Thought it was time to start an official thread on this new 40" LCD TV. Early words on this box appear favorable, but of course the real test is when reviewers and end users get their hands on the finished product. Here is a page with preliminary info:

http://www.jvc.ca/en/consumer/product-detail.asp?model=LT-40FH96

http://www.jvc.com/Resources/00/00/66/32.JPG

Info on the JVC USA website as of 12/05/05:

http://www.jvc.com/product.jsp?modelId=MODL027618&pathId=80&page=1

User manual: http://books.jvcservice.com/download/158528006/38443.pdf
Warning: large file 3.87 MB.

Preliminary list of features:

FEATURES:


High Resolution Widescreen (1920 x 1080) Full HD LCD Display

5th Generation D.I.S.T. 1080p with GENESSA

Built-in ATSC Tuner & CableCARD Slot

Exclusive 5 Point Colour Management System

Motion Adaptive Dynamic Gamma Correction

HD Range Digital Super Detail

Natural Cinema (3-2 Pull Down)

New Smart Picture Technology

4Mega 10bit 3D Y/C Comb Filter with YNR

Digital Noise Reduction Circuitry

MPEG Noise Reduction Circuitry

5 video Status Modes (D65K, STD, Game, Theatre, Dynamic)

Hyper Scan High Speed Channel Surfing

New 7 Aspect Modes with EZ Fill adds Slim Mode

BBE High Definition Audio

4 Oblique Cone Speakers with Dolby Digital Decoder

Advanced Hyper Surround Plus (AHS+)

Smart Video Input (as Input 1)

A Full Complement of Standard Features

Supplied with Moon Style Table Top Stand

Easy Wall Mounting with VESA Adapter Plate

Return+

Sleep Timer

Front Panel Lock

Smart Sound

Smart Captions

Channel Label / Video Input Label

Split POP with Twin

Freeze and Index

Noise Muting

20W Total Audio Power

2 HDMI with HDCP Input, 2 IEEE 1394 Firewire Ports, 1 CableCARD Slot, 1 MultiMedia Card Slot (for SD MS CF MD XD), 1 PC Input (D-Sub 15 Pin XGA/VGA), 2 Auto Sensing Component Video Input, 2 S-Video Inputs, 3 AV Inputs, 1 Audio Output/Monitor Output, 1 Optical Digital Audio Output, 1 Headphone Mini Jack


Any in-use pictures, reviews, setup comments, comparisons with other 40" - 42" LCDs welcome!

I'll start by asking two questions I have on this set:

- Can you comment on SD (Standard Definition) performance? I will still be watching the majority of stuff in SD, so it has to look at least tolerable.

- Is a Cable Card needed to pick up HD locals from the cable company? I understand that often the HD locals are not scrambled and some TVs can view these without a Cable Card for "free" (i.e. no HD box needed).

I'd also appreciate info on where these sets are showing up - the big electonics stores (BB, C. City) or specialty places (Tweter, magnolia, etc.).

Thanks for the info.

I bought this TV in a local specialty store. From what I've seen, the big retailers do not have this yet.

Also, I can pick up local HD channels without a cable card.

Here is my initial review of the JVC LT-40FH96 LCD 1080p HDTV. I haven’t had the chance to crack out my Avia disk or Video Essentials because I had to get a new DVD player for my HDTV, so everything here will be purely subjective. I’ll include pictures below of the LT-40FH96.

First, turning the LT-40FH96, it took 18 seconds to turn on and displays that it is warming up and to please wait (except if you have a cablecard). According to the manual, it will take time to warm up if tuned into a digital channel. I hooked in my cable (Comcast of Montgomery County, Maryland) and was able to pickup all the unencrypted QAM HD channels (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, PBS, and WB). I had to split the cable into the digital and analog tuners to access the digital and analog channels. It was neat to have split screen of an HD channel and an analog channel on the same screen (sorry no picture posted here), but I lost that ability when I added a cablecard, which integrated both tuners. It takes about 1 second to scroll digital channels and ½ second for analog ones (except if you’re crossing over from analog to digital or vice versa, which take a second). When the cablecard was added, the turn on time was reduced to 2-3 seconds because the HDTV is still on. The screen may be off, but the fan is still running (which is a bit bothersome). According to the manual on page 88, “When the cable card is inserted into the cable card slot, if you turned off the power, the fan will continued to rotate because the program information is being renewed. This is normal.”

The picture on LT-40FH96 is amazing. The 1080p really shines through on HD channels as they are very crisp and sharp. I was blown away by the broadcast of WUSA’s channel 9 news in Washington DC as the studio looked 3D. Also, the upconversion of the analog channels are very good. They are very watchable. The color that I saw were rich and the black level are very black. There was no gray haze in dark scenes and objects melding into the darkness in dark scenes. You can see the outline of everything in the dark like on my trusty CRT RP HDTV (Panasonic PT56WXF95). Also, the viewing angle is tremendous! I was almost standing 180 degrees from the LT-40FH96 and it still had bright viewable image. As with other LCDs, there is no screen door effect like plasmas. There are very minor jaggies for text onscreen. This is definitely the best I have seen on a LCD TVs (and I have been going to CES for the last 3 years). Hopefully you can see that on the images attached (but I had to reduce the resolution according to AVS guidelines).

I guess the downer for a lot of people here about the LT-40FH96 is its computer application. According to the manual, "HDMI jack x 2 Note: The Digital-In Terminal is not compatible with pictures signals of a personal computer" (page 20), so no hooking up a computer over HDMI (even thought I have not tried it yet). Also, the 15-pin D-SUB can only support 640x480 (60 Hz Vertical, 31.5 Horizontal) and 1024x768 (60 Hz Vertical, 48.4 Horizontal) and according to the manual, cannot support Apple Macintosh (page 25).

Here are things that I have not tested yet:
1. Timer for DVHS. You can schedule recording for your DVHS player (which they lack).
2. The Media Card Viewer for pictures and video. It accepts SD, CompactFlash, x-D-Picture, Memory Stick, and Microdrive harddrives (only over 1 GB for microdrives. The files systems accepted are FAT16, FAT32, and VFAT. The extensions it accepts are all jpges, MOS (for SD-Video MPEG2-PS), and ASF (for SD-Video ASF MPEG4). Still images supported from 160x120 to 2560x1920. MPEG2-PS in 2 resolutions (720x480 and 352x240). MPEG4 in 3 resolutions (352x288/30frames, 240x176/15 frames, and 160x120 frames).
3. Computer Hook up

---Update on April 22, 2006---

If you read further, I did do an computer hook up test with 15pin D-sub.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6691707&&#post6691707

Here is on update on the fan noise.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7533800&&#post7533800

Channel 9 News Picture 1 and 2

Cat in the Hat Picture, which shows the colors nicely (as does the channel 9 news ones)

Side picture of Cat in the Hat, which shows brightness of viewing angle

Some CBS football pictures

Standard definition picture from CNBC

Some Pictures from Dusk Til Dawn which is a dark movie. Hopefully these pictures are not too blurry because of the motion

I have never seen an LCD panel produce blacks as well as your JVC LT-40FH96. Those last two pictures from the dark movie say it all. I don't see where buyers have any further reason to choose plasma over LCD because of the black level issue. The JVC looks quite competitive in that area.

There's one more thing that you might do, Tony. That is to view an OTA broadcast on PBS and CBS. When I had my old Sampo CRT HD monitor I used to marvel at the difference in HD PQ between OTA and cable. The clarity of the cable image was good but I found the OTA PQ to be stunning. Some people have mentioned that cable compresses the image data. I don't know the technical reasons for the difference I saw in PQ but I'll never forget some of the stuff I saw on PBS and CBS with my OTA receiver in the winter of 2001.

I guess the downer for a lot of people here about the LT-40FH96 is its computer application. According to the manual, "HDMI jack x 2 Note: The Digital-In Terminal is not compatible with pictures signals of a personal computer" (page 20), so no hooking up a computer over HDMI (even thought I have not tried it yet). Also, the 15-pin D-SUB can only support 640x480 (60 Hz Vertical, 31.5 Horizontal) and 1024x768 (60 Hz Vertical, 48.4 Horizontal) and according to the manual, cannot support Apple Macintosh (page 25).


I was about to start searching for where to buy one and blow my budget out the window. After doing so many other little things right, to miss the boat on 1920c1080 PC display is disapointing.

Great little review btw.

There's one more thing that you might do, Tony. That is to view an OTA broadcast on PBS and CBS. When I had my old Sampo CRT HD monitor I used to marvel at the difference in HD PQ between OTA and cable. The clarity of the cable image was good but I found the OTA PQ to be stunning. Some people have mentioned that cable compresses the image data. I don't know the technical reasons for the difference I saw in PQ but I'll never forget some of the stuff I saw on PBS and CBS with my OTA receiver in the winter of 2001.

I can try OTA, but Chevy Chase is a really bad reception area because it is only about 2 miles from the DC antenna towers. Antennaweb.org shows all channels in the red or worse (meaning I need an outdoor antenna, which I can't have because I'm in a condo community). Before cable offered HD, I had an outdoor antenna with preamp in my dinning room (I have no attic) just to get reception (of course that was a 1st gen receiver).

As for cable, I heard Comcast doesn't compress the signal (I remember Comcast officials saying they wouldn't, but of course there is QAM conversion). In fact, I think it is the motorola box that has the picture quality issues. My hookup in my living room is my Panasonic PT56WXF95, the motorola dual tuner DVR (6412), and my JVC HM-DH3000U D-VHS. The D-VHS is hooked through firewire from my DVR and output to my PT56WXF95 through component. Since everything is passed natively through the firewire, I don't have the 6412 doing the conversion. There is a picture quality difference (using the D-VHS is much clearer). With the LT-40FH96, it is coming directly from cable, so there should be no clarity issues, but who knows. I'll let you know if I get anything.

I was about to start searching for where to buy one and blow my budget out the window. After doing so many other little things right, to miss the boat on 1920c1080 PC display is disapointing...
Yeah I agree. They would have had my order days ago even at a much higher selling price had they offered 1920x1080 PC support. Oh well I guess it's just a matter of time -- not much time, hopefully.

I can try OTA, but Chevy Chase is a really bad reception area because it is only about 2 miles from the DC antenna towers. Antennaweb.org shows all channels in the red or worse
I've driven past the DC antenna towers. Those things are monumental in size. It's probably the only place where my car radio reception has suffered from interference.

As for cable, I heard Comcast doesn't compress the signal (I remember Comcast officials saying they wouldn't, but of course there is QAM conversion). In fact, I think it is the motorola box that has the picture quality issues...
Wow that's good to know - Kudos for Comcast on not compressing the signal. I have a Motorola box here in Baltimore County (not sure if it's the same one as yours). It would be nice if Comcast allowed their customers to pay for HD service but permit them to buy their own box.

So, are any national retailers / e-retailers offering this yet? The only place online I have found this is J&R Music World - and I am almost ready to drive up to NYC and buy one in person. :) No sign of this at any of the local B&M stores, either (BB, C. City, Tweeter).

merged threads :)

merged threads :)
Thanks. I was looking to see if there was a thread but I couldn't find one, so I started a new one. The search needs to work better, but I also did a manual scan through the posts.

So, are any national retailers / e-retailers offering this yet? The only place online I have found this is J&R Music World - and I am almost ready to drive up to NYC and buy one in person. :) No sign of this at any of the local B&M stores, either (BB, C. City, Tweeter).

I'm not going to post links as that might be an AVS violation but you can use shopper.cnet.com or shopping.yahoo.com to get more online stores. The ones on yahoo are all price with the MSRP before JVC posted on their US webpage. Still, nobody beats J&R price and mine came in excellent condition. As for in store locations, I have no idea.

Some CBS football pictures

I watched that game too and the picture was amazing! I love this JVC.

FYI, this LCD is now on the JVC America website.

http://www.jvc.com/product.jsp?modelId=MODL027618&pathId=80&page=1

something interesting, i read thru the LT-40FH96 user guid, located on JVC's site (note when you make a search for the PDF put 40FH96 and not LT-40FH96, otherwise you won't find it) there was no mentioning of upconverting video signal to 1080P or the5th Generation D.I.S.T. 1080p with GENESSA
interesting they mention it on the site & press release but not the actual user guide...
SP

something interesting, i read thru the LT-40FH96 user guid, located on JVC's site (note when you make a search for the PDF put 40FH96 and not LT-40FH96, otherwise you won't find it) there was no mentioning of upconverting video signal to 1080P or the5th Generation D.I.S.T. 1080p with GENESSA
interesting they mention it on the site & press release but not the actual user guide...
SPSearch for "LT-40FH96/S"; "40FH96" didn't work for me (although it got me close! Thanks shaip).

Set looks great, thanks for the photos.

Stumbled across this:

"Across the way, JVC hung up its LT-40FH96 (no price yet), a 40-inch LCD TV with 1920x1080 resolution that comes out of the Samsung factory."

found at:

http://proav.pubdyn.com/2005_November/November2005ParallaxView.htm

If true, any ideas on which Samsung?

something interesting, i read thru the LT-40FH96 user guid, located on JVC's site (note when you make a search for the PDF put 40FH96 and not LT-40FH96, otherwise you won't find it) there was no mentioning of upconverting video signal to 1080P or the5th Generation D.I.S.T. 1080p with GENESSA
interesting they mention it on the site & press release but not the actual user guide...
SP

Yeah, I think I said something similar in another thread. Not only that, there is no mention on the box either about those two items; not even saying it is full spec. I have seen many a 1080p display at the last 2 CES shows and it is definitely 1080p (unless they are going something really tricky to emulate 1080p). If it turns out that it is not 1080p, I'll still be very happy about this purchase.

i tried another variation:
under support / user manual section, i searched for LT40FH96 (without the "-")
took me straight there. see if that works.
i'm still baffled about the 1080P, i'm debating between this and the sharp LC-37G7U big price deference, size pretty much the same, other then 2 HDMI's dont know if this one worth the $800 deference...

i tried another variation:
under support / user manual section, i searched for LT40FH96 (without the "-")
took me straight there. see if that works.
i'm still baffled about the 1080P, i'm debating between this and the sharp LC-37G7U big price deference, size pretty much the same, other then 2 HDMI's dont know if this one worth the $800 deference...

Well for me it would be worth it. Go to any Best Buy, Circuit City, etc. and look a 37" Sharp (they may not have G7U, but all the 37" are the same except for speaker placement and color of the case). Be sure to look at the viewing angle, the colors, and the black levels. You may even see a white haze on the screen during all type of environments (not just dark scenes). My sister has the Sharp 45" 1080p LCD (LC-45GD6U) and it suffers from what I describe above. You will not see these issues with the LT-40FH96 as it has amazing color saturation, black levels, and a wide viewing angle. But $800 is alot of money, so be sure to look at both before you make your decision.

Were you able to compare your JVC to the Sony Bravia 40" XBR? Did you call JVC or J&R about the computer 1080p hookup?

In our store, we have 9 HD sets from 26" to 52" in a row, LCD and microdisplay. The black level on the JVC was the best I've seen. We turned on "Father of the Bride" for a few moments. All of the wedding party's tuxedos were black. On the JVC all were black, except Steve Martin's which was a very deep navy blue. On forest scenes on the Discovery channel deep greens and depth are visible on the other digital sets, the are black. The brightness next and contrast next to a DLP is sickening. I don't know where to pace this set, as it makes all others look bad. I wish Sony and JVC would take a lesson from Mits and change their remotes. This search for inputs is annoying.

In our store, we have 9 HD sets from 26" to 52" in a row, LCD and microdisplay. The black level on the JVC was the best I've seen. We turned on "Father of the Bride" for a few moments. All of the wedding party's tuxedos were black. On the JVC all were black, except Steve Martin's which was a very deep navy blue. On forest scenes on the Discovery channel deep greens and depth are visible on the other digital sets, the are black. The brightness next and contrast next to a DLP is sickening. I don't know where to pace this set, as it makes all others look bad. ...
The JVC LT-40FH96's black level performance should remove one of the key arguments among those who favor plasma over LCD.

Well for me it would be worth it. Go to any Best Buy, Circuit City, etc. and look a 37" Sharp (they may not have G7U, but all the 37" are the same except for speaker placement and color of the case). Be sure to look at the viewing angle, the colors, and the black levels. You may even see a white haze on the screen during all type of environments (not just dark scenes). My sister has the Sharp 45" 1080p LCD (LC-45GD6U) and it suffers from what I describe above. You will not see these issues with the LT-40FH96 as it has amazing color saturation, black levels, and a wide viewing angle. But $800 is alot of money, so be sure to look at both before you make your decision.
thanks for the info. it's very helpful!
i have a meeting up in Manhattan (next week i think), so unless i make a purchase by then, i'll go down to J&R & check it out, that store is toy heaven... lol

Were you able to compare your JVC to the Sony Bravia 40" XBR? Did you call JVC or J&R about the computer 1080p hookup?

I can't do a direct comparison, but I was at a Circuit City last month and I do remember one LCD display that stood out from the rest and was a Bravia (can't remember if it was 40", 32", or the 26"). I remember that the color were very good compared to the others and I watched it for a while waiting for a dark scene (which of course did not happen), so I can't make a comparsion on the black level. I also cannot make a comparison on the viewing angle because I was not paying that close attention.

I did see the higher end Sony LCD at CES last January (the 50" and 60" Qualia) and what was on display was horrible. Now, I'm not sure if it was the displays or the transfer of the clip (Spiderman 2) from a Prototype Blu-Ray, but Spiderman's colors were a splotchy orange/red with macroblocking. I was shocked that they would put that on a display with thousands of people walking by because it made the display look bad. I do remember the the brightness level and viewing angle were good though.

I guess I might have a bias opinion now that I own one, but the LT-40FH96 is the best LCD HDTV I have seen. I got really lucky buying it sight unseen to take advantage of J&R cheap pre-order price (their price is still cheap) and I'm extremely happy. I am a bit upset that I convinced my sister to buy the Sharp 3 months back when she could have this one now for about the same price or less, but that was the best LCD available at a good normal HD price range (i.e. Qualia too expensive, etc.).

As for computer hookup, it not that really important to me. The 1080p connection maybe an issue when Blu-Ray or HD-DVD comes out, but I guess I'll have to live with it or hope for a firmware upgrade for the HDMI.

Anyone know what the response time is?

...
I guess the downer for a lot of people here about the LT-40FH96 is its computer application. According to the manual, "HDMI jack x 2 Note: The Digital-In Terminal is not compatible with pictures signals of a personal computer" (page 20), so no hooking up a computer over HDMI (even thought I have not tried it yet). Also, the 15-pin D-SUB can only support 640x480 (60 Hz Vertical, 31.5 Horizontal) and 1024x768 (60 Hz Vertical, 48.4 Horizontal) and according to the manual, cannot support Apple Macintosh (page 25).
That seems like an incredible blunder - a 1080P display not supporting a digital 1080P input. Can this be true? I was hoping that this, or another emerging, product could replace my Westinghouse 1080P LCD before my return policy expires (too many little problems with the Westi), but this deficiency is a deal-breaker for me. Thanks for the review, though.

While the manual does state 640x480 and 1024x768 computer support, I see nothing about not accepting 1080p signal from an HMDI source. It also doesn't mention how it displays 1080i information.

i just posted this question to JVC tech support & they are supposed to get back with me on this whole 1080P thing, will let you guys know , if i ever receive an email back, that is... :-)

for me it basically comes to price, pic quality, features.
the price is good
Pic quality: sounds from what people are saying that it is excellent (hopefully will have a chance next week to check it out myself @ J&R)

features: thinking of the near future - i want to know that when i buy the blu-ray dvd, it will play & not say not compatible... 2 HDMI's are great, that's what turned me off with the Sony Bravia series, great picture!! but lack of connectivity, i.e 1-HDMI, NO firewire. so if for example you have satellite hooked via HDMI &buy the PS3 when it comes out and want to use it with HDMI (for games & blu-ray) you are out of luck unless you buy a receiver with HDMI or an HDMI switch box, which are not that great, so i think that the wealth of connectivity is a big plus (@ least 4 me)
on my current LCD i view 720P & 1080i & it looks great so i can survive without 1080P BUT want to make sure i have enough room to connect stuff & that the set will be compatible with whatever is coming out in the next 2-3 years

While the manual does state 640x480 and 1024x768 computer support, I see nothing about not accepting 1080p signal from an HMDI source. It also doesn't mention how it displays 1080i information.

It is not a flaw with the LT-40FH96, but with the HDMI specification implementation. LCD1080 started this thread below last month and looks like the bandwith required for 1080p (with DRM requirements) will be in HDMI 1.3 spec with B connector. At most the LT-40FH96 has the HDMI version 1.2 spec (with A connector, the one out now), which was approved in August.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=602786&page=1&pp=30

It is not a flaw with the LT-40FH96, but with the HDMI specification implementation. LCD1080 started this thread below last month and looks like the bandwith required for 1080p (with DRM requirements) will be in HDMI 1.3 spec with B connector. At most the LT-40FH96 has the HDMI version 1.2 spec (with A connector, the one out now), which was approved in August.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=602786&page=1&pp=30

So pretty much the only way to get a model that can input 1920x1080 from a PC is to find one with DVI?

It is not a flaw with the LT-40FH96, but with the HDMI specification implementation. LCD1080 started this thread below last month and looks like the bandwith required for 1080p (with DRM requirements) will be in HDMI 1.3 spec with B connector. At most the LT-40FH96 has the HDMI version 1.2 spec (with A connector, the one out now), which was approved in August.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=602786&page=1&pp=30
Yeah I'm not sure that's necessarily correct, Tony. The last post in the thread I started says that waiting for HDMI 1.3 is not necessary for 1080p/60. He notes that the basics for 1080p are already a part of the spec for HDMI 1.1 and that the manufacturers only need to implement them. See his post:
There's a whole bunch of stuff required for 1080p/60. The specs need to support it. The TMDS transmitters need to support it. The manufacturer needs to be able to process 1080p data. etc etc.

You can have the latest and greatest Silicon Image chipset, if your device doesn't spew out EDID for 1080p, then the devices can't autonegotiate properly. If the device refuses to process 1080p, the chipset doesn't matter.

The point wasn't whether a "spec" would automatically get you 1080p. It obviously doesn't especially when 1080p is an optional resolution in the spec. The point is you don't necessarily have to wait for HDMI 1.3, the basics are already there in 1.0 and 1.1, people just have to implement it.

If you have a 1080p source, convert the source output to 1080i, and the display will upconvert to 1080p. Currently, for TV broadcast 1080p/60 is a display model only and it may be a very long time before 1080p is broadcast. I'm not sure there is a major loss to 99.99% of the folks with this unit. HP DLP is currently the only set that will accept 1080p and computers are the only current source for that resolution.

I can tell you that my Sharp LC-45GX6U is doing 1920x1080@60 over DVI *with* HDCP on a single-link DVI connection. In the HDMI 1.0 spec there is support for 1080p during HDMI negotiation.

I think it is quite possible the current HDMI chipsets do not support 1080p, but I don't believe the reason for that is the HDMI spec revision.

If you look at section 6.3.2 of the HDMI 1.0 informational spec:

http://www.hdmi.com/pdf/HDMISpecInformationalVersion.pdf

you will notice 1920x1080p@60Hz is listed as an optional video format timing.

Further HDMI connections have 165MHz video bandwidth. This is same as DVI single-link. Further, for my Sharp LC-45GX6U, 148.5Mhz bandwidth is necessary for 1920x1080p@60Hz. Since the HDMI spec has the video format listed and the bandwidth of HDMI is capable of supporting 1080p, I conclude that current HDMI spec is capable of support 1080p.

Again, it is quite possible everyone uses the same HDMI chipset and this particular implementation does not support 1080p, and once these guys get around to implementing an HDMI 1.3 chipset, they will have added 1080p support, but that is different than saying the current HDMI spec does not support 1080p. It is saying the most popular *implementations* of the current HDMI spec do not support 1080p, which does not preclude a more advanced implementation of the current spec from supporting 1080p.

Doesn't the '60' refer to frames per second?

Great Thread!!

Any guess when this unit might hit my $2500 price threshold??

Doesn't the '60' refer to frames per second?
Depends on the context. If the source is interlaced, 60Hz refers to 60 *fields* per sec. If the source is progessive, 60Hz refers to 60 *frames* per sec. You could also specifically say 60 fields per sec or 60 frames per sec.

I just looked at the last page of manual/specifications.

it says: "... Specifications subject to change without notice.
• The open source software is embedded in this product. For more information,
http://software.jvc.com/opensource/lnx/DP/04_AtscCC/download.html ..."
anyone knows what that means?

Again, it is quite possible everyone uses the same HDMI chipset and this particular implementation does not support 1080p, and once these guys get around to implementing an HDMI 1.3 chipset, they will have added 1080p support, but that is different than saying the current HDMI spec does not support 1080p. It is saying the most popular *implementations* of the current HDMI spec do not support 1080p, which does not preclude a more advanced implementation of the current spec from supporting 1080p.

Yep, that's why I said implementation (and I hope why you * implementation). In the LCD1080's thread, the guys there were saying it is in the previous specs (as you had said) but basically nobody is implementing until version 1.3. In hope that if this unit doesn't currently support 1080p over HDMI, that it will with a future firmware update (if it can be).

I just looked at the last page of manual/specifications.

it says: "... Specifications subject to change without notice.
• The open source software is embedded in this product. For more information,
http://software.jvc.com/opensource/lnx/DP/04_AtscCC/download.html ..."
anyone knows what that means?

According to the manual, you can update the model's software with a SD card (page 73). What can actually be updated is the question.

Great Thread!!

Any guess when this unit might hit my $2500 price threshold??

I'll guess at least a year or more. Most are selling above MSRP (which is $4499.99) because they were basing it on previous MSRP of $4999.99. Again, that why I jumped on the preorder sight unseen because it was not far off from your price.

I just looked at the last page of manual/specifications.

it says: "... Specifications subject to change without notice.
• The open source software is embedded in this product. For more information,
http://software.jvc.com/opensource/lnx/DP/04_AtscCC/download.html ..."
anyone knows what that means?

Wait a second, when I took a closer look at this link it shows ATSC and CC together in the URL. Eventhough the link doesn't exist on the JVC site (I know it's in the manual), I hope it is not just a future link for updating Close Caption over ATSC signals.

Yep, that's why I said implementation (and I hope why you * implementation). In the LCD1080's thread, the guys there were saying it is in the previous specs (as you had said) but basically nobody is implementing until version 1.3. In hope that if this unit doesn't currently support 1080p over HDMI, that it will with a future firmware update (if it can be).
Actually I don't think it is true that nobody is implementing until 1.3.

HP says they have 1080p over their HDMI right now. HDMI 1.3 is not finalized yet. I conclude they simply implemented the optional video formats already present in HDMI 1.0/1.1.

http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/product_detail.do?storeName=storefronts&category=flat_panel_tvs&subcat1=mdtv&catLevel=2&product_code=L1798A%23ABA

Also you mentioned there wasn't enough bandwidth in current HDMI. I also do not believe that is true, because current HDMI is 165MHz and only 148.5MHz is needed for 1920x1080p@60Hz. This is for single-link connections. Thus you do not need HDMI B (dual-link) connector for 1080p.

Further, there are displays like Sceptre which have HDMI ports which accept 1080p. This is using single-link.

Depends on the context. If the source is interlaced, 60Hz refers to 60 *fields* per sec. If the source is progessive, 60Hz refers to 60 *frames* per sec. You could also specifically say 60 fields per sec or 60 frames per sec.

Do Progressive displays show interlaced information? If a set is 720p60, doesn't the '60' refer to frames, not fields?

Wait a second, when I took a closer look at this link it shows ATSC and CC together in the URL. Eventhough the link doesn't exist on the JVC site (I know it's in the manual), I hope it is not just a future link for updating Close Caption over ATSC signals.
if i understand you correctly, you were not able to follow the link i posted. if that is the case, i re-checked the link & verified that it lead to a page.
i wonder if this means that updates to firmware (such as HDMI, etc.) are available, or that they are just providing ability to customize menus & that's it

Below, is a copy of text on that page:


Welcome to 04 JVC D-TV Linux Download Page

This URL is prepared to disclose the software licensed under the GNU General Public License (GNU GPL) and GNU Lesser General Public License (GNU LGPL) in our products with Linux technologies.

Such software may be available, and redistributed and/or modified under the terms of the GNU GPL and GNU LGPL as published by the Free Software Foundation.
Those who are interested in such software may download it here subject to the terms and conditions of the GNU GPL and/or GNU LGPL.

busybox.tar.bz2
glibc.tar.gz
e2fsprogs.tar.gz
linux_kernel.tar.gz

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Link to the GNU General Public License
Link to the GNU Lesser General Public License


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Note: There is no warranty, either express or implied, as to the software available and/or listed on this Web site, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.

Actually I don't think it is true that nobody is implementing until 1.3.

HP says they have 1080p over their HDMI right now. HDMI 1.3 is not finalized yet. I conclude they simply implemented the optional video formats already present in HDMI 1.0/1.1.

http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/product_detail.do?storeName=storefronts&category=flat_panel_tvs&subcat1=mdtv&catLevel=2&product_code=L1798A%23ABA

Also you mentioned there wasn't enough bandwidth in current HDMI. I also do not believe that is true, because current HDMI is 165MHz and only 148.5MHz is needed for 1920x1080p@60Hz. This is for single-link connections. Thus you do not need HDMI B (dual-link) connector for 1080p.

Further, there are displays like Sceptre which have HDMI ports which accept 1080p. This is using single-link.

I guess that is good news. I'm unable to test to test any computer stuff over HDMI because I have been only using labtops for the last 4-5 years and have no access to DVI computers, but that comment in the manual about not being compatible with computer signal doesn't look good (I'm assuming that means any 1080p device too). I guess we'll have to wait to see what shaip gets from the JVC rep.

if i understand you correctly, you were not able to follow the link i posted. if that is the case, i re-checked the link & verified that it lead to a page.
i wonder if this means that updates to firmware (such as HDMI, etc.) are available, or that they are just providing ability to customize menus & that's it


Thanks. When I went there last night, it was not up. I was able to follow it today. I hope it is not just menu stuff. I guess we will find out later.

There is a Sceptre 37" 1080p LCD from Costco that has only one HDMI input and that input accepts all the video modes as well as computer modes up to 1920x1080/60Hz. I think you have to change the mode from Video to PC in the set's menu. However, this means that there are clearly 1080p HDMI inputs in the market today. Why JVC cannot do what Sceptre has already done is perplexing.

I guess that is good news. I'm unable to test to test any computer stuff over HDMI because I have been only using labtops for the last 4-5 years and have no access to DVI computers, but that comment in the manual about not being compatible with computer signal doesn't look good (I'm assuming that means any 1080p device too). I guess we'll have to wait to see what shaip gets from the JVC rep.
well, i received an email from JVC rep wich basically refereed me to a page on the user manual that talks about how to change aspect ratios on the display (which is not what i asked) so i emailed back & no response yet, i also tried to call support on the phone & was holding for over 40 min' , if i do buy this display, i sure hope i don't need to talk to JVC's tech support...

will keep you guys posted as soon as i hear back from them
Shaip

p.s. Below is the quote from the page they refereed me to (i belive P#69):


My question (in short) was: On the site & press release, it is mentioned that this set is capable of handling 1080P but there is no mention in the manual, so I am not if this TV is able to handle this

Reply:
Thank you for your recent e-mail inquiry to JVC.

Notes:
• You can also choose the size by pressing the π† buttons.
• When you change the aspect ratio or signal, reset the picture position to center.
• You can also access the FRONT PANEL CONTROL screen by using the MENU button
on the side of the TV instead of the remote control. It appears between INITIAL SETUP
and PICTURE ADJUST screen, and it has VIDEO STATUS and ASPECT menus. Choose
ASPECT by pressing Menu† on the side panel and choose a mode by using the CHANNEL
+/- buttons ( √ OPERATE ® ).
• "SLIM" can only be displayed when the signal is ATSC (480i or 480p).
• "FULL NATIVE" can only be displayed when the signal is ATSC or 1080i.
• If the televison receives a 16:9 signal from your HDMI device, the aspect mode will turn to
FULL automatically. If the television receives a 4:3 signal from your HDMI device when you
are in FULL aspect mode, it will return to REGULAR aspect mode. If you change the aspect
mode after the televison changed it to FULL automatically, the televison will change to the
aspect mode you choosed.

Could someone please try their computer with this and report back. Thanks, Jay

Or an xbox360...

Do Progressive displays show interlaced information? If a set is 720p60, doesn't the '60' refer to frames, not fields?
Fixed pixel displays are naturally progressive. They will deinterlace interlaced sources prior to displaying on the panel. Usually when people say 720p@60Hz, 1080i@60Hz, or 1080p@60Hz they are describing the source video format.

For LCDs, the output of the panel is probably always 60Hz. Since LCDs deinterlace 1080i prior to display, that means the output is 60 frames per second, but the input is still 1080i@60Hz, which is 60 *fields* per sec. If your source was 720p@60Hz, then the source and the output would both be 60 frames per sec (an no deinterlacing would occur)

Could someone please try their computer with this and report back. Thanks, Jay

If you don't mind a 15-pin D-SUB test, then I can try it this weekend (don't have time during the week). Like I said before, I don't have a DVI computer (just labtops) nor a DVI/HDMI cable to test it out with, so maybe one of the other guys can test that.

Or an xbox360...

As for the Xbox360, that's going to have to wait until January when they are in regular availability. I doubt I'll see one before the end of the Holiday season.

the d sub would be great. Thanks for your efforts.

Here are my pictures taken using the 15-Pin D-SUB at 1024x768 at 60Hz. It was pretty good, but the LT-40FH96 is too big to run at this resolution and need to be higher.

Here are 2 more pictures at 1024x768

Here are 2 640x480 pictures via 15-pin D-SUB. I could not display the desktop on my labtop because my labtop monitor would not support 640x480, so I had to use the extend windows option to get something to come up on the LT-40FH96.

I really appreciate this. Thanks so much.

great images, i don't think there is a question in regards to image quality/sharpness, etc. however i do not understand the move to 15-pin D-SUB. Why not stay with DVI & support a higher resolution for computers. but it almost seems a move for most of the LCD's i have seen (except 4 maybr sharp), a move away from DVI for computer input. still this LCD is a big contender on my list. because of the wealth of connectivity features.

If anyone is still interested in what the software mentioned in the link in an earlier post is, JVC is running a version of Linux inside the TV. Some of the code that they use is licensed under the terms of GPL and LGPL - these are open source licenses that allow anyone to use the code, so long as they provide access to the source code. They are also supposed to provide access to any code they have written that links with the code. It is not clear to me if they have done that, since all of the source code in the link are generally available open source software. They include:
- BusyBox: a set of UNIX command line utilit pograms re-written for embedded computers.
- e2fsprogs: File system utility programs
- glbic: The GNU C standard library
- linux kernel: the kernel ofthe Linux OS.

If JVC has written any of their own software to run on the same processor as these packages, and linked against those packages, they are suposed to also release the source code for their software. It is not clear if they have, although it's pretty difficult not to link against glibc.

great images, i don't think there is a question in regards to image quality/sharpness, etc. however i do not understand the move to 15-pin D-SUB. Why not stay with DVI & support a higher resolution for computers. but it almost seems a move for most of the LCD's i have seen (except 4 maybr sharp), a move away from DVI for computer input. still this LCD is a big contender on my list. because of the wealth of connectivity features.

Not only that, why no higher resolution via D-SUB like 1600x1200? Even though that is a 4:3 resolution, I think it would make alot of computer people happy. I doubt that JVC can fix this with a firmware update, but we can always hope for a miracle (well...like I said before a computer connection is not that important for me, I just hope HD-DVD and Blu-Ray work via HDMI if they are 1080p).

Here are 2 640x480 pictures via 15-pin D-SUB. I could not display the desktop on my labtop because my labtop monitor would not support 640x480, so I had to use the extend windows option to get something to come up on the LT-40FH96.


Did you try bumping the res higher than 1024x768?

Mike

Did you try bumping the res higher than 1024x768?

Mike

Yep, it would give me a "invalid signal" at any resolution other than 640x480 and 1024x768. That is to be expected since the manual says only those 2 resolutions are supported.

I'll still have to borrow a friend's computer with DVI and try HDMI, even though the manual say a computer is not supported over HDMI. I have no idea when I can do that though.

On wednesday I ordered the last new in a box JVC LT40FH96 J&R had in stock. It shipped yesterday (friday). My question is this, If I output 1080i from the HP Media Center at 1920 x 1080 and use the DVI output which would connect to the JVC with a DVI to HDMI cable will it display properly since it is a 1080i signal, not 1080p?

On wednesday I ordered the last new in a box JVC LT40FH96 J&R had in stock. It shipped yesterday (friday). My question is this, If I output 1080i from the HP Media Center at 1920 x 1080 and use the DVI output which would connect to the JVC with a DVI to HDMI cable will it display properly since it is a 1080i signal, not 1080p?

My prediction ( i hope i'm wrong) is that it will be invalid signal because you are connecting a computer via HDMI, i hope i'm proved wrong.

i'm interested to learn about the results once you hook it up to your HP media center, as i am intresed in the HP z558 Digital Entertainment Center

On wednesday I ordered the last new in a box JVC LT40FH96 J&R had in stock. It shipped yesterday (friday). My question is this, If I output 1080i from the HP Media Center at 1920 x 1080 and use the DVI output which would connect to the JVC with a DVI to HDMI cable will it display properly since it is a 1080i signal, not 1080p?
It depends. It might just work great. It might not work at all. It might be somewhere in between.

Some ATI cards have trouble sending 1080i over DVI (but have no problems with 1080i over VGA or over DVI->Component dongle) If you have one of these cards it might not work at all.

Some displays do not allow you to turn off overscan (where about 5% of each image edge is stretched off the screen). In this case, you will get a desktop, but part of the picture will be off screen and you will have stretching artifacts. The reason many displays overscan HDMI ports is because for AV applications many times garbage or useless picture information is in the edges. Normal TVs overscan all the time. However, for PC usage, you expect no overscan. JVC might allow you to turn off overscan, it might not.

The colorspace might not match up. Many HDMI ports assume RGB levels of 16-235 (because AV usage has the concept of blacker-than-black and whiter-than-white), but computers send out RGB with 0-255 levels. This mismatch could result in overly bright or dull/faded or similar color issues.

If the JVC allows you to turn off overscan and RGB levels can be properly matched, then 1080i from your PC DVI port to JVC HDMI port will look decent, but you will still have deinterlacing artifacts, so if you move your windows arround the text will not look sharp. For video use, it should be fine.

On wednesday I ordered the last new in a box JVC LT40FH96 J&R had in stock. It shipped yesterday (friday). My question is this, If I output 1080i from the HP Media Center at 1920 x 1080 and use the DVI output which would connect to the JVC with a DVI to HDMI cable will it display properly since it is a 1080i signal, not 1080p?

Cool, now you can do the test over HDMI instead of me! :) I hope you can get it to work, but it probably won't because the manual says the HDMI is not compatible with computer signals.

Congratulations on your purchase! I think you really going to like it ....unless using it with a computer is a must have for you.

Thanks everyone for the quick responses! I am hoping it will work because the HP z555 media center is designed to hook up to HDTVs. It also has component out which I may end up using. I am currently using it with my Panasonic CT34WX50. The Nvidia card has overscan adjustment and I have it set now to output 1712 x 980 at 1080i which perfectly fits my Panasonic and although small I can read every font on the screen. I am assuming the component out would work perfectly but it would be nice to be able to use the DVI output. It is very important to me that it work because I do not have cable. I download movies from Movielink and Cinemanow to watch and also subscribe to the Real Starz Movie channel. Right now they all look great on my panny. I do highly recommend the HP Media Centers as they are the ultimate HDTV toy!You can also use it as a HDTV "tivo" Just be sure to get the one that has the built in ATSC tuner. The HP z555 does. As soon as my JVC arrives and I get it hooked up I will post the results. It may not be until next weekend as I do not know when this week my JVC will arrive.

I need to ask a really dumb question that is not obvious to me. Why is it that all the cheaper prices I see posted on the web for consumer electronics seem to be stores located in Brooklyn New York? I have purchased my digital camera's, DVD-Tivo box and video camera's all from stores on the east coast from Brooklyn. Heck even my car parts I got online cheaper there. What is it that they are able to beat every price I have ever seen. Does anybody know? As I have been eyeballing the JVC LT-40fh96 for months waiting for it to come out and again found a great price around $$$ from a store in Brooklyn New York.


EDIT>>

mod note: no price talk, please. MSRP only thanks.

Yep, it would give me a "invalid signal" at any resolution other than 640x480 and 1024x768. That is to be expected since the manual says only those 2 resolutions are supported.

I'll still have to borrow a friend's computer with DVI and try HDMI, even though the manual say a computer is not supported over HDMI. I have no idea when I can do that though.

Will be looking forward to the HDMI/DVI results.

Mike

Tony, how close do you sit to your LT-40FH96? Also how close can you sit before the screen door effect becomes evident? The reason I ask is that I calculated that one must sit no further than 5.1 feet from a 40 inch panel to be able to see all 1080 lines of the de-interlaced image. I plan on sitting about 5 feet from my new 40 inch LCD however I'm wondering if I could push that another half foot or so closer without running into the screen door.

I was basically set on purchasing the Sony 40" Bravia but I started reading about the JVC and it has caught my eye.

Which do you think has the edge in picture quality. I plan to use the Comcast HD DVR box with an HDMI connection. I am in Montgomery County, MD.

I have been looking for this set and doing a lot of comparison shopping... I have found an authorized dealer who can order for you and have it drop shipped at a great price.. He said mine should ship within two weeks (I guess JVC is backordered too..) If anyone is interested, please PM me... Marc.

Tony, how close do you sit to your LT-40FH96? Also how close can you sit before the screen door effect becomes evident? The reason I ask is that I calculated that one must sit no further than 5.1 feet from a 40 inch panel to be able to see all 1080 lines of the de-interlaced image. I plan on sitting about 5 feet from my new 40 inch LCD however I'm wondering if I could push that another half foot or so closer without running into the screen door.

Hehe, I actually lie down because it is in my bedroom, but I would say my viewing distance is about 7 feet. I see no real screen door effect even up to a foot close. Actually I have never really seen screendoor on an LCD and that is my personal opinon of Plasma vs LCD debate. With Plasma, usually you get better color/blacks, but have to suffer from Screen Door effect. With LCD at least to me, you don't have screen door effect. With the LT-40FH96, it is like a good LCD monitor (you don't see a screendoor, you may see super fine pixel, but I would not say that is screen door).

Has anybody had a chance to compare the picture quality of this JVC with the Sony Bravia?

I was basically set on purchasing the Sony 40" Bravia but I started reading about the JVC and it has caught my eye.

Which do you think has the edge in picture quality. I plan to use the Comcast HD DVR box with an HDMI connection. I am in Montgomery County, MD.

To be honest, I only have seen the Bravia at Circuit City and only for a short time (before got my LT-40FH96), so I can't give a definite opinion. The Bravia beat every LCD there in terms of color and blacks and I was wowed by it. When I got my JVC, I was shocked by it because it's color, blacks, and clarity (I bought it sight unseen because of the price).

Also, the Sony KDL-V40XBR1 Bravia is only 1366 x 768, while the JVC LT-40FH96 is 1920x1080. But to answer you question, I think in my short term of viewing the Bravia that the JVC is better.

I'm in MC too and am using a cable card with it, which is bothersome because the fan stays on (the plus side is the TV turns on faster). I was able to tune in the unencrypted QAM channels before the I got the card. I hope that the DVR through HDMI will provide you a good picture, but the component is lacking (on my Panasonic PT56WXF95 it is slighty blurry, but when I pass the DVR through my DVHS's component to my PT56WXF95, it is much sharper). I got the DVR way back (single tuner traded in for dual), so it doesn't have DVI or HDMI.

Will be looking forward to the HDMI/DVI results.

Mike

As am I, as I'm leaving that to Mr. Harding. I wonder if he got it yet....

I see no real screen door effect even up to a foot close. Actually I have never really seen screendoor on an LCD and that is my personal opinon of Plasma vs LCD debate. With Plasma, usually you get better color/blacks, but have to suffer from Screen Door effect. With LCD at least to me, you don't have screen door effect. With the LT-40FH96, it is like a good LCD monitor (you don't see a screendoor, you may see super fine pixel, but I would not say that is screen door).

I'll revise my statement. You can see pixels at one foot and two feet away, but they really disappears around 3 feet. I still would not classify as this a screendoor effect because I never seen a screendoor that fine and it is not as obvious as with Plasma. The pixel density on it is very small.

I'll revise my statement. You can see pixels at one foot and two feet away, but they really disappears around 3 feet. I still would not classify as this a screendoor effect because I never seen a screendoor that fine and it is not as obvious as with Plasma. The pixel density on it is very small.
Good, I definitely wasn't planning on sitting 2 feet from the screen. I was thinking that if it were possible to move your JVC 1 or 2 feet closer that you might see more of the 1080 lines on your 1920 x 1080 display. In order for the human eye to differentiate between two adjacent lines on an HD monitor those lines must be no closer than 0.017 degree apart. A 40 inch screen has a vertical height of 19.6 inches. That means each line is separated by 19.6/1080 of an inch which is 0.01815 inch. A right triangle having an acute angle of 0.017 degree and an opposite side that measures 0.01815 inch has an adjacent side that measures 61.2 inches which is 5.1 feet. Therefore one should sit no further than 5.1 feet to be able to resolve all 1080 lines. Perhaps with your new laser corrected vision of 20/15 you can differentiate between two adjacent lines that are less than 0.017 degree. In that case you could sit further away and still see all 1080 lines.

Was all set to buy the Bravia and went to my hometown B&M store as they
quoted me a good price and a good price on a 5yr warranty. Well there it was,
the new JVC 1920x1080p set! I had read about set the past few days, but I didn't want to wait and was settled on the Sony.

I compared both pics for about 20 minutes and felt the JVC was a bit better on the
HD channels. SD looked a bit better on the Sony, but I didn't do much
calibration on the JVC. Suffice to say, it was still fine on the JVC.

The salesguy offered me the same price for the JVC that he quoted me on the
Sony, so I took it! ;) Paid a deposit, and now I am waiting for the next one
to show up at the store; prob within 2 weeks he said.

This forum has been very helpful in my search these past couple months.

Was all set to buy the Bravia and went to my hometown B&M store as they
quoted me a good price and a good price on a 5yr warranty. Well there it was,
the new JVC 1920x1080p set! I had read about set the past few days, but I didn't want to wait and was settled on the Sony.

I compared both pics for about 20 minutes and felt the JVC was a bit better on the
HD channels. SD looked a bit better on the Sony, but I didn't do much
calibration on the JVC. Suffice to say, it was still fine on the JVC.

The salesguy offered me the same price for the JVC that he quoted me on the
Sony, so I took it! ;) Paid a deposit, and now I am waiting for the next one
to show up at the store; prob within 2 weeks he said.

This forum has been very helpful in my search these past couple months.



Did you get a chance to compare the black levels on both sets?

If anyone is still interested in what the software mentioned in the link in an earlier post is, JVC is running a version of Linux inside the TV. Some of the code that they use is licensed under the terms of GPL and LGPL - these are open source licenses that allow anyone to use the code, so long as they provide access to the source code. They are also supposed to provide access to any code they have written that links with the code. It is not clear to me if they have done that, since all of the source code in the link are generally available open source software. They include:
- BusyBox: a set of UNIX command line utilit pograms re-written for embedded computers.
- e2fsprogs: File system utility programs
- glbic: The GNU C standard library
- linux kernel: the kernel ofthe Linux OS.

If JVC has written any of their own software to run on the same processor as these packages, and linked against those packages, they are suposed to also release the source code for their software. It is not clear if they have, although it's pretty difficult not to link against glibc.
With the LGPL (lesser GPL), a company is only required to provide a source code if they actually modify the source code to the libraries they are linking to. If they link to it, they don't have to publish the source code for the software that they're linking from. (if I include glibc to my application, then I don't have to open-source my applciation). The regular GPL requires a company to provide the source code, even if they link to it.

Most libraries are published under the LGPL.

Did you get a chance to compare the black levels on both sets?

Not really...I sorta went with the opinions voiced here. :) When I get it, I will
calibrate and watch some dvd's and give a review. :)

Not really...I sorta went with the opinions voiced here. :) When I get it, I will
calibrate and watch some dvd's and give a review. :)


If you do get a chance to stop by that store again, please try to do a detailed comparison between the two sets and report it back here. Thanks!

Good, I definitely wasn't planning on sitting 2 feet from the screen. I was thinking that if it were possible to move your JVC 1 or 2 feet closer that you might see more of the 1080 lines on your 1920 x 1080 display. In order for the human eye to differentiate between two adjacent lines on an HD monitor those lines must be no closer than 0.017 degree apart. A 40 inch screen has a vertical height of 19.6 inches. That means each line is separated by 19.6/1080 of an inch which is 0.01815 inch. A right triangle having an acute angle of 0.017 degree and an opposite side that measures 0.01815 inch has an adjacent side that measures 61.2 inches which is 5.1 feet. Therefore one should sit no further than 5.1 feet to be able to resolve all 1080 lines. Perhaps with your new laser corrected vision of 20/15 you can differentiate between two adjacent lines that are less than 0.017 degree. In that case you could sit further away and still see all 1080 lines.

Wow, that is some interesting math! I remember some of the home theater recommendations for my Panasonic 56" was around 10-12 feet, which I great when it was at my parents' place 5 years ago. When I moved to my townhouse, I had to get used to watching it from 6 feet away (which I like now). If I'm sitting 5.1 feet away from the JVC, it seems like I'm almost in my living room watching my Panny (just the perceived size, not quality). I measured and I'm currently watching (if lying down) at around 8 feet, but I did take the pictures around 5 feet. Anyways, I doubt that laser vision correct can make the eyes that super sharp. ;)

Not really...I sorta went with the opinions voiced here. :) When I get it, I will
calibrate and watch some dvd's and give a review. :)

Uh oh, that's alot of pressure being that I'm one of only 3 people that have posted about it. But I don't doubt that you love this set!!! Congratulations on your purchase!!! :D

Just make sure they don't send you the LT-40X776, which I was worried about getting because they are so close on price. Just around 2 C notes more for 1080p is a no brainer.

Uh oh, that's alot of pressure being that I'm one of only 3 people that have posted about it. But I don't doubt that you love this set!!! Congratulations on your purchase!!! :D

Just make sure they don't send you the LT-40X776, which I was worried about getting because they are so close on price. Just around 2 C notes more for 1080p is a no brainer.

What's the pixel response time rated at for this unit? Have you noticed any motion blur or ghosting?

And if you get a chance, could you check out the Bravias some more and do a comparison report between these two units? I've pretty much narrowed it down to these two sets and I can't seem to find the JVC in person. I've seen the Bravias countless times and the picture quality is truly amazing. However, you've now piqued my interest in this JVC 1080p unit, especially considering the pricing is about the same as the Bravia and at the same time, it comes with higher resolution. And you sound like an informed individual so I'm giving more weight to your opinions. I really wish I could get a chance to see this set in person...

Wow, that is some interesting math!...I measured and I'm currently watching (if lying down) at around 8 feet...
Well just for fun you might try to see if you can watch your JVC from 5 feet away while at the same time using an OTA antenna delivering a 1080i broadcast from WETA (PBS in Washington). Your location may make OTA reception impossible but it would be worth it to play around with one of those portable antennas specifically designed for HD reception. If you can get it to work I think that you'll be mildly shocked at the PQ that your JVC is capable of delivering.

What's the pixel response time rated at for this unit? Have you noticed any motion blur or ghosting?

And if you get a chance, could you check out the Bravias some more and do a comparison report between these two units? I've pretty much narrowed it down to these two sets and I can't seem to find the JVC in person. I've seen the Bravias countless times and the picture quality is truly amazing. However, you've now piqued my interest in this JVC 1080p unit, especially considering the pricing is about the same as the Bravia and at the same time, it comes with higher resolution. And you sound like an informed individual so I'm giving more weight to your opinions. I really wish I could get a chance to see this set in person...

I have been looking for the pixel response as has everyone else (it's not in the manual), but cannot find it. I have not seen any motion blur or ghosting with any show (like the NFL games,etc.), so I guessing it as less than 12msec if not 8msec (wasn't that the "marker" for unperceived motion blur). I have not tried any video game systems, but I'm waiting to see if I can find an xbox360.

Thanks for the vote of confidence! I'll try stop by the local CC or BB and look at the Sony's again more indepthly, but of course that won't be a side by side comparison. There is always something better around the corner and I guess I'll find out in 20 days (My 4th CES).

Well just for fun you might try to see if you can watch your JVC from 5 feet away while at the same time using an OTA antenna delivering a 1080i broadcast from WETA (PBS in Washington). Your location may make OTA reception impossible but it would be worth it to play around with one of those portable antennas specifically designed for HD reception. If you can get it to work I think that you'll be mildly shocked at the PQ that your JVC is capable of delivering.


I was debating on trying the OTA last weekend, but the cablecard is stop me. Like I said before, with the cablecard it, the fan is always on. I would have to unplug the power, pull the cablecard, and power it back on. I'm one of those "if it ain't broke" kind of guys and I'm worried shorting the cablecard, etc. I would like to test OTA just for reception sake (Like said before I don't think there will be a quality difference because there is no cable box doing the conversion), but I don't know..... I didn't get a chance the day after they delivered the TV because Comcast came with the cablecard. FYI, WETA's tower is in Arlington and it's line of sight is blocked by the DC towers, so it is hard to get. I was getting NBC and WB in and out with an OTA receiver (Radio Shack Accurian 6000 with an indoor antenna) that I got for a friend's Christmas/upcoming baby shower. Those stations are 1080i and I guess I can catch Leno..... As for Antennas, I got alot of them (even the Silver Sensor when it first can out over here), but it doesn't help. In the other post, I said my temporary solution before cable was using an outdoor antenna indoors with a preamp (but that was a generation 1 receiver). I still may try OTA one day if I'm adventurous...

Just got off the phone at work with UPS. They are delivering my new JVC LT-40FH96 today. So if all goes well I will be setting it up tonight. I already have my DVI to HDMI cable to test the HP z555 media center with it. I will post after all test are done. I also will be able to report OTA reception of HDTV as I do not have cable and currently receive all my TV OTA.

Has anyone compared the two units?
Aside from the resolution bump how does the picture compare?
The blacks?

Mike

Like I said before, with the cablecard it, the fan is always on.(Like said before I don't think there will be a quality difference because there is no cable box doing the conversion), but I don't know.....As for Antennas, I got alot of them (even the Silver Sensor when it first can out over here), but it doesn't help. In the other post, I said my temporary solution before cable was using an outdoor antenna indoors with a preamp (but that was a generation 1 receiver). I still may try OTA one day if I'm adventurous...
I'm not clear on how the 1080i signal is processed when using a cablecard vs. using the Comcast box. I believe you said that Comcast doesn't compress the signal so what type of processing is occuring within the Comcast box that degrades the PQ? I'd be interested in the cable card if the fan sound were not a significant distraction. How would you characterize the fan sound in your JVC?

I have the Silver Sensor and didn't have much luck either. The best indoor antenna I had was one that measured 3 feet by 2 feet and looked like chain link fence. The aesthetics left something to be desired however.

Can someone post if this JVC 1080p LCD has backlighting issues? Specifically in the corners, light bleed.

This is the major negative criticism of the Westinghouse LVM-37w1 1080p LCD tv.

I'm not clear on how the 1080i signal is processed when using a cablecard vs. using the Comcast box. I believe you said that Comcast doesn't compress the signal so what type of processing is occuring within the Comcast box that degrades the PQ? I'd be interested in the cable card if the fan sound were not a significant distraction. How would you characterize the fan sound in your JVC?

I have the Silver Sensor and didn't have much luck either. The best indoor antenna I had was one that measured 3 feet by 2 feet and looked like chain link fence. The aesthetics left something to be desired however.

First, I'll say that connecting with cable with and without the cablecard, they picture quality was the same (of course, though, that is not your question). Second, I know the box degrades the picture at least through component because I have the Motorola DCT-6412 Dual tuner hooked up to my Panasonic through component and it is kind of blurry. If use DCT-6412 as a tuner to my D-VHS (hooked together by firewire to pass the signal) and go through the D-VHS's component to my Panny, it is alot sharper (definitely equivalent to my OTA 1st gen Panasonic receiver which was considered one of the Best Picture Quality OTA receivers). When you use firewire, everything is passed natively, so there is no conversion. So the conclusion is that it has to be the box at least on the component side. I don't think I have the 2nd (DVI) or definitely not 3rd gen (HDMI) DVR, but I'd bet if you used those connections it clearer than component (my panny is too old to have either connection anyways). BTW, I had my Panny ISF'ed about 2 years ago for color and convergence, so it still very sharp and also it was one of the few RPTVs that could do 720p and 1080i.

As for the fan, it is not really loud with the TV on (the fan would be on anyways if I didn't have the cablecard because the tv is on). With the TV off, it is noticeable. I say it is about as loud as a computer fan. The first night is was waking me up, but now I learned to zone it out.

I still may test OTA for ya..... :)

Can someone post if this JVC 1080p LCD has backlighting issues? Specifically in the corners, light bleed.

This is the major negative criticism of the Westinghouse LVM-37w1 1080p LCD tv.

I have never noticed a problem with the corners, but I'll double check when I go home. Can you see any issues in the pictures I posted? There is no backlighting controls like I hear other LCDs have unless I haven't found it....

Just got off the phone at work with UPS. They are delivering my new JVC LT-40FH96 today. So if all goes well I will be setting it up tonight. I already have my DVI to HDMI cable to test the HP z555 media center with it. I will post after all test are done. I also will be able to report OTA reception of HDTV as I do not have cable and currently receive all my TV OTA.

That's great news! Everyone is eagerly awaiting. :D

As for OTA, LCD1080 would like comparison of cable vs OTA, so I'll probably have to do it. I guess you can report how sensitive to it is compared to your other experiences.

There is no backlighting controls like I hear other LCDs have unless I haven't found it....How about the "Energy Saver setting? The manual doesn't seem to really explain it at all. Does it allow modulation of the backlight (course settings) perhaps? Also, they show a "Detail" setting adjustment with a vague description. Is this simply a sharpness control?


ron

First, I'll say that connecting with cable with and without the cablecard, they picture quality was the same (of course, though, that is not your question). Second, I know the box degrades the picture at least through component because I have the Motorola DCT-6412 Dual tuner hooked up to my Panasonic through component and it is kind of blurry. If use DCT-6412 as a tuner to my D-VHS (hooked together by firewire to pass the signal) and go through the D-VHS's component to my Panny, it is alot sharper (definitely equivalent to my OTA 1st gen Panasonic receiver which was considered one of the Best Picture Quality OTA receivers). When you use firewire, everything is passed natively, so there is no conversion. So the conclusion is that it has to be the box at least on the component side.
Ah so that's why my hi-def PQ with the Comcast box was so much softer than the PQ with OTA using the RGB port on my DTC-100. I used the Comcast box with the component connections and saw the same bluriness you describe. OTA through the DTC-100's RGB port on my old 1080i CRT was spectacular. I've never seen anything come close to the sharpness of the hi-def PQ with the RGB/CRT/OTA combination. Thanks for the help.

How about the "Energy Saver setting? The manual doesn't seem to really explain it at all. Does it allow modulation of the backlight (course settings) perhaps? Also, they show a "Detail" setting adjustment with a vague description. Is this simply a sharpness control?


ron

Yes, "Energy Saver" is the backlight control, and "Detail" is the sharpness control.

Yes, "Energy Saver" is the backlight control, and "Detail" is the sharpness control.That's what I suspected. Thanks.


ron

Can someone post if this JVC 1080p LCD has backlighting issues? Specifically in the corners, light bleed.

This is the major negative criticism of the Westinghouse LVM-37w1 1080p LCD tv.

What does that look like? If you asking if the corners are brighter than the center or if the corners show white light, then no to both.

Yes, "Energy Saver" is the backlight control, and "Detail" is the sharpness control.

Energy Saver doesn't seem to control the backlight that much. I expected when I move it all the way negative (to the left), it would be pitch black. It barely got darker.; almost imperceivable. The same is almost true if I went all the way positive (to the right), it went brighter but not much (The difference seem more noticeable here).

What does that look like? If you asking if the corners are brighter than the center or if the corners show white light, then no to both.

This is what I'm seeing on my Westinghouse 37-inch 1080p LCD monitor:

http://img365.imageshack.us/img365/799/untitled19dx.jpg


It's also, what most LCD displays show to some degree. Some may be worse than others, but almost all LCDs display some form of light bleed in the corners or the sides. And sometimes, even corners/sides at the same time.

Good News! I connected my new HP Media Center z555 using the DVI output on the HP and connected it to the HDMI 1 input on the JVC and set the resolution to 1920 x 1080. It works perfectly! The picture was excellent! I guess the reason is the HP Media Center is designed to interface with HDTVs so the signal must be compatable. The OTA reception with the built in ATSC tuner was also excellent with no problems.

Rieper there is no light bleed at all on my JVC. In fact it has the most film like picture I have ever seen. The contrast ratio is not as good as my CRT Panny CT34WX50 but it is better then other LCDs I have looked at. It may be the best out there right now.

Good News! I connected my new HP Media Center z555 using the DVI output on the HP and connected it to the HDMI 1 input on the JVC and set the resolution to 1920 x 1080. It works perfectly! The picture was excellent! I guess the reason is the HP Media Center is designed to interface with HDTVs so the signal must be compatable. The OTA reception with the built in ATSC tuner was also excellent with no problems.
that great!!
i am also looking for a combination of the LT-40FH96 and Z-558.
would it be possible to post a couple of screenshots with the windows desktop on the JVC screen?

thanks
Shaip

Good News! I connected my new HP Media Center z555 using the DVI output on the HP and connected it to the HDMI 1 input on the JVC and set the resolution to 1920 x 1080. It works perfectly! The picture was excellent! I guess the reason is the HP Media Center is designed to interface with HDTVs so the signal must be compatable. The OTA reception with the built in ATSC tuner was also excellent with no problems.
Wow that is huge news. Why in the heck isn't JVC advertising this feature big time? I mean here they've apparently got the only 40 inch 1920x1080 panel on the market that accepts a 1080P signal from a home computer and they're not calling that out from the rooftops? I'm at a complete loss to understand that. Anyway, I've got a Sony RA930G Media Center computer. If I swap out my NVidia 6600 graphics card for an HD graphics card does that mean that I should be able to repeat your experience by feeding my PC's DVI output to the HDMI 1 input of the JVC with the graphics card set at 1920x1080? What is the graphics card that you have in your HP Media Center?

Good News! I connected my new HP Media Center z555 using the DVI output on the HP and connected it to the HDMI 1 input on the JVC and set the resolution to 1920 x 1080. It works perfectly! The picture was excellent! I guess the reason is the HP Media Center is designed to interface with HDTVs so the signal must be compatable. The OTA reception with the built in ATSC tuner was also excellent with no problems.

This is good news, but to reiterate what you said, is it working because it's HP design or can any computer do that? Is it outputing 1080i? If so, can you disable that (1080i output)? Any other computers in your house that have a DVI that you can try?

Thanks!

Does Crutchfield carry this JVC set? I can't find it on their website.

Where are you guys buying this JVC from? I can't find it anywhere reputable...

Good News! I connected my new HP Media Center z555 using the DVI output on the HP and connected it to the HDMI 1 input on the JVC and set the resolution to 1920 x 1080. It works perfectly! The picture was excellent! I guess the reason is the HP Media Center is designed to interface with HDTVs so the signal must be compatable. The OTA reception with the built in ATSC tuner was also excellent with no problems.

Is that at 1080p or is your media center computer outputing 1080i? That is a very significant distinction...

http://img365.imageshack.us/img365/799/untitled19dx.jpg


If your Westinghouse looks even remotely like that, it is obviously defective. Why haven't you returned it?

The Westinghouse has a very strong backlight. It is very difficult to keep the level consistent across the entire screen when cranked up all the way. I can notice a slight variation when i have a solid grey screen, but it is not noticable at all with normal content. If its noticable, your set is defective. Get another one.

Good News! I connected my new HP Media Center z555 using the DVI output on the HP and connected it to the HDMI 1 input on the JVC and set the resolution to 1920 x 1080. It works perfectly! The picture was excellent! I guess the reason is the HP Media Center is designed to interface with HDTVs so the signal must be compatable. The OTA reception with the built in ATSC tuner was also excellent with no problems.

Do you have picture on the TV when you boot the PC?
When Windows is loading?

Does anyone know where purchasing for Canadian Citizens is possible?

Does Crutchfield carry this JVC set? I can't find it on their website.

Where are you guys buying this JVC from? I can't find it anywhere reputable...

I might not have said that in the beginning of this thread, but certainly the thread starter, jrbdmb, mentioned in the beginning that most of us purchased it at J&R, which is in your hometown. They are sold out right now, but at least you can go down there and look at it (and get a feel for them to see if they are "reputable", I think they are).

Hope that helps!

Good News! I connected my new HP Media Center z555 using the DVI output on the HP and connected it to the HDMI 1 input on the JVC and set the resolution to 1920 x 1080. It works perfectly! The picture was excellent! I guess the reason is the HP Media Center is designed to interface with HDTVs so the signal must be compatable. The OTA reception with the built in ATSC tuner was also excellent with no problems.
As the other posters mentioned please verify 1080i or 1080p. We know the display must accept 1080i on HDMI interface. 1080p would be a huge bonus.

Does anyone know where purchasing for Canadian Citizens is possible?


For anyone else interested in the GTA area. I did find a retailer that has this tv currently available.

Gibby's audio and video in St. Catherines.

If your Westinghouse looks even remotely like that, it is obviously defective. Why haven't you returned it?

The Westinghouse has a very strong backlight. It is very difficult to keep the level consistent across the entire screen when cranked up all the way. I can notice a slight variation when i have a solid grey screen, but it is not noticable at all with normal content. If its noticable, your set is defective. Get another one.

I didn't have it "cranked all the way". In fact I have the Backlight down to zero.

But I'm not going to veer this thread off-topic.

I just wanted to ask if this JVC has the problem. So far (1 response) shows it doesn't. I'll be monitoring this thread for future owners and see if they have any backlight issues before taking the plunge.

By the way, this isn't a Westinghouse specific problem. Google "backlight bleed LCD" and you'll soon discover many LCDs display this problem.

Good News! I connected my new HP Media Center z555 using the DVI output on the HP and connected it to the HDMI 1 input on the JVC and set the resolution to 1920 x 1080. It works perfectly! The picture was excellent! I guess the reason is the HP Media Center is designed to interface with HDTVs so the signal must be compatable. The OTA reception with the built in ATSC tuner was also excellent with no problems.
The key question is: Are you viewing cable TV output from your STB through the "Live TV" interface of the Media Center application or are you viewing computer applications outside the Media Center application? If you're just viewing cable TV or OTA TV through Media Center then you're only seeing 1080i. If on the other hand you're seeing your desktop icons and program applications ("Word, Excel, etc.) outside the Media Center then you're seeing 1080p.

I just wanted to ask if this JVC has the problem. So far (1 response) shows it doesn't. I'll be monitoring this thread for future owners and see if they have any backlight issues before taking the plunge.

Actually, there were 2 responses, mine and dharding's. You forgot one of us, but both of us said no.

If you want, I can take pictures of the corners and post them? Or maybe you can see that from the other pictures I post on this thread?

Let me know

Good News! I connected my new HP Media Center z555 using the DVI output on the HP and connected it to the HDMI 1 input on the JVC and set the resolution to 1920 x 1080. It works perfectly! The picture was excellent! I guess the reason is the HP Media Center is designed to interface with HDTVs so the signal must be compatable. The OTA reception with the built in ATSC tuner was also excellent with no problems.

Wait a minute, I just had a thought. If you set the resolution on your graphics card to 1920x1080 (by clicking Start, Control Panel, Display, Settings) and the JVC was not capable of accepting a 1080P input over HDMI then your entire screen would have been blank. Therefore it would have been impossible to see anything including the Media Center application. However since you did see a picture on the screen you must be describing a situation where the JVC is accepting a 1080P input. That's put me one step closer to placing my name on the backorder list for this panel.

Hi Everyone. Let me see if I can answer all the questions. The video card is a Nvidia GeForce 6600 card that comes with the HP media center. Yes I see the computer when it is booting up. I see the desktop and all the icons and I can use it as a regular computer and surf the internet with internet explorer, play games or run word or excel. Is it outputting 1080p or 1080i. I would guess it is outputting 1080i because it is designed to output to a HDTV. Of course the JVC then converts this to 1080p. I bought it at J&R but as others have said they are now sold out. The display does look like a giant 40"computer monitor and looks great. I do not have a digital camera so I cannot take screen shots.

Either it is outputting 1080i or maybe HP did some modification to it to make it work with all HDTVs. I really do not know. I do know it looks great and I am very happy.

Hi Everyone. Let me see if I can answer all the questions. The video card is a Nvidia GeForce 6600 card that comes with the HP media center. Yes I see the computer when it is booting up. I see the desktop and all the icons and I can use it as a regular computer and surf the internet with internet explorer, play games or run word or excel. Is it outputting 1080p or 1080i. I would guess it is outputting 1080i because it is designed to output to a HDTV. Of course the JVC then converts this to 1080p. I bought it at J&R but as others have said they are now sold out. The display does look like a giant 40"computer monitor and looks great. I do not have a digital camera so I cannot take screen shots.

Either it is outputting 1080i or maybe HP did some modification to it to make it work with all HDTVs. I really do not know. I do know it looks great and I am very happy.


Isn't there a way to check what your video card is outputting (ie. 1080i vs. 1080p) to your display?

...The video card is a Nvidia GeForce 6600 card that comes with the HP media center. Yes I see the computer when it is booting up. I see the desktop and all the icons and I can use it as a regular computer and surf the internet with internet explorer, play games or run word or excel. Is it outputting 1080p or 1080i. I would guess it is outputting 1080i because it is designed to output to a HDTV. Of course the JVC then converts this to 1080p.

OK wait, I have the Nvidia 6600 card as well. Its maximum resolution is 1600 x 1200. So perhaps you set it to 1280 x 1024? When you press Start, Control Panel, Settings, what do you see in the "Screen Resolution" area? If it says either 1280 x 1024 or 1920 x 1080 then the JVC has to be outputting at 1080p. As I said in my last post if it weren't you wouldn't be seeing anything at all on the JVC's screen.

I have this exact video card in my PC. A non HTPC with the GeForce 6600 (DVI Output). It has support for HDTV and I'm betting if I set my resolution to 1920x1080 (which is has) I will be able to view a full resolution 1920x1080 image on this tv.

I doubt there is anything within Media Center that is allowing this connection to work beyond the hardware itself.

OK wait, I have the Nvidia 6600 card as well. Its maximum resolution is 1600 x 1200. So perhaps you set it to 1280 x 1024? When you press Start, Control Panel, Settings, what do you see in the "Screen Resolution" area? If it says either 1280 x 1024 or 1920 x 1080 then the JVC has to be outputting at 1080p. As I said in my last post if it weren't you wouldn't be seeing anything at all on the JVC's screen.


1600x1200 is your max resolution with the GeForce 6600? Cause I can reach 1920x1440.

It's the GeForce 6600 GT 128MB. It is probably your monitor limiting your max resolution.

I have a 21" NEC CRT.

I have this exact video card in my PC. A non HTPC with the GeForce 6600 (DVI Output). It has support for HDTV and I'm betting if I set my resolution to 1920x1080 (which is has) I will be able to view a full resolution 1920x1080 image on this tv. I doubt there is anything within Media Center that is allowing this connection to work beyond the hardware itself.
The NVidia 6600GT does 1920x1080. Perhaps there's a variation of the 6600 that does it as well. In any case Media Center is irrelevant to this whole discussion. You would indeed be able to view a 1920x1080 image on this TV since JHarding has to be entering the Windows XP desktop area at 1920x1080 before he can ever start the Media Center application.

When I go to settings it clearly says 1920 x 1080. The HP media center is outputting 1920 X 1080. There is no doubt about that. The question is since it is designed to interface and connect through DVI, Component, Composite, or even SVIDEO has it been modified somehow and further because it is designed to connect to an HDTV is it outputting 1080i since that is what an HDTV would need to work properly? The more I think about it the more I think it must be outputting 1080i.

Also on another note the JVCs built in ATSC tuner works great too.

OK wait, I have the Nvidia 6600 card as well. Its maximum resolution is 1600 x 1200. So perhaps you set it to 1280 x 1024? When you press Start, Control Panel, Settings, what do you see in the "Screen Resolution" area? If it says either 1280 x 1024 or 1920 x 1080 then the JVC has to be outputting at 1080p. As I said in my last post if it weren't you wouldn't be seeing anything at all on the JVC's screen.


That's the max resolution you're seeing because of the monitor you're using. Look up the specs for the graphics card and you'll see it supports higher resolutions.

When I go to settings it clearly says 1920 x 1080. The HP media center is outputting 1920 X 1080. There is no doubt about that. The question is since it is designed to interface and connect through DVI, Component, Composite, or even SVIDEO has it been modified somehow and further because it is designed to connect to an HDTV is it outputting 1080i since that is what an HDTV would need to work properly? The more I think about it the more I think it must be outputting 1080i.

Also on another note the JVCs built in ATSC tuner works great too.



This is still great information dharding. I'm all ears (or eyes I guess) over the next week while you have more play time with your new set. I'd be very appreciative if you could post any thoughts and reviews after spending some more time with different content....hd, dvd, sd, specifically pc game's I would be interested in as well.

All and everything you or any other owners have to say about this set will help me determine if FINALLY after a year of waiting for the right tv my search is over!

When I go to settings it clearly says 1920 x 1080. The HP media center is outputting 1920 X 1080. There is no doubt about that. The question is since it is designed to interface and connect through DVI, Component, Composite, or even SVIDEO has it been modified somehow and further because it is designed to connect to an HDTV is it outputting 1080i since that is what an HDTV would need to work properly? The more I think about it the more I think it must be outputting 1080i.

Your Media Center PC is designed to run a 1080i HDTV application within Media Center but that doesn't mean that your PC is not capable of outputting 1080p. If you do not start the Media Center application then your computer is outputting 1080p when the graphics card is set at 1920 x 1080. Therefore your JVC TV is displaying 1080p output from your computer when you are not running the Media Center application. That is very good news.

Is it outputting 1080p or 1080i. I would guess it is outputting 1080i because it is designed to output to a HDTV.
Doesn't the TV have an "Info" or "Display" button which tells you what format it is receiving?

Your Media Center PC is designed to run a 1080i HDTV application within Media Center but that doesn't mean that your PC is not capable of outputting 1080p. If you do not start the Media Center application then your computer is outputting 1080p when the graphics card is set at 1920 x 1080. Therefore your JVC TV is displaying 1080p output from your computer when you are not running the Media Center application. That is very good news.


Is there any way the graphics card could be interlacing the signal depending on the display that's connected to it?

I wouldn't think so as with just a straight DVI output it should be automatically sending a progressive signal as is native for PC displays.

If you have experince with a PC you'll know the PC send out whatever signal
it's set to. The monitor either accepts it or not. PCs don't tend to output an
interlaced signal unless special software is used to do so.

Mike

OK wait, I have the Nvidia 6600 card as well. Its maximum resolution is 1600 x 1200. So perhaps you set it to 1280 x 1024? When you press Start, Control Panel, Settings, what do you see in the "Screen Resolution" area? If it says either 1280 x 1024 or 1920 x 1080 then the JVC has to be outputting at 1080p. As I said in my last post if it weren't you wouldn't be seeing anything at all on the JVC's screen.
The maximum DVI resolution for most nVidia cards is listed as 1600x1200, but most of the newer cards can actually do up to 1920x1200 using the reduced vertical blanking technique. The older nVidia cards had buggy TMDS transmitters which gave them issues at the higher frequencies.

Just because screen resolution says 1920x1080 in the nVidia control panel doesn't mean you are seeing 1080p. Even if it says 60Hz it doesn't mean anything. The reason is because the nVidia drivers will secretly behind your back switch to interlaced w/o informing you, if it feels your display cannot accept 1080p.

If you want to confirm what the card is putting out, you need to go into the "Advanced Timings" menu and confirm Interlace is turned off and the Pixel Clock is > 140MHz. If the Pixel Clock is less than 80MHz and it says 1920x1080, then it is sending out interlaced despite what the other UI might be saying.

If you have experince with a PC you'll know the PC send out whatever signal
it's set to. The monitor either accepts it or not. PCs don't tend to output an
interlaced signal unless special software is used to do so.
This may have been true for older cards, but newer cards, especially nVidia cards treat the EDID info like gospel and don't like to send out anything the monitor doesn't like. They will even switch to interlaced behind your back in certain cases after telling you they are going to do progressive. ATI cards are more easily coaxed out of ignoring the EDID.

dharding, could you follow the directions sfhub posted to determine whether your graphics card is actually spitting out 1080p or 1080i? Thanks!

Now that I am home I turned on the JVC and the HP media center. After boot up I went to settings, then advanced settings, then Nvidia Geforce6600, then resolution settings, then device settings. The HP has plugged and played my JVC and identifies it correctly as LT-40FH96. Under menu options the one "treat display as HDTV" is checked. Another sub menu says output format and has 3 options 480p, 720p, and 1080i. The 1080i has a check by it. So my HPz555 media center is outputting 1920 x 1080 at 1080i. I guess the reason it looks so great is the JVC is then upconverting the 1080i to 1080p.

Also as requested after watching the JVC for a few days and testing everything from VHS tapes, laserdiscs, and DVDs played on my Denon DVD-5910 which is also hooked up to the JVC by HDMI and also outputting 1080i to the JVC I will report back how everything looks.

Now that I am home I turned on the JVC and the HP media center. After boot up I went to settings, then advanced settings, then Nvidia Geforce6600, then resolution settings, then device settings. The HP has plugged and played my JVC and identifies it correctly as LT-40FH96. Under menu options the one "treat display as HDTV" is checked. Another sub menu says output format and has 3 options 480p, 720p, and 1080i. The 1080i has a check by it. So my HPz555 media center is outputting 1920 x 1080 at 1080i. I guess the reason it looks so great is the JVC is then upconverting the 1080i to 1080p.


What happens if you uncheck the "treat display as HDTV" so that your computer outputs a true 1080p signal and see how your display handles this.

So my HPz555 media center is outputting 1920 x 1080 at 1080i. I guess the reason it looks so great is the JVC is then upconverting the 1080i to 1080p.
Well looking "great" depends on what you are comparing to. In my experience 1080i deinterlaced to 1080p (as long as you are not performing full frame BOB deinterlacing) looks decent for movies/videos. For desktop usage, you can definitely tell the difference, less on the static desktops, but immediately obvious when moving windows with 1-pixel thick fonts.

Try opening this image in Internet Explorer. Click on the image to expand it to full size. Then move the window around and see if you see flashing. The group of lines at the top are supposed to be 1-pixel thick alternating black/white horizontal lines. If they look solid black or solid white then some BOB deinterlacing is occurring.

http://img391.imageshack.us/my.php?image=vertrezmotion7bv.jpg

Sfhub I did just what you said. There was a lot of flashing when I moved Internet Explorer up and down on the screen. The lines also look solid white and black.

Under advanced timing the pixal clock is currently set at 74.11 and there is a box checked which says interlaced. It did not make any difference when I unchecked the box "treat display as HDTV" All the sub menus grayed out but it still outputs 1080i. Before anyone asks I will NOT uncheck the interlace box or touch anything in the advanced timing menus. I do not want to do anything that might damage this display.

I guess the bottom line to me is I am using this as a HDTV not a computer display. I will use the media center as a HDTV "tivo" and to download movies from Real Starz movie channel, Movielink, and Cinemanow. For my use the picture is great and I am very happy. But for those who want a 1080p computer monitor I guess you will have to keep looking. This set may not be for you.

Under advanced timing the pixal clock is currently set at 74.11 and there is a box checked which says interlaced. It did not make any difference when I unchecked the box "treat display as HDTV" All the sub menus grayed out but it still outputs 1080i. Before anyone asks I will NOT uncheck the interlace box or touch anything in the advanced timing menus. I do not want to do anything that might damage this display. For my use the picture is great and I am very happy. But for those who want a 1080p computer monitor I guess you will have to keep looking. This set may not be for you.
So I guess we need to hear from someone who has a non-media center PC and who has the factory default setting on the Interlace box turned off with the pixel clock set in the 140 MHz range. In the meantime I stopped trying to find an on-line store with available inventory ;) Thanks dharding and Sfhub, you were a good team to help us understand some of the finer points that surround the 1080p vs. 1080i issue.

I guess the bottom line to me is I am using this as a HDTV not a computer display. I will use the media center as a HDTV "tivo" and to download movies from Real Starz movie channel, Movielink, and Cinemanow. For my use the picture is great and I am very happy. But for those who want a 1080p computer monitor I guess you will have to keep looking. This set may not be for you.
I agree with your thinking based on your usage. I've been trying to tell people that for video usage, 1080i from your PC to LCD TV looks decent and from normal viewing distances you aren't really going to notice the difference from 1080p unless you really know what to look out for. It might look a little less distinct during motion scenes, but nothing that you are going to go crazy over.

Unfortunately there seems to be a pervasive attitude that if you can't do 1080p to a 1920x1080 native rez display, the display is totally wasted. I know on the Sharp threads, when people hear none of the newer models accept 1080p, only 1080i, there is an immediate discounting of the display as useless. Of course people are welcome to decide what features are important to them, but if most of their usage is video (and even some light desktop use) they really should try 1080i connection before totally discounting a 1920x1080 display which only accepts 1080i.

I think if you are going to be looking at windows desktop alot, you want 1080p. If you are going to be using for movies/video, then 1080p is nice, but 1080i will be sufficient for most people.

It is important IMO that the display allows 1:1 pixel mapping for 1080i input, which it appears the JVC is doing (or you'd be complaining about the desktop edges being partially off screen)

For the record, I have a 1080p display which also accepts 1080i. I can easily tell the difference between the two because I know what to look out for, but at 8-10 ft viewing distance watching WMV-HD 1080p video clips, stuff looks pretty good.

So I guess we need to hear from someone who has a non-media center PC and who has the factory default setting on the Interlace box turned off with the pixel clock set in the 140 MHz range.
I wouldn't hold out too much hope this display can do 1080p over HDMI (again, 1080i might be good enough for your usage)

We can deduce already based on nVidia video card/driver behavior that the EDID for this display does not allow for 1080p input. When nVidia encounters EDID which allows for 1080p, you will see 1080p options in the driver config.

This, coupled with JVC not publishing any 1080p info in the literature I think pretty conclusively tells you the HDMI port doesn't accept 1080p. I doubt they have that feature and just "forgot" to mention it.

Hey, it is better than 1024x768 over the computer connection!

I wouldn't hold out too much hope this display can do 1080p over HDMI (again, 1080i might be good enough for your usage)
We can deduce already based on nVidia video card/driver behavior that the EDID for this display does not allow for 1080p input. When nVidia encounters EDID which allows for 1080p, you will see 1080p options in the driver config.
This, coupled with JVC not publishing any 1080p info in the literature I think pretty conclusively tells you the HDMI port doesn't accept 1080p. I doubt they have that feature and just "forgot" to mention it.
Hey, it is better than 1024x768 over the computer connection!
Yes I think that you're right on both points. The reason I'm going to wait is that I do plan on viewing the Windows desktop a lot and therefore I'd like have a panel that can accept 1080p on the HDMI port. The CES is only 2 weeks and 6 days away and with any luck could deliver a 40 inch LCD that accepts 1080p on HDMI. (The 37" Westy is just a little too small for my viewing space.)

Any more updates/reviews of this unit?

Has anyone since this TV in any stores? I am very interested based on the things I have read here but I have been unable to find it at any stores in the DC area.

My Laserdiscs look beautiful on this display! I am feeding it a SVideo signal from my Pioneer player and the JVC upconverts it to 1080p. My DVDs are being played on a Denon DVD-5910 which is set to output 1080i through the HDMI to the JVC. They also look unbelievable! SVHS looks good too also connected by SVideo through a datavideo TBC-1000 time base corrector to the JVC. I have connected my JVC DVHS through the Samsung SIR-T165 which is then connected by component input and of course it also is perfect. I know I could connect the DVHS directly through firewire to the JVC TV but this way I can watch one show and tape another at the same time. The OTA reception of the built in ATSC of the JVC tuner is excellent.

Overall I am very happy with this TV. The blacks are not as good as my Panny CT34WX50 but no LCD now can look as good as a CRT. I wish the contrast ratio was better but it is acceptable. If this is important to you I would suggest you see it in person before buying. The blacks are the best I have seen on a LCD but again Plasma and of course CRTs are still better at this.

There are basically five inputs and six choices on the input button menu. I have shown how I have hooked up my equipment too.

Built in Tuner NTSC/ATSC
Input 1 composite video, Svideo, Component Video (SVHS)
Input 2 composite video, Svideo, Component Video (Laserdisc)
Input 3 composite video, VGA computer, Component Video (DVHS-Samsung 165)
Input 4 HDMI with available analog audio inputs if needed. (HP Media Center)
Input 5 HDMI (DVD)

I am using input 4 to input a DVI to HDMI input from my HP media center and I am feeding analog audio from the HP to the analog audio inputs of input 4. Also there may be more choices on the menu if you use the firewire inputs. The reason I have five showing may be because that is what I am using.

When I go to settings it clearly says 1920 x 1080. The HP media center is outputting 1920 X 1080. There is no doubt about that. The question is since it is designed to interface and connect through DVI, Component, Composite, or even SVIDEO has it been modified somehow and further because it is designed to connect to an HDTV is it outputting 1080i since that is what an HDTV would need to work properly? The more I think about it the more I think it must be outputting 1080i.

Also on another note the JVCs built in ATSC tuner works great too.

since you mentioned the Z555, i don't want to shy from the main topic but i am looking to purchase the JVC & HP Z555/Z558 and, and by the way the fact that you were able to hook up via HDMI is Awesome, i was wondering if the z555/z558 supports DVD-A & SACD (not Hybrid)

thanks
shaip

My Laserdiscs look beautiful on this display! I am feeding it a SVideo signal from my Pioneer player and the JVC upconverts it to 1080p. My DVDs are being played on a Denon DVD-5910 which is set to output 1080i through the HDMI to the JVC. They also look unbelievable! SVHS looks good too also connected by SVideo through a datavideo TBC-1000 time base corrector to the JVC. I have connected my JVC DVHS through the Samsung SIR-T165 which is then connected by component input and of course it also is perfect. I know I could connect the DVHS directly through firewire to the JVC TV but this way I can watch one show and tape another at the same time. The OTA reception of the built in ATSC of the JVC tuner is excellent.

Overall I am very happy with this TV. The blacks are not as good as my Panny CT34WX50 but no LCD now can look as good as a CRT. I wish the contrast ratio was better but it is acceptable. If this is important to you I would suggest you see it in person before buying. The blacks are the best I have seen on a LCD but again Plasma and of course CRTs are still better at this.



Were you able to compare this unit with the Sony Bravia's black level?

I'll guess at least a year or more. Most are selling above MSRP (which is $4499.99) because they were basing it on previous MSRP of $4999.99. Again, that why I jumped on the preorder sight unseen because it was not far off from your price.
how much did you end up paying?

how far ahead did you have to order it for it to be considered preorder?

..........

Further, there are displays like Sceptre which have HDMI ports which accept 1080p. This is using single-link.
just curious, which sceptre displays offer that?

Shaip, The User Guide clearly says it will not play back DVD Audio Discs. There is no mention at all of SACD.

Daveappen, No I could not do a side by side comparison as no local stores here in Miami have the JVC in stock. I bought it sight unseen from J&R.

how much did you end up paying?

how far ahead did you have to order it for it to be considered preorder?

I can't post price, but I'll private message you it. I preordered it about 1 month before.

just curious, which sceptre displays offer that?
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=573173&page=1&pp=30

Were you able to compare this unit with the Sony Bravia's black level?

I think they are comparable, but the shadow detail maybe better on the JVC.

Here is what I wrote in another thread:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6754887#post6754887

I ordered one last week from an authorized dealer.... less than JR's preorder price shipped and taxed.. PM if anyone is interested...

Stop it now or the thread will be closed. It's for technical/support issues only.

Thanks

bump

If anyone has seen these in stores (outside of the J&R's), please let us know - so far, I'm really intrigued with this display but I'm a little wary of buying something this expensive sight unseen. I'm still a beginner with most of this stuff but I have been drooling over HDTVs for quite a while now. I'm just about ready to make the leap and this LCD certainly is one of the finalists...though I'm still planning on waiting until after CES 2006.

As a first-time poster, thank you ALL for a most informative thread.

...PC Richard, a 20+ location Metro-NY chain, had three JVC LT40FH96's available.
One will be mine on 12/23... :)

Merry Christmas to all!

BTW, they have a website.

So, does this unit offers a backlight control, and, if so, how effective is it and how is the control displayed onscreen (e.g. 0~100, 50+/-50, 1~7, etc, etc ) ??
How good would you rate JVC's upconversion of standard NTSC broadcasts ?
How good is the reception of its ATSC tuner using an indoor antenna in major metropolitan areas ?
And, finally, could anyone post the size of the unit with/without its base, or is the base permanently attached to unit ?
Thanks >>>> mcaugusto

So, does this unit offers a backlight control, and, if so, how effective is it and how is the control displayed onscreen (e.g. 0~100, 50+/-50, 1~7, etc, etc ) ??
How good would you rate JVC's upconversion of standard NTSC broadcasts ?
How good is the reception of its ATSC tuner using an indoor antenna in major metropolitan areas ?
And, finally, could anyone post the size of the unit with/without its base, or is the base permanently attached to unit ?
Thanks >>>> mcaugusto

Yes it has a energy saving backlight control but if you choose Theater setting it looks great in a dim room. That is how I use mine. The upconversion is excellent. My VHS tapes and Laserdiscs look great. I have not tested the upconversion of NTSC as I do not use it. I only watch the digital channels OTA. The reception of the built in tuner is also excellent. I am using it in a high rise condo surrounded by other tall buildings and using a radio shack double bow tie for UHF and a pair of rabbit ears for VHF I get all the Miami OTA digital channels without any trouble. The size is 39 3/8"W x 29" H x 12 3/4" D with stand. 26 1/2" H x 4 5/8" D without stand. Yes it can be wall mounted and a wall mounting bracket is available.

Well I got my LT-40FH96 on Dec 22. The tuner will pick up everything it sees but its best to use an omni directional antenna (acording to JVC). A directional antenna will tune in what the tuner sees on a scan but you cannot add stations to the scan by turning the antenna. The JVC puts out a great picture, now to fine tune the antenna as weather sure can cut down the reception...using a Winegard MS-2000 for now...I had 15 stations (including the SD stations) or 6 HD stations in Lansing MI area, with cloud cover I'm down to 6 total 3HD. The card reader works great on CF, have not tried it on the other cards at this point.

So i've just ordered mine :) , i was asked about the "Repair Master" extended warranty, i did not get extended warranty on my previously purchased LC-26GD4U, but this one is a much larger expense, any one has any comments/recommendations in regards to extended warranty?
ordered from J&R

SHAIP

Just got my first Flatscreen last night, the JVC 40fh96 at a local retailer. I am very pleased with it so far (and I have not even the proper cabling for it yet!)... I seems like I have much to learn about these tv's to get the most out of them.

Bump.

Great thead! Thanks for the reviews.

I had a question regarding GotHDTV's comment:
>it took 18 seconds to turn on and displays that it is warming up and to please wait

Is this only for the built-in tuner? In other words, if I use it as a monitor, can I assume that it will turn on much more quickly?

Thanks,
Steve

Great thead! Thanks for the reviews.

I had a question regarding GotHDTV's comment:
>it took 18 seconds to turn on and displays that it is warming up and to please wait

Is this only for the built-in tuner? In other words, if I use it as a monitor, can I assume that it will turn on much more quickly?

Thanks,
Steve

I'll have to check but the manual does say it take more time if it was tuned to a digital channel (I watch HD channels 97% of the time, the exception is Comedy Central). I haven't seen that message in a while because my cablecard keeps the tv warm (fan is always running).

Any guess when this unit might hit my $2500 price threshold??
Have you looked around recently? :)

I haven't seen that message in a while because my cablecard keeps the tv warm (fan is always running).
Hey Tony, I was just wondering why one would choose to use a cablecard if he were interested in being able to record programs. In that case one would need a box anyway so why not just go ahead and get the Motorola 6412 DVR box. That way one could have recording and playback capability without having to deal with the distraction of the fan running all the time.

Hey Tony, I was just wondering why one would choose to use a cablecard if he were interested in being able to record programs. In that case one would need a box anyway so why not just go ahead and get the Motorola 6412 DVR box. That way one could have recording and playback capability without having to deal with the distraction of the fan running all the time.

hehe, you can remember my name, but you can't remember what I posted several times before :). I have the Motorola 6412 DVR in my living room with my Panasonic PT56WXF95 (RP CRT HDTV; it was rare because it can do both 720p and 1080i natively) and my JVC LT-40FH96 is in my bedroom. I don't need to spend $10 a month for another DVR upstairs because the 6412 gets everything I want to watch. I have the cablecard in my LT-40FH96 because I want to see ESPN HD (and sometimes HBOHD, CinemaxHD, ShotimeHD, StarHD, and ComcastSportnetHD) before I sleep, which all those channels are encrypted. The fan is not super loud, but can be annoying when trying to sleep (but like I said before I've started to zone it out).

hehe, you can remember my name, but you can't remember what I posted several times before :). I have the Motorola 6412 DVR in my living room with my Panasonic PT56WXF95 (RP CRT HDTV; it was rare because it can do both 720p and 1080i natively) and my JVC LT-40FH96 is in my bedroom. I don't need to spend $10 a month for another DVR upstairs because the 6412 gets everything I want to watch. I have the cablecard in my LT-40FH96 because I want to see ESPN HD (and sometimes HBOHD, CinemaxHD, ShotimeHD, StarHD, and ComcastSportnetHD) before I sleep, which all those channels are encrypted. The fan is not super loud, but can be annoying when trying to sleep (but like I said before I've started to zone it out).
Oh yeah I forgot about your Panasonic. I guess that I'm more sensitive to distracting sounds than you because I do believe that I would pony up the 10 bucks a month for the second DVR just to eliminate the annoying fan sound.

Finally! It's been 2 weeks I've waited for the next one to be sent to
Charlotte Appliances! It will be delivered Saturday morning. Happy New Years! :)

Finally! It's been 2 weeks I've waited for the next one to be sent to
Charlotte Appliances! It will be delivered Saturday morning. Happy New Years! :)


Please do post a detailed review of the TV when you get it. If possible, compare it to the Sony Bravia. Thanks!

....One more question for owners of this JVC model : does it allow to horizontally stretch standard 4:3 material to fit its 16:9 screen, and if so, how obvious is the stretching ? Is the picture stretched evenly horizontally or is it stretched only around the L/R edges, which would be the preferred solution ?
Thanks >>>> Marcos

....One more question for owners of this JVC model : does it allow to horizontally stretch standard 4:3 material to fit its 16:9 screen, and if so, how obvious is the stretching ? Is the picture stretched evenly horizontally or is it stretched only around the L/R edges, which would be the preferred solution ?
Thanks >>>> Marcos

Yes, you can stretch it or do a zoom fill. There are 4th modes for analog (Panorama, Cinema, Full, and Regular). Panorama is probably the best mode of the fill in modes, it doesn't stretch but fills it. The Cinema is like the Panorama, but it zooms in more. The full does the screen stretch, it is like any other HDTV's stretch, it is noticable but you can get used to it. The Regular is 4:3, I like this the best because you don't see as much the imperfections of the analog signal.

As for HDTV modes, there is Panorama Zoom, Cinema Zoom, Full, and Full Native. The Panorama and Cinema is the same as describe as above. The Full is normal HDTV viewing with some overscan (the normal 5% zoom area to not reveal the extraneous information that stations broadcast on the sides). Full Native has no overscan (or very little). I like Full Native because I want to see the whole picture even though I know overscan is normal.

So I am considering this display and I finished reading everything and I wanted to clarify what I understand so far...

- The LCD can receive a 1080p signal from the HDMI inputs only, but they require a ver 1.3 update? is this a software or hardware update? and other than that it upscales everything to 1080p regardless of the signal?

- Computer signals can be fully progressive at a max of 1024x768 but can display interlaced 1920x1080 via DVI to HDMI adapters. do you have to have a HTPC or can you just use a decent video card?

What are the IEEE1394 inputs used for?

Anyone learn more about the possible firmware updates?

Lastly, does anyone play action games? PC games @ 1080i? XBOX 360? what kind of performance do you see regarding quick motion?

if anyone can clear up some of that and give details it would be greatly appreciated. thanks,
-matt

So I am considering this display and I finished reading everything and I wanted to clarify what I understand so far...
...
What are the IEEE1394 inputs used for?

Anyone learn more about the possible firmware updates?

Lastly, does anyone play action games? PC games @ 1080i? XBOX 360? what kind of performance do you see regarding quick motion?

if anyone can clear up some of that and give details it would be greatly appreciated. thanks,
-matt

here's my 2 cents .

IEEE1394 inputs can be used for equipment such as HD VCR, DVR's, BLU-RAY/HD-DVD's etc.

1080i? XBOX 360: i have XBOX (not 360, hooked via component, currently playing "thirteen" full screen, looks awesome, no lag in action scenes

Shaip :)

Great, so no ghosting and blurry trails?

Thanks for the relpy shaip, and oh yeah, what kinda power consumption does this panel have? I cant find it anywhere

I bought this TV yesterday, it is beautiful! I bought it from Grafitti Audio in Bethesda, MD. I bought the last one but they will be getting more in. If you live in the DC area and want to see one in person, call them.

Very little blur in fast action, watched the Caps game in HD over the air and it was just like being at MCI Center. Very accurate colors, even analog signals look pretty good.

Highly recommend this TV. Hopefully it will prove to be as reliable as it is fun to watch.

Ho

here's my 2 cents .

IEEE1394 inputs can be used for equipment such as HD VCR, DVR's, BLU-RAY/HD-DVD's etc.

1080i? XBOX 360: i have XBOX (not 360, hooked via component, currently playing "thirteen" full screen, looks awesome, no lag in action scenes

Shaip :)

This tv cannot accept a 1080p signal via HDMI? I would like to pick up a Blu-Ray player next year...so you say I should be able to use the IEEE1394 port instead from Blu-Ray to the tv? Thanks.

This tv cannot accept a 1080p signal via HDMI? I would like to pick up a Blu-Ray player next year...so you say I should be able to use the IEEE1394 port instead from Blu-Ray to the tv? Thanks.
i'd also like to know this. since sony's SXRD cant presently take 1080p over HDMI but it has theire i-link2 system (firewire).

This tv cannot accept a 1080p signal via HDMI? I would like to pick up a Blu-Ray player next year...so you say I should be able to use the IEEE1394 port instead from Blu-Ray to the tv? Thanks.

Hard to tell... the consumer and pro models of the new 1080p sets say they only support JVC DVHS and HDV....

I'll try my Sony HDV camcorder when I get my 40"... if it works, we can assume it will connect to Sony devices in the future... But who knows if Blu Ray will do 1080p anyways, and over firewire at that :) We should find out next week at CES.

I bought this TV yesterday, it is beautiful! I bought it from Grafitti Audio in Bethesda, MD. I bought the last one but they will be getting more in. If you live in the DC area and want to see one in person, call them.

Very little blur in fast action, watched the Caps game in HD over the air and it was just like being at MCI Center. Very accurate colors, even analog signals look pretty good.

Highly recommend this TV. Hopefully it will prove to be as reliable as it is fun to watch.

Ho


Did you get a chance to do an in-store comparison of the JVC and the Sony Bravia?

OK daveappen I know you've been asking and asking abou the sony bravia... I saw them right next to each other. The JVC was on top and below it was the 40" sony. They both look amazing. The JVC and Sony both have great color & black levels, these LCDs really rival plasmas. However I notice the JVC is more sharp, more crisp, and this became more evident the closer I got. At about 8+ feet the JCV looks a little better, and the closer I got the more the 1920x1080 shines. So the fact that they were priced the same was laughable.

Plus I would recommend finding a local dealer, I talked a local (harldy local, I drove 80 miles but worth is) salesmen at a store and got them *lower* than any price I found anywhere online. + a HDMI cable and a DVI/HDMI converter thrown in ;)

Had to see it up close, it was nice. I would reccomend checking it out...

This tv cannot accept a 1080p signal via HDMI? I would like to pick up a Blu-Ray player next year...so you say I should be able to use the IEEE1394 port instead from Blu-Ray to the tv? Thanks.


To my knowledge, this unit up converts 1080i to 1080p, internally.
the manual does not mention the ability of accepting 1080p via HDMI, but at the same time dharding in entry #112, was able to hook up his media center (essentially a PC) to this unit via DVI to HDMI with full 1920 x 1080. where the manual states that PC's will connect at 1024x768 (talking only about the VGA), the specs for the HDMI version on this unit do allow 1080P, but currently there is no 1080P broadcast available (that i know of, and not in my area anyways) i think we are about a minimum of 12 months before we start seeing programing in 1080P (if at all) so right now my answer is that it could go either way, either receive and show full 1080P or receive 1080P, downconvert to 1080i and upconvert back to 1080P.
to my eyes, the internal conversation process does a great job.

Great, so no ghosting and blurry trails?

Thanks for the relpy shaip, and oh yeah, what kinda power consumption does this panel have? I cant find it anywhere


no blurry trails that i could tell of, and last night i was playing very close to the screen (no headaches either haha)

Power Source AC 120V, 60 Hz
Power Consumption 255W

OK daveappen I know you've been asking and asking abou the sony bravia... I saw them right next to each other. The JVC was on top and below it was the 40" sony. They both look amazing. The JVC and Sony both have great color & black levels, these LCDs really rival plasmas. However I notice the JVC is more sharp, more crisp, and this became more evident the closer I got. At about 8+ feet the JCV looks a little better, and the closer I got the more the 1920x1080 shines. So the fact that they were priced the same was laughable.

Plus I would recommend finding a local dealer, I talked a local (harldy local, I drove 80 miles but worth is) salesmen at a store and got them *lower* than any price I found anywhere online. + a HDMI cable and a DVI/HDMI converter thrown in ;)

Had to see it up close, it was nice. I would reccomend checking it out...



Do you know what the feed was to both TVs? 1080i? 720p? SD? Was the JVC that much more noticeably sharper and crisper? Was there any difference in response time between the two units?

To my knowledge, this unit up converts 1080i to 1080p, internally.
the manual does not mention the ability of accepting 1080p via HDMI, but at the same time dharding in entry #112, was able to hook up his media center (essentially a PC) to this unit via DVI to HDMI with full 1920 x 1080. where the manual states that PC's will connect at 1024x768 (talking only about the VGA), the specs for the HDMI version on this unit do allow 1080P, but currently there is no 1080P broadcast available (that i know of, and not in my area anyways) i think we are about a minimum of 12 months before we start seeing programing in 1080P (if at all) so right now my answer is that it could go either way, either receive and show full 1080P or receive 1080P, downconvert to 1080i and upconvert back to 1080P.
to my eyes, the internal conversation process does a great job.


I won't be using this tv with a pc. I guess my main concern was whether or not I'll be able to use this tv once Blu-Ray/HD players are available (assuming Blu-Ray and HD-DVD will be 1080p)? If I can't connect via HDMI from the player to the tv, which connection will I have to use?

I am pretty pumped about the new 40' JVC....just purchased today, paired with the Samsung HD755 Hi_def Conversion DVD Player.......local dealer was out of stock, as these things are selling like hot cakes, but side by side in the store, the JVC out-classed the Sony Bravia 40"......I've gotta believe when I can get this home and fine-tune it, it'll be even better than what I saw in the store......more next week......small detail---this was for the bedroom, and Sony's Bravia remote did not have backlighting.....kinda important for late night viewing when the spoused is crashed! The JVC of course, did....

CC

I am pretty pumped about the new 40' JVC....just purchased today, paired with the Samsung HD755 Hi_def Conversion DVD Player.......local dealer was out of stock, as these things are selling like hot cakes, but side by side in the store, the JVC out-classed the Sony Bravia 40"......I've gotta believe when I can get this home and fine-tune it, it'll be even better than what I saw in the store......more next week......small detail---this was for the bedroom, and Sony's Bravia remote did not have backlighting.....kinda important for late night viewing when the spoused is crashed! The JVC of course, did....

CC


In what way did it "outclass" the Bravia? Please do elaborate...

I bought mine, with a great deal, at Video Only in San Mateo California, for under $3K.
Several online stores offer it for around $3K, usually with shipping......

I heard Costco had it, but I looked online, and I didn't see it.....

CC

To my knowledge, this unit up converts 1080i to 1080p, internally.
the manual does not mention the ability of accepting 1080p via HDMI, but at the same time dharding in entry #112, was able to hook up his media center (essentially a PC) to this unit via DVI to HDMI with full 1920 x 1080. where the manual states that PC's will connect at 1024x768 (talking only about the VGA), the specs for the HDMI version on this unit do allow 1080P
dharding connected 1080i over HDMI. He confirmed that was what his MCE box was using. The HDMI port accepts 720p/1080i. Everybody knows this already. The HDMI port does not accept 1080p.

Whether you care 1080i or 1080p depends on your usage. Some will care, some won't.

Thanks, SO MUCH for capturing the images....I just purchased my JVC today, and can't wait to hook it up (take delivery Thurs).

Curt

4 color v. a 2 color chip (Sony Bravia) makes the JVC hands-down better in crispness...I saw the two side by side today....

Cheers

4 color v. a 2 color chip (Sony Bravia) makes the JVC hands-down better in crispness...I saw the two side by side today....

Cheers



Could you be a little more detailed on why the JVC "outclassed" the Bravia? Saying the JVC has a "4 color chip" as opposed to the Bravia's "2 color chip" means nothing to me... What exactly is a "4/2 color chip"? ... and how does that affect "crispness"?

Sorry, purely subjective, but I believe the extra 1m pixels and the 4 color chip (v. 2 color in the Sony Bravia) made for much better "color" differentiation" and trueness in the JVC.....hard to describe unless you see it......

CC

Sorry, purely subjective, but I believe the extra 1m pixels and the 4 color chip (v. 2 color in the Sony Bravia) made for much better "color" differentiation" and trueness in the JVC.....hard to describe unless you see it......

CC


Could you explain to me the basics of a 4 or 2 color chip? What exactly does the "4" or "2" mean? And where did you find this info for each display? Thanks.

Yes I did see them together, and I have been looking at the Sony for quite a while, along with the Aquos. I am not going to type a book as to why I think the JVC is better. I liked the Sony but there is something about the way this JVC handles fast motion that sets it apart from all the other LCD's I looked at, even the Sony. To me all the technical info means nothing compared to the quality of the picture but this TV obviously stacks up to anything out there in specs. I have been using this TV since Saturday and I have no complaints. I have been watching mostly OTA broadcasts. The stations here in DC that seem the best are CBS and PBS, they both are in 1080i. Fox and ABC are 720p. For some reason broadcasts in 1080i seem better. I don't know if it is the 1080p native res or what but I am amazed at the picture detail, color correctness and best of all, smooth action when watching sports. The different picture settings work very well for stretching analog signals and I am actually suprised at how well this TV handles standard def.

Don't get me wrong, the Bravia is an impressive TV, but after careful examination I decided the JVC edged it out. There are also 2 HDMI inputs, 2 firewire, a couple of s-video inputs, 3? standard AV inputs and a PC input. Also there is a monitor out and a fiber optic audio out. As a bonus it has multiple memory card slots for viewing pics and vids off your camera.

So far I am thrilled with the purchase, Thursday I will be getting my new cable box since RCN gives you a total POS converter for basic digital cable.

PS: I have been reading here and there that Mitsubishi and JVC projections may very well be accepting 1080p through the IEEE connection, not much out there on this yet though. I certainly hope once 1080p comes, this TV can accept it somehow but in the meantime, I will enjoy the best damn picture I have ever seen.

Finally guys....here is my review:

My JVC arrived Saturday morning. I have Time Warner basic cable free through
my apartment complex. Apparently the "free" HD channels are sent as well,
so all you need is the ATSC tuner. So I got free HD! :) So far I got ABC, PBS,
TNT, Discovery, Discovery Theatre, INHD, INHD2. I haven't found NBC yet, and
CBS is supposed to be broadcasting here by the end of January.

I calibrated the tv with Datacolor Spyder and AVIA. There is no user video
status, you change one of the factory settings (Standard, Dynamic, Game, Theater). I used Theater with Theater Pro color temperature, and turned off all
the "enhancements".

This is what I got now:
Color +1
Tint -2
Picture +8
Bright -2
Detail 0
Enery Saver -5

The HD picture is incredible! I am sitting about 10 feet away and am blown
away by how good the picture is. Colors look great. No red push, no green push.
The 1920x1080p is razor sharp. No motion blur - I watched college basketball, NHL, and NCAA bowl games - all were fantastic.

Watching some nature programs on Discovery was awe-inspiring....just like
being there.

I notice no screen door effect at all.

SD programs look surprisingly good.

Blacks are black and there is good shadow detail from what I have watched so far. I plan on watching Alien, LOTR, and Seven to further my opinion.

I cannot comment on how the Bravia black's would be after proper calibration. I eye-balled the settings in the store, and chose the JVC over it. After calibrating, I see no reason to change my opinion.

dharding connected 1080i over HDMI. He confirmed that was what his MCE box was using. The HDMI port accepts 720p/1080i. Everybody knows this already. The HDMI port does not accept 1080p.

Whether you care 1080i or 1080p depends on your usage. Some will care, some won't.

i don't know if this unit will accept 1080P or not, all i know is that according to HDMI version specification, the existing version of HDMI on this unit is able to accept 1080P, if it will or not i don't know, but since the manual did not mention anything regarding PC via HDMI either, then who knows, even JVC's tech support doesn't know... does it matter... not to me, not really because the picture as it is is clear, vivid, sharp and clean

as far as blu-ray, a good source of info is www.blu-ray.com , companies are working on hdmi & firewire versions that i am sure will be compatible with today's versions of LCD, might not display full 1080P but will display a nice crisp 720p or 1080i

a question to the owners of this fine LCD.

i have comcast as my provider and when viewing the premium channels (HBO, or even CBS, NBC, etc. in HD) i cannot see the close-caption. i followed the manual instructions so when i am viewing analog channels i can se the C.C. but not with the Hi-Def channels. Is anyone else experiencing these issues?

thanks
Shaip

Sorry, ok, (forget the 4 v. 2) my basic understanding is that each pixel is divided into 2 sections of color, one with a red filter, one blue, and one green. Varying the brightness of each, the pixel can appear an arbitrary color. With the JVC, I understand there is at least one other "color filter" (yellow I believe), that enhances the natural color variabliity and trueness. Hope that doesnt just serve to confuse....

CC

Sorry, ok, (forget the 4 v. 2) my basic understanding is that each pixel is divided into 2 sections of color, one with a red filter, one blue, and one green. Varying the brightness of each, the pixel can appear an arbitrary color. With the JVC, I understand there is at least one other "color filter" (yellow I believe), that enhances the natural color variabliity and trueness. Hope that doesnt just serve to confuse....

CC

Are you making stuff up? You say that each pixel is divided into 2 sections of color, but then you go on to list 3? I know each pixel is comprised of a red, blue, and green sub-pixel but what is a 4 or 2 color chip? By your definition, you're saying the JVC has added a yellow color filter while the Sony only has 2 color filters?

I'm confused...

i have comcast as my provider and when viewing the premium channels (HBO, or even CBS, NBC, etc. in HD) i cannot see the close-caption. i followed the manual instructions so when i am viewing analog channels i can se the C.C. but not with the Hi-Def channels. Is anyone else experiencing these issues?
If you use the internal tuner or CableCARD you should see CC. Otherwise, your set top box will need to generate the CC since as I recall, component and DVI don't support transmission of CC info. NTSC sends CC info as part of the picture in the vertical blanking interval so that is why your TV can generate CC for those channels.

Are you making stuff up? You say that each pixel is divided into 2 sections of color, but then you go on to list 3? I know each pixel is comprised of a red, blue, and green sub-pixel but what is a 4 or 2 color chip? By your definition, you're saying the JVC has added a yellow color filter while the Sony only has 2 color filters?

I'm confused...
I think he is just confusing 4CCFL and 3CCFL.

I have had this TV for about a week, and am not a total afficianado but I do love it. Recently I noticed, and I am guessing this is something new, that the sides of my screen are much brighter than the center, especially noticable during a black screen. Is this normal or has something happened to my tv?

I think he is just confusing 4CCFL and 3CCFL.


sfhub, do you know what Sony uses? I know it's listed as WCG-CCFL, but is that 4 or 3 CCFL?

If you use the internal tuner or CableCARD you should see CC. Otherwise, your set top box will need to generate the CC since as I recall, component and DVI don't support transmission of CC info. NTSC sends CC info as part of the picture in the vertical blanking interval so that is why your TV can generate CC for those channels.


thanks for the info

I have had this TV for about a week, and am not a total afficianado but I do love it. Recently I noticed, and I am guessing this is something new, that the sides of my screen are much brighter than the center, especially noticable during a black screen. Is this normal or has something happened to my tv?


have you tried playing with the "Aspect" button for aspect ratio?

i cannot see any excessive brightness or any brightness which is brighter then the center

have you tried playing with the "Aspect" button for aspect ratio?

i cannot see any excessive brightness or any brightness which is brighter then the center

Yea I've watched it using all the aspect modes. I think I will call my dealer today and see what they think. Hope they can do a quick replacement if they find it is defective. :(

Hmmm I plugged in my DVI to HDMI and im toying with all sorts of resolutions on here. they arnt limited to the 2 800x600 and 1024x786 or whatever, I can get all sorts of them. I can get 720p with like 1280x720 and theres no interlacing, and the plug and play info says it's max res is 1920x1080 @ 60Hz but for some reason its only letting me use 1920x1080 @ 30 Hz and I belive its interlacing it. my crt monitor says its max is 1920x1200 @ 120 Hz...

My question to anyone with the knowlege is what exact the specs for 1080p? is it 60Hz or 120Hz? and what is 1080i? 30Hz?

Has anyone else toyed with differnt resolutions with the HDMI port via a DVI adapter? should try it is lots of fun :D I can use it as an extended desktop and stuff...

also if the computer is sending a 1080i signal then why isnt the JVC upconverting it? because I can tell when I move a window around if its progressive and its aparently 1080i

the main reason that I wanna use my computer I tried a regular DVD player to watch the first 10 minutes of episode 2 of starwars for a test and then on the 1920x1080 output from computer... the dvi out to HDMI blows the component regular DVD player out of the water. I think the computer is pretty much acting as an upscaler to 1080i.

Hmmm I plugged in my DVI to HDMI and im toying with all sorts of resolutions on here. they arnt limited to the 2 800x600 and 1024x786 or whatever, I can get all sorts of them. I can get 720p with like 1280x720 and theres no interlacing, and the plug and play info says it's max res is 1920x1080 @ 60Hz but for some reason its only letting me use 1920x1080 @ 30 Hz and I belive its interlacing it. my crt monitor says its max is 1920x1200 @ 120 Hz...

My question to anyone with the knowlege is what exact the specs for 1080p? is it 60Hz or 120Hz? and what is 1080i? 30Hz?

Has anyone else toyed with differnt resolutions with the HDMI port via a DVI adapter? should try it is lots of fun :D I can use it as an extended desktop and stuff...

also if the computer is sending a 1080i signal then why isnt the JVC upconverting it? because I can tell when I move a window around if its progressive and its aparently 1080i

the main reason that I wanna use my computer I tried a regular DVD player to watch the first 10 minutes of episode 2 of starwars for a test and then on the 1920x1080 output from computer... the dvi out to HDMI blows the component regular DVD player out of the water. I think the computer is pretty much acting as an upscaler to 1080i.


If the computer is sending a 1080i signal, the TV is definitely de-interlacing it to 1080p in order to display it.

I dont think it is, if it is then its crappy... it definatly looks like 1080i, when I move windows around its obviously an interlaced signal, unless im completly misguided here. In a 720 progressive (60hz??) resolution theres very smooth movement (as in, no flashing horizontal bars of resolution where there is movement).

Heres an Interesting qoute too "HDMI jack x 2 Note: The Digital-In terminal is not compatible with picture signals of a personal computer" - JVC LT-40FH96 manual

But ive got a DVI to HDMI converter and a HDMI cable running to it and it is compatible alright.

Funny thing is I havent even tried the D-SUB 15 pin analong thing at all, is that where the computer is *suposed* to hook up to if you want that lower resolution?

I think the 1920x1080 @ 30Hz looks pretty dang good with a DVD, its weird, I can drag a media player onto my JVC and full screen it, and then browse the internet on my CRT. To hell with a DVD player, I just need to figure out how to channel my sound so that its more in front of my JVC and isnt at my computer station.

I dont think it is, if it is then its crappy... it definatly looks like 1080i, when I move windows around its obviously an interlaced signal, unless im completly misguided here. In a 720 progressive (60hz??) resolution theres very smooth movement (as in, no flashing horizontal bars of resolution where there is movement).

Heres an Interesting qoute too "HDMI jack x 2 Note: The Digital-In terminal is not compatible with picture signals of a personal computer" - JVC LT-40FH96 manual

But ive got a DVI to HDMI converter and a HDMI cable running to it and it is compatible alright.

Funny thing is I havent even tried the D-SUB 15 pin analong thing at all, is that where the computer is *suposed* to hook up to if you want that lower resolution?

I think the 1920x1080 @ 30Hz looks pretty dang good with a DVD, its weird, I can drag a media player onto my JVC and full screen it, and then browse the internet on my CRT. To hell with a DVD player, I just need to figure out how to channel my sound so that its more in front of my JVC and isnt at my computer station.

HDTV Resolution Chart

480i (NTSC TV) 640 x480 @30Hz
480p (Progressive DVD) 640, 720, or 856 x 480 @60Hz
720p (HDTV) 1280 x 720 or 768 @60Hz
1080i (HDTV) 1920 x 1080 @30Hz
1080p (WMVHD) 1920 x 1080 @60Hz

My guess is your PC is outputting 1080i and the TV is deinterlacing it and displaying 1080p since it is it's native resolution. I only base that on so many posts suggesting that. I thought PC's typically run progressive. I have seen some discussion on the net about 1080p running at lower refresh rates (24 hz) causing flicker on PC monitors so I wouldn't say for sure that it is interlaced. It may be that the refresh rate is just too slow but still running progressive. I'm certainly no expert, this 1080p controversy has me completely confused. All I know is this JVC looks great running a 720p or a 1080i signal.

On your audio problem. I have a Lyra Wireless from RCA on my PC that transmits audio wirelessly to my receiver, it even has a remote. I use it to play my Mp3's from another room through my Stereo. The remote works great, I can even sit in my back yard and navigate Mp3's playing through outdoor speakers hooked to my receiver.

Heres an Interesting qoute too "HDMI jack x 2 Note: The Digital-In terminal is not compatible with picture signals of a personal computer" - JVC LT-40FH96 manual

But ive got a DVI to HDMI converter and a HDMI cable running to it and it is compatible alright.
What they said is it isn't compatible with the picture signals of a PC. In their mind, they are thinking 480p/720p/1080i are AV video formats and PC video formats are 800x600, 1024x768, 1280x1024, 1600x1200, etc. If you try those resolutions with the HDMI port, they will fail.

If you configure your PC to send out the AV resolutions that the HDMI port expects, it will display. All displays with HDMI ports will behave this way. Some will overscan the HDMI ports. Some will allow you to turn off overscan on HDMI, some will not. Some will allow PC resolutions on the HDMI port, some will not. The JVC will not but that doesn't mean you cannot connect a PC to the HDMI port, it just means the PC will need to be configured to output AV video formats.

Your computer is sending 1080i over DVI to the HDMI port of the JVC and the JVC is deinterlacing that. IMO many folks will feel this is acceptable for video use, but may find it annoying for windows desktop use. Some folks will find it is acceptable for both. Some folks must have 1080p input of feel the 1080p display is a waste. If you know what to look out for, you can see deinterlacing artifacts even in video, but if you sit far enough away, it is less noticeable.

...Your computer is sending 1080i over DVI to the HDMI port of the JVC and the JVC is deinterlacing that. IMO many folks will feel this is acceptable for video use, but may find it annoying for windows desktop use. .. If you know what to look out for, you can see deinterlacing artifacts even in video, but if you sit far enough away, it is less noticeable.
Why should 1080i over DVI when sent from a PC to the JVC be annoying for windows desktop use? Desktop use routinely involves static images which should have fewer deinterlacing artifacts than video. I thought the artifacts were only apparent with fast moving video. When you refer to seeing deinterlacing artifacts even in video I realize that I must be missing a concept.

I am interested in comparing the JVC to a few other LCD's that I am considering (Sony XBR, etc.). I haven't seen them in any B&M locally. Any one seen them in central Indiana?

True, it looks great at 720p and 1080i (720p for windows stuff & reading, 1080i). However I really wanna figure this computer signal out ;) because the manual says "The Digital-In terminal is not compatible with picture signals of a personal computer". Regardless of resolutions that are PC standards, or AV signals that statement is pretty clear, and false.

but now im confused. 1920x1080 @ a 60Hz rate is considerd 1080p? and that is the maximum supported rate for this when using as a monitor... and I cant quite get my video card to 60Hz or maybe it isnt accepting it, it only wants to stay at 30Hz. I may have gotten it to 60Hz with 16 bit color, but im unsure.

Anyone else been messing with it as a monitor output? it is fun :P and I would like to know if anyone gets it to support a progressive 1080p signal and not a deinterlaced 1080i. Which i accually question if the JVC is denterlacing the signal.

Bottom line is I cant find detailed specs for the inputs anywhere.. Anyone ever get ahold of a JVC tech support on that? because id really like to know if this thing can accept 1080p or not.

True, it looks great at 720p and 1080i (720p for windows stuff & reading, 1080i). However I really wanna figure this computer signal out ;) because the manual says "The Digital-In terminal is not compatible with picture signals of a personal computer". Regardless of resolutions that are PC standards, or AV signals that statement is pretty clear, and false.

but now im confused. 1920x1080 @ a 60Hz rate is considerd 1080p? and that is the maximum supported rate for this when using as a monitor... and I cant quite get my video card to 60Hz or maybe it isnt accepting it, it only wants to stay at 30Hz. I may have gotten it to 60Hz with 16 bit color, but im unsure.

Anyone else been messing with it as a monitor output? it is fun :P and I would like to know if anyone gets it to support a progressive 1080p signal and not a deinterlaced 1080i. Which i accually question if the JVC is denterlacing the signal.

Bottom line is I cant find detailed specs for the inputs anywhere.. Anyone ever get ahold of a JVC tech support on that? because id really like to know if this thing can accept 1080p or not.


Like I said before, if you are sure the computer is outputting a 1080i signal, the JVC HAS TO DEINTERLACE that signal in order to display it. The JVC can't DISPLAY an interlaced signal, however, it can ACCEPT an interlaced signal (1080i) which it then deinterlaces.

but now im confused. 1920x1080 @ a 60Hz rate is considerd 1080p? and that is the maximum supported rate for this when using as a monitor... and I cant quite get my video card to 60Hz or maybe it isnt accepting it, it only wants to stay at 30Hz. I may have gotten it to 60Hz with 16 bit color, but im unsure.
Don't worry about it so much. You are sending 1080i from PC to the display. Some people list that as 1920x1080i@60Hz. Sometimes I see if video configuration utilities listing it as 1920x1080@30Hz. They intend to mean the same thing. If it is interlaced, it is interlaced. There is no way you are sending progressive to the JVC. If you find this hard to believe, run powerstrip and look at the video bandwidth. 1080p is going to be 145MHz or higher. 1080i is under 80MHz. The video bandwidth doesn't lie.

I was finally able to check out the JVC LT-40FH96 in person. The store I went to had this unit right next to the Bravia so I was able to spend some time comparing the two units. Upon first glance, the picture on the two units seem quite similar; the black levels were about equal and the colors were pretty close, although the JVC did have more of a red push as compared to the Bravia. This was while I was standing about 10 ft. away.

After stepping closer (<4 ft.) I could tell that the Bravia had the crisper/sharper picture. Even the other customers there noticed this as well. Now, I'm not sure if this was due to the way the signal was split, but you could tell the JVC was a little less sharp, causing the picture to not have as much detail (especially facial wrinkles) when compared to the Bravia.

So, in summary, the Bravia had the slightly sharper picture but the black levels and color accuracy were about equal. Again, there were multiple TVs hooked up to the same feed, so how they split the signal could have affected the variance between the two units. Anybody else out there that's able to compare these two units in person, please do so. I'd like to hear other's opinions...

[QUOTE=daveappen] although the JVC did have more of a red push as compared to the Bravia. This was while I was standing about 10 ft. away.

In TheaterPro there is no red push.

After stepping closer (<4 ft.) I could tell that the Bravia had the crisper/sharper picture. Even the other customers there noticed this as well. Now, I'm not sure if this was due to the way the signal was split, but you could tell the JVC was a little less sharp, causing the picture to not have as much detail (especially facial wrinkles) when compared to the Bravia.

This is not my experience at all. In comparing the 2, JVC's picture in HD was superior to the Bravia. After getting it home and calibrating, I am blown away.
My picture is razor sharp with tons of detail.

I watched Return Of The King this weekend and I saw plenty of detail in the
darker scenes. I was amazed.

I highly recommend this tv!

I calibrated the tv with Datacolor Spyder and AVIA. There is no user video status, you change one of the factory settings (Standard, Dynamic, Game, Theater). I used Theater with Theater Pro color temperature, and turned off all the "enhancements".

This is what I got now:
Color +1
Tint -2
Picture +8
Bright -2
Detail 0
Enery Saver -5

Cool, I can't wait to try your settings!! I just got back from CES (took the red eye into work today) and when I was there, I saw the Datacolor booth and was thinking about buying their midrange product. It will be released in March, but maybe I don't have too now :) . The products they were talking about were the SpyderTV, SpyderTV Pro, and ColorFax. The only difference the Pro will have over your model is grayscale.

Cool, I can't wait to try your settings!! I just got back from CES (took the red eye into work today) and when I was there, I saw the Datacolor booth and was thinking about buying their midrange product. It will be released in March, but maybe I don't have too now :) . The products they were talking about were the SpyderTV, SpyderTV Pro, and ColorFax. The only difference the Pro will have over your model is grayscale.

Still have my settings as posted before...picture is stunning on this tv!
Have you tried them yet?

Still have my settings as posted before...picture is stunning on this tv!
Have you tried them yet?

Sorry, I have been busy, but since you asked I tried them last night. Those setting are going to take some getting used to. They are darker and seem to have a yellow tinge. I guess I'm just too used to the brightness and colors of the standard mode on this set that it is hard to switch to anything else.

Sorry, I have been busy, but since you asked I tried them last night. Those setting are going to take some getting used to. They are darker and seem to have a yellow tinge. I guess I'm just too used to the brightness and colors of the standard mode on this set that it is hard to switch to anything else.

Make sure you are in Theatre Pro Mode to get the 6500K color temp. I don't have
a yellow tinge, or at least haven't noticed any. Perhaps your color settings
are a little different than mine.

Anyone hook up a xbox 360 or even regular xbox to see how it looks?

Does it have automatic volume level control ?
what is the response time ?
Anybody compared this to Mitsubishi LT-3780 ?

I've seen this unit at several B&M's and it's "picture" at least equals the Bravia and the newest generation Sharp LC-45. That is saying a lot for any unit!

Now, since this is a 1080p panel, there must be someone--perhaps a reviewer or a retailer--that can get their hands on one of these units and put it through its paces and report.

We have some information--like it's glass is made by Samsung and is the same as used in the Bravia. We now need to know what its PC resolution capabilities are because this unit can obviously do things not mentioned in the manual.

There will be a bunch of 40-46" 1080p panels to be introduced later this year, and will all need to answer to their ability to allow true 1080p. For those of us who have 720p panels, it makes sense to wait to buy the next generation of capabilities--ie. 1080p.

"We have some information--like it's glass is made by Samsung and is the same as used in the Bravia."

No, it is NOT the same as the 40" Sony Bravia (nor Samsung's own 40" panel.)

The Bravia (and Samsung) is a 1366x768 pixel panel = 1,049,088 pixels.

The JVC is a 1920x1080 pixel panel = 2,073,600 pixels.

Samsung is the top-tier OEM, using Corning's new Gen-8 glass for this panel, and my take is that it is currently provided exclusively to JVC.

As a follow-up to my previous post:

From a marketing standpoint, this 1920x1080 panel is the precursor to the next-generation 2Mp LCD panels.

JVC (perhaps) was selected (with their deep pockets and market significance?) as the lead player in the 2-MP next generation panel.

My take is that Samsung/Corning probably felt that from a cost+market position, it behooved them to let JVC run with this new panel.

Why?
Maybe because a JVC product would command a premier place (and define the market position of the 1920/1080 2-MP panel) sooner than the Samsung brand would.

And although Samsung is providing LCD panels to Sony (Sony cut a deal w/Samsung - since Sony's Trinitron CRTs fell into oblivion - and they had NO LCD pipeline,) take notice that they (Sony) aren't getting Samsung's 2-MP panels yet.

JVC is.

What I can tell you without reservation is that when fed by a stout HD signal, and after a few adjustments are made, this JVC is the product that _absolutely_ sets the January 2006 standard for large LCD panel picture quality.

Waiting to see a true 1080P source...

My bad! You are correct. The 720p JVC panel is the same as the Bravia....

Sorry but I have to ask. How does this unit perform with SD material? I found the following info which sparked my curiousity:

Any high definition TV can reproduce high-quality images from high definition sources, but ordinary HDTVs are almost overqualified when it comes to 480i format DVDs or NTSC-TV signals. JVC's 5th-generation Digital Image Scaling Technology (D.I.S.T.) with Genessa picture processing, found on the LT40FH96, uses an exclusive digital algorithm that seamlessly scales any video source to display at 1080p resolution, so the final image is seen at full native resolution with drastically reduced jagged edges. A 3D Y/C comb filter with YNR corrects hanging dots, color bleeding, and other cross-color interference for a clear, super-sharp picture. Finally, HD range 75 MHz Digital Super Detail (DSD) and Natural Progressive circuitry combine to maintain perfect picture focus for both still and active images.

What I can tell you without reservation is that when fed by a stout HD signal, and after a few adjustments are made, this JVC is the product that _absolutely_ sets the January 2006 standard for large LCD panel picture quality.

Waiting to see a true 1080P source...

I thought it was determined earlier in this thread that the JVC can NOT accept 1080p sources.

That is the only thing holding me back from calling my guy and giving him my credit card number for this unit. I am literally ready any minute to order it, if I have confirmation that this unit takes 1080p sources.

It doesn't accept 1080p.

However 1080i deinterlaced to 1080p can look pretty decent.

If you are using PC or external video scaler you really want to have 1080p, otherwise 1080i is less of an issue (assuming a display can perform IVTC on 1080i input to recover 24p original frames of HD/BD-DVD)

It doesn't accept 1080p.

However 1080i deinterlaced to 1080p can look pretty decent.

If you are using PC or external video scaler you really want to have 1080p, otherwise 1080i is less of an issue (assuming a display can perform IVTC on 1080i input to recover 24p original frames of HD/BD-DVD)

Well, then I guess I am going without a TV. I don't think it's a good idea to pay 3 grand for a TV that can't properly display PS3 signals or next gen DVD signals.

I might as well get a cheapo Sceptre and retire that one to the bedroom when manufactures come out with LCD's that can properly accept 1080p. Why is that so hard to do? :mad:

Well, then I guess I am going without a TV. I don't think it's a good idea to pay 3 grand for a TV that can't properly display PS3 signals or next gen DVD signals.

I might as well get a cheapo Sceptre and retire that one to the bedroom when manufactures come out with LCD's that can properly accept 1080p. Why is that so hard to do? :mad:

You are right. As of right now and in the next couple of years, there is really no need for a 1080p set. The Broadcasting Technology, DVD Technology, and Standards have not yet caught up. Plus, as you indicated, there are a number of other issues to be resolved. So, save your money and buy either a nice current Plasma or LCD. Then, when things do get worked out, you can move that set to another room, and purchase a technology that will have a foundation and a much lower cost.