Samsung 71' 1080P DLP HL-S7178W (owners)

[Fikse]

looks like card readers will work, from the manual:

================
Wiselink only supports the USB Mass Storage Class device (MSC). MSC is a Mass Storage Class Bulk-Only Transport device. Examples of MSC are Thumb drives and Flash Card Readers.
================

Guess I won't need my Roku HD1000 anymore....

[jubess]

I'm considerding purchasing a sammy HL-S7178W. Is anyone aware of any problems with HDMi and Dishnetwork HD-dvr 622 and the sammy. Also I might run it through a Denon 4306. any HDMI problems with the Sammy? Thanks.

[Eliab]

Originally Posted by sammy_7178

Eliab, is there a suggestion you have for HDMI cables by brand? I have no idea what I'd use for the HD-A1 when I get it.

I use a 3' Better Cables HDMI interconnect.

Also, the sparkles on my TV seem to cover a wide area.. this isn't just an attribute of the screen's material or the glossy finish is it? Otherwise, if it's not supposed to be there I wonder what's causing it.

Much of the sparkles have to do with the high gain of the screens used as well as the over-the-top contrast settings that these displays come shipped with. I would suggest using my recommended user-menu settings and then passing it through Avical's DVE tutorial below. You should also be sitting around 12-13' back.

I think you're about to tell me to schedule an appointment for you in November... right?

That depends. How much do you want the single best RPTV/DVD image that an RPTV has ever been able to afford?

Eliab

[Eliab]

Originally Posted by westa6969

The Player is still a winner in my book as the bottom line is what it puts up on the screen for less than half a BD and I think most of us have grown accustomed to bad remotes on most electronics and too damn many of them..

Absolutely true. I saw ATL last night and it might just be the best example of how incredible a format HD DVD can be - especially on a calibrated Samsung HL-S DLP display.

Eliab

[Mr. Thompson]

Originally Posted by Eliab

Much of the sparkles have to do with the high gain of the screens used as well as the over-the-top contrast settings that these displays come shipped with. I would suggest using my recommended user-menu settings and then passing it through Avical's DVE tutorial below. You should also be sitting around 12-13' back.
Eliab

Why 12' to 13'? We sit 9' from ours and it's superb.

[rnick1976]

I turned down the iris on my 7178 and pushed the contrast up to 95 ... wow, what a difference. Sparkles on almost all sources are completely gone, and the image looks much more "clear".

[KingRat]

Originally Posted by Eliab

It will be. Please e-mail me and I'll fill you in on the details. Include your display make, model, address, etc.


I would get the display serviced. It really shouldn't be turning off and/or resetting by itself.

Eliab

OK, email sent.

I'm pretty sure the HDMI problem is the H20 receiver.

[sammy_7178]

Thanks, Eliab (once again). Just ordered the HDMI cables. "Silver Serpent Reference 1080p HDMI Cable - 3.28 ft" shrug. Sounds good to me.

I can't wait to get the HD-A1. My BB reward zone certificates from the 7178 purchase shouuld be in soon. Once I see them, I'll be off to get the Toshiba.

I'll have the player, the 7178, the HDMI cables... am I missing anything? I should be good, right?


EDIT: Did I buy the right cables? Usually, the so-called nicer cables tend to run pricier than what I just spent... like Monster Cable, for instance.

[skeeteroplagus]

Originally Posted by sammy_7178

Thanks, Eliab (once again). Just ordered the HDMI cables. "Silver Serpent Reference 1080p HDMI Cable - 3.28 ft" shrug. Sounds good to me.

I can't wait to get the HD-A1. My BB reward zone certificates from the 7178 purchase shouuld be in soon. Once I see them, I'll be off to get the Toshiba.

I'll have the player, the 7178, the HDMI cables... am I missing anything? I should be good, right?


EDIT: Did I buy the right cables? Usually, the so-called nicer cables tend to run pricier than what I just spent... like Monster Cable, for instance.

The HD-A1 comes with an HDMI cable that works just fine. There will be no noticeable difference between the cable that comes with the player and cables that can be purchased at premium prices... Remember, this is a digital stream so it will either work or not work at all.

[paxi]

OK, finally got the TV and (almost) everything set up. Charter cable has been achingly slow to improve the signal to the house (running a Moxi box) so I can't really comment on SD/HD signals but here are my observations so far...

1) Very happy with the PQ. Out of box, the set looked not unlike instore viewings (some mosquito) but was a bit amazed at how just tweaking the set according to eliab's initial settings made a big difference.

2) Get the HD-A1. Get the HD-A1. Get the HD-A1. Have I made myself clear? I can't believe just a few months ago I was on the fence about this. This thing will make your TV absolutely shine. Does it have its quirks? Of course. Whoever designed the remote should be scolded, but I have watched Pitch Black and U-571 and the results are jaw dropping. These are considered just "above average" transfers so I can't wait to see what the best transfers look like. I can almost guarantee that a few weeks with this contraption and 499 will seem like a steal. I got the warranty (and the player) thru the value electronics powerbuy so I feel like am sitting very pretty indeed. I am especially pleased with the upconverting capabilities of the player. Watched LOTR - two towers and a Led Zeppelin DVD. Now I understand what they mean by "SD/HD-DVD".

3) If you were like me, after reading all the horror stories about receivers and HDMI issues, you would just settle for one that works! Can't speak for everybody, but the Pioneer VSX 84 has interfaced very nicely with the TV, HD-A1, and Moxi DVR.

4) Monoprice HDMI cables working just fine.

5) Never used the TV sound so can't comment here

6) OTA HD very nice - using the zenith silver sensor and able to pick up every channel even in the basement (although some dropout with the less strong signals). Crucial 30 dollar addition, but don't buy the extra amplifier - ripoff.

[dhan]

Hi Eliab,

is it actually possible to technically measure the depth of black of a given RPTV set? If so do you know how does the HL-S7178W compare to XBR1 or A2000 LCoS sets? Do you have numbers?

I'm tempted by the HL-S7178W but I want to make sure that blacks look fairly deep in an almost completely dark room. I was not satisfied on this particular point with the KDFE60A20.

Also, does screen size make a difference in depth of black measurement/perception?

[bergeh]

Originally Posted by Eliab

At 13' you can get away with the 71". After it's calibrated, it will be as impressive as a 61" albeit with a much greater immersion factor!

Eliab

Thanks Eliab...Just placed my order now


I'm trying to find an HD DVR that will work with firewire (I'm kind of a noob BTW) but all I found was the RCA DVR2080 and a couple others. I want to basically use my cable card and the TV guide on the tv and record right from the tv guide menu which will send out the video to this dvr...

Will this RCA DVR do what I want?

[jlapolla]

Originally Posted by jubess

I'm considerding purchasing a sammy HL-S7178W. Is anyone aware of any problems with HDMi and Dishnetwork HD-dvr 622 and the sammy. Also I might run it through a Denon 4306. any HDMI problems with the Sammy? Thanks.

I have the Denon 4306, no problems to report with hdmi. All my sources are running through the avr 4306 with 1 hdmi output to the tv. The Denon is a great piece and works really well with this set (imo).

[Eliab]

Originally Posted by dhan

Hi Eliab,

is it actually possible to technically measure the depth of black of a given RPTV set? If so do you know how does the HL-S7178W compare to XBR1 or A2000 LCoS sets?

It is possible with a reference level light meter such as the Minolta LS-100.

Do you have numbers?

No.

I'm tempted by the HL-S7178W but I want to make sure that blacks look fairly deep in an almost completely dark room. I was not satisfied on this particular point with the KDFE60A20.

Once calibrated properly, the black level on Samsung HL-S and Sony SXRD displays will be satisfactory to most people. I would suggest using a bias light in a completely dark room, however, to further deepen the perceived level of black.

Also, does screen size make a difference in depth of black measurement/perception?

To some degree but hardly much between a 50" display and a 71".

Eliab

[Eliab]

Originally Posted by Mr. Thompson

Why 12' to 13'? We sit 9' from ours and it's superb.

Simply because most people will be less sensitive to SSE as well as other anomalies at 12-13' away.

Eliab

[Eliab]

Originally Posted by sammy_7178

Thanks, Eliab (once again). Just ordered the HDMI cables. "Silver Serpent Reference 1080p HDMI Cable - 3.28 ft" shrug. Sounds good to me.

I can't wait to get the HD-A1. My BB reward zone certificates from the 7178 purchase shouuld be in soon. Once I see them, I'll be off to get the Toshiba.

I'll have the player, the 7178, the HDMI cables... am I missing anything? I should be good, right?

A calibration!

EDIT: Did I buy the right cables? Usually, the so-called nicer cables tend to run pricier than what I just spent... like Monster Cable, for instance.

The HD-A1 comes with it's own cable which is okay. I just mentioned which cable I'm using but didn't mean to imply that that's what you should get. Either way, you're getting a good cable.

Eliab

[Eliab]

Originally Posted by paxi

Get the HD-A1. Get the HD-A1. Get the HD-A1. Have I made myself clear?

Crystal.

I can't believe just a few months ago I was on the fence about this. This thing will make your TV absolutely shine. Does it have its quirks? Of course. Whoever designed the remote should be scolded, but I have watched Pitch Black and U-571 and the results are jaw dropping. These are considered just "above average" transfers so I can't wait to see what the best transfers look like. I can almost guarantee that a few weeks with this contraption and 499 will seem like a steal. I got the warranty (and the player) thru the value electronics powerbuy so I feel like am sitting very pretty indeed. I am especially pleased with the upconverting capabilities of the player. Watched LOTR - two towers and a Led Zeppelin DVD. Now I understand what they mean by "SD/HD-DVD".

I think most of us would agree that HD DVD and Blu-ray players and firmware will continue to improve, become more affordable as well as more plentiful. But for those of us wanting the best in picture quality NOW - HD DVD hooked up to a calibrated Samsung HL-S DLP display is currently as good as it gets in the RPTV world.

Eliab

[Eliab]

Originally Posted by bergeh

Thanks Eliab...Just placed my order now


I'm trying to find an HD DVR that will work with firewire (I'm kind of a noob BTW) but all I found was the RCA DVR2080 and a couple others. I want to basically use my cable card and the TV guide on the tv and record right from the tv guide menu which will send out the video to this dvr...

Will this RCA DVR do what I want?

Good question. I'm not sure though as I'm not familiar with this unit. I'd have to do a little research.

Eliab

[Mr. Thompson]

Originally Posted by Eliab

Simply because most people will be less sensitive to SSE as well as other anomalies at 12-13' away.

Eliab

Thanks Eliab.

Best Regards,

Colin

[Eliab]

Originally Posted by Mr. Thompson

Thanks Eliab.

Best Regards,

Colin

No problem! Viewing distance is somewhat subjective anyway. I'm just posting general distances to consider for certain size screens. For a 71", I tend to prefer to be at least 11' away. But there's absolutely nothing wrong with viewing your display at 9' back if you and your wife are not bothered by anomalies.

Eliab

[dhan]

Thanks for the quick answers!

Originally Posted by Eliab

Once calibrated properly, the black level on Samsung HL-S and Sony SXRD displays will be satisfactory to most people.

Do you feel that HL-S and SXRD displays are in the same tones of black or that one is more dark than the other? Some think that the SXRDs have deeper blacks with better detail...

Originally Posted by Eliab

I would suggest using a bias light in a completely dark room, however, to further deepen the perceived level of black.

What is a bias light?

[Eliab]

Originally Posted by dhan

Do you feel that HL-S and SXRD displays are in the same tones of black or that one is more dark than the other? Some think that the SXRDs have deeper blacks with better detail...

I don't think that there's a significant difference one way or another.

What is a bias light?

An Ideal-Lume Bias Light is a light that's designed to be placed behind a display to minimize eye-strain and improve perceived contrast ratio. The unit comprises of a slender T5 fluorescent fixture, an electronic ballast, a low wattage T5 bulb, a rotating mechanical baffle tube to regulate light output, and velcro/screws for mounting purposes. What differentiates this light over what you would normally have in your living room is that the bulb itself is the same color temperature as your display should be set to (D6500) and has a very high Color Rendering Index (CRI) of about 90 (out of 100) as well as an excellent Spectral Power Distribution (SPD). In other words, this is an exceedingly neutral light that will not adversely impact your set's picture. But what is also of paramount importance is the location of the light. It needs to be placed behind the TV, horizontally, and usually on the back of the display facing the back wall. The rule of thumb is to have the backlighting be less than 10% of the peak light output of your display. Digital Video Essentials (DVE) has a test pattern which they call "Ambient Light Reference" (Title 12, Chapter 16) that can assist you with this.

Once mounted correctly, the additional light produced by the Ideal-Lume will occupy that part of your field of vision which would normally be occupied by a large movie screen. This in turn relaxes or biases your iris by not having it open fully during a dark scene or close during a very bright scene. This constant opening and closing causes eye fatigue for some people. An added plus with a bias light is that it will also improve perceived contrast ratio which is particularly beneficial on digital displays whose black levels are not as "black" as the best CRT monitors. I use the basic model on my 5088.

Eliab

[dhan]

Thanks for the info.

I went to a store (HiFI Center) and a salesman there told me they had a lot of samsung returns due to a high rate of failures on different parts of the sets. Do samsungs have a higher percentage of defective units than other brands? What is funny is that they had next to no Samsung unit in the store on display.

A question for you people owning the set: Does the HL-S7178W image contain a lot of noise when using a relitively clean source like say xbox 360?

Do you use 1080i or 720p on the 360 output?

[jlapolla]

Originally Posted by dhan

A question for you people owning the set: Does the HL-S7178W image contain a lot of noise when using a relitively clean source like say xbox 360?

Do you use 1080i or 720p on the 360 output?

The image on this display with the xbox 360 is absolutely AMAZING ... no noise at all ... I am running the 360 at 1080i to the display (I have also tried 720p, overall looks the same). Also with game mode enabled I have not seen any lag time. Hope that helps

[rsk]

Originally Posted by jlapolla

The image on this display with the xbox 360 is absolutely AMAZING ... no noise at all ... I am running the 360 at 1080i to the display (I have also tried 720p, overall looks the same). Also with game mode enabled I have not seen any lag time. Hope that helps

I really want to move into your house and verify this for weeks on end and a GameFly account

[dhan]

I went to Best Buy today to see the HL-S7178W. I'm out of luck, the set that was supposed to be on display is broken. Salesman told me that as soon as they plugged it in, the bulb went poof! They're waiting for a replacement bulb.

I saw 70" 720p Toshiba side by side with a 60" XBR1. Colors (especially blue) looked washed out on the Toshiba. The Set is a full 1k less than the HL-S7178W but is now out of my list.

Anybody knows where I could see the HL-S7178W on display in or near Montreal?

[letsjet]

Originally Posted by jlapolla

The image on this display with the xbox 360 is absolutely AMAZING ... no noise at all ... I am running the 360 at 1080i to the display (I have also tried 720p, overall looks the same). Also with game mode enabled I have not seen any lag time. Hope that helps

True words

[xnWox]

8-(
What can I say.
1st 7178 I had delivered had a warped/damaged screen.
When this 2nd set arrived week later I inspected it and found
nothing physically wrong.
Been using it for just over 2 weeks and came home tonight to play
some xbox360 and watch ECW main event possibly
and I hit power on the remote and what happened?
Well any 7178 owner knows you hit power on the remote - takes 5 seconds image comes on after a high pitched sound is played
BUT tonight - my lucky has to be lousy as usual
tv turns on and there is a hissing type noise coming from the front left speaker ( front left as im sitting infront looking at it with SAMSUNG facing me)
now i went to menu - and tried internal mute on/off - tried calling 1800samsung
and checked samsung forums and avs forums
is there a setting/option I am missing ?
I unplugged the tv / unhooked all the plugs
itsa is now only conncted with the power cable
and it still makes the mysterious sound as SOON as it powers on to picture
suggestions?
I can get a new set but this one is physcially perfect
and I really was hoping this was the one
any suggestions/advice/stuff to try
read the manual 2x - sitting here with no other ideas
please help
thanks

XnwoX

[xnWox]

One other thing the girlfirned just noticed - sound is ALOT louder on the left side right near the edge
and once i hit the power button on the front - or on the remote - it continues to hiss until eithger
a - i unplug the power from the back/powerbare
b - wait 5 minutes until the standby mode goes completely off

[xnWox]

Anyone?
I noticed it says no input devices connected as I have nothing but the power cord in - and even with MUTE clearly on it is still making the noise
Is there any kind of master reset for the HLS7178W ?