I think the "build" also refers to the firmware -- when I updated to v.1.3, I went from "sept 2007 build" to oct 2007 build", interesting.

I experienced precisely the same thing, regarding change in "build" dates...

Build dates on software refers to when it was compiled, so that date would change with your firmware. It has nothing to do with when your tv was assembled.

I experienced precisely the same thing, regarding change in "build" dates...

Hello I recently bought a 42in TX and have loved it to death as my pc monitor but i have found something thats uneasy in my stomach. I have some sort of burn in problem with the "no input signal" hud it is stationary and has never went away now for about a month. I always turn the tv off when not in use and don't leave the options menu open at all... im puzzled as to why it has this problem here is the best photo i could take of it while playing a game, it can be seen on any window open. Any idea what could be causing this?
Thanks

http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/5934/img00012dk7.jpg

I experienced precisely the same thing, regarding change in "build" dates...

i use term "built" as when the TV was assembled (which probably includes some hardware changes) I believe there are currently 3 different TX47 builts

Firmware upgrade is a software change

Does anyone know if its possible to get audio to pass from HDMI to the external speakers on the 1.3 firmware? Someone mentioned it was the HDCP causing the problems. But if there is an option to pass the audio externally, I don't understand why it won't work. If someone can explain this, or confirm that it is/is not supposed to work that way, I would be very appreciative.

Hi everyone, i'm very sorry to switch a topic or anything, but I can't seem to find which firmware allows 5.1 output to passthrough the tv's S/PDIF connection...i got it a month ago, firmware 1.2.0...am I out of the 5.1 passthrough party with this firmware?As far as I've seen, everyone is out of the party except those with TVs from the very first run (April 2007). :(

As far as I've seen, everyone is out of the party except those with TVs from the very first run (April 2007). :(

Man that's a real bummer...now i've got to find one of those S/PDIF switchers....

Anyone know if there is a firmware update for the TX-42F430S.

I tried to check on westinghouse's site but I need the serial number to check. Of course the morons put the stickers right under the mounting point on the back so I'd have to get a friend or two over just to get the TV off my mount.

I purchased the TV in September if that matters, I you need anything else let me know.

Thanks

Anyone know if there is a firmware update for the TX-42F430S.

I tried to check on westinghouse's site but I need the serial number to check. Of course the morons put the stickers right under the mounting point on the back so I'd have to get a friend or two over just to get the TV off my mount.

I purchased the TV in September if that matters, I you need anything else let me know.

Thanks

Good news is that there is a firmware update. Bad news is that you actually do need your serial number from your TV to make sure you get the right serial number otherwise it won't work as there are a few different versions depending on the particular components of your TX.

Am I the only one who notices audio quality loss when going through the tv to external speakers?

Anyone know if there is a firmware update for the TX-42F430S.

I tried to check on westinghouse's site but I need the serial number to check. Of course the morons put the stickers right under the mounting point on the back so I'd have to get a friend or two over just to get the TV off my mount.

I purchased the TV in September if that matters, I you need anything else let me know.

Thanks


The serial number is also on the box if you still have it. Good luck, and remember, the USB is very picky, the sandisk cruzer worked for me.

Am I the only one who notices audio quality loss when going through the tv to external speakers?

I haven't noticed it only because the only sound that I could pass through the TV would be from the internal tuner. I used to route this to my receiver but the WAF came into play because you couldn't adjust the volume using the TV remote if it was plugged into the receiver.

Are you using RCA or optical out? Have you tried both?

My speakers (Z-2300) don't take optical.

My speakers (Z-2300) don't take optical.

you aren't the only one. i have posted about this before. the rca out is distorted and you can't change the volume with the tv remote.

i run klipsch 2.1.

you aren't the only one. i have posted about this before. the rca out is distorted and you can't change the volume with the tv remote.

i run klipsch 2.1.

I've got the same issue, really annoying as I use headphones with my 360.

Depending on your mount this may work. I took a womans compact mirror and held it up beind my mount at and angle, and could read the serial number.

Just got the 42" last week, and love it. Sure it doesn't have the absolute best picture quality out there, but it was either this TV with a PS3, or another name brand TV of the same size with 1080P for the same price in the end. After some slight calibration tweaks, it looks great and blows away my old 27" CRT. On sale at BB with a extra 12% off coupon, 3 free blu ray movies, and a $40 gift card in the mail for being in their rewards program, can't be beat! No issues yet, but I'll let you know if any come up.

Currently have 2 HDMI cables going in (D*TV HD, and the PS3), but routing all audio to my stereo. Looks great, and didn't hurt the wallet too much!!

Depending on your mount this may work. I took a womans compact mirror and held it up beind my mount at and angle, and could read the serial number.

Heh, I actually used my digital camera. I stuck it behind the wall mount, snapped a picture and I can clearly read the serial number. :)

Hello all.

Let me start by saying I DID download this whole thread to my PC and start searching through it for an answer. 2 hours later I am still only a ways into it.

My problem is trying to get 1080p content from my PC to the TX-42F30S.

My PC uses an ATI X850XT.

When I originally set it up, I used the VGA input on the TX (no DVI-HDMI adapter yet). The picture quality was quite good, but it would never handshake with my PC on the resolution. I would have to disconnect the VGA cable, leave it finish booting and reconnect (sometimes resetting the resolution in the process back to 1080p60 as well.)

I thought going digital might improve picture quality and handshaking. SO I went to a DVI-HDMI cable. Handshaking did improve (it syncs almost always now although it will pause for a while sometimes). Picture quality though took a big hit.

It is hard to describe exactly the problem but it is especially noticeable on small fonts. To the left and the right of each letter there is a "ghosting". IN some places a bit brighter than it should be, in some places a bit darker. This did not occur on VGA @1080p. Is it DHCP? "Ghosting" in the traditional sense does not make much sense as this is an all digital signal now.

Any help or ideas would be much appreciated.

Spektre

Hello all.

Let me start by saying I DID download this whole thread to my PC and start searching through it for an answer. 2 hours later I am still only a ways into it.

My problem is trying to get 1080p content from my PC to the TX-42F30S.

My PC uses an ATI X850XT.

When I originally set it up, I used the VGA input on the TX (no DVI-HDMI adapter yet). The picture quality was quite good, but it would never handshake with my PC on the resolution. I would have to disconnect the VGA cable, leave it finish booting and reconnect (sometimes resetting the resolution in the process back to 1080p60 as well.)

I thought going digital might improve picture quality and handshaking. SO I went to a DVI-HDMI cable. Handshaking did improve (it syncs almost always now although it will pause for a while sometimes). Picture quality though took a big hit.

It is hard to describe exactly the problem but it is especially noticeable on small fonts. To the left and the right of each letter there is a "ghosting". IN some places a bit brighter than it should be, in some places a bit darker. This did not occur on VGA @1080p. Is it DHCP? "Ghosting" in the traditional sense does not make much sense as this is an all digital signal now.

Any help or ideas would be much appreciated.

Spektre

Wish I could help you out. When I had my ATI card in my HTPC I had the exact opposite. VGA had ghosting and DVI was crystal clear at 1080p. However, in order for me to get DVI to work on my ATI I had to uncheck some DVI options in the CCC. I can't remember exactly but I did document it in this thread. I have since completely replaced my HTPC setup with a silent nVidia 8500GT and surprisingly the VGA is actually FAR superior than my ATI 9700. I have almost no ghosting at all (I can BARELY see it if I have my nose to the TV). For a $60 card I was very impressed.

To answer you question it is not HDCP (and definitely not DHCP :)) but there have been several reports in this thread regarding issues with fonts on different colored backgrounds and most have come to the conclusion that it is a fault in the panel. For your issues could it possibly be the cable? Have you tried the other HDMI ports just for fun?

call Westinghouse. complain about your TV. They with tell you to do some stupid things like turn your TV off, unplug it for several seconds....etc. Do all that (or dont) and call them back in a few days saying that you still have the problem. Now they should tell you that you can replace your TV at local BB store. They will call you back within a week and tell you confirmation number, wait another 2-5 business days (it has to process and go through the system) and go to BB store confirm that they received the number, bring your TV for replacement. (if BB store does not carry the model anymore, they can order it from Westinghouse or they should give you any other brand equally priced). Once you get confirmation number its all up to your Best Buy store, Westinghouse has nothing to do with this.

PS. Westinghouse has great customer support !


Is that for the PSP at best buy or without it?

Wish I could help you out. When I had my ATI card in my HTPC I had the exact opposite. VGA had ghosting and DVI was crystal clear at 1080p. However, in order for me to get DVI to work on my ATI I had to uncheck some DVI options in the CCC. I can't remember exactly but I did document it in this thread. I have since completely replaced my HTPC setup with a silent nVidia 8500GT and surprisingly the VGA is actually FAR superior than my ATI 9700. I have almost no ghosting at all (I can BARELY see it if I have my nose to the TV). For a $60 card I was very impressed.

To answer you question it is not HDCP (and definitely not DHCP :)) but there have been several reports in this thread regarding issues with fonts on different colored backgrounds and most have come to the conclusion that it is a fault in the panel. For your issues could it possibly be the cable? Have you tried the other HDMI ports just for fun?

LOL, too many acronyms. Other HDMI ports are the same (and I'd expect that given from what I understand its just a hub). I also had to uncheck the DVI options in the CCC to make HDMI work. I do not see how it could be the panel itself? VGA does not exhibit the same problem. I may have to go back to VGA, but its a major pain to have to unhook the cable and change resolutions each time you reboot.

Spektre

Westy has a press release claiming that new versions of firmware allow you to download picture viewers. Anyone know anything about this?

Sorry, I don't have enough posts to submit the url.

westinghousedigital. com/newsdetail.aspx?nid=486

Westy has a press release claiming that new versions of firmware allow you to download picture viewers. Anyone know anything about this?

Sorry, I don't have enough posts to submit the url.

westinghousedigital. com/newsdetail.aspx?nid=486

Here it is?

http://www.westinghousedigital.com/newsdetail.aspx?nid=486

Sounds like marketing BS to me:rolleyes:

Wow, a picture viewer. Way to go, Westinghouse, you've given us the absolutely LAST thing we need in a TV. How about letting us set/change the overscan and fill? Isn't that something that would be pretty easy to make changeable?

Anybody know if the newest version of this set has any screen shake issues with the PS3 in 1080p? I have this anomaly in the dashboard but not in Blu Ray playback or game playback.

I've tried new cables, HDMI splitter, new firmware, hard reset, different outlets, and nothing works. I don't know if I should swap the set or leave it. If it's not resolved in the newer sets I will not worry about it.

Thanks in advance for any advice/solutions.

-- Alex

P.S. The Xbox 360 Elite I have has zero issues.

Anybody know if the newest version of this set has any screen shake issues with the PS3 in 1080p? I have this anomaly in the dashboard but not in Blu Ray playback or game playback.

I've tried new cables, HDMI splitter, new firmware, hard reset, different outlets, and nothing works. I don't know if I should swap the set or leave it. If it's not resolved in the newer sets I will not worry about it.

Thanks in advance for any advice/solutions.

-- Alex

P.S. The Xbox 360 Elite I have has zero issues.

I've got the newest firmware with a PS3 over HDMI, and aside from the 1:1 pixel mapping leaving questionable borders at times, zero issues.

I have a PC DVI – HDMI connection issue also. After switching to another port and back if its longer then 5 minutes the screen won’t see a signal and I have to reboot the PC. I had this problem in Vista until I set “Turn off Monitor” and “Turn off Hard Disks” and “System Standby” to Never. I’m now dual booting and primarily going to use XP. I have the same settings with XP and I can’t wake it up the screen. I have always left Power Mode set to Normal on the Westy. I also have the PC Screen Saver is set to None. Has anyone found a work around for this problem?

My video card is the 8800GT and my picture is perfect at 1920x1080 on my 42". My FW is 1.3

Thanks,
-Mike

do you guys use powerstrip on your pc?

this is a very flexible/powerful utility that handles just about any resolution.

takes a few tries before it all becomes clear to you ie: settings
etc. but after that it should be really stable. i use it on my pc and didn't have any handshake issues at all. i don't have it currently hooked up to the westy (only while testing) but when it was there it ran flawlessly. dvi->hdmi

Anyone know if there is a firmware update for the TX-42F430S.

I tried to check on westinghouse's site but I need the serial number to check. Of course the morons put the stickers right under the mounting point on the back so I'd have to get a friend or two over just to get the TV off my mount.

I purchased the TV in September if that matters, I you need anything else let me know.

Thanks

Look on the box the TV came in. There are several stickers on the box that have the serial number. You still have the box, right? When I buy something like this, I always remove one of the stickers and place it in my owner's manual. I also hang on to the box until the warranty expires.

James

Wow, a picture viewer. Way to go, Westinghouse, you've given us the absolutely LAST thing we need in a TV. How about letting us set/change the overscan and fill? Isn't that something that would be pretty easy to make changeable?

I admit, a picture viewer is pretty much useless, but it could pave the way for something a bit more interesting like an mp3 player or a general media player if you hook up an external drive. Sadly, the only speakers I have in my New York City apartment are the ones in my TV and the ones in my laptop.

That's all the update did? A Picture viewer? Why did I waste my time upgrading?

Last week, I upgraded the firmware on my 42F430S. I loaded the files onto a 128MB SD card and inserted the card into my Lexar Jumpdrive Trio. I unplugged the power cable from the TV and inserted the Jumpdrive into the USB port. I then plugged the power cable back in and got an amber power LED. It sat there doing nothing until I hit the power button on the TV. At this point, the power LED started flashing PURPLE for several minutes. After it quit flashing, I unplugged the Jumpdrive and cycled the power off/on. The Westinghouse logo came up and when I checked the menu, the new firmware was installed. I had to scan the channels all over again and redo my settings. It seems to lock onto an HDMI signal faster now, but other than that I haven't seen any differences. Next, I'm going to try to plug in a flash drive with some photos on it to see if the rumored picture viewer really exists.

This is my first post. I hope I get it right.

I bought my new TX47F430S the day before the super bowl. Got home put stand together, then mounted TV on stand. Then plugged in... it made a pop sound and it throwed the breaker. We unpluged TVand tripped the breaker back, plugged TV back in, and turned on. TV Did nothing !!!! Tried another plug, did nothing!!! Sooo the next day we drove 80 miles one way to exchange for another one... so I am already on my second TV!!

We have basic cable, I have a cable cord plugged directly into my TV where it says Antenna. The Cable company we use has not upgraded to digital yet, so I can not get anything HD yet. We are a small town and this is my only option unless I change to satellite.

My complaint is that the built in guide does not work! My old TV was an RCA that had a built in guide that we just loved. Now we have no guide, although according to the manual we are suppose to have. The Cable Co we have does not have a guide channel either. I have contacted Westinghouse, first by phone then by email. On the phone contact I was told the guide only worked on over the air channels. I thought if that were true that it should have said that in the manual. So I sent then an email, I was told the problem is with my signal and to contact my cable provider. This is exactly what they said "The EPG is completely controled by the signal, so you will want to bring this issue to the attention of your cable provider for further assistance, they should be able to correct the issue for you. The television can only broadcast the information it is receiving from the signal using the EPG. There is no way to manually enter information into the EPG, or any adjustments you would need to make to get it to work. Program information should display automatically as long as the television is receiving that information from the incoming signal." When I contacted my cable provider they were clueless!! The cable co told me that maybe when they went digital it would fix the problem. Anyone else have a problem with their guide???

My TV is build date Sept 7, 2007 5121_1.2.0

We have also had a problem at least twice with our tv not powering on. We have to unplug it for a few seconds to get it to work. Is this something to worry about? I bought the extended warranty. So I have a 5 year 100% warranty.

I appreciate your advice. I am new to HDTV and AVSFORUM!!

This is my first post. I hope I get it right.

I bought my new TX47F430S the day before the super bowl. Got home put stand together, then mounted TV on stand. Then plugged in... it made a pop sound and it throwed the breaker. We unpluged TVand tripped the breaker back, plugged TV back in, and turned on. TV Did nothing !!!! Tried another plug, did nothing!!! Sooo the next day we drove 80 miles one way to exchange for another one... so I am already on my second TV!!

We have basic cable, I have a cable cord plugged directly into my TV where it says Antenna. The Cable company we use has not upgraded to digital yet, so I can not get anything HD yet. We are a small town and this is my only option unless I change to satellite.

My complaint is that the built in guide does not work! My old TV was an RCA that had a built in guide that we just loved. Now we have no guide, although according to the manual we are suppose to have. The Cable Co we have does not have a guide channel either. I have contacted Westinghouse, first by phone then by email. On the phone contact I was told the guide only worked on over the air channels. I thought if that were true that it should have said that in the manual. So I sent then an email, I was told the problem is with my signal and to contact my cable provider. This is exactly what they said "The EPG is completely controled by the signal, so you will want to bring this issue to the attention of your cable provider for further assistance, they should be able to correct the issue for you. The television can only broadcast the information it is receiving from the signal using the EPG. There is no way to manually enter information into the EPG, or any adjustments you would need to make to get it to work. Program information should display automatically as long as the television is receiving that information from the incoming signal." When I contacted my cable provider they were clueless!! The cable co told me that maybe when they went digital it would fix the problem. Anyone else have a problem with their guide???

My TV is build date Sept 7, 2007 5121_1.2.0

We have also had a problem at least twice with our tv not powering on. We have to unplug it for a few seconds to get it to work. Is this something to worry about? I bought the extended warranty. So I have a 5 year 100% warranty.

I appreciate your advice. I am new to HDTV and AVSFORUM!!

Welcome to the forum!

I think Westinghouse support is both right and wrong. They are right that the signal definitely drives the EPG, but they are wrong that it only works on OTA. I have my cable directly plugged into the TV through Comcast. I get EPG on two unencrypted HD channels and all the HD channels broadcast their 4 letter signs, but other than that I don't get anything on the EPG except maybe the TV rating of the station (ie TV-PG). So, unless the broadcaster sends it to the cable provider and then the cable provider sends it on the signal to you there really isn't anything to get.

The EPG is pretty lame in my opinion, but I can see if how you were used to it before that it would be really annoying to not have it now.

I'm not sure if that helps you much or not, but just wanted to let you know that the EPG does "work" in my case, just not very well.

What is most interesting is that you said it worked fine on your old TV, but this one is not. This makes me think that there is something stupid that Westinghouse is doing like maybe they aren't populating the data correctly for analog stations or something like that. Hope that helps!

Well, I recently got a PS3 and have it connected to my TX47F430S via HDMI. Everything is working ok, however the ghosting/simulated burn-in issue is back. Apparently this only happens when using the HDMI port because it doesn't happen with my HTPC connected via the VGA connector. Also, I am still unable to turn off the dynamic contrast. This is getting really frustrating and annoying. I've tried upgrading the firmware and it does nothing. It won't do the upgrade no matter what I try. I have contacted Westy and they claim that the unit is defective and should be returned to Best Buy. I just hate lugging the thing back to the store, but I'm really upset with the ghosting and the dynamic contrast so I guess it's going back. Is anyone else having the ghosting/simulated burn-in issue with theirs via HDMI?

Welcome to the forum!

I think Westinghouse support is both right and wrong. They are right that the signal definitely drives the EPG, but they are wrong that it only works on OTA. I have my cable directly plugged into the TV through Comcast. I get EPG on two unencrypted HD channels and all the HD channels broadcast their 4 letter signs, but other than that I don't get anything on the EPG except maybe the TV rating of the station (ie TV-PG). So, unless the broadcaster sends it to the cable provider and then the cable provider sends it on the signal to you there really isn't anything to get.

The EPG is pretty lame in my opinion, but I can see if how you were used to it before that it would be really annoying to not have it now.

I'm not sure if that helps you much or not, but just wanted to let you know that the EPG does "work" in my case, just not very well.

What is most interesting is that you said it worked fine on your old TV, but this one is not. This makes me think that there is something stupid that Westinghouse is doing like maybe they aren't populating the data correctly for analog stations or something like that. Hope that helps!





I'm pretty sure the RCA program guide was the Gemstar system, a TOTALLY different animal than the HD EPG. The HD EPG is just coming on the scene and there is not much/complete content as of yet. The HD EPG guide on my other HD set works the same as the WESTY, it basically stinks. The Gemstar guide on my panasonic DVD recorder works great.

I've had a TX-47F430S since early 2007 and have been watching Time Warner Digital cable for on this set via HDMI since then and all of the sudden this morning I have an error on the TV saying the set is not HDCP compliant and to unplug the HDMI connection and use component. What in the world could have cause this to happen? We just watched tv the other night with no issues and nothings changed :confused:

Firmware: 5110_1.1.0
Built on: 2007 April 13th


edit - I unplugged the TV for two minutes, plugged it back in and not it's fine *shrug*

I just got a new audio receiver with S/PDIF input, so I ran a cable from my TX-42F430S to the receiver. It works fine with watching TV and with the audio from the component inputs...but when I use my PlayStation 3 (HDMI), I get no sound at all. I set the PS3 to output audio through HDMI.

Does anyone know why I'm not getting any sound?


Build-on: 2007 Oct 25
Software Version: 5112_1.3.0

This is my first post. I hope I get it right.

I bought my new TX47F430S the day before the super bowl. Got home put stand together, then mounted TV on stand. Then plugged in... it made a pop sound and it throwed the breaker. We unpluged TVand tripped the breaker back, plugged TV back in, and turned on. TV Did nothing !!!! Tried another plug, did nothing!!! Sooo the next day we drove 80 miles one way to exchange for another one... so I am already on my second TV!!

We have basic cable, I have a cable cord plugged directly into my TV where it says Antenna. The Cable company we use has not upgraded to digital yet, so I can not get anything HD yet. We are a small town and this is my only option unless I change to satellite.

My complaint is that the built in guide does not work! My old TV was an RCA that had a built in guide that we just loved. Now we have no guide, although according to the manual we are suppose to have. The Cable Co we have does not have a guide channel either. I have contacted Westinghouse, first by phone then by email. On the phone contact I was told the guide only worked on over the air channels. I thought if that were true that it should have said that in the manual. So I sent then an email, I was told the problem is with my signal and to contact my cable provider. This is exactly what they said "The EPG is completely controled by the signal, so you will want to bring this issue to the attention of your cable provider for further assistance, they should be able to correct the issue for you. The television can only broadcast the information it is receiving from the signal using the EPG. There is no way to manually enter information into the EPG, or any adjustments you would need to make to get it to work. Program information should display automatically as long as the television is receiving that information from the incoming signal." When I contacted my cable provider they were clueless!! The cable co told me that maybe when they went digital it would fix the problem. Anyone else have a problem with their guide???

My TV is build date Sept 7, 2007 5121_1.2.0

We have also had a problem at least twice with our tv not powering on. We have to unplug it for a few seconds to get it to work. Is this something to worry about? I bought the extended warranty. So I have a 5 year 100% warranty.

I appreciate your advice. I am new to HDTV and AVSFORUM!!


My opinion
Return it and get something else - This TV has many reported issues. I know, I had one and returned because I was not satisfied. You can read my earlier posts as well as others for the many reported issues with this set.

Best of Luck

I admit, a picture viewer is pretty much useless, but it could pave the way for something a bit more interesting like an mp3 player or a general media player if you hook up an external drive.


I guess, but I've got stuff for all that already. I don't need it built into my TV. I'd like my TV to do things it's supposed to do.

I just got a new audio receiver with S/PDIF input, so I ran a cable from my TX-42F430S to the receiver. It works fine with watching TV and with the audio from the component inputs...but when I use my PlayStation 3 (HDMI), I get no sound at all. I set the PS3 to output audio through HDMI.

Does anyone know why I'm not getting any sound?

Build-on: 2007 Oct 25
Software Version: 5112_1.3.0After the very first builds (April 2007), Westinghouse disabled the passthrough of DRM'd audio in order to be HDCP-compliant. Blame Hollywood on this one. Fscking asshats.

I've been running my 360 Premium to my Westy (TX-47) via component for ~5 months now. A few days ago, I got an HDMI cable and now that is connecting 360 to TX. HDMI seems to work fine (including DVD upscaling!), but a new problem has cropped up. A couple times, while I was watching TV, it switched over the 360 input (HDMI 1) on its own. The 360 was off, so it just displayed "no signal" or whatever on a black screen.

I switched back to TV and everything seemed normal. A little later, I wanted to play Crackdown. I turned the 360 on, but the Westy didn't auto-switch inputs like it used to (using component). Ok, I thought, that's annoying but I can live with it. Then I used the remote to switch to HDMI 1 manually and it rebooted my 360!

I figure this has to be some kind of HDCP handshake issue, but I've never heard anybody mention anything similar before. Have any of you folks seen this happen??

I've read many reviews and all the gripes in this thread.. every TV has multiple reported problems, but does this one have more? Maybe it's because I have really only researched this particular brand and model extensively. For the price and picture quality it is awesome. Is it worth purchasing? I plan to get a Blu-Ray player soon, and play a lot of Xbox 360 on it.

I've been running my 360 Premium to my Westy (TX-47) via component for ~5 months now. A few days ago, I got an HDMI cable and now that is connecting 360 to TX. HDMI seems to work fine (including DVD upscaling!), but a new problem has cropped up. A couple times, while I was watching TV, it switched over the 360 input (HDMI 1) on its own. The 360 was off, so it just displayed "no signal" or whatever on a black screen.

I switched back to TV and everything seemed normal. A little later, I wanted to play Crackdown. I turned the 360 on, but the Westy didn't auto-switch inputs like it used to (using component). Ok, I thought, that's annoying but I can live with it. Then I used the remote to switch to HDMI 1 manually and it rebooted my 360!

I figure this has to be some kind of HDCP handshake issue, but I've never heard anybody mention anything similar before. Have any of you folks seen this happen??

Yea the autosource is bugged.

I've read many reviews and all the gripes in this thread.. every TV has multiple reported problems, but does this one have more? Maybe it's because I have really only researched this particular brand and model extensively. For the price and picture quality it is awesome. Is it worth purchasing? I plan to get a Blu-Ray player soon, and play a lot of Xbox 360 on it.

Yeah, every TV has some weird thing going on with it. What's important is how much the possible issues will affect you. The 4 HDMI ports being on 1 hub ruins this TV for a lot of people, but all I'm using is 1 of them so it doesn't really matter to me. 1:1 pixel mapping could lead to annoyances, but I've tuned out most of the things associated with that the first week or so.

It's possible that there are more of these with hardware problems, but if you get a warranty you can always get it fixed/traded in. Remember that there have been hardware and firmware revisions since this thready started, so in some cases problems mentioned in this uber-long thread have been fixed. In other cases, some people have more money or are more picky - I have a friend who will not buy a monitor or TV with more than 4ms response time, because he swears he sees ghosting on 8ms- both decent reasons to spring for a pricier set, if I saw ghosting on my $980 investment I wouldn't settle for it.

Overall, I'm very happy with the set. Great price, perfect size, good picture quality, a decent amount of settings/options/connections, and I'm covered for 4 years if anything goes wrong. PS3 games and Blu-Ray movies look fantastic. I'd say go for it, bring it home, and try to find problems with it. You can always return it.

I have the TX-47F430S (TW-51212-C047A) with version 1.3 firmware and a PS3 with the latest firmware and I'm getting the shaky video (vertical fluctuation) during gameplay but not with the XMB. I don't have any BD movies so I can't test this yet. I also have the simulated burn-in issue too. I bought this TV from BB in January and I'm not sure what to do now. I'm debating returning the TV and getting a different one altogether. I'm not satisfied with the option of cycling power in order to get rid of the flickering at the bottom either. I suppose I'm seeking the opinion of others regarding this issue. Thoughts?

I haven't checked back in this thread for over a year due to losing hope in westinghouse, but it seems like they are at least trying to improve themselves.

A few questions if someone can answer

I have the LVM 42W2 firmware 1.6.

1- Is there a firmware update for this model possible as I do not see any USB ports available on this tv?

I tried registering, but it says my serial # is not valid even after registering. Maybe its not updateable?



2- I have the 4 year warranty from BB and was wondering if anyone had problems swapping out there 42w2 for store credit and using that credit toward another tv?

I am looking at the new 120HZ ones. I am sure BB will try to exchange it for the new model, but will showing them these forums and telling them that there are many known issues with it maybe store credit was possible toward another TV.

i believe a technician has to intall firmware updates for that series.

i also had that set with a bb warranty and finally sold it to a friend who is still enjoying it to this day.

i had the upgrade bug but thought the westy was very good in it's price range.

you can certainly justify an exchange if you say the right things re: known issues but my experience with bb is that they will make you go through the cycle of calling for service at least 3 times before offering you the exchange.

if you are lucky maybe the gripe you have will be known in their database and approve your exchange faster.

i'd say get that ball rolling asap because it could be a process that takes a few months. the process involves scheduling techs to come out and then waiting for parts to be ordered. i have been given dates for panel replacements which they never intended to fulfill(but had to wait out the alotted time in their estimate). then they finally fessed up and said no panel>then approved the exchange.


when i sold it to my friend i told him that the exchange had been approved.
the good thing now is that this exchange doesn't have an expiration date.
he could walk in today and get full cred on a new set.

I have called numerous times to westinghouse to upgrade the firmware, but no luck and do not recall anyone on here that actually got a house visit from them to upgrade the firmware.

I will be moving to a different area soon and wish to get a bigger size if this goes thru and since my room now cannot fit anything bigger than a 42 inch I will have to wait when its near that time to get this done.

I guess getting the warranty for this set was a very good move.

Another thing I did was tape record on my camcorder everytime something has happened. I have about 4 instances where it locked up and would not respond to anything except for an unplug or the PS3 going to a static screen when changing screens and also if the tv was on and for some reason would not turn off. I made sure to record me pressing the power button on the locks up and using the remote until I had to unplug and reboot the set which is extremely annoying when I am about to sleep and it wont respond to to the remote.

Do you think this will speed up the process or will they need more proof? =)

BTW how does the exchange work do you need to bring in the tv to bestbuy or does someone pick it up from you?

now i remember, westinghouse promised to send a tech out and nobody ever came out. some people got them but many didn't

you have to call best buy warranty service and tell them your situation. they will send someone out (who is contrated with them in your area) this is the person who will report back
to bb. if he gives them the correct info then bb will approve a return but not until you've done this dance back and forth 3 times.

i've tried bringing the set back to a store only to be turned away. their policy is to work through the warranty service until you get an approval. then you can bring it back. not sure if they do pick up. if you bought online you might be able to get a pickup. call them.

Anyone have a problem with connecting a Blu Ray set for 1080P 24 fps with the 47f430s? I have a Samsung BD-UP5000 that when set for 24 fps I get a picture, but the "no input signal' & input info display comes up & won't go away. Very annoying.:(

Hello new to the forum here but have been searching through for awhile. I have the Westinghouse TX-47F430S connected to a PS3 through HDMI. I just got the tv earlier this week and had a question for some of you guys. So far the tv's been working great. However when I'm at Circuit City or Best Buy they always have the display tv hooked up to a Blu Ray player with that amazing "feels like you're in the movie" look. You know the one I'm talking about.

So I was wondering how I get this look? My PS3 is set to 1080p and through research I've come across this "calibration" issue. Is this true? Do I have to get some guy to come over to my place and calibrate my television? Can I do this through the calibration settings in the menu settings? Any help is greatly appreciated.

Calibration isn't an issue- it's just that the default settings don't always look so hot. Somewhere in the 140's pages of this thread is a list of a couple of people's settings. You can do it yourself, in the TV's menu. Pick one as a starting point, and adjust from there to what looks best for you.

As for that "in the movie" feeling, which I tend to recognize as a 3D-ish "pop" to the picture, it depends on the movie. As someone who doesn't have definitive knowledge about this sort of thing, I'd guess it has to do with original source quality and the quality of the transfer. I haven't watched a ton of BluRay movies yet, but 2001: A Space Odyssey, the Planet Earth documentaries, and pretty much any Pixar film have it. I'd check out one of the billion sites that review Blu-Ray movies and start picking out films that got a high score in Visual Quality. A Netflix account is a good way to test a wide variety of picture quality/styles. I'm really itching to see how A Scanner Darkly or Sin City look.

Hello new to the forum here but have been searching through for awhile. I have the Westinghouse TX-47F430S connected to a PS3 through HDMI. I just got the tv earlier this week and had a question for some of you guys. So far the tv's been working great. However when I'm at Circuit City or Best Buy they always have the display tv hooked up to a Blu Ray player with that amazing "feels like you're in the movie" look. You know the one I'm talking about.

So I was wondering how I get this look? My PS3 is set to 1080p and through research I've come across this "calibration" issue. Is this true? Do I have to get some guy to come over to my place and calibrate my television? Can I do this through the calibration settings in the menu settings? Any help is greatly appreciated.

As Martez mentioned, you have the capability to adjust various settings until the set displays what *you* like.

The next link is a specific post from a fellow-owner that had compiled a list of various other owner's professed settings. As mentioned just after that poster's compilation...these settings don't necessarily mean anything for *you* compared to the other owners both because 1) your likes could be significantly different than theirs, and 2) your 'A/V setup', brand/quality of wiring, etc. very likely will differ from theirs. Still, play with the settings until you are happy with what you see. Here's that post/link:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=12321483&postcount=3730

And as far as considering something to watch that might provide you with the best PQ experience for that "feels like you're in the movies"...try this BD tier thread:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=10733385#post10733385

Hope these posts help...

- Dave

PS. I purchased the 47" last Friday, but am awaiting taking delivery until I get DirecT? out to replace my 3-LNB with a 5-LNB and upgrade to a HR-21. So you're really ahead of me in the game...cuz my set is still racked at BB at the moment...:rolleyes:

Hey guys - has anyone noticed that, when watching an HD feed, when stuff moves fast this TV shows a lot of artifacts, like the picture is very blocky.

i.e.: When watching an HD feed of a hockey game, its very clear and crisp when no one is moving, but when the game is in play, things are pretty blurry/blocky...

Any thoughts?

Hey guys - has anyone noticed that, when watching an HD feed, when stuff moves fast this TV shows a lot of artifacts, like the picture is very blocky.

i.e.: When watching an HD feed of a hockey game, its very clear and crisp when no one is moving, but when the game is in play, things are pretty blurry/blocky...

Any thoughts?

HD feed from where? If it is any kind of tv service other than an antenna you're seeing their crappy recompression.

HD feed from where? If it is any kind of tv service other than an antenna you're seeing their crappy recompression.

I am in Calgary, so I am talking about HD feeds through Shaw (cable service provider), and I am talking about pretty much any HD channel.... So it's just me seing compression ''jaggies'' ?

I am in Calgary, so I am talking about HD feeds through Shaw (cable service provider), and I am talking about pretty much any HD channel.... So it's just me seing compression ''jaggies'' ?

It isn't jaggies it is mpeg compression artifacts. Get a blu-ray player and you won't see that at all. it has nothing to do with the tv. Sadly every tv service provider seems to have the same problem. They have too many channels so they over compress them to the point where it looks bad but nobody seems to care. Directv is far worse than comcast though. I'm not sure about your cable company.

Hey guys - has anyone noticed that, when watching an HD feed, when stuff moves fast this TV shows a lot of artifacts, like the picture is very blocky.

i.e.: When watching an HD feed of a hockey game, its very clear and crisp when no one is moving, but when the game is in play, things are pretty blurry/blocky...

Any thoughts?

Like Cozmogeek said, it's the broadcast, not the TV. I saw the same thing and was worried it was the TV, but after hooking up a PS3 and watching some Blu-Ray movies, confirmed it was just the craptacular broadcasting.

Still, I get Jericho in HD so I can't really complain...

Just picked up the 42" at BB after returning a faulty Insignia that had a faint but visable thick white ghost line in the middle of the TV. With that said, I would take that set back instead of this Westy that I have now. It is underscanned or something as I can see what looks like VBL on the top of the screen. There is also a black line on the right side of the set with HD content both from my Directv and Air. Called Westy up and the lady said I need to call DTV because my set top box was the problem. I tried to explain that the other set did not do this but she wasn't having it. The picture on this set seems kind of soft and I don't care for the color. Spent the whole night trying to get it to where I could like it. Needless to say, this set is going back and after reading all of this thread, I will NOT recommend this set to anybody. I have taken some pics of the problems. DTV box is connected HDMI by the way. I thank everyone who has taken the time to share their experiences. It seems HD has been rolled out badly as it seems all of the sets have problems. I will just have to settle for some quirks but I think $1000 is a lot for a TV and will not spend more for a bunch of junk that was all made in China anyway.

Yes CC info is not being transferred when using YPbPr. I changed YPbPr cables but I am still not getting CC. I want to know whethere this is know issue or either my TV YPbPr or my Set Top Box YPbPr sockets are not working properly. Please can someone confirm that CC works when YPbPr is used.

I know this is a very old post but I just wanted to confirm that I do not get CC working using YPbPr either. Its a comcast hd cable box, I thought maybe it was just Comcast but maybe its the YPbPr connector since I do use that for the cable.

Just picked up the 42" at BB after returning a faulty Insignia that had a faint but visable thick white ghost line in the middle of the TV. With that said, I would take that set back instead of this Westy that I have now. It is underscanned or something as I can see what looks like VBL on the top of the screen. There is also a black line on the right side of the set with HD content both from my Directv and Air. Called Westy up and the lady said I need to call DTV because my set top box was the problem. I tried to explain that the other set did not do this but she wasn't having it. The picture on this set seems kind of soft and I don't care for the color. Spent the whole night trying to get it to where I could like it. Needless to say, this set is going back and after reading all of this thread, I will NOT recommend this set to anybody. I have taken some pics of the problems. DTV box is connected HDMI by the way. I thank everyone who has taken the time to share their experiences. It seems HD has been rolled out badly as it seems all of the sets have problems. I will just have to settle for some quirks but I think $1000 is a lot for a TV and will not spend more for a bunch of junk that was all made in China anyway.

Dude you should have kept the TV, that is from your service provider. The tech person was right. Your old screen did not have 1:1 pixel mapping so it overscanned hence you never getting that bar. But when a screen does 1:1 there is 0% over scan from what I understand. What happens is that a few channels are sending the signal in a bad way or incorrect way and that causes that error. I have gotten that exact thing but on the top of the screen watching HD football on one of the stations. I am pretty sure it was a NBC broadcast.

Dude you should have kept the TV, that is from your service provider. The tech person was right. Your old screen did not have 1:1 pixel mapping so it overscanned hence you never getting that bar. But when a screen does 1:1 there is 0% over scan from what I understand. What happens is that a few channels are sending the signal in a bad way or incorrect way and that causes that error. I have gotten that exact thing but on the top of the screen watching HD football on one of the stations. I am pretty sure it was a NBC broadcast.



Exactly, I really can't believe how many people don't know how to work an HDTV. This is DEFINITELY a scanning issue. I assume this guy tried to use the "fill" setting, and if that didn't solve the problem, it's the set top cable box. (BTW. FOX broadcasting sometimes has this issue on the broadcast end.) I suppose there is always a "bad set" that's possible, but really doubt this is the cause of this issue (it's not, I'm being kind). The set has worked flawlessly for me and I could not be happier, especially for the money, but even putting the value aside. My last set was a SONY WEGA tube HDTV, so I know of what I speak. Good luck.

Dude you should have kept the TV, that is from your service provider. The tech person was right. Your old screen did not have 1:1 pixel mapping so it overscanned hence you never getting that bar. But when a screen does 1:1 there is 0% over scan from what I understand. What happens is that a few channels are sending the signal in a bad way or incorrect way and that causes that error. I have gotten that exact thing but on the top of the screen watching HD football on one of the stations. I am pretty sure it was a NBC broadcast.

One last point, not all HDTV's have 1:1 pixel mapping. I have a really cheap poloroid 720p set that never shows any lines or media at the top of the screen, but of course that set just cuts off that part of the broadcast. 1:1 show exactly what is being broadcast.

One last point, not all HDTV's have 1:1 pixel mapping. I have a really cheap poloroid 720p set that never shows any lines or media at the top of the screen, but of course that set just cuts off that part of the broadcast. 1:1 show exactly what is being broadcast.

Yeah it seems like there was hardly any 1:1 tvs when I was shopping but maybe there is more out there now.

I guess there's no point in repeating that it's the broadcast's fault, not the TV's... I get a thin vertical line on the far left of NBC HD broadcasts. That FOX line is kind of weird looking, though- the way the picture keeps going but they have that black line there. At least NBC's line is at the very edge.

Good luck finding your quirk-free <$1000 HDTV, dougleonard. Let us know what it is!

Holy Christ this TV's a piece of ****.

I have my computer hooked up via HDMI and the dynamic contrast "feature" was going off while scrolling over dark and light backgrounds and driving me nucking futs. Of course I could use VGA but VGA looks like ass compared to HDMI.

So, I gathered that a firmware update may solve the auto contrast adjust. I just drove back and forth to Target, Circuit City, and Best Buy looking for a flash drive that actually WORKS with this TV. The Sandisk Cruzer micro 1GB worked, but the firmware update didn't solve the dynamic contrast bullshit. The 1.3 firmware DID fix the illusionary "burn in" that occasionally popped up with dark backgrounds but it did nothing in regards to the auto dynamic contrast.

Holy Christ this TV's a piece of ****.

I have my computer hooked up via HDMI and the dynamic contrast "feature" was going off while scrolling over dark and light backgrounds and driving me nucking futs. Of course I could use VGA but VGA looks like ass compared to HDMI.


so why not turn off auto-contrast?

Switch to 'user mode' then turn it off, then you can go back to whatever mode were in.

so why not turn off auto-contrast?

Switch to 'user mode' then turn it off, then you can go back to whatever mode were in.

Doesn't work.

I guess there's no point in repeating that it's the broadcast's fault, not the TV's... I get a thin vertical line on the far left of NBC HD broadcasts. That FOX line is kind of weird looking, though- the way the picture keeps going but they have that black line there. At least NBC's line is at the very edge.

Good luck finding your quirk-free <$1000 HDTV, dougleonard. Let us know what it is!


I agree that I will not get the $2000 Sony for $1000, and that's understandable. This was just my opinion of the set and it didn't render someone trying to say what I know and don't know. I have seen and set up a lot of HDTV's for other people and I don't see these artifacts on their LGs, Sonys, and Toshibas. As far as the 1:1 pixel mapping, I was lacking in that area of knowledge about the TV. This does raise a question though. Why would I want it if it is going to show vertical blanking and imperfections of the broadcasters? I can understand with connecting a computer or blue ray, mabee they could have some settings in the calibration menu that could allow us to disable it or adjust geometry some. I understand it would have to be very basic settings as things could really get screwed up fast. I would rather overscan the set than look at junk. What's 1/8 of an inch in the scheme of things anyway? Hell, the last movie I went to was overshooting the screen by 6 inches or so. Anyways, it was just my opinion. I now have a different Insignia 1080P and things look good enough on it. I'm sure I will find some shortcomings of the set, but nothing is perfect, especially in this price range. Thank you all for your help!

Heard about the monitor hookup problems with the 47 in LCD and was wondering how you guys have it set up. I am using a VGA cable not an HDM. What's the whole fuss about the TV as a monitor. And I just picked up the TV and was wondering should I go back and purchase the protection plan (4 years $170.00 I paid $550.00 for the TV) for the TV?

thanks

Where did you get the 47" Westy for $550, New?

best buy HDA but i dont think we should be talking about prices...

Heard about the monitor hookup problems with the 47 in LCD and was wondering how you guys have it set up. I am using a VGA cable not an HDM. What's the whole fuss about the TV as a monitor. And I just picked up the TV and was wondering should I go back and purchase the protection plan (4 years $170.00 I paid $550.00 for the TV) for the TV?

thanks

I have it set up through DVI->HDMI. With a HDMI input, the Dynamic Contrast BS kicks in. You won't notice this with VGA but VGA looks like blurry crap compared to HDMI. I can't see how anyone can look at a VGA picture with this high of a dot pitch...

Since the TX models don't have DVI inputs, they're basically unusable as monitors.

AWWW CRAP! PLEASE HELP!!


Main problem: The audio from my X-Box 360 is no longer being recognized through the audio jack that accompanies the VGA input.




I've had the TX-42F430S since replacing my LVM42w2 with it last September (had the replacement plan from BB, and the old set had some major banding issues). I hooked up the 360 via VGA because I preferred the visuals to that of the component cables, but for some reason the audio only played out of one speaker. I realize that I'm combining the L/R audio cables into one stereo jack, but my LVM set at least duplicated the audio via both speakers. The new set didn't.

Anyway, I'm far from an audiofile, so I lived with it. But just tonight, I freed up the VGA input so I could hook up a PC to it for a bit, and even though I was using external speakers for the PC sound, I unplugged the audio just to make the VGA input that much more accessable.

Now when I try and hook the 360 back up, I get visuals but no sound at all. Its as though the jack has gone dead and isn't being recognized. I hooked up the 360 with component cables and the sound worked fine (the visuals looked like CRAP however, with ghosting on the letters and a really washed out look...it was weird).

I've tried just about everything. I've turned the console and the TV on and off several times, checked all wires for connectedness, and even unplugged the TV. I can't hook up the 360 via HDMI because I have an older model.


Anyone have any clues as to what the heck is going on and how I fix it? I wouldn't have any problem switching back to component if I knew I could get the visual fidelity I had on VGA, and that seems like an even slimmer proposition than ever considering how wacky the component visuals looked when I just tried them a bit ago.

PLEASE HELP!!

I've been running my 360 Premium to my Westy (TX-47) via component for ~5 months now. A few days ago, I got an HDMI cable and now that is connecting 360 to TX. HDMI seems to work fine (including DVD upscaling!), but a new problem has cropped up. A couple times, while I was watching TV, it switched over the 360 input (HDMI 1) on its own. The 360 was off, so it just displayed "no signal" or whatever on a black screen.

I switched back to TV and everything seemed normal. A little later, I wanted to play Crackdown. I turned the 360 on, but the Westy didn't auto-switch inputs like it used to (using component). Ok, I thought, that's annoying but I can live with it. Then I used the remote to switch to HDMI 1 manually and it rebooted my 360!

I figure this has to be some kind of HDCP handshake issue, but I've never heard anybody mention anything similar before. Have any of you folks seen this happen??

Yes, it's the handshake. It's happened to me. Quick question - how are you running audio for the 360?

Question on firmware upgrade:
I have the TX-42F430S model, it has an upgrade on Westy site...but it's a .rar and inside is another compressed file(.tgz)...do I need to uncompress both? Then take the files from the .tgz and dump to the thumb drive?

Proud new owner of a tx-42f430s. I must say I am very happy. I originally set out to get the Olivia. I had searched everywhere for it and nothing. I like newegg and all, but there is no way I'm buying a tv from them. I spot the Westy on the wall at BB and it looked washed out. I asked the guy if he could adjust that out for me and he said he tried and that just how it looks(total bs). I made him sell me one any way, When I got home I found that this tv has every black setting and brightness setting in the world. I had it looking A million in a few minutes. Dark blacks, bright whites! I am very pleased. Once more this set has none of the problems associated with this model.

The wife approval factor on this TV is out of this world. I set her up by looking at a lot of plasma Tv's and 10,000 dollar sony projectors. Then I sprung this baby on her. I am using FFDshow to up-sample all my DVDs to 1080p. All I have around here is a Superbit copy of The Fifth Element. Crap now I have to buy A PS3.;)

Proud new owner of a tx-42f430s. I must say I am very happy. I originally set out to get the Olivia. I had searched everywhere for it and nothing. I like newegg and all, but there is no way I'm buying a tv from them. I spot the Westy on the wall at BB and it looked washed out. I asked the guy if he could adjust that out for me and he said he tried and that just how it looks(total bs). I made him sell me one any way, When I got home I found that this tv has every black setting and brightness setting in the world. I had it looking A million in a few minutes. Dark blacks, bright whites! I am very pleased. Once more this set has none of the problems associated with this model.

The wife approval factor on this TV is out of this world. I set her up by looking at a lot of plasma Tv's and 10,000 dollar sony projectors. Then I sprung this baby on her. I am using FFDshow to up-sample all my DVDs to 1080p. All I have around here is a Superbit copy of The Fifth Element. Crap now I have to buy A PS3.;)


I agree!

Just updated the firmware on my 47F430S without incident. Download the file from the Westinghouse site, extract it to your thumb drive, and follow the directions on the site. Very easy. You do not need to do any further extraction. The only difference with my upgrade vs. the instructions was that while updating the firmware, the light on the front of the TV flashed purple. When it finishes, turn the set off and then back on.

Question on firmware upgrade:
I have the TX-42F430S model, it has an upgrade on Westy site...but it's a .rar and inside is another compressed file(.tgz)...do I need to uncompress both? Then take the files from the .tgz and dump to the thumb drive?

Well, I was here from the very beginning so it's only right I come back to report the end. After 10 months of trouble free and pleasant operation the video processor died in my TX-47 last night. This clearly is a common issue with these tvs, and I personally know one other person who suffered the same failure. Given the poor build quality I would have to suggest to newcomers considering this tv to look elsewhere. Your chances of getting a dud are disturbingly high I'm afraid.

I am trying to convince Westinghouse to service my set instead of doing the replacement option. Since they are using an inferior video processor now and in some cases LCD panel I would rather keep my set and have it repaired, but either way I'm tempted to wash my hands of it and do what I should have done the first time: go all out and get a Pioneer Kuro plasma that you can actually watch dark movies on in a dark room and still get a good picture.

Well, I was here from the very beginning so it's only right I come back to report the end. After 10 months of trouble free and pleasant operation the video processor died in my TX-47 last night. This clearly is a common issue with these tvs, and I personally know one other person who suffered the same failure. Given the poor build quality I would have to suggest to newcomers considering this tv to look elsewhere. Your chances of getting a dud are disturbingly high I'm afraid.

I am trying to convince Westinghouse to service my set instead of doing the replacement option. Since they are using an inferior video processor now and in some cases LCD panel I would rather keep my set and have it repaired, but either way I'm tempted to wash my hands of it and do what I should have done the first time: go all out and get a Pioneer Kuro plasma that you can actually watch dark movies on in a dark room and still get a good picture.

Ouch, I hope mine doesn't suffer the same fate as I'm on month 7. At least it was still under warranty. As Ive always stated the popping sound issue for me has been my biggest annoyance and I also would recommend to anyone considering this TV to just spend several hundred more and get a name brand and maybe an inch smaller.

I picked up my TX-47 Friday from BB. Purchased it with the extended warranty (given the apparent sub-par nature of this set based on posts in this thread). One might ask, "So why buy it at all???" Well, walking down the wall of flat-panels at BB & CC, I [personally] found myself happy with the Westy's overall PQ to that of other brands. I have no plans to game on this particular set, nor do I plan to use this as a PC monitor. Rather as a TV...and for TV viewing only, I connected two devices to it when I first unpackaged it: 1) a DirecTiVo HR-10 250 via HDMI, and 2) a Pioneer DV-400V-K upconvert-to-1080P DVD player via HDMI. More than satisfied with the PQ from both sources in HD content, I also reviewed analog PQ from the DirecTiVo box. That too was more than satisfactory given the 47" screen. And although I appreciate from this thread that the HDMI inputs are essentially a hub and that this model does not 'sort' for input, I found it easy enough to use the remote to scroll through inputs for the two devices as needed.

With those tests out of the way I installed a tilt-able wall mount, and with my wife's assistance, easily removed the pedestal stand from the TX-47 and hung the device on the wall in our bedroom. I am embarrassed to report that I failed to record the set's serial number :banghead: prior to hanging it <-- something I expressly told myself not to forget!!! But I now plan to take another poster's advice from this thread & will hold a mirror up to the back & record that soon enough.

Again, for the money this set is EXACTLY what I want it to be. As a bedroom TV, I am not looking for insane audio performance (its a 12x12 room for goodness sake ;) ), and the picture is quite bright when not directly compared against other models side-by-side. With all this reported...SHOULD this model fail me...well I feel I'll use the money invested towards another set (same or different model) down the road. If and when 'down the road' gets here...that same ~ $1000 spent should buy me as much if not more TV at that time. Until then, I presently report that I am quite satisfied with this unit.

...and I certainly hope I can report that a year...or many more ;)...from now...

Thanks,
Dave

I am embarrassed to report that I failed to record the set's serial number :banghead: prior to hanging it <-- something I expressly told myself not to forget!!! But I now plan to take another poster's advice from this thread & will hold a mirror up to the back & record that soon enough.

Dave, go get the serial number off of the box. It's on a sticker--peel it off and stick it into the owner's manual!

James

Well, I was here from the very beginning so it's only right I come back to report the end. After 10 months of trouble free and pleasant operation the video processor died in my TX-47 last night. This clearly is a common issue with these tvs, and I personally know one other person who suffered the same failure. Given the poor build quality I would have to suggest to newcomers considering this tv to look elsewhere. Your chances of getting a dud are disturbingly high I'm afraid.

I am trying to convince Westinghouse to service my set instead of doing the replacement option. Since they are using an inferior video processor now and in some cases LCD panel I would rather keep my set and have it repaired, but either way I'm tempted to wash my hands of it and do what I should have done the first time: go all out and get a Pioneer Kuro plasma that you can actually watch dark movies on in a dark room and still get a good picture.

Sorry to hear that, and I hope that you can get it serviced, that is exactly what I would try to do. I feel very fortunate to have an early example of this model, though I think from previous posts mine might also be a better example than yours, as I seem to have excellent viewing angles, and am able to get to what I think is an excellent picture. Anyway, I would be interested to know if and how you convince them.

Ed

Yes, it's the handshake. It's happened to me. Quick question - how are you running audio for the 360?I'm using the component dongle to get an optical audio connection to my receiver. It works fine after hacking off the dongle's plastic casing to make room for the two connectors side-by-side. It sucks that I have to mute the TV whenever I want to play the 360 or watch DVDs, though (so I don't get the 360 HDMI audio through the crappy TV speakers). :-/

I guess since I paid less then 600 for the set, i minus well spring for the BB 4-year service plan. I have Friday as the last day I can add it, but I have a question to anyone, regarding Best Buy's policy, If i bought the TV for $600, and 4 years later, something went wrong with the TV, would a replacement be of value of the original retail price (in this case $1299.99 or $600.00)? I ask this because originally, last week the TV was listed as 1299.00 but I used the HDAdvantage to knock it down to a little under $600.00 and as I was leaving, I asked that same question and got two different answers.


thanks

Sorry in advance for the long post, but here it is...

I have a Westy TX42 (Model TX42F430S, TW51121CO42A, S.N 5112J72601424). It works well enough on my Comcast cable box (Component cable only...the box does not have HDMI output).

I recently purchased a Toshiba HD-A3 HD-DVD player (kicking myself now since Blu-Ray has apparently won the format battle).

The setup works perfectly when using the component cables to hook up the HD-DVD, but no joy with the HDMI cable. When switching to HDMI, I get maybe 2 seconds of signal, then nothing. When upscalng normal DVD, with the Component cables, I cannot get 1080, just 480 due to copy restrictions.

HD-A3 has the latest firmware.

I downloaded the firmware for my S/N from the Westy website. Followed the directions EXACTLY. Extracted files to Sandisk Cruzer (2 files present... safe-kernel.img1 and update_WDE42). ALL cables disconnected from Westy. Plug in the Cruzer, then plug in the power cable. Amber light. Push and hold power button, the Cruzer flashes, and I get solid blue light (no blinking).

No response from either the Cruzer or the Westy for several minutes. Press and hold Westy power, get amber light. Remove Cruzer. Press and hold Westy power, and it powers up. Software is lited as 5112_1.3.0 June 2007 build (which is the same as before I tried to install the firmware udate).

I also tried extracting update_WDE42 to the Cruzer, but got the same result.

Any clue where I'm going wrong? Any guess as to whether this is an HDMI communications problem? Assuming it is, and a firmware update will fix it, will I get proper upscaling using HDMI that is not available through component cables?

Thanks in advance

le14...Replacement value = what your receipt says you paid for the merchandise at point of sale. So if you paid $600 on the receipt...then you'd ultimately get $600 credit towards another set. Keep in mind too with the BB extended warranty...for that period of time covered...BB has the right to first attempt to repair the particular problem 3 times before honoring return/credit. That'd be part of the agreement you'd be purchasing.

dkeever...quick thought: Have you tried a different HDMI cable?

Dave, go get the serial number off of the box. It's on a sticker--peel it off and stick it into the owner's manual!

James

It sure is :o. Thanks James. Yeah, the carton had four separate, repeating labels. I peeled one off and its in the owner's manual now :cool:.

No response from either the Cruzer or the Westy for several minutes. Press and hold Westy power, get amber light. Remove Cruzer. Press and hold Westy power, and it powers up. Software is lited as 5112_1.3.0 June 2007 build (which is the same as before I tried to install the firmware udate).

I also tried extracting update_WDE42 to the Cruzer, but got the same result.

Any clue where I'm going wrong?

You've already got the latest firmware for your set. The file you downloaded was
LX 42 01_OSD_FW_1.3.0C07.rar, correct? If you had a later build set you would have downloaded a file called SusanII_v1.3.0_20071026.rar. Notice they're both 1.3.0, so that first file is the correct one for your set. As for why the HDMI doesn't work, I'm not sure. You could try a hardware reset. Hold the power button down for 10 seconds or so until it resets. You will lose all your settings, so write that stuff down beforehand.

James

Sorry to hear that, and I hope that you can get it serviced, that is exactly what I would try to do. I feel very fortunate to have an early example of this model, though I think from previous posts mine might also be a better example than yours, as I seem to have excellent viewing angles, and am able to get to what I think is an excellent picture. Anyway, I would be interested to know if and how you convince them.

Ed
I have an RMA request in, so I should know soon. It will have to be shipped out, so the claim of in-home service is a bit misleading IMO. I'm not ready to throw in the towel just yet though since I haven't gotten my money's worth out of it.

Despite what I said last spring I've warmed up to the panel. It's a cheaper variant of IPS but it's still IPS. I've come to appreciate the strengths of that technology over time compared to the VA mode panels. If they elected to replace my set and I got one with the cheap MVA panel some people have been seeing I'd be quite upset. Since it is the display controller that failed I'm wondering if my set will come back with a Trident HiDTV Pro LX in it like it has now or if I'll be stuck with the new cheaper processor they switched to. I guess time will tell.

Does anyone have the remote control code for the tx-42f430s to use with the onkyo tx-sr605?

I have an RMA request in, so I should know soon. It will have to be shipped out, so the claim of in-home service is a bit misleading IMO. I'm not ready to throw in the towel just yet though since I haven't gotten my money's worth out of it.

Despite what I said last spring I've warmed up to the panel. It's a cheaper variant of IPS but it's still IPS. I've come to appreciate the strengths of that technology over time compared to the VA mode panels. If they elected to replace my set and I got one with the cheap MVA panel some people have been seeing I'd be quite upset. Since it is the display controller that failed I'm wondering if my set will come back with a Trident HiDTV Pro LX in it like it has now or if I'll be stuck with the new cheaper processor they switched to. I guess time will tell.

How do I find out which panel/processor my set has? I'm assuming the serial number but where can I see which serials have which components?

You've already got the latest firmware for your set. The file you downloaded was
LX 42 01_OSD_FW_1.3.0C07.rar, correct? If you had a later build set you would have downloaded a file called SusanII_v1.3.0_20071026.rar. Notice they're both 1.3.0, so that first file is the correct one for your set. As for why the HDMI doesn't work, I'm not sure. You could try a hardware reset. Hold the power button down for 10 seconds or so until it resets. You will lose all your settings, so write that stuff down beforehand.

James

Downloaded file was LX 42 01_OSD_FW_1.3.0C07.rar. I also tried a new HDMI cable, and 10-second "master reset" but no joy. It worked for a few minutes right after I powered it up the first time after installing the new HDMI cable, but them went blank and I have not been able to get it to repeat this feat.

I have tried all of the HDMI ports on the Westy.

Any other suggestions?

Thanks,
David

I have tried all of the HDMI ports on the Westy.

Any other suggestions?

Thanks,
David

Perhaps connect via non-HDMI cables...and then if that allows the set to display, double-check your Video settings within the Menu???

...after that...I'd have little to suggest :(

Found this via Google. I am having the exact same problem as others. Westinghouse TX-42F430S and a brand new Toshiba HD-A3 hd dvd player.

If I turn on the hd dvd player with no disc in it, it takes a good few minutes but will eventually show the player setup screen. But when I try to play '300' HD DVD, it goes to black screen, no audio. However, I just tried a standard DVD, at first it gave me the black screen, but a minute or so later the video and audio showed up. So, standard DVD's upconverting to 1080i seem to work. But a no go on the HD DVD movies.

I agree that I will not get the $2000 Sony for $1000, and that's understandable. This was just my opinion of the set and it didn't render someone trying to say what I know and don't know. I have seen and set up a lot of HDTV's for other people and I don't see these artifacts on their LGs, Sonys, and Toshibas. As far as the 1:1 pixel mapping, I was lacking in that area of knowledge about the TV. This does raise a question though. Why would I want it if it is going to show vertical blanking and imperfections of the broadcasters? I can understand with connecting a computer or blue ray, mabee they could have some settings in the calibration menu that could allow us to disable it or adjust geometry some. I understand it would have to be very basic settings as things could really get screwed up fast. I would rather overscan the set than look at junk. What's 1/8 of an inch in the scheme of things anyway? Hell, the last movie I went to was overshooting the screen by 6 inches or so. Anyways, it was just my opinion. I now have a different Insignia 1080P and things look good enough on it. I'm sure I will find some shortcomings of the set, but nothing is perfect, especially in this price range. Thank you all for your help!

*Sigh*...you don't even have to go into the calibration menu...just hit the "Aspect" button, for God's sake. As to why you would want it...many broadcasters have their s**t together and you get a full 1920x1080 (some are sending that, some are sending 720p) picture. Likewise with game consoles, PCs, HD-DVD and BD. The only problem is the few broadcasters who *don't* send a clean signal. And for those, you can use "fill". Seriously...if you don't want to bother with research or paging through the manual, then don't go around complaining about "problems" that aren't problems at all.

Ed

I have an RMA request in, so I should know soon. It will have to be shipped out, so the claim of in-home service is a bit misleading IMO. I'm not ready to throw in the towel just yet though since I haven't gotten my money's worth out of it.

Despite what I said last spring I've warmed up to the panel. It's a cheaper variant of IPS but it's still IPS. I've come to appreciate the strengths of that technology over time compared to the VA mode panels. If they elected to replace my set and I got one with the cheap MVA panel some people have been seeing I'd be quite upset. Since it is the display controller that failed I'm wondering if my set will come back with a Trident HiDTV Pro LX in it like it has now or if I'll be stuck with the new cheaper processor they switched to. I guess time will tell.

Oy...yeah, Westy really screwed the pooch with the changes to this set, they were building a decent reputation with the LVM line, then came the TX failures, the long wait for firmware, and then they started throwing cheaper panels and components in without changing the model number. I have to say, as happy as I am with my set, especially for the price, I don't see my next one being a Westy. Better sets have become affordable. I might trust them if I was looking for a PC monitor or a small panel for a spare room, but for anything 37" and above, I think I'd look elsewhere now. Which is really a shame.

Ed

Just bought TX-42F430S last week. Initially hooked up only to Cable (coax straight in from the wall outlet) and Wii (via Component). Both are working fine.

I've tried to hook up my MacBook Pro to an HDMI port, and I get only "No Input Detected". I know the Mac output is fine, as I often have it hooked up to an external monitor. (Mac output is through a DVI port, and I bought a ridiculously overpriced DVI-HDMI converter cable at BestBuy).

[EDIT: Also, when I am connected, the Mac 'Detect Displays' function does see and correctly identify the HDTV, so from that side is believes it is sending a signal]

I searched the thread for similar problems; saw a suggestion to unplug the TV to force a reset. Tried, that, still nothing.

I'm a little limited in my ability to test because I don't have any other input sources that output HDMI, and I only have the one cable.

Has anyone seen a similar issue? Any suggestions for how I might prove or disprove that there is an issue with the TV (I'd rather avoid having to box the thing up and lug it back into the store).

I've tried to hook up my MacBook Pro to an HDMI port, and I get only "No Input Detected". I know the Mac output is fine, as I often have it hooked up to an external monitor. (Mac output is through a DVI port, and I bought a ridiculously overpriced DVI-HDMI converter cable at BestBuy).

I don't have any advice other than the fact that I have a Mac Mini working with the 47" TV. The cable is just a cheap as I could find HDMI to DVI-D on eBay (it was like $6 or $7 shipped) and worked perfectly the first time I plugged it in. Seems like I also had it working with the DVI-VGA adapter that came with the Mac Mini before I got the HDMI cable. Maybe your's just doesn't like that expensive cable :D

Just bought TX-42F430S last week. Initially hooked up only to Cable (coax straight in from the wall outlet) and Wii (via Component). Both are working fine.

I've tried to hook up my MacBook Pro to an HDMI port, and I get only "No Input Detected". I know the Mac output is fine, as I often have it hooked up to an external monitor. (Mac output is through a DVI port, and I bought a ridiculously overpriced DVI-HDMI converter cable at BestBuy).

[EDIT: Also, when I am connected, the Mac 'Detect Displays' function does see and correctly identify the HDTV, so from that side is believes it is sending a signal]

I searched the thread for similar problems; saw a suggestion to unplug the TV to force a reset. Tried, that, still nothing.

I'm a little limited in my ability to test because I don't have any other input sources that output HDMI, and I only have the one cable.

Has anyone seen a similar issue? Any suggestions for how I might prove or disprove that there is an issue with the TV (I'd rather avoid having to box the thing up and lug it back into the store).

Have you tried a bunch of different resolutions or just 1080p?

Found this via Google. I am having the exact same problem as others. Westinghouse TX-42F430S and a brand new Toshiba HD-A3 hd dvd player.

If I turn on the hd dvd player with no disc in it, it takes a good few minutes but will eventually show the player setup screen. But when I try to play '300' HD DVD, it goes to black screen, no audio. However, I just tried a standard DVD, at first it gave me the black screen, but a minute or so later the video and audio showed up. So, standard DVD's upconverting to 1080i seem to work. But a no go on the HD DVD movies.

For what it's worth, I found out my problem was the Toshiba HD-A3. I just replaced it with a regular DVD player with upconvert (Pioneer DV400V) and it works perfectly via HDMI. Upconvert is not quite HD-DVD quality, but close enough to hold me over until Blu-Ray becomes more affordable. Boot up and response to commands are a lot faster as well.

You might try the Toshiba HD-A3 Forum, or a different player.

Good luck
David

i'm tryin to upgrade to 1.3.0 firmware on a TX-42f430s

part number is 51122C042A, serial # is 5112j73701860.

followed all instructions and advice here on the forum, tired numerous times to get it to take the update.

i have a feeling it is the flash drive I am using. Using a San Disk 1 GB Micro Cruzer.

Anyone with the same part number as me, tell me what kind of flash drive you used to successfully update.

Holy Christ this TV's a piece of ****.

I have my computer hooked up via HDMI and the dynamic contrast "feature" was going off while scrolling over dark and light backgrounds and driving me nucking futs. Of course I could use VGA but VGA looks like ass compared to HDMI.

So, I gathered that a firmware update may solve the auto contrast adjust. I just drove back and forth to Target, Circuit City, and Best Buy looking for a flash drive that actually WORKS with this TV. The Sandisk Cruzer micro 1GB worked, but the firmware update didn't solve the dynamic contrast bullshit. The 1.3 firmware DID fix the illusionary "burn in" that occasionally popped up with dark backgrounds but it did nothing in regards to the auto dynamic contrast.

hey what is your part number, cuz I tried to update the firmware with the same drive but it didn't work

Have you tried a bunch of different resolutions or just 1080p?

I just tried several others, and get the same result. Thanks for the suggestion.

I don't have any advice other than the fact that I have a Mac Mini working with the 47" TV. The cable is just a cheap as I could find HDMI to DVI-D on eBay (it was like $6 or $7 shipped) and worked perfectly the first time I plugged it in. Seems like I also had it working with the DVI-VGA adapter that came with the Mac Mini before I got the HDMI cable. Maybe your's just doesn't like that expensive cable :D

I ordered a cheap converter cable off eBay; once that arrives in a couple of days I'll see if that makes a difference.

i'm tryin to upgrade to 1.3.0 firmware on a TX-42f430s

followed all instructions and advice here on the forum, tired numerous times to get it to take the update.

i have a feeling it is the flash drive I am using. Using a San Disk 1 GB Micro Cruzer.

Anyone with the same part number as me, tell me what kind of flash drive you used to successfully update.

That should work. Make sure that you format the Cruzer FAT32. Do a COMPLETE format, not a quick format. Make sure the only files on it are "safe-kernel.img1" and "update_LCD1080CX.tgz".

Unplug the power cable from the set. Plug in the flash drive. Plug the power cable back in. You should get an amber power light. Momentarily push the power button on the set. You should see the power light start to flash purple. After a few minutes, the flashing will stop. Unplug the flash drive at this point, and then cycle the power switch off/on.

I did this with an SD card inside a Lexar card reader which I plugged into the set and it worked fine.

Well, Westinghouse's claim of in-home service on the 47" set is false advertising. I was told that, even though the set is under full warranty, I would have to ship the set to their repair center in California at my expense and would have to arrange that shipping myself. I wasn't really upset with Westinghouse before, afterall nothing is ever 100% reliable... I just go unlucky. I'm upset now though after having to spend money to repair a product they are supposed to be standing by. Is 10 months all a $1600 tv is good for anymore? This will be the last Westinghouse tv I own, I can say that much.

Well, Westinghouse's claim of in-home service on the 47" set is false advertising. I was told that, even though the set is under full warranty, I would have to ship the set to their repair center in California at my expense and would have to arrange that shipping myself. I wasn't really upset with Westinghouse before, afterall nothing is ever 100% reliable... I just go unlucky. I'm upset now though after having to spend money to repair a product they are supposed to be standing by. Is 10 months all a $1600 tv is good for anymore? This will be the last Westinghouse tv I own, I can say that much.

X

Sorry to hear that - I'm glad I got rid of mine when I could. Curious, did you get a service contract with your TV from the vendor?

That should work. Make sure that you format the Cruzer FAT32. Do a COMPLETE format, not a quick format. Make sure the only files on it are "safe-kernel.img1" and "update_LCD1080CX.tgz".

Unplug the power cable from the set. Plug in the flash drive. Plug the power cable back in. You should get an amber power light. Momentarily push the power button on the set. You should see the power light start to flash purple. After a few minutes, the flashing will stop. Unplug the flash drive at this point, and then cycle the power switch off/on.

I did this with an SD card inside a Lexar card reader which I plugged into the set and it worked fine.


I have tried this exactly as you state it. Do you have the same part number as me?

Well, Westinghouse's claim of in-home service on the 47" set is false advertising. I was told that, even though the set is under full warranty, I would have to ship the set to their repair center in California at my expense and would have to arrange that shipping myself. I wasn't really upset with Westinghouse before, afterall nothing is ever 100% reliable... I just go unlucky. I'm upset now though after having to spend money to repair a product they are supposed to be standing by. Is 10 months all a $1600 tv is good for anymore? This will be the last Westinghouse tv I own, I can say that much.

That's kind of ridiculous. Weren't there posts here by people who had someone come to service the TV?

Well, Westinghouse's claim of in-home service on the 47" set is false advertising. I was told that, even though the set is under full warranty, I would have to ship the set to their repair center in California at my expense and would have to arrange that shipping myself. I wasn't really upset with Westinghouse before, afterall nothing is ever 100% reliable... I just go unlucky. I'm upset now though after having to spend money to repair a product they are supposed to be standing by. Is 10 months all a $1600 tv is good for anymore? This will be the last Westinghouse tv I own, I can say that much.

I wouldn't stand for that BS while the TV is still under their warranty and the card says otherwise. File a BBB report if they don't follow through with setting a pick up from at least UPS at their expense. Is there no Best Buy near you? Or perhaps you didn't buy it at Best buy which I understand why they would want it to be fixed at their repair shop, But it no doubt should be on their dime in any case being that it is stated as IN home service. What kind of cost are you talking anyways in sending this thing in! That would also mean you would have to insure it for what ever you paid for it on top of that.

I have the April 2007 build of the TX42, and 51101-L042A. My firmware was 5110-1.1.0 and I had no problems updating to 5110-1.2.0 as that was the file made available off the Westy site after inputting my TV's information.

I used a SanDisk USB and I ONLY unzipped the main file, leaving the two file inside alone as per the Westy instructions.

It does seem like the DC can actually be turned off now.

It seems like I am having a new problem though... Every time there is a power outage, even for a split second, my TV turns itself on. I've had the TV for at least 6 months and I don't remember it doing that before. Does anybody have any ideas how I can prevent this from happening? We do seem to be getting a lot of brief power on/off cycles during these winter months and I don't need to come home to find the TV has turned itself on and has been on for hours.

Thanks,
George

Figured it out... Setting is 'power on plug', set to off. Guess the settings defaulted when upgrading the firmware.

Has anybody put together a chart of the different build dates, firmwares, video processors, LCD panels etc...? It would be nice to see all the possible permutations in one place.

I'm looking at this television set.
Is the $1200 dollar justified for this set?
Looking for a gaming tv, along with blu ray movie, SD and HDTV viewing, 8-10 ft from tv

bodean - I reviewed every page of this thread before asking myself that same question (except for gaming...I do that on another set). Personally, for all the negatives posted here, I opted to purchase the set anyway as seeing the set in action at 3 separate BB locations told my eyes that I would be satisfied for the money spent. That said, these same 154+ pages of owner's feedback also made me opt for an extended warranty (something I seldom do...but in the case of Westy's seemingly poor customer service, I felt it the prudent action).

For my own experience, I'm satisfied having purchased it.

bodean - I reviewed every page of this thread before asking myself that same question (except for gaming...I do that on another set). Personally, for all the negatives posted here, I opted to purchase the set anyway as seeing the set in action at 3 separate BB locations told my eyes that I would be satisfied for the money spent. That said, these same 154+ pages of owner's feedback also made me opt for an extended warranty (something I seldom do...but in the case of Westy's seemingly poor customer service, I felt it the prudent action).

For my own experience, I'm satisfied having purchased it.



I'm very satisfied, and the only thing folks should be looking for on this type of site is a VERY COMMON problem that suggests defect.
I did not see that type of problem. Rather, IMHO, 99% of people who purchase any TV plug it in and enjoy it. The fraction of people who find a forum like this do so because they experience a problem. Similar threads can be found for almost any consumer electronic item. The PQ is terrific, even putting the price to one side, its one of the best I saw on the BB TV wall.

has anyone tried to calibrate their set for maximum black level?

i'm currently experimenting with the calibration menu and boosting the color saturation levels which results in a very bright and contrasty picture. then going back to the regular
user controls and adjusting everything down. liking the results so far.

i think the result of this is that it gives the user controls(outside of calibration mode) much more flexiblitly for contrast and brightness.

has anyone tried to calibrate their set for maximum black level?

i'm currently experimenting with the calibration menu and boosting the color saturation levels which results in a very bright and contrasty picture. then going back to the regular
user controls and adjusting everything down. liking the results so far.

i think the result of this is that it gives the user controls(outside of calibration mode) much more flexiblitly for contrast and brightness.

I'd like to try your settings. Can you post them here?

James

sure, i'll try to get them soon and post. would love some feedback. hopefully i can do it tomorrow night

I'd like to try them, too- none of the settings posted here have mentioned the white or black levels.

ok, here are the settings i'm currently at. the input i've adjusted is the direct CABLE feed.

remember you have to adjust the settings for
user,game,sports,movie as the calibration settings affect them all. also i found out that the westy treats high def and standard def signals as seperate and therefore for this input you'll have to adjust for both. ie: if you adjust for high def channels, standard def channels on the same cable input is a separate adjustment.

you may think at first that this is alot of trouble but actually it gives you further flexiblity for adjusting for a better picture!


after adjusting the calibration settings, the picture will be very bright and i'm not kidding so don't be alarmed.

adjusting down the user settings will bring it all back into balance. of course you can do the user settings (outside calibration mode) first.

please note that these calibrations have been done soley by eye. the color balance is decent but i'm sure it can be better had i used a calibration disk. overall i'm satisfied for now til i have more time to use a disk on another input and then transfer them to the cable input.

other than that, give these settings a try and give some feedback :)


settings inside "calibration mode"

skin tone 12

warm-----------red 178
-----------------green 205
----------------blue 184

neutral-----red183
-------------green183
------------blue175

cool----------red180
---------------green184
--------------blue191

now for the regular video adjustment menu

settings for "user"

brightness 40
contrast 46
saturation 36
hue 52
sharpness 36
backlight 0
color temp warm


sports

brightness 31
contrast 43
saturation 41
hue 47
sharpness 40
backlight 0
color temp neutral

game

brightness 36
contrast 45
saturation 43
hue 45
sharpness 30
backlight 20
color temp warm

movie

brightness 31
contrast 43
saturation 37
hue 48
sharpness 20
backlight 0
color temp warm

I wouldn't stand for that BS while the TV is still under their warranty and the card says otherwise. File a BBB report if they don't follow through with setting a pick up from at least UPS at their expense. Is there no Best Buy near you? Or perhaps you didn't buy it at Best buy which I understand why they would want it to be fixed at their repair shop, But it no doubt should be on their dime in any case being that it is stated as IN home service. What kind of cost are you talking anyways in sending this thing in! That would also mean you would have to insure it for what ever you paid for it on top of that.

Just to update for those curious about Westinghouse service: I have been talking with their support people (who are very helpful and friendly I should add) and after they authorized the RMA I mentioned the warranty statement and that shipping costs for me to get it there undamaged were crazy high. The gal I was talking to on that call said she would try to authorize shipping labels for me (aka pre-paid shipping) but couldn't guarantee that her supervisor would approve it. I was told to wait 7-10 days for authorization and that's what I'm currently doing.

The most surprising thing about it all was that it wasn't too hard to adapt back to the 25" 14 year old CRT set I borrowed from somebody as a substitute. Glad I kept all my analog cables anyway. :rolleyes:

Is the SPDIF output on the TX42 a coax or optical connector?

I have the original model, June 2007 purchase and no firmware update. So far it is working flawlessly. Im going to be using a Logitech Z-5500 speaker setup and am working out the connection scheme... sources are:

FIOS HD-DVR box, Phillips 1080p upconverting DVD, and HTPC, all on HDMI. For the FIOS and Phillips I can either use the seperate digital outs OR I was thinking I could use the TV's digital out (as the original firmware passes the HDMI digital audio thru to the SPDIF output) and save a cable. But I look at it, it is covered by a piece of black plastic, and I can't tell whether I should pry it off, or what. Is it an optical SPDIF connector or a coax? The manual says basically NOTHING about the connector other than calling it "SPDIF output".

Also, the USB port seems to be concealed by a piece of plastic. If I wanted to update the firmware, do I need to pry off this plastic... just wondering if I got one with no actual USB connector? Or did everyone have to pop the cover off?

Been 9+ months, TV is great, had the HDMI lock up a couple of times.... SD vs HD switching, man does that HDMI/HDCP handshaking suck, worst design and programming ever... no doubt all FIOS (Motorola's) fault though. Power cycle with everything unplugged fixes it. So Im very very happy. Not one single dead/stuck pixel, no lines, no screendoor, no nothing, just spiffy.

Im thinking of putting a quiet fan on it, powered by my HTPC, just to make sure the processor/powersupply out back is kept cool and happy. Given the replacements now seem to NOT have the good IPS panels, I dont want to ever lose this to heat failure.

Also, the USB port seems to be concealed by a piece of plastic. If I wanted to update the firmware, do I need to pry off this plastic... just wondering if I got one with no actual USB connector? Or did everyone have to pop the cover off?

pop it off and find out, inquiring minds want to know. ;)

Also, the USB port seems to be concealed by a piece of plastic. If I wanted to update the firmware, do I need to pry off this plastic... just wondering if I got one with no actual USB connector? Or did everyone have to pop the cover off?

Mine didn't have the cover on it. Pop it!

ok, here are the settings i'm currently at. the input i've adjusted is the direct CABLE feed.

settings for "user"

brightness 40
contrast 46
saturation 36
hue 52
sharpness 36
backlight 0
color temp warm

I prefer contrast to be much higher, around 75, but I've seen some ppl who keep it about where you are. Not sure if it's a panel/processor difference or just personal preference. You and just about everyone else prefer 'warm' color temp, but I think it looks horribly red. I'm all neutral. FWIW, I used a 3M Vikuiti DVD for calibration.

Is the SPDIF output on the TX42 a coax or optical connector?Mine (June build) is optical. I assume they all are.

I prefer contrast to be much higher, around 75, but I've seen some ppl who keep it about where you are.


under normal circumstances i would agree with you but have you noticed what i did in the calibration menu for r g b values. the set outputs insane amount of brightness at this level.

the lowered contrast is about normal 75-90 range for contrast with previous settings.

i'm sure there is some kind of loss going on with the punchier pq i'm going for but i believe it's making the westinghouse achieve a black level that is better than before.

the verdict is not in yet. i'm hoping for extra sets of eyes to help evaluate.

well, I am royally bummed. I have two TX47s both connected via HDMI to a denon 4308. This evening one wouldn't display any input. I tried all the hdmi and component ports. It will display TV. It appears to properly detect inputs, but then says "no input source" after a few seconds. I have tried multiple cables and multiple sources. I've tried power-cycling.
It worked this morning (before going to work... Hmm, maybe my work is the problem! :-)

Does anyone have any advice, other than returning it? Anybody seen any problem like this?

I've been very pleased up until now, and I really don't want to think about pulling it off the mount... Nor explaining to my wife why my "av improvement" hasn't made av entertainment any easier...

have you tried taking the denon out of the chain and using direct feed hdmi? after that i would try a separate hdmi source like a blu ray, ps3, hd dvd, pc source (to rule out your first one).

settings inside "calibration mode"

skin tone 12

warm-----------red 178
-----------------green 205
----------------blue 184

neutral-----red183
-------------green183
------------blue175

cool----------red180
---------------green184
--------------blue191

now for the regular video adjustment menu

settings for "user"

brightness 40
contrast 46
saturation 36
hue 52
sharpness 36
backlight 0
color temp warm



I was pretty skeptical about these settings just looking at the numbers on paper. The low skin tone and brightness, in particular. But cranking the RGB settings like you did actually results in a pretty nice picture, and I'd say they are a bit better than the settings I did myself. I like'em.

Also, thanks for the info about the TV using separate settings for SD broadcasts. While this doesn't help when a station like NBC (which is always broadcasting in 1080i even if it is showing SD programming), I was able to tweak them on a lot of secondary-dot stations like CW and the three extra PBS stations.

have you tried taking the denon out of the chain and using direct feed hdmi? after that i would try a separate hdmi source like a blu ray, ps3, hd dvd, pc source (to rule out your first one).
weird, the reply I posted last night isn't here...
my problem got resolved by leaving the tv unplugged from power for a long time - hour+

TX-42f430s

finally used the 2GB Sans Disk Cruzer Micro, and the update worked from 1.2.0 to 1.3.0.

No longer have the dreaded image retention thing which is nice. It was really starting to get on my nerves. I think I might go back and re-calibrate. I punched in the same settings as before, but the colors seem different.

Picked up the TX-42F430s two weeks ago. Finally, had time to install it last weekend. I've got HD through satellite on order. However, in the meantime, I've hooked up the 360 with HD DVD drive and an old DVD through the receiver and using the monitor out on the receiver connect into one of the two component inputs. I've got my PC running into HDMI 1, with an optical connection running to the receiver. Then I have a optical cable running from the TV out into the receiver and cable TV running into the tuner.

Everything is running awesome. I had some sizing issues with the PC to TV through the DVI to HDMI connection, however, I was able to use the NVidia software to fix that problem and is now running beautifully at 1080p full screen. HD through the HD DVD add-on drive for the 360 looks beautiful on the Westy.

My only complaint right now, is I have a Sony HDR-SR1, it has HDMI out with 5.1 surround sound, but when I connect the HDMI to the TV. I hear audio out of the TV speakers but when I change the setting to external. The audio is not going out of the receiver so I hear nothing. Only when I change it to mixed or internal do I hear sound, but only out of the TV. So obviously the camera is passing sound through the HDMI connection, but for some reason the tv isn't sending it to the reciever, in either 2 channel or 5.1 channel audio.

Thoughts?

My only complaint right now, is I have a Sony HDR-SR1, it has HDMI out with 5.1 surround sound, but when I connect the HDMI to the TV. I hear audio out of the TV speakers but when I change the setting to external. The audio is not going out of the receiver so I hear nothing. Only when I change it to mixed or internal do I hear sound, but only out of the TV. So obviously the camera is passing sound through the HDMI connection, but for some reason the tv isn't sending it to the reciever, in either 2 channel or 5.1 channel audio.I would bitch at you for asking something that has been answered many times in this thread already, but the AVS search function sucks so I won't hold it against you. :)

Ever since the original firmware (Apr '07 builds), Westinghouse disabled re-transmission of HDMI signals out from the TV in order to be HDCP-compliant. You may thank the scumbags who run Hollywood and their bought-and-paid-for Congresscritters for this wonderful 'feature'.

I would bitch at you for asking something that has been answered many times in this thread already, but the AVS search function sucks so I won't hold it against you. :)

Ever since the original firmware (Apr '07 builds), Westinghouse disabled re-transmission of HDMI signals out from the TV in order to be HDCP-compliant. You may thank the scumbags who run Hollywood and their bought-and-paid-for Congresscritters for this wonderful 'feature'.

The optical out of this TV is one of its worst "features." With how neutered it is (even with using the internal tuner) I'm not sure why they even bothered adding it all.

After having read so many 'nightmare posts' here...believe me I've had some concerns about investing in a Harmony remote for my Westy 47 recently purchased for my bedroom. Especially regarding folks noting the HDMI sourcing issues. However, as amazon.com recently offered a sub-$100 price for an 880, I figured worst-case, I'd have a replacement for the 880 in my living room.

Today I opted to 'toughen up' and take a whack at setting up the new 880 for the bedroom. Not too much equipment to resolve: Westy 47" ; D*TiVo HR10-250 DVR ; Pioneer DV-400V-K DVD player ; and a hold-out Sony VCR for those oh-so-old titles that I just don't wish to double-dip on just yet.

Long story short...everything works just fine with the new 880 and the above equipment. The *only* goofy thing I had happen...wasn't even part of the equipment setup! At my headboard, I have an iPod docked into an iHome radio. Yeah...so sometimes it turns on when the 880 sends signals to the TV/equip. Whatever... I'm already 'there'...so I just press the 'off' button on the iHome base to shut it up. Silly.

- Dave

PS. I deleted an earlier post from this week about connecting the RCA inputs of a Sennheiser wireless headphone base to the Westy 47". I've since ironed that out. It was as easy RTFM and paying better attention to output vs input at the rear of the Westy. Connected correctly, now I just scroll the Audio -> Speaker selections on the Westy to Internal when I want to listen via the headphones (and not bother the wife).

pop it off and find out, inquiring minds want to know. ;)
I had the same plastic square covering my service port. I popped it off. After several attempts I am unable to upgrade the firmware. When I powered up the set the light turned from amber, to purple, then to blue. But I am still stuck on v. 1.2.

I may try to call Westinghouse. I hate this TV more every day.

I have given up on connecting anything to my HDMI ports. They are always dropping frames and HD content will eventually cause the set to lose the signal completely. So I have moved everything over to the 2 component inputs.

Ironically, I bought the set because I wanted 1080p. But my set can't handle that content. Ah, the regrets.

I would bitch at you for asking something that has been answered many times in this thread already, but the AVS search function sucks so I won't hold it against you. :)

Ever since the original firmware (Apr '07 builds), Westinghouse disabled re-transmission of HDMI signals out from the TV in order to be HDCP-compliant. You may thank the scumbags who run Hollywood and their bought-and-paid-for Congresscritters for this wonderful 'feature'.

Thanks for not holding against me, I used the search, then started reading all the posts from the start of this thread. I read that Westy was putting out 2 channel through the optical out, just not 5.1 channel. Wondered if it was solve, but gave up reading after about 500 posts and decided to ask. Looks like they did solve it by disabling any sound coming out of the HDMI ports. :mad:

I appreciate the information, and since my Westy is pretty new I am guessing I have a more up-to-date firmware - hence the lack of any sound. Sucks, but I don't blame Westinghouse, I blame the idiots in Hollywood that actually believe the HDCP crap is going to fix anything.

Also, it seems like I have going to have to try and upgrade to the new firmware as well, because I was watching a movie through my PC last night and I was getting the screen burn that other people have mentioned on here. See, I do some of the messages. :D

hey guys just a little question, is there another way to do the tvblink thing than through a dvd player hooked up via composite or S-video? Like if i have my westy hooked up as a monitor to my computer, or to use it to test monitors? thanks

Hi, All, and thanks for all the helpful posts.

I'm trying to get my Apple Powerbook G4 1.33ghz 17" with a Radeon 9600 Mobility card to display well with my Westy TX-42. I can do 720p at 60hz, but when I do any interlaced output from the computer, such as 1080i at 60 hz (highest output possible from my mac's DVI), the screen is fuzzy. The TV does show it as an HDMI 1080i source on the Westy (I'm using a DVI-HDMI cable). And the computer does recognize the monitor, giving quite a bit of info on it. The computer also does 720p on my Westy 32". Any advice to take out the blur on the 42" using 1080i? I'm not able to alter the hz on the computer output for some reason. I have not yet tried using a DVI-VGA adapter, but I'll give that a shot as well.

Thanks!

Diz

I'm pretty sure VGA looks worse. But I am yet to hook up a computer to the TV, so I can't help you. Sorry :(

Well, I was here from the very beginning so it's only right I come back to report the end. After 10 months of trouble free and pleasant operation the video processor died in my TX-47 last night. This clearly is a common issue with these tvs, and I personally know one other person who suffered the same failure. Given the poor build quality I would have to suggest to newcomers considering this tv to look elsewhere. Your chances of getting a dud are disturbingly high I'm afraid.


Xcalibur
Some things just bring you home, in head, in heart, and in forum. Sorry to hear of the misadventure.

Warm Regard.
Woobieizer

hey everybody:

i've had a little problem with my TX-42F430S for quite some time now, and have never been able to figure it out..

when i first got the TV, i hooked up my PC to it using a DVI-HDMI cable. everything worked really well and i was really happy with it.. then one day, my PC wouldn't display at all on the TV (i get the "no input signal").. after trying numerous settings and spending many hours trying to figure this out, i ended up switching to a DVI-SVGA cable, and of course i was very disappointed.

recently i decided to revisit this issue, and i read on this thread that someone tried unplugging their TV for a while and it reset things.. that didn't work for me. i've also tried using other cables..

the video card on the PC is an EVGA e-GeForce 8800 GTS and my firmware on the TV is the april 2007 build.

thoughts?

thanks!

hey everybody:

i've had a little problem with my TX-42F430S for quite some time now, and have never been able to figure it out..

when i first got the TV, i hooked up my PC to it using a DVI-HDMI cable. everything worked really well and i was really happy with it.. then one day, my PC wouldn't display at all on the TV (i get the "no input signal").. after trying numerous settings and spending many hours trying to figure this out, i ended up switching to a DVI-SVGA cable, and of course i was very disappointed.

recently i decided to revisit this issue, and i read on this thread that someone tried unplugging their TV for a while and it reset things.. that didn't work for me. i've also tried using other cables..

the video card on the PC is an EVGA e-GeForce 8800 GTS and my firmware on the TV is the april 2007 build.

thoughts?

thanks!

OHMIGOD.. leaving it unplugged DID work!!!!!!!!!!! i just had to set up the video properly on the PC.. my apologies for the premature post, but suffice it to say i've got a HUUUUGE smile on my face now.. :)

Just to update for those curious about Westinghouse service: I have been talking with their support people (who are very helpful and friendly I should add) and after they authorized the RMA I mentioned the warranty statement and that shipping costs for me to get it there undamaged were crazy high. The gal I was talking to on that call said she would try to authorize shipping labels for me (aka pre-paid shipping) but couldn't guarantee that her supervisor would approve it. I was told to wait 7-10 days for authorization and that's what I'm currently doing.

The most surprising thing about it all was that it wasn't too hard to adapt back to the 25" 14 year old CRT set I borrowed from somebody as a substitute. Glad I kept all my analog cables anyway. :rolleyes:

Sorry to hear your not getting far with them, This shouldn't even be a question for you getting them to pay to ship it since they are not going to honor the INHome service on the warranty. I sure hope mine doesn't brake on me.

Okay, I think I've run into something strange on my 47". If I'm viewing a local [non-HD] station, no matter how I adjust the ASPECT to Fill / Overscan...the pillar bars remain on the sides of the display. Shouldn't they go away with Fill / Overscan? More to the point, when I adjust the ASPECT to what should technically be 'normal' view for that non-HD broadcast, its as though I have DOUBLE pillars...and changing the ASPECT only, at best, gets me to single pillars.

Strange...

Okay, I think I've run into something strange on my 47". If I'm viewing a local [non-HD] station, no matter how I adjust the ASPECT to Fill / Overscan...the pillar bars remain on the sides of the display. Shouldn't they go away with Fill / Overscan? More to the point, when I adjust the ASPECT to what should technically be 'normal' view for that non-HD broadcast, its as though I have DOUBLE pillars...and changing the ASPECT only, at best, gets me to single pillars.

Strange...

Are you using the tuner or a set top box?

If I'm viewing a local [non-HD] station, no matter how I adjust the ASPECT to Fill / Overscan...the pillar bars remain on the sides of the display. Shouldn't they go away with Fill / Overscan? More to the point, when I adjust the ASPECT to what should technically be 'normal' view for that non-HD broadcast, its as though I have DOUBLE pillars...and changing the ASPECT only, at best, gets me to single pillars.Can you post pics? Might make it easier for us (me, at least) to visualize.

Are you using the tuner or a set top box?

Thanks... Local channel coming through HR-21 via D* provider's local programming. In other words...NOT...OTA.

Can you post pics? Might make it easier for us (me, at least) to visualize.

Thanks...I'll try to do this tonight. :cool:

I was pretty skeptical about these settings just looking at the numbers on paper. The low skin tone and brightness, in particular. But cranking the RGB settings like you did actually results in a pretty nice picture, and I'd say they are a bit better than the settings I did myself. I like'em.

Also, thanks for the info about the TV using separate settings for SD broadcasts. While this doesn't help when a station like NBC (which is always broadcasting in 1080i even if it is showing SD programming), I was able to tweak them on a lot of secondary-dot stations like CW and the three extra PBS stations.

after living with the settings for a bit i've noticed that with the color settings really cranked there is some loss of detail. better black level is achieved but at a cost.

have you tried to back down from them? i've reverted back to the default will probably take another stab at it.

Thanks... Local channel coming through HR-21 via D* provider's local programming. In other words...NOT...OTA.

Ah, in that case it's a weirdness with the box. I have this problem too with my TiVoHD when I put it in native mode.

When the TiVoHD is in native mode, it sends 480i programming in 480i, but it is 480i that's supposed to be stretched into a 16:9 frame by your TV. IOW, instead of just outputting the 4:3 signal it recorded, the box puts the black bars in there for you and expects your TV to stretch it out to 16:9 like your TV does when you watch an anamorphic widescreen DVD.

My Westinghouse TV (not a TX series, an older 32-inch model) doesn't recognize this format. It expects 480i signals to be 4:3 and it needs to be in "fill" mode in order for the "480i 16:9 thing" to work. The problem there is that, in fill mode, when you switch to an HD channel, you get overscan. So, you don't want fill mode.

The only solution to this is that you use a fixed output mode, like 720p fixed or 1080i fixed, that sends all programming in that resolution regardless of the source resolution. Downside there is that you can't use your TV's aspect ratio controls, because your TV thinks everything coming out of that box is in HD. You need to use the box's aspect ratio controls.

I suspect your DirecTV box is doing the same thing my TiVoHD does.

Does the DirecTV box have a setting that lets you upconvert SD while not converting HD? If so, I suggest you use it. My TiVoHD does not and I wish it did. Because it doesn't, I'm stuck hitting the "output" button every time I switch from something that's 720p to something that's 1080i or vice versa.

after living with the settings for a bit i've noticed that with the color settings really cranked there is some loss of detail. better black level is achieved but at a cost.

have you tried to back down from them? i've reverted back to the default will probably take another stab at it.

There is definitely a loss of detail. The dark black level is great, but I prefer a little more detail so I've ended up bringing the brightness up to about 46-50 and upping the contrast about the same amount to reach a nice middle ground with good blacks and good detail. I'm constantly fiddling with them for different situations, though (for example, I crank the brightness while playing Ghost Recon Advanced Warfigher so I can see dark levels better), so I'm never at any permanent setting. As I write this, I realize that sounds like a pain in the ass, but it hasn't really bothered me yet.

Xcalibur
Some things just bring you home, in head, in heart, and in forum. Sorry to hear of the misadventure.

Warm Regard.
Woobieizer

Thanks. I won't speak ill of Westinghouse so long as they are standing up and doing the right thing. Once they covered the shipping costs I had no issue with the whole thing anymore. It's regrettable that the tv had to die, but these things do happen. I am expecting the returned/replaced unit to arrive in about 1-2 weeks. I specially requested the same unit back or an equivalent that has the earlier (i.e. superior) panel and processor so we'll see if they honor that request. Tech support confirmed it was within my rights to include these special instructions. The Westinghouse support people are quite pleasant to deal with and the call center is clearly based somewhere in the US or Canada which was a surprise.

I will update the tale with it's ending when the unit returns.

Sorry to hear your not getting far with them, This shouldn't even be a question for you getting them to pay to ship it since they are not going to honor the INHome service on the warranty. I sure hope mine doesn't brake on me.

So as not to needlessly bash Westinghouse, they did approve shipping labels. I had to buy my own box since I didn't have the original, which was entirely reasonable IMO. So I'm satisfied with how things were handled.

Ah, in that case it's a weirdness with the box. I have this problem too with my TiVoHD when I put it in native mode...I suspect your DirecTV box is doing the same thing my TiVoHD does.

Ah HA! You nailed it, and shame on me for providing inaccurate information for folks to troubleshoot. Just this past weekend I'd upgraded to an HR-21...BUT...that device was installed in my Living Room (had that model on my brain when I was posting this 'pillars' troubleshooting post). With the upgrade into the living room, I moved my older DirecTiVo HR10-250 back to the bedroom with the new Westy 47". And based on your very thoughtful, experienced comments, I now appreciate that I must live with it (because I don't want to force a 'always X resolution' as a solution). I'll just play with the Aspect as necessary, and otherwise now understand what I'm dealing with. Thanks so much.

For the hell of it...here are some screens below (just in case another owner with my/our similar setup and wants to use the Search feature for this great thread ;) ).

Non-HD - Standard > Fill > Overscan

105386

105387

105388

HD - Standard > Fill > (Overscan will be next post hopefully) :)

HD - Overscan

105395

Ah HA! You nailed it, and shame on me for providing inaccurate information for folks to troubleshoot. Just this past weekend I'd upgraded to an HR-21...BUT...that device was installed in my Living Room (had that model on my brain when I was posting this 'pillars' troubleshooting post). With the upgrade into the living room, I moved my older DirecTiVo HR10-250 back to the bedroom with the new Westy 47". And based on your very thoughtful, experienced comments, I now appreciate that I must live with it (because I don't want to force a 'always X resolution' as a solution). I'll just play with the Aspect as necessary, and otherwise now understand what I'm dealing with. Thanks so much.

For the hell of it...here are some screens below (just in case another owner with my/our similar setup and wants to use the Search feature for this great thread ;) ).

Non-HD - Standard > Fill > Overscan

105386

105387

105388

HD - Standard > Fill > (Overscan will be next post hopefully) :)

If you tell the TiVo that you have a 4:3 smart screen TV instead of a 16:9 TV, it will send the programming correctly in native mode (correctly meaning, 480 content in a 4:3 signal and 720 and 1080 content in a 16:9 signal). The downsides of this are a) Tivo menus, etc. will be in 4:3 (except the guide overlay when you're watching an HD show), and b) you can't use the TiVo's aspect ratio controls - you need to use your TV's instead.

aindik...perfect solution. Thank you very much.

- Dave

W1ngman, Is the image a 16:9 DVD-style image when you have the double pillars? This happens when a non-hd channel broadcasts in 16:9 aspect ratio. I would think that going from stardard to fill would remove all or most of the side bars, and then that the top and bottom bars would be removed by taking it to overscan. I'll try it with my cable STB. I'm pretty sure I've done it before!

Edit: oops, I see you have a solution. FYI, I prefer having my box output everything in 1080i and then I just hit the aspect ratio button on the remote if I want to change it.

w1ngman:
If a show is being broadcast in 4:3 480i (like a x.2 channel), using Fill literally stretches the image to fit the screen, while Overscan zooms it in a little further. Your non-HD shots look like a digital channel being broadcast in 720p/1080i while showing non-HD content, where Fill and Overscan each simply zoom in a little bit, with Fill still leaving some black bars on the side.

w1ngman:
If a show is being broadcast in 4:3 480i (like a x.2 channel), using Fill literally stretches the image to fit the screen, while Overscan zooms it in a little further. Your non-HD shots look like a digital channel being broadcast in 720p/1080i while showing non-HD content, where Fill and Overscan each simply zoom in a little bit, with Fill still leaving some black bars on the side.

Appreciating that aindik squared away my problem by pointing me to making adjustments to my DirecTiVo box settings, I'll respond that I understand the Fill > Overscan features of the TV. What was strange [until I'd performed aindik's TiVo settings adjustments] was that it was almost as if the TV's display settings [Standard vs. Fill vs. Overscan] presented themselves as if they were 'one-step-less-than-billed'. For example, I'd set TV to 'Fill'...but find it displayed as though 'Standard' was the setting (but worse as it'd be double-pillared insomuch as there was twice as much pillaring going on <-- my images in earlier posts should show this easily) -- there was zero stretching occurring by the TV. Alter the TV to 'Overscan'...and yes, while the display zoomed in, the pillars nonetheless stayed as well.

But again...I'm all straight now thanks to aindik's suggestion. No more worries. ;)

Does the TX TV have a setting to zoom in the proper amount on letterboxed SD programming? It annoys me that the 32w6 I have doesn't have this feature, and it's the absence of this feature that stops me from using my own solution to the TiVo problem. (Because the TV has no way to zoom in on a 4:3 signal, I have to use the TiVo's zoom feature, which only works when the TiVo sends a 16:9 signal in the first place).

That and I probably wouldn't use the solution anyway beause the SD picture the TiVo sends out in upconverted 720p looks better than when the TiVo sends the signal out in 480i.

TX zoom features are non-adjustable (please correct me if I'm wrong - I wish I was!), but they seem to do the trick to bring 16:9 in 480 to fill the screen without cutting off much.

Appreciating that aindik squared away my problem by pointing me to making adjustments to my DirecTiVo box settings, I'll respond that I understand the Fill > Overscan features of the TV. What was strange [until I'd performed aindik's TiVo settings adjustments] was that it was almost as if the TV's display settings [Standard vs. Fill vs. Overscan] presented themselves as if they were 'one-step-less-than-billed'. For example, I'd set TV to 'Fill'...but find it displayed as though 'Standard' was the setting (but worse as it'd be double-pillared insomuch as there was twice as much pillaring going on <-- my images in earlier posts should show this easily) -- there was zero stretching occurring by the TV. Alter the TV to 'Overscan'...and yes, while the display zoomed in, the pillars nonetheless stayed as well.

But again...I'm all straight now thanks to aindik's suggestion. No more worries. ;)

D'oh! I need to stop posting before I'm fully awake.

OK, first off I have the latest firmware, I upgraded it myself. I was in TV mode using the built-in tuner on cable and looking through the menus and tried to activate the V-chip stuff. I locked out everything, movies, TV, even the Canadian ratings--everything from G to X to NR. It had no effect. I could still change to any channel without any parental warning. So then I tried the "Channel Surf" feature. I changed it to "Digital" and once again, no effect. From what I understand, changing it to "Digital" should only display digital channels when I hit the channel up or down button, is that correct?

James

wow most of yo useem vry happy with the westy's. im looking at getting one (47 inch) what do you guys suggest?

wow most of yo useem vry happy with the westy's. im looking at getting one (47 inch) what do you guys suggest?

jumpmann,
Take a good look before you leap. Check the sellers return policy just in case your not happy with the unit and may want to return it. Extended service plan with this unit maybe a good idea.

Best of Luck

wow most of yo useem vry happy with the westy's. im looking at getting one (47 inch) what do you guys suggest?

Make sure the place you're buying it from has a good return policy and get an extended warranty. The TV is great when it works (like mine), but I've read many cases of bum sets with all sorts of problems. As long as you cover your bases, you should be fine.

Also, look for the best price. I wouldn't spend over $1000 on it. Best Buy had the best deal going when I got mine, I'm not sure if they are still doing it, though.

edit: nevermind about the price- I missed that you were looking at the 47" and I have the 42"

So as not to needlessly bash Westinghouse, they did approve shipping labels. I had to buy my own box since I didn't have the original, which was entirely reasonable IMO. So I'm satisfied with how things were handled.

Good to hear they finally gave into the shipping. I actually still have the box. I think if this thing were to go out after just one year of service it could be plain out junk as shipping and repair costs wouldn't much make any sense I would not think. 5 more months left on my one year Warranty.:eek:

wow most of yo useem vry happy with the westy's. im looking at getting one (47 inch) what do you guys suggest?


I would spend the extra $200 to $300 on another name brand 1080P if I were you. Not that its a bad TV/PC monitor, Just has too many little annoyances. Popping sound being my biggest complaint.

Good to hear they finally gave into the shipping. I actually still have the box. I think if this thing were to go out after just one year of service it could be plain out junk as shipping and repair costs wouldn't much make any sense I would not think. 5 more months left on my one year Warranty.:eek:

The killer part is that I did have the original box until literally a few weeks before it happened. :rolleyes: Somebody else was storing it for me but decided to cut it up to use for something else. The timing was icing on the cake for the entire situation.

The killer part is that I did have the original box until literally a few weeks before it happened. :rolleyes: Somebody else was storing it for me but decided to cut it up to use for something else. The timing was icing on the cake for the entire situation.

So.....as long as I keep the original box and don't cut it up, my TX should last forever? ;) I always try to keep the boxes for the expensive stuff I buy at least until the warranty runs out.

James

So.....as long as I keep the original box and don't cut it up, my TX should last forever? ;) I always try to keep the boxes for the expensive stuff I buy at least until the warranty runs out.

James

Just call it an extended warranty. :)

Might as well note that I have not heard the "popping sound" for weeks, now.

FYI ... for those of you with the screen shake and shudder with your PS3 and the TX series it seems that the PS3 firmware 2.20 update has helped reduce it significantly in my experience. I have the 60 GB model so I do not know if there is an improvement on the 20 GB, 40 GB, or 80 GB models. Please post if you all have noticed an improvement.

Thanks,

Alex

I hear you Burger - I owned my TX for 28 days, before I brought it back to the store. I eventually ended up with a Samsumg LNT-4665F, It has a glossy screen which some people like ( I personally do) while other prefer a matte finish screen. not the 120hz model but the picture looks great. HDTV, Bluray, Xbox 360 via VGA, all inputs accept 1080P. The last two Giants games looked awesome, no pixelation or blurrying. But I guess that all depends on the signal being broadcast. I can wait to watch the superbowl on this one.

Later:)

Just thought I'd post the synopsis, and end, to my Westinghouse story..

I had problems with the Westinghouse 47" TX-47F430S (blurry Blue-on-Black and Red-on-Black pixels, grey ghosts when things went from mid-tones to black screen--especially visible when viewing from side angles, "halos" around black, single-pixel-thin fonts on a grey background [as most web browsers utilize often], etc...

I returned my set to PCNation for a replacement (pain in the butt), which exhibited the exact same problem even after firmware upgrade to whatever was the first upgrade they published. That set was also returned (on my dime), for a refund.

I replaced it with a Samsung 46" LNT4665FX, refurbished, from Amazon.com. Price was a little lower for the Samsung refurb--the Westinghouse was new. If you count all the time and headache the Westinghouse set caused me, the Samsung was probably about $10,000 less. :)

I HATED the Westinghouse.
I LOVE the Samsung. BEAUTIFUL, BEAUTIFUL, BEAUTIFUL picture, and it has NONE of the bad quirks I found with the Westinghouse except the "halo around black text on gray background" issue, which was easily remedied by turning sharpness down to 0. Due to refurb, I expected to get a set that had some dead or stuck pixels, and maybe some cosmetic blemishes / scratches, etc.. but I lucked out and got a perfect set.

I'd like to thank all who helped steer me in this direction. "My mother thanks you. My father thanks you. My sister thanks you. And I thank you."

-Burgerleg

I posted a while back and never got a response, several others also had the same problem as me but no one helped so I'm hoping maybe someone will read this this time. I've got the 42 in Westinghouse tx-42 with the 1.3 firmware. The hdmi works fine with my other devices but my samsung (htib) ht-x70 does not display via the hdmi ports. It doesn't say no signal detected and the autosource will switch to it but it never displays any video. its very frustrating as neither westinghouse or samsung have contacted me through many e-mails specifically detailing the problem. I have tried calling westinghouse but they tell me its not the tv's problem and to contact samsung. At samsung I usually get someone who has to clue what I'm talking about and suggests stuff straight from their instructional manual that I've tried many times.

I have a theory about TX lockups. I had my 3rd lockup today and I'm pretty sure I know why. It is freakin' Comcast switching their channels around!

This morning my kids were watching PBS which was channel 20.1 on the internal tuner. This afternoon we go to turn on the TV and on pops the Westinghouse logo and then the TV turns itself off. I tried unplugging the TV and plugging it back in again and still getting the Westinghouse Logo and turning off. I tried unplugging all inputs and unplugging power and plugging back in and the exact same thing.

I had never tried updating the firmware so I figured I'd give it a shot. For me it wasn't exactly like the instructions on the Westinghouse website, but it was close enough. After 3 minutes I got the all good blue light turned it off and turned it back on again and I got the Westinghouse Logo and then finally got a picture!

However, it forced me to run through the auto tune function again (man that thing is freakin' slow). After about 20-30 minutes the tuning was finished. I started going through all the stations and noticed that 20.1 was completely gone! In fact, if I tried to tune to it it would just force me down to 20.0! The new HD PBS channel was at 93.1. Looking back at my other two lockups it was around the same time that I noticed our cable provider (since bought out by Comcast) had also changed their stations. So, I think, at least with the initial firmware on the initial TX, that if your cable provider changes stations on you and you turn the TV back on and it can't tune to that station it flips out and turns itself off.

I think a similar discovery was made way back earlier in this thread that if the TV lost the signal it was using (say HDMI) and it couldn't find that signal again after turning the TV back on it would freak out.

Hope this newer firmware is a little more stable than the last and doesn't have this issue again.

Anyhow, thought I would warn some of you!

Just thought I'd post the synopsis, and end, to my Westinghouse story..

I had problems with the Westinghouse 47" TX-47F430S (blurry Blue-on-Black and Red-on-Black pixels, grey ghosts when things went from mid-tones to black screen--especially visible when viewing from side angles, "halos" around black, single-pixel-thin fonts on a grey background [as most web browsers utilize often], etc...

I returned my set to PCNation for a replacement (pain in the butt), which exhibited the exact same problem even after firmware upgrade to whatever was the first upgrade they published. That set was also returned (on my dime), for a refund.

I replaced it with a Samsung 46" LNT4665FX, refurbished, from Amazon.com. Price was a little lower for the Samsung refurb--the Westinghouse was new. If you count all the time and headache the Westinghouse set caused me, the Samsung was probably about $10,000 less. :)

I HATED the Westinghouse.
I LOVE the Samsung. BEAUTIFUL, BEAUTIFUL, BEAUTIFUL picture, and it has NONE of the bad quirks I found with the Westinghouse except the "halo around black text on gray background" issue, which was easily remedied by turning sharpness down to 0. Due to refurb, I expected to get a set that had some dead or stuck pixels, and maybe some cosmetic blemishes / scratches, etc.. but I lucked out and got a perfect set.

I'd like to thank all who helped steer me in this direction. "My mother thanks you. My father thanks you. My sister thanks you. And I thank you."

-Burgerleg


Good for your Burger

Best of luck

Any reason you don't just use the Comcast HD box, rather than hooking the coax cable straight into your TV? Saving $ by not having a box or something? I have rarely if ever had any lockup problems when using the Motorola DCH HD box with HDMI out.

Good luck!

I have a theory about TX lockups. I had my 3rd lockup today and I'm pretty sure I know why. It is freakin' Comcast switching their channels around!

This morning my kids were watching PBS which was channel 20.1 on the internal tuner. This afternoon we go to turn on the TV and on pops the Westinghouse logo and then the TV turns itself off. I tried unplugging the TV and plugging it back in again and still getting the Westinghouse Logo and turning off. I tried unplugging all inputs and unplugging power and plugging back in and the exact same thing.

I had never tried updating the firmware so I figured I'd give it a shot. For me it wasn't exactly like the instructions on the Westinghouse website, but it was close enough. After 3 minutes I got the all good blue light turned it off and turned it back on again and I got the Westinghouse Logo and then finally got a picture!

However, it forced me to run through the auto tune function again (man that thing is freakin' slow). After about 20-30 minutes the tuning was finished. I started going through all the stations and noticed that 20.1 was completely gone! In fact, if I tried to tune to it it would just force me down to 20.0! The new HD PBS channel was at 93.1. Looking back at my other two lockups it was around the same time that I noticed our cable provider (since bought out by Comcast) had also changed their stations. So, I think, at least with the initial firmware on the initial TX, that if your cable provider changes stations on you and you turn the TV back on and it can't tune to that station it flips out and turns itself off.

I think a similar discovery was made way back earlier in this thread that if the TV lost the signal it was using (say HDMI) and it couldn't find that signal again after turning the TV back on it would freak out.

Hope this newer firmware is a little more stable than the last and doesn't have this issue again.

Anyhow, thought I would warn some of you!

Might as well note that I have not heard the "popping sound" for weeks, now.

The only time I've experienced a popping sound is by turning the set off then back on again within a short period of time. It was loud enough to make a person jump too. Of course it's generally a bad idea to power cycle any modern electronic device that way. If you don't give the power supply capacitors at least 1 minute to recover it significantly shortens their lifespan. I suspect the speakers popping is, in the case I described at least, caused by the powersupply being undervolt/undercurrent.

Any reason you don't just use the Comcast HD box, rather than hooking the coax cable straight into your TV? Saving $ by not having a box or something? I have rarely if ever had any lockup problems when using the Motorola DCH HD box with HDMI out.

Good luck!

Yeah, I'm pretty much a freakin' cheapskate. :)

It costs me ~15 bucks a month for all local channels in HD (around 8 or 9). If I wanted the "HD Package" with an HD box I'd be spending WAY more than it is worth it to me. Maybe someday I'll get around to it but for as much TV as I watch this suits me just fine.

Would you guys recommend this tv for a first time buy. What i do mainly is play 360, ps2, watch SD dvds and sd cable. Thinking about getting a up-convert dvd player. Thanks for you help.

Would you guys recommend this tv for a first time buy. What i do mainly is play 360, ps2, watch SD dvds and sd cable. Thinking about getting a up-convert dvd player. Thanks for you help.


I would recommend as a [decent priced] 1080p for a first time buy. And I would recommend because my own TX47 experience over the past 30 days or so has been very positive. That said, you'll likely hear an opposing rush of disappointment posted shortly.

- Dave

After following this thread for a while I actually got a tx-47 back in Aug of 07. Since then I haven't visited this thread since I didn't really need to or desire too. I figure I'd check in to see if anything new like firmware upgrading was available and too my surprise it is.

I understand how the process works and what to do but the Westinghouse web site says that there is no firmware available for my set (part # tw-51211-c047A) but still presents me with the EULA and then a page to download firmware SusanII_v1.3.0_20071026.rar.

I'm assuming that this is the wrong firmware for the part # associated with my tv? Anyone upgraded their TV with that part # successfully?

Is there a listing on what improvement/fixes this firmware does?

ZZ

After doing some more searching it appears that I Do have the latest firmware for my tv. Kinda bummed since it appears the dynamic contrast appears to be stuck on to some degree.

update.

<====happy tx47 owner since 8.18.07
still loving my tv.

plan to buy a larger sharp this fall thru the friends and family discount and the tx will become secondary tv maybe in the office or bedroom.

Would you guys recommend this tv for a first time buy. What i do mainly is play 360, ps2, watch SD dvds and sd cable. Thinking about getting a up-convert dvd player. Thanks for you help.

Padk,
All I can say is proceed with caution. Do your research and check the sellers return policy - Shop around, prices are going down on some better quality sets

Best of Luck:)

Padk,
All I can say is proceed with caution. Do your research and check the sellers return policy - Shop around, prices are going down on some better quality sets

Best of Luck:)

Yup, I've noticed the price on this set hover around what I paid for it while other sets that were a couple hundred more have started to drop. You might find something that suits you better for only $100-200 more.

That said, Padk, I do recommend the TV. It has its quirks (which I understand every set tends to have), but it's been working great for me. If you're going to be watching SD DVDs, I would definitely look into an upconverting player. Look into the Xbox 360- its DVD drive might upconvert, and if it doesn't, you can get the HD-DVD add-on for about $50. A great, cheap upconverting player that will also play some full-HD movies.

Does the Westy 47" support 24FPS film based video (BD or HD DVD)?

Would you guys recommend this tv for a first time buy. What i do mainly is play 360, ps2, watch SD dvds and sd cable. Thinking about getting a up-convert dvd player. Thanks for you help.My TX47 is my first HDTV (bought in Aug 2007, replaced a 27" Sony FD Trinitron CRT). I use it for 360, some OTA TV, and an occasional DVD. Not that this set is perfect (blacks stink, dynamic contrast stinks), but I'm quite happy with my purchase.

FYI, the 360 upconverts DVDs if you use VGA or HDMI.

Im lookig at these to TVs and want to know which on is better for my application.

Its mainly a PC monitor but I also play lots of COD4 on my XBOX 360. I dont care how the PC quailty is as much as the XBOX 360, I want the XBOX to look super sharp with no motion blur like the tv I have now Digimate DGL3704.

Also which TV is newer??

Thanks for any help in advance

I'm no expert but I believe the TX is newer from reading a lot of reviews and what not on Westinghouse.

So anyways I purchased the 47inch the other day from Best Buy. I had no intention of purchasing a Westinghouse when I left the house and even after attempts from the sales person to steer me elsewhere I bought it. I got the TV, a wall mount, and a 4 year extended service plan for 1300 including tax and everything.

After reading on here and checking other reviews I have been debating returning the TV. I can't decided though because I can't find anything else in the price range and a 47". I still have 27 days left to decide so I'm going to think it out but I wanted to know what you guys would do?

1.Keep the Westy. So far I haven't had any issues and I think it has a great picture especially with my 360 and HD-DVD player. I have a 4 year extended warranty so I'm not worried about it breaking although it would be an inconvience.

2. Trade for a similar priced model of a better brand. I would get $1180 or so back since I wouldn't return the wall mount. I don't want to spend much more than 1400-1500 max and would like to get a warranty unless the TV has very very good reliability.

I want to stay with either Best Buy or CC because I have a card to both and they have no interest right now.
The only things I've found in this range are the Samsung HP-T4254 or the Panasonic TH-42PX80U Both are a 42" inch TV so I would be sacraficing brand for Size. They both have great reviews from what I have seen and I had a 47" Panny CRT that I loved and never had a problem with so I like Panasonic.

I'm no expert but I believe the TX is newer from reading a lot of reviews and what not on Westinghouse.

So anyways I purchased the 47inch the other day from Best Buy. I had no intention of purchasing a Westinghouse when I left the house and even after attempts from the sales person to steer me elsewhere I bought it. I got the TV, a wall mount, and a 4 year extended service plan for 1300 including tax and everything.

After reading on here and checking other reviews I have been debating returning the TV. I can't decided though because I can't find anything else in the price range and a 47". I still have 27 days left to decide so I'm going to think it out but I wanted to know what you guys would do?

1.Keep the Westy. So far I haven't had any issues and I think it has a great picture especially with my 360 and HD-DVD player. I have a 4 year extended warranty so I'm not worried about it breaking although it would be an inconvience.

2. Trade for a similar priced model of a better brand. I would get $1180 or so back since I wouldn't return the wall mount. I don't want to spend much more than 1400-1500 max and would like to get a warranty unless the TV has very very good reliability.

I want to stay with either Best Buy or CC because I have a card to both and they have no interest right now.
The only things I've found in this range are the Samsung HP-T4254 or the Panasonic TH-42PX80U Both are a 42" inch TV so I would be sacraficing brand for Size. They both have great reviews from what I have seen and I had a 47" Panny CRT that I loved and never had a problem with so I like Panasonic.



keep it, y return it if theres nothing wrong with it. theres plenty of people that have had and continue to have success with the unit..

I'm no expert but I believe the TX is newer from reading a lot of reviews and what not on Westinghouse.

So anyways I purchased the 47inch the other day from Best Buy. I had no intention of purchasing a Westinghouse when I left the house and even after attempts from the sales person to steer me elsewhere I bought it. I got the TV, a wall mount, and a 4 year extended service plan for 1300 including tax and everything.

After reading on here and checking other reviews I have been debating returning the TV. I can't decided though because I can't find anything else in the price range and a 47". I still have 27 days left to decide so I'm going to think it out but I wanted to know what you guys would do?

1.Keep the Westy. So far I haven't had any issues and I think it has a great picture especially with my 360 and HD-DVD player. I have a 4 year extended warranty so I'm not worried about it breaking although it would be an inconvience.

2. Trade for a similar priced model of a better brand. I would get $1180 or so back since I wouldn't return the wall mount. I don't want to spend much more than 1400-1500 max and would like to get a warranty unless the TV has very very good reliability.

I want to stay with either Best Buy or CC because I have a card to both and they have no interest right now.
The only things I've found in this range are the Samsung HP-T4254 or the Panasonic TH-42PX80U Both are a 42" inch TV so I would be sacraficing brand for Size. They both have great reviews from what I have seen and I had a 47" Panny CRT that I loved and never had a problem with so I like Panasonic.

With the newer 'tech' that's been coming out recently, I'd hang onto the Westy. That might just be me always wanting the newest thing, but there are some big improvements coming out, so paying anything more than the price of a Westy for a "current gen" set doesn't sit well with me (then again, I am also a poor college student and you're likely someone with more disposable income than I). It's obviously not the best LCD out there, but it is very good for the price, and by the time it's really showing its age, you'll be ready to upgrade and make the Westy your bedroom set :)

Somewhat off-topic, but is there a thread for the 52-inch model from the TX series? I couldn't find one.

With the newer 'tech' that's been coming out recently, I'd hang onto the Westy. That might just be me always wanting the newest thing, but there are some big improvements coming out, so paying anything more than the price of a Westy for a "current gen" set doesn't sit well with me (then again, I am also a poor college student and you're likely someone with more disposable income than I). It's obviously not the best LCD out there, but it is very good for the price, and by the time it's really showing its age, you'll be ready to upgrade and make the Westy your bedroom set :)

Yeah true, I graduated from college in 2006 but my disposable income hasn't increased much yet so that's why I got the Westy. If I had more to spend I would have gotten a better brand but for 1300 out the door with a wall mount and 4 year extended warranty I don't think I'm going to find anything else in a 47" or maybe even a better brand 42". I could probably find another brand close to that range but that would be without the warranty. They have a 50" Hitachi plasma at Best Buy for 1299 but with warranty and wallmount it would be 1700+. Another store has an older 720p 50" Samsung Plasma for 1299 but I read the forums on it and it has just as many issues as the Westy.

I'll probably just stick with the westy unless I can find a better brand open box for a similar price to what I paid in the next 30 days.

Could someone direct me to the TX-52F480S owner's thread? I haven't been able to locate one. Maybe there isn't one? Thank you in advance for your help.

I don't think there is one yet, Sunnie. Closest thing is the "anticipation thread": http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=828932

Thanks Martez,

I just order one yesterday from Crutchfield, so maybe I will just have to start a owner's thread after I take delivery.

Have a question..I connected my LCD tv to my PC via a VGA cable and when it found it the "computer screen" on the tv was not full screen. Where do I make it so it takes up the whole TV? Do I have to configure something on the TV or on the "computer". I would appreciate the help!

It has to do with the resolution setting on your computer and /or its video card. That is assuming your TV is set to Standard aspect ratio.

I posted a while back and never got a response, several others also had the same problem as me but no one helped so I'm hoping maybe someone will read this this time. I've got the 42 in Westinghouse tx-42 with the 1.3 firmware. The hdmi works fine with my other devices but my samsung (htib) ht-x70 does not display via the hdmi ports. It doesn't say no signal detected and the autosource will switch to it but it never displays any video. its very frustrating as neither westinghouse or samsung have contacted me through many e-mails specifically detailing the problem. I have tried calling westinghouse but they tell me its not the tv's problem and to contact samsung. At samsung I usually get someone who has to clue what I'm talking about and suggests stuff straight from their instructional manual that I've tried many times.

The problem is your samsung (htib) ht-x70 can only accept and pass 1080i not 1080p via HDMI and it errors out with a 1080p signal if you can change your source to 1080i it will work fine or you could use optical/digital. If you use something like a PS3 though you'd have to turn video to 1080i to get the 5.1 surround through HDMI the optical doesn't pass 5.1 only HDMI.

well i finally got my 47F430S exchanged at bestbuy (through westinghouse warranty service, which btw i have to say works great). almost after a year of having this tv i got $1700 credit at BB and had a choice between Toshiba RV530U and Samsung LN46A550. Samsung was extra $300 and Toshiba was free. So I am a lucky owner of Toshiba now which is better then Westinghouse.

Just a little report/update. I upgraded the firmware on my TX42 3 weeks ago.

The dynamic contrast does appear to be off now when selecting that option, the good news.

Now, for the bad. I've had this thing for almost a year now and have had about 3 or 4 crashes with it. Since the upgrade 3 weeks ago, the thing has crashed 3 or 4 times already.

So, if this trend continues, at the end of the 2nd year of ownership I can expect about 40 or 50 crashes. That would be an increase in the neighborhood of 1300%, thank you very much Westinghouse!?!

If it wasn't for bad luck...

George

I upgraded my firmware today and shortly after all the sound turned really wierd. Voices went really deep including women and sounded like robots. I unplugged it and plugged it back in and it was fine. It seems a little slower as far as navigating the menu now too. Oh well the picture looks very good watching the final four right now. I'm was tempted to buy an open box 50 inch panasonic plasma I found for near the same price today since I have 25 or so more days to decide if I'm keeping the westy. Then I realized I somehow lost my reciept so I'm sure Best Buy would only trade instore and the Panny was at Circuit City.

Hey guys, new to the AVS forum, great forum and tons of information....great job! I recently purchased the westy 47", and like most, I agree the picture is great...I've used a PS3 and HD satellite and it looks great' even SD satellite doesn't look too bad. I have been trying to find some info on the optical audio out option on the set, and can't really find anything....I have the feed running into a Yamaha RXV1300, and I am unable to get any audio from that output, the receiver says PCM, but nothing comes through, and turning on Dolby does nothing either. Is this something that I can fix or am I doing something wrong? If I have to, I can run optical cables from everything, but it was nice to just run the HDMI cables for everything. Any help would be appreciated...keep up the good work!

dreamer

Hey guys, new to the AVS forum, great forum and tons of information....great job! I recently purchased the westy 47", and like most, I agree the picture is great...I've used a PS3 and HD satellite and it looks great' even SD satellite doesn't look too bad. I have been trying to find some info on the optical audio out option on the set, and can't really find anything....I have the feed running into a Yamaha RXV1300, and I am unable to get any audio from that output, the receiver says PCM, but nothing comes through, and turning on Dolby does nothing either. Is this something that I can fix or am I doing something wrong? If I have to, I can run optical cables from everything, but it was nice to just run the HDMI cables for everything. Any help would be appreciated...keep up the good work!

dreamer

Just to clarify, the Optical Out on the TX can only be used used to output the sound coming from the internal HD tuner. You can't run audio to the HDMI in of the TV and then output the audio out the optical. If you are doing something differently then maybe listing how everything is connected would help visualize what is going on.

Ya, I'm an idiot, that's what I thought it meant.....so the optical out on the set is only for the tuner(s) on the tv? Cool, I'll have to run cables then, thanks for the help!

dreamer

I have the feed running into a Yamaha RXV1300, and I am unable to get any audio from that output, the receiver says PCM, but nothing comes through, and turning on Dolby does nothing either. Is this something that I can fix or am I doing something wrong? If I have to, I can run optical cables from everything, but it was nice to just run the HDMI cables for everything.Dreamer: Just to be clear, the TX _used_ to be able to pass HDMI audio through the optical out. Hollywood, however, would have none of that. Apparently they screamed to Westy about HDCP compliance, and since June 2007 builds the HDMI audio passthrough has been disabled. Westy wanted us to have this feature.

I just noticed yesterday (and don't ask me why it took so long to notice) that when you change your display settings (from Enhanced to User, Game, Movie, etc) in the menu, the sound changes, also- audio settings are linked to display profiles, it would seem. This is a pretty nice feature now that I'm actually aware of it- I don't remember it being in the user manual or mentioned on this thread so I thought I would bring it up!

Didn't realize that Martin, thanks.

I have the original TX, from June 07, and have not upgraded the firmware....

...so can confirm mine actually DOES pass audio on from the HDMI inputs out the Optical output.

However, it is only 2ch not the DD 5.1 or anything. So this limits the usefulness.

Ive since turned off the speakers, and run the audo direct from the seperate sources to my Logitech Z5500. But it does leave me having to use the TV speakers for OTA audio if I use the actual TV tuner.

Too bad, the TX series would be even more of a bargain if the audio output simply passed all HDMI/OTA/etc out the Optical output un-limited.

The industry is a mess in regards to HDCP restrictions, etc. And the consumer pays the price.

So far it looks great during bright movie scenes, Sports and video games. However during dark movie scenes parts of the blacks turn red. Once it turns to red it pixelates and moves around almost like it's infa red. This seems to happen mostly in backgrounds such as a door in a room may turn black with red jumping around. Also when the camera is focused on one person but there are multiple on the screen, the people not being focused on may have their hair turn red and move around. I've also seen this happen to clothes, walls, trees, pretty much anything not being focused on by the camera. I have the newest firmware and DC turned off. Is this something that your sets also do or do I have something wrong? Is it because my settings are too dark and the TV can't handle the blacks and shadows? It's driving me nuts during movies.

Ick, that sounds bad. I don't know for sure, but if it's happening across multiple sources (TV, movies, games) then it sounds like a problem with your set. I'd hold off for someone a little more educated on it than me to weigh in, though :P

As long as we are talking about it, if and how do you upgrade the firmware on the 47"? My build date is Sept 2007 and the last 2 digits of the firmware are 1.2. Thanks again guys,

dreamer

It seems to bother me much more than anyone else that watches it. Probably because I paid for the TV and I'm more picky. Half the time others don't notice it as most of the screen will look fine, like I said it's usually a background item such as a wall or door. I read some stuff earlier in the thread that sounded like it might be what mine is doing but I'm not sure so I was wondering if anyone else has noticed it. I have seen it through Satellite and also HD-DVD's.

On the firmware, buy a usb memory card. I read that some brands don't work, I bought the Sandisk Microcruzer which is one that is known to work. Go to Westy's website put in your TV serial number and follow the directions. Once it is downloaded to your memory card unplug EVERYTHING on the TV put in the usb memory card and turn the TV back on.

crap...you have to unplug everything? After I made it look all neat? I guess that is absolutely necessary?

dreamer

Yes because otherwise you could download the wrong firmware. There are diffent ones for each version. I had to take it off the wall too.

Sorry if I sound like an ass but why would having your components plugged in effect the firmware download? I can understand the power cord.....sorry but just want to understand the meaning behind it thanks

dreamer

Unplugging everything is not necessary to upgrade firmware. I did it without it.

As for the red in black areas, can you post a picture of what is going on? Something sounds fishy.

Yeah I have to charge my digital camera and I'll try to get a picture of it. It doesn't do it all the time so i'll have to see if I can catch it. I don't have it hooked to a computer so I can't do it that way. Your probably right on the firmware I just know when I did mine it refused to anything the first three or four times I tried it and then I unplugged everything and it worked.

I guess my settings could be an issue too. I got the settings from someone on here and the color looked really really good especially on sports. They are pretty dark settings though and maybe the TV can't handle it and I'll have to turn up the brightness to lower the amount of shadows.

Sorry if I sound like an ass but why would having your components plugged in effect the firmware download? I can understand the power cord.....sorry but just want to understand the meaning behind it thanks

dreamer

You do not have to unplug all your components to do a firmware update. I just bought mine new when BB had an open box and they had them on sale so double deal on it. I plugged everything in already and have it mounted on the wall and everything before finding out there was a firmware upgrade for it. All I did was turned it off unplugged the power cord put the USB thumb drive in and then plugged the power cord back in and it updated perfectly fine. Came with the same firmware yours did before the update. I could see if you turned your components on while it was updating it may effect something but it's not hard to have a little patience while it does it's update.

Excellent....it would be nice if they actually listed what these updates do, unless I couldn't find that info....thanks for the help

dreamer

Didn't realize that Martin, thanks.

I have the original TX, from June 07, and have not upgraded the firmware....

...so can confirm mine actually DOES pass audio on from the HDMI inputs out the Optical output.

However, it is only 2ch not the DD 5.1 or anything. So this limits the usefulness.


I'm in the same boat. I was looking forward to using my TV as a switch so that I could easily toggle between my 360 and HTPC, but it looks like "no love..."

Boo!

My TV locks up *every* time I manually switch to the PC input. If the TV auto senses input and switches then it works fine. I have to pull the plug on the TV and turn it back on.

I have the 5110_110 BIOS.

I'm working around it right now by hooking my HTPC up via HDMI, but it just seems wrong when a Microsoft OS is more stable than my TV :p

Any suggestions? I haven't seen anyone else reporting this problem.

After upgrading the firmware, My TX42 crashes almost every day now. It doesn't like to be turned off then on again while it is warm, it won't come on. I have to unplug it, sometimes more than once.

What a pain in the ass. I had this thing almost a year and only had a couple of random crashes. After the upgrade, it crashes almost constantly.

I can't believe nobody else is having problems???

George


Just a little report/update. I upgraded the firmware on my TX42 3 weeks ago.

The dynamic contrast does appear to be off now when selecting that option, the good news.

Now, for the bad. I've had this thing for almost a year now and have had about 3 or 4 crashes with it. Since the upgrade 3 weeks ago, the thing has crashed 3 or 4 times already.

So, if this trend continues, at the end of the 2nd year of ownership I can expect about 40 or 50 crashes. That would be an increase in the neighborhood of 1300%, thank you very much Westinghouse!?!

If it wasn't for bad luck...

George

Update: I rented Resurrecting the Champ last night which had a decent amount of dark scenes. I didn't notice my issue at all and this is with my settings changed to the settings recommended by Cnet. It actually looked really good being upscaled by my A2 Hd player. Like I said earlier my settings were from a recommendation on here although I can't remember the page. There were others that backed up that recommendation though although they were much different from everyone else's. I think that may have been my problem.

Previous Settings I was using from this thread:
31 Bright
43 Contrast
37 Saturation
48 Hue
20 Sharp
Blacklight 20-50 depending on time of day and what I'm watching
Warm- Red 178
Green 205
Blue 184

This looked really good except for the black/red issue. The colors were excellent and then blacks were fairly dark and I guess maybe too dark for the TV to handle.

New Settings:

47 Bright
50 Cont
42 Sat
48 Hue
0 Sharp
Backlight 20-50
Warm- Red 132
Green 140
Blue 128

I personally don't think that these settings look quite as good as the previous but but I haven't noticed the black/red issue so I like them much better so far.

I'm no expert but I believe the TX is newer from reading a lot of reviews and what not on Westinghouse.

So anyways I purchased the 47inch the other day from Best Buy. I had no intention of purchasing a Westinghouse when I left the house and even after attempts from the sales person to steer me elsewhere I bought it. I got the TV, a wall mount, and a 4 year extended service plan for 1300 including tax and everything.

After reading on here and checking other reviews I have been debating returning the TV. I can't decided though because I can't find anything else in the price range and a 47". I still have 27 days left to decide so I'm going to think it out but I wanted to know what you guys would do?

1.Keep the Westy. So far I haven't had any issues and I think it has a great picture especially with my 360 and HD-DVD player. I have a 4 year extended warranty so I'm not worried about it breaking although it would be an inconvience.

2. Trade for a similar priced model of a better brand. I would get $1180 or so back since I wouldn't return the wall mount. I don't want to spend much more than 1400-1500 max and would like to get a warranty unless the TV has very very good reliability.

I want to stay with either Best Buy or CC because I have a card to both and they have no interest right now.
The only things I've found in this range are the Samsung HP-T4254 or the Panasonic TH-42PX80U Both are a 42" inch TV so I would be sacraficing brand for Size. They both have great reviews from what I have seen and I had a 47" Panny CRT that I loved and never had a problem with so I like Panasonic.

How did you get the TV so cheap? They have had it listed at $1,499 for the past two weeks. Even with a BB 12% discount it would be $1,320 without mount and warranty or tax.

I was going to order from Newegg, but if you can get it that cheap, I would get from BB instead.

How did you get the TV so cheap? They have had it listed at $1,499 for the past two weeks. Even with a BB 12% discount it would be $1,320 without mount and warranty or tax.

I was going to order from Newegg, but if you can get it that cheap, I would get from BB instead.


Open Box. I figured with the Westy this may be a good thing because it proves that this one has been working fine and since I got a 4 year warranty I didn't care. My Bestbuy has a fairly large section of open box TV's. It was listed at 1299 open box. I said your new ones were on sale for 1299 awhile back and he said ok I'll take 10% off. This made the TV $1170 and he said the oen box Westy's come with a free wall mount. I bought the 4 year extended which I believe was $149 making my total $1319 plus tax equals a total of $1384 for everything out the door. I went back a few days later and noticed they had another 47 inch Westy right back in the same spot so I think once they sell one open box they just replace it with another. I would go in to the store and check it out as I wouldn't have found it online.

I almost bought this TV at best buy on sunday but decided on the insignia ns-lcd42hd instead.

same size, same price, 1080p


so far i like it but im concerned about hte lack of a backlight control... also, everything appears a bit washed out unless i turn the brightness down to the point that everything is way too dark and i cant see what people on the screen are even wearing

the bright scenes are FANTASTIC on the TV, though

should i keep the insignia or go back and get the westinghouse?

i spent every penny i could manage on this and its the only tv i will have for many years...

I almost bought this TV at best buy on sunday but decided on the insignia ns-lcd42hd instead.

same size, same price, 1080p


so far i like it but im concerned about hte lack of a backlight control... also, everything appears a bit washed out unless i turn the brightness down to the point that everything is way too dark and i cant see what people on the screen are even wearing

the bright scenes are FANTASTIC on the TV, though

should i keep the insignia or go back and get the westinghouse?

i spent every penny i could manage on this and its the only tv i will have for many years...

It doesn't let you change the backlight brightness? That really sucks. I'd go for the Westinghouse (or pretty much any set :P) on that alone.

It doesn't let you change the backlight brightness? That really sucks. I'd go for the Westinghouse (or pretty much any set :P) on that alone.

Gah... yeah, I know the lack of that feature sucks...

But what if I return it for the Westinghouse and realize the Insignia was an overall better TV?

Anyone here that's seen both or knows any more info? :|

Thanks, I will check.

After upgrading the firmware, My TX42 crashes almost every day now. It doesn't like to be turned off then on again while it is warm, it won't come on. I have to unplug it, sometimes more than once.

What a pain in the ass. I had this thing almost a year and only had a couple of random crashes. After the upgrade, it crashes almost constantly.

I can't believe nobody else is having problems???

George

I have the older 1.2.0 firmware (Sept. build) if you want to try downgrading. Let me know.

James

I have the older 1.2.0 firmware (Sept. build) if you want to try downgrading. Let me know.

James

That would be my suggestion if you keep crashing and you didn't before the upgrade then just do the same thing you did to update your firmware except use the older one the 1.2.0 or the 1.1.0

weird story

i have a tx47 i bought in august 2007
build date: june 26 2007
software version: 5121_1.3.0

plugged in my info and my serial.. apparently there isnt a upgrade for mine.

weird story

i have a tx47 i bought in august 2007
build date: june 26 2007
software version: 5121_1.3.0

plugged in my info and my serial.. apparently there isnt a upgrade for mine.

Nope the 1.3.0 is the most recent firmware. Kinda odd since the one I just bought this last Saturday still had the 1.2.0. Maybe just depends where it was bought from or something.

Nope the 1.3.0 is the most recent firmware. Kinda odd since the one I just bought this last Saturday still had the 1.2.0. Maybe just depends where it was bought from or something.


crazy mine is 8 months old.

I updated my firmware, finally. No unplugging of anything is necessary.
Step1. Follow the directions on the site to obtain your firmware.
Step2. You have to start with a blank memory stick. Add the two files from the archive.
Step3. Turn off the TV. Insert the memory stick. Turn the TV back on.
Step4. Wait. The light will flash purple for about 2 min. Then it will turn blue.
Step5. Remove the memory stick. Hold the power button on the side of the TV until the light turns amber.
Step6. Turn the TV back on. Enjoy.
Those are the instructions. No unplugging of anything.
My 42" is still going strong. I haven't had one single lockup at all, and no other problems. I don't use the tuner. It's funny I remember at the store the display 47" was broken..
I would buy another 42"
I would not buy a 47" (It appears to be plagued with all kinds of problems.)
On another note I'm almost 100% sure the lockups and the dead boards are the fault of the cable company. That being said, there is no way I would plug a $1000+ TV directly to the cable line unless I was running my own CCTV. I like to use old VCRs as injectors. don't throw those out people.

guys, as i mentioned i bought an insignia ns-lcd42hd... im thinking of returning it. i like it a lot but i feel the westinghouse may be better

to save me reading through 159 pages or info, can anyone tell me the bottom line on the westinghouse tx 42"?

are the problems resolved? does it still have that large list of issues?

not sure if i should keep the insignia (which is a bit washed out cause you cant adjust the backlight) or swap it for the westy...

thanks...

My Tx is recent purchase so and I don't know anything about the insignia. Not being able to adjust the backlight would drive me nuts as I change mine quite often for watching at night and day time. I have read through probably %50 or a little less of this thread. I have noticed that a lot of times when someone says don't get the Westy it is the same person saying it over and over again but if you don't look at the name it seems like a lot of people are saying that. Most of the issuses it has aren't that big of deals to me as I use the sound on my stereo and I haven't had any of the lock up issues. Another thing to remember is that people that have problems are a lot more likely to post about than people that like there TV. So if you come to a forum like this for any TV there are going to be a lot of complaints. If you don't like the washed out look of the Insignia I would go with the Westy as I like mine so far.

I updated my firmware, finally. No unplugging of anything is necessary.
Step1. Follow the directions on the site to obtain your firmware.
Step2. You have to start with a blank memory stick. Add the two files from the archive.
Step3. Turn off the TV. Insert the memory stick. Turn the TV back on.
Step4. Wait. The light will flash purple for about 2 min. Then it will turn blue.
Step5. Remove the memory stick. Hold the power button on the side of the TV until the light turns amber.
Step6. Turn the TV back on. Enjoy.
Those are the instructions. No unplugging of anything.
My 42" is still going strong. I haven't had one single lockup at all, and no other problems. I don't use the tuner. It's funny I remember at the store the display 47" was broken..
I would buy another 42"
I would not buy a 47" (It appears to be plagued with all kinds of problems.)
On another note I'm almost 100% sure the lockups and the dead boards are the fault of the cable company. That being said, there is no way I would plug a $1000+ TV directly to the cable line unless I was running my own CCTV. I like to use old VCRs as injectors. don't throw those out people.

What two files? Are you not unpacking the .tgz file that is extrated after you unpack the .rar?

Does the new firmware fix the annoying pink line that I have to keep manually switching off? And does it fix the HDMI Handshake issues I have with my PS3?

What two files? Are you not unpacking the .tgz file that is extrated after you unpack the .rar?

No frosty You do NOT unpack that file!!

Does the new firmware fix the annoying pink line that I have to keep manually switching off? And does it fix the HDMI Handshake issues I have with my PS3?Nope. And I still get screen shaking with my PS3.

Final update: I received my warranty replacement set from Westinghouse. They did not honor any of my requests. I'm not so bent out of shape about not getting my exact unit back, but my request to receive a true equivalent was also ignored. I received the cheaper revision of the tv with the VA mode panel and the inferior video processor. There is a very noticeable difference between this and the IPS panel. Real world contrast is noticeably worse, everything looks washed out at the properly calibrated settings. Worse, this panel I received looks like garbage pure and simple. I've got severe banding (3 wide bands down the middle just like the Sharp panels from a couple of years ago), and they are visible at any brightness level. There is minor clouding and color variations throughout the entire screen, and noticeable backlight shine out of all 4 corners. The left and right sides of the panel are way brighter than the middle on a black screen. I'd say at least 20% lighter, enough for it to look silly. One minor plus is that when viewed straight on the black levels are actually slightly better. Just barely enough to mention it as a plus. Shadow detail is very slightly better as well, though it's still awful overall. Ironically enough there isn't a single dead pixel. As expected of a VA mode panel the viewing angles are horrible. Viewed from 60 degrees to the side the panel is so washed out there is almost no color. The IPS panel, in contrast, looked excellent at this angle. Only the black areas would turn grey. The viewing angle is so narrow that the angle of vision from left to right as I'm sitting directly in front of it causes colors to appear lighter at the sides of the panel. That's gotta be, what 10-15 degrees at most? This panel is cheap crap and is so inferior to the one this tv was designed with that Westinghouse should be embarrassed and ashamed of itself for trying to save a dime in this way.

Video processed by the internal processor looks softer and has more artifacts now. I also notice motion blur, something I never noticed once with the IPS panel tv that died. If you touch the tv something in the base squeaks, the casing on the back is cracked, and the finish is rubbed off the front of the bezel in 3 places. I got a real winner of a refurb unit. I WANT this one to die so I can just throw it in the trash and go buy a Pioneer plasma like I should've from the start instead of being a cheapskate.

It also came with the 1.3 firmware, and I was highly amused to find what appears to be black electrical tape covering up the service/USB port. Classy stuff.

I'll keep the thing simply because I cannot go around blowing money on tvs all the time, but I'm really hoping this thing dies in about a year so I can get rid of it without guilt and buy a quality set.

I should also note, that Westinghouse support was helpful and prompt from beginning to end and the turn around time was reasonable. They have good people working there, just too much cost cutting and a lack of quality control brings down the house.

This junk panel is most likely what is shipping in all or at least most of the TX's on store shelves now, so I absolutely cannot warn people enough to stay away from the set now. This kind of cheap panel is also in other cheap brands, not just Westinghouse, but you should be doing yourself a favor and spending just a little bit more to get a tv that's worth the effort. Caveat Emptor.

guys, as i mentioned i bought an insignia ns-lcd42hd... im thinking of returning it. i like it a lot but i feel the westinghouse may be better

to save me reading through 159 pages or info, can anyone tell me the bottom line on the westinghouse tx 42"?

are the problems resolved? does it still have that large list of issues?

not sure if i should keep the insignia (which is a bit washed out cause you cant adjust the backlight) or swap it for the westy...

thanks...

Also recently purchased my 47" very happy with it thus far updated my firmware it was easy no crashes no troubles before or after updating. I use it for my bedroom/computer/game TV/Monitor and it replaced a very crappy Sony LCD I had/returned for this one. All the adjustments make this much better than the Sony it replaced though might have just been a bad Sony I got but still got bigger for less and so far I am very impressed with it. It looks good with PS3,Xbox 360 and even the SD Wii I also have separate home theater hooked up to it so sound coming from the TV doesn't matter. I don't see ever wanting to return this or trade it for anything else as long as it keeps working.