cccladdgdddkfkicfkfcfkjdgoodfkf.0

Thanks

I have heard nothing good regarding Philips plasma TVs.

Really? That could make my decision easier, but can you be more specific?

I haven't heard too many good things either. In fact I was thinking about getting a Philips too b4 I bought my Maxent. ( I was just thinking about getting that set for the Brand name)
Do a search, look through the Cnet reviews, and a few of the others. The hard part is finding a review on that particular set. Seems they don't review the "club" models alot, and look at the HUGE difference between Maxent's BB, and CostCo "club" models. So you might be reading a review on the set with the "regular" model number, and applying it to the club model, which is not always the case.

Look at the set, stand there in the store until u notice the workers looking at you very weird lol, compare with other screens, and in the end pick the one you like.

Based on the advice I gleaned in this thread, I bought a 42X3 yesterday from Costco. Generally speaking, I'm quite pleased. Parenthetically, it fits in a Jeep Liberty nicely.

My current setup is as follows:

My Comcast DCT 6412 is connected to the 42X3 via component cables. In the cable box service menu, I have TV Type set to 16:9, the YPbPr Output is set to 720P (is that correct, or should I have it on 1080i?), and the 4:3 override is set to off. I don't really like the way a normal (SD -- is that the right term?) signal looks when it is "stretched" by the cable box, so is having the 4:3 override set to off the correct setting (what would be happening if I set the override to 480p or 480i?)? As far as I can tell, that way I can leave the TV set to 16:9 at all times, giving me a 16:9 picture when one is sent out by the box, and a regular 4:3 picture otherwise, with bars on either side. Am I looking at this correctly, or are there options / settings I'm not thinking of?

Second, I've got a mac Mini (serving as a music server, for the most part) connected to the 42X3 from the Mac's DVI out to the Maxent via a DVI to HDMI cable. From the resolution options the Mac gives me, the picture ranges from unacceptable to pretty decent, but in all cases the text looks pretty bad. I've got it set right now to 1280x720 which seems best, but any thoughts on this would be very welcome. Would I be likely to see a difference if I connect the Mac to the Maxent via a DVI to component cable?

Many thanks for your time and insight.

Hurricane,

I have only the video signals connected to the Plasma and the audio all going directly to the receiver for processing. I have NO synch issues whatsoever.

Just a note to confirm that, using this type of arrangement as well, I have no sync issues as I feared I might.

As far as I can tell, that way I can leave the TV set to 16:9 at all times, giving me a 16:9 picture when one is sent out by the box, and a regular 4:3 picture otherwise, with bars on either side. Am I looking at this correctly, or are there options / settings I'm not thinking of?

Second, I've got a mac Mini (serving as a music server, for the most part) connected to the 42X3 from the Mac's DVI out to the Maxent via a DVI to HDMI cable. From the resolution options the Mac gives me, the picture ranges from unacceptable to pretty decent, but in all cases the text looks pretty bad. I've got it set right now to 1280x720 which seems best, but any thoughts on this would be very welcome. Would I be likely to see a difference if I connect the Mac to the Maxent via a DVI to component cable?


Hurricane,

First off congrats on your purchase. Second, I've had better image with 1080i inputs and having the Maxent scale "down" to native 1024x768. Also if you connect the cable box via s-video or standard rca/composite in addition to component you will be able to access the built-in zoom options on the Maxent for the Av1/Av2 inputs. I have SD cable routed via s-video to the Av1 input on the Maxent and use zoom1 setting with very good results.

As far as the mac is concerned I had very good results with my Mac iBook connected via SVGA into the PC/RGB input on the Maxent. I believe there should still be a Mac video to SVGA adapter available. Set the output resolution on the Mac to 1024x768 (or other resolution with 768 horizontal). Right now I'm using a Windows Media Center PC with the Maxent.

Hurricane,

First off congrats on your purchase. Second, I've had better image with 1080i inputs and having the Maxent scale "down" to native 1024x768. Also if you connect the cable box via s-video or standard rca/composite in addition to component you will be able to access the built-in zoom options on the Maxent for the Av1/Av2 inputs. I have SD cable routed via s-video to the Av1 input on the Maxent and use zoom1 setting with very good results.

As far as the mac is concerned I had very good results with my Mac iBook connected via SVGA into the PC/RGB input on the Maxent. I believe there should still be a Mac video to SVGA adapter available. Set the output resolution on the Mac to 1024x768 (or other resolution with 768 horizontal). Right now I'm using a Windows Media Center PC with the Maxent.
Again, many thanks, Motegi. I don't know why I didn't think of using the RGB input before! I haven't gotten to your television input advice yet, because I got hung up trying to use the Mac mini with the RGB port on the Maxent. Here's the thing:

I connect the DVI - VGA adapter on the mini, and connect the other end to the Maxent. With the mini running, nothing happens -- I've just got the blue screen on the Maxent. When I reboot the mini, the Maxent shows RGB 640 x 480 in the top right corner, and the boot screen from the mini displays. That screen completes and the mini desktop appears for a split-second then the Maxent appears to shut it off, and displays RGB NO SUPPORT in the top right.

The product page for the mini (http://www.apple.com/macmini/graphics.html) says it supports up to 1920 x 1080 through the VGA connection. My instinct is the 640x480 my mini is apparently sending to the Maxent is a default for either the mini or the Maxent, and it might work fine if I had a minute with the mini to change the resolution to something else. But I never get that chance.

Just to rule out the adapter and cable I'm using, I plugged the same into my PowerBook and it worked immediately, without reboot, right away (1024x768 from the PowerBook looked great, by the way). Any ideas? I'm thinking of (but dreading) hauling an old CRT monitor out to connect to the mini and see if I can fix the resolution that way, and then switch the connection back to the Maxent, but if you've got a better fix, I'd love to hear it.

Thanks again.

Since we are not concerned with brand names, how do you guys think this set compares to the Maxent? Seems like a better deal to me!

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6405748#post6405748

Since we are not concerned with brand names, how do you guys think this set compares to the Maxent? Seems like a better deal to me!

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6405748#post6405748

The reason we 'don't care' in this situation is because this no-name has every implication of being a Panasonic... The most popular name in the biz in this forum.

Just to rule out the adapter and cable I'm using, I plugged the same into my PowerBook and it worked immediately, without reboot, right away (1024x768 from the PowerBook looked great, by the way). Any ideas? I'm thinking of (but dreading) hauling an old CRT monitor out to connect to the mini and see if I can fix the resolution that way, and then switch the connection back to the Maxent, but if you've got a better fix, I'd love to hear it.

Thanks again.

No problem! I had quite a few issues at first when connecting my WindowsXP MediaCenter PC to the Maxent but eventually got things straigtened out thanks to many of the folks on these forums. Actually, I did have to connect a standard CRT monitor to the PC to get everything set up resolution-wise before connecting the PC to the Maxent. Since that time I have purchased a SVGA video splitter/amplifier at monoprice.com that allows the PC to drive two monitors (mirrored) through a single SVGA output. That way I can keep the PC in the study and still watch WMV HD clips in the family room (I use a wireless mouse to control it all).

Since we are not concerned with brand names, how do you guys think this set compares to the Maxent? Seems like a better deal to me!

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6405748#post6405748

The Maxent contains a Panny HD panel and parts. We all know Panasonics track record.

The Maistek set that you linked to contains "ALiS" technology and 1024x1024 native resolution which means that it has a Hitachi plasma panel. Hitachi is the only manufacturer with those technologies. Do a search of these forums for Hitachi and ALiS.

No problem! I had quite a few issues at first when connecting my WindowsXP MediaCenter PC to the Maxent but eventually got things straigtened out thanks to many of the folks on these forums. Actually, I did have to connect a standard CRT monitor to the PC to get everything set up resolution-wise before connecting the PC to the Maxent. Since that time I have purchased a SVGA video splitter/amplifier at monoprice.com that allows the PC to drive two monitors (mirrored) through a single SVGA output. That way I can keep the PC in the study and still watch WMV HD clips in the family room (I use a wireless mouse to control it all).
Cool. Just for future reference, I connected to a CRT monitor, set the resolution to 1024x768, and then connected to the Maxent. All good now. Cheers!

Thanks for the Hitachi info Motegi. Just one question though - if the Maxent is a Panny, then how come the Panny has slightly better PQ?

Thanks for the Hitachi info Motegi. Just one question though - if the Maxent is a Panny, then how come the Panny has slightly better PQ?

It's not just the panel... it's the internals that make the PQ too. It's already been proven that some of the boards within the Maxent are shared by the Panny. That's not to say it's identical with a different case but sounds like a lot of whats' in it is the same as the Panny. I'm sure there are slight differences otherwise the price wouldn't be a thousand dollars more.

Just went to my Costco in LI,NY and they are sold out! The manager said that they will also not be getting any more of them in. Is this true? If yes any1 know what ill replace it? Also I tried to by the floor model with a discounted price but the manager told me he could not give me any discount on this Maxent even if its the floor model because they would get fully credeited back the $$ from the manufacturer if it is not sold. Can any1 comment on this?

Just went to my Costco in LI,NY and they are sold out! The manager said that they will also not be getting any more of them in. Is this true? If yes any1 know what ill replace it? Also I tried to by the floor model with a discounted price but the manager told me he could not give me any discount on this Maxent even if its the floor model because they would get fully credeited back the $$ from the manufacturer if it is not sold. Can any1 comment on this?

Call around to other Costcos in the area to see if they have any in stock. I know my Costco had plenty, but I am in S. Jersey.

Thanks for the Hitachi info Motegi. Just one question though - if the Maxent is a Panny, then how come the Panny has slightly better PQ?

This is seemingly the question of the day. And are you referring to KingFrogs comments regarding his informal in-store poll between the Panny ED and the Maxent?

It is my contention that the particular Panny ED model at Costco happens to come from the factory with "enhanced" settings whereby the sharpness and contrast are exaggerated. One can clearly see the results of this with the edge artifacts of on-screen text (as several others have mentioned on these forums) as well as the "blown-out" skin tones. Just take a look at the "My Name Is Earl" featurette and the highlights on Jason Lee's face as well as the other characters. Why is it set this way? Seems as if some consumers prefer this distinctive "look" over a smoother film-like look. Surely it makes it "pop" out when placed in line with the other plasmas on display. Personally I am sensitive to the edge artifacts as well as the excess contrast on the skin tones which I find fatiguing and much prefer the image on a properly calibrated Maxent 42x3. Hopefully with proper calibration the Costco Panny ED can look as natural as Panny's other ED models.

If any of the "Maxent 42x3 is Panny" sceptics happen to be at Costco I have a quick an easy test to prove that fact that doesn't require searching the net for various websites.

Facing the back of the Maxent look through the top right air vents and locate the easily legible markings on the plasma panel inside the case. You will see:
1) an M logo
2) a model number starting "MC106..."
3) "Made in Japan",
4) a date between 5/05 and 8/05.

Now walk to the Panny ED and looking at the back peek through the top LEFT air vents and you will see the same markings with
1) the same M logo
2) a model number starting "MC106..."
3) "Made in Japan"
4) a date from 7/05 or newer.

So there you have definitive proof. The Maxent 42x3 HD and Panny ED both contain Mastushita/Panasonic plasma panels with origins in Japan, similar production dates, and similar model series (same generation panels?) both starting in "MC106..."

Either way you go these are fantastic deals. Its really personal preference as to which type of picture that you like.

Do not confuse my comments as being a defender of all things Maxent. I am quick to say that the Maxent 42VM11 HD plasma at BestBuy is horrible. Also I am not in any way biased against Panny - I've watched the Panny 42 HD models at Circuit City in comparison to the Philips, Hitachi, Samsung, etc and will be the first to say that I prefer the Pannys to the others on display. Also I own several Panny brand products and like them very much. I am just stating the facts here. The Maxent 42X3 is Panny HD pure and simple and when properly calibrated is by far the best HD picture for the money right now.

P.S. The Clearwater, FL Costco just restocked the Maxent this weekend and still have a few left.

Thanks. There is actually a Costco here that has them, but Im not sure I should get one now because they are obviously going to replace them with something new very soon once their current stock runs out. Any1 know if it's a good idea to buy it now? When is the 50" Maxent coming out?

This is seemingly the question of the day. And are you referring to KingFrogs comments regarding his informal in-store poll between the Panny ED and the Maxent?

It is my contention that the particular Panny ED model at Costco happens to come from the factory with "enhanced" settings whereby the sharpness and contrast are exaggerated. One can clearly see the results of this with the edge artifacts of on-screen text (as several others have mentioned on these forums) as well as the "blown-out" skin tones. Just take a look at the "My Name Is Earl" featurette and the highlights on Jason Lee's face as well as the other characters. Why is it set this way? Seems as if some consumers prefer this distinctive "look" over a smoother film-like look. Surely it makes it "pop" out when placed in line with the other plasmas on display. Personally I am sensitive to the edge artifacts as well as the excess contrast on the skin tones which I find fatiguing and much prefer the image on a properly calibrated Maxent 42x3. Hopefully with proper calibration the Costco Panny ED can look as natural as Panny's other ED models. .............

........Either way you go these are fantastic deals. Its really personal preference as to which type of picture that you like..........

Do not confuse my comments as being a defender of all things Maxent. I am quick to say that the Maxent 42VM11 HD plasma at BestBuy is horrible.

P.S. The Clearwater, FL Costco just restocked the Maxent this weekend and still have a few left.

I have to believe you are correct in your assessment regarding the Panny's "enhanced" settings. Your description of "Earl" and the skin tones are right on the money. Since I could not find a way to get into the menu on the Panny I could not check the settings. But I am pretty sure the " RPMD like pop" is a result of enhanced settings and thusly the image was more vibrant. I come to this conclusion as well because the Maxent looked every bit as good as the also highly respected Pioneer that was next to it.

Another look at your analog SD (in particular the B&W) pics further tilted my opinion towards the Maxent (although the referee looks sort of like a Madden 2006 shot). The huge difference in the Best Buy Maxent which is indeed inferior to the Panny scared me off as well causing me to believe perhaps the Costco MAxent was an exception rather then the rule in PQ.

50/50....keep posting Motegi. I coming around, ;)

Thanks. There is actually a Costco here that has them, but Im not sure I should get one now because they are obviously going to replace them with something new very soon once their current stock runs out. Any1 know if it's a good idea to buy it now? When is the 50" Maxent coming out?

My advice. Don't let it slip away, it's the deal of the day. As far as "upcoming sets" Maxent uses a variety of sources for their panels so there is no guarantee that whatever else is in the pipeline will contain Panny parts or will be as good. If you aren't satisfied you can always return it.

The 42X3 has only been in existence for a couple months (Costco has only stocked them since Aug) so I'm not sure if or why they would be removed from the lineup. Based on Maxent's model numbering scheme the "..X3" series sets are their latest generation.

I just heard from a Maxent rep, and she said that the 50x3 is now at Best Buy, and Best Buy only (at least for now). I looked on BestBuy's website, but its not there yet. I would give it a few days and see what they're selling it for.

Just went to my Costco in LI,NY and they are sold out! The manager said that they will also not be getting any more of them in. Is this true? If yes any1 know what ill replace it? Also I tried to by the floor model with a discounted price but the manager told me he could not give me any discount on this Maxent even if its the floor model because they would get fully credeited back the $$ from the manufacturer if it is not sold. Can any1 comment on this?

Maxse - I am in Long Island too and was wondering which Costcos you are referring to (so I don't bother looking there)? Thanks