Sceptre X37SV-Naga review [Text View] - Page 10

Davandron

03-13-06, 12:38 AM

Pecs

03-13-06, 11:54 AM

That makes three of us now who have posted about having trouble with DVI. So are those of you with new sets (version 3) who got DVI working doing anything special? I've tried 3 different video cards now, including one with dual DVI out, and no dice. They were all nvidia, and I was tempted to try an ATI until johnnie's post. I think I might pick up a HDMI device to see if the port itself is bad.

kosstamogen

03-13-06, 12:21 PM

I have the same problem as many of you when switching from DVI to DTV and back the DVI input dies and cannot be brought back without a restart. I wrote a simple program to turn off the monitor for 500ms then back on. The way I'm using it is to map the exe to one my keyboard's programmable buttons. So when I switch and DVI dies, I just hit that button which executes the program and the screen comes back.

Just rename to .exe file.
It works for me and I hope it works for you guys, let me know how it goes...

P.S.
using v3 set
ATI radeon 9800 pro
using dvi-hdmi cable
old version of catalysts

Nimo

03-13-06, 12:23 PM

Pecs your tv should just boot right up in DVI mode with the HDMI/DVI cable I'm using the one that came in the box with my tv and it works just fine. Go to driver heaven and get driver cleaner pro take out all ati and nvidia drivers, clean out your prefetch folder boot into safe mode and run the cleaner again boot into windows and install the 84.12's good luck.

Regards, smurfer/nimo

donricouga

03-13-06, 12:37 PM

Hey all! Just received my set on Friday and I've got a few quick questions about your experiences:

1.) On my Sony DVD player, connected via components, when I activate "progressive" the image has additional ~10% overscan on the right and bottom of the screen. When in interlaced mode, there is 3% all around. Does anyone know if this is the TV or the DVD player? (I used Aiva's overscan screen to get the measurements). Does the TV inject any overscan or is it all coming from the DVD player?

2.) The set will NOT remember the opacity or timeout settings after a power cycle (not unplugged, just power button off then on). Is there a trick to this?

For the DEBUG info:
debug 0111
06/01/16 14:58
T370hw01
1920x1080

Memory delay was at 2 and I was getting green sparkles. Changed to 4 and it cleared up.
QAM tuner is installed and working; picks up Comcast's transmissions, but it takes ~5 seconds to change channels.

Thanks everyone!

Yeah i was getting the same thing on DVI. When i set the memory delay to 3 actually it cleared up for me. I still wonder if this higher setting of the memory delay has any negative side effects????

BTW, I've got a lot of info from this board. A lot of knowledgeable people here. My PC no longer requires reboot when i switch inputs. Everything is now working perfectly. I am very impressed with the quality of this TV so far. The wmvhd clips look amazing. I also bought the T2 Extreme edition and it looks very nice compared to the regular edition.

jpconard

03-13-06, 01:05 PM

Pecs

03-13-06, 01:11 PM

jpconard

03-13-06, 01:20 PM

I thing something else is going on here. I tried the cable from my V1 set and the new cable that came with the V3 set. I am downloading Catalyst drivers 6.3 now, will try them when I get home. I'll completely uninstall the old ones.

I'm starting to worry this is a Sceptre issue though. Especially since my DVI output works fine on the V1 set and it worked on a Vizio 37" set I bought.

Plus my bezel had some paint issues, scratches or something. And I have 1 bad pixel, red unfortunately so it shows up black in Windows desktop. At least on black background it is not visible.

I can live with that but I wanted the digital connection to work (for future HDMI concerns).

I'm starting to get a little frustrated with Sceptre. I thought the judder problem had been fixed and there were no more issues. That is why I waited to get a replacement for the V1 set that has some dark lines (contrasts with surrounding area) in the LCD in upper right corner.

I know I won't get perfect, but when you have more than one issue.

I do like the fact they fixed the backlight setting and black settings. We thought the picture looks a little better in the V3 set than the V1 set.

jpconard

03-13-06, 01:25 PM

If nobody can help us on this forum. It may be time for a call to Sceptre.

If I get the "return to Costco response", that may be the last time for me.

Westinghouse anybody?

davidac

03-13-06, 02:52 PM

The no VESA standard mounting. 440x200mm. Is that a problem? Is there any problem in getting a wall mount for this set? C* used to have a tilting mount linked from the page for the set but no longer does. Is that because it doesn't fit the set? Useless to me if I can't wall mount it.

Thanks,
D

Pecs

03-13-06, 06:39 PM

If nobody can help us on this forum. It may be time for a call to Sceptre.

If I get the "return to Costco response", that may be the last time for me.

Westinghouse anybody?

I emailed sceptre about my problem, and this was the response I got, indicating that the problem is with the computer and not the monitor. I'm not even sure they read my question, honestly.

Dear Customer,

You need to enable the DVI port through the video card's driver menu.
So when you first connect use VGA, and DVI simultaneously and enable
DVI, then switch to DVI.

Best Regards,
Sceptre Technical Support Group

CoryP wrote:
> I have a Sceptre 37” naga LCD TV, which I bought last week. I’m
> trying
> to use the display as a computer monitor, and my video card supports
> both VGA and DVI output. When I connect using the VGA cable, it works
> properly. If I connect to the DVI port, using a VGA adapter, it also
> works fine. But if I try to use the DVI/HDMI input on the monitor, with
> the provided DVI -> HDMI cable, I get “no signal”. I have uninstalled
> and reinstalled the video card drivers, and in fact tried 2 other video
> cards with DVI out, and one of those had dual DVI out (so no VGA port at
> all). I have tried a different cable from radio shack, with no effect.
> I’m left to believe that the problem lies with the monitor, and want to
> know if there is anything I can do via the software running the monitor
> to test or turn on the DVI/HDMI port. Or if I should return the item to
> Costco?

jpconard

03-13-06, 06:57 PM

jpconard

03-13-06, 07:02 PM

On the V1 set I thought the digital looked better than VGA, but honestly with both V1 (on digital) and V2 (V3) on the VGA both on in clone mode, I can't see any difference.

I mainly want the digital for future copy protection issues (if it works out that way), plus if it is there it should work, especially since it does on V1.

danwheeler

03-13-06, 07:16 PM

Pecs

03-13-06, 07:18 PM

Yes, I tried that as well. The ATI program just doesn't detect the monitor on the DVI at all. I even tried to force detection with no luck, re-booting, unplugging/re-plugging over and over. I plug the same cord into the version 1 Sceptre and it just pops up instantly.

I have some recorded TV to catch up on, maybe tonight I'll try the latest ATI drivers.

I think the bezel defects are not serious enough to not keep it. So I plan to return the V1 set by this weekend.

If DVI doesn't work on this V2 (v3?) set in the long term and depending on what else is available, this may not be a keeper as well.

Thank Costco for their return policy. I think it is only appropriate for such a policy when the product doesn't live up to expectations.

If you find a solution please post, I'll do the same.

Yes, I tried all these same things with the nvidia version of drivers. I'm surprised that VGA and DVI look the same. I guess I was expecting a difference with 2 analogue to digital conversions. In that case, then it is just the hdmi and hdcp that I'm worried about. I'll probably "rent" an hdmi device some evening this week and see what happens.

Pecs

03-13-06, 07:25 PM

On an unrelated issue, I have a neuneo upconverting dvd player that upconverts over VGA and component (cp material no problem). I had an hd-crt that I was using this player with previously, and thought the picture was always really nice. Once I hooked it up to the sceptre, while the picture was sharp, it was way too dark. Even after adjusting the brightness and contrast, I could never get the picture to look like it should. Playing DVDs through my PC was NIGHT and DAY better, even through the same input (VGA). So anyway, if any of you are wondering about DVDs seeming too dark, try a different source. Of course I suspect this problem may be unique to this player, which probably means it is unique to me.

Nimo

03-13-06, 11:16 PM

Nimo,

Mine doesn't work on DVI either X700 card, Catalyst 5.8 drivers. I can plug cable into version 1 set and windows makes a "discovery" noise and DVI no problem.

In fact I had the old set running on the DVI connection and the new set on the VGA connection in clone mode from the same video card.

Why does the new set not work?

Me and Pecs can't be the only ones with the problem.

Any body else try the recent Sceptre's with the included DVI to HDMI cable?

I guess the true test would be to plug in a DVD player and see if it detects that, then you will know for sure. I think you and Pec's are running two different cards and as another poster posted he has a 6600 with no issues. So you guys may have well gotton a dead DVI port. It's not uncommon for those things to go bad I've had a few video cards with dead DVI's and the TV is no different... parts is parts. Sorry to hear about your issues it really sucks when things don't work and there is no reason to dance around the bonfire cutting off chicken heads to get things to work. :mad: But as long as you bought it from Costco just return the thing and get another one, I've gone through many a HDTV's returns QC issues yada yada. But never give up and just keep doing it until you get a good one I know it's frustrating but hey that's why were Costco members for just this very reason.

Regards, smurfer/nimo

Dave Kristol

03-14-06, 10:02 AM

[...]
I've gone through many a HDTV's returns QC issues yada yada. But never give up and just keep doing it until you get a good one I know it's frustrating but hey that's why were Costco members for just this very reason.

Just curious. How many HDTVs (Sceptres) did you go through before you got one you were satisfied with. (My wife thinks I was crazy even to try a second one!)

Dave Kristol

Nocman418

03-14-06, 01:07 PM

i'm posting this here because I'm completely stumped and i'm starting to see a trend with the problem I'm experiencing and TVs that run at 1920x1080. I'd apprecaite any ideas or similar experiences so I can gather more info to make a case for an MCE problem.

I have a 37” LCD running at 1920x1080 DVI. Within Windows Media Center I have this problem with Pictures and DVDs (but not TV). Only when I am in 1920x1080 do I get this problem. A very thin (1-2) pixel wide vertical stripe on the farmost right part of the screen is showing through and displaying the blue Media Center background. I know it’s the background because I can see the variation of color from top to bottom going from a darker blue to a light blue in the middle back to a dark blue again near the bottom.

The problem disappears at other lower resolutions. I have tried color depth, refresh rate changes, updated my video drivers and many other settings. I noticed that if I set MCE to windowed mode and open a picture the problem does not occur. I can then maximize the MCE window and the vertical line is still not there. As soon as I go back to the pictures menu and open a new picture the line re-appears. The line does not appear when viewing a slideshow.

To be very general the problem basically looks like the media is not filling the screen entirely and letting a little bit of background through.

For DVDs, the problem seems to occur more frequently when watching a DVD from disc more than it does when watching a ripped DVD. The problem is reproducible every time for DVDs and pictures.

Any help or ideas are appreciated. I’ve been battling this one for a while and nobody seems to have any idea.

Thanks!

dan

I have this problem as well, but a slightly different variation. The thin vertical stripe was on the left side of the LCD and it was green. The right side was fine. It was like this for nearly a week.

After that week the thin green vertical stripe of the left side of the LCD turned black. It was like that for a few days. It is even worse now. As of now the thin black vertical stripe on the left side of the LCD has gotten thicker and the problem has developed on the right side of the LCD and it is even thicker than the stripe on the left.

The strange thing is during different scenes of a DVD the thick black vertical stripe on the right side will turn thin and then the next scene it will get thick. It is very annoying watching the vertical stripe go from thin to thick, thick to thin during a movie. This happens some on the left side, but it is not as noticeable.

Sgooter

03-14-06, 02:52 PM

If you had it to do all over again, would you still buy this HDTV?

semuther

03-14-06, 02:53 PM

I've got a V3 set which I received last week. The only DVI source I have at the moment is a MyHD HDTV tuner card with DVI daughter card in the PC. It works perfectly with my set in all standard ATSC scan rates. I do not have a DVI graphics card in the PC so I can't test that yet...only using SVGA.

What the above tells me is that the DVI input to my set is functional given the signal timings from the MyHD card. I am wondering if all the DVI/HDMI problems people are complaining about on the V3 sets has to do with the set's sensitivity to timing settings? I have a gut feeling that most of these problems could be solved by tweaking the timing for the various graphics cards folks are using.

Just my $0.02 worth..

Steve

Falcore1

03-14-06, 04:21 PM

I tried two sets and moved on.
I can only put up with soo much self inflicted PAIN!

Pecs

03-14-06, 04:56 PM

Pecs

03-14-06, 05:08 PM

I was thinking about ordering a replacement set from Costco, but it seems like they are all out of stock. They took it off the website. Wonder if I might be stuck with with the (potentially) bad dvi...

semuther

03-14-06, 05:17 PM

So if you tweak your timings, do you lose the DVI compatibility? I would think even if the timing was off, you would just get a screwed up picture or no picture, not "no signal". Anyway, I don't think it is possible to adjust the timing until the device is detected with nvidia drivers.

I know some video drivers will allow you to ignore the auto detection and specifiy any generic monitor you want. This forces that card's output to be on all the time. At least, I've done this on the analog RGB VGA ports in the past.

Steve

gc_chi

03-14-06, 05:45 PM

But know that most TVs have a "action safe" overscan area of the picture that they actually crop (and/or zoom). That area is part of the NTSC standard and actually shouldn't be shown. Some broadcasters still use the top part to send closed caption information in that area and trust me, you don't want to see that on your picture. It's about 5% on each side of screen. And you will see that being applied to all A/V inputs on the Sceptre (except for VGA and DVI, since those are typically used by PCs). The overscan in 480p component seems particularly uneven. The picture is framed more to the top left. I can tell this because in letterboxed movies the black bar at the top is larger than the one in the bottom and titles are often not centered.

Is there are way to adjust for this in the debug menu?

The overscan for 1080i in HDMI and Component is much better.

Chi

bluemax50

03-14-06, 05:53 PM

If you had it to do all over again, would you still buy this HDTV?

I Would!!!! I am entirely happy with my Sceptre. Try and find a set with all the features for even 500 bucks more!! The Westinghouse monitor?? Had it , sent it back because of vertical banding and stray backlighting, More money and not even a tuner. The reason there are so many entries in this thread is because of the overall popularity of this set. Money is relevent in my book and there is not a 37" LCD display with all the features of the Sceptre available today that will compete with it, period.

galaxy99

03-14-06, 06:15 PM

I finally set it up with Charter Communication cable. The cable box is regular one, not HD programed one. However, I heard that some unencrypt HD local channel will be transferred regardless I didn't order HD program package. ($7.99 per month) Right now, I just pluged the cable from wall to cable box and then linked a cable from cable box out to 'TV tuner' connector on back of the TV. I don't think I can get any HD signals. Can anybody let me know how to set up cable box and my tuner to obtain those 'free' HD signals? Thank you a bunch

rogers-hsv

03-14-06, 07:01 PM

it seems like they are all out of stock.

Were you looking for the 42" model? That one was only a special through Sunday as best I recall.

The 37" is still offered (just checked) and I ordered one yesterday :)

Nimo

03-14-06, 07:18 PM

Just curious. How many HDTVs (Sceptres) did you go through before you got one you were satisfied with. (My wife thinks I was crazy even to try a second one!)

Dave Kristol

Hi Dave, this is only one replacement out of two that I ordered from Sceptre, I own two of these because I was so stoked on the first one I had to get another one. The other models were the Samsung LTN 32" and then they changed that to something else they couldn't replace my original because they updated that model the replacement was terrible they started using this high res screen and everything was just washed out and games were ghosting like Casper and all his friends. They ended up refunding my money. Other's were Sony and Olevia and that's about it. I've been doing HTPC's since 02 I build custom rigs everything from Oracle to Gaming and HTPC's.

Flyinace2000

03-14-06, 07:18 PM

Its gone! Go to the C***** site, it shows up on the index page of TV's. Click it! Not there!!! WTF I was about to order one. ::cries:: i hope it comes back. Where else can you buy this. I have not seen it elsewhere.

Pecs

03-14-06, 07:44 PM

Newegg also sells them, and interestingly the last reviewer posted having a problem with the hdmi port. That makes 4.

jpconard

03-14-06, 08:30 PM

Did the Newegg poster have any solution?

I wonder if they pulled them off Costco because of this HDMI problem?

I don't understand why they even touched this from the V1 set, with V2 they first introduced the judder issue, then now the HDMI doesn't work?

I thought I read posts of people who had the upgraded firmware and working HDMI with standard timing settings (after the judder fix).

It sounds like too many people having the issue for it to be simply bad HDMI ports as someone mentioned.

For the poster a couple posts above, the Target website did sell the Sceptre at one time (online only). Not sure if it is still there.

Pecs

03-14-06, 08:49 PM

No it was pulled because they sold out, I think. I was monitoring the quantity left (just put like 2000 units in your cart) and there was 7 left this morning. I was actually lucky enough to order the very one, because I found that even though they pulled it from the website, I still had one in my cart, and it was the last one. I suspect they will get more, but just in case, I ordered that one and hopefully it will be problem free. This will be my third.

nclee

03-14-06, 09:05 PM

Hello, could any one provide me with their setting on the TV? DTV, DVI/HDMI? Component? AV1&2,

I just got the 42 inch set, since I don't have AVIA or VE yet, I can't really do any calibration. Currently without massaging, I do not like the black level on any of the input. It seems crushed.

Also when I scanned using ATSC tuner, some station fills up the whole screen, some won't. Is this what you see on your set as well? I believe all 480i material fill the screen, some station that has 1080i do, some don't. All of the 720P do not. I adjust the picture from auto -> 16:9 -> 4:3 -> zoom -> zoom with cc, the screen just have bars on the side! Am i doing something wrong?

WWORLD

03-14-06, 09:07 PM

:( i was following this thread for awhile and was about to order one soon. i hope they will still sell it with the rebate when it comes available. i was about to buy the westy 37" last week on sale at bb but finally made up my mind to get the sceptre.

hakujin

03-14-06, 09:31 PM

I got my tv today. The difference between my dvds on my xbox at SD vs. upsampled 1080i is like night and day! Of course, analog cable looks horrible but that is to be expected I suppose.

Does anybody have any reccommended video settings they'd like to share? I'm curious what some of you have your brightness, contrast, color, tint, and sharpness set at for DVDs and for standard cable.

Most importantly though, I'd scouring this board and I can't seem to find the answer. Anybody have a remote code for this sceptre? I'd like to try my kenwood remote on it but no code.

Thanks in advance!

Dave Kristol

03-14-06, 09:37 PM

[...]
Does anybody have any reccommended video settings they'd like to share? I'm curious what some of you have your brightness, contrast, color, tint, and sharpness set at for DVDs and for standard cable.

Awhile ago I saw a newspaper article that mentioned there are a few DVDs you can use to help optimize your TV's settings. Interestingly, one of them is an extra on the 2-disc Collector's Edition of "The Incredibles". The extra leads you through a series of screens to set various parameters, such as brightness, contrast, sharpness, color.

Dave Kristol

Pecs

03-15-06, 12:14 AM

I "rented" an upconverting player and found that the HDMI input works for that device. Makes the DVI problem more curious. It seems the port is good. So I am at a loss.

kkrull

03-15-06, 12:31 AM

I wrote a simple program to turn off the monitor for 500ms then back on.
Nicely done. Works flawlessly. Any advice on assigning keystrokes to a non-programable keyboard?

Helio

03-15-06, 01:05 AM

I just got my 37" today and I'm trying to enter the debug screen by pressing both the volume buttons at the same time but nothing happens. Can anyone tell me whether I am missing something?
Thanks a bunch for your help!

daquint

03-15-06, 02:11 AM

I too have been following this thread for a while, whilst i tucked away enough cash to pull the trigger on this bad boy. Lo and behold, my coming purchase (was this Friday) will not be from C*co. :(

I was really hoping to buy from them considering there is some kind of chance (based on previous threads) will be using their great return policy.

I am interested in knowing if any lurkers out there have purchaesed, and more importantly, returned a set through newegg.

Newegg policy is that anything above 24' goes direclty back to the manufacturer. I guess this means the biggest hassle is no local warehouse to drop it off.

Any other info someone out there can give me when purchasing this set through the Egg?

redgtconv

03-15-06, 03:20 AM

nclee,
The bars on the sides of the hd pictures are due to the way your local broadcasters are sending the signals. It has nothing to do with the tv. The bars are actually part of the signal being received by the tv. It is only displaying what it receives. When watching OTA HD signals, just keep the aspect ratio in Auto, and you will display the appropriate picture. I have the 37" and I am awaiting delivery of the 42". The OTA HD pictures on the 37" are the best I have ever seen and I expect the 42" to be the same.

hakujin

03-15-06, 03:23 AM

"biggest hassle is no local warehouse to drop it off"

I'd say biggest hassle is no drop off period. Manufactuer will offer limited warranty, but I'm guessing they won't be giving any refunds. But as far as NewEgg, they're an oustanding company, imo. It's just that you won't be really dealing with them in this particular kind of purchase.

@ Jason

I tried the 360 VGA with CoD2. Completely washed out; no shadowing; realism diminished... to me the end result was just awful. I'm taking back the VGA cable today and I've already ordered a vga2component from monoprice. I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder. ;)

......................:::::::::::::::Questions:::::::::::::: ....................

Anbody using a not so smart universal remote on this TV? If so, any leads on the remote code to program it with would be greatly appreciated.

Do any of you have any recommendations for a good HDTV indoor antenna for this set? I"m using a Jensen 10db gain antenna which isn't bad (70% signal) but I can't get all the local HD channels on it.

JimmyJoe

03-15-06, 05:13 AM

I ordered mine on Sunday and recieved it today. I have not have much time to play with it yet, but I intend to use it as a PC monitor. I have an Nvidia 7800GT and am using 81.85 drivers. I get a 1080 signal on the VGA input but nothing at all on any of the 3 HDMI inputs. When I switch it to DVI I get NO SIGNAL. I am also seeing some dot crawl on some applications, but like I said I have not tried to tweak anything yet. If I can't get the DVI to work, I am not going to be a happy camper.

DouglasteR

03-15-06, 07:38 AM

Please guys ! Update the reference of the monitors ! If C* are not selling them any more is a shame :(

Please !! Update the reference !!

donsev

03-15-06, 08:26 AM

HDMI Port issues - Pecs, et. al, this appears to be a very recent development. In tracking the shipped units (up until about a week ago to document the repackaged sets) I recall seeing few issues with the HDMI port except the occasional HDCP handshake problem, and the "how do I switch back to DVI once I switch to another input" problem.

Anyone is welcome to use my posts with the version table to use as a template to begin documenting the DVI issue (since the shipping of Version 1 and/or repackaged or refurbished sets seems to have stopped, I don't see the need to continue with that task)

Remote Codes - The Version 2s are supposed to support standard Sony remote codes. To my knowledge, no one has been able to find a matching set of remote codes, although, I believe that Harmony does have a downloadable set for their programmable remotes.

Availability - It is not at all unusual for products to come and go from the Costco web site. As a matter of fact, I fully exepected that they would make some market adjustments to the 37" once the 42" became available. The 37" seems to still be a popular model, so I suspect that it will be back on-line sometime soon.

donsev

03-15-06, 09:11 AM

Here are the settings I gleaned from this thread (just do a search on brightness or contrast).

Here are samples from the Scetpre 37" thread (again, your settings for your devices are likely going to be different.);

indiprod 09-03-05 11:37 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

VIDEO MENU
contrast 34
brightness 18
sharpness 9
color 28
tint 0

ADVANCED MENU
vivid color OFF
skin tone OFF
green LOW
blue LOW
gamma 0

SYSTEM MENU
lamp 0

bennynihon 09-06-05 06:12 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I also calibrated the component source of my set using the Avia home theater calibration DVD. Here's what I found to produce the best picture quality per their guidelines.

Contrast: 37 (White Level)
Brightness: 32 (Black Level)
Sharpness: 8
Color: 33
Tint: +1

Make sure to have flesh tone, blue, and green enhancements turned off (and whatever other such enhancements there are).

jvoncolln 09-24-05 06:31 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
While my evaluation will continue over the weekend, I wanted to share my Avia calibration experience and settings of the Sceptre.

It essentially took two passes to get the best settings & set of compromises.

Pass1 settings:
Lamp = 0
Vivid Color = Off
Skin Tone = Off
Gamma = 0
Contrast (white level) = 29
Brightness (black level) = 32
Sharpness = 5
Color (sateration) = 42
Tint (Hue) = +2
Green = Off
Blue = Middle

Results:
Red is Pushed by +25% or more (+25% is the top of the scale)
Green is pushed +10 to 15%
Blue is at 0 (zero is good, meaning not too much (+) or too little (-))
White Level came out well (could see both moving bars)
Black level didn't adjust as well (could only see one of the two moving bars)

Since too much red is more objectionable than sateration being off a bit, a second pass was required with the goal of bringing red push down to +15 to +20% by sacrificing some sateration. An odd finding is there is no adjustment for red.

Pass 2 settings:
Color (sateration) = 35
Blue = High
All other settings the same as above

Final Results:
Red is Pushed by +15 to +20%
Green is pushed +10 to +15%
Blue is at -15%
White Level came out well (could see both moving bars)
Black level didn't adjust as well (could only see one of the two moving bars)

Notes:
-Vivid Color seems to push more green, so, since we have more green than we want, it stays off.
-Skin Tone seems to push more red, so, it stays off since we already have too much red.
-I put Gamma to 0, but didn't yet figure out how to adjust it.

jvoncolln 09-24-05 08:23 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After making the calebrations above for the component input being driven by my JVC DVD player through my HK tuner, I proceeded to watch the tonight show over component at 1080i from the Adelphia Motorola HD STB through my tuner.

I then switched back and forth between the component (throught the tuner) and the DVI/HDMI input (connected directly to the STB). They looked very much the same, so, I assumed the settings I made above where applied to the HDMI input as well.

Wrong.
I thought, well let me see that they're the same. It turns out different settings are maintained for the "Video" settings, but not for the "Advanced" settings.

The "Video" settings for the HDMI input on my set are:
Contrast = 40
Brightness = 16
Sharpness = 7
Color = 32
Tint = 0

DyeLooper 01-01-06 09:22 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

V2 here.

Contrast 29
Brightness 32
Sharpness 5
Color 35
Tint +2
Vivid off
Skin off
Green off
Blue H
Gamma off

nclee

03-15-06, 09:17 AM

Here are the settings I gleaned from this thread (just do a search on brightness or contrast).

Here are samples from the Scetpre 37" thread (again, your settings for your devices are likely going to be different.);

Thanks. I tried searching using 'setting' & 'calibration' as keywords, did not find much.

I will give those setting a try.

mystic818

03-15-06, 09:43 AM

I haven't checked this forum for a long while, and now I am hearing about people getting shipped refurbished version 1 units as new units. Unfortunately, I just accessed my debug screen and it turns out I'm one of these people! :( I ordered my set from c* and received it around 2/28/06. The debug screen showed:
Debug 0111
06/01/16 13:58
T370HW01
1920 X 1080
I guess the fact that I wasn't able to get any channels to show up when testing out the QAM tuner makes sense now... And I also have a power switch on the back of the tv, so I guess that confirms that I do have version 1 but with the upgraded firmware.
I did notice some very light scratches on the darker grey part of the tv, but it never occurred to me that I could be receiving a refurbished unit since there were no dead pixels or anything that seemed wrong with the tv, although I have mainly been using it as a monitor these last few weeks. The sceptre also did not look repackaged and it came with all the cables and remote in plastic packaging.
I haven't been playing around with the sceptre much because I needed to wait to order RF cables and splitters since the tv was further away from the wall cable plug. I should be getting the cables and such in the next couple of days, so I will definately set everything else up.
I also noticed that people were having trouble with the HDMI/DVI connections. After I got my new computer with a video card that actually had an HDMI plug, I tried to set it up with the cable that came with my seet and it didn't work. The computer just would not detect the sceptre, so I just left it plugged via VGA for now. I still have yet to try the suggestions posted in the last few pages.
So I am in a panic now. I don't know what to do about the fact that I have received a refurbished version 1 (or according to this forum I have). I am satisfied with the unit I have, but I haven't been able to play around with it enough...such as configuring it for tv viewing (besides the initial test with analog channels and QAM testing). Also, if there is a default with the DVI/HDMI port, how would I be able to get it replaced? It seems that c* is no longer showing this product. :confused:

tsonee

03-15-06, 12:11 PM

Hi Dave, this is only one replacement out of two that I ordered from Sceptre, I own two of these because I was so stoked on the first one I had to get another one. The other models were the Samsung LTN 32" and then they changed that to something else they couldn't replace my original because they updated that model the replacement was terrible they started using this high res screen and everything was just washed out and games were ghosting like Casper and all his friends. They ended up refunding my money. Other's were Sony and Olevia and that's about it. I've been doing HTPC's since 02 I build custom rigs everything from Oracle to Gaming and HTPC's.

Does Costco only offer a replacement if you aren't happy with your set (and only offer the refund if they have no replacement)? I want to make sure they issue refund no questions asked if you want to return your set.

Dave Kristol

03-15-06, 12:30 PM

Does Costco only offer a replacement if you aren't happy with your set (and only offer the refund if they have no replacement)? I want to make sure they issue refund no questions asked if you want to return your set.

I returned a set to Costco this past weekend that I bought online via credit card (not Costco's AMEX). They didn't hassle me in any way, though of course they did look into the box to make sure everything was there. I was astonished that they gave me a refund in cash for the set, tax, and shipping.

Dave Kristol

Dave Kristol

03-15-06, 12:34 PM

[...]
The debug screen showed:
Debug 0111
06/01/16 13:58
T370HW01
1920 X 1080
I guess the fact that I wasn't able to get any channels to show up when testing out the QAM tuner makes sense now... And I also have a power switch on the back of the tv, so I guess that confirms that I do have version 1 but with the upgraded firmware.
[...]

I have a similar set (but without the power switch on the back). What I discovered is that my QAM tuner works, but it doesn't pick up channels by scanning. If you can somehow find which frequency slots your cable system has assigned channels to, you can use the manual scan feature to pick them up.

Dave Kristol

davidac

03-15-06, 12:52 PM

The set is gone from the C* list of LCD tvs but I had it in my cart. It is still in my cart and I can still view the product page via the link in my cart. To buy or not to buy. Hmmm.

Polypro

03-15-06, 01:38 PM

I love my 37" v2 un-updated (yet) set. HTPC DVI only, so no comments on any other devices/inputs. For those talking about calibration, I bought a member's DVD..."GetGray Calibration Disk".

http://www.calibrate.tv/

Download from website is quick...good stuff.

P

kosstamogen

03-15-06, 02:51 PM

Is anyone playing GT4 with the Sceptre?

I have an older model ps2 w/ component cables and when I switch it to 1080i the Sceptre's info shows 1080i, but when I press OK to apply the TV immediately switches back to 480i, while leaving the setting of the game as 1080i. Does anyone know what might be happening?

Koui

03-15-06, 03:44 PM

bluemax50

03-15-06, 08:24 PM

The X37 Sceptre is now back online at C*. I've added one to my cart and it appears good to go. We can all breathe a little easier now! I returned three Westinghouse 37s because of defects so I'm hoping the 1080p gods are with me on the Sceptre.

I also returned a Westinghouse 37" because of backlight banding and then a Vizio L37 which quite frankly had too dark of a display. I recieved my Sceptre a little over a week ago and love It!! It's definitely a keeper!!!

semuther

03-15-06, 10:49 PM

Anyone have a key file for JP1 compatible universal remotes? There is a code set for the 30 inch Sceptre but it does not work at all with the 37. Just figured I would ask before I went to the trouble of creating my own.

thanks

Steve

johnnie_five

03-15-06, 11:20 PM

hakujin

03-16-06, 01:15 PM

FYI, the sony code 0000 works ok on my kenwood receiver remote for the sceptre. I probably will lose some funtionality but so far so good.

DCH

03-16-06, 01:22 PM

I recieved my X37 last wednesday (it shipped the week prior).

It does not have a power switch on the back, and it does have that socket that has no name. I assume this makes it at least V2?

If I plug in the cable from the wall and auto scan, I get cable options. If I scan with one of these options, it then picks up HD signals, such as ABC HD. I assume this means it is QAM enabled?

If I go into the Debug menu, I get a 13:58 time-stamp. Not 14:38. It is 13:58.

Can I make the suggestion that daylight saving could have something to do with the time stamps...some how?

Pecs

03-16-06, 01:34 PM

Well, that suggests we really have no idea what is going on with all these different versions. Maybe the most indicative difference is the power switch and mystery port. If you have these then you probably have QAM. The plot thickens... Have you guys been following the 42" sceptre forum? It is astonishing how many unhappy people are there. It seems that the 42" also suffers from auto-contrast problems.

jpconard

03-16-06, 01:39 PM

How many of you are receiving the latest firmware and using the HDMI with a PC?

It seems for several of us it doesn't work at all.

Anybody have it working?

donsev

03-16-06, 01:53 PM

It does not have a power switch on the back, and it does have that socket that has no name. I assume this makes it at least V2?

If I plug in the cable from the wall and auto scan, I get cable options. If I scan with one of these options, it then picks up HD signals, such as ABC HD. I assume this means it is QAM enabled?

If I go into the Debug menu, I get a 13:58 time-stamp. Not 14:38. It is 13:58.

Just to make sure, you are plugging the cable into the ATSC port not the NTSC port?

If that is the case, then this is the first set that doesn't fit the pattern that we thought we understood.

DCH

03-16-06, 02:21 PM

Yes. I unscrewed the cable from my cable box and screwed it into the ATSC (facing the tv - on the right) port, where i usally have a OTA antenna. I did a channel scan and I pick up HD channels. Is this what QAM enables you to do?

Unless the power switch is hidden, there isn't one on the back. And that un-named port is next to the HDMI port.

And to clarify, time stamp said 13:58. I think it's a DST thing.

donsev

03-16-06, 03:56 PM

I did a channel scan and I pick up HD channels. Is this what QAM enables you to do?

Yes, it allows you to tune/receive unencrypted cable digital channels, both HD and SD (and music channels etc.)

And to clarify, time stamp said 13:58. I think it's a DST thing.

Certainly looks like you have a Version 3 set, but again, I don't know what to make of the firmware time stamp. AFAIK, it is hardcoded with the burn, so I don't see how DST could affect it - but who knows. It just makes our lives that much harder in determining what/when bugs are fixed (or introduced :rolleyes: ) with each revision.

Honestly, if Sceptre expects us to continue to be beta testers for their products, the least they could do is provide us with a debugging schedule listing the patches and fixes!! (Oh, wait, this is supposed to be a shipping product :eek: )

donsev

03-16-06, 03:59 PM

How many of you are receiving the latest firmware and using the HDMI with a PC?

It seems for several of us it doesn't work at all.

Anybody have it working?

jp,

Do you have a summary of the last batch of users to receive their sets and whether they indicated problems with the HDMI-> DVI for PC use.

DouglasteR

03-16-06, 04:04 PM

I think its time to update the Models and Revisions Chart guys ! :cool:

mystic818

03-16-06, 04:18 PM

jp,

Do you have a summary of the last batch of users to receive their sets and whether they indicated problems with the HDMI-> DVI for PC use.

I wouldn't consider myself as the last batch of users to receive my set (since I received it around 2/28), but I am having problems with the HDMI/DVD connection...my PC just doesn't recognize it!

Is anyone else having problems with the PIP...the medium sized screen, when positioned on the right corners, would sometimes having horizontal lines in the middle of the picture. At first I assumed it was just a bad analog cable signal, but it looks okay when I set the PIP at the largest size or view it full screen. TIA.

Pecs

03-16-06, 04:27 PM

I wouldn't consider myself as the last batch of users to receive my set (since I received it around 2/28), but I am having problems with the HDMI/DVD connection...my PC just doesn't recognize it!

Is anyone else having problems with the PIP...the medium sized screen, when positioned on the right corners, would sometimes having horizontal lines in the middle of the picture. At first I assumed it was just a bad analog cable signal, but it looks okay when I set the PIP at the largest size or view it full screen. TIA.

Hmmm, your DVI isn't working and you supposedly have a V.1 with upgraded firmware. Yikes. I don't think we have enough data to make any kind of correlation. At the moment though, it seems to be hit and miss, like the DVI input is just sometimes defective.

DCH

03-16-06, 04:31 PM

hakujin

03-16-06, 05:27 PM

Could any of you gurus in this thread please help me out. As of late, I'm having indoor antenna isuses.

When I first received my tv a few days ago, I plugged in a Jensen HDTV Antenna, and woila, HD reception. I averaged around 65-73% signal and was able to get ABC, NBC, WFLD, PBS (sort of) and a few others in my neighborhood (NW surburbs 25 miles from Chicago). Now, I thought I could do better and perhaps I may have tried too many antennas because the strangest thing happened last night. I was watching lost (with probably the 5th antenna) and went into the manual scan menu to check antenna strength and pic went black:weak signal. Since than, no antenna (inc. the oriignal that gave me 70%!) will give my the majority of OTA HD back. At most I get around 30% now. I've noticed the NTSC/ATSC antenna connectors on the TV have become a little loose/weakened with all the connecting and unconnecting and I'm curious if that has played a part. Actually, the protruding ATSC connector completely came out just a few minutes ago. I had a sony projection prior to this Sceptre and I fooled around too much with that tuner, connector, so much so that I broke it (specifically a thing piece of metal that connected the connector within the tv. I had to replace it for around $30. I'm worried that I may have broke something with this one too but hope not.

Thoguh, the piece that came out seems like only a connector/extension (or coupling) to the actual tuner piece that's inside the tele. I can easily insert it back in, no prob. It just doesn't make a real tight connection. Do any of you think I may ahve damaged something? Perhaps If I did, that would explain the loss of reception I get all of a sudden, when it worked great only a couple of days ago. This connectors seem really flimsy so I'm hoping I'm not the only one that has tighened and untightened a coax cabe too many times.

Any ideas? I really need someone's expert analysis and advice and this seems to be the best thread for that (on this particular tv).

Pecs

03-16-06, 06:03 PM

Could it be that your local stations lowered the broadcast power?

Dave Kristol

03-16-06, 08:35 PM

so..

V1 - Power switch in back. No QAM tuner.
V2 - No power switch. No QAM tuner.
V2+ - No power switch. No QAM tuner, but with firmware.
V3 - No power switch. QAM tuner + firmware.

Is that right? If it is wrong I will edit the post so as not to confuse people. I seriously doubt the firmware time stamp makes any difference...

From all evidence I have a V2 set (05/09/23 19:43). As I reported earlier, I believe I have a QAM tuner, but the Scan function fails to find channels automatically. Once I found out the channel assignments for my cable company's digital transmissions, though, I was able to pick up the channels with a manual scan (one by one).

Dave Kristol

donsev

03-16-06, 09:32 PM

so..

V1 - Power switch in back. No QAM tuner.
V2 - No power switch. No QAM tuner.
V2+ - No power switch. QAM tuner, but without firmware.
V3 - No power switch. QAM tuner + firmware.

Is that right? If it is wrong I will edit the post so as not to confuse people. I seriously doubt the firmware time stamp makes any difference...

Not quite.

As was posted several pages back, there are V2 sets that DO have the QAM tuner (which scan digital cables channels fine), that DO NOT have the firmware upgrade. And, a V1 owner, or a V2 owner who might not have a QAM tuner, could have sent their unit back for a firmware upgdade.

So perhaps we should break this down into;

V1 Power switch in back. No QAM tuner.
V1+ Power switch in back. No QAM tuner. With firmware upgrade.
V2a No power switch. No QAM tuner.
V2a+ No power switch. No QAM tuner. With firmware upgrade.
V2b No power switch. QAM tuner.
V2b+ No power switch. QAM tuner. With firmware upgrade.

Or simply call V2a ~ V2 and V2b ~ V3 and "+" indicates the newest firmware (this somewhat revises history, but recognizes that we hadn't realized that Sceptre had started adding the QAM tuner until after we were all already confused)

nclee

03-16-06, 09:43 PM

Could anyone tell me is any Harmony remote control work with the set? Thanks.

hakujin

03-16-06, 11:05 PM

From all evidence I have a V2 set (05/09/23 19:43). As I reported earlier, I believe I have a QAM tuner, but the Scan function fails to find channels automatically. Once I found out the channel assignments for my cable company's digital transmissions, though, I was able to pick up the channels with a manual scan (one by one).

Dave Kristol

Correct me if I'm wrong Dave, but proof of the QAM Tuner would be seeing Cable STD on the submenu right? I also have Cable HRC and Cable IRC. I too cannot pick anything up but I assume it's because a. I'm not a cable subscriber, and b. that which is provided through the cable connection in my apartment dwelling is done so by Dish Network as some partnership they have with the bldg. complex I reside in. Though, If I had comcast, I'm wondering how I would test for QAM functionality...

plug in from the wall to the set's ATSC tuner and scan Cable STD? I think you mentioned something earlier about changing the frequency (mhz) of particular channels... how in the heck do you do that?

regards

redgtconv

03-17-06, 12:27 AM

hakujin,
I live on Miami Beach, we are accross the street from the Atlantic Ocean and our apartment faces the ocean. No tv towers in the Atlantic, all of the tv towers are approximately 10-15 miles on the western side of the building. And the Sceptre is located in the middle of the aparment in a room with no windows. I use a Terk HDTVi OTA antenna. I actually receive my HD signals bounced off the building accross the street on the beach. When I first tried to auto scan HD signals I only received about 4 signals. So I attached an extension to the antenna and put it out on my terrace directly facing that building. I put it on auto scan and received 31 HD channels. I then moved the antenna back to the room and now the tv continued to pick up those stations. It seems that once the tuner knows what stations it is supposed to look for it tunes them in better. Most of the time I receive a spectacular picture, but there are times that there may be a weak signal momentarily and then I will get the signal back. There has even been rare occasions when I just can't get a signal after midnight on a particular channel and then the next day it is back. Sometimes extending my antenna back out of the tv room so it has a direct view to the building accross the street will bring back the signal. I blame all of these circumstance on the broadcaster or weather conditions, but not on the tv.

Nimo

03-17-06, 02:11 AM

Thought I'd post the IRC and HRC channels I scanned on my Naga v3 (note) spanish stations and some others were excluded, along with all radio stations also when scanning using IRC it picked up 107 YMMV... :)

Adelphia IRC/HRC Channel Line Up Sceptre 37” Naga V3 in W. Los Angeles

101-1 CH 2 CBS HD

104-5 CH 4 NBC

103-9 CH 5 KTLA

102-1 CH 7 ABC HD

104-4 CH 9 KCAL

103-1 CH 7 ABC

103-6 CH 11 KTTV HD

103-4 CH 13 KCOP

103-5 CH 56 KDOC

103-3 CH 26 KVCR

100-1 CH 28 KCET HD

104-5 CH 58 KLCS

104-6 CH 58 KLCS

104-9 CH LATV

104-10 CH CSPAN

104-11 HSN

104-12 CH 30 KPXN

108-2 CH CNBC

110-5 CH TCM

110-10 CH QVC

111-12 CH Previews

117-1 KWIZ

117-3 City CH

123-2 CH HD Discovery HD

Polypro

03-17-06, 03:34 AM

For the Harmony, I added a generic TV (The Sceptre in the database didn't work...v1?) and taught the remote all the commands from the factory remote.

P

Jason Merrick

03-17-06, 08:36 AM

Could anyone tell me is any Harmony remote control work with the set? Thanks.
The Harmony for Xbox 360 remote worked just fine on my Sceptre, without any learning needed.

Dave Kristol

03-17-06, 08:43 AM

Correct me if I'm wrong Dave, but proof of the QAM Tuner would be seeing Cable STD on the submenu right? I also have Cable HRC and Cable IRC. I too cannot pick anything up but I assume it's because a. I'm not a cable subscriber, and b. that which is provided through the cable connection in my apartment dwelling is done so by Dish Network as some partnership they have with the bldg. complex I reside in. Though, If I had comcast, I'm wondering how I would test for QAM functionality...

plug in from the wall to the set's ATSC tuner and scan Cable STD? I think you mentioned something earlier about changing the frequency (mhz) of particular channels... how in the heck do you do that?

Okay, by your definition, I certainly have the QAM Tuner, because my HD TV Setup shows Air, Cable STD, Cable HRC, Cable IRC. However, the scan function for Cable STD definitely does not work, whereas it worked for my TV2 (from an earlier post). When I tried to manually scan the channels found by TV2 on TV1, I was able to tune them.

Obviously Cable [anything] would do you no good if you do not have cable. I'm not sure what the behavior would be in your apartment building, though it would make sense for the building to translate frequencies to those that a "cable-ready" TV would handle. Yes, you can certainly try plugging the cable into the ATSC connector and try scanning Cable STD. Couldn't hurt, could it? Worst that happens, you find nothing. (You could also try the Cable HRC/IRC as well.)

No, I didn't do anything to alter the frequencies. What I did was to manually tune specific channel slots. I've got Comcast-NJ, and these are the major channels I've got:

93-1 ESPN
110-1 NBC
110-2 ABC
111-1 PBS
111-2 CBS
113-1 FOX
113-2 WB

So, if I manually scan 110 under Cable STD, the set finds 110-1 (NBC, 4) and 110-2. (ABC, 7) The problem is, there's no extra information (I don't know the technical term for it) that would map 110-1 to "4" or "4-1", which is what happens with the OTA equivalent (which happens to be on frequency assignment 4). So if I leave the set set up that way, I have to enter "110" when I'm in DTV, and that brings up NBC. If I want to get to ABC, the only way to do so is then to press Channel ^. There's no way to get it directly. Whereas I can tune the OTA ABC by just entering "7".

Dave Kristol

nclee

03-17-06, 09:04 AM

donsev

03-17-06, 11:04 AM

but proof of the QAM Tuner would be seeing Cable STD on the submenu right?

Correct.

I too cannot pick anything up but I assume it's because a. I'm not a cable subscriber, and b. that which is provided through the cable connection in my apartment dwelling is done so by Dish Network as some partnership they have with the bldg. complex I reside in.

Correct. As Dave mentions, it is most likely that your building is using the NTSC frequencies to re-broadcast the Dish feed so that you can simply use a cable-ready TV.

Though, If I had comcast, I'm wondering how I would test for QAM functionality...
plug in from the wall to the set's ATSC tuner and scan Cable STD?
regards
Correct.

donsev

03-17-06, 11:13 AM

I have observed the following condition on my 42in. I have my Satelliate hooked up via DVI/HDMI input, when I select the TV input via HDCP the pictures is visibly darken than on DVI, Do you also observe the same phenomenon on the 37in? Thanks.

nclee,

While there are many references to the PQ problems created when using HDMI or HDCP instead of DVI when using HTPC DVI output (overscan, flashing pixels, odd colors, etc.) I don't recall specific comments regarding one being darker than the other.

BTW, thanks for participating on this thread. I don't believe that most of the 42" folks understand that the 37" and the 42" will likely operate very similiar to each other, and there is a boat-load of info on the 37" here.

nclee

03-17-06, 11:58 AM

Hello Donsev,

Thank you. I have another question regarding the remote control button 'R (return)', Do you know it will work work for DTV stations? I only use OTA ATSC connection, I could not get it to respond and return to the previously view channel.

semuther

03-17-06, 12:18 PM

jpconard

03-17-06, 12:54 PM

Pecs

03-17-06, 01:03 PM

daquint

03-17-06, 04:38 PM

I just pulled the trigger on the 37 from C*. I already have my DVI to HDMI cable from monoprice and i do intend to hook it up from my Nvidia 7800 once i get everything set up.

I will let the thread know of my results, positive or negative.

Aside form the obvious "hope the DVI works" prayer, I think i have read previous posts that said there was little difference in DVI 1080p and VGA 1080p

Can anyone confirm?

Nimo

03-17-06, 08:49 PM

HDMI definitely works, but on my PC with 3 different video cards tried, the DVI is dead. I would like to try it on a Mac before I say for certain that the DVI is dead. My opinion is that EDID that the monitor is supposed to be transmitting is either not being transmitted, or not being transmitted properly, which makes the computer unable to recognize it.

Pecs, see if there is a bios update for your card go tot to mavke's site and look for the proper update. Google Mavke and it will take you there, but first go to nvnews and get the latest on the up & up.

hakujin

03-17-06, 09:48 PM

Thanks to Dave, Donsev, and redgtconv for all your input. :)

Polypro

03-17-06, 11:03 PM

HDMI definitely works, but on my PC with 3 different video cards tried, the DVI is dead. I would like to try it on a Mac before I say for certain that the DVI is dead. My opinion is that EDID that the monitor is supposed to be transmitting is either not being transmitted, or not being transmitted properly, which makes the computer unable to recognize it.

This really makes me hesitate to send my set in for the firmware update. If it kills DVI for an HTPC, I'm sunk...that's all I do. I have the output from MonInfo for my unupdated set. Someone post for an updated set, and we can compare the EDID's.

P

semuther

03-18-06, 01:31 AM

If anyone is interested and has a JP1 compatible universal remote, I have posted an upgrade file for the X37SV-Naga over on the JP1 forums website:

http://www.hifi-remote.com/

All the usual disclaimers apply.

Steve

tuckers

03-18-06, 04:51 AM

I was wondering if the latest versions of the Sceptre turn off the monitor when Windows tells it to sleep?

Or do you still get the blue screen?

That has always been the deal breaker for me with this set.

schtoom

03-18-06, 05:11 AM

Add my name to the list of people whose recently arrived Naga set seems to have a dead DVI port.

I oredered it from C*** online last weekend and it arrived last night.

I have an ATI X850XT running Cat 6.3. I tested the card's DVI port with another monitor, and it worked as it should. I connected it to the tv using 2 different DVI>HDMI cables to no avail. My cpu does not recognize a new display and the tv displays 'DVI-No Signal' when the Source-PC DVI is selected. VGA connection works fine.

I am severely bummed. Have written tech support and left them a message, will post the reply. Also, my remote was DOA, so I have no real access to menus or anything.

If it is faulty EDID, is it hypothetically possible to fix it using a pc-software solution (BIOS, drivers, etc)?

In a totally unrelated matter, I would just like to express my sincere gratitude for this post and all of you who contribute to it. This is my first time posting, but I have learned so much over the past few months by pouring over the information here. It has been invaluable to me in my HDTV education.

Thanks and Cheers.

donsev

03-18-06, 10:06 AM

Donsev,

I do not have a summary of users with HDMI/DVI not working.

I was taking the opposite approach, and asking if any users of the recent version of the set actually have the HDMI/DVI working with the PC, latest firmware 06/01/16 14:58 or whatever it is.

I don't think I have heard of anybody that does. If they do I would like to know their video card and drivers they are using.

And from the sounds of what Pecs said, the HDMI/DVI actually works just not with PC video card.

If I am not mistaken, there are at least several users with the V3 or equivalent sets with the newer firmware that are successfully using DVI with PC.

kosstamogen - using v3 set
ATI radeon 9800 pro
using dvi-hdmi cable
old version of catalysts

Nimo - v3

Nocman418 - v3

And danwheeler, who I believe has a v2, HAS the firmware upgrade, and IS using DVI.

And I believe that mystic818 has a v3 set not a v1 set.

semuther

03-18-06, 11:49 AM

And from the sounds of what Pecs said, the HDMI/DVI actually works just not with PC video card.

I can confirm that a MyHD HDTV PVR card with DVI port will work with my V3 via the supplied DVI > HDMI cable. I am sure that this PVR card doesn't care what's plugged into the DVI port and just sends the video regardless.

Has someone really dug into the nitty gritty settings for their DVI video cards to see if there is some way to turn off auto monitor detection and just output the video brute force? Seems to me, the card's drivers should have that ability.

Steve

Polypro

03-18-06, 01:09 PM

Here's my EDID for v2, original firmware:

Monitor
Windows description......... Plug and Play Monitor
Manufacturer................ SEP
————————————————————————————
Plug and Play ID............ SEP0064
Serial number............... 777 (153100777)
EDID data source............ I2C bus (real-time)
————————————————————————————
Manufacture date............ 2005, ISO week 31
EDID revision............... 1.3
Display type and signal..... Digital
Sync input support.......... n/a
Screen size................. 700 x 390 mm (~33")
Power management............ Active off/sleep

Color characteristics
Display gamma............... 2.20
Red chromaticity............ Rx 0.640 - Ry 0.341
Green chromaticity.......... Gx 0.286 - Gy 0.610
Blue chromaticity........... Bx 0.146 - By 0.069
White point (default)....... Wx 0.284 - Wy 0.293

Timing characteristics
VESA GTF support............ Supported
Horizontal scan range....... n/a
Vertical scan range......... n/a
Video bandwidth............. n/a
Extension blocks............ 1
Timing recommendation #1.... 1920x1080 at 60Hz
Modeline................ "1920x1080" 148.500 1920 2008 2052 2200 1080 1084 1094 1124 +hsync +vsync
Timing recommendation #2.... 2072x1363 at 47Hz
Modeline................ "2072x1363" 358.400 2072 2121 2946 5308 1363 1366 1368 1432 -hsync -vsync

Standard timings supported
640 x 480 at 60Hz - IBM VGA
800 x 600 at 60Hz - VESA
1024 x 768 at 60Hz - VESA
1024 x 768 at 75Hz - VESA
1280 x 1024 at 60Hz - VESA
1280 x 1024 at 75Hz - VESA
1600 x 1200 at 60Hz - VESA
1920 x 1080 at 60Hz - SEP
2072 x 1363 at 47Hz - SEP

Raw EDID base
00: 00 FF FF FF FF FF FF 00 4C B0 64 00 09 03 00 00
10: 1F 0F 01 03 81 46 27 78 2B D5 7C A3 57 49 9C 25
20: 11 48 4B 21 0B 00 A9 40 81 80 01 01 01 01 01 01
30: 01 01 01 01 01 01 02 3A 80 18 71 38 2C 40 58 2C
40: 4A 00 C4 8E 21 00 00 1E 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
60: 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 8C 18 A4
70: 8C 53 45 50 31 39 32 30 20 20 20 20 20 20 01 2B

Raw EDID extension (CEA-861)
00: 02 03 20 F1 49 01 02 03 04 85 06 07 08 09 23 09
10: 57 07 83 01 00 00 65 03 0C 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
20: 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
30: 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
40: 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
50: 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
60: 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
70: 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 72

EIA/CEA-861 Information
Revision number............. 3
DTV underscan............... Supported
Basic audio................. Supported
YCbCr 4:4:4................. Supported
YCbCr 4:2:2................. Supported
Native formats supported.... 1
DTV formats supported....... 9

CE standard timings supported
640 x 480p at 59.94/60Hz (4:3) - Default
720 x 480p at 59.94/60Hz (4:3) - EDTV
720 x 480p at 59.94/60Hz (16:9) - EDTV
1280 x 720p at 59.94/60Hz (16:9) - HDTV
1920 x 1080i at 59.94/60Hz (16:9) - HDTV (Native)
720 x 480i at 59.94/60Hz (4:3) - Doublescan
720 x 480i at 59.94/60Hz (16:9) - Doublescan
720 x 240p at 59.94/60Hz (4:3) - Doublescan
720 x 240p at 59.94/60Hz (16:9) - Doublescan

Display adapter
Adapter description......... NVIDIA GeForce 6600
Adapter device ID........... 0x00F210DE
Display settings............ 1920x1080, 32bpp

User/computer information
Registered user name........ Ron
Registered organization..... Home
Network user name........... Ron
Network computer name....... HTPC
Windows version ............ Windows XP
Windows build .............. 5.01.2600 Service Pack 2
Installation date .......... 8/31/2005 12:00:00 PM

sledge1234

03-18-06, 02:10 PM

nclee,

While there are many references to the PQ problems created when using HDMI or HDCP instead of DVI when using HTPC DVI output (overscan, flashing pixels, odd colors, etc.) I don't recall specific comments regarding one being darker than the other.

BTW, thanks for participating on this thread. I don't believe that most of the 42" folks understand that the 37" and the 42" will likely operate very similiar to each other, and there is a boat-load of info on the 37" here.

I have Ver.2 and there is a difference in color, brightness etc. between HDCP, HDM and DVI when fed from the sane source - HTPC. I believe this has been discussed previously and it is due to IRE video levels expected at each of the input settings.

Polypro

03-18-06, 03:58 PM

donsev

03-18-06, 04:07 PM

I have Ver.2 and there is a difference in color, brightness etc. between HDCP, HDM and DVI when fed from the sane source - HTPC. I believe this has been discussed previously and i is due to IRE video levels expected at each of the input settings.

Thanks for clarifying. (I had only recalled the color & artifacts issues).

donsev

03-18-06, 04:16 PM

I can now confirm that my v2, original firmware, can receive manually inputed, unencrypted QAM. Scanning for QAM does not work. I had a filter on the line, coming off the pole, that was blocking QAM (This filter was probably on there since the 70's:)). I hooked up to my Fusion5 tuner and scanned and found about 50 unencrypted channels, in addition to encrypted ones. I then hooked that cable to the ATSC tuner on the Sceptre, and scanned STD, HRC, and IRC with no luck. Going back to the Fusion Software, I wrote down the major channel numbers and entered them manually into the Sceptre, using IRC Mode. The TV found the major channel, as well as the sub channels.

P

From all evidence I have a V2 set (05/09/23 19:43). As I reported earlier, I believe I have a QAM tuner, but the Scan function fails to find channels automatically. Once I found out the channel assignments for my cable company's digital transmissions, though, I was able to pick up the channels with a manual scan (one by one).

Dave Kristol

So, does this mean that you guys received one of the V2s as they were in transition from NO QAM to QAM and doesn't fully support the scan function??

Would a Firmware upgrade fix this problem?

Is there anyone else that has the Cable options (STD, HRC, IRC) on ATSC/DTV along with Air, that do not receive any scanned entries, but can manually access the unencrypted channels?

Dave Kristol

03-18-06, 05:11 PM

So, does this mean that you guys received one of the V2s as they were in transition from NO QAM to QAM and doesn't fully support the scan function??

Would a Firmware upgrade fix this problem?

I know that I can successfully scan with a V3 set. (That's how I figured out what to enter manually for V2.) My V2 set fails to scan, but I can enter channels manually.

Dave Kristol

schtoom

03-18-06, 05:28 PM

This really makes me hesitate to send my set in for the firmware update. If it kills DVI for an HTPC, I'm sunk...that's all I do. I have the output from MonInfo for my unupdated set. Someone post for an updated set, and we can compare the EDID's.

P

This is probably a noob question, so please forgive... If i use MonInfo while the set is hooked up via vga, will the results be the same as using the DVI connection?

I believe I have a version 3, but I cannot test fully due to a dead remote. I do have a mystery port in the back and no on/off switch. I also just ordered the set this past Sunday.

Polypro

03-18-06, 06:34 PM

So, does this mean that you guys received one of the V2s as they were in transition from NO QAM to QAM and doesn't fully support the scan function??

Would a Firmware upgrade fix this problem?

v2 purchased from NewEgg on 11/22/05. DEBUG 05/09/23 19:43

No idea if the FW upgrade would allow scanning. With the possible DVI problem that the upgrade causes (...or is this on new sets only?) I'm not going to try. The set's good enough for me at 53.306Hz and I'll never watch QAM other than to test it for the forum.

P

Polypro

03-18-06, 06:37 PM

This is probably a noob question, so please forgive... If i use MonInfo while the set is hooked up via vga, will the results be the same as using the DVI connection?

I believe I have a version 3, but I cannot test fully due to a dead remote. I do have a mystery port in the back and no on/off switch. I also just ordered the set this past Sunday.

EDID should be the same, MonInfo may add some info of it's own, based on your setup.

P

hakujin

03-18-06, 06:47 PM

I know that I can successfully scan with a V3 set. (That's how I figured out what to enter manually for V2.) My V2 set fails to scan, but I can enter channels manually.

Dave Kristol

This is really interesting. I'd like to know if I can manually pick up any channels that are being relayed through the DNS NTSC (dish network) as described earlier. As of right now, no nothing but that may be because of my lack of a distinct cable service and possibly because I'm only picking up local analog off antenna (from provider). However, I've no idea which channel numbes to try. Are there any more ubiquitous numbers that don't change from carrier to carrier? IF so, let me know, and I'll give it a go.

Nimo

03-18-06, 06:56 PM

Guys the only thing I can think of is check your PC bios and make sure it is booting in PCIE-X because the mobos by default will boot in PCI mode. To get into your PC bios push the delete button on boot up and look for something with those settings. Mind you I'm using a PCI-E 7800 GT by XFX on a DFI SLI mobo using the supplied DVI/HDMI cable that came with the TV. As posted above I noticed it did not say Sceptre Naga 37 so it may be just a bios setting in your PC. Right clicking on my mouse in NVIDIA Display it will say X37SV-Naga. :)

schtoom

03-18-06, 06:57 PM

Hereis my EDID info using the vga connection...

Monitor
Windows description......... Plug and Play Monitor
Manufacturer description.... SceptreX37SV-Naga
Manufacturer................ Sceptre
————————————————————————————
Plug and Play ID............ SPT0E74
Serial number............... 715 (155000715)
EDID data source............ I2C bus (real-time)
————————————————————————————
Manufacture date............ 2005, ISO week 50
EDID revision............... 1.3
Display type and signal..... Analog 0.700,0.300 (1.0V p-p)
Sync input support.......... Separate
Screen size................. 820 x 460 mm (~39")
Power management............ Active off/sleep

Color characteristics
Display gamma............... 2.20
Red chromaticity............ Rx 0.639 - Ry 0.339
Green chromaticity.......... Gx 0.285 - Gy 0.610
Blue chromaticity........... Bx 0.144 - By 0.068
White point (default)....... Wx 0.284 - Wy 0.293

Timing characteristics
VESA GTF support............ Supported
Horizontal scan range....... 15-94kHz
Vertical scan range......... 24-88Hz
Video bandwidth............. 170MHz
Extension blocks............ n/a
Timing recommendation #1.... 1920x1080 at 60Hz
Modeline................ "1920x1080" 148.500 1920 2008 2052 2200 1080 1084 1094 1124 -hsync -vsync

Standard timings supported
640 x 480 at 60Hz - IBM VGA
640 x 480 at 67Hz - Mac II
640 x 480 at 72Hz - VESA
640 x 480 at 75Hz - VESA
720 x 400 at 70Hz - IBM VGA
800 x 600 at 56Hz - VESA
800 x 600 at 60Hz - VESA
800 x 600 at 72Hz - VESA
800 x 600 at 75Hz - VESA
1024 x 768 at 60Hz - VESA
1024 x 768 at 70Hz - VESA
1024 x 768 at 75Hz - VESA
1024 x 768 at 85Hz - VESA
1152 x 870 at 75Hz - Mac II
1280 x 1024 at 60Hz - VESA
1280 x 1024 at 75Hz - VESA
1600 x 1200 at 60Hz - VESA
1920 x 1080 at 60Hz - Sceptre

Raw EDID base
00: 00 FF FF FF FF FF FF 00 4E 14 74 0E CB 02 00 00
10: 32 0F 01 03 08 52 2E 78 2B B1 EC A3 56 49 9C 24
20: 11 48 4B BF CF 80 61 59 81 80 A9 40 01 01 01 01
30: 01 01 01 01 01 01 02 3A 80 18 71 38 2C 40 58 2C
40: 4A 00 33 CC 31 00 00 18 00 00 00 FD 00 18 58 0F
50: 5E 11 00 0A 20 20 20 20 20 20 00 00 00 FC 00 53
60: 63 65 70 74 72 65 0A 20 20 20 20 20 00 00 00 FC
70: 00 58 33 37 53 56 2D 4E 61 67 61 0A 20 20 00 61

Display adapter
Adapter description......... RADEON X850 Series
Adapter device ID........... 0x4B491002
Display settings............ 1920x1080, 32bpp

User/computer information
Registered user name........ K-Dog
Registered organization..... n/a
Network user name........... K-Dog
Network computer name....... BAMBI
Windows version ............ Windows XP
Windows build .............. 5.01.2600 Service Pack 2
Installation date .......... 10/22/2004 12:00:00 PM

Polypro

03-18-06, 07:12 PM

schtoom

03-19-06, 12:03 AM

Would DVI Detective do the trick?

redgtconv

03-19-06, 12:03 AM

I have a problem! I have used the Sceptre exclusively for tv until now.
Today I connected my laptop through VGA as a second display. When I turn the computer on, the Sceptre shows my desktop wallpaper only. No icons. When I start any programs, they run on my laptop display, but the Sceptre continues to only show the desktop wallpaper. Can someone tell me what is happening and what I should do to correct this. Thanks!

rogers-hsv

03-19-06, 01:07 AM

redgtconv,

On your laptop, can you get into and check the display properties? Go to the Settings tab and see if it shows your second display (should be the Sceptre). Is "Extend my Windows desktop onto this monitor." checked? If so, try dragging a program window to the edge and beyond of your laptop display. Does the window then show on the Sceptre?

scoopster

03-19-06, 01:10 AM

box for TimeWarner.
I followed directions after connecting Scientific Atlanta to the Sceptre - that is using the button marked PC source for HDMI. I get no signal on the TV.
Any ideas?

redgtconv

03-19-06, 03:23 AM

gc_chi

03-19-06, 09:22 AM

box for TimeWarner.
I followed directions after connecting Scientific Atlanta to the Sceptre - that is using the button marked PC source for HDMI. I get no signal on the TV.
Any ideas? If you are using the SA box with DVI to HDMI, there are connection problems. Keep switching between each PC source to DVI and it will eventually connect. I' using the SA HD DVR box that has an HDMI and I've had no problems connecting with HDMI on PC source.

Chi

donsev

03-19-06, 10:21 AM

Definitely some differences (other than connection type/GPU), but I don't know what that tells us about v2 original FW (DVI is fine) and v3 updated FW (possible DVI problems).

Has anyone who sent their v2 (with working DVI) to Sceptre for the FW update, gotten back the same set with a non-working DVI? Or is this just happening on v3 sets, indicating that it may be mfg problem .vs the updated FW causing it?

P

Polypro,

You may have missed my post a couple of messages earlier but I really don't think the firmware upgrade has anything to do with the recent DVI issues. There are owners of v3, with the new firmware, that are using the DVI port successfully. And danwheeler, the only v2 owner that I know of to send his unit back for the firmware upgrade, is also using DVI successfully. (If the folks of whom I'm speaking feel that these representations are in error, please correct me).

Although it is very hard to guesstimate percentages from internet board feedback, I have to think that if there was a systemic problem with the v3's, that there would be many more complaints than the four or five registered so far. My guess is that there was a bad batch with defective DVI circuits. (we know from this thread and the 42" thread that Sceptre doesn't seem to have the best inventory control system :rolleyes: )

kosstamogen - using v3 set
ATI radeon 9800 pro
using dvi-hdmi cable
old version of catalysts

Nimo - v3

Nocman418 - v3

And danwheeler, who I believe has a v2, HAS the firmware upgrade, and IS using DVI.

jpconard

03-19-06, 10:37 AM

scoopster

03-19-06, 10:52 AM

If you are using the SA box with DVI to HDMI, there are connection problems. Keep switching between each PC source to DVI and it will eventually connect. I' using the SA HD DVR box that has an HDMI and I've had no problems connecting with HDMI on PC source.

Chi

The DVI setting shows a picture for about five seconds and at top it says 1080 x 720 then no pic. I tried this about ten times. I double-checked the cables (only one
way to do HDMI to HDMI).
So I'm back to the three colored cables and the TV and cable box is reporting 1080i.
Any other ideas? thanks.

jeffrey8128

03-19-06, 11:14 AM

My 37" unit arrived Friday the 17th.
So far so good.(knock on wood)

Latest firmware version:
debug 0111, 06/01/16,14:48,tw370hw01

menu "about" info:
H/W: RO.2
S/W: M4.70C
Loader: PMON 1.3.8.0
Lib: HAL 7.2.3.0 MW V1.21

All tuners scanned good, although cable scan took several attempts. I cussed at it after the third try, and that seemed to do the trick. I usually find a few cuss words or a little slap upside their bezel gets 'em to cooperate. My JVC 61" HD-ILA is pretty finicky too.

So far I am very pleased with performance.
I have not tried hooking up pc yet. Only using it right now as a TV. I will be trying that as soon as I get my new vid card installed.

I wish you all a happy Sceptre experience.

Dave Kristol

03-19-06, 03:46 PM

rogers-hsv,
Yes, when I move the window off to the right of the screen on the laptop it appears from the left side of the Sceptre. What does that mean, and what do I do now?
Thanks for your help!

I restarted the computer and now when I move the windows down off the bottom of the laptop screen it apprears from the top of the Sceptre.

That means you're using the Sceptre as a second monitor, along with the laptop display. It sounds as though you changed the position of the Sceptre with respect to your laptop from being to the right of the laptop (your first attempt) to under the laptop.

It sounds like what you hoped to do is use the Sceptre to display the same thing that's on your laptop. If so, you probably want to uncheck "Extend my Windows desktop onto this monitor."

Dave Kristol

redgtconv

03-19-06, 05:09 PM

Thanks, yes it was checked to extend windows, but if I uncheck it then the Sceptre goes blank.

Pecs

03-19-06, 06:05 PM

Those who have firmware Debug 0111 - 06/01/16 14:58 -

When you plug your DVI cable into your HDMI port does Windows make a discovery noise, similar to when you plug in a USB device?

My v1 set does this.

This would indicate to me that the video card is "detecting" the display and not simply outputing video to it all of the time.

I called tech. support and they could hear (over the phone) when I plugged into the v1 set, so without another device to test my DVI port with they could only determine that I had a bad HDMI port.

I mentioned Pecs experience with it working on a DVD player but not PC, and they said no way, that he probably doesn't have something correct on the PC.

On one hand I was hoping for a software work-around, but on the other hand if it is truly a bad TV then I would replace one more time for it to work like my v1 set did.

Until I am completely convinced though I don't plan to re-order and get another with the same issue.

As of yet I'm not convinced that we don't have another firmware type issue (or maybe even a software/driver setting issue) rather than a batch of bad HDMI circuitry.

I think Pecs had placed an order for another set, so if his 3rd works, then I will be convinced.

Or if I get some responses from those with the firmware mentioned above and their systems "discover" the set as I described above, then I will probably be convinced that mine is flaky.

I get the set tomorrow supposedly, so I'll post once I have time to try and hook it up. Unfortunately, if it doesn't work then there are still two possibilities: 2 bad sceptres, or bad settings on my part.

I'm quite certain that settings are not the problem. I've checked my mboard bios for any settings that might be the culprit but couldn't find anything amiss (I have an nforce4 ecs board). All the video cards I've tried are pciex. The nvidia drivers seem pretty user friendly, and the people that have gotten dvi to work are not performing software acrobatics to get it work. The device simply is not being detected; it is as simple as that.

I also downloaded some utility that supposedly "forces" DVI output (dvi recover), which I think was meant to solve some problem with Dell LCDs. It is a utility that runs on boot-up, and I'm not exactly sure how it works. But you can get it display the EDID of a device, and when I polled my VGA port it outputed a grid of numbers and characters. But the DVI port polled with all "0"s. This was before the OS loaded or anything. That said, I don't have a "good" DVI port to compare it with, so I wouldn't read much into that result. Anyway, I'm also having a friend bring over his mac sometime this week, so hopefully I'll get to the bottom of the problem soon.

Polypro

03-19-06, 06:23 PM

Polypro,

You may have missed my post a couple of messages earlier but I really don't think the firmware upgrade has anything to do with the recent DVI issues.

Yup...missed it :) I'll send it in within the next couple months. I was going to, when the Sceptre 42" arrived, but that fell through...so now I'll wait til the eyeFi 47" gets reviewed:)

Thanks,

P

ericjut

03-19-06, 08:37 PM

Polypro,

You may have missed my post a couple of messages earlier but I really don't think the firmware upgrade has anything to do with the recent DVI issues. There are owners of v3, with the new firmware, that are using the DVI port successfully. And danwheeler, the only v2 owner that I know of to send his unit back for the firmware upgrade, is also using DVI successfully. (If the folks of whom I'm speaking feel that these representations are in error, please correct me).

Although it is very hard to guesstimate percentages from internet board feedback, I have to think that if there was a systemic problem with the v3's, that there would be many more complaints than the four or five registered so far. My guess is that there was a bad batch with defective DVI circuits. (we know from this thread and the 42" thread that Sceptre doesn't seem to have the best inventory control system :rolleyes: )

Hi Don,

It's funny how people can get to such conclusions without looking a little further back in the thread. :) I even posted a picture of it working... (see: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7171763#post7171763)

So to confirm: I got my v3 over a month ago and didn't have any issues with the HDMI/DVI input that's plugged to my HTPC using a NVidia 6600. As a matter of fact, I don't have the switching problem either (which I had with the v1 with an ATI card). Finally, I didn't even have to screw around with any settings or special software, as the driver picked up the 1920X1080 as an option and I just selected it. This was BY FAR the best PC hook up experience I've had with any LCD-TV (both the Philips and Sharp 37" models gave me immense amount of grief).

I'm sorry to hear that some people aren't getting the same experience though... :/

-eric

budalb

03-19-06, 08:39 PM

I got my set 3 months ago and has been very happy with it. It is v2 with QAM (I think). I only use it a TV. Do you think I should upgrade it to v3? Does the juttering problem affect HDMI from non-computer sources?

Thanks

tsonee

03-19-06, 09:07 PM

I have recently purchased the sceptre 37 inch tv. I tried connecting it to a samsung upconverting DVD player via HDMI. For some reason the TV doesn't output any sound. I thought the HDMI transfers both video and sound. I checked the setup of the DVD player and it has only 2 options for sound: PCM or Bitstream and I tried using both without any luck. Has anyone been able to connect this TV via HDMI to an audio-cum-video source successfully?

jpconard

03-19-06, 09:44 PM

Thanks Pecs for your report. Please keep us posted.

Happy with V2 (V3) got it up on wall and looking good on VGA, just the HDMI issue.

ankitj

03-20-06, 12:41 AM

Can anybody confirm if autocontrast is still a problem with these sets. If so how big of an issues it this?

gc_chi

03-20-06, 02:52 AM

The DVI setting shows a picture for about five seconds and at top it says 1080 x 720 then no pic. I tried this about ten times. I double-checked the cables (only one
way to do HDMI to HDMI).
So I'm back to the three colored cables and the TV and cable box is reporting 1080i.
Any other ideas? thanks. You may have to change the settings on your cable box to output HDMI. What cable box do you have? Go to the "more settings" menu on the cable and change the video and audio output to HDMI.

Chi

wktaylor

03-20-06, 08:06 AM

Thanks, yes it was checked to extend windows, but if I uncheck it then the Sceptre goes blank.

If you're running a laptop, then you need to toggle the display. Hold down the Fn (function) button and push the screen toggle button, usually F8 on a Dell, it will usually be a picture of a solid box next to the image of a box outline on the same function key.
If that doesn't work, then you need to go into the advanced settigns of your display properties and find the ATI image of your various displays. you will see the notebook monitor and an external monitor. Put a check mark in the box for the external monitor.
Sometimes you have to play with the toggle and the advanced properties to get it working exactly right. If video plays on your notebook monitor, but not your external display, then you need to set the external monitor as your primary display. Updating to the latest drivers can also sometimes help this.
I hope this helps.

semuther

03-20-06, 12:09 PM

Can anybody confirm if autocontrast is still a problem with these sets. If so how big of an issues it this?

I do notice it on the component inputs. It does not bother me all that much and since the push is to use DVI/HDMI interfaces for things, I don't think I'll be using the analog inputs much longer anyway. This is one of those purly subjective choices that you have to look at and decide for yourself.

Steve

Pecs

03-20-06, 12:16 PM

As for auto-contrast, now that I have been watching the set for a few weeks, I think I have noticed something that has not been posted about before. In addition to being present over component inputs, it also happens when the built-in ATSC tuner is being used. How bad it is seems to depend greatly on the programming. This is unfortunate, since I use this tuner quite a lot.

That brings up something else I've been curious about. I'm debating getting an ATSC tuner for my HTPC, since (with the exception of DVI not working) I've been really happy with the output from the PC. For example, DVDs look much better when played through my PC than on a dedicated (upconverting) DVD player. Can anyone comment on comparing the built in tuner with one in a PC? This would also solve the auto-contrast problem with the built-in tuner.

ankitj

03-20-06, 12:57 PM

I do notice it on the component inputs. It does not bother me all that much and since the push is to use DVI/HDMI interfaces for things, I don't think I'll be using the analog inputs much longer anyway. This is one of those purly subjective choices that you have to look at and decide for yourself.

Steve

Does anybody know how much of problem is it while playing Xbox, or watching 480p inputs ( DVD) through component?

donsev

03-20-06, 04:10 PM

Pecs

03-20-06, 05:36 PM

Pecs,

As I understand it, the auto-contrast (Dynamic Contrast/DCI) CAN be turned off under the ATSC/DTV menu (it just cannot be accessed to be disabled on the component inputs).

Yeah, I remember you posting something to that effect earlier, so I looked for this option in the DTV submenu, but couldn't find anything.

JimmyJoe

03-20-06, 05:56 PM

JimmyJoe

03-20-06, 06:02 PM

I went ahead and placed another order from Costco, so I should have my 2nd set in a few days. Hopefully the DVI will work properly this time.

jeffrey8128

03-20-06, 08:15 PM

Hey guys - I think I got one of the good ones. Yippee!
This is my second post here as jeffrey8128. Previously I posted on performance as tv out of the box. Good, yadah, yadah, yadah...

Now I hooked my pc up to it hdmi/dvi cable included in the box.
works great, no issues.

here's moninfo:

Monitor
Windows description......... Plug and Play Monitor
Manufacturer description.... SceptreX37SV-Naga
Manufacturer................ Sceptre
————————————————————————————
Plug and Play ID............ SPT0E74
Serial number............... 43 (16200043)
EDID data source............ I2C bus (real-time)
————————————————————————————
Manufacture date............ 2006, ISO week 2
EDID revision............... 1.3
Display type and signal..... Digital
Sync input support.......... n/a
Screen size................. 820 x 460 mm (~39")
Power management............ Active off/sleep

Color characteristics
Display gamma............... 2.20
Red chromaticity............ Rx 0.639 - Ry 0.339
Green chromaticity.......... Gx 0.285 - Gy 0.610
Blue chromaticity........... Bx 0.144 - By 0.068
White point (default)....... Wx 0.284 - Wy 0.293

Timing characteristics
VESA GTF support............ Supported
Horizontal scan range....... 15-94kHz
Vertical scan range......... 24-88Hz
Video bandwidth............. 170MHz
Extension blocks............ 1
Timing recommendation #1.... 1920x1080 at 60Hz
Modeline................ "1920x1080" 148.500 1920 2008 2052 2200 1080 1084 1094 1124 +hsync +vsync
Timing recommendation #2.... 1280x720 at 60Hz
Modeline................ "1280x720" 74.250 1280 1390 1430 1650 720 725 730 750 +hsync +vsync

Standard timings supported
640 x 480 at 60Hz - IBM VGA
800 x 600 at 60Hz - VESA
1024 x 768 at 60Hz - VESA
1024 x 768 at 75Hz - VESA
1280 x 720 at 60Hz - Sceptre
1280 x 1024 at 60Hz - VESA
1280 x 1024 at 75Hz - VESA
1600 x 1200 at 60Hz - VESA
1920 x 1080 at 60Hz - Sceptre

Raw EDID base
00: 00 FF FF FF FF FF FF 00 4E 14 74 0E 2B 00 00 00
10: 02 10 01 03 81 52 2E 78 2B B1 EC A3 56 49 9C 24
20: 11 48 4B 21 0B 00 A9 40 81 80 01 01 01 01 01 01
30: 01 01 01 01 01 01 02 3A 80 18 71 38 2C 40 58 2C
40: 4A 00 33 CD 31 00 00 1E 00 00 00 FD 00 18 58 0F
50: 5E 11 00 0A 20 20 20 20 20 20 00 00 00 FC 00 53
60: 63 65 70 74 72 65 0A 20 20 20 20 20 00 00 00 FC
70: 00 58 33 37 53 56 2D 4E 61 67 61 0A 20 20 01 4B

Raw EDID extension (CEA-861)
00: 02 03 14 F2 41 85 23 09 07 07 83 01 00 00 65 03
10: 0C 00 10 00 01 1D 00 72 51 D0 1E 20 6E 28 55 00
20: 33 CD 31 00 00 1E 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
30: 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
40: 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
50: 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
60: 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
70: 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 C4

EIA/CEA-861 Information
Revision number............. 3
DTV underscan............... Supported
Basic audio................. Supported
YCbCr 4:4:4................. Supported
YCbCr 4:2:2................. Supported
Native formats supported.... 2
DTV formats supported....... 1

CE standard timings supported
1920 x 1080i at 59.94/60Hz (16:9) - HDTV (Native)

Display adapter
Adapter description......... RADEON 9550
Adapter device ID........... 0x41531002
Display settings............ 1920x1080, 32bpp

User/computer information
Registered user name........ Jeffrey
Registered organization..... n/a
Network user name........... Jeffrey
Network computer name....... *******
Windows version ............ Windows XP
Windows build .............. 5.01.2600 Service Pack 2
Installation date .......... 12/20/2005 12:00:00 PM

I didn't do anything special. The card I am using is Radeon 9550, with latest drivers and Catalyst control.

I hope this info helps.

Thanks to all of those who have contributed to this thread. When I did my research before purchasing this unit, I spent a decent amount of time here lurking. It's been very helpful.

jeffrey

Pecs

03-20-06, 10:01 PM

I just called Sceptre Support and explained my problem. I ordered my set on 3/12 and it was delivered on 3/14. PC to VGA works fine. PC to HDMI (DVI) gets "no signal". I was on the phone with support for about two minutes and was told that I should return the set to Costco and order another one. Interestingly, I did not tell support that I ordered the set from Costco, which I did do.

Has anyone recieved a set after 3/14 and had the PC to HDMI (DVI) work properly?

PECS - I am very interested if your 2nd set works properly for the DVI.

Ok fellas, got the new set and I have good news: DVI is working! The new set fixed the problem, and I imagine it would do the same for those of you with the same problem. I just want to reiterate that when hooked to an HDMI device, the input worked fine. The PC DVI connection did not. Now it does. I didn't change any settings with nvidia... just detected it as it should. Mystery solved.

Still curious if any of you are running a ATSC card in your PC and if there is a quality difference with the sceptre's built in tuner.

redgtconv

03-20-06, 11:21 PM

wktaylor,
Thank-you! On my Acer laptop it was the F5 key and it worked perfectly. I appreciate it.

apaiz

03-20-06, 11:49 PM

jpconard

03-21-06, 12:58 AM

Pecs,

Thanks for the info. Looks like you and Jeffrey have recent sets now with working DVI and JimmyJoe had same issue but placed another on order.

Guess I'll have to do the same but just took back v1 and put new one up. May have to wait a month, don't want to get a second on the card without getting the refund.

To answer your question about the tuner. I have never really tried the ATSC tuner to compare on the v1 set or this new one, because I use Media Center. I run the Aver A180 ATSC card and recently added the Dvico USB tuner. Split the Antennas Direct DB-2 antenna (using indoors). HD works pretty good, occasional skip, but also occasional issue with stations (out of my control).

I don't think you get any significant loss on ATSC (digital) using a PC tuner versus the TV's ATSC. My understanding is it is always digital and just basically streamed onto the hard drive. Then Media Center plays it back from the hard drive.

Somebody else may be able to give a direct compare. If I have some time, I'll split up to the ATSC on the Sceptre and see how it compares.

I wouldn't go back to not having the HTPC. The series record feature, pausing, playback I'm addicted to and with two ATSC tuners it is even better.

There are downsides to dealing with Media Center though, the biggest is the DRM. I just had HBO free preview and with rollup 2 now, it is giving some privlege error after playing for about 5 seconds on each HBO channel.

These unfortunately are the downsides to Media Center. But overall the DVR functionality, My Pictures, My Videos, My Music is worth it, plus I occasionally burn a DVD to get it off the hard drive and onto a disk the kid can watch over and over (i.e. football stuff from the NFL channel).

There are other (maybe as good?) options to Media Center. The Aver A180 tuner is white box (no software). The Dvico has mediocre playback, DVR software that can use TitanTV for scheduling. It may be worth a try but I would get something with more DVR functionality (like Media Center or BeyondTV or Sage) for the long run.

hakujin

03-21-06, 01:43 AM

I could not wait for another 8 weeks to get this tv, so I cancelled the 42 and ordered the 37. I just wanted to know if anybody can comment on how the Xbox 360 works thru component and if auto contrast is a real big issue.

Can somebody post additional picks of Xbox 360 running various games. The reason is that I will be using this as a pc monitor and basically for gaming thru the xbox 360. I want to make sure that ordered the right set.

Thanks a million for taking your time to read this long post.

AP

I found it stunningly beautiful with component inputs and this set. The only nag if any, is it's a tad darker than I like so I have to kick up the contrast when playing 360 but (imo) it beats the washed out look of VGA. Auto contrast hasn't been a really big issue for me, only noticeable adjustmens where when I was playing back movies... but not really a big deal.

I probably wouldn't have noticed it had it not been for reading about it first.

@ Everyone concerned about DVI issue

The whole version thing has gotten kind of muddy to me as I haven't been keeping up with the thread but...

I have the 1/16 firmware
No switch on back
QAM tuner present

So whatever version that is...

No problem whatsoever with DVI via the HDMI port. I just tested it out and my PC picked up the Naga37, no prob. Running Windows XP with Nvidia 6800.I didn't test the screensaver/power off scenario people discussed though.

@ Movie Quality question

Regarding movie playback quality (pc vs. upscaled DVD). Once I upped res to 1080i for pc dvi connection, I thought the quality was decent (mpeg4 xvid), regular 480i or 480p looks ugly now, and Xbox Media Center upscaling my movies to 720p (and subsequently monitor ups to 1080i) looks the best to me... no contest;superb upscale. The icing is the brilliant UI, and I don't have to use my HDMI port to attain it. Recommended.

JimmyJoe

03-21-06, 03:40 AM

Ok fellas, got the new set and I have good news: DVI is working! The new set fixed the problem, and I imagine it would do the same for those of you with the same problem. SWEET! Thanks for the info and I will report back in a few days when I get my new set. I am getting excited again. :)

wktaylor

03-21-06, 06:37 AM

wktaylor,
Thank-you! On my Acer laptop it was the F5 key and it worked perfectly. I appreciate it.

No prob, glad it worked. :)
I have to do the fn toggle thing several times a day with many different peoples laptops to get them synced with projectors, and someitmes they can be a bear to get working.

donsev

03-21-06, 07:52 AM

Yeah, I remember you posting something to that effect earlier, so I looked for this option in the DTV submenu, but couldn't find anything.

Sorry, I can only go by what others have posted (I don't have the 37" and I am still waiting for my 42").

phussary 09-01-05 08:16 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BTW - one of the menu items under SYSTEM is Dynamic Contrast.

mantamet 10-20-05 03:57 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Has anyone seen the autocontrast problem [using component inputs]. I emailed SCEPTRE...they said to turn off the DCI control and that should get rid of this problem. I then called them and spoke to Roy in customer service and explained to him that the only menu that has DCI is the dtv menu

and I believe that bennynihon and others have confirmed the existence of the menu option as well.

drew91

03-21-06, 08:35 AM

I just wanted to offer a quick thanks to everyone that posted pictures and impressions. They helped make my decision easy. I've been lurking for the past couple weeks and last night I finally I pulled the trigger. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I get a "good" one.

Pecs

03-21-06, 11:43 AM

Sorry, I can only go by what others have posted (I don't have the 37" and I am still waiting for my 42").
and I believe that bennynihon and others have confirmed the existence of the menu option as well.

Thanks Don... For not owning a set, you know more about these things than most of us that do :) I remember seeing this option in the digital input menu (hdmi/dvi) but not in the DTV one. I'll have another look when I get home from work. Anyone at their set now?

Trevmiesterj

03-21-06, 03:24 PM

Hello all~

This is my first post on this forum, and sadly, it involves "a challenge". Like many others before me, I lurked and loomed on this forum before deciding to pull the trigger on the Sceptre 37", and for the most part, it's been a good display. Now I am faced with the even more daunting challenge of impressing the wife with my so far unfulfilled promises of media nirvana.

Thanks to all the informed and bright folks that have posted their findings and impressions of this set. With the C-Co warrenty, the size of the thing and resolution for the price I feel this is a terrific deal (as long as it works). The only negative I can find so far, glaring at least, are the speakers, which will find a swell spot in the garage next to the exercise bike pretty soon. I did get a "good one" based on my initial findings regarding the firmware, button on the back, etc. and have been tweaking it ever since.

The issue I have been recently fighting involves getting the display to show at 1920 x 1080 full screen when hooked up to my Media PC. Any other resolution that the display can show will go full screen, but in 1920 x 1080, I get black borders after the PC boots into Windows. I have fiddled with the display settings (Nvidia onboard 6150 from the mobo), updated the driver for the on board GPU and adjusted the display on the Naga to full as well as fiddled with the its settings. Nothing-it just won't budge.

The media box is running MCE with a Visiontek Theatre 550 pro attached to a directv STB via s-video and running back to the Naga via VGA. This problem began after I upgraded the 550 to that latest driver from the Visiontek site (which, btw, made a big difference in television quality from MCE) and attached a higher end shielded VGA cable. I don't think it's the cable causing the issue and I have since downgraded the TV tuner driver with no change in appearance.

Any ideas on this one?

Could it be an adjustment I could make to the Naga? Doubtful, I know, but I thought that maybe there might be some hidden settings that might push it to the full screen instead of what looks like 4.3.

Do I take my chances with Powerstrip? (yikes...! :( )

Any thoughts here would be well appreciated. I can handle watching the TV in a lower resolution (sort of), but for gaming, I *have* to have it running the full resolution and display width or furniture might break.

Thanks if you can help and apologies if this is posted in the wrong spot.

scoopster

03-21-06, 04:35 PM

You may have to change the settings on your cable box to output HDMI. What cable box do you have? Go to the "more settings" menu on the cable and change the video and audio output to HDMI.

Chi
I have the Scientific Atlanta like the one you mentioned. I have a different SA in
another room and got the "more settings" to change but, with this one I looked
and can't find a Video output to change. I'll look it up when I get a chance.
Thanks.
Lewis
p.s. or I'll call TimeWarner

apaiz

03-21-06, 09:06 PM

hakujin -

Thank you for taking your time to responsd to my questions.

AP

JimmyJoe

03-21-06, 10:05 PM

Pecs - I am curious, what does the DEBUG screen show for your new set that you just received with the working DVI?

Thanks!

Trevmiesterj

03-21-06, 10:28 PM

Hello all~

The issue I have been recently fighting involves getting the display to show at 1920 x 1080 full screen when hooked up to my Media PC. Any other resolution that the display can show will go full screen, but in 1920 x 1080, I get black borders after the PC boots into Windows. I have fiddled with the display settings (Nvidia onboard 6150 from the mobo), updated the driver for the on board GPU and adjusted the display on the Naga to full as well as fiddled with the its settings. Nothing-it just won't budge.

The media box is running MCE with a Visiontek Theatre 550 pro attached to a directv STB via s-video and running back to the Naga via VGA. This problem began after I upgraded the 550 to that latest driver from the Visiontek site (which, btw, made a big difference in television quality from MCE) and attached a higher end shielded VGA cable. I don't think it's the cable causing the issue and I have since downgraded the TV tuner driver with no change in appearance.

OMG! It was the VGA cable!

After buying the super high tech shielded bad boy VGA to VGA cable hoping it would improve my signal and rez, it turned out to be the cause of my Sceptre not being able to push to fullscreen 16.9 in 1920 x 1080. Anyone heard of such a thing? Obviously there are faulty cables, but I have never had one work until it got to a specific resolution and then fail to display correctly. Weird.

Here is the description of the cable I bought:

6 foot long, male to male HDTV cable with "VGA" type HD15 Connectors. This cable contains five miniature shielded 75 ohm coax cables (for RGBHV signals) and an overall shield. The connectors and contacts are gold plated. This cable is manufactured to maintain accurate signal timings for HDTV, but can be used for VGA type monitor connection

So, FYI, if you happen to purchase a new cable and find strange unexplained issues with aspect ratio, don't overthink it like I did-just swap the cable to test.

*relief*

daquint

03-21-06, 10:59 PM

OMG! It was the VGA cable!

After buying the super high tech shielded bad boy VGA to VGA cable hoping it would improve my signal and rez, it turned out to be the cause of my Sceptre not being able to push to fullscreen 16.9 in 1920 x 1080. Anyone heard of such a thing? Obviously there are faulty cables, but I have never had one work until it got to a specific resolution and then fail to display correctly. Weird.

Here is the description of the cable I bought:

6 foot long, male to male HDTV cable with "VGA" type HD15 Connectors. This cable contains five miniature shielded 75 ohm coax cables (for RGBHV signals) and an overall shield. The connectors and contacts are gold plated. This cable is manufactured to maintain accurate signal timings for HDTV, but can be used for VGA type monitor connection

So, FYI, if you happen to purchase a new cable and find strange unexplained issues with aspect ratio, don't overthink it like I did-just swap the cable to test.

*relief*

Hey man,

I can honestly tell you that most of the time i am having issues with troublshooting, just typing out the things i have changed answers my questions before i submit my reply. Overthinking sucks :)

glad you got it working.

Nimo

03-21-06, 11:15 PM

In another thread there was a fellow who got denied on his last return or should I say he can't return anymore tv's after this one, because he returned to many tv's. My question is when Sceptre is telling customers to take it back because they feel it is defective and you tell CS this, is this still seen as a point added to your returns on tv's? I mean if it is a legitimet defect an Sceptre so states this verbal over the phone email etc.. and was told to return it this shouldn't count. Now I know there are people that will buy tv's just to have because they can't wait for the one they really want and will return it, when the unit they want is available even though there is nothing wrong with it. But how do they evaluate the legitimacy of certain returns, do they actually check the tv's at the warehouse my only concern is if the returns start to get abused or costco feels the returns are being abused I'm afraid it will fall into the PC return policy. They say good things don't last forever will this be the case in future policy?

BTW: Pecs I'm really happy for you man you deserve a break! Enjoy!

Regards, smurfer/nimo

Jason Merrick

03-22-06, 12:18 AM

I could not wait for another 8 weeks to get this tv, so I cancelled the 42 and ordered the 37. I just wanted to know if anybody can comment on how the Xbox 360 works thru component and if auto contrast is a real big issue.

Can somebody post additional picks of Xbox 360 running various games. The reason is that I will be using this as a pc monitor and basically for gaming thru the xbox 360. I want to make sure that ordered the right set.

Thanks a million for taking your time to read this long post.

AP
Hey Apaiz,

I think you'll be happy with your tv, just give it a few weeks to get over the quirks and find your own workarounds like I did.

As for the 360, connect it with the component in the beginning, but if you have any issues with contrast/brightness, try the VGA cable. Others have experienced a "washed out" look with the VGA cable, but my experience was excellent. I could not play Project Gotham on the 360 with component cables because of the low contrast. I tried to calibrate the video settings with PGR's video adjustment image and I couldn't even see the two letters in the black/white boxes at the bottom. With the VGA cable, I noticed very little difference in saturation & overall color, but the contrast was HUGELY improved in my opinion.

So try component first, but don't hesitate to give the VGA a try if you aren't 100% happy. Granted, it's a $40 cable, but you can always return it as long as you buy it from a local store with a standard return policy.

Good luck!

Jason Merrick

03-22-06, 12:20 AM

Skenzin

03-22-06, 12:37 AM

Been lurking in this forum for a while and needed some expert advice. I just returned a Syntax 37" lt37hvs (unofficially) because it had 2 dead pixels side by side. Primary purchase reason was playing xbox360. I was happy with the PQ overall. Xbox360 @720p over component had great color but 'bleeded' detail. 360 over VGA had great detail but slightly washed out color. I understand 1080p over component on this model would be a great in between for 360 gamers.

Question: How does the Syntax 1200:1 /800 contrast/brightnes compare to the Scepters 1000:1 /600 ? I really like the sound of this model but i dont want to sacrifice worse image quality for 1080p alone. Also I like the idea of 1920x1080 res because a dead pixel issue wouldn't be nearly as visible as it was on a 720 model. Anyone ever see both these models running before and can offer any suggestions?

Pecs

03-22-06, 12:38 AM

Pecs - I am curious, what does the DEBUG screen show for your new set that you just received with the working DVI?

Thanks!

06/01/16 14:58

Nimo, thanks for your all your suggestions. They didn't necessarily help my problem, but they may help someone else who is reading this thread. Since you seem to be computer savvy, what do you think about bypassing the built-in tuner and using one in an HTPC? That way the PC does all the scaling/deinterlacing of the material rather than the Sceptre. I don't think the Sceptre does a very good job of this, IMHO. It seems the more you baby-feed the input, the happier it is. Of course, one reason why I bought this set over the Westy was for the tuner :). Oh well... now if only there was something I could do about the dead pixels (3!) on this new set. If it isn't one thing, then it's another :)

schtoom

03-22-06, 12:52 AM

donsev

03-22-06, 08:04 AM

On a different topic, has anyone placed a small light behind their TV to lower the eye strain when watching in the dark? (i.e. Philips Ambilight)

If so, what type/wattage bulb did you use?

I was thinking about running out and getting a small 40 watt bulb or something similar and giving it a try... you guys think it's worth a try?

Jason,

Backlighting/Biaslighting is a great idea.
AVS Thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=451527).

Some use small flourescent lights, some use rope lights, and some suggest using a product from IdeaLume that is supposed to have its output calibrated to the appropriate 6500K level and includes filters you can use to compensate for the color of your wall. (Since we were renovating the room in which the current 30" LCD panel is in, we actually took into consideration the affect that the paint color for the walls would have on the sets perceived colors.)

Astral Abyss

03-22-06, 11:47 AM

Dave Kristol

03-22-06, 12:42 PM

In another thread there was a fellow who got denied on his last return or should I say he can't return anymore tv's after this one, because he returned to many tv's.

Did the other guy say how many times he tried to return a TV? So far I've returned one. I will probably order another (my third) in a few weeks, hoping it will solve the problems I have with TV1 (and had with TV2, namely bad NTSC cable tuner). I would hate to have the return denied.

Dave Kristol

jpconard

03-22-06, 01:20 PM

Schtoom,

What is DVI detective? Isn't it just software giving some values for the EDID? How can I set those values or settings in mine without using DVI detective (use your settings?)

I also am using ATI 6.3 and DVI seems to not be working, but I believe it is handshaking issue and not bad port, similar to your experience.

Please share these instructions.

bluemax50

03-22-06, 01:23 PM

jpconard

03-22-06, 01:26 PM

Costco has two issues -

1) They need to be selling the Sceptres in the stores so people can compare video quality to other brands they have on display. This may lessen the return factor for people trying to make comparisons.

2) Lets face it, the Sceptres are having quality issues. NO return should be denied for these reasons. Many people getting replacements simply get another issue to deal with.

I was questioned on my return of the V1 set this weekend, fine. Main question was if I contacted Sceptre for advise. I did even sent pictures of the defective screen to Sceptre and costco. Sceptre responded and said to return, Costco didn't respond.

Then at the store if they don't believe you have them test for themselves.

I estimate Sceptre sales would be 25% of what they are, if not for the return policy.

semuther

03-22-06, 01:26 PM

jpconard

03-22-06, 01:30 PM

If they change the policy, which is purely speculation and probably will not happen, then I predict lawsuits.

In my opinion all retailers should accept returns of any merchandise (if defective) within the MFG. warantee timeframe.

Most did, then changed the policy because they don't want to deal with it.

If you sell it, back it up for the length of the MFG. warantee, or just don't sell it.

Retailers need to push back on the MFG. to test their products before they ship them.

jpconard

03-22-06, 01:48 PM

sfhub

03-22-06, 02:10 PM

OK, so now Schtoom has determined that the HDMI issue is that the EDID info is not available.

What does this mean? Sceptre didn't program it into several of the TVs? Is this something that can be fixed without buying another piece of hardware "DVI detective", or by flashing something? It does now have this port on the back for firmware upgrades, I assume?

I don't look forward to taking another set off the wall and returning it and re-ordering when you may just get more issues.
Why don't you just try forcing your ATI card to use the modeline from the EDID already posted.

Just run PowerStrip and copy/paste this modeline into the timings window.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7343594&&#post7343594

Modeline................ "1920x1080" 148.500 1920 2008 2052 2200 1080 1084 1094 1124 +hsync +vsync

Even if the EDID is missing or corrupted, you can usually just force the card to use the proper timings. There was a time when nVidia strictly followed EDID and wouldn't let you use anything else, but that has since been resolved.

Back in the day, there wasn't any EDID info for autoconfig, users just manually entered the timings or used .inf files, so EDID is not absolutely necessary for stuff to work, just makes it easier.

For the record, I have 2 DVI Detectives, but I've always been able to force my cards to work even without DVI Detective by using PowerStrip and copy/pasting the modelines from a known good EDID.

I use DVI Detective because I commonly boot my PC without being attached to any display.

jpconard

03-22-06, 02:21 PM

sfhub,

Thanks a lot, that was the reply I was looking for. I'll give it a try tonight.

Koui

03-22-06, 05:12 PM

I fixed it! My DVI problem is no more!!!

It is indeed bad EDID and NOT the DVI port.

I ordered DVI Detective yesterday and it arrived in the mail today. After tax and shipping, it was about $85. I then brought home my flat panel monitor from work and followed DVI Detective's instructions. The device recorded the EDID of the monitor i brought home. I then simply plugged in to my computer, unplugged the other monitor from the device and replaced it with my Sceptre and Viola!

I am using Cat 6.3 and used the ATI control panel to make all the necessary changes (forced it to display 1080p) and it works great!

Woo Hoo!!

Now as soon as my freakin remote arrives, I will feel complete =)
My X37 arrived today and I can be added to the list of Sceptre owners with a non-working DVI port. I'm trying to go DVI from my HTPC with the supplied HDMI/DVI cable. All I get is the deaded 'NO SIGNAL' message. VGA works OK, but I didn't spend this kind of $$$$ for another defective LCD. If anyone (schtoom?) can help me get past this glitch, I would REALLY, REALLY appreciate it. I have powerstrip and moninfo but haven't used them before and don't know how to input custom timings. My video card is an ATI X1600Pro with Cat 6.3 drivers. I tried intalling the monitor drivers from the Sceptre website to no avail. I have the same debug and EDID info using the VGA connection as schtoom so I'm praying there's a solution (that doesn't cost $85) before I haul this #%&*@# thing back to Costco.

jvargasg

03-22-06, 05:16 PM

marvlush

03-22-06, 05:20 PM

I ordered the X37 last week (it's not here yet but soon I hope). I also ordered a CoreDuo MacMini to use as an HTPC for the X37.

Has anyone tried one of the new MacMinis on the X37?

If so, were there any issues? Any config settings that might help me?

thanks,

/m

jay_cee

03-22-06, 06:12 PM

Is DVI supposed to be hot-pluggable? I know with my set-up, the TV has to be plugged in and turned on when I boot my computer or else my DVI port is turned off (and stays turned off).

jpconard

03-22-06, 06:17 PM

My v1 set it was hot-pluggable. I know what you mean, normally the "monitor" should be on first, which I normally do.

But on the V1, you could plug / unplug the HDMI connector (PC being on) and the PC would "detect" the display, similar to when your PC detects a USB device.

schtoom

03-22-06, 08:16 PM

My X37 arrived today and I can be added to the list of Sceptre owners with a non-working DVI port. I'm trying to go DVI from my HTPC with the supplied HDMI/DVI cable. All I get is the deaded 'NO SIGNAL' message. VGA works OK, but I didn't spend this kind of $$$$ for another defective LCD. If anyone (schtoom?) can help me get past this glitch, I would REALLY, REALLY appreciate it. I have powerstrip and moninfo but haven't used them before and don't know how to input custom timings. My video card is an ATI X1600Pro with Cat 6.3 drivers. I tried intalling the monitor drivers from the Sceptre website to no avail. I have the same debug and EDID info using the VGA connection as schtoom so I'm praying there's a solution (that doesn't cost $85) before I haul this #%&*@# thing back to Costco.

I haven't had much experience with Powerstrip either so I'm not sure how helpful I really could be, but I may have some time to tinker with it tonight using the info sfhub provided in an earlier post and would encourage you to do the same. If I can't get to it tonight I will play with it tomorrow. Also, maybe someone with more experience could provide a link or something detailing how to input timing settings.

I feel your pain about the $85, but I just don't want the burden of dismounting, returning, re-ordering, waiting, loading, and re-mounting. As other people have mentioned, the DVI Detective device also has other pretty helpful uses (switch inuts w/o having to reboot the cpu) so even if powerstrip works, I think I may keep it anyway.

Anywho, good luck...

nwilliams98

03-22-06, 08:28 PM

Hello everyone.
I just received my set and I believe it as a v3 because I have access to the three types of cable scanning.

I have a couple of quick questions that I would greatly appreciate help with:

1. Has anyone had any luck making the NTSC tuner work better? The picture has banding and a grainy appearance compared to my 32" Vizio lcd. In fact the vizio is many times better picture quality so far.

2. Has anyone recieved qam signals over DC/baltimore comcast analog cable? Which cable setting did you use to scan with ? (std, irc etc.) Anyone know the manual settings.

Many thanks for convincing me to get this set to all of you pioneers.

Dave Kristol

03-22-06, 09:56 PM

I am new to this HDTV experience but I have read a lot. I just ordered this panel yesterday and my order is still in process, now I've been reading this thread all day and now I don't know if this was a good choice.
I am planning to use this only as a TV, no PC connected or anything like that, but I want to have something good enough to support PS3 real HD (1080P) so that is why I decided to get this one. but anyway I still have some questions:
Is this actually a good set for TV only?, (OTA HD shows)

I'm reasonably happy with OTA HD. I'm in the NYC area, and I get about a dozen stations. Beware that a good antenna, well-aimed, is crucial to your success. You may also need to get a signal amplifier to boost the antenna signal.

Be sure to check AntennaWeb (http://antennaweb.org/aw/welcome.aspx) to find out what kind of reception you should be able to get where you live.

[...]And I have a question here for the old timers that got the first sceptres las year aroud august, is this TV really reliable on the long run? have you had problems? it looks like several people has had to return it to the store, is this the mayority or just a small percentaje of the real users?

Gee, I'd say it's a bit soon to tell. (I don't qualify as an old-timer, though.) Most electronic products seem to suffer dead-on-arrival or infantile failure. Once you get past the early problems, they seem to work for a long time.

I have had problems with two NTSC cable tuners that simply failed to receive all channels, with no discernible pattern. Apparently I'm alone in having this problem. :(

I am just a little nervous that I just got into a 15 hundred dlz headache and if I still have time to cancell that order and you guys suggest to do so I will.

Understandable concern. I'd recommend going ahead with your order, particularly if you bought from Costco. It's worth the risk. The Sceptres do have their share of frustrations with little quirks, but I think most people are happy with them, and the value is unbeatable so far.

Dave Kristol

apaiz

03-23-06, 12:24 AM

I placed my order this week for the 37 inch Sceptre thru Co..CO, about how long did it take to receive tv? I am not sure if it matters, but I live in CA in case you are wondering for shipping information.

Anybody from Elk Grove area willing to me help setup and calibrate set once I receive it. I would be willing to pay if that's a concern.

Thanks~

Al

summerjack

03-23-06, 01:02 AM

Please Help!!

Can you guys with the Sceptre 37" play a DVD with aspect ratio of 2.35:1 through the Component Video input or either S-video inputs and measure the height of the film image (between the black bars).

I used Titanic (aspect ratio = 2.35:1)
This means that when displayed at full TV width (32.375") the height of the film signal should be 32.375" / 2.35 = 13.777". This is exactly what I measure on the signal displayed by my computer in HDCP mode and VGA-PC mode too. However, on HDTV (HDMI input) and on DVD (VGA-YPbPrP2, YPbPrP2, and S-video) it measures 14.875". This difference is 14.875" - 13.777" = 1.098".

The factor of stretching can be found by the ratio of the desired height to the displayed height: 14.875/13.777 = 1.07969.

8% overscan!!!! Are they all this bad?!!?

Please Help!! Tell me how tall your 2.35:1 DVD film images are!!! I am trying if I should return my TV for a new one or start looking for a new display.

johnnie_five

03-23-06, 01:30 AM

hakujin

03-23-06, 02:05 AM

ok, this auto contrast on component video is starting to annoy me. It happened about 8 times while watching lost tonight.

When and if the folks at sceptre rls. a firmware update, how would on go about installing the update? Do we actually have to send our lcds in? If this continues to annoy me, she's definitely going back to the "co", just a question of how long I should wait.

wktaylor

03-23-06, 08:28 AM

Rbyers

03-23-06, 09:26 AM

I also have a problem with aspect ratio.
I purchased mine earlier this month. I only use the Sceptre as a TV (no computer hooked up), and have a problem playing DVDs. I have 3 inch border around the picture. I originally had a DVD/VCR combo player hooked up through component video with the problem. I wrote to Sceptre and they replied saying it's probably the DVD player. Well, I went out and bought a DVD player with up converter to 1080i. Hooked up through HDMI, and I have the same problem: three inch frame around the picture.

The only way I can get the picture to fill the screen is "zoom-full" mode.
Anyone know if there is some special mode or setting I need to set/adjust to get this aspect ratio situation straighten out?
Any help would be appreciated, thanks.

I have a Sceptre 30" and have this problem with SOME, but not all, DVDs. The problem is worse when playing through the HDMI/DVI output from the DVD player. Watching DVDs over component seems to be more flexible and I can't see any real difference in the picture. But, I often have to ZOOM. Picture looks pretty good though. I have a Samsung 850 upconverting player connected to the Sceptre. Output looks best when DVD is set to 1080i (mine can upconvert through component). But there really isn't that much difference in PQ between the 480p/720p/1080i settings.

jvargasg

03-23-06, 09:33 AM

[QUOTE=Dave Kristol]I'm reasonably happy with OTA HD. I'm in the NYC area, and I get about a dozen stations. Beware that a good antenna, well-aimed, is crucial to your success. You may also need to get a signal amplifier to boost the antenna signal.

Thanks very much Dave, I really feel a little better now that a current user/owner tells me this.
Now about the antenna, what kind of antenna would you recommend to me, I have directv(non-HD) and I have seen this antennas that clip on to the dish, are those any good? if not how about an indoor antenna? so I don't have to deal with the HOA to get permits and stuff.
I checked antenaweb and there is at least 6 or 7 channels that I can get if I point the antenna to the north (2-5 degrees) and those channels are the ones that I watch the most, you know CSI, 24, Prison Break, etc. so any tricks on aiming the antenna, should it have to be perfectly directed to the degrees they talk about on antennaweb or just something close? since there is a couple more channels that are like 15 degrees from the north position, does this matters?

Thanks very much to you all for gives the heads up on everything related to this unbeatable deal

Dave Kristol

03-23-06, 10:09 AM

I placed my order this week for the 37 inch Sceptre thru Co..CO, about how long did it take to receive tv? I am not sure if it matters, but I live in CA in case you are wondering for shipping information.

I have gotten delivery within a week in NJ: order on weekend, get delivery by Friday.

Dave Kristol

Dave Kristol

03-23-06, 10:23 AM

Thanks very much Dave, I really feel a little better now that a current user/owner tells me this.
Now about the antenna, what kind of antenna would you recommend to me, I have directv(non-HD) and I have seen this antennas that clip on to the dish, are those any good? if not how about an indoor antenna? so I don't have to deal with the HOA to get permits and stuff.
I checked antenaweb and there is at least 6 or 7 channels that I can get if I point the antenna to the north (2-5 degrees) and those channels are the ones that I watch the most, you know CSI, 24, Prison Break, etc. so any tricks on aiming the antenna, should it have to be perfectly directed to the degrees they talk about on antennaweb or just something close? since there is a couple more channels that are like 15 degrees from the north position, does this matters?

Thanks very much to you all for gives the heads up on everything related to this unbeatable deal

There's a lot of discussion about OTA antennas buried in the NY - OTA thread in http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=275729 . In my case I started with a traditional VHF/UHF antenna in my attic. For one or two channels I felt the need to add a signal booster, which I bought at Radio Shack. After awhile I decided to try a DB4 UHF antenna (about $50), also in the attic, with slightly better results. Some people on the thread above who live in NYC claim they can use indoor antennas.

What I had to do to get the best reception is this. I aimed the antenna using a compass, based on the direction in AntennaWeb. Then on the TV I did an OTA channel scan to see how things were, that is, to figure out which channels seemed okay and which seemed to break up.

Next, I got an assistant (my wife). I set the TV to DTV, then went to Setup > Manual Scan. I entered the frequency slot for a weak channel (note: this is possibly different from the channel number you expect -- use the frequency slot from AntennaWeb) into the form using the remote control. There's a signal strength meter on the page. I went up to the attic and called my wife on a cellphone. She reported signal strengths as I adjusted the antenna direction. I got surprisingly big changes for very slight changes of direction. Anyway, tune for best signal. It took maybe 15 minutes. If need be, iterate to get the best reception for the channels you care about.

Good luck!
Dave Kristol

Edward Sanders

03-23-06, 11:44 AM

This is my second posting in this thread. My first message was on page 75 and I am very greatful to the people who replied then! The problem with grey/blue lines was solved!

I am still on my second Sceptre V3, but DVI problem is still with me. I've tried to connect it to PC and to MacMini. VGA connector works Ok, Mac with VGA/DVI connection works, but pure DVI signal is not recognized. On PC I've cleaned the drivers (I have Rodeon VCard) and seemed to do everything recommended on the thread but still no avail. With Mac Mini I even do not know what to do, as there are no drivers/cleaners really that I am aware of. I called Sceptre support and they just quoted the line from their website about connection to Mac and that's it. I am thinking about ordering the 3rd display with hope that DVI will finally work for me. If I do, I will certainly report the results here for the statistics.

Meanwhile I would like to inquire if someone tried to connect Sceptre to Mac Mini via DVI port and if it worked?

Another, unrelated question. The manual that comes with the set is almost completely useless. I've been trying to make sense of the menu but I still do not know about the meaning of some things (say, phase). Does anyone knows a place that summarizes such knowledge? Or is it highly idiosyncratic for each brand and set? In any case, thanks a lot! I just can't stop but marvel at the strength of the collective wisdom.

Edward

johnnie_five

03-23-06, 12:38 PM

Have you gone into the setup of the DVD player and changed it from the default 4x3 to 16x9?

Not sure what you are talking about. I looked through the owner's manual of the DVD player again, but no mention about changing the aspect ratio. I thought the aspect of the movie is depends on how it was originally recorded on to the DVD (for the movie)? And, I'm playing a movie that's in anamorphic size.
Thanks for the suggestion, though.

johnnie_five

03-23-06, 12:45 PM

I have a Sceptre 30" and have this problem with SOME, but not all, DVDs. The problem is worse when playing through the HDMI/DVI output from the DVD player. Watching DVDs over component seems to be more flexible and I can't see any real difference in the picture. But, I often have to ZOOM. Picture looks pretty good though. I have a Samsung 850 upconverting player connected to the Sceptre. Output looks best when DVD is set to 1080i (mine can upconvert through component). But there really isn't that much difference in PQ between the 480p/720p/1080i settings.

I was doing this last night so I did it with the volume turned down, and found out that I have NO sound from HDMI set up. I thought HDMI is all you need for video and sound, or am I wrong? I guess I'll try the component video method.
I thought I had a good, working Sceptre.

semuther

03-23-06, 02:46 PM

Not sure what you are talking about. I looked through the owner's manual of the DVD player again, but no mention about changing the aspect ratio. I thought the aspect of the movie is depends on how it was originally recorded on to the DVD (for the movie)? And, I'm playing a movie that's in anamorphic size.
Thanks for the suggestion, though.

Most DVD players will offer you choices as to the aspect ratio of the screen you are displaying the movie on as well as zoom features. This is complicated by the fact that some DVDs are made with a widescreen image letterboxed inside a 4:3 image. Generally, these are older releases. Most new release DVDs are actual widescreen images and it is then up to the DVD player to "letterbox it" for 4:3 TVs or display as recorded for widescreen TVs. I find it very strange that, assuming you have a late model player, it does not have the necessary settings. My guess is, you just have not found them yet or you might consider getting a newer player.

Steve

johnnie_five

03-23-06, 03:16 PM

Most DVD players will offer you choices as to the aspect ratio of the screen you are displaying the movie on as well as zoom features. This is complicated by the fact that some DVDs are made with a widescreen image letterboxed inside a 4:3 image. Generally, these are older releases. Most new release DVDs are actual widescreen images and it is then up to the DVD player to "letterbox it" for 4:3 TVs or display as recorded for widescreen TVs. I find it very strange that, assuming you have a late model player, it does not have the necessary settings. My guess is, you just have not found them yet or you might consider getting a newer player.

Steve

I never had any aspect ratio problem with the analog tvs with the DVD players. This is my first HD tv and bought a new DVD player with up converter to 1080i. Hooked up with HDMI. Same 3 inch border around the picture problem, and now no sound through HDMI.

I checked the connections, and read through the manuals. Don't know where the problem is. ...frustrating.

semuther

03-23-06, 03:29 PM

I never had any aspect ratio problem with the analog tvs with the DVD players. This is my first HD tv and bought a new DVD player with up converter to 1080i. Hooked up with HDMI. Same 3 inch border around the picture problem, and now no sound through HDMI.

I checked the connections, and read through the manuals. Don't know where the problem is. ...frustrating.

It sounds to me like the condition I have when playing one of the old release DVDs from my collection which is a 4:3 frame containing a widescreen image embedded in it. In this case, the only way to play it is to use the HDTV's ZOOM feature to fill the screen. This is the same as if you were looking at an analog TV broadcast with letterboxed image and you wanted to ZOOM it to fit the screen.

Steve

donsev

03-23-06, 03:35 PM

Originally Posted by wktaylor
Have you gone into the setup of the DVD player and changed it from the default 4x3 to 16x9?

Not sure what you are talking about.

Which is why it is not working properly yet.

I never had any aspect ratio problem with the analog tvs with the DVD players.

Because your previous TVs were 4:3 and the default for your DVD players' output were 4:3. Your Sceptre is a 16:9 (widescreen) TV so you need to set the DVD players' output to 16:9. The menu option is in there somewhere on your DVD player, you just have to find it. If all else fails, search the forums for anyone else who may have the same DVD player, or call the manufacturer.

SacTownMan

03-23-06, 05:05 PM

I am new to this HDTV experience but I have read a lot. I just ordered this panel yesterday and my order is still in process, now I've been reading this thread all day and now I don't know if this was a good choice.
I am planning to use this only as a TV, no PC connected or anything like that, but I want to have something good enough to support PS3 real HD (1080P) so that is why I decided to get this one. but anyway I still have some questions:
Is this actually a good set for TV only?, (OTA HD shows)
What do you recommend me to get for DVD upconvert to get the most out of this panel without having to spend a fortune on it?
And I have a question here for the old timers that got the first sceptres las year aroud august, is this TV really reliable on the long run? have you had problems? it looks like several people has had to return it to the store, is this the mayority or just a small percentaje of the real users?
I am just a little nervous that I just got into a 15 hundred dlz headache and if I still have time to cancell that order and you guys suggest to do so I will.

Thanks

I am on of those "old timers" from August of last year and have had my ver.1 set since the first of Sept. I have followed this thread from day one and I can tell you that my set has worked flawlessly that entire time. Besides the crappy remote and the limited number of extra bells and whistles (i.e qam tuner, cable card, more inputs etc.) it is as advertised.

When veiwing HD content it is incredible. This includes OTA HD, Surewest HD (1080i) and my 1080i upscaled Sony 400 disc DVD changer. I have a Yamaha HTR-5990 receiver that upconverts all inputs (S-Vid, component etc.) to HDMI so that I only need 1 HDMI connection to the Naga for all of my video sources. I also use the VGA input for my HTPC and it looks great at 1920 x 1080 for gaming and web surfing. I tried the HTPC through DVI but there was not enough of an improvement for me to switch.

I am currently waiting for a 42" Sceptre that I ordered on the 6th. One nice thing about the Ver 1 set was the optical output that could be accessed by opening the case. I never experienced the problems that seemed to plague the ver 2 sets.

SD content is just OK but you don't buy a 1920 x 1080 screen to watch crappy cable 480i signals.

Good luck waiting for the PS3 it looks like they want to create another Christmas panic like all of the other gaming console introductions have (i.e. PSP, X-Box 360, Nintendo DS etc.). Strange that they do it every time and everybody goes gonzo trying to be the first on the block to have one!

jvargasg

03-23-06, 05:58 PM

I am on of those "old timers" from August of last year and have had my ver.1 set since the first of Sept. I have followed this thread from day one and I can tell you that my set has worked flawlessly that entire time. Besides the crappy remote and the limited number of extra bells and whistles (i.e qam tuner, cable card, more inputs etc.) it is as advertised.

When veiwing HD content it is incredible. This includes OTA HD, Surewest HD (1080i) and my 1080i upscaled Sony 400 disc DVD changer. I have a Yamaha HTR-5990 receiver that upconverts all inputs (S-Vid, component etc.) to HDMI so that I only need 1 HDMI connection to the Naga for all of my video sources. I also use the VGA input for my HTPC and it looks great at 1920 x 1080 for gaming and web surfing. I tried the HTPC through DVI but there was not enough of an improvement for me to switch.

I am currently waiting for a 42" Sceptre that I ordered on the 6th. One nice thing about the Ver 1 set was the optical output that could be accessed by opening the case. I never experienced the problems that seemed to plague the ver 2 sets.

SD content is just OK but you don't buy a 1920 x 1080 screen to watch crappy cable 480i signals.

Good luck waiting for the PS3 it looks like they want to create another Christmas panic like all of the other gaming console introductions have (i.e. PSP, X-Box 360, Nintendo DS etc.). Strange that they do it every time and everybody goes gonzo trying to be the first on the block to have one!

Thanks very much for the input, I just hope I get one of the good units just like you did. Looking forward to hook it up and start playing with this baby.

Now that you mention the optical output, I have a question about OTA HDTV,
how do you get the 5.1 audio out to your audio receiver? if I hook up the coaxial cable coming from the antenna straight to the ATSC tunner on the Naga, but I want to use my home theater for the 5.1 audio that's boradcasted, how do I get the signal out of the Naga in digital 5.1 format if everything I got is analog RCA (R+L) output on the back of the tTV set ???

Thanks again

johnnie_five

03-23-06, 06:00 PM

Which is why it is not working properly yet.

Because your previous TVs were 4:3 and the default for your DVD players' output were 4:3. Your Sceptre is a 16:9 (widescreen) TV so you need to set the DVD players' output to 16:9. The menu option is in there somewhere on your DVD player, you just have to find it. If all else fails, search the forums for anyone else who may have the same DVD player, or call the manufacturer.

Thanks, I got the aspect ratio situation resolved. It was buried in the back, page 58 of 67 of the owner's manual.

But, I still have problem with no sound using the HDMI connection, so right now it's component video set up. The choices for audio out from the DVD player are PCM and Bitstream. I tried both, but no luck. Any suggestions?

sfhub

03-23-06, 06:23 PM

seemed to do everything recommended on the thread but still no avail.
Have you tried forcing the video card output to match the timings/modeline from a good EDID?

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7354680&&#post7354680

Pecs

03-23-06, 07:08 PM

Have you tried forcing the video card output to match the timings/modeline from a good EDID?

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7354680&&#post7354680

I'm no expert, but I don't think just having the driver settings right is enough. The display has to be detected on startup or windows won't think anything is there. I think if you don't see the computer POST through the DVI port when you turn the computer on, then there you are SOL. Since I still have my set that I haven't returned, and because it has no dead pixels where my new one has three, I thought I would see if I could get DVI working on the old set with both of them there. The DVI port on my old set works fine if I just swap the cable from my new set to the old set once windows is loaded. No problem. But if I restart the computer, then it will go to "no signal" and never come back, even after windows is loaded. The settings in windows are right, because they were set for the new monitor with the working DVI. The problem is, if I boot the computer with no DVI attached, I can't just plug one in (even the working one) once windows is loaded. It already thinks there is nothing there and doesn't seem to care to look again.

I think the DVI detector works because it is able to "fool" the PC at startup. Making tweaks to the timings or other settings won't be able to do that.

Of course, maybe this situation is specific to me.

Nimo

03-23-06, 08:51 PM

06/01/16 14:58

Nimo, thanks for your all your suggestions. They didn't necessarily help my problem, but they may help someone else who is reading this thread. Since you seem to be computer savvy, what do you think about bypassing the built-in tuner and using one in an HTPC? That way the PC does all the scaling/deinterlacing of the material rather than the Sceptre. I don't think the Sceptre does a very good job of this, IMHO. It seems the more you baby-feed the input, the happier it is. Of course, one reason why I bought this set over the Westy was for the tuner :). Oh well... now if only there was something I could do about the dead pixels (3!) on this new set. If it isn't one thing, then it's another :)

Well Pecs, that question is up for debate some will swear by letting the PC do all the scaling, depending on what type of card your using along with a good CPU driving it. Most times it's better to let the tv do it but since the intro to theater chips in newer GPU's these days the PC industry is still play'ing catch up to an older technology---> HDTV. Support is still infintile and still lacks HDCP support, nVidia just released a new beta I dl it but have yet to install them. The way I have my rig set up is I have it manually set to 148.35 MHz on the pixel clock and using centerd output on my XFX 7800 GT card. You will have to tinker with your set up and see what works best for your rig I also listed the Fusion 5 stay away from the all in wonders not worth the headach imho. As far as your dead pixel's I'd return it I know it's a pain but don't give up just keep pounding away until you reach Nirvana, at the end I wouldn't say it's worth it for all the trouble you go through but hey it will be perfect and that's what counts in the end.

Release Highlights:

* General compatibility fixes
* Adds support for GeForce 7900 GTX, GeForce 7900 GT, and GeForce 7600 GT.
* New NVIDIA PureVideo features and enhancements. Please visit the NVIDIA
Support for high definition H.264 hardware decode acceleration on GeForce
6 and 7 series GPUs
PureVideo website for more information on PureVideo technology and system
requirements.
Support for high definition MPEG-2 inverse telecine.
Support for high definition MPEG-2 spatial temporal de-interlacing.
* Adds mixed vendor support for NVIDIA SLI.
* TV-Out/HD-out support for NVIDIA SLI.
* Added support for VSync on Direct3D games when running NVIDIA SLI.
* Microsoft® DirectX® 9.0c and OpenGL® 2.0 support
* For a full list of fixed and known issues please view the Release Notes.

As you can see it's getting better but remember you need to have a good cpu and gpu to push HD content. If your system lacks the horses then your better off getting something that is hardware driven like the Fusion 5. You also may have to tune your PC things running in the back ground and start up items checking for viruses etc... I would also recommend avoiding Media player because it's probably one of the worst players out there, I would either get FFDShow Power DVD, WinDVD. These will support most .ts files and better playback performance.
As far as the ATSC tuner on the tv I think it does a good job as far as PQ what content are you viewing tv shows or DVD's? To be honest there are some channels on ATSC in 480i that look so damn good I have to check the info just to see the 480i numbers. I took some specs off the site: http://www.fusionhdtv.co.kr/eng/Products/ATSC5Gold.aspx

FusionHDTV 5 GOLD PLUS
⊙ HDTV(1920x1080i)/Analog TV reception card
⊙ Enhanced reception rate with the latest 5th generation chipset
⊙ True HD Time-shifting functions
⊙ Pause/Forward/Rewind/Skip live broadcast
⊙ Supports digital cable (64/256 clear-QAM)
⊙ Includes MPEG encoder for analog TV/video recording
⊙EPG (Electronic Program Guide) and scheduled recording
⊙ Crystal clear analog resolution with 10bit ADC
⊙ Supports HDTV Multi-lingual, Stereo, 5.1ch
⊙ Supports DivX, DVD, MPEG4 conversion from SD/HD stream
⊙ Supports D-VHS, BS digital Clip
⊙ Includes Ulead VideoStudio8SE DVD
⊙ Includes MCE controllable multi-functional remote
⊙ Cut-editing function

Regards, smurfer/nimo

Neomoon

03-23-06, 08:56 PM

Hello everybody.....

I would just like to introduce myself to this board, I've been searching for my first HDTV for about a year now taking into account what my use for it would be. After being referred here by the guys on DL.TV & Slickdeals I began reading about the Vizio 42" and decided this would probably be the monitor for me (I spent about 3 full days reading thru the 25+ pages of replies) until I learned about the lack of 1:1 pixel mapping.

A majority of my use for a HDTV will be using it with my computer. It was reading thru the Vizio 42" threads that I learned about this 37" LCD and it's great support as a monitor (or at least for the first 10+ pages of this thread). Again I've spent the better part of 4 days reading all replies since page one.....long story short it was just too much information for me to read before the end of the month so around page 25 I decided to pull the trigger (without reading the most recent threads) imagine my surprise when during the past day when I read around pages 30, 35 the problems people began reporting with v2 & sometime v3 of these machines.

Well I'm currently waiting for my TV to be shipped and still have alot of catching up to do as I'm going back around pg 29 to catch up on all the issues and fixes that have come up since then. I plan to meet with you guys again once I finish reading these pages and finally get my screen as it will be about a week before I do so hope to see you guys in a week :o

Thanx and Gig'em ::thumbs up::
-Neomoon

I'm guessing rookies might not be able to post images but the above should be a thumbs up.

jpconard

03-23-06, 09:27 PM

I'm no expert, but I don't think just having the driver settings right is enough. The display has to be detected on startup or windows won't think anything is there. I think if you don't see the computer POST through the DVI port when you turn the computer on, then there you are SOL. Since I still have my set that I haven't returned, and because it has no dead pixels where my new one has three, I thought I would see if I could get DVI working on the old set with both of them there. The DVI port on my old set works fine if I just swap the cable from my new set to the old set once windows is loaded. No problem. But if I restart the computer, then it will go to "no signal" and never come back, even after windows is loaded. The settings in windows are right, because they were set for the new monitor with the working DVI. The problem is, if I boot the computer with no DVI attached, I can't just plug one in (even the working one) once windows is loaded. It already thinks there is nothing there and doesn't seem to care to look again.

I think the DVI detector works because it is able to "fool" the PC at startup. Making tweaks to the timings or other settings won't be able to do that.

Of course, maybe this situation is specific to me.

Then this is very different than version 1. With version 1 I could plug, unplug the HDMI all day long and windows would make a "discovery" noise, the ATI driver would display a box indicating that a DVI device had been detected or something to that effect. When I had v1 and the new one at the same time I could not unplug the HDMI cable from the version 1 and into the new one and it would work as you said.

I'm not really sure. I thought I got an image on the HDMI - DVI by forcing the ATI driver, but now I'm not sure as I can't duplicate it.

Powerstrip will not even enable multiple monitors unless you force detection in the ATI driver, then the ATI driver shows it as a TV and not a digital panel as it did with my v1.

I may try to find the DVI detective, but I hate to spend the money and not be sure if that would work either.

One would think Sceptre would know what is wrong and not just that they are bad. It sounds like people are still receiving sets with this issue.

If anybody has a technique to get Powerstrip to work, I would like to know.

nwilliams98

03-23-06, 09:40 PM

Has anyone had any luck bringing analog cable in through another tuner (cable box, vcr, upconverting vcr etc) for improved picture quality? I just recieved my set and the NTSC quality is so bad that my wife may make me return it. The 32" vizio that I upgraded from had great quality over NTSC on the same cable line.

The atsc and qam are working great but are incredibly slow to tune.

sfhub

03-23-06, 10:26 PM

I'm no expert, but I don't think just having the driver settings right is enough. The display has to be detected on startup or windows won't think anything is there.
What actually happens is card dependent. Some cards when they don't detect a digital device at startup, will default to analog. If that is the case, you need to find a way to force the card back into digital.

Why don't you try running moninfo and get the EDID from the display so we can determine whether the problem is the EDID info is missing completely or whether the problem is the EDID information is wrong.

I suggest you use VNC to remotely access your desktop from a laptop. It will make life much easier because you'll be able to see what is actually going on rather than guessing (because there is no display)

sfhub

03-23-06, 10:30 PM

I'm not really sure. I thought I got an image on the HDMI - DVI by forcing the ATI driver, but now I'm not sure as I can't duplicate it.

Powerstrip will not even enable multiple monitors unless you force detection in the ATI driver, then the ATI driver shows it as a TV and not a digital panel as it did with my v1.

I may try to find the DVI detective, but I hate to spend the money and not be sure if that would work either.

I suppose you are running multiple monitors because you need to see what is going on? I suggest instead you use VNC and view the desktop remotely from a nearby laptop. It makes configuring these things much easier.

It's possible if your EDID is completely missing vs giving the wrong info, your card is going into analog/vga mode as a fallback. If that is the case, you need to force the card to go into digital before the PowerStrip settings will have an effect.

DVI Detective will work, but you need to have it clone the EDID from a "good" set. If you have one lying around which can give you the right info for the Sceptre, then it will work fine.

jvargasg

03-24-06, 12:03 AM

Thanks, I got the aspect ratio situation resolved. It was buried in the back, page 58 of 67 of the owner's manual.

But, I still have problem with no sound using the HDMI connection, so right now it's component video set up. The choices for audio out from the DVD player are PCM and Bitstream. I tried both, but no luck. Any suggestions?

did you already try the HDCP setting? I remember reading thru the very first pages of this thread that somebody had the same problem and that was the fix. for what I know HDMI should support audio and video thru the same cable, that is one of the greatest features of it, so there is no way a TV like this with HDMI input would only recognize the video part of the signal.
Please check it out, play with it and try every possibility and let us know, since I don't have the equipment to test it myself, I would be pleased to do it if I could...

davidac

03-24-06, 06:39 AM

donsev

03-24-06, 08:59 AM

Additional data point. I got my new set from C* yesterday. Quick and dirty setup. I have the latest firmware as defined on here. I have the QAM tuner not that I need it. The internal ATSC tuner works great, picked up 18 channels here outside Boston and the HD picture is stunning. And I am not an HD newbie, this is my 3rd set. Stunning.

To add to the value of your data point, would it be possible for you to test the DVI connection with a PC/Laptop? Some are experiencing issues with their HDMI port using a PC based DVI input.

jvargasg

03-24-06, 12:50 PM

what would be the best upconverting DVD that any of you guys would recommend to go with this TV wihtou having to spend too much? or is it true that if you already have a progressive scan dvd and a native 1080 HDTV then you don't need an upconverter DVD because the conversion is going to be done on the TV side?

Nimo

03-24-06, 03:37 PM

Seems people are having a difficult time trying to get the sound to work, I've been reading a lot of posts in regards to this. The reason is because you are trying to connect a DVI to HDMI you have to have both ends HDMI for you to get sound. So if your running a DVD player with no HDMI and just a DVI port you will not get sound, you will either have to get an updated DVD player or run the RCA's.

Regards, smurfer/nimo

Nimo

03-24-06, 03:53 PM

Did the other guy say how many times he tried to return a TV? So far I've returned one. I will probably order another (my third) in a few weeks, hoping it will solve the problems I have with TV1 (and had with TV2, namely bad NTSC cable tuner). I would hate to have the return denied.

Dave Kristol

Dave I wouldn't worry about it, as long as it's legitimate and Sceptre knows of the issues you should not run into any problems.

I have been waiting for Costco's to change their policy!! It's just becoming to commonplace for customers to take advantage of such a liberal return policy. There are people in this thread alone who freely admit that they return sets just to get a bigger or newer model over and over again and are effectively using the policy as sort of a one time fee rental deal. Now it may be perfectly legal and above board since Costco's allows it but the question is for how long. New buyers should be aware this policy could end at a moments notice just like the policy on computers did because of abuse so keep it in mind when you buy that big screen TV because you are NOT guarenteed that whatever policy is in place today will be there tomorrow. That being said I still LOVE Costco's!!

bluemax50 thanks for the response, Yea I was getting a little concerned and you are right they can do what they want it's their policy..

Costco has two issues -

1) They need to be selling the Sceptres in the stores so people can compare video quality to other brands they have on display. This may lessen the return factor for people trying to make comparisons.

2) Lets face it, the Sceptres are having quality issues. NO return should be denied for these reasons. Many people getting replacements simply get another issue to deal with.

I was questioned on my return of the V1 set this weekend, fine. Main question was if I contacted Sceptre for advise. I did even sent pictures of the defective screen to Sceptre and costco. Sceptre responded and said to return, Costco didn't respond.

Then at the store if they don't believe you have them test for themselves.

I estimate Sceptre sales would be 25% of what they are, if not for the return policy.

jp I couldn't agree with you more on this, they really need to get these in their stores so people can make their own determination and fiddle with the unit. I do know that costco has an email address saying sceptre@costco or something to that effect, so maybe Costco has got stock or some kind of partnership with these people I dunno but I hope they keep things the same for at least a couple years.

Thanks to all the input on this board it really is an asset to others still on the fence, so far my tv has been outstanding it seems to holding up pretty well, and recording my fav tv shows in HD I'm now hooked on the Unit, but still record Lost and CSI no doubt. But Lost is getting to be just that it's rteally loosing it's fizzle but still looks damn good on my Sceptre.

amert20

03-24-06, 07:18 PM

I got confirmation from Costco that my 42" Sceptre order wasshipped today. Did anybody get 42" yet?

johnnie_five

03-25-06, 12:29 AM

did you already try the HDCP setting? I remember reading thru the very first pages of this thread that somebody had the same problem and that was the fix. for what I know HDMI should support audio and video thru the same cable, that is one of the greatest features of it, so there is no way a TV like this with HDMI input would only recognize the video part of the signal.
Please check it out, play with it and try every possibility and let us know, since I don't have the equipment to test it myself, I would be pleased to do it if I could...

I think I've already tried that, but I'll try whatever combination that I can think of, but it'll be next week before I get it. My work days are just too long to do anything. I'll post the methods and results later.

Again, thanks.

Jason Merrick

03-25-06, 10:36 AM

Jason,

Backlighting/Biaslighting is a great idea.
AVS Thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=451527).

Some use small flourescent lights, some use rope lights, and some suggest using a product from IdeaLume that is supposed to have its output calibrated to the appropriate 6500K level and includes filters you can use to compensate for the color of your wall. (Since we were renovating the room in which the current 30" LCD panel is in, we actually took into consideration the affect that the paint color for the walls would have on the sets perceived colors.)
Thanks Don, I'll give that thread a look.

Dave Kristol

03-25-06, 11:20 AM

I got confirmation from Costco that my 42" Sceptre order wasshipped today. Did anybody get 42" yet?

Could you post a link to the 42" on Costco's website? I don't see it when I search. I only see the 37" Though I'm not interested in ordering it, I am curious to see the specs for the 42". Thanks.

Dave Kristol

Cee9

03-25-06, 02:50 PM

Could you post a link to the 42" on Costco's website? I don't see it when I search. I only see the 37" Though I'm not interested in ordering it, I am curious to see the specs for the 42". Thanks.

Dave Kristol

Specs are available on Sceptre website...

http://www.sceptre.com/Products/LCD/Specifications/spec_X42GV-Naga.htm

Dave Kristol

03-25-06, 09:29 PM

Specs are available on Sceptre website...

http://www.sceptre.com/Products/LCD/Specifications/spec_X42GV-Naga.htm

I had hoped for a link on Costco's site, but this is useful. As I said, I haven't been able to find the 42" on Costco's website.

The TV is similar to the 37", of course, but there are a number of interesting differences.

1) Evidently most of the connections have been removed from the rear apron of the TV itself and moved to the Media Box. The result is an even slimmer design (3.36" vs. 5.5"). But you have to find a place to put the Media Box.

2) The Media Box has a connector explicitly labeled "Service". (This is probably equivalent to the mystery connector on version >= 2 37" sets.)

3) The rated brightness for the 37" is higher (600 cd/m^2) than for the 42" (550).

4) Both claim to support 1080p.

5) The 42" actually advertises a QAM tuner.

6) The 42" has sub-woofer output , a headphone output, and a clock (whoopee). (I guess the 37" has a sub-woofer output and a headphone output, but they aren't advertised.)

7) The 42" doesn't have detachable speakers. From the picture on Sceptre's website, it looks like speakers are below the LCD.

Dave Kristol

wickedsuperbikes

03-26-06, 04:08 PM

Hey all! Just received my set on Friday and I've got a few quick questions about your experiences:

1.) On my Sony DVD player, connected via components, when I activate "progressive" the image has additional ~10% overscan on the right and bottom of the screen. When in interlaced mode, there is 3% all around. Does anyone know if this is the TV or the DVD player? (I used Aiva's overscan screen to get the measurements). Does the TV inject any overscan or is it all coming from the DVD player?

2.) The set will NOT remember the opacity or timeout settings after a power cycle (not unplugged, just power button off then on). Is there a trick to this?

For the DEBUG info:
debug 0111
06/01/16 14:58
T370hw01
1920x1080

Memory delay was at 2 and I was getting green sparkles. Changed to 4 and it cleared up.
QAM tuner is installed and working; picks up Comcast's transmissions, but it takes ~5 seconds to change channels.

Thanks everyone!

I'm getting the same overscan problem in 480p over component input. I have a JVC DVD player. Plus, if I decide to just go with 480i I get a blue screen when the source material changes to a very bright screen (a spot light panning on to the camera or a big explosion). This is my second set and the same occured on both. Any suggestions?

Dave Kristol

03-26-06, 06:22 PM

Hey all! Just received my set on Friday and I've got a few quick questions about your experiences:

[...]
2.) The set will NOT remember the opacity or timeout settings after a power cycle (not unplugged, just power button off then on). Is there a trick to this?

In case you haven't got an answer, this seems to be a known problem here, but not resolved by Sceptre.

Dave Kristol

hakujin

03-27-06, 02:24 AM

Pecs

03-27-06, 12:44 PM

I recently got a HDTV tuner card (software decoding) for my PC and compared the output via the DVI port on my video card with that of the built-in ATSC tuner. I haven't been all that happy with the built-in tuner because it suffers from autocontrast problems and (to my eyes) and somewhat unsatisfactory color/black levels (this varied a lot with the programming). Anyway, I was curious what the difference would be if I let the computer do the video decoding and processing, since I found that DVDs looked much better through my PC than with a stand-alone player. After playing with it for a few hours, I can say a few things:
1. Levels are much better when going through the PC. HDTV looks noticably better to me.
2. The sensitivity of the built-in tuner is actually pretty good. Better than the tuner I bought for the PC... which means I'm going to have to return it and try something else.

I suppose if I played with the DTV calibration settings more, I might get a better picture. But try as I might, I was never able to reproduce the quality I was getting from the PC without any calibration.

jpconard

03-27-06, 01:31 PM

Pecs

03-27-06, 02:08 PM

What brand of HDTV tuner did you get?

Not sure what you mean by software decoding. I think all HDTV (digital) tuners for PCs are simply streaming to the hard drive, not like the analog to digital tuners for Standard definition, which some are hardware encoding, some software.

I found the Avermedia A180 (PCI slot) doesn't pull channels as well as the Dvico Fusion USB one.

It was a twinhandtv tuner card. I think it used the philips tuner that many cards use, and for this reason I just ordered the fusion5 which has LG.

As for "software decoding" you may be right about streaming to the hd, but the digital signal still has to be decoded somehow. There are cards that have hardware dedicated to this, and cards that don't. The cards that don't suck up more of your system resources, but it is not so bad if your video card has the ability to do the decoding and then it shares the job with the CPU. Both cards you mentioned are software decoding cards, I believe.

JimmyJoe

03-27-06, 11:54 PM

Woohoo!! I got my 2nd set from Costco, connected the DVI and it works like a champ. I just got it connected, have not tweaked it yet at all but it looks great. :)

Same Version as the old set - 06/01/16 14:58

Caps18

03-28-06, 12:25 AM

FlyingGimp

03-28-06, 01:02 AM

For those recently ordering this from Costco, how long did it take from order to delivery?

Also, any recommendations for a pre-made 200x200 -> 440x200 adapter plate? I think I may have to end up going the DIY route here for the 200x200 arm I'm mounting this to.

marvlush

03-28-06, 04:12 AM

I posted a few days ago about this....namely using an intel mac mini as an HTPC for this LCD panel.

So here I am answering my own question....

I got my X37 today, hooked up the mac mini to it through the DVI/HDMI cable, and all i can say i WOW!!! Not only does the screen look beautiful on 1920x1080, but everything worked the first try.

many thanks to all of you who posted the 80 or so pages on this thread (most of which read).

Now what page were those config settings for this screen though DVI??

anyone...anyone...bueler?

/mario

davidac

03-28-06, 07:16 AM

One thing I have discovered, the Peerless wall mount sold on the same page at C* doesn't contain any combination of bolts, washers, and spacers that is appropriate for this set. Not a huge deal, just added a couple of my own washers to get the right depth for the bolt. But I don't think I read this anywhere in this thread so I thought I would share.

donsev

03-28-06, 08:03 AM

OK, so at least two users "fixed" their DVI port problem with replacement sets.

Woohoo!! I got my 2nd set from Costco, connected the DVI and it works like a champ. I just got it connected, have not tweaked it yet at all but it looks great. :)

Ok fellas, got the new set and I have good news: DVI is working! The new set fixed the problem, and I imagine it would do the same for those of you with the same problem.

Schtoom fixed his by forcing the timings from a good known EDID.

I fixed it! My DVI problem is no more!!!

It is indeed bad EDID and NOT the DVI port.

I ordered DVI Detective yesterday and it arrived in the mail today. The device recorded the EDID of the monitor i brought home. I then simply plugged in to my computer, unplugged the other monitor from the device and replaced it with my Sceptre and Viola!

marvlush confirms that DVI works on his when connecting to a Mac Mini

...using an intel mac mini as an HTPC for this LCD panel.
I got my X37 today, hooked up the mac mini to it through the DVI/HDMI cable, and all i can say i WOW!!! Not only does the screen look beautiful on 1920x1080, but everything worked the first try.
/mario

Which may help Edward Sanders who may be having a problem with his Mac Mini via DVI.

Which leaves, by my count;
Polypro
jpconard
Koui
Astral Abyss ?
with possibly defective DVI Port/EDID info on their sets.

donsev

03-28-06, 08:07 AM

My Sceptre 37" 1080p LCD monitor showed up at my door today, and I am happy. :) I am having one small problem with the PC VGA input though. My graphics card can display 1920x1080, it is what I am using right now. But, there are 2 inches on either side of the picture. Is there some way to stretch the displayed screen out to fill the entire monitor?

If I adjust the clock to 254, it stretches out the picture a little, but not quite enough.

If I watch HDTV, S-Video or use 1600x1200, 1280x1024, 1280x960 VGA resolutions, it works as it should.

Thanks!

If you have exhausted all other options, you may try switching out the cable (1920x1080 may be pushing the limit for many VGA cables).

Hello all~

The issue I have been recently fighting involves getting the display to show at 1920 x 1080 full screen when hooked up to my Media PC. Any other resolution that the display can show will go full screen, but in 1920 x 1080, I get black borders after the PC boots into Windows. ...and attached a higher end shielded VGA cable. I don't think it's the cable causing the issue...

OMG! It was the VGA cable!

After buying the super high tech shielded bad boy VGA to VGA cable hoping it would improve my signal and rez, it turned out to be the cause of my Sceptre not being able to push to fullscreen 16.9 in 1920 x 1080. Anyone heard of such a thing? Obviously there are faulty cables, but I have never had one work until it got to a specific resolution and then fail to display correctly. Weird.

So, FYI, if you happen to purchase a new cable and find strange unexplained issues with aspect ratio, don't overthink it like I did-just swap the cable to test.

*relief*

zima500

03-28-06, 10:10 AM

I received my monitor 2 days ago after sending it in for repair because of the pc not working with the hdmi-dvi cable and the jittering that was becoming rather apparent after 2 months of use. ( Note: the hdmi-dvi cable was initially working, but had "died" out as I explained on my previous post here)

After waiting a month because of the unfortunate situation of living on the opposite side of the US compared to where they have their warehouse at ( I live in Ny), all I can say is that the monitor is PERFECT.

All inputs work properly. What I was most concerned about was the dvi pc compatibility issue, which indeed was fixed with my new unit. But, I didn't realize that there would be such a improvement on the "firmware fix" that it would eliminate ALL jittering. Every video is smooth as hell and I haven't seen even ONE "jitter" for the past days.
I was expecting a slight jitter as previously stated here, but surprised of the outcome.

Every input works, Qam functioning tuner card also. Picked up many cable channels through the TW cable wire, but this was also functioning on my v2 unit.

Overall, pretty happy with my purchase.

debug menu info:
06/03/03 12:12

Seems I have a more updated firmware than previous owners.

Pecs

03-28-06, 12:05 PM

Yeah, it seems like you do. Can you check and see if the updated firmware saves the opacity etc. settings in the DTV menu. That would be nice.

jpconard

03-28-06, 01:29 PM

It would be nice to know what the continual firmware updates are for. If this HDMI problem is related, why doesn't Sceptre sell us the $5 cable they probably use on the port in the back and the 5 steps of instructions probably required to update the firmware, so we don't have to continue to re-order and re-mount the displays on the wall.

I fear ordering third due to shipping damage possibilities, bad pixels, and other potential problems.

Anybody know where I can try a DVI detective for $50 or less, and if it doesn't work send it back?

donsev

03-28-06, 02:33 PM

I received my monitor 2 days ago after sending it in for repair because of the pc not working with the hdmi-dvi cable and the jittering that was becoming rather apparent after 2 months of use.

debug menu info:
06/03/03 12:12

Seems I have a more updated firmware than previous owners.

Yeah, it seems like you do. Can you check and see if the updated firmware saves the opacity etc. settings in the DTV menu. That would be nice.

[wishful thinking]
And could you check to see if there is now a menu option labeled Dynamic Contrast or DCI when using the component inputs that would allow turning off the auto-contrast "feature"?
[/wishful thinking]

choladay

03-28-06, 04:11 PM

Hi all, been lurking on this thread for a while and almost didn't order the X37 when all the bad DVI port talk came out. I decided to go ahead and glad to report I received my tv about a week ago from C* and everything looks good.

Got a good, new-looking v2 set (haven't tried using QAM, no cable in the room yet) with the latest firmware. Using my x800xt with the DVI->HDMI adapter included the picture is phenomenal at 1920x1080 playing stuff like Guild Wars. DVI port works fine, and I haven't had any problems switching back and forth to it (no reboot required). Xbox 360 and PS2 both look good using component inputs. Again, no cable so can't report on how HDTV programming looks, and I live behind a hill so I get no reception over the air.

Only issues were the DVI input being "zoomed-in" until I realized I needed to get use the DVI input (was using HDMI, kind of confusing). I also had a problem with the vertical blue bars appearing, but after delaying the memory timing by one clock cycle it went away. Only other is thing is one bad pixel (bummer). But the pixel looks fine in black & whites and only shows a blue when the screen is red. I was only able to see this with DPB, and it is not visible unless you are closer than 18" from the screen.

Overall a very good bargain, but definetely not the most user friendly tv. Picture quality is great, and no complaints other than the one dead pixel. I would recommend it.