Sceptre X37SV-Naga review [Text View] - Page 14

hakujin

06-15-06, 10:21 AM

No you miss MY point. ;)You read in between the lines. Stop that! I never said that the 999 dollar tv was a bad deal anywhere in my post. I was merely responding to your
comment that said
"Who uses the fulll 1080 lines anyways?"

No doubt that Sceptre is improving on their TVs. This 1080p panel I got from them is good, but yes needs improvement.
Their newest Naga 4 improves in areas where it needed for sure.

I'm sorry if I implied you said it was a bad deal. :p My OP was "respectively" directed toward Koui's sarcastic comment. For the most part I explained to you why I think some of your examples you elaborated on either showed signs of neglible PQ difference or were all together incorrect.

2nd, anybody that has this lcd in a "living room" setting, has the res set to 1920x1080p, and is web surfing while running Windows XP is trying very hard, and is the exception to the norm.

Koui

06-15-06, 11:46 AM

HD-DVD is out now and the toshiba is 1080i, not progressive. Lastly, the difference between 1080i and 1080p movie playback is ever so slight on a 37", IMO. I have some material of both and I honestly couldn't tell the difference.There is NO visual difference between 1080i and 1080p movie playback on the 1080p Sceptre. Its reverse telecine is 100% effective in reproducing the original 1080p24 frame from FILM sourced 1080i material. Video based 1080i content has to be deinterlaced and will show slight motion artifacts.

It's well worth the extra cost (to me) to be able to view HD films in full progressive resolution and without scaling. I sit around 3-4' back, listen with headphones, and get totally immersed by my 'personal cinema'. :)

Jgigs

06-16-06, 07:56 AM

Trevorm7

06-17-06, 04:38 PM

TrungGap

06-18-06, 03:44 AM

What are the Sceptre's menu settings on that SVideo input? I run a SD DirecTV box into AV1/SVideo and I can't get PQ that looks that bad unless I futz with the stuff in the Advanced menu (Vivid Color, Skin Tone, etc).

I tried all the settings (from standard, cinema to game). I even tried adjusting the contrast and sharpness. However, left most of the advance menu the default setting.

DirecTV's SD signal resolution starts at 480x480 from the sattelite and gets the anamporphic treatment at the box to 720x480, which is what most CRTs display. The Sceptre has to scale that up again to pillarboxed 4:3 on a 1920x1080 panel. That's a whole lot of pixel-fillin' goin' on. If you think the Sceptre has a sub-par scaler, you should see the mess of a result Westinghouse gets on their 37w1's world-class Genesis/Farajouda scaling solution with a DirecTV signal! :eek:

Well, my test was feeding the same signal to Sceptre SVideo vs to a PC capture card then to DVI. The PC capture card should do worst becaue I'm using composite instead of svideo. I guess the test shows lack of quality from the Sceptre video processing.

However, I agree with you that root of the problem is DirectTV. I have been with DirectTV for a while and I noticed that quality has seem to go downhill. Even on SDTV, I'm noticing artifacts and low bandwidth compressed video.

Nimo

06-18-06, 09:25 AM

Well, I just got an email back from sceptre, they told me I have to send in the monitor for my pixel problem. It seems like i'm the only one on here that has this problem. Once my screen heats up for 15+ mins I get some pixel tearing where the pixels will flash different colors. Changing the timing does nothing to fix this and the longer the tv is on, the worse it gets. After an hour my wallpaper is totally covered with this problem. However, this only happenes on the PC in both DVI and VGA.

That only thing that stinks is I sold my other TV and I don't have the orginal box. + Shipping from NJ will take forever. I wish I bought it from costco. :(

It sounds to me like a faulty video card in your PC you say it's only on VGA and DVI but everything else is fine on the other inputs? I would check the seating of your video card and make sure it's snug. I've seen ATI's do this purena checkerboard effect, and due to overheating. If you can plug in something else to the DVI port and see if it really is the TV's DVI & VGA are on two seperate circuits so one should not affect the other. I say it's your PC having the issue but you have to test it to make sure to bad you don't have another monitor.

Jgigs

06-18-06, 10:38 AM

It sounds to me like a faulty video card in your PC you say it's only on VGA and DVI but everything else is fine on the other inputs? I would check the seating of your video card and make sure it's snug. I've seen ATI's do this purena checkerboard effect, and due to overheating. If you can plug in something else to the DVI port and see if it really is the TV's DVI & VGA are on two seperate circuits so one should not affect the other. I say it's your PC having the issue but you have to test it to make sure to bad you don't have another monitor.

I have a 20 inch CRT, but I've never seen this happen on that. I'm pretty sure it's this monitor though, because if the computer is on and the monitor is off, I don't see this happen when I turn on the monitor. It has to heat up for atleast 20 mins before I experience this problem.

I thought it could be the cable, but I find it hard to believe that both my VGA and my DVI cable have the same exact problem.

Jgigs

06-18-06, 11:38 AM

Yup, it's the monitor. I just hooked it up to my parents computer which has an ati x1600 and it was just as bad if not worse than mine (geforce 7800 gs).

I'm thinking it's what Trevorm7 said about the processor. I wonder if other stuff is happening in other modes like HDMI or HD-Comp that I can't notice since this is my first HD-TV. For the record, this only seems to happen in widescreen modes, when I set the res to a 4:3 mode I don't notice this problem...

Jgigs

06-18-06, 01:48 PM

DouglasteR

06-21-06, 11:19 AM

Lets post some more pictures to revive the topic ! :D

SamIam2

06-21-06, 06:01 PM

Question:

Does anyone have the Sceptre 37 lcd and a Neuneo 2085 (firmware 4)

I ask this because, there seems to be a problem with either the lcd or dvd and I am not sure which ....

The Neuneo 2085 is reported to have the capability of displaying 1080p over component ... but when I hooked it up to the Sceptre 37 ... it goes up to 1080I with no problems but once 1080p is selected, the image compresses and shifts to the left .... I do have 1080P over HDMI no problem though ...

SamIam2

sledge1234

06-23-06, 11:01 AM

It sounds to me like a faulty video card in your PC you say it's only on VGA and DVI but everything else is fine on the other inputs? I would check the seating of your video card and make sure it's snug. I've seen ATI's do this purena checkerboard effect, and due to overheating. If you can plug in something else to the DVI port and see if it really is the TV's DVI & VGA are on two seperate circuits so one should not affect the other. I say it's your PC having the issue but you have to test it to make sure to bad you don't have another monitor.

I get that too. Flashing pixels at different locations only in DVI mode from a PC.
Memory delay and video card adjustments do not change. Flashing pixels are at different locations. This is my erd Sceptre 37" and I had the 42", used them all with the same video card and never had this problem.

DOGLOOP

06-24-06, 01:41 PM

phillipds

06-25-06, 03:12 AM

Ok took the plunge and placed my order should be here tuesday, I have one question does anyone know if the xbox360 up converts dvd playback, I will be using my 360 as my primary dvd player and will have it connected via the VGA adapter. If not can someone recomend a good dvd player that supports upconverting.

ursa99

06-25-06, 01:16 PM

I read recently that an update to the 360 allows upconversion of DVD's over VGA to 1280 x 720. Here is the link.

http://www.digg.com/gaming/Xbox_360_update_allows_DVD_upscaled_to_720p_over_VGA

Zoglog

06-26-06, 03:27 PM

Sadly I just returned my V1 Sceptre this weekend. The Ghetto menus, cycling inputs, non-saving settings,lack of inputs, and auto contrast......

It's sad because the TV really had no bad pixels and no banding. I hope I made the right decision.

hakujin

06-27-06, 12:04 AM

I read recently that an update to the 360 allows upconversion of DVD's over VGA to 1280 x 720. Here is the link.

http://www.digg.com/gaming/Xbox_360_update_allows_DVD_upscaled_to_720p_over_VGA

So it has to be on VGA... that sucks. That's another 40 dollars. Could spend that on mode chip for the xbox 1 and upconvert to 1080i via component. Though, they won't do anything about this tv's horrible dynamic contrast bug. Every since I hooked up my TV to PC via DVI, I find it harder and harder to watch anything on my component video stuff.

hakujin

06-27-06, 12:04 AM

I read recently that an update to the 360 allows upconversion of DVD's over VGA to 1280 x 720. Here is the link.

http://www.digg.com/gaming/Xbox_360_update_allows_DVD_upscaled_to_720p_over_VGA

So it has to be on VGA... that sucks. That's another 40 dollars. Could spend that on mod chip for the xbox 1 and upconvert to 1080i via component. Though, it won't fix the tv's horrible dynamic contrast bug. Every since I hooked up my TV to PC via DVI, I find it harder and harder to watch anything on my component video stuff.

Infinitenothing

06-29-06, 10:23 PM

Bug with ATSC tuner: I notice than on screens with bright colors, the colors bleed out inversely. See screen caps. If other people notice this behavior and or have solved it, I'd certainly like to hear about it. If this has been hashed over I apolgise.

lambretta76

07-05-06, 12:59 PM

Are there any good sites out there that focus on the Sceptre panels - specifically calibration of the different inputs. My picture is very good, but I'd like to see some darker blacks, which I heard is possible through proper calibration...

Cloud zer0

07-06-06, 03:40 AM

Multi Tasking Mode:
1280x960CRT monitor +1920x1080 Playing video

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/636/dscn1537s7ej.th.jpg (http://img84.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn1537s7ej.jpg)
http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/4315/dscn1538s9ta.th.jpg (http://img89.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn1538s9ta.jpg)

BoA..see the details? Well this picture hardly does it justice! its a picture of a picture!
http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/6571/dscn1548s2ip.th.jpg (http://img212.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn1548s2ip.jpg)

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/7363/dscn1543s7lj.th.jpg (http://img84.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn1543s7lj.jpg)

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/2007/dscn1540s4fu.th.jpg (http://img84.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn1540s4fu.jpg)

Here is 1080p HD blu ray trailer of POTC II
http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/7917/dscn1550s0rr.th.jpg (http://img212.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn1550s0rr.jpg)

Why..chat only? If i can play do other things too XD (Yep extended desktop)
http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/5524/dscn1565s5mb.th.jpg (http://img89.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn1565s5mb.jpg)

Playing games like Far Cry in widescreen mode are a blast!
http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/5498/dscn1557s8ui.th.jpg (http://img212.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn1557s8ui.jpg)
http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/660/dscn1558s5cl.th.jpg (http://img89.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn1558s5cl.jpg)

C-Dogg

07-06-06, 10:06 AM

I use my Sceptre X37SV exclusively as a TV connected to a Comcast cable set top DVR box. It's got a beautiful display and I like it except for one thing: Frequently - that is, most of the time - when I press the Power button the screen remains dark even though the power indicator light on the front turns from red )standby) to green. Then if I press the Power button again the light remains green, but still I'm left staring at the Black Screen of Death (no display). The little power button on the underside of the set has no effect. The only work around is to unplug / replug the power cord on the back of the set. What a PITA ! But then the set magically comes to life and the HD widespcreen display is glorious!

I hate to return this TV to Costco because I really like it - but if it won't turn on reliably I think I will. I keep searching in vain for some kind of setting that could fix this problem, but haven't found it yet.

QUESTION: Is this a known problem with this type of monitor, or is this a defect with my set? Has anyone heard of this before? Any suggestions as to what I might attempt to resolve this problem? Spectre tech support knows about my problem and recommends sending it back. But what guarantee do I have that a replacement set of the same model won't have the same problem?

Thanks in advance for any helpful response you may with to post ...

funtownarcade

07-06-06, 12:19 PM

So when you guys are playing movies on the 360 with a VGA cable, do you have a black bar on the right side?
The 360 dashboard takes up the whole screen but movies give me a bar on the side for some reason.

audioxcel

07-06-06, 02:53 PM

Has anyone ever tried to record a DVD from the composite out (the only output :( ) ?

I only use an OTA UHF input and a component input from my Sony DHG-HDD250. I have tried to record to DVD RAM on a Panasonic DMR-ES45VS without any success.

I sourced DTV and tried to record the program that I was watching. I also sourced YpbPr1 (the Sony input) and tried to record a program from the HDD as I watched it.

When I attempted playback there was no usable information. In one case all I got was hash and in the other a green window with what looks like a vertical frequency graph on the left side of the window.

I should include that I have been unable to get the HDMI out from the Panasonic to work except for the first day that I used it. It worked for playback of DVD and VHS the day I received it but now it does not. That day it was connected directly to the Spectre's HDMI in.

I bought a Monoprice HDMI 2 -1 electronic switch ($80) and connected the Panasonic to the TV through that; since then, either by coincidental failure or some quirk of the handshake I have been unable to get the Panasonic HDMI out to work even after I took the electronic switch out of the circuit.

BTW: The HDMI cable was not connected to either the TV or DVD-R during any of the attempts to record.

audioxcel

07-09-06, 09:47 PM

I called Sceptre tech support. I was told that the "AV out" (which is a yellow RCA connector) is actually not what it appears to be. I was told it is intended to be used as an output to a second monitor. :confused: WTF? :confused: The tech rep said that it would not be possible to use it as an input to a DVD recorder.

After I hung up, I began to wonder what signal is being output that could provide video on a monitor but cannot be used for recording. Since it is a composite type output it cannot be an HD digital signal.

I tried to call back many times and only got voice mail. Anyone know what signal is present at the "AV out" connector? It is only mentioned in a couple posts and one of them says that it was usable for DVD recording.

lambretta76

07-10-06, 05:01 PM

Just a quick note - it looks like Costco is no longer selling this LCD at their website.

Istari1

07-10-06, 06:02 PM

Just a quick note - it looks like Costco is no longer selling this LCD at their website.

This happens every couple months. Its usually back up and listed after a couple days to a week. So we'll see.

Dave Kristol

07-11-06, 04:10 PM

Just a quick note - it looks like Costco is no longer selling this LCD at their website.

I just checked, and it is there. However, now it's being sold with installation, for $1780. I wonder whether they (Costco and Sceptre) hope that with "professional" installation, fewer people will want to -- or have legitimate cause to -- return the sets.

The listing talks a lot about wall mounting. I wonder what "installation" would have meant for someone like me, who installed the set on a stand.

Dave Kristol

TomasoTester

07-11-06, 06:50 PM

Did anyone see the hatchet job of ZDNet's reviewers (listing this thing as one of the worst products of the year?) The mofo apparently wasn't smart enough to figure out the setup.

I can't post URLs it seems. so look for 10 worst products on PCMagazine site

vnitto

07-13-06, 09:43 PM

Well, my Sceptre 37" just died today. It made a horrible screeching noise for a full second while I was watching a DVD, the set went black and the power light button went out. It's dead. I don't think I'll be getting another one. I think I got the set back in january, that's only six months and it's dead.

Fragster

07-13-06, 11:37 PM

Any thoughts on the newer 37" Sceptre Komodo set coming to Costco in Aug? Its a 720p set but seems to be a newer panel and the price looks awesome!

F

bshor

07-14-06, 12:36 AM

My remote has recently stopped working. No button works. Switched batteries, still no go. I checked using my Sony TV remote (the Sony remote was always able to switch the TV on and off) and it worked just fine to switch it on and off.

Obviously this is bad as the TV is nonfunctional without a remote.

Any ideas? Thanks.

ps I have a Logitech Harmony remote I bought but havn't set up. Could it be used as a substitute?

vnitto

07-14-06, 12:58 AM

The harmony remote will work. They have the codes available for download at the harmony site. No issues.

apaiz

07-14-06, 09:57 AM

This thread is extremely huge and I was wondering if somebody can help me with some settings for DVI hooked up thru my HTPC. My color is a little off when I send pictures to my photo printer. Has anybody had this problem? I tried to search for specific settings and can't find any.

Do you think it's worth it to buy a Spyder to calibrate my color? Can somebody help me out and share some settings? If you need any additional information please let me know.

APaiz

lambretta76

07-14-06, 11:13 AM

I finally hooked my panel up to the Scientific Atlanta HD DVR via an HDMI cable. THe picture quality of HD channels is just below that of the component video connection (both at 1080i), while the SD channels look just dreadful. Is this a problem with all HDMI conversions from analog, a specific problem of my Sceptre (or all Sceptres), or a problem with TWC (my service provider)?

Polypro

07-14-06, 04:46 PM

HDBeat Podcast just had a guest host with a Sceptre 37"...anyone here:)

P

Neomoon

07-15-06, 02:55 AM

That's the same question I asked on the HDBeat thread

lightpants

07-18-06, 12:00 PM

I received my set yesterday 7/17/06
The firmware on the debug screen says
06/06/01
Does anyone else have this version? I scanned my cable with the QAM tuner and picked up 106 channels - I think 4 or 5 in HD. I have comcast in Lancaster,PA and I do subscribe to the HD package with DVR.
Bought from NEWEGG

DouglasteR

07-18-06, 12:37 PM

jvargasg

07-18-06, 02:46 PM

I got to tell you guys I am leaving this thread, not that I was such an active member but I am used to come here at least once a week, this thread is huge and a huge help for everybody on this AVworld. Thanks very much.

I just returned my Sceptre last weekend. Could not take it anymore, the bad SD and video games PQ. I thought that was something on every LCD TV, but got to tell you, I went down a notch and got me a Phillips 720P HDTV, got to pay some extra $$ though, but the PQ on SD and Videogames is great, same colors as HD, a little pixelation but same bright rich colors, somethign my sceptre did not have.
I am gonna give this new set a try and maybe wait a little for another 1080P bargain and get me one by the time I get my new PS3.
oh and it is user upgradeable, somethign that wuold have been really helpful with the sceptre, plus Phillips actually take care of the issues and publish firmware releases every now and then.

Have a good luck and thanks again for your help

DouglasteR

07-18-06, 05:47 PM

netbucks

07-18-06, 07:55 PM

bluemax50

07-19-06, 01:08 PM

I just hooked up my Comcast HD box to the Sceptre set using the HDMI cable. The picture comes through fine, but I get no sound. Does anyone know if this means I have a broken HDMI interface on the Sceptre set or is there some arcane setting deep in the menus to turn the sound on? Can I use another set of sound inputs alongside the HDMI video?

HD looks great, but SD is not so hot.

I apologize for not reading all 110 pages of this thread!

I have a spectre and a Motorola/Comcast HD cable box. IF you check your cable box I'll bet you'll find that the interface on the back is actually DVI which doesn't support sound out. I use a separate cable for adio out from the box to a separate receiver but I'm sure you can route them diectly t o the Spectre via the audio in jacks with no problem. Enjoy your Spectre

Nimo

07-19-06, 01:30 PM

I just returned my Sceptre last weekend. Could not take it anymore, the bad SD and video games PQ. I thought that was something on every LCD TV, but got to tell you, I went down a notch and got me a Phillips 720P HDTV, got to pay some extra $$ though, but the PQ on SD and Videogames is great, same colors as HD, a little pixelation but same bright rich colors, somethign my sceptre did not have.
I am gonna give this new set a try and maybe wait a little for another 1080P bargain and get me one by the time I get my new PS3.
oh and it is user upgradeable, somethign that wuold have been really helpful with the sceptre, plus Phillips actually take care of the issues and publish firmware releases every now and then.

Have a good luck and thanks again for your help

It is a shame you had to let it go, but I understand your complaint if your just using it as a TV and game boxin. The customer support really is bottom of the barrel for FW upgrades and they can do a lot better in that department.

The trick to this "B" rated TV is to only use VGA/DVI mode watching TV and playing your games at it's native res, although I have no complaints about running PF @ 1600x1200 and I'm still addicted to the Silo level in COD2 @ 1920x1080 playing my PC games. I owned a PS2 a few years back and swiftly sold it to my neighbor it just wasn't my cup of tea. I never watch any SD channels on the Sceptre I use my 32" Toshi TheaterView SD TV for that. Using Beuns RTC t coder for the DCT 6200 in VGA mode is quite nice in 1080p. I have nothing hooked up to the analog inputs just VGA/HDMI/DVI and PC sound in are the only active inputs and suits my needs perfect.

I hope you enjoy your new toy and good luck to you.

I just hooked up my Comcast HD box to the Sceptre set using the HDMI cable. The picture comes through fine, but I get no sound. Does anyone know if this means I have a broken HDMI interface on the Sceptre set or is there some arcane setting deep in the menus to turn the sound on? Can I use another set of sound inputs alongside the HDMI video?

DVI to HDMI= no sound.
HDMI to HDMI = sound. ;)

Neomoon

07-19-06, 07:22 PM

Using Beuns RTC t coder for the DCT 6200 in VGA mode is quite nice in 1080p.

Could you please elaborate on what you mean by this, I also have a DC6200 and was just wondering what you mean by it. Thanks

hakujin

07-20-06, 12:40 AM

It is a shame you had to let it go, but I understand your complaint if your just using it as a TV and game boxin. The customer support really is bottom of the barrel for FW upgrades and they can do a lot better in that department.

The trick to this "B" rated TV is to only use VGA/DVI mode watching TV and playing your games at it's native res, although I have no complaints about running PF @ 1600x1200 and I'm still addicted to the Silo level in COD2 @ 1920x1080 playing my PC games. I owned a PS2 a few years back and swiftly sold it to my neighbor it just wasn't my cup of tea. I never watch any SD channels on the Sceptre I use my 32" Toshi TheaterView SD TV for that. Using Beuns RTC t coder for the DCT 6200 in VGA mode is quite nice in 1080p. I have nothing hooked up to the analog inputs just VGA/HDMI/DVI and PC sound in are the only active inputs and suits my needs perfect.

I'm guess I'm easy to please than. While analog SD doesn't look the greatest, I don't really expect it too. As far as the ATSC tuner, use it all the time; plugged into a splitter that feeds my analog sd and my digital sd/hd via comcast and I"m lovin' it, although digital is noticeable better than analog.

I also enjoy Xbox and don't notice any degradation as opposed to my prior Sony 43" RPTV. If any flaws are accentuated it's because this tv is 3x brighter and more than twice the resolution of my old sd.

Lastly, I do use it as a monitor too (hdmi2dvi).

I really think the op got a sour grape and this tv kicks butt at all levels. I sure as heck wouldn't trade mine for a Philips, lower res or not.

my $02.

jvargasg

07-20-06, 01:01 PM

I really think the op got a sour grape and this tv kicks butt at all levels. I sure as heck wouldn't trade mine for a Philips, lower res or not.

Not sure what you mean about this, but we all know the SD PQ is crap on this TV, and my problem is that this is my family room TV and SD is all my wife and son watch.
For me no complains on what I use it for, Monitor dvi2hdmi and ATSC tuner, it was just great. If I could afford a $1.5k monitor for my HTPC then I won't think it twice and would get me this Sceptre on a heart beat.

The Phillips, what can I say, tried my HTPC on it and is crap, good PQ on HD DVDs and PS2, normal PQ with a little pixelation on SD, but family is happy so far, I may try and get me the 1080p sharp aquos once the price drops a little bit more, I heard excelent things about it.

huskyboy

07-20-06, 01:26 PM

Any thoughts on the newer 37" Sceptre Komodo set coming to Costco in Aug? Its a 720p set but seems to be a newer panel and the price looks awesome!

F

ANy comments on this panel?

Istari1

07-20-06, 03:18 PM

jvargasg

07-20-06, 03:57 PM

My question is this: SD looks worse on an HDTV because you are stretching a low rez picture onto alot more pixels right? SO of course when you move to an even higher rez screen the SD is only going to get worse. This seems pretty simple to me. Upconversion from an SD signal just isnt going to look good when you try to stretch it to 1920x1080 is it? No matter what TV it is. And there are many people in this thread who are perfectly happy with the SD PQ, so saying "we all know the SD PQ is crap" is your opinoin not the view of "all". The Aquos is $1200 more then the Sceptre. You can almost get 2 of these screens for the price of one 1080p Aquos, thats apples to oranges.

I've seen the SD PQ on the sharp, not bad at all, way better than sceptre's. it can be bought for around 2.1k right now, and is one of the best 1080p sets out there as per all the reviews I have read, so it might be worth the extra money.

I have been reading this thread for 6 momnths, and most of the people don't use it for SD because it's PQ is not too good. That is well known here and is not just my personal opinion.

Anyway I am not here to engage in arguments with nobody, like some of you are, I am here just for help, either to ask for it or give some, so no more comments

Nimo

07-20-06, 10:08 PM

Could you please elaborate on what you mean by this, I also have a DC6200 and was just wondering what you mean by it. Thanks

Hi Neomoon, a reverse transcoder is simply a converter to VGA in other words it interprets component signal to a VGA signal. These were needed for the early PJ's when they just had a 15 pin VGA. So in essence you can hook up any PC monitor to this little gem and watch TV using your STB or anything that has component out such as a DVD player etc... Three reasons I did this, firstly was to eliminate the DCI bug second was to get the black gain back and you can only get that feature in VGA/DVI mode. Thirdly and most important Adelphia's EPG and the super fast channel surfing the DCT puts out. If you search for Beun or transcoder you will see what all the hub bub is about.

SD is all my wife and son watch.

I don't get it why buy an HDTV to watch SD? it defeats the purpose :confused: In your case you should get them a CRT HDTV or get the Toshi TheaterView like I did when my JVC went on the blink, and they are cheap at BB and get yourself a nice panel since it seems to fit your needs.

Istari1

07-21-06, 08:30 AM

I've seen the SD PQ on the sharp, not bad at all, way better than sceptre's. it can be bought for around 2.1k right now, and is one of the best 1080p sets out there as per all the reviews I have read, so it might be worth the extra money.

I have been reading this thread for 6 momnths, and most of the people don't use it for SD because it's PQ is not too good. That is well known here and is not just my personal opinion.

Anyway I am not here to engage in arguments with nobody, like some of you are, I am here just for help, either to ask for it or give some, so no more comments

I am really hoping to get a look at the Sharp soon, just like you, I have heard great things about the PQ even in SD. I must apologize if I came off like I was arguing. Also I must admit I was wrong about the PQ on a 1080p, or so I've been told. Evidently if you have a good enough scaler then even SD can be upconverted do a decent picture on a 1080p screen, and we can all agree for $1400 I am sure that Sceptre didnt blow the bank on the best scaler they could. Where did you see the Sharp for so cheap though? I can only find it at reputable dealers for around $2400.

jvargasg

07-21-06, 09:49 AM

I am really hoping to get a look at the Sharp soon, just like you, I have heard great things about the PQ even in SD. I must apologize if I came off like I was arguing. Also I must admit I was wrong about the PQ on a 1080p, or so I've been told. Evidently if you have a good enough scaler then even SD can be upconverted do a decent picture on a 1080p screen, and we can all agree for $1400 I am sure that Sceptre didnt blow the bank on the best scaler they could. Where did you see the Sharp for so cheap though? I can only find it at reputable dealers for around $2400.

No hard feelings Istari1 is all good here.
Just do a search on Yahoo shopping or even in froogle for the Sharp LC-37D90U and you'll find it from all the way over 3k to the lowest 2.1k and I found it at this website for even less, but like you said, is not a reputable dealer so I am holding on until the price goes down on the known delareships so I can get my hands on it.
http://www.ezhotdeal.com/store/product.aspx?prodid=7919

jvargasg

07-21-06, 09:58 AM

I don't get it why buy an HDTV to watch SD? it defeats the purpose :confused: In your case you should get them a CRT HDTV or get the Toshi TheaterView like I did when my JVC went on the blink, and they are cheap at BB and get yourself a nice panel since it seems to fit your needs.

I know I totally agree with you, but we wanted a flat panel you know for the picture (my idea) and for decor (her idea) so we were aiming for the same thing. and we both wanted to get into HD, so you know I went on the search and got me the best possible set for my budget (sceptre) and I was happy with it but she did not like the picture for SD and I agree with her, so you know what happen next.
I think is possible to get a nice HDTV that can suits both needs, good SD pictures (not ever as good as in a CRT) and great PC performance / HD PQ. I'll keep my quest and let you all know what I can find, because I am not keeping this Phillips, I can't even get 1280x720, aint that BS???? I am really missing the Sceptre.

Nimo

07-21-06, 01:45 PM

I know I totally agree with you, but we wanted a flat panel you know for the picture (my idea) and for decor (her idea) so we were aiming for the same thing. and we both wanted to get into HD, so you know I went on the search and got me the best possible set for my budget (sceptre) and I was happy with it but she did not like the picture for SD and I agree with her, so you know what happen next.
I think is possible to get a nice HDTV that can suits both needs, good SD pictures (not ever as good as in a CRT) and great PC performance / HD PQ. I'll keep my quest and let you all know what I can find, because I am not keeping this Phillips, I can't even get 1280x720, aint that BS???? I am really missing the Sceptre.

Yea that's pretty bad, good luck on your quest I hope you find something soon! I have had a couple marrage offers but I guess I'm just to selfish/chickin to make that type of commitment. :o

Guys you might want to keep an eye on this thread related to your future TV's.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=701013&page=2&pp=30
Some are not going back while others are being very cautious. I didn't reply in that thread because it just made me sick to think they would not honor this guys warranty.

hakujin

07-22-06, 02:42 AM

Not sure what you mean about this, but we all know the SD PQ is crap on this TV, and my problem is that this is my family room TV and SD is all my wife and son watch.
For me no complains on what I use it for, Monitor dvi2hdmi and ATSC tuner, it was just great. If I could afford a $1.5k monitor for my HTPC then I won't think it twice and would get me this Sceptre on a heart beat.

The Phillips, what can I say, tried my HTPC on it and is crap, good PQ on HD DVDs and PS2, normal PQ with a little pixelation on SD, but family is happy so far, I may try and get me the 1080p sharp aquos once the price drops a little bit more, I heard excelent things about it.

SD PQ is crap on any 1080p monitor right? I mean, the resolution is garbage on top of that, it's converted to digital...

I watch SD a decent amount but I guess I don't have high expectations for it so it doesn't let me down. Plus I think ATSC and Xbox (component video) is very respectable on this one. Of course HTPC is the cream of the crop...

Update: I guess the consensus is the Sharp Aquos makes SD look better. Dunno, I guess. The more crappy SD I watch, the more I switch to ATSC/QAM so maybe I need the crappy SD to remind me to switch. But than, I"m not big on cable. I refuse to pay Comcast $40 more just for a few channels when I can get all my locals in HD for $9.99 a month and a few extra SD channels to boot (CSPAN, Fox News, Spike etc.) And not to argue, I know it's just me and my cheap ways. I wouldn't spend quite a few hundred more to make a dead technology look better.

I just wanted to express my satisfaction in this TV. If I upgrade again, it'll probably be when LCDs have at least a 4000-5000 contrast ratio. Though, like some others, I would be interested to know how that newer (and cheaper) CC Sceptre 720p looks. The only time I use 1080p is with Nivida PureVideo (nstantmedia) because where I sit, it's just a tad far to read anything. Actually, as I type now from my fouton, I can barely make out the words and I'm on 1280x720p. Yikes, maybe I wouldn't mind a smaller res so much... if this set wasn't already so cheap!

Istari1

07-22-06, 04:44 PM

SD PQ is crap on any 1080p monitor right? I mean, the resolution is garbage on top of that, it's converted to digital...

I watch SD a decent amount but I guess I don't have high expectations for it so it doesn't let me down. Plus I think ATSC and Xbox (component video) is very respectable on this one. Of course HTPC is the cream of the crop...

Update: I guess the consensus is the Sharp Aquos makes SD look better. Dunno, I guess. The more crappy SD I watch, the more I switch to ATSC/QAM so maybe I need the crappy SD to remind me to switch. But than, I"m not big on cable. I refuse to pay Comcast $40 more just for a few channels when I can get all my locals in HD for $9.99 a month and a few extra SD channels to boot (CSPAN, Fox News, Spike etc.) And not to argue, I know it's just me and my cheap ways. I wouldn't spend quite a few hundred more to make a dead technology look better.

I just wanted to express my satisfaction in this TV. If I upgrade again, it'll probably be when LCDs have at least a 4000-5000 contrast ratio. Though, like some others, I would be interested to know how that newer (and cheaper) CC Sceptre 720p looks. The only time I use 1080p is with Nivida PureVideo (nstantmedia) because where I sit, it's just a tad far to read anything. Actually, as I type now from my fouton, I can barely make out the words and I'm on 1280x720p. Yikes, maybe I wouldn't mind a smaller res so much... if this set wasn't already so cheap!

Just raise your default font size in Windows man, and use large icons instead of standard. Also be sure you have the boxed check to optimize fonts for LCD panel, it actually does make a big difference (at least to my eyes).

hakujin

07-22-06, 10:25 PM

Just raise your default font size in Windows man, and use large icons instead of standard. Also be sure you have the boxed check to optimize fonts for LCD panel, it actually does make a big difference (at least to my eyes).

Meh... still to small from where I sit. IMO, OSX 's vectors are so much better for higher res.

I'm much more comfortable w/ 1280x720p for regular stuff and PureVideo automatically bumps it up for media. Plus, nothing is really optimized for the higher res (less 1080p media) anyway. If I were utilizing Dreamweaver and Photoshop (among many other real estate savvy apps) alot, it'd be a different story.

I'm wondering though... what box do you speak of for LCD; clear type? I dislike clear type so I hope that's not it.

fuquaforlife

07-23-06, 07:43 PM

Hey everyone,

I have a V2 of the 37" Sceptre, the one with the Judder problem. I've corrected in when watching through my pc by setting it to ~53Hz. But I have a couple questoins from the experts out there:

1) Since my PC is outputting at ~53Hz, will that cause issues with DVD/MP4s which output at at ~30fps/~24fps? i.e., will I get studdering during pans because they don't match up well -- and more importantly because they don't match up to a "usual" multiple that software has been created to deal with on the pc? Not sure if i'm explaining that well.

2) Does anyone know if i'm going to be hosed if i move to a dvd player with an hdmi output? i.e., do they dvd players output at ~60Hz and cause judder?

3) In playing games, is there a downside to using powerstip to force to ~53Hz? If I turn on VSync in my drivers does that keep the application from changing the frequency and creating judder?

I like my panel, and would rather keep it, but don't want to be hosed down the line because of the 'workaround'.

Thanks!!

mikescottj

07-25-06, 12:05 AM

Is anyone using an HDMI switcher box with the Sceptre? Does the Sceptre behave well when the input is switched? I sometimes get a blue vertical line when just poking around with the remote to change inputs.

DouglasteR

08-03-06, 08:58 AM

Im tired to ask, can someone post some HL2 pics of the unit running WOW or HL2 ? ;)

Istari1

08-03-06, 11:41 AM

Well I've been trolling (and posted once or twice) in the thread for a while, awaiting Sceptre to get everything straight and for the price to go down to about $1200. Decided I couldnt wait any longer and was at CC the other day when I saw a Sony 34XBR960 for $699 (Open Box). Needless to say I took the plunge. Hopefully Sceptre will keep improving this product and in a year or so maybe I can go ahead and buy one, 1080p sounds nice. I didnt think I could deal with the lack of contrast, I'm too much of an old school CRT guy anyway. Good luck all!

Polypro

08-03-06, 01:41 PM

Hey everyone,

I have a V2 of the 37" Sceptre, the one with the Judder problem. I've corrected in when watching through my pc by setting it to ~53Hz. But I have a couple questoins from the experts out there:

Thanks!!

Not an expert but DVD's played with an HTPC are where I never notice judder on my v2 @53.306Hz. All I do is DVI>HDMI in DVI mode, but I thougt I remembered that only VGA and DVI mode had judder...you *may* be ok in HDMI mode with a stand alone player. Don't game, sorry.

P

trepidation

08-03-06, 05:06 PM

I hate to ask because it has probably been answered already.. but...
How do I tell which version sceptre x37 that I have?

I recently bought mine about 2-3 weeks ago off of newegg..
seems to be running fine w/o any jutters or wahtever..

Also.. manual says there's a powerswitch on the back-right side of the display but mine doesn't have one..?

ajalbert

08-06-06, 04:52 AM

I posted a similar question in the "1080p Fact Sheet" thread, but since then I found a post that makes me think it could be a firmware issue and this thread would be more appropriate. My Samsung BD-P1000 Blu-ray player doesn't seem to think my Sceptre X37SV-Naga supports 1080p through HDMI. I have seen other posts that say their Sceptre DOES support 1080p through HDMI. I realized that I have a very early firmware version (05/08/18). I'm wondering if I need an update to get the 1080p capability.

Is it possible to get a firmware update? Is it likely it would address my 1080p HDMI issue?

audioxcel

08-06-06, 12:13 PM

I have tried to connect two different Panasonic DMR-ES45VS units and one DMR-EH75VS to my Sceptre (V2) via the HDMI input.

With the first unit, I had picture and audio until I disconnected the DVD recorder to integrate everything with my HK receiver. Since then I have been unable to get anything but a blue screen when I hook any Panasonic DVD recorder up via the HDMI input.

I have tried 4 different brands of cable (Panasonic said that this has been an issue for other customers) without success. I have tried disconnecting everything except the DVD recorder with no success.

My Sony DHG-HDD250 works fine when hooked up to the HDMI connector so I have to believe at this point that it is a handshake problem.

Is anyone using any 2006 Panasonic DVD recorder with their Sceptre?

Has anyone else had a similar problem with any DVD recorder?

Suggestions, please?

duffman64

08-08-06, 07:25 PM

SamIam2

08-08-06, 07:33 PM

I've read a lot of complaints about the Sceptre's SD. I was wondering if anyone tried SD with a device like an ITV-901. (Sorry can't post a link due to AVS forum limitations) It upconverts SD to 1280x768 and various other resolution.
I have one and use it on my dell 2405fp and it looks decent (my SD expecations aren't to high). Either way I am ordering a Sceptre through Costco tonight and hope it does the trick for the wife and kids that watch SD.

I have a Sceptre 37 lcd and have watched a fair amount of sd stuff on it ... well in truth, the image is not steller, but then again, this is common with high def displays that have to upscale and or resize a low resolution signal like what we have with NTSC. To be fair, some panels will do better job of "upconverting" the SD signal, and IMO the Sceptre does a "fair" job in this department ... but to balance this, it has its own atsc tuner and high def stuff can and will look very good ... the acid test being 1920 by 1080 for computer display work ... in this regard, the Sceptre does a very good job ... in fact the only real weakness the set may have is tied to the technology of LCD displays ... namely the inability to produce true blacks ... but even this is not bad when all else is considered. Overall, IMO the picture quality potential is quite high and true HD stuff looks stunning.

DouglasteR

08-20-06, 12:13 PM

Anyone can confirm the lastest firmware version ?

Sugam

08-22-06, 01:50 PM

Good afternoon;

I have a terrific (but short) story on my adventures with Sceptre support, tigerdirect and the Sceptre x37sv NAGA.

I bought the TV from Tigerdirect a few months ago and the unit came in, no problem (with a discount on shipping due to a slight delay) but the HDMI port was defective; Needless to say, I was a bit dissapointed

TD.ca Offered to refund since the other one they had in stock was broken in shipment (scary) and they also told me I could talk to sceptre directly. I am located in NE canada - they are in california... but I decided to give them a call. TD.ca have been great and efficient.

After a lot of paperwork, I got a "repair RMA #" from Sceptre (They wouldn't exchange, even though the product was less than 10 days in my possession) - I proceeded to ship the TV by purolator (which cost me an arm and a leg - around 400$ total with all fees). After 3 weeks to a month of exchanged emails and tracking, I received the same, repaired unit (but with a new board, I am pretty certain) and installed it again. (I do not have the revision with me)

I must say, after all this trouble, it better be good! :mad:

I have not done extensive DVD tests - but I felt that, after some serious image tweaking, I got a very very well balanced image that was only a little bit hazy in the deep blacks (like most LCDs).

As for gaming, I did not "suffer: from the very slight ghosting; Every LCD will have, by definition, some ghosting - but even playing Need for speed: Most wanted (over VGA and HDMI from PC) @ 1920x1080 did not create any noticeable artifacts or anomalities. The image is VERY crisp and well contrasted, using custom color balance.

So, in short:

Tigerdirect.ca : 5/5 for service but loose .5 for defective replacement unit !
Sceptre: 2/5 for service, gain 1 point for completely fixing the problem.
x37 Naga: 4/5 for quality and overall satisfaction - looks kinda bland (design) but works as intended.

audioxcel

08-22-06, 03:12 PM

Sugam

08-22-06, 03:29 PM

audioxcel

08-22-06, 03:52 PM

Oh it was obvious;

The HDMI connector was not screwed properly and broke INSIDE the TV ; ie: it broke off and there was no connector anymore to speak of ( I could see it hang by one screw inside).

Does your x37 give you any display if you select DVI (or other digital inputs) instead of HDMI ? (with the panasonic recorder)

Because, if it works with another player, it's more an incompatibility than a "broken" hdmi - It works, just not with your device :(

Now if it doesn<t work, maybe someone here has an idea for you ?

All I get with any digital input selected is a blue screen. I have contacted Sceptre and Panasonic and each points the finger at the other. I wouldn't be pursuing this any more but the return time limit on the Panasonic has passed.

The HDMI worked until I tried to record. I have tried two Panasonic ES45 units and a EH75 since the problem began. None of them have worked.

hakujin

08-26-06, 01:24 AM

Hey folks, perhaps this has been covered before because I remember a bunch of commotion about some PIP limitation... would that happen to be that you can't PIP ATSC while in HDMI (or DVI rather) mode? I was kind of stoked to have finally thought of this... well, it was actually HSN doing a demo on the Westy and where you can actually do PIP side by side, essentially splitting the screen in half, which is really cool (wonder why sceptre couldn't think of that), but anyway, went into PC via DVI mode, and tested it out. Works with ntsc but no atsc as far I can tell... anybody confirm this and if a firmware update fixes this...

UPDATE: Nevermind, I see Koui answered this (among others). Kind of lame how that works. Would be nice to PIP ATSC while in DVI and also have more control over the size of PIP . I do wonder if a update enhances this feature.

hakujin

08-26-06, 02:48 PM

BTW, anyone XP users here try the new Windows Transformation pack yet? It looks really sweet with the Aero Theme, matches the bezel of the Sceptre perfectly! Check it...
http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/7641/windowstransformationpackroxshomieqk1.jpg

Koui

08-27-06, 01:20 PM

hakujin

08-27-06, 03:19 PM

Vista transformation pack 5.0. Likey... now if only the successor to this would incorporate the windowing scheme, whereby windows can be cascaded in a 3d fashion, I don't seen any point in even entertaining the idea of Vista for awhile...

jesh

08-28-06, 02:36 PM

Can somone post pics of the tv with a SD feed I would like to see how bad/good it looks..
Thanks

lightpants

08-30-06, 10:24 AM

Anyone can confirm the lastest firmware version ?

I received my set 7/17/06
The firmware on the debug screen says
06/06/01

I have been happy with it for the past month - I use it with windows media center edition for sd tv and the QAM tuner for hdtv.
I sit about 15 feet away and sd tv is ok at that distance.

Dzotx

08-30-06, 09:39 PM

Can somone post pics of the tv with a SD feed I would like to see how bad/good it looks..
ThanksThe SD quality on the X37SV-Naga really depends on the source of your SD. I hooked my Dishnetwork Satellite receiver to my HK 635 AVR using component to the LCD and SD looks pretty good.... Especially if you sit beyond 10 feet. I recently subscribed to Dish HD package and watching HD on it looks awesome. I haven't gotten an HDMI cable yet... so don't know how directly HDMI will look from sat receiver to TV.

jesh

08-31-06, 01:14 AM

Thanks
I am torn between this and the sharp 37 40du non 1080p which is like 200 more, i plan to watch tv and dvds more. I dont see myself really hooking up a computer to this.... and i dont have blueray. I have digital cable so it might look good on this sceptere wish they had his instore to look at....

m1ck3ym0us3

08-31-06, 03:15 AM

the price is 1299 now at you know where...

hakujin

08-31-06, 06:22 PM

the price is 1299 now at you know where...

hmmm... that poses a serious ethical dilemma for me. To return or not to return, that is the question.

pas123

09-02-06, 06:25 PM

hmmm... that poses a serious ethical dilemma for me. To return or not to return, that is the question.

to return or not... decreasing price and C..... return policy a nice $500,00 back
I might just return it and then return the one when it will be $799,00 and return and return ..... when it's $499,00
You know what I will stick to mine as work fine...

samendolaro

09-02-06, 07:42 PM

I purchased a 32" Phillips last year when I was contracting in atlanta, figured I would use it as a PC monitor when I got back home.. Let me tell you, the Phillips as a TV is PERFECT!! but as a pc monitor it is the most horrible thing I have ever seen. Best I could get was 1176x664 (a compressed 1280x720) out of the stated 1366x768 or 1280x768. No one could help me, Phillips denied the problem existed after I showed them half a dozen people on the net with the same problem. I had used that TV as a TV for 4 months, storage 4 months and the past 3 months trying to get this issue resolved with Phillips to use as a pc monitor. Even bought a new graphics card thinking it was my fault.

I had no Idea about Cos*co's return policy until I complained to them about my situation warning them that the product doesn't do what it says it can do. After 11 months and 360 days they told me to just return it if I wasn't happy... Thats what I did today. Unbelieveable...

Then I had to choose between the Sony, Sharp or Scepter.
I will be using it 90% PC and 10% TV , Obviously I am posting here so I just put in my order, for the Naga.

Got myself a New 7900GT (because of my Phillips) and jsut picked up a 6600 Conroe. do I don't think I'll have any gaming problems at full resolution for a while.... Thanks everyone for their input...

apaiz

09-03-06, 11:05 PM

My remote just stopped working on my tv. Swapped out the batteries with some new ones and still no remote functionality.

I thought I read a thread on how to reset the remote and get it to work again.

Please help it's driving me absolutely nuts not having a remote.

Thanks,

AP

hakujin

09-04-06, 03:01 AM

to return or not... decreasing price and C..... return policy a nice $500,00 back
I might just return it and then return the one when it will be $799,00 and return and return ..... when it's $499,00
You know what I will stick to mine as work fine...

haha, great satrical, but I would only do something like that once, If I did... I'm sure more then that is going to create some red marks on my account...

It's not 500 though, it's 200 price difference. If it were 500, I wouldn't have a dilemma ;p

phixel

09-05-06, 01:16 AM

ekote

09-05-06, 07:57 PM

Drew77

09-05-06, 08:56 PM

So is this TV really worth it, Does the 1080p really work on this TV (Want to play PS3 on it when it comes out) Just let me know please because I found a pritty good deal on tigerdirect.

ekote

09-05-06, 08:56 PM

All I get with any digital input selected is a blue screen. I have contacted Sceptre and Panasonic and each points the finger at the other. I wouldn't be pursuing this any more but the return time limit on the Panasonic has passed.

The HDMI worked until I tried to record. I have tried two Panasonic ES45 units and a EH75 since the problem began. None of them have worked.

Damn, I just ordered that Panny EH75 from CC and was gonna pick up this Sceptre X37V-NAGA, but now I'm not so sure.
Also, with a QAM tuner and basic cable, should I be able to get HD channels?

Erkme73

09-05-06, 09:48 PM

Marc, there is no time limit with C*... I returned a 2 year old RPTV w/o box or manual. Just need receipt. No questions, full refund.

Quick question (didn't have time to read all 112 pages on this thread):

I've read several comments about the power save not working, but all I've seen references PC connected via HDMI. Has anyone tried it with the VGA 15-pin d-sub? Does it power off through that?

Thanks!

MrChris6

09-05-06, 10:26 PM

I've waded through most of this huge thread. I just received my Naga today, and I am a total HDTV/ general AV beginner. I am having problems hooking up my XBOX 360 to the Naga...The picture comes in great, I have it connected via VGA, but I do not know how to get sound to come through. Any help would be great...Where do I plug in the Red/White cables to get sound for my 360?

Thanks!

In Addition:
I remember reading in this thread users with 360's over VGA having problems with DVD pictures being off center...Any idea why this is happening? I noticed this also, and I am not sure how to resolve this. I adjusted the picture location, but I don't want this to have to be a routine.

Thanks

hakujin

09-05-06, 10:46 PM

Yo!

I've got a V1 Nagra that I bought from C* last august and up till now
I've used it via the composite video ports or using the OTA RF ports.

Yesterday I bought a Sony progressive scan DVD player with upconversion
and HDMI. When I tried it out I was surprised to find:

1 - No audio
2 - No resolution improvement dispite changing the DVD players output.

The set claims 480P at all times. Nothing that I seam to do with either the
Sony or the Scepter makes any difference. Is this a firmware issue?

Sadly I've had the set for more than a year now, so returning it for a refund
I am guessing is unlikely. I also didn't save the shipping boxes. But is it
worth trying to ship it back to Sceptre for upgrades? Or am I better off either
living with it or replacing it with something else and taking a loss?

help!

-Marc

Sounds like user error. This may sound silly, but are you using HDMI to even connect the thing? And are you running audio out from the tv to the player or TOSLINK (optical) from the dvd player to your receiver? You should see a noticeable improvement on DVDs which ironically put DVDs on par with a good SDTV and dvd player (imo). Plain jane dvd via composite inputs no less, looks miserable on this set. Heck, even component (non upscaling) dvd player looks horrible. The tv's internal scaler (like most I've experienced) isn't the greatest with SD content.

sledge1234

09-05-06, 11:13 PM

On VGA it acts the same as when on HDMI. Depends which revision of the set you have, but it is either a blue screen or a black screen with no signal sign.

Marc, there is no time limit with C*... I returned a 2 year old RPTV w/o box or manual. Just need receipt. No questions, full refund.

Quick question (didn't have time to read all 112 pages on this thread):

I've read several comments about the power save not working, but all I've seen references PC connected via HDMI. Has anyone tried it with the VGA 15-pin d-sub? Does it power off through that?

Thanks!

phixel

09-06-06, 12:40 AM

Sounds like user error. This may sound silly, but are you using HDMI to even connect the thing? And are you running audio out from the tv to the player or TOSLINK (optical) from the dvd player to your receiver? You should see a noticeable improvement on DVDs which ironically put DVDs on par with a good SDTV and dvd player (imo). Plain jane dvd via composite inputs no less, looks miserable on this set. Heck, even component (non upscaling) dvd player looks horrible. The tv's internal scaler (like most I've experienced) isn't the greatest with SD content.

The Sony is connected via the HDMI cable. I've run a separate audio cable from the analog audio out (R/L) of the Sony into the PC Audio Input as the manual said to do for HDBC operation. That works. Audio comes through, though not over the HDMI
Interface.

According to the revised Sceptre manual they sent me, Audio is supposed to be
xmited digitally over the HDMI cable "when the set is in HDMI mode, and not HDBC".

It doesn't work. Audio does not come over the HDMI cable on the V1 Nagra under any configuration.

As to the resolution. The Sony allows you to force the output to one of four resolutions: Automatic, 1920x1080i, 1280x720P, 720x480P. In all modes the
nagra V1 displays 480P in the upper corner OSD. The resolution does not appear to ever change. The image change would be quite noticable if it did. The Sony
also is always in "progressive" video mode while the HDMI cable is plug in. Efforts
to bypass it into normal interlace mode doesn't work.

So, as far as I can tell:

- The video is always in 480P mode (so it claims).
- Audio (digital) is never decoded or allowed over HDMI cable.

What I can't tell is it the Sony's fault, or the V1 Nagra, or both?

Given all the bugs associated with the Sceptre, I am siding with the Sony
not being the problem. :(

Comments?

-M

phixel

09-06-06, 12:50 AM

Quick question (didn't have time to read all 112 pages on this thread):

I've read several comments about the power save not working, but all I've seen references PC connected via HDMI. Has anyone tried it with the VGA 15-pin d-sub? Does it power off through that?

Thanks!

I tried it, but honestly I don't recall the unit ever going into E* mode frankly. but
then like I said I've got a V1 model, so who knows.

-Marc

MrChris6

09-06-06, 10:26 AM

hakujin

09-06-06, 10:28 AM

The Sony is connected via the HDMI cable. I've run a separate audio cable from the analog audio out (R/L) of the Sony into the PC Audio Input as the manual said to do for HDBC operation. That works. Audio comes through, though not over the HDMI
Interface.

According to the revised Sceptre manual they sent me, Audio is supposed to be
xmited digitally over the HDMI cable "when the set is in HDMI mode, and not HDBC".

It doesn't work. Audio does not come over the HDMI cable on the V1 Nagra under any configuration.

As to the resolution. The Sony allows you to force the output to one of four resolutions: Automatic, 1920x1080i, 1280x720P, 720x480P. In all modes the
nagra V1 displays 480P in the upper corner OSD. The resolution does not appear to ever change. The image change would be quite noticable if it did. The Sony
also is always in "progressive" video mode while the HDMI cable is plug in. Efforts
to bypass it into normal interlace mode doesn't work.

So, as far as I can tell:

- The video is always in 480P mode (so it claims).
- Audio (digital) is never decoded or allowed over HDMI cable.

What I can't tell is it the Sony's fault, or the V1 Nagra, or both?

Given all the bugs associated with the Sceptre, I am siding with the Sony
not being the problem. :(

Comments?

-M

Interesting...

when you say pc audio input you mean the 3.5mm pc input on the Sceptre right? So I take it you're running an adapter cable of sorts (stereo mini to left/right stereo)?

Anyway, I wasn't aware that the HDMI in the Sceptre was up to HDMI 1.1 (though I really wish it were 1.3). Can anyone else confirm that they can send audio via their HDMI to the tv from the dvd player, although there isn't any passthrough so you could only run the sound through the Sceptre speakers no?

On the resolution problem, it seems like the handshake isn't being done correctly between the two devices. Unfortunately, I don't have your set up as I'm using pc in dvi mode and the [digital] audio is going to a receiver

I'll assume you played with the settings somewhat in the Sony so... why don't you try purchasing a different brand upscaling dvd, see if it works or not, and then return it. Or you could return the Sceptre if you don't like it, but it sounds kind of like you want to work throught this, if possible.

I've had a problem of my own Sceptre owners, albeit a smaller one. It seems sometimes when I do a remote desktop to my sceptre or when I turn on the pc without the sceptre and wait a while, I'm unable to get signal going to tv until I reboot, seems to happen when the bios is loading. Anyone else experience this problem before?

EDIT: I was doing some research on the Sceptre HDMI spec but it was inconclusive... someone even stating that you need 1.3 for 1:1 1080p which can't be right can it (since I doubt this tv supports it)? So... is the Sceptre 1.2 HDMI? Inquriing minds want to know...

hakujin

09-06-06, 10:29 AM

lightpants

09-06-06, 10:46 AM

Just got my set in yesterday, ordered from Costco about a week ago...

new firmware version 06/05/30 20:00.

Don't have my hands on an Avia or DVE disc yet, and I was wondering if anyone could post their calibration settings for VGA. I am using an XBOX 360 on VGA and it looks good, but I just can't get my blacks right. I tried using a THX optimizer in the meantime, but that just isn't cutting it for me. Any suggestions would be great, thanks!

I received my set 7/17/06
The firmware on the debug screen says
06/06/01

If I go into the setup screen, where you can assign parental lock or favorite channels, the settings are never saved. Is anyone else having this problem?
One other thing I have noticed, the channel banner that displays the channel number dose not have any other information displayed such as show title or channel name.
I use the tv as a monitor 90% of the time, so I am not affected much by this, but wondered if anyone else was experiencing the same things.

MrChris6

09-06-06, 03:38 PM

hakujin

09-06-06, 04:23 PM

The VGA colors are vivid and great. DVD's look pretty fantastic upscaled through XBOX 360. I think one of the latest dashboard updates corrected the washed out colors via VGA for the most part. Games look good too, but i am still looking hard for some VGA settings that will maximize XBOX 360. I am a little frustrated with my calibration settings. My blacks are dark, maybe a little bit too dark.

Edit:

By the way, I found 3 stuck pixels on my monitor. I am willing to live with because they are not in the center, and they are darker (ie not white)

I don't know if there's a black level control via VGA but I don't think so. I use the HDMI2DVI cord and just use my PC as both a workstation and multimedia station. I've found black level adjustment almost a must in this LCD, especially in dark-scenery movies.

I'm suprised though, that DVDs look decent. I'm glad that works for you... There's been a lot of negative feedback on the 360 as a dvd player. Plus this LCD is plagued with an annoying contrast adjustment on most of the inputs (dunno if you've witnessed this yet) though it may not affect the VGA... for sure not HDMI, or DVI mode. I know there's been extensive posting relevant to this earlier in the thread.

OT, but...
I took my (360) back a few months ago to CostCo... wasn't really impressed by the lineup, so I figured I'd just hold out until there's more competition and things get real juicy... think I'll probably buy a Wii for sure though :)

hakujin

09-06-06, 04:28 PM

I received my set 7/17/06
The firmware on the debug screen says
06/06/01

If I go into the setup screen, where you can assign parental lock or favorite channels, the settings are never saved. Is anyone else having this problem?
One other thing I have noticed, the channel banner that displays the channel number dose not have any other information displayed such as show title or channel name.
I use the tv as a monitor 90% of the time, so I am not affected much by this, but wondered if anyone else was experiencing the same things.

depends on what button you press when exiting the menu system. Try hitting menu again, and it'll ask you to save to database. My favorites are in tact, but I've had that problem a couple of times, multiplying my frustration by the fact that the QAM/OTA tuner is so sloooww...

Yes, I've noticed on many channels lots of times, there is no show/time info captured which kinda of sucks. Not sure why. In my old zenith hd, it was coined XDS display (I think), which showed all the info. But I s'pose I don't expect too much without a cable box. Heck, I don't even have but basic cable (just the locals plus a few extras) but they're in HD. :)

Nocman418

09-06-06, 08:47 PM

It's been a while since I last posted. All the problems in the past were solved and this display has been a real treat to have. I watch HD programming over the QAM tuner ever night and I watch nearly one movie a day through my HTPC. However, after all these months, I am having another problem, but I don't think it's anything too serious. I just have no idea how to go about solving it. I am so thankful for these forums.

Two days ago I wanted to watch a movie through my HTPC (my laptop). Here are it's specs if this helps at all:

Dell XPS Gen 2
2gb ram
Nvidia 7800 Go GTX (official drivers)
Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS Notebook

When I want to watch a movie I go into the NVIDIA Control Panel, then display, then change display configuration. It recognizes the Sceptre display and I set it to single display so it only shows on the Sceptre and not both the laptop and the Sceptre. (It's on DVI of course)

Instead of Sceptre working normally -- the whole screen shakes! If I were to look at the Sceptre for more than 30 seconds I would probably get a migraine. I have no clue why it is doing this shaking.

I will post some pics (I don't know if this will help with anything, but I mine as well)

These first four images are just me on my laptop showing the steps on how I change over to the Sceptre display.

http://img216.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img1068qh1.jpg

http://img223.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img1063pw3.jpg

http://img465.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img1066rf4.jpg

http://img357.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img1067ys7.jpg

http://img234.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img1069bf8.jpg

(The shaking is in the above picture. I know it's difficult to notice in a screenshot, but you can kind of see if you look at the blurred text)

Drew77

09-07-06, 06:08 PM

I just ordered mine today from C*****. I can not wait to get it, THANKS to the AVS forums I have found a good tv only after looking for 3 months.

brnichols

09-07-06, 10:26 PM

We don't know (or at least those that know aren't talking) what happens to the sets that are returned. What we do know is that all of the sets ordered through Costco are shipped directly from Sceptre (to my knowledge, no one has reported differently). What this means is that it is Sceptre that is repackaging set for resale as new (if the reports are accurate). This does not leave Costco off the hook, since it has also been reported that they have been informed of this practice.

The best approach would be that those who have received what appear to be repackaged sets, contact Costco customer support to report this to their management. If Costco is "unaware" of this practice that is one thing, if Costco is condoning this practice, that is another issue entirely.

Mine was delivered yesterday from Costco and its definately a previously returned unit. Most of the cables are not bagged and tied together with the twist ties that come with garbage bags, the remote is scratched with greasy finger prints on it, the screen protector it ships with was held on by masking tape and it's apparently one of the older units with the green power light.

Needless to say its going back. Now I have to decide if I try again and hope for a new one or get something else.

Canky

09-08-06, 10:43 AM

Hey guys need some help, before i decide to return this thing.

Received it yesterday and the screw part of the tv tuner is missing plus one of the screw parts for the vga. Plus the styrofoam holding the monitor in the box was broken, kind of amazing that a company isnt putting any attention to quality...but oh well as long as it works.

-Problem: I've installed mine to my pc, using Nvidia Geforce 6800 through the dvi/hdmi port.
Set the resolution to 1920 by 1080, yet it cuts about an inch from the top, bottom, and left and right of the screen. I messed with it for over 2 hours but couldnt get anything to work.

Please if anyone knows how to fix this please help. If I cant get this to work I think I'm returning the set next week.

On a note I did get the screen to work with half life 2, on 1920 by 1080..and it was pretty amazing. But as it its a pain in the ass to navigate through windows without the outer sides of the screen.

Thanks.

Polypro

09-08-06, 03:31 PM

Just to clarify: You are in DVI mode? Pressing the PC button cycles through DTV, HDMI, HDCP, and *DVI* modes.

P

benben83

09-09-06, 11:08 AM

I plugged the included HDMI cable to the monitor coming from my HD-DVR and the picture is great--except there's no sound. Do I have to purchase a different cable for audio?

hakujin

09-09-06, 12:43 PM

Alright... this is getting really annoying! I may have a real reason to take this tv back. Anybody have a prolem with 'color temp' continually resetting itself to high vice user? Everytime I go in to change black level in DVI mode, it's whited out and I have to change color temp back to user.

Polypro

09-09-06, 02:23 PM

hakujin

09-09-06, 04:50 PM

...His previous review of our set. In the Sept 5th Extreme Tech Podcast, he mentions that he didn't properly review when attached to a PC, and that he should have been in DVI mode. He still pans the set somewhat. We can thank a regular contributor to this thread for "schooling" him up :)

P

Robert Heron shouldn't be licensed to review a toaster.

Polypro or Donsev (or other long timers of this thread); any of you have the problem I just described?

donsev

09-09-06, 05:53 PM

Canky

09-09-06, 11:05 PM

hey Poly thanks man...works now..just blurry as screen seems to be jittering a bit..

in hdmi mode on the other hand, it is smooth and clear. Any advice on this or is this a comprimise to see the full screen?

thanks again for help poly.

wktaylor

09-10-06, 10:30 AM

For a PC connected with the hdmi connector to DVI, you will want to have the tv set to DVI mode. One more click over and you should have 1:1 pixel mapping as long as you have your graphics card set to 1920*1080 at 60hz.

Polypro

09-10-06, 01:07 PM

Hakujin: I've never had the Color Temp at anything but "User", as I like to adjust the R, G, and B settings individually, using my GetGray Calibration Disk.

Cranky: You should have a perfect desktop in DVI mode...the only thing I can think of is that somehow "Interlaced" is checked somewhere in your VGA Drivers. With NVIDIA, it's in the "Advanced Timing" section. Don't know about ATI.

I have a v2 w/original firmware, so YMMV compared to my setup.

P

donsev

09-11-06, 10:40 AM

...His previous review of our set. In the Sept 5th Extreme Tech Podcast, he mentions that he didn't properly review when attached to a PC, and that he should have been in DVI mode. He still pans the set somewhat.

P

I am glad that he is acknowledging the "defective" review but I wish he would obtain the set again and completely re-do the analysis and summary.

His main issues with the set were it's PC based PQ (yes, it helps to use the correct DVI setting) and the set's color accuracy. But many users have reported that they were able to obtain accurate color rendering and some have even used hardware diagnostic tools (Spyders, etc) with good results. At the same time, obviously, there are users who have been disappointed with the set's PQ and it would be helpful to answer the question as to whether this is reflective of a defective set or simply unfamiliarity with the set's somewhat obscure picture controls.

In addition, I believe that his comparative summation misses the primary focus of this set. Yes it would be nice if the built in tuners (both NTSC and ATSC) and YPbPr input had the greater granularity of control that the DVI and VGA-PC inputs offer (separate R, G, and B Gain control), but having the built-in tuners themselves are bonuses. The Sceptre offers a comparable set to the Westy 37"/42", at a lower price, and includes the tuners (for "free" if you will). And for the Westy, you can only adjust the R,G,B Gain controls via "unofficial" access to the Service Menu. (Now, if only we could find access to the Sceptre Service Menu!)

Considering these issues, I believe that he is missing the tremendous value for those looking to use the set with HTPCs or HDMI/DVI equipped cable boxes etc, while focusing on the set's shortcomings as a standalone TV.

samendolaro

09-12-06, 12:47 PM

DouglasteR

09-12-06, 02:50 PM

Received my set today...

Opened the box ... Foam all broken, plastic bag ripped and screen protector held on by a piece of a band-aid. I am not even taking it out of the box. As soon as I get home from work it gets driven to co*tco.. Band-aid and all....

Not Sure if I am going to bother to try again..

OMFG !! :eek:

Its a shame to Costco to ship this kind of product, the Sceptre for itself sell it perfect, but refurbished units are common, they are simply trying to sell a refurbished by a new one to you !! Just exchange it for another !! :mad:

Good luck, i hope mine dont come like that, i bought from Newegg ! :o

ekote

09-12-06, 11:52 PM

OMFG !! :eek:

Its a shame to Costco to ship this kind of product, the Sceptre for itself sell it perfect, but refurbished units are common, they are simply trying to sell a refurbished by a new one to you !! Just exchange it for another !! :mad:

Good luck, i hope mine dont come like that, i bought from Newegg ! :o

Yeah, but Newegg's return policy doesn't even sniff C*stco.
What happens when you have 5 dead pixels next year? You're stuck with it.

samendolaro

09-13-06, 08:17 AM

Going for round 2-
That $1299 is still active so hopefully all the crap is out of the warehouse by now.

If Costco wants to keep spending money on shipping I will help them out.

If this does not work out or there are pixel problems I will wait until Costco has another 1080P brand (non sharp) under 1000.

phixel

09-13-06, 03:05 PM

I plugged the included HDMI cable to the monitor coming from my HD-DVR and the picture is great--except there's no sound. Do I have to purchase a different cable for audio?

Yep same problem I have, even though the (revised) manual states that audio
is sent digitally through the HDMI cable in HDMI mode. If you are using HDBC
mode the audio must come through the "pc audio in" port (analog).

I think it's another design screw-up with this set. I am not happy. If it wasn't
for the fact it's a true 1920x1080 LCD, I would have returned it by now. Actually
if it wasn't a true 1920x1080 I would have never bought it in the first place.

:mad:

-marc

hakujin

09-13-06, 06:38 PM

Yep same problem I have, even though the (revised) manual states that audio
is sent digitally through the HDMI cable in HDMI mode. If you are using HDBC
mode the audio must come through the "pc audio in" port (analog).

I think it's another design screw-up with this set. I am not happy. If it wasn't
for the fact it's a true 1920x1080 LCD, I would have returned it by now. Actually
if it wasn't a true 1920x1080 I would have never bought it in the first place.

:mad:

-marc

Do you mean HDCP mode? How could that be though... I thought that input would be for standalones with media that must have the image constraint token on. Obviously, a HD-DVD or BluRay player probably won't have a pc audio out. That can't be so... but I'd love to know what HDMI spec this set has.

phixel

09-14-06, 03:03 PM

Do you mean HDCP mode? How could that be though... I thought that input would be for standalones with media that must have the image constraint token on. Obviously, a HD-DVD or BluRay player probably won't have a pc audio out. That can't be so... but I'd love to know what HDMI spec this set has.

Yes, I meant HDCP mode. All I can tell you is that in HDMI mode, no audio is
present. In HDCP mode I can get audio, but only by using an RCA to stereo mini
jack cable to hook the PC audio in to the line out on the DVD player.

If audio data is supposed to be coming over the HDMI interface while in HDMI
mode, then it doesn't work - at least not in my V1 nagra. I doubt Sony would
have disabled the ability on thier DVD player as it's a recent model and they
don't have the reputation Sceptre appears to have for product quality. ;-)

I'd just like to hear from one person who has a Nagra V1 with an HDMI DVD
player with audio that works over HDMI. As far as I can tell, it doesn't.

-M

hakujin

09-14-06, 11:47 PM

Yes, I meant HDCP mode. All I can tell you is that in HDMI mode, no audio is
present. In HDCP mode I can get audio, but only by using an RCA to stereo mini
jack cable to hook the PC audio in to the line out on the DVD player.

If audio data is supposed to be coming over the HDMI interface while in HDMI
mode, then it doesn't work - at least not in my V1 nagra. I doubt Sony would
have disabled the ability on thier DVD player as it's a recent model and they
don't have the reputation Sceptre appears to have for product quality. ;-)

I'd just like to hear from one person who has a Nagra V1 with an HDMI DVD
player with audio that works over HDMI. As far as I can tell, it doesn't.

-M

sorry I can't diagnose. I don't have a hdmi dvd player, nor a v1 set, though this set (well, my set; dunno about v1) doesn't even have a digital out or passthrough, so HDMI audio's worth when doownsample to stereo audio is really neglible IMO. Also, I doubt this HDMI interface has the 1.3 spec which in turn supports the uber high audio bitrates which again would be worth next to nothing, being downsampled to stereo audio.

Totally in another realm now, but what they need to make is a receiver passthrough, whereby the hdmi feeds into a dolby true/dts-hd receiver, drops off the audio, and then shoots into the tv for video.

phixel

09-15-06, 01:06 AM

sorry I can't diagnose. I don't have a hdmi dvd player, nor a v1 set, though this set (well, my set; dunno about v1) doesn't even have a digital out or passthrough, so HDMI audio's worth when doownsample to stereo audio is really neglible IMO. Also, I doubt this HDMI interface has the 1.3 spec which in turn supports the uber high audio bitrates which again would be worth next to nothing, being downsampled to stereo audio.

Totally in another realm now, but what they need to make is a receiver passthrough, whereby the hdmi feeds into a dolby true/dts-hd receiver, drops off the audio, and then shoots into the tv for video.

Yeah no worries. I took the unit back to Costco and got a full refund. I turned
right around and bought the Sony 40" unit they had. Wow, what a difference!
Menu's that work! Features that work! Manuals that are readable.

Only downside - it's a 1366x768 panel :(

Frankly it was worth it. I am tired of dealing with 3rd tier vendors like Sceptre.
they should stick to selling cheap PC monitors until they can take a lesson from
Sony on how to build a REAL television.

-Marc

hakujin

09-15-06, 10:37 PM

Yeah no worries. I took the unit back to Costco and got a full refund. I turned
right around and bought the Sony 40" unit they had. Wow, what a difference!
Menu's that work! Features that work! Manuals that are readable.

Only downside - it's a 1366x768 panel :(

Frankly it was worth it. I am tired of dealing with 3rd tier vendors like Sceptre.
they should stick to selling cheap PC monitors until they can take a lesson from
Sony on how to build a REAL television.

-Marc

ouch! I think I bear the trivial things for the price difference. Those sonys are highway robbery.

I don't spend too much time in the menus, never the manual, and I haven't seen a feature that doesn't work yet, though as I've already alluded to, a functional HDMI audio steam on this tv is worthless anyway unless there's a way to output it to a dolby true HD receiver or at least 5.1 setup. Though, I have ghetto tendencies and my big c membship expires in 2 months, so I may be tempted to do a exchange if that price goes south to under 4 digits. Shoot, who am I kidding... I'll do it in a hearbeat... but as it stands, two hundred aint worth it to me.

Drew77

09-16-06, 06:16 PM

I just got my TV today and all I can say is wow, Right out of the box everything works not 1 prob at all but if I ever do have a prob I can return to Co*tco anytime.

Drew77

09-16-06, 07:11 PM

Just a quick question do you need an antenna with this TV? There is ESPN HD and was wondering if you needed one.

Dave Kristol

09-17-06, 10:41 AM

Just a quick question do you need an antenna with this TV? There is ESPN HD and was wondering if you needed one.

ESPN is a cable station. An antenna wouldn't help you receive it.

Dave Kristol

Drew77

09-18-06, 07:11 PM

Thank you, Also I love the TV I have not had 1 prob at all nothing not 1 dead pix and it is just awsome. But I was looking for a good surround sound and was wondering what you guys think. I got one yesterday from Best Bu* and it was a sony and payed $450 and it was the biggest peice of crap I have ever bought. So how is panasonic and Pioneer? I was looking at the panosonic before but just wanted to know what you guys think? Thanks and please let me kknow going to return that Sony POS and get a nother brand, sony is just bery bad.

ekote

09-19-06, 09:20 PM

Does this thing have a built in QAM tuner?

DouglasteR

09-19-06, 11:26 PM

Does this thing have a built in QAM tuner?

In the newest versions yes !

vitalejo

09-20-06, 02:17 AM

If there is a thread already dedicated to Vizio 37" LCD vs. Sceptre 37" LCD, please let me know and post the link.

Otherwise, I understand a comparison may have been already posted in this huge thread a number of times but I cant possibly read through all 113 pages ;)

I have owned the Vizio 37" HD TV (manf date July 2006) for nearly 3 weeks. I am thinking of taking it back and getting the Sceptre model *IF* the 1000:1 contrast ratio delivers better PQ.

Is this is a bad decision? Vizio 37" is only 600:1 contrast ratio, it does not support 1080p, and it does not let you remove the speakers. The difference in price is minimal now so your replies are greatly appreciated :)

vitalejo

09-20-06, 02:18 AM

In the newest versions yes !

what is the model number or serial number for the most recent version? i dont want to hit the local C*st* store and bring home an outdated version. thanks.

DouglasteR

09-20-06, 11:45 AM

what is the model number or serial number for the most recent version? i dont want to hit the local C*st* store and bring home an outdated version. thanks.

Sorry i dont know, but i know that Newegg have the newest models whit the newest firmwares !!

hakujin

09-20-06, 11:59 AM

Sorry i dont know, but i know that Newegg have the newest models whit the newest firmwares !!

Is that based of only your personal experience? If Sceptre rebundles returns (which they do), it's probable to suggest you'd get a 'rotten' Newegg just as you might at the big C. Difference being, the big C will take it back, no questions asked.

I love NewEgg, but there's not way I'd ever buy a tv at an online store with no returns and no checking it out first. Especially this tv. I didn't have any problems with mine, but many here have.

DouglasteR

09-20-06, 01:47 PM

Is that based of only your personal experience? If Sceptre rebundles returns (which they do), it's probable to suggest you'd get a 'rotten' Newegg just as you might at the big C. Difference being, the big C will take it back, no questions asked.

I love NewEgg, but there's not way I'd ever buy a tv at an online store with no returns and no checking it out first. Especially this tv. I didn't have any problems with mine, but many here have.

I cant have a personal experience, because my unit still not whit me yet ! But the guys at Newegg said that they only accept perfect units, in perfects conditions ( which are verified ) .

Besides, a friend of mine that live in US open the box and tested it for me, just like i expect, it have the last firmware V3 QAM and perfect Foam + packing ! Just like i wanted. I had nightmares whit those pics of the shipping box scattered and beated ! :(

In the time that i bought mine, Costco was sending a lot of "refurbished" units, but Newegg dont, thats why i preffer trust in Newegg than Costco, because anyway, i live in Brazil, and the excelent Costco return dont matter for me :(

By the way Hakujin, where are those pics that you promise me :D ?

Hehe ! Next week i will be whit mine ! I cant wait :o

hakujin

09-20-06, 02:57 PM

I cant have a personal experience, because my unit still not whit me yet ! But the guys at Newegg said that they only accept perfect units, in perfects conditions ( which are verified ) .

Besides, a friend of mine that live in US open the box and tested it for me, just like i expect, it have the last firmware V3 QAM and perfect Foam + packing ! Just like i wanted. I had nightmares whit those pics of the shipping box scattered and beated ! :(

In the time that i bought mine, Costco was sending a lot of "refurbished" units, but Newegg dont, thats why i preffer trust in Newegg than Costco, because anyway, i live in Brazil, and the excelent Costco return dont matter for me :(

By the way Hakujin, where are those pics that you promise me :D ?

Hehe ! Next week i will be whit mine ! I cant wait :o

Hmmm... still not convincing enough to me. I bet you there are some people out there w/ refurbished units sold as new since it's the ghetto manufacturer (ala Sceptre) doing it (or maybe it's CostCo, who knows). But really hard to say since 80% or more people here are probably buying from CostCo because of the security of defective purchase in the return policy so I think it's a unfair comparison. But yeah, if there's no CostCo, what would be the point... I actually don't think I'm going to renew there anyway. But if my unit breaks breaks down between now and the expiration of 1 year limited warranty, back it goes.

I didn't promise you any more pictures. :p

DouglasteR

09-21-06, 10:53 AM

I didn't promise you any more pictures. :p

But you can post some more anyway :D :p !

Quatre

09-25-06, 05:57 PM

my brother has the 37" sceptre 1080p lcd and it does look bright and amazing on HD chans and even a burned dvd movie of FF 7 Advent Children played from his computer dvd rom connected to the set.

I find it amazing that Samsung is just releasing 1080p flat panel lcds now to the major chain stores and Sceptre has had this for some time.

I think he may have gotten from new egg, but I didn't realize costco has this model?

I am actually interested in the Sceptre X42GV-Naga 42" LCD TV but didn't see a thread for it and seems like this thread is kind of for both.

does Costco have the 42"?
how much?

[EDIT]

also I thought Costco doesn't ship but sounds like some ppl had it shipped. maybe just larger sets like DLPs they dont us i was looking at the samsung hsl-6767 dlp and other ppl on here said you had to pick it up so maybe thats it. if they do ship these flat lcds that is a bonus but might not be worth shipping unless none of the costcos near me have it.

so do they have the 42"?

Quatre

09-25-06, 06:05 PM

tiger direct has it [EDIt]

Quatre

09-26-06, 12:07 AM

[EDIT]

anyway i saw it at costco online. i guess they do ship these smaller flat panels but just not the larger non flat tvs.

what does everyone think about the separate connections box with the 42" sceptre?

might be good for my purposes mounting on a floating mount stand with shelves below for components. i mean only 2 shelves and already a game system and cable box but can prob stack 2 of them or possible side by side on wider lower shelf plus the stand does have a column in middle to hide cables but its not enough for the thick comonent cables though would hope to connect this with hdmi cable box and only have it cus current tv in the spot doesn't have a tuner so need it but will prob get to keep it cus i think its free since we pay for 2 other hd dvr boxes

point is it might keep the cables from hanging down from the tv that dont fit in the cable hiding column but overall the connection box setup is better for wall mount which isn't ideal for my use in home office for this set and i want to make use of the floating mount stand i have.

Am glad the 42" has the speaker below though to save room on the width so that works for me where as the 37 has them on side. had to take speakers off my 42" plasma that this 42 sceptre would replace so it would fit so the sceptre is perfect. 42 was a little big for the space but now kinda used to it and wouldn't want to go down when replacing it.

perfect for home office tv to connect pc to though cable from pc to tv will be a stretch or have to get a long one to go around room. will be great to try some 1080p hd wma content from pc though i haven't looked into how to get any 1080p content online. and seems like it will be good for gaming like xbox probable futre 360 though no really 1080p games on that yet i dont think, but they are coming out with a new version with hddvd player, so will either get that or getting laptop with hddvd rom so will try hddvd movies on it. prob get the laptop as its something we dont have and need and if the hddvd rom is good enough wont have to get the hd dvd player i was going to. can move the laptop around to connect to diff tvs and for eventual 1080p in main room.

and later if i possibly get a ps3, the 1080p of the sceptre will get put to use with that in the home office/gaming room at least for the games that are 1080p. point is i thought i should get 1080p in main room first but since there isn't much content yet i figure i will have more use for 1080p for now in office/gaming room and want to sell the tv there this would replace. would def rather watch hddvd movies in main tv room but am mostly going to be experimenting with that anyway using hddvd rom of new possible lapop anyway so is fine.

Just want to know what any owners of the 42'' think of it the connections box that it needs/uses. How does it compare to the 37" sceptre, same pros cons?

how is it for console gaming? as good as samsung 1080p flat lcds with dedicated gaming modes?

hakujin

09-26-06, 07:08 PM

Lots O' questions, I don't know where to begin :)

First, you can ONLY buy the Naga online. CostCo doesn't sell them in store. Also, I think there's a thread for the 42".

The only reason I didn't purchase the 42" was because of the external ATSC box. AFAIK, it utilizes a proprietary Sceptre port exclusively for this TV. So I don't think you can use the tuner box for a different tv (though I could be mistaken; haven't done my homework, just remember overhearing). Anyway, I don't personally prefer the box because I want less clutter laying around. I think the 37" and 42" are identical quality wise though. I can't compare the Samsung, but I feel the Sceptre Naga is excellent for console gaming, even better for PC gaming both for native higher res plus since one can use the HDMI [non-dynamic contrast] input.

Speakers are a non-issue on the 37", they can be unattached and left in the box in favor of a stereo/home multimedia setup which is probably what most here do. It gives me chance to put my PC's onboard TOSLink to good use.

Loads of Quicktime 1080p trailers and various video based 1080i content on the net which is identical. The most important use of 1080p to most here is exact 1:1 pixel mapping as a PC display.

IMO, I wouldn't put a high vote of confidence in the newest gen optical medias just yet, for a quite a few reasons, not the least of which is many film transfers have been pretty lousy. I recommend you read some of the reviews before you plunk down the cash.

That being said, I think I recently saw the notebook you're looking for [on engadget], set to debut with a pretty impressive spec sheet, which includes HDCP support, a beefy video card and a HD-DVD player. Though, looking for a direct link just now, I came across a new competing format 'VMD', said to incorporate the DVD, HD-DVD, and Blu-Ray format, all into one disk. Then there's the holographic disks... ahhh, so many optical buzzwords these days. I think I'll be content w/ transport stream files (until ICT mucks that up), and uber-capacity hard drives for at least another year to come.

Stay tuned for the format wars, to be continued after this commercial break... ;)

Quatre

09-27-06, 04:13 AM

this one?

Velocity Micro launches NoteMagix L80x Ultra in Best Buy

Posted Sep 26th 2006 7:40PM by Darren Murph
Filed under: Gaming, Laptops
While you might not be exactly keen on waltzing into your local Best Buy for gadgetry purchases (for various reasons), Velocity Micro is going all in, hoping that millions of others just might. The gaming-centric boutique is unveiling its latest NoteMagix offering -- dubbed the L80x Ultra -- in select Best Buys today in favor of its own website. Pumping up the specs from the plain ole L80, the 6.5-pound L80x Ultra reportedly packs a 15.4-inch LCD, 2.0GHz T7200 Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB of RAM, 100GB hard drive, nVidia GeForce Go 7600GS graphics, an integrated webcam, and a fingerprint scanner. While elaborate details concerning the wireless suite, host of ports, and collection of stickers you can expect to find on the palm rests aren't currently available, we do know that it'll set you back $1,999 -- if you manage to dodge that additional "protection plan," of course.

Quatre

09-27-06, 04:16 AM

or this one? cus that one above didn't seem to have an hddvd drive

Asus is putting its money where its HD DVD slot is, adding the swanky optical drive to its new line of W2 laptops with its latest addition, the W2P. Building on the previous W2J model, this slick little number packs HDCP support, HDMI out, an ATI Mobility Radeon X1700 chip, a hybrid analog / digital TV tuner, built-in Dolby surround sound, three-flavor WiFi, Bluetooth 2.0, up to 2GB of SDRAM and "a range of" Merom Core 2 Duo chips including both 4MB L2 and 2MB L2 cache versions. Unfortunately, we've got zero intel on pricing or availability for now, but we'll keep you updated on this multimedia powerhouse as more deets emerge.

Quatre

09-27-06, 04:17 AM

anyway i'm already going to be ordering a Dell today. is just nice how you can customize and upgrade what you choose where as most your stuck with whatever it has even its too little or too much in some specs.

Quatre

09-27-06, 05:03 AM

Asus is preparing to update its W2 mobile multimedia notebook, equipping the new machine not only with a range of Core 2 Duo mobile microprocessors but also ATI's new Mobility Radeon X1700 chip and an HD DVD drive with HDMI output.

Called the W2P, the new machine builds on the W2J announced by Asus earlier this year. According to the W2P's specifications - seen by Reg Hardware - the 3.3kg, 39.5 x 29 x 3.5cm colossus will sport a WUXGA 1,920 x 1,200 display driven by the ATI GPU, which is connected to 256MB of GDDR 3 video memory. If that's not enough, the W2P can feed an HD TV through is HDMI port. The machine has on-board HDCP support.

thats what i'm talking about! but too bad i can't wait for that to come out to get a laptop as we need one sooner and it will prob be spensive.

has me thinking of downgrading the specs of the Dell though so i can give that off to the wife and get the ASus. in fact i may just want to get another Asus laptop for now anyway as they make the nicest looking ones nad read they make the laptops for apple and sony which are best looking.

funtownarcade

09-27-06, 03:36 PM

Does anyone have a Moxi DVR and this TV? I can't get a code to control the tvs audio, I tried all the sony ones and only get the power button and sometimes the mute button to work. I'm probably just going to have to get a harmony

superdss

09-30-06, 04:10 AM

ok, I just got one of these. Pretty awesome TV, BUT:

I cannot for the life of me get anything to come up for OTA HDTV. I tried every single possible permutation in the menus, 2 different antennas, random cables, even my finger as an antenna. Nothing. Always getting 0% signal along with the annoying "weak signal" message every freakin time.

Question: I should get some kind of signal? Even when nothing is connected to the ATSC ? Like even a wire hanger should get something right? Well I get absolutely nothing. Zippo, zilch, squat.

Looks like I will have to return this. Is this a common problem?

Any thoughts appreciated. I'm very frustrated (going on 3 hours with this problem).

edical

09-30-06, 05:52 PM

Hey guys, got this tv last week and everythings been running fine, untill 2 days ago. Ive been using the tv as a 2nd monitor over dvi and now the tv is just blank and displays No Signal...i dunno what happened??
The computer can still read that the Naga is still connected but the tv is just blank...
Any know whats up?

-superdss: have you tried a hdtv antenna with an amplifier? and i dont think hd signals are like regular tv where a wire hanger gets you a signal...

superdss

09-30-06, 06:15 PM

Yes, I have tried a RCA amplified antenna and a terk hdtvi antenna. No matter what I do, I get "weak signal" ALL the time. I have not seen anything beyond that, ever.

I have even went into debug mode and did a "restore all".

I live in the heart of the SF bay area, so there must be HDTV signals all over here.

Frustrating, because everything else is hooked up and works great, especially the DVI to HDMI, it's very sweet. Now I have to pack it up and return it.

I have wasted 5 hours on this already, oh well.

thanks!

-superdss: have you tried a hdtv antenna with an amplifier? and i dont think hd signals are like regular tv where a wire hanger gets you a signal...

Dave Kristol

09-30-06, 09:15 PM

Yes, I have tried a RCA amplified antenna and a terk hdtvi antenna. No matter what I do, I get "weak signal" ALL the time. I have not seen anything beyond that, ever.

I have even went into debug mode and did a "restore all".

I live in the heart of the SF bay area, so there must be HDTV signals all over here.

Frustrating, because everything else is hooked up and works great, especially the DVI to HDMI, it's very sweet. Now I have to pack it up and return it.

I have wasted 5 hours on this already, oh well.

thanks!

Just to check the obvious: Did you plug your antenna input into the ATSC connector on the TV, not the NTSC connector? It's the one on the right as you face the back of the set.

Dave Kristol

superdss

10-01-06, 12:57 AM

Definitely using the ATSC port :)
thanks!
andy

Just to check the obvious: Did you plug your antenna input into the ATSC connector on the TV, not the NTSC connector? It's the one on the right as you face the back of the set.

Dave Kristol

Dave Kristol

10-01-06, 11:57 AM

Definitely using the ATSC port :)
thanks!
andy

Next obvious question: Did you select OTA from the menu and let the TV do an Auto Scan?

Dave Kristol

superdss

10-01-06, 12:45 PM

Do you mean DTV, then Air? If so, Yes :)

Next obvious question: Did you select OTA from the menu and let the TV do an Auto Scan?

Dave Kristol

superdss

10-01-06, 12:48 PM

The TV is supposed to do an Auto Scan by itself? I've never seen it do that. It Always always always says "weak signal"

Next obvious question: Did you select OTA from the menu and let the TV do an Auto Scan?

Dave Kristol

Dave Kristol

10-01-06, 04:52 PM

The TV is supposed to do an Auto Scan by itself? I've never seen it do that. It Always always always says "weak signal"

1) Select DTV.
2) Select Menu.
3) Move to the TV icon. (For me, press left arrow.) The text says "Enter Sub-Menu". Press Enter.
4) You should see four items at the top, and Channel should be highlighted. Use the down-arrow to move to Auto Scan and press Enter.
5) You should have four items to select from: Air, Cable STD, Cable HRC, Cable IRC, with Air highlighted. (If not, use left/right arrows to get there.) "Air" is, of course, over-the-air.
6) Press Enter to begin scan.

The TV should step through all the OTA channels and identify which ones you can receive. As the scan proceeds, the TV will tell you how many channels it found.

An important thing to know is that the channel numbers you expect are likely different from the channel frequency assignments for HD. (For example, in my area, Ch.4, NBC, is on channel slot 28.) You should go to http://antennaweb.org to find out what the actual channels, frequency assignments, and best antenna pointing angle are for you.

Dave Kristol

superdss

10-01-06, 05:55 PM

Thanks, I can confidently say I've done that a hundred+ times. Always always always 0% signal, always always always 0 channels found, and always always always "weak signal".

You have confirmed that my tv is defective.
regards.

1) Select DTV.
2) Select Menu.
3) Move to the TV icon. (For me, press left arrow.) The text says "Enter Sub-Menu". Press Enter.
4) You should see four items at the top, and Channel should be highlighted. Use the down-arrow to move to Auto Scan and press Enter.
5) You should have four items to select from: Air, Cable STD, Cable HRC, Cable IRC, with Air highlighted. (If not, use left/right arrows to get there.) "Air" is, of course, over-the-air.
6) Press Enter to begin scan.

The TV should step through all the OTA channels and identify which ones you can receive. As the scan proceeds, the TV will tell you how many channels it found.

An important thing to know is that the channel numbers you expect are likely different from the channel frequency assignments for HD. (For example, in my area, Ch.4, NBC, is on channel slot 28.) You should go to http://antennaweb.org to find out what the actual channels, frequency assignments, and best antenna pointing angle are for you.

Dave Kristol

superdss

10-01-06, 06:04 PM

I think you mean the ATSC is the one on the left when facing the back. :)

Just to check the obvious: Did you plug your antenna input into the ATSC connector on the TV, not the NTSC connector? It's the one on the right as you face the back of the set.

Dave Kristol

superdss

10-01-06, 06:06 PM

You said "let the TV do..." which lead me to believe that the TV scans by itself, thus my followup question :)

Next obvious question: Did you select OTA from the menu and let the TV do an Auto Scan?

Dave Kristol

kingdragyn

10-01-06, 08:11 PM

I have this unit back order from CostCo like the rest of the world...but should be here in a week.

On the speaker connections for this unit, what style connectors are used (I am considering using them as a second set of fronts for my stereo)? RCA??

Also, one of the audio outs is a pair of RCA jacks, correct? Connecting it to an older tuner/reciever for audio.

Thanks in advance.
KingDragyn

DouglasteR

10-01-06, 08:20 PM

Hi my friends, im a bit concerned about the Sceptre durability, recently i saw the Sharp 37 1080p LCD and im really impressed, 6ms, 1,2k C.R and lot of other, im saying this because i have an 9 years old Sharp CRT TV which is perfect even today !!

Did Sceptre really have a good finish/durability ?!

Thanks for the help !

And i would be glad if someone post some pics :p

Dave Kristol

10-02-06, 08:12 AM

I think you mean the ATSC is the one on the left when facing the back. :)

Sorry, I was going from (faulty) memory. Apologies. Yes, ATSC on the left when facing the back.

Dave Kristol

Alphy

10-02-06, 08:55 AM

hakujin

10-02-06, 09:58 AM

Hey everyone, I've been following this thread for awhile now and it's really hard to get a firm stance on this unit. It's like people love it or hate it. I'm about to purchase a tv soon and I've got it pretty much pinned on this model. Before I take the plunge and spend a good percentage of my income as a poor college student, I was hoping I could get some final thoughts.

Overall, how is the picture quality coming from your computer to your Sceptre at 1920x1080? I live in a smaller apartment so I would be sitting about 8 feet away from the TV and it would be nice to use it as my primary computer monitor if possible (I would be connecting it via DVI). Is the clarity of the text acceptable? I do quite a bit of reading on my computer.

I have quite a few .ts's (transport streams) of my favorite TV shows stored on my computer which are in 1080i and was wondering what the playback of high definition content would looks like on the Scepter (from a computer). It would be awesome to see the content at 1920x1080 on such a large screen!

And finally, how is the off the air HDTV quality? I live rather close to the broadcasting stations so signal strength shouldn't be an issue but since I'm just a poor college student, I think the only HD I will be watching will be strictly over the air.

Thank you in advance, feel free to PM me any of your personal opinions on it.

I'd say based on what you want, you'd like this TV very much. I use my sceptre for pretty much the same thing. Monitor, playback of mpeg2 (1080i) and mpeg4 (xvid, h2.64). You're viewing distance might make it hard to stick with 1920 for 1080i for browsing. The picture is phenomenal but a bit hard to read, at least for me because of size,but text is crystal clear. I leave mine at 1280x720p for this purpose. No 5.1 over OTA or QAM if that's an issue. I think it would be nice but not a big deal. I was using OTA in my last place. Quality was excellent but reception was spotty. Now I'm using QAM off $10 comcast basic, and I get all HD locals, but the quality isn't quite OTA, likely due to compression. Still good though and no more fiddling with the antenna. HD tuner is slooow though. Definitely not for just flipping. Also the fact that comcast scrambles the channels around to different numbers while the OSD doesn't do work so wel (no channel info)l, it can be kind of a nuisance to remember what channel is CBS, ABC, NBC etc.. Probably best to write it down if you decide to go with cheapo cable. I'm a college student, but mainly just a cheap sob.

I think the biggest qualm folks have had deal with defective units. So it makes sense to buy from CC since you could take it back if such is the case.

I really like my set, but I wish I got it for cheaper, say 1299.00. The price of these things are going down so fast!

Alphy

10-02-06, 11:15 AM

I'd say based on what you want, you'd like this TV very much. I use my sceptre for pretty much the same thing. Monitor, playback of mpeg2 (1080i) and mpeg4 (xvid, h2.64). You're viewing distance might make it hard to stick with 1920 for 1080i for browsing. The picture is phenomenal but a bit hard to read, at least for me because of size,but text is crystal clear. I leave mine at 1280x720p for this purpose. No 5.1 over OTA or QAM if that's an issue. I think it would be nice but not a big deal. I was using OTA in my last place. Quality was excellent but reception was spotty. Now I'm using QAM off $10 comcast basic, and I get all HD locals, but the quality isn't quite OTA, likely due to compression. Still good though and no more fiddling with the antenna. HD tuner is slooow though. Definitely not for just flipping. Also the fact that comcast scrambles the channels around to different numbers while the OSD doesn't do work so wel (no channel info)l, it can be kind of a nuisance to remember what channel is CBS, ABC, NBC etc.. Probably best to write it down if you decide to go with cheapo cable. I'm a college student, but mainly just a cheap sob.

I think the biggest qualm folks have had deal with defective units. So it makes sense to buy from CC since you could take it back if such is the case.

I really like my set, but I wish I got it for cheaper, say 1299.00. The price of these things are going down so fast!

Hey, thanks for the reply. Sounds like we'd be using the set for the same purposes, ya. I would think if the text is crystal clear I would still use 1920x1080 but just increase text size via the program. How does that work out, have you tried that?

hakujin

10-03-06, 01:51 AM

Hey, thanks for the reply. Sounds like we'd be using the set for the same purposes, ya. I would think if the text is crystal clear I would still use 1920x1080 but just increase text size via the program. How does that work out, have you tried that?

Yeah, but still too small. Windows XP (unfortunately my browser of choice right now) wasn't built with the windows manager customizations in mind as OSX. Even if I increase the to large fonts for XP shell, there's still Firefox, where I have to manually increase the text size of each web page, sometimes making the styling not look as it was intended. Then there's the bigging gaping white space on both sides of many web pages. I forgot to mention the task bar too... so small.

Applications you said? I don't know of many that let you change the font, but maybe I haven't dug deep enough, of only because from my vantage pont, web browsing sucks at 1080p. I'm suppose if I sat closer it might be a different story. But the monitor is so huge, that perhaps I'd feel uncomfortable that way too.

720p works great for me needs for browsing. If I'm playing source media below 1080i, I just use WMP or VLC. If I'm playing 1080i, I prefer nVidia's nStant Media because it'll launch in 1080p for me. In case you don't know, it's bundled with the Nvidia PureVideo codec that facilitates .ts offload to GPU. That's about my two main purposes with this monitor. Oh, and gaming, although much less these days.

For schoolwork, I usually use my antiquated Dell C610 notebook (that still runs suprisingly well). I'm holding out for next year's Q1/Q2 MacBook.

For the bedroom, a 23" Syntax Olevia LCD equipped with a modified Xbox and XBMC for streaming content via a Buffalo wireless ethernet bridge.

Sorry if I've strayed... :)

Give the 1080p res a go for general purpose, maybe it'll work for ya. I'm hoping to get more general use out of it with my next OS upgrade (whether that be Ubuntu or OSX).

funtownarcade

10-03-06, 02:17 AM

i was wondering about what wide modes the x37sv supports? 4:3? full? zoom? native? 16:9? the last 1920x1080 LCD set i had (emprex 3701) wouldn't do the equivalent of zoom on letterbox'ed SD material, which i found unacceptable.
Same thing on this tv, truely outrageous.

Just a warning to anyone thinking about buying this TV, if you plan on watching anything on TV that is not in HD but still widescreen (Example, every HBO and Showtime channel except for two, and ALL on demand content) you can't view it at the proper aspect ratio!

DouglasteR

10-03-06, 09:05 AM

hakujin

10-03-06, 06:38 PM

Same thing on this tv, truely outrageous.

Just a warning to anyone thinking about buying this TV, if you plan on watching anything on TV that is not in HD but still widescreen (Example, every HBO and Showtime channel except for two, and ALL on demand content) you can't view it at the proper aspect ratio!

Do you mean to say 16:9 material letterboxed to 4:3 screen? Same crap George Lucas did with the lastest original Star Wars release; he used the 1992 LD and matted it for a 4:3 screen. Indeed, very fugly. But I wouldn't blame Sceptre for not zooming/pan and scanning the picture. Indeed, that's a very misleading statement that you put out. I watch plenty of 16x9 source stuff that's not HD and it fits perfectly. It is the broadcaster that is doing this to accomodate 4:3 tvs, not the TV. Perhaps this procedure will go away in time when everyone has a widescreen.

Is there nothing you can do with the cable box to accomplish what you seek to do though? Dunno, I'd like to help, but hardly a strike against this display if you ask me.

funtownarcade

10-03-06, 07:06 PM

Do you mean to say 16:9 material letterboxed to 4:3 screen? Same crap George Lucas did with the lastest original Star Wars release; he used the 1992 LD and matted it for a 4:3 screen. Indeed, very fugly. But I wouldn't blame Sceptre for not zooming/pan and scanning the picture. Indeed, that's a very misleading statement that you put out. I watch plenty of 16x9 source stuff that's not HD and it fits perfectly. It is the broadcaster that is doing this to accomodate 4:3 tvs, not the TV. Perhaps this procedure will go away in time when everyone has a widescreen.

Is there nothing you can do with the cable box to accomplish what you seek to do though? Dunno, I'd like to help, but hardly a strike against this display if you ask me.

You say you have watched 16:9 stuff that is not in HD that fits, was it on DVD? Most DVD players have aspect ratio settings, but most cable boxes you simply tell it if you have a standard or widescreen disply (such is the case with my MOXI box, which appears to be a pretty sophisticated reciever). So when anything not in HD that is 16:9 comes on, it is letterboxed on all four sides, so you would think the TV has an option to zoom in to this 16:9 picture, but it doesnt, when I activate the TVs zoom it sooms in way too far, and I can't see the top and bottom of the picture. If this isnt a problem for other cable boxes let me know and I'd happily get rid of mine, but I've used two so far and havent seen any advanced aspect ratio settings. To me, this is a HUGE problem, people spending money on HDTVs and cable are often the same ones that care about watching things in the right aspect ratio, I think its a major oversight on both cable companies and tv makers!? Or maybe as the other guy leads me to believe this is a problem with 1080p sets? I dont know, but whatever it is, there is no way right now I can watch widescreen shows unless I catch them when they are airing in HD, hopefully soon they will have on demand HD stuff, but for now thats how I catch up with Deadwood and Weeds and all those good shows.

daveyslc

10-03-06, 10:03 PM

I too have this "buzz" in the audio when using the computer....

I was getting this buzz. Well, more like a high-pitched ringing. Sceptre told me to package it up and send it to them.
My 13-year-old son solved it. He noticed it only happened when the pc was on. So he plugged the PC into a seperate power strip. Problem solved.

Good Luck,
David

P.S. Did someoe say use the dvi input instead of hdmi? When I choose dvi (under "source pc") I get a picture that is all red.

hakujin

10-03-06, 10:33 PM

You say you have watched 16:9 stuff that is not in HD that fits, was it on DVD? Most DVD players have aspect ratio settings, but most cable boxes you simply tell it if you have a standard or widescreen disply (such is the case with my MOXI box, which appears to be a pretty sophisticated reciever). So when anything not in HD that is 16:9 comes on, it is letterboxed on all four sides, so you would think the TV has an option to zoom in to this 16:9 picture, but it doesnt, when I activate the TVs zoom it sooms in way too far, and I can't see the top and bottom of the picture. If this isnt a problem for other cable boxes let me know and I'd happily get rid of mine, but I've used two so far and havent seen any advanced aspect ratio settings. To me, this is a HUGE problem, people spending money on HDTVs and cable are often the same ones that care about watching things in the right aspect ratio, I think its a major oversight on both cable companies and tv makers!? Or maybe as the other guy leads me to believe this is a problem with 1080p sets? I dont know, but whatever it is, there is no way right now I can watch widescreen shows unless I catch them when they are airing in HD, hopefully soon they will have on demand HD stuff, but for now thats how I catch up with Deadwood and Weeds and all those good shows.

The reason it's cropping portions of the screen is because of the zoom. There's really no nice or pretty (or I should say simple) way to view a 16:9 image matted in 4:3... would have to do post processing (vdub for example). Zooming on most , if not all widescreen tvs will both accentuate the picture flaws and likely crop portions. You're right, it is a problem, but I just wouldn't blame the TV manufacturer for not supporting what, correct me if I'm wrong folks, but cannot be supported in any real acceptable way. The pic will be degraded no matter what.

On DVDs though, I wouldn't mess with anything but the OAR (original aspect ratio). That is viewing the way the director intended it. Besides, using the DVD player crop/zoom filters will only lessen the quality of the picture. If you're watching a DVD that has bars on all 4 sides though, stop... and take the dvd back, because you bought the full screen 4:3 matted version designed to fit a regular 4:3 television screen.

jkLOLstfu

10-05-06, 01:48 PM

Anyone here plays DOTA ? I mean Defense Of The Ancients !? Its a Warcraft 3 Custom map, the mostly played map ever !!

Can someone get some pics of it on the Sceptre ?! I mean, the Warcraft 3 for itself displays 4:3 images ! Will it be streched ?! Or black bars ?!

I cant wait to play DOTA, HL2 Episode 1 and 2 on the Sceptre !! I CANT :(

:p
haha I do! I don't think there will be too many on this forum though. But anyway, I'm thinking about upgrading from my 24" dell to this and am a bit worried about something this big being on my desk. Ths seems like it would be way too big for the distance that I would be sitting at.

hakujin

10-05-06, 05:08 PM

Anyone here plays DOTA ? I mean Defense Of The Ancients !? Its a Warcraft 3 Custom map, the mostly played map ever !!

Can someone get some pics of it on the Sceptre ?! I mean, the Warcraft 3 for itself displays 4:3 images ! Will it be streched ?! Or black bars ?!

I cant wait to play DOTA, HL2 Episode 1 and 2 on the Sceptre !! I CANT :(
:p

Are you back on the fence now for this purchase (post #3415)? You've been waiting for a looong time on this one.

DouglasteR

10-05-06, 11:42 PM

Are you back on the fence now for this purchase (post #3415)? You've been waiting for a looong time on this one.

Yes i am, to bring the Sceptre to Brazil, i have payed 2x the price of itself, and it have been delayed since august, thanks to the marvel import law here in Brazil, I just called the Federal Import police and they said that my monitor would arrive 20 of august, them, 15 of september, them 5 of last month, and now "pehaps" 5 of november, which is my Birthday :mad:

Thats why i always ask for some good pics, i know that im trolling you and the others kind members of this great forum, and i apologize for all, but i cant forget the Sceptre and it never arrives here, sorry for the trouble, and thanks ! :o

hakujin

10-06-06, 12:52 AM

Yes i am, to bring the Sceptre to Brazil, i have payed 2x the price of itself, and it have been delayed since august, thanks to the marvel import law here in Brazil, I just called the Federal Import police and they said that my monitor would arrive 20 of august, them, 15 of september, them 5 of last month, and now "pehaps" 5 of november, which is my Birthday :mad:

Thats why i always ask for some good pics, i know that im trolling you and the others kind members of this great forum, and i apologize for all, but i cant forget the Sceptre and it never arrives here, sorry for the trouble, and thanks ! :o

Ouch! What a bummer. I hope you get it for your b-day buddy. :)

GasDoc

10-09-06, 09:15 AM

Quick Newbie question here. I just recently received my 37" NAGA and love it. However, I am unable to get any OTA HD channels, all i get is a weak signal message. I have tried to scan for channels through the menu and still get nada. I do not have an antennae or anything attached to the ATSC tuner, I thought since it had a built in tuner I should at least pick up something right. Or do I have to get an antennae? Sorry I know this is probably basic stuf, but I'm not very knowledgable about this HDTV stuff and would appreciate any & all input. BTW if I am in need of an HD antennae, what is a good starting point. I live in New Haven, CT. Thanks in advance for your replies.

Polypro

10-09-06, 10:54 AM

You'll need an antenna. The tuner just allows the *reception and display* of ATSC...the antenna pulls 'em in. For WTNH, they're on VHF...the rest are UHF. I went to *-Mart and got a small amplified indoor VHF/UHF that worked ok in Guilford. www.antennaweb.org for aiming and distances...get it as high as possible.

P

ghina

10-11-06, 10:08 PM

Frankly I've had it for almost 1 entire year. Lately, it would just turn off...entirely. I would have to unplug and then plug in the TV at the outlet, and it would come back. This happened repeatedly until there was no more power.

Now should I get a 42" Spectre or a 46" Vizio?

I like the idea of a 1080p, but really don't want to hassle with returning such a heavy item by mail. C**** is great on that account, so I could get either one.

What would you do?

Quatre

10-11-06, 11:31 PM

damn my bro has the 37 and he didn't get at costco. hes going to wish he did if it goes. perfect reason to pay a little more and get this type of tv at one of those stores. btw sams club has th same policy now to compete but not sure what 1080p lcd models they have but i dont thin they have sceptre.

might still get the 42" sceptre, but first looking for a 1080p larger then 60", prob a dlp and prob a samsung

pin-head

10-12-06, 01:39 PM

Is anyone aware of a scanned copy or online version of the manual anyplace? I just picked up a demo unit without a manual and have many questions. Thanks in advance.

Dave Kristol

10-13-06, 08:43 PM

Is anyone aware of a scanned copy or online version of the manual anyplace? I just picked up a demo unit without a manual and have many questions. Thanks in advance.

I don't know of any online version of the manual. But, if it's any consolation, the printed manual is damn near worthless and probably wouldn't answer your questions anyway. You might get answers here, though. :)

Dave Kristol

Drew77

10-14-06, 10:11 AM

Just wanted to say I had this TV for about a month now and it is just blown me away. The picture quality is just awsome and I have not had one prob yet wtih this tv. Reg TV is good people keep saying how bad it looks if you watching reg tv but it is not bad at all. But the HD part of the TV is WOW just looks so clear and good. And for the people that want to get the Over the Air HD, Dont get it, You never get a good clean signal and you get like 2-3 channels max. I play reg xbox and 360 and it works awsome great picture, NO GHOSTING AT ALL. So I just love this TV it has not had any probs and overall a kick a** TV. For people that want to buy this TV get it from Costco, You might pay 100-200 more but anything happens or you dont like it return it to any costco and get all and I mean all of your money back.

hakujin

10-15-06, 10:21 AM

You never get a good clean signal and you get like 2-3 channels max.

Sounds like you're having problems.

www.antennaweb.org

Maybe that will help. Some people get many locals, others get all. Depends on your antenna setup. I was using OTA before I switched to QAM and HD was better on OTA than QAM; a higher bitrate of the terrestrial towers I presume.

pin-head

10-16-06, 05:24 PM

I don't know of any online version of the manual. But, if it's any consolation, the printed manual is damn near worthless and probably wouldn't answer your questions anyway. You might get answers here, though. :)

Dave Kristol

Well, I'm not a home right now, but I do remember 2 things that have bugged me:

1. When I switch inputs, there is a display on the top left of the screen that says something like-
M: DTV 1080I
S: OFF
What are M & S? How and why would you want to turn S "on"?

2. I notice when changing inputs, there are two that appear quite similar. I probably don't have this 100% correct, but one says "YPbPr1" and the other says "YPbPr-VGA." What's the difference between the two and do they both use the component 1 input?

Thanks in advance for your help. I'm sure I'll have more questions when I get home.

Pin-Head

Dave Kristol

10-16-06, 11:11 PM

Well, I'm not a home right now, but I do remember 2 things that have bugged me:

1. When I switch inputs, there is a display on the top left of the screen that says something like-
M: DTV 1080I
S: OFF
What are M & S? How and why would you want to turn S "on"?

That's your picture-in-picture status. I'm not sure what the "official" explanation is for M & S, but M is your main screen, S is the secondary screen, the P-in-P. The PIP Source button on the remote will change the source for S. In the Swap box on the left of PIP, if you hit Video, that will swap what's being shown in M and S. Audio will swap whether you're listening to the audio for M or S.

2. I notice when changing inputs, there are two that appear quite similar. I probably don't have this 100% correct, but one says "YPbPr1" and the other says "YPbPr-VGA." What's the difference between the two and do they both use the component 1 input?

I'll defer to others for this one.

Dave Kristol

sirhc-

10-17-06, 03:35 PM

I ordered this tv in June and had no major problems with it, until today. When I switch to DTV it stays blue for a while, then turns green. When I get a dtv channel everything is in a green tone. All other inputs are working correctly except for DTV. My question is, has anyone had this problem and what was the solution, short of returning it back to sceptre? Because I'd rather just return it to costco and save myself the shipping cost to sceptre. Plus I threw away the original shipping box.

hakujin

10-17-06, 06:17 PM

2. I notice when changing inputs, there are two that appear quite similar. I probably don't have this 100% correct, but one says "YPbPr1" and the other says "YPbPr-VGA." What's the difference between the two and do they both use the component 1 input?

Pin-Head

YPbPr --> VGA means VGA over Component, similiar to the DVI over HDMI. It just means you can buy an adapter cable and it will recognize the signal of VGA (or DVI) over the specified input.

I also think it's another way to trick ya into thinking the TV has way more inputs then it actually does after you buy it.

hakujin

10-19-06, 01:32 PM

Neomoon

10-19-06, 03:35 PM

Man, this tv irritates me sometime. Do any of you Naga owners have this problem [as follows]?

You RDP into your PC from a different pc in your home. The PC you remote into is connected to your Naga. So you do some stuff for awhile, then exit, and try to get a picture back on the DVI input, after it's been on a different input for awhile (say NTSC tuner), and surpise... no connection, thus requiring a reboot. I tried CTRL-ALT-DELETE but am at a loss on this one. It seems the vid card isn't sending the KEEPALIVE (or what have you) signal to the Naga and it won't detect an active DVI connection until reboot.

Any ideas?

I used to have this issue with my machine, I think I still have it when I run Vista(Beta2). I think the issue is due to the driver used by your video card instead of the set itself. I can say that I have had this set for almost a year and the problem has happened to me before. However as mentioned I am no longer having this problem now.

Someone did create a small program that would send a wakeup signal to the monitor, that way you can put it on your desktop and create a hotkey shorcut on your keyboard for it. So if that does happen you simply press "Ctr+Alt+Del+(assigned key)" and the program runs and it sends a signal to the monitor and you get your input back. I don't recall what the program was called but I know it was uploaded with a .txt extension since the site dosen't allow .exe uploads. And correct me if I'm wrong I think the file was called GAMEON.txt

If you would like I can try to find it on my machine at home and email it to you.

hakujin

10-19-06, 07:12 PM

I used to have this issue with my machine, I think I still have it when I run Vista(Beta2). I think the issue is due to the driver used by your video card instead of the set itself. I can say that I have had this set for almost a year and the problem has happened to me before. However as mentioned I am no longer having this problem now.

Someone did create a small program that would send a wakeup signal to the monitor, that way you can put it on your desktop and create a hotkey shorcut on your keyboard for it. So if that does happen you simply press "Ctr+Alt+Del+(assigned key)" and the program runs and it sends a signal to the monitor and you get your input back. I don't recall what the program was called but I know it was uploaded with a .txt extension since the site dosen't allow .exe uploads. And correct me if I'm wrong I think the file was called GAMEON.txt

If you would like I can try to find it on my machine at home and email it to you.

Oh, that would be great! If you or anybody can share that, that will solve my problem. I think I remember people talking about it earlier in the thread but since I wasn't affected (at the time) I overlooked. I think the same thing happens to standby users.

UPDATE: Found it! Tried searching for .txt, GAMEON.txt, and screen initialization on this thread and nothing but junk... but tried google and found it on here. Page 76... off to see if it works. I could really use it right now.

hakujin

10-19-06, 07:50 PM

Got it working... I just assigned it to f10 on my logitech keyboard. Just curious... what utility are you using to assign hotkey?

Much props to the original poster for making this thing... I think it's pretty neat to see a problem and be able to just code something together to fix it... really cool. I figured it was just a batch file but I was wrong... understand pros and cons of different dev models but wouldn't know where to start with this one.

Neomoon

10-20-06, 03:25 AM

hakujin

10-20-06, 10:05 AM

No utility required to assign it a hotkey, simply right-click the *.exe and select "Properties" it will allow you to assign a shortcut key from there. Since I have a ATI Remote I simply assign it to one of the progammable buttons. Glad I could be of some help.

No way... I didn't know you could do that (in XP?). I don't have that .exe in front of me right now, but I tried a different one, and don't see anywhere from the properties menu whereby I can assign shortcut. Is that specific to that exe, or can you elaborate more if not? General, version, compatibility, security, summary, but not hotkey designation anywhere.

Polypro

10-20-06, 03:42 PM

If you create a shortcut, that will allow hot keys...CTRL+ALT or F Keys.

P

hakujin

10-20-06, 09:17 PM

If you create a shortcut, that will allow hot keys...CTRL+ALT or F Keys.

P

Thanks for the clarification... I see it now... Gosh, I feel like a dufus on this one. I've probably seen it a hundred times, but never though about it or used the functionality (within windows natively) until now... dank you :)

gdavisloop

10-21-06, 01:43 AM

hakujin

10-21-06, 10:12 AM

In response to the person who thought that zooming in is an imperfect solution for turning letterboxed programs into widescreen TV : Yes, it is an imperfect solution! The size usually doesn't match exactly, and all flaws in picture quality are greatly magnified.

However, it's still the best way (really the only way) to watch letterboxed shows on a widescreen set. So if this TV can't do that (and it's not the only one with this mode left off), it's really not suitable for watching most cable and TV channels... IMHO... you couldn't even watch public television with this thing...
--Gary
(I was so close to buying one!)

Fair enough. I see your point. But not suitable is grossly exaggerated. I have had basic cable (locals plus oxygen, fox news, spike, cspan 1, and 2) and can count with the fingers on one hand the times I've had to deal with letterboxed 4:3 shows. Divide that number by 2, and those are the channels that can't be remedied by simply flipping to the QAM (ATSC) equivalent and viewing the same channel in pristine HD. It's a NTSC input problem so ATSC wouldn't be affected. Not sure about composite if you have a cable box (that would be the only application of the problem right?). I would guess the box would need to have the feature.

To be fair, perhaps it affects other cable channels much more...

One solution could be if you had a pc laying around, a tuner card could be the answer. I have a ATI Wonder HD tuner card that I got a heck of a deal on coming in the mail!

Another alternative is to grab media off the net [legally]. Plenty of DVD - WS quality shows floating around... or is there ;) ?

I guess it's worth stating [again] that for the price and for the resolution that this thing brings, it's not really meant for the primary purpose of watching NTSC TV *movies*.

So I concede in that respect, but I differ in that I'm a tv watcher too, and am not phased by this lack of a feature; I'd never watch a letterbox movie on NTSC... heck, probably not even a full screen movie. If that sort of thing bothered me, buy a cheap-o tube tv, the way standard definition letterboxed movies are best viewed.

gdavisloop

10-21-06, 04:03 PM

hakujin

10-21-06, 04:54 PM

It's not just movies... many TV shows and concerts are presented in Letterbox.
And it's been pointed out, some popular DVD movies including the latest Star Wars releases and "2010" are formatted the same way. You might be happy with a tiny strip of picture in the middle of the screen and black bars on all four sides, but to me, that's a bummer...
--Gary

TV shows eh? I've never came across any letterboxed. Guess because they're all in HD (and the ones that aren't sourced HD are not 16x9 letterboxed). Concerts though huh? Eek... that's a bummer. I usually watch WTTW digital for that jazz, or purchase DVDs of the stuff I like.

For DVDs though?! No way I'd buy it. My advice is don't buy shoddy work on DVD. It's well known that Lucas did a hack job on those latest originals, much to the dismay of his loyalists. He took the 1993 CE laser discs (vice touching up the orignal masters) and threw them on DVD without any post processing. I have that exact same 1993 Collector's Ed LD on DVD, and it has proper AR, only bars are on the top and bottom (2.35:1) and it looks as good as they can possibly look without remastering the originals. I find it saddening (and truly pathetic on the director's part) when an consumer can do a better transfer of his work than he can.

But you see, it's a gimmick to turn a couple of quick bucks, because soon he'll release the proper; 'super duper' HD-DVD collection remastered in HD for the whole series.

Nevertheless, letterboxed 16x9 DVDs with no WS equivalent are truly an oddity and better avoided. You'd be hard pressed to find many more titles with no alternative present and I wouldn't buy it on sheer principle.

... But believe you me, I'm NOT SATISFIED with a tiny strip of picture! I'd never watch it and certainly never purchase it. Everything I watch is either native 1080i/720p HD, WS HD-Rip, WS upscaled DVD, or digital/analog full screen. At worst, bars on the left and right (which can be stretched to entire screen on this tv btw) but to be expected.

I guess you should buy a different tv, but my point is that to most here, that really isn't a concern, for many reasons and wouldn't be (at least to me) something I would even look at when buying a new TV.

EDIT: Just to add, I can't speak for the availability of non-letterboxed FS tv shows that are on standard cable or above, I'm purely talking about the stuff on Fox, CBS, ABC, NBC, CW. Is there a lot of letterboxed (FS) stuff on cable networks without an HD WS alternative?

Valence01

10-22-06, 07:05 PM

A quick note here, in case it hasn't already been covered. The later versions of the 37" Sceptre lack the optical S/PDIF connector that was present on the first version. It was of course, buried inside on the first version sets, but a few enterprising souls snaked it out and got full DD 5.1 sound. I was a bit disappointed after receiving my 37" Sceptre about 5 months ago and not finding the optical S/PDIF connector inside. Recently, the set started flaking out on me, audio dropouts at first and then picture breakup on ATSC only. NTSC tuner was fine, as were all the other input sources. So, I suspected a heat problem in the ATSC tuner. Disassembling the TV and removing the perforated metal shield over the ATSC tuner, revealed a place on the PCB for some sort of connector, that was right next to the mystery USB connector. Scratching my head for a bit, I traced out the circuit diagram and convinced myself that this was an S/PDIF coax output. I didn't spend long pondering what type of connector it should be, before I simply soldered wires right to the signal and ground traces on the PCB, connected it up to my HT receiver and it worked! I get full DD 5.1 sound. I kinda like the fact that it's not optical, since I always considered optical interconnects a bunch of over-priced nonsense. I'll post a picture of the PCB if necessary, but I suspect that I've already described it in enough detail, that those capable of executing this sort of mod, can do it already, while those needing a picture, probably shouldn't be soldering wires to a PCB deep inside a $1500 TV.

BTW, upon reassembly, I left off the perforated metal shield over the ATSC tuner and the heat issue is apparently gone. To be fair, I have the set mounted flush with the front edge of a shelf directly above it and an HT receiver directly below it. So, perhaps I'm pushing the temperature envelope there.

J.J.

hakujin

10-22-06, 10:34 PM

That's sweet! Post a pic :)

lightpants

10-23-06, 03:19 PM

Valence01

10-23-06, 10:32 PM

Well, I have to make at least 5 "dummy" posts, before this rocket science website will allow so much as a static link, no matter how much you munge it.

J.J.

Valence01

10-23-06, 10:33 PM

Sorry to waste the space, just to get to 5 posts. This makes 3

J.J.

Valence01

10-23-06, 10:33 PM

Now 4.

J.J.

Valence01

10-23-06, 10:33 PM

Now 5.

J.J.

Valence01

10-23-06, 10:36 PM

Against my better judgement:

http://home.pacbell.net/lgalvin/sceptrebottom.jpg

I'm not taking any blame for voided warranties, fried TVs, or anything else for that matter. Use this info at your own risk and consider how much you've paid for this info. It might be worth as much as that.

On a lighter note, I should point out one small anomally with this mod. You will still need two standard RCA plug cables for analog audio, when watching the NTSC tuner, in addition to a coax cable for the S/PDIF for DD 5.1 ATSC. Only ATSC/QAM audio is carried on the S/PDIF connection. This confuses the uninitiated to no end, since switching from ATSC with S/PDIF, to NTSC tuner, causes the picture to change, but the sound continues to come from the ATSC tuner on the last channel you were watching, until you manually switch your HT receiver to the analog input. I don't see any way around that, other than maybe an R/C macro.

J.J.

hakujin

10-24-06, 10:05 PM

anybody ever witness green dots completely covering the ATSC output display, sort of like, a matrix filter, if you will... you can see what's going on but it's ALL green dots.

changing the channel corrrected it, but now I'm wondering if it's an early warning sign of hardware failure.

pin-head

10-25-06, 01:33 PM

Valence01

10-25-06, 02:58 PM

Many thanks for the update w/picture. I have the same tuner as you and the standard sound out of the ATSC is pretty bad.

Any ideas what the USB port is for?

Pin-Head

If I had to guess, I'd say that it's for firmware updates. That is, new firmware residing on a USB memory stick, could be flashed. Exactly how it would work, I don't know, but there are several plausible scenarios. One, would have a small boot loader/flasher on the memory stick along with the new firmware. The boot loader/flasher could run automatically at power up. Alternatively, it could be that you'd have to enter a special service/setup menu, that has an option you could select for updating the firmware from a file residing on the memory stick. I am certain that this USB port is not for connecting to a computer, since it's the wrong type of connector to be a "device". This type of USB connector is only used by "hosts".

J.J.

LiquidX

10-26-06, 02:09 AM

lightpants

10-26-06, 08:29 AM

Can anyone recommend a good remote that can control the basic functions of this particular set? The included remote is absolute garbage IMO. The universal remote I own does not have Spectre listed as a supported company.

Unless of course, some other brands codes work?

Anywho, price is not an issue so please post any remote that you know of that will control it. Can anyone confirm if any of the Harmony remotes work with this set?

Thanks.

I have the Harmony 676, and it works great. website (http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/detailsharmony/US/EN,CRID=2084,CONTENTID=9511)
If you look around, you can find it for less then $100.

LiquidX

10-26-06, 03:10 PM

Hey, thanks for replying and the recommendation! I wish Logitech's site was a little more user friendly since I couldn't find any support information at all when I was trying to locate an adequate remote.

But thanks again for confirming it.

sled

11-01-06, 07:58 PM

I'm getting a shadow to the right when using this monitor in VGA 1920 x 1080. I tried adjusting all the settings, such as phase, etc. but nothing seemed to fix it. This is on a GeForce 6800 Go.

There is no such shadow when using a Radeon 9800 Pro DVI.

Any ideas? The VGA connection doesn't seem very secure but I tightened it as much as safely possible.

sledge1234

11-03-06, 04:07 PM

I have Harmony 659 and it works great as well.

I have the Harmony 676, and it works great. website (http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/detailsharmony/US/EN,CRID=2084,CONTENTID=9511)
If you look around, you can find it for less then $100.

funtownarcade

11-03-06, 05:16 PM

TV shows eh? I've never came across any letterboxed. Guess because they're all in HD (and the ones that aren't sourced HD are not 16x9 letterboxed). Concerts though huh? Eek... that's a bummer. I usually watch WTTW digital for that jazz, or purchase DVDs of the stuff I like.

There is a revolutionary (in my opinion) technology that my cable company has called on demand programing. Basically they archive every show on HBO, Showtime, etc., and you can watch them for free at any time you want. All of the shows and movies on here are I have seen are letterboxed (Weeds, and Deadwood is what I watch mainly, the two best shows on TV in my opinion). Its not un-watchable on this tv, but they look really bad with this zoom problem. :( I guess in the end, my 360 games look good enough that I still like the TV, but it just sucks knowing that they could have had a better zoom option that would fix this.

hakujin

11-03-06, 10:14 PM

There is a revolutionary (in my opinion) technology that my cable company has called on demand programing. Basically they archive every show on HBO, Showtime, etc., and you can watch them for free at any time you want. All of the shows and movies on here are I have seen are letterboxed (Weeds, and Deadwood is what I watch mainly, the two best shows on TV in my opinion). Its not un-watchable on this tv, but they look really bad with this zoom problem. :( I guess in the end, my 360 games look good enough that I still like the TV, but it just sucks knowing that they could have had a better zoom option that would fix this.

oic. hopefully on demand will change in the future to include HD for your needs. this tv does have some quirks that don't suit everyone i guess. i think i'm taking my tv back december or january.

Smidgerine

11-05-06, 10:50 AM

Hello all,

I got the new war chiefs expansion to aoe3 and my x1900 xt was acting sort of sluggish.

So, I thought I'd finally update everything. I got a new bios for my motherboard, new nvidia nforce drivers and new ATI video card drivers.

Everything was perfect regarding the Naga beforehand. I used DVI and it filled the full screen with video.

Now, If I use DVI it chops off about 1.5 inches on the left and right and about an inch on both top and bottom. I can not figure out how to fix this.

I noticed that my ATI drivers now recognize the monitor as the sceptre and I think it was just plug and play before.

I tried to do a force resolution in the ATI drivers, but it won't allow me to make the screen any bigger for 1920x1080p, so that didn't work for me.

I can hit aspect for native and full and it looks the same both ways.

I tried rolling back all my drivers except the motherboard bios since I don't think that would be the problem, but I still haven't had any luck.

What does the format button (that is whited out in the menu) do?

When I go to HDMI or HDCP mode it takes most of the screen up, but it looks horrible. It's like there is some red push to the left of all the text, etc.

All I use this for is computing, so if I can't get this fixed, it is becoming worthless.

Anybody have any ideas? Thanks for reading such a long post.

Koui

11-06-06, 03:41 PM

Now, If I use DVI it chops off about 1.5 inches on the left and right and about an inch on both top and bottom. I can not figure out how to fix this.
Anybody have any ideas? Thanks for reading such a long post.I just purchased an X1950PRO and experienced the same problem you described. There seems to be a driver bug in all Catalysts above 6.5 that creates the black border (at least on my Sceptre). A temporary fix that works is to set the refresh rate to 75Hz instead of 60Hz. To be able to select that rate you have to set 'Display Management Options' in Catalyst Control Center to 'List all possible modes' and select 75Hz as your refresh rate. Another problem (bug?) that happens with the newer drivers is losing EDID with the Sceptre when you power the Naga off. I had to disable 'Radeon X1950 Series Secondary' in XP's Device Manager to solve that.

On a positive note, I'm quite impressed with the DVD, WMV, .ts, and h264 picture quality I get with the new card and PowerDVD7. Games look great and the X1950 has HDCP (for future use).

dogman-x

11-07-06, 11:54 PM

funtownarcade

11-08-06, 03:44 PM

Does anyone know if these new remotes with "smart state technology" work with this tv? how do those remotes know what input its on?

hakujin

11-08-06, 10:39 PM

I just noticed on the Sceptre site that they are now showing a new Silver/Black verion of this unit. Looks like different dimensions also. May have the speakers underneath as well...
http://www.sceptre.com/Products/LCD/Specifications/spec_X37SV-Naga.htm

seems like a new shell w/ the same specs + whatever MVA means... you'd think they'd at least bump up the contrast ratio to 3000:1 now that some others (sharp) are selling their 40" for cheaper than the 37" naga. Time to upgrade :)

xsnrg

11-15-06, 09:38 PM

Wow. all 116 pages. Towards the end, it must be that most of the nagging problems have been fixed, as talk turned to things other than firmware versions. I think the latest I saw was a June 1 2006 type. Are most of the problems gone now? I have one of these sets on its way, and will be here Friday. The SPDIF mod is awesome news for this set as well, probably won't do it right away for warranty reasons, but good to store in the back pocket for later. I know there are larger sets out now that are newer (this set being over 1 year old), but for the price, it still fits the bill of what I want. So now the suspense, will I get a shiny new one, with the latest greatest firmware and all the features working right, or will I get a "bandaid" repackage machine. Time will tell.

funtownarcade

11-18-06, 07:13 PM

Infinitenothing

11-18-06, 09:34 PM

DOH!
I bought this TV pretty much just for the PS3 and now I hooked it up and when I set it to 1080p the right 1/3 of the tv goes all messed up tiny horizontal lines :eek: and the left 2/3 shows the picture. Anyone else have this problem? I wonder if i just got a bad set or if its the ps3 messed up or what. I'll try HDMI when my cable comes in the mail.
Are you using the HDMI setting. Try all three digital setting (HDMI,DVI,HDCP) Try rebooting the PS3. Try power cylcing the TV. I do 1080P over DVI all the time and for the record 1080P72 works!

Infinitenothing

11-18-06, 09:48 PM

Does anyone know if these new remotes with "smart state technology" work with this tv? how do those remotes know what input its on?
I don't know what smart state technology is but my learning remote picked it up right away.

dogman-x

11-18-06, 10:36 PM

Actually, I just noticed something interesting, it seems if i go through the AV inputs then then PC inputs to DVI, it corrects the problem. However, if i turn the monitor off then back on, it has the problem again. Its corrected by going through AV back to PC-DVI.

I can live with that, beats paying another $100+ to ship the monitor back and wait for a month 2 recieve it back.

I just got one of these from NewEgg 5 days ago and am having the exact same issue that Jgigs described back on June 18th (tearing issue for the wallpaper after monitor warms up for ~20 minutes). Here's my Firmware version:
DEBUG 0117A D2
06/06/19 17:45
T370HW01
1920 X 1080

One more thing I notice, if you want to make the problem come back or get worse, cycle through the AV back to PC-DVI, but wait long enough to display the desktop on HDMI and HDCP before ending up on DVI. If you don't wait on HDMI and HDCP, the problem goes away.

If anyone has similar issues or a fix, please post. Thanks.

dogman-x

11-19-06, 08:00 AM

By the way, the MEMORY TIMING adjustment doesn't fix this, just as Jgigs reports.

ChicksHateMe

11-19-06, 09:00 AM

Smidgerine,

I have the 42" with an ATI Card and drivers and I set the resolution to 1920 x 1200 and it looks and fits great. I had to disable the EDID in Catalyst Control Center to do it though. Plus I am using VGA - VGA connections. I am not sure if it would work for you. The thing that stinks, is if it's too high an input resolution, I had to boot up in Safe Mode and go back to a lower res til I found the one that worked.

I just happened to be browsing here cause I love my 42" and saved enough compared to comparable sets that I might get my kids each one of these.

dogman-x

11-19-06, 07:14 PM

I just got one of these from NewEgg 5 days ago and am having the exact same issue that Jgigs described back on June 18th (tearing issue for the wallpaper after monitor warms up for ~20 minutes). Here's my Firmware version:
DEBUG 0117A D2
06/06/19 17:45
T370HW01
1920 X 1080

One more thing I notice, if you want to make the problem come back or get worse, cycle through the AV back to PC-DVI, but wait long enough to display the desktop on HDMI and HDCP before ending up on DVI. If you don't wait on HDMI and HDCP, the problem goes away.

If anyone has similar issues or a fix, please post. Thanks.

I think I figured out the problem. The computer graphics card timing parameters have to be just right, or the tearing will occur after ~20 minutes. Speficially:
Right-Click on Desktop->Properties->Settings->Advanced->GeForce 6200->Screen Resolutions & Refresh Rates->Advanced Timing->Mode & timing->861B (1920 x 1080 @ 59.94) -P
See screenshots below for details.
http://mysite.verizon.net/davegish/ebay_pictures/timing1.jpg
http://mysite.verizon.net/davegish/ebay_pictures/timing2.jpg
This appears to set the front & back porch values, sync width & polarity, and refresh rate to 1080p HDTV values. I noticed that the porch/sync values were very different before I did this, even though the resoultion and refresh were identical.

Anyway, I haven't been able to reproduce the tearing problem since I modified these settings. I hope this fixes it - fingers crossed...

xsnrg

11-20-06, 11:33 AM

My x37sv arrived Friday as planned. I hooked it up to my laptop, just to test it out, and all looks great. I had to leave for the weekend, so did not get a lot of time to play with it, but so far no problems. It is in the greatroom above the fireplace, hooked to a dish receiver putting out 1080i on the DVI port to the DVI in on the HDMI port, and looks great. All the menu items appear to do exactly as they are supposed to. I ended up taking the lamp setting up, and brought the brightness level down a bit to get the best blacks/contrast. I will throw my DVE disc in one of these days and get it set up a little better.

The one complaint I would have about the whole of it at this point, the remote range seems to be short, even with new batteries. Hardly an issue as that remote probably won't see much use in the future.

BudongBait

11-21-06, 01:51 AM

I'm not taking any blame for voided warranties, fried TVs, or anything else for that matter. Use this info at your own risk and consider how much you've paid for this info. It might be worth as much as that.

On a lighter note, I should point out one small anomally with this mod. You will still need two standard RCA plug cables for analog audio, when watching the NTSC tuner, in addition to a coax cable for the S/PDIF for DD 5.1 ATSC. Only ATSC/QAM audio is carried on the S/PDIF connection. This confuses the uninitiated to no end, since switching from ATSC with S/PDIF, to NTSC tuner, causes the picture to change, but the sound continues to come from the ATSC tuner on the last channel you were watching, until you manually switch your HT receiver to the analog input. I don't see any way around that, other than maybe an R/C macro.

J.J.

Many thanks, this was a sore point on the purchase, but the mod works like a charm. As a side note I don't use the AV output, so I lifted the corresponding pin from the motherboard and soldered a 0.5 M cable from the S/PDIF connecter to the (now floating) AV RCA output (output to output, ground to ground). It is working fine with no apparent coupling into the other AV sections that share the RCA motherboard from the digital signal.

The benefit of course is that the outside of the case looks clean this way...

B.B.

Extra

11-23-06, 05:33 PM

Is anyone using this TV with a 360 in 1080p? If so are you getting overscan? I seem to be getting quite a bit of horizontal overscan (almost 0 verticall). Anyone have any idea on how to fix this?

Extra

11-23-06, 06:27 PM

Update:

Just tested running my PC through VGA on the Sceptre. No overscan at 1920x1080. Hmmm...

dale5605

11-24-06, 04:32 PM

funtownarcade

11-25-06, 01:33 AM

Hello,

I just bought this TV and I've got my xbox 360 hooked up to it via the normal component connectors. I downloaded the update from xbox live and switched it over to 1080p mode in the display options but when I do that the picture only uses about 2/3 of the screen and it's all messed up, like vibrating or something.

Anyone know how to get 1080p working correctly?

I'm currently on 1080i and I notice when I spin around in perfect dark zero I can see the guns blurring a bit and I think it's because of the 1080i, or does this tv normally ghost like that?

Yep, I get the same thing when I try to do 1080p thruogh component on my PS3 (My 360 is hooked up through VGA and 1080p works, but nothing lines up the same, so ify ou want to size it for movies to fit then games FMVs will be a bit off, etc., like someone else said "overscan")
Anyway I just hooked up my PS3 through HDMI and set it to 1080p, and there are little red and blue dots flickering all over the place, around peoples faces, in black areas, etc., anyone else getting this or have a solution?
I had this a lot when I first got the TV but went to some debug menu foudn on this thread and it fixed it, maybe i need to just go back on there.

schtoom

11-25-06, 02:36 AM

I have the same 2/3 screen at 1080p with component output, as mentioned previously.

Also, I get no HDMI picture at all. I've tried the 5-second autoconfig, rebooted with various components and inputs selected, and nothing.

I have the most recent PS3 firmware (1.1).

Any suggestions on either problem will be much appreciated.

funtownarcade

11-25-06, 03:29 AM

Are you using the HDMI setting. Try all three digital setting (HDMI,DVI,HDCP) Try rebooting the PS3. Try power cylcing the TV. I do 1080P over DVI all the time and for the record 1080P72 works!

Actually I was using component when I posted that but got a DVI adapter since, was having a differnt problem, and thanks to your post tried the DVI setting (I had no idea that would work) and it works perfectly! THANKS!

Schtoom - Did you hook it up through component first and then turn HDMI on already? At first it doesn't send anything through HDMI, you have to go through the menus and turn it on.

schtoom

11-25-06, 11:29 AM

Actually I was using component when I posted that but got a DVI adapter since, was having a differnt problem, and thanks to your post tried the DVI setting (I had no idea that would work) and it works perfectly! THANKS!

Schtoom - Did you hook it up through component first and then turn HDMI on already? At first it doesn't send anything through HDMI, you have to go through the menus and turn it on.

Sure did. I also cycled through HDMI, HDCP, and DVI... nuthin.

dogman-x

11-25-06, 05:09 PM

I think I figured out the problem. The computer graphics card timing parameters have to be just right, or the tearing will occur after ~20 minutes. Speficially:
Right-Click on Desktop->Properties->Settings->Advanced->GeForce 6200->Screen Resolutions & Refresh Rates->Advanced Timing->Mode & timing->861B (1920 x 1080 @ 59.94) -P
See screenshots below for details.
http://mysite.verizon.net/davegish/ebay_pictures/timing1.jpg
http://mysite.verizon.net/davegish/ebay_pictures/timing2.jpg
This appears to set the front & back porch values, sync width & polarity, and refresh rate to 1080p HDTV values. I noticed that the porch/sync values were very different before I did this, even though the resoultion and refresh were identical.

Anyway, I haven't been able to reproduce the tearing problem since I modified these settings. I hope this fixes it - fingers crossed...

Problem fixed!

schtoom

11-26-06, 05:23 PM

Ok, so 1080p through component is not supported by the Naga... that's that.

I've used DVI Detective to record the EDID of a sony XBR3 at Fry's thinking that my tv's EDID is wank. Using XBR3 EDID and 2 DVI-HDMI cables, the tv finally acknowledged the existance of a signal... BUT the screen is completely black and the tv is displaying in 480p. Have tried cycling inuputs on tv, reboot, etc etc. black screen. great.

For those of you who have working HDMI AND also have the component/composite hooked up, when you switch the tv to component/composite while HDMI is active, do you still get a signal? That is, does the PS3 output both component and HDMI simultaneously? It seems that the component connection on mine is on and active while the TV also sees the HDMI black screen signal.

Any ideas on any of this from anyone?

Thanks.