I am not quite sure how cc works either but I think a signal is sent with the audio portion of the program you are watching. Some of the tv's at bb, cc, costco dont have the audio feeds (even though they look like they are setup that way)and some do- so I think you might not see the closed captioning on the screen anyway-unless it is getting a audio feed. I know that on my setup when I turn cc on in my cablebox setup menu it shows the cc on the screen-But only if the channel or program you are watching is sending the signal. Most of the station's do nowadays but some still do not.

I went ahead and bought the thing after verifying the closed caption on s-video, just like tingham said it would. I appreciate the info, gonna hook it up tomorrow see how it looks.

I prefer the picture quality of component over hdmi.


Let me adjust my remark here. I prefer component on some programs and hdmi on others. The picture quality difference between the two is very minimal on my maxent.

i cant get 1366x768 or 1280x720 working on either HDMI OR VGA!

how did any of you guys accomplish this??? right now i have to stretch 1024x768... and thats not good for playing games at all.

Can someone help me select the Full White option from teh setup menu? When I go to select the full white option it just skips over it. It doesnt let me highlight it to select it. Like its blocked out or something. If anyone can help that be great. Ive gotta little static image I wanna try and get rid of.

Thanks

Can someone help me select the Full White option from teh setup menu? When I go to select the full white option it just skips over it. It doesnt let me highlight it to select it. Like its blocked out or something. If anyone can help that be great. Ive gotta little static image I wanna try and get rid of.

Thanks

Try pushing the rgb input on your remote. Then go into setup and select it from there. It might work.

That worked. Thanks a lot. Burn in sucks! i cant believe it happened. What can ya do?

That worked. Thanks a lot. Burn in sucks! i cant believe it happened. What can ya do?

What were you watching that caused burn-in? How long were you watching it?

I was playing a video game (PGR3 for Xbox360) online. The speedometer burned in. Its only static for about 5min per game. Between searching for a game. Kinda surprised it happened so easily because I was extra careful during break in. Sucks. I guess burn in is not a thing of the past...

Forgot to mention my Contrast and Brightness were set at 60 FYI.

Suddenly, when viewing HD stations at 1080i or 720p, the picture is very blue. Solid blacks look almost solid blue. If I set my cable box to output only 480i, the picture looks normal. HD recordings on my DVR that used to look fine have the blue look. I've already had the cable company bring out a new DVR.

I called Maxent tech support on this yesterday. They asked me to send some photos at the different output resolutions. I did that and I've called twice since, and no one has gotten back to me.

Any ideas?

My wife, who wasn't too keen on my recent purchase, was looking forward to the Oscars in HD.

Thanks for any help,
Ed Lee

I had a problem when I first got my, with everything appearing blue. Originally I hooked it up to a Phillips 642 DVD player. Turns out the DVD Player had an option to select what output I wanted to use. Which prior to this I had setup to output via SVIDEO (default). So when I hooked up the component cables everything was blue. Once I changed the dvd player to output component and to use progressive everything looked great.

Have you tried hooking it up to any other source (like DVD)?

My TV suddenly started working again yesterday. I'm not entirely sure, but I think it may have started working after we had an hour-long power outage.

I was also having a problem where the input/resolution, which normally display in the upper right corner stopped working several weeks ago. This started working again as well.

Any thoughts on this?
Ed Lee

Suddenly, when viewing HD stations at 1080i or 720p, the picture is very blue. Solid blacks look almost solid blue. If I set my cable box to output only 480i, the picture looks normal. HD recordings on my DVR that used to look fine have the blue look. I've already had the cable company bring out a new DVR.

I called Maxent tech support on this yesterday. They asked me to send some photos at the different output resolutions. I did that and I've called twice since, and no one has gotten back to me.

Any ideas?

My wife, who wasn't too keen on my recent purchase, was looking forward to the Oscars in HD.

Thanks for any help,
Ed Lee

i cant get 1366x768 or 1280x720 working on either HDMI OR VGA!

how did any of you guys accomplish this??? right now i have to stretch 1024x768... and thats not good for playing games at all.

My videocard autodetected the monitor right off the bat and automatically set the resolution to 1366x720. I have a Radeon All-in-Wonder 9000 (same card as the 8500, but a shade slower). I run it into the VGA input.

My 2 cents on the white-flashing issue:

I am on my second 50x3 (first one died), and I did not see this on either of them, in HD or SD. I have a DirecTV HD box with an antenna for OTA signals. I watched curling(SD) and figure skating (HD) during the Olympics and really did not see any flashing or brightness changes at all. I usually use component, though I do have HDMI hooked up...I just haven't gotten around to reprogramming my remote since I bought the HDMI cable. I did not view these programs over HDMI.

This problem kinda reminds me of something I used to see on old TVs, where when the picture was really white, such as a snow covered mountian on a sunny day, the set would buzz and maybe even the picture would distort while the bright scene was displayed, but would stop when the scene became darker. I always figured it was some electronic problem with something getting overloaded somehere.

Anyhow, I just wanted to get it out there that not everyone is seeing the problem.

Just bought the MX-50X3 and was not sure how to connect the OTA or which OTA to buy. I have the Time Warner 8300 HDVR box.
Thanks H

FWIW, I switched my color temp from cool to natural, and toned downt he color from 35 to 30, and now the white flashing has stopped. I don't know which setting did it, or a combination fo both, but it's gone now. I suspect it is a "bug" in the cool setting. If it matters, my brightness and contrast are both set to 60, tint is at 0.

FWIW, I switched my color temp from cool to natural, and toned downt he color from 35 to 30, and now the white flashing has stopped. I don't know which setting did it, or a combination fo both, but it's gone now. I suspect it is a "bug" in the cool setting. If it matters, my brightness and contrast are both set to 60, tint is at 0.

What kind of programming are you watching to verify this? thru what input?
thanks

What kind of programming are you watching to verify this? thru what input?
thanks

I run everything through my receiver, and then from the receiver to the TV via component. I've seen it on HD cable, SD cable, and DVD. Nothing else is hooked up for me to try.

The Maxent was recently listed by CNET as one of the best performing 50 inch plasma TV's, in terms of picture quality. See http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-6482_7-6459520-1.html

I have encountered this a handful of times. What you need to do is manually turn off the monitor (the button in the back) and turn it on again. That will fix it. I have also encountered an issue when switching from HD channels to SD channels on the same input using a cable box (Comcast). Sometimes it goes really dark. I would switch back to HD for a few minutes and go back to SD and that usually fixes it. I'm not sure if this is a function of the cable box or the TV itself.

Can anyone help with OTA antenna and setup? As posted earlier, I have Time Warner 8300 HDVR. I would like to receive other local channels in HD as Time warner only has ABC in HD. Need help with which OTA antenna and how to set up. Do I need to buy a tuner?

Thanks

The Maxent doesn't have a tuner, huntah. You need an external tuner.. an antenna alone won't help.

so I need a external tuner and an OTA. Is that all?

Supposedly, the Maxent doesn't have this. What is it, exactly and should I care?

On edit: OK, so I read the FAQ, I'm still not sure I understand it, but it implies that a progressive scan DVD player takes care of it. Is that an accurate statement? Is this ever an issue on broadcast HDTV? My Maxent will be used 99.9% for broadcast. DVD movies will likely be viewed on my front projection system.

It does have 2:3 pulldown. CNet lied. Maxent's literature and the box for the TV says that it has it.

so I need a external tuner and an OTA. Is that all?

Yes! A external tuner and over the air antenna and of course cables to connect it all. You should read the thread on hdtv tuners and reception in the avsforums. Also check out Circuit City online for reveiws from people who have purchased these items. They are very helpful!

It does have 2:3 pulldown. CNet lied. Maxent's literature and the box for the TV says that it has it.

It does have some kind of pulldown but it does not work very well that is why you need to mate the maxent with a progressive scan dvd player. I don't think you can get a dvd player without progressive scan anyway! This issue is only with dvd playback your tv broadcasts are not affected by 2:3 pulldown.

"The Maxent 50-inch 16:9 WXGA Plasma Monitor (MX-50X3) features a native resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels and a RGB resolution of up to 1366 x 768. Boasting a high contrast ratio of 3000:1, the MX-50X3 incorporates MotionDSC® video processing to support 3:2 and 2:2 pull-down, digital noise reduction, and takes advantage of an IIS™ (Intelligent Image Scaling) Engine for outstanding video quality."

After I get mine, I'll try it out with my non-PS DVD player and see how it looks.

"The HQV Benchmark test DVD revealed plenty of scan line artifacts (jaggies) when fed as a 480i source. The monitor also had difficulty detecting 3:2 pull-down cycles, not to mention oddball cadences including 2:3:3:2 and 2:2:2:4.

Oddly enough, the composite video decoding is very, very good, with plenty of detail at 300 and 400 lines and little to no color moiré, using the Video Essentials Zone Plate test chart. It's the poor 3:2 motion compensation that causes problems, so I'd advise you to use a quality DVD player in 480p mode with the MX-50X3. "

http://www.ultimateavmag.com/flatpaneldisplays/206maxent/

That article said the Maxent bandwidth was limit to 18.5mhz. Is this a low value? What would be the optimal bandwidth we would want the set to have?


EDIT:
You know it is funny how biased reviewers are. I read their reviews on other plasmas and not only were they much longer and detailed but their comments were so upbeat and praising. Yet when I read the testing and calibration sections I saw that in reality the sets they praised had more red or blue push and had the same bandwidth as the Maxent (however, the main review of the set under test did not mention these problems). Though, when I read the Maxent review, it was mono-toned, and they seemed to make sure they mentioned all of its "issues" (mainly bandwith and 3:2 pull down).

EX. Vizio
-> they loved the bezel (IMHO it was the cheapest, and waviest bezel I've ever seen on a tv [seen in person at costco])
-> they praised the black level, yet made no mention in the Maxent review of its excellent black level
->out of the box grey scale was far from perfect, the Maxent was much closer to 6500.
->Useable bandwidth was only 18.5mhz, like the Maxent, but didn't mention this in the review. In the Maxent review they said this was an "issue"

EX. Panasonic Comercial set
->No 3:2 pull down, but they made a comment saying that it isn't a big deal since all DVD players are progressive. In the Maxent review they nailed it for poor 3:2 pull down

EDIT:
You know it is funny how biased reviewers are. I read their reviews on other plasmas and not only were they much longer and detailed but their comments were so upbeat and praising. Yet when I read the testing and calibration sections I saw that in reality the sets they praised had more red or blue push and had the same bandwidth as the Maxent (however, the main review of the set under test did not mention these problems). Though, when I read the Maxent review, it was mono-toned, and they seemed to make sure they mentioned all of its "issues" (mainly bandwith and 3:2 pull down).



I tend not to put a lot faith in reviews like this. These magazines and web sites get most of their revenue from advertising. Maxent does not do much advertising, while firms like Panasonic, Pioneer, Samsung, etc. do. Very few publications are going to risk ticking off advertisers by praising a set that significantly undercuts the price point of the advertisers' sets. Generally, they are going to look for reasons to criticize sets like the Maxent, and look for reasons to praise (or at least excuse the deficiencies of) the Pios, Pannys, etc.

I looked carefully at a bunch of 50" sets before buying, and the Maxent's PQ at the stores was on par with the other sets there - better than most, and worse than some. That being said, I do agree with some of the review's findings. 480i programming looks like cr*p. Luckily, my box can upconvert to 480p, which is a big improvement.

What is everyone using to clean your display? I know it says to use a slightly damp cloth in the user's manual. I purchased the monster clean display cleaning kit. It has a nice microfiber cloth but I am hesitant to use the liquid. Any advice/comments would be appreciated!

First off, i wanted to say thank you to the information everyone has posted in this thread. it gave me the incite and knowledge i needed on the Maxent to go out and buy one last week. i am new to plasmas and had a few questions.........

on some channels every so often there is a a white almost static line that goes across the top of my screen.......but it really only happens when watching basic non HD channel, 2-11. is it the cable box, signal or tv?

my next question is, which is better HDMI or Component cable for the cable box to the TV? right now i am using the HDMI.

except on shows that support HDTV i never get a full screen picture without zooming or stretching.........is there anything that can be done?

cablevision offers 480i(standard), 480p(standard),480i(widescreen), 480p(widescreen), 720p & 1081i............which of these should i select to carry some, a few or just one?

i am looking to fine tune my picture which of the two is better the Avia or Digital Video Essentials DVD?


Thanks again for all your help...................

Last week, mine also stopped displaying resolution/input selection display in top right corner. I didnt notice any other problems though. I turned off power, then unplugged it for a couple of minutes. When powered back up, it was fine. I figure the display control software can get into a funky state (not well tested?). Get used to it. Crappily tested software will be seen in more and more consumer products.


My TV suddenly started working again yesterday. I'm not entirely sure, but I think it may have started working after we had an hour-long power outage.

I was also having a problem where the input/resolution, which normally display in the upper right corner stopped working several weeks ago. This started working again as well.

Any thoughts on this?
Ed Lee

First off, i wanted to say thank you to the information everyone has posted in this thread. it gave me the incite and knowledge i needed on the Maxent to go out and buy one last week. i am new to plasmas and had a few questions.........

on some channels every so often there is a a white almost static line that goes across the top of my screen.......but it really only happens when watching basic non HD channel, 2-11. is it the cable box, signal or tv?

my next question is, which is better HDMI or Component cable for the cable box to the TV? right now i am using the HDMI.

except on shows that support HDTV i never get a full screen picture without zooming or stretching.........is there anything that can be done?

cablevision offers 480i(standard), 480p(standard),480i(widescreen), 480p(widescreen), 720p & 1081i............which of these should i select to carry some, a few or just one?

i am looking to fine tune my picture which of the two is better the Avia or Digital Video Essentials DVD?


Thanks again for all your help...................

That's alot of questions. First the static line is probably the signal coming from your cable box you can adjust that with vertical adjustment(v-position) in the picture menu on comp1 or comp2 and composite inputs only. Hdmi is good on all programming on mine some programming I like better thru component. 480p for 4:3 override program's and mine is set to 1080i for hd. You should be able to stretch all programming with the wide button on your remote-select 16x9.
not sure about calibration disks.

Last week, mine also stopped displaying resolution/input selection display in top right corner. I didnt notice any other problems though. I turned off power, then unplugged it for a couple of minutes. When powered back up, it was fine. I figure the display control software can get into a funky state (not well tested?). Get used to it. Crappily tested software will be seen in more and more consumer products.

Had the same thing happen to mine. I just turned off the power switch on the back of the tv for a minute and turned it back on-that fixed it. I did not unplug it from the wall outlet.

I guess I'm glad to hear that I am not alone. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this isn't a more serious problem.

I am surprised that Maxent tech support didn't suggest this when I spoke with them. After trying a few different things, they said they would get back to me. I never did hear back form them, despite leaving three voicemail messages. :-(



Had the same thing happen to mine. I just turned off the power switch on the back of the tv for a minute and turned it back on-that fixed it. I did not unplug it from the wall outlet.

Folks, radio shack has 997 joules surge protector for the home entertainment.

The surge protector has the following feature:

1). coaxial cable protection - ideal for TV, VCR, cable and home entertainment systems
2). gold plated coaxial cable connectors resist corrosion and ensure maximum signal transfer
3). FAILSAFE circuitry shuts down power if surge protection is depleted
4). six grounded outlets with complete 3-line protection
5). 997 joules surge protection
6). 40 dB noise filter
7). 120 VAC, 15 amps
8). childproof safety caps
9). visual and audible surge alert
10). grounding status indicator


being all this feature, this is the lowest and best surge protector to protect our purhase of maxent. Radio shack has this item for twenty two.

Forgive the dumb question, but this is bugging me. When I am watching SD through the Tivo, I am able to use 4:3, 16:9, Panorama, Zoom1 and Zoom2. When watching SD through my Comcast Motorola 3412, I am only able to choose 4:3 or 16:9. Is this because the Comcast is digital and the Tivo is analog?

I am curious because I watch SG-1 and Battlestar Galactica, which are broadcast in 4:3 letterboxed. I typically watch it through the Tivo on Zoom1 (which basically fills my screen with the picture (no black bars) without distorting the image (although I realize the zoom is hurting the quality). I would like to do this using the Comcast box since SD looks better through it than the Tivo but I'm stuck with either watching it in 4:3 (black bars top/bottom and left/right) or 16:9 (stretched image leaving the black bars on the top/bottom).

folks, another interesting review from ultimate av review writer with lot of details about test & calibration:

http://www.guidetohometheater.com/flatpaneldisplays/206maxent/index.html

Test & Calibrations results:

http://www.guidetohometheater.com/flatpaneldisplays/206maxent/index2.html

enjoy the detailed review.............

Just purchased a Maxent MX-50x3 at Best Buy. Had to order as there were none in stock in Austin or San Antonio TX.... The question: Is it worth paying for the extended 4 yr warranty from Best Buy????

Thanks!

Great Thread!

on some channels every so often there is a a white almost static line that goes across the top of my screen.......but it really only happens when watching basic non HD channel, 2-11. is it the cable box, signal or tv?



I had the same issue before I switched from HDMI to component in from my cable box. I thought the issue was probably a combination of the vertical height adjustment (which you cannot change on the HDMI input) and the signal from the cable company (Cablevision). As someone noted above, if you switch to component in then you can get rid of the line with some minor adjustment (acutally, I didn't even need to adjust mine, the line just didn't appear on the component in at all). That's what I did, and I am using the HDMI input for a DVD player.

Just purchased a Maxent MX-50x3 at Best Buy. Had to order as there were none in stock in Austin or San Antonio TX.... The question: Is it worth paying for the extended 4 yr warranty from Best Buy????

Thanks!

Great Thread!

Normally, I don't buy extended warranties. Here I did because the reliability of the Maxent is an unknown, and also because I would want in-home service if something went wrong.

Forgive the dumb question, but this is bugging me. When I am watching SD through the Tivo, I am able to use 4:3, 16:9, Panorama, Zoom1 and Zoom2. When watching SD through my Comcast Motorola 3412, I am only able to choose 4:3 or 16:9. Is this because the Comcast is digital and the Tivo is analog?

I am curious because I watch SG-1 and Battlestar Galactica, which are broadcast in 4:3 letterboxed. I typically watch it through the Tivo on Zoom1 (which basically fills my screen with the picture (no black bars) without distorting the image (although I realize the zoom is hurting the quality). I would like to do this using the Comcast box since SD looks better through it than the Tivo but I'm stuck with either watching it in 4:3 (black bars top/bottom and left/right) or 16:9 (stretched image leaving the black bars on the top/bottom).

What inputs is each box hooked into? The availability of the different picture modes is dependent on which input you are using. Panorama, Zoom 1 and Zoom 2 are only available on the composite AV input, if I recall correctly.

What inputs is each box hooked into? The availability of the different picture modes is dependent on which input you are using. Panorama, Zoom 1 and Zoom 2 are only available on the composite AV input, if I recall correctly.

Ok, that explains it. The comcast box is hooked up with Component (have yet to get my HDMI cable).

I notice the white flashing during Hockey games. I also noticed the screen flashing lighter and darker during the Sopranos last night.

I notice the white flashing during Hockey games. I also noticed the screen flashing lighter and darker during the Sopranos last night.

How do you have your set hooked up? Do you have it hooked up thru component?

After having this TV since november, it's still as good as ever. No issues and after some calibration thanks to the settings from the members in this thread, it looks as good or better than any set I've seen in a store.

So far, I haven't missed any features that the other TV's would offer. All those features are present on my DLP but I don't even use them so the Maxent has been a good eye opener for me. In the future, I'll know better than to get sucked in by the bells and whistles.

After having this TV since november, it's still as good as ever. No issues and after some calibration thanks to the settings from the members in this thread, it looks as good or better than any set I've seen in a store.

So far, I haven't missed any features that the other TV's would offer. All those features are present on my DLP but I don't even use them so the Maxent has been a good eye opener for me. In the future, I'll know better than to get sucked in by the bells and whistles.

I couldn't agree more. This is, imho, the best bang for the buck plasma out there and I've seen all the major contenders.

I couldn't agree more. This is, imho, the best bang for the buck plasma out there and I've seen all the major contenders.

Yup, same here. :cool:

How do you have your set hooked up? Do you have it hooked up thru component?

Cable is hooked up via component and DVD is hooked up via HDMI. Dont see this problem when watching a DVD

Cable is hooked up via component and DVD is hooked up via HDMI. Dont see this problem when watching a DVD.

I notice it on hockey via component and other white sporting events or programming with alot of white backround-never see it thru hdmi though so that is probably why you don't see it on DVD because you have that hooked up thru hdmi. Did you notice alot of white in the picture when you were watching the Soprano's and the tv got lighter and darker? Hope maxent comes up with a fix for this!!

Does anyone have their panel connected via HDMI from a D* HDTivo?

I just bought another HDTivo and will be hooking it up soon. I need to decide what the best cable to run to it would be (component vs. HDMI). I've read some discouraging things about the HDMI output from the HDTivo - so I thought I'd see if anyone was successful doing it.

My other HDTivo is connected via component to my AE700 front projector, so I don't have any experience at all with HDMI. I'd like to avoid the white flicker problem so HDMI seems to be the right way to do so.

I've noticed some noise/horizontal banding on my set when using component (dvd) or hdmi (directv). I need to know if this is a problem with my set or just how they all operate. I can make the problem worse by adjusting the contrast to 84 and the brightness to 61 when using HDMI.

Can someone using HDMI set their Maxent to these settings and check for the artifact in the black letter box portion of the screen when watching such a program on directv (also, it must not be a HD channel)? (I guess you can also tune to a channel you don't get (i.e. black background) and you should see it there as well)

I greatly appreciate your help, because it is driving me nuts.


EDIT: Better description

What I am seeing is a series of close dots that are either red, or blue, that make up a nearly perfect horizontal line accross the screen, and extends across multiple rows. It occurs only on black/dark backgrounds AND when the overall sceen appears to have low resolution (crappy sceen in the movie/show, possibly high compression). I've also only noticed it on non HD material when using either a DVD player (component & progressive) or HDMI (directv scaled at 480p, 720p, or 1080i)

I do get banding in the darker areas on my Maxent also, using component or HDMI.
Even on an HD channel.

Other than that, my image quality is EXCELLENT.
I used to see the same banding effect on my old Sony VVega 36" which everyone always said had excellent picture quality.

Most people i ask what they think, say i'm just too picky, but it drives me NUTS!

Im constantly trying to get rid of it, every time i think i have it cured by adjusting contrast and brightness for one program, then you watch a different program or movie and the picture is different enough, that i see it again.

This happens with the following.
contrast - 50 - 65 (or higher, doesnt matter)
bright - 50 -65 (or higher, doesnt matter)
Color - 22 - 28
sharpness - 0
color - natural
noise reduction - max

Does it on
HDTV
SD
XBOX 360
DVDs

Tv and all devices attached are set to 720p
And plugged DIRECTLY into the tv with component and HDMI cables.
(i only use my reciever for audio)


I have Avia, and like most others, i set according to that , then "tweak" a bit, but i cant get rid of it completely where i can watch "everything" without noticing it.

I constantly have to adjust to match the program/movie im watching.

Sometimes i cant get rid of it until my contrast and brightness are so high, all my blacks are no longer "black". (more "grayish")
And i HATE THAT!


Best example would be a movie with a scene in a smokey bar.
The smoke and shadows show banding. (or look like 16bit color as opposed to 32bit on a pc screen as ive read others describe it as)

Now i would blame it on HDTV compression artifacts if it wasnt for the fact my dvds, regular xbox and xbox 360 do it also.


Am i happy with my Maxent?.....OH YEAH, IM MORE THAN HAPPY!
Excellent color and blacks.
I honestly believe Theres definately nothing wrong with my tv, since i had the same issue with my Sony.

Since i had the same trouble with my Sony, im assuming i just suck at calibrating my tv to get rid of it.
SO i could use some tips. ;)

I do get banding in the darker areas on my Maxent also, using component or HDMI.
Even on an HD channel. ;)

I rarely get banding on my Maxent. If I do it is usually only on sd and dvd . I have never seen it on hd programming- though I can't say I have seen alot of smoke seens in hd. I think banding is mostly caused from source issues since I only see it when the quality of my source is not good- which is not very often so far. What kind of components are feeding your maxents the signals? TV, DVD, VHS,Etc.? The xbox360 is another issue-I would think that looks pretty good almost all the time-unless you are hooking it up via composite.

I do get banding in the darker areas on my Maxent also, using component or HDMI.
Even on an HD channel.

Other than that, my image quality is EXCELLENT.
I used to see the same banding effect on my old Sony VVega 36" which everyone always said had excellent picture quality.

Most people i ask what they think, say i'm just too picky, but it drives me NUTS!

Im constantly trying to get rid of it, every time i think i have it cured by adjusting contrast and brightness for one program, then you watch a different program or movie and the picture is different enough, that i see it again.

This happens with the following.
contrast - 50 - 65 (or higher, doesnt matter)
bright - 50 -65 (or higher, doesnt matter)
Color - 22 - 28
sharpness - 0
color - natural
noise reduction - max

Does it on
HDTV
SD
XBOX 360
DVDs

Tv and all devices attached are set to 720p
And plugged DIRECTLY into the tv with component and HDMI cables.
(i only use my reciever for audio)


I have Avia, and like most others, i set according to that , then "tweak" a bit, but i cant get rid of it completely where i can watch "everything" without noticing it.

I constantly have to adjust to match the program/movie im watching.

Sometimes i cant get rid of it until my contrast and brightness are so high, all my blacks are no longer "black". (more "grayish")
And i HATE THAT!


Best example would be a movie with a scene in a smokey bar.
The smoke and shadows show banding. (or look like 16bit color as opposed to 32bit on a pc screen as ive read others describe it as)

Now i would blame it on HDTV compression artifacts if it wasnt for the fact my dvds, regular xbox and xbox 360 do it also.


Am i happy with my Maxent?.....OH YEAH, IM MORE THAN HAPPY!
Excellent color and blacks.
I honestly believe Theres definately nothing wrong with my tv, since i had the same issue with my Sony.

Since i had the same trouble with my Sony, im assuming i just suck at calibrating my tv to get rid of it.
SO i could use some tips. ;)

Thanks for the info, but I think what I am experiencing is different (please correct me if I'm wrong). What I am seeing is a series of close dots that are either red, or blue, that make up a nearly perfect horizontal line accross the screen, and extends across multiple rows. It occurs only on black/dark backgrounds AND when the overall sceen appears to have low resolution (crappy sceen in the movie/show, possibly high compression). I've also only noticed it on non HD material when using either a DVD player (component & progressive) or HDMI (directv scaled at 480p, 720p, or 1080i)

I spent about 25 minutes at Best Buy adjusting the display.

Man, this thing has a killer picture. I can't wait.

eBay item # 5881719726

"OUR BEST UNIVERSAL FLAT PLASMA/LCD WALL MOUNT 37-55" fm"

How is that for a wall mount?

Any other suggestions for a flat mount that's inexpensive and close to the wall?

http://www.mountsandmore.com/Peerless-SF660-PE0428.html maybe?

My TV stopped working again. I get no picture. The power light is blinking green. I tried unplugging the TV for a few hours with no luck. I also tried holding power and volume up buttons as someone in this thread suggested as a way to reset the TV. Again no luck.

Any ideas?

Ed Lee

My TV suddenly started working again yesterday. I'm not entirely sure, but I think it may have started working after we had an hour-long power outage.

I was also having a problem where the input/resolution, which normally display in the upper right corner stopped working several weeks ago. This started working again as well.

Any thoughts on this?
Ed Lee

My TV stopped working again. I get no picture. The power light is blinking green. I tried unplugging the TV for a few hours with no luck. I also tried holding power and volume up buttons as someone in this thread suggested as a way to reset the TV. Again no luck.

Any ideas?

Ed Lee

After you unplugged it-Is the power light still blinking green?

While it's unplugged, the power light is off. When I plug it back in, the power light is orange. When I hit the power button, it turns solid green for maybe 5 seconds and then starts blinking again.

After you unplugged it-Is the power light still blinking green?

As a reply to the question regarding my Maxent "banding" issue.
The question was "what source and connections im using".

This happens on both my component and HDMI.

My sources are Comcast DVDR box with HD.
3 different dvd players..... A cyberhome dvd recorder using componnent and progressive 480p......a samsund HD850 using upscaling to 720p using hdmi or component........and my xbox 360 as a dvd player using componnent.

Im at a loss here, gonna try different cables, since thats about all i havent tried so far.

Its been almost 3 months since I bought my Maxent and I will say that overall, I'm still happy though I wanted to report more about my impressions about the DVD playback. In the past month, I have been test driving the the Panasonic S97S and while I love the picture quality, I did notice video artififacts that appears be greenish blocks in dark scenes. From my research, i guess this is called macroblocking and it appears to be display and source dependent. It sounds like Panasonic glass is susceptible to it and I can confirm that. I'm pretty torn about returning the Panasonic S97S but I can say that the problem is less noticable at 480p. Problem is very noticable at 720p and 1080i.

Can anyone can confirm my observations? My HD content via Cox Cable has been surperb at HDMI and slightly choppy via Component (watching basketball games and certain action movies).

Also can anyone can recommend the best non-upverting DVD player? Seems like I'm wasting money trying to get one to work.

I have also read that I could tune down the macroblocking via Gamma settings so I'll give that I try before returning the S97S but any suggestions would be welcomed.

Maybe I can justify buying an XBOX 360 if I return the dvd player...!

-Mike C.

As a reply to the question regarding my Maxent "banding" issue.
The question was "what source and connections im using".

This happens on both my component and HDMI.

My sources are Comcast DVDR box with HD.
3 different dvd players..... A cyberhome dvd recorder using componnent and progressive 480p......a samsund HD850 using upscaling to 720p using hdmi or component........and my xbox 360 as a dvd player using componnent.

Im at a loss here, gonna try different cables, since thats about all i havent tried so far.

Seems like your setup is pretty normal for everyone in this thread. Which source do you see most of the banding issue on? Like I posted earlier I get a little banding sometimes with dvd at 480p but nothing that is really bad for a long period of time. My comcast stb is a motorola 6200 connected thru dvi-hdmi. I also have a +15db video amplifier hooked up prior to the stb. I have never seen banding on Hd programming with this setup on my maxent. I do see it a little on sd programming- again nothing that bad- but I think this is mostly the feed from comcast on certain channels.

Holy God.

This thing is fantastic.

I think I finally found my set. I have been looking at mainly LCDs, and had ordered the new Sceptre 42, however that whole thing has turned out to be a debacle, so I cancelled.

I'm just tired of looking at LCDs, and now I see Costco is carrying this TV again.

My only question is.. for all of you video gamers (xbox 360 mainly) how is it on the Maxent? I watch TV, some dvds, and video games..

I had it my head Plasma wouldn't be a good option, but after reading through all of these posts, it seems like a few of you do this to success.

Has anyone seen the 50x3 in Costco stores?

So I placed an order for the hyped up Panny 8Uk. but after realizing that I will have to buy a stand for it and a terminal board to use HDMI, im thinking that I might have overstept my budget. ( isn't that the point in home theater) Now I stumble on this thread and am thinking that a maxent might have been a better deal for me. All I care about is picture/cost ratio. Is this thing really in the same leageu as the Panny 8Uk, I have not been able to demo this anywhere (Im in New Orleans). after reading this whole thread I am more confused - most seem really happy but a fair amount also returning their purchase. would appreciate an update from Maxent buyers.

So I placed an order for the hyped up Panny 8Uk. but after realizing that I will have to buy a stand for it and a terminal board to use HDMI, im thinking that I might have overstept my budget. ( isn't that the point in home theater) Now I stumble on this thread and am thinking that a maxent might have been a better deal for me. All I care about is picture/cost ratio. Is this thing really in the same leageu as the Panny 8Uk, I have not been able to demo this anywhere (Im in New Orleans). after reading this whole thread I am more confused - most seem really happy but a fair amount also returning their purchase. would appreciate an update from Maxent buyers.

If all you care about is picture/cost ratio then the Maxent is the one for you! I have had it for 2 months now and am very happy with the picture quality. All plasma's look good with HD feeds, imho. I purchased the Maxent because it is the best bang for the buck out there. Get it while you can-before there are no more with the panasonic glass.

Just a couple of notes after a few days with this TV:

1) SD over component. For some reason 480i signals are very, very dark and absolutely wretched. Fortunately, my cable box (a Pace from TWC) allows me to turn off 480i. I have all signals leaving the cable box at 720p (the cable box is up/downconverting all signals for me) and this has alleviated the problem 100%. SD looks just fine now, and I don't have to change the brightness or contrast when switching from HD.

2) The contrast leaves a little bit to be desired. If I make it bright enough for everything to look "normal," the blacks become a little too gray for me.. so I leave the brightness turned down a bit. It's just enough for me to notice when being critical, but even after just a few days I notice it less and less.

I'm watching with all signals over component at the moment. I'm waiting for the HDMI cable to come in from Monoprice.. I will post if I see any difference between the two.

My DVD player sucks butt. I will be trying the HDMI input from the DVI port on my PC to compare DVD output. Hopefully the PC output will be significantly better.

All in all I'm ecstatic about the TV. I sat for hours this weekend watching Discovery HD, figure skating, and the Black Crowes in concert. This is *not* stuff I would normally watch.... and I'm quivering with excitement about watching 24 in HD tonight :D

edit: I do have the flickering problem. I noticed it last night watching Law and Order on TNTHD. In dark scenes, the picture will brighten up a bit. I don't like it.

1) SD over component. For some reason 480i signals are very, very dark and absolutely wretched. Fortunately, my cable box (a Pace from TWC) allows me to turn off 480i. I have all signals leaving the cable box at 720p (the cable box is up/downconverting all signals for me) and this has alleviated the problem 100%. SD looks just fine now, and I don't have to change the brightness or contrast when switching from HD.

I had the same problem with the Comcast Motorola 3412 box....I turned the box to output SD in 480p (instead of 480i) and it brightened up the SD to acceptable levels.

Is anyone using the Maxent with a Dish Network VIP622 HDDVR? I'm wondering what settings others are using with this receiver. I've used AVIA to calibrate my dvd player, but I don't know the best way to calibrate for the receiver, since I can't find a way to get calibration screens through it. Are there any channels or anything where I can find calibration screens to help me set it up properly?

BTW, this mount:
ebay item 5881719726

"Kinda" works. The problem is that the input box protruding from the rear of the TV sticks out about 1/8" further than the silver wall-mount studs. I shoved an extra washer between the vertical bars and the silver studs to push the bottom out very slightly, and it worked fine.

Anyone have this hooked up via Svideo for standard def?

Anyone have this hooked up via Svideo for standard def?
I did.. and couldn't tell much difference between S-video and 480p on component.

Anyone have this hooked up via Svideo for standard def?

Yes, that's how I watch SD. While you can use the method jonny and others posted, I like being able to adjust the settings for SD vs HD to get a better pic. With the harmony remote, I just programmed a button to switch between the two.

What is the consensus best way to hook up a STB and DVD to the 50x3? I can either go HDMI from the STB to Denon 2807 receiver and Component from DVD to Denon receiver with HDMI from the receiver to the display. OR...I can go HDMI from the STB to the 50x3 and component from the DVD to the display. OR I can buy a new DVD player with HDMI output and go HDMI from the STB AND DVD to the receiver and then HDMI from the receiver to the display. Is there a general consensus on what will provide the best screen/stretch and PQ with the least number of problems (like the white flashing problem, etc.)?

Will the system be much easier to use if I go through the receiver for everything (being that audio is going to go through it anyway)? Anything else I should consider?

Well after a month and a half I returned the 50x3 to Costco. Eventhough the picture was very good it didn't have the features I was looking for. What really go me was the bad 480i performance over the component input and no stretch modes on the component input. The speakers wern't great either.

Do so many people really prefer stretching their image out just to get rid of the black bars??

Well after a month and a half I returned the 50x3 to Costco. Eventhough the picture was very good it didn't have the features I was looking for. What really go me was the bad 480i performance over the component input and no stretch modes on the component input. The speakers wern't great either.

What features did it not have that you wanted?
Did you get anything to replace it?

Do so many people really prefer stretching their image out just to get rid of the black bars??


I don't know about everybody else, but I prefer to stretch. 1. There is no chance of burn in at all 2. I paid for 50" of display, my god I'm going to use all of it :D

What features did it not have that you wanted?
Did you get anything to replace it?

I got a Toshiba 50hp95 it went on sale at Frys and I couldn't resist. It's got 1 VGA, 1 HDMI, 2 Components, 3 composite/s-video, cablecard slot, memory card reader, 2 ant/cable inputs, better speakers, all the stretch modes you need (*even on HD programing). Colors a bit better than the Maxent (*even the wife agrees) and it can display 480i over the components perfectly unlike the 50x3.

Ugh.. stretching makes me so angry. I can't imagine ever using any stretch on anything. I want people to look like people, not fat dwarfs with heads wider than they are tall.

Ugh.. stretching makes me so angry. I can't imagine ever using any stretch on anything. I want people to look like people, not fat dwarfs with heads wider than they are tall.

Have you seen the Panasonic's "Just" stretch mode or Toshiba's "Wide Theater 1" stretch mode? it stretches the sides more than the middle, makes the picture much more natural the a normal "Fill" stretch which just linearly the picture to fill the screen. To each his own, at least I have the option to stretch or not now depending what I feel like where on the Maxent I did not have a choice at all.

Have you seen the Panasonic's "Just" stretch mode or Toshiba's "Wide Theater 1" stretch mode? it stretches the sides more than the middle, makes the picture much more natural the a normal "Fill" stretch which just linearly the picture to fill the screen. To each his own, at least I have the option to stretch or not now depending what I feel like where on the Maxent I did not have a choice at all.
Yup.. that's even worse. The camera pans, and objects distort as they move across the screen. It's like wearing the wrong prescription glasses.

The black bars don't bother me at all. I almost feel like a snob wanting the picture to look normal. I'm not paying $3000 to have TV shows massively distorted.

Have you seen the Panasonic's "Just" stretch mode or Toshiba's "Wide Theater 1" stretch mode? it stretches the sides more than the middle, makes the picture much more natural the a normal "Fill" stretch which just linearly the picture to fill the screen. To each his own, at least I have the option to stretch or not now depending what I feel like where on the Maxent I did not have a choice at all.

Either way it's a distorted image. Never understood how people would spend thousands of dollars on a high end TV to have the best picture possible then take a crap signal, pump it in and stretch it in all directions. It kills my eyes and I'm not sure how people can do it. Just stretch or watch HD material for the break in process then you're fine. The break in process killed my eyes having to stretch that crappy signal to fill the frame. I guess to each his own and that's why they make m ore than one TV.

Either way it's a distorted image. Never understood how people would spend thousands of dollars on a high end TV to have the best picture possible then take a crap signal, pump it in and stretch it in all directions. It kills my eyes and I'm not sure how people can do it. Just stretch or watch HD material for the break in process then you're fine. The break in process killed my eyes having to stretch that crappy signal to fill the frame. I guess to each his own and that's why they make m ore than one TV.



Actually, I watch all my SD as stretched. A stretched crappy signal isn't much worse than a non-stretched crappy signal. I am just so used to seeing the signal fill the screen (well, at least horizontally) that the black bars on the sides just tick me off. Besides, my SD viewing is limited to less than 5% on the plasma - that's what I use my 27" CRT for. I agree that SD should be watched on a good old 4:3 CRT - save the plasma for movies.

Actually, I watch all my SD as stretched. A stretched crappy signal isn't much worse than a non-stretched crappy signal. I am just so used to seeing the signal fill the screen (well, at least horizontally) that the black bars on the sides just tick me off. Besides, my SD viewing is limited to less than 5% on the plasma - that's what I use my 27" CRT for. I agree that SD should be watched on a good old 4:3 CRT - save the plasma for movies.


I totally agree, I hate the vertical black bars.

Let's see were even now, 2 for stretched and 2 for non-stretched.

Count me for one who can't stand the stretching.
I held on to my old 4X3 big screen as long as I could until the Maxent deal came along.
After the 1st week stretched w/DTivo . .I broke down and dropped the $$ for the HD tivo.

I'm sure I would have gotten used to the stretch after a few more weeks but it made a good excuse to the W for HD ;)

Good luck,
Token

Have you seen the Panasonic's "Just" stretch mode or Toshiba's "Wide Theater 1" stretch mode? it stretches the sides more than the middle, makes the picture much more natural the a normal "Fill" stretch which just linearly the picture to fill the screen. To each his own, at least I have the option to stretch or not now depending what I feel like where on the Maxent I did not have a choice at all.

Does'nt the maxent in one of it's stretch modes-stretch the sides and leave the middle alone also?

OR...I can go HDMI from the STB to the 50x3 and component from the DVD to the display.

This is how I have mine currently set-up. No complaints here!

Does'nt the maxent in one of it's stretch modes-stretch the sides and leave the middle alone also?


Not for the component inputs or hdmi, it only works for the composite and s-video

Not for the component inputs or hdmi, it only works for the composite and s-video

Oh yeah! I new that-brain lock I guess. I have mine hooked up thru hdmi and when set on 16x9 -all material is stretched except for hd when a commercial or something else shows the sidebars. I like the picture on all my channels when watching it set up like this-I don't mind the stretch when set up this way. The side bars are bothersome when they show up though. I think this is because I am so use to seeing the whole screen filled. The people who watch sd through s-video can use this stretch mode though-right?

The people who watch sd through s-video can use this stretch mode though-right?


Aside from a VCR, I would think most people would have their SD signal through a STB, which (if it is a HD box - and why wouldn't it be), would be hooked up through either component, DVI, or HDMI were this stretch mode is unavailable. My PS2 uses composite video - I should try the stretch mode on that.

Believe me, you get used to the stretching on SD. Which is ironic, as you find yourself watching less and less SD material on your plasma as time goes on.

My viewing consist of local channels only (no cable, no HDTV, etc) with no hidef signals but I want great pictures with DVD viewing and I'm sure this TV does great with these. But how is the picture quality with non HD signals like the over the air signals?

Thnx
KS

IMO, plasma and LCD tv's give a far worse picture than a CRT. A 50" plasma will give you less than 40 inches of 4:3 television, so if your viewing is mostly local non-HD channels, I'd highly suggest something like a 36" Sony CRT.

My viewing consist of local channels only (no cable, no HDTV, etc) with no hidef signals but I want great pictures with DVD viewing and I'm sure this TV does great with these. But how is the picture quality with non HD signals like the over the air signals?

Thnx
KS

Your going to need a OTA tuner since the maxent does not have a tuner. Whether it's a vcr (not recommended) or set top box (much better if you are close to your transmission towers)-the maxent should look ok with non-Hd signals and excellent with over the air hd signals.

Your going to need a OTA tuner since the maxent does not have a tuner. Whether it's a vcr (not recommended) or set top box (much better if you are close to your transmission towers)-the maxent should look ok with non-Hd signals and excellent with over the air hd signals.

You should get an OTA tuner that can convert the non-HD signal resolution from 480i to something higher (even 480p is fine). My experience is that 480i signals don't look too good on the Maxent, but 480p and better is fine.

BTW, this mount:
ebay item 5881719726

"Kinda" works. The problem is that the input box protruding from the rear of the TV sticks out about 1/8" further than the silver wall-mount studs. I shoved an extra washer between the vertical bars and the silver studs to push the bottom out very slightly, and it worked fine.

How well does this work? I'm considering ordering this mount and need to know if you have any pics you can post or send me with the size of the washer or where you placed it that would greatly help. I need to order ASAP so the sooner you can reply/message me the better.

Thanks!

I had a few spare 1/2" washers from making my Flexy rack. The things are 14 cents at Home Depot. Just put one on each side in between the silver ring on the TV and the mounts.

I was able to get it mounted without the washers at first, actually.. it requird a little bit of pushing on the corner of the TV which made me slightly uneasy.

I'd recommend it though, it's a good solid mount.

What are people expecting from a 480i signal. It is a low res interlaced signal. The maxent is not some miracle display that can create all the missing resolution.

No, but I'd expect a $2600 TV to be able to upconvert a 480i signal at least as well as a freakin cable box.

480i from the cable box looks like absolute garbage. If I force the cable box to output the 480i signal as 480p, it magically clears right up and looks fine.

Been watching the thread for MONTHS and finally made the purchase today. Delivery on 4/21 -- can't wait! Thanks everyone for all the great information on this PDP.

I had a few spare 1/2" washers from making my Flexy rack. The things are 14 cents at Home Depot. Just put one on each side in between the silver ring on the TV and the mounts.

I was able to get it mounted without the washers at first, actually.. it requird a little bit of pushing on the corner of the TV which made me slightly uneasy.

I'd recommend it though, it's a good solid mount.

I think I have an idea what you're talking about. I probably going to order the mount and will add the washers but the same seller has a tilt mount for like $5 more so I'm trying to decided between the two. Do you recall the inside diameter of the washer? I want to go buy them so when the mount arrives I'm ready to install. Thanks!

The ID of the washer I used is 1/2". Totally standard 1/2" washer. I'm not sure what the OD is, but it's probably about 1.25". It's just sold as a 1/2" washer.

I find it exceptionally odd that the silver spacers that come with the Maxent are *so close* to extending as far as the protrusion on the back of the TV..... but not quite.

The ID of the washer I used is 1/2". Totally standard 1/2" washer. I'm not sure what the OD is, but it's probably about 1.25". It's just sold as a 1/2" washer.

I find it exceptionally odd that the silver spacers that come with the Maxent are *so close* to extending as far as the protrusion on the back of the TV..... but not quite.

Thanks!

Aside from a VCR, I would think most people would have their SD signal through a STB, which (if it is a HD box - and why wouldn't it be), would be hooked up through either component, DVI, or HDMI were this stretch mode is unavailable. My PS2 uses composite video - I should try the stretch mode on that.

Believe me, you get used to the stretching on SD. Which is ironic, as you find yourself watching less and less SD material on your plasma as time goes on.

All my outputs are active on my stb and I suspect they are on a lot of other stb's-so I can use whichever input on the maxent I want to. I have s-video, component, dvi-hdmi all hooked up to the Maxent from the stb and all I do is switch between inputs on the maxent to find the best picture quality for the program I am watching. I have found that the hdmi input works best for all programming. I have a 4year old that watches alot of on-demand (thankk god for on-demand) and the picture is very good. I just wish she would stop saying-"another one Dad" -Or teach her to use the remote.

Been watching the thread for MONTHS and finally made the purchase today. Delivery on 4/21 -- can't wait! Thanks everyone for all the great information on this PDP.

Congradulations on the purchase- Welcome to 50" heaven!!

Thinking about picking this up very soon. My only question is, are there any mx50-x3 from bestbuy that do NOT have the panny glass, etc..? Anything I should check before or after I buy to make sure I'm getting exactly what I want?

I noticed something with my Mx50 and I wonder if it is the monitor or the source . . .

I have noticed this only on DVDs. I don't have my HDTivo hooked up yet. Anyway, the issue is that I see jagged edges on the credits (and some other objects in scenes). It's kind of like a stairstepping (for lack of a better description) when the edge of an object is diagonal versus purely vertical/horizontal.

The source is a Panny HTIB (sorry, don't recall the model) set at 480p and is connected via component. I wondered if this is normal, result of crappy DVD media or player, a setting on the plasma or DVD player, etc. Any suggestions?

I noticed the same thing on my cheapo DVD player.

I'm using my PC now with component output and don't have that problem anymore. Definitely not the TV.

Thinking about picking this up very soon. My only question is, are there any mx50-x3 from bestbuy that do NOT have the panny glass, etc..? Anything I should check before or after I buy to make sure I'm getting exactly what I want?


Interesting question. Maxent's old MX-42X3 used Panasonic glass but has been replaced by the new 42HPM20 model that seems to use LG Glass. A new 50" Plasma is supposed to come out this year with the same model # naming. I would have to assume that the new 50" will also use LG glass. Therefore, I would suspect that any MX-50X3's still left in inventory all use Panasonic glass. Still, it is best to check. Check earlier in this thread to see how to verify the glass used.

I have enjoyed my MX-50X3, but every once and a while I have an audio slip. I have DISH network, and sometimes on the local CBS, ABC, FOX, etc. the audio is ever so slightly ahead of the video. My audio receiver is an Onkyo (pretty good) and my DISH receiver is one of the newest HD receivers. Has anyone else experienced this?

P.S. First post

I have a few questions about gaming on this TV. For those of you using it as a computer monitor, how is the response time? I'm interested in action games (FPS mostly), so response time would matter.

Also (and I know this second question is probably off topic), but do you have a suggestion for a wireless keyboard/mouse setup? TV tray? Piece of plywood? Does someone sell some kindof "laptop desk" for use from the couch?

I have a few questions about gaming on this TV. For those of you using it as a computer monitor, how is the response time? I'm interested in action games (FPS mostly), so response time would matter.

Also (and I know this second question is probably off topic), but do you have a suggestion for a wireless keyboard/mouse setup? TV tray? Piece of plywood? Does someone sell some kindof "laptop desk" for use from the couch?

PDP doesn't have the refresh rates you get with LCD panels.

PDP doesn't have the refresh rates you get with LCD panels.
Huh? Plasmas have response times an order of magnitude faster than LCD's. Why do you think everyone is so concerned over response times in an LCD but they don't even have a spec for it when it comes to plasmas?

Huh? Plasmas have response times an order of magnitude faster than LCD's. Why do you think everyone is so concerned over response times in an LCD but they don't even have a spec for it when it comes to plasmas?

That's what I meant to say but I guess I didn't type it that way. I was trying to type:

"PDPs don't have the refresh rate issues that LCDs have."

My bad.

That's what I meant to say but I guess I didn't type it that way. I was trying to type:

"PDPs don't have the refresh rate issues that LCDs have."

My bad.
Ahhh, I got it.

Interestingly, I get a slight bit of lag when my PC is connected through the HDMI input, but no lag at all connected through the RGB input.

Ahhh, I got it.

Interestingly, I get a slight bit of lag when my PC is connected through the HDMI input, but no lag at all connected through the RGB input.

That could be a video card issue.

Does anyone get a ticking or clicking sound from the TV? It's not the speakers because if I mute the sound, I still hear it. At first I was ignoring it, but now it's really starting to bother me.

Anyone else getting this?

Does anyone get a ticking or clicking sound from the TV? It's not the speakers because if I mute the sound, I still hear it. At first I was ignoring it, but now it's really starting to bother me.

Anyone else getting this?

No. Something is wrong with your set.

No. Something is wrong with your set.

It's like a creaking sound from the plastic. If I push the top of the set, I hear the sound. I sounds like a house settling.

:confused:

It's like a creaking sound from the plastic. If I push the top of the set, I hear the sound. I sounds like a house settling.

:confused:

Hmm... interesting. What kind of stand are you using and how old is your house? It might be just that. When you said clicking earlier I thought you meant like a power source clicking or fan or something mechanical in the set.

Hmm... interesting. What kind of stand are you using and how old is your house? It might be just that. When you said clicking earlier I thought you meant like a power source clicking or fan or something mechanical in the set.

My house was built in 1920, but when the set is off, there is no noise..

My house was built in 1920, but when the set is off, there is no noise..

Do you sit around when it's off though.. say reading a book or something?

Do you sit around when it's off though.. say reading a book or something?


Yep.. It's less frequent with the sound muted, I've sat there for a good 30 minutes with the set off, no sound.

It seems like its more frequent when the set is first turned on... I first noticed it a few weeks ago, but it could have been happening since I first got it.

I was thinking of removing the speakers thinking that maybe the vibration from the sound had something to do with it.

Yep.. It's less frequent with the sound muted, I've sat there for a good 30 minutes with the set off, no sound.

It seems like its more frequent when the set is first turned on... I first noticed it a few weeks ago, but it could have been happening since I first got it.

I was thinking of removing the speakers thinking that maybe the vibration from the sound had something to do with it.

Man, you got me there man. I would exchange it if it were me because either way... it ain't right.

I've noticed some noise on my set when using component (dvd) or hdmi (directv). Specifically, what I am seeing is a series of close dots that are either red, or blue, that make up a nearly perfect horizontal line across the screen, and extends across multiple rows. It occurs only on black/dark backgrounds AND when the overall scene appears to have low resolution (crappy scene in the movie/show, possibly high compression). I've also only noticed it on non HD material when using either a DVD player (component & progressive) or HDMI (directv scaled at 480p, 720p, or 1080i). I can make the problem worse by adjusting the contrast to 84 and the brightness to 61 when using HDMI. One perfect example of where I see this occurring is during a letter boxed show, during certain scenes I can see the striping in the letter box portion of the screen. Below is a picture I captured, which, btw, was very difficult to take.

Picutre1: Actual striping is really brighter and blue in color. Ignore the cresent shaped object, which is the camera lens reflection
http://myweb.cableone.net/cashew250/images/tv.jpg


Picutre2: Photoshop inverse of picuture above.
http://myweb.cableone.net/cashew250/images/tv2.jpg


Configuration above pictures were taken with:
Connection: HDMI
Set top box scaling: 1080i (though 720p, and 420p do the same)
Set top box model: directv H10 (HD receiver)

does costco carry this in-store or is it mail order only?

This setup is about 4-5" too wide for my app. Removing the speakers would leave me without sound unless playing thru audio receiver, any other ideas?

I've noticed some noise on my set when using component (dvd) or hdmi (directv). Specifically, what I am seeing is a series of close dots that are either red, or blue, that make up a nearly perfect horizontal line across the screen, and extends across multiple rows. It occurs only on black/dark backgrounds AND when the overall scene appears to have low resolution (crappy scene in the movie/show, possibly high compression). I've also only noticed it on non HD material when using either a DVD player (component & progressive) or HDMI (directv scaled at 480p, 720p, or 1080i). I can make the problem worse by adjusting the contrast to 84 and the brightness to 61 when using HDMI. One perfect example of where I see this occurring is during a letter boxed show, during certain scenes I can see the striping in the letter box portion of the screen. Below is a picture I captured, which, btw, was very difficult to take.

Picutre1: Actual striping is really brighter and blue in color. Ignore the cresent shaped object, which is the camera lens reflection
http://myweb.cableone.net/cashew250/images/tv.jpg


Picutre2: Photoshop inverse of picuture above.
http://myweb.cableone.net/cashew250/images/tv2.jpg


Configuration above pictures were taken with:
Connection: HDMI
Set top box scaling: 1080i (though 720p, and 420p do the same)
Set top box model: directv H10 (HD receiver)

Wow-that looks really strange! It looks like cells across the screen are glowing or something. I have not seen that on my maxent. It might be some kind of leak in the panel causing that. I would contact Maxent and e-mail them these photo's and see what they say about it.

My TV has started having a problem....or maybe it's the Tivo. Anyways, while watching TV through the Tivo (recorded or Live), the TV switches back and forth between input "AV1[S]" (which shows the picture) and then to plain old AV1 (with no picture). It is very unpredictable, but happens in spurts, where it will do it for 5 minutes, and then go back like nothing is wrong.

Here are the things I've tested:
1) The Tivo recording. I have rewound to one of the "blank" parts and it has shown up fine.

2) I unplugged the S-Video cable from the Tivo to cause loss-of-signal to the TV. The TV switched to the blue-screen and not AV1.

Anybody else see this? It's a bit worrisome, and I'm not sure what it could be other than the TV switching inputs on it's own. Any ideas?

i have the same problem as you silver cans!! it happens in the game oblivion on xbox 360

i have not really noticed it elsewhere though, oblivion is a very dark game and it shows up quite a bit in that... maybe i need a really really dark movie or something..

hmmm

ill take a picture of it with my digital rebel, should turn out good :P

Mine does this Too. Every once in a while, I will turn on the TV and it will be set to input AV1

This screws everything up, because I only use HDMI and Component 2 to view program sources. Mine also seems to lose its user settings sometimes, although not always, when I switch it to HDMI It is so intermittent though, just when I get mad enough to think about having it serviced, it works fo 4-5 days without problems! The picture on the Masters on yesterday, made it all worth it.

Neil

I finally hooked up my PC to the Maxent. As I mentioned before, I had problems before with an unstable (it would shake) picture at 1366x768 and a severely off-centered picture at 1280x720. Well, that was with a 15' RGB cable. Just on a whim, I brought home an old (and I mean old) 6' RGB cable from work and voila, it works perfectly. Obviously, the shorter length worked better (this is an analog signal). Don't want to do the DVI->HDMI route yet, as the one HDMI input is being saved for my new DVD player (Sony DVP-NC85H - should be here this week).

The picture is a bit dark (per the THX test, brightness should be around 65 vs. my current composite video DVD player at 50), but I can run 1366x768 perfectly. Now I can surf the web at 50" of glory. Still, I have to get used to the lower resolution and real estate - I was using a 4:3 19" monitor running at 1280x1024. Less stuff fits on the screen, even though the icons are over an inch tall.

I will report on the new DVD player after I get it and have a chance to play with it a little bit.

Just FYI, I use the cheapest 25' SVGA cable that Monoprice sells and get a *perfect* picture at 1366x768.

Just FYI, I use the cheapest 25' SVGA cable that Monoprice sells and get a *perfect* picture at 1366x768.

The 15' SVGA Cable I used was also from Monoprice - maybe it was just a bad cable. Has anyone compared a SVGA cable vs. a DVI->HDMI cable on the Maxent? Any difference?

I did.

I didn't like that you can't do 1366x768 with HDMI. Only 1280x720. The quality is equivalent at equivalent resolutions, however.

Mine does this Too. Every once in a while, I will turn on the TV and it will be set to input AV1

This screws everything up, because I only use HDMI and Component 2 to view program sources. Mine also seems to lose its user settings sometimes, although not always, when I switch it to HDMI It is so intermittent though, just when I get mad enough to think about having it serviced, it works fo 4-5 days without problems! The picture on the Masters on yesterday, made it all worth it.

Neil

Yeah, it's not so much that it's set to AV1 when I turn the TV on, but switches back and forth while I'm trying to watch TV.

Quite annoying, although I haven't seen it for a day or so now.

I did.

I didn't like that you can't do 1366x768 with HDMI. Only 1280x720. The quality is equivalent at equivalent resolutions, however.


Hmm... that would make HDMI worse than RGB for PC use. I can't imagine losing even more real estate with 1280x720 instead of 1366x768. Guess I will stick with RGB - besides, it saves me from having to buy a HDMI switcher.

I've had my Maxent for about 3 months and I have tried about 4 different DVD players. As most people, my display suffers from macroblocking with Faroudja upscaling DVD players; my DVD player which I returned was the Panasonic S97. I actually liked it alot unless the MB rears its ugly head. My current Sony NS75 has eliminated the MB problem but the image wasn't up to par with the S97. The picture wasn't as vibrant and at times, on black backgrounds, like the MGM introduction on DVD movies where the lion appears, its not solid black...more like blocky patterns of different shades of black. I'm hoping its just a calibration issue but I calibrated with the DVE disk.

I wanted to find out what dvd players other Maxent owners are using. At this point, with the problems I'm seeing on non Faroudja dvd players, I'm wondering if I can live with the macroblocking.

-MC

I'm using my PC with PowerDVD 6 over the RGB connection. Looks wonderful. My cheapo Magnavox DVD player had ridiculous macroblocking over component. The PC looks good over component as well, but I prefer running it in native resolution (1366x768) instead of a 720p signal. Moreover, my TV exhibits some of the "flashing" (brightness adjusting) over the component inputs but not the RGB.

I wanted to find out what dvd players other Maxent owners are using. At this point, with the problems I'm seeing on non Faroudja dvd players, I'm wondering if I can live with the macroblocking.

-MC

Right now I am currently using a Jvc pscan player with mine. It has 12bit -108 Mhz D/A video converter which is better than the standard 10 bit 54Mhz D/A converter used on lesser dvd players. I have a sony upconvert player that I am using on another setup since I have to use the hdmi on the maxent for my stb due to the flashing brightness issue. This jvc player has a great picture imho and I have no complaints with it. I see no mb, and practically no false contouring-even in dark movies like "Alien", or "IJ and The Temple of Doom" during dark scenes. The picture is clear and vibrant.-Enough so that I don't mind not having a up-convert dvd player attached to the maxent. Maybe I will try up-convert later but I am in no rush.

I've had my Maxent for about 3 months and I have tried about 4 different DVD players. As most people, my display suffers from macroblocking with Faroudja upscaling DVD players; my DVD player which I returned was the Panasonic S97. I actually liked it alot unless the MB rears its ugly head. My current Sony NS75 has eliminated the MB problem but the image wasn't up to par with the S97. The picture wasn't as vibrant and at times, on black backgrounds, like the MGM introduction on DVD movies where the lion appears, its not solid black...more like blocky patterns of different shades of black. I'm hoping its just a calibration issue but I calibrated with the DVE disk.

I wanted to find out what dvd players other Maxent owners are using. At this point, with the problems I'm seeing on non Faroudja dvd players, I'm wondering if I can live with the macroblocking.

-MC


After reading about the problems with the Maxent and Faroudja players, I got the new Sony 85H upconverting DVD Player (same as the 75H but a 5 DVD changer). I have been struggling with grainyness in darker scenes. Problem DVDs so far: Return of the King (Shelob's cave) and King Kong (when the boat enters the fog). I thought these were both good transfers. I have tried adjusting both the display (Maxent MX-50X3) and the DVD player (85H) to no avail. The MNR doesn't really seem to do anything, nor does changing the resolution modes. I have tried both Standard and Cinema 1 modes, and component and HDMI (both from Monoprice) as well with no effect. The only thing that works is decreasing the Maxent's brightness and contrast, but that makes the movie unwatchable! Any other ideas?

I am using the Samsung HD 755. No complaints, especially for the price. I use the HDMI output.

I finally got my wall mount for mine. For those who have wall mounted, how does the base/stand come off? Is there some bolts/screws underneath and inside the two pegs holding it up or ???

Just trying to have all my ducks in a row before I start. Thanks!

There are a pair of screws holding each pillar of the base. Get them from the back. It's obvious.

There are a pair of screws holding each pillar of the base. Get them from the back. It's obvious.

Cool, thanks!

Spent the better part of the weekend trying to calibrate my panel with the AVIA disc. I ended up with a Contrast of 70% and a Brightness of 50% through HDMI. The Contrast seems a bit high. Anyone else have it that high?

Hurray! Our MX-50X3 showed up yesterday! I promptly hooked up the wall-mount, unscrewed the base, attached the speakers, and hosted it onto the wall. Damn, this thing is big!

Some things to note after reading this thread:

* Our unit has a build date of March, 2006.
* There is NO buzzing noise at all. It is silent.
* The top gets warm, but not too hot to touch. Definately not worried about over-heating.
* PC connected via VGA (RGB) syncs perfectly to 1366x768. There are a few wavy lines now and then, but it is not noticable when watching movies.
* DVDs look awesome run through my PC.
* HD looks freakin' amazing. It makes DVDs look not so awesome. :)
* Out of the box, this unit has a strong red push. A few adjustments, looks great. Will re-adjust after break-in.
* The silver is a bit much, but the picture is so wonderful. If the attached speakers were black it might look a bit better.

This was an upgrade from a 42" EDTV set. While DVD looks pretty much the same from our viewing distance (roughly 10 feet), HD material looks MUCH better. :)

Hurray! Our MX-50X3 showed up yesterday! I promptly hooked up the wall-mount, unscrewed the base, attached the speakers, and hosted it onto the wall. Damn, this thing is big!

Some things to note after reading this thread:

* Our unit has a build date of March, 2006.
* There is NO buzzing noise at all. It is silent.
* The top gets warm, but not too hot to touch. Definately not worried about over-heating.
* PC connected via VGA (RGB) syncs perfectly to 1366x768. There are a few wavy lines now and then, but it is not noticable when watching movies.
* DVDs look awesome run through my PC.
* HD looks freakin' amazing. It makes DVDs look not so awesome. :)
* Out of the box, this unit has a strong red push. A few adjustments, looks great. Will re-adjust after break-in.
* The silver is a bit much, but the picture is so wonderful. If the attached speakers were black it might look a bit better.

This was an upgrade from a 42" EDTV set. While DVD looks pretty much the same from our viewing distance (roughly 10 feet), HD material looks MUCH better. :)

Matt - sounds like you love the set. I would suggest getting an upconverting DVD player to make those DVD's POP!!!

Anybody need the stand...Maybe you broke yours or want an extra one. We wall mounted ours and I don't anticipate ever using the stand. Hate to toss it and I don't have alot of storage space to keep it.

Let me know via PM if you want it...Just pay shipping cost. It's light but bulky, so not sure what the cost would be. I'm in 27502 if you want to estimate it.

Robert

I am new to the forum/HDTV so please pardon if this is a stupid question.
Just upgraded from the 42" Maxent to the MX-50X3 from Costco. SD
is just horrible. At my home we mostly watch Dish Network/International programming
which comes mainly in SD and will take years to come in HD.


SD was still acceptable on the 42" Maxent but I am very dissapointed
to see it on 50". Guru's, what are my options..?? Are there any good
upconverters(at fair price) that I can buy..that will upconvert the
signal from my Dish Network reciever box..?? Please help.. Or else I am
off to Costco to return...

--Sanjay

Anybody need the stand...Maybe you broke yours or want an extra one. We wall mounted ours and I don't anticipate ever using the stand. Hate to toss it and I don't have alot of storage space to keep it.

Let me know via PM if you want it...Just pay shipping cost. It's light but bulky, so not sure what the cost would be. I'm in 27502 if you want to estimate it.

Robert

+1

I am new to the forum/HDTV so please pardon if this is a stupid question.
Just upgraded from the 42" Maxent to the MX-50X3 from Costco. SD
is just horrible. At my home we mostly watch Dish Network/International programming
which comes mainly in SD and will take years to come in HD.


SD was still acceptable on the 42" Maxent but I am very dissapointed
to see it on 50". Guru's, what are my options..?? Are there any good
upconverters(at fair price) that I can buy..that will upconvert the
signal from my Dish Network reciever box..?? Please help.. Or else I am
off to Costco to return...

--Sanjay

SD looks respectable upconverted to 1080i on my HD DVR (moxi) through adelphia. You will see a difference. I am unfamiliar with stand alone upconverters so hopefully someone else can comment on that.

My SD upconverted has black bars on the side. Regular SD through my tivo is stretched and looks pixelated. I prefer the black bars.

Hope that helps,
-armus

The key is to find some way to convert 480i into *anything else*.

My STB, a standard HD box from Time Warner, lets me output everything as 720p, which works beautifully. SD looks the same input as 720p or 480p... both are vastly superior to 480i for some unknown reason.

Another option is to use the S-video input for SD and component or HDMI for HD.

What kind of STB do you have? Can it upconvert? Is it an HD box?

I have a 4/5 year old dish reciever which is a basic STB with no
upconversion capability. Its not an HD box... Like Armus said,
the questions boils down to "Are there are any standalone
upconverters" that can upconvert my SD signal from the
Dish Reciever to some kind of HD(720p/1080i/...)..

Thanks..

Have you tried simply using S-video?

What kind of connection *are* you using?

Hi Jonnythan,
I am using S-Video with my Dish Receiver. Please suggest some options...

Hm. I haven't tried S-video, but I heard that it looked OK compared to 480i over component.

Personally I would upgrade with an HD box from Dish. It's a crime having a TV like that and watching nothing but SD on it. If you can afford the TV you can obviously afford the HD service. The big upside is that whatever HD box you get should do the upconverting for you.

Once in a while the colors invert and everything looks funny, the only way to get the tv to operate correctly is to turn it off/on. Anyone experience this before?

Hm. I haven't tried S-video, but I heard that it looked OK compared to 480i over component.

Personally I would upgrade with an HD box from Dish. It's a crime having a TV like that and watching nothing but SD on it. If you can afford the TV you can obviously afford the HD service. The big upside is that whatever HD box you get should do the upconverting for you.

i have to concur on that one. it would be a shame to not pump an HD signal to your nice, expensive 50" plasma.

just think of it as a forced upgrade. :D

-armus

COSTCO Maxent 50X3 50" HDTV Plasma w/HDMI

[EDIT] Purchased mine at Santa Rosa, CA Costco. They sold 4 units within 2-hours. Rohnert Park has zero.

I just got started using my 50X3. It sat in the box TOO LONG while completing my remodel. Now that I have it hooked up to my HD TIVO, I'm starting to log the hours. I have contrast/brightness set to 49/49 for break-in. Can I safely go any higher than that? How many hours are recommended for the break-in period (I think I read 50 somewhere)? Finally, how can I monitor the hours? I looked through the menus and couldn't find the hours reported anywhere . . . of course, I haven't yet consulted the manual - but we all know that's the LAST STEP!!!!

I didn't do any break-in, and my manual didn't tell me to.

I see no reason whatsoever to bother with any "break-in"

I just got started using my 50X3. It sat in the box TOO LONG while completing my remodel. Now that I have it hooked up to my HD TIVO, I'm starting to log the hours. I have contrast/brightness set to 49/49 for break-in. Can I safely go any higher than that? How many hours are recommended for the break-in period (I think I read 50 somewhere)? Finally, how can I monitor the hours? I looked through the menus and couldn't find the hours reported anywhere . . . of course, I haven't yet consulted the manual - but we all know that's the LAST STEP!!!!

since it's a panny glass, i went with their recommendations on break-in. for the first 100 hours i had it at 50/50 then bumped it up as I saw fit after that. i forget how high i went.

you can google for panasonic plasma break-in and you'll see all the info you need.

-armus

I didn't do any break-in, and my manual didn't tell me to.

I see no reason whatsoever to bother with any "break-in"

You see no reason? Do you also see no reason to lock your doors on your car when you park it at the mall because the manual doesn't say to?

It's been proven that properly breaking in your TV will give a better picture over it's longer lifespan.

You see no reason? Do you also see no reason to lock your doors on your car when you park it at the mall because the manual doesn't say to?

It's been proven that properly breaking in your TV will give a better picture over it's longer lifespan.
Point to the scientific study that proves that plasmas manufactured in the past few years have "a better picture" and a "longer lifespan"?

Point to the scientific study that proves that plasmas manufactured in the past few years have "a better picture" and a "longer lifespan"?

this isn't scientific but what Panasonic recommends. i'm assuming if it wasn't good for the plasma, why would Panasonic recommend something that would cause their customers NOT to replace their plasmas faster?


Plasma Break-In
Like a fine new automobile, the performance of a plasma TV can be
optimized by allowing a break-in period. By properly following these simple
break-in instructions, you should be rewarded with long-term enjoyment of
your plasma TV.
Plasma phosphors are most susceptible to image retention in the first
hundred hours of use. The panel becomes considerably less sensitive to
burn-in after this period.
Very often, televisions, including plasma, are shipped from the factory with
the contrast control at a high setting to provide a bright picture under typical
dealer showroom lighting conditions. In your home, the room light levels are
usually one half or less than that in retail showrooms. The contrast control
may need to be lowered in your home for comfortable contrast levels that do
not induce eye strain.
When the plasma is initially installed, videophiles say it is best to do the
following:
Make sure the display is in a viewing mode (aspect ratio) that completely
fills the screen (there are often three or more settings from which to
choose). The panel is shipped in this condition, in what is called the
“Just” mode.
Turn down the picture control (contrast) to 50% or less.
© 2004 Panasonic 3
Page 4
Briefly engage the 4:3 mode to confirm the side bars are set to mid-gray
(there is usually an adjustment in the Set Up menu that takes the
sidebars from black to gray) to minimize the chance of burn-in.
Return the set to a “full screen” (Just, Zoom, Full) position during the
first hundred hours of use.
During the first hundred hours of use it is best not to view the same
channel for extended periods. This should prevent channel logos and
other fixed images found on some channels from being retained.
Avoid any static images (video games, computer images, DVD title
screens, etc.) during the hundred-hour break-in.
After the hundred-hour break-in period, during the next nine-hundred hours:
Continue to retain the picture setting at 50% or less.
Limit the use of 4:3 aspect ratio mode (traditional picture size that does
not fill the entire screen) to 15% of viewing time.
Limit the use of static images (computer, video games, etc.) to less than
10% of viewing time.
After one-thousand viewing hours, panels are much less likely to experience
image burn-in.


-armus

"videophiles say..."

The only thing this "Break in" period could do is make all of the pixels age at the same rate... but when panel life is rated in tens of thousands of hours, it makes no difference.

And surprise.. I didn't do this on my TV, and it's made no difference at all.

Point to the scientific study that proves that plasmas manufactured in the past few years have "a better picture" and a "longer lifespan"?

Is it THAT big of a deal? I guess to me the break in wasn't end of the world so I decided better safe than sorry and am not gonna push it on you or waste my time 'proving anything'. Good luck and enjoy.

Is it THAT big of a deal? I guess to me the break in wasn't end of the world so I decided better safe than sorry and am not gonna push it on you or waste my time 'proving anything'. Good luck and enjoy.
No, not a big deal at all. I just never like when someone says something factual and conclusive without evidence ;)

No, not a big deal at all. I just never like when someone says something factual and conclusive without evidence ;)

Okay, then you post your facts that it does NO good then. ;)

fight, fight....

hehe :cool:

seriously though, to each his own. i just think it won't hurt to follow their directions, that's all.

-armus

There is nothing in the Maxent manual about break-in. The benefits may be real, or not. :) This is the stuff that urban legends are made of. People still "break in" their new cars even though, these days, it is unnecessary for most brands.

If you want to follow break-in instructions go ahead, it certainly won't do any harm. Personally, I just tried to avoid displaying static images and logos, and 4:3 mode, for excessive periods. I had the brightness and contrast set to what I felt was optimum for viewing enjoyment.

OK. Assuming we abide by the break-in recommendations of Panasonic . . . BTW, this looks like we have to hold down contrast (didn't say anything about brightness) for 1000 hours (not just 100)!!!!


How can we monitor the hours? I looked through the menus but didn't see it.

It makes perfect sense that logo burn in would be stronger in the first xxx hrs of use. If you don't do a break-in, it might make no difference at all if you do not stay on one or two channels 90% of the time. But for those who do; stocks or sports etc, then it might be beneficial to do this extra step. If your usage has you surfing a lot and watching on several different channels, then it might not make much of a difference.

There is nothing in the Maxent manual about break-in. The benefits may be real, or not. :) This is the stuff that urban legends are made of. People still "break in" their new cars even though, these days, it is unnecessary for most brands.

If you want to follow break-in instructions go ahead, it certainly won't do any harm. Personally, I just tried to avoid displaying static images and logos, and 4:3 mode, for excessive periods. I had the brightness and contrast set to what I felt was optimum for viewing enjoyment.

To each their own. Actually, both my late model Acura and Toyota recommend at least a 500 mile break-in period.

As for the Maxent, I said "better safe than sorry" and did a break-in for the first 100 hours. Took me about 2 weeks - I just left the Plasma on a TV station with no constant logo (HD Discovery works, so does MTV), stretched the picture if necessary, dropped the contrast and brightness to around 30 and left the room. At 6-10 hours a day, you will reach the 100 hours soon enough. Did I have to do this? Maybe not. Certainly, I would watch 2.35:1 movies during that first two weeks at full contrast and brightness. But I went right back to my break-in setup afterwards, just to be safe.

I really didn't want to worry about it later on, and it was easy enough to do. I didn't do the 1,000 hours though - that is a little too excessive. Just follow common sense after the 100 hours - minimize 4:3 viewing (I stretch SD), and change channels occasionally to avoid those pesky station logos.

OK. Assuming we abide by the break-in recommendations of Panasonic . . . BTW, this looks like we have to hold down contrast (didn't say anything about brightness) for 1000 hours (not just 100)!!!!


How can we monitor the hours? I looked through the menus but didn't see it.


I kept contrast and brightness down. The picture is pretty crummy with either down, so they might as well both be down, just to be safe.

I don't think the Maxent has a hour counter. I thought one brand of Plasma did (most projectors do), but I can't remember which one.

I have been watching a lot of hockey lately with the playoffs going on. Brightness levels flashing up and down alot-connected thru component. Very annoying. Anybody find a fix for this problem yet besides -connecting thru hdmi?

tingham - not that I am aware of. It does not occur over HDMI or VGA.

I have been watching a lot of hockey lately with the playoffs going on. Brightness levels flashing up and down alot-connected thru component. Very annoying. Anybody find a fix for this problem yet besides -connecting thru hdmi?

people also have reported this as well in previous posts...

their conclusion: the flashings are from photographers...

-armus

people also have reported this as well in previous posts...

their conclusion: the flashings are from photographers...

-armus

The photographer's flashes is also another issue when watching hd. This issue brightness/changing is different. They should ban camara's at indoor sporting events!!

The photographer's flashes is also another issue when watching hd. This issue brightness/changing is different. They should ban camara's at indoor sporting events!!

I'm guessing here that the change in brightness is actually the camera changing its exposure settings. I don't watch a lot of hockey, but from what I have seen the changes occur when the seats in the arena, which are much darker than the ice, start to come into the frame. I think the darker seats and the lighter ice in the same frame fool the camera's exposure meter, and that causes a temporary change in the brightness of the picture.

Others have attributed this to issues the monitor may be having with predominantly white scenes, but I have never noticed this in any other content with lots of white.

I haven't watched much hockey, but watching 24 and Law and Order over component produces brightness changes going from dark to bright scenes that HDMI does not.

The flashing of bright too dark is just more noticeable with Hockey becuase of all the white ice. It is not because a Photographers, it is a defect with the set. Hook up via HDMI.

I have everything going through HDMI via a splitter.

I have seen it with both Component and Hdmi.

I think it is just one aspect of the TV's performance that is not top notch

Hockey seems to be just the right condition (light to dark and back), but I see it on most programing at times. I think there is even a technical name for this capability on a TV, but I can not remember it

It is a pretty Damn good TV though...For the money it is a great TV.

I noticed this flashing for the first time when watching "Good Night and Good Luck" over component....it was really noticeable at times - this really bums me out as I love just about everything else with this tv....

sounds like HDMI is ok, but does anyone know if the flashing happens with the VGA input? I may break down and buy the VGA cable for my Xbox360 if it will avoid this defect....thanks all....

I haven't used VGA but haven't experienced this issue w/HDMI or Component for what it's worth.

It does not happen over VGA.

wonder if Maxent will ever have a fix?

The flashing of bright too dark is just more noticeable with Hockey becuase of all the white ice. It is not because a Photographers, it is a defect with the set. Hook up via HDMI.

I have everything going through HDMI via a splitter.

What kind of splitter are you using jimfitz?
I think the tv is a great product for the money also -except for this one brightness changing issue. I could be watching a program thru component and say if the actor on the screen has a white shirt on and the camera angle hits the white shirt a certain way the the tv then changes brightness levels. I was wondering if maybe a ota tuner might solve this problem? maybe some part of the signal coming from the cable companies might cause this issue with the maxent. I have seen posts that say they have hooked up ota and do not see this issue. I might give it a try to find out if this might give more answers to this issue. Jonnythan has stated that this issue does not happen thru vga so if you have a xbox I would hook it up that way! I have the 823 firmware anybody with the 822 firmware not experiencing this issue? maybe jeremyhelling?

What kind of splitter are you using jimfitz?
I think the tv is a great product for the money also -except for this one brightness changing issue. I could be watching a program thru component and say if the actor on the screen has a white shirt on and the camera angle hits the white shirt a certain way the the tv then changes brightness levels. I was wondering if maybe a ota tuner might solve this problem? maybe some part of the signal coming from the cable companies might cause this issue with the maxent. I have seen posts that say they have hooked up ota and do not see this issue. I might give it a try to find out if this might give more answers to this issue. Jonnythan has stated that this issue does not happen thru vga so if you have a xbox I would hook it up that way! I have the 823 firmware anybody with the 822 firmware not experiencing this issue? maybe jeremyhelling?

How can I find the firmware version I am running?

I am using a generic splitter from Monoprice.

How can I find the firmware version I am running?

I am using a generic splitter from Monoprice.

The firmware version is in the info section of the main menu. Push menu then select info. I stated just the last 3 digits. the s/w version is 50823 I believe.

How does everyone have their Maxent connected? I currently have mine set to 1080i over component from a D* HDTivo. I notice a little bit of noise even in HD material (I have NR turned off). Could this be the TV's scalar working overtime to adjust to 1080i? Would it be better to run at 720p or to use HDMI? I see a lot of noise on SD, even in the gray sidebars. Is this normal?

I have mine accepting my cable feed from a Pace STB via HDMI. The Pace converts everything to 720p for me. It's a little quicker and more seamless than having the TV do it when switching between 480p, 720p, and 1080i channels.

I use my HTPC over VGA for DVD's and downloaded movies.

The noise sounds more like interference to me..

I am using a generic splitter from Monoprice.

What model splitter are you using with the Maxent. Is it a 2way or 4way splitter?
What is your experiences with it? Any problems?

What model splitter are you using with the Maxent. Is it a 2way or 4way splitter?
What is your experiences with it? Any problems?

2 way and it works fine

thanks for the info. I will probably purchase one.

This break in period is insane. I probably watch TV maybe 5-10 hours a week tops. It is going to take me 10-20 weeks just to hit the initial 100 hour part of the break-in, and then another 3.5 years to finish the full break in.. This has got to be a joke right?

Boy I hope SED TVs are lot better than plasmas and LCDs...

Boy I hope SED TVs are lot better than plasmas and LCDs...

One thing they for sure will be is more expensive. ;) :D

One thing they for sure will be is more expensive. ;) :D

Yeah, and a Lexus costs more than a Hyundai. After a couple years SEDs will be very competitive, and if they deliver as promised, plasma will be a short-lived technology.

Yeah, and a Lexus costs more than a Hyundai.

The difference is that a Lexus will not be competitively priced w/Hyundai within a few years. SED will be more expensive at first but just how much isn't known right now which is why I made my comment. It's all speculation at this point but yeah, I'm anxious to see how it all shapes up. Until then I'm lovin' my 50" plasma. :cool:

This break in period is insane. I probably watch TV maybe 5-10 hours a week tops. It is going to take me 10-20 weeks just to hit the initial 100 hour part of the break-in, and then another 3.5 years to finish the full break in.. This has got to be a joke right?

Boy I hope SED TVs are lot better than plasmas and LCDs...


I just left my set on even when I wasn't watching TV. Come home from work, turn TV on (no volume); go to bed, turn TV off. Easy 5-6 hours a day, 8+ hours on weekends. I know some people who left it on overnight - I was just worried that HD Discovery would show some test pattern that would burn in, so I would check it from time to time throughout the evening. Finished the initial 100 hours in just under 2 weeks, then just watched it normally (forget about the 1,000 hour thing). Just be sure to turn down the contrast and brightness, and choose a channel with no constant station logo. HD Discovery worked for me (its logo is only on for brief periods of time). I heard MTV has no logo either - just be sure to turn the volume down on that.

I did my best to read thru this thread. Considering this TV, 50" Maxent Plasma from Costco.

Did I read correctly, you cannot view Hi Def while using TIVO? I have my current TV set up with Tivo and the cable box, and can watch all stations that way. I do have the ability to watch most other stations (just not HBO, etc) without the Tivo (I use that toTivo one show while watching another) If I am watching a Hi Def channel thru Tivo, it does not show as hi def? Is there a way to set it up to work? (I am hooked on the TIVO!)

Thanks all!

I did my best to read thru this thread. Considering this TV, 50" Maxent Plasma from Costco.

Did I read correctly, you cannot view Hi Def while using TIVO? I have my current TV set up with Tivo and the cable box, and can watch all stations that way. I do have the ability to watch most other stations (just not HBO, etc) without the Tivo (I use that toTivo one show while watching another) If I am watching a Hi Def channel thru Tivo, it does not show as hi def? Is there a way to set it up to work? (I am hooked on the TIVO!)

Thanks all!

Of course there is. You cannot view HI-DEF through the Tivo. Tivo can't handle the signal.

I just split the signal coming out of the wall. I run one to the Tivo, and one to the cable box. I run component to the TV from the cable box for HD feeds, and then run S-Video to the TV for watching Tivo.

Ta-da!

I did my best to read thru this thread. Considering this TV, 50" Maxent Plasma from Costco.

Did I read correctly, you cannot view Hi Def while using TIVO? I have my current TV set up with Tivo and the cable box, and can watch all stations that way. I do have the ability to watch most other stations (just not HBO, etc) without the Tivo (I use that toTivo one show while watching another) If I am watching a Hi Def channel thru Tivo, it does not show as hi def? Is there a way to set it up to work? (I am hooked on the TIVO!)

Thanks all!
Not yet with cable. HD is not supported by standard Tivos. However, with DirectTV, you can get an HDTivo with two HD DirecTv satellite tuners built-in (also supports OTA recording). But, you would have to get DirecTv with the dish, etc. and dump your cable provider (something I thoroughly enjoyed).

is the 50x3 the same one that is in Costco's summer coupon flyer?

is the 50x3 the same one that is in Costco's summer coupon flyer?

I also just saw this one in the C* coupon flyer for August - I don't believe it's the same unit as the MX50X3:

A. Different C* internal item/SKU #
B. Two HDMI inputs (MX50X3 only has one HDMI input)
C. Speaker is at bottom of unit, rather than optional side-mounted L/R speakers.

I checked on Maxent's web site yesterday and did not see anything about a new 50" model - maybe it's one they are doing exclusively for the big 'C'?
As it is priced significantly lower than the MX50X3, not sure what they cut out to get the price down - as the MX50X3 already has no tuner.
Maxent's site did mention something about a new 42" EDTV they were developing - but the C*'s flyer specifically stated this new unit was HD - so I assume it must be...


I just received my MX50X3 after months of research.
I wanted to express my gratitude for all of you here at this forum.
I definitely learned a lot about this unit thanks to all of your input/comments.
After visiting many forums during my research - I have to say this is one of the more cordial ones - where there is little to no flaming - just good, factual information which lots of visitors can learn from.

I thoroughly enjoy my tv (April 2006 build)!!
It gives me an awesome HD picture with a Comcast stb via HDMI - and the SD picture ain't all that bad either! I love the fact HDMI carries audio - as I have a sleeping two-year old so I can't utilize my surround sound as much as I'd like!

Also, after trying a couple of upconvert dvd players with this monitor (Sony 75h, C* Toshiba special) I also recently picked up an LG LDA511 upconvert DVD player, hacked the firmware (this is one of the only upconvert dvd players I found that will do 720p/1080I via component - but unless you hack the firmware it won't upconvert original copy-protected dvd's?!) to upconvert via component cables - and all my dvd's look fantastic!

This monitor also works great with my modified xbox for games and movies - although I'm sure it's not as good as a 360!
I'm not sure if most people know that the original xbox will upconvert to 720p/1080i. Of course the dvd player is garbage and won't recognize backup dvd's - so I just burn an ISO to the xbox hard drive and play it from there. Beautiful, non-compressed picture!!

Thanks again to you all for your wise input - I am very happy with my purchase and highly recommend this unit for any visitors who are pondering picking one of these up.

n2mystic:
http://www.maxentusa.com/_coreModules/content/contentDisplay.aspx?contentID=12

MX-50HPM20 50” High Definition Video Monitor – MSRP $2,999

I wonder if the one Costco is advertising is this new one?

I only have 48.25 inches to put a 50 inch plasma into.

I hope not, the X3 is '05 panny glass and internals.

the 20 series is LG crap...

I only have 48.25 inches to put a 50 inch plasma into.
Width w/o speakers is 49.25"

I hope not, the X3 is '05 panny glass and internals.

the 20 series is LG crap...


Probably LG. C replaced the Panasonic glass 42X3 with the new LG glass 42" Maxent. Makes sense they would do the same with the 50". That switch would also explain why the new panel contrast ratio is higher, and you get more HDMI inputs, yet it is cheaper - LG just isn't the same quality as Panasonic. And way, Panasonic needs all the glass for itself nowadays so us 50X3 owners got it just in time.

n2mystic:
http://www.maxentusa.com/_coreModules/content/contentDisplay.aspx?contentID=12

MX-50HPM20 50” High Definition Video Monitor – MSRP $2,999

I wonder if the one Costco is advertising is this new one?


If the new Maxent is a LG panel, what makes it different from the Vizio also carried by C?

What a bummer... my Costco never had the 50X3. I really wanted to see this one. I did the coupon book yesterday with the 50 Maxent, but it sounds like it is not the Panny glass.

What a bummer... my Costco never had the 50X3. I really wanted to see this one. I did the coupon book yesterday with the 50 Maxent, but it sounds like it is not the Panny glass.

Don't despair! :)
The MX50X3 can still be had.
BB website still has it and it comes and goes on Costco's site.

but not at the summer coupon price..

i hate that i am getting this white flashing again on HDMI now!!! Anyone hear anything from Maxent about the problem???

Don't despair! :)
The MX50X3 can still be had.
BB website still has it and it comes and goes on Costco's site.


But nothing beats picking it up at a B&M (no shipping charges) and having that great return policy. It really was a short lived item at C.

By the way, no Brightness flashing on my HDMI. Of course, I don't watch hockey. My problem is with low detail in shadows.

I've had my Maxent 50" since February 2006. Some responses to recent posts:

Noisy signal: If you're seeing a noisy signal over any input, it's your input, not the Maxent. I've tried a lot of different inputs on this thing and can say without a doubt, this thing is clear as a bell at displaying whatever you feed it. You feed it a beautiful DVD like Finding Nemo on a good connection from a good DVD player, you get a beautiful picture. You feed it noise, you get noise. If you are seeing a lot of noise in your connections, first of all consider that for example a lot of HD (Fox!) gets highly compressed and is just noisy as a result - them's the ropes. If you're certain the source material is clear (like Nemo) it's time to consider the player/tuner, and the cable itself. Typically HDMI is a noiseless signal, because it's digital, so if possible start there - try HDMI with the same source and box, and see if the noise remains. If the source is known to be good, and you still see noise, it's the box. Analog cables by nature can be slightly noisy, or if you happen to be unlucky, very noisy (for example if by some very bad luck your cable is just the right length and shape to pick up a radio signal and display that along with the picture's signal.. gross). But to make your investigation simpler: It isn't the Maxent, I can guarantee you of that.

Low detail in shadows, Brightness flicker: These problems are related. There's a feature on the Maxent, turned on by default, that takes the total brightness down on things like bright GAP and Apple commercials and turns up the brightness on dark episodes of things like 24. This increases the differentiation in bright colors or dark colors (whichever dominates). If that annoys you (I enjoy it, partly because it reduces the wattage on that GAP commercial), turn it off. Technically speaking you may actually find turning it off to have more apparent "detail" in shadows because the colors are less differentiated. For example, on 24, Fox compresses the hell out of the signal, and so dark colors are compressed down to relatively few shades. On the Maxent with this feature turned on, it actually exaggerates this compression artifact by spreading out the already thin palette coming in. Turning off the feature keeps the sparse palette bunched closer so it may appear smoother, or to you, more detailed.

Flashing HDMI: jimfitz, when does this flashing occur, and what happens? The screen goes all white, or? I have a Humax and get no signal, just varied noise and flashes over HDMI, now and then, but resetting the Humax has always fixed it so I've always attributed this to the Humax. It would be interesting if the Maxent also played a role somehow, but perhaps you're mentioning a different issue. Relatedly I'm receiving a new Humax shortly, so I'll know for sure if the Maxent had anything to do with it... my supsicion is that it's all on the Humax.

This may sound stupid, but how do you turn off that automatic brightness adjustment? I don't seem to see it as an option in the menu....

i hate that i am getting this white flashing again on HDMI now!!! Anyone hear anything from Maxent about the problem???

I have not heard from Maxent yet regarding this issue. They say that they cannot
duplicate this issue on their test units. They must know about this issue and I am thinking there might not be a firmware fix for this. It probably is a part inside the set causing this issue and maxent is reluctant for some reason to do something about it. I guess all we can do is keep complaining to maxent and see what happens. So far Hdmi is ok on my set. Have had it since Feb. 06. It is interesting that it is happening on hdmi now- jimfitz. Are you seeing it the same amount of times on hdmi as you were thru component?

This may sound stupid, but how do you turn off that automatic brightness adjustment? I don't seem to see it as an option in the menu....

I am interested in the same thing.

Low detail in shadows, Brightness flicker: These problems are related. There's a feature on the Maxent, turned on by default, that takes the total brightness down on things like bright GAP and Apple commercials and turns up the brightness on dark episodes of things like 24. This increases the differentiation in bright colors or dark colors (whichever dominates). If that annoys you (I enjoy it, partly because it reduces the wattage on that GAP commercial), turn it off. Technically speaking you may actually find turning it off to have more apparent "detail" in shadows because the colors are less differentiated. For example, on 24, Fox compresses the hell out of the signal, and so dark colors are compressed down to relatively few shades. On the Maxent with this feature turned on, it actually exaggerates this compression artifact by spreading out the already thin palette coming in. Turning off the feature keeps the sparse palette bunched closer so it may appear smoother, or to you, more detailed.


This is a perfect description of the flashing. I get this exact same thing using the VGA input. It's not that annoying, but it definitely is a 'feature' that I'd like to turn off. Hrmmm..

Does anyone know how to turn off this auto-brightness adjustment?

Thanks in advance

You cannot turn off the brightness adjustment.

You cannot turn off the brightness adjustment.

SoopahMan seems to think you can. How do you know we cant?

SoopahMan seems to think you can. How do you know we cant?
It's been stated multiple times in this thread. There's no way within the menus and there appears to be no way using the serial ports. If anyone has figured out how to do it, they haven't said it anywhere on the internet that I've found.

This forum has a lot of good info for me. I am shopping around for a TV. I am looking at Costco, due to their return policy. They currently have the Maxent 42 inch and will soon have the Maxent 50 inch available (August), according to their coupon book.
Can you guys give me feedback...Is this a good TV for $2k or so. C also has a Sony 50 inch A10, LCD Projection, for about $2K, any advice, I am trying to decide on these TV's>>> Thanks for your help in advance.
Also, I heard there is a big difference in the energy bill between a plasma and a projection....does anyone know for sure??? Is it a lot of $$$ monthly or just a hype.

This forum has a lot of good info for me. I am shopping around for a TV. I am looking at Costco, due to their return policy. They currently have the Maxent 42 inch and will soon have the Maxent 50 inch available (August), according to their coupon book.
Can you guys give me feedback...Is this a good TV for $2k or so. C also has a Sony 50 inch A10, LCD Projection, for about $2K, any advice, I am trying to decide on these TV's>>> Thanks for your help in advance.
Also, I heard there is a big difference in the energy bill between a plasma and a projection....does anyone know for sure??? Is it a lot of $$$ monthly or just a hype.


Just a reminder, the new Maxent 50" at C will not be the 50X3 (Panasonic parts) but rather the LG based one. As for choosing between the 2 TVs, Plasma and Rear Projection are very different, in terms of packaging, Picture Quality, and Maintenance. Do your homework and decide for yourself. Not quite sure about the energy difference, but it can't be more than a few $ a month more for the Plasma.

How is your experience so far with the Maxent plasma TV.

Luv it! I want another now.

Almost 7 months and only one problem -

Every once in a while, my settings on my Comp1 will return to factory defaults. More annoying than anything.

New to the forum. Great place and lots of info.

I'm looking for a 50" plasma myself and have read lots of great things bout the 50x3. I too saw the upcoming deal for the new 50" Maxent in August. People have mentioned that its likely not the same Panny glass as the x3, but rather LG. I know that the 42" they have is LG, but can anyone confirm for sure that the 50" is LG as well?

I ask because from what I've read, LG panels aren't bad, but the Panny ones are definitely superior. Since I'm not in a rush to get one, I'm thinking that if the 50" was a Panny like the x3, I could wait to get that one.

How is your experience so far with the Maxent plasma TV.


Absolutely the best consumer electronic purchase I've made to date.

My local Costco doesnt carry this TV. Does anyone know if there is a costco in So Cal that does indeed carry it so i can check it out? Im about to pick up the Vizio 50", but it sounds like this might be a better option.

How is your experience so far with the Maxent plasma TV.
I am extremely satisifed.

How is your experience so far with the Maxent plasma TV.

I love my MX50X3!!

I had purchased a Pioneer 42" plasma (PDP4214HD) previously from Costco and returned it as it did a poor quality on handling regular SD via HDMI - which the Maxent handles better.
The HD is simply amazing on this set - it handles it as good or better than any other plasma I've researched - and at a fraction of the cost of the other sets.
I have seen the flicker via HDMI while watching hockey- annoying - but not a big problem for me as I don't watch a lot of hockey.

I am glad I got mine before the new LG version comes out.
Although it seems Costco is not really carrying the MX50X3 any longer - or offering it sporadically - BB still seems to be carrying it in their stores and online though.
Not as sweet of a deal as getting C's return policy though.

Go get one before they're all gone!!

My local Costco doesnt carry this TV. Does anyone know if there is a costco in So Cal that does indeed carry it so i can check it out? Im about to pick up the Vizio 50", but it sounds like this might be a better option.


Garden Grove...but wait 'til August.

How is your experience so far with the Maxent plasma TV.

I have had mine since Dec. 05 and love the picture. However the sound does something funny every once in a while. The sound on it starts popping, it almost sounds like there is a short or arcing sound and will not stop even if you turn the monitor on and off and it is not my sound system (tv will continue to make sound even with all sound equipment shut down).

I usually have to totally disconnect the power conditioner from the wall and discharge all my equipment then bring it back up then it's fine. Other than that one flaw, I love this thing.

This is my first post and I know this may have been covered but I am still asking for some assistance. I just bought a Toshiba SD-K860SU dvd player. I am not using the HDMI cable because I already have my io dig. cable using it. (It is glorious in HD)... My Maxent MX-50x3 has been nothing short of amazing and is well worth the money. My problem is that I am using component cables for my dvd player and it is not upconverting! It tries to go into 480p mode but the picture flickers in and out to a black screen. It sucks and I can only watch dvds using the component option on my dvd player and through 480i. The quality is definately lacking. I dont wanna use the hdmi cable for the dvd player as i am a huge sports fan and love the hd dig. cable. My firmware version is 50x3-500926. When my dvd player setup screen is on I receive 480p picture fine but when i try to watch the movie i cant get more then 3 seconds of good quality picture until it goes black. the dvd actually continues playing and the sound comes out of my bose perfectly. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I also tried talking to maxent but they didnt respond to the message i had to leave with my name and number, and toshiba flipped me the bird and said deal with maxent... I dont want to have to watch my dvd's in 480i but i guess i can live with it lol.. thanks in advance..

This is my first post and I know this may have been covered but I am still asking for some assistance. I just bought a Toshiba SD-K860SU dvd player. I am not using the HDMI cable because I already have my io dig. cable using it. (It is glorious in HD)... My Maxent MX-50x3 has been nothing short of amazing and is well worth the money. My problem is that I am using component cables for my dvd player and it is not upconverting! It tries to go into 480p mode but the picture flickers in and out to a black screen. It sucks and I can only watch dvds using the component option on my dvd player and through 480i. The quality is definately lacking. I dont wanna use the hdmi cable for the dvd player as i am a huge sports fan and love the hd dig. cable. My firmware version is 50x3-500926. When my dvd player setup screen is on I receive 480p picture fine but when i try to watch the movie i cant get more then 3 seconds of good quality picture until it goes black. the dvd actually continues playing and the sound comes out of my bose perfectly. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I also tried talking to maxent but they didnt respond to the message i had to leave with my name and number, and toshiba flipped me the bird and said deal with maxent... I dont want to have to watch my dvd's in 480i but i guess i can live with it lol.. thanks in advance..


Interesting. I have an older Samsung and in progressive mode (which in the menu says 540p?) and it does the same exact thing, the picture cuts in and out. I've tried to adjust the clock/synch settings on the Maxent but no go. Works really nice with my Denon dvd player though :cool:



Btw, on the back of the Maxent, there are 4 mounting holes with beefy screws, did your's screw directly into the display or have a big silver spacer? Mine screwed directly into the set, my friend says his came with spacers :confused: I'm worried they forgot mine and my screws are hitting the circuitry or something.

So its not the tv then... Do you think that my brand new dvd player isn't compatible with the tv or is bad quality? It was really cheap, less then a hundo...

My tv has spacers, but i didnt wall mount it.. I like it on the stand better, actually only bought the tv to push against the wall and get a better viewing angle from a specific 3 seats and the wall mount would have made it similar to my beat rear projection tv.

So its not the tv then... Do you think that my brand new dvd player isn't compatible with the tv or is bad quality? It was really cheap, less then a hundo...

My tv has spacers, but i didnt wall mount it.. I like it on the stand better, actually only bought the tv to push against the wall and get a better viewing angle from a specific 3 seats and the wall mount would have made it similar to my beat rear projection tv.


Some upconverting DVD players will not upconvert through the component output. They are not designed to. Don't know if that's the case with your Toshiba but you might want to read the manual and specs carefully if you haven't yet. You could get an HDMI switch that will allow you to plug both your box and the DVD player into the HDMI port. However, you might want to just run the cable box through component anyway. I have tried both HDMI and Component with my cable box and can't really discern any meaningful difference overall. YMMV.

This is my first post and I know this may have been covered but I am still asking for some assistance. I just bought a Toshiba SD-K860SU dvd player. I am not using the HDMI cable because I already have my io dig. cable using it. (It is glorious in HD)... My Maxent MX-50x3 has been nothing short of amazing and is well worth the money. My problem is that I am using component cables for my dvd player and it is not upconverting! It tries to go into 480p mode but the picture flickers in and out to a black screen. It sucks and I can only watch dvds using the component option on my dvd player and through 480i. The quality is definately lacking. I dont wanna use the hdmi cable for the dvd player as i am a huge sports fan and love the hd dig. cable. My firmware version is 50x3-500926. When my dvd player setup screen is on I receive 480p picture fine but when i try to watch the movie i cant get more then 3 seconds of good quality picture until it goes black. the dvd actually continues playing and the sound comes out of my bose perfectly. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I also tried talking to maxent but they didnt respond to the message i had to leave with my name and number, and toshiba flipped me the bird and said deal with maxent... I dont want to have to watch my dvd's in 480i but i guess i can live with it lol.. thanks in advance..

This is not an issue with your Maxent - it's the dvd player.

If this is the upconverting dvd player Costco is selling that includes the HDMI cable, I tried this one and it ain't all that great.
It will only upconvert via HDMI - and even then I couldn't get it to do 1080i properly. The 720p didn't look any better than my $30 480p progressive player - so this Toshiba went back to Costco.

I did some research and found a dvd player, LG LDA511, that would upconvert via component and I'm loving it with the Maxent.
Check the forum for this dvd player on this site for more info (you need to "hack" the player via a remote code to get it to upconvert copy-protected movies for some reason).
Good luck!

dunno, if anyone has asked this question yet. In the professional review I read of the Maxent, the bandwidth or lack of was criticized. Would that mean that buying an hd dvd player to use with the 50x3 would be a waste? I really don't know, and I would love if someone could shed a light on this topic.

dunno, if anyone has asked this question yet. In the professional review I read of the Maxent, the bandwidth or lack of was criticized. Would that mean that buying an hd dvd player to use with the 50x3 would be a waste? I really don't know, and I would love if someone could shed a light on this topic.

"Bandwidth?" Sounds like someone trying to come up with an excuse not to like the set.

The Maxent won't take the 1080p signal that the HD DVD players will some day output, but it should take a 1080i signal from those players. I haven't seen any HD DVD players yet but if they work as advertised you should see a noticeable improvement, so no, it would not be a waste.

There are many Plasmas that wont run the 1080p, so I think the review that mentioned "Bandwith" is just trying to find faults. Its a good TV for a great price.

Couple of nice reviews in PC World for the Maxent MX-50x3:

http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/article/0,aid,125809,00.asp

http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/article/0,aid,125578,00.asp

In the second article they compare it favorably with a much more expensive Samsung HDTV.

Is this available anywhere anymore? I've looked all over.

Is this available anywhere anymore? I've looked all over.

I know Best Buy still has them.