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LG Plasma Panel tweaks for better blacks. - Page 36

post #1051 of 1329
2/3/12 at 8:58am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by caychanh30 View Post

Not a good picture, but this is what I did for an instantly accessible tweak. Drilled a hole just for set_up and used the insulation from a 1/4" extension cord to control it.

Good job!
Now you can get the "extended" warranty.
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post #1052 of 1329
2/3/12 at 9:08am
Quote:
Originally Posted by caychanh30 View Post

Not a good picture, but this is what I did for an instantly accessible tweak. Drilled a hole just for set_up and used the insulation from a 1/4" extension cord to control it. The 2" length piece of insulation fits set_up snuggly and all I have to do is twist the piece of insulation. Does not need any screwdrivers or anything, just reach back behind my wall mount and slowly turn to desired black levels :P. There's definitely alot of pixel misfires with set_up fully clockwise, but dialing it back a bit and sitting back at my normal viewing position was great. Definitely almost bezel black for movies with dark scenes like Dark City and the first few minutes of Thor. For brighter scenes the letterbox bars are as deep inky black as I can imagine. For normal television and cable viewing dial set_up back, but tweak with plastic/vinyl insulation when black levels need to be lowered for immersive blu ray viewing pleasure. :P

http://www.flickr.com/photos/3989703...in/photostream

Took the back cover off and used a marker with tubing to get an ink mark on the metal cover then drilled that spot. It does take some force so don't drill with cover on tv.

The set should come from the factory like that
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post #1053 of 1329
2/3/12 at 1:07pm
I didi the same thing , drilled a hole for SET_UP
(warranty's over anyway)
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post #1054 of 1329
2/7/12 at 5:55am
Thread Starter 
Well we had few balmy days in TO and lo and behold I'd swear as the temperature rose my MLL actually dropped and with no misfires at startup..
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post #1055 of 1329
2/7/12 at 9:05am
Nice, Maybe my 50pk550 would be even better this summer with less misfires. These plasmas do have temperature sensors :P. This thread is definitely slowing down, because people are probably spending more time enjoying their new and improved lg plasma(s)!!
I was watching Dark City over the weekend and it was a vast improvement in picture quality. The washed out dark scenes are now clear, sharp, and mesmirizing!!
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post #1056 of 1329
2/7/12 at 10:25am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by caychanh30 View Post

Nice, Maybe my 50pk550 would be even better this summer with less misfires. These plasmas do have temperature sensors :P. This thread is definitely slowing down, because people are probably spending more time enjoying their new and improved lg plasma(s)!!
I was watching Dark City over the weekend and it was a vast improvement in picture quality. The washed out dark scenes are now clear, sharp, and mesmirizing!!

If more 2010/11 LG plasma owners realized how much having a lower MLL enhanced their viewing experience (or maybe they have and prematurely bought a Panny) they would be jumping on this right away.
I've always liked my PX950 but having been able to match or exceed the black levels of the better models currently available has really made me a happy camper.
It's funny, prior to tweaking I always cringed a bit when getting a film known for it's dark scenes, now I intentionally dive into deep waters.
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post #1057 of 1329
2/7/12 at 11:06am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by caychanh30 View Post

This thread is definitely slowing down, because people are probably spending more time enjoying their new and improved lg plasma(s)!!

I have to say that I was surprised with the amount of feedback, the procedure is actually relatively simple in execution so it was surprising to get more than a few pages. As we found, results do vary but the overall majority appear to be happy with what they accomplished and the added feedback helps those who were required to adjust more than just the Set_up. Some jumped right in without the need to really know what the tweaking actually did outside of lowering the black level and some of us wanted to know the technology behind the procedure, either way the end results are the same.
But I'm sure there is more to come.
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post #1058 of 1329
2/7/12 at 12:51pm
i'm currently going through the break-in process with the slides on my 60pv450. Can't wait to try this afterwards!
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post #1059 of 1329
2/7/12 at 9:07pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by rob80b View Post

And for the adventurous one could go one step further as did turrican4D with the control board as noted earlier on in this thread.


Here's the original source translation of Marc Wessels procedure from the German site.
http://www.hifi-forum.de/viewthread-141-2177.html page 4

[i]"Marc Wessels
Inventory
created: 29 Dec 2011, 00:23

OMG, you found out who I am in real life.
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post #1060 of 1329
2/7/12 at 10:05pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by rob80b View Post

If more 2010/11 LG plasma owners realized how much having a lower MLL enhanced their viewing experience (or maybe they have and prematurely bought a Panny) they would be jumping on this right away.

If this 2011 LG owner would have realized how his viewing experience would be ruined by how hard it is to get LG to accept responsibility for a defective product and how inept and unwilling their service techs are to even attempt to fix the problems, I would have bought a Panny. It seems like I'll be stuck with a $1600 digital picture frame.
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post #1061 of 1329
2/7/12 at 10:15pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by th3third View Post

If this 2011 LG owner would have realized how his viewing experience would be ruined by how hard it is to get LG to accept responsibility for a defective product and how inept and unwilling their service techs are to even attempt to fix the problems, I would have bought a Panny. It seems like I'll be stuck with a $1600 digital picture frame.

Go complain in another thread.
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post #1062 of 1329
2/8/12 at 5:05am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by th3third View Post

If this 2011 LG owner would have realized how his viewing experience would be ruined by how hard it is to get LG to accept responsibility for a defective product and how inept and unwilling their service techs are to even attempt to fix the problems, I would have bought a Panny. It seems like I'll be stuck with a $1600 digital picture frame.

Hi th3third

Unfortunately there are more horror stories from Panasonic and Samsung owners on these threads and it's a pain trying to get service and with DSE it's a replacement or new panel, nothing less or get your money back.
When stonewalled keep going up the chain, it's a PITA but it's your hard earned money and lets face it you have to look at this thing everyday.
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post #1063 of 1329
2/8/12 at 5:27am
Quote:
Originally Posted by rob80b View Post

Hi th3third

Unfortunately there are more horror stories from Panasonic and Samsung owners on these threads and it's a pain trying to get service and with DSE it's a replacement or new panel, nothing less or get your money back.
When stonewalled keep going up the chain, it's a PITA but it's your hard earned money and lets face it you have to look at this thing everyday.

Thanks. I was having a bad night. I have been trying to use email so I have a digital paper trail. When I have used the phone the people are nice, but not very helpful. I have to repeat what I've just said to several different people just to hear a "We will get back to you."

FWIW. I would never own any Samsung product.
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post #1064 of 1329
2/8/12 at 6:59am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Turrican4D View Post

OMG, you found out who I am in real life.

Well Turrican4D or should we call you Marc, you're timing could not have been better, here I was watching a film the other night and bowled with the picture quality because of the now super blacks and wanted to and thank Marc Wessels for introducing us to the LG tweak, problem was that I had to be a member on the German site to do so and Google translate didn't help matters.

Anyway thanks Marc
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post #1065 of 1329
2/8/12 at 7:09am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by th3third View Post

Thanks. I was having a bad night. I have been trying to use email so I have a digital paper trail. When I have used the phone the people are nice, but not very helpful. I have to repeat what I've just said to several different people just to hear a "We will get back to you."

Hi th3third

Email is not going to do it, when they say "We will get back to you.", just say that's OK I'll wait on the phone thank you, but get their name and a case number first, it's amazing how many customer service calls get disconnected while your waiting.
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post #1066 of 1329
2/8/12 at 8:09am
It took me over two months of back and forth with LG to replace my PX950 with DSE. It ended up with me that I had to have the tv replaced by the retailer, and they just sent it back to LG. This was after a tech visit and two weeks of waiting. Keep pressing and it will eventually be handled, but their process is terrible.
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post #1067 of 1329
2/8/12 at 8:18am
Not to sound mushy, but Rob80b is one really cool fellow.

I think I can safely speak for all of us when I say that not only does Rob80b try to respond to many questions, concerns or opinions on this (and other) thread with great insight and knowledge, his approach is always with a high level of class, humble kindness and even has a great sense of witty humor (sometimes ).

Just wanna say BIG THANKS to Rob80b from all of us!!!
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post #1068 of 1329
2/8/12 at 8:24am
Quote:
Originally Posted by th3third View Post

Thanks. I was having a bad night. I have been trying to use email so I have a digital paper trail. When I have used the phone the people are nice, but not very helpful. I have to repeat what I've just said to several different people just to hear a "We will get back to you."

FWIW. I would never own any Samsung product.

Panasonic's aren't much better - I've got two G30's in the office (42 & 50") and a U30 at home - while the black levels are good they rise and fall with on-screen content and all three display a green tinge which seems to be a well documented issue. THX modes look very green which surely shows that badge isn't worth a thing, it's a paid for licence to trick people into thinking they are getting better product when in reality a couple of sample sets probably passed the criteria which are nothing like the ones we receive as end-users.

FWIW my LG PK350 budget model is calibrated to near perfection, motion is handled very well and black levels, while not amazing do not rise and fall. I'll see how they are after trying this tweak!
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post #1069 of 1329
2/8/12 at 9:19am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by derod68 View Post

Not to sound mushy, but Rob80b is one really cool fellow.

Thanks derod68

Now you've gone and done it.
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post #1070 of 1329
2/8/12 at 9:20am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by bhazard View Post

It took me over two months of back and forth with LG to replace my PX950 with DSE. It ended up with me that I had to have the tv replaced by the retailer, and they just sent it back to LG. This was after a tech visit and two weeks of waiting. Keep pressing and it will eventually be handled, but their process is terrible.

Hi bhazard

How’s your set holding up, I see you’ve joined the Seaton Sound SubMersive1 gang, my younger brother is now totally equipped, Seaton Catalyst 8C's (LCR), Sparks (S,R), Dual Seaton Submersives JVC RS25 , 125" 2.35 screen, Integra 80.1, Oppo BDP-83, Audyssey Pro Kit, all this is installed in a black velvet draped dedicated HT room, talk about HT envy, thank god I only make it down east once a year
What’s all this got with tweaking?, well after experiencing a full-blown system even the biggest and best plasmas pale in terms of comparisons when it comes to a totally immersive film and audio experience.
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post #1071 of 1329
2/8/12 at 2:20pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by th3third View Post

Thanks. I was having a bad night. I have been trying to use email so I have a digital paper trail. When I have used the phone the people are nice, but not very helpful. I have to repeat what I've just said to several different people just to hear a "We will get back to you."

FWIW. I would never own any Samsung product.

Listen man, I'm sorry for jumping on you last night. It's just that there are a lot of guys around here that like to hijack threads because their tv turned out bad or they are just flat out lying and want to be jerks because they have nothing better to do. I like this thread and I like what people have to say. Turrican suggested this tweak to me about a year and a half ago, but I was too chicken. Since, I have sold my LG50PS80. It was a phenomenal tv, It just didn't have total black as I now have on my 55LHX. If it did, it would have been the greatest television ever made. Anyway, there is a guy over in the LX9500 thread over in the lcd forum. He was verrrry persistant and actually got his money back. He got a bad LG 55LX9500 and apparently let LG know this everyday. They eventually got sick of him and caved. He shows his check in the thread. Good luck and no hard feelings.
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post #1072 of 1329
2/8/12 at 8:05pm
I've read that the VY has a direct influence on the mll. As far as the VA, is it just to give more headroom for set up or set down? What is the purpose of the VA?
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post #1073 of 1329
2/9/12 at 10:13am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by derod68 View Post

I've read that the VY has a direct influence on the mll. As far as the VA, is it just to give more headroom for set up or set down? What is the purpose of the VA?

Hi derod68

I was sure you would have this memorized by know.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Turrican4D View Post

Hehe

Even on my own PK350 I tried very different approaches. One method included Va full clockwise and the one I am using at this moment is the opposite-> Va full counterclockwise.

Each method has consequences for the other pots. If I set Va full clockwise, I cannot go so far with Set_Dn and I can't use Vs-Boost.

If I set Va full counterclockwise, I have more headroom for Set_Dn but a little less headroom for Set_Up but I can boost Vs a little bit, to make up for that, so that I have again the headroom for turning Set_Up more clockwise.

Generally are Set_Up, Set_Dn and Vy the only three of the seven pots, which have a direct influence on the black level.

Also generally there are three pots, which can cause vertical noise patterns-> Vs, Set_Dn and Vy.

One could say with Va full clockwise the danger of getting pixelmissfires out of a black screen to a bright screen (Disney Castle on Disney BDs for example) is not so high as it is with Va counterclockwise, but with counterclockwise the chance of getting missfires during an actual moviescene is lower.

If one decide to better just get some little pixelmissfires sometimes for getting even more out of his panel mll wise, he could experiment mit the pot VSC, cause with VSC at the right sweet spot, the ability of your panel to erase false fired pixels can be sped up.

VZB also has a sweet spot, that you can find the best with halflit secenes leike the one in "The American" ight at the sturt, when Clooney lies there with his soon to be dead girlfriend-> You turn VZB full counterclockwise: The picture will have lost its depth. Now you move slowly(!) micrometer for micrometer clockwise just to the point, where this moviescene jumps back to depth and contrast.

This is what you might get with the seven pots, if you set it too much clockwise or counterclockwise:

VZB____: noise (clockwise) or dullness (counterclockwise)
Vs_____: noisy whites/pixelmissfires (clockwise) or dullness/extreme pixelmissfires (counterclockwise)
VA_____: none obvious erros but possible pixelmissfires with static fullgreen screen (clockwise)
VSC____: None obvious errors or artifacts
Vy_____: noise/less MLL (clockwise) or better MLL (counterclockwise)
Set_Up_: pixelmissfires/better MLL (clockwise) or bad MLL (counterclockwise)
Set_Dn_: noise/better MLL (clockwise) or bad MLL
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post #1074 of 1329
2/9/12 at 10:51am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by rob80b View Post

Depends on your RGB video settings from the source, for example setting my Apple TV 2 HDMI video to RGB low (0-256) I get the transition to complete black as you mentioned although I get it after a second and it is quite neat how the next scene comes from 0 black

Now that I’m keeping the room at a better temperature, (there’s an alley cat that discovered there is always food available in my kitchen so I now keep the window closed), the transition from a blank dark screen to panel off “0 black”(at least I believe it’s off as the room goes pitch black) that we discussed earlier now appears to happen almost simultaneous as opposed before when it took a few seconds and now on all sources and video settings, therefore Auto, YcrCb, or RGB 0-255 or RGB High (16-235) on my Apple TV2 and my Sony BD player, previously only on the Apple TV at 0-255.
I also noted earlier that my MLL appears to have dropped even more, obviously there’s a correlation between all of this, but I would like to know it anyone else is getting this 0 black transition between scenes which used to just stay dark grey until an image is portrayed.

PZ750 mentioned it also

Quote:
Originally Posted by pz750 View Post

I went ahead and changed the vy full counterclockwise on my pz750 along with moving setup and setdown clockwise and then backing off slightly. Now I do have better blacks but I have noticed something interesting that is happening when the screen turns black. I really need to gets some feeedback from others see if this is normal:

So when the screen goes black for more than 3 seconds, (between movie previews, loading screens on ps3, end of films, or any scene that goes to pitch black) the screen will turn off - and you can see the transition from the on state to the off state. once the program Im watching starts the next scene, the screen will come back on seamlessly without any evident switch back on.... anyways it makes the black scenes really cool and dark. I am loving it but dont know if this is safe/normal/gonna lead to short...

this is my experience and I am not sure if its normal or not but it definietly gives you ultimate blacks since the set is OFF!!

I only did this last night so not sure if it will last...

And like pz750 I'm wondering if this is transitional or a new added benefit. (meaning here to stay)
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post #1075 of 1329
2/9/12 at 11:26am
Quote:
Originally Posted by rob80b View Post

Hi bhazard

How's your set holding up, I see you've joined the Seaton Sound SubMersive1 gang, my younger brother is now totally equipped, Seaton Catalyst 8C's (LCR), Sparks (S,R), Dual Seaton Submersives JVC RS25 , 125" 2.35 screen, Integra 80.1, Oppo BDP-83, Audyssey Pro Kit, all this is installed in a black velvet draped dedicated HT room, talk about HT envy, thank god I only make it down east once a year
What's all this got with tweaking?, well after experiencing a full-blown system even the biggest and best plasmas pale in terms of comparisons when it comes to a totally immersive film and audio experience.

While the set has experienced some rise since I did the tweak months ago, it is still better than stock. The tv is now mounted so it is no longer easy to change settings at will. Set_up is already fully turned.

I upgraded my whole setup sound wise. The JBLs were an amazing bargain, and the Submersive is just a monstrous performer. I'm so impressed I may just sell a kidney on the black market for Catalysts.
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post #1076 of 1329
2/9/12 at 11:43am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by bhazard View Post

While the set has experienced some rise since I did the tweak months ago, it is still better than stock. The tv is now mounted so it is no longer easy to change settings at will. Set_up is already fully turned.

I upgraded my whole setup sound wise. The JBLs were an amazing bargain, and the Submersive is just a monstrous performer. I'm so impressed I may just sell a kidney on the black market for Catalysts.

There's something to be said about deep blacks and deep base for the HT.

I'll keep my fingers crossed and hope my blacks stay where they are.
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post #1077 of 1329
2/20/12 at 3:27am
Hello everyone.

The black level on my PK350 (european model) are laughable bad. It´s almost painful to watch dark scenes

I´m not very comfortable taking the back panel off but i may consider doing it (only ajusting the Set_Up clockwise a bit). Is there a sticker that breaks when taking it off?

Asking because i still got about a year warranty left.
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post #1078 of 1329
2/20/12 at 3:04pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ywap View Post

Hello everyone.

The black level on my PK350 (european model) are laughable bad. It´s almost painful to watch dark scenes

I´m not very comfortable taking the back panel off but i may consider doing it (only ajusting the Set_Up clockwise a bit). Is there a sticker that breaks when taking it off?

Asking because i still got about a year warranty left.

Hi Ywap

A bit of apprehension is good thing.
Prior DYI electronic projects could instill a bit of confidence but it's not rocket science, just use common sense when around exposed electronics, it is probably safe to say that 99% of those who have done the tweak had never opened a plasma before.
There is no sticker to break but in theory you do void the warranty so the choice is yours.
Also, if you've read through this thread you'll see that results do vary but either way you will lower you're MLL, by how much depends on your specific panel and not the model.

Good luck
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post #1079 of 1329
2/20/12 at 3:41pm
I just wanted to say thanks to everyone that posted tips, suggestions and shared their story. A massive thank you to rob80b for starting this thread if you are ever in Stoney Creek I owe you a few cold ones.

I read this thread probably 2 times from start to finish before I sacked up and gave the tweak a shot on my 60PZ550. I tried adjusting all the pots as suggested and the outcome was just amazing, however after a few days I felt the panel adjusted for voltage tweak and brightened up. I then tried adjusting the pots to their posted voltages with my voltmeter and that gave me a mind blowing picture....even my wife complimented on how DARK the blacks are. It's been a few weeks and the picture is still great.

Thanks again everybody.

Steve
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post #1080 of 1329
2/20/12 at 5:43pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by KGBSteve View Post

I just wanted to say thanks to everyone that posted tips, suggestions and shared their story. A massive thank you to rob80b for starting this thread if you are ever in Stoney Creek I owe you a few cold ones.

I read this thread probably 2 times from start to finish before I sacked up and gave the tweak a shot on my 60PZ550. I tried adjusting all the pots as suggested and the outcome was just amazing, however after a few days I felt the panel adjusted for voltage tweak and brightened up. I then tried adjusting the pots to their posted voltages with my voltmeter and that gave me a mind blowing picture....even my wife complimented on how DARK the blacks are. It's been a few weeks and the picture is still great.

Thanks again everybody.

Steve

Hi Steve thanks

Might take you up on that one day.

Here's a recent quote from one of the tweakers, rovex33 from the Avforums which may be of interest to some.
http://www.avforums.com/forums/lg-fo...thread-17.html

Quote:
Originally Posted by rovex33 View Post

Well after doing the blacks mod my blacks have been getting lighter and lighter, as some report. I decided to try the reset procedure, but didnt seem to need to do the whole thing.

I just turned the set_up and set_dn all the way counterclockwise and reset the power boards pot to normal, then raised the Set up and dn again to my taste and pixel noise limits. Blacks are back, no flickering. Didnt seem to need pulling any cables.

As for mine, the adjustments has been stable for almost two months, no problems and the MLL as I mentioned earlier may have actually lowered a tad more.
Just got around to watching the "Dark Knight" last night and was mightily impressed, totally different experience when your blacks are black, the first IMAX city sky scape at night was an eye opener.
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