Official Vizio M3D470KDE Owner's Thread - Page 3

Did your television come with the update installed? I would find this somewhat surprising as it is just beginning to roll out, but considering how big of a cluster **** vizio has been with this.... I really wouldn't be all too surprised/...

Still no update as of yesterday.

No, it didn't have the new update on it... i'm assuming the TV's they had there had been sitting around for a little while (They DID have 19 of them in stock after all). But I just turned the TV on now, and it said that an update was installed. Now it's on 3.12.1.

Just got my 3.12.1 update this AM (29JAN2013). I've never had it hooked direct, since I could always access my Netflix account and see my Instant Queue, it sure seems that the wireless connection was fine.

Having to hook direct is either for different problems, or more Vizio wild-goose chase.

Not thrilled though - wasn't this first reported in October? So something like three months for resolution? So what if Netflix makes another change that affects Vizio, will we be out for another 3 months, with no information, and being told to reset our TVs, go wired Ethernet, stand on one foot while pressing the menu button?

And no 'instant 10 second rewind' like the ROKU - I really like that feature.

Was actually hoping I would not get it today, so I could push Costco for the cost of a ROKU box. Oh well.

Well, i'm thinking maybe the compatibility issue between the two was probably because of the change to Netflix's maximum streaming devices policy.

As for the update, it may be a bit of a placebo effect, but it seems that the menu's navigate a little faster. Meaning, there doesn't seem to be nearly as much lag when pressing the up and down buttons to navigate between the inputs and such.

So I received my TV from amazon and had to replace it because of a dead pixel. The new unit arrived yesterday.

1. I set up the unit and connected to WiFi(no Ethernet)
2. I DID register my TV with vizio right away on the initial set up screen.
3. I played with the TV for a bit and noticed firmware was the older one version 2.something
4. Note that the TV was of a new batch that amazon received last week from vizio since they were out of stock of old batch. So I think newer models don't come prepared installed with firmware 3
5. I turned my TV on this morning to notice a message that firmware was updated to 3.

I don't know if registering makes a difference or no but maybe it does. I hope all of you will soon get the update.

This TV is excellent I'm happy with my purchase.

So last night (02/01/2013) I had spoken to a manager at Vizio - Ashley. She seemed very irritated that I was calling simply to see why I haven't gotten the update. As I pointed out to her, I bought the television in October, and still have not received the update, whereas people recently purchasing the tv have already gotten it. While speaking with a stern tone in her voice she gave me some new information:

They anticipate all televisions recieving the update by the end of MARCH (ARE YOU JOKING)... so, might be waiting a bit longer.

She also informed me that the televisions aren't being updated by their serial number according to manufacture date, but as to when the television's serial # pings their server (which is all fine and dandy, but if I bought the tv in OCTOBER how have I not gotten the update? she had no answer, set the phone done for approximately 2 minutes and then came back).

I am ultimately beginning to assume that I have a faulty television but they have declined to send a technician out to resolve the issue.

Prior to this television, I had purchase many other vizios with great personal experience, but the poor launch and support around this tv is quickly pushing me away from any future business with them.

October to March is just ridiculous, without some sort of compensation. Have you talked with Sam's Club reps? My Costco rep at least had some sympathy, but since I did get the update after the second 2-week promise (I only contacted Costco after the first promise was broken), I dropped the issue. If I did not get it in that time frame, I would have at least pressed for a refund equal to the cost of a ROKU box.

IMO, this should fit under the one year (two years at Sams?) warranty. Netflix does not work, it is an advertised feature. Maybe the threat of returning it would loosen up the $80 for a ROKU? IMO, the ROKU is better anyhow - you get that 'instant rewind' button, w/o waiting for buffering.

And what if there is another FW update required sometime? Will we wait 6 months for that update? If that is after the warranty period, we won't have any leverage. I might just call Costco again anyhow, to express my dissatisfaction, and relate your story. If this does happen again, at least I will have it on record with them.

-KenC

So I got my first TV from Amazon with dead pixel and got it replaced. The replacement set initially looked great and I even got the update a day later(it updated automatically) But at night I noticed that my TV has bright area on the lower part both on the left and right. It only appears against darker screens. So I called Vizio this time not Amazon and after sending him some pictures that it is indeed annoying he offered a replacement on site. So this is the 2nd set that turned to be defective. I am starting to worry if I ever will get a normally working one.

I dunno about a roku, but 80 dollars would be nice. A roku is a waste of money if you ask me. Any Blu ray player does the same thing a roku does and also, well, plays Blu rays. It does suck that you haven't gotten the update. I'm still in email war trying to get a replacement unit because of my speaker.

i did get update finally after almost 2 months. i also got rid of soap opera effect for regular tv by choosing game mode in tv settings (not picture settings) but cannot say same for netflix now that it is working. any ideas?

Lurker survey:
How many M3Dxx0KDE Owner's realized they had a PIP function prior to the Visio firmware update? Visio never advertised PIP on this model, but it was available using the PIP button from an older model flat screen remote. Kind of mute since it is gone forever with the last "upgrade". However, the freeze still works. Bet you didn't know you had freeze either. Try it.

Clarification.. Remote must be, an old Visio tv remote, or a universal remote with only Visio codes. Don't confuse the remote with codes from other PIP capable equipment.

What information/sources do you have to confirm that the function is gone with the new firmware update?

Information/sources = My observations and check out Baggers post regarding the M3D47OKD in the LCD Flat Panels Display forum. Doesn't it give you a chill to think Visio could remove any feature you enjoy, or brick your TV without recourse? I'm amazed no one else has found these hidden features and posted regarding loss of same. Virgin sets that have not been hooked to the internet should still have the hidden features if accessed with a Visio remote that has the proper buttons, not the new fancy keyboard sold with these "SMART" TVs.

I would double check your sources then...

Notice how the television you mentioned in your previous post is a KD model, where as you are posting in a KDE thread. You are referring to the old television set which is completely different. Different main board, settings, etc.

With regards to your comment about bricking a television without recourse? I am not sure where that is coming from... if they started doing that they would be sued. Also - any software related issues would most likely be covered under 1 year Vizio warranty along with any additional warranty that was purchased through retail or squaretrade.

I would like to also note, that the television is not advertised as having PIP functionality. I have not used such a function, nor have I seen any other users mention it with the KDE model. Therefore, again - your statement about Vizio "removing features" is false.

As far as my status - I still have not received an updated firmware as of yet.

So... as of 02/15/2013 - Still no firmware update.

HOWEVER - Netflix is now working on my television. This is a definite plus, but I am still eager for the new menu fixes/improvements.

02/16/2013 - Connected television to ethernet = Instant update.

Steps if you have not received the update:

1.) Power cycle the television (turn if off, unplug it, hold power for 30 seconds)
2.) Plug in ethernet cable from modem/router
3.) Turn on television for @5 minutes
4.) Turn off television for @5 minutes
5.) Turn on television. Update should have installed at which time a pop-up will appear on the screen stating the new version.
Edited by Jonathan3300 - 2/16/13 at 9:37am

@ Jonathan3300

I don't understand how Netflix could be working if you didn't get the FW update? Sorry, I don't have time to go back and read earlier posts, but are you sure you were looking at the "TV System" Firmware (I'm not near my TV, so I can't check exact syntax)? Maybe you were looking at some Netflix version? IIRC, it was under HELP, SYSTEM INFO, and down about 5 entries - something like that?

I suppose a router could be responsible for blocking certain info needed to trigger the update (I'm not very knowledgeable about networking, just the basics to get it set up and PW secured). But other than that, most people seem to have got the update with no interaction, other than a normal ON/OFF/ON.

I'm just curious, it's working and that's the key. This info might help others though.

PS - I'm far less grumpy, now that this is working. But if it happens again, and there is an extended outage, I'm going to be grumpy^2.

kenc

Yes, Netflix was working last night prior to my Firmware update today (I was on 2.37.7 i think it was? I had given up on even trying it - but I thought I'd check into it since my girlfriend likes to watch a show that is on Netflix, clicked it - and it worked. I was shocked.

When I first bought the TV (october) Netflix worked - then Netflix changed some security coding on their servers which caused the outage with the M3D470KDE - so I assume that Netflix has resolved the issue on their end.

That being said - I have now recieved the update and everything is still working.

With regards to the router issue - this is often seen in PC video games, where a port forward trigger / port forwarding may be required. If I find anything firm regarding that with a Vizio response I will post it.

BTW food for thought - I have a Netgear WNDR 4500 (N900) Not the newest or top tier router - but very close to it.

Just an FYI - I have to most recent firmware and the PIP still works with my cable DVR remote, though I never use the PIP anyway. Also this tv is not advertised with PIP.

Check your cable DVR manual. The DVR may have PIP capability. My M3D470KDE used to access pip function without a PIP capable accessory. Was the update 3.12.1 firmware? Thanks for the input.

One question that I have for everyone: **These symptoms were experienced with original firmware and now on 3.12.1 as well as having the tv wireless and wired to a 20mb/s download connection**

When using YouTube - I often run into buffering issues. All other apps works seamlessly (Vudu HDX quality with no problems).

I feel as though this may just be youtube's servers as occasionally my other devices will buffer at peak times. Yet, if I hit buffering on my television, and pull the same video up on my laptop, my laptop will not buffer (usually) even with hd selected.

I have also ran into a few Youtube videos that cannot be played on the television (Comes up with an error to the extent of - not supported), but will play on any mobile device & computer. Any thoughts?

Lets keep this thread rolling.
Edited by Jonathan3300 - 2/20/13 at 1:53pm

From menu > Settings > Game Mode > On

For what it's worth, my TV, out of box, has had zero problems with Netflix, Pandora, or anything really. I received a message that my firmware had been updated, apparently done overnight while the TV was off the first night, the menu system is much more responsive now. Sam's Club has these at $648 right now but this model is marked discontinued in their system so once their gone, they are gone.

Can anyone respond if this TV has a straight or right angle power cord? I just ordered the TV and need to order a longer cord.

Thanks.

The TV has straight angle with only two prongs that plug in the electric outlet. I hope this answers your question.


I did get my 3rd TV. Out of the box Netflix worked with the older firmware. No problems. I got the update a day later just like the two prior TV. Netflix app still works but different menu.

The 3rd TV still has bleeding on corners. It's so annoying as this second replacement was directly from the manufacturer VIZIO. I am so sad about this since the second unit had less bleed than this one. But I have decided not to call them immediately and wait.. Actually it seems to be getting better with time and less bleed is noticeable. Does anyone know anything about this? Maybe shipping and handling affects the screen temporarily?

Advise please if u should return

Bleeding is going to happen in almost any edge lit LED television. It is the nature of how the backlight works. Try setting your television to the settings I listed previously. That should significantly help with being able to notice and such bleeding.

Thank you sir. I will tonight when I go home.

No problem.

Another thing to check - which also helped on my set.

I noticed that the display (the actual LCD panel) is not secured firmly in the bezel/case of the tv. Therefore if I gently press on the screen in the upper left/right corners, the screen will move backwards.

In my opinion, this is an issue of quality control, as I believe the bezel should be tight to the panel. If the bezel is tight to the panel - this would also help reduce the "bleed."

However - the panel may intentionally float in the case for durability issues (shipping & handling) as a floating screen increases flex and in turn reduces the chance of the television breaking.

Just something I noticed on my television as when I looked closely, the bezel wasn't 100% aligned with the panel. Not a big deal as it doesn't affect my viewing experience.

Figures....I bought a right angle 3 prong. Is the 2 conductor cable polarized?