Anyone currently have this model? How long have you had it? Any problems? How does the picture look with a direct HD feed? Any ghosting with the claimed 8ms refresh time while watching sports? How have u found the black levels to be?

I had the Sony KD-34xbr960 Crt and it broke down in less than a year. Picture was absolutely stunning, however, it was extremely heavy and bulky. Anyways, the repairman came out several times over a 5 week period and could not solve the problem. He wanted to come out again but I had enough and Circuity City agreed to replace.

Since I am moving across country in a couple months I thought it would be a good idea to use the opportunity to get something lighter/more portable. Started doing a lot of research over the weekend. Went to CC and BB several times and kept coming back to the Philips model. It seems to have everything including an excellent picture for an LCD. Ofcourse, it is hard to really tell how good it is with out having a direct HD feed unlike the crap they have at the stores.

Anyways, I was wondering if anyone had it that frequents this board. Thanks.

Anyone currently have this model? How long have you had it? Any problems? How does the picture look with a direct HD feed? Any ghosting with the claimed 8ms refresh time while watching sports? How have u found the black levels to be?

... Went to CC and BB several times and kept coming back to the Philips model. It seems to have everything including an excellent picture for an LCD. Ofcourse, it is hard to really tell how good it is with out having a direct HD feed unlike the crap they have at the stores.

Anyways, I was wondering if anyone had it that frequents this board. Thanks.

Just bought this set a few days ago at Costco (along with a Westinghouse 37" LCD from BB). I've posted my impressions of the Westy on this board several other places (very positive as a combo monitor for my 17" Powerbook with Comcast cable inset using PIP), but as yet haven't even opened the box for the Philips.

I must confess however that I went to Costco for the Vizio 50" plasma and even with it's substantial size advantage, simply couldn't get over the image quality of the Philips LCD. In fact every person that walked by to look at all the sets (from Pioneer to Vizio, to Maxtent, to Philips...) virtually without exception ended up glued to the Philips for the same reasons. It simply looked amazing and even demonstrated decent black levels for an LCD as well.

Bottom line was that even while I wanted the 50" Vizio (about the same price), ended up taking the Philips. Indeed it has a VERY complete feature set including even a HD tuner, cablecard slot and even USB...

I'll probably be setting up in the next day or two and I'll try and post my reactions once I do. Nice thing about Costco is that if for some unexpected reason it doesn't perform as expected in my home, returning it won't be a hassle.

Sorry I couldn't offer more insight just yet, but I agree this set looks like a real winner!

Cheers :)

Thanks for the response. I'm getting the philips swapped for the xbr on thursday so we'll probably have them up and running around the same time. How much did you pay at costco?

Good show on the swap! I think you'll be quite pleased with this set. Personally, while I do understand that plasma offers better contrast in black levels, I prefer LCD for a number of reasons and this set seems like a real winner from what I saw of it.

As for price, AVS doesn't allow listing of prices (except for MSRP), so check your mailbox for the actual price I paid. Costco charges a fair price for this set (but not super low like they do on some other sets) which is only a bit cheaper than some other b&m stores sell it for, but their return policy basically means the warranty is unlimited, so it's my first choice to buy something like this.

Good luck with your purchase and do post your review once it's up and running. I have to install my wall mount before I can use it as there isn't any other way to use it in the bedroom. That's what's taking me so long, finding the time to do a proper install of the mount.

I'm a bit surprised that there hasn't been more talk on this set considering the picture quality and feature set. Perhaps that will change now that the word is getting out...

Cheers mate! :D

I would have to drive 2 hrs to the nearest costco, but the return policy has me thinking about it. How much do they charge for membership? Also, I can't find this model on the costco website, anyone have a link to it?

it's only available instore and price is mid two grand

Also, be sure to call the store first before driving there! My closest Costco didn't even carry this model, but another one a little further out did. Membership isn't expensive (I think it starts around $35 depending on the type of membership you get).

The price at your local retail b&m store (CC or BB) probably won't be all that different (maybe a hundred or so more than Costco).

Good luck mate...

anyone else have this lcd? opinions

Ditch - I'm looking forward to hearing your review! I have my eyes on the 32" version of the set from CostCo. I haven't seen any detailed reviews of the latest Philips sets.

Ive seen bad reviews of the 30" costco one, but hardly any reviews of this 37. It is available at circuit city and best buy online, but not here locally yet. I am really looking over the net for some opinions on this baby!

I've had this set for about three weeks now - overall very pleased and I'm planning on keeping it (only one week left to decide before my 30-day return period runs out).

High points - DVD picture (progressive component from a Kenwood DV-5900m changer with Faroudja) looks fabulous. HD picture from the internal tuner or from Dish 6000 via component also looks great. SD picture from Dish 6000 component or Dish 510 DVR s-video (converted to SD component in the receiver) also looks very satisfactory - a little bit soft, but much better than SD on my 57" Toshiba RP HDTV. Computer via DVI-HDMI adapter looks stunning, the set makes a great display for a MCE PC. Black levels are good enough that I've not found them distracting.

Drawbacks - only one user preset for brightness, contrast, color; this preset applies to all inputs. Doesn't bother me that much since the user, natural, and eco presets look pretty good with HD and PC sources (I set up the user settings for DVD using DVE and AVIA). The remote doesn't have direct source buttons, but last weekend I found an entry in the manual for the new 42" Phillips LCD that tells you how to set the remote in "expert mode" which will then allow you to directly access the inputs, and I was then able to teach those commands to my universal remote.

When used as a PC monitor there don't seem to be quite as many increments of color available as you get with DVD over component - this may be a limitation of the DVI output from the PC. The effect is that you see a little bit of contouring on things like the MCE background, and when running DVE via the MCE player I didn't get any below-black information. Not sure that this is the Phillip's fault, as I have not tried doing this from this PC with any other DVI-equipped monitor. All that said, HDTV, DVDs, and games from the MCE looked great when displayed on the Phillips set. I had to play with the nvidia TV wizard settings a little bit to get a 720p desktop without excessive overscan, but found a setting that worked after a few tries. The set doesn't seem to have any adjustments for image size, but does allow you to adjust image position up/down/left/right using the navigation ring. Note that the set doesn't have a standard VGA connector, but the manual indicates you can connect a PC to one of the inputs using a VGA-RGBHV breakout cable - I did not try this (all my PC use was via either component or DVI-to-HDMI).

No other real gripes - the picture looks great and the set is very simple to operate. The only thing that had me having second thoughts was that my wife thinks the set is too small when viewed from the kitchen (yet another reminder of why I married her)!

Hope this helps,

Mike

Well I finally opened the box and mounted the Philips in the bedroom (about 9-10 feet viewing distance).

First impressions were generally positive but I quickly discovered some issues which I'll highlight here:

POSITIVES:

1. DVD picture (using progressive scan) was excellent.

2. Cable HD picture (no way to test at present), but 480p Xbox looks simply amazing on this set (using component input and optical audio)!

3. SD picture actually fairly decent (and better than my Westinghouse 37" LCD) by a good bit.

4. Style is clean and the system is dead quite with no fans, (but it would be nice if the speakers were removable as I'll never use them).

5. Audio quality from built in speakers is fairly decent (although not important to me).

6. Rather cool looking remote (but with issues, see below).

NEGATIVES:

1. No discrete codes for sleep and other functions on remote (this will likely be a killer for this set). As I was unable to even program many functions (like sleep) into my Harmony 880, this set will likely be returned. I simply don't wish to have multiple remotes anymore.

2. Won't allow for PBP using AV1 and AV2 inputs (probably must use HDMI or perhaps s-video for PBP (split screen) to work.

3. Seems to take an abnormally long time to turn on once the power button is pushed (upwards of 12 seconds). While that seems like a small time to wait, I've never seen a set take anywhere near that long to actually "light up" and can be a bit annoying when looking to grab some news or weather checks before running out the door.


While the set has some solid features and built in ATSC tuner and cablecard options (nice pluses), along with a marginally acceptable SD picture for a set of this type, I would otherwise keep it. HOWEVER, as it's a bedroom set, I do REQUIRE discrete access to functions such as SLEEP, SCREEN BRIGHTNESS/PRESETS... and this set does not apparently have them. If someone knows of a solution (or that I'm simply wrong on this matter), please let me know!

I'll probably continue to try it out for a little while longer, but if no solutions are found, will definitely be returning it. Perhaps I'll try the Costco Syntax 37" that goes on sale next Monday (I'm pretty much an LCD vs. Plasma guy). I'm actually a bit disappointed as I've had a Philips/Magnavox 65" rear projection set in my living room for many years and it's been reliable and provided a solid image.

Sorry about the brief details but since it's not a keeper for me (and likely means I won't be getting other Philips sets unless the lack of decreet code issue isn't the same across the line), I haven't given it that much of a test run as yet.

If however my issues aren't that important to you, I'd have to say at first glance this set is pretty decent.

Good luck all... my search continues!

Cheers :(

Thanks for the thorough input.

Mkellyvich: Have you noticed any motion blur while watching sports or during video game?

Sounds like a great picture overall and I think i'm going to like it. Delivery tomorrow:)

RX,

I have not found motion blur to be noticable with this set during gaming or movies. I haven't yet spent much time watching sports (but plan to catch the Turkish Grand Prix race this weekend).

Mike

Just got the set today. The picture is excellent but I do have a few problems that i was hoping someone could help me out with.

First, there is about and inch of the screen that is blank on the right(viewers right) side during HD programming. Also, during standard programming the pictures sits off to the left so the bars one each side are noticeably a different width.

Next, I use comcast HD cable. IT has a DVI out. I use the DVI to HDMI adapter. However, using this method once I switch channels to a SD channel and try to change back to a HD channel everything locks up. If, however, I use the component cables this does not happen. Any thoughts...I'd like to use the HDMI.

Thanks alot. Picture is outstanding.

Hey rxtasy, congratulation with your purchase. I have it for 6 days.
Try to move the picture horizontally by using the ring around OK button on the remote pressing left-right. Or, even better, set to autoformat through the menu or format button. I tried the TV with cablevision SA4200HD DVI/HDMI. Works fine.
I have set my cable box to "pass-through" mode.

Vikur,

Thanks a million. I went to CC and they were absolutely no help. It was even off center there as well.

I just got home and saw your msg. Everything is up and running smoothly. These boards are great!!!! Power of the people.

Thanks for the great reviews! I saw this set at CostCo today, and it looked great. Although the picture was shifted to the left - it took me 2 minutes to convince the salesguy, and he had no clue why that was happening. Now I know. :)

rxtasy - Have you had a chance to evaluate watching sports or fast moving images on this set? The 8ms response time sounds good, but I've heard of some companies playing games with that stat ("8ms" = 8ms up + 8ms down, or something like that).

I bought the 32" yesterday.... 32pf7320a which has the same exact paper specs as the 37" according to Philipsusa.com.

I wrote a review of it here:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=569133

I just want to make sure this is correct. The 37PF7320A when connected to a PC, you can get 1366 x 768 resolution?

Thanks!

RotRoe,

I watched a bit of the Saints-Patriots game last night on Fox in 720p through the set's on-board tuner. I looked for motion blur - everything looked pretty sharp (ball, players, lines) even during plays and pans across the field. From where I sit, motion blur isn't a problem with this set.

DammitJim,

I did not try to force 1366x768 resolution - I just used 720P and 1024x768. The manual does not indicate that the set supports 1366x768. I don't have the set hooked up to a computer at the moment or I'd try it for you.

Cheers,

Mike

Thank you so much for the info. I guess I don't need to be so picky about 1366 pixels - 1280 pixels = 86 pixels... but I wanted to know how good this tv could work as when I use it as a pc monitor. What connection did you use? I'll probably end up getting a DVI to HDMI adapter...

Thanks again!

Thanks for the info!

DammitJim,

I tried PC via component out and DVI (with a DVI-HDMI adapter). PC was an HP z555 Media Center with a GeForce 6600 card. Component looks good but is a little soft - DVI looked great. Gaming on the set was a treat, and the image is quite sharp enough over DVI to web-surf or read text documents.

Cheers,

Mike

Perhaps I'll try the Costco Syntax 37" that goes on sale next Monday

Any more info about this sale? haven't heard about it...thanks

Any more info about this sale? haven't heard about it...thanks

There's actually a thread about this set (the Sceptre 37") on here. Just go to Costco.com and you'll see the deal. It was scheduled to begin on monday but they opened it up almost a week ahead of time (wednesday of this week I think).

Cheers :)

Here's the link for the thread here on AVS:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6061628#post6061628


___________________________________________
CORRECTION:

My bad, mea culpa... I incorrectly mentioned the "Syntax" when I intended to write "Sceptre". Just looking back I noticed the mistake and subsequent confusion I may have introduced. Again my apologies!

___________________________________________

Rotroe,

I also watched some of the Fox football game on thursday night. I dont think I saw any blur...if the few times I though i saw blur were actually blur it was nothing that took away from the amazing picture. I think the picture is absolutely outstanding in HD. Honestly, I like it soooo much better than the kd-34xbr960 i had before and that is the reference hdtv for picture that all hd sets are measured against. i'm sure the black levels and contrast are not up to the exact level of of the crt but it isnt an extremely noticieable problem especially when considering all the benefits of lcd. viewing angles on this set are great overall. i especially love the ability to watch a picture with absolutely no glare when all the blinds are open....it is really nice. i just cant believe there hasnt been more ppl raving about this tv. it is such a value!!! i just hope it is reliable as well!!

Is there any that have tested this Philips with native 1366X768 resolution fron
m a PC to the DVI? Philips support in sweden say that it may work, but they can't confirm it

Question for owners of the philips:

How do you all get the PIP to work? When I press the pip button and try to switch the second screen to a source it will say that it is not available. Thanks.

By the way, i hooked up the xbox and digital audio out into my receiver last nite. Tried out Batman begins....looks and sounds superb in 480p...cant wait for xbox 360.

rxtasy: PIP works only if one of two sources is HDMI. It is documented in the manual.

I just picked up a 32" from Costco this wknd. Price was right btwn 1k & 2k.

I am posting to this thread because I too have had some issues using DVI-HDMI from my Comcast cable box. At first I thought it was some issue with using the digital sound output with the HDMI, but now it appears that when I switch between 480p (native source resolution from cable box) and 1080i (comcast HD programming) the picture bombs out completely and becomes garbage green.

Anyone else seen this problem?

I can report, after watching DVD source @ 480p, that the picture looks great on component video, and HDMI @ 480p looks as good as the compression that Comcast adds. Sports look great, but VH1 looks like crap. 1080i looks stunning.

Please ping me if you have info on the SD -> HD switching problem via HDMI. Note that I did not notice this problem when using the component connections.

You might want to check out the philips website. If I'm not mistaken, there is a firmware update that might take care of your problem.

On another note... I'm looking at getting one of these 37" this coming weekend. All of you got me sooo excited about this TV! I just hope the wife likes it ;)

I ran the upgrade and it is not helping. The two issues I imagine could be:
Motorola 6400 / Philips incompatibility when switching HD->SD not addressed
Bad DVI->HDMI cable?

Have you heard of cheaper cables causing problems like this? Do I have to go and invest in a hundred dollar Monster cable?

Also, I'm going to call Comcast today and request the new 64XX box that they are carrying... I think that mine is an older unit, we were one of the first to get the HD box around here.

First of all, like most people here... don't get ripped off by monster cables. do a search and you'll find a couple brands that are just as good and cheaper.

Secondly, I don't use DVI/HDMI but i do have the 32". I noticed only once when it was acquiring the "signal" that the screen would be green for a couple seconds and then be replaced with the source signal. I think this was with my HDMI DVD player.

It could also be your cable box too but I would try to get the cable card as it won't degrade your signal as much.

I'm looking at buying this puppy this weekend. What kind of wall mount should I buy with it? I've been looking at OmniMount and Peerless, but I'm starting to get confused with the VESA 400 requirement and if I need to use an adapter plate? Some wall mounts don't even specify the VESA compatibility.
Can someone steer me in the right direction?

I have found that Sanus VMPL3 (silver) is good match for 37" Philips.

Walmart carries a black LCD wall mount for $128 that works with the 7320. It is a nice solid unit and was quite easy to install.

Mike

Minor detail.. I guess I'm looking for one with tilt.
Thanks, though... I can at least see what others are using...
Also, do you guys know how deep and wide the base/stand that comes with the 37pf7320A is?
Thanks!

DammitJim: The base/stand that comes with the 37pf7320A is 32-1/8" x 9-1/2".
The Sanus VMPL3 has a tilt and supports VESA 800,400 without extra brackets.

Wow... that looks like a big wall mount and pricey. I guess I'll have to spend the money. Kinda like insurance on my tv if I want it to stay on the wall instead of finding it on my floor one afternoon after work :eek:

I just brought this unit home and it looks great. I am having a little trouble understanding how to get analog audio in to follow HDMI video. Audio from input #1 just seemed to show up on HDMI #1, but HDMI #2 refuses to pass audio from input #2. Anyone figure this out?
Thanks,
David

I wonder if the HDMI problem you are having is related to the actual source?
This is in the manual:
Due to legal requirements, it is possible that with certain copy protected PCM audio
qualities from a device connected to the HDMI input, the DIGITAL AUDIO
OUTPUT signal is muted.

You may have hit on a clue! My HDMI #1 device is an HR10-250 and perhaps it is sending audio through the HDMI cable to the TV. My second device is an Oppo DVI through DVI to HDMI so no audio. I will test this when I get home. That would mean that I am not hearing the analog audio that I plugged into the component input #1 and brings up the question... how does one listen to analog audio while watching HDMI video, if this is indeed the case?

DammitJim,

The WalMart mount has tilt (which works very smoothly) and fits the 7320 just fine with no additional brackets. The mount is made by SANUS, is quite sturdy (rated up to 130 lbs), and comes with a pretty comprehensive set of spacers, mounting bolts, concrete wall anchors, etc. I did not have to purchase any additional hardware to mount the TV. Measuring, leveling, drilling, mounting, and hanging took less than an hour.

Mike

Cool! 'cause at Circuit City they told me one of their Omnimounts would be about $250!!!
Did you get the Sanus VMPL50, VMPL3 or VM200?

The box and instruction sheet are labeled Vuepoint FPM50b. Here is the Walmart.com link:

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=2684091

A quick look at the SANUS website shows it to be identical to the VPML50b.

Cheers,

Mike

Mkellyvich: Did you use any extention brackets with this mount for the Philips?
The distance between mounting holes of the TV is 800mm or 31.5", but FPM50b
has width 28.75" - a little bit shorter than needed.

Thanks for the link. I'm so excited to go get this tv on Sunday and mounting it on Monday :) Well... not sure about mounting it on Monday since I want to hide the wires behind the wall on top of my fireplace, but that'll be another discussion :D

Old dirty,

I had the same problem switching. If you follow the thread a kind member had the solution. You must switch you change the settings in your hd cable box. I did so and now it switches perfectly fine.

As far as PIP is concerned...will it only show and hdmi input and a broadcast from an antenna or cable input?

Also, anyone have troubles connecting the cable directly into the tv and the tv doing a search to locate channels. i tried to set it up and it took forever and seemed to never find any channels.

later

Can you specify the poster? Was it in this thread? The notes in here did not address my problems so far...

I could not get my comcast cable to connect directly to the TV. It did not work when I tried the autosetup.

PIP only works on HDMI/HDMI.

Chris

Olddirty

see #15 and #16 from this post

i have the same problem with the direct cable connect during setup....it does not capture any channels.

PIP only for both hdmi sources? really?

rxtasy, the post suggests using Component instead of HDMI. That isn't exactly a fix! ;) It's a workaround...

The Comcast guy was over today. He said he didn't know of any issues with the box's DVI, and recommended using component video if the DVI out wasn't working. Jeez.

Is there anyone using an HD antenna with this unit? Can you actually get an HD antenna that works indoors or do you need line-of-sight to the HD transmission towers?

Chris

Yes, i'm using a indoor HDtV antenna, however, it's spotty sometimes and it gets annoying trying to adjust the signal. that's only with certain channels though.

I use a uni-directional Zenith Silver Sensor.

If you have a outdoor antenna it would be a lot better. But many have reported really good signals using the Zenith so I would try it before anything else.

It also really depends on how close you are to the towers.

HDTV signals look awesome. Especially NFL football....

Chris,

The post does refer to your problem. You need to set your cable box to the correct pass through mode. I have comcast as well and after I got the answer from this forum it worked fine.

I think you have to hold down the menu botton while your box is off. Then the menu will appear on the tv. I dont exactly remember what I changed to make it work (not at home at the moment to check) but it was like the third line down. I think it was set at 480 or something and I think i changed it to none. Check out the cable box menu and you should figure it out. If not, I'll give you the exact settings when I get home later.

Components will work for now if you cant get it to work, however, I had the same exact problem with the dvi to hdmi input and the change in the cable box menu was the solution.

I noticed several posts indicating PIP only functions with HDMI or asking about it.

I dont know when your 37PF7320's where built; mines May 05 and I've had it almost a month. I have non HD Directv box with s-video out. I have my Dtv box connected via s-video to AVI#2 and my DVD via component to AVI#1.
I have a regular "non" HD outside antenna connected via coax to the TV-in.

I can do PIP (split screen) with my Antenna (TV) input and AVI#1 (Dtv) and switch back and forth. I can do PIP with my AVI#1 (Dtv) and AVI#2 (DVD). I haven't tried TV with AVI#2 but am sure it would work too. Absolutely no need for HDMI.

By the way, related to HD overair antenna. My TV did a great channel search and found about 15 channels. Some SD, Digital and HD. The HD and digital over airs have a better picture then the same (local) channels I get through my Dtv.

Phillips website mentions a usb connector and
" Multimedia Applications
Digital Content Management : Digital Media Reader
Multimedia connections : USB 1.1 memory class device
Playback Formats : JPEG Still pictures, MP3, Slideshow files (.alb)"

Has anyone attempted to hook up a USB device directly to this yet?

Vikur,

You are correct, the FPM50 will need additional brackets - when I held the FPM50 up to the 7320 I was looking at the stand mount points (about 26" apart) rather than the holes for the wall mount standoffs. You may be able to remove the stand mount standoffs and use the stand mount points to attach the FPM50, but given the price of the TV you are probably better off buying the brackets and using the intended wall mount points.

DammitJim, I'm sorry if my error has caused you any grief.

I ended up using the FPM50 to mount an LG 42" LCD set on the wall (37" was too small for the wife in the living room). The picture on the 7320 is so nice I decided not to take it back - we now watch Leno in HD on the 7320 in the bedroom every night! I'm not looking forward to paying next month's credit card bill...

Cheers,

Mike

Fish,

I loaded some pictures and music on a thumbdrive and played them through the 7320. It works fine, but is probably not a feature I will use often.

Mike

Thanks for the information guys in regards to the wallmount.
I can tell you that this TV is plain and simply AWESOME!!! I bought it Sunday but wasn't able to hook it up until yesterday. My wife keeps telling me I got sick because of the curse of the HD-TV, but I'm feeling better now.
I ended up getting the UL3 wallmount by OmniMount. It says it's for a plasma tv, but the UL2 just didn't cut it when i looked at the tiny box. I won't be mounting the TV until I finish working on my tile (that's part of the deal with the wife).
First impression of this TV when I got it out of the box... it's just beautiful!!! It's big compared to the biggest TV I ever owned which is a 27" CRT. When I say big, I mean the picture you see is big. I'd attribute that to the widescreen.
I read somewhere that maybe this TV is too bright and that's how I felt last night when I was watching it with my lights off. i had to turn down the brightness so I wouldn't light up the whole house and wake up my 5 month old daughter.
I did the automatic scan for OTA channels and found plenty of them. Of course, I'm using a cheap indoor antenna and some of the channels are spotty. Then I ran the atomatic scan for cable channels (non-HD) and it found all of them. They don't look that bad, but they do look kind of fake. My wife said they looked ok and she didn't mind them so I'm trying to figure out how I can switch back and forth without having to run the auto scan every time.
I did hook up my DVD player via S-video and the picture quality was really good. I can't wait to hook up a new DVD player via HDMI ;) It's just a question of what I'll ask for my bday :eek:
I tried the USB port with my camera, but it said it wasn't supported. That's not a big deal, because I'm looking at getting a video card for my server with DVI so I can use the TV as a monitor. I did hook up my camera with the RCA cable and the pictures looked really good.
Oh, I should mention that I almost bought the Sharp LC37GB5U and the picture quality on the Sharp wasn't as bright as the Philips. There was something about the Sharp that was missing, but I'm not sure what it was. The Sharp does look cool since the edges of the screen are small and it's not as bulky as the Philips.
I tried the TV guide thing, but I got distracted after I set it so I haven't checked it out completely.
I'll be posting more info as I discover this TV.

I assume you got this at costco? Can you pm me the price if it is different from 2.5k? I wish I understood why a 32" model can sell for mid 1-2k, but add four inches and you pay 1000 more...

Also, I am wondering about an adjustable backlight, it looks like this doesnt have it from the manual? Do the brightness settings decrease the light output very much? The main bonus of the usb is for firmware uptades in my opinion, but a picture slideshow would be neat also!

Sorry price3, but I actually bought this system at Brandsmart for the same price you mentioned Costco has it for.
About the backlight... I'm not sure. I haven't had the chance to get familiar with that, yet.
And yes, it beats me... why the extra $1000 for just 5 more diagonal inches...
LOL... but I'm not looking back and just enjoying what I bought... until my CC statement comes in next month! :eek:
I'm looking at spending another $100 in cables... *sigh*

price3: If you set the Active Control to Maximum, you turn on the built-in light sensor, that will automatically dim the backlight when it is dark in a room. That is the only way to control the backlight as far as I know. It works pretty good for me.
I really wanted to compare this feature with 37" Sharp backlight control.

Im gonna head out and compare this and sharp tonite...

Well at least the backlight has the ability to be dimmed, even if we cannot control it manually. That is good news since maybe there is a service menu adjustment for it somewhere. Don't ask me why I think it is important, I just get obsessed with things sometimes and the fixed backlight seems to be the only negative of this set. With all the praise about the image quality of this thing it probably isn't even an issue. This is now my #1 LCD on the want list.

where did you guys find the best price for this tv? remote is non-universal right?

im loving this tv, i have the 32", but 2 things i dont like is the non-uni remote and the fact that it wont play audio from my digital chinese channels if the cable is hooked directly. i hope they have a multilingual firmware update soon. i hate using my cable box. if it works with the chinese channels, i can finally get a cablecard. try watching a digital non-english-spanish-french channel. no sound for you. the tv calls the language stream "unknown."

I wanted to correct an incorrect statement on this set regarding PIP.

You can do PIP provided at least ONE source is HDMI *or* the internal tuner. The second source can be any of your other sources.

For example, the following WORK:

TV (internal tuner) + DVD (AV3 via component)
TV (internal tuner) + Tivo (AV2 via s-video)
HDPVR (HDMI1) + Xbox (AV1 via component)

Trying to do PIP with any combination of AV1 - AV3 fails.

I'll also reiterate how annoying the lack of discrete codes for inputs is. I just got the Harmony 688 and am bummed when I have to watch the remote cycle through the options.

Yeah, apparently the Remote Control is not universal... I'm not sure what I'm going to do about that.
On another note, while i was setting up the TV guide, I set it up last night at around 10:30pm. Turned the TV off and this morning it hadn't downloaded any programs. Is there a particular time this thing downloads the new data?

Philips fans and Todd,

I've had one of these sets for 2 months now. I've discovered that you can select any of the inputs directly using the remote control. All you have to do is hold down the "AV+" button on the remote at the same time as, or just slightly before, you press the "number" button for the desired input.

SOURCE = "NUMBER"
AV1 = 1
AV2 = 2
AV3 = 3
HDMI1 = 4
HDMI2 = 5
SIDE = 9

You can press these combinations of buttons and copy the resulting discrete codes into your learning remote. I did, using my MX500. Now I have macros set up so that 1 button press does it all for the particular source I select.

Also I've found that when using PIP you can not display these combinations at the same time:

AV1 (Only tried S-Video) and HDMI1
AV2 (Only tried S-Video) and HDMI2

My best guess is that the set considers these combinations to be the same input and you must select one or the other and not both at the same time.

-Scotty out

Where do you set up what source is the one for the PIP if you are using the internal tuner? I have my VCR connected to AV1 via composite and I want to be able to switch back and forth from HD signals (coming through the HDTV tuner) and the regular cable signals coming in through my VCR.
I tried with the internal tuner and the DVD player via AV2 using s-video cable, but that didn't work either.

Scott, thanks *so* much for the suggestion on inputs. I've gotten my Harmony 688 functioning exactly as I'd like now. I was surprised there was no input selection for TV but you can, instead, just punch in a number and it will switch to the tuner automatically.

I double checked tonight on the PIP and you are right about HDMI1/AV1 and HDMI2/AV2. I had the wires crossed. HDMIx/AVy works but HDMIx/AVx does not.

Jim, you can switch between pictures by navigating left/right on the cursor control. Once you've switched sides you hit AV+ and select from the menu (or use Scott's shortcuts!) Hope that helps!

Well I finally opened the box and mounted the Philips in the bedroom (about 9-10 feet viewing distance).

First impressions were generally positive but I quickly discovered some issues which I'll highlight here:

POSITIVES:

1. DVD picture (using progressive scan) was excellent.

2. Cable HD picture (no way to test at present), but 480p Xbox looks simply amazing on this set (using component input and optical audio)!

3. SD picture actually fairly decent (and better than my Westinghouse 37" LCD) by a good bit.

4. Style is clean and the system is dead quite with no fans, (but it would be nice if the speakers were removable as I'll never use them).

5. Audio quality from built in speakers is fairly decent (although not important to me).

6. Rather cool looking remote (but with issues, see below).

NEGATIVES:

1. No discrete codes for sleep and other functions on remote (this will likely be a killer for this set). As I was unable to even program many functions (like sleep) into my Harmony 880, this set will likely be returned. I simply don't wish to have multiple remotes anymore.

2. Won't allow for PBP using AV1 and AV2 inputs (probably must use HDMI or perhaps s-video for PBP (split screen) to work.

3. Seems to take an abnormally long time to turn on once the power button is pushed (upwards of 12 seconds). While that seems like a small time to wait, I've never seen a set take anywhere near that long to actually "light up" and can be a bit annoying when looking to grab some news or weather checks before running out the door.


While the set has some solid features and built in ATSC tuner and cablecard options (nice pluses), along with a marginally acceptable SD picture for a set of this type, I would otherwise keep it. HOWEVER, as it's a bedroom set, I do REQUIRE discrete access to functions such as SLEEP, SCREEN BRIGHTNESS/PRESETS... and this set does not apparently have them. If someone knows of a solution (or that I'm simply wrong on this matter), please let me know!

I'll probably continue to try it out for a little while longer, but if no solutions are found, will definitely be returning it. Perhaps I'll try the Costco Syntax 37" that goes on sale next Monday (I'm pretty much an LCD vs. Plasma guy). I'm actually a bit disappointed as I've had a Philips/Magnavox 65" rear projection set in my living room for many years and it's been reliable and provided a solid image.

Sorry about the brief details but since it's not a keeper for me (and likely means I won't be getting other Philips sets unless the lack of decreet code issue isn't the same across the line), I haven't given it that much of a test run as yet.

If however my issues aren't that important to you, I'd have to say at first glance this set is pretty decent.

Good luck all... my search continues!

Cheers :(

Is it just me or has the world gone crayzy????

more or less you are returning this set for example because it doesnt have a sleep timeer????????

couldnt you have asked that before you bought it????

in europe this could never happen... seems like i read about this stuff all the time. im gonna start selling stock in these companies soon... how can they let this happen??? if i did that here in europe the people at the store would laugh at me.

no doubt you will return this set and then get another to return that cause you dont like how fast the channel changes, like you couldnt try that in the shop either.



krlock2

Thank you! I was able to set up the PIP with just the tuner and AV1 (composite). Now I'm getting ready to hang this puppy and hide the wires. I'm looking at buying cables about 12' long and put the TV over the fireplace. Wish me luck! :confused:

Shoud i change my comcast HD cable box to 720p instead of 1080i? A member in another forum said I would get a better picture? Is this true?

rxtasy, by the time it took you to type that you could of grabbed the remote and adjusted it and answered your own question......................i can barely see any difference if any between 480p, 720p, 1080i.
I saw this set for the first time yesterday at costco's PQ blew me away, made all the other plasma's around it look like soft,fuzzy, SDE real bad, looked like it was running in torch mode thou, i tried to adjust some settings without the remote, but wouldnt respond, even the volume wouldnt adjust?

budman...maybe you couldnt see the difference because you were watching costco's feed. I find it hard to believe one couldnt see the difference between 480p and HD.

Anyways, I think you missed the point of my question. I'll try it again. My Hd comcast cable box will send out a signal of up to 1080i depending on the broadcast. The TV will accept such a signal but it's native resolution 768p. Therefore, would it better for PQ to set the cable box to only send out a max of 720p? If not, will a 1080i feed into the 768p tv show artifacts?

Also, and more importantly, can someone help me out with my PIP problems mentioned in a more recent/seperate post? Thanks.

im loving this tv, i have the 32", but 2 things i dont like is the non-uni remote and the fact that it wont play audio from my digital chinese channels if the cable is hooked directly. i hope they have a multilingual firmware update soon. i hate using my cable box. if it works with the chinese channels, i can finally get a cablecard. try watching a digital non-english-spanish-french channel. no sound for you. the tv calls the language stream "unknown."

I notice this on the AZN network using CableCARD.

However you can do into the Menu sound setup and do digital language selection.

im loving this tv, i have the 32", but 2 things i dont like is the non-uni remote and the fact that it wont play audio from my digital chinese channels if the cable is hooked directly. i hope they have a multilingual firmware update soon. i hate using my cable box. if it works with the chinese channels, i can finally get a cablecard. try watching a digital non-english-spanish-french channel. no sound for you. the tv calls the language stream "unknown."

I notice this on the AZN network using CableCARD.

However you can do into the Menu under sound setup and go digital language selection, then change it to English

On the Philips support website for the 7320 they have included some instructions for setting up the 7320 remote to control other devices. The instructions are buried within the troubleshooting FAQ and are a sequence of very non-intuitive steps. I haven't tried it yet.

Mike

Can this TV detect and display the non "premium" (non encrypted) HD channels with its QAM tuner straight from the coax connection, without a CableCard?

Yes, mjmbond. It will detect all digital and analog channels.

Has anyone been able to get the full 1366 x 768 resolution via DVI on this TV? I've been messing with my laptop but I can't seem to get past the 1280 x 760 resolution :(
Please help!

Just updated to the latest firmware and now the preferred channels option is gone in the TV channels setup. Is there a way to revert back to a previous firmware version - I phoned Philips and they acknowledged that it was probably the firmware update that got rid of the setting, and that a newer firmware version should correct it, but a new version is not available yet.

Just updated to the latest firmware and now the preferred channels option is gone in the TV channels setup. Is there a way to revert back to a previous firmware version - I phoned Philips and they acknowledged that it was probably the firmware update that got rid of the setting, and that a newer firmware version should correct it, but a new version is not available yet.

That is odd. I updated to the most recent version and it didn't remove the Preferred Channel functionality for me...

wow, then there must just be something wrong with the unit that I bought - I am going to return it and see what they say at the store....

Has anyone been able to get the full 1366 x 768 resolution via DVI on this TV? I've been messing with my laptop but I can't seem to get past the 1280 x 760 resolution :(Please help!

Can't get your laptop or the TV past 1280x760?

If the laptop, I think that's going to depend on the driver set you have. My laptop (Dell XPS Gen 2) has a GeForce Go 6800 and offers a ridiculous number of resolutions, all from the NVIDIA settings icon in the system tray.

It also includes a wizard to take care of the overscan so you'll actually set your resolution to exactly what will be shown on the screen. (I think I ended up at 1344 x 742 or something along those lines.)

I would assume an ATI card would offer similar options.

Todd

how is the GUI and menu for this TV? one I saw for another tv was pretty bad. when playing with adjustments (color, etc), you couldn't even see the picture. is that true?

Just got this set from BJs Wholesale. So far, am loving everything except for the awful owners manual.

Has anyone been successful in hooking up their digital camera via USB to view a slideshow? When I try it doesn't work. It gives me an error reading of "incompatible device".



Also, my unit came with a cord that seems to be a backlight of sorts....a "y" shaped cord with two white LEDs on each end and a small jack on the other. I can't for the life of me figure out where to plug it in. Anyone?

Also, my unit came with a cord that seems to be a backlight of sorts....a "y" shaped cord with two white LEDs on each end and a small jack on the other. I can't for the life of me figure out where to plug it in. Anyone?

It actually controls the backlight through Active Control. Anyways, look behind where all the connections are. At the very top you'll see a headphone 3.5mm jack. I'm pretty sure thats where you plug it in to.

It actually controls the backlight through Active Control. Anyways, look behind where all the connections are. At the very top you'll see a headphone 3.5mm jack. I'm pretty sure thats where you plug it in to.

Hmmmm...don't see a 3.5mm input on the back on my set. We are talking about the 37PF7320A/37 correct?

The only input the plug will fit into is one labeled IR OUTPUT (future use).

Help!

I really don't know then, I don't know why they include it if there's no where to plut it in... the website doesn't really help either.

I really don't know then, I don't know why they include it if there's no where to plut it in... the website doesn't really help either.


Just got off the phone with Philips. Was told it is an IR Blaster for future use.....whatever the heck that is?

Those two cables are necessary to IR control some external devices like VCRs or cableboxes in case you are using TV Guide on Screen feature, that can be enabled from the service menu.

Those two cables are necessary to IR control some external devices like VCRs or cableboxes in case you are using TV Guide on Screen feature, that can be enabled from the service menu.


OK....I'll bite. How does one activate the TV Guide feature? That would be excellent info and well recieved.

If I remember correctly, enter 062596 and [INFO] on the remote, go to Options,
set TVGuide to Enable, go to Store and save the setting, then turn off the TV.

Bought the 37PF7320A/37 from Costco about 1 month ago. So far, so good - PQ is great, DVD's and HDTV sources look great, even SDTV through Tivo look good.

Phiips support has been great with the two minor issues I encountered.

There is one issue that remains and I wanted to see if anyone else is experiencing it.

Every so often, when Closed Captioning is on, the captions will "freeze" and the TV will fail to respond to any commands. After a moment or so, the picture will "flicker", and the TV will essentially reboot itself. This became more pronounced once the CableCard was installed; each time the CableCard is reinitialized, a diagnostic message is displayed on screen.

I thought it may have something to do with the CableCard at first, but the same thing sometimes occurs when watching the Tivo, when the CableCard is not involved.

Anyone else having this?

-m

I just picked up this set yesterday from Costco in exchange for my 37" Sceptre. It's been less than a day, but thus far I'm completely amazed by the night and day difference in useability, features, packaging, instruction manual, remote control, quality etc., compared to the Sceptre.

It wouldn't be fair for me to make a comparrison in terms of picture quality since I beleive my Sceptre had problems. The Sceptre's HD picture (while a bit dark) was excellent. The Philips is brighter from corner to corner and the picture is amazing! I honestly cannot tell the difference between the 1080i Scepter and this set in terms of sharpness!

I haven't found a baseline for all of the picture adjustments yet so I expect that SD and DVD content can look even better than it does.

One thing is certain, selecting OTA HD channels is a breeze with this set compared to the Sceptre. I can simply press in the channel number for the OTA HD channel I want. Or I can scroll through the Favorites list to find the channel and it doesn't take 8 seconds for the picture to appear. Changing OTA HD channels on the Sceptre was a real pain. I also believe that the ATSC tuner on the Philips is better. My antenna is in the same position yet I'm receiving more channnels.

No buyers remorse... at least not yet! :)

Can this TV detect and display the non "premium" (non encrypted) HD channels with its QAM tuner straight from the coax connection, without a CableCard?
Yes, mjmbond. It will detect all digital and analog channels.
Please help!

The answer seem to contracdict two posts from other members:
...Also, anyone have troubles connecting the cable directly into the tv and the tv doing a search to locate channels. i tried to set it up and it took forever and seemed to never find any channels.
...

Happy I found this thread. I went to Costco last night to buy the Maxent 42" plasma. Looked great next to the Pioneer. Oops. My Costco and the other I visit from time to time were sold out. Went to a third and found this set for the first time. After pacing around the store, deceided to get this set. I'm taking a break from stting the thing up.

Turned it on last night with a ota ant and the hd looked great. I had a fairly bad signal, but it still looked good. Faces appeared a little green out of the box, but I will play with it tongiht. Anybody have any settings they would like to share to get me going.

Quick and stupid question. I had just assumed that my D* DVR would have compnent inputs. My bad. Only composite and S-Video. Would I be correct to assume the S-Video is the way to go until the new H20 dvr comes out. I plan to make due with D* SD and ota until that comes out.

Thanks for the help and I plan to share the results with all of you.

just came back from Costco, only the floor model is available but they are getting restocking soon. However, the PQ on the demo model is absolutely not good. The Sharp 32" LC-G5C... is the only one that stands on as far as PQ goes.

S-Video. I don't have a D* DVR connected to this TV yet (Free Offer expires on 11/05, and I'm still awaiting the R15 DVR), so I'm still using the standard RCA DTv receiver.

Some channels look Ok, others are very bad. I wonder if the the various DTv receivers output different signal qualities. SD content on our Samsung LCD looks much better through our Philips DTv DVR than the it does through the standard DTv receiver.

All OTA HD through the built in tuner looks great on this set.


Happy I found this thread. I went to Costco last night to buy the Maxent 42" plasma. Looked great next to the Pioneer. Oops. My Costco and the other I visit from time to time were sold out. Went to a third and found this set for the first time. After pacing around the store, deceided to get this set. I'm taking a break from stting the thing up.

Turned it on last night with a ota ant and the hd looked great. I had a fairly bad signal, but it still looked good. Faces appeared a little green out of the box, but I will play with it tongiht. Anybody have any settings they would like to share to get me going.

Quick and stupid question. I had just assumed that my D* DVR would have compnent inputs. My bad. Only composite and S-Video. Would I be correct to assume the S-Video is the way to go until the new H20 dvr comes out. I plan to make due with D* SD and ota until that comes out.

Thanks for the help and I plan to share the results with all of you.

Anyone know if there is a way to manually label channels on this TV, as in put FOX next to channel 5 in NY if the autscan does not pick it up.

ThaNKS,

Sshnun

I have to agree that the ota pic quaility is great. I will have to spend some time getting the pic dialed in correctly. Right now skin tones have a gray/green tint to them. Anyone else experience this. As I have only had it for a day, I have not yet begun to play with it.

just came back from Costco, only the floor model is available but they are getting restocking soon. However, the PQ on the demo model is absolutely not good. The Sharp 32" LC-G5C... is the only one that stands on as far as PQ goes.

..........and the PQ on a demo in Costco tells you what?

I have to agree that the ota pic quaility is great. I will have to spend some time getting the pic dialed in correctly. Right now skin tones have a gray/green tint to them. Anyone else experience this. As I have only had it for a day, I have not yet begun to play with it.


As simple as adjusting your tint control. You may also want to adjust the color temperature to normal or cool in the picture menu.

Anyone know if there is a way to manually label channels on this TV, as in put FOX next to channel 5 in NY if the autscan does not pick it up.

ThaNKS,

Sshnun


Haven't found a channel label feature. What I'd like to do is be able to delete inactive or unwanted channels from my channel scan (channel up/down) on the remote.

Thanks for the tint control tip. I had already adjusted the temp. I will play with the tint.

Dave

..........and the PQ on a demo in Costco tells you what?
Well a few poster here kept saying that everytime they went to costco and the philips looked great. I was having high hopes to be impressed, but it was a let down.

Plus, NoviDave's posts about the picture even after his tweaking it still sounded like what I've seen at costco. This certainly doesn't boost one's confidence in this unit.

Well a few poster here kept saying that everytime they went to costco and the philips looked great. I was having high hopes to be impressed, but it was a let down.

Plus, NoviDave's posts about the picture even after his tweaking it still sounded like what I've seen at costco. This certainly doesn't boost one's confidence in this unit.

talez: If there's a BB near you, try stopping by their TV department since they sell the very same 37" Philips LCD TV. Hopefully, the signal/setup will be better.

Like me, NoviDave just bought his set a couple of days ago. I've explored the menus on this set and there are a lot of adjustments that can be made. I don't have a setup disk yet so finding the optimal picture settings may take a few days.

I think that if you find on on the shelf that is getting a decent signal you too will be impressed. :)

Thanks Mr. Lawrence. I don't really understand the store's practice. That is, do they from time to time decide which brand they want to push? or were they given incentives to push certain brand so they set up their feeds differently? or do they even do any setup at all -- do they just hook up every demo out of the box without tweaking?

At best buy, the Sony LCDs always looks stunning; and the pictures of the Sharps always looks darker. However, at circuit city, the sharp aquos looks amazing. Basically, these two brands always take my attention away at different stores. So I haven't paid any attention to Philips and other brands.

Talez,

You misunderstood my post. I just picked up the set and have not made any adjustments to it. Just playing with it for a few minutes today, I can already tell that it will look great. I have not had any time to play with the disk (S&V's), but when I do I will let you know. Sorry for the confusion.

Talez,

You misunderstood my post. I just picked up the set and have not made any adjustments to it. Just playing with it for a few minutes today, I can already tell that it will look great. I have not had any time to play with the disk (S&V's), but when I do I will let you know. Sorry for the confusion.

NoviDave: Where did you purchase the S&V (Sound & Vision) setup disk?

On a related note, I tried using the THX Optimizer included on the Incredibles DVD, but ran into some problems because the on screen controls (Contrast, Brightness, Color etc.) occupies a portion of the screen that needs to be seen in order to perform the test. :(

One last point, should the THX Optimizer that's included on some DVD's be used strictly for the specific DVD Movie or is it meant for overall adjustments. I'm also not sure if I should change the picture controls on the DVD player, TV or both???

So many variables! :eek:

I bought it some time ago at BB. I have no idea if they still carry it.

I would love to see some settings guys.

Vikur,

You are correct, the FPM50 will need additional brackets - when I held the FPM50 up to the 7320 I was looking at the stand mount points (about 26" apart) rather than the holes for the wall mount standoffs. You may be able to remove the stand mount standoffs and use the stand mount points to attach the FPM50, but given the price of the TV you are probably better off buying the brackets and using the intended wall mount points.

DammitJim, I'm sorry if my error has caused you any grief.

I ended up using the FPM50 to mount an LG 42" LCD set on the wall (37" was too small for the wife in the living room). The picture on the 7320 is so nice I decided not to take it back - we now watch Leno in HD on the 7320 in the bedroom every night! I'm not looking forward to paying next month's credit card bill...

Cheers,

Mike


Wow...wish I had seen this reply BEFORE I ordered the bracket and just tried to install it only to realize it doesn't friggin' fit. Your earlier post claimed you put up your Philips in less than an hour without special brackets. So that was just B.S.?

Wow...wish I had seen this reply BEFORE I ordered the bracket and just tried to install it only to realize it doesn't friggin' fit. Your earlier post claimed you put up your Philips in less than an hour without special brackets. So that was just B.S.?

The Sanus VMPL3 works using the outer mounting points on the 37" Philips LCD. It has adjustable vertical mounts as well as an adjustable wall mount.

I just bought this set from Costco on Saturday. In the store, compared to the Sharp next to it the picture was a tad greenish, but since it has the needed tuner built in, i decided to go with it, since i've never been 'wow'ed by Sharp nor Sony's picture quality. I am very happy with picture in both HD and SD and i am only using fifteen dollar antennas to get the signal. Even through my TiVo the picture is great. I have not done a thing to adjust the picture at all.

The only issue i am having and wonder if anyone else is.. the sound will sometimes go out, but i wonder if this is because i am using only antennas and do not have a cable connection. If i change the channel, and then go back, the sound comes back. I am totally amazed with this LCD TV and very happy i decided to go with it. Good price and good picture and an HD tuner to boot.

~ wendy

I just bought this set from Costco on Saturday. In the store, compared to the Sharp next to it the picture was a tad greenish, but since it has the needed tuner built in, i decided to go with it, since i've never been 'wow'ed by Sharp nor Sony's picture quality. I am very happy with picture in both HD and SD and i am only using fifteen dollar antennas to get the signal. Even through my TiVo the picture is great. I have not done a thing to adjust the picture at all.

The only issue i am having and wonder if anyone else is.. the sound will sometimes go out, but i wonder if this is because i am using only antennas and do not have a cable connection. If i change the channel, and then go back, the sound comes back. I am totally amazed with this LCD TV and very happy i decided to go with it. Good price and good picture and an HD tuner to boot.

~ wendy


I have not experienced a problem with loss of audio signal. Does this occur when viewing OTA signals only?

The Sanus VMPL3 works using the outer mounting points on the 37" Philips LCD. It has adjustable vertical mounts as well as an adjustable wall mount.


Sorry, but I am actually holding onto the mount as I write this. The wall bracket is approx. 28 3/4 inches long. The mounting holes on the back of the Philips are slightly MORE than 31" apart. How can this possibly work?

Sorry, but I am actually holding onto the mount as I write this. The wall bracket is approx. 28 3/4 inches long. The mounting holes on the back of the Philips are slightly MORE than 31" apart. How can this possibly work?


capecodguy: Are you referring to the Sanus VMPL3 (B/S, black or silver)??? If so, there's something wrong. Is it possible that the wrong item was included in the box??? Check again, because my 37" Philips (model # 37PF7320) is hanging on the wall with the Sanus VMPL3 supporting it!

The wall plate of the VMPL3 is a 3 piece assembly. The sectional wall plate is actually 3 plates that join and are adjustable in length (26" to 40").

The vertical bars that mount on the back of the LCD, are also adjustable ( 17" to 27") by attaching extentions to the top and bottom of each bar. These extentions are not necessary on this LCD panel.

If the wall mount that you are holding in your hands does not fit the above description, you do not have the VMPL3.

Do a search for Sanus on the BB website and there's a detailed close-up photo of the black version of the Sanus VMPL3.

Good luck!

capecodguy: Are you referring to the Sanus VMPL3 (B/S, black or silver)??? If so, there's something wrong. Is it possible that the wrong item was included in the box??? Check again, because my 37" Philips (model # 37PF7320) is hanging on the wall with the Sanus VMPL3 supporting it!

The wall plate of the VMPL3 is a 3 piece assembly. The sectional wall plate is actually 3 plates that join and are adjustable in length (26" to 40").

The vertical bars that mount on the back of the LCD, are also adjustable ( 17" to 27") by attaching extentions to the top and bottom of each bar. These extentions are not necessary on this LCD panel.

If the wall mount that you are holding in your hands does not fit the above description, you do not have the VMPL3.

Do a search for Sanus on the BB website and there's a detailed close-up photo of the black version of the Sanus VMPL3.

Good luck!

MY BAD! On page 2 of this thread MKellvich recommends an OmniMount (made by Sanus) that is available at WalMart. I bought this sight unseen and indeed, it doesn't fit.

Mike writes:
(The box and instruction sheet are labeled Vuepoint FPM50b. Here is the Walmart.com link:

walmart.com

A quick look at the SANUS website shows it to be identical to the VPML50b.

Cheers,

Mike )

He said he was able to mount the Philips in about an hour. Unfortunatley, it is not true.

The VMPL3 looks to fit the bill. Thanks very much.

In the CD-Rom version of the owners manual it shows "Preferred Channels" as a menu option, under TV/Settings. This would be VERY useful to delete channels that either you don't recieve or ones you don't like, from the channel up/down feature.

This option doesn't apper on my menu. Anyone have this?

In the CD-Rom version of the owners manual it shows "Preferred Channels" as a menu option, under TV/Settings. This would be VERY useful to delete channels that either you don't recieve or ones you don't like, from the channel up/down feature.

This option doesn't apper on my menu. Anyone have this?

The Preferred Channels menu item does appear among my choices, however, I have not tried to do anything with it yet.

BTW, have you figure out the issue with your wall mount yet?

In the CD-Rom version of the owners manual it shows "Preferred Channels" as a menu option, under TV/Settings. This would be VERY useful to delete channels that either you don't recieve or ones you don't like, from the channel up/down feature.

This option doesn't apper on my menu. Anyone have this?

Capecodguy, you'll need to download the most recent Firmware from Philips' website to restore the preferred channel functionality.

Link is here: (ok, I don't have 5 posts, so start at philips web site and follow the links to support for your model....)


Good luck.

I have not experienced a problem with loss of audio signal. Does this occur when viewing OTA signals only?

hi Mr.Lawrence,

Yes, all my signals are via twelve dollar antennas, so i'm hoping that the OTA signal is the culprit when the sound goes out. I'm really happy with this TV and don't want to have to return it. I still need to read the manual but havent done anything but hook up everything and turn it on. Picture is great and i get a surprising amount of Digital signals over the air.

Also, i haven't 'upgraded' the software on the tv, i'm hoping i can just take the external drive and hook that up when it's time to do that. Or can i just use my laptop?

~ Wendy

hi Mr.Lawrence,

Yes, all my signals are via twelve dollar antennas, so i'm hoping that the OTA signal is the culprit when the sound goes out. I'm really happy with this TV and don't want to have to return it. I still need to read the manual but havent done anything but hook up everything and turn it on. Picture is great and i get a surprising amount of Digital signals over the air.

Also, i haven't 'upgraded' the software on the tv, i'm hoping i can just take the external drive and hook that up when it's time to do that. Or can i just use my laptop?

~ Wendy

Hello Wendy,

Did you happen to take note whether or not the audio loss occurs on Digital or Analog OTA signals? My guess is that it happens with digital stations, and that the problem is related to the strength of the signal.

I purchased a Trek HD antenna and it seems to work very well dependent on placement. Although, I haven't had an instance when I could view the picture, but not hear the audio (except the begining of last night's Monday Night Football game).

I haven't upgraded the software on my set either. If I remember correctly, the date of the software on my set was sometime around the 8th of September 2005. Before performing any updates, I'd prefer to know what's included among the updates then decide if I want to do the update. Similar to Apple and MS updates, I like to know what I'm updating and I prefer to wait until I'm sure that the updates have been thoroughly tested.

I think that the only way to perform the update is by using a FAT/DOS formatted USB memory stick. I don't believe that you can do it via a laptop.

If you haven't already done so, print out the "Complete" manual that is on the CD Philips included with the set.

Mr Lawrence,
thanks! I think it's true, only the digital signals. Probably because they send video and audio separate, correct? i don't recall audio going out on my regular signals, like TiVo. I seemed to lose a bit of the audio beginning of the game last night, too, digital channel 7.1 ,i think it was. (that was a crazy "keystone cops" game last night!) are you near SFO?

Do other TVs require software updates or is this unique to Philips? I did download a pdf from Philips of what the recent upgrades did to fix in the TV. But, I thought i'd review the manual before i tried upgrading, and of course, may need to buy some memory stick to do it anyway.

thanks again!

Wendek,

That's my guess also. SFO??? Is that SanFrancisco/Oakland??? I'm in Maryland, where it's just starting to get cold. :) Concerning the Monday Night game, I didn't have audio for the first 5-10 minutes so I switched to the analog station 7 and I could hear the game, but the video signal was poor. I ended up switching to a PBS Digital station and never got back to the game.

I don't know if other manuf. provide upgrade support, but I think that it's a great idea.

In the CD-Rom version of the owners manual it shows "Preferred Channels" as a menu option, under TV/Settings. This would be VERY useful to delete channels that either you don't recieve or ones you don't like, from the channel up/down feature.

This option doesn't apper on my menu. Anyone have this?


The Philips USA web site indicates that software version BX23U-1.0.8.0 00841 fixes "Preferred Channnel menu item temporarily disabled in BX23U-1.0.7.0 00831 is enabled with this release."

I'm not sure which software version my set has. I'll have to check tonight.

i'll look at my software version tonight too, since that "Preferred Channels" option is a good thing to have. Sounds like i'll still need to purchase other hardware to do the upgrade tho.
I am in SF near the airport (SFO) and 49ers Stadium, and i get lots of good HD signals that i don't see a need to get cable yet.
wendek

Has anyone connect this to a PC and played games like COD2, FEAR, BF2, etc? I want to get a HDMI to DVI cable so that I can connect my computer. Before I purchase the TV, I want to know what the quality is like and what general impressions are. Thanks!

The Philips USA web site indicates that software version BX23U-1.0.8.0 00841 fixes "Preferred Channnel menu item temporarily disabled in BX23U-1.0.7.0 00831 is enabled with this release."

I'm not sure which software version my set has. I'll have to check tonight.

Upgraded my firmware last night and it restored the Preferred Channel feature. Worked like a champ! This solves a MAJOR complaint I had with the set and restores my faith that all engineers are not idiots.

hey, how come they don't just include a vga connection for easy pc to TV hook up?

I just checked and it looks like i do have the latest software version on my PHilips.. BX23U-1.0.8.0 00841. the Preferred Channels work for me.


Wendek

Can someone tell me how long the power cord is on this TV?

Can someone tell me how long the power cord is on this TV?


Can't say that I've measured the length of the power cord, but I'd guess that it's between 4-5 foot. I have mine running through the wall so it's not really convenient to actually make a measurement.

I made the same mistake of purchasing the Sansus VMPL50 for my Philips 37PF7320A TV. Instead of returning this unit, can anyone tell me if the Ergotron 60-548-009 vesa adapter plate will work with the VMPL50?

Dennis

km23,
I have hooked up my PC to the TV via dvi-hdmi cable, but I can tell you that unfortunately I haven't been able to get a better resolution than 1024 x 768 (4:3) or 1176 x 668 (16:9). I haven't had enough time to keep playing with this to get 1360 x 768.

looks like they are going to have HDMI video cards. maybe that will help

14 reviews on this set at circuitcity.com 4.6/5.0

The Sony XBR is still better in color

Does anyone have a problem changing channels with the remote ?
When I push channel up or down, it goes black as if it is going to change and then
returns to the same channel. I guess it is very sensitive. I also think it takes too much time inbetween channel change. Any adjustments for this ?

Question
Whistling sound when sound is muted.

Answer
It is normal to hear a small whistling sound from a distance less than 3 meters (10 feet).


This is lame.I would think a lot of people would be within 10 feet of viewing this TV.

I'm going to get this TV tommorow. Hopefully I can't hear the noise at 8 feet. If I do it's going back. To me it's a design problem and should be fixed.

dude! this tv doesn't sound like a good buy and you are still getting it?!? Why not get a maxent or visio? Sony is looks the best out there for LCDs.

Question
Whistling sound when sound is muted.

Answer
It is normal to hear a small whistling sound from a distance less than 3 meters (10 feet).


This is lame.I would think a lot of people would be within 10 feet of viewing this TV.

I'm going to get this TV tommorow. Hopefully I can't hear the noise at 8 feet. If I do it's going back. To me it's a design problem and should be fixed.

I don't notice it and if I did, it certainly wouldn't be a deal breaker. After 300 plus hours of use I may have muted the sound for all of three minutes, and I can't say I noticed a whistling sound.

Do all of you blatant "returners" honestly think that returning these expensive sets is "free"?. We all pay in the long run for the abusers of certain stores easy return policies. Do your due diligence BEFORE you buy, it's the only honest way to go. And I'd take the Phillips over a Maxent or Visio any day of the week. The Sony is very nice albeit around $1000 more.

I picked up this TV on Saturday at the local Costco, the last 32" model in stock. I am loving this TV. The picture is quite nice on SD (via D*) and amazing via the onboard OTA HDTV tuner. I think for the money this set is a great value. I just couldn't justify spending considerably more for the 37" model and was not impressed with the other branded 37" models in the same price range. The only issue I have come across is no signal from the HD-Tivo via HDMI, so I will start cruising the Tivo and D* forums for answers.

so far no whistling noise as I had posted before about in a FAQ on the TV on the Philips site. I have to say the HD picture is great. The analog is as good as it can be considering that I have a slightly weak signal from cable.

I'm very sensitive to sounds and was concerned about that after I read the FAQ on the Philips site about this TV. I did a lot of checking before buying this set. It is not possible to listen to low level sounds from the TV at any store, so I had to purchase it to confirm it.

I just don't go and buy a unit without really checking into it before hand quite a bit. I don't like returning anything unless it ends up being a surprise and bothers me a lot.

Hi Guys,
just bought this set from costco last week. i have couple questions

1/how pip works? i have my dvi->hdmi from cable box connected to
hdmi 1 input, and my dvd player hdmi->hdmi connected to hdmi 2 input
i even try connect components from dvd player to av1. I try all combinations
but i never be able to get pip works, i always get the second black window
and a line on top of it says "source not available"

2/My second question is that when i read the manual, i saw there's an option
cablecard installation (in the menu)but i don't have that option on my tv. Do
we have to have cablecard installed so that this option appears on the menu?
thanks
Mike
ps: i checked i have the latest firmware

never mind my first question, i found out that
hdmi works only with av2 and side inputs only
thanks,
Mike

I just noticed this set on Costco's website, and it looks like a pretty good deal - glad to see generally positive experiences with this set. I'll have to try to swing by Costco this weekend and check it out.

I'm curious, does anyone see the need for an upconverting dvd player (e.g., oppo), or does it do OK without it?

I really like the 37PF7320A but the backlight is quite inconsistant. I have a Samsung 23 inch and the backlight is fine. It's mostly noticeable in dark scenes but can be seen in other conditiuons. I'm debating on returning it to Costco (only had it about 2 weeks). I think there is a chance that I might be able to live with it but not sure.

In some cases it looks like a a tube TV that needs to be degaused.

Does anyone else have this condtion with this TV?

Hi, picked up the 37PF7320A at costco two weeks ago (go back if you bought over a week ago to get the $300 price adjustment). This is my first LCD TV after migrating from 27" panny tube so judge accordingly. My impressions and concerns to date:

PQ: Has the potential to look great with HD material and relatively bright scenes. SD looks great with the DNR at max, especially some of the higher quality channels such as Discovery and Military Channel. DVDs over HDMI look really great, better than I expected. I saw some artifacts in areas of solid color but I think this is my cheap upconverting Toshiba player.

However, I have become increasingly aware of overly bright reds/oranges/yellows to the point that a small red object on the screen can be distracting from the overall image. I've set color temp = cool, color saturation = 55, brightness = 62, contrast = 95, color enhancer = on, all other digital enhancement on/max. If anyone has better results with other settings please let me know. I'm using the cheap component cables from the HD digital cable box but have a DVI>HDMI on order to see if that impacts the color issue. Detail in blacks/dark scenes, as noted everywhere in these forums, are less than ideal but with the Active Control feature set to Max, it appears to dim the backlight and helps when the ambient room light is low.

Sound: Pretty darn good actually. I'm using the built in speaker for most viewing and am very satisfied. There is vibration in the plastic at certain frequencies on select material. I've increased the cable box audio output levels and lowered the TV volume which seems to help quite a bit. To be expected to some degree but just noting the issue.

Build Quality: Before I got the HD cable box I was using the coax connector and would audio would just drop out a couple times daily. A restart of the TV cleared the issue. I logged a ticket online 12 days ago and have yet to hear from Philips. However, with the new HD cable box I'm using the digital audio in and the problem went away. The other quality issue is the sound vibration noted above.

Overall I think the TV is good, but the honeymoon is over and I'm a bit more critical of it now. For same $ one can now have the Syntax Olevia LT42HVI giving extra 5". I'm going to check the PQ of this model at CompUSA tomorrow although I'm not too hopeful that their showroom material will really test the box. If it is anything close the Philips I'll probably make the switch.

Time for me to jump in with my settings for this tv. cmcdermo: Your contrast setting seems high for this set.

Contrast - 72
Brightness - 50
Color - 51
Sharpness - 2
Color temperture - normal
Digital processing - pixel plus
Dynamic contrast - medium
DNR - medium
Color enhancement - off
Tint - 0
Active Control - off

Got the set last month and I've been happy with these settings most of the time. I do use Active Control on Maximum when there is an abundant amount of sunlight coming into the room during the afternoon.

I might check out another TV as well.

I hooked up the set to my cable coax and it did not seem to find the HD TV channels that iare supposed to be on cable.

I'm not going trru a box just direct thru the coax input..
I have afriend tha thas a different TV and on the same cable network as me (Charter) and he gets several of the hd channels on his TV.

They show up as a -1 after the actual chanel number. For example channel 8 would be analog channel and 8-1 would be the digital versionm of it. His gets it and I can't seen to find it on mine.

Does anyone know what channels it is supposed to show up as. I assume it would be like his 8-1.

Thanks

Hi ..
I spent a few days without any success trying to figure out how to make the digital optical output from my DVD or Dish Network STB to work with the TV Digital In. I got a TOSlink cable and a digital coax cable along with a Optical to coax convertor box but with not much luck.

I tried the following combinations

Scenario 1
Used the component video cable from STB to AV1 on TV and the digital out from the STB - to the digital in on the TV (thru the contraption mentioned above) No audio! Ofcourse, I get the audio from when I connect to the audio outlets of AV1

Scenario 2
Used a DVI to HDMI cable from the Dish Network STB to the TV and used the Optical Digital out from the STB to the TV Digital Audio in - No Audio!

Scenario 3
Used the DVD optical out to the Digital Audio In (TV) and used component cables on AV3 again - No Audio from TV

Wondering if I am doing something wrong as I can't get the Optical Digital Audio output from these devices to work with the Philip TV Digital Audio In.

I would appreciate if you have any suggestions/recommendations to resolve this.
Thanks

I recently pickup this TV at costco. So far I like the picture quality but the menu system, the remote suck. I am not sure everybody notice that. Philip could have improve those area. The remote and menu is just to simple

If I want to do CC, I have to navigate the menu system to do that. Some other remote have a button on the remote to do that. Other thing I could not find is the signal checker to see if my Antenna is at his peak.

Gopdas -
You need to assign the digital audio input jack to the corresponding video input jack in the menus. For example, if you have DVD composites going into AV3, in the setup menu, go to source and for the "digital audio" set the source to AV3. That way, it knows which video source is supplying the digital audio in.

Quote from the manual:
Digital Audio
Select Digital Audio In when the TV expects digital audio for a connected
device to come from a Digital audio input.
Make your selection of the source to which the device with digital audio
input has been connected.
In addition to accepting audio input via Digital Audio In, the TV can output
Digital audio via the DIGITAL AUDIO OUT connector to an external
amplifier or receiver.

Gopdas -
You need to assign the digital audio input jack to the corresponding video input jack in the menus. For example, if you have DVD composites going into AV3, in the setup menu, go to source and for the "digital audio" set the source to AV3. That way, it knows which video source is supplying the digital audio in.

Quote from the manual:
Digital Audio
Select Digital Audio In when the TV expects digital audio for a connected
device to come from a Digital audio input.
Make your selection of the source to which the device with digital audio
input has been connected.
In addition to accepting audio input via Digital Audio In, the TV can output
Digital audio via the DIGITAL AUDIO OUT connector to an external
amplifier or receiver.

Zachula,
Thank you so much. It worked after I implemented what you said!! Appreciate it much. I should say the Philips documenation is really lousy.. I must say that I looked at it so many times and still could not figure it out.

Gopdas :o

Ok, I'm thinking of pulling the trigger on purchasing the 37PF7320A at the "C" membership store that shall remain nameless. It will be for my home office (12' x 12'), and connected to TWC. Have been on the fence debating whether to go 42" plasma or LCD (sunglare is not an issue in this room), but the kids play a lot of video games and at times leave the game on pause for awhile which causes burn-in concern if I went the plasma route. Wifey says 42" is too big for the room because of the room layout and furniture, so 37" it is.

Question for you OWNERS out there, are you happy with your purchase decision?

Much thanks.

I have the 32" and if the 37" would have been the price it is now, i would have gotten that one. I don't think there are any real diff's between the 32" & 37" but i am very happy with mine. I only watch TV and OTA at that, and get a marvelous picture. It's in the living room now but will be moved into the bedroom when i get the dreamed for 50" Plasma.
Get the biggest you can afford! My room is 10' x 12' and 50" would not be too big!
wendek

Ok, I'm thinking of pulling the trigger on purchasing the 37PF7320A at the "C" membership store that shall remain nameless. It will be for my home office (12' x 12'), and connected to TWC. Have been on the fence debating whether to go 42" plasma or LCD (sunglare is not an issue in this room), but the kids play a lot of video games and at times leave the game on pause for awhile which causes burn-in concern if I went the plasma route. Wifey says 42" is too big for the room because of the room layout and furniture, so 37" it is.

Question for you OWNERS out there, are you happy with your purchase decision?

Much thanks.

It's okay to say Costco.....Me? I got mine at BJs and have no regrets whatsoever.

Thanks. Yeah, I wish I could go to a bigger display, but unfortunately the room logistics (window and door location, furniture, existing built in desk/credenza) won't allow for a bigger set. Anyways, I have studied this thread and the available documents on the Philips website, and must say that I'm pretty impressed with its features, such as 2 HDMI inputs, QAM, ATSC/NTSC tuners. I just hope it fits in our minivan.

I'm trying to decide between the 37" Philips and the 37" Toshiba LCD. I was leaning toward Toshiba, but now I am thinking more about Philips since Costco has the latter and just ran out of the former. Those of you with the Philips 37PF7320A, do you see any ghosting/blurring from fast moving images?

Thanks,

Rerics

Hello,
Newbie here. I purchased this TV this week and I absolutely love it. My only gripe is the OSD. You either have it on minimum, and can't see the volume adjeustment, or maximum, and the channel number is always present. The remote sucks as well but I can live with it. I have a Scientific Atlanta remote for my cable box and I cannot program it to work with the TV. I would like to at least adjust the volume and change the channel with 1 remote. Any ideas?
Thanks.

P.S. - Rerics, I have watched some basketball games and Olympics on this TV so far. The only time you see a blur is when the camera moves quickly, not the objects or people. I think that happens no matter what TV you are on. I recommend you get this TV, the HD is stunning.

1Pharmer,

I had the 37" LCD since December. Very satisfied with the HD OTA and upscaling DVD. SD OTA TV and E* sat service is better than the old CRT. I chose the Philips 37PF7320A for digital connects, built-in HD OTA tuner, well lit room considerations, and plus it had the best PQ of comaprable units in-store at the time.

My only gripe is the OSD. You either have it on minimum, and can't see the volume adjeustment, or maximum, and the channel number is always present. The remote sucks as well but I can live with it. I have a Scientific Atlanta remote for my cable box and I cannot program it to work with the TV. I would like to at least adjust the volume and change the channel with 1 remote. Any ideas?
Thanks.

Derrick,

I agree with you on the remote. Button arrangement design was not well thought out. I emailed Philips about the OSD situation and suggested to include a fix in a future firmware update (suggest you send one too if not already). I too would like to visually observe volume adjustment without the channel bug stuck in the corner. The bug will go away after a few minutes, buts that's not acceptable.

I'm not aware of a universal code, but am interested also.

I have read that the Omnimount U3 Tiltmount is the way to go, particularly due to the 800 x 400 mm mounting holes in the back of the set. I'm really trying to do my homework here. :)

Any comments?

TIA

EDIT: thanks for the above comments, guys!

P.S. - Rerics, I have watched some basketball games and Olympics on this TV so far. The only time you see a blur is when the camera moves quickly, not the objects or people. I think that happens no matter what TV you are on. I recommend you get this TV, the HD is stunning.

Thanks for the response---Now that Costco online no longer carry's the Tosh 37" LCD I was interested in, I'll probably go get the 37PF7320A since it's in a couple of the Costco warehouses in my area (for the same price). The PQ on the Tosh may be a hair better, but I'm of the opinion that you could optimally tweak the settings on just about any flat panel LCD and have a difficult time decided which PQ was the best (especially considering the settings are not the same in the TVs in the store, so it's partially apples/oranges anyway). I do like the 2 HDMI ports on the Philips set vs. just 1 on the Tosh.

One other thing:
I was looking at the 37PF7320A side by side at Costco with several other flat screen TVs, and one thing I noticed was that when the video feed into the TVs was showing a trailer from an upcoming movie, all of the TVs except the Philips was showing it in full 2.35:1 widescreen with black bars on top and bottom. The Philips had stretched it vertically to fit the screen; in fact, I could tell it was cutting off a bit of the top and bottom. The other images shown on the video feed before and after this movie trailer were full screen on all of the TVs.

The questions I have are:
1. Is it likely that the Philips was probably set in an automatic fill-the-screen mode?

2. Is it typical for a stretch-to-fill mode to be "imperfect", meaning that the stretch goes too far and cuts off bits of top and bottom as I noticed on the Philips?

3. Is it likely that the other TVs were in some display mode that automatcally fit everything horizontally, resulting in 16:9 images that filled the screen and 2:35:1 images that produced bars at the top and bottom?

As you can tell, I'm relatively new at trying to understand all of the typical display options.

Thanks,

Rerics

The questions I have are:
1. Is it likely that the Philips was probably set in an automatic fill-the-screen mode?

2. Is it typical for a stretch-to-fill mode to be "imperfect", meaning that the stretch goes too far and cuts off bits of top and bottom as I noticed on the Philips?

3. Is it likely that the other TVs were in some display mode that automatcally fit everything horizontally, resulting in 16:9 images that filled the screen and 2:35:1 images that produced bars at the top and bottom?

As you can tell, I'm relatively new at trying to understand all of the typical display options.

Hi Rerics, Yes, it is likely the Philips was in auto expand mode. You can check out the Philips web site for their PDF manual on this TV and see the different screen mode options available. There are several options available, which i really like. I ususally leave my 32" in auto mode which will have a show/commercial re-adjusting throughout, but i haven't found this to be aproblem for me yet.
good luck
Wendek

Regarding the 37PF7320A---after the Cable Card is installed, can you bypass it and use an external tuner in order to get the 2-way stuff that's not obtainable with the Cable Card (pay per view, video on demand)? I'd like to get the supposedly better PQ with the Cable Card, but also be able to switch to the cable box to have the PPV and VOD services that Digital Comcast provides.

I'm getting anxious to get this TV. Three of my local Costcos have it on order to arrive sometime this week, for a total of 52 sets coming between the 3 warehouses---I should be able to grab one.

Thanks,

Rerics

I'm getting anxious to get this TV. Three of my local Costcos have it on order to arrive sometime this week, for a total of 52 sets coming between the 3 warehouses---I should be able to grab one.

Thanks,

Rerics


I purchased my TV from Costco and I must say, I'm absolutely impressed as is my wife. Although I haven't had much time to play with it, set up was incredibly easy and the few DVDs I previewed on the set were fantastic (Philips progressive scan DVD player via component). SD is not bad at all, probably better than the 25" CRT that this set replaced. I just have to figure out how to get the HD channels via TWC - - probably will get the cable card.

I purchased my TV from Costco and I must say, I'm absolutely impressed as is my wife. Although I haven't had much time to play with it, set up was incredibly easy and the few DVDs I previewed on the set were fantastic (Philips progressive scan DVD player via component). SD is not bad at all, probably better than the 25" CRT that this set replaced. I just have to figure out how to get the HD channels via TWC - - probably will get the cable card.

I just got this set yesterday. After connecting directly to my Comcast cable and running the channel scan, it found all the digital channels. I only have standard cable and the QAM feature is able to display the unencrypted HD broadcasts from my local stations. So far this set has been far better than the 37" de-Sceptre that I returned.

-Chuck

Anyone get the IR-LInk to work on this tv?

I believe the IR-Link may be implimented per a future firmware upgrade...according to Philips.

km23,
I have hooked up my PC to the TV via dvi-hdmi cable, but I can tell you that unfortunately I haven't been able to get a better resolution than 1024 x 768 (4:3) or 1176 x 668 (16:9). I haven't had enough time to keep playing with this to get 1360 x 768.

Hi, the manual says it supports three PC modes, vga, svga and xvga. I think the manual is wrong stating xvga resulotion at 1280x768. I think xvga native resolution is only 1024x768. Therefore you can only get 1024x768.

I have had this TV for two months and the one thing that bugs me is that there is a ticking noice when you first turn the tv on and off. Anyone else notice these noices?

I've owned my TV for just over a week and have not noticed any such ticking noises.

I've owned my TV for just over a week and have not noticed any such ticking noises.
One week today. No ticking.

i've had this TV since October or so, and have ticking-while-off ever since. That's the only big issue i can think of tho..

I've had this TV for a week now and I seem to have one issue that I can't resolve.
When tuned to 91.1 (KATU - ABC) the audio portion of the broadcast cuts in and out. Other TV stations at 91.4 and 91.7 are fine (great audio and pq).

Anyone have any thoughts on how to resolve this?

Thanks
-Chuck

Hi Chuck,

Kinda sounds like a transmission issue. It maybe that 91.1 is being transmitted at a lower signal strength via broadcaster. Might be able to detect the signal strength within the "weak channel" menu and compare to others.

pvg

With regard to ticking, I've owned this set since December. It does tick (or click) once about 1-2 seconds after power on and power off. Like a delayed capacitor. Otherwise no other ticking or other noise issues.

Hi Chuck,

Kinda sounds like a transmission issue. It maybe that 91.1 is being transmitted at a lower signal strength via broadcaster. Might be able to detect the signal strength within the "weak channel" menu and compare to others.

pvg
Beanpod,
Thanks for the suggestion. I appears, however, that the weak channel menu is only available when the TV is set to Antenna and not Cable. In case I didn't mention it, this is for cable broadcast.

-Chuck

Yep, you did mention it up-thread. Sorry bout that. Cable doesn't run my way so I'm afraid I can't help. Maybe someone with a cable card can. Good luck.

RotRoe,

I watched a bit of the Saints-Patriots game last night on Fox in 720p through the set's on-board tuner. I looked for motion blur - everything looked pretty sharp (ball, players, lines) even during plays and pans across the field. From where I sit, motion blur isn't a problem with this set.

DammitJim,

I did not try to force 1366x768 resolution - I just used 720P and 1024x768. The manual does not indicate that the set supports 1366x768. I don't have the set hooked up to a computer at the moment or I'd try it for you.

Cheers,

Mike



Hi there, goodmorning.

I originally bought the Sony 32" Bravia LCD. However, cannot stand the PQ at all. Changed to the philips 32" and is very satisfied with regards to the PQ. Sony has the VGA-in which i can simply use the VGA cable to connect to the notebook. How nice it is to do emails / surf the net and as source of media files etc. But with this Philips set, I am still trying to figure out how should I do the same. The Philips does not have VGA input. Instead, it has 2 HDMI.

So I bought a VGA - DVi adapter, and also a DVI - HDMI cable. In this case, I am able to connect them but I have tried the whole night and cannot transfer the screen to the LCD. Am I doing the right thing or how should I connect them instead??

I undersand that a lot of you are such AV enthusiast. Hoping that someone will be able to teach me how to conenct a notebook ( with only VGA - out) to the Philips 32" with only HDMI in-put.

Hope to receive your suggestions soon. Thank you.

ALAN

I don't like the HDMI input for PC, you have to have your refresh rate set to 60Hz. Buy a VGA Breakout cable and plug it into AV1 RGBHV. Works a lot better for PC.

I don't like the HDMI input for PC, you have to have your refresh rate set to 60Hz. Buy a VGA Breakout cable and plug it into AV1 RGBHV. Works a lot better for PC.


I see, do you know where i can buy such a cable??

Anyway, does my connection looks reasonable??

I do not understand why it is not showing up.

Pls advise if you know. Thanks

ALAN

Could I get an idea of what people are using as DVD players with their 37PF7320A TVs? I was interested in the Sony DVP-NS70H, but evidently there are picture shift issues (which are well documented on other threads in this forum). I'd like to get a fairly inexpensive (</= $200) player with HDMI that I know works well with the 37PF7320A.

Thanks,

Rerics

Could I get an idea of what people are using as DVD players with their 37PF7320A TVs? I was interested in the Sony DVP-NS70H, but evidently there are picture shift issues (which are well documented on other threads in this forum). I'd like to get a fairly inexpensive (</= $200) player with HDMI that I know works well with the 37PF7320A.

Thanks,

Rerics

Actually, not long after I posted this, I found a thread in the DVD player area that is devoted to recommendations of display/DVD player pairings. Nevertheless, I would be grateful if anyone wanted to chime in here lest I not find anything in that thread regarding the 37PF7320A.

Thanks,

Rerics

I have the 32" version, and connect the Sony DVP-NC80V DVD player with 5 disk changer to AV1. I really like it a lot but it gets an E2700 Error sometimes (when over heated?) and the turn table makes some nice grinding and crunching sounds. I couldn't find any info on this particular error and the sony tech guy said i could send it in for a refurbished one. Besides this 'little' issue, i've had good luck with it and didn't see any picture shift problems.
Wendek

Could I get an idea of what people are using as DVD players with their 37PF7320A TVs? I was interested in the Sony DVP-NS70H, but evidently there are picture shift issues (which are well documented on other threads in this forum). I'd like to get a fairly inexpensive (</= $200) player with HDMI that I know works well with the 37PF7320A.

Thanks,

Rerics

Hi Rerics,

I have the OPPO97 connected HDMI video and coaxial audio into the TV. The PQ is great. No calibration and haven't had any noticable macroblocking or handshake issues.

Right now I have TV digital coxial out to the AVR. Thus no switching on the AVR, just turn it on if I want to use it. Reason for this is to keep it simple for other family members. They can watch TV/STB/DVD the way they got used to it earlier with TV audio, and when DAD's home he controls the AVR. I just turn TV audio volume all the way down with external speaker use.

PVG

I just purchased this set from Costco and have the "clicking" noise when I power it on. One click and then it is on, not a big deal though because it doesn't seem that loud to me.

With regard to ticking, I've owned this set since December. It does tick (or click) once about 1-2 seconds after power on and power off. Like a delayed capacitor. Otherwise no other ticking or other noise issues.

I don't like the HDMI input for PC, you have to have your refresh rate set to 60Hz. Buy a VGA Breakout cable and plug it into AV1 RGBHV. Works a lot better for PC.

Hi, with the VGA Breakout cable what resolution can you achieve without at third party software? the Manual listed three PC resolution configurations for HDMI input. Is it the same with the breakout cable?

EDIT: I just realized there are different types of vga breakout cables. For AV1 RGBHV input it's just VGA input split into two RCA male plugs right?

thanks

I have this 37 philips. I don't understand a couple things with this TV. I put it in autoprogramming where it scans the channels ,analog and digital. It took about a half and hour and it stated how many channels it found att he end. When I got out of the mode and went to step thru the channels it went thru all of them even ones that don't exist. I had to go to the preferred channels manually and uncheck the ones that did not exist. What was the purpose in the TV doing the autoprogramming if I have to set them anyway. Maybe I'm overlooking something. But I expected that after the channel scan that it performed that it would have set the preferred channels correct. Al other TV's that I have had did it properly. What exactly did it do during the self scan mode?

Another theng is that I can't seem to pick up HDTV channels that my cable Charter puts on even if you don't get HD or digital I have a frind that is on the same system that I 'm on and he can get the few that Charter puts on for free. Does this TV get HD that is sent on cable? I thought it did. His came i n on channel 8a and 8b.

Thanks for any info.

I purchased the 37PF7320A from Costco two months ago for my bedroom. I returned it after 2 weeks because it has a buzzing sound after I turned it on. The only way to cover the sound is to turn the volume up. I called Philips and scheduled an appointment with a repair service. He came and had no idea what the problem was.

I purchased a new one a week ago after waiting for several weeks because it was out of stock. Well, guess what? This one has the same noise coming from it. I can hear the sound from over 10 feet away. Anyone else with the same problem?

I have this 37 philips. I don't understand a couple things with this TV. I put it in autoprogramming where it scans the channels ,analog and digital. It took about a half and hour and it stated how many channels it found att he end. When I got out of the mode and went to step thru the channels it went thru all of them even ones that don't exist. I had to go to the preferred channels manually and uncheck the ones that did not exist. What was the purpose in the TV doing the autoprogramming if I have to set them anyway. Maybe I'm overlooking something. But I expected that after the channel scan that it performed that it would have set the preferred channels correct. Al other TV's that I have had did it properly. What exactly did it do during the self scan mode?

Another theng is that I can't seem to pick up HDTV channels that my cable Charter puts on even if you don't get HD or digital I have a frind that is on the same system that I 'm on and he can get the few that Charter puts on for free. Does this TV get HD that is sent on cable? I thought it did. His came i n on channel 8a and 8b.

Thanks for any info.

Hi, I've had the 37pf7320 now for about a week, and it's great :)

The Autoscan can be limited to automatically "un-set" any found encrypted channels by updating to the latest FW version from the Philips support site for this set.

I'll be getting my CableCard next week, so as far as digital content, I'm currently running Comcast Standard cable package, and with the plug from the wall directly into the RF connector on the set,. I have found about a dozen digital channels (plus about 65 DMX music channels as well!). I see all the local PBS and network channels, plus a few others as well. How have you connected your set?

I purchased the 37PF7320A from Costco two months ago for my bedroom. I returned it after 2 weeks because it has a buzzing sound after I turned it on. The only way to cover the sound is to turn the volume up. I called Philips and scheduled an appointment with a repair service. He came and had no idea what the problem was.

I purchased a new one a week ago after waiting for several weeks because it was out of stock. Well, guess what? This one has the same noise coming from it. I can hear the sound from over 10 feet away. Anyone else with the same problem?

I have the 32" version of this LCD tv and it's very quite while operating.
My parents have a Philips 50" plasma and it does make a slight buzz that grows slightly louder if the picture has brighter images (like an all white screen) however it's not noticable beyond a foot or two.

I'd be interested to hear if anyone else has this problem with thier Philips 37" LCD as I'm interested in this set.

My Vizio tuner has some problem, so I'm thinking to replace it by Philips. Generally I do not like Philips as a vendor due low quality and bad customer support. However PQ looks much better than Vizio has and I hope tuner doesn't have problems, like Vizio. Can somebody share experience with the following:
1. possibility to get true 5.1 signal off tuner to feed a receiver
2. width of unit, I have available space only 42" and units stacked at my Costco to high to measure
3. multisystem capabilities (Vizio is multisystem set, so I can feed it any analog like PAL/SECAM/NTSC

My Vizio tuner has some problem, so I'm thinking to replace it by Philips. Generally I do not like Philips as a vendor due low quality and bad customer support. However PQ looks much better than Vizio has and I hope tuner doesn't have problems, like Vizio. Can somebody share experience with the following:
1. possibility to get true 5.1 signal off tuner to feed a receiver
2. width of unit, I have available space only 42" and units stacked at my Costco to high to measure
3. multisystem capabilities (Vizio is multisystem set, so I can feed it any analog like PAL/SECAM/NTSC

1. It has both S/PDIF in and out so I assume it can.
2. 1105mm or 43.5"
3. Only ATSC and NTSC listed in the specs

http://www.consumer.philips.com/consumer/catalog/catalog.jsp?fhquery=fh_secondid%3D37pf7320a_37_us_consumer%2 6fh_start_index%3D10%26fh_location%3D%2F%2Fconsumer%2Fen_US% 2Fcategories%3Ccatalog_us_consumer%2Fcategories%3Ctv_gr_us_c onsumer%2Fcategories%3Cflat_tv_ca_us_consumer%26&productId=37PF7320A_37_US_CONSUMER&activeCategory=TV_GR_US_CONSUMER&fredhopperpage=detail.jsp&activeTab=specifications&language=en&country=US&catalogType=CONSUMER&proxybuster=MRJETTONKKNRVJ0RMRESHQFHKFSEKI5P

Anyone actually get this to work? I really miss the program guide that was built into the Sceptre. If your lucky, you get what the show is on this TV with OTA HDTV.


If I remember correctly, enter 062596 and [INFO] on the remote, go to Options,
set TVGuide to Enable, go to Store and save the setting, then turn off the TV.

I just purchased this TV (37PF7320A) a couple of days ago and I am really having some problems with it. I purchased it because of all the good things I heard about it having such great picture quality. However, I am having some serious picture quality issues. It seems that the higher the resolution I input into the TV, the worse the picture becomes! Here is the way I have my system set up...HDMI from TWC SA8300HD DVR into TV and coaxial digital out going from STB into receiver. I also have a Samsung upconverting DVD-HD950 going into the TV via HDMI with optical out going into the receiver. I have all output formats activated on the STB (which I guess is like passthrough...Passport Software, btw). The software on the TV states it is version BX236-1.0.8.0_00 release for 2nd spin.

Now this is what I experience: The SD channels are coming in clearer than the HD channels! I am actually quite satisfied with the SD picture quality for an LCD, but the HD channels are not what they should be. There is an overall snowy appearance at times which I can notice greatly on solid colors. I also notice deep colors (like reds) look pixelated. I switched between the Showtime HD and SD channels and I only noticed it on the HD channel. The TV shows an input signal of 1080i on the HD channel and PrPbY on the SD channel. Also, the picture quality when watching a DVD is awful...same snowy/pixelated appearance. I have the output set to 1080i on the DVD player. I lowered the output resolution to 480p just to see what would happen, and the picture quality greatly improved! This just doesn't make sense to me. Seems opposite to what I would expect. The whole point of all this equipment is to process and output higher resolution and better picture quality. Please someone...advise me. What am I doing wrong? Am I missing something? Should I call Philips for technical advice? Did I just get a lemon? Should I try to exchange it for the same model?

I purchased the 37PF7320A from Costco two months ago for my bedroom. I returned it after 2 weeks because it has a buzzing sound after I turned it on. The only way to cover the sound is to turn the volume up. I called Philips and scheduled an appointment with a repair service. He came and had no idea what the problem was.

I purchased a new one a week ago after waiting for several weeks because it was out of stock. Well, guess what? This one has the same noise coming from it. I can hear the sound from over 10 feet away. Anyone else with the same problem?

Yep, yep, yep on the 50" version of the same model. Mine has been in the shop for over nine weeks waiting to be fixed. The repair guy keeps telling me he can't figure out the problem. The buzzing is audible from 10' or more away.

-Mike

First thing I would try is setting everything to 720P which is natively supported by the TV. 1080i would be scaled down. If you want to use a HD channel as a reference point use PBS, as they use very little compression and also tell you when the picture is actually an HD source rather than just wide screen digital.

I just purchased this TV (37PF7320A) a couple of days ago and I am really having some problems with it. I purchased it because of all the good things I heard about it having such great picture quality. However, I am having some serious picture quality issues. It seems that the higher the resolution I input into the TV, the worse the picture becomes! Here is the way I have my system set up...HDMI from TWC SA8300HD DVR into TV and coaxial digital out going from STB into receiver. I also have a Samsung upconverting DVD-HD950 going into the TV via HDMI with optical out going into the receiver. I have all output formats activated on the STB (which I guess is like passthrough...Passport Software, btw). The software on the TV states it is version BX236-1.0.8.0_00 release for 2nd spin.

Now this is what I experience: The SD channels are coming in clearer than the HD channels! I am actually quite satisfied with the SD picture quality for an LCD, but the HD channels are not what they should be. There is an overall snowy appearance at times which I can notice greatly on solid colors. I also notice deep colors (like reds) look pixelated. I switched between the Showtime HD and SD channels and I only noticed it on the HD channel. The TV shows an input signal of 1080i on the HD channel and PrPbY on the SD channel. Also, the picture quality when watching a DVD is awful...same snowy/pixelated appearance. I have the output set to 1080i on the DVD player. I lowered the output resolution to 480p just to see what would happen, and the picture quality greatly improved! This just doesn't make sense to me. Seems opposite to what I would expect. The whole point of all this equipment is to process and output higher resolution and better picture quality. Please someone...advise me. What am I doing wrong? Am I missing something? Should I call Philips for technical advice? Did I just get a lemon? Should I try to exchange it for the same model?

....The only issue i am having and wonder if anyone else is.. the sound will sometimes go out, but i wonder if this is because i am using only antennas and do not have a cable connection. If i change the channel, and then go back, the sound comes back. I am totally amazed with this LCD TV and very happy i decided to go with it. Good price and good picture and an HD tuner to boot.

~ wendy

I have had this problem on occasion, and I have cable. I have had this TV for a couple of weeks, and this is the only problem I've had with it. It will happen every 5-10 minutes for about an hour, then will stop and I won't experience it again for a few days. Because my experience with it has been limited, it seems to be mainly if not exclusively with the digital cable channels, with the notable exception that I've had it happen while running a VHS tape from Channel 3. It appears to be happening when the volume is a bit lower, but I'm not sure how reliable that observation is. All in all, it's something that I can live with in its present form, but a significant increase in the frequency of this problem occurring in the future may force me to return it.

Rerics

I'm having serious issues with mine. I got this tv at Costco near the end of December. In the past few weeks it has been randomly turning itself off for 5-10 seconds and then turning itself back on. Yesterday it got worse. The tv went to a screen with some random horizontal lines with a little hissing sound and then it turned off. the tv kept clicking to try to come back on but it didn't and a little red light started blinking on the front. I unplugged it several times and tried to turn it back on. Finally it came back on but now, every 5 to 10 minutes, it goes to a weird screen with some small random lines and turns itself off for 5-10 seconds but then it comes back on. Has anyone else experienced this? It's running the newest firmware update. I'm going to take this back to Costco and get a new one if I can't get this figured out. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Brian

I purchased the 37PF7320A from Costco two months ago for my bedroom. I returned it after 2 weeks because it has a buzzing sound after I turned it on. The only way to cover the sound is to turn the volume up. I called Philips and scheduled an appointment with a repair service. He came and had no idea what the problem was.

I purchased a new one a week ago after waiting for several weeks because it was out of stock. Well, guess what? This one has the same noise coming from it. I can hear the sound from over 10 feet away. Anyone else with the same problem?

Owned this LCD since December and never any buzzing sound.

Can somebody share experience with the following:
1. possibility to get true 5.1 signal off tuner to feed a receiver

The LCD will pass through whatever input signal received, including DD5.1, to your AV receiver via TV's digital coaxial out. For simplicity (wife and kids), I routed all audio and video inputs to the TV and SPDIF out to my AVR. Works great so far. No switching necessary on the AVR. To run audio through AVR, just choose the desired input component (ie STB, DVD, etc.) on TV, turn volume down and switch on AVR. Otherwise, just operate TV as normal with TV speakers.

PVG

Hi, any updates on connecting PC through AV1 RGBHV? What is the resolution that can be achieved with that connection?

Hi All,

Very new to HDTV and just bought this set Friday. I'm in the Bay Area, California, and am using a Comcast HD STB with component inputs. I am quite pleased with the overall PQ, however, I have noticed on some SD channels the picture is sometimes a bit grainy, but more annoyingly, there is sometimes a notcieable but very small horizontal "bar" of slight distortion that moves vertically slowly up the screen. It is very similar to the moving bars you see on a CRT screen that is being shown on a TV (i.e., watching a TV news report with a computer screen in the background) but much less noticeable and much smaller -- still it does catch the eye occasionally.

Do others experience this on this set? Is this common for SD signals on a wide variety of sets or this one in particular? Is this "normal" or is it possibly something with my sepcific set? I already worked with Comcast on this and swapped out my STB to be sure there wasn't a box issue, and the problem improved quite a bit, but the distortion is still there. I'm trying to decide whether to return the set for something else, or whether this is very common and simply something one lives with with most sets.

Thanks.

Hi All,

Very new to HDTV and just bought this set Friday. I'm in the Bay Area, California, and am using a Comcast HD STB with component inputs. I am quite pleased with the overall PQ, however, I have noticed on some SD channels the picture is sometimes a bit grainy, but more annoyingly, there is sometimes a notcieable but very small horizontal "bar" of slight distortion that moves vertically slowly up the screen. It is very similar to the moving bars you see on a CRT screen that is being shown on a TV (i.e., watching a TV news report with a computer screen in the background) but much less noticeable and much smaller -- still it does catch the eye occasionally.

Do others experience this on this set? Is this common for SD signals on a wide variety of sets or this one in particular? Is this "normal" or is it possibly something with my sepcific set? I already worked with Comcast on this and swapped out my STB to be sure there wasn't a box issue, and the problem improved quite a bit, but the distortion is still there. I'm trying to decide whether to return the set for something else, or whether this is very common and simply something one lives with with most sets.

Thanks.

I can't comment on how common the scrolling vertical line issue is, but I wouldn't consider it acceptable. Sounds like it could be a video input signal issue. If PQ is normal with say HD, OTA, DVD, other SD signals, I'd suspect it might be the STB or cable video feed. You did mention a STB swap improved PQ. But if vertical line scroll was consistant regardless of video input signal, time to call Philips tech support.

I have E* sat STB and some SD channels are a bit grainy and some are fine (but still not HD quality). It depends on the input signal. Interestingly, with E*, there's no consistancy as to which channel might be a bit off from one day to the next. Signal quality is compression dependent, and that part I just have to live with.

Good Luck.
PVG

C****co just dropped the price on this unit 300 bucks. Price will stay in effect through 4/2. You can buy on-line or pick it up at the store.

I can't comment on how common the scrolling vertical line issue is, but I wouldn't consider it acceptable. Sounds like it could be a video input signal issue. If PQ is normal with say HD, OTA, DVD, other SD signals, I'd suspect it might be the STB or cable video feed. You did mention a STB swap improved PQ. But if vertical line scroll was consistant regardless of video input signal, time to call Philips tech support.

I have E* sat STB and some SD channels are a bit grainy and some are fine (but still not HD quality). It depends on the input signal. Interestingly, with E*, there's no consistancy as to which channel might be a bit off from one day to the next. Signal quality is compression dependent, and that part I just have to live with.

Good Luck.
PVG

Thanks - I think it must be the input signal quality. I haven't experienced the scrolling horizontal line again; HD and DVD PQ is excellent, and some SD channels are very good, too. Some are a bit grainy at times, but as you describe, it seems to be a day-to-day thing as one channel might be great today and was a bit less great yesterday. Thanks again.

Amazon dropped it about $200 in the last week. Shipping is $199 though.

Although I had decided to put off buying a new TV after almost getting a Panasonic 42" ED plasma, with the coupon at Costco I am really tempted to get the 37" Philips NOW. Cnet's review of an earlier Philips 32" LCD mentioned that it did 1:1 pixel mapping for 720p sources. Can anyone who owns this TV (the 37pf7320a) confirm that it does this (resulting in small black borders on all four sides)? Is it only with certain inputs or does it require certain settings? If it scaled everything to 1366x768 that would be kind of a deal breaker for me, but otherwise I only need to get the wife to approve of the aesthetics.

i used a hdmi to dvi for a pc connection with no luck, cant get nothing on the lcd. using a 3dlab wildcat card, im going to try vga breakout cable, can someone confirm that it is a vga on one end and 3 component cables on the other? i guess ill hit radio shack or frys tomorrow. if this doesnt work with the pc, the tv is going back to costco.

Considering this set now that it's on sale at C***co. Two questions:

1. How is the viewing angle on this set? I don't need it to be as good overall as my 50 inch Vizio plasma but need it to be better than the Sony 3LCD rear projection set that I'm returning. (That set gets too dark when you're not viewing it head on.)

2. How does this set compare overall with the Vizio L37?

I tried the 062596 and info to enable the guide and it didn't work. Is there a code to access the service menu ??

Thanks
Russ

I tried the 062596 and info to enable the guide and it didn't work. Is there a code to access the service menu ??

Thanks
Russ
Disregard the code does work and I will see if the TV guide is there tomorrow
Russ

i used a hdmi to dvi for a pc connection with no luck, cant get nothing on the lcd. using a 3dlab wildcat card, im going to try vga breakout cable, can someone confirm that it is a vga on one end and 3 component cables on the other? i guess ill hit radio shack or frys tomorrow. if this doesnt work with the pc, the tv is going back to costco.


Is your refresh rate set to 60hz? HDMI should work if you refresh rate is right. Also, if you get a VGA breakout needs to be 5 way. VGA on one end, 5 RCA on the other. (RGB+HV) Horizontal and Vertical sync.

refresh rate is 60hz, im guessing its my video card, works on my dell 20.1 wide, but doesnt support wide screen. so maybe resolution problem. the vga to rgbhv is no where to be found at local stores. only online. this philips is really turning into a pain. was it that hard for them to put a vga slot on it?

Hi flynbw01, if the RGB+HV has 5 RCA for the TV where do you plug in the excess 3 RCAs? AV1 seems only has one H and one V input.

knv8, the max res the TV can do is XVGA which is 1024x768...I think I posted in the previous messages on this thread, use whatever I posted before as the correct res.

i even tried 800x600 doesnt work, no display on the philips. the sd quality is good on this set, but the damn pc connect thing is pissing me off.

With the deal at Cco this week I had to reconsider the LCD option and this Philips. The Philips was the most vibrant picture at Cco, but then again, we aren't talking top of the line comparisons there (at least at mine). After taking a trip to BB and comparing it next to other more comparable screens, I was impressed at how some of the LCDs compared/equaled the better plasmas. Unfortunately, this Philips was not one of those contenders.

After entering the settings posted here and playing with my own, I just could not get the Philips to display anywhere near the black levels of the other displays (LCD or plasma). The clarity and color were certainly there, but blacks were more of a greenish gray than black. A majority of the other displays had whiter whites displayed at the same time as the darker blacks (better contrast ratio I assume). Was there a setting I was missing? If I could fix/adjust that one issue, I would own this set in a heartbeat, but until then, I'll just keep waiting as the prices fall across the board.

well i couldnt find the vga to rgbhv locally, so i got a vga to component 3 cables, hope it works

Is there a way to adjust the intensity of the backlight on this model?

Hi flynbw01, if the RGB+HV has 5 RCA for the TV where do you plug in the excess 3 RCAs? AV1 seems only has one H and one V input.

knv8, the max res the TV can do is XVGA which is 1024x768...I think I posted in the previous messages on this thread, use whatever I posted before as the correct res.

Talez,
All 5 RCA's go into AV1. RGB go into Y, Pb, Pr, and the H and V go into their respective connections. All 5 should be plugged it at once.

Knv8,
I don't know what kind of luck you will have with VGA to 3RCA. Could you not find the 5-way breakout at Radio Shack? or a Fry's?

Has anyone tried this model TV with the OPPO upconverting DVD player? I get a pretty lousy picture with this combination. My Xbox 360 looks better for movies right now.

OK....I'll bite. How does one activate the TV Guide feature? That would be excellent info and well recieved.

If I remember correctly, enter 062596 and [INFO] on the remote, go to Options,
set TVGuide to Enable, go to Store and save the setting, then turn off the TV.

Obviously I'm not the only one who had no idea that TV Guide On Screen was an option for this TV. In fact, one of the online reviews I saw when I was researching this TV said that the lack of the TV guide was one of the few "cons" for this TV. I couldn't find anything about this in either the hard copy manual nor the CD. So how did others know about this and how to access it? I would never have known about this feature had I not come across this thread, which makes me wonder what other features I'm missing out on.

Is it somewhere in the manual, and I'm just too dense to see it?

Thanks

Rerics

Rerics,
TV Guide is not an option for this TV.

It must have been in the early stages of development, but for some reason Philips dropped it. What people in this thread have been doing is activating whatever version of TV Guide Philips must have been testing before they decided to drop it. If you do some searching you will find out that people have experienced problems with TV Guide bugs, freezing, loss of information... (Hmmm there must be a reason they decided not to implement it)

I image if Philips had fully implemented it, the TV Guide logo would be splashed all over the set and remote, like other TVs with TV Guide.

3 cables didnt work, so dont bother. I finally found a local vendor in orange county with the vga to rgbhv cable (5 rca), drove 80 miles roundtrip. will try tonight, it should work.

do not get the vga to rgbhv, im returning them. it will not display 1280x768 which fits our philips. it only displays 1280x720. philips support said to use dvi to hdmi for 1280x768. i guess back to the store.

Obviously I'm not the only one who had no idea that TV Guide On Screen was an option for this TV. In fact, one of the online reviews I saw when I was researching this TV said that the lack of the TV guide was one of the few "cons" for this TV. I couldn't find anything about this in either the hard copy manual nor the CD. So how did others know about this and how to access it? I would never have known about this feature had I not come across this thread, which makes me wonder what other features I'm missing out on.

Is it somewhere in the manual, and I'm just too dense to see it?

Thanks

Rerics

No, you haven't missed seeing it :) It is in the hidden-from-the-user Service Access Menu (SAM), which is the area you reach by inputting the numbers and pressing info as reported. Doing this is supposedly a Warranty Breaking Deal. It is a function that Philips apparently hasn't yet (or mabye will never be) implemented, perhaps due to the problems with it working correctly and consistently.

We're all hoping a future fw update will include the fixes necessary to get it working, at which point it will be moved to the main menu rather than hidden away from user acccess.

So far I've been unable to keep the sound levels consistenly even between channels by using either the Automatic Volume Leveler function off of the Sound Menu, or by using the Delta selection.

Sounds seem to revert to uneven or unbalanced volume levels between channels and sources. At times, a Volume Up doesn't react immediately but gets louder after a bit of watching, and sometimes just tuning back to a previous channel will have a louder volume than it was when I tuned away from it <sigh...> I've read the manual and still can't seem to get it right.

Anyone having similar problems and/or different settings issues on this one? Do you all believe that AVL actually works as advertised? Any advice? I'm not using AVR and externel speakers, just the [cr*ppy] builtin speakers.

Thanks...

About the balck levels, I was viewing this set by looking down on it as it was on the bottom shelf (my head was about 4 feet above the screen. When viewing this set anywhere near level or below, the blacks are excellent and as good as the Sonys, Sharps, etc... Color is better than those actually. So I bought it and am a little concerned with shadow detail. Am I just being too picky? Is this inherent in LCDs?

With the deal at Cco this week I had to reconsider the LCD option and this Philips. The Philips was the most vibrant picture at Cco, but then again, we aren't talking top of the line comparisons there (at least at mine). After taking a trip to BB and comparing it next to other more comparable screens, I was impressed at how some of the LCDs compared/equaled the better plasmas. Unfortunately, this Philips was not one of those contenders.

After entering the settings posted here and playing with my own, I just could not get the Philips to display anywhere near the black levels of the other displays (LCD or plasma). The clarity and color were certainly there, but blacks were more of a greenish gray than black. A majority of the other displays had whiter whites displayed at the same time as the darker blacks (better contrast ratio I assume). Was there a setting I was missing? If I could fix/adjust that one issue, I would own this set in a heartbeat, but until then, I'll just keep waiting as the prices fall across the board.

do not get the vga to rgbhv, im returning them. it will not display 1280x768 which fits our philips. it only displays 1280x720. philips support said to use dvi to hdmi for 1280x768. i guess back to the store.

Hi KNV8, don't bother with dvi to hdmi, philips support lied about 1280x768. :D I could not get 1280x768 at 60hz show up with dvi-hdmi hookup. If your vga to rgbhv gets you 1280x720, my gosh that is great! The manual specifically said dvi-hdmi max res support is xga which is only 1024x768. The manual did mention 1280x768, but I was unable to achieve it. I think it's a "misprint".

Oh, one more thing, if you use dvi-hdmi input you better have a sound card that outputs digital signal otherwise you won't be able to use the TV speaker for hdmi input.

really, so how does 1024 x 768 look? will that at least fit the screen?

only prob with 1280 x 720 is the desktop doesnt fit the screen, its too big. you are missing the clock and one row of icons on the top. not good.

I am struggling to connect my laptop (only vga output) to this TV. I was hoping to use it as both a PC monitor and HDTV.

I tried everything and now I have ordered Docking station (with a DVI port) for my laptop and DVI to HDMI cable. Connecting my laptop to the tv is a must for me.

I tried using the svideo port. It worked but I couldnt read a thing on the TV. With SVideo output, Windvd player's window remain blank on the tv. (My 27" CRT Tv plays it alright).

Is it realy possible to use this TV as a PC monitor? Like browsing Web/playing games.

Thanks

I just picked this TV up over the weekend. So far, it's pretty impressive, but I have some PQ issues...

SD looks pretty terrible, no matter what settings I try on the TV. I'm using a DirecTV D10 box, connected to a ReplayTV (DVR) via S-Video (no component/DVI/HDMI output from the DTV box), connected to the TV via component. There's a ton of artifacting from the DTV compression, but I'm not sure if it's my DTV signal, the box, or the connection I'm using. Leaving the ReplayTV out of the loop doesn't improve things. Is there anything I might want to try, or is that just the way satellite SD looks? I don't have DTV's HD package, since I don't care about the (few) channels they carry in HD, and I assume it wouldn't improve the quality of my SD channels.

DVD quality is better, but I have experienced some "macroblocking". I'm using a Philips DVP642/37, which I can set to "Progressive/Widescreen", but this player doesn't upconvert, so I assume the signal is 480p? Would it be worthwhile to pick up an upconverting DVD player, or would I be better off just waiting until HD-DVD/Blu-Ray starts rolling out?

I probably wouldn't notice as much, but the TV is in my computer room, so I'm not exactly at the optimal viewing distance (around 5 feet).

yea ur too close, 5ft is not good, u need more like 8 to 10ft

yea ur too close, 5ft is not good, u need more like 8 to 10ft
Probably, yes, but unfortunately it isn't an option in this room. :(

only prob with 1280 x 720 is the desktop doesnt fit the screen, its too big. you are missing the clock and one row of icons on the top. not good.

Oh I see, so you got some overscan...1024x768 is just right. No over/under scan. I am curious at what resolutions flwnby1 is running at with rgbhv.

I am struggling to connect my laptop (only vga output) to this TV. I was hoping to use it as both a PC monitor and HDTV.

I tried everything and now I have ordered Docking station (with a DVI port) for my laptop and DVI to HDMI cable. Connecting my laptop to the tv is a must for me.

I tried using the svideo port. It worked but I couldnt read a thing on the TV. With SVideo output, Windvd player's window remain blank on the tv. (My 27" CRT Tv plays it alright).

Is it realy possible to use this TV as a PC monitor? Like browsing Web/playing games.

Thanks

Yes, with DVI-HDMI connection you can get 1024x768 at 60hz.

i gave up and returned the philips today, figured out its the dvi connection, i got the vizio l37 and connected with vga, ooh instant perfect resolution at 1280 x 720. pq not as good as the philips on sd satellite but close enough, i need something that works both ways

Has any one had problems tuning in QAM HD channels over cable ? My set only finds part of the DT/HD channels. 4 of the others it doesn't pick up. Signal strength is good. I can find them on my PC with my Fusion tuner card so I know they are there.

i gave up and returned the philips today, figured out its the dvi connection, i got the vizio l37 and connected with vga, ooh instant perfect resolution at 1280 x 720. pq not as good as the philips on sd satellite but close enough, i need something that works both ways
Hey, what are you talking about? "figured out its the dvi connection" - what do you mean by that?

dvi has limited resolution support and so does that rgbhv crap, i didnt want to go out and spend a couple more hundred for a dvi card that will display correctly (not stretched) if it exists. so basically i swapped out for a vizio l37 pq is not as good, but vga port is what i needed. the vga port instantly works and looks great. this tv needs to play avi's, surf the web, and look decent with my sd satellite. and the vizio does it all (costco dropped the price again), although im starting to think a 42 lcd would be better for my room. if this philips had a vga port, it would be almost perfect.

Has anyone tried this model TV with the OPPO upconverting DVD player? I get a pretty lousy picture with this combination. My Xbox 360 looks better for movies right now.

Make sure you have the DVD player set to 720i. I just got the Oppo and I'm impressed with the player, most of my complaints are cosmetic (flimsy feeling tray, tray doesn't extend far enough beyond the fascia, display seems to be buried inside the player so the viewing angle is poor). Using the HDMI connection, I've got to say the Incredibles looked awesome in widescreen mode, though automatic mode was a tad fuzzy up close.

Others:
How exactly does the TVGuide feature work? I enabled it the other day but haven't come across it yet. Also, is there any way to manually set the channel name? My OTA HD channels need to be named so that I can stop remembering that 119.2 = PBS, 119.1 = CBS, etc.

Pete

Others:
How exactly does the TVGuide feature work? I enabled it the other day but haven't come across it yet. Also, is there any way to manually set the channel name? My OTA HD channels need to be named so that I can stop remembering that 119.2 = PBS, 119.1 = CBS, etc.

From what I have experienced, TVGOS isn't totally ready for prime time, which is possibly why Philips hasn't put the enabling of it in the main user menu.

When properly setup, the TVGOS panel is displayed by toggling the silver non-labeled button top right area of the remote, just below the transport keys, to the right of the colored keys.

If TVGOS didn't show up as the first screen when you power on, then your attempt to set it "on" probably hasn't been completed. Once you enable/set-on TVGOS, then you must go to "Store" (scroll further down on the SAM menu) and "Store" this change, then you must immediately power off the set.

On the next Power On, the first thing you will see is a TVGOS set up screen and you can continue from there with the necessary set up data. Search the 32" (32PF7320A/37) feedback (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=569133) thread using "TVGOS" or "guide" for greater details and more info (and potential problems)...

Philips must be watching this forum. I noticed the other day that the online user manual was updated on March 20th I believe. In the manual it no longer lists 1280x768 as a possible resolution. Now it is 1024x768 and 1366x768.

Philips must be watching this forum. I noticed the other day that the online user manual was updated on March 20th I believe. In the manual it no longer lists 1280x768 as a possible resolution. Now it is 1024x768 and 1366x768.


If so, I wish they would fix (with a software update) the conundrum with not being able to see your volume control on screen without perpetually displaying the channel/input.

Can someone PM the code to get into the service menu?

Thanks!