HLP5674W/HLP4674W Owners Thread/Problems/Tweaks/Service Menu/Discretes etc. - Page 3

gsiokis,

So far the set has been perfect, with the same sharpness as my old HLN, plus deeper colors and better dark scene details. The higher contrast of the HD2+ chip accounts for most of the improvement, but the default color settings on the HLP are also much better than the HLN. I will try and post a more in depth review with some more pics tonight.

M,
Call them directly or do a "Chat Online" from their website (www.tvauthority.com)

Gus

Here is the AVS Forums Members Only link.

I don't know why the HLPxx74 sets aren't up right now. You can always call their toll free number and ask. Let them know you are an AVS member.

Thanks tjk for the info on Avia. I'll snag one in preparation. I'm waiting to see when Brandsmart in Miami get's a XX74 and what they'll sell for. My sales rep there is great on prices, bad on info. BTW, I know this thread is for folks who already have the XX74's. But may I ask opinions on why you guys (gals?) didn't go with a brand that had a receiver built in? After a year of waiting, I'm kinda a samsung nut at this point. But I am tempted.

The built-in tuner isn't important for me since I'm going to get the Hughes/DirectTV HD Tivo receiver at the same time (I'm already a DirectTV customer) and I already have an OTA HD antenna on the roof for local channels. Waiting for built-in tuners in Samsung products; which I can't really use would only be more frustrating, though I've considered it.

Question for those that have them: does the 4674 have any means of parental control over the controls on the side of the TV? I've got a 1 year old, who has great fun playing with the front controls on our current TV. It would be nice if it's replacement had some way of turning off the on-TV buttons so she wouldn't find them so interesting.....

Scott

Personally, I've never understood the fuss about built-in tuners. I have DirecTV, so it would be a waste. Even if you have cable, why do you need a tuner? I haven't used an internal tuner in a TV in 15 years.

I know the FCC is mandating it. I'm not sure why. Aren't government organizations (in theory ) supposed to serve a public good? How do TV tuners help the public? And why is the FCC also mandating TV stations to broadcast digitally? How does that help anyone (except for us nuts). I didn't realize A/V enthusiasts were such a powerful lobby.

It is my understanding that the move to digital will free up broadband space (to be auctioned off) and more efficiently use that which has been assigned already. I don't think our power as A/V enthusiasts has much to do with it.

So the broadband space the government auctions off will help pay our soldiers and their families for the war on terror and lower our taxes? Cool.

Ok, back on topic.

I don't own a HLPxx74 but since I've never seen such controls on any device my guess is that there is no way to deactivate any of their buttons.

There is also that big shinny round button on the front of the set. It has flashing lights too.

I'm sure you've seen those funny metal contraptions on some rooftops. Some people actually receive signals via those contraptions and need an internal tuner. They don't want to pay exorbitant fees for cable or satellite services.

Yes, I understand that very well. Free TV is a public good. But an FCC mandate that ALL TV's, rather than some TV's, have an internal tuner by a certain date seems silly. Some consumers don't want that sort of "protection" that at least initally the manufacturers will be charging you for somewhere in their pricing. Without an FCC mandate, production would be in line with demand. If there was demand for internal tuners, manufacturers would include them and charge those people who wanted it. Seems like a silly thing for the govenrnment to mandate. It appears to me to interfere with the laws of supply and demand, free enterprise and consumer choice. And the affordablity argument doesn't hold water when you require a tuner on a $3K TV.

My point is, all consumers need security at the airport. Some, but not all consumers need an internal tuner.

FWIW, Crutchfield has extended their zero interest, zero payments for 18 months offer to Toshiba and Samsung products (it had previously been only on Sony). They don't have the 74's up on their site.

You will pay more at Crutchfield, but I know some folks are interested in this option, so I thought I'd post it.

I saw the 0% offer yesterday and chatted with a crutchfield rep about the HLP5674, but they said they wouldn't be getting them in stock until early next year (he didn't know whether it would be before or after the 0% ends)

Saw the 4674 at Tweeters in Dallas area, looked really good. Noticed that it had an area on top for center speakers. I was thinking about purchasing the 5674, do you think a 40 pound center is too heavy to put on the TV. Can it cause any damage? It is 22 inches long, so I am having a very difficult time trying to find a TV stand that will fit my center, as well as hold all my components.

According to it's manual, the upcoming RCA 44" DLP DOES have this sort of control (you can deactivate the front push-buttons via a menu entry). That's what prompted the question. Yeah, the flashinng lights will draw the attention, but if she can't control them, she'll lose interest in a bit.

Scott

I am really delighted to hear all the good reports on the PQ for the xx74 sets that the higher contrast provides. This presumably means (I am hoping!) that the even higher contrast of the xHD3 sets that will come out next year will be even better (not to speak of the higher resolution of the 1080p chip).

Millerwill

go ahead and tell us more about these sets to be! Complicate our lives ....

thanks

M

As I've worked in the TV station biz for 20 yrs I think I feel the hand of the broadcast lobby on the internal tuner issue. The networks do not want to be held hostage to cable and dish. A stand alone tuner is always an option, but that would be too forward for the nets.

I'm getting the very strong impression that everyone is happy with their XX74 sets. The move down to a 6 segment wheel and the odd ball "optical something or other" light engine seem to be overcome by the HD2+ chip. Can anyone address:
1. the progression on "light engines"
2. Where the xx74's "optical" light engine fits in that progression
3. What/when the next step in light engines is expected?

Can anyone comment on how regular digital channel (ie not HD) looks on their XX74 sets?

I just spoke with my contact from Tweeter.

They got in their first 4674 today and put it on the floor. He hasn't had a chance to check it out yet. One thing he said though is that the box lacked the Faroujda icon which led him to question if it had the well known scaler.

Has anyone heard anything about this? Do we know for sure that the Faroujda upscaling chip is in the 74 series? I'm not saying it isn't there, just referencing what he said about the lack of the icon on the set itself.

Also he did confirm that Tweeter is now seeing 12/3 as the date when they will get the 5674

Better than analog, not as good as HD.

For example, the basketball games on ESPN last night. Regular ESPN was just ok. ESPN HD, the picture was much clearer and sharper, and the colors far more vibrant. (even though the games were not broadcast in HD). Definitely a nice picture, just not the "holy cr*p" pictutre that HD is.

I find similar results comparing the digital version of broadcast networks to the analog ones. I get digital OTA, analog through satellite. Analog is still very watchable - I watch them when I've recorded something on my DVR.

Well beyond my realm of expertise. All I know is the picture is damn good.

you cognescentis (sp?) are awesome

There have been sales persons who are confused by decals for a long long time. As I understand it, the right to display the decal cost money. Also Genesis now owns Faroudja and may want to get away from spelling problems.

Everything is wonderful so far. Except now I'm paranoid about that center channel issue we've been discussing on the other thread.