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Philips 42PF9630A HD Plasma - Page 11

post #301 of 3103
8/26/05 at 7:25am
does anyone know where to find detailed specs on this unit? i have downloaded the ".pdf" spec sheet from philips site but it does not list some of the values that panny has listed for their model (e.g. shades of gradation, displayable colors, ...). where can i find that info on the philips? is that in any of you (lucky) owners manuals?
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post #302 of 3103
8/26/05 at 8:30am
After playing around, here's what I determined about the individual settings per input.

The two HDMI inputs are tied together, so one setting is reflected on the other.

The other inputs operate independantly of eachother.

So to a degree, the cnet article was partly right.

Can anyone else confirm this? I want to make sure before I update my cnet post.
I'm using the latest firmware available from Philips.
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post #303 of 3103
8/26/05 at 10:03am
I just tested the independent input memory between HDMI and Component. Unfortunately, when I change one, I change the others. So this didn't work for me.
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post #304 of 3103
8/26/05 at 12:50pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by ray1 View Post

I just tested the independent input memory between HDMI and Component. Unfortunately, when I change one, I change the others. So this didn't work for me.


If you change HDMI it changes Components? Are you running the latest firmware? All my component inputs operate independantly of eachother. The 2 HDMI's are tied together though..
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post #305 of 3103
8/26/05 at 2:54pm
I don't have the latest firmware from 8/23, which I just noticed today on the Philips site. I will install that tonight and see if that changes anything. But as of now, yes...when I change the inputs on the HDMI1, it also changes the AV1 to the same thing.
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post #306 of 3103
8/26/05 at 4:47pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Casey Jones View Post

The Philips 9630A has what they call an anti aging circuit. In addition when using HDMI input the unit activates a pixel orbiter.

Does this orbiter work when the cablecard is used? I mean, if you use the cablebox, then you can use an HDMI cable, which can be an advantage then over the cablecard?

On the other hand, the manual says that the normal operation to preserve the screen is when the screen is full and there are no static images. So, it looks like they don't really rely on the anti aging circuit and orbiter.
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post #307 of 3103
8/26/05 at 6:02pm
someone check the MSRP on the 50pf9630A @ CC.
Holy moly, coupled with the standard 10% discount/coupons that u can usually negotiate, we must be looking at a new price point for such a high value panel!!!
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post #308 of 3103
8/26/05 at 8:22pm
Still no luck with the independent memory input with the latest firmware. I have components running from cable box to AV1 and HDMI running from DVD player to HDMI1. Looks to me like one setting for all inputs. Can anyone else confirm or deny the independent memory settings?
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post #309 of 3103
8/26/05 at 9:27pm
Kahlilj,

Thanks for the info, Ill give it a try. Not wall mounted yet but will get a few pics.
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post #310 of 3103
8/26/05 at 9:36pm
Alek,

I had a lengthy discussion with Philips, second level tech(ken) about this. I didnt address the cablecard with him, I was interested in other devices. But he stated that when using the HDMI connection the orbiter was automatic. The anti aging circuit addresses the phospors if I recall correctly to help eliminate ghosting and or burn in. Unless of course you use a pc video game for hours or have it on torch mode. You wont find any explanation of this in the manual at all. Prior to purchasing this was one of my concerns thats why I contacted Philpis as mentioned above. Only other mention of the circuit is on philips site.
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post #311 of 3103
8/27/05 at 9:30am
To Casey Jones: Thanks!

To Ray1: I also upgraded yesterday the firmware.

BTW, after the first run of upgrade I got a message that some files were flashed out or there no such files, or something, and then the upgrade was repreated, then the same message appeared, and then the next message was - Upgrade is successful - is it normal?

I have only one input from a dvd-player via HDMI2. The setting between TV (with cablecard) and HDMI2 are not independent.
On the other hand, I don't have any problem with it in my case as the same settings fit both dvd and HDTV programming.

A bigger problem is other channels, but here you would need different settings for every channel. If it is bright, sometimes you think it is HDTV and the PQ is fine in the most cases.
(of course, stretching is annoying.)
On some other channels the dark scenes are not good - everything is just black. To fix it you need to add brightness, which will make other channels and HDTV sort of washed out.
I think the problem is the resolution (of the input signal) at the level and contrast you are watching it:
If you have 480p and up, you can get it ``blacker than black', if it is 480i, then you cannot and you need different settings.
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post #312 of 3103
8/27/05 at 9:42am
Did anyone try a dvd-player with 1080i output via dvi or hdmi? I have a problem here:

I use the Cambridge Audio dvd79 and I can get out 480p and 720p and I get a black screen for 1080i via dvi-to-hdmi conversion cable (also from Philips pxt series).
The TV info says - no signal (or rather nothing about the signal). My audio goes to an amplifier and is fine.

Philips ``happily'' told me that this is because CA is not HTCP compliant (which I actually suggested them myself as a reason) and did not bother further about it.

CA says it should be OK, because HTCP is only important on the reception end to decode an HTCP signal (no such thing is needed for CA). They say maybe your TV does not accept a 1080i signal?

I would like to try some other player to see what is going on.
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post #313 of 3103
8/27/05 at 2:36pm
I updated the firmware this morning and had a new cablecard installed. I have now lost "preferred channel" under "channels" in the main menu, i.e. there is no "preferred channel" in the menu. Anyone put in the new firmware and have this problem?
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post #314 of 3103
8/27/05 at 6:24pm
Mlandau,
Your talking about the August 23rd version I presume. No I havent yet but had intentions of doing so. Did you notice if it changed the yellow border around PIP?
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post #315 of 3103
8/27/05 at 6:28pm
Mlandau,

The software upgrade and the cable card were installed on the same day? Can you tell me if you see any difference in the picture quality between the cable card and STB?

Thanks
Casey
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post #316 of 3103
8/27/05 at 6:50pm
Yes and no. I had the card installed awhile ago, but there were some technical problems. A great guy from Cablevision, Steve, in the Morris County NJ area got the problem resolved (it was sort of a backoffice problem at CV). I'm not certain if the picture is better with cablecard compared to the SA4200HD box and DVI to HDMI I was using for the first couple of days. I think it is better, but I am not as certain as Optivity is since I really did not do much of a comparison when I did the original switch. No cable box means one less piece of equipment.
The yellow border remains around one of the two pip screens.
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post #317 of 3103
8/28/05 at 5:39pm
Going back to my preferred channel setup disappearing, it had nothing to do with the new firmware (8-23) nor the new cablecard. It was me playing around. I had set a pin number in the menu system and that blocks anyone from changing channel preferences (and any of the normal v-chip type stuff). It also causes "channel preferences" to drop out of the standard menu system, but access is still there once you put in your pin number. So, all is clear on the new firmware, though I don't know what it fixed.
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post #318 of 3103
8/28/05 at 8:34pm
My wife and I decided we didn't want to mess about with getting the defects in ours repaired by philips, and decided to return our to CC for a replacement.
According to CC they have zero of these sets in stock anywhere locally. So , after some discussion they offered us the Panasonic for the same price.
We grudingly agreed,, only to find out they have none of these locally either!
Both would need a special order for us to get one.
I was offered the LG for the same price, but I didn't like the LG's Picture, and I hear it's hopeless with SD, which the philps excels with. So, we've got another on order, but if philips fix the one we have first, then we'll keep that.

The store director we spoke to said philips were recalling the 9630 for a problem with the firmware, and we'd probably receive a letter about that soon.
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post #319 of 3103
8/28/05 at 9:24pm
I have some update on my experience.

I found that all settings for TV and HDMI2 are dependent, accept for format, which is independent.

After upgrade, switching between the HDTV channels is faster and I don't see first those
digital artifacts, which were before right after switching. This is a nice improvement.

I tried Samsung 841 - it has 1080i and 480p, but 720p is not showing on my screen.
With Cambridge Audio dvd79, I have 480p, 720p, but no 1080i.
CA has a better PQ, much better depth and 3-d feeling. 1080i on Samsung was very smooth but lacked detail and depth. So, I prefer CA (not to mention the Audio) even with 480p against Samsung's even 1080i, as I like a 3-d feeling.
But I need to call to CA and try to replace my unit.

I did a THX Otimizer setup for the first time, and got Contrast 50, Br 52 (lower were producing a noise), color 49, Sharness 0, so I am going to stick to this.
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post #320 of 3103
8/29/05 at 8:26am
So I played around some more and here's what I found:

There are 5 preset settings:

Rich
Natural
Soft
Multimedia
Eco

And the 1 adjustable setting: Personal

Each input can select any of the above settings, however personal is static across all settings. So while AV1 can have the setting of Soft, AV2 and 3 can have personal, but they would be the same. Hope this clarifies that..I updated my cnet post as well.
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post #321 of 3103
8/29/05 at 11:13am
FYI,

I just ordered a Peerless Articulating Swivel Plasma Wall Mount Kit (including Plasma adapter plate) from mountsandmore.com so I can hang this in the corner. The adapter plate that they suggested for the 9630 was the LCD42, not one of the philips adapter plates. I had to call to find out what mounting plate would be best.
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post #322 of 3103
8/29/05 at 11:40am
I finally bought this set yesterday at CC. The cost was the same as the PX50u but I have convinced myself that the picture on the PX50u is too shrek like and the Philips has a more natural look, and the firmware and input options would provide longer life and useability. I also like the ambilight feature. I am giving myself a week to live with this set, so far I like it and the HD channels I have pulled in via Comcast coax look great.

I am going to buy the OPPO DVD player and here is my question. If I buy direct from Oppo I can select a DVI-HDMI cable. I would then pay shipping costs. If i buy at Amazon I get a DVI-DVI cable (free shipping) and therefore need to buy a new cable or adapter. Anyone noticed any differences in using a DVI-HDMI adpater over a straight DVI-HDMI cable... does this make any difference?

2nd cable question. Can I connect a laptop VGA to 3RCA cables to get a picture on this TV - is there a better way to do it - only use it for occasional surfing not game playing.

I have my contrast at 49 and brightness at 50, color at 60. I do see some image retention when I turn off or have a black screen but it is really faint and I am not bothered by it.

As I have a few HD channels coming in from Comcast I will be staying with my Direct TV SD DVR setup (connected via S-Video currently) as I rarley watch local channels anyway. Once HD starts rolling out for comedy central, Fox Soccer Channel I will upgrade to HD then. I am surprised that the SD picture is pretty good and better than I expected.

Any comments on the OPPO cable appreciated, and anyone here decided to go with the PX50u as the price is the same now at CC.

Oh and I got the 10% gift card from CC, no hassle, just ask for it - the one sales guy had no idea what it was but the store director knew about it, obviously not many consumers are aware of the deal.
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post #323 of 3103
8/29/05 at 5:42pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by yourefree View Post

I am going to buy the OPPO DVD player and here is my question. If I buy direct from Oppo I can select a DVI-HDMI cable. I would then pay shipping costs. If i buy at Amazon I get a DVI-DVI cable (free shipping) and therefore need to buy a new cable or adapter. Anyone noticed any differences in using a DVI-HDMI adpater over a straight DVI-HDMI cable... does this make any difference?

Yourefree:

I would be really interested to know if Oppo's 1080i output will be working with 9630A.
I have Cambridge Audio dvd79 which some believe is a clon of Oppo - simply because of similar description (though CA does not have a DTS decoder).

I chose CA, because I know it longer . I prefer it over NAD in a similarly priced audio gear. I think the tradiion is a big issue - normally a small company earning regularly the highest reviews in UK like CA cannot afford to screw up things too badly. It looks great next Philips too - a quality item.

I think even it is derived from Oppo they made some improvement. As to the lack of 1080i on Philips (as I wrote earlier), actually for this plasma resolution 720p is a preferable match, with more lines (720p = 720 x 2, especially if originally it was 480i) in the sense that less processing is needed - less noise, compared to 1080i.
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post #324 of 3103
8/29/05 at 7:57pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by yourefree View Post

I finally bought this set yesterday at CC. The cost was the same as the PX50u but I have convinced myself that the picture on the PX50u is too shrek like and the Philips has a more natural look, and the firmware and input options would provide longer life and useability. I also like the ambilight feature. I am giving myself a week to live with this set, so far I like it and the HD channels I have pulled in via Comcast coax look great.

I am going to buy the OPPO DVD player and here is my question. If I buy direct from Oppo I can select a DVI-HDMI cable. I would then pay shipping costs. If i buy at Amazon I get a DVI-DVI cable (free shipping) and therefore need to buy a new cable or adapter. Anyone noticed any differences in using a DVI-HDMI adpater over a straight DVI-HDMI cable... does this make any difference?

2nd cable question. Can I connect a laptop VGA to 3RCA cables to get a picture on this TV - is there a better way to do it - only use it for occasional surfing not game playing.

I have my contrast at 49 and brightness at 50, color at 60. I do see some image retention when I turn off or have a black screen but it is really faint and I am not bothered by it.

As I have a few HD channels coming in from Comcast I will be staying with my Direct TV SD DVR setup (connected via S-Video currently) as I rarley watch local channels anyway. Once HD starts rolling out for comedy central, Fox Soccer Channel I will upgrade to HD then. I am surprised that the SD picture is pretty good and better than I expected.

Any comments on the OPPO cable appreciated, and anyone here decided to go with the PX50u as the price is the same now at CC.

Oh and I got the 10% gift card from CC, no hassle, just ask for it - the one sales guy had no idea what it was but the store director knew about it, obviously not many consumers are aware of the deal.




If you get the DVI lead from amazon, you'll need a DVI- HDMI adapter, and if you're using the tabletop stand like I am, then you'll need a short Adapter( Not Monster for sure) or the connector+ adapter wont fit in the space below the hdmi socket. (the plastic part of the stand gets in the way)

I'd suggest going to oppo direct and getting the hdmi lead. Word of warning though, the oppo supplied lead is a very basic one and I managed to bend a tiny pin in the hdmi end by inserting it a bit off angle. So be careful.

I'm using the Oppo with 1080I, I cant see agreat deal (if any) difference with 720p, but you may be able to. Aparrently the Oppo should have the brightness set to +5 on the opp to pass the full video signal.

There's a bit of macroblocking with the oppo in upscaled video, but not too bad. no worse than most other players i'v seen. The PQ is stunning with a well mastered DVD.

Having said that even the component (480i) looks good on this tv, not quite as goos as the hdmi but very good nonetheless, I assume this means the phillips has a pretty good scaler in the set, and seems to handel 3:2 pulldown, even thoiugh this isn't mentioned in the manual.

I agree with the glowing praise for SD channels, although i think this is only if you enable pixel plus. without it, it's not so hot.

We completely forgot to ask for a gift card when we ordered ours.. I wonder if they'll give it to us when our replacement comes in if we ask for it
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post #325 of 3103
8/29/05 at 7:57pm
I will let you know how the oppo works with this set. I emailed OPPO and they sent me an address to return the dvi-dvi cable I will get from amazon and they will send me a dvi-hdmi cable - problem solved.
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post #326 of 3103
8/29/05 at 8:16pm
Avoid using the adapters. DVI-HDMI single cable is better.
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post #327 of 3103
8/30/05 at 1:35am
Craiglester,

To set the record straight, you were given BAD information by that store manager. There is no Firmware problem with the 9630A. Why you ask? Because the firmware is "fully" upgradeable by the user. Thats one of the benefits of owning this unit. The reason you didnt find it in stock is they are selling like hotcakes and you as well as others have to wait for the new shipment to arrive. Philips( in there wisdom) designed the 9630A this way for the express purpose of eliminating just the type of problem that you mention. In addition no service tech appointment is necessary to install software upgrades as with other units.
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post #328 of 3103
8/30/05 at 1:53am
On another note? Did anyone catch the Eagles Farewell concert in HD over the weekend? We watched it and the combo of HD signal and Ambilight was simply AMAZING. Felt like we were at the show.Nothing but smiles here
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post #329 of 3103
8/30/05 at 5:36am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Casey Jones View Post

Craiglester,

To set the record straight, you were given BAD information by that store manager. There is no Firmware problem with the 9630A. Why you ask? Because the firmware is "fully" upgradeable by the user. Thats one of the benefits of owning this unit. The reason you didnt find it in stock is they are selling like hotcakes and you as well as others have to wait for the new shipment to arrive. Philips( in there wisdom) designed the 9630A this way for the express purpose of eliminating just the type of problem that you mention. In addition no service tech appointment is necessary to install software upgrades as with other units.


I'm well aware that the firmeare is upgradable Casey, Did it myself within a couple of days of getting the TV.
I was a little sceptical myself Casey, and I did point out we'd already updated ours.
I'm just passing on what I was told.
I found it amusing that the two best sets in CC (The Philips and the Panasonic) were both out of stock in our area. The manager looked stunned that we didn't want the LG instead, when he offered it to us.
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post #330 of 3103
8/30/05 at 9:02am
So here's the problem that I'm having. Of course, I'm running the latest firmware.

Occasionaly after I turn on the Philips, I get HEAVY flickering. Screen look like it's losing power quickly, on off on off. Also, nothing matches up on the screen when there is an image. It's usualy off center, really large, and the colors are all out of wack. The ambient light is doing the same thing, going on and off. I have to turn the TV off and on, sometimes more than once, to get it to stop.

I've also experienced a flickering effect while navigating the on screen DVR menu of my comcast digital HDTV box, but I'm not sure if it's the TV or the Comcast box. But I know it didn't happen with my 27" LCDTV using the same component cables.

I have a comcast HDTV DVR box plugged in via component and rca audio. Also, loud buzzing in the audio is getting very annoying. I don't see how it can be just crappy speakers, as I wouldn't own this TV if I wasn't going over to a surround sound system.

Perhaps it's time I called Philips?

Edit:
Another thing that may be a part, I have the Philips and the Comcast box plugged into a Monster Power Home Theatre PowerCenter HTS400, Clean Power Circuitry box. Only reason I mention this is because of the on off on off of the tv.
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