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

That was the past.

Since the Vizio is only available today at list price, and the Panasonic TH-42PX60U can be had for a few hundred dollars below list, the Vizio is more like only 80% the price of a panny.

It was a deal on sale, but much less so today. :(

That was the past.

Since the Vizio is only available today at list price, and the Panasonic TH-42PX60U can be had for a few hundred dollars below list, the Vizio is more like only 80% the price of a panny.

It was a deal on sale, but much less so today. :(

I actually got the TH-42PX60U for $550 under list after some PM's, Comcast signup and reward zone rebate

Picked up the TV last week and everything looks great. Except when I watch HD channels, every 10 seconds or so the picture seems to very briefly pause, then jump ahead to catch up. It happens very quickly, but is pretty noticable- especially when watching sports. Is this the TV, component cables, or cable box causing the problem?

Also- is there any way to hook up both DVD and cable with HDMI or do I have to use components for one?

Thanks!

Picked up the TV last week and everything looks great. Except when I watch HD channels, every 10 seconds or so the picture seems to very briefly pause, then jump ahead to catch up. It happens very quickly, but is pretty noticable- especially when watching sports. Is this the TV, component cables, or cable box causing the problem?

Also- is there any way to hook up both DVD and cable with HDMI or do I have to use components for one?

Thanks!


Your HD reception may be a signal strength issue. Either call your cable company and get them to try to fix it (which they shoudl) or buy a bi-directional RF amplifier and see if that helps. You can hook up multiple HDMI devices to the TV (cable box and DVD player) with an HDMI switch. Check monoprice.com for either a 2X1 or 5X1 switch.

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.

Is there any chance you can modify the inputs to accept discrete remote commands via the factory settings?

Thanks
Kevin

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

Are you saying that by programming the remote to use p50 commands you can select the inputs directly? If so, would you mind posting the setup/ECF codes.

Thanks
Kevin

Are you saying that by programming the remote to use p50 commands you can select the inputs directly? If so, would you mind posting the setup/ECF codes.

Thanks
Kevin

the harmony remotes keep track of the state of the devices being controlled, so that
even toggled commands work properly.

the P50HDM setup has many common states for the inputs etc w/ the p42hdtv,
so it was easy to use as a starting point. (the p42 setup doesn't seem to have
as much in common w/ the current p42hdtv, so it isn't that great a starting point)

that said, i've worked w/ pronto's, OFA's, and the MX series of remotes and for
devices w/o discrete commands, the harmony remotes do the job well enough
that it passes the non-techie wife test. i hand it to her and it works. if the HT
doesn't quite get to the right state, all she has to do is hit the 'help' button
and the harmony will go thru the process to get the reciever, display, etc
into the correct state.

btw, the DTV commands for the P50HDM work just fine for the P42HDTV.

I purchased the P42 and am VERY happy with it. This is my first plasma and I like it so much I'm thinking about upgrading to the P50. I'm not worried about the P50 lacking a tuner (not using it on the P42 anyway). Most comparisons say the P50 has a better picture than the P42, and I tend to agree based on my comparison at the club.

I am concerned that the P50 thread contains a lot of complaints about fan noise, transformer hum, and 1080i vertical stretch. I certainly don't want to trade up and begin experiencing problems. 50" does seem a lot bigger than 42", and my viewing distance is 12-14 feet. The P42 is definitely a better value, but I'm wondering if the P50 might be worth the extra coin?

Does anyone have ownership experience with both models? If so, would you recommend upgrading?

(Cross-posted in the P50 thread)

12-14' is the perfect viewing distance for a FP if lighting conditions allow.

hi all,

does anybody have the problem with a horizontal line about 3 inches down from the top? it's quite annoying in tv/dtv and it appears just recently; didn't see that before. it anybody know any fix, please reply.

thanks

Hi,

I bought this tv last week from costco and i have been enjoying alot. The HDTV picture is stunning for the price. But, i have been noticing a slight image retention problem. Here is the steps to reproduce

1. Watch any channels
2. bring up any menu
3. now let the menu go
4. switch to any input which do not have any source connected
5. At this point i can still read pretty much all the menu (which is not active anymore)
6. Some times i notice this even after power cycling the tv

Note: i have all the settings (contrast, brightness etc..) < 60 and i have watched only 3 or 4 movies. Also, one thing i did is i ran the image retention CD (which i got from this forum some time ago)

I'm not sure if this is common and not a problem. Please, suggest.

Thanks

I have this tv for about 1 week and so far so good except one problem with DTV channel lineup. I have Philips plasma 42" for 1 month (for $400 different, I just have to return the philips) and comcast cable.

For TV part, both of them work exactly. But for DTV, the Philips has digital channels same as analog channels (ie, I have chanel 2,3,4,5, etc), but with Vizio, I don't have chan 2,4,5,6,7,8, etc, instead they are like 90-1, 90-3 (something like that) and also they are not lineup. It makes TV viewing very difficult.

Does anyone know how to solve this? why Philips and Vizio give me total different channel number? (I have several days have both of them side by side from same cable feed, but with different channels)

Thanks

-- steve

Hi,

I bought this tv last week from costco and i have been enjoying alot. The HDTV picture is stunning for the price. But, i have been noticing a slight image retention problem. Here is the steps to reproduce

1. Watch any channels
2. bring up any menu
3. now let the menu go
4. switch to any input which do not have any source connected
5. At this point i can still read pretty much all the menu (which is not active anymore)
6. Some times i notice this even after power cycling the tv

Note: i have all the settings (contrast, brightness etc..) < 60 and i have watched only 3 or 4 movies. Also, one thing i did is i ran the image retention CD (which i got from this forum some time ago)

I'm not sure if this is common and not a problem. Please, suggest.

Thanks


I have noticed this aswell with my set. It will even have image retention when the set has been off for several hours. If you use the "white-wash" feature in the menu options it will clear it up. But the problem re-occures the next time you pull the menu up. I even notice it when you change the voume on a black screen.

scpanj,

What Phillips 42" Plasma model do you have? I ask because I returned my Vizio 42" for the Phillips 42PF7220A Plasma. My local Costco was out of Vizio's and I had to return mine last week, because it wouldnt turn on. So, I got the Phillips 42" and love it! [Granted I've only had it for less than 24 hours].

Is this the same model you have? If so, how do you like it? [Sorry, but I couldn't find any updated forum information on here for the Phillips].

Hi,

I bought this tv last week from costco and i have been enjoying alot. The HDTV picture is stunning for the price. But, i have been noticing a slight image retention problem. Here is the steps to reproduce

1. Watch any channels
2. bring up any menu
3. now let the menu go
4. switch to any input which do not have any source connected
5. At this point i can still read pretty much all the menu (which is not active anymore)
6. Some times i notice this even after power cycling the tv

Note: i have all the settings (contrast, brightness etc..) < 60 and i have watched only 3 or 4 movies. Also, one thing i did is i ran the image retention CD (which i got from this forum some time ago)

I'm not sure if this is common and not a problem. Please, suggest.

Thanks


You need to brake in the TV with lower Contrast,brightness then 60!
thats to high! :eek:

you need to turn down your setting and run the burn in dvd or run some HD filling the screen.contrast,brightness maybe 20 or so....100 Hrs then turn everything up a tad.200 Hrs then calibrate to your liking....

but not 60:(i believe thats to high.

I have noticed this aswell with my set. It will even have image retention when the set has been off for several hours. If you use the "white-wash" feature in the menu options it will clear it up. But the problem re-occures the next time you pull the menu up. I even notice it when you change the voume on a black screen.


http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=608677

After 2 weeks of issue free performance, I just got the shutoff bug. It shut off twice in the last half hour. No change in viewing setup, on my part. Packing it up and taking it back to the retailer. Not even gonna mess around with trying to figure it out.

I'm still having problems with pink skin tones. It's weird, sometimes the skin tones look great and then they look pinkish. This happens to the same people.

After 2 weeks of issue free performance, I just got the shutoff bug. It shut off twice in the last half hour. No change in viewing setup, on my part. Packing it up and taking it back to the retailer. Not even gonna mess around with trying to figure it out.


did you check the sleep function as mentioned earlier in this thread?

did you check the sleep function as mentioned earlier in this thread?


I must have missed that post. I have used the sleep function before, but it is not currently set, nor was it set when the TV shut off. (just did it again with the wild clicking noise crap).

Here's the settings i got from using the Video Essentials DVD.

I have G07 model running for about a week.

Brightness 55
Contrast <50
Color 32
Tint 54
Sharpness 0

Brightness may be a tad higher than is considered safe for the first 100 hours at least but that's what looked right according to the VE DVD.

Contrast was not clearly discernable (somewhere between 35 and 60?) but should be less than 50 nevertheless to be safe.

Color was way high just by looking at the picture initially and turned out to need to be toned way down.

Tint was only a little off.

Sharpness is recommended by the DVD to be turned all the way down so as not to add any "extra" information around lines not intended to be shown.

Hope this helps anyone!!

I have this tv for about 1 week and so far so good except one problem with DTV channel lineup. I have Philips plasma 42" for 1 month (for $400 different, I just have to return the philips) and comcast cable.

For TV part, both of them work exactly. But for DTV, the Philips has digital channels same as analog channels (ie, I have chanel 2,3,4,5, etc), but with Vizio, I don't have chan 2,4,5,6,7,8, etc, instead they are like 90-1, 90-3 (something like that) and also they are not lineup. It makes TV viewing very difficult.

Does anyone know how to solve this? why Philips and Vizio give me total different channel number? (I have several days have both of them side by side from same cable feed, but with different channels)

Thanks

-- steve

I believe the channels with the "#-1, #-2, etc." are the off-air channels being picked up by the built in tuner. I don't have cable but all of my channels from the built-in tuner, and i have a lot, have a "#-1, #-2" format, which AFAIK is normal.

I have DirecTV and it shows both the Directv and the Off air channels and shows the channels one after the other...

2 (DirecTV feed)
2-1 (off air HD feed)
2-2 (off air SD feed)

Here's the settings i got from using the Video Essentials DVD.

Tint 54

I'm kind of surprised with that. I'm having a reddish skin tone problem and your tint setting would make it more reddish. I'm using crap non-hdtv cables so that might be the difference.

So I reseated the power cable and noticed the a slightly loose connection on on the TV side. So far no more issues with 4 hours of uptime. Fingers crossed.

So I reseated the power cable and noticed the a slightly loose connection on on the TV side. So far no more issues with 4 hours of uptime. Fingers crossed.


by all means CBuck, keep us posted. I'm going on two weeks myself and we essentially have the same set up.

by all means CBuck, keep us posted. I'm going on two weeks myself and we essentially have the same set up.

Will do. I'll keep it on for the next 24 - 48 hours straight (hopefully).

Just bought my Vizio 42 yesterday and it has one black pixel (always black). Noticeable when the screen is a light color (but not noticeable from normal viewing distance).
Is this normal or a cause to return it???
This is my first plasma so I'm new at this.
I had bought the Vizio 37 inch LCD last week but the dang thing kept shutting off whenever it wanted to (and the black levels were not great).
Thanks for any input.

LakerFan4Life,

Yes I have 42PF7220A.37. When I compared it side-by-side with Vizio, Philips has better white than Vizio (more white). Comparing between Philips and Vizio:

Pro:
- better white
- better channel lineup
- two HDMI (I don't care anyway)

Con:
- no detail PIP control
- only one tuner (Vizio has TV & DTV), and it is impossible (maybe I don;t know) to have two chans from TV/DTV on PIP without helping from other source.
- no RGB connection

just my 2c, and hope it help

-- steve

qdoggg,

I believe the channels with the "#-1, #-2, etc." are the off-air channels being picked up by the built in tuner. I don't have cable but all of my channels from the built-in tuner, and i have a lot, have a "#-1, #-2" format, which AFAIK is normal.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Sorry for the stupid question, and I am new on these digital tv and HDTV things. Are you talking about OTA using antenna? I only have comcast cable service without any antenna. When I have both Philips and Vizio, I have splitted the cable to two and connect both of them and get totally different channel lineup.

Thanks for any help.

-- steve

I've had this set for almost two weeks, and LOVE it.

A couple issues however:

#1) Has anyone else had a funky message show up in the PIP screen? A couple times now, while my son is watching his Thomas the tank engine DVD, I'll pull up the PIP to watch something else- like a bball game, or anything other than talking trains. I'll pull up the screen, and it'll show the program coming from the other input, then the small PIP screen will go black and have a message that says something along the lines of "V-Chip..." something or another. The Thomas still plays- but it'll have this message in the PIP.
Anyone else experienced this?

#2) Not much detail in dark scenes. This is more than likely a calibration issue on my end. I haven't really played with the calibration when watching something with dark scenes like 24, or Grey's Anatomy last night. I've jotted down some of the calibration suggestions in this thread and will give them a shot.

Other than these small issues- I've absolutely loved the TV to this point. No shut down issues or anything of the sort thus far... knock on wood.

Yeah. I have noticed the V-Chip thing in PIP. Not sure what is going on in there. I had the parent lock feature off at the time.

I've had this set for almost two weeks, and LOVE it.

A couple issues however:

#1) Has anyone else had a funky message show up in the PIP screen? A couple times now, while my son is watching his Thomas the tank engine DVD, I'll pull up the PIP to watch something else- like a bball game, or anything other than talking trains. .

Sorry, but that REALLY made me laugh :)
part of it is becuase I know where you are coming from..parenthood..

I'm kind of surprised with that. I'm having a reddish skin tone problem and your tint setting would make it more reddish. I'm using crap non-hdtv cables so that might be the difference.

Mine actually has a more yellowish tinge to it. Maybe we have different bulids...G07?

qdoggg,

I believe the channels with the "#-1, #-2, etc." are the off-air channels being picked up by the built in tuner. I don't have cable but all of my channels from the built-in tuner, and i have a lot, have a "#-1, #-2" format, which AFAIK is normal.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Sorry for the stupid question, and I am new on these digital tv and HDTV things. Are you talking about OTA using antenna? I only have comcast cable service without any antenna. When I have both Philips and Vizio, I have splitted the cable to two and connect both of them and get totally different channel lineup.

Thanks for any help.

-- steve

Yes, i'm talking about OTA antenna... Only thing i could think of (again, i do not have cable) is that you have it set to antenna and not cable when searching for channels... other that that, i can't help.

Sorry, but that REALLY made me laugh
part of it is becuase I know where you are coming from..parenthood..

^ LOL... glad you appreciated that!

Also- I just bought two universal remotes off of eBay- the Sony rm-av3100, and the Home Theater Master MX-500. Has anyone used either of these remotes with this TV? Any probs? Any preference on the two?
I know that's a question that could be on the remote control forum, but it's relatively specific to this tv since people were complaining about finding the remote codes for it on other universal's earlier. Both of these remotes can learn from the original remote, so I assume this wont be an issue with either of these.

I'm running a TiVo, two DVD players, CD player, receiver and HD cable box.

For anyone who interested in, attached please find the RemoteMaster file (if you know what I am talking about) for the TV. Please rename ".txt" to ".rmdu".

-- steve

It seems everyone has the different values...

-- steve

Version 0.17
Date 2006.01.21
S/N: G05xxx

For the TV input:
R Gain 128
G Gain 124
B Gain 107
R Offset 130
G Offset 131
B Offset 134

For the DTV input:
R Gain 128
G Gain 122
B Gain 105
R Offset 128
G Offset 127
B Offset 131

For the AV1/AV2/AV3 input:
R Gain 128
G Gain 124
B Gain 107
R Offset 130
G Offset 131
B Offset 134

For the Component1/Coponent2 input:
R Gain 128
G Gain 122
B Gain 105
R Offset 128
G Offset 127
B Offset 131

completely new to this and i bought the vizio a while ago. Model number G09 and no problem so far. However while watching wide screen dvds, there are always two letter boxes, one on top one on the bottom. Is there a stretch mode that can fill the entire screen up or is that the way all wide screen dvds are displayed?

one thing to keep in mind is that not all widescreen dvds are filmed in 16:9. take king kong for example which is 2.35:1, as opposed to war of the worlds which is 16:9

completely new to this and i bought the vizio a while ago. Model number G09 and no problem so far. However while watching wide screen dvds, there are always two letter boxes, one on top one on the bottom. Is there a stretch mode that can fill the entire screen up or is that the way all wide screen dvds are displayed?

ZOOM MODE?

From Manual:

WIDE/Record – This button cycles through the available screen formats.
The options are Wide, Normal, Zoom, Panoramic.

Zoom Mode
When watching a widescreen (1.78:1, 1.85:1, or 2.35:1 source)
program or movie, the display image is zoomed proportionally to fill the
width of the screen. The top and bottom are cut off to remove most of
the source material’s black bars. This mode is good for programs or
movies with sub-titles.

UNCJedi,

I have an MX-500 (and 600 as well). I have been using their remotes for years (I have bought 5 in total). I never bother with the codes. Just use the learn function. Once you get proficient with it, it only takes 5 - 10 minutes to completely set up a new remote.

Colors:

I have seen the pink skin tone issue as well. Watch 24 tonight and look around Bill Buchanan's eyes. Looks like he has pink-eye.

Has anyone noticed that when you have a mediocre SD signal, that you will see a lot of green in the picture. I am not really sure how to explain it, but it almost seems to substitute green in place of gray.

Question.................(flame suit on)..........

I went looking last week at one Costco and saw most sets people were talking about for Costco, but not the 42" Vizio.

So then this weekend, I went to a differnt Costco and saw the 42" Vizio.

Maybe it was their setup or something, but I thought this thing had pretty poor PQ!!! No??

I just thought it was very drab, soft, colorless, fuzzy and didn't have very much brightness compared to the other units around it.

Now the one thing I *can* say for sure is............As soon as Vizio makes a 42" version of that 37" LCD, I'm buyin' in a heartbeat!!! This was the 2nd 37" I've seen on display and that sucker is just BEAUTIFUL!!! There was a 32" unit next to it that was even a little brighter, but it wasn't Vizio.....(I can't even remember what it was now).

37" Vizio LCD = great, but just a little too small

42" Vizio plasma = pretty disappointing (?)

For those of you saying a contrast of 50, 60 is too high, you need to calibrate the set first instead of picking an arbitrary limit just because that number happens to be towards the middle of the scale.


I have this tv for about 1 week and so far so good except one problem with DTV channel lineup. I have Philips plasma 42" for 1 month (for $400 different, I just have to return the philips) and comcast cable.

For TV part, both of them work exactly. But for DTV, the Philips has digital channels same as analog channels (ie, I have chanel 2,3,4,5, etc), but with Vizio, I don't have chan 2,4,5,6,7,8, etc, instead they are like 90-1, 90-3 (something like that) and also they are not lineup. It makes TV viewing very difficult.

Does anyone know how to solve this? why Philips and Vizio give me total different channel number? (I have several days have both of them side by side from same cable feed, but with different channels)

Thanks

-- steve

I am having the same problem with the DTV input. The channels are a mess.


Withy my HD receiver the channels line up the same, except instead of 2,4,5,7 it would be 2-1, 2-2, 4-1, 5-1 etc. But it made sense.


The Vizio is in in the 90s and the 100-3,100-4,100-9 just to get basic channels like CBS and FOX, it's mayhem and impossible to find out what channel you are watching.

I bought my 42" at the costco ... very happy with what I am seeing.. a newbie to the plasma world :)
I have two questions;
1) Is it worth the extra $ for the 50" Vizio. I do not have HDTV and do intend on getting it for a while.. but do watch DVDs.

2) Which is the best and cheap mount to get?? I saw one at walmart for $ called vuepoimt?? Should I get that or the one at Costco .. any recommendation would help thanks!!!

2) Which is the best and cheap mount to get?? I saw one at walmart for $ called vuepoimt?? Should I get that or the one at Costco .. any recommendation would help thanks!!!

dont like/want to get too cheap of a mount and drop my $$$ TV.. so please advice :)

Colors:

I have seen the pink skin tone issue as well. Watch 24 tonight and look around Bill Buchanan's eyes. Looks like he has pink-eye.

Has anyone noticed that when you have a mediocre SD signal, that you will see a lot of green in the picture. I am not really sure how to explain it, but it almost seems to substitute green in place of gray.
I noticed the greens while watching "Finding Neverland". It was astro turf green. I am only using cheap cables though.

For those of you saying a contrast of 50, 60 is too high, you need to calibrate the set first instead of picking an arbitrary limit just because that number happens to be towards the middle of the scale.

to prevent "burn-in" especially during the "break-in period Contrast should be set to 50% or less



PLASMA BREAK-IN

Like a fine new automobile, the performance of a plasma TV can be optimized by allowing a break-in period. By properly following these simple break-in instructions, you should be rewarded with long-term enjoyment of your plasma TV.

Plasma phosphors are most susceptible to image retention in the first hundred hours of use. The panel becomes considerably less sensitive to burn-in after this period.

Very often, televisions, including plasma, are shipped from the factory with the contrast control at a high setting to provide a bright picture under typical dealer showroom lighting conditions. In your home, the room light levels are usually one half or less than that in retail showrooms. The contrast control may need to be lowered in your home for comfortable contrast levels that do not induce eye strain.

When the plasma is initially installed, videophiles say it is best to do the following:

* Make sure the display is in a viewing mode (aspect ratio) that completely fills the screen (there are often three or more settings from which to choose). The panel is shipped in this condition, in what is called the “Just” mode.

* Turn down the picture control (contrast) to 50% or less.

* Briefly engage the 4:3 mode to confirm the side bars are set to mid-gray (there is usually an adjustment in the Set Up menu that takes the sidebars from black to gray) to minimize the chance of burn-in.

* Return the set to a “full screen” (Just, Zoom, Full) position during the first hundred hours of use.

* During the first hundred hours of use it is best not to view the same channel for extended periods. This should prevent channel logos and other fixed images found on some channels from being retained.

* Avoid any static images (video games, computer images, DVD title screens, etc.) during the hundred-hour break-in.


After the hundred-hour break-in period, during the next nine-hundred hours:

* Continue to retain the picture setting at 50% or less.

* Limit the use of 4:3 aspect ratio mode (traditional picture size that does not fill the entire screen) to 15% of viewing time.

* Limit the use of static images (computer, video games, etc.) to less than 10% of viewing time.


After one-thousand viewing hours, panels are much less likely to experience image burn-in.

ZOOM MODE?

From Manual:

WIDE/Record – This button cycles through the available screen formats.
The options are Wide, Normal, Zoom, Panoramic.

Zoom Mode
When watching a widescreen (1.78:1, 1.85:1, or 2.35:1 source)
program or movie, the display image is zoomed proportionally to fill the
width of the screen. The top and bottom are cut off to remove most of
the source material’s black bars. This mode is good for programs or
movies with sub-titles.

zoom mode only make things slightly better since there are sill thin letterboxes remaining on the top and the bottom of the screen

to prevent "burn-in" especially during the "break-in period Contrast should be set to 50% or less


My mistake if I misunderstood; it did not seem if they were talking specifically about burn-in settings.

zoom mode only make things slightly better since there are sill thin letterboxes remaining on the top and the bottom of the screen

Try the settings on your DVD player... most have settings that can adjust for this as well.

I have had the TV for 2 weeks now and I must say that I couldn't be happier with with the PQ. I do have one question. There is a fairly loud buzzing sound coming from the back of the TV. Is this a problem others are having or is it just a normal sound when its on...

Update: 13 hours after the power cable reseat and no shut offs *no jinx*.

Update: 13 hours after the power cable reseat and no shut offs *no jinx*.
As I stated earlier, any momentary interruption of power to the set will cause it to shut off. I my case it was a bad circuit breaker on the line it was plugged into. In your's a loose connection.

I'll bet Vizio is getting a lot of returns that are in perfect working order because may here assume that any problem must be due to a defective set. :(

Nod. I agree. Needless to say, all power connections to and from the TV are tightened and won't be coming loose without considerable effort.

Well, Finally got the V hookedup

First of all, I have only been watching SD-via S-Video on my DTV dvr r10 receiver. So far, I have been pretty impressed. Only 3 days now.

YES, I know this is the worst connection or comparision, but I would have to say this compares to my 36' CRT as far as picture quality. Not too shabby....

With SD, I do see the non-whites. I watched Cliffhanger last night. Yes, the grays I mean whites as far as snow screens look gray. BUT, then again I had the setting all turn down below 50%. As I was watching the movies, I did play with the settings. Still after turning up, still not up to par. I do have to agree, the blacks looked, well not too black??

DVD- I just ordered the OPPO. I will hook that up via dvi-hdmi
DTV-I do have the RS over the air antenna, will hook that up tomorrow to view HD

I guess, I have sent my expections really LOW. Still not really upset...I am yet to view this PDP with HD and DVD movies via dvi-hdmi..Time will only tell. I can't wait!!

To each their own. SD, to me, still not too bad. WITH the " worst ' connections.

Question.................(flame suit on)..........

I went looking last week at one Costco and saw most sets people were talking about for Costco, but not the 42" Vizio.

So then this weekend, I went to a differnt Costco and saw the 42" Vizio.

Maybe it was their setup or something, but I thought this thing had pretty poor PQ!!! No??

I just thought it was very drab, soft, colorless, fuzzy and didn't have very much brightness compared to the other units around it.

Now the one thing I *can* say for sure is............As soon as Vizio makes a 42" version of that 37" LCD, I'm buyin' in a heartbeat!!! This was the 2nd 37" I've seen on display and that sucker is just BEAUTIFUL!!! There was a 32" unit next to it that was even a little brighter, but it wasn't Vizio.....(I can't even remember what it was now).

37" Vizio LCD = great, but just a little too small

42" Vizio plasma = pretty disappointing (?)

It has to do with the way it is configured. I am sure people have messed with the picture. The setup in my local Costco was nice. Beautiful picture compared to the Phillips right next to it which is last years model and more $$. I also saw the 37" and thought it had a beautiful picture. Sa** C*** sells the same set and when I saw it there, it just looked horrible. Extremely bright and washed out. They must have been using composite video or something and the picture was tuned way out of whack.

Anyway, just my 2 cents.....

My mistake if I misunderstood; it did not seem if they were talking specifically about burn-in settings.

exactly.. i was under the impression people were posting the settings they've come up with after break in. no sense in posting anything before hand as they are set low intentionally which are obviously not ideal settings for optimum PQ.

A couple of thoughts...

skin tone and color issues: I have a feeling that this may be due to the HD broadcasts or specific HD channels themselves. I have been watching OTA HD channels and I noticed that Law and Order: SVU seems to have a greenish tint to it, while House seems to have a reddish tint to it. I am watching both with the Vizion in Vivid1 mode.

PQ: I have a feeling this may be something going on with the Costco setup. A buddy of mine who has the Panny 42" was over lastnight and I mentioned that I thought the PQ on his TV was sharper. He said he did not think so. He thought the Vizio looked great and the colors looked very vibrant, again, in Vivid1 mode.

i think vivid 1 looks horrendous. too much saturation. user defined settings are the only way to go, imho.

Well, and I'd definitely have to say that I don't think that anybody would argue that a Panny is a better overall PQ unit than a comparable Vizio.

The 60u's out right now are just head & shoulders above the rest.

The Vizio looks "OK", it's just that after seeing the 50" at one Costco and the 42" at another costco, I just don't see the picture getting that much better.

I played with the settings on the 50" Vizio, too and still just couldn't get it to put up as nice a picture as the plasma next to it and nowhere NEAR the PQ of the 37" Vizio LCD that was a couple spots over. Again, that sucker just shone like a trophy!!

Maybe the next round of Vizios??????

am having the same problem with the DTV input. The channels are a mess.

Withy my HD receiver the channels line up the same, except instead of 2,4,5,7 it would be 2-1, 2-2, 4-1, 5-1 etc. But it made sense.

The Vizio is in in the 90s and the 100-3,100-4,100-9 just to get basic channels like CBS and FOX, it's mayhem and impossible to find out what channel you are watching.

Hmmm. I have rabbit ears hooked up to the DTV coax input and digital cable (after it goes thru the VCR/DVD) to TV. When I select DTV on the remote a gray dialog box comes us stating the station letters, number-1 and the resolution, among other information. What could possibly be confusing about that?!! :D Perhaps I don't understand what you are trying to tell me. :confused:

Tom

If you use the DTV coax input and feed it cable (not OTA) then the stations it picks up are the channels and subchannels that your cable compay broadcasts on. Your receiver, if you have one, takes those channels and uses a channel map to put them in a more understandable format. The TV has no idea how to do a channel map, and so you have to figure out what's important to you and delete the rest of them. Sorry, that's the best you can do without an external receiver that allows channel mapping.

Has anyone tried hooking a DVI cable up to this TV with an HDMI adapter? I've tried two different adapters already, but neither would fit because the left and right audio inputs are situated too close to the HDMI port. Apparently, only the Vizio adapter, available direct from the V Inc. website, will fit this configuration. Gee, what a coincidence.

That annoyance aside, I must say that I've been very happy with this set and its picture quality -- despite the initial poor impression at Costco. At home, the colors are rich and natural, and I have yet to see any of the artifacts that plagued the Vizio P42HDe, and which are common to other low-end plasma displays.

dont like/want to get too cheap of a mount and drop my $$$ TV.. so please advice :)

Peerless and chief always make good mounts. I got a Peerless ST660, which might be a bit of overkill, but at least I'm safe. It is also a tilting mount which will give me a little more flexibility in mounting height. Now I just need to get the dumb thing installed ;)

Peerless and chief always make good mounts. I got a Peerless ST660, which might be a bit of overkill, but at least I'm safe. It is also a tilting mount which will give me a little more flexibility in mounting height. Now I just need to get the dumb thing installed ;)

I'm curious as to why you guys aren't buying the vizio mounts? They offer a flat mount and a tilt mount and right now, they are offering 10% off. Is there anyone that can vouch as to the quality of these mounts?

Has anyone tried hooking a DVI cable up to this TV with an HDMI adapter? I've tried two different adapters already, but neither would fit because the left and right audio inputs are situated too close to the HDMI port. Apparently, only the Vizio adapter, available direct from the V Inc. website, will fit this configuration. Gee, what a coincidence.

That annoyance aside, I must say that I've been very happy with this set and its picture quality -- despite the initial poor impression at Costco. At home, the colors are rich and natural, and I have yet to see any of the artifacts that plagued the Vizio P42HDe, and which are common to other low-end plasma displays.

Why don't you just buy a dvi to hdmi cable. That way, the connector is normal size and should fit. Try monoprice. :)

I have problems with "24" too. Pink eyes and lips, shadows of the faces are greenish, almost to the point of looking bruised. This happens on a few different HD shows, while others are beautiful. I have HDMI and component and DTV hooked up, and it happens on all three. Anyone ever notice very faint rainbow-like (bluish/reddish/violet/greenish) colors in certain scenes and background, like faces, blacktop streets, white shirts? Very wierd, not bad, but gets on my nerves at times.

Why don't you just buy a dvi to hdmi cable. That way, the connector is normal size and should fit. Try monoprice. :)

I already had a DVI-D cable from an earlier TV and didn't want to pay for a new cable. The Vizio adapter is $20; will price out the DVI-HDMI cable at monoprice, thanks!

finally got around to playing w/ the dtv tuner.

it's unfortunate that's there's no zoom or panorama modes available.
(my local PBS station does lots of letterboxed 480i which looks tiny in the
'normal' mode and just plain wrong in the 'wide' mode.

luckily, my satellite reciever does a great job for OTA
and has zoom and panorama options

I have my sony dvd player hooked to the vizio through the component inputs. The picture looks suprisingly good, especially for a 6 year old dvd player. I have a question. Does the Vizio upconvert the signal from the dvd player, or do I need to buy a better dvd player to get an even better picture? I don't know the model of the player I have off the top of my head, but it isn't even progressive scan, although it was over $200 6 years ago, lol.

Well, and I'd definitely have to say that I don't think that anybody would argue that a Panny is a better overall PQ unit than a comparable Vizio.

The 60u's out right now are just head & shoulders above the rest.

The Vizio looks "OK", it's just that after seeing the 50" at one Costco and the 42" at another costco, I just don't see the picture getting that much better.


I won't argue the PQ of the Panny, but my point is that I think people here are being way too critical of the PQ of the cheapest plasma TV on the market. If you want the PQ of the Panny, go ahead and pay $1000 more for it.

I have not seen one set up at the store, but I'm guessing the PQ has something to do with their setup. HD over the DTV input looks pretty darn good.

Also, Vivid1 does not look "horrendous" as one person said. It looks much better than when I had all my settings at about 40 for break in.

I agree with those that feel the user setting is the only way to go. My problem is that I feel the need to change it too often! Which brings me to my main complaint. I feel like this set has a hard time with very dark programs. I haven't gotten through the 100 hours yet so I'm keeping my brightness and contrast in the low 40's, but I don't know that programs like 24 are ever going to be as good as one would hope. On the other hand, I watched some dark scenes in Return of the King and was really impressed with the picture. Could it be that HD programming through a cable box is going to be different by channel?

I assume that we can't tweak the vivid settings on the set? I wish we could, because with only one user setting for each input, you can't set it up for day vs. night viewing. This would definitely have been helpful.

gscavezze said:

I have my sony dvd player hooked to the vizio through the component inputs. The picture looks suprisingly good, especially for a 6 year old dvd player. I have a question. Does the Vizio upconvert the signal from the dvd player, or do I need to buy a better dvd player to get an even better picture? I don't know the model of the player I have off the top of my head, but it isn't even progressive scan, although it was over $200 6 years ago, lol.

To my knowledge the Vizio doesn't upconvert; not aware that any HDTV does that, certainly not at this price range.

I purchased an Oppo OPDV971H upconverting DVD player from Blue Surf or something like that for $208. Delivery is scheduled for tomorrow so will let you know how it looks. You can also buy it direct from Oppo for about $5 more, owing to shippment up charge only. Just Google Oppo.

Tom

avsben said:

I won't argue the PQ of the Panny, but my point is that I think people here are being way too critical of the PQ of the cheapest plasma TV on the market. If you want the PQ of the Panny, go ahead and pay $1000 more for it.

I have not seen one set up at the store, but I'm guessing the PQ has something to do with their setup. HD over the DTV input looks pretty darn good.

Also, Vivid1 does not look "horrendous" as one person said. It looks much better than when I had all my settings at about 40 for break in.

Dittos on this post! I like steak better than pot roast on most days, but this 'pot roast' Vizio is just plenty fine for me everyday. Nothing but jaw-agape HDTV experience for this pilgrim - particularly live sports like the NCAA Basketball Tourney. In store setups are no way to judge an HDTV, whether you like what you see or not. If the store geek isn't willing to hook it up to OTA or digital cable, then go to the next store. The kids at our Costco had some rabbit ears - sold me. :p

Tom

gscavezze said:



To my knowledge the Vizio doesn't upconvert; not aware that any HDTV does that, certainly not at this price range.



the vizio must upconvert the 480i to the native panel resolution.
the question is whether a completely digital conversion path
looks better than analog to digital conversion.

(most hdtv's do some form of upconversion to their native resolution.
whether they do it better than the upconverting dvd player is the question)

the vizio must upconvert the 480i to the native panel resolution.
the question is whether a completely digital conversion path
looks better than analog to digital conversion.

(most hdtv's do some form of upconversion to their native resolution.
whether they do it better than the upconverting dvd player is the question)

You know, I just read the features a little more closely and completely missed this little ditty:

Progressive Scan Video via HDMI™**, Component or RGB

So does this mean that I basically have the equivelant of Progressive Scan DVD player performance now? Is 720p Progressive Scan?

You know, I just read the features a little more closely and completely missed this little ditty:



So does this mean that I basically have the equivelant of Progressive Scan DVD player performance now? Is 720p Progressive Scan?


480p is progressive scan.

720p is HD.

the P stands for progressive

If you use the DTV coax input and feed it cable (not OTA) then the stations it picks up are the channels and subchannels that your cable compay broadcasts on. Your receiver, if you have one, takes those channels and uses a channel map to put them in a more understandable format. The TV has no idea how to do a channel map, and so you have to figure out what's important to you and delete the rest of them. Sorry, that's the best you can do without an external receiver that allows channel mapping.

I agree to most of this posting. The Visio does map the channel numbers as commanded by the digital data stream. For instance, channel 4-1 is actually the frequency assigned to channel 19 but the data tells the receiver it's channel 4-1. Now this an is OTA signal. In fact none of my OTA channels come in on the original channel frequencies but how could they without dumping the analog TVs still out there.

Now wrap your heads around this...

If your cable company is providing service and odds are all the lower channels have been used for analog channels. Now we have digital channels which cannopt occupy the same frequencies so the cable companies rebroadcast your locals and any other HD channels to a higher channel number (or availble at least). I don't know how or if they can insert the digital channel numbers into the broadcast but if not then you get the channel number they transmitted it on (no mapping).


Does this sound reasonable?

If your cable company is providing service and odds are all the lower channels have been used for analog channels. Now we have digital channels which cannopt occupy the same frequencies so the cable companies rebroadcast your locals and any other HD channels to a higher channel number (or availble at least). I don't know how or if they can insert the digital channel numbers into the broadcast but if not then you get the channel number they transmitted it on (no mapping).


Does this sound reasonable?
Very resonable

Have had this set for 2 weeks now. Overall I am fairly impressed, but also disappointed. The PQ on SD material is average at best. The colors on dark scenes can be very poor. HD is great and it has a hard time with HD connections from my OPPO above 480p (please don't tell me it's the cable!).

Here is the question: even at this price point, are the shortcomings easy to overlook? I am thinking about the Panasonic TH-42PD50U. I realize that it is an EDTV, but I think it will be hard to tell the difference on HDTV and very easy on SD. Am I the only one with these thoughts or is it the Cosmpolitans talking???

Have had this set for 2 weeks now. Overall I am fairly impressed, but also disappointed. The PQ on SD material is average at best. The colors on dark scenes can be very poor. HD is great and it has a hard time with HD connections from my OPPO above 480p (please don't tell me it's the cable!).

Here is the question: even at this price point, are the shortcomings easy to overlook? I am thinking about the Panasonic TH-42PD50U. I realize that it is an EDTV, but I think it will be hard to tell the difference on HDTV and very easy on SD. Am I the only one with these thoughts or is it the Cosmpolitans talking???


I'll let you know in a few weeks.
I just ordered a TH-42PD50U to replace the Vizio.
Most of my viewing will be SD and DVDs for the time being.

The Panasonic also happened to be cheaper than the CC sale price with CA sales tax but that was not why I decided to switch.

The recent review by CNET together with some PQ problems decided me.

I agree to most of this posting. The Visio does map the channel numbers as commanded by the digital data stream. For instance, channel 4-1 is actually the frequency assigned to channel 19 but the data tells the receiver it's channel 4-1. Now this an is OTA signal. In fact none of my OTA channels come in on the original channel frequencies but how could they without dumping the analog TVs still out there.

Now wrap your heads around this...

If your cable company is providing service and odds are all the lower channels have been used for analog channels. Now we have digital channels which cannopt occupy the same frequencies so the cable companies rebroadcast your locals and any other HD channels to a higher channel number (or availble at least). I don't know how or if they can insert the digital channel numbers into the broadcast but if not then you get the channel number they transmitted it on (no mapping).


Does this sound reasonable?

Very reasonable... your OTA channels have embedded that data to tell the tuner how to map the channels. The cable company does NOT do that because they assume (and are 99.9% correct) that if you are receiving the digital channels then you have a set top box. The channel mapping is performed in the set top box, saving the bandwidth. There is just so little market for people getting digital cable but NOT using a cable box.

Have had this set for 2 weeks now. Overall I am fairly impressed, but also disappointed. The PQ on SD material is average at best.

For those of you not liking the SD picture quality, what HDTVs are you comparing it to?

For those of you not liking the SD picture quality, what HDTVs are you comparing it to?
Agent2099, I don't need to compare it to any TV. When watching SD DirecTV, it looks very poor. It has a hard time displaying the proper color in some scenes in hi-def too. I was watching Young Frankenstein on DirecTV (SD B/W) and there was almost as much green as gray. I have seen other people post that when watching some dimly lit scenes (HD - 24 is a great example), they see some pinkish and green tones in the background and on faces. This is very true, but especially bad on B&W.

For $1500, I don't expect this set to be perfect, but I expect more. Is that unreasonable?

SD on D* severely overcompressed.
definitely not a reference quality signal.

For those of you not liking the SD picture quality, what HDTVs are you comparing it to?

I haven't had the luxury of being able to compare the SD on my Vizio to any other HDTV for long. I think it compared favoribly to the DLP's I compared it to, but the Sony and JVC SXRD and D-ILA's handled it better in the brief samples I saw.

It's the networks and sources that really vary on SD. The worst example I've seen is ESPN News... it is so bad that it's almost unwatchable on my P42HDTV. The text overlays are hard to read it's so bad. Most of their game and field video is equally bad. Then I can watch something on the History Channel, or the Learning Channel, and the SD is better than average. I simply can't over the wide quality variance in SD over an HDTV. CRT SDTV's do a great job of masking the flaws of poor SD quality.

Have had this set for 2 weeks now. Overall I am fairly impressed, but also disappointed. The PQ on SD material is average at best. The colors on dark scenes can be very poor. HD is great and it has a hard time with HD connections from my OPPO above 480p (please don't tell me it's the cable!).

Here is the question: even at this price point, are the shortcomings easy to overlook? I am thinking about the Panasonic TH-42PD50U. I realize that it is an EDTV, but I think it will be hard to tell the difference on HDTV and very easy on SD. Am I the only one with these thoughts or is it the Cosmpolitans talking???

I am using the TV and DTV inputs split from a cheap Rat Shack amplified set top antenna, and SD programs look fine, in fact, very good. And I, too, see variable quality in HD OTA broadcasts.......PBS Nova and Nature look great!

Pats & Sox, I really don't want to tell you it's the cable on your Oppo.........but....

I have one, too, and I had rampant green sparklies at 720p with the Oppo DVI-HDMI cable. I had bought 5 10 foot DVI cables from Rat Shack when they dumped their brand for a strange deal with Monster. Their original cables were much better than the Monster and originally sold for $119 (yeah, ridiculous!) and they were dumping them for $12.95 each, so I bought all they had at the store...five of them. I put a Parts Express DVI-HDMI adapter with RF suppression on the cable, and, voila, rock steady 720p from the Oppo! No sparklies, no jittery picture.

I'm not sure why the Oppo cable was so bad with the Vizio.....it looked like a fairly good cable. But changing it fixed the problem. I also 'torqued' the connector very tight on the Oppo side and at the adapter.

YMMV.

Wadric

"Art is a lie that makes us realize the truth."

-Pablo Picasso

I seem to have the same problems with SD PQ with DirecTV....I have a HD10-250 receiver and I used the HDMI cables that came with it....I have found the SD PQ on most of the channels leaves something to be desired....However the HD quality is outstanding.....DVD PQ is remarkable....I have not had any of the shutdown problems refered to by others.....The only thing that I am experencing is a fairly loud buzzing sound coming from the back of the TV....I must say that after 2+ weeks of watching the Vizio I am completely happy with its preformance.........

From reading these posts it sounds to my untrained eyes and ears that DirectTV in particular and Satellite TV in general may be the source of PQ problems we're talking about here. SD on my Bresnan digital cable, when watched on the Vizio, is completely acceptable, just as good as on my 12 year old 27" RCA tube set and in most cases better. I have not experienced color shifts or any of the complaints I read from satellite subscribers, even on ESPN News.

I would have expected SD to be a bit worse as I'm cramming a trash signal (definition-wise) into a HD box and blowing it up 3 or 4 times. The analogy is taking a photo on ASA1600 film and blowing it up from an acceptable 3"x5" photo to an 8"x12" or bigger. It's gonna look grainy. BUT, I have not experienced this kind of degradation of PQ on my Vizio.

That's why it's an acceptable question to ask if you are comparing SD on your satellite-fed Vizio with, say, a Panny. If you did, I'd suspect the results might be the same.

I'm concluding that most of the problems encountered here are from the type of signal and not the Vizio. Digital Cable appears to me to be the better choice.

Tom

From reading these posts it sounds to my untrained eyes and ears that DirectTV in particular and Satellite TV in general may be the source of PQ problems we're talking about here.

YES with my R10 DTivo, I originally thought that it looked okay as far as SD

THEN
last night I hooked up my OTA Indoor/Outdoor Antenna from RS.
I was able to pull in about 40+ stations of mixed HD and SD

WOW, SD with the OTA through the DTV input looked pretty good. WAY better than SD on the DTivo. I am still within the Break In period. I have my setting all in the low 40's now.

HD with the OTA looked better than expected especially during the break in period and with the setting way down. I am looking forward to getting it adjusted after the 100 hours. I think it was some program on PBS HD last night that I was very impressed. The local HD Channels did look " soft " at least for now

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.

Onlooker, i take it you haven't had any problems with static images since you started gaming on it? my vizio is "broken in" and i want to hook up my PC and play some Oblivion! :)

I'm really looking forward to seeing Augusta this weekend in HD. I tried to rent Avia last week so that I could get the best picture possible but Netflix must have a limited quantity as it was skipped in my queue. The Masters in HD is about as good as it gets. Let's hope the Vizio does it justice!

Agent2099, I don't need to compare it to any TV. When watching SD DirecTV, it looks very poor. It has a hard time displaying the proper color in some scenes in hi-def too. I was watching Young Frankenstein on DirecTV (SD B/W) and there was almost as much green as gray. I have seen other people post that when watching some dimly lit scenes (HD - 24 is a great example), they see some pinkish and green tones in the background and on faces. This is very true, but especially bad on B&W.

For $1500, I don't expect this set to be perfect, but I expect more. Is that unreasonable?


Hi, I don't think that its unreasonable to expect a lot for $1500, hey thats a lot of money to most of us.
However, I think most of the postings on plasmas in all the forums generally state that SD is not great.
That said, for me, about 33% of that SD channels in the SoFla area are pretty decent, another 33% are somewhat decent, and about 34% not really good at all. But all the digital channels are pretty good and the HDTV is so very, very, good.
The fact that I saved a lot of cash (for me) in this purchase, Priceless. :)

HD with the OTA looked better than expected especially during the break in period and with the setting way down. I am looking forward to getting it adjusted after the 100 hours. I think it was some program on PBS HD last night that I was very impressed. The local HD Channels did look " soft " at least for now


I've noticed this too... the locals do seem a bit soft- but still look really good. I was also watching a little PBS HD last night- particularly the Nova special on the Titan moon of Saturn... it looked absolutely phenomenal.

Out of curiosity- what are some good indoor, set top HD antenna's that folks are getting good results from? I'm using a little $29 amplified antenna that I picked up at Rat Shack, and am picking up about 13 stations, ~7 of which are HD. My locals, PBS and WB and a local UPN affiliate. A couple of them don't come in that great, but they do come in sometimes...
Antennaweb listed a bunch more in the area that I could potentially pick up, so I was curious if anyone has had good luck with set top, indoor antennas that pick up signals from 50 miles away or so.

indoor antenna w/ 50 mile range implies that your house is on a really
tall hill w/ a good view of the transmitter!!

Onlooker, i take it you haven't had any problems with static images since you started gaming on it? my vizio is "broken in" and i want to hook up my PC and play some Oblivion! :)

I haven't seen much retention at all. My sons are still doing 2 and 3 hour Oblivion and Battlefield 2 (demo) sessions, and you really have to look hard to see any H.U.D. remnants when going to regular broadcasts. I find that what hints of it are there get wiped away naturally, within minutes of switching to a regular broadcast. I've read enough cautions now about the image cleaner's effects on plasma life to know that I should use it only when absolutetly necessary.

The P42HDTV has exceeded every expectation I had for it as an XBox 360 monitor!

I'm really looking forward to seeing Augusta this weekend in HD. I tried to rent Avia last week so that I could get the best picture possible but Netflix must have a limited quantity as it was skipped in my queue. The Masters in HD is about as good as it gets. Let's hope the Vizio does it justice!

I'm very curious to see how the Masters will look this week as well. So far, I've been a bit disappointed in the way the TPC at Sawgrass looked, as well as the tournamant at Sugarloaf last weekend. I thought the textures of the grass came out blocky looking. I hope it was a product of the broadcast feed, and not something quirky about the way the Vizio handles this type of material.

I do know this though.... the grass textures in my Tiger Woods 06 golf game on the XBox 360 look fantastic on the Viz. Therefore, I don't think it's the resolution of grass textures at 720p that's causing the problem. I'll find out this weekend... I know CBS will throw their best equipment at the Masters.

1) Is it worth the extra $ for the 50" Vizio. I do not have HDTV and do intend on getting it for a while.. but do watch DVDs.

Please someone help me decide ...

this is a discussion about the 42". check the 50" thread if you are looking to buy that tv.

I'm very curious to see how the Masters will look this week as well. So far, I've been a bit disappointed in the way the TPC at Sawgrass looked, as well as the tournamant at Sugarloaf last weekend. I thought the textures of the grass came out blocky looking. I hope it was a product of the broadcast feed, and not something quirky about the way the Vizio handles this type of material.

I do know this though.... the grass textures in my Tiger Woods 06 golf game on the XBox 360 look fantastic on the Viz. Therefore, I don't think it's the resolution of grass textures at 720p that's causing the problem. I'll find out this weekend... I know CBS will throw their best equipment at the Masters.

I'm not too concerned. The two tourneys you mentioned were SD and I agree they didn't look great. I've found that I don't even bother watching SD channels much on the Viz. The HD looks so great that it's not worth it! I'll watch the SD stuff on my Sony CRT.

I've got my fingers crossed that CBS HD is covering it from 4-7 tonight. I've already programmed the DVR, but the listings show the normal programming (People's Court and News). I'll find out tonight.

Panel Protection/Orbit Function

I went to the Vizio FAQ webpage below and found this item. Has anyone inquired about this and why this isnt on the P42HDTV model? Im not sure either if this is on the previous model as well.

http://www.vizioce.com/site/support/faq_p42_p42hd.html

Under this FAQ,

Can you explain the term ??Image sticking???
Over time, the image within the display area will "burn in" evenly, but non illuminated regions will not, so thereafter, when using full screen, you may notice a difference when there is a uniform lightness that covers both areas. This applies to CRT (picture tube displays) as well. Also, when viewing programs with constant graphics, such as stock market reports, news with ??ticker?? or ??crawl?? or sports programs, the only way to avoid image sticking is to use the "Panel Protection" function on the display.

How can I prevent image sticking?
Use the Panel Protection/Orbit function on the plasma to prevent image sticking. (p31). Set the time to that which is reasonably short, but does not become distracting.

I am not sure if this is going to sound like a stupid question but here it goes.

I am using the DVI-HDMI connection for this tv and I have the audio hooked to my sony receiver. When I watch tv thru HDMI, there is a like 1-2 sec. delay on audio vs. video. None of the other inputs have this problem.

What can I do to get rid of this problem? Please help me? thanks in advance.

Two points I want to address. First, the channel labeling in DTV. It would be nice if you could go in and label each channel with whatever you want. This would make it easier than trying to figure out what 113-7 is. I have a CRT Panasonic that allows you to do that. You can label it ABC or NIK or whatever you want with 3 letters. The other is the problem with SD picture quality. When I first got my Motorola HD box from Comcast it was a DVI to HDMI model. Picture was terrible, guy came out and replaced the box with the new dual tuner box and PQ is much much better, some look excellent. He said it was because the new box converts everything to a pure digital signal, whereas the old one was a mix of analog and digital. I find that most of the problems with HD are with the signal. Perhaps in the future things will balance out and all the stations will have similar PQ. Right now my PQ varies by station. One HD channel is great, then I watch 24 and its not so great. The Visio still doesnt have the pop that my old Visio L37 had, but its acceptable. I was in the big store yesterday and they had a L37 on display (by the way, price has dropped), and it was unbelievable. Maybe Visio will come out with a 42" LCD that doesnt turn itself off all the time. We can only hope!

What model is your moto HD box now? and what was your old one? Thanks.

Two points I want to address. First, the channel labeling in DTV. It would be nice if you could go in and label each channel with whatever you want. This would make it easier than trying to figure out what 113-7 is. I have a CRT Panasonic that allows you to do that. You can label it ABC or NIK or whatever you want with 3 letters. The other is the problem with SD picture quality. When I first got my Motorola HD box from Comcast it was a DVI to HDMI model. Picture was terrible, guy came out and replaced the box with the new dual tuner box and PQ is much much better, some look excellent. He said it was because the new box converts everything to a pure digital signal, whereas the old one was a mix of analog and digital. I find that most of the problems with HD are with the signal. Perhaps in the future things will balance out and all the stations will have similar PQ. Right now my PQ varies by station. One HD channel is great, then I watch 24 and its not so great. The Visio still doesnt have the pop that my old Visio L37 had, but its acceptable. I was in the big store yesterday and they had a L37 on display (by the way, price has dropped), and it was unbelievable. Maybe Visio will come out with a 42" LCD that doesnt turn itself off all the time. We can only hope!

Please someone help me decide ...

Adept777

I too was considering the 50", but most of us here bought this TV with a coupon which made it a lot cheaper than the 50"... making this the better bang per buck.

If the 50" ever has a coupon, i may have to reconsider.

After being a bit disappointed with the P42, I found a Panasonic TH-42PD50U at CC for about the same price (floor model). After only a few hours, I have decided the Vizio is going back. Even though my wife likes the appearance of the P42, she is in total agreement because the difference pn PQ is quite noticeable. Although, the Vizio could look great at times, the Panasonic (EDTV) is much more solid. Far truer colors, much better darks. I wish you all the best, but I am going to have to start visiting the Panny thread.

I bought the Vizio 37" LCD 2 days ago from CostCo but I'm already being plagued by a horrible buzzing sound.

For a few hundred more what will I be gaining over that 37" LCD if I upgrade to this set?

I've had the Vizio for 2 weeks. I'm pretty happy so far. I haven't experienced the shut down since it first did it and I don't hear the fan at all. My problem is the pinkish skin tones and the really green greens. The skin tones sometimes look great and sometimes drive me crazy. I have a week to figure out if this is a keeper.

... and I don't hear the fan at all.
That just might be because it doesn't have any. :D



My problem is the pinkish skin tones and the really green greens. The skin tones sometimes look great and sometimes drive me crazy. I have a week to figure out if this is a keeper.
Picture quality is highly dependant on the quality of the source. Colors can vary from network to network. I'd suggest try assessing a known source such as a favorite DVD on a calibrated (DVE or Avia) set before blaming your TV.

That just might be because it doesn't have any. :D

That might be why.. :)

I read that some people hear a noise. I forget what it is but I don't hear it.


Picture quality is highly dependant on the quality of the source. Colors can vary from network to network. I'd suggest try assessing a known source such as a favorite DVD on a calibrated (DVE or Avia) set before blaming your TV.
The weird thing is sometimes the skin tones look great and other times it looks pinkish. Even with the same person. I've heard others mention it.

After being a bit disappointed with the P42, I found a Panasonic TH-42PD50U at CC for about the same price (floor model). After only a few hours, I have decided the Vizio is going back. Even though my wife likes the appearance of the P42, she is in total agreement because the difference pn PQ is quite noticeable. Although, the Vizio could look great at times, the Panasonic (EDTV) is much more solid. Far truer colors, much better darks. I wish you all the best, but I am going to have to start visiting the Panny thread.

I saw the Panny to which you are referring while I was at CC. It is a real head turner. I can easily see how SD would look better on this set, not to mention non upconverted DVD's. My case is not as cut and dry as yours though... I use my Vizio as an XBox 360 monitor more than half the time. Since the 360's native mode is 720p, I reap the benefits of the Vizio. I noticed that the games take a significant step back at 480p versus 720p.

In the end it sounds like I'm happy with what I got and you are now happy with what you've got. The Panny thread seems to be just as rich with solid information as this thread has been. We'll miss you here, but you're no doubt better served there.

I purchased the P42 when the coupon was valid. The very first day, it turned off twice. From then on, it got worse and worse until it was unbearable. All the while I was dealing with the retailer for a replacement. Kind of a hassle since new units coming in were for rain-checks.

I finally got a manager to let one go, so I came home with a new unit a couple of days ago. No power off problems! And I have to agree with an earlier poster, the picture seems better.

I'm strictly OTA and DVD. I think the whole issue of PQ is relative to the actual production of the source. For example, Leno just pops! Whereas dramas using narrow depth of field shots are not as impressive.

Obviously, since this is my first HD set I have nothing to really compare it to. And as far as in the store comparisons, I find that nearly useless, other than ruling out the complete losers.

So all in all, I'm happy with the purchase. Looking forward to the Masters tomorrow.

Although, the Vizio could look great at times, the Panasonic (EDTV) is much more solid. Far truer colors, much better darks. I wish you all the best, but I am going to have to start visiting the Panny thread.

I hope you know what you just said! EDTV is not high definition. You will never get high definition on the Panny EDTV set, period. And from my direct observation, it did not have the save resolution as the Vizio at the C****O store or OTA at my home. Check your signal source. If it's DirectTV or satellite, I'd be willing to wager that's the problem. Just MHO from reading this thread and comparing the struggles to others, most of whom have satellite, with zero of my own OTA and digital cable.

Tom

Anyone else notice a buzzing-type noise when watching cable...the noise seems to be underneath the cable audio, but is very audible during silent parts and/or when changing channels. I have the SA8300 from TWC and have it hooked up through component.
Matt

I was in the big store yesterday and they had a L37 on display (by the way, price has dropped), and it was unbelievable. Maybe Visio will come out with a 42" LCD that doesnt turn itself off all the time. We can only hope!


This is EXACTLY what I am waiting for!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (You saw the obvious beauty in the 37" that I saw......literally blowing all other sets away on display there at Costco!)

Slayerbtvs said:

Anyone else notice a buzzing-type noise when watching cable...the noise seems to be underneath the cable audio, but is very audible during silent parts and/or when changing channels. I have the SA8300 from TWC and have it hooked up through component.

I've not heard this noise at all OTA or when watching cable. I have the rabbit ears direct into the DTV jack and cable from the Bresnan-Motorola box to the DVD to the TV jack on the Vizio. Not using component cables as my Motorola doesn't have any. Can't imagine why this would make any difference however.

What do you mean by underneath the cable audio?

Tom

I have noticed the red/green shift on faces in 24, too. I don't really notice it on other shows, but I always see it on 24. FWIW, I am watching it on TiVo at basic quality.

and i wasn't impressed. the only display setting the tv would allow me to run was 1024x768 (which i understand is it's native resolution) but is not true wide screen resolution from a gaming standpoint. i tested out oblivion and it looked "ok". i could see a lot more "jaggies" in objects and the picture seemed stretched to fill the screen. i'm going to search through the P50 thread in the meantime to see if anyone pc gamers have shared their experiences.

please chime in if you have any info to share.

once again, try 1280x720 @ 60Hz.
the p42hdtv treats this as a widescreen resolution.

I hope you know what you just said! EDTV is not high definition. You will never get high definition on the Panny EDTV set, period. And from my direct observation, it did not have the save resolution as the Vizio at the C****O store or OTA at my home. Check your signal source. If it's DirectTV or satellite, I'd be willing to wager that's the problem. Just MHO from reading this thread and comparing the struggles to others, most of whom have satellite, with zero of my own OTA and digital cable.

Tom
I would assume that HD games look better but SD, DVD and HD via OTA all look better. My only HD source right now is OTA and although the Vizio looked excellent at times (24 looks like $#it) the Panny always looks good. Whenever I watched DirecTV SD I wanted to gag with the P42. This set looks as good as a tube with SD material. Guess what, we are stuck with a lot of SD programming for the forseeable future. I guess I can't wait 5 years for my TV to look as good as possible.

Oh by the way, I realize this is an EDTV. And you know what, it looks better than many HDTV's even with HD material.

once again, try 1280x720 @ 60Hz.
the p42hdtv treats this as a widescreen resolution.

thanks lcubed, i appologize for not seeing that sooner.

All I know is the Masters looked awfully good on mine last night!!

My buzzing sound isn't loud enough to be audible over whatever is comming out of the TV at the time its just loud enough for me to hear it during silent times and when changing the channel....Also when I mute the tv, it goes away... i have the cable box sset up through component, any one else experiencing this

Hey onlooker, got any pics of oblivion being played on your set??

I am still a few hours away from really calibrating this thing, but so far I REALLY like it. I don't have any of the problems that have been mentioned in this post and am very happy with the HD and DVD picture. I have tried to get the best connections that I can afford and I think (hope?) that has made a difference. SD looks absolutely fine as well. I knew full well that when buying this TV that I would be sacrificing on some aspects of the TV. It has exceeded my expectations so far.

I would be really interested to hear more people's calibration after using a Avia disc or other type of tool. I would be especially interested to know if anyone has tweaked the settings that the service menu opened up?


Thanks again everyone!

Unable to program the VCR/DVD player as per 54 of the Vizio manual. Line 3 states: Press and hold the SETUP button until the LED LIGHT flashes twice. --- The LED Light only flashes once. Can someone confirm that theirs flashes twice, please?

Also if I'm watching a DVD (component 2) and I hit the TV button on the top left of the Remote Control isn't that suppose to switch the monitor over to TV viewing? Or is the only way to switch over to DTV is to hit the Remote Control INPUT button?

All I know is the Masters looked awfully good on mine last night!!

A big AMEN to that bro! I saw it this afternoon on USA network's HD rebroadcast of yesterday's action (I'm working second shift so I didn't get to see any of the live Friday action). It was mind blowing how good it looked. This is the way golf was meant to be viewed!! It was by far the most stunning broadcast I've seen in hi-def to date.... and to think, I've been really disappointed in the lackluster quality of SD golf broadcasts over digital cable :eek:

Hey onlooker, got any pics of oblivion being played on your set??

No... I don't know why but I've never been much of a camera buff. My daughter has a cheapo digital camera (not even sure what it is), but it will only do 800 x 600 res images. I'm impressed with the animation and flow of the scenery in Oblivion, but I'm not sure that screen shots will impress that many viewers, who are not familiar with the tone of the game. I don't play the game myself, but I watch my sons play it. The graphics seem to have a style that is a bit comic book in its coloring. I think it comes across as looking a bit "cheap" in still screen shots. Once you see the range of what this game does graphically, within it's surrealistic color palette, it's much more impressive.

Anyway, to finish answering your question, I couldn't do the game justice with what I have for a camera. Maybe if some of my son's Techie friends show up with a quality digital camera, I'll have them take some for posting.

My buzzing sound isn't loud enough to be audible over whatever is comming out of the TV at the time its just loud enough for me to hear it during silent times and when changing the channel....Also when I mute the tv, it goes away... i have the cable box sset up through component, any one else experiencing this

I'm using component video with my cable box also, but I don't hear a hint of what you're describing on my P42. I do use the coaxial digital connection from my cable box though, and I've disconnected the audio cables that were paired with the component video cables. Maybe that has something to do with it?

I have noticed the red/green shift on faces in 24, too. I don't really notice it on other shows, but I always see it on 24. FWIW, I am watching it on TiVo at basic quality.

I'm glad someone else noticed this. Maybe its the Fox network. Can you tell me when your set was manufactured and your "G" number in the serial number (06, 07, 08). If you can get into your factory menu, please post your default settings too. Thanks.

My daughter has a cheapo digital camera (not even sure what it is), but it will only do 800 x 600 res images.

Anyway, to finish answering your question, I couldn't do the game justice with what I have for a camera.
You'd probably only want to post about that size anyway as a favor to those with dial-up internet access. So don't let that stop you. :)

Also if I'm watching a DVD (component 2) and I hit the TV button on the top left of the Remote Control isn't that suppose to switch the monitor over to TV viewing? Or is the only way to switch over to DTV is to hit the Remote Control INPUT button?
No, you hit the TV button twice near the bottom part to toggle to TV->DTV when you're at COMPONENT 2. The TV button at the top means you're controlling you're VIZIO and not the other three devices at the top if you programmed them.

You'd probably only want to post about that size anyway as a favor to those with dial-up internet access. So don't let that stop you. :)

I'll ask her to give it a shot then. It doesn't have a flash so I'm not sure that I'll be able to get anything that comes close to representing what the game actually looks like on the P42.

On another note, I watched the Masters a while this afternoon before having to leave for work. Even under overcast skies, the picture quality was superb. In my 2 1/2 weeks of P42HDTV ownership, the Masters has been the most jaw-dropping thing I've seen on it. It's a shame that all golf tournaments aren't broadcast in hi-def. There is no comparison between what I'm seeing this week in hi-def on CBS, versus the SD broadcast of the BellSouth tournament last week on NBC.

My in-laws are getting one of these sets but it has yet to be delivered. They are doing some remodeling as well, so it seems that it should be no problem to wire an AC outlet directly behind the TV where it will be mounted on the wall. But I've not dealt with hanging a plasma before as I'm more of a RP guy myself... Will the mount provide enough clearance between the back of the TV and the wall to plug in the TV, or will we have to run the cord through the wall to another outlet? From looking at the manual, it appears that placing the outlet anywhere within the lower left (as you look at it from the front) quarter of the TV should work fine, at least insofar as not interfering with any A/V cords or the mount. Just wondering if anybody that already has one of these sets can confirm that this will work or otherwise give advice. Thanks in advance!

Soapy

I still have a wall mounting system I had originally purchased for the 50" Vizio I bought (and took back because it was way too big for my room). It's unopened, in the box. I purchased directly from Vizioce.com.

http://www.vizioce.com/site/products/product_vmf37-57.html

I'd prefer to sell it to someone in Seattle to save the shipping fees. Feel free to PM me.

I'm glad someone else noticed this. Maybe its the Fox network. Can you tell me when your set was manufactured and your "G" number in the serial number (06, 07, 08). If you can get into your factory menu, please post your default settings too. Thanks.
I was playing around with the factory settings and I noticed that P42 was pushing too much green. So I lowered the Green gain and raised the blue slightly. I then put the tint back at 50. It seems to have made the faces look more natural.
R gain= 121
G gain= 110
B gain= 110

It doesn't have a flash so I'm not sure that I'll be able to get anything that comes close to representing what the game actually looks like on the P42.
A flash is the last thing you'd want to use to take pictures of the image on the screen. PDP's are emissive, not reflective displays. All a flash would do is reflect off the glass and produce blinding glare.

Make sure the shutter speed is set to something slower than 1/60th of a second (like 1/30th). This is to ensure enough time for one entire frame to be painted on the screen (screen refresh rate is 1/60th). A tripod would also be helpful to eliminate camera shake at such slower speeds.

And finally, you might try using the "freeze" function to lock onto the image you want. Then you can take all the time you like photographing it.

Good luck trying. :)

I got tired of waiting out the 100 hour break-in period and put the HDMI user settings for my G06 model at 50 brightness, 70 contrast, 45 color, 50 tint and 50 sharpness (as posted earlier on this thread), and left component settings at user default.

Absolutely stunning HD pictures from Comcast box via DVI-HDMI cable, and DVD via Denon player (not upconverting) was breathtaking -- the outdoor vistas on "Brokeback Mountain" looked as good as any of the 1080p demos I saw at CES.

Don't understand why this set showed so poorly in-store, but right now I'm an extremely happy camper.

I was playing around with the factory settings and I noticed that P42 was pushing too much green. So I lowered the Green gain and raised the blue slightly. I then put the tint back at 50. It seems to have made the faces look more natural.
R gain= 121
G gain= 110
B gain= 110

What input is this for? HDMI, DTV, Component? What is your version, manufaturing date, G#?

-- the outdoor vistas on "Brokeback Mountain" looked as good as any of the 1080p demos I saw at CES.
I like the PQ of the P42HDTV as well, but that statement is hard to believe. :(

Just saw some of the Masters Tournament broadcast on an HP 1080p DLP set at a friends house and the resolution was obviously better on the HP. Razor sharp pinstripes on clothing, extreme detail in even distant foliage, and you could count every single head in the crowd no matter how far away they were. That set may have other shortcoming, but resolution isn't one of them. ;)

What input is this for? HDMI, DTV, Component? What is your version, manufaturing date, G#?
I've used those settings for DTV and a/v inputs. ver 0.17 date: 2006-01-21 G07

My P42HDTV with serial# G08 is dead after two weeks of intermittent shutdown problems. The unit will not turn on after turning off previous night. The first shutdown of this unit happened after 30 minutes of initial turn on the the new unit. There was always clicking noises from the back when the shut down occurred. In the past, I was able to turn it back on after a few minutes wait. Now the unit is completely off and will not turn on.

Mine is still going strong and loving it. I have had no problems with it. I didn't mess with the breakin stuff and the picture is great. I don't notice any of the residual images that were temporarily left behind when the TV was new.

For a brief moment I had second thoughts about the Vizio so I thought I would compare the Vizio to Pannys latest 42 inch. Went to CC and realized that without a side by side comparison my Vizio looks just as good. I am sure the Panny has a better picture but with nothing to compare my Vizio to I think the picture is great. I get compliments from friends and neighbors about the picture all the time.

From reading all of the posts it seems like people are having troubles that are not the TVs fault but with equipment and equipment settings (other than the shut downs).

It still has the couple quirks that bother me- all of which the TV was designed to do. Overall still very happy with the purchase. Now I just need to mount it with my Omnimount Tilt and hook up the suround.

Purchased the set on 3/29. Happy camper so far with one exception. I upgraded to DirecTV HD the day after I purchased my new set. The receiver I am using is the new h20. I have it hooked to the tv via HDMI. It worked great for a week, but all of the sudden it is having handshake issues, I believe. When I switch channels the tv sometimes looses signal (I get the red "No Signal" text and then get the channel. I also change channels to a subscription channel (one of the HD channels for instance) and I briefly get the message that I haven't subscribed to that channel and then it disappears and the channel comes through. I have noticed that the box does run really hot. It has nothing ontop of it to block the vents. The channel changing, in general on this box is slow.

Anyone else having the same problem?

EDIT: The "No Signal" problem was user error. I had my H20 set to use Native resolution, which was causing the slow broswing and signal loss while the tv switched resolutions. All is well now that I disabled it!

How do I PM on here? I may be interested if you are offering a discount from MSRP. Vizio is offering 10% off now, but I will need shipping. I am in SLC, Utah.

A flash is the last thing you'd want to use to take pictures of the image on the screen. PDP's are emissive, not reflective displays. All a flash would do is reflect off the glass and produce blinding glare.

I'd seen a few screens where it was obvious to me that the flash was being used. Just goes to show how little I know about photography and cameras.

Make sure the shutter speed is set to something slower than 1/60th of a second (like 1/30th). This is to ensure enough time for one entire frame to be painted on the screen (screen refresh rate is 1/60th). A tripod would also be helpful to eliminate camera shake at such slower speeds.

This is going to show just how cheap this camera my daughter owns truly is... the only adjustment on it is for close or long range pictures :eek: . She tried taking a picture of the XBox 360 in action on my Vizio, and all you could tell was that it was a Vizio P42HDTV, and it was displaying something that looked like a video game... couldn't even tell what it was... :o

And finally, you might try using the "freeze" function to lock onto the image you want. Then you can take all the time you like photographing it.

Good luck trying. :)

This simpleton camera we have hasn't even heard of a "freeze" function. Oddly enough though, it has a fitting on the bottom for a tripod!? I'm going to surprise her with a new digital camera for her birthday in June. She really uses her camera, but she's always complaining about how limited it is in functionality.

This simpleton camera we have hasn't even heard of a "freeze" function. Oddly enough though, it has a fitting on the bottom for a tripod!? I'm going to surprise her with a new digital camera for her birthday in June. She really uses her camera, but she's always complaining about how limited it is in functionality.

I think he meant freezing the image on the PDP...

did that one thead get deleted about vizio better step up and take care of these tv issues?

I have been looking for it and cant find it. I am having issues with my tv and can't get hold of them via e-mail or phone.

Thanks

deleted: thinking of a different thread

I think he meant freezing the image on the PDP...

Doh!... I didn't know it had such a feature. :o

I'm using component video with my cable box also, but I don't hear a hint of what you're describing on my P42. I do use the coaxial digital connection from my cable box though, and I've disconnected the audio cables that were paired with the component video cables. Maybe that has something to do with it?

Onlooker,
I currently have all the audio plugs plugged in, the red and white, into the audio out 1 slot...how do you suggest that I set it up like yours? I'm a bit confused, if i disconnect the red and white cables, won't there be no sound comming out of the tv?
Matt

First post...this forum is a great source of information. Many thanks to all contributors. I have a rain check for this model. There was a post on FatWallet that Costco plans to honor the rainchecks and then no longer sell this model. Has anyone else heard this from a Costco rep? I plan to go by my local store to see if they know anything later this week. Oh...has anyone that got a raincheck been called to tell them that they have one available?

I need to review this once again as the Search engine didn't get me the right results.

I hooked my Oppo DVD upconverter using the DVI-HDMI cable from the Oppo DVD to the Vizio DVI slot. Guess what?! I get green sparklies on the penguins occasionally on scenes from "The March of the Penguins" when there is lots of light in the background.

Now, I recall that someone hooked up component to component (DVD - Vizio) and that reduced the sparklies, but reduced the resolution.

Help me out here please!!

Thanks,

Tom

PS, also I've gone audio optical cable from the Vizio and DVD to the Yamaha A/V Receiver and that's awesome. Buy your optical cables at WalK*Mart and save half over Rat Shack.

t

I was playing around with the factory settings and I noticed that P42 was pushing too much green. So I lowered the Green gain and raised the blue slightly. I then put the tint back at 50. It seems to have made the faces look more natural.
R gain= 121
G gain= 110
B gain= 110

Can you explain how do you make these changes

I have a ReplayTV 5000 remote but the User's guide doesn't list any Vizio TV codes. I would like to use my Replay remote to control my TV. Does anyone know the code?

Onlooker,
I currently have all the audio plugs plugged in, the red and white, into the audio out 1 slot...how do you suggest that I set it up like yours? I'm a bit confused, if i disconnect the red and white cables, won't there be no sound comming out of the tv?
Matt

I have the three video cables from my Pioneer Voyager STB plugged into the video for component 1 on the Vizio. I just left the two audio cables hanging. I then bought a coaxial digital cable that plugs into the coaxial digital audio input on my surround sound receiver. It is connected back to the Pioneer STB's coaxial digital audio output.

I hope that makes sense... if not, let me know and I'll try to clarify.

I have a ReplayTV 5000 remote but the User's guide doesn't list any Vizio TV codes. I would like to use my Replay remote to control my TV. Does anyone know the code?

The Vizio manual actuall DOES display the codes. It lists two of them. It is NOT in the back section of the book with the other codes, it is in small paragraph towards the back of the manual somewhere. I would tell you the codes and where they are found, but I am at work and my manual is at home. Just look carefully and the manual clearly states the two codes. By the way, it was the second code that enabled me to control the TV with my H20 remote, not the code that the H20 receiver has listed for Vinc.

The Vizio manual actuall DOES display the codes. It lists two of them. It is NOT in the back section of the book with the other codes, it is in small paragraph towards the back of the manual somewhere. I would tell you the codes and where they are found, but I am at work and my manual is at home. Just look carefully and the manual clearly states the two codes. By the way, it was the second code that enabled me to control the TV with my H20 remote, not the code that the H20 receiver has listed for Vinc.

Thanks! I found the manual online, and the codes it lists are: 11758 and 10178. I can't wait to try this with my Xbox - my WAF will go through the roof! Here is the complete text (from page 54 of the manual):

3.7 Using a Cable or Satellite Remote
Your VIZIO remote uses codes 11758 and 10178 to work your Plasma TV. To use a cable or satellite remote to work the Plasma TV, refer to your cable or satellite remote user guide for more information on how to program the remote. If your cable or satellite remote uses a 5-digit code (like most Direct TV units), first try 11758 and then, if that does not work, 10178. If your cable or satellite remote uses a 4-digit code, try 1758 and then 0178 as an alternative. If your cable or satellite remote uses a 3-digit code (Echostar or Dish Network for example), use code 627. Note: Some buttons may not function as expected on your cable or satellite remote. Typically power, volume and mute will work. Note:
a) If your DVD player does not respond, try all the codes for your brand. If the codes do not work, or your brand is not listed, see “Searching for Component Codes.”
b) Sometimes a code listed will only include limited functions. Try other codes that may include more functionality.

The Vizio manual actuall DOES display the codes. It lists two of them. It is NOT in the back section of the book with the other codes, it is in small paragraph towards the back of the manual somewhere. I would tell you the codes and where they are found, but I am at work and my manual is at home. Just look carefully and the manual clearly states the two codes. By the way, it was the second code that enabled me to control the TV with my H20 remote, not the code that the H20 receiver has listed for Vinc.
Thank You, I'll check it out when I get home.

I like the PQ of the P42HDTV as well, but that statement [that the P42's PQ looks as good as 1080p sets] is hard to believe. :( ...Just saw some of the Masters Tournament broadcast on an HP 1080p DLP set at a friends house and the resolution was obviously better on the HP. ;)

Allow me to re-phrase: IMHO, the Vizio looked as good as any of the 1080p demos I've seen. Even the manufacturers concede, off the record, that 1080p is only a subtle improvement over 720p, and that the difference would be lost on most consumers, especially in the 42-inch range.

As far as the HP, it's unfair to compare any 50-inch TV to a 42-inch set, in my humble opinion.

...Just saw some of the Masters Tournament broadcast on an HP 1080p DLP set at a friends house and the resolution was obviously better on the HP.

I wasn't aware anyone was broadcasting 1080p quite yet! :rolleyes:

Tom

I was playing around with the factory settings and I noticed that P42 was pushing too much green. So I lowered the Green gain and raised the blue slightly. I then put the tint back at 50. It seems to have made the faces look more natural.
R gain= 121
G gain= 110
B gain= 110

In the above posting we see an adjustment of the GAIN which is okay to do however there are OFFSET adjustments on the service menu as well. These should not be adjusted unless you have the correct test equipment. These adjustments have to do more with how much color you add to make grey than anything else. Think of it as your base where everything starts from.

And of course, if you do tinker around make sure you record the original settings for each input as they are different.

After 2-3 weeks of running, the unit is shutting off randomly. Even when the unit is off I hear sporadic clicking at various times.

I called Vizio 2 weeks ago and was scheduled for a brand new replacement unit. After calling their tech support 3 times I am not sure if it is a good idea to keep the unit. My friend has been having issues with buzzing and it has been 3 weeks since he called - he was told that they are waiting for a part, then they will replace it for him once it arrives, still no trace of it :( .

Anyone wish to share their experiences with Vizio technical support? If they promised you a brand new replacement unit, did you get one, if so, was it brand new (Manufacturing date, build ?) ?

The tech support guy told me today that they would get in touch with the trucking company, as my replacement had already been shipped on th 5th of April, to get me a tracking number. After 3 calls, and chaos, I am not really sure how to remedy the situation. The unit is great, for the price, but the old adage .... you get what you pay for ... is sounding louder and louder by the minute :)

Your experiences, thoughts ?

After 2-3 weeks of running, the unit is shutting off randomly. Even when the unit is off I hear sporadic clicking at various times.

I called Vizio 2 weeks ago and was scheduled for a brand new replacement unit. After calling their tech support 3 times I am not sure if it is a good idea to keep the unit. My friend has been having issues with buzzing and it has been 3 weeks since he called - he was told that they are waiting for a part, then they will replace it for him once it arrives, still no trace of it :( .

Anyone wish to share their experiences with Vizio technical support? If they promised you a brand new replacement unit, did you get one, if so, was it brand new (Manufacturing date, build ?) ?

The tech support guy told me today that they would get in touch with the trucking company, as my replacement had already been shipped on th 5th of April, to get me a tracking number. After 3 calls, and chaos, I am not really sure how to remedy the situation. The unit is great, for the price, but the old adage .... you get what you pay for ... is sounding louder and louder by the minute :)

Your experiences, thoughts ?

If you bought it at "the store" then just exchange/return it. If not, then I would suggest looking at the return policy of where you purchased it.

If you bought it at "the store" then just exchange/return it. If not, then I would suggest looking at the return policy of where you purchased it.I will end up losing if I do this (can't elaborate - need to respect forums policies :) ).

But I am curious if anyone has received a brand new replacement unit from Vizio that does not exhibit the random shutoff issue.

i replaced my g04 unit w/ a brand new g08 unit
and neither had the random shutdown issue.

Icubed - Why did you replace the G04?

Icubed - Why did you replace the G04?

the C part of the AV3 Y/C input didn't work
(i.e. no color on the s-video input)

Thanks! I found the manual online, and the codes it lists are: 11758 and 10178. I can't wait to try this with my Xbox - my WAF will go through the roof! Here is the complete text (from page 54 of the manual):

Bah - didn't work with the Xbox remote control. Has anyone had any luck with this?

I wasn't aware anyone was broadcasting 1080p quite yet! :rolleyes:

Tom
The original statement refered to seeing a broadcast on a 1080p display, not a broadcast in 1080p. :p

Allow me to re-phrase: IMHO, the Vizio looked as good as any of the 1080p demos I've seen. Even the manufacturers concede, off the record, that 1080p is only a subtle improvement over 720p, and that the difference would be lost on most consumers, especially in the 42-inch range.

As far as the HP, it's unfair to compare any 50-inch TV to a 42-inch set, in my humble opinion.


i've seen the sony ruby running at 1080p w/ a very good 1080i input.
there's just no comparison especially at large image sizes.

1024x768 is fine at 42", but the fullup 1080p is a quite noticeable improvement
over 720p at immersion theater sizes.

(fwiw, my other setup is 1366x768 on a 80x45 screen (92" diag) viewed at 10'
and it's a totally different experience than a 42" at 10')

Even the manufacturers concede, off the record, that 1080p is only a subtle improvement over 720p...That's probably even more true with a DLP display as their is some blurring of the pixels as compared to a PDP or LCD screen.

... and that the difference would be lost on most consumers, especially in the 42-inch range.Since all 42-inch sets are not even true 720p as they are only 1024x???? instead of 1280x720, the difference should be even more noticeable. Of course it all depends on viewing distance. 1080p lets you see more detail only if you're are proportionately closer than were pixels become visible on a 720p display. :)

As far as the HP, it's unfair to compare any 50-inch TV to a 42-inch set, in my humble opinion.To make matters worst, it actually was a 58-inch set .:D

Is there a way to adjust the DTV receiver sensitivity?

I exchanged the unit (P42HD) and lost half of the over the air channels?

Thanks

I've been using this P42 TV for the past 3 weeks, now it's time for me to put in my 2 cents...

I'm still in the "break-in" period, so I set mine to <= 50 for all of the settings.

- The cosmetic design is great. It matches my furniture and the other electronic boxes. It's a bit small for my room (16x17) with about 14-15 ft distance from where we sit to the TV, but it's OK for now.
- PQ is good on HD signals, and sucks (or below average) on SD signals. I have DishNetwork SD box and Comcast cable (via P42's DTV built-in tuner). The HD channels from Comcast are good (but not very good), and other SD Chs from Comcast look duh or washed out. The PQ of DishNetwork SD channels looks OK and similar to my 3 year old Toshiba standard 36" CRT. PQ from my LG Upconvert DVD player is OK, the signal from component cable looks better than signal from HDMI cable though. Strange.
- I've never had any shut down problem yet (still knock on wood!)

Overall rating is OK IMHO, but for sure we'll look for something a bit bigger and higher quality later. Like most people said in this thread, this one is good for the bucks!

Govee

But I am curious if anyone has received a brand new replacement unit from Vizio that does not exhibit the random shutoff issue.

I got lucky and a manager (at the big C, not Vizio) let me have a unit that was slated for rain-check, to replace my unit that was shutting down repeatedly. And I experienced the same situation where even when the unit was off, the relay would click, sometimes several times. In fact, the shut off problem began on the first day of use and only got worse.

The old one had a G06 code and the new is a G10. No problems with that one so far.

I thought a few on this forum had received replacements from Vizio direct.

One question for all the experts: Is there a good HDMI cable that you'd recommend? I know Monster's is the good name one but it's kinda expensive, is there others as an alternative and not to give up on PQ?

I'm currently using Philips' Component Video cable and it sure beats the Philips' HDMI cable in term of PQ. I don't know why but it just is. BTW, both of these cables are NEW in boxes that I bought in S*ms Cl*b.

Thanks,
Govee

I think a lot of people on a budget use monoprice.com cables.

z.mash,

Thanks for the info. I went to their website and saw the HDMI to HDMI Cable (24AWG) w/ net jacket- 6ft (Gold Plated). It's customer reviews are good and price is unbeatable. Do you use Monoprice.com cable in your set personally? and how is your experiences with it?

I'm thinking of getting one for myself if there is no other alternative out there.

Govee

monoprice cables are unbeatable for the money.

z.mash,

Thanks for the info. I went to their website and saw the HDMI to HDMI Cable (24AWG) w/ net jacket- 6ft (Gold Plated). It's customer reviews are good and price is unbeatable. Do you use Monoprice.com cable in your set personally? and how is your experiences with it?

I'm thinking of getting one for myself if there is no other alternative out there.

Govee
No, I'm not. I'm running everything through an Xbox, which only uses it's own component cables. I've heard nothing but good things about them, especially when compared to MonsterPrice (;)) cables.

Govee I'll second the quality of the monoprice cables. I'm using the same one on mine and it works great.

Thanks for all of your feedbacks. I just ordered one HDMI cable from monoprice.com. Can't wait to see if it can beat the Philips Comp Video cable. Do you know why Comp video is better than HDMI input when it comes to DVD upconverting connecting to this P42 TV? Is that supposed to be like that or I have the defectd unit (DVD player or P42 TV)?

Govee

afaik, the hdmi cable doesn't support 480i, so the dvd player is handling the deinterlacing
when, for component (and using 480i), the display handles both deinterlacing and scaling
to the native panel resolution.

if the hdmi is used for 720p or 1080i, the display has to rescale one more time to
get to it's native resolution. native panel resolutions such as 1366x768 or 1024x768 are
verboten over the hdmi standard.


that why we should kowtow to the content owners. they know the best solution for everything!!

Here is nice review about Vizio P42HDTV from HDTV solutions

Since I can not post a link yet, here is the address for the article:

"hdtvsolutionsdotc*m/vizio_p42hdtv_plasma_hdtv_review.htm"

Has anyone tried using P42 with a computer or HTPC? My question is how do you get P42 to display in true widescreen ? P42 is 1024X768. I tried connecting laptop and p42 refused to accept 1280X720 so I had to put laptop in 1024X768. So so icons and other things on the display look stretched. Although playing DVDs was not a problem since PowerDVD (installed on Dell) alllowed me to change display format to 16:9 and everything looked fine. But I don't know whether other programs will have such setting.

works great @ 1280x720 / 60 Hz over the RGB.
should be okay over the hdmi w/ the same settings.

I got lucky and a manager (at the big C, not Vizio) let me have a unit that was slated for rain-check, to replace my unit that was shutting down repeatedly. And I experienced the same situation where even when the unit was off, the relay would click, sometimes several times. In fact, the shut off problem began on the first day of use and only got worse.

The old one had a G06 code and the new is a G10. No problems with that one so far.

I thought a few on this forum had received replacements from Vizio direct.I just received a call from a local trucking company. They are bringing my replacement unit tomorrow morning (directly from Vizio).

I just hope it is not one of those "factory energized" units :)

Here is nice review about Vizio P42HDTV from HDTV solutions

Since I can not post a link yet, here is the address for the article:

"hdtvsolutionsdotc*m/vizio_p42hdtv_plasma_hdtv_review.htm"
For the lazy:
http://hdtvsolutions.com/vizio_p42hdtv_plasma_hdtv_review.htm

Has anyone tried using P42 with a computer or HTPC? My question is how do you get P42 to display in true widescreen ? P42 is 1024X768. I tried connecting laptop and p42 refused to accept 1280X720 so I had to put laptop in 1024X768. So so icons and other things on the display look stretched. Although playing DVDs was not a problem since PowerDVD (installed on Dell) alllowed me to change display format to 16:9 and everything looked fine. But I don't know whether other programs will have such setting.

I also have a similar experience. Connecting the laptop at RGB with 1280x720 @60Hz, the XP desktop will display but when you press the MENU, you could see at the bottom that it's only 800x600 @60Hz. On my experience, using 1024x768 @ 60Hz and 1280x1024 @ 60 Hz will connect properly but of course, not 16:9.

Using a program called moninfo.exe, below are the allowable standard resolutions that the Vizio can accept.

Standard timings supported
640 x 480 at 60Hz - IBM VGA
640 x 480 at 75Hz - VESA
720 x 400 at 70Hz - IBM VGA
800 x 600 at 60Hz - VESA
800 x 600 at 75Hz - VESA
800 x 600 at 85Hz - VESA
1024 x 768 at 60Hz - VESA
1024 x 768 at 60Hz - VIZ
1024 x 768 at 70Hz - VESA
1024 x 768 at 75Hz - VESA
1280 x 1024 at 60Hz - VESA

I think you will need a customized settings on the video card to get a true 16:9 aspect ratio such as 1280x720. There's another application I tried to use to do this, powerstrip but I have not successfully make 1280x720 resolution work.

Using powerstrip, it says that the maximum or native resolution of the Vizio is:

Horizontal = 1672 @ 59kHz
Vertical = 944 @ 85Hz

works great @ 1280x720 / 60 Hz over the RGB.
should be okay over the hdmi w/ the same settings.
What system do you have? What video card are you using? When you press the MENU, do you see that you are at 1280x720 / 60Hz? Thanks.

Standard Factory Settings:

Just for reference, Im posting the factory settings of my unit (G06). So far, I have no complaints.

Version N.0.17
Date 2006.01.21
ADC Calibration
Auto Burn-in OFF

R 128
G 121
B 106
R Offset 128
G Offset 128
B Offset 130

I encourage to post yours...

What system do you have? What video card are you using? When you press the MENU, do you see that you are at 1280x720 / 60Hz? Thanks.

i'm using an 800 MHz ibook (way old technology!!)

i'm using an 800 MHz ibook (way old technology!!)
As long as it does the job, that's fine, though Im surprised that this got HDMI too. May I just bother you when you get the chance on verifying what you see on the bottom of the Vizio MENU when your ibook is connected at 1280x720? Do you see "1280x720 @ 60 Hz"?

works great @ 1280x720 / 60 Hz over the RGB.
should be okay over the hdmi w/ the same settings.

I must have missed the refresh rate , let me double check. I definitely got unsupported resolution or something like that when I tried. Thanks !

Standard Factory Settings:

Just for reference, Im posting the factory settings of my unit (G06). So far, I have no complaints.

Version N.0.17
Date 2006.01.21
ADC Calibration
Auto Burn-in OFF

R 128
G 121
B 106
R Offset 128
G Offset 128
B Offset 130

I encourage to post yours...


I would love to post my settings, but I do not know how to find them. I am assuming you must have some specialized equipment to read and change the settings.

Jay

I would love to post my settings, but I do not know how to find them. I am assuming you must have some specialized equipment to read and change the settings.

Jay
This is from the Vizio Service Menu itself. Browse thru the earlier posts on this same thread for the procedure on how to access it. Check the warning too about ADC.....

yup, menu reports 1280x720 60 Hz.

i've never been able to get into the service menu.
i must not be quite pushing the right set of buttons at the right time 8-{

Thanks to this thread, I was finally able to make a decision and purchase a Vizio 42 G10 build using my rain check from [C]. This is my first HDTV and I was concerned about PQ, which seemed washed out at the store, however at home what a difference. The brightness, contrast color etc. are set at 50 for break-in. Set top box is a SA-4200 using component connection. The PQ is great even with the break-in setting, I can't wait to try some of the settings that were posted on this thread

yup, menu reports 1280x720 60 Hz.

i've never been able to get into the service menu.
i must not be quite pushing the right set of buttons at the right time 8-{

thanks for confirming. id give it one more shot when i get the chance. as for goin' into the service menu, i too had a little trouble in the beginning, but I got it eventually. the procedure posted works.

I must have missed the refresh rate , let me double check. I definitely got unsupported resolution or something like that when I tried. Thanks !
id be interested on what you find out. do you have an apple based system or windows?

thanks for confirming. id give it one more shot when i get the chance. as for goin' into the service menu, i too had a little trouble in the beginning, but I got it eventually. the procedure posted works.

I have searched and have not found how to get to the service menu. Anyone want to give more detail?

Jay

I have searched and have not found how to get to the service menu. Anyone want to give more detail?

Jay1) Go to the top of this page
2) Click on the drop down box labled "Search this Thread"
3) Type in the key words "service menu"
4) Hit return

This isn't rocket science. Yes, this search returns a lot of posts that talk about the service menu without describing how to access it. But it shouldn't take long to scan through them to find the ones that do. :rolleyes:

As the saying goes, give a man a fish and feed him for the day. Teach him how to fish and feed him for life. :D

1) Go to the top of this page
2) Click on the drop down box labled "Search this Thread"
3) Type in the key words "service menu"
4) Hit return

This isn't rocket science. Yes, this search returns a lot of posts that talk about the service menu without describing how to access it. But it shouldn't take long to scan through them to find the ones that do. :rolleyes:

As the saying goes, give a man a fish and feed him for the day. Teach him how to fish and feed him for life. :D

Your suggested proceedure was the first thing I did, being a veteran of several forums. I just didn't go far enough back. At any rate, I found the info I wanted.

Thanks for your help.

Jay

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.

Here is the info for others who may be searching.

Jay

Wanted to see what DVD players people have been using with this TV...I have the LG-511, but I think it might have to go back, i've been watching it a bit, and it seems to have some lip-sync issues...was wondering if you guys had any hdmi players with divx, without these issues...

i still can't get into the service menu.

the set is on 'tv'
turn off then on using controls on side of p42hdtv
hold ch+ and ch- at same time, let go
then menu on remote
(i never get the 'f' in the lower right corner at this point)

am i missing something here??

i still can't get into the service menu.

the set is on 'tv'
turn off then on using controls on side of p42hdtv
hold ch+ and ch- at same time, let go
then menu on remote
(i never get the 'f' in the lower right corner at this point)

am i missing something here??

how about on the part of turning the TV back ON, hold the ch+/ch- together first, then turn ON using the side button, keep holding the chn buttons for a few seconds then release (right after there's display shown, like the part you see the TV/CH x/MONO at the upper right hand corner).

excellent. that was the little detail i was missing!!

i really wish we had access to the overscan adjustments.
my old display was setup for 0% overscan and one could
actually see the difference between 1.85 and 1.78 aspect
ratio movies

After being bowled over at the picture quality on my Vizio last week during CBS's hi-def broadcast of the Masters, I can barely bring myself to watch this week's tournament at Sea Pines in Hilton Head in SD. Hi definition really spoils the eyes. I wonder why CBS chose not to broadcast this week's tournament in HD? Are the costs really that much higher for them?

Anyone using an hdmi switch on this yet? I just bought a dvd player with an hdmi connection and am considering a manual 2x1 from monoprice (because it's cheap!) Anyone using either regular or manual?

Standard Factory Settings:

Just for reference, Im posting the factory settings of my unit (G06). So far, I have no complaints.

Version N.0.17
Date 2006.01.21
ADC Calibration
Auto Burn-in OFF

R 128
G 121
B 106
R Offset 128
G Offset 128
B Offset 130

I encourage to post yours...

Thanks for the post. What input were these settings for? HDMI? DTV? TV? every input has different factory settings. Once you are in factory menu, you can switch inputs, push menu and see settings.

Well, It's getting to the point where I'm either keeping the set or returning it. I still find the reds and greens to be too much. I still want to fix the skin tones. My problem is I'm an idiot when it comes to TV's..

How many here are keeping their set?

now that you've got access to the rgb gain and offsets, you should
be able to use the different color patterns in avia to tweak the settings
to correct back to the proper response.

i've actually got a cailbrated light meter for use w/ the colorsmart projector
calibration software, so if i get some time, i'll see if my set shows red or green push.

Hello everyone first post here. Purchased this set 3 weeks ago. I just hooked up my antenna to the DTV input and have a problem. It searched and found channels but when I try to watch the channels the picture and sound freezes and the starts up again. Any suggestions. Thanks in advance

now that you've got access to the rgb gain and offsets, you should
be able to use the different color patterns in avia to tweak the settings
to correct back to the proper response.

i've actually got a cailbrated light meter for use w/ the colorsmart projector
calibration software, so if i get some time, i'll see if my set shows red or green push.
I can't seem to do it. Maybe it's because I have it running through ReplayTV. I don't have an Avia disk either. I just don't understand how the same person in the same movie can have good skin tones one time and then reddish the other.

you can't really evaluate the display properly w/o some sort of calibration.

you could always rent avia from netflix. or pay the contribution for getgray.

Thanks for the post. What input were these settings for? HDMI? DTV? TV? every input has different factory settings. Once you are in factory menu, you can switch inputs, push menu and see settings.
TV. I thought there's only one set. Id switch input the next opportunity i'll have.

Hello everyone first post here. Purchased this set 3 weeks ago. I just hooked up my antenna to the DTV input and have a problem. It searched and found channels but when I try to watch the channels the picture and sound freezes and the starts up again. Any suggestions. Thanks in advance

That sounds like a reception quality problem to me. Digital transmissions either have enough information or they don't.... when they don't, they freeze. Does the frequency and length of freezing change from channel to channel? Mine did that on the marginal channels I received when I had an antenna hooked to my DTV input, but the stronger, closer stations rarely if ever froze.

I agree with onlooker on the freezing problem. That is typically a signal problem.
On another note, I just put mine up on Saturday night (I bought it the first day of the sale :) What a great TV for the price. Analog cable looks pretty bad, but even the SD lineup on the DTV input with the QAM tuner looks amazing. HD is even more mesmerizing. I only had the TV on for about 5 minutes to scan the channels and my wife was amazed. Even she was saying, "I can't believe how clear that is!." My brother was also over (helping me put it on the wall mount) and he didn't want to turn it off. I plan on getting all the settings tuned tonight as it is still in torch mode, and I'm looking forward to watching Brazil showing how it's done during the World Cup. I'm assuming at least the final will be in HD.

Hi All,
Got my tv 10 days back. Got Dish HD prog. last week. Problems began..

1st. The dish receiver had some problems. Componet and HDMI would not work. viewed for a day using composite cables. Dish sent a new receiver couple of days back. Component cables worked. But not HDMI.

2nd. But a new LG DVD player with HDMI just to test the HDMI connection, hooked it up direcly to my P42HDTV, "no signal" mesg as before. So called up, V. They are replacing my TV with a new one in 5-8 days.

Also, when I talking to V, they said 50" with tuner is comming in mid may.

MSRIT

I'm looking forward to watching Brazil showing how it's done during the World Cup. I'm assuming at least the final will be in HD.

I'm just a lightweight soccer fan, but the World Cup is, IMO, the #1 happening sporting event in the world. I'll be watching as many games as possible. I'm going to be disappointed if they all aren't in HD!

Hi All,
Got my tv 10 days back. Got Dish HD prog. last week. Problems began..

1st. The dish receiver had some problems. Componet and HDMI would not work. viewed for a day using composite cables. Dish sent a new receiver couple of days back. Component cables worked. But not HDMI.

2nd. But a new LG DVD player with HDMI just to test the HDMI connection, hooked it up direcly to my P42HDTV, "no signal" mesg as before. So called up, V. They are replacing my TV with a new one in 5-8 days.

Also, when I talking to V, they said 50" with tuner is comming in mid may.

MSRIT

I haven't tried DVI with my Vizio yet, but the component connections work fine. I haven't had a lick of trouble out of mine since I bought it on the first "sale" day. Mine is a "G04" series, for whatever that's worth.

Trying so hard to wait for a good LCD to eliminate possible glare problems in my family room, but this set keeps jumping out at me!!

Should I just bite & go for it??

Doh! Did I just say that??

Trying so hard to wait for a good LCD to eliminate possible glare problems in my family room, but this set keeps jumping out at me!!

Should I just bite & go for it??

Doh! Did I just say that??


I don't think you'd be dissappointed.

Has anyone calibrated this set yet? If so, what do you think?

Has anyone calibrated this set yet? If so, what do you think?

Maybe we can use this guide. Still waiting for the DVE from BB.


http://www.ramelectronics.net/html/Video-calibration.html

Maybe there's someone's who has done this already....Please share...

i used the avia calibration and my momitsu v880 to cal my component
inputs at 480i/p, 720p and 1080i.

i finally got a dvi to hdmi adapter and will cal that input next time i get the v880 upstairs again.

there's video patterns in avia for the red and green filters as well as IRE patterns
for checking grayscale linearity.

AHHHH

Just about to hit the 100 break-In.
Then..My v just powered off for the first time!
Wathching some CHC vs LAD baseball..
I believe I have an 07 or maybe an 08, I can check on that.
I bought on March 20th

What to do now?
Dang, I need to go back and take a look at the sleep timer post. I hope that may be the quick fix

i used the avia calibration and my momitsu v880 to cal my component
inputs at 480i/p, 720p and 1080i.

i finally got a dvi to hdmi adapter and will cal that input next time i get the v880 upstairs again.

there's video patterns in avia for the red and green filters as well as IRE patterns
for checking grayscale linearity.

If you dont mind can you please post your settings. Also, if you know your default factory settings for HDMI and component it would be helpful. Thanks.

TV. I thought there's only one set. Id switch input the next opportunity i'll have.
Here's the Factory Settings for my unit. Please post yours for comparison...


Version 0.17
Date 2006.01.21
ADC Calibration
Auto Burn-in OFF


TV/AV DTV/COMP/HDMI RGB
R Gain 128 128 128
G Gain 121 118 122
B Gain 106 104 107
R Offset 128 127
G Offset 128 125
B Offset 130 128


It will be nice to know if the factory have different settings depending on the version/production date.

does anyone know how to adjust the caption size or the color of the side bars? i looked around the menu and couldn't find it. Or is there no such functions on it?

Hi all,

I have time warner cable and use the QAM tuner to get the free HDTV channels. PBS, CBS, ABC and NBC works fine. However, there seem to be a problem with FOX, it is tuned as a channel, but it only manages to decode the stream every now and then, it seems more frequently during the commercials or in between programs. However, after it has tuned in, it works fine until i switch to another channel and back to FOX again, then it can't tune in the picture again. Anyone else had similar problems? I have time warner cable in san diego.

Thanks, Chris

any colored sidebars seen on the p42hdtv will either be generated by the broadcast station
or by the stb. if you are picking up an OTA/cable signal and your aspect ratio is set
to wide AND you see non-black sidebars, it's originating outside of your set.

Am I correct in assuming that the only way to get a channel into the Vizio HD42 DTV tuner is to do a channel scan? Is their any way to manually enter a number?

Jay

under scan channels, do a scan for range of 1 channel (ie start: 20 end: 20)

under scan channels, do a scan for range of 1 channel (ie start: 20 end: 20)
Nice! But if there's really not strong enough signal, it will not appear on the channel list.

Also, I always use the Manual Scan + Add On mode, so as not to lose some of the channels I have already found in case there's problem receiving them the time of the scans.

I have found scaning channels in "manual" with a specific number range does not detect channels well at all much to my dismay. After a bit of head scratcing; I discovered in order to get missing channels without loosing others I must press enter on remote on first manual prompt on first menu screen and let the tv scan all channels instead of a more narrow search.
...Hope this helps

Someone mentioned this earlier. When using PIP with DTV big screen and TV small, a message about v-chip keeps blinking in the small screen. When it is not blinking a yellow dash can be seen on the small screen. Has anyone else noticed this. I have only tried it with DTV and TV. I plan on calling Vizio tomorrow.

I have found scaning channels in "manual" with a specific number range does not detect channels well at all much to my dismay. After a bit of head scratcing; I discovered in order to get missing channels without loosing others I must press enter on remote on first manual prompt on first menu screen and let the tv scan all channels instead of a more narrow search.
...Hope this helps

i don't loose any channels when i scan over a small range. ymmv
i've been using my satellite stb as the OTA tuner, so i haven't spent a lot
of time using the p42hdtv internal atsc tuner.

Mine is G08. Anyhow, I will be getting a replacement from Vizio. So I am not bumed about it.

i don't loose any channels when i scan over a small range. ymmv
.
me neither. I lose a channel only when I scan for the whole range if it happens to have no signal at the time.

press enter on remote on first manual prompt on first menu screen and let the tv scan all channels instead of a more narrow search.
...Hope this helps
This is manual scanning + ADD-ON MODE as I previously posted.

Hi all,

I have time warner cable and use the QAM tuner to get the free HDTV channels. PBS, CBS, ABC and NBC works fine. However, there seem to be a problem with FOX, it is tuned as a channel, but it only manages to decode the stream every now and then, it seems more frequently during the commercials or in between programs. However, after it has tuned in, it works fine until i switch to another channel and back to FOX again, then it can't tune in the picture again. Anyone else had similar problems? I have time warner cable in san diego.

Thanks, Chris


Is there anyone around with time warner cable that can comment on if they manage to tune in FOX-HD using the built-in QAM tuner with no glitches?

Thanks, Chris

I agree with onlooker on the freezing problem. That is typically a signal problem.
On another note, I just put mine up on Saturday night (I bought it the first day of the sale :) What a great TV for the price. Analog cable looks pretty bad, but even the SD lineup on the DTV input with the QAM tuner looks amazing. HD is even more mesmerizing. I only had the TV on for about 5 minutes to scan the channels and my wife was amazed. Even she was saying, "I can't believe how clear that is!." My brother was also over (helping me put it on the wall mount) and he didn't want to turn it off. I plan on getting all the settings tuned tonight as it is still in torch mode, and I'm looking forward to watching Brazil showing how it's done during the World Cup. I'm assuming at least the final will be in HD.

"ESPN, Inc. has announced that all 64 matches of World Cup 2006 will air in the US LIVE in high definition on either ABC HD, ESPN HD, or ESPN2 HD"

/Chris

the C part of the AV3 Y/C input didn't work
(i.e. no color on the s-video input)

My G04 had a broken Coax connector. Power problem too (yes plug was in, dedicated power line for AV system, and the sleep function was not engaged either). Pretty simple ...... poor quality product with low price to match.

My second unit is going back. Remote control died yesterday (yes the batteries have been replaced, pointed at set and TV button on top row of remote control has been pressed. The red led doesn't flash either)

I could over look some of the PQ issues however this product is too much of a hit or miss proposition for me.

As the saying goes, you get what you .........

unfortunately that is the case for some.. but luckily not for all. :)

I bought mine a couple of days before the big sale and had to physically bring it into the store to do a refund and repurchase to get the sale price. I didn't want to take a chance on them being gone on the first day.

I have had no problems to speak of. It has shut off on me a couple of times but only when I was flipping channels channels fast and only after flipping through a bunch of channels. To my knowledge it has not shut off at any other time. The PQ is much better then my previous HD RPTV. I am very happy with this set. The picture looks so much better then the one on display in the store.

I do have one problem. When I use my outside antenna the set will pick up all of the local HD channels except for ABC. When I hook up my cable feed the only channel it picks up is ABC. I guess I could switch cables when I want to use ABC but then I have to go through the scan every time. Can anyone think of a better solution? Thanks.

BTW, my HDTV died the day before I bought the Vizio. I need to thank all of you for letting me know about the "deal". The old one died on Friday evening and the sale started the next Monday so I picked one up on Saturday and then did the whole return thing on Monday. Good thing I did because I got there shortly before noon and they were all gone. A guy even came up to me and asked if I was returning it!

Thanks guys for pointing me to a very nice plasma at a great price.