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The OFFICIAL KD-36XS955 Thread... - Page 14

post #391 of 946
6/14/05 at 5:39am
Quote:
Originally Posted by TheBlend View Post

I'm thinking of getting the 36XS955!!!!

At first I was considering the 34XBR960, but I feel the screen isn't big enough and the 36XS955 is perfect.

So from reading the forums there aren't much of a difference between the two in 16:9? If the HD is similar in display then 36XS955 is the one im gunning for.....also once it is in HD I understand it will crop the top and bottom, is there a setting to make it fullscreen regardless? Like vka mentioned will the black on top and bottom cause problems later?

I want to hear everyone's thought on the 36XS955 and the 34XBR960!!

Thanks!

It doesn't crop the image, it squeezes it down to the proper aspect ratio of 16x9. The 16x9 image size on the 36XS is about equivalent to a 33" widescreen.

There is a zoom feature on the remote that allows you to expand the picture to the sides, top and bottom and in both directions.
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post #392 of 946
6/14/05 at 1:43pm
This was my experience also. Additionally, Sonystyle's 30-day return policy apparently starts from the day of shipment, not when the set is delivered. In my case the delivery took 2 weeks - thus the 30-day got cut in half.
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post #393 of 946
6/18/05 at 8:24pm
ANNOUNCEMENT. Big 2-part article #13 now posted in Sony Service Codes thread on focusing these sets.
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post #394 of 946
6/19/05 at 12:51pm
The big ol' box arrived on Friday, and I've been enjoying it all weekend.

The PQ wasn't bad right out of the box, once I got it out of torch mode. But I'm wondering where to go first with tweaks -- right into the service menu, or try to burnin/live with it a bit? Also, I'm wondering what's the best way to adjust non-DVD connected inputs (such as the ATSC tuner)?

I have AVIA for the DVD side.

And HD TiVo about to be installed...whoopee!
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post #395 of 946
6/20/05 at 1:00pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by KenTech View Post

First, I guessed that 1080 would be the right vertical dimension, and I needed to either confirm it or discover what it should be. So I created on my computer, in Photoshop, a pure-90%-white image of exactly 1080h X 1440w. Then I used another graphics program to generate a large block of horizontal 1-pixel dark-gray lines in two versions: (a) alternating dark and light lines, i.e. 1 out of 2 dark; and (b) 1 of every 4 lines dark. I pasted these onto the template in Photoshop and saved as highest-quality jpg files. I fugured I would be easily able to spot the resampling artifacts with such a pattern if any resampling was taking place.

The pattern displayed perfectly, if annoyingly: each dark line, it turns out, was in only one of the two fields of the interlaced frame, and so they flickered madly at 30Hz. This proved that one line of my test patteern equaled one line on the TV. The 1440 width also proved that the pixels were square. A similar pattern made at 1080h X 1920w (9:16) was scaled by the TV to show full-width, but the height was resampled by the TV to fit a smaller portion of the screen. (This size has proved useful to folks with 34" sets, I have been told.)

So I proceeded to make a bunch of dynamite test patterns for MS use, and they are posted as attachments in the Sony Service Codes thread in messages nos. 24, 27-29, and 43-45. (I think that's al of them.) I couldn't have done the research for article #12 without these patterns.

I want permission to use the JPGs in a test Memory Stick (when I can finally pull the trigger on the KV-30XS955 I have my eye on) for image calibration purposes (the 30", like all other XS models, supports da Stick).
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post #396 of 946
6/20/05 at 5:15pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by PGHammer View Post

I want permission to use the JPGs in a test Memory Stick . . .

Thoughtful of you to ask, but I really intend them to be in the public domain, no strings attached.
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post #397 of 946
6/23/05 at 8:11am
I'm less than a week into xs955 heaven -- and still floating on a soft, downy cloud of PQ. But the audio has me stumped:

I'm running audio from the "Monitor" output on the XS955 to my Dolby Pro Logic receiver, and out to a 5.1 speaker setup. I get audio at the Monitor jacks when watching SD programming on any input, but not when viewing digital programming (SD or HD) delivered via cable or OTA. Also, the jacks go dead when watching progressive video from my DVD player.

Is this normal?

Is there any way to get audio output for all sources?

Is there any way to use the XS955 as the "switcher" for audio to the surround system (as I was doing with my previous Panny set), or do I need to cable all the sources separately, then switch the receiver and XS955 to the same source?

Thanks in advance for any help...
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post #398 of 946
6/23/05 at 9:24am
Quote:
Originally Posted by TwinCityTVHound View Post

I'm running audio from the "Monitor" output on the XS955 to my Dolby Pro Logic receiver, and out to a 5.1 speaker setup. I get audio at the Monitor jacks when watching SD programming on any input, but not when viewing digital programming (SD or HD) delivered via cable or OTA. Also, the jacks go dead when watching progressive video from my DVD player.

Is this normal?

Is there any way to get audio output for all sources?

Is there any way to use the XS955 as the "switcher" for audio to the surround system (as I was doing with my previous Panny set), or do I need to cable all the sources separately, then switch the receiver and XS955 to the same source?

Yes, this is normal. Digital programming has digital audio, which is only output via the optical TosLink jack. The TV won't convert digital audio to analog, or vice versa. I have the optical output hooked up to one of the optical inputs on my receiver, and I didn't even connect the analog outputs. I think the TV has pretty good stereo sound, so if I'm watching analog TV (which is rare), I just use the TV's speakers. If I'm watching a digital channel, I'll use the receiver for audio so I can take advantage of 5.1 (if it's being broadcast that way).

Since the TV doesn't have any digital audio inputs, it doesn't work as a switcher for my setup. Basically, I have all my video sources going into the TV, and all my audio sources going into my receiver. So I use the TV to select the video and the receiver to select the audio. It's a little bit of a hassle, but since the HD tuner is built in to the TV, I can't route that through the receiver, so I find it easier (and perhaps a little better looking) to use the TV to switch all video sources.
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post #399 of 946
6/23/05 at 3:34pm
Appreciate the info, higgs05. The manual was unclear (or silent) on this point.

I happen to have an outboard D/A converter. Wonder if I could use that to decode the optical output and send it into my amp...
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post #400 of 946
6/26/05 at 12:18pm
found a floor model 36xs955 but the picture quality looks worse than the 34 widescreens next to it. it just did not show the detail of the others. it is at lakeland fl bb if anyone wants to check it out, also after a year on the sales floor quite a bit of usage. thanks
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post #401 of 946
6/27/05 at 6:37pm
Would a REFURBISHED 36XS955 for $1099+tax be worth it? I have a local Sony outlet near me and they have refurbished models. I even saw a 36XBR800 that they were selling for more than the 36XS955 which i thought was a little crazy. Apparently these prices are set in stone, so there is no bartering

I know it is refurbished, and this will be the main tv for me. I am a little jittery about that, but wondered if it was worth it.

Also, do these XS955 have PIp(split screen)? I never thought I would care for PIP, but the split screen is nice. Especially with football season coming up. It is a nice feature I never thought I would want.
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post #402 of 946
6/27/05 at 7:05pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by STEELERSRULE View Post

Would a REFURBISHED 36XS955 for $1099+tax be worth it?
I have a local Sony outlet near me and they have refurbished models.

DO IT! If they'll provide warranty and service, this is a steal!

Quote:
I even saw a 36XBR800 that they were selling for more than the 36XS955 which i thought was a little crazy. Apparently these prices are set in stone, so there is no bartering

I know it is refurbished, and this will be the main tv for me. I am a little jittery about that, but wondered if it was worth it.

Also, do these XS955 have PIp(split screen)? I never thought I would care for PIP, but the split screen is nice. Especially with football season coming up. It is a nice feature I never thought I would want.

No, the WS xs does not have PIP. That's why one of the reasons I went for the XBR960. The XBR800 does have PIP.

So, if you want PIP with Sony, methinks you must go XBR. I'm not sure if the 36xs955 has PIP, but I'm sure an owner will be along shortly to tell us.
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post #403 of 946
6/27/05 at 8:20pm
I bought a refurb computer monitor from Sony. Darn thing went bad on me. I vowed never to buy refurb again.
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post #404 of 946
6/27/05 at 8:22pm
Local BB has three sets available for local pickup after purchase on their web site. There seems to be a concensus that these are very good sets and worth the money. Price is $1499 with a free stand. Any thoughts?
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post #405 of 946
6/27/05 at 10:05pm

>

The TV itself does not have it, but often the cable box does. For example, I have PIP through my TimeWarner STB (HD with DVR). I should qualify this though - PIP is only for cable channels. You can not mix diffrent sources on same screen (say displaying DVD and cable at same time).

I personally find little use for this feature - the 36" screen is not that big to begin with even before splitting - but others may find it more useful.
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post #406 of 946
6/27/05 at 10:11pm
It's an OK deal. Sonystyle has been offering this for $200 more like forever - free stand, delivery and 18-month zero financing included. Still $200 is nothing to sneeze at ):
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post #407 of 946
6/28/05 at 12:58am
I just found this site tonight and I hope you guys can answer some questions for me since the guys at my BB don't seem to know the anwers. I purchased the HP Media entertainment center two weeks ago. I have a first generation 36XBR HDTV. Since the TV doesn't have a DVI port I could only hook the media center up by componet video in. This will only allow me to use 480dpi for my computer resolution on the TV resulting in a very large desktop and not being able to fit everything on the screen and sad PQ from my HD Sat that is plugged into the media center. I also hooked the HD Satellite with components directly into the DVD video in on the TV since the picture through the media center sucked and there was also a several second delay when using the remote and action happening on the TV. It seems the only way to correct this is to purchase a new TV. It seems as though the 36XS955 is the way to go since it has a HDVI imput. This should allow me to use a higher dpi setting and get a much sharper desktop. Please let me know what you think. I don't think I would get a better PQ with a plasma or LCD and weight is no problem but I am limited to a 40 inch wide set.
I must say that the media center is very cool in that I can now do email and internet from my TV via a full wireless system.
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post #408 of 946
6/28/05 at 3:12pm
wohlstad

thanks for your insight on the value. Any opinion on the tv quality? Seems most posters think this is a very good set. BB has the advantage of being close and they do have an extended warranty.
thanks
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post #409 of 946
6/28/05 at 4:30pm
As far as the quality, you can not do better than these Sonys with superfine pitch tubes.

There are arguments over 36" 4:3 vs. 34" 16:9, but the 36xs will produce 33" picture in wide mode anyway, with same PQ, but since so much of current programming is in 4:3, it will produce a much bigger picture in SD than the 34" (over 75% larger area).

The big 36" is also usually offered at better discount than the 34". As you can tell, I've got the 36" (price was not the issue here) - the 34" tube was too small for me.
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post #410 of 946
6/28/05 at 5:29pm
Thanks for your help. I've seen 42" ED plasma tv's and haven't been that impressed with the picture quality. The tube sets still seem to have the best picture for the money. What I find strange with this Sony model is that BB is discontinuing selling it. It isn't that old, less than a year? Is there a history of problems with the set? Consumers report has reported on tv's several times over the last 18 months but nothing on this model. No mention of it. Sony always seems to come out at the top of the list with other models.

Anyway, thanks for your help and insight.

By the way, this forum is fascinating. Lots of useful help and guidance and even very technical info. It's great.
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post #411 of 946
7/5/05 at 3:22pm
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Well,I finally went and done it after reading all of the posts(I think) relating to the xs955! My 955 will be delivered sometime next week,so I do have a few questions to start.
1. I have read both pro and con about which cables to use and how to hook up.Wether to use composite from sat receiver(not hd) to Tv or to use s-video only if very good cables.
2.And what to use from DVD player and to rcvr. or to tv?
3. Do's and don't's out of the box?

Rcvr. is Sherwood Newcastle R-945,and DVD is Panny DVD-RV80,I also have a Pioneer Dv-563a that I got just to play sacd's and dvd-a's on,so I don't know how that would be for a dvd player.
Thanks to all who already contributed!
Jim
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post #412 of 946
7/6/05 at 8:46pm
"What I find strange with this Sony model is that BB is discontinuing selling it. It isn't that old, less than a year? Is there a history of problems with the set? "

I think size is the major issue. In addition to the weight, the 36" full screen image is a bit bloated looking compared to the 32" models, possibly due to proportionately greater geometry issues. These set's weakness is geometry compared to the flat panel displays sitting right next to them. It's amazing how much distortion we were used to. Once you get used to flat panel geometry, you start to object to large tube geometry if your set wasn't perfect. The problem with the 32" sets though is the widescreen picture is so small (29 vs 33"). But then you're buying the set because you value the larger full screen image.
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post #413 of 946
7/6/05 at 9:14pm
Geometry initially could be less than perfect, I agree. However, a lot of it can be corrected by massaging the adjustments in the service menu - that's why they are there to begin with.
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post #414 of 946
7/7/05 at 10:04am
Hello,

I've owned my 36xs955 for about 3 months now, and so far I'm very happy. I am curious how many of you are using the cinemotion mode instead of setting the dvd player's progressive out mode? I've been going back and forward with these modes and sometimes I see a difference and sometimes nothing. I experimented with upconverted dvd players with hdmi out, but I noticed bad macro blocking. So I finally went with a sonync875v and for the most part I'm happy with it. I would appreciate to hear how your set-up is.

Thanks,
js
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post #415 of 946
8/7/05 at 4:14am
When I view a light gray background on my 36XS955, I get patches of lighter and darker colors. The corners are relatively OK, between the LB corner and middle I get a yellowish looking patch. It is not apparent for normal video - I see it if I put a up 'still' menu (I have Dish).

No amount of changing 'Landing' settings has helped. Am I missing something? Please help. TIA.
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post #416 of 946
8/7/05 at 8:36am
Well. my 36XS955 has suddenly lost nearly all OTA HD channels. I didnt change anything and re-scanning does not bring them back. Iv got a RS antenna in the attic, which is a pain to get at. Its possible some sort of critter disturbed the antenna, but short of that is there any other reason for this to happen? Its getting close to football season-HELP!!!!
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post #417 of 946
8/15/05 at 4:09pm
Does anyone know, or know where to find, the advanced timings for the 36XS955? I'd like to hook the TV up to my computer graphics card's DVI out and I want to make sure I specify the correct timings for this TV. I appreciate the help.

Thanks,
Drew
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post #418 of 946
9/20/05 at 9:33pm
Just for the record...

Circuit City is having a 24 Months no interest sale on all TV's, so I thought this would be the perfect time to look for the 36XS955.

They don't have any....in the store.

The nice CC guy took me over to the store computer and showed me that no CC in the Dallas area has any of these TV's, but then he tapped some keys and showed me another number of 155.

They have 155 of these TV's in the Oklahoma warehouse. $1424. He says he can't see when they are coming, or why they don't have them. But he did say that the best he knows, they have never even had the 36" XS955 in the store. Ever.

I hope those come in before the sale is off. I want to haggle and get them down some, if thats still possible at CC.

CFG!
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post #419 of 946
9/21/05 at 1:45pm
I got the tv/stand/delivery for $1499 deal from Sony style back in august. Awesome tv, but I wish it had 2 hdmi inputs.

The sony stand is a must have with this behemoth - I can imagine any other piece of furniture flexing and breaking under the weight. While I was shopping the manager at my local CC said they don't stock it in store because its too cumbersome to move around or lift on to a shelf.

I also had to fix a number of picture alignment issues in the service menu. A friend that was with me said "are the people doing the adjustments at the factory drunk ?" when I put the crosshatch pattern on the screen. Its all good now though. KenTech's thread has been a god send once you figure out what you're doing.

Next I'm going to get into the color adjustments to see if I can improve it a little.
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post #420 of 946
9/22/05 at 2:10am
Quote:
Originally Posted by shugazer9 View Post

Well. my 36XS955 has suddenly lost nearly all OTA HD channels. I didnt change anything and re-scanning does not bring them back. Iv got a RS antenna in the attic, which is a pain to get at. Its possible some sort of critter disturbed the antenna, but short of that is there any other reason for this to happen? Its getting close to football season-HELP!!!!

LOL well i suppose its possible a "critter" bumped into your 'tenna but its probally just a sudden loss of signal. I had the same thing happen and i didnt get any stations back until the next day..
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