Here it is, the Official thread for the Sharp LC-37D5U, and perhaps the newer 37-inch models from Sharp.

Here are the links to related threads:

Your thoughts about Sharp LC-37D5U?? (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=575524&page=3)

Sharp LC-37D5U Problems (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=575980&page=3)

Sharp LC-45 OFFICIAL OWNERS THREAD Part 2: FAQ... (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6151468#post6151468)

Here are a couple of more links to threads that discuss Sharp LC-37 D5U isues:

Sharp 37D5U and HDMI (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=575948)

Sharp aquos model confusion (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=554068&page=1&pp=30)

Here's the link to the Sharp LC-37D5U website:

Sharp LC-37D5U (http://sharpusa.com/products/ModelLanding/0,1058,1494,00.html)

The Sharp website also has useful information on LCD vs Plasma, other models, etc., etc...

It is a good reference point for those considering this TV... :)

Added:
Website for all Sharp product User Manuals (look under Aquous):
http://www.sharp.ca/manuals

For Customer Service, call 1-800-BE-SHARP, then 1,1,1...

The newer Sharp models that are coming out are supposed to have a faster response time (12-ms versus 16-ms for current models).

Can someone please explain what this means in practical terms? How does this affect normal TV viewing, fast action scenes, video games,.....????

The newer Sharp models that are coming out are supposed to have a faster response time (12-ms versus 16-ms for current models).

Can someone please explain what this means in practical terms? How does this affect normal TV viewing, fast action scenes, video games,.....????

"LCDs work by placing an electronic shutter (the LCD part itself) over a constantly-on fluorescent light (often called the backlight). The shutter controls what percentage of the light gets through at every pixel, hence producing the image. The refresh rate for LCDs specifies how often the shutter is given new instructions for changing how much light is let through.
For LCDs what's important is response time. The refresh rate is how many times per second instructions are given to the shutters to change the brightness; however, the shutters don't react instantly, but need some time to change to their new amount. This is the response time. It is measured in milliseconds, or ms."

Lower response time will result in less fast motion blur perceived.

In theory, it means smoother motion, less smearing, trails, etc., in the display.

In practice, I don't see any of these anomolies with the current generation of Sharp LCDs.

If some of the new 37inch Sharps will be 1080p, that would be a significant difference.

In theory, it means smoother motion, less smearing, trails, etc., in the display.

In practice, I don't see any of these anomolies with the current generation.

If some of the new 37inch Sharps will be 1080p, that would be a significant difference.

Action from the current US OPen championships looked absolutely marvelous in HD, with no hint whatsover of the anomolies you mention... :)

Haven't tried any fast video games yet...

To clarify, the 1080p refresh rate is twice as fast as 1080i so the 25% improvement in response time can be significant, correct?

To clarify, the 1080p refresh rate is twice as fast as 1080i so the 25% improvement in response time can be significant, correct?

Not sure that the two equate that way, but that could be. I bring up 1080p as a separate issue:

Simply increasing the response time of the 37 panel doesn't seem to be a big differentiator for the next gen Sharps.

Other things would make them worth considering:

1920x1080 native resolution
Detachable speakers on all models
More PC compatibility

would be at the top of my list, with 1080p being by far the one that might get me to upgrade.

Not sure that the two equate that way, but that could be. I bring up 1080p as a separate issue:

Simply increasing the response time of the 37 panel doesn't seem to be a big differentiator for the next gen Sharps.

Other things would make them worth considering:

1920x1080 native resolution
Detachable speakers on all models
More PC compatibility

would be at the top of my list, with 1080p being by far the one that might get me to upgrade.

One more querry related to response time...
The 45" models supposedly have a "quickshoot" option that improves response time (below 12-ms). Does the 37" also have this, and if so, how does one implement? :)

Of course, 1920x1080 would be great, although with current content it is overkill except for heavy HTPC users...

More PC Compatibility? Please elaborate... what more would one want?

Edit: The web-site specs do indicate a "quickshoot" response time of less than 16-ms for the LC-37D5U... :)

When is it coming out though?

I'm going to make a purchase of a flatpanel display in november, and would like to know if their is going to be any new 1080p models by then or if not 1080p then at least a newer model.

According to Mike53 in one of his earlier posts he indicated that the 37" sharps won't have 1080P until March 2006.

One more querry related to response time...
The 45" models supposedly have a "quickshoot" option that improves response time (below 12-ms). Does the 37" also have this, and if so, how does one implement? :)
...
Edit: The web-site specs do indicate a "quickshoot" response time of less than 16-ms for the LC-37D5U... :)

The LC-37D5U does have "Quick Shoot." I saw it in the menus the other day, and it's documented on page 71 of the operation manual: "Use Quick Shoot to view fast-action video more clearly."

When is it coming out though?

I'm going to make a purchase of a flatpanel display in november, and would like to know if their is going to be any new 1080p models by then or if not 1080p then at least a newer model.

Accrording to one of the other posts, 3 new 37" models are coming out in September, the D4U, D6U and DB5U.

Alas, all are 1366x768. If you need the higher resolution, you will have to get the 45", or wait until sometime next year...? :)

The LC-37D5U does have "Quick Shoot." I saw it in the menus the other day, and it's documented on page 71 of the operation manual: "Use Quick Shoot to view fast-action video more clearly."

Thanks! Will check this out... :)

But has anyone tried it, what does it do, does it make a noticable difference...?

thanks for the finding:)

i'm looking for a display either 32" or 37", this will be a bedroom tv and i sit about 3' for videogaming at the foot of my bed, and lay on my bed about 5-6' for watching dvd's and cable.

would a 37" be good for that distance upclose or a 32"?

be aware that future sharp model won't support PC anymore, so grab the D5U while u still can, also future model will be black, i prefer silver as the D5U now.


When is it coming out though?

I'm going to make a purchase of a flatpanel display in november, and would like to know if their is going to be any new 1080p models by then or if not 1080p then at least a newer model.

What no more PC support that's crazy. They will lose some serious market share if that is true.

For my viewing distances what do you guys recommend, 32" or 37"?

For my viewing distances what do you guys recommend, 32" or 37"?

The 37" would be okay when you're lying on the bed. :D

But for 3-feet...???
Even the 32" feels too big to me. But I'm happy with my 21" at that distance...

For my viewing distances what do you guys recommend, 32" or 37"?

For what its worth, here's a link to what the pro's reccommend :rolleyes: :

Viewing Distance Calculator (http://www.myhometheater.homestead.com/viewingdistancecalculator.html)

be aware that future sharp model won't support PC anymore, so grab the D5U while u still can, also future model will be black, i prefer silver as the D5U now.

Does anyone know how the new 37-inch differ from D5U in key features? Some are apparently waiting to buy, and this may not perhaps be such a good idea (at least as far as the Sharp 37"" models are concerned)...

Standard analog input which was poor earlier (1st couple of days after purchase of TV), suddenly looks much better! :) Can't explain it, wonder if anyone else has noticed this.

Also, when watching HD (currently via component input from cable box) the pixels go crazy (or completely black) every now and again, but return to normal after a second or two. This has happened maybe 6 to 8 times over a 3-hour watching period. Is this normal?

I've been doing some research on the web and it seems the Toshiba 32" and 37" have a better pixel response time of 12ms compared to the sharp Aquos which is only 16ms.

when watching HD (currently via component input from cable box) the pixels go crazy (or completely black) every now and again, but return to normal after a second or two. This has happened maybe 6 to 8 times over a 3-hour watching period. Is this normal?

No. We've been watching hours of HD cable (not via a cable box) and haven't seen this happen even once.

Does anyone know how the new 37-inch differ from D5U in key features? Some are apparently waiting to buy, and this may not perhaps be such a good idea (at least as far as the Sharp 37"" models are concerned)...
From what I've gathered, they lose DVI, lose TV Guide OSD, gain 4ms response time (down to 12ms from 16ms), the D4U is now gloss black and has non-removable side speakers, and they have a lower MSRP.

well the upcoming new models explain why Costco discontinued the D5U. I ran around to 6 different Costcos trying to track one down and ended up with a display model for 10% off. They just put the display out last weekend so I figured it was well worth the discount.

Does anyone have a problem with the input display? Very randomly, my input display pops onto the screen and then disappears on its own. It's annoying as all hell, but I have no idea how to stop it from randomly appearing.

From what I've gathered, they lose DVI, lose TV Guide OSD, gain 4ms response time (down to 12ms from 16ms), the D4U is now gloss black and has non-removable side speakers, and they have a lower MSRP.

And computer compatability may be crippled -- though perhaps when people say that they mean that DVI is gone, so it's less computer-friendly. Could also mean that "dot by dot" (pixel mapping) is gone, which would be ashame, since it greatly reduces the utility of an HTPC or an external scaler.

Does anyone have a problem with the input display? Very randomly, my input display pops onto the screen and then disappears on its own. It's annoying as all hell, but I have no idea how to stop it from randomly appearing.

Cadence,

This happens when the input changes in some way. For example, I have a couple of antenna channels that don't pick up very well. The TV's tuner will switch to mono sound occasionaly when the signal is poor, and it does display the input box on the top right every time it switches. If you are having this problem for something other than antenna viewing, I would check your video source.

Enjoy,

--tb

No. We've been watching hours of HD cable (not via a cable box) and haven't seen this happen even once.

Do you have the cable input connected directly to the TV digital input? I read elsewhere that this works for the "free" HD signals even without the cablecard.

It may be my cable box. Have not seen this problems with my standard analog input (Dish Network), although viewing hours for this signal has been much less on this TV.

The LC-37D5U does have "Quick Shoot." I saw it in the menus the other day, and it's documented on page 71 of the operation manual: "Use Quick Shoot to view fast-action video more clearly."

My 37"6u does have the "quick shoot" feature which I leave on all the time. Works great. I have had my set for about seven month now and am thoroughly enjoying it. No problems whatsoever to this point.

I've been doing some research on the web and it seems the Toshiba 32" and 37" have a better pixel response time of 12ms compared to the sharp Aquos which is only 16ms.

The new models have 12-ms, but no DVI as pointed out by others.

In any case, as someone (I think it was nathan_h) correctly pointed out, in practical terms this will have no visual impact on a 37-inch 720p/1080i TV. :)

I saw another post somewhere that "did the math" on the impact of response time. An Andy Roddick serve traversing the court (at 130 mph) will be on screen for a fraction of a second, to be refreshed about 25 times at 16-ms versus about 30 times at 12-ms. (the math was done for 50-inch, so the 37-inch would only be better.)

This is beyond what the normal human eye can discern (unless of course you are Superman :D ).

My 37"6u does have the "quick shoot" feature which I leave on all the time. Works great. I have had my set for about seven month now and am thoroughly enjoying it. No problems whatsoever to this point.

adb, is there a difference that is obvious when quickshoot is on versus off? Any idea what this does?

does anyone notice that when doing channel scan, there's a time on the top, which i don't know how to ajust, obviously it's a wrong date and time, u will also see it when press the "info" botton", someone knows how to adjust it?

bxz

Do you have the cable input connected directly to the TV digital input? I read elsewhere that this works for the "free" HD signals even without the cablecard.

It may be my cable box. Have not seen this problems with my standard analog input (Dish Network), although viewing hours for this signal has been much less on this TV.

We're not using a cable box, nor a cable card.

Anyone able to get the remote to control their DVD player or VCR?

I tried using the codes in the manual to get my sharp TV remote to control my Philips DVP642 DVD Player (which I am sure a lot of you have also), but can't get it to work. Maybe I am doing something wrong. Anybody have any success and if so how did you do it and what code did you use?

i tried it too, not working, the code on the manual doesn't seem to work for the 642.


Anyone able to get the remote to control their DVD player or VCR?

I tried using the codes in the manual to get my sharp TV remote to control my Philips DVP642 DVD Player (which I am sure a lot of you have also), but can't get it to work. Maybe I am doing something wrong. Anybody have any success and if so how did you do it and what code did you use?

Anyone able to get the remote to control their DVD player or VCR?
My LC-37D5U remote controls my DVD player just fine out of the box, but my DVD player is also made by Sharp so I guess I should expect that :-)

Where did u get that info. Seems strange. Why would they reduce features rather than increasing?

be aware that future sharp model won't support PC anymore, so grab the D5U while u still can, also future model will be black, i prefer silver as the D5U now.

Now thats a great deal! 10% off!

well the upcoming new models explain why Costco discontinued the D5U. I ran around to 6 different Costcos trying to track one down and ended up with a display model for 10% off. They just put the display out last weekend so I figured it was well worth the discount.

Does anyone have a problem with the input display? Very randomly, my input display pops onto the screen and then disappears on its own. It's annoying as all hell, but I have no idea how to stop it from randomly appearing.

Well look at the other thread up here on the (lc-37d5u problems) and some say the problem comes from changing from stereo to mono on different stations. I run everything through a avr so I don't see this problem. I do switch back and use the atsc tuner and blue box turns on when I watch hd. So I know theres nothing wrong with your display! I bought one this week and I'm very pleased! But I'm keeping my fingers crossed and knocking on wood as I type. If roblin reads this I want to thank him, he's the one that steered me in this direction, and I can say I've found that flat panel lcd technology is right for me (knock on wood) so far.

Here's a recent press release (http://www.sharpusa.com/about/AboutPressRelease/0,1130,C539,00.html) from Sharp on new D4U/D6U models. There is no mention of DVI for the 26 to 37" models. The 45-inch models, however, do include DVI.

"SHARP SHOWCASES CUTTING-EDGE CONSUMER ELECTRONICS PRODUCTS DESIGNED TO ENHANCE EVERY ASPECT OF MODERN LIFE


AQUOS D4U/D6U Series HDTV LC-TVs (LC-37D4U/D6U, LC-32D4U/D6U and LC-26D4U/D6U):
Expanding on its line of Digital Cable Ready HDTVs, Sharp’s new widescreen models raise the bar for LCD design, performance and technology. The newly-designed D4U series features a contemporary and elegant piano black finish with side speakers. All of the new models have 1366 x 768 resolution for 720p HDTV compatibility and include a CableCARD slot, so consumers can enjoy all the latest HDTV offerings from their cable company without the necessity of a separate set-top box. The models also include enhanced Quick Shoot video circuitry for fast response time of less than 12 milliseconds; HDMI and two HD component terminals; NTSC, PAL and SECAM video playback capability; high brightness level and 800:1 contrast ratio. The D6U series is available in a sleek titanium finish, and detachable bottom speakers. The LC-37D4U, LC-32D4U and LC-26D4U are available now for MSRPs of $3,499.99, $2,399.99 and $1,699.99 respectively. The LC-37D6U, LC-32D6U and LC-26D6U are available now for MSRPs of $3,599.99, $2,499.99 and $1,799.99 respectively."

Bought the 37d5u a couple of nights ago.

Comcast can't come out to install the cable card until the 17th.

So, I'm trying to figure out how to get local channels in HD.

I've run the cable from the wall to the analog in and the digital in on the tv.

I then run the channel search, but I get no locals in HD.

Can anybody who's successfully received locals in HD without the use of a cable card and / or set top box help me out here?

Others in my area have been able to receive HD locals under the same circumstances, so I know its possible.

Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

Do you have a ota antenna? If your using your cable coax I'll bet no! Yes I'm using a ota antenna and what I noticed you have to have a certain amount of signal strength to pull in the signals. If your using a splitter that can affect signal strength, just take it out and put a coupler in then after you get the channels you can put your splitter back. Also you may have to adjust your roof top antenna for maxium strength.

Do you have a ota antenna? If your using your cable coax I'll bet no! Yes I'm using a ota antenna and what I noticed you have to have a certain amount of signal strength to pull in the signals. If your using a splitter that can affect signal strength, just take it out and put a coupler in then after you get the channels you can put your splitter back. Also you may have to adjust your roof top antenna for maxium strength.

No I don't have an antenna. I was given the impression you didn't need one to accomplish what I'm trying to do.

Sounds like I may be wrong.

'Fraid so. If you plug your cable straight into your TV you'll only get the analog channels - no HD.

Steve.

I am having a problem with the ATSC tuner. Starting the other day I would loose all audio from the ATSC tuner (all channels), after a full system restart I would get LOUD whitenoise and my receiver flashes "overload". After a couple restarts things would return to normal. When this happens I am able to switch to input 3 and get audio from the TV using my analogue cable box so I know that the receiver is working.

Any ideas or anyone else with this problem?

Thanks!

'Fraid so. If you plug your cable straight into your TV you'll only get the analog channels - no HD.

Steve.

This answer is not correct. If you have a QAM tuner, and your cable system transmits your HD local channels unencrypted, as most do, you will be able to receive these without a CableCard.

Any suggestions on increasing signal stregth. I have my TV, Internet and cable box all being split and I'm getting some freeze up when recording HD since I added the third line.

hello. (yay for first post). i was interested in buying a 37-inch sharp lcd; i have noticed that all the stores in my area have discontinued the d5u, and will soon be replacing them. from my readings here i can gather that the newer 37-inch models will be somewhat lacking in terms of features. i have a few questions; (also note i wanted to use the sharp lcd with an oppo dvd player):

1) do i really need 1 hdmi and 1 dvi port? will one or the other suffice? i do realize the main difference in that hdmi carries audio too.

2) if the new version of the 37-inch lacks an hd tuner, will i just need to purchase one seperately?

3) will the sharps only come in black? i do like the silver color. thanks.

This answer is not correct. If you have a QAM tuner, and your cable system transmits your HD local channels unencrypted, as most do, you will be able to receive these without a CableCard.


Would you mind telling me the setup steps you took in order to achieve this? I'm 99% sure that Comcast in my area transmits the HD locals unencrypted.

I can testifie to the above post. I can bypass my cable box and go straight feed into my TV and get HD channels.

Would you mind telling me the setup steps you took in order to achieve this? I'm 99% sure that Comcast in my area transmits the HD locals unencrypted.

1. You plug one of your coax cable into the Digital Cable input (there are 3 inputs: one for Analog cable, one for Digital cable and one of "OTA").

2. Go into your Setup menu, select CH Setup, and play with the different modes for Digital Cable. You can try to do "Ch Search", that found all the digital channels for me (both SD and HD) that are unencrypted.

Take note that it also find the encrypted channels and those show as black. It found over 150 channels like that at my place and I had to delete them manually.

Also take note that while some local channels are in HD, they don't broadcast "HD" content most of the day (mostly only in the evening), so you'll have to wait for a time that they broadcast something in HD.

Finally, I urge you to take a look at this forum and find your local area thread for any questions regarding HD broadcasting with Comcast and QAM support:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=45
Chance are that they have a list of the HD locals available on QAM in your area and you can just type it in to confirm if your QAM tuner is functional.

Hope this helps.

-eric

hello. (yay for first post). .
Welcome to the forum.


1) do i really need 1 hdmi and 1 dvi port? will one or the other suffice? i do realize the main difference in that hdmi carries audio too..

Really depends on your needs. :)
A shortage of available inputs seem to plague many users. There are options (such as switchers) but these add cost and complexity.
Typically, the DVI is used for a PC hook-up, and the HDMI for other input from A/V reciever, cable box, etc... :)


2) if the new version of the 37-inch lacks an hd tuner, will i just need to purchase one seperately? .
The new models come with HD tuners built-in.


3) will the sharps only come in black? i do like the silver color. thanks.
The new models offer black or titanium finish. You may want to hunt down a D5U before they are all gone... :)

1. You plug one of your coax cable into the Digital Cable input (there are 3 inputs: one for Analog cable, one for Digital cable and one of "OTA").

2. Go into your Setup menu, select CH Setup, and play with the different modes for Digital Cable. You can try to do "Ch Search", that found all the digital channels for me (both SD and HD) that are unencrypted.

Take note that it also find the encrypted channels and those show as black. It found over 150 channels like that at my place and I had to delete them manually.

Also take note that while some local channels are in HD, they don't broadcast "HD" content most of the day (mostly only in the evening), so you'll have to wait for a time that they broadcast something in HD.

Finally, I urge you to take a look at this forum and find your local area thread for any questions regarding HD broadcasting with Comcast and QAM support:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=45
Chance are that they have a list of the HD locals available on QAM in your area and you can just type it in to confirm if your QAM tuner is functional.

Hope this helps.

-eric

Many thanks, Eric, I did this too and ran into a couple of complications, perhaps you can help. :)

1. Too many channels. On this one I will check the manual on deleting procedure, and do so.

2. The Channel Numbers do not seem to correspond to what I get from my cable box. Typing in the numbers of known channels does not seem to work. Any suggestions? Is there a way to display Channel Info, as one may do with the cable box remotes?

3. How does one display input resolution? (i.e., know if the signal is 720 p, 1080 i, etc...)?

thanks geo5 for the reply. all i planned to have was an oppo dvd player and maybe get something through adelphia for some hd viewing. will i be lacking ports with these new sets? if so, i will definitely hunt down the d5u. thanks.

Many thanks, Eric, I did this too and ran into a couple of complications, perhaps you can help. :)

1. Too many channels. On this one I will check the manual on deleting procedure, and do so.

2. The Channel Numbers do not seem to correspond to what I get from my cable box. Typing in the numbers of known channels does not seem to work. Any suggestions? Is there a way to display Channel Info, as one may do with the cable box remotes?

3. How does one display input resolution? (i.e., know if the signal is 720 p, 1080 i, etc...)?


Many thanks as well Eric.

Geo, regarding item #1, after you do the channel search there should be a "channel memory" or something to that effect option you can select. If you go to that, you can then go through each channel individually and choose whether or not you want that channel to skip when you use the channel up / down buttons on the remote.

I ran into the same thing for #2 as well. I'll let you know if I come up with anything. I set up my tv guide function last night so hopefully that will resolve this issue. But I understand it takes a day or so for all the channels to register.

Bought the 37d5u a couple of nights ago.

Comcast can't come out to install the cable card until the 17th.

So, I'm trying to figure out how to get local channels in HD.

I've run the cable from the wall to the analog in and the digital in on the tv.

I then run the channel search, but I get no locals in HD.

Can anybody who's successfully received locals in HD without the use of a cable card and / or set top box help me out here?

Others in my area have been able to receive HD locals under the same circumstances, so I know its possible.

Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

I ran my coax cable directly from the wall into the digital cable input on my tv. Go to the EZ channel setup and run a scan for HRC (not standard) channels. This scan picked up a bunch of HD channels for me including HBO!

I have a question regarding the OTA channels and was hoping someone could help me. I have the D* connected thru HDMI and I am running a coax in thru the digital air in for my local HD OTA. I did the channel scan and I am picking up most of them.
The question I have is with the TV Guide feature. Isn't it supposed to download the OTA channel guide information? Mine hasn't semed to go that yet. Is there some other setting that I am missing?
Any help would be appreciated.

If the Sharp sets change from 16 msec to 8 msec they are still behind the game.

The Philips 37PF3720A/37 has 8 msec refresh rate.

According to the on screen directions, it said the TV Guide listings may take a day or two to load. It's been 2 days for me and it hasn't been able to find my local listings...it may not work for some of us.

Having 3 separate cable inputs on the same TV is a weak feature on the Sharp sets. To go between analog to digital channels you have to switch inputs on the set. That is daft. They have no integration between the QAM receiver and the NTSC receiver.

I ran my coax cable directly from the wall into the digital cable input on my tv. Go to the EZ channel setup and run a scan for HRC (not standard) channels. This scan picked up a bunch of HD channels for me including HBO!

Keep in mind that many cable providers use standard. Here in San Diego TWC does. Scanning with HRC does not find any channels.
I have incoming cable connected to 'cable analog' and 'cable digital' thru a splitter and a rooftop VHF/UHF antenna connected to 'air in'. After scanning air/analog cable/digital cable I have them all and these are listed in theTVGuide.
Since I do not subscribe to the digital package only the 'in the clear' channels show up but these do include all the local digital channels that TWC carries ABC,NBC,CBS etc and HD shows (when aired) display properly.
3ress3 asked how the TV can be made to show the input format. I have not found a way to do this on any TV data, don't think it is possible. Works OK on the AV/HDMI/DVI inputs though

Having 3 separate cable inputs on the same TV is a weak feature on the Sharp sets. To go between analog to digital channels you have to switch inputs on the set. That is daft. They have no integration between the QAM receiver and the NTSC receiver.
It's my impression once TVGOS downloads data, the digital and analog cable channels are integrated into the TV Guide. Is this not true?

Had my 37d5u for over a week now, and have had no success at all getting the TV Guide working.

It's my understanding the the download should come via analog cable from the local PBS station when the unit is powered off.

I've been through the setup with Sharp customer service three times to no avail.

Comcast is about as helpful as usual "we don't support in-built TV Guides but don't remove anything from the PBS channel's signal".

Any ideas? Anyone get it working?

Sales staff at the local BestBuy says their customers (using Comcast) have no complaints about it, but I couldn't pump him for too much info since I bought the beast at Costco.

BTW, I live in the Detroit area, using "Comcast of Canton, MI".

Dave

Keep in mind that many cable providers use standard. Here in San Diego TWC does. Scanning with HRC does not find any channels.
I have incoming cable connected to 'cable analog' and 'cable digital' thru a splitter and a rooftop VHF/UHF antenna connected to 'air in'. After scanning air/analog cable/digital cable I have them all and these are listed in theTVGuide.
Since I do not subscribe to the digital package only the 'in the clear' channels show up but these do include all the local digital channels that TWC carries ABC,NBC,CBS etc and HD shows (when aired) display properly.
3ress3 asked how the TV can be made to show the input format. I have not found a way to do this on any TV data, don't think it is possible. Works OK on the AV/HDMI/DVI inputs though

True...correction: use HRC if you have Comcast Los Angeles.

Having 3 separate cable inputs on the same TV is a weak feature on the Sharp sets. To go between analog to digital channels you have to switch inputs on the set. That is daft. They have no integration between the QAM receiver and the NTSC receiver.

I like the three inputs - I believe the ATSC is for on air digital channels, the NTSC for either air or cable, and the third for digital cable only.

If the NTSC is connected to a cable, the channel scan integrates the the digital and analog cable channels into a single scan. With cable selected, if I input "7", the TV displays 7.1 (ABC HD) - hitting the down button brings up just cable channel 7 (ABC analog cable).

With air selected, the channel scan includes only digital OTA channels.

(While I haven't tested it, I believe if the NTSC input is hooked to an antenna, it's output would be integrated with the ATSC channels in the scan.)

A really neat feature is that the "flashback" button will toggle between air and cable channels! (Of course, it also toggles the air/cable selection too, as it should.)

Thus far I've not tested any other inputs.

Dave

I have comcast and get good TV guide into for Analog cable, but that's it. Even though I have the digital cable coax connected, and get channels that way, including HD, and even though I have the OTA digital input connected, I still only get TV guide info for analog cable. I may need to look at the setup again....

2. The Channel Numbers do not seem to correspond to what I get from my cable box. Typing in the numbers of known channels does not seem to work. Any suggestions? Is there a way to display Channel Info, as one may do with the cable box remotes?


You are right, QAM channels and Digital Cable TV channels don't match up. QAM channels are usually in between 3 and 125 and have a decimal pointer, example: 81.5. Also, you'll find out that those channels move around whenever the cable company decides to shuffle them around to make more space for new channels, so you have to keep updating your channels once in a while. The cable box takes those QAM channels and matches them to static channel numbers.

I suggest you take a look at the forum I pointed you to. It's very likely that somebody already posted the current list of available QAM channels in your region and it will be a lot easier for you to turn them on or off knowing what they are.

If you absolutely want matching numbers with your cable box, then I suggest you consider a CableCard. Those I think do the same type of matching so you don't have to reset everything whenever the channels play the musical chair once in a while. :)

As for the channel info/guide, I'm also unfortunately having problems getting the TV Guide to work on my TV (more to come on my next posting).

-eric

Having 3 separate cable inputs on the same TV is a weak feature on the Sharp sets. To go between analog to digital channels you have to switch inputs on the set. That is daft. They have no integration between the QAM receiver and the NTSC receiver.

That is totally untrue. There's not even a separate "input" setting on the LC-37D5U for each coax input.

Instead, they mix them up in channel order. For example, I have analog 11, 14 and 99 setup, while I have QAM 81.1, 82.5 and 84.1. When I go channel up, here's the order I get: 11, 14, 81.1, 82.5, 84.1 and then 99.

BTW, that's the best integration I've seen so far (the Sceptre and Philips I tried didn't have that).

I'm starting to feel like we're not talking about the same LCD-TV... are you sure you have the 37D5U??

-eric

Had my 37d5u for over a week now, and have had no success at all getting the TV Guide working.

It's my understanding the the download should come via analog cable from the local PBS station when the unit is powered off.

I've been through the setup with Sharp customer service three times to no avail.

Comcast is about as helpful as usual "we don't support in-built TV Guides but don't remove anything from the PBS channel's signal".

Any ideas? Anyone get it working?

Sales staff at the local BestBuy says their customers (using Comcast) have no complaints about it, but I couldn't pump him for too much info since I bought the beast at Costco.

BTW, I live in the Detroit area, using "Comcast of Canton, MI".

Dave

I'm having the same problem here in a suburb of Seattle, WA. I've had it for over a week now and pretty much tried everything.

I also called Comcast and the girl was telling me that her sister had it working with a similar TV. So, I'm not completely loosing hope.

A couple of questions for you:
1. Do you have minimal cable or normal? (Maybe the filter they put block the information)
2. Do you have strong cable signal up to you TV? Is the analog picture very clear?
3. What type of cable are running in your walls? RG5 (old)? RG6 (new)?
4. Did you delete a bunch of your analog cable channels?

For me:
1. Minimal Cable.
2. Strong, but kind of noisy.
3. RG5 (I'm going to replace that later this year).
4. I deleted a bunch, keeping only a few.

I guess there are still a few things I can try... but please post your setup... maybe we'll figure out why we're not able to get that TVGOS feature to work...

-eric

Had my 37d5u for over a week now, and have had no success at all getting the TV Guide working.

It's my understanding the the download should come via analog cable from the local PBS station when the unit is powered off.

I've been through the setup with Sharp customer service three times to no avail.

Comcast is about as helpful as usual "we don't support in-built TV Guides but don't remove anything from the PBS channel's signal".

Any ideas? Anyone get it working?

Sales staff at the local BestBuy says their customers (using Comcast) have no complaints about it, but I couldn't pump him for too much info since I bought the beast at Costco.

BTW, I live in the Detroit area, using "Comcast of Canton, MI".

Dave

I scheduled Cox Cable (Fairfax, VA) technician to come to my house the day my Sharp 37D5U arrived in my house. The first thing he did was tested the signal coming out of my wall jack and determined that the main signal splitter (that the master cable feed connect to) caused too much signal degradation so he installed new splitters. All of a sudden my analog cable looks a lot cleaner on the 37D5U. He then installed a Cablecard and activated it without any trouble. Now with the Cablecard decoding "digital" cable the picture quality went up another notch. With Cablecard installed, the old "analog" cable channels all look even better and much closer to my old CRT TV. Furthermore, the "HD" channels are simply stunning. Compared to a Cox HD cable box the picture quality of Cablecard is definitely better.

Now for the issue of TV Guide - I first entered my zip code, then shut off the 37D5U and went to bed - next evening (after about 20 hours) I turned on the 37D5U again and almost all channels, includes HD channels (except for one), are populated automatically without any obvious error.

My suggestion is that if you are planning to stay with cable TV make sure you give Cablecard a try - it's worth every penny with the limitation that you cannot order pay-per-view which I will never use anyway.

R.L.

Hi Eric -

You asked:

1. Do you have minimal cable or normal? (Maybe the filter they put block the information)

I started with all of the basic channels ("Preferred" package perhaps?). Just yesterday I upgraded to the basic digital package & a HD cable box. I need the box since I'm still comparing the D5U with the Sceptre 37". I don't think any of the actual cable signals have changed, the box just lets me get more channels. After I did a brief test, I'm not using the box with the D5U.

2. Do you have strong cable signal up to you TV? Is the analog picture very clear?

I don't see any noise on the analog channels on the Sharp. Every night when I turn things off, I ensure the Sharp is connected thru only one splitter, located about a foot from the wall where the cable enters my condo - I need the second connection for my Vonage phone.

3. What type of cable are running in your walls? RG5 (old)? RG6 (new)?

Not certain what type, but at night I'm only using cable supplied by Comcast, rather large in diameter.

4. Did you delete a bunch of your analog cable channels?

Haven't yet removed many channels, but since the D/L comes via the PBS channel(s?), the TGOS S/W should be smart enough to find the channel it needs if it is indeed on the cable.

One of the Sharp CS people I talked to said he was told that things worked better if the set was tuned to the PBS channel when you shut it off for the night. They also indicated that it should also work from OTA antenna signals, but probably not as well because of signal strength issues.

I'm at my cottage for an extended weekend so I won't know how things are working until some time Tuesday. I'd like to get this thing resolved since having two 37 inchers sitting in my living room surrounded by cable is a pain. My feeling is that the Sceptre PQ is not an issue, but things are so poorly integrated I don't think it's a keeper. I'll probably keep the Sharp if I can resolve this TVGOS business.

Dave

Hi R.L. -

Thanks for the reply. I may just end up using a CC, but Comcast wants 16 bucks for a service call to install and 5 bucks a month rental for the card.

Right now I need the box (no service call required) to check out the Sceptre (see my post above).

In the end, it may be worth the 16 bucks since they will bring out the card, check my signal and return the box (saving me about a gallon of gas! :D )

Dave

My TV Guide worked just fine for the first 3 days, then somehow while turned off switched the cable/air mode to cable....causing my UHF Air channels to malfunction the next day, and the TV guide not to load any new listings. The TV Guide setup actually showed Antenna, not cable, but with some troubleshooting, found that it was on cable. Only toggling the TV guide setup to cable then back to the antenna setting fixed it, and the TV Guide listings resumed loading that night....but now the clock is about 5+ hours late. For example it shows 6:30AM, when it's actually noon time, with no way to adjust that I know of. It's been that way for days now, and hitting the reset switches on the back has no affect.

Any way to reset the TV Guide?

Update;
Sharp tech support said to unplug the set for 24 hours. I unplugged it for 26 hours, but the TV Guide was still there with it's listings, but now over a day off in time. Seems the longer it's unplugged, the further the clock fell behind.

The only thing that fixed it, was setting the ZIP code to some east coast city, shutting it off overnight, and then resetting it back to my California Zip Code the next morning. This morning it was fine again. Correct time and new listings.

Also...Very cool that it records a show without any signs of the TV actually coming on even though it's sending out the video and audio signal to the recorder.

from my research the NEWER sharps are losing features for price competition. i am VERY, VERY happy with my d5u. i can't wait to tweak it. i have been watching it with stock setting since i got it. it is STUNNING, but i know it can get better, just hope i can match the pq of a pioneer plasma but i doubt it.....:)

Thanks, Eric, nathan_h, Nathannookie, Northville Dave, roblin and others... :)

The facts related to TVGOS seem to be coming together (somewhat). I also called Sharp tech support and had a long discussion with a friendly tech. Here's a summary of current status:

1. The TVG info comes from stations that transmit this data as a part of their proramming. This is true for both off air and cable, and the stations may or may not transmit this data; so it may or may not work.... :(

2. For cable service, the best bet to ensure TVGOS is to get the cable card (as roblin pointed out). With this set up, a splitter is used for separate analog and digital cable input connections to the TV (roblin could you please confirm? :) ).

3. Without the cablecard, and no cable box, the cable should be connected to the "analog input" to get TVGOS. The tech told me this would pick both hd and analog signals; the inputs are "integrated". But in my case it does not seem so (only analog). Some confusion here...

4. With cablebox, the composite video connection is needed for TVGOS. Component connections will not pick up TVGOS. (Not clear why, but the User Manual also says the same thing, p. 21.)

Geo05 posted -

1. The TVG info comes from stations that transmit this data as a part of their proramming. This is true for both off air and cable, and the stations may or may not transmit this data; so it may or may not work....

05, much of the info I've seen (do a google search) states that PBS channels deliver the data for TVGOS. Individual channels deliver the data for current programming that appears when you select that channel. This is completely independent from TVGOS.

A splitter is required for both analog and digital cable channels w/o a cable card. We should be able to get TVGOS data loaded using only the analog input, however.

Using an HD box, you should use the component video connection to obtain HD, but then will not get TVGOS. With Comcast this is probably not a big issue since they provide their own TV Guide.

NathanNookie's post is interesting - perhaps toggling the cable/antenna selections once or twice will get things working.

Dave

from my research the NEWER sharps are losing features for price competition. i am VERY, VERY happy with my d5u. i can't wait to tweak it. i have been watching it with stock setting since i got it. it is STUNNING, but i know it can get better, just hope i can match the pq of a pioneer plasma but i doubt it.....:)

My journey into hdtv has been a long and hard road. I could write an essay here but to make a long story short, in my opinion flat panel lcd is going to win the technology war. And its not because it has the best PQ. I bought the 37d5u and can live with it till something larger is more affordable.

Thanks, Eric, nathan_h, Nathannookie, Northville Dave, roblin and others... :)

The facts related to TVGOS seem to be coming together (somewhat). I also called Sharp tech support and had a long discussion with a friendly tech. Here's a summary of current status:

1. The TVG info comes from stations that transmit this data as a part of their proramming. This is true for both off air and cable, and the stations may or may not transmit this data; so it may or may not work.... :(

2. For cable service, the best bet to ensure TVGOS is to get the cable card (as roblin pointed out). With this set up, a splitter is used for separate analog and digital cable input connections to the TV (roblin could you please confirm? :) ).

3. Without the cablecard, and no cable box, the cable should be connected to the "analog input" to get TVGOS. The tech told me this would pick both hd and analog signals; the inputs are "integrated". But in my case it does not seem so (only analog). Some confusion here...


Yes a splitter is required to split cable line into two - one goes to ANALOG CABLE and one goes to DIGITAL CABLE. I was able to pick up only one HD cable channel (PBS) without cablecard - I suspect Cox cable scambles HD channels? One other advantage of cablecard is that the channel lineup matches exactly with those on a cable converter box, even HD channels.

BTW I don't know if anyone reallize a hidden advantage of the optical digital audio output - When I watch my analog tivo which connects to the 37D5U via garden-variety analog audio cables, I can still hear audio coming out of my receiver which connects to 37D5U only via a optical digital cable which made me believe that 37D5U converts incoming analog audio into digital and output through its optical digital cable - this greatly simplifies connection because I only need to hook up one cable from TV to my receiver.
R.L.

Yes, the optical output will pass a surround signal. KGTV DTV here broadcasts surround audio and the optical output to my 6 CH receiver reports this as Dolby digital 3/2.1. However an HDMI input does not pass Dolby digital surround. Example: Panny S97 HDMI to HDMI playing DVE (Dolby EX encoded) passes from the 37D5 as 2/0 to the receiver. This must be a design deficiency of the HDMI audio component.

Have performed an initial calibration with DVE and find the Sharp to be very close to optimum at default settings.
Here are the tweaks for the HDMI (input 4)
Backlite STD
Contrast +21
Brightness +6 using the DVE pluge pattern S97 brightness set to +1
Color -8
Tint 0
Sharpness -6
CMS value
Red -1
Green +6

S97 set to output 720p via HDMI
I also plan to use the Monaco colorimeter calibration in PC mode via the DVI input from the computer when the set has some more hours on it.

Yes a splitter is required to split cable line into two - one goes to ANALOG CABLE and one goes to DIGITAL CABLE. I was able to pick up only one HD cable channel (PBS) without cablecard - I suspect Cox cable scambles HD channels? One other advantage of cablecard is that the channel lineup matches exactly with those on a cable converter box, even HD channels.

BTW I don't know if anyone reallize a hidden advantage of the optical digital audio output - When I watch my analog tivo which connects to the 37D5U via garden-variety analog audio cables, I can still hear audio coming out of my receiver which connects to 37D5U only via a optical digital cable which made me believe that 37D5U converts incoming analog audio into digital and output through its optical digital cable - this greatly simplifies connection because I only need to hook up one cable from TV to my receiver.
R.L.
If I don't subscribe to cable, I have D*, do I need to split the line going in? I just have one cable going into the digital air in and I am receiving my local hd channels. I just haven't been able to use the TV guide feature. Would spliiting the line and also running one into the cable air have any effect?
Thanks for any input

Anyone confused about DVI ? This will help you become even more confused.
For information on DVI cables/connectors this is a usefull site.
http://www.ramelectronics.net/html/DVI_info.html#pics
Good luck

Anyone confused about DVI ? This will help you become even more confused.


The Sharp Input 5 is DVI-I (integrated anolog/digital with autosense).

Thus a 15-pin VGA to 29-pin DVI cable (such as the Belkin #F2E4151x10 cable) should work. The tech confirmed this, although I have not yet tried this. :)

Has anyone made the analog connection from a PC? Any sync issues?

I connected my PC using VGA analog to the DVI port. I bought a M/F DVI to VGA adaptor and a M/M VGA cable from Radioshack. The screen came up in lower resolution initially, but the Input Signal can be specified at 1280x768. The Auto Sync worked intermittently, and I did not find it useful. I hooked up the stereo minijack from PC to the Sharp. If you have a separate audio system, you can route the audio output from the Sharp to the audio system. DVDs play very nicely from this setup. Now I need wireless control of the PC. I'm looking around for a wireless keyboard and mouse system that works up to 8 feet. Any recommendations?

The Sharp Input 5 is DVI-I (integrated anolog/digital with autosense).

Thus a 15-pin VGA to 29-pin DVI cable (such as the Belkin #F2E4151x10 cable) should work. The tech confirmed this, although I have not yet tried this. :)

Has anyone made the analog connection from a PC? Any sync issues?
I don't think it is autosense for analog/digital, at least the 45" doesn't. You configure it for PC analog, PC digital, AV analog, AV digital.

There are certain resolutions where the sync looks very similar and you have to tell the Sharp which to use, I believe 1280x768 and 1024x768 is one of those resolutions.

It works fine with analog VGA. Just set the DVI for PC analog.

I am wondering how other owners use the different stretch modes...

The manual gives directions on which "view mode" to use in different situations.
(For instance, for anamorphic widescreen 2.35:1 DVDs, Sharp recommends using "Zoom".)
No matter what, one must pick a value between "Side Box", "Smart Stretch", "Zoom" and "Stretch".

Which "view mode" do you use, in which situations?

In particular, which "view mode" do you use when you watch DVDs in:

- anamorphic widescreen 2.35:1
- anamorphic widescreen 1.85:1
- anamorphic widescreen 2.40:1
- anamorphic widescreen 1.78:1

?

I believe the manual is either wrong or misleading.

I would like to verify this with other widescreen fans.

Now I need wireless control of the PC. I'm looking around for a wireless keyboard and mouse system that works up to 8 feet. Any recommendations?

I bought the BTC with integrated Joystick/Mouse...very cool, and yes, it works to about 12' for me.

http://shop2.outpost.com/product/4354735?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

Geo05 posted -

NathanNookie's post is interesting - perhaps toggling the cable/antenna selections once or twice will get things working.

Dave

Toggling the Zip code over two nights did fix it. I've updated my earlier post with the whole story. Thanks.

I am wondering how other owners use the different stretch modes...

The manual gives directions on which "view mode" to use in different situations.
(For instance, for anamorphic widescreen 2.35:1 DVDs, Sharp recommends using "Zoom".)
No matter what, one must pick a value between "Side Box", "Smart Stretch", "Zoom" and "Stretch".

Which "view mode" do you use, in which situations?

In particular, which "view mode" do you use when you watch DVDs in:

- anamorphic widescreen 2.35:1
- anamorphic widescreen 1.85:1
- anamorphic widescreen 2.40:1
- anamorphic widescreen 1.78:1

?

I believe the manual is either wrong or misleading.

I would like to verify this with other widescreen fans.

Yes, the manual may be misleading it that's what it says.
I use Stretch for anything widescreen...but then I have my DVD player set up to go wide screen which shrinks it horizontally on the output....so the Aquos is stretching it to the correct aspect ratio. I tried Zoom, but you can lose some of the picture.

That's the beauty of anamorphic. Instead of going letterbox, and losing vertical resolution on the DVD which only has 480 V lines to begin with, it compresses the horizontal, allowing the player to stretch the video and spit out letterbox or 16:9.

Yeah, my description isn't great, but here's a fantastic site describing Anamorphic Widescreen :o

http://www.dvdweb.co.uk/information/anamorphic.htm

I know you guys have beaten this to death but I just have this question. I'm using indoor antennae for OTA HD channels. However, the TV guide hasn't worked at all. I have tried unplugging it overnight. To test whether my stations are sending out guide signals or not, I used a STB and connect that to my TV and it indeed showed the show info on my STB. This confirms that the stations does send out info, just that my TV guide wouldn't pick up. Helps are appreciated, thankx!! :rolleyes:

I know you guys have beaten this to death but I just have this question. I'm using indoor antennae for OTA HD channels. However, the TV guide hasn't worked at all. I have tried unplugging it overnight. To test whether my stations are sending out guide signals or not, I used a STB and connect that to my TV and it indeed showed the show info on my STB. This confirms that the stations does send out info, just that my TV guide wouldn't pick up. Helps are appreciated, thankx!! :rolleyes:

Is PBS present among the OTA stations you receive on your antenna ? If not, you will likely not get TV Guide info since PBS is the most common distributor of this data. Also do not unplug the TV, just turn it off and leave the OTA antenna connected.

Any of the Sharp 37" left in Costco? Seems to be hard to get.

Also, with the new 37" TV's, dropping the DVI, does it retain the VGA input?

Is PBS present among the OTA stations you receive on your antenna ? If not, you will likely not get TV Guide info since PBS is the most common distributor of this data. Also do not unplug the TV, just turn it off and leave the OTA antenna connected.

I got OTA-PBS, CBS, ABC, WB, NBC with very strong signals >60%, but no TV guide. However, the confusing thing is that there is channel info available when I used my STB (mine has an option on the STB's remote to check for show info). Thankx for your help!!

Any of the Sharp 37" left in Costco? Seems to be hard to get.

Also, with the new 37" TV's, dropping the DVI, does it retain the VGA input?

This is a really hot deal. There was 1 left in Yonkers, NY as of last Monday (down from 6 or 7 few days before).

im a little confused. i also, have been looking for a the d5u at local costcos, but it seems they are all gone. i went to the sharp website, and the description of the d7u says it has both dvi and hdmi. just curious as to why people are saying the newer versions will be lacking? or are they talking about another version. is there anything new coming that will retain all the d5u's inputs? thanks

OK quick question I decided to try to hook up my optical cable to the tv and it worked.
For a # of reasons I decided to plug my audio into my Stereo Reciever and unhooked it.
Now the TV will not play sound it acts as if I still have the audio plugged into the Optical out.
Any suggestions on how to fix this.

jay

Any of the Sharp 37" left in Costco? Seems to be hard to get.

You aren't kidding. I went to 2 of my local Costco's after calling them first to make sure they had the item in stock. When I got there, they were out of stock. Either they were lying or very incompetent.

You can buy it from costco.com, but you'll get jacked for a $200 "White Glove" shipping fee.

im a little confused. i also, have been looking for a the d5u at local costcos, but it seems they are all gone. i went to the sharp website, and the description of the d7u says it has both dvi and hdmi. just curious as to why people are saying the newer versions will be lacking? or are they talking about another version. is there anything new coming that will retain all the d5u's inputs? thanks

The newer versions have dropped the DVI connection as a cost reduction measure.

thanks for the reply, im really new to the whole thing. i guess i will wait and see what prices are like on these new castrated versions. hopefully under 2k still for the 37in. even if it were lacking dvi, would it still suit my needs, as i will only use an adelphia set top box and an oppo dvd player? i take it i would use the component input for the stb and the hdmi for the dvd player, is that correct? :)

im a little confused. i also, have been looking for a the d5u at local costcos, but it seems they are all gone. i went to the sharp website, and the description of the d7u says it has both dvi and hdmi. just curious as to why people are saying the newer versions will be lacking? or are they talking about another version. is there anything new coming that will retain all the d5u's inputs? thanks

Stockton, CA had 5-7 left on Friday. I don't know about now.

thanks for the reply, im really new to the whole thing. i guess i will wait and see what prices are like on these new castrated versions. hopefully under 2k still for the 37in. even if it were lacking dvi, would it still suit my needs, as i will only use an adelphia set top box and an oppo dvd player? i take it i would use the component input for the stb and the hdmi for the dvd player, is that correct? :)

You could connect either using either. I personally would use the HDMI for whichever I expected to watch the most, but you can experiment and see what looks best.

thanks for the reply, im really new to the whole thing. i guess i will wait and see what prices are like on these new castrated versions. hopefully under 2k still for the 37in. even if it were lacking dvi, would it still suit my needs, as i will only use an adelphia set top box and an oppo dvd player? i take it i would use the component input for the stb and the hdmi for the dvd player, is that correct? :)

Yes, the newer models should work fine for your proposed connections.

You had indicated a preference for the silver finish (earlier post), and the new LC-37DB5U comes in silver. Its suggested MSRP is $3299, with street prices expected to be much lower. Here's the link for the LC-37DB5U Sharp Press Release (http://www.sharpusa.com/products/FunctionPressReleaseSingle/0,1080,545-34,00.html). :)

Hi
New to the forum so sorry if these are old questions. I got the sharp over the weekend and I am definitely glad I did (I'm in the Philly area and I called one costco which was out of stock - the woman went through all the surrounding stores and told me who had how many - very helpful. I drove 2 hours to Lancaster PA and they had 8 - well 7 now, as of Saturday)

anyway, as for set up, I have d* and I'm using the HD TiVO so I bypassed the built in TV Guide. I used the HDMI (Input 4) and my only options for SD are stretch or gray sidebars. First question, is there a way to make the sidebars black? I know this is typically a problem with plasma b/c of burn-in but I thought the LCDs were ok with the black. Also, I can't seem to select the other screen format options available. Is this related to using Input 4 - HDMI or am I missing something on setup. If I have to go with component cables I will switch the setup but I'm hoping to avoid that b/c I like the HDMI PQ and don't want to mess with a good thing. My wife doesn't have the patience for the HD technology to catch up so she sees the gray sidebars as a distraction and will complain until I find a way to darken them. Any help would be appreciated b/c it may come down to her or the TV - you know how those things go....

also, d* is dragging their feet with locals in HD and I am waiting for some bogus waiver for permission to receive the east coats feed. In the interim I'd like to get an indoor OTA but I am trying to do that quickly and since I was not expecting to need that (I thought they included those with the HD programming) I haven't researched it. I'm looking for a shortcut so I don't miss any more of the football season.

Thanks!

OK quick question I decided to try to hook up my optical cable to the tv and it worked.
For a # of reasons I decided to plug my audio into my Stereo Reciever and unhooked it.
Now the TV will not play sound it acts as if I still have the audio plugged into the Optical out.
Any suggestions on how to fix this.

jay

I have optical audio connected from the TV to the A/V receiver and hear sound from both the TV and the receiver. If (in the Sharp's menu) the audio is set to varable, the TV will be muted (according to the manual page 71). Could that be your situation ?. I assume you are feeding optical audio from the TV to the receiver.

Hi
New to the forum so sorry if these are old questions. I got the sharp over the weekend and I am definitely glad I did (I'm in the Philly area and I called one costco which was out of stock - the woman went through all the surrounding stores and told me who had how many - very helpful. I drove 2 hours to Lancaster PA and they had 8 - well 7 now, as of Saturday)

anyway, as for set up, I have d* and I'm using the HD TiVO so I bypassed the built in TV Guide. I used the HDMI (Input 4) and my only options for SD are stretch or gray sidebars. First question, is there a way to make the sidebars black? I know this is typically a problem with plasma b/c of burn-in but I thought the LCDs were ok with the black. Also, I can't seem to select the other screen format options available. Is this related to using Input 4 - HDMI or am I missing something on setup. If I have to go with component cables I will switch the setup but I'm hoping to avoid that b/c I like the HDMI PQ and don't want to mess with a good thing. My wife doesn't have the patience for the HD technology to catch up so she sees the gray sidebars as a distraction and will complain until I find a way to darken them. Any help would be appreciated b/c it may come down to her or the TV - you know how those things go....

also, d* is dragging their feet with locals in HD and I am waiting for some bogus waiver for permission to receive the east coats feed. In the interim I'd like to get an indoor OTA but I am trying to do that quickly and since I was not expecting to need that (I thought they included those with the HD programming) I haven't researched it. I'm looking for a shortcut so I don't miss any more of the football season.

Thanks!

The sidebars are adjusted thru the HD Tivo, not the tv. Go into the settings screen and you will see an option for making the sidebars black or grey

Is PBS present among the OTA stations you receive on your antenna ? If not, you will likely not get TV Guide info since PBS is the most common distributor of this data. Also do not unplug the TV, just turn it off and leave the OTA antenna connected.
I am in a similar situation. I receive my locals from an OTA and PBS is one of them. However I can't the guide to work. I have only one cable going into "digital air". Do I also need to have another going into analog air as well?

I am in a similar situation. I receive my locals from an OTA and PBS is one of them. However I can't the guide to work. I have only one cable going into "digital air". Do I also need to have another going into analog air as well?

Yes, several sources have told me that TVGOS signals are thru analog PBS signals.

Dave

Any of the Sharp 37" left in Costco? Seems to be hard to get.

Also, with the new 37" TV's, dropping the DVI, does it retain the VGA input?
Costco bought the last 2,000 of them. Once they are out that's it. Like anything at Costco, you have to get the jump on it. I called my local one for a week knowing they were coming in and was there at 10am the day they did. They sold out that night, (20 of them)

First I want to say I pray everyday for the people in the gulf coast area. The folks like me inside a warm dry house should be very grateful. I also tried to do my part. Watched sports all weekend and the full screen hd on the ota antenna was great! Nfl football was amazing. The Ohio State Texes had sidebars hd and was that my local abc decision or national. I love the full screen hd. Do you think someday it will be all full screen hd.

Yes, several sources have told me that TVGOS signals are thru analog PBS signals.

Dave

You are probably right. I have digital air, analog cable and digital cable all connected to the TV and have no way of knowing which source (perhaps more than one) is providing the TVGOS data.
But I can tell you that the TVGOS in my case lists all programming whether it be digital air, analog cable or digital cable.

Yes, several sources have told me that TVGOS signals are thru analog PBS signals.

Dave

If that's the case, can I get a splitter, runs antenna to the splitter, then 1 out to "digital air", the other to "analog"? Do you think this would work?

If that's the case, can I get a splitter, runs antenna to the splitter, then 1 out to "digital air", the other to "analog"? Do you think this would work?

TVGOS is broadcast on analog PBS stations, so splitting the cable as you suggest should allow the TV to have the guide info. You might have to do a reset to have it look again.

Has anyone been successful using the g-link ir blaster to control either a dvd or STB? I am able to set the Sharp remote so that it will control those devices but not via the g-link ir blaster.
I'd like to house my dvd player and cable box in a closed cabinet.

The last couple of days when I turned my set on the favorites have been erased :(. Two days ago I turned on the TV when I got home, didn't have any favorites, so I reset them. Yesterday when I got home they were gone again.

Has anyone else had this problem?

Looks like Costco has taken this one off their website. So, I guess they are now limited to what's in the stores. I'm picking one up at my local store this evening. Hoping it's a good one. It'll be my first LCD HDTV! :D

The last couple of days when I turned my set on the favorites have been erased :(. Two days ago I turned on the TV when I got home, didn't have any favorites, so I reset them. Yesterday when I got home they were gone again.

Has anyone else had this problem?

I don't use the favorites feature but I noticed that:

1. All my custom input labels disappeared a few days ago.
2. Firewire stopped working right until I unplugged the TV and plugged it back in.

So my conclusin is that this thing is a little tempermental.

Of course, it has a limited life in my home since there is still a full line of dead red pixels running from top to bottom on my set....

Hopefully i will have one tonight. Do i need a truck to haul this thing, or can it fit in car trunk with back seats down?
I plan on just keeping the expanded basic cable for now and use ota HD as my source, ill update later. Im in Seattle, so i figure ill be ok with the hd for free. So will i need an antenna, or can it pull with no antenna? Also what cables are required right now, i know my brother just dropped $150-$200 on cables for his plasma... do i need to do the same?

ANd anyone using this with tivo? is it bearable to watch?

Thanks

Do i need a truck to haul this thing, or can it fit in car trunk with back seats down?
Thanks
The box fit in the back seat of my passat just fine -- sideways and vertical across the back seat bench (no folding of seats required). In an earlier thread on the 37d5u somebody gave the exact measurements of the box I believe, sorry I don't have it handy. Check the other threads linked from the first page of this thread. Good luck!

I am getting a bit confused from reading some of the posts.
SO if i have expanded basic cable and connect the cable, or split it into 2 and connect them to the sharp (analog,digital)... i can get hdtv channels(basic local hdtv channels i know i can not get espn etc without digital cable)?? Or do i need to have digital cable (i am a comcast member). If thats the case thats fine i will attempt ota hd. ANd also what cables are needed for this set out of the box? I have analog cable right now thats it.

I am getting a bit confused from reading some of the posts.
SO if i have expanded basic cable and connect the cable, or split it into 2 and connect them to the sharp (analog,digital)... i can get hdtv channels(basic local hdtv channels i know i can not get espn etc without digital cable)?? Or do i need to have digital cable (i am a comcast member). If thats the case thats fine i will attempt ota hd. ANd also what cables are needed for this set out of the box? I have analog cable right now thats it.

You will be able to get the analog channels you get now and whatever your system has for unscrambled HD if you split the cable and connect to analog and digital in. No other cables needed.

Left the set off for the entire weekend, set up to get TVG info from analog cable with the cable connected directly to the analog cable input, i.e., no STB.

Turned it back on last night and---- no TVGOS info, zip, nil, nada!

Hooked my little 7' UHF loop to the same input, set it up to get input from analog air and, voila, this morning had info for all of the Detroit air channels (and several other channels I never heard of) including all the Detroit OTA HD channels!

That is all well and good, but I really don't plan on using OTA channels (although I have at times noted better PQ on the OTA HD pics than those delivered via Comcast cable and the inbuilt HD cable tuner).

Tonight I will try again with the analog cable route.

Wish me luck!

Dave

Ok picked it up tonight and did an initial set up. I have regular analog and am pulling digital channels and local hdtv with no antenna, strength is showing at 85. I have noise due to splitters and cables how can i minimize this?

I have a cable coming from wall split to go to internet, then split again to tv inputs x2. I need to hook up my tivo so does that mean i need yet another split? I received some hbo channles from the scan, so they look like they tune in and out.

For my dvd i need component cables right?Also will burned dvd's not look as good since the compression?

Does anyone use auto picture function or do you manually adjust your picture? WHats best s stretch or stretch mode? I would just like to hear opinions. Also what differentiates black side bars and gray bars? How does one adjust it.

Thanks

Just picked up a set from 6ave(dot)com. Decent price ($2200-ish), no tax, 6 cents (yes, $0.06) shipping. And, they have some in stock.

DVD picture is great. OTA analogue cable is so-so... but i expected that. Tried searching for cable HD channels (had the coax split and going into analogue and cable digital) but didnt find any. I had the cable system set to "Standard" though... i'll try again with HRC tonight (i'm in the Philly area using Comcast).

Anyway, my real question is: Has anyone tried to use an articulated arm wall mount for this thing? There seem to be a few mounts out there that can handle this beast, but i'd like some first hand reviews if there are any.

Thanks.

Many thanks, Eric, I did this too and ran into a couple of complications, perhaps you can help. :)

1. Too many channels. On this one I will check the manual on deleting procedure, and do so.

2. The Channel Numbers do not seem to correspond to what I get from my cable box. Typing in the numbers of known channels does not seem to work. Any suggestions? Is there a way to display Channel Info, as one may do with the cable box remotes?

3. How does one display input resolution? (i.e., know if the signal is 720 p, 1080 i, etc...)?

But to get the unencrypted channels using the QAM tuner, don't you have to subscribe to some sort of cable, basic? I do not currently subscribe to anything but the house is wired for Cox cable. Should I be able to plug into the cable outlet in the wall and receive the unecrypted channels?

(sorry for posting this question now as it may be answered later in this thread but I just found this thread and have 5 pages to read and do not want to forget to ask.)

I spent quite a bit of time reading this thread and similar threads before I went and purchased a 37D5U from a Costco here in Seattle. I wasn't quite sure what would happen with cable when I got it home, so I'll try and help others out here.

I have internet service provided by Comcast, but no cable services at all. Evidently Comcast has installed an analog filter somewhere that allows digital data through, but not analog signals. When I plugged the set into the digital cable input, many stations immediately came up thanks to the QAM. These include all the local HD stations (about 10 of them), and a random smattering of analog signals as well (maybe 20-30 more). In addition, occasionally something that someone has ordered through on-demand will show up on an upper channel. What's really creepy is when you can see the viewer pausing and rewinding the feed. I live in very North Seattle, just on the edge of the city limits, but OTA reception is great as well. I haven't been able to get TVGOS to work yet, but I've just recently made sense of it all and hooked up an analog antenna before re-configuring the setup. We'll see how that goes, but since I can get PBS through analog OTA, should work, right?

I really like the TV. Spent a good deal of time at local stores looking at Panasonics, Sonys and such, but right now the Costco Sharp can't be beat, especially when you consider the Costco return policy. For me, it was a lot of the undocumented things like the quality of the remote, the speed that it moves from channel to channel, the sound quality and so on. These aren't mentioned a whole lot, but it's obvious that this TV was well thought out.

But to get the unencrypted channels using the QAM tuner, don't you have to subscribe to some sort of cable, basic? I do not currently subscribe to anything but the house is wired for Cox cable. Should I be able to plug into the cable outlet in the wall and receive the unecrypted channels?

You need some type of cable subscription, yes. Otherwise you are stealing service. When you get only basic cable they will usually put a trap on the line and in this case you would have the digital channels filtered out. If you get "expanded basic" that includes the rest of the analog tier, you should have the unencrypted channels.

Left the set off for the entire weekend, set up to get TVG info from analog cable with the cable connected directly to the analog cable input, i.e., no STB.

Turned it back on last night and---- no TVGOS info, zip, nil, nada!

Hooked my little 7' UHF loop to the same input, set it up to get input from analog air and, voila, this morning had info for all of the Detroit air channels (and several other channels I never heard of) including all the Detroit OTA HD channels!

That is all well and good, but I really don't plan on using OTA channels (although I have at times noted better PQ on the OTA HD pics than those delivered via Comcast cable and the inbuilt HD cable tuner).

Tonight I will try again with the analog cable route.

Wish me luck!

Dave
Good luck!
I have tried to get TVGOS via the analog input for nearly a week without success.... :)
I believe I read of someone changing the zip code slightly to solve this issue ...? :confused:

But to get the unencrypted channels using the QAM tuner, don't you have to subscribe to some sort of cable, basic? I do not currently subscribe to anything but the house is wired for Cox cable. Should I be able to plug into the cable outlet in the wall and receive the unecrypted channels?

In my case I do subscribe to basic cable which includes HD channels. :)
Would like to clarify that when I said I get too many channels on the digital input, not all were live...

You need some type of cable subscription, yes. Otherwise you are stealing service. When you get only basic cable they will usually put a trap on the line and in this case you would have the digital channels filtered out. If you get "expanded basic" that includes the rest of the analog tier, you should have the unencrypted channels.


I'm not sure I agree with this assumption. If one were to remove the filter or do something physically malicious in order to recieve cable, then yes, that would be stealing. But if a cable provider is just going to send QAM signals over the cable without filtering and you just plug your QAM TV into the cable and recieve signal, I don't see it as doing anything wrong. Essentially the same as recieving OTA signals.

you are not stealing service, your tv i pulling the channels. I was suprised to see the channels on my tv come in as well, i have basic tv and get all hdtv locals at 85 strength.I am in seattle as well picked it up yesterday, its a good deal. I wish there was a scan feature so it can go to the next available channel. I notice that the digitals fade in and out with regards to hbo and other movie channels. Last night rome was on, sex in the city etc ... then after the show was done the channel faded.

Page 52 of the manual states that when using the DVI input from an external source, you must use a 3.5mm stereo mini jack for the audio. I would like to use the DVI connection from my HD STB --> TV, but the HD STB (Moto 6412 Phase II) does not have a 3.5mm mini jack output for audio. Is there any way to have the TV cross the other audio inputs (1/2/3) which are RCA to input 4? Thanks for the great thread and forums.

Page 52 pf the manual states that when using the DVI input from an external source, you must use a 3.5mm stereo mini jack for the audio. I would like to use the DVI connection from my HD STB --> TV, but the HD STB (Moto 6412 Phase II) does not have a 3.5mm mini jack output for audio. Is there any way to have the TV cross the other audio inputs (1/2/3) which are RCA to input 4? Thanks for the great thread and forums.

What you need is a form of a "Y" connector.

That is, one end is connected to your STB, it has normal RCA Left and Right jacks.

The other end has the 3.5mm stereo mini jack - that's the end that is connected to your Sharp.

This "Y" connector is readily available at electronic stores.

Hope this helps.

Gary

Is there any way to have the TV cross the other audio inputs (1/2/3) which are RCA to input 4? Thanks for the great thread and forums.

Would like to add that the audio input signals must match the corresponding video inputs. Thus for example, audio via RCA connectors to Input 1 will need video also to Input 1 (coax or component). :)

For DVI to Input 4, you will need an RCA to 1/8th-inch minijack connector for the sound. :)

Let me clarify - the original poster said he didn't subscribe to cable service. So he shouldn't have any signal on his inside wiring at all; it should be disconnected at the pole. If he does subscribe to a service, then I agree whatever is on the cable that he can receive is fair game.

What's really creepy is when you can see the viewer pausing and rewinding the feed.


LOL. Still a few bugs in the system, eh ?

Well i just went and bought a 4 way splitter, and the PQ was worse.... so i went back to several2 way splits with the main line coming in off the first splitter. What are my alternatives? My tivo pq is bad but i know its sd and its off the 3rd splitter lol.

Is the 4 way monster splitter a good buy? Ive seen good reviews.

When watching dvd's with this will you alwyas have to stretch the pic to fit the screen?


Sorry if these are dumb questions

sync - get a 4-way amplified two-way digital-ready spitter from Radio Shack. They work great.

Suddenly, this afternoon the TVGOS info loaded from analog cable! Set was only off for about four hours, but all the channels loaded. Haven't checked yet to see how many days worth of info.
:) :) :)
I did happen to change the zip code this morning after nothing happened overnight, but I tried this once last week with no success, so who knows?

GrittyKitty says -

In addition, occasionally something that someone has ordered through on-demand will show up on an upper channel. What's really creepy is when you can see the viewer pausing and rewinding the feed.

Really weird isn't it! About every other night, someone here orders an adult movie - who ever it is does a lot of pausing and rewinding! :D

My overall experience is much the same as other posters have reported -

1. Initially, with only basic analog cable I was able to get about 10 HDTV channels.

2. OTA reception of HDTV was much better than I expected, using only a 7" dia. UHF antenna hanging in a stairwell. About 8 channels with great PQ.

3. I ordered the digital basic package and tested it with a STB. Things worked pretty much as expected.

4. Tested the digital service w/o STB or cable card. Received many more channels than expected. (Channel scan included many apparently blank channels - I think these are used for the On-demand, etc. - and also all the music channels.) Removing the unwanted channels from the scan is a pain, but we should only have to do it once.

I am having a CableCard installed on the 27th and will report on it's performance. The first three people I talked to at Comcrap, er.. I mean Comcast, insisted that there would be a 3 buck/month rental for the card even though the Comcast net site states "no additional charge for a Cable card". The fourth agreed to "waive the charge"??????

Dave

Well i just went and bought a 4 way splitter, and the PQ was worse.... so i went back to several2 way splits with the main line coming in off the first splitter. What are my alternatives? My tivo pq is bad but i know its sd and its off the 3rd splitter lol.

Is the 4 way monster splitter a good buy? Ive seen good reviews.

When watching dvd's with this will you alwyas have to stretch the pic to fit the screen?


Sorry if these are dumb questions

Don't know if it really makes a difference but I like using the 1000 Mhz splitters from the satellite section of stuff at Home Depot, 1 in and 3 outs (or 4 outs).

nt

When watching dvd's with this will you alwyas have to stretch the pic to fit the screen?


Sorry if these are dumb questions

Yes. When you set the DVD player for 16:9 widescreen output, it shrinks the picture horizontally to fit the 720 pixel width. If you watch it on a normal TV you see the widesceen..but it's shrunk horizontally to fit the 4:3 screen. The Aquos has to stretch the video to fill the 16:9 screen, and normalize the aspect ratio.

It gets crazier when you adjust the S output (in the Aquos menu) to go to a DVD/VHS recorder. You select whether the output is anamorphic (shrunk) or letterboxed, depending on what you'll be playing back on.

There is only one bad thing about having more resolution and a monitor that shows the flaws in a picture so much. Analog feeds look horrible, especially network newscasts, and the XBox doesn't look so good either. Looked so much better on a CRT...but then it was smaller, and fuzzier. Only solution seems to be turning down the Sharpness. Guess I need an XBox 360 :)

I am getting a bit confused from reading some of the posts.
SO if i have expanded basic cable and connect the cable, or split it into 2 and connect them to the sharp (analog,digital)... i can get hdtv channels(basic local hdtv channels i know i can not get espn etc without digital cable)?? Or do i need to have digital cable (i am a comcast member). If thats the case thats fine i will attempt ota hd. ANd also what cables are needed for this set out of the box? I have analog cable right now thats it.

The cable setup various from cable company to cable company. For example, I have Cox Cable and if one just has the "expanded basic cable" he cannot get HDTV - one must subscribe to "HD" service ($9.99 per month). Furthermore, there are two HD options - either rent a Cox HD converter box (ADDITIONAL $9.99 per month) or a Cablecard (ADDITIONAL $4.99 per month). Even though I have "digital" cable I CANNOT pick up most of the HD Cable channels without the box or the card. I have to have a Cablecard installed by a technician and activate it - then I was able to receive all the non-premium HD Cable Channels offered by Cox (Discovery HD, NBC, ABC, CBS, Fox, INHD1, INHD2, ESPN, and PBS)

As I mention before in my previous post, if you are a cable user, and don't care about pay-per-view or DVR, GET THE CABLECARD!!!! The picture quality of "regular cables" looks little better with Cablecard than a converter box, and you can directly control your Sharp LCD TV with its own remote.

If you are going to use a Cablecard, the correct installation is to SPLIT THE CABLE SIGNAL INTO TWO - ONE GOES INTO THE ANALOG CABLE JACK AND ONE GOES INTO THE DIGITAL CABLE JACK.

R.L.

There is only one bad thing about having more resolution and a monitor that shows the flaws in a picture so much. Analog feeds look horrible, especially network newscasts, and the XBox doesn't look so good either. Looked so much better on a CRT...but then it was smaller, and fuzzier. Only solution seems to be turning down the Sharpness. Guess I need an XBox 360 :)

Do you have the HDTV A/V pack for your xbox?

does this free channels from cable company trick work for Dish Network too? Never tried it but am now wondering. So where should I insert the cable to give a shot at unencrypted QAM channels? I just want to pick up digital channels.

does this free channels from cable company trick work for Dish Network too? Never tried it but am now wondering. So where should I insert the cable to give a shot at unencrypted QAM channels? I just want to pick up digital channels.
Dish Network doesn't use QAM. There are very few, if any, TVs with built in QPSK/8PSK tuners.

sync - get a 4-way amplified two-way digital-ready spitter from Radio Shack. They work great.

I second this amplifier splitter recommendation. I have an amplifier/splitter set-up with the three outputs going to (1) digital cable in, (2) analog cable in, and (3) into my Motorola 6412 STB (which then connects back to the TV via DVI). Signal quality is good for all three purposes.

anyone want to post tips or things they have learned with the tv. I have yet to get the Guide to have data yet... i hope it works but wont be a deal breaker. Do people follow the guide recommendation and stretch dvd accordingly... using zoom, or s stretch? i like the tv got great pics last night with digital hdtv... and funny thing i figured out i can tune into some channels like other posters and watch what someone may be watching on indemand (rewind and pausing etc), pretty funny stuff.

I have my optical cable coming, in the mail.... my receiver would not play tv sound (watching tv)with just the red and white jacks... so i guess optical is necessary

why do you need all 3 outputs?

Do you have the HDTV A/V pack for your xbox?

Yes, so at least I have 480p (Project Gotham Racing 2) and component. It is certainly better than the S-Video pack I'd bought before, but you really notice all the imperfections now. I've tried turning down the sharpness, but I guess I'm just expecting too much from a SD source. Not sure how the higher res Xbox games look. Everything I have is 480p.

As someone suggested, I have Timewarner cable and use it for cable internet only. I then splitted the signal, 1 to the router, the other to the "digital cable" coaxial on my TV.... scan all digital channels and ... woala... I got HD-ABC, NBC, CBS, PBS, with good signal strength >85% (didn't pick up UPN though). The upper channels I only got 2 on demands but mostly commercial for their On-demand movies. My question is: can I get TVGOS to work with this set up? Or do I have to split the cable signal and put 1 into "analog cable" coaxial on my TV? By the way I did scan and got no analog cable channel. Thanks for all of your good tips!!

I have a picture-quality related question. I recently purchased an LC-37D5U, and there's one thing I was disappointed about - it doesn't seem to reproduce black very well. That isn't what I expected, because I'd looked at the Sharps in stores quite a bit and they all looked very good in that area. On my set, though, a black screen looks gray and dark scenes don't look good at all.

Thinking I may be expecting too much from an LCD or that I'm just plain crazy, I went to a nearby Best Buy where they have the similar LC-37GB5U on display. Black looked great on it! I thought that all the 37-inch Sharps use the same panel - does anyone know if that's correct?

Has anyone else seen this? Is there some setting I should adjust, or is my TV really different from the ones I've seen in stores? I've tried adjusting the black and white levels, turning the backlight all the way down to -8 (which did have some effect), and changing the lighting in the room where I have the TV, but couldn't get it to look good. I'd think it was defective, but I'm not sure what kind of defect would cause this symptom...?

Thanks for any ideas...

I have a picture-quality related question. I recently purchased an LC-37D5U, and there's one thing I was disappointed about - it doesn't seem to reproduce black very well. That isn't what I expected, because I'd looked at the Sharps in stores quite a bit and they all looked very good in that area. On my set, though, a black screen looks gray and dark scenes don't look good at all.

Thinking I may be expecting too much from an LCD or that I'm just plain crazy, I went to a nearby Best Buy where they have the similar LC-37GB5U on display. Black looked great on it! I thought that all the 37-inch Sharps use the same panel - does anyone know if that's correct?

Has anyone else seen this? Is there some setting I should adjust, or is my TV really different from the ones I've seen in stores? I've tried adjusting the black and white levels, turning the backlight all the way down to -8 (which did have some effect), and changing the lighting in the room where I have the TV, but couldn't get it to look good. I'd think it was defective, but I'm not sure what kind of defect would cause this symptom...?


Thanks for any ideas...

I have 10 days under my belt with this set and if anything the blacks are what really stand out on this set. They had a gb4u next to it and the d5u had considerably better blacks. I haven't adjusted any levels so far, Its not very heavy I'd take it down to where you bought it and have them hook it up and let you see if it may be your equipment or a defect. Good luck.

Blacks are gray for me as well, when the image is dark (alley at night in a thriller, for example) when the lights are off in my viewing room. I think this is to be expected with the technology.

I picked up the 32" aquos recently. I had a similar experience. I think there's some initial burn in on the backlight as the picture seems to get better as time goes on. I've been steadily upping the backlight and increasing the color level too.

As someone suggested, I have Timewarner cable and use it for cable internet only. I then splitted the signal, 1 to the router, the other to the "digital cable" coaxial on my TV.... scan all digital channels and ... woala... I got HD-ABC, NBC, CBS, PBS, with good signal strength >85% (didn't pick up UPN though). The upper channels I only got 2 on demands but mostly commercial for their On-demand movies. My question is: can I get TVGOS to work with this set up? Or do I have to split the cable signal and put 1 into "analog cable" coaxial on my TV? By the way I did scan and got no analog cable channel. Thanks for all of your good tips!!

To get analog channels or TVGOS, you will have to split again and go into Analog Cable.

The TVGOS signal is carried on the vertical retrace (blanking) signal in NTSC composite video. That is why TVGOS is not present with component video output (no vertical retrace). I may be present on S-Video, haven't been able to ascertain that yet.

Not clear where the TVGOS is carried on DTV but it is present. DTV encoders have the capability to carry all sorts of info. In particular the PSIP (program system information protocol) is a catch all for data the broadcaster wants to transmit. Google PSIP and locate some of the white papers on PSIP. Absolutely brain deadening

The TVGOS signal is carried on the vertical retrace (blanking) signal in NTSC composite video. That is why TVGOS is not present with component video output (no vertical retrace). I may be present on S-Video, haven't been able to ascertain that yet.

Not clear where the TVGOS is carried on DTV but it is present. DTV encoders have the capability to carry all sorts of info. In particular the PSIP (program system information protocol) is a catch all for data the broadcaster wants to transmit. Google PSIP and locate some of the white papers on PSIP. Absolutely brain deadening

We need to distinguish TVGOS, which is carried on the vertical retrace of PBS analog channels, from PSIP, which is carried embedded in the MPEG2TS streams And I suppose we should also distinguish the out-of-band delivery of guide information to STBs. All of them carry guide information and the three separate delivery channels is one of the reasons why people get confused about why they don't have it sometimes.

I picked up the 32" aquos recently. I had a similar experience. I think there's some initial burn in on the backlight as the picture seems to get better as time goes on. I've been steadily upping the backlight and increasing the color level too.

"Upping the backlight"? Wish I could lower the backlight! I've got it at it's lowest settings, which is great in a lit room, but is too high in a dark room.

I was adjusting channel positions in the TVGOS (which now seems to be working) when the screen went black except for the preview picture in the upper left corner. Hitting the "TV Guide" button did nothing so I hit the power button on the remote - the sound and the power lite on the set went off but the preview picture stayed on!, (I'm not certain whether it was active or freeze frame).

Hit the power button again and the set come on normally, or so I thought. I found that my channel scan had all been reset to "Skip - off". Not nice!

Talked to Phil, a CSR at Sharp. After inquiring with other CSR's he said this problem had not been reported previously. He suggested if it ever happened again, I should call them before hitting any buttons (if during their working hours) or try the "reset button" rather than powering down.

Has anybody seen weird stuff like this?

Dave

I've seen a few weird things. Unplugging the power cable usually resolves weird stuff, from what I can tell. Turning the TV "off" doesn't make much difference, since it's just in a standby mode where many functions are still on.

I've seen a few weird things. Unplugging the power cable usually resolves weird stuff, from what I can tell. Turning the TV "off" doesn't make much difference, since it's just in a standby mode where many functions are still on.

Here also weird behavior with the favorite channel function which lost all the settings twice now. The first instance was perhaps due to a momentary power interruption (10 seconds) a few days ago. The TV was in standby when this happened and when I turned it on the only discrepancy was the loss of all the favorite settings. Today the favorites disapeared again, no power failure this time.
I am at a loss to explain this.

The TV is connected to a rooftop VHF/UHF urban antenna via the digital air input and receives all local digital broadcasts. The cable is connected to an R/S low-loss amplified bidirectional 4-way RF splitter (has a gain control). Two of the outputs connect to the Sharp analog and digital cable inputs. One of the outputs feeds a second identical R/S amp to supply 2 TV's, an S-VHS VCR and a Sony HX-900 Video recorder.

With this setup the TVGOS lists every channel for digital air, analog cable and those local stations carried by TWCSD unencrypted. I have basic and expanded cable but no digital subscription, no STB and no cable card.
I can also mention that PQ for digital air HD broadcasts is better than I see for those same stations on cable. TWC must use more compression and degrades the bandwith.
It is easy to use flashback to compare PQ and I was watching the US open on CBS (DTV air and DTV cable). This was a spectacular broadcast.

BTW the OTA signals average 68-74 on the signal level display. I have line-of-sight to all local UHF stations from my location at 540 feet above sea level. Most UHF transmitters are 30 miles from here and the R/S antenna is 20 years old. The Sharp certainly has an excellent ATSC tuner and compares very well with the LG LST-4200A HD tuner I use with the 53" Panny RPTV

Well, these comments likely have nothing to do with losing favorites, they are intended as general info others might find of interest.

Has anyone had a Sharp service call? I will next week (for the column of dead red pixels I have) & am wondering what to expect. My worry is that they will want to take the set in -- at which point I may decline that offer and exchange it at costco when I get a chance. I know it sounds sad but I cannot be without the set right now -- the SO is having back surgery and this will be her companion through the long recovery... and since she can't even see that there are pixels missing from where she sits (even though the column reaches from top to bottom) she'd be even less understanding if "her TV" disappeared without something just as big replacing it :-)

Anyway, my real question is: Has anyone tried to use an articulated arm wall mount for this thing? There seem to be a few mounts out there that can handle this beast, but i'd like some first hand reviews if there are any.

Thanks.

I'm using this one:
http://www.omnimount.com/product.asp?p=128

Works great... probably a bit overkill as it'll hold up to double the weight of the tv, but better safe than $2000 poorer. :)

http://www.omnimount.com/images/products/PlasCLmain1.jpg

snip .... and exchange it at costco when I get a chance.... :-)

Sorry to hear about the SO having that problem, hope she recovers without complications.

From what I have read Costco is totally out of the 37D5U, an exchange my not be available.

Here also weird behavior with the favorite channel function which lost all the settings twice now. The first instance was perhaps due to a momentary power interruption (10 seconds) a few days ago. The TV was in standby when this happened and when I turned it on the only discrepancy was the loss of all the favorite settings. Today the favorites disapeared again, no power failure this time.
I am at a loss to explain this.



I've Lost my Favorites three times now, and each time my TV Guide actually switches from Analog UHF to Cable, but doesn't show it. The only way I know it's switched, is that the UHF channels don't work, and the menu to scan for new channels shows cable instead of air. The only way to fix it is to go into TVG setup, change to cable and then back to Antenna, and then of course re-enter all the Favorites. Just re-inputting your zip code etc. doesn't fix it.

Are the two problems related? I'd have to say yes.

I'd have to guess that this will continue...so I may be calling Sharp.

can anyone tell me what's the item number from costco for the 37" sharp? it doesn't seems like it's in their system anymore.
TIA

Sorry to hear about the SO having that problem, hope she recovers without complications.

From what I have read Costco is totally out of the 37D5U, an exchange my not be available.

Yeah, I figure I may end up with a different TV if:

1) There isn't some magic the person can do to the TV onsite and
2) They say they need to take it away to work on it (perhaps sending it to Sharp) which isn't an option right now.... so.....

it may get exchanged for something else if I need to do something in 2005 or I will see what remedies there are in 2006, when we could ostensibly live without it for a few weeks.

Luckily, she can live with how it looks 'cause from her angle it still looks good but not so clear as when head on where one can see a black line on a red screen (or a gray line on a close up of a face, etc.).

can anyone tell me what's the item number from costco for the 37" sharp? it doesn't seems like it's in their system anymore.
TIA

The item number was 898788

Yeah, I figure I may end up with a different TV if:


2) They say they need to take it away to work on it (perhaps sending it to Sharp) which isn't an option right now.... so.....

it may get exchanged for something else
Luckily, she can live with how it looks 'cause from her angle it still looks good but not so clear as when head on where one can see a black line on a red screen (or a gray line on a close up of a face, etc.).

Some other posts have reported that Sharp will usually do an exchange ... press for that option

Costco still has the 37" Philips, also popular and reported to have good PQ, but no match for the Sharp in features and it costs $500 more.
Your best bet may to have Sharp establish a case number and delay the exchange/repair for a future date

Some other posts have reported that Sharp will usually do an exchange ... press for that option

Costco still has the 37" Philips, also popular and reported to have good PQ, but no match for the Sharp in features and it costs $500 more.
Your best bet may to have Sharp establish a case number and delay the exchange/repair for a future date

Hmmmm... Thanks for the info. Got a case #. And next week a local tech will take a look.

On my set, though, a black screen looks gray and dark scenes don't look good at all.


Thanks for any ideas...

Despite the conventional notion that LCDs do not show blacks well, blacks look great on my set. :)

I believe it was Catmother who calibrated his set and posted the settings. You may want to try some adjustments...

When performing a channel search on the Digital Cable feed, what are the differences between the available choices - "Standard", "HSC", and (I think) "IFC". I'm in Los Angeles w/Comcast digital (no hdtv yet but will consider upgrade from Comcast).

While checking to see if an Allegro/Zenith MBC4430/35 universal remote could be used to control my D5U I discovered something interesting:

Programming the remote with Sharp TV code 137 allowed me to display the following from the menu button:

Service I 37GD5U
Gray Level 100
Combias 181
Vlsbias 041
L Err Reset 0
LCD
Pattern
Motor and Fan
Other
Ver M805

I was able to tab down and across, leading me to believe that some of the values could be modified, but I didn't try to change anything.

Some of the other set-up codes allowed control of a few of the sets normal functions but none provided enough functionality to be worth while.

Use this info as you like, but don't blame me if you screw up something.

Dave

When performing a channel search on the Digital Cable feed, what are the differences between the available choices - "Standard", "HSC", and (I think) "IFC". I'm in Los Angeles w/Comcast digital (no hdtv yet but will consider upgrade from Comcast).

http://www.qsl.net/atn/library/Broadcast_freqs.htm

The only way to be sure what your cable system uses is to check with the cable company, although Standard is probably a good guess.

Yes, the optical output will pass a surround signal. KGTV DTV here broadcasts surround audio and the optical output to my 6 CH receiver reports this as Dolby digital 3/2.1. However an HDMI input does not pass Dolby digital surround. Example: Panny S97 HDMI to HDMI playing DVE (Dolby EX encoded) passes from the 37D5 as 2/0 to the receiver. This must be a design deficiency of the HDMI audio component.

Have performed an initial calibration with DVE and find the Sharp to be very close to optimum at default settings.
Here are the tweaks for the HDMI (input 4)
Backlite STD
Contrast +21
Brightness +6 using the DVE pluge pattern S97 brightness set to +1
Color -8
Tint 0
Sharpness -6
CMS value
Red -1
Green +6

S97 set to output 720p via HDMI
I also plan to use the Monaco colorimeter calibration in PC mode via the DVI input from the computer when the set has some more hours on it.

wow, those are way different than my settings...

Using the DVE 1080i DVHS tape and color filters here is what mine is set at (component)
OPC off
Backlight -8 (all the way down)
Contrast +33
Brightness +2
Color +6
Tint+11
Sharpness -6

(advanced settings)

Color temp: Med-High
black enhancement off

[QUOTE=Northville Dave]While checking to see if an Allegro/Zenith MBC4430/35 universal remote could be used to control my D5U I discovered something interesting:

Programming the remote with Sharp TV code 137 allowed me to display the following from the menu button:
snip ....

Found my old Allegro and used your code.. sure enough saw that menu.

Like you i did not try anything with it.

wow, those are way different than my settings...

Using the DVE 1080i DVHS tape and color filters here is what mine is set at (component)
OPC off
Backlight -8 (all the way down)
Contrast +33
Brightness +2
Color +6
Tint+11
Sharpness -6

(advanced settings)

Color temp: Med-High
black enhancement off

Perhaps this is due to the difference between the D-VHS and the Panny S97.
The panny can output 480i and HDMI simulteanously. Switching between these (using flashback) I do not see any real difference using the same settings for HDMI and component input.

Backlight probably should be adjusted for room lighting. Here, the room lighting is moderate and midrange for backlight works best.

BTW the first step with DVE is to set BtB using the BtB pluge, Double checked this with Avia and arrived at the same setting for brightness.

Color temp is set to medium low based on a review for the Sharp 45 inch set

hi,

Can someone tell me how big is the box? I would like to see if it will fit in my civic :)

thanks in advance

hi,

Can someone tell me how big is the box? I would like to see if it will fit in my civic :)

thanks in advance

47-1/4" (L) x 15-1/2" (W) x 29-1/2" (H)

Thanks GEO5--time for a road trip ;)

just curious is my tv guide never going to load, i am using analog cable only. It would be a really nice feature

just curious is my tv guide never going to load, i am using analog cable only. It would be a really nice feature
I got mine to finally load, it did it overnight like it says. I have only an OTA antenna installed, one to digital air in and one to analog in. I was told it reads it fromthe PBS analog signal

i have the same hook up... i wonder what the deal is... nothing yet

When performing a channel search on the Digital Cable feed, what are the differences between the available choices - "Standard", "HSC", and (I think) "IFC". I'm in Los Angeles w/Comcast digital (no hdtv yet but will consider upgrade from Comcast).
I'm also in Los Angeles/Comcast. I found my unencrypted digital channels using I think the "HRC" choice.

I definitely want to pick up a LCD..i am leaning towards the Sharp LC-37D5U..the main purpose of this tv is to play video games on aka xbox 360. my question is how does this tv handle video games? Is there considerable ghosting? Also how does it do with DVDs too?

bma TV is great for DVD and Xbox no ghosting. Good luck finding one of these in Costco. If you see it grab it . The cheapest I've seen online is $2500.

my question is how does this tv handle video games? Is there considerable ghosting? Also how does it do with DVDs too?

DVDs (and HD programs) are simply superb.

Not much of a video game player, but when I hooked up my PC, my kids palyed some games. Had a hard time getting them off since pq was clearly superior to the CRT they now use.

They're begging me to hook up the PS2, but have not given in yet... :D

Anyone else get money back on this? I only ordered it from the website because I was unable to catch it at the store. I got the following email from Costco. At the store I would have had to pay 9.25 percent tax and where I had it shipped there was no tax. Since the shipping was $200 I though it was basically a wash, but this made the deal better.

Thank you for your recent order for the SHARP LC37D5U 37 INCH LCD from
Costco.com.

It has come to our attention that shipping charges were applied incorrectly.
Your item was shipped via UPS instead of a White Glove Delivery Service. Due
to this oversight, we will credit the credit card used for the order in the
amount of $140.00. You will receive a follow up email confirming the credit
was issued.

Does anyone have the OmniMount U2 for 24-37" tvs? Does this require the special universal adapter to fit on the LC-37D5U, or no? Thoughts? Also, this is rated at max 80 lbs. I know the D5U is around 50 pounds, but is it worth getting the larger mount just to be safe (rated at 200 lbs)? Thanks.

bma TV is great for DVD and Xbox no ghosting. Good luck finding one of these in Costco. If you see it grab it . The cheapest I've seen online is $2500.
Actually I ordered mine last week (9/13/05) from 6th avenue for $2198.06, no tax and shipping included. From what I can tell, it is still that price at 6th ave. This is only about $24 more than if I bought it at costco (costco would have charged me $2000+tax) It should arrive today, I can't wait!

hey guys...I'm having trouble getting OTA working. I have tried to the EZ setup instructions etc but I'm still not getting anything. Can't I just plug my amplified HD antenna into the Digital-AIR IN coax and be able to receive something? Am I doing something wrong?

I live 1 mile from NYC (literally) but I'm on the bottom floor of a concrete building facing West, away from NYC. The building is a gutted/renovated old refrigerated warehouse built in 1916 to give you an idea...

Any info is appreciated...

I had a similar problem trying to get OTA signals here on Long Island. I too am close to NYC. Couldn't get more than 1 or 2 using the autoscan setup with outdoor antenna. Believe it or not got more using an old indoor antenna off of an old panasonic tube TV. Still didn't get all of them. Then switched back to outdoor antenna and captured channels worked fine (who knows why). When I started manually going through the channels I found most NY stations were actually in the 40's and up. Once it grabbed the signals it somehow then knew they were channel 2, 4, 5, 7, etc. and stored them. You might want to try the same thing.

Does anyone know how to disable the TV guide on the D5U whenever u power it on? i didn't use that much at all.

You can disable it via the TVGOS menu. Just click around, you'll find it.

I've switched my set to powersaving mode. The menu says it'll take a bit longer to power up, but I can't see much difference.

In this mode I'm freqently losing Favorites after it's been off for a day, and have occasionally lost all settings.

Wondering if this is a bug...or just my set.

I just did the EZ setup (man it takes a while) but it did not pick up a certain digital channel because at the time, it was not broadcasting anything. I do not want to go through the EZ setup again, is there anyway I can manually add the channel? I couldn't find anything in the manual.

Has anyone hooked up the iLink to an XP PC for HDTV recording and playback.
If so could you please list the drivers/software etc., that works? :)

There is an overwhelming wealth of information in other threads of a general nature. I seek some pointers specific to the D5U to get started. :)

hey guys...I'm having trouble getting OTA working. I have tried to the EZ setup instructions etc but I'm still not getting anything. Can't I just plug my amplified HD antenna into the Digital-AIR IN coax and be able to receive something? Am I doing something wrong?

I live 1 mile from NYC (literally) but I'm on the bottom floor of a concrete building facing West, away from NYC. The building is a gutted/renovated old refrigerated warehouse built in 1916 to give you an idea...

Any info is appreciated...

Hooked up a rabbit-ear antenna to the Digital Air In and I can get several digital channels from NYC (CBS, FOX, ABC, UPN, all excellent pq). :cool:
I'm located in NJ (the transmission points are ~25 miles and at 40-degrees East of North).
I also pick up OTA analog signals, but with some "snow", which is to be expected. An antenna on the roof should fix this issue.

Did you check the digita OTA signal strength from your antenna (one of the choices under 'Setup" on the menu)? the recommended minimum is a sigal strength of 60, but I can pick up DTV with ~50 to 55 using the rabbit ear antenna behind the TV. :)

When I started manually going through the channels I found most NY stations were actually in the 40's and up. Once it grabbed the signals it somehow then knew they were channel 2, 4, 5, 7, etc. and stored them. You might want to try the same thing.

While the channel search is progressing, it is the channel frequency that is displayed, not the channel number. Thus CBS would be 56, Fox 44, etc..

One can go to antennaweb.org to get the frequency assignment corresponding to each channel, along with info on what one may expect to pick up easily... :)

I always see on the forum everyone raving about Theater Tek and ffdshow, so I decided to buy Theater Tek and download ffdshow. Anyone using TheaterTek and ffdshow on their Aquos, if so what setting are you using for ffdshow.? I installed both but I must be doing something wrong because I can't tell the difference in PQ. Somehow I think Theater Tek isn't recognizing or using ffdshow, there doesn't seem any difference in PQ and the onscreen display doesn't appear either. How do I force Theatre Tek to use the ffdshow codec?

There is a TheaterTek forum (manufacturer's site) and a lot of threads here on AVS about how to do it, but I think it's the post-processing choice in the Theatertek configuration screen for video that you want to toggle to choose ffdshow. And then, of course, you need to set up ffdshow separately for whatever kind of processing you want.

audio question


I just bougth an optical audio cable and have it plugged into my dvd surround system. The dvd's sound great. When i want to watch tv and have sound come from my surround sound system, it does not work. Why is this? It worked with my old tv fine, with the red and white cable so im not sure whats going on. Thanks

Usually you need to reconfigure your receiver so it uses the digital input instead of RCA inputs.

got it finally, i guess i use the SAT mode instead of the Video mode when watching tv

Has anyone hooked up the iLink to an XP PC for HDTV recording and playback.
If so could you please list the drivers/software etc., that works? :)

There is an overwhelming wealth of information in other threads of a general nature. I seek some pointers specific to the D5U to get started. :)

you could use FireBus (100$) for PC or Virtual DVHS (free) for Mac OS X

you could use FireBus (100$) for PC or Virtual DVHS (free) for Mac OS X

Hmm... so you think I need FireBus...

Was hoping for confirmation that device drivers suggested in the "1394 to XP" thread along with CapDVHS and DCTrecord would work...

Perhaps it is time to invest in a MAC.... :)

I am pretty sure that Sharp's OTA Tuner is pretty BAD! I have Sony 60'' XBR RP LCD and when I connect the cable from OTA to it, I can about 10 digital channels. When I run a smaller cable from antenna to Sharp TV with same setup and amp, I get only 1 digital channel. Clearly seems to me that Sharp's tuner is pretty weak. Have tried so many indoor antennas as well with Sharp TV and boggles me how bad the tuner is. Fails to catch more than 2/3 channels at one time. Even so, its very erratic. First scan shows 3 channels, next one. Within a minute?
Any idea folks for getting this to work? This was one of the main reasons I bought this TV for my bedroom.

All I can say is my sharp picks up all the OTA channels available in my area w/o issues, using indoor antenna. I'm in a pretty challenging area with lots of hills and multipath. Make sure you don't run a splitter on your antenna or it will drop signal strength. You might want to try adding a high quality amp (you mentioned an amp, but it wasn't clear what kind of amp you were referring too)

I used a channel master amp. I know its good since my Sony TV picks up over 10 channels with it including a longer run cable. I am so diaapointed with the tuner of this tv. As I mentioned above, I tried both attic antenna and indoor antenna. poor results each time.

I used a channel master amp. I know its good since my Sony TV picks up over 10 channels with it including a longer run cable. I am so diaapointed with the tuner of this tv. As I mentioned above, I tried both attic antenna and indoor antenna. poor results each time.

As indicated earlier, my experience is similar to that of sfhub. No problem picking up the OTA digital signals.

Are you monitoring the signal strength as received by the TV? You can do this by channel and should be ~60 or higher. :)

that is the reason why I called the tuner not that great. It NEEDs a super strong signal for displaying picture. Never had a prob with my Sony TV. Sony does a great job of pulling in ever weaker channels.

I'm 40 miles from tower using unamped RS double bow-tie indoor antenna with hills and mountains in the way. I wouldn't consider that an extremely strong signal. Perhaps there is something broken on the coax antenna input of your Sharp? To me, it sounds like what I see when I have no antenna connected.

hmm. Maybe I should call Sharp and ask them, right?

what is their customer support #?

hmm. Maybe I should call Sharp and ask them, right?

My Sharp actually picks up even with at signal strengtht at ~50. This is clearly a relative number, since I am 25 miles away and am using an indoor rabbit ear antenna... I was not expecting much, and was impressed with the tuner. However, my comparison was with analog signals, which in my case are a lost cause without an outdoor antenna .... :)

what is their customer support #?
1-800-be-sharp, then a bunch of 1s

Brace yourself for a long wait... :eek:

got them in 5 min. gave me a local repair shop #. Called them...on vacation, will come in 5 weeks to look at it! :( maybe I have a bad tuner on this tv. im sure costco is out of this tv now. am stuck it seems.

Are you guys talking about digital or analog stations?

I'm using a "FM ribbon" antenna that came free with my receiver, hooked into the digital OTA input on the TV and then dangled out a window behind the TV -- and I'm getting every digital channel within 60+ miles.

got them in 5 min. gave me a local repair shop #. Called them...on vacation, will come in 5 weeks to look at it! :( maybe I have a bad tuner on this tv. im sure costco is out of this tv now. am stuck it seems.

Sharp should be able to offer another local shop or some other alternative, I would hope!

I too am stuck in a quandry about my TV: The details are in another thread, but the bottom line is that if Costco doesn't get more of this model, I'll be exchanging for the next model they get (per advice from the local Sharp servicer).

nathan, digital channels. I only care abt HD stuff. Perplexed totally since my Sony XBR gets all channels easily and this one does not. Will call sharp again for another service shop later today.

I just did the EZ setup (man it takes a while) but it did not pick up a certain digital channel because at the time, it was not broadcasting anything. I do not want to go through the EZ setup again, is there anyway I can manually add the channel? I couldn't find anything in the manual.

Any luck adding a channel manually? I am assuming you are referring to the TVGOS.

The TVGOS for my digital cable w/ cablecard has a few of the channels mixed up or missing. For those that are missassigned I've been able to move channels around to tune to the appropriate channel but have no remedy for the missing channels.

What is a good movie that tests the blacks not only for this LCD but all of them in general

Dark City

A link to all Sharp prodcut User Manuals has been added to the begining of this thread (Msg #3, Sharp website info) for those interested in info on other Sharp models (or products :D ).

Any luck adding a channel manually? I am assuming you are referring to the TVGOS.

The TVGOS for my digital cable w/ cablecard has a few of the channels mixed up or missing. For those that are missassigned I've been able to move channels around to tune to the appropriate channel but have no remedy for the missing channels.
No, I'm not referring to TVGOS... I'm talking about the channel lineup when you use the channel up and down buttons on the remote to scroll through the channels. I don't think the TVGOS channel lineup has anything to do with the channels in memory do they? I could be wrong.

Anyway, no luck either way, I might just have to do the EZ setup again when that particular HD channel is broadcasting again......

No, I'm not referring to TVGOS... I'm talking about the channel lineup when you use the channel up and down buttons on the remote to scroll through the channels. I don't think the TVGOS channel lineup has anything to do with the channels in memory do they? I could be wrong.

Anyway, no luck either way, I might just have to do the EZ setup again when that particular HD channel is broadcasting again......

No, don't do EZ Setup. Do channel search (the next Setup option).

This allows you to search each input (analog, digital air or cable) separately if you so wish. You can "turn off" the inputs that you do not wish to search, and takes much less time... :)

I seem to have found a bug with the "Flashback" (previous channel) function -

If a channel is selected and entered from the TV Guide, then if the "Flashback" button button is used, the last channel viewed is not selected. It seems to select the next to last channel viewed under these conditions.

I suspect the firmware is not be updating the previous channel register when the TV Guide channel enter function is used.

If someone can confirm this for me I'll report it to Sharp.

I have had this unit for about a two weeks now and I still can not get TVGOS to load the channels. I have been reading this post ever since trying to piece together how others are getting their TVGOS to work properly.

I am using a Cable Card provided by comcast to get digital cable. It is split to go into the analog and digital cable. When I go to Channel setup the only option I have to scan for channels are digital air (which has nothing connected to it). When I navigate to channel memory I see that only digital air and cable card are selectable. To those who have gotten their TVGOS to work did you have analog air under channel setup greyed out? Or is it selectable. Do you have digital cable greyed out under channel setup? Or is it selectable.

Has anyone with cablecard gotten TVGOS to work? If you have under TVGOS setup did you select yes for having cable and no for having a cable box connected? I have tried different zipcodes around Seattle, WA with no luck. Thanks for all your help.

I have had this unit for about a two weeks now and I still can not get TVGOS to load the channels. I have been reading this post ever since trying to piece together how others are getting their TVGOS to work properly.

I am using a Cable Card provided by comcast to get digital cable. It is split to go into the analog and digital cable. When I go to Channel setup the only option I have to scan for channels are digital air (which has nothing connected to it). When I navigate to channel memory I see that only digital air and cable card are selectable. To those who have gotten their TVGOS to work did you have analog air under channel setup greyed out? Or is it selectable. Do you have digital cable greyed out under channel setup? Or is it selectable.

Has anyone with cablecard gotten TVGOS to work? If you have under TVGOS setup did you select yes for having cable and no for having a cable box connected? I have tried different zipcodes around Seattle, WA with no luck. Thanks for all your help.
No, I can't get TVGOS to work either, and I've tried both cable and air options, and also changing zip codes, etc. :)

Regarding your other point about the channel set up being on analog air and greyed out, here is my understanding:

Once you initially choose analog air/ analog cable, this function is greyed out in the Channel Setup menu and cannot be changed. However, you can change your selection (air/cable) from the TVGOS Setup menu.

If your analog signal is connnected to cable, you should go to the TVGOS menu, and select analog cable under the TVGOS setup function. I understand others who have cable card (I don't) have succeded in getting TVGOS to work (if setup is configured properly).
Good luck :)

I'm also in the Seattle area and still have not been able to get the TVGOS feature to work. I tried with Analog, Analog+QAM and Analog+CableCard so far. I also tried about 15 different Zip codes, resetting the unit, keeping the TV turned off for 48 hours, boosted the signal, move the unit to another cable outlet, leaving the unit on a specific channel when turning off (PBS): NOTHING worked. I can't even get the time to see correctly! :(

I also know somebody else in the WA state area that has the same TV and he's not able to make it work.

Please speak up if anybody in the WA state is able to get this feature working.

-eric

I live in Charlotte, NC, and my TVGOS works..... sort of. Sometimes I'll turn it on and everything will come up fine, then other times I'll turn it on and everything will say "No Listing".

I have a splitter plugged into my cable outlet in the wall, then I have one cable going to the Analog in and the other going to the Digital in. I pick up all of my local channels fine via QAM, although the TVGOS doesn't show me any of the listings for those channels.

Also, I get TNT HD and Discovery HD through the QAM, but they are listed at channel 0. So when I set my favorites, there is no way to put them in different slots since they're both at 0. Has anyone else ran into this issue?

Also, has anyone found anything else about this thing losing favorites? My set has never retained them, and it's starting to get on my nerves. :(

Also, I get TNT HD and Discovery HD through the QAM, but they are listed at channel 0. So when I set my favorites, there is no way to put them in different slots since they're both at 0. Has anyone else ran into this issue?

:(
Yes. I have the same problem with several channels coming up as 0. I have pretty much given up on TVGOS and use the cable STB channel guide instead. A pity, since the pq on the direct cable connection is marginally better... :(

Yes. I have the same problem with several channels coming up as 0. I have pretty much given up on TVGOS and use the cable STB channel guide instead. A pity, since the pq on the direct cable connection is marginally better... :(

Did you guys try using the TVGOS edit function to input the correct channel #'s for those listings? I've had some success getting channels that way.

Actually, you're lucky! I can't get at those channels with the QAM tuner.

Can anyone tell me how to get the F/W for the set? Is that what is shown on the "menu-digital-identification" screen?

I live in the Seattle area ( Issaquah actually). I have tried all sorts of zip codes with no luck either. I am going to try the TVGOS edit function that Dave talked about.

I live in the Seattle area ( Issaquah actually). I have tried all sorts of zip codes with no luck either. I am going to try the TVGOS edit function that Dave talked about.

The editor I talked about probably won't help you get the program listings - it allows you to change the channel tuning #, listing position, etc. but has no effect (that I know of) on actually obtaining the download of the listings.

Dave

seattle area no tv guide as well


i do enjoy the free on demand occasionaly :)

Has anyone tried using the S-Video output on this TV?

I don't see any signal on the S-Video output except when the TV is displaying a signal from the S-Video input. That makes the S-Video out worthless.

Thanks

seattle area no tv guide as well


i do enjoy the free on demand occasionaly :)

I too don't get the TV Guide from Comcast cable. I suspect that Comcast doesn't transmit the TV Guide info.

What QAM channel numbers have you found that are used for On Demand? I've found 100.1 through 100.10 so far.

I had to do channel search using "IRC"

I recently upgraded to the Comcast DVR Motorola box from the standard Motorola digital box. With the old box, the DVI output for HD channels didn't look as good as the QAM tuner in the Sharp. However, the new DVR box seems to have fixed that, and the DVI output looks the same as the QAM now. The DVR box only costs $5 more, and is really useful as a DVR too.

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but would it make any difference to my picture if I switch from a standard/interlaced DVD player to a progressive scan player?

Right now I'm using an older Sony DVD player with 480i output over component cables (to input #1 on my Sharp LC-37D5U). Anyone know if I'd see a noticeably different result with a progressive scan player? How about with an "upsampling" player with 720p or 1080i output over HDMI? Anyone here tried both?

Thanks in advance.

I started with a year old Sony DVD changer with composite input and couldn't stand the picture. I tried 480p with component inputs and didn't think the picture was much better. I than did some research in the forum and decided to buy the Oppo dvd player. The Oppo is feeding a 720p output over HDMI into the Sharp. Simply put, there is no comparison. I mean, it's not even close how much better the Oppo is. Maybe my Sony DVD changer is that bad.


Sorry if this is a dumb question, but would it make any difference to my picture if I switch from a standard/interlaced DVD player to a progressive scan player?

Right now I'm using an older Sony DVD player with 480i output over component cables (to input #1 on my Sharp LC-37D5U). Anyone know if I'd see a noticeably different result with a progressive scan player? How about with an "upsampling" player with 720p or 1080i output over HDMI? Anyone here tried both?

Thanks in advance.

After a lot of efforts with Sharp, I finally realized that I simply waste my time with Sharp on my case 2650939.

When I reported the dead pixels problem to Sharp tech support, the person likely said that it is quiet normal. i.e. it is not a defect, it is its industrial standard. They asked me to provide Sharp the screen shots of dead pixels. This is a chenlange for me at the time without PC input for a stable single color background. I provided them screen shots by email and no acknowledgement was received from Sharp. After one month, I received a letter from Sharp claimed they had tried reaching me over the phone and did not find me. They asked me to phone them. I spent more than 30 minutes waiting over the phone, then someone re-directed me to the dispatch department and I waited for about another 10 minutes. Then an unique Joe(he said there is only one Joe in Sharp) picked the phone. He told me that my problem was within the industrial standard. When I asked him what standard he was talking about, he could not reply. I told him that even the cheap Olivia TV does not have dead pixel problem. I also told him that Sharp should not intentionally use defective panel for a TV that sell the normal price(The defective panel can be easily identified before it is used in TV). Then, I said I might buy a new one from Costco and return the old one to Costco. He said that was up to me(I know I am kidding).

The lessons I learn from this experience are:
1. Do not waste time with Sharp Customer Service or Tech Support if you can get solution from retail store.
2. Do not count on any manufacure to replace their defective product. They just try their best to shake their responsibility and let you consume the pain.
3. Buy flat panel TVs from local store in case you need exchange or return if you find problems when you open the box.

Bye-Bye Sharp. I will never buy any product from Sharp afterward.

After a lot of efforts with Sharp, I finally realized that I simply waste my time with Sharp on my case 2650939.

When I reported the dead pixels problem to Sharp tech support, the person likely said that it is quiet normal. i.e. it is not a defect, it is its industrial standard. They asked me to provide Sharp the screen shots of dead pixels. This is a chenlange for me at the time without PC input for a stable single color background. I provided them screen shots by email and no acknowledgement was received from Sharp. After one month, I received a letter from Sharp claimed they had tried reaching me over the phone and did not find me. They asked me to phone them. I spent more than 30 minutes waiting over the phone, then someone re-directed me to the dispatch department and I waited for about another 10 minutes. Then an unique Joe(he said there is only one Joe in Sharp) picked the phone. He told me that my problem was within the industrial standard. When I asked him what standard he was talking about, he could not reply. I told him that even the cheap Olivia TV does not have dead pixel problem. I also told him that Sharp should not intentionally use defective panel for a TV that sell the normal price(The defective panel can be easily identified before it is used in TV). Then, I said I might buy a new one from Costco and return the old one to Costco. He said that was up to me(I know I am kidding).

The lessons I learn from this experience are:
1. Do not waste time with Sharp Customer Service or Tech Support if you can get solution from retail store.
2. Do not count on any manufacure to replace their defective product. They just try their best to shake their responsibility and let you consume the pain.
3. Buy flat panel TVs from local store in case you need exchange or return if you find problems when you open the box.

Bye-Bye Sharp. I will never buy any product from Sharp afterward.

I understand your frustration I went through a problem but I didn't have the luxurys you have here. What your really mad about is that you found a great deal but it had a bad pixel and you couldn't get a replacment because it was a one time buy. This board we here all the negatives but it doesn't matter what anyone says if you learn this one point. Now everybody listen carefully here, buy from a dealer that has a satisfaction promise and will replace it till your happy. I once found a great deal that had a problem that I couldn't return so the great deal cost me alot of stress. If we all learn anything on avs its this. If you only learn one thing buy with a great return policy and don't get cheap. Also I own this tv your talking about and I love it so you won't change to many minds.

Oldcband:

I bought this TV from online dealer for about $2300. After one or two weeks, Costco sell this TV for $1999. The problem is that I did not have a good deal either.

Oldcband:

I bought this TV from online dealer for about $2300. After one or two weeks, Costco sell this TV for $1999. The problem is that I did not have a good deal either.

Sorry I thought you bought from costco. Well heres a suggestion ask to speak with the customer service supervisor and see what he can do for you, they make the decisions. This is very frustrating I know I've been there. Sounds like your dealer won't replace it? Its so important getting that satisfaction promise. Good luck I know you feel.

Sharp just came out with an announcement that they have developed a 37" LCD with a 1000000 to 1 contrast ratio!

Here's the link:
http://www.eetimes.com/news/latest/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=171202652

Just goes to show that Sharp has the largest LCD market share for a good reason, they are at the cutting edge of this technology. :)

In my opinion this also bodes well for the future of LCD panels in general. :)

Sorry to hear that a few fellow enthusiasts have run into problem with their sets. oldcband's advice has some merit. :)

Is Costco going to get any more Sharp 37" for less than 2k in anytime soon? I need to get a TV ASAP and I don't want to spend over 2k. I'm probably going to end up getting the 32" Sharp at Costco, but its just a little too small. A 37" would be PERFECT. I went to three differnt costcos in the area and none had the 37" anymore.

Is Costco going to get any more Sharp 37" for less than 2k in anytime soon? I need to get a TV ASAP and I don't want to spend over 2k. I'm probably going to end up getting the 32" Sharp at Costco, but its just a little too small. A 37" would be PERFECT. I went to three differnt costcos in the area and none had the 37" anymore.

I asked the young lady in the dept if they were going to get anymore lc-37d5u's and she said that they were a one time buy. She also said that she gets asked this question everyday since they were out of them. Sounds to me that they were a great buy and Sharp could sell them at that price all day long. But I'll bet there will be one coming down the road. If you can be patient I know it will pay off it always does.
I hope this is a proper post and not violating board rules.

That's what I figured. I can only be so patient as I just moved and have no TV. And well, I just cant really go too many more days without TV.

However, if I go buy the 32" this weekend then in two weeks something bigger comes along i'm going to be furious.

Costco still has the 37inch Philips for about 15% more than the Sharp cost.

That's what I figured. I can only be so patient as I just moved and have no TV. And well, I just cant really go too many more days without TV.

However, if I go buy the 32" this weekend then in two weeks something bigger comes along i'm going to be furious.


You can always return the 32" in a couple months if you find a better deal. Costco's return policy is no questions asked.