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Official Panasonic VT50 owners thread - Page 211

post #6301 of 12523
8/29/12 at 1:05am
Here is a link to a review on the darblet.
http://www.avforums.com/reviews/DarbeeVision-Visual-Presence-DVP-5000-Darbee-Darblet-Video-Enhancement-Device-Review_352/Review.html

In the summery they noted.
Quote:
Had this been a processing control present in a TV or Projector would have almost certainly recommended it disabled. However, we also understand that not everyone cares about ultimate image fidelity and accuracy and, for those users, the Darblet might well appeal.

There are a few threads that are Darblet on AVS, those are the threads you may want to read and post in.

ss
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post #6302 of 12523
8/29/12 at 1:20am
Quote:
Originally Posted by joeldanganan View Post

Quote:
Originally Posted by TopperMcFly View Post

Don't forget the to order a Darblet with the savings! tongue.gif

Have you tested with the darblet without the tx-nr818? How do they compare?

They work together quite well actually. I have not tried without 818 in the mix. But I suspect the Darbee to be a positive addition regardless of what else is or is not in the video path. I will let you know if I try that.
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post #6303 of 12523
8/29/12 at 1:21am
Quote:
Originally Posted by WiFi-Spy View Post

Quote:
Originally Posted by TopperMcFly View Post

I will post a more thought on the Darblet when I have more time. For the time being, I will just say this. get one. Not only does this add depth and contrast, it also improves motion. Regardless of what pre pro or VP you may have, this is the biggest improvement you can make to your PQ for such a small investment.

I would compare the level of improvement to price ratio to be very equivalent to upgrading to an SSD drive for your personal computer. Dollar for dollar , there is not a better upgrade for PQ out there.

I am God smacked at how this thing performs. I see improvements in all content type, but the better the content, the better it seems to perform. I threw in Tangled, which is already visually stunning and this little gem blew the before pq out of the water.

I am sing the HD setting at 80% with no artifacts.

I knew I wasn't crazy smile.gif

No Sir. And thanks for the heads up on this device.
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post #6304 of 12523
8/29/12 at 1:28am
Quote:
Originally Posted by IceManKent View Post

Quote:
Originally Posted by TopperMcFly View Post

Here are my latest settings for those that want to try them. Big thanks to all that have contributed (wmwilker, Buzzard). After watching The Art of Flight last night, I have to say, if my settings are wrong, I don't wanna be right. biggrin.gif One of the toughest things to get just right is content with lots of snow scenes. I have never seen snow look so good and natural, and this is from a former 9G Elite owner that used D-Nice settings.
As long as my settings continue to beat THX, I will continue to provide them. And with continued support like I have been getting, they will only get better. IMO this is what our little community is all about. Buzz has been kind enough to run my numbers and provide reports on them. I am happy to see reports from others that are willing. I think we will find that panels may not vary quite as much as advertised although they will vary to some extent regardless. Anyway, enjoy
Topper Day Night Rev E.doc 28k .doc file
TopperRevE.xml 3k .xml file

TopperMcFly:
How did you arrive at these settings - was it trial and error, a calibration blu-ray, etc ?
What did you use as your starting point - if any ?

I just ran DNice's color slides for 150 hours and then used David K's (CNET) settings on my 65vt50 - (since DavidK aged his panel for 150 hrs also).
I find the settings pretty nice, except a bit more "yellow" than I am used to.
Whites are definitely not white if there is a full screen of white to be displayed.
Bits/pieces/text, etc of white on the screen looks white, however.

In any event, until DNice posts his settings, or otherwise, we will have to try different things.
I was just curious how you got your settings to the point they are at now - as they are quite different from the CNET settings.
I'll be trying yours out in the days to come.

Full screen whites never look white due to ABL kicking in.

And the derivation of my settings is unorthodox but effective. I will only say that it is a cooperative effort that has yet to seriously disappoint anyone. And don't hold your breath for D-Nice settings. smile.gif
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post #6305 of 12523
8/29/12 at 7:31am
Quote:
Originally Posted by TopperMcFly View Post

Full screen whites never look white due to ABL kicking in.
And the derivation of my settings is unorthodox but effective. I will only say that it is a cooperative effort that has yet to seriously disappoint anyone. And don't hold your breath for D-Nice settings. smile.gif

Hi Topper,

I tried your most recent settings last night and found them to be significantly brighter than the default thx, which I like a lot. So, kind of undecided at this point.

Wonder if I should try them out after I log more than 200+ hours (you are currently far more than that, right?).

In any case, thanks a lot for your efforts in keeping us lazy bums more lazy. smile.gif These are joyful exercises that helps us enjoy this fine product more.

And well, here is a controversial question: are you planning to have your TV professionally calibrated to check if it would be better/worse than your derived settings?

I ask only because there were a few posters who mentioned their professionally calibrated TV is way way better than the default thx setting. So, curious if you are curious to compare. biggrin.gif
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post #6306 of 12523
8/29/12 at 8:13am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mtrx View Post

I don't have professional calibration equipment. I'm keeping it on THX Bright Room setting and finding and it doesn't still feel dim when sun hits our windows and sliding door (I still have window coverings but not black outs). Also it feel like there is a gray dirty film on the screen in the THX mode but not in custom. I like THX more as it does have more detail. I'm new to calibration and not sure where to start. Are there any standard settings that I can copy from someone that will give me something close to professional calibration so that I can decide if I need to keep this TV or get Sony HX929. I know that Sony won't disappoint me but it's almost $2000 more..
You may just be an LED guy..... The biggest question is, can you even find a XBR-65HX929 ?
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post #6307 of 12523
8/29/12 at 9:15am
Quote:
Originally Posted by NYCPatsfan View Post

Quote:
Originally Posted by TopperMcFly View Post

Full screen whites never look white due to ABL kicking in.
And the derivation of my settings is unorthodox but effective. I will only say that it is a cooperative effort that has yet to seriously disappoint anyone. And don't hold your breath for D-Nice settings. smile.gif

Hi Topper,

I tried your most recent settings last night and found them to be significantly brighter than the default thx, which I like a lot. So, kind of undecided at this point.

Wonder if I should try them out after I log more than 200+ hours (you are currently far more than that, right?).

In any case, thanks a lot for your efforts in keeping us lazy bums more lazy. smile.gif These are joyful exercises that helps us enjoy this fine product more.

And well, here is a controversial question: are you planning to have your TV professionally calibrated to check if it would be better/worse than your derived settings?

I ask only because there were a few posters who mentioned their professionally calibrated TV is way way better than the default thx setting. So, curious if you are curious to compare. biggrin.gif

I am working on acquiring my own Cal equipment. I jump into things head first, so I hope to get my skills up to snuff at a fairly rapid rate. So I prolly won't pay for a calibration. I will do it myself. In the mean time, my settings are proving to be pretty solid based on reports I am getting from the field and other members. Certain aspects are a little off the mark but colors are dead nuts. I would venture to say that going from my settings to a good Cal may only provide a marginal increase in perceived PQ. But milking every last drop of pq is well worth it to many here, so a professional Cal may be worth it in that respect.
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post #6308 of 12523
8/29/12 at 9:40am
Good luck man! I am planning to use your current settings for a week before deciding whether to go back to the earlier ones. Will keep you posted.

Separate queries on ARC: I gathered from the earlier posts in this thread that the ARC works only when the aVR is connected to (hdmi) port 2 and not to any other port. Is that right?

If yes, should the optical cable also be connected only to port 2 to enable audio flowing from tV to speakers? I suspect no but ask because I currently have the AVR (which doesn't have any ARC) to port 1 and am not able to get the optical cable working.

Thanks bud!
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post #6309 of 12523
8/29/12 at 9:43am
Topper - I realize that you addressed the first part of my query in your feedback on amazon (ie ARC enabled AVRs must be connected to port 2 only). So, please ignore it. Thanks,
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post #6310 of 12523
8/29/12 at 10:03am
Quote:
Originally Posted by NYCPatsfan View Post

Good luck man! I am planning to use your current settings for a week before deciding whether to go back to the earlier ones. Will keep you posted.
Separate queries on ARC: I gathered from the earlier posts in this thread that the ARC works only when the aVR is connected to (hdmi) port 2 and not to any other port. Is that right?
If yes, should the optical cable also be connected only to port 2 to enable audio flowing from tV to speakers? I suspect no but ask because I currently have the AVR (which doesn't have any ARC) to port 1 and am not able to get the optical cable working.
Thanks bud!

Remember settings don't always translate well from one TV to anther. That goes for D-Nice settings as well. Topper's settings are certainly in the right direction and should be better than OOTB THX settings in almost all cases.

If I wasn't out of town I would plug in Topper's settings and watch a blu-ray to compare them to THX Cinema and my calibrated ISF Night
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post #6311 of 12523
8/29/12 at 10:06am
Quote:
Originally Posted by NYCPatsfan View Post

Topper - I realize that you addressed the first part of my query in your feedback on amazon (ie ARC enabled AVRs must be connected to port 2 only). So, please ignore it. Thanks,
NYC: That's correct and it works perfectly on my Pioneer VSX-32 for streaming video and OTA DTV.
However, on a related note, I'm wondering if Topper, or anyone else, with a Darblet between the AVR and the VT50, has had any problem using the ARC function.
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post #6312 of 12523
8/29/12 at 10:25am
Did anybody experience intolerably high black luminance jump in the Professional/ISF modes?

I hoped to calibrate a 55VT50E last night but I had to refuse the job because I saw and measured too high black levels in the Professional modes and I could do nothing to fix it.
The settings didn't matter at all and every other mode produced the expected ~0.010 cd/m^2 (except the Professional with it's ~0.022 cd/m^2).

What the hell? eek.gif
Last time I had to say "Sorry, I can't do it, just use the THX mode" I spent hours with a VT30 for nothing. Now, one year later it's the flagship Panasonic model AGAIN which forces me to an unpleasant situation like this. :god: :facepalm: :suicide:


It was a European model but I am curious if the same thing happens in the US...
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post #6313 of 12523
8/29/12 at 10:34am
Just got my 65" VT50 delivered by CEVA. Guys were great: they unpackaged it, put it on the stand, and put it on my cabinet. I tipped them $20 for their time.

I like it a lot, looks really great. I just now plugged it in so no calibration has been done, but THX Cinema Bright Room looks pretty good in my fairly bright room. However, in my current house, I've got windows directly behind the couch, and there is a pretty darn harsh glare when the blinds are open. I am upgrading from a 50" GT25, and did not notice any difference in the "upgraded" filter that is supposed to better protect against glare. Also, the silver edge really reflects light and is actually distracting.

I am moving in 2 months and these things will not be a problem in my new dark man cave, I just want to make sure people don't have unrealistic expectations. I went with the VT model in large part because I had (unrealistic) high expectations as to what it could do with glare.

Picture showing off the reflective silver edges:



Pictures showing the glare:



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post #6314 of 12523
8/29/12 at 11:28am
Quote:
Originally Posted by TopperMcFly View Post

I did not say Pandora did I Rogo? I said Menu. And stop being nasty for 5 minutes please. wink.gif

Nasty? Really? There isn't a word of personal attack. There's a series of questions. People who find that "nasty" need to grow a thicker skin. Seriously.
Quote:
I will say persistent IR that looks just as bad after running a pixel flipper every night for 8+ hours for over 30 days. Is that more acceptable to you? I do try so hard to live up to your standards. But please stop embarrassing me in front if my friends. OK Dad? biggrin.gif

I just don't believe it won't fade. If it doesn't, it's in fact burned in. Everything we know about how the TV works indicates that isn't the case. I'll admit that 250 hours should be enough to undo whatever amount of time you spent in the menus. I'm unclear why it hasn't been. But I just don't believe it's permanent as I can't understand a mechanism by which it would be.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cleveland Plasma View Post

You may just be an LED guy..... The biggest question is, can you even find a XBR-65HX929 ?

Fortunately, Sony has at last announced a replacement. Unfortunately, if past is prologue it could be 6+ months before one could buy one.
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post #6315 of 12523
8/29/12 at 11:48am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jbrady3324 View Post

Remember settings don't always translate well from one TV to anther. That goes for D-Nice settings as well. Topper's settings are certainly in the right direction and should be better than OOTB THX settings in almost all cases.
If I wasn't out of town I would plug in Topper's settings and watch a blu-ray to compare them to THX Cinema and my calibrated ISF Night

Understood! I have four settings saved in a word document and plan to go with the one that is most appealing to my eyes given by tv-set up at home (bright room!). And, after every 50 hours of viewing, I thought of testing the other settings to see if it makes any difference.

Wish there was a way to save at least three custom settings so that I don't have to go thru every option again. smile.gif
Quote:
Originally Posted by Roxme View Post

NYC: That's correct and it works perfectly on my Pioneer VSX-32 for streaming video and OTA DTV.
However, on a related note, I'm wondering if Topper, or anyone else, with a Darblet between the AVR and the VT50, has had any problem using the ARC function.

Roxme - thanks but forgive me for writing so bady. Let me re-write my second query: I currently have my cable HDMI input into the AVR and the AVR hdmi output to Port 1 of the TV; there is an optical cable between the AVR and TV. Since the optical is not working, should I connect the AVR hdmi to the TV's Port 2?

Thanks!
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post #6316 of 12523
8/29/12 at 11:56am
Quote:
Originally Posted by MUPPPP View Post

Just got my 65" VT50 delivered by CEVA. Guys were great: they unpackaged it, put it on the stand, and put it on my cabinet. I tipped them $20 for their time.
I like it a lot, looks really great. I just now plugged it in so no calibration has been done, but THX Cinema Bright Room looks pretty good in my fairly bright room. However, in my current house, I've got windows directly behind the couch, and there is a pretty darn harsh glare when the blinds are open. I am upgrading from a 50" GT25, and did not notice any difference in the "upgraded" filter that is supposed to better protect against glare. Also, the silver edge really reflects light and is actually distracting.
I am moving in 2 months and these things will not be a problem in my new dark man cave, I just want to make sure people don't have unrealistic expectations. I went with the VT model in large part because I had (unrealistic) high expectations as to what it could do with glare.
]

Well, I have it worse in my condo - floor-to-ceiling glass on the entire back wall that goes way past the couch; which means that my TV picks up the glare/reflections of the glasses on both sides of my couch! eek.gif.

However, I knew of this and still purchased the TV because I rationalized that we watch the TV more during the evening.

So, quite content with it but agree with your point that people shouldn't have unrealistic expectations on aspects that cannot be controlled by the TV - such as our viewing area. smile.gif
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post #6317 of 12523
8/29/12 at 11:57am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Thunderduck View Post

Topper, no need to respond. Just ordered from AVS.

How can I order from AVS?
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post #6318 of 12523
8/29/12 at 12:03pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by flmsrgn View Post

How can I order from AVS?

Sorry. Just figured it out. Thought AVS referred to this forum.
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post #6319 of 12523
8/29/12 at 12:04pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by NYCPatsfan View Post

Understood! I have four settings saved in a word document and plan to go with the one that is most appealing to my eyes given by tv-set up at home (bright room!). And, after every 50 hours of viewing, I thought of testing the other settings to see if it makes any difference.
Wish there was a way to save at least three custom settings so that I don't have to go thru every option again. smile.gif
Roxme - thanks but forgive me for writing so bady. Let me re-write my second query: I currently have my cable HDMI input into the AVR and the AVR hdmi output to Port 1 of the TV; there is an optical cable between the AVR and TV. Since the optical is not working, should I connect the AVR hdmi to the TV's Port 2?
Thanks!
Unless your AVR supports ARC, this will not allow the audio to pass from the TV back to the AVR via ARC.
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post #6320 of 12523
8/29/12 at 12:06pm
Hey Topper - I PM'd u again...I'm gonna be out the rest of the day, but I ordered this little sucker last night and Amazon has already shipped (I LOVE Amazon). Hoping you could help me with the set up. Thanks buddy.
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post #6321 of 12523
8/29/12 at 12:14pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by NYCPatsfan View Post

Understood! I have four settings saved in a word document and plan to go with the one that is most appealing to my eyes given by tv-set up at home (bright room!). And, after every 50 hours of viewing, I thought of testing the other settings to see if it makes any difference.
Wish there was a way to save at least three custom settings so that I don't have to go thru every option again. smile.gif
Roxme - thanks but forgive me for writing so bady. Let me re-write my second query: I currently have my cable HDMI input into the AVR and the AVR hdmi output to Port 1 of the TV; there is an optical cable between the AVR and TV. Since the optical is not working, should I connect the AVR hdmi to the TV's Port 2?
Thanks!

You could get controlcal from Turbe. That will unlock ISF night and ISF Day which are based on custom. That way you will have three custom settings
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post #6322 of 12523
8/29/12 at 12:30pm
Now that the darbee is out in the wild, has anyone tried it with 3D? Any improvement?
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post #6323 of 12523
8/29/12 at 12:45pm
NYC: Okay, I think I see your problem. You may need to go into the audio setting on the TV to activate the optical output. You should be able to output audio when the TV is the source with the optical hooked to an active input on your AVR, unless the AVR is the issue. Alternatively, if you're thinking of using the ARC (HDMI2) function to output audio to a non-ARC AVR, I assume you would have to hook the other end of the HDMI cable (from the TV HDMI2) to an open HDMI input on your AVR. I can't say that would work for sure, but I don't think it would hurt to try.
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post #6324 of 12523
8/29/12 at 1:19pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by NateDoggg View Post

Hey Topper - I PM'd u again...I'm gonna be out the rest of the day, but I ordered this little sucker last night and Amazon has already shipped (I LOVE Amazon). Hoping you could help me with the set up. Thanks buddy.

Sure bud. Hit me up later on tonight.
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post #6325 of 12523
8/29/12 at 1:34pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cleveland Plasma View Post

You may just be an LED guy..... The biggest question is, can you even find a XBR-65HX929 ?

XBR-65HX929 is still available from several retailers but 950 was just announced today, so for the same price I'd take that TV. Considering that I could never find 929 for under $4900 online.
I do like the motion and pleasant feel of Plasma but watching VT50 reminds me of my old theater room that had projector which was very dim.
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post #6326 of 12523
8/29/12 at 1:39pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by MUPPPP View Post

Just got my 65" VT50 delivered by CEVA. Guys were great: they unpackaged it, put it on the stand, and put it on my cabinet. I tipped them $20 for their time.
I like it a lot, looks really great. I just now plugged it in so no calibration has been done, but THX Cinema Bright Room looks pretty good in my fairly bright room. However, in my current house, I've got windows directly behind the couch, and there is a pretty darn harsh glare when the blinds are open. I am upgrading from a 50" GT25, and did not notice any difference in the "upgraded" filter that is supposed to better protect against glare. Also, the silver edge really reflects light and is actually distracting.
I am moving in 2 months and these things will not be a problem in my new dark man cave, I just want to make sure people don't have unrealistic expectations. I went with the VT model in large part because I had (unrealistic) high expectations as to what it could do with glare.
Picture showing off the reflective silver edges:

Pictures showing the glare:


Agree with you on the silver frame that reflects the light and distracts viewing.. Your room is not anywhere near as bright as mine. If I had that much light in my living during the peak hours when sun is strong then I'd keep this TV but unfortunately picture even in THX Bright Room gets sooooo dim that I don't even enjoy watching TV. Yes we don't watch TV a lot during these times but why keep an expensive TV that can't perform well at any time of the day.
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post #6327 of 12523
8/29/12 at 2:54pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Roxme View Post

NYC: Okay, I think I see your problem. You may need to go into the audio setting on the TV to activate the optical output. You should be able to output audio when the TV is the source with the optical hooked to an active input on your AVR, unless the AVR is the issue. Alternatively, if you're thinking of using the ARC (HDMI2) function to output audio to a non-ARC AVR, I assume you would have to hook the other end of the HDMI cable (from the TV HDMI2) to an open HDMI input on your AVR. I can't say that would work for sure, but I don't think it would hurt to try.

Thanks Roxme. I don't recollect playing with the TV's audio setting to activate the optical output. Let me give it a shot tonight and see if that fixes it.

I hear you on the other option too, but my old AVR has only two HDMI inputs! I know I know...I am at least a decade behind the tech wave but am content for now to watch cable, internet and dvds.

All this will be moot once I get a new AVR. But then, god knows how long that will take. biggrin.gif

Thanks again, will bother you if I have trouble with the optical output. smile.gif
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post #6328 of 12523
8/29/12 at 3:12pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Roxme View Post

Quote:
Originally Posted by NYCPatsfan View Post

Topper - I realize that you addressed the first part of my query in your feedback on amazon (ie ARC enabled AVRs must be connected to port 2 only). So, please ignore it. Thanks,
NYC: That's correct and it works perfectly on my Pioneer VSX-32 for streaming video and OTA DTV.
However, on a related note, I'm wondering if Topper, or anyone else, with a Darblet between the AVR and the VT50, has had any problem using the ARC function.

Huge disappointment.HDMI control works but ARC does not. I already have an optical run, but now i have to press an extra button to change audio inputs. Super easy work around, but still disappointed i have to deviate from my perfect setup.
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post #6329 of 12523
8/29/12 at 3:24pm
Hey guys, I have a quick question. Sometimes when I leave my room I walk past the tv very close. I heard people talking about the scan lines in the blacks on this tv. Is it supposed to be just one line scanning up or is it a bunch in a row. I can't see it from about a foot away but sometimes when I get a new tv and see something I haven't seen before I automatically think I am unlucky and it is a defect. (I have OCD) It kind of looks like thin horizontal stripes scanning vertically about a pixel width thick and a couple pixels wide in between each line, does this sound right?

I love this tv and just want to make sure it's normal. Once I step back even a foot away they dissapear so it's not a problem at all.
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post #6330 of 12523
8/29/12 at 4:20pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by strong island 1 View Post

Hey guys, I have a quick question. Sometimes when I leave my room I walk past the tv very close. I heard people talking about the scan lines in the blacks on this tv. Is it supposed to be just one line scanning up or is it a bunch in a row. I can't see it from about a foot away but sometimes when I get a new tv and see something I haven't seen before I automatically think I am unlucky and it is a defect. (I have OCD) It kind of looks like thin horizontal stripes scanning vertically about a pixel width thick and a couple pixels wide in between each line, does this sound right?

I love this tv and just want to make sure it's normal. Once I step back even a foot away they dissapear so it's not a problem at all.

Normal bro. Enjoy
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