42' Vizio PDP with built in HD tuner [Text View] - Page 5

Protector

03-24-06, 11:05 PM

Hi all, I purchased this set Monday when it went on sale. It looked similar to the other plazma's nearby...Visio 50, Philips 50, Pio 42 etc. Never saw any haze. Got it home and set it up ( I have basic analog cable with no set top box) and thought it looked great. Some channels look better than others but overall pretty good. Then I ordered a $20 Zenith antenna and hooked it up hoping for the best(my set is in the basement) and I was blown away. I just watched the Nova/BC game in HD and it was incredible. I pulled in about 4 HD channels, crystal clear. I know everyone wants to make the right decision because flat screen tv's have become an investment, but this thing is an incredible bang for the buck. So far, Iit feels like it was the right decision.
Brian

mercury

03-24-06, 11:08 PM

C. Bucket

03-24-06, 11:21 PM

now that review will help me sleep better;)

thanks-

I have had no issues with mine whatsoever since I got it on Monday. I am loving it still. HD picture is unbelievable with HDMI <-> DVI to the Motorola set top box. It is hard to think it could get better.

anonymouse99

03-24-06, 11:40 PM

V42

03-25-06, 12:59 AM

I have had no issues with mine whatsoever since I got it on Monday. I am loving it still. HD picture is unbelievable with HDMI <-> DVI to the Motorola set top box. It is hard to think it could get better.
Well I find the PQ can be fantastic as well, but two caveats apply. First it needs a high quality HD signal, whether OTA or whatever.

Secondly it only really shines when the lights go down. Deep blacks are its weakness. With high contrast scenes, the bright whites can make the not so black blacks appear blacker to the eye. But in low contrast, dark scenes blacks will only look a dark grey or as dark as a blank screen can be. But look at a completely blank (no signal) image and you'll see the screen emits a low level glow compared to when the set is off. This is why some are willing to pay 50% more for a Panny which does a much better job of turning off the pixels and hence produces a blacker black. And this really makes a difference when the lights go up or daylight shines.

DrewTech

03-25-06, 01:36 AM

Warehouse is getting smarter, but there are few buyers. They now set up the Vizio away from the other displays to make it harder for people to compare PQ between different tvs. Apparently, Warehouse employees have been reading this board. Just kidding. But it's not hard to see how poorly the Vizio looks next to a Panny or Pioneer. I am sad to say the picture is still hazy or washed-out. The earlier buying frenzy might have subsided as each of the three local warehouses I went to has about 10 units each as of today. While I don't care for this particular model, I think making flat tvs affordable is step in the right direction. And who knows? Perhaps the other brands will be inspired to offer their own affordable models soon.

That may be true-who knows? By the way, would you or anyone else on this discussion have knowledge of actual returns of this plasma? I was in the store the other day and saw two Vizio 42 inchers(opened)near the customer service counter.

P.S. The new Panasonic plasmas will be hitting the store around summertime.

Peace

V42

03-25-06, 01:54 AM

P.S. The new Panasonic plasmas will be hitting the store around summertime.
Well I guess it's summertime in Australia! :D I think others have reported already purchasing the Th-42PX60U and I just saw one at BB tonight.

C. Bucket

03-25-06, 01:59 AM

Well I find the PQ can be fantastic as well, but two caveats apply. First it needs a high quality HD signal, whether OTA or whatever.

Secondly it only really shines when the lights go down. Deep blacks are its weakness. With high contrast scenes, the bright whites can make the not so black blacks appear blacker to the eye. But in low contrast, dark scenes blacks will only look a dark grey or as dark as a blank screen can be. But look at a completely blank (no signal) image and you'll see the screen emits a low level glow compared to when the set is off. This is why some are willing to pay 50% more for a Panny which does a much better job of turning off the pixels and hence produces a blacker black. And this really makes a difference when the lights go up or daylight shines.

Ah. Thanks for explaining that. That little test helped.

I had yet to understand how I was supposed tp be getting low black levels, as most things that were intended to look black, looked black. I really never had time to pay attention to a higher quality brand plasma to see the real inky black goodness they provide, I suppose.

LakerFan4Life

03-25-06, 02:04 AM

C. Bucket

03-25-06, 02:08 AM

Hello All...

I purchased the 42' Vizio PDP from Costco on Monday and waited until Thursday to turn it on, given that Thursday was the day DirecTV came thru to update my receiver to the HD-20 receiver.

First day I had no problems with the set, and today, while watching the Washington/UCONN Sweet Sixteen game, the TV turned itself off. Then I turned it back on with the remote, and about 15 minutes later it turned itself back off and I haven't been able to turn it ever since.

I've tried unplugging the power cord and letting it sit there for 10 minutes to see if that worked, but it didn't. I also unplugged the HDMI-HDMI cord from the back of the HD receiver and the back of the TV and replugged it and still no dice.

When I reconnect the power on the TV, the TV does make a noise, almost like it's working but it isn't. No picture, no sound. Nothing.

Anybody else experienced this same problem? I'm thinking of taking it back to Costco in the morning in time to watch the UCLA/Memphis game in the evening.

Thanks for any info!

Yeah. Sorry to hear. Read through this thread. You got one of the bad ones. Take it back to the retailer or call Vizio ot send you a replacement. There is no fixing it yourself. Vizio are well aware of the issue. Look for one that was in a later production line. I have one that was made in Feb. 2006 and I have had no issues. Look for a G06, or G07 (I think) in the serial number on the replacement, if you take it back and swap it for a new one. You will have to look at the actual TV to see the month of production, though.

LakerFan4Life

03-25-06, 03:02 AM

quik2

03-25-06, 03:12 AM

C. Bucket

03-25-06, 09:15 AM

Anyone know why my Vizio 42" looks really bad w/ DVI=>HDMI cable? It looks really good w/ RBG vga cable though. When I use the DVI=>HDMI cable from Monoprice.com the picture looks very blocky compare to RGB. On RGB I'm running 1360x760, on DVI=>HDMI I'm running 1024x768. This is really noticeable when I run Fusion5 HDTV gold. Also noticeable on DVDs. Thanks in advance if anyone have any ideas.

My suggestion would be to buy a high priced HDMI <-> DVI cable from one of your local retailers and see if that fixes the problem. I had the same experience, to some degree, with my HDMI <-> DVI from monoprice. It was unable to provide the needed KSV handshake and my TV was deemed compromised by my STB. Once I got another HDMI <-> DVI cable on the set, it looked great. Monoprice are very cool about RMAs for defective cables. I have another one on the way from them. I hope it works so I can return the other high priced cable.

mitch672

03-25-06, 09:16 AM

I had one that I bought on Monday, its SN started with "05", it would sometimes turn on, but no picture (sound was on though), if it was unplugged for a few minutes it would usually come on... I emailed Vizio all the details, then they called me the next day and where ready to send out a replacement set.. They said it would take about 3 days to get to me by truck.. my only issue is, I would have to take a day off work to meet the truck... I called Vizio back and told them to cancel the shipment, since my local COSTCO still had plenty in stock (Avon, MA). So I brought the set back last night and got a new one ("07" SN), and it has been fine. I am going to wait a few days before I wall mount this one :)

If your local COSTCO still has stock, you can exchange it when its easy for you...

Mitch

Thanks for the heads up man.

Unfortunately, mine is a G07. Not only did it turn itself off, but now it wont even turn back on. Were it not for bad luck, i'd have no luck at all.

I am thinking of calling Vizio first thing Monday morning [You would think they'd have weekend hours, considering their 42' Plasma just came out this week] and having them send me a replacement.

Any idea of how long it takes for them to send out a replacement? I am aware they're based in Costa Mesa, and I also live here in So Cal [Los Angeles].

Thanks!

C. Bucket

03-25-06, 09:19 AM

Thanks for the heads up man.

Unfortunately, mine is a G07. Not only did it turn itself off, but now it wont even turn back on. Were it not for bad luck, i'd have no luck at all.

I am thinking of calling Vizio first thing Monday morning [You would think they'd have weekend hours, considering their 42' Plasma just came out this week] and having them send me a replacement.

Any idea of how long it takes for them to send out a replacement? I am aware they're based in Costa Mesa, and I also live here in So Cal [Los Angeles].

Thanks!

Ah. Bummer. I wasn't really sure if the G06-07 would have been an indicator of its goodness. On the back of the TV, what is the month listed for its production line? One guy a few days ago said something like 5 days for a replacement to be shipped. That may be more now that so many people need that particular service. I, myself, would be hauling it back to the retailer until I got one that worked. If they actually work, they work well, from what I have read and experienced with my own (so far).

mercury

03-25-06, 10:26 AM

costco uses Component(i think?)hookup for the picture and it looks great!
since HDMI seems to be so much trouble why not use Component?

love the fact vizio is being great about picking up the Tv`s...tells me they know about the problem and are willing to make it right.

is HDMI that much better?
how many different hookups for vidio are there?
and can you list the order,best to worst!

thanks-

lcubed

03-25-06, 10:42 AM

i traded in my g04 (w/ defective s-video input) for a g08 model last night.
everything works great now. my local costco got another shipment in
on thursday of g04's and their previous allotment of 44 (except for the two under
the display model) had been sold out.

gXX, where g indicates year, and XX indicates week of production.

i'll be getting some more broadcast grade avcables next week and
i'll drag my upconverting dvd player from the real HT to
calibrate the hdmi and the component input used for 720p.

and yes, this dvd player isn't crippled for HD over component.

butkusrules

03-25-06, 11:34 AM

Who got a defective unit and which model number/month of production?
How many people got a good one?

skylark_pilot

03-25-06, 11:42 AM

OnlookerDelay

03-25-06, 12:16 PM

I have a G04 and I've had nary a problem with in 4 days of heavy use. The only possible oddity has been the times it shut down when it had no signal (like when I'd disconnected the cable or the antenna). Once I reconnected whatever source it had lost, it was fine. I thought it might be some sort of protection "feature" so I didn't think twice about it.

The NCAA Tournament basketball games I've watched over the last two nights have been nothing short of breathtaking on this set. I haven't seen any motion blur or artifacting in the heavier action. This erased any perceived weakness I had of this set versus the Pioneer, Panny, and Phillips plasmas I'd seen in the store (although I don't doubt that they'd look even better in my home).

The performance with my XBox 360 has been stellar. Tiger Woods 06 looks incredibly organic on the P42HDTV. Oblivion also looks wonderful. There was a hint of image retention after my son played 2 hours of Oblivion, but the image cleaner took care of it with a 3 minute clean. I have no regrets about my purchase whatsoever... I'd do it again in a heartbeat for the price I paid for it. I might reconsider a few options if I had to pay list for it though.

Pats & Sox fan

03-25-06, 12:30 PM

That's exactly how to tell your cable has a bandwidth problem.
Hey Jim,

That's exactly how to tell your TV has a bandwidth problem!!!

mercury

03-25-06, 12:37 PM

Keep the reviews coming.

lcubed

03-25-06, 01:02 PM

I love my Vizio 42 inch HDTV, great picture and great value.

When connecting a PC (laptop) via RGB I have having some trouble getting a widescreen resolution without it looking stretched. 800x600, 1024x768, and 1280x1024 are all 4:3 resolutions....correct? Eventually I want to connect an HTPC to this plasm...is this going to be an issue?

send it 1280x720 @ 60 Hz over the hdmi or rgb.
the p42hdtv properly interprets this as a 16:9 resolution.
sending 1024x768 streches the 4:3 into a 16:9 image.

PeterDragon

03-25-06, 03:58 PM

Is there any reason to split it three ways to one goes to the regular TV input, one to the DTV input and one to the cable box? My standard definition stations are ok, not great and not bad.

I didnt see if this was answered, but you can't use a 1080i source as the sub (small) source in the PIP or POP;
so I have it split 3 ways, and use the regular TV as the small pic when i want to pip.

PeterDragon

03-25-06, 04:03 PM

Oh come on Jim... the HDMI issues are cropping up with every user. You can't start trying to pass this off on the cabling or the other device. If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck...

FWIW, Ive been using cheap HDMI cable from monoprice from my 8300HD DVR (from Cablevision) with no problem.

Pats & Sox fan

03-25-06, 04:25 PM

Oh come on Jim... the HDMI issues are cropping up with every user. You can't start trying to pass this off on the cabling or the other device. If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck...
Madpoet, well said!

Quack, quack, quack.

Or if you talk to Vizio tech support, just use the component input!

mercury

03-25-06, 04:35 PM

can someone measure the actual screen size of the 42.

width and hight.

thanks-

C. Bucket

03-25-06, 04:46 PM

can someone measure the actual screen size of the 42.

width and hight.

thanks-

36 X 20

spikemasta

03-25-06, 05:32 PM

Anyone try to play xbox on this thing yet? not 360, but just regular one?

I still am getting a weird delay when i play Halo2. Just wondering if anyone had the same problems.

Wadric

03-25-06, 05:58 PM

I picked up my G08 series Vizio at the moment that Costco (Northside, DFW area) opened on March 20th.
They had several already at checkout and on dollies. I managed to stuff it in the trunk
(with fold-down rear seats) of a Pontiac Grand Prix and make it home about 5 miles away.
I also managed to get it in the downstairs garage of my townhouse.
But, then it sat there until Wednesday because I could not safely hoist it (boxed or unboxed) up the stairs by myself.

I put in a minor service call to apartment maintenance, for a window problem, and then asked the maintenance guy
to help me haul it upstairs. He was happy to help and so I set it up that night, rushing so I could catch "Lost" in HD.

The Radio Shack indoor antenna sucked in 34 stations instantly.
"Lost" looked great! The colors seemed vivid (in fact, too vivid) with the default Vivid2 setting.

I hooked up my Oppo DVD using DVI<->HDMI and at 480P, and it looked great, also.
Last night I got my AVE dvd out and carefully readjusted the "user" settings.
It now looks even better with DVDs. My settings seem to be mild compared to what I have read here:

Brightness = 47
Contrast = 47
Color = 41
Tint = 40
Sharpness = 25

After I finished, the demo scenes on AVE looked absolutely great!

I have been watching OTA DTV and DVDs for many hours since,
and, so far, no problems of any kind. I hope my luck holds out!

Wadric

"If you understand, things are just as they are.
If you do not understand, things are just as they are." -Zen saying

vigga

03-25-06, 06:18 PM

Wadric-
Were you able to get the contrast/brightness/etc down to the bottom of the screen so you could see the test patterns or did you have to adjust this through that annoying menu?

C. Bucket

03-25-06, 07:45 PM

Brightness = 47
Contrast = 47
Color = 41
Tint = 40
Sharpness = 25

Gonna give these a try. So far, I think I am liking it better than the higher suggested settings which I was using. Thx.

radlink14

03-25-06, 09:56 PM

hm while playing ghost reacon AW on my 360, i noticed the screen blinked real qucik when it would go dark or light on the screen :/ this kind of annoyed me ><

Wadric

03-25-06, 10:04 PM

Vigga, I have to report that using DVE DVD (with the blue filter) was an ordeal because I couldn't get the
setup menus out of the way while adjusting values. So I had to change settings in increments of 2,
exit the menu, check the results, re-enter the menu, lather, rinse, repeat ad infinitum.

If the setting was very close, then I would tweak it in values of 1.
Yes, it took longer than it should have!

My low settings on my final outcome work very well with DVD movies played back via the Oppo and HDMI.
However, OTA DTV stations sometimes need one of the vivid settings. HD broadcasts (like BBall) look fine
with the low user settings.

My main viewing is movies on DVD, so my settings were definitely influenced by what looked most "film-like".
But I did confirm my color settings by resetting twice using DVE. I never had many false color issues
(it seemed close to D6500 as stated in the Sound & Vision review).
However, greys showed a greenish slant and these adjustments fixed that.

I am happy at this point.

Wadric

Dan-Oh

03-25-06, 10:07 PM

Went to the local Costco to check out the 42" Vizio. It was located next to a Pioneer and 42" Phillips. The Vizio was indeed less vibrant compared to the Phillips, but I preferred the Vizio picture. To my eyes, it had a much more natural and pleasing picture, i.e. the Phillips had a digital look which I did not like. Compared to the Pioneer, the Vizio was quite similar I would have to give the nudge to Pioneer for sharpness, but not by much. I took some photos of the sets and I would post them however, they are over 900 kb and it appears the max is 500 kb. If there is a way around this limit please let me know and I will post.

Black Sunshine

03-25-06, 10:14 PM

Ah. Bummer. I wasn't really sure if the G06-07 would have been an indicator of its goodness. On the back of the TV, what is the month listed for its production line? One guy a few days ago said something like 5 days for a replacement to be shipped. That may be more now that so many people need that particular service. I, myself, would be hauling it back to the retailer until I got one that worked. If they actually work, they work well, from what I have read and experienced with my own (so far).

I commented on the "power off" issues several days ago on this thread. I called Vizio prior to return. Nice "tech" support person offered to send replacement within 2 days or return to THE retailer. I asked if any recommendations for fix to power problem ... he said no.

My first unit was returned within 24 hours for magical off functioning. THE seller of these units was more than happy to make exchange. 1st unit was a G06 with Feb 2006 build. 2nd unit is G07 also Feb 2006 build. Another problem I had with unit 1 was a broken coax connector on back of unit .... simply broke off.

I spoke with the dept mgr and store mgr at THE retailer where I purchased unit. Some feedback I got was related to potential power problems with surge protector boxes shutting down unit and "throwing" surge protector. This of course was not my situation. Additionally, the store had already received 3 units back by mid week for SAME problem ... all G06.

Unit 2 has not had any power off problems.

My 2cents .... a little concerned with life span of Vizio product and company. From a business model perspective what company can stay in business if they have a significant number of defective products ... let alone pay freight/handling to swap in a customers house.

p.s. THE retailer does not have a return for ever policy. Read the sign above customer service desk on way out next time. I asked about the policy and received different answers. In my opinion, THE retailer will (always has in the past) work with customers for a looooong period of time.

The jury is out on this product in my opinion. Picture quality okay, remote less than okay, inputs less than okay, OSD way less than okay (as asked about in other posts)

grizzfan

03-25-06, 10:58 PM

agent2099

03-26-06, 01:20 AM

Well I finally got my Vizio and overall I like it. The picture quality doesn't compare to my Panasonic 53" Rear Projection HDTV but I'm not sure if that's a fair comparison.

HDTV on the Panny was much better, but SD on the Vizio is just as good if not better than the RPTV, which came as a shock.

After AVIA calibration here are my settings:

Brightness: 56
Contrast: 81
Color:45
Tint: 50
Sharpness: 0

DrewTech

03-26-06, 01:51 AM

Well, I worked my way back to C****O this afternoon to look again at the Vizio that I'll never own because of my very resistant "chief of staff". (And on top of that it's my birthday tomorrow!!! She's a tough ole gal, but I love her.) The Visio was in a little cubical by itself, but if one positioned themselves just right he could see the Panasonic 50" next to it followed by a Philips and a couple of other plasmas in view.

I'm telling you people, I could not discern the so-called lesser blacks on the Vizio compared to the Panasonic, period. The colors on the Vizio were more natural and pleasing. I don't get this criticism of the blacks at all. What are people talking about. Black is black and a little grey scale in the black, if that's the problem, is natural in real life.

I asked the roving attendent how many had been returned for one reason or another this week - he said none. There were three left on the pallet.

Well, the Vizio appear from my untrained eye to be one heck of a deal that will just get more expensive in 24 hours. Jump on down there and pick one up. Just remember that in all things, perfect is the enemy of good enough.

Tom

Never say never, grizzfan. I know how stubborn the "chief of staff" can be. Try some the following phrases on her to gain purchase approval.

"If we get this tv, I will let you have control of the remote for a whole month"

"Invite your mother over so that we can all watch movies together"

"If you buy it for me this birthday, you won't have to get me anything for my next birthday"

"I don't want to get the Panasonic one because it costs $2000 more-I would rather get this one and with all that money I save, I'll take you shopping"

GOOD LUCK!

D/T

substance12

03-26-06, 04:59 AM

mercury

03-26-06, 06:52 AM

Slayerbtvs

03-26-06, 11:14 AM

I have an XBOX, which I use to play games and DVD's... I bought the component cables for the XBOX in order to get better quality for both. However, whenever I try retail DVD's in my XBOX, they don't look very good at all. I can see vertical lines throughout the screen. Is the XBOX a suitable DVD player for use with the VIZIO, or should I look to upgrade to a real DVD player. Thanks a lot in advance.

Erazerhead

03-26-06, 11:36 AM

Slayerbtvs

03-26-06, 12:04 PM

I just enabled all 3 in the xbox settings (480p, 720, 1080i), should I have done all three? I also set it for wide screen. I popped in LOTR 2 towers Wide Screen Edition, and I can still see faint lines in the background....when I zoom in to get rid of the top and bottom bars, I see them a bit more...they're faint, but annoy me.... am i seeing things or is there a better setting I should choose?

Gibson lp

03-26-06, 12:08 PM

What does everyone think about the new Maxent MX-42HPM20. Its available for a low COST on a certain CO's website. I am happy with my Viz but this makes me wonder. I saw it at best buy and it def. looked great.

grizzfan

03-26-06, 12:14 PM

Never say never, grizzfan. I know how stubborn the "chief of staff" can be. Try some the following phrases on her to gain purchase approval.

"If we get this tv, I will let you have control of the remote for a whole month"

"Invite your mother over so that we can all watch movies together"

"If you buy it for me this birthday, you won't have to get me anything for my next birthday"

"I don't want to get the Panasonic one because it costs $2000 more-I would rather get this one and with all that money I save, I'll take you shopping"

GOOD LUCK!

D/T

Thanks for the encouragement!!

Well here it is my Birthday morning so I steal downstairs and fix two cups of coffee and get the Sunday paper to take to my little friend of 43 years and she hands me this card.

I open it up and it's a home-made one with a picture of the 42" Vizio HDTV and the words "Guess what your present is for your Birthday". My heart jumps! YESS!! I've won! and I said: "That's really sweet, but maybe we shouldn't get this set right now."

So I open the card and there is a flap that I must turn and it's a picture of her in her New Beetle Convertible with the words: "ME".

Drats! 10 kinds of depression! I'll end up moaping around the house all day. The ole gal really knows how to stick in the knife and twist it!! And she thinks this is hilarious!

Tom

8frames

03-26-06, 12:33 PM

anyone else have any issues with the power shut off? mine went off tonight... but only once and I never had a problem with it before. I've had at least 30hrs of viewing time as well. It is possible that my gf hit the remote with her foot because it was right near swinging up and down... but it makes me cautious.

Long time reader first time poster. Picked up the plasma on Friday, several intermittent shut-offs. Threw in Matrix reloaded to calibrate my sound system, screen went black with sound. I'm calling vizio tomorrow to have them handle. I have basic expanded cable and was able to pick up several local hd contend in addition to a bunch of crappy digital music stations. I wander if I downgraded my cable to the regular local channels only, will I get my same unscrambled hd channels with my coax split? I'll find out soon.
Overall, I'm very happy with this TV. I've learned there's too many variables with HD and epecially plasmas to warrant more money for a more vivid pq. Between, channel compression and light ambient glare to even sitting positions. I'm very happy with this TV, and I'll be more happy when it stops shutting off...I love this site and have learned a ton, I'll post my pics soon when my setup is compete. :D

substance12

03-26-06, 01:03 PM

read back a couple pages.

your not alone.

I did read that. i'm trying to figure out what the exact symptoms were for everyone who did have it. I'm trying to discern whether my shut off was a power supply issue or it was self inflicted. I have had it over a week without any issues...

tmcat

03-26-06, 01:13 PM

I just bought this tv and every thing looks great except for one thing the black bars on the side of a 4:3 broadcast seem large but will go away with a press of the wide button and the picture look fine however on some of the HD broadcast mainly ESPNHD and the local broadcast the black bars will not go away fully. I am using component cables for my stb hookup. If anyone else has had this problem or knows how to fix it please let me know.

Black Sunshine

03-26-06, 02:42 PM

I did read that. i'm trying to figure out what the exact symptoms were for everyone who did have it. I'm trying to discern whether my shut off was a power supply issue or it was self inflicted. I have had it over a week without any issues...

Unless you are pressing the on/off button on remote or side of set then the source of problem is poor manufacturing quality. As stated in my earlier post, a call to tech support offered no solution other than replacement of unit. If a simple solution or setting could cause the power issue I would think Vizio would suggest over swapping unit "in house". Earlier in this string a general discussion of power was covered.

Symptom? Vizio shuts off ....

DrewTech

03-26-06, 04:00 PM

Thanks for the encouragement!!

Well here it is my Birthday morning so I steal downstairs and fix two cups of coffee and get the Sunday paper to take to my little friend of 43 years and she hands me this card.

I open it up and it's a home-made one with a picture of the 42" Vizio HDTV and the words "Guess what your present is for your Birthday". My heart jumps! YESS!! I've won! and I said: "That's really sweet, but maybe we shouldn't get this set right now."

So I open the card and there is a flap that I must turn and it's a picture of her in her New Beetle Convertible with the words: "ME".

Drats! 10 kinds of depression! I'll end up moaping around the house all day. The ole gal really knows how to stick in the knife and twist it!! And she thinks this is hilarious!

Tom

That is worse than Chinese waiter torture! All I can say is, you may have to make an executive decision-[EDIT]

By the way, happy birthday-D/T

agent2099

03-26-06, 05:34 PM

I just enabled all 3 in the xbox settings (480p, 720, 1080i), should I have done all three?

To answer your question, no you should not have enabled 1080i, but unfortunately I don't think that will fix your overall problem.

grizzfan

03-26-06, 06:16 PM

I'll end up moaping around the house all day.

Well the poor pitiful person routine worked!! We BOTH went out to C****O to pick up this set but it wouldn't fit in the truck with the topper on, so a neighbor has a Suburban and we'll use that in a minute or two, IF his wife gets back from an errand in time.

Learned that one cannot lay a plasma carton down flat to transport them as "it will ruin them" according to the C****O TV geek. Wonder if that is the root cause for some of the problems noted. Didn't see any warning on the Vizio package, but it was clearly stamped on the Panny.

Tom

Afergy

03-26-06, 06:33 PM

Picked up the 42HDTV10A from Costco on 2/21/06. Got it home hooked it up and within a few minutes it turned off on its own. Co-worker down in San Diego bought one within minutes of me and had the same problem. The problem corrected itself. Next night I went to turn on and the unit did not respond. Since I live about 25 miles from Vizio's headquarters I called them the next morning. They not only said they would deliver a new set the same day but the VP of Sales was my delivery person. She asked me how I liked the TV and what it was missing. I said 2 HDMI ports would be nice and being able to label the components would help with my always confused wife, who calls me almost daily with questions like; "How do I watch a DVD"? I have not had a problem with the replacement set and am amazed at the PQ based on the price.

intercalate

03-26-06, 07:09 PM

My review

Got it last Monday and am very happy so far. No shut downs at all. I am using all Monoprice cables and doing only OTA with attic antenna.

OTA HD is awesome. Very crisp and vibrant. Whatever washed out look I saw in the store I have forgotten. I don't think the actual picture has changed. Non HD content on the DTV antenna looks better than with my CRT. I love the tv listings built into the set. I have never had this and had no idea that it was available for OTA HDTV. I get all the local stations here in Phoenix - about 15 or so plus some simulcast stuff in SD.

RGB computer with my HTPC is awesome. Never have seen a better picture. Text is very crisp and games look great with no ghosting.

VCR with RCA connect is not that great. DVD with RCAs is pretty bad too. Gamecube with RCA is not too bad.

S-video with with sony minidv camcorder looks ok.

Sony upscaling DVD with component vs HDMI-- I am not sure which looks better. They both look good. The HDMI image is brighter. I can see more details in darker scenes. The colors are much brighter too with HDMI. As far as detail and crispness in normal scenes I can't tell a difference.

Remote - Wish it was backlit but overall very happy with. It now controls my Sony DVD and VCR. My try to get it working with my Receiver soon. Remote is a little picky and sensitive with aiming at the TV.

Sound - I think it sounds good. Will be setting up surround soon after I get all the wiring done. What is the purpose of all the different sound settings such as- concert, hall, living room, theatre, etc?

QUIRKS-
1. Viewing HD OTA 4:3 content I can't stretch it to fit full screen unless I switch to analog TV.
2. PIP and POP are lame. I thought PIP was for when you are watching 2 channels and want to avoid flipping back and forth between commercials. This PIP/POP is for 2 different sources ie DTV and DVD or DTV and RGB etc. Why?
3. Mute, Zoom, menu, etc text stays on the screen until you turn them off.

BTW I am avoiding burn in by enjoying my TV and watching a variety of shows. Forget the silly break in DVDs and VCDs. Going on atleast 25-35 hours and only have had temporary image retention. I have run the whitewash 2 x just for the fun of it. I know several people with plasmas and none did the 100 hour deal and all are fine. Also never seen burnin at any of the big box stores in the last year.

Can't beat it for the price. In the home it looks bigger and better picture. Would buy it again.

bump909

03-26-06, 07:23 PM

Thanks for the encouragement!!

Well here it is my Birthday morning so I steal downstairs and fix two cups of coffee and get the Sunday paper to take to my little friend of 43 years and she hands me this card.

I open it up and it's a home-made one with a picture of the 42" Vizio HDTV and the words "Guess what your present is for your Birthday". My heart jumps! YESS!! I've won! and I said: "That's really sweet, but maybe we shouldn't get this set right now."

So I open the card and there is a flap that I must turn and it's a picture of her in her New Beetle Convertible with the words: "ME".

Drats! 10 kinds of depression! I'll end up moaping around the house all day. The ole gal really knows how to stick in the knife and twist it!! And she thinks this is hilarious!

Tom

what kind of sick joke is that? on your birthday no less! she may find it funny, but does she know how that makes you feel? maybe she'd find it funny if you downgraded her beetle convertible since you can't get the TV. "hey sorry honey, you might not have a cute little car anymore, but you've got ME!"

grizzfan

03-26-06, 09:34 PM

what kind of sick joke is that? on your birthday no less! she may find it funny, but does she know how that makes you feel? maybe she'd find it funny if you downgraded her beetle convertible since you can't get the TV. "hey sorry honey, you might not have a cute little car anymore, but you've got ME!"

Well it all worked out as I mention up top. I've found that 43 years of marriage brings challenges, workin things out and rewards. Vizio is safely in it's carton in the family room waiting for me to do some major furniture and bookcase moving. And, she can do anything she wants in her 'cute little car' 'cause that's the way it is.

Cheers,

Tom

agent2099

03-26-06, 09:35 PM

2nd day with this set and I am starting to like it more and more. Two things that have been a pleasant surprise:

-The SD on this set has turned out to be excellent, showing very little image noise. It blows away my HD RPTV. I don't know if Plasmas tend to handle SD better than CRTs but that has certainly been my experience.

-The remote is much better than I would expect for a Plasma in this price range. It programmed easily and now controls my DVD Player and Cable box (with Guide functioning properly). Unfortunately there is not a Receiver button on the remote but by programming the VCR button as my Receiver, I can turn the receiver on/off via the Vizio remote.

agent2099

03-26-06, 09:41 PM

1. Viewing HD OTA 4:3 content I can't stretch it to fit full screen unless I switch to analog TV.

I think this is a restriction of most HDTVs. I have yet to encouter an HDTV which allows you to stretch an HD source.

2. PIP and POP are lame. I thought PIP was for when you are watching 2 channels and want to avoid flipping back and forth between commercials. This PIP/POP is for 2 different sources ie DTV and DVD or DTV and RGB etc. Why?

I don't quite understand, what did you expect PIP to accomplish?

kubo999

03-26-06, 10:36 PM

My review

Got it last Monday and am very happy so far. No shut downs at all. I am using all Monoprice cables and doing only OTA with attic antenna.

What type/brand of attic antenna are you using? how far are you from the local stations?

I am thinking of trying the TERK HDTVa (amplified) indoor antenna and place it on the attic. From antennaweb site, I need to use the GREEN type and I am 42 miles from the station? Has anybody tried this indoor antenna?

trickknee

03-26-06, 11:16 PM

I went by the C****O Warehouse today being the last day of the sale. I'm still unsure from reading the posts whether I'd be happy with it. It certainly looked good the Saturday before the sale started at one store. Today "Pirates of the Carribbean" was playing on a GoVideo DVD player connected through RCA cables. This was the first time I noticed how "washed out" it looked. Was it because of the tons of flourescent lights in the store? Or the DVD player? Type of connection? Anyways since they sold the last 4 in the 2 hours since I had called, I took the raincheck which is good for 30 days from today--enough time to decide to get it or go for the next best Plasma. Thanks everybody for your posts, keep them coming!

TK

intercalate

03-26-06, 11:27 PM

Agent2099:
I am sure you are right about stretching the picture. To the TV, the 4:3 image with sidebars probably is already stretched as the sidebars are part of the image making it a 16:9 image. If that makes sense.?

I have never had a TV that can do PIP or POP. Let's say I want to watch a show on NBC and then a show on ABC at the same time. Have one in the big screen and the other in the little picture. Then be able to flip back and forth at commercials. Isn't this how older CRT TVs handle PIPs? Why would you want to have DTV big and let's say RGB (computer) or DVD or SD TV in the small screen? Again I have never had PIP so this is only how I imagined it being. I guess the TV would then need 2 DTV tuners to accomplish what I wanted.

Kubo999:
The antenna I bought 7-8 years ago from sears or best buy. It is huge and was rated for 40-60 miles I think. I live probably 25-30 miles away.

At anyrate love the set. Much better than my 12 year old 27inch Zenith! Now just looking for a tilt wall mount.

Beto3645

03-26-06, 11:34 PM

[QUOTE=agent2099]I think this is a restriction of most HDTVs. I have yet to encouter an HDTV which allows you to stretch an HD source.

The new Panasonic 60 series and (most likely) the new 600 series allow stretching HD sources. The stretch modes are called Full, Zoom, Just, and H-Fill. I have the Panny PH-42PX60U and find these stretch modes very useful, specially for the 4:3 HD stations. I have watched the CBS HD March Madness basketball games (well, some of the exciting endings) in Just mode and it is very well done. The picture shows very little distortion.

flapbreaker

03-26-06, 11:39 PM

Well I picked up the last one at my local warehouse members club. The guy said they sold 44 of them this week. I don't know what people are talking about regarding the colors being washed out. My set looks very vibrant right out of the box. This is my second plasma. My other one is the 42" panasonic. I honestly don't think there's that huge of a difference. Honestly people, your stressing over very little. If you were really a high end videophile you wouldn't be considering budget tv's in the first place. For the price you can not even come close in a plasma considering this has built in tuners. I actually like the connectors on this much better than the panny. Mainly the panasonic forces you to plug everything striaght in from the back. This puts undo strain on the cables. The Vizio's ports allow you to plug everything stright up without any bend in the cables. Nice touch. Anyway I'm sure by christmas these sets will be down $300 without the coupon so don't worry if you missed out.

V42

03-26-06, 11:51 PM

Honestly people, your stressing over very little. If you were really a high end videophile you wouldn't be considering budget tv's in the first place.
That's the most inteligent comment I've read in this entire thread! :D

And I agree with you 100%.

agent2099

03-26-06, 11:55 PM

have never had a TV that can do PIP or POP. Let's say I want to watch a show on NBC and then a show on ABC at the same time. Have one in the big screen and the other in the little picture. Then be able to flip back and forth at commercials. Isn't this how older CRT TVs handle PIPs? Why would you want to have DTV big and let's say RGB (computer) or DVD or SD TV in the small screen? Again I have never had PIP so this is only how I imagined it being. I guess the TV would then need 2 DTV tuners to accomplish what I wanted.

Ok I see what you mean.

Yes it needs to be two different sources. This does not necessarily mean you need to purchase another tuner, but you do need two separate sources with their own audio and video.

For example if you have a cable box and a coaxial splitter, you can one run cable to the cable box (and then to the TV via component/S-Video/RCA) and you can run the other cable directly to the TVs coaxial input. This will give you two television signals that are able to display different channels simultaneously.

Wadric

03-27-06, 12:06 AM

Well it all worked out as I mention up top. I've found that 43 years of marriage brings challenges, workin things out and rewards. Vizio is safely in it's carton in the family room waiting for me to do some major furniture and bookcase moving. And, she can do anything she wants in her 'cute little car' 'cause that's the way it is.

Cheers,

Tom

You sound like a quality guy with a good view of life. And I'm glad you got the Vizio.

Happy Birthday.

Wadric

"Nothing is ever the same as they said it would be.
It's the things I've never seen before that I recognize."
- Diane Arbus

capmeo

03-27-06, 12:36 AM

I have had this TV for (5) days now and have played countless hours on my XBOX 360, watched the NCAA tournament in HD, Sopranos in HD and watched Blade Trinity on my progressive scan DVD player. All have looked terrific! I could not be happier with this purchase!

DrewTech

03-27-06, 12:36 AM

That's the most inteligent common I've read in this entire thread! :D

And I agree with you 100%.

I agree with both of you! We're not trying to win the "Top Theater Award" in Electronic House Magazine-we just want a quality picture and save a little cash at the same time. After all, a plasma tv is a superficial need which should be taken lightly. You can't go wrong with buying this plasma. Take that saved money and buy some Walmart stock-you certainly can't go wrong with that.(This idea came from the brilliant mind of my wife!)

D/T

intercalate

03-27-06, 12:55 AM

ydhmailbox-chat

03-27-06, 08:30 AM

How did we ever make a decision on a TV prior to the internet! I know I got caught up in all the hype of what to get and what is the top of the line. I agree, it's just a TV. I feel I got more than what I paid for. Now that I got mine and everything looks good it's time to not look back but to sit back and enjoy HDTV.

As I said in an earlier post, reading all of this stuff can make you crazy. Great info, but in the end other than the bugs reported, picture quality is in the eye of the beholder. I think the VIZIO looks great.

Best Wishes,
ydhmailbox-chat

z.mash

03-27-06, 08:31 AM

I wouldn't agree with that assesment. Please re-read his post and you may too.

I believe his prior post said he had identical problems with a $120 Monster cable. It's possible both cables were bad, but it seems more likely that the problem is with the DVD player or the TV.

bump909

03-27-06, 10:46 AM

does anyone find themselves using different picture settings for component versus hdmi?

zingerhill

03-27-06, 11:22 AM

I've had similar issues using the Xbox as a DVD player. It just doesn't look that good. Sometimes the picture is also a little jerky. I haven't tried another DVD player yet, but will soon. It's too bad since I need one component for my cable box, so I was hoping the Xbox would make a decent DVD player, else I will need to add a switch or get an HDMI cable.

Games on the other hand look great. In particular check out Soul Calibur II. It's HD, but in 4:3 dimensions and looks amazing.

steve3733

03-27-06, 11:39 AM

Well its been a week and I like the set, and my wife loves it. I have come to realize that the washed out look is from exterior light sources. During the day the picture is washed out and at night it is very crisp and clear (still not quite the pop as my LCD had, but very close). Anyway, is everyone aware of the calibration "program" available on the Stars Wars II DVD. Go to settings and click the THX logo. Its not bad, but really didn't help me much. The only thing I did notice was my set cuts off the left hand side of a box that was on the screen in one of the tests. I know there is no way to move the picture except in RGB mode. I am going to call Visio support to try and get it calibrated.

bump909

03-27-06, 01:35 PM

ask them for the service code! :)

ChrisSD2

03-27-06, 01:56 PM

Picked up a G08 model from costco yesterday, and nor problems with shutdowns. PQ is pretty OK sofar. Only thing that annoys me is the lack of stretch modes. Especially in POP mode.

/Chris

Jags73

03-27-06, 02:12 PM

I've had the Vizio for a week now. I had the Fujitsu 42" ED plasma for about a month, but returned it when I saw that I could get the Vizio HD tv and save a significant amount of cash. The picture is great on the Vizio, the only thing I notice is that SD viewing was slightly better on the Fujitsu. But HD viewing from about 12' and closer is better on the Vizio.

My question is this:

Has anyone noticed a definate improvement when viewing HD content via
DVI->HDMI vs. component? I plugged in both to my Motorola MOXI STB and called my wife in to tell me what she thought looked better. She chose the component input. While neither sources are calibrated to anything other than my eye, I have to agree that the image was slightly clearer when viewing via component. Am I doing something wrong?

danemobile

03-27-06, 02:15 PM

I also picked up a G08 model during this weeks introductory sale.
No power problems after 48hrs and hook up was simple. Picture is like night and day in comparison to my 8 year old 32” Toshiba.
The TV is viewed in a room with little or no direct sunlight using SD and S video input.

As a novice on plasma TVs I was curious about one thing.
The film March Of The Penguins comes across with every detail of its bright white ice scenes intact.
Commercials by comparison, where the picture suddenly switches to brilliant white makes the picture washed out and foggy with details disappearing.
Any lettering on the screen almost disappears in a haze of fog.

Settings below
Brightness: 50
Contrast: 50
Color: 45
Tint: 50
Sharpness: 50

Is this a problem or just a peculiarity of plasma displays?

Jim Noyd

03-27-06, 02:47 PM

Jim Noyd

03-27-06, 02:50 PM

steve3733

03-27-06, 03:05 PM

Picture quality from HDMI>HDMI vs component from my Comcast Motorola dual tuner box are identical. The only difference is the sound is louder with HDMI. My box is set to output 1080i in HDMI. No setting for components that I know of. Could be your box. I had a lot of problems with the Motorola DVI>HDMI single tuner box from Comcast. Picture quality on new box is 1000% better. Tech said its because all the channels are digital with the new box vs analog with the other box.

ohohohoh

03-27-06, 05:21 PM

I use antenna to receive local HD. But I always need take more than 3 minutes to get the signal when I turn on the TV every time. Anyone else has the same problem?

Jim Noyd

03-27-06, 05:23 PM

I use antenna to receive local HD. But I always need take more than 3 minutes to get the signal when I turn on the TV every time. Anyone else has the same problem?Have you run a DTV channel scan on the P42HDTV?

wuhungsix

03-27-06, 05:29 PM

Just picked up the Vizio yesterday. I already have a Phillips 7220 from Costco as well and wanted to replace it with the Vizio. I have been having problems with black screens on the Phillips. Right now i have both set up in the living room on OTA reception. One thing that I notice right off the bat is the Phillips looks brighter and has a crisper picture than the Vizio. This is with my Vizio on default settings as well Phillips on tuned down settings. I’m not saying the picture is bad but side by side you can tell a difference. Vizio seems to have a green tint to it.

Things I like about the Vizio:
-Of course the price is a huge factor. $500 difference
-It holds an OTA signal much better than the Phillips
-Menus are much better than the Phillips.
-It has a Volume display bar unlike the Phillips. You think any TV on the market would have one these days.
- Vizio switches channels much faster. Phillips has an annoying delay while it picks up digital signals.

Things I like about the Phillips:
-It physically looks better. Speakers are left and right not on the bottom like Vizio.
-It has a whole lot of inputs and outputs...2HDMIs...jump drive port and easy side access s-video. Kind of disappointed with the lack of side imputes as I use them occasionally so I don’t have to get behind the set.
-It has more options when it comes to screen format. My favorite on the Phillips is the Automatic screen where the set senses the borders of the picture and stretch to fill screen. Vizio has a serious lack of options in this area. As far as I can tell you can zoom in and out to get rid of the black bars.

I broke in my Phillips properly with 100 hours of low contrast and brightness settings but I think imp going to just keep the Vizio on default or whatever looks good to the eyes. If it burns in I will just get rid of it but I doubt it will come to that. I would keep the Phillips if I didn’t have the Black Screen of Death that no one seems to have a solution for. I have grown to love it and I actually feel a bit unfaithful to it after purchasing the Vizio. I think imp going to play with the Vizio for a few days before dropping the ax on the Phillips.

radlink14

03-27-06, 05:33 PM

my antenna did not pick up any OTA HD channels, u sure this has an built in tuner?

lcubed

03-27-06, 05:34 PM

which antenna input is your antenna plugged into??

ohohohoh

03-27-06, 06:19 PM

which antenna input is your antenna plugged into??

DTV

OnlookerDelay

03-27-06, 07:39 PM

You're just seeing the artifacts from the commercials that were mastered as Standard Definition material and upscaled by the stations.

I noticed some strange artifacting on my P42HDTV during some commecials. Several times when watching commercials during the breaks in the NCAA tournament games, I would see the faces of people break down into blocky artifacts very suddenly when walking toward the camera at very close range (like within 2 feet). I attributed it to something funky in the production of the commercial because I didn't see anything even remotely approaching it during the games under similar circumstances (although none of the players got quite as close as 2 feet to the camera).

OnlookerDelay

03-27-06, 07:52 PM

Just picked up the Vizio yesterday. I already have a Phillips 7220 from Costco as well and wanted to replace it with the Vizio. I have been having problems with black screens on the Phillips. Right now i have both set up in the living room on OTA reception. One thing that I notice right off the bat is the Phillips looks brighter and has a crisper picture than the Vizio. This is with my Vizio on default settings as well Phillips on tuned down settings. I’m not saying the picture is bad but side by side you can tell a difference. Vizio seems to have a green tint to it.

I agree with your assessment on both counts, based on my in store comparison. I keep my Vizio tint skewed to 51 or 52 to offset the green tint though... it pretty well compensates for it, at least to my eyes. I don't think about the Vizio not being as vibrant, nor as bright now that I have it at home. It is actually more pleasing than I envisioned it might be in terms of overall PQ.

Things I like about the Phillips:
-It physically looks better. Speakers are left and right not on the bottom like Vizio.

This is a toss-up for me. I'm not a fan of the glossy black and silver scheme of the Vizio, but it's not as conspicuous in my home as I thought it would be. I'd prefer having the speakers on the bottom though (if we must have them at all) as opposed to the side. I haven't seen a big screen HDTV of any type that I like better with the speakers on the side. They just look awkward to me... but that's a completely subjective judgement. I'm sure the opinions are highly polarized on this score.

-It has more options when it comes to screen format. My favorite on the Phillips is the Automatic screen where the set senses the borders of the picture and stretch to fill screen. Vizio has a serious lack of options in this area. As far as I can tell you can zoom in and out to get rid of the black bars.

I would love for the Vizio to have this auto stretch feature. The variety of screen sizes one has to endure while watching HDTV broadcasts is something I wasn't prepared for in the least. I find it terribly disconcerting.... not sure I'll ever get used to it :(

I broke in my Phillips properly with 100 hours of low contrast and brightness settings but I think imp going to just keep the Vizio on default or whatever looks good to the eyes. If it burns in I will just get rid of it but I doubt it will come to that. I would keep the Phillips if I didn’t have the Black Screen of Death that no one seems to have a solution for. I have grown to love it and I actually feel a bit unfaithful to it after purchasing the Vizio. I think imp going to play with the Vizio for a few days before dropping the ax on the Phillips.

Sorry to hear of your woes with the Phillips. I bet you'll find just as many Vizio owners with similar experiences. I feel very fortunate to have somehow scored what appears to be a flawless P42HDTV, based on some of the reports I've read. But as always, forums tend to draw more of those who have complaints (justified in most cases) rather than raves.

OnlookerDelay

03-27-06, 07:57 PM

My question is this:

Has anyone noticed a definate improvement when viewing HD content via
DVI->HDMI vs. component? I plugged in both to my Motorola MOXI STB and called my wife in to tell me what she thought looked better. She chose the component input. While neither sources are calibrated to anything other than my eye, I have to agree that the image was slightly clearer when viewing via component. Am I doing something wrong?

I'm curious to read some feedback on this as well. I just ordered HD service from my cable provider. It will be installed on Thursday. They use the Pioneer Voyager as their STB. I can find very little information or reviews on this box on the Internet. It comes ready for component connection, so that's where I'll start. From what the customer service rep told me, it has DVI capability, but not HDMI. I'm wondering if it's worth the gamble to buy a DVI cable, only to experience some of the strange phenomena that some have reported with it, or even a perceived reduction in PQ, as you experienced.

darkVaderSF

03-27-06, 08:10 PM

Hi,

I've read a lot of previous postings indicating that their Vizio P42 suddenly turned itself off within 1 hr. I am not sure if anyone has found the solution to this issue in the past postings, but I sure did!

I just bought 2 of these suckers (one for my parents-in-law and one for me) this past Friday, and the one I was planning to keep for myself immediately hit this issue right out of the box. The TV shut off itself in ~1 hr of watching TV. I pulled the plug, pluged it back in, turned the TV on, and the same thing happened 3 times! Both TVs that I bought have the latest serial# and were built in Feb. 2006, but the one for my parents-in-law had no issue!

I began to think that this maybe related to the "sleep" feature and maybe some Vizio's P42 came out of the factory with a glitch where the chip logic thinks it is on a different sleep mode (i.e. sleep after 1 hr setting). I immediately went to the sleep feature, set the "sleep" to "off", and click "enter" on the remote. Amazingly, the TV did not turn itself off after 3-4 hours of running continuously! I turned the TV off and then on again, and the TV behaved normally without any issue. So far after 3 days of usage, the "unexplanation TV turning off" issue never resurface.

So I guess my intuition about the "sleep" function glitch is correct. I hope this help some of you out there who thinks the TV has an unfixable issue that I experience. Simply playing with the sleep function can save you a lot of hassle, time, and effort than to haul the darn thing back to the vendor for a refund/exchange.

bump909

03-27-06, 08:35 PM

thanks for the feedback! i don't have the problem myself but i would hope that is the issue for many people, only i seriously doubt it. vizio would be having people up and running in no time. instead they are giving them the option of returning it to the store from which it came or having a new set sent to them.

hopefully someone else can try this and see what happens!

djinn

03-28-06, 01:10 AM

z.mash

03-28-06, 07:57 AM

ohdanny

03-28-06, 09:52 AM

I'm curious to read some feedback on this as well. I just ordered HD service from my cable provider. It will be installed on Thursday. They use the Pioneer Voyager as their STB. I can find very little information or reviews on this box on the Internet. It comes ready for component connection, so that's where I'll start. From what the customer service rep told me, it has DVI capability, but not HDMI. I'm wondering if it's worth the gamble to buy a DVI cable, only to experience some of the strange phenomena that some have reported with it, or even a perceived reduction in PQ, as you experienced.

I think it's worth it to get the DVI - HDMI cable, mainly because it's pretty cheap! I just got my HDMI - HDMI cables yesterday from monoprice for my Motorola DVR box and set it up. I've got a Samsung DVD player hooked up by component. I am absolutely, completely thrilled with the picture quality of both.

HD programming with the HDMI cables is stunning. The picture initially looks softer than it did with the component cables, but once I changed some of the settings I was thrilled. I've got digital cable and as many have mentioned, some of the channels look great and others not so great. I think the fact that you can watch HD makes turning on SD really upsetting. I admit that I do all I can to avoid SD programs now simply because I'd rather watch beavers on Discovery HD than anything else in SD!!

I put in Return of the King last night on DVD and after making quite a few input changes I am entirely more pleased with the Vizio picture than I expected to be. When I first got the TV I resigned myself to the idea that the blacks were going to be less than average. While there are certainly much, much better plasmas out there with regard to black levels I am very happy with what this $1500 set can do. I have it in the basement so light isn't much of a problem. I changed the dvd player from progressive to interlace and the picture improved, which I assume means the TV does a better job than the dvd player.

AVIA is on its way and I can't wait to get the set even better calibrated. There will always be people that are unhappy with any TV, but count me as one that couldn't be more pleased with the Vizio. I've had no problems and feel that the set has surpassed my expectations. Several friends have come to see it and their jaws (literally) dropped. If you want to use this for HD programming and movies I think you'll be overjoyed.

Sparco

03-28-06, 11:33 AM

I finally hooked up my Vizio with cheap connectors and digital cable. It takes me a while to do anything. I was surprised how good the picture looked. I was expecting much worse. It did turn itself off during the first 2 hours though..

ohdanny

03-28-06, 11:45 AM

Sparco, check out darkVader's post above, especially if you continue to have the shut-off problem. Would be interesting to confirm if the sleep function is causing the problem.

mrhan

03-28-06, 11:52 AM

OnlookerDelay

03-28-06, 12:03 PM

Hi, I have Comcast analog cable in the SF Bay Area. I thought that the tuner in this Vizio would be able to pull HD in the clear channels even off analog cable. All I can get are SD and music channels. Was I wrong in this? Do I have to upgrade to digial service?

Thanks for any insight.

Are you connecting your analog cable connection to the DTV connection on your Vizio? It doesn't sound like it should work but I get 4 HD channels (the local ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC affiliates) with my analog cable doing it this way. They are spectacular, and I don't suffer the occasional signal loss problems when I pick them up OTA with my indoor antenna. Unfortunately, it wasn't quite enough so I decided to sign up of Digital HD cable service. The results sold me on digital cable, so maybe there's a motive to their letting a few channels "leak" through the encryption? ;)

Sparco

03-28-06, 12:59 PM

Sparco, check out darkVader's post above, especially if you continue to have the shut-off problem. Would be interesting to confirm if the sleep function is causing the problem.
Thanks for pointing that out. I'll give it a try.

djinn

03-28-06, 01:08 PM

I'm here in San Jose and I tested it without the box. I plugged the coaxial into the DTV imput and it was able to get all the HD channels that Comcast offers. FOX, NBC, CBS, ABC, INHD, INHD2, KRON, PBS, Discovery and ESPN HD signals come through. Only reason I'm using the box is because I also get HBO HD.

That was what I was hoping would happen for me. But no luck. I do get quite a few DTV channels, but all in 480i

djinn

03-28-06, 01:10 PM

Are you connecting your analog cable connection to the DTV connection on your Vizio? It doesn't sound like it should work but I get 4 HD channels (the local ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC affiliates) with my analog cable doing it this way. They are spectacular, and I don't suffer the occasional signal loss problems when I pick them up OTA with my indoor antenna. Unfortunately, it wasn't quite enough so I decided to sign up of Digital HD cable service. The results sold me on digital cable, so maybe there's a motive to their letting a few channels "leak" through the encryption? ;)

I'm splitting my analog cable connection into 2. One I plug into the TV coax connector and the other into the DTV coax connector. It's able to find a lot of channels on the DTV connection, over 100 in fact. But quite a few are just music channels and the rest are all in 480i.

mrhan

03-28-06, 02:44 PM

That was what I was hoping would happen for me. But no luck. I do get quite a few DTV channels, but all in 480i

Mmmm. That's odd but I've heard that Comcast has different services in other areas. For example, in Milpitas which the border is just 5 miles north of my house they don't get Comcast On Demand. My friend is really pissed since the commercials say if you have their digital box it's an included feature. We pay exactly the same amount on our bills but he's paying for something he's not getting.

Eagles Dare

03-28-06, 03:03 PM

I'm splitting my analog cable connection into 2. One I plug into the TV coax connector and the other into the DTV coax connector. It's able to find a lot of channels on the DTV connection, over 100 in fact. But quite a few are just music channels and the rest are all in 480i.

I think every area is different. Most seem to get the local networks in HD though. I get ABC,CBS,Fox,NBC,PBS, and the WB in HD with the cheapest cable subscription offered ($7 a month). I also get several digital SD channels, and all the Music Choice channels.

Other areas report also receiving the INHD channels, ESPN, TNT, and Discovery HD. I wish I did, as one of the INHD channels switches to NESN HD when the Sox are playing.

djinn

03-28-06, 04:51 PM

I think every area is different. Most seem to get the local networks in HD though. I get ABC,CBS,Fox,NBC,PBS, and the WB in HD with the cheapest cable subscription offered ($7 a month). I also get several digital SD channels, and all the Music Choice channels.

Other areas report also receiving the INHD channels, ESPN, TNT, and Discovery HD. I wish I did, as one of the INHD channels switches to NESN HD when the Sox are playing.

Hmmm I was hoping there was something I wasn't doing, or maybe something wrong with the set. But maybe San Francisco Comcast just doesn't transmit HD over analog cable.

Thanks for replying.

Eagles Dare

03-28-06, 05:43 PM

Hmmm I was hoping there was something I wasn't doing, or maybe something wrong with the set. But maybe San Francisco Comcast just doesn't transmit HD over analog cable.

Thanks for replying.

If you're picking up digital SD & music channels, I don't think there's anything wrong with your setup. There shouldn't be any additional settings on the TV to dicern between a SD and HD digital broadcast. At least on my Zenith there isn't.

Have you tried seeing what you can pick up off-air with rabbit ears?

djinn

03-28-06, 06:50 PM

If you're picking up digital SD & music channels, I don't think there's anything wrong with your setup. There shouldn't be any additional settings on the TV to dicern between a SD and HD digital broadcast. At least on my Zenith there isn't.

Have you tried seeing what you can pick up off-air with rabbit ears?

Tried it with that Zenith Arrow like Antenna, but the TV is in my basement and probably too shielded to pick up any OTA signals.

grizzfan

03-28-06, 06:58 PM

After talking to the Vizio tech rep this afternoon, I'm even more confused. :confused:

Simply, where do I plug in to the set my cable TV coax and the coax off my UHF/VHF antenna for HDTV or is there a better lash-up?

I have a Bresnan digital TV box of unk brand as I'm at the office right now.

Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated.

Tom

ctsooner

03-28-06, 07:40 PM

grizzfan.

I assume your cable just hooking up the cable from the wall not through a set top box. In that case I would hook up cable to the regular TV input (you will get the "regular" signals) and the antenna to the DTV input to scan for over the air HDTV signals.

However, here is one wrinkle to throw in. If your cable company sends your local HDs in the clear you can split the cable signal and hook up one end to the DTV input and one to the TV input.

The one fault I found of the TV is you can't combine these two inputs. You will need to switch between inputs to watch regular cable and HDTV signals. That is why I decided to go out and get a HDTV set top box from my cable company.

comxpert

03-28-06, 07:52 PM

I got mine on Monday 3/20 from Costco and didn't hook it up until the Friday night. I am very happy with SD picture. It is much better than I expected. I bought a HDTV ready antenna from Radio Shack (MSRP $29.99). Hooked it up to the DTV/CAble in and scan dtv. It was able to pick up a dozen of channels off the air. HDTV over the air is extremely clear and great picture. I love it. Mine also cut off the power three or 4 times on the 1st and 2nd days. But it did not happen again until now. I don't really care about this problem for now because I know Costco will take it back anytime and get me a newer one if this problem repeats again. This is really a great buy from CC!

Update: I notice the plasma shuts off itself when the house A/C kicks off. It also happened when I turn on the Vacuum cleaner. So I think this is a safety feature and I don't worry about it.

agent2099

03-28-06, 08:16 PM

grizzfan.
The one fault I found of the TV is you can't combine these two inputs.

I'm not sure if that is a fault of the TV or a technical impossibility.

joker77

03-28-06, 09:20 PM

Whats up people! I want to thank all of you for your input, advice, opinions, etc. regarding this unit. This thread was a huge influence on my decision on purchasing it....I hooked it up this weekend and everything seems good. The SD is much better than I thought it was going to be. My Moto Dual Tuner DVR HD 6214 set top box and DVD player are hooked up via component. Still pondering whether I should switch to HDMI with my set top box. If I truly will get better picture quality than maybe I will but I'm hoping to get more feedback from you guys regarding this. I'm still somewhat confused as to what kind of setting adjustments would be necessary if I decide to do it. If anything, the switch will make make my set up appear cleaner 'cause of the reduction of wires behind my tv stand.

The one concern I have is something that happened to me the other day.. ...as I was watching an HD program broadcasted in a widescreen format (black bars on top and bottom) I noticed these 1" x 1" (approx.) white boxes appearing on the lower portion of the screen within the black bar area. Sometimes it would flicker then disappear. At other times it would jump positions, first appearing on the left then making its way towards the right.

My question for all of you is.....what the hell is this phenomenon? I haven't witnessed it since, but it sure is bugging the hell out of me. Is this what people consider "picture noise" or "picture trash" or "pixelation"? By no means am I a video expert. This is my first plasma and it'll probably be my only one for a very long time. I just want to be sure it isn't a manufacturer defect.

I'd appreciate any feedback you guys could give me regarding any of the above. Thanks again...y'all rock!

grizzfan

03-28-06, 10:11 PM

After talking to the Vizio tech rep this afternoon, I'm even more confused.

Simply, where do I plug in to the set my cable TV coax and the coax off my UHF/VHF antenna for HDTV or is there a better lash-up?

I have a Bresnan digital TV box of unk brand as I'm at the office right now.

Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated.

Tom

I wasn't too precise in my original question: <B>Where do I plug in the coax off the digital cable box and where do I plug in the HDTV Antenna coax?</B> The Quick Start card shows a splitter hovering near the DTV plug, but makes little sense because of that which is marked "in" and "out" on the pictured splitter. The tech guy kept talking about the red-white-yellow cables and I didn't understand that one bit. There are a series of 6 colored RCA type jacks on the back of the Motorola Interactive Digital Box and a plugged-of optical plug, but no HMDI jack.

Can anyone help here?

Thanks,

Tom

gscavezze

03-28-06, 11:05 PM

For any C***o employees that might be reading, do you think the set will go on sale again in the near future or do you think the price will drop to the sale price permanately?

I just heard about the set and the sale today and missed the boat. The other TV I have been looking at the the 42" Akai pdp4225m at S*** ***b for the price the Vizio was on sale for, but it doesn't have the built in tuners and I am not sure about the panel life.

What to do??? :(

EDIT: It appears C***o now has the Maxtent MX-42HPM20 on sale for the same price the Vizio was on sale for and the Akai sells for. It appears to have similar specs to the Akai. No tuner, but the Akai has 1024 x 1024 resolution (weird) and the specs show a 2d filter, instead of 3d? My head is going to explode.....

Timd261

03-29-06, 02:03 AM

I have been a long time lurker of this forum and have gained valuable information from here. This is my first contribution to the site. I had originally bought a Phillips plasma form C****O a couple of months ago. I was completely content with it until it started turning off by itself. I returned it and waited for the sale on the Vizio, which I purchased last week. Right out of the box, it was turning off by itself. I was beginning to think that all plasma TV's had this problem. I called Vizio on Thursday of last week to advise them of my problem. I did not return it to the Greensboro,NC store because they were sold out. I liked the look of the TV better than the Phillips and wanted to at least try one more before going back to LCD. The Vizio rep stated they would ship another one to me. It arrived from CA to NC in 5 days. It was delivered and set up in my home. This TV must have been straight off the assembly line as the date of manufacture is March 2006. I have been reading about G06,G07,etc. Well, this is a G10. Yes, it is a G10. Maybe I am imagining things, but the picture appears better than the one I just returned. I am watching it primarily through HDMI at 720p and ocassionally at 1080i. It has been playing all day and now most of the night without any problems. It has a very good picture, but maybe not quite as sharp as the Phillips. However, it was $500 less than the Phillips and there is definitely not $500 worth of difference in the picture quality by my eyes. I think this is the best bargain on the market for now. By the way, my brother-in-law just bought a Panny 42PX60U yesterday from CC for [EDIT] + tax and they saddled him with monster cables and an extended warranty. Twice the price and he does not have PIP or POP. I have seen the the new Panny and the picture is nice. I like the style of the Vizio better (my opinion). If I thought the Panny was worth the difference, I would go buy it. The Vizio is still a better deal. :)

kubo999

03-29-06, 03:03 AM

I have connected my computer thru both the RGB and HDMI input and I cant seem to have the VIZIO display in 16:9 format. I've played around with the resolution, have used 1280x720, 1024x768, but still, when the Vizio is set to NORMAL, the display remains like that of 4:3. Has anybody successfully connected a computer and have it display on 16:9 format on NORMAL mode? Or do I really need to set it to WIDE? The computer is my only HDMI source (using DVI to HDMI cable) at the moment. Id appreciate any input.

mercury

03-29-06, 05:38 AM

For any Costco employees that might be reading, do you think the set will go on sale again in the near future or do you think the price will drop to around $1500 permanately?

I just heard about the set and the sale today and missed the boat. The other TV I have been looking at the the 42" Akai at Sam's Club for the price the Vizio was on sale for, but it doesn't have the built in tuners and I am not sure about the panel life.

What to do??? :(

what state do you live in?

gscavezze

03-29-06, 08:14 AM

what state do you live in?

Utah.

z.mash

03-29-06, 08:26 AM

I wasn't too precise in my original question: <B>Where do I plug in the coax off the digital cable box and where do I plug in the HDTV Antenna coax?</B> The Quick Start card shows a splitter hovering near the DTV plug, but makes little sense because of that which is marked "in" and "out" on the pictured splitter. The tech guy kept talking about the red-white-yellow cables and I didn't understand that one bit. There are a series of 6 colored RCA type jacks on the back of the Motorola Interactive Digital Box and a plugged-of optical plug, but no HMDI jack.

Can anyone help here?

Thanks,

Tom

Hopefully others can more artfully explain this, but here are the basics:
The only thing you should be connecting to the coax inputs on the Vizio (i.e., the "TV" or "DTV" inputs) is either an external antenna or a direct line from the cable company. When you connect something to the coax inputs (i.e., "TV" or "DTV"), the Vizio's internal tuner will take the signal, which contains all of the channels, and display it on the screen.

When you connect the direct cable line to a cable box, it is the cable box that is taking the signal and pulling out the individual channels. The video signal that the cable box outputs needs to go to a non-tuner input, which is either composite (yellow video RCA jack), component (red, green, and blue video RCA jacks) or HDMI (funky looking jack). The audio signal that it outputs also needs to be connected to the TV, but let's hold off on that for now.

So, look on the back of your cable box. If there is a yellow plug, that is composite output. This is the worst quality of the three I mentioned above. If you have a red, green, and blue set of plugs, connect these to the corresponding component inputs on the Vizio (red->red, green->green, blue->blue) using any old RCA cables you have laying around. This should get you a picture from your cable box. You would then use the channel control buttons on the cable box to change the channel. If that works, check back in and we'll go from there.

Does that help?

ohdanny

03-29-06, 09:21 AM

Whats up people! I want to thank all of you for your input, advice, opinions, etc. regarding this unit. This thread was a huge influence on my decision on purchasing it....I hooked it up this weekend and everything seems good. The SD is much better than I thought it was going to be. My Moto Dual Tuner DVR HD 6214 set top box and DVD player are hooked up via component. Still pondering whether I should switch to HDMI with my set top box. If I truly will get better picture quality than maybe I will but I'm hoping to get more feedback from you guys regarding this. I'm still somewhat confused as to what kind of setting adjustments would be necessary if I decide to do it. If anything, the switch will make make my set up appear cleaner 'cause of the reduction of wires behind my tv stand.

Glad to hear you're happy as well. I would definitely get the HDMI cables. I think the picture looks better, although not remarkably so. It definitely helps clean up the mess of wires, but you can get the sucker at monoprice for under $15. That's a no brainer to me. It's not a major investment either way.

I'm looking forward to getting the AVIA disk to help calibrate the TV. I know people mentioned using INHD on Saturday mornings at 7 (EST) to calibrate the picture. I think I'll program the DVR to pick it up. Has anyone here tried this with this set? Just curious if others have calibrated theirs and if they're impressed with the results.

grizzfan

03-29-06, 09:49 AM

I'm not a Costco employee but I noted that as the sale ended on Sunday the Vizio website upped the price from $1,799 to $1,899 probably based on demand and sales success!!

Tom

grizzfan

03-29-06, 09:54 AM

z.mash said:
If that works check back in and we'll go from there. Does that help?

Thanks a million z.mash. My Vizio is still in the box - did retrieve the manuals though - and must move furniture this weekend to make things fit. I believe I understand your post and will try to emulate it - else I'll accept your offer to check back in!!

Tom

Boom3474

03-29-06, 10:11 AM

First time poster, long time lurker.
I was one of the late arrivals at my local C****o (Houston, TX) and all I got was a rain check ticket. I know it's only been 4 days but the excitement got the best of me and I am beginning to worry that I will not ever get this TV. I called the warehouse yesterday night and they didn't even show that they have any on order.
Anybody in the same boat with me?

Is there anybody here related to the Warehouse that can tell me that they have some on the way?

Thanks in advance!

araponur

03-29-06, 10:25 AM

I am not sure as to why I can't get the audio to work with an DVI to HDMI cable (from monoprice) with my cox Motorola HDcable receiver. I tried one red/white audio cable I had at home and that didn't work. So I went and got another one (AR brand audio cable) and again no luck.

I am sure I am doing something wrong or using the wrong cable or something. But I don't know what that is...

Let me know if you have any suggestions. Thanks...

Hopefully others can more artfully explain this, but here are the basics:
The only thing you should be connecting to the coax inputs on the Vizio (i.e., the "TV" or "DTV" inputs) is either an external antenna or a direct line from the cable company. When you connect something to the coax inputs (i.e., "TV" or "DTV"), the Vizio's internal tuner will take the signal, which contains all of the channels, and display it on the screen.

When you connect the direct cable line to a cable box, it is the cable box that is taking the signal and pulling out the individual channels. The video signal that the cable box outputs needs to go to a non-tuner input, which is either composite (yellow video RCA jack), component (red, green, and blue video RCA jacks) or HDMI (funky looking jack). The audio signal that it outputs also needs to be connected to the TV, but let's hold off on that for now.

So, look on the back of your cable box. If there is a yellow plug, that is composite output. This is the worst quality of the three I mentioned above. If you have a red, green, and blue set of plugs, connect these to the corresponding component inputs on the Vizio (red->red, green->green, blue->blue) using any old RCA cables you have laying around. This should get you a picture from your cable box. You would then use the channel control buttons on the cable box to change the channel. If that works, check back in and we'll go from there.

Does that help?

bump909

03-29-06, 10:26 AM

z.mash said:

Thanks a million z.mash. My Vizio is still in the box - did retrieve the manuals though - and must move furniture this weekend to make things fit. I believe I understand your post and will try to emulate it - else I'll accept your offer to check back in!!

Tom

Tom, definitely take a look at the manual when you have a chance.. the different connections are put into easy to understand diagrams which should help you greatly.

z.mash

03-29-06, 11:30 AM

Slayerbtvs

03-29-06, 11:42 AM

Chriš

03-29-06, 12:29 PM

mitch672

03-29-06, 12:37 PM

Serial # decoded

The "G" I beleive is the year (2006 in this case), the next 2 digits "06", "10" etc, are the week it was built in, i.e. the 10th week of 2006, or March 5th to the 10th,
gives you a good idea when your set was manufactured. I had the same issue, and Vizio actually sent out a replacement set, even though I called them and cancelled it the same day.. Apparantly they are not too good at cancelling a shipment... my local warehouse still had inventory, so an in-store swap was quicker. My 1st unit, a G05, would power on, and the plasma screen would not power up... if you unplugged it for a bit, it would work. The replacement I picked up is a G08, and it works just fine. Either their QC is getting better, or they have been making changes as they go in the mfr line (more likely)..

Mitch

IThis TV must have been straight off the assembly line as the date of manufacture is March 2006. I have been reading about G06,G07,etc. Well, this is a G10. Yes, it is a G10.

comxpert

03-29-06, 01:27 PM

I have the Denon DVD 1920 with component cables connected. The picture is amazingly good. It is very close to HDTV! I find that it's best with "Video 3" progressive scan mode on this player. This player can play SACD and DVD-A but not divx. It employs Farouja chipset that upconverts video to HD format. I love the video!

Another player/recorder combo I really recommend is the LiteOn dvd recorder available at Costco. MSRP is around $150 and it can do progressive scan plus DIVX. It can also record video/audio into any recordable disks (cd, dvd+/- r/rw)

Can anyone reccommend a good DVD player (either upscaling or Progressive scan)..I've determined my XBOX isn't very good at playing DVD's for whatever reason (after testing a different progressive DVD player with the component connections). I can either plug by SA8300 into the HDMI port, or plug a new DVD player into this port, just not sure which is the wisest decision, especially with the upcomming HD DVD wars comming up. Sorry for being so confused, it's my nature. Thanks in advance, not looking to break the bank here either. I also would like it to play DIVX, i've read that the cheaper upscalers cannot do it well, and that upscaling is only as good as the upscaler on your television, so do I need an upscaling DVD player with the Vizio?
Matt

wxw101

03-29-06, 01:29 PM

tmdlkwd

03-29-06, 02:18 PM

Any one get the 5x1 HDMI adapter at monoprice yet?

Curious to see if there is some review on this adapter when used on the Vizio.

AtlantaAllen

03-29-06, 03:45 PM

Moto 6412 definitely has an hdmi output. I'm using component to one tv and hdmi to a projector.

Allen

ohdanny

03-29-06, 04:27 PM

Hello, are you sure that the motorola 6214 box has a HDMI connection. Mine doesn't and I have had it for about 8 months.
Do you have a newer box that now has the HDMI connection. Thanks.

I just checked the Comcast site because I definitely have an HDMI connection on my dual tuner HD Motorola box. I just didn't know if I had the 6412. The site links you to Motorola and they give the specs on the 6412 dual tuner HD box with DVI connection. That is really strange. I think the answer is that they recently started making those boxes with an HDMI connection instead of DVI. If you want to switch I bet you can take it to a local Comcast office and switch it. Not sure if it's worth it, but if you're having problems with the DVI connection I'd definitely give it a try.

joker77

03-29-06, 04:36 PM

I just checked the Comcast site because I definitely have an HDMI connection on my dual tuner HD Motorola box. I just didn't know if I had the 6412. The site links you to Motorola and they give the specs on the 6412 dual tuner HD box with DVI connection. That is really strange. I think the answer is that they recently started making those boxes with an HDMI connection instead of DVI. If you want to switch I bet you can take it to a local Comcast office and switch it. Not sure if it's worth it, but if you're having problems with the DVI connection I'd definitely give it a try.

Yeah my Moto 6412 definitely has an HDMI connection. There is no DVI connection. From what I understand there is an older 6412 model and a newer 6412 model. The newer ones have the HDMI connection. While I was reading through the threads it was driving me nuts when people were talking about DVI on their 6412 'cause mine didn't have this connection. Did some research and I think its just matter of having the older vs the newer.

denary

03-29-06, 04:42 PM

Yeah my Moto 6412 definitely has an HDMI connection. There is no DVI connection. From what I understand there is an older 6412 model and a newer 6412 model. The newer ones have the HDMI connection. While I was reading through the threads it was driving me nuts when people were talking about DVI on their 6412 'cause mine didn't have this connection. Did some research and I think its just matter of having the older vs the newer.

I picked up my set on Sunday and will be switching from DirecTv to Comcast (I don't want to do this and loose my dual tuner DirecTivo....but Comcast has the HD advantage and I must).

Anyway...when I call Comcast for the install - Do I assume that I need to get the 6412 box as i am going with the PVR that Comcast offers...but do I need to be certain that I get one that has the HDMI connection?

tmdlkwd

03-29-06, 04:55 PM

I picked up my set on Sunday and will be switching from DirecTv to Comcast (I don't want to do this and loose my dual tuner DirecTivo....but Comcast has the HD advantage and I must).

I hear You!

This is the where I am at right now with DTV as well.
I have 4 DTivo's and I " have " to get the NFL Ticket too.

Decisions

I may just go with Comcast right now. Then hopefully, or possibly switch back to DTV back in the Fall?

I am still going to call DTV's retention Dept to see what can be offered, as far as the HR10-250's...

Sorry about the slight off-topic..

mitch672

03-29-06, 05:02 PM

You have a third choice: Dish Network. I have them, and have for a while, currently they have the largest number of HD channels of any provider, since they picked up 15 of the Voom channels. They have the other usual ones as well, HDNet/HDNet movies, Universal HD, TNT HD, Discovery HD, HBO HD, Showtime HD, ESPN HD, ESPN2 HD, 1 HD PPV channel ($5.95) etc, there are a few more I forgot..

make sure you get a 622 (Dual tuner DVR, with HDMI output), or the 211, which is the single tuner, non DVR version (both MPEG4).

I have the 622, works pretty well, since the latest software update.

http://www.dishnetwork.com/content/programming/dishhd/index.shtml

Mitch

I picked up my set on Sunday and will be switching from DirecTv to Comcast (I don't want to do this and loose my dual tuner DirecTivo....but Comcast has the HD advantage and I must).

Anyway...when I call Comcast for the install - Do I assume that I need to get the 6412 box as i am going with the PVR that Comcast offers...but do I need to be certain that I get one that has the HDMI connection?

ohdanny

03-29-06, 05:08 PM

Anyway...when I call Comcast for the install - Do I assume that I need to get the 6412 box as i am going with the PVR that Comcast offers...but do I need to be certain that I get one that has the HDMI connection?

Quite frankly I doubt the numbskulls that answer the phone will have the answer for you. If you get the dual tuner HD box, I'd be pretty confident that you're getting the HDMI connection. If you're there during setup the Comcast rep doing the installation will understand what you want. Unless they're only releasing the HDMI boxes in certain markets... I guess it can't hurt to ask on the phone. If you get a dope you can always call back or ask for a supervisor.

tr6

03-29-06, 05:28 PM

Hello araponur,
I had the same problem with no audio when I used the dvi to hdmi cable. What you have to do is go into the menu, go to audio adjust menu and scroll down to audio source and change it from hdmi to dvi. Hope that helps.

bump909

03-29-06, 06:05 PM

DVI does not carry an audio signal, but if you already knew that and have another way of getting audio try checking the volume settings on your stb.

avsben

03-29-06, 06:12 PM

I bought myself an antenna and have been watching my HD over the air. This allows me to wtach HD programming while I wait to figure out what DirecTV is going to do with their mpeg4 DVR. Plus, I'm still under contract with Direc. I also am not sure I want to make the switch and lose the march madness package they offer. It's kind of a PITA not to be able to record HD programming, though.

I hear You!

This is the where I am at right now with DTV as well.
I have 4 DTivo's and I " have " to get the NFL Ticket too.

Decisions

I may just go with Comcast right now. Then hopefully, or possibly switch back to DTV back in the Fall?

I am still going to call DTV's retention Dept to see what can be offered, as far as the HR10-250's...

Sorry about the slight off-topic..

tr6

03-29-06, 06:18 PM

DVI does not carry an audio signal, but if you already knew that and have another way of getting audio try checking the volume settings on your stb.
I do know that, you must feed the audio to the right and left rca type jacks that are next to the hdmi input.

joker77

03-29-06, 06:44 PM

Quite frankly I doubt the numbskulls that answer the phone will have the answer for you. If you get the dual tuner HD box, I'd be pretty confident that you're getting the HDMI connection. If you're there during setup the Comcast rep doing the installation will understand what you want. Unless they're only releasing the HDMI boxes in certain markets... I guess it can't hurt to ask on the phone. If you get a dope you can always call back or ask for a supervisor.

I agree. As long as you verify that you are getting the Dual Tuner HD 6412 box I'm sure you'll be getting the most recent version w/the HDMI output.

wxw101

03-29-06, 07:29 PM

I just checked the Comcast site because I definitely have an HDMI connection on my dual tuner HD Motorola box. I just didn't know if I had the 6412. The site links you to Motorola and they give the specs on the 6412 dual tuner HD box with DVI connection. That is really strange. I think the answer is that they recently started making those boxes with an HDMI connection instead of DVI. If you want to switch I bet you can take it to a local Comcast office and switch it. Not sure if it's worth it, but if you're having problems with the DVI connection I'd definitely give it a try.

Thank for the reply

I believe that you may be right in that your box maybe a newer one with HDMI. Mine however is true to the comcast online spec.
Anyhow, I'm not really sure that I'm missing much having a component connection in stead of HDMI.
HDTV is very, very, very nice, "digital" channels are nice and SD is mostly ok. I guess I really can't complain other that to say that Feb 17th 2009 can't get here fast enough.

C. Bucket

03-29-06, 07:42 PM

Thank for the reply

I believe that you may be right in that your box maybe a newer one with HDMI. Mine however is true to the comcast online spec.
Anyhow, I'm not really sure that I'm missing much having a component connection in stead of HDMI.
HDTV is very, very, very nice, "digital" channels are nice and SD is mostly ok. I guess I really can't complain other that to say that Feb 17th 2009 can't get here fast enough.

Comcast in my area had a huge backlog on orders for the 6412 w/HDMI. I have the 6412 w/DVI, at the moment. I had it hooked up initally with componant for HD. This was great until I saw what an HDMI <-> DVI cable did to the PQ. You will NOT be disappointed by switching the 6412s User Settings (internal menu) to 1080i and getting $16 HDMI<->DVI cable from monoprice.

wxw101

03-29-06, 07:50 PM

Comcast in my area had a huge backlog on orders for the 6412 w/HDMI. I have the 6412 w/DVI, at the moment. I had it hooked up initally with componant for HD. This was great until I saw what an HDMI <-> DVI cable did to the PQ. You will NOT be disappointed by switching the 6412s User Settings (internal menu) to 1080i and getting $16 HDMI<->DVI cable from monoprice.

I thought that using different connections may have an adverse effect on the signal. Glad to know that not true.
However, I still think that I'm going to try a swap with Comcast here in SoFla and get a HDMI<->HDMI cable for the "full effect". Here's hoping.

C. Bucket

03-29-06, 08:31 PM

I thought that using different connections may have an adverse effect on the signal. Glad to know that not true.
However, I still think that I'm going to try a swap with Comcast here in SoFla and get a HDMI<->HDMI cable for the "full effect". Here's hoping.

Yeah. I don't blame ya. I am calling Comcast here every other day so I can get in on an HMDI STB when the shipment arrives.

SAYLORB4

03-29-06, 09:56 PM

If somebody is thinking of buying an HDMI cable, go to F**'s and buy the Samsung HD UP Conversion DVD for $69.00 and the HDMI cable is included.

araponur

03-29-06, 10:04 PM

TR6 you are a lifesaver! I knew there was a simple fix. I am now fully enjoying my television. AVSforum comes to the rescue once again! :D

Hello araponur,
I had the same problem with no audio when I used the dvi to hdmi cable. What you have to do is go into the menu, go to audio adjust menu and scroll down to audio source and change it from hdmi to dvi. Hope that helps.

Sparco

03-29-06, 10:06 PM

Is anyone getting slightly reddish skin tones?

grizzfan

03-29-06, 10:51 PM

Gee whiz! Are we getting back to Vizio 42" Plasma stuff here!!

C. Bucket

03-29-06, 11:14 PM

If somebody is thinking of buying an HDMI cable, go to F**'s and buy the Samsung HD UP Conversion DVD for $69.00 and the HDMI cable is included.

Wish we had a F**y's here in my neck o' the woods. Is that Samsung a good DVD player?

Has anyone bought an HDMI switch? That is on my list and I would love to get a pointer towards the right one.

Wadric

03-29-06, 11:47 PM

Can anyone reccommend a good DVD player (either upscaling or Progressive scan)..I've determined my XBOX isn't very good at playing DVD's for whatever reason (after testing a different progressive DVD player with the component connections). I can either plug by SA8300 into the HDMI port, or plug a new DVD player into this port, just not sure which is the wisest decision, especially with the upcomming HD DVD wars comming up. Sorry for being so confused, it's my nature. Thanks in advance, not looking to break the bank here either. I also would like it to play DIVX, i've read that the cheaper upscalers cannot do it well, and that upscaling is only as good as the upscaler on your television, so do I need an upscaling DVD player with the Vizio?
Matt

I have the Oppo DV971H (I was going to put a link here but evidently
I am restricted from doing so until after 5 posts?!
Just Google Oppo HDMI DVD) and I am very pleased with it.
It is sold in various places, but I ordered mine from Oppo's website...$200.

It does upscaling at 720p and 1080i as well as 480p and PAL resolutions.
It plays NTSC or PAL, does a great job with DIVX, has a Faroudja DCDi
which really does reduce "jaggies", and it includes RCA cables and
DVI-D cables and DVI-HDMI cable!! I personally think it looks cool in the rack
and I couldn't be happier with it. I also forgot that it does DVDA as well.
Check the website.

Wadric

"Why on Earth are you there, when you're everywhere?
Come and get your share."

-John Lennon "Instant Karma"

joker77

03-30-06, 12:29 AM

Is anyone getting slightly reddish skin tones?

Yes I do too. My picure setting is on Divid 1. Can anyone share there display settings to where the reddish skin tones look more natural?

Jim Noyd

03-30-06, 12:55 AM

Has anyone bought an HDMI switch? That is on my list and I would love to get a pointer towards the right one.
I use a Gefen 2 x 1 HDMI Switch

steve3733

03-30-06, 09:24 AM

Ok ladies, gentlemen and nerds. Drumroll please!

I have what you all have been waiting for, access to the service menu!

Here goes:

Imput set on TV
Turn set off then on with buttons on side of TV
While turning set on or immediately thereafter, push channel up and down buttons at same time on side of TV.
Now, using remote, push menu button, you should get your regular menu up, but there should be a "F" in the bottom right corner of the menu. (This if for factory).
Push menu button on side of TV and hold it for a few seconds. You will now be in service menu.

This is what is looks like:

ADC Calibration
Auto Burn In
R Gain
G Gain
B Gain
R Offset
G Offset
B Offset

I was told to document your default setting before doing anything and not to touch the bottom 3 settings. I dont know what the first 2 settings do, if anyone knows, please advise. Also in the upper right is your version number (N.0.17) and what looks like date 2006.01.21. As of now I havent changed anything. My set is weird. Most shows (HD) are great, but others like "24" the other day have a reddish/violet/greenish aura or rainbow-like look on faces, almost like they are bruised in some scenes: reddish cheeks and lips in others with a slight greenish look to the shadows in the face. I'm interested to know everyone's default settings in factory mode and versions. Also if you calibrate let me know your new settings. Thanks and I hope this is helpful to everyone.

ohdanny

03-30-06, 09:30 AM

Forgot to post last night, but I looked at my box and I think I actually have the DCT3400 series. Sorry if I confused anyone. I think Comcast is rolling out their VOD with this box. It still sounds like others have the 6400 with HDMI so it is definitely worth asking Comcast about. And I'll second a recent poster's opinion that it is worth the hookup of HDMI vs component. To my eyes is definitely gives a better picture.

As for too much red, I'd play around with it. I think every set and environment is different so it won't help too much to post my settings, but for what it's worth I have all in the 40's except for sharpness at either 0 or 25. Color is in the low 40's, but you can play with that and tint to get a more natural skin tone. I have AVIA on the way and am looking forward to learning a bit about calibration. Sounds like no one here has really spent much time yet calibrating the set. Someone join me as I have no idea what I'm doing!

ohdanny

03-30-06, 09:47 AM

Nice work Steve! There is no way, however, that I'm tampering with the service menu until I have some semblance of an idea what I'm doing. I assume you go into it to truly calibrate the picture. I'll start on AVIA without it but if someone convinces me it's worth it I'll give it a try. The downside is that if you change the service menu settings you may have a problem returning it, is that correct?

lcubed

03-30-06, 10:06 AM

Ok ladies, gentlemen and nerds. Drumroll please!

I have what you all have been waiting for, access to the service menu!

good work!! i'm actually surprised there's not settings to affect overscan etc.

it might be like the sony projectors, one factory menu for tweaking RGB
and one service menu for other stuff.

bump909

03-30-06, 10:16 AM

awesome work, steve! you da man! hope you don't mind.. i spread the word to the P50 thread as well.. hopefully it's the same for them.

if i can get one of my more experienced HT friends over this weekend to help me out, i'll be sure to post my settings!

steve3733

03-30-06, 11:23 AM

You're all very welcome. Yes, you can change the R, G, B - gain settings and still return them to original presets, just write them down first. Its very similar to your regular menu. Its tough to calibrate because you have the same big menu screen in the middle of your screen to block you from seeing the picture. I was told not to touch the "offset" settings. I dont know what the ADC Calibration and Auto Burnin do, so I left them alone. I played with my "gain" settings, but immediately put them back to preset levels. I never thought buying a TV would be so difficult, lol, but I love it!

CWSpiess

03-30-06, 12:25 PM

gimphboi

03-30-06, 12:26 PM

DANGER WILL ROBINSON...DANGER!

I found this over on another site. They were referencing a Dell plasma, but it may apply to us Vizio owners as well.

While reviewing the calibration options, I came across an option called "ADC Calibration." Make note of this fact - Do NOT Hit the OK Button while the "ADC Calibration" option is selected on the service menu. Apparently, this will recalibrate the W5001C according to whatever is being fed via the HDMI input. In the factory, a proprietary image (provided by Pixelworks) is used. If you do it at home, you may as well kiss the set good-bye. It cannot be undone, and you will likely have to return the set.

pdawg17

03-30-06, 01:26 PM

madpoet

03-30-06, 01:45 PM

Sweet, thanks so much Steve. Pity on the Overscan, but at least we can get a better color balance with some work.

bump909

03-30-06, 01:52 PM

if there is another service menu available with overscan adjustment, it's only a matter of time. :)

Black Sunshine

03-30-06, 02:21 PM

Just lost all signal inputs to the DTV. Analog TV OK. Had my set since 20 Mar with NO problems. OTA antenna was working GREAT. I live in the LA area. Anyone else experiencing a problem with the DTV signals via OTA.

Craig

The second problem I had with Vizio was a BROKEN (i.e., severed/disconnected/not attached) coax input.

I recommend checking coax connection.

pdawg17

03-30-06, 02:23 PM

if there is another service menu available with overscan adjustment, it's only a matter of time. :)

I have the P50, but my first suggestion would be to try connecting with the RGB/PC input...that sometimes alters what is available in service menus...I don't have a cable long enough to try it myself but if someone uses this connection, give it a try...

Sparco

03-30-06, 02:47 PM

Would calibration cure the reddish skin tone problem?

DrewTech

03-30-06, 03:33 PM

shygun

03-30-06, 03:45 PM

Joe Schmuck

03-30-06, 04:25 PM

forgive me if this question has been brought up before but 25+ pages would take too long to read. i just purchased this tv and when i connect my direct tv w/tivo to the vizio there is a feedback type buzzing sound comming from the speakers....it wasnt there an hour ago when connected to my previous tv and its not there on any other input that have different devices connected to, only when the tivo is the source there is this annoying buzzing noise behind the normal audio. when i called the vizio tech support he mentioned that it may not be compatable. i find this kinda hard to believe but ya never know.

Has anyone ever heard of this or have any suggestions to fix the problem. Thanks for any help.

I have the same problem and didn't see this problem listed anywhere else in the thread. I need to do a few things to troubleshoot but I'm thinking it's a proximity issue with the Vizio being directly over the TiVo. I have the TiVo connected to the AV3 input (S-Video & Audio) and the TV Coax input (channel 3 TiVo output). I hear the buzzing from either source so that tells me it's not the Vizio. The two units are connected to the same power source, an UPS and the TiVo is on the battery protected side, Vizio not on battery protected side.

My Vizio is a G04xxx serial numbered version with firmware date 2006.01.21 and version 0.17. I hope this is a overscan corrected version.

Any hints appreciated.

Any tips would be good.

kubo999

03-30-06, 04:28 PM

pdawg17

03-30-06, 04:33 PM

So for the P42hdtv, when you first enter the service menu you see ADC calibration, etc? On my P50, I see very different options:

Burning mode
Factory reset
NVRAM reset
EDID write pro
Password reset

Strange...

Joe Schmuck

03-30-06, 04:41 PM

When I programmed my Harmony, I did it manually. Put the V remote next to the Harmony and went thru function by function to program the Harmony. It was a bit of a pain, and I'm sure it's not perfect, but so far so good. When I press "Watch TV" it switches to component 1, and when I press "Watch a DVD" it switches to Component 2.

Just a trick I did on my Harmony remote. Since the TV can only respond to toggles of the source selection, say you want to select Component 2 but your watching any other source. Change the code to tv, component, component. Say you want AV3 input because it's the only one with an S-Video input... tell the remote to output component, av, av, av. What your doing is forcing one input you don't want and then sending the correct number of codes to get to the right source. Even if your looking for AV1 input or TV input you still need to select something else first and then your source input. This works very well for me and keeps my wife happy.

lcubed

03-30-06, 04:52 PM

when i programmed my harmony h880, i cheated.
i told it that the tv was a p50hdm.

the only input the p50 setup didn't know about was av3.
to switch to av3, i configured the input as:

InputAnalog
InputAV2
InputAV

although, i haven't yet configured TV or DTV (since i'm not using them)
the P50 commands do appear to switch TV and DTV properly

Joe Schmuck

03-30-06, 05:02 PM

steve3733

03-30-06, 05:26 PM

I can't seem to get the letter F on the bottom right. What am I doing wrong? Can you be more specific on you step by step process? I thank you in advance for you help. D/T

Just keep tryin. Should be in TV mode, but you can try other inputs. Make sure you turn it off and back on using side of TV buttons, then both Channel up and down buttons at the same time (either when turning on TV or quickly thereafter, I'm not sure, try it both ways). Then hit menu on your remote (in TV mode) and regular Menu will pop up. It looks just like your regular TV menu, except for a F in the bottom right. Once you have that, hit the Menu button on the side of the TV and hold a few seconds and voila!! Anyone else get into this? Let me know your default settings, version, etc. Thanks. Oh, and to turn it off, just power off with remote.

pdawg17

03-30-06, 05:35 PM

Just keep tryin. Should be in TV mode, but you can try other inputs. Make sure you turn it off and back on using side of TV buttons, then both Channel up and down buttons at the same time (either when turning on TV or quickly thereafter, I'm not sure, try it both ways). Then hit menu on your remote (in TV mode) and regular Menu will pop up. It looks just like your regular TV menu, except for a F in the bottom right. Once you have that, hit the Menu button on the side of the TV and hold a few seconds and voila!! Anyone else get into this? Let me know your default settings, version, etc. Thanks. Oh, and to turn it off, just power off with remote.

Do you continue to hold the channel buttons when you push "menu" on the remote?

Joe Schmuck

03-30-06, 06:18 PM

Okay,
Once you get the "F" in the lower right hand corner it's easy to open the factory menu, even by accident. How do you put the TV back to normal so the wife, kids, or anyone else cannot get to the factory menu?

Why you ask? ADC Calibration. Too easy from what I'm reading to toast your TV.

Thanks

EDIT: I shifted to RGB input (connection not attached to anything) and opened the service menu. A few seconds later the TV turned off and when I turned it back on the "F" was off the menu. Now was the shutdown a problem or a feature?

mrhan

03-30-06, 06:28 PM

Anyone has closed caption problem with Vizio with Comcast HD receiver? I am using DVI-HDMI cable to connect the HD receiver to the Vizio's HDMI port. I also use a pair of audio cables to output the sound from the receiver to the two audio ports next to the HDMI port. After setting the audio input in audio manual on my TV, the sound comes out ok, without any problem. But the weird thing is, I can never get the closed caption working. There is even no option in the TV manual to turn it on.

I emailed Vizio, and they told me to turn on the closed caption on my cable box. I couldn't find any option in my cable receiver for that. So i have to live without CC by using HDMI input?

Try this. With your box on press Power, Setup and Menu on your remote. A menu should pop up with the options including CC. Enable CC and power down with the remote. Power up and you should have the CC working. The only problem with this is that you have to go back to the same menu to disable CC. Hope that works for you.

Other options there include what TV signals you want to send to the TV i.e. 480i, 480P, 720P and 1080i.

shygun

03-30-06, 06:55 PM

Try this. With your box on press Power, Setup and Menu on your remote. A menu should pop up with the options including CC. Enable CC and power down with the remote. Power up and you should have the CC working. The only problem with this is that you have to go back to the same menu to disable CC. Hope that works for you.

Other options there include what TV signals you want to send to the TV i.e. 480i, 480P, 720P and 1080i.

Wow. I will try it tonight when I get home. Thanks for the info!

dwehking

03-30-06, 07:28 PM

I can't seem to get the letter F on the bottom right. What am I doing wrong? Can you be more specific on you step by step process? I thank you in advance for you help. D/T

I got it to work in HDMI mode. Couldn't get it to work in TV mode.

Atrail

03-30-06, 07:34 PM

Is there a way to show the TV life to date? How many hours it has been on?

lcubed

03-30-06, 09:33 PM

Joe Schmuck

03-30-06, 10:30 PM

the p42hdtv turns off if you remove an rgb source.
that appears to be normal, although annoying

Kind of like a computer monitor going into Standby? Wonder if it turns back on when a signal is present. $1500.00 for one heck of a large computer screen.

Also glad to know this is normal.

redgtxdi

03-30-06, 11:25 PM

Quick non-technical question...........

Are these still available out there?? They had the 50", but not this 42" at the Costco I went to today!

Also..........is this still about the cheapest, Non-ED panel out there??

(I want something cheap & good.........yeah right?)

Sparco

03-31-06, 12:46 AM

Costco also sell a 42 inch HDTV Maxent plasma at the same price.

V42

03-31-06, 12:57 AM

Costco also sell a 42 inch HDTV Maxent plasma at the same price.
Except it's a monitor only, no tuner.

C. Bucket

03-31-06, 01:23 AM

the p42hdtv turns off if you remove an rgb source.
that appears to be normal, although annoying

Noticed the same thing. I can live with it.

C. Bucket

03-31-06, 01:29 AM

So I am pretty sure this is the wrong forum, but does anyone know where folks are discussing the HD Upconverting Cyberhome CH-DVD655? I just got one from W*****t for $80 for the hell of it. It seems like a pretty good little unit. Plays everything I throw at it, including divx/xvid/mpeg4. Not sure how the Vizio deals with the upconverting, but having the option to run A/V via HDMI is nice. Comes with several cables (HDMI/componant/coax). You can toggle the digi video output between 1080i/720p/etc.. when connected via HDMI. Anyway, anyone heard/seen any review threads? Not much to be had on the innahweb.

pdawg17

03-31-06, 01:32 AM

So for the service menu on this set you hold the up/down arrows and at the same time push the menu button on the remote? With the P50, it will not register any key on the remote while a key is being pressed on the side of the set...why do you guys get the code after a couple of weeks and we P50 people have been waiting for 7 months...sorry - I'm just frustrated :(

shygun

03-31-06, 01:36 AM

Try this. With your box on press Power, Setup and Menu on your remote. A menu should pop up with the options including CC. Enable CC and power down with the remote. Power up and you should have the CC working. The only problem with this is that you have to go back to the same menu to disable CC. Hope that works for you.

Other options there include what TV signals you want to send to the TV i.e. 480i, 480P, 720P and 1080i.

I finally get into the menu after calling the customer service. It turns out that I can't use the remote. I have to go to the physical box and press the buttons on the box to make it work. But finally it works! Thanks a lot!

ajtyeh

03-31-06, 01:45 AM

vizio is no good

Wadric

03-31-06, 02:04 AM

vizio is no good

OK

dle6

03-31-06, 04:25 AM

vizio is no good What makes you say that ? (personel experience ? If so, Please share your story. Thanks)

OnlookerDelay

03-31-06, 08:30 AM

vizio is no good

I wish I'd read this before I dropped major coin - even at the special pricing on this P42HDTV I bought last week. I've been thoroughly enjoying the set in ever capacity in which I've used it, and now I find out Vizio is "no good". Thanks for popping my Polly-Anna-ish balloon! ;)

dwehking

03-31-06, 09:16 AM

vizio is no good

The PQ of my Vizio sure is better then the POS Pioneer that I returned to C*stco. If it breaks or I am not completely satisfied with my purchase I just take it back to C*stco for a cheerful refund of the purchase price.

OnlookerDelay

03-31-06, 09:51 AM

I had digital cable with HD installed yesterday. The STB is a Pioneer Voyager 3250HD. It comes standard with component cables, which I'm using now. I'm very satisfied with what I'm seeing thus far. I watched the NIT championship game last night with my Dad, who's a huge USC fan, on ESPN HD. It was nothing short of stunning. I did an A/B comparison between ESPN's SD and the HD version and it showed two things:

a.) how much improvement is to be found in HD. Not only is the detail there, but the video noise is pretty well processed out.

b.) how sorry ESPN's live (and recorded) SD game broadcasts really are... they are truly the worst examples of SD I've seen in all my travels in 10 days of HDTV ownership. OTOH, when they go back into the studio, or the broadcast booth, everything looks more than acceptable.

Most of the other SD that I've seen with the STB has been anywhere from acceptable to surprisingly good.

The only disappointment thus far is the variable performance of the surround sound audio. I'm using optical cable for audio from my XBox 360 and it is light years ahead of what I get out of this box. Of course I'm taking the Vizio's composite audio output and feeding it to Video 1 on my surround sound receiver when not using the XBox 360, so therein lies much of my problem, I'm guessing.
Would I be better off going with a DVR, so I can use HDMI for digital audio? The Pioneer Voyager only has DVI. I'd have to upgrade to a DVR to have HDMI capability.

ohdanny

03-31-06, 10:09 AM

lcubed

03-31-06, 10:26 AM

if the pioneer box has optical out, that would be the best feed for your surround processor.
if you really need to be able to switch optical out from the xbox, p42hdtv OTA, and the voyager,
inday (www.inday.com) makes a very good switcher.

(i use their highband width component switcher for my dedicated front projector in my HT)

grizzfan

03-31-06, 11:35 AM

OnlookerDelay

03-31-06, 01:00 PM

Onlooker, when I got the Vizio I called Comcast to order an HD box. I specifically asked for the non-DVR so that I'd save $10 a month that they charge for the DVR. They installed the box when I was at work, and of course when I got home I saw that, SURPRISE!, they installed the DVR box instead. I was ticked and contemplated calling them to switch it out. I figured I'd give it a few days first. Anyone who has a DVR or Tivo swear by it and I thought I'd see what the buzz was about.

I'll stop there and say that I haven't called Comcast back. I'm not sure what your cable provider charges but the DVR changes how you watch TV. I love it and the HDMI connection is fantastic. I've got kids who dictate when and for how long I can watch what I want. No longer. It really is a great thing.

This is good infor ohdanny. I gave some serious thought to getting the DVR package out of the gate. The reason I didn't is because I thought of how many times I've actually programmed my VCR to record something to watch later in the last two years. It's happened about three times. Maybe it's because the process is too aggravating, I'm lazy, or because the quality of the playback is horrendous... but I haven't even thought about recording anything since the I had to work the night of the Texas/USC "championship" NCAA football game. It's only $6.95 a month more from my provider, but I thought it would be something I might not use.

I have just learned that the Pioneer Voyager has both optical and coaxial digital audio out. My surround sound receiver has both optical and coaxial digital audio inputs. Maybe I'll just buy a coaxial digital cable for the Voyager since the XBox 360 is already using the optical? Is there any significant advantage of optical over coaxial for digital audio?

steve3733

03-31-06, 01:11 PM

Do you continue to hold the channel buttons when you push "menu" on the remote?

No, once you push the channel buttons and release them, it should be in factory mode. Then push and release menu on your remote and then push and hold menu button on side of TV for a few seconds. By the way, I found that once you are in the service menu, you can change the inputs and each input has different factory settings (although HDMI and Components are the same) that you can adjust. Once you are in factory mode you can operate TV normally and set regular menu settings like you did before, but if you push menu on side of TV and hold it, the regular menu will come up then the factory menu. To get out of factory mode, just power off with remote. So simple, yet so complicated. Guys, let me know what your default factory settings are, just curious if we are all the same. And if anyone calibrates, please share your settings. (by the way, the Harry Potter thing was made up, lol) Abracadabra!

steve3733

03-31-06, 01:17 PM

vizio is no good
Babu, is that you? Last time I heard from you, you were deported back to your native country on the Seinfeld show. Very very bad, lol.

mrhan

03-31-06, 02:23 PM

I finally get into the menu after calling the customer service. It turns out that I can't use the remote. I have to go to the physical box and press the buttons on the box to make it work. But finally it works! Thanks a lot!

They might have given you a different remote than I have. Do you have the silver remote with the power, setup and menu on the right hand side of the remote. If not; you have a totally different remote and should exchange it for the silver one with the ON DEMAND and/or DVR buttons on it.

Joe Schmuck

03-31-06, 02:37 PM

I haven't seen much on firmware. I was curious if all the P42 HDTV's were shipped with the same firmware.

My Firmware is: Version 0.17 Date: 2006.01.21

Also curious if this is the same firmware version Sound & Vision Magazine tested with the oversan problem where Vizio said they would fix it prior to release.

That RJ type jack in the back must be the way to update the firmware and maybe even lend it'self to an ajdustment but that's speculation on my part.

So let's hear it.... What different versions of firmware are out there?

bump909

03-31-06, 02:38 PM

My surround sound receiver has both optical and coaxial digital video inputs.

i'm betting it doesn't. :)

musicthebee

03-31-06, 03:03 PM

Just wanted to add that the picture quality on vizio from sat tuner box blows all the sets I compared it with including the Panasonic model that I got from costco. The sd chanels look very clear and show details. I am a happy camper with vizio. Its staying put with me now. I no longer need my HTPC to improve the picture quality with software scalers.

-M

OnlookerDelay

03-31-06, 03:24 PM

i'm betting it doesn't. :)

You're right... it was a slip of the keyboard - I meant "coaxial and optical digital audio" inputs. This el-cheapo receiver doesn't have a digital video input period. I'll go back and fix it... thanks!

dle6

03-31-06, 03:32 PM

vizio is no good

Mine is still very good because I did not drop it like you dropped your new Panny plasma.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=662297

No offend, just my $.2

bump909

03-31-06, 04:17 PM

that's one panny that my vizio has got beat!

1000MPH

03-31-06, 04:55 PM

Joe Schmuck

03-31-06, 05:41 PM

So you have a Vizio P42HDTV and when you connect your TiVo (or other equipment) you get a buzzing sound. Well I found the solution to the buzzing noise you might be having over the speakers. My TiVo (and others like it) apparently do not have an output isolation capacitor and several of the Vizio input lines appear to not have input isolation capacitors which is causing a DC to DC connection between the two components (not good). All the AV, and Component inputs give me the buzz if I connected my TiVo. The HDMI Audio inputs did not buzz but I would not rule it out because I don't use HDMI yet.

The Fix: I placed two .001uf capacitors (one for left, one for right) into one of my audio cables. You can use pretty much any small value capacitor from .001uf to .1uf. The ones I used were Digi-Key P/N: 1116PHCT-ND (tiny axial type) but anything you find at Radio Shack will work as well.

How to do it: You need to cut open the outer jacket of the cables without damaging the shield and center wire. Pull the center wire through the shield and cut it in the center. Place some electrical tape of heat shrink tubing around the shield and cable jacket in an effort to isolate the center wires from the shield. Now solder the capacitor to the either end of the center wire. Lay the capacitor on the cable (ensuring the shield cannot touch the wires you just soldered) and tape or heat shrink in place. Do not make too tight because if you have burrs they can poke through the insulation between the shield and short out. Repeat for the other audio wire.

I use the S-Video connection so I didn't check to see if the Composite video causes the buzzing problem.

Pats & Sox fan

03-31-06, 07:07 PM

This is the big weekend to get the Vizio up and running. :)

Also, based upon reviews on this website, I ordered the Oppo DV971H Upconverting DVD player, $208 shipped. Just google Oppo and select the first outfit, Surf Audio Video, as they are about $5.50 cheaper than Oppo itself. It's rated among the best. So when that arrives we'll see what it does. Anyone else have experience with upconverting DVDs?

Tom
Hey Grizzfan,

The OPPO DVD player is a great player. Highly recommend it. The one problem is that I have only been able to use the 480P output via DVI to HDMI cable. I have tried two differnet cables (definitely recommend monoprice.com for cables) and get sparklies above 480p output. Please let me know if you see the same thing. It just seems like the Vizio can't handle the bandwidth. You can use 720p and 1080i via component but I think HDMI looks better, just my opinion.

By the way, I updated the firmware in the OPPO recently and still have the problems with sparklies.

Jim Noyd

03-31-06, 07:14 PM

Hey Grizzfan,

The OPPO DVD player is a great player. Highly recommend it. The one problem is that I have only been able to use the 480P output via DVI to HDMI cable. I have tried two differnet cables (definitely recommend monoprice.com for cables) and get sparklies above 480p output. Please let me know if you see the same thing. It just seems like the Vizio can't handle the bandwidth. You can use 720p and 1080i via component but I think HDMI looks better, just my opinion.

By the way, I updated the firmware in the OPPO recently and still have the problems with sparklies.I doubt the problem is the TV as many are inputting 720p to the HDMI inputs from satellite and cable boxes without sparklies.

skjones

03-31-06, 07:32 PM

bump909

03-31-06, 07:55 PM

I doubt the problem is the TV as many are inputting 720p to the HDMI inputs from satellite and cable boxes with sparklies.

Hey Jim, I think you mean "without sparklies" right? I'm not experiencing anything like this with my upconverting LG dvd player or motorola stb.

Jim Noyd

03-31-06, 08:00 PM

Hey Jim, I think you mean "without sparklies" right? I'm not experiencing anything like this with my upconverting LG dvd player or motorola stb.Correct and edited above post.
Thanks!

pdawg17

03-31-06, 08:29 PM

Can someone confirm if this set has vertical scaling issues like the P50? What I mean is, with my HDTivo if I pause an image from a 1080i source and cycle between 720p and 1080i, the 1080i image is longer vertically than at 720p (ie longer faces)...with the HDNet test patterns, there is a grid of squares that at 1080i, are rectangles instead...this is a widespread problem with the P50...

Sparco

03-31-06, 09:51 PM

Has anyone calibrated their set yet, and, if so, is there a big difference?

OnlookerDelay

03-31-06, 10:21 PM

As far as getting a DVR/Tivo, it is really awesome! I had not had one until recently but my neighbors raved about it so I coughed up the bucks and we have used it far more than I thought. (We also never taped anything because it was such a pain. Now it is a button push) We got our Vizio a few weeks ago and are really using the DVR now.

You guys are making me regret my decision not to go with the DVR now. I used to be a recording maniac, but as I grew dissatisfied with the PQ of VCRs, I backed away from it. Not only does DVR'ing sound like it does the job with PQ, it sounds like it's much easier to set up.

I must say that I am impressed with my Vizio(no problems!).

Same here... I haven't had a hint of a problem. I'm also more and more impressed by what I'm getting for my money out of this set as time goes on!

The DVR is running overtime now that GMU has made it to the final 4. We live 4 miles down the road from the university and we bought our Plasma the night of their first game. We have been throwing NCAA parties ever since and DVRing every thing about them. My kids can also record their favorite shows and it's easy enough for a kid to figure it out.

I think GMU is for real. I wasn't a believer after they knocked off UNC, thinking that they had just caught a youthful team by surprise. They handled UConn quite handily. I watched that game in hi-def and it was awesome. CBS does a great job with HD basketball game broadcasts from what I've seen.

It's like a cellphone... how did I live without it before?

SOLD! I feel like a blockhead for not giving the DVR package a go right out of the chute. Like I said earlier, it isn't but $6.95 a month more through my provider.

DrewTech

03-31-06, 10:53 PM

Still fine tuning the Vizio and ran into a couple of problems. First off, the Toshiba DVD w/ HDMI is getting 86'd. The PQ is great but can't read half my discs and freezes or stutters on the others. Unfortunately, my Apex DVD and the Vizio remotes conflict (play on the DVD turns on the sleep mode, DVD setup button works the Vizio volume, etc). I guess I can live with this. The last and possibly biggest problem is the Vizio went 1/2 dead last night. It went blank (did NOT turn off) and quit responding to any inputs on the remote or side panel. Instead of unplugging I continued to test all buttons for about 2 minutes, pushed the power button on the side panel again and it finally turned off. I powered it back up again and it seems fine. I haven't read any posts about this problem. BTW my s/n is a G07.
stu

I was in Costco the other day and asked one of the workers if I can see what a DVD looks like on the Vizio. He grabbed the Toshiba player and connected the HDMI cable-the Vizio DID NOT pick up the signal from the Toshiba. We even tried the component connection and still no picture. Then, we tried a Panasonic player with the same cable and it worked just fine. You can come to your own conclusion on that one. Anyhow, I have a Denon dvd player and quite satisfied with it and what it does for the Vizio. D/T

Sparco

03-31-06, 11:18 PM

I was in Costco the other day and asked one of the workers if I can see what a DVD looks like on the Vizio. He grabbed the Toshiba player and connected the HDMI cable-the Vizio DID NOT pick up the signal from the Toshiba. We even tried the component connection and still no picture. Then, we tried a Panasonic player with the same cable and it worked just fine. You can come to your own conclusion on that one. Anyhow, I have a Denon dvd player and quite satisfied with it and what it does for the Vizio. D/T
I don't get it. How could it not receive a DVD signal?

mrhan

03-31-06, 11:55 PM

Hey Grizzfan,

The OPPO DVD player is a great player. Highly recommend it. The one problem is that I have only been able to use the 480P output via DVI to HDMI cable. I have tried two differnet cables (definitely recommend monoprice.com for cables) and get sparklies above 480p output. Please let me know if you see the same thing. It just seems like the Vizio can't handle the bandwidth. You can use 720p and 1080i via component but I think HDMI looks better, just my opinion.

By the way, I updated the firmware in the OPPO recently and still have the problems with sparklies.

The Oppo doesn't do upconversion through component; only through the DVI output. You can only get 480i through the component output.

C. Bucket

04-01-06, 12:19 AM

So I finally got my Comcast HMDI ported Motorola 6412 Dual Tuner HD STB. It took what seemed like an extensive deal on the black market, but I got one. Hooking up via HDMI has produced some great results. Noticeably improved SD PQ, as well as great sound improvement on the HD stations. HD PQ is about the same as when connected via the old DVI -> HDMI cable (maybe a tad less noise). Currently, I have it connected with what seems like an inferior HDMI cable I got with my Cyberhome CH-DVD655 (good buy at $80, IMO). I am hoping the PQ and sound improve with a monoprice 24AWG cable. I also got an RCA 4 way bi-directional RF signal amplifier, which has also helped a bit.

Anyway, thought I would pass this on to the Comcast folks out there.

joker77

04-01-06, 01:52 AM

C. Bucket.....What are the levels on your display settings? What about the 4:3 overide setting from the set top box? Did you set it at 480i or stretch or off?

C. Bucket

04-01-06, 02:33 AM

C. Bucket.....What are the levels on your display settings? What about the 4:3 overide setting from the set top box? Did you set it at 480i or stretch or off?

The Vizio display settings are moving about all the time. I still haven't come to a conclusion as to which is best.

I am hovering right around the following:

Brightness: 50
Contrast: 60-70 (I know this isn't a great idea, but oh well)
Color: 45
Tint: 50
Sharpness: 50

Motorola STB 'User Settings' menu:

TV Type: 16:9
HDMI/YPbPr Output: 1080i
4:3 Override: Stretch (makes for better SD channel watching)

I am pretty damn happy with these settings, for the most part. All I need is for monoprice to get some 6ft HDMI cables in stock, snag one of their 5X1 HDMI switches and I think I will be set for a while. Gonna grab a Onkyo HT-S780 when I find a good deal, as well.

V42

04-01-06, 02:51 AM

Well at least for me. :p

After a week plus of problem free operation, I too had several occurrences of the mysterious self shut down in the last few days. I also noticed lights on the same house circuit the set's on had been flickering (and occasionally going out) during that same period coinciding with some rainy weather of late. Maybe a bad circuit breaker, but that's another problem for another day. Tonight while watching a DVD with player plugged into the same outlet as set, lights flicker, TV shuts off, DVD player shuts off. Too much of a coincidence for me. I guess its time to check some wiring. :(

V42

04-01-06, 03:00 AM

I don't think I've seen anyone post their original factory setting values, so here goes:

For the DTV input:
R Gain 128
G Gain 117
B Gain 102
R Offset 128
G Offset 127
B Offset 129

Version# N:0.17
Date 2006.01.21
S/N: G07xxx

C. Bucket

04-01-06, 03:05 AM

I don't think I've seen anyone post their original factory setting values, so here goes:

R Gain 128
G Gain 117
B Gain 102
R Offset 128
G Offset 127
B Offset 129

Version# N:0.17
Date 2006.01.21

I still haven't figured out how to get into the factory setting menu. The instructions I read earlier in this thread seemed scattered and didn't match up to my remote (no setup button). Unless they meant the 'SET' button, in which case, it didn't work.

Update: NM. Found the instructions (musta skipped some posts). Not gonna mess with anything. With my luck, I will bugger the set. 'If it ain't broke....'

Yosh Schmenge

04-01-06, 06:04 AM

"...turns in overall picture quality that leaves something to be desired and certainly doesn't match up well against the P50HDM."

"...exhibited some of the worst gamma characteristics we've seen on any display in a while, with wild shifts in color and intensity from one light level to another." [sounds like the P42HDe!]

"The grayscale also seesawed mightily..."

I agree that it doesn't look as good as the P50, but I haven't noticed any "wild shifts" or "seesawing." And the CNET readers all seem to like it too. (Maybe the reviewer got a bum unit.)

You can find the full review at CNET and ZDNet (forum wouldn't allow me to post the link).

Joe Schmuck

04-01-06, 08:28 AM

I don't think I've seen anyone post their original factory setting values, so here goes:

R Gain 128
G Gain 117
B Gain 102
R Offset 128
G Offset 127
B Offset 129

Version# N:0.17
Date 2006.01.21

For the TV input:
R Gain 128
G Gain 128
B Gain 112
R Offset 128
G Offset 127
B Offset 129

Version 0.17
Date 2006.01.21
S/N: G04xxx

I know the values are different of each input (that I looked at) and would expect each input to have been calibrated in the factory. The only thing I have noticed was maybe a little extra green push for my TV setting so I might tweak it this weekend. The DTV seems okay, Component inputs seem to work fine with my DVD player.

joker77

04-01-06, 12:26 PM

The Vizio display settings are moving about all the time. I still haven't come to a conclusion as to which is best.

I am hovering right around the following:

Brightness: 50
Contrast: 60-70 (I know this isn't a great idea, but oh well)
Color: 45
Tint: 50
Sharpness: 50

Motorola STB 'User Settings' menu:

TV Type: 16:9
HDMI/YPbPr Output: 1080i
4:3 Override: Stretch (makes for better SD channel watching)

I am pretty damn happy with these settings, for the most part. All I need is for monoprice to get some 6ft HDMI cables in stock, snag one of their 5X1 HDMI switches and I think I will be set for a while. Gonna grab a Onkyo HT-S780 when I find a good deal, as well.

Thanks for input....like you, I have yet to settle on the perfect settings. My contrast was at 73 as opposed to your 60-70. I'm no expert
so I need to ask why isn't it a good idea to have the contrast up at these levels? I have my 4:3 override at 480i but I'm going to switch it to stretch to see if there's much of a difference. I'm pretty sure Monoprice has some 6ft HDMI cables in stock 'cause I ordered mine two days ago and received it yesterday. You may want to check it out unless your looking for a particular kind - mine was relatively inexpensive compared to the monster cable. Last thing, what it the 5x1 HDMI switch for?

C. Bucket

04-01-06, 12:51 PM

Thanks for input....like you, I have yet to settle on the perfect settings. My contrast was at 73 as opposed to your 60-70. I'm no expert
so I need to ask why isn't it a good idea to have the contrast up at these levels? I have my 4:3 override at 480i but I'm going to switch it to stretch to see if there's much of a difference. I'm pretty sure Monoprice has some 6ft HDMI cables in stock 'cause I ordered mine two days ago and received it yesterday. You may want to check it out unless your looking for a particular kind - mine was relatively inexpensive compared to the monster cable. Last thing, what it the 5x1 HDMI switch for?

No problem. According to other posts in this thread, having the contrast up so high in the first 100 hours of use is a bad thing for the burn-in process. Although, I have surpassed the 100 hr mark without any adverse effects. I have the Digitial Video Essentials calibration DVD coming from Netflix. I will use that to see if it leaves me with any definitive conclusions. I see that the 6ft HDMI cable (24AWG with netjacket, gold plated) will be available on 4/6. You prolly got the 28AWG, which is lower quality in regards to the copper (if I understand it correctly). The HDMI switch allows you to connect multiple HDMI devices to a display that has only one HDMI in port.

DrewTech

04-01-06, 01:08 PM

I don't get it. How could it not receive a DVD signal?

No dvd screensaver-no dvd picture, whatsoever. The dvd player had power and the cable connection was secure and still nothing. It's like the Toshiba wasn't connected to the Vizio at all. Weird huh. D/T

Gibson lp

04-01-06, 01:21 PM

Wow the Cnet review isnt very flattering! I consider myself a decerning viewer and i think the PQ is good. Is everyone else happy with the PQ of their sets????

danemobile

04-01-06, 01:28 PM

"...exhibited some of the worst gamma characteristics we've seen on any display in a while, with wild shifts in color and intensity from one light level to another." [sounds like the P42HDe!]

"The grayscale also seesawed mightily..."

You can find the full review at CNET and ZDNet (forum wouldn't allow me to post the link).

After picking up a G08 model during last weeks introductory sale, I posted a question about commercials with the picture suddenly switching to brilliant white. This made the picture washed out and foggy with details disappearing. I’m now noticing this on some programs with computer generated graphics on the History channel and most clips of old B&W footage on the same channel.

The CNET reviewer’s description of wild shifts in color and intensity describe the problem I am having better.
On my particular TV it is becoming irritating enough to make me consider using CCs 30 day return policy.

Tried a search for the CNET review but did not have any luck, nevermind found it on the front page.

V42

04-01-06, 01:29 PM

I agree that it doesn't look as good as the P50, but I haven't noticed any "wild shifts" or "seesawing." And the CNET readers all seem to like it too. (Maybe the reviewer got a bum unit.)
The CNET reviews often seem to be out of sync with the typical user opinions. Though in this case reading the user reports to date didn't inspire me with confidence in their "expert" evaluations either. :)

grizzfan

04-01-06, 05:50 PM

z.mash posted:

Hopefully others can more artfully explain this, but here are the basics:
The only thing you should be connecting to the coax inputs on the Vizio (i.e., the "TV" or "DTV" inputs) is either an external antenna or a direct line from the cable company. When you connect something to the coax inputs (i.e., "TV" or "DTV"), the Vizio's internal tuner will take the signal, which contains all of the channels, and display it on the screen.

When you connect the direct cable line to a cable box, it is the cable box that is taking the signal and pulling out the individual channels. The video signal that the cable box outputs needs to go to a non-tuner input, which is either composite (yellow video RCA jack), component (red, green, and blue video RCA jacks) or HDMI (funky looking jack). The audio signal that it outputs also needs to be connected to the TV, but let's hold off on that for now.

So, look on the back of your cable box. If there is a yellow plug, that is composite output. This is the worst quality of the three I mentioned above. If you have a red, green, and blue set of plugs, connect these to the corresponding component inputs on the Vizio (red->red, green->green, blue->blue) using any old RCA cables you have laying around. This should get you a picture from your cable box. You would then use the channel control buttons on the cable box to change the channel. If that works, check back in and we'll go from there.

Does that help?

My Motorola Digital Cable Box doesn't have a red-green-blue setup so I merely hooked the connector from the rabbit ears to the DTV coax plug and the coax from the box to the VCR/DVD to the Vizio and woola! IT WORKS PERFECT! I can switch from OTA to Digital Cable using the input button.

Thanks again.

Tom

Pin2121

04-01-06, 07:41 PM

Anybody having problems with rotating RGB color shift on screen?

I bought my unit last week, and picked up a SA8300HD from Cablevision. I'm connected via component input. Today I'm noticing a banding when I watch. Basically the picture turns a slight shade of red, then green then blue, about 1/5th of the screen wide. The band goes up the screen from bottom to top, then restarts again at the bottom. Doesn't seem to matter what channel I'm watching.

I've had no on/off issues that several people have experienced. Is this a problem with the set, or some sort of connection problem?

Thanks.

NO1B4ME

04-01-06, 07:43 PM

I went to see this TV and man what a let down. The Panasonic next too it which was a 42" ED looked way better.

grizzfan

04-01-06, 08:33 PM

I went to see this TV and man what a let down. The Panasonic next too it which was a 42" ED looked way better.

You've got to be joking! EDTV is 480p and no way a 480p can beat a 1080i. If you were watching a DVD presentation at a store, it's 480p at the max!

I just fired my Vizio up this afternoon and watch the George Mason - Florida game and it was just stunning. Unbelievable and on rabbit ears. I switched to digital cable which was OK, but HDTV on this set is without a single complaint. Rack it up in the win column. (Sorry to see George Mason on the short end of the stick, but we were mesmerized by the absolutely perfect reception - and I had muted the contrast, color and tint for the 100 hour break-in.

Sure the Panny's are good, but the Vizio rocks at half the price.

Tom