Maxent 42" HDTV MX-42X3 - Lets Talk! - Page 2

As with many of you, I've been thinking of my first HDTV purchase. My primary consideration is budget, as I wanted something under $2K. Now don't get me wrong, I wasn't really expecting something amazing, just something nice and decent to tide me over for a few years.

My journey was first towards Flat LCD projection but the whole bulb thing turned me off. My next stop was for the 37' Sceptre LCD which to me sounded like a fantastic deal till you factor in the $200 for delivery and $160 for tax. Then I stumbed on this Maxent through this site and several others and couldn't believe that a 42' HD Plasma could be had for under $2K. I've been at Costco several times this week already comparing PQ with the Pioneer, Samsung, and Panasonic HDTVs showing the same content. To my eyes, PQ was more than comparable, especially if you are factoring the price. Granted it probably doesn't look as great as a $4k Pioneer, but thats the whole point isn't it?

I've been salivating all week about picking this up and having nightmares that they would be out of stock when I got to Costco (I know, I know, major paranoia).

Went there early this morning to pick it up and lug it to my house. A little on the heavy side (about 100lbs) for one person but I couldn't wait and needed to get this up and running.

Overall I am elated. The PQ looks great. Has HDMI and a RGB in/out pass thru. Watching DVD through component and it looks great. Getting a OTA Set Box in the mail and can't wait for HD content.

This baby is a great deal. There might be some more great deals come Christmas time but for me this was awesome. Can't really complain about a big screen plasma for under $2K and I would recommend to anyone else to pick one up right away because I think Costco will sell out. Good luck, any questions pls holler.

I went to costco to look at the Vizio 50" in preparation for the upcoming sale and went home with the 42" Maxent. Both were being fed the HDTV demo via component. The pictures, aside from one being larger, were identical. I spent over an hour trying to convince myself the Vizio was better...since it has more resolution and better specs...but in the end, my wife and I agreed that OOB for HDTV they were equal. Given the $1k difference, we chose to try the Maxent. We can always return it if we're displeased.

We've got it home and tried some DVD via s-video. Scaling was excellent, colors are very good. I will calibrate the set via DVE and Avia and examine the set in more detail over the next week. So far we're very pleased, especially given the sale price.

For those considering the 37" sceptre...I've decided I'm too discerning a viewer to tolerate LCD displays for movie viewing. They're good for regular tv but black levels ruin the movie experience whe the lights are out.

I can't wait for D* to come install my HDTivo next week so I can experiment with HDTV and HDMI sources.

Funny, but that's the exact same thought process I've been going though as well. Only difference for me was that I actually am on the list for the 3G set (but placed my order on hold after all the difficulties and delays they've encountered) and also considered the Westy 37" LCD as well.

Actually I really prefer LCD over Plasma and would like a 1080p LCD ideally, but will be going to look at the Vizio 50" tomorrow. Like you, I'm going to use it in my master bedroom and while size doesn't concern me, the mentioned fan noise does. SInce I'll be putting it into sleep mode (it does have one I assume), then if the fans are too loud then it might not be a very good set for the bedroom (especially if used with low level audio volume where the fans might be annoying.

Can anyone comment on these points (fan db level, perhaps someone can take a reading), bedroom usage... I'm still considering the 37" Sceptre as well, but like you, don't relish the idea of paying for and waiting for shipping.

Bottom line is that deals are popping up with ever increasing frequency and perhaps the best bet is simply to be a bit more patient. I suspect that between now and years end (the holiday shopping season) a viable 42"-46" LCD (fanless) will crop up under the $3500 mark with true 1080p capability.

Good luck to all and thanks for the great threads...

Cheers!

jcastle, Big_Dom: Can you comment on the SD and stretch/zoom modes?

Thanks for the review so far. We're leaning toward this set right now.

J-

Dear J,

I'm watching SD right now and I think it looks pretty good. Colors are vibrant and I think the black levels are outstanding. Haven't hooked up HD yet, but I have used S-video and Component and both look excellent.

The display/stretch has 5 settings: 16:9, 4:3, Panorama, Zoom 1, Zoom 2
I've been using 16:9 to watch SD and I honestly like it. I don't think it stretches it too abnormally, but I think this is really your preference. According to the manual, the Panorama stretches both Horizontal and vertical to the edge of the set. I find this does look abnormal. Zoom 1 is set to stretch 2.35 to 1. Zoom 2 is the same as Zoom 1 except it shifts the entire image up to accommodate subtitles. I find both Zooms to also be pretty watchable. I think your best bet is to get the remote from a Costco rep and try it out. The switch is on the bottom (slide open) part of the remote and you push the "wide" button, which toggles thru all the options. Good luck on your choice.

Thanks, Dom. This, of course, leads me to another question. Burn-in protection.

Does it have any type of orbiter (or whatever)?

If you're going to view in 4:3 mode, can you set the black bars to have a color?

I've looked through the manual and can't find anything on this. The manual only mentions black bars but no option of changing them to a different color, like gray.

Thanks,
J-

Picked up TWO of these today. Took the wife to see what she thought about it in comparison to Vizio and other sets they had in stock. We both felt the Vizio had a better picture, but probably because of the signal it was receiving...HD vs DVD. We also liked the speakers on the side and not on the bottom and finally it came down to budget. Basically tou can buy 3 of these for the price of 2 Vizio's. Thats what finally sold me.

I purchased this set today at Costco. It does have an image shift to prefent burn-in. You can select 10, 20, or 30 second interval. Have not tried it because I don't use it for games or computer.

Great HD (1080i signal) via Motorola STB and component input. At the store it looked better than even the Panny, but when I got it home, it looked even better. SD is not very good. Barely watchable. Not sure of what adjustments to make but will see if I can make it better.

Could someone post screen shots? Just curious.

Also, there was some question as to if this was a rebadged plasma from samsung, pioneer, etc. Maybe if you post pics of the menu someone might recognise it (if it is the OEM's)?

If anyone has pictures of the set, that would be helpful!

-Chris

Hey Chris! There are a couple of links in this thread to pics. Not the most aesthetically pleasing set on earth, but the image more than makes up for it

Does anyone know when this sale ends?

sale ends the 14th

mregor,

Would you mind posting the exact dimension of the box? I wonder if it will fit in my SUV.

Thanks.

It fit on it's back in our Rodeo.

Its 39" tall I believe...Fit in my tahoe no problem

I have a Pathfinder, can I lay it flat with the box or does it needs to be stand up? Don't know if it's ok to lay a Plasma flat.

It didn't fit in my Xterra... I had to unbox in the parking lot and get my brother to ride in the back with it

It fit in my Ford Escape. I'd suggest two people for this set although I managed to lug it from my car into the bedroom. Initial reactions to the set are very positive. I've never used Aria, but just ordered that. I'm feeding Directv HD through component cables. Very nice. It's still early, but I like the picture better than my GWIII 60". Initially I thought 42" would be too big for the bedroom, but it's not. Just a little bit big -- which gives us room to "grow into it". We thought our 60" was a monster and now that's just normal. Surprised there are not digital audio inputs? I guess that's why it's a value set. Either way, I'm very pleased -- and if it continues to perform than it truly is a good value.

Thanks to all who helped with my decision. Like many, I find these forum invaluable.

-Chris

Is the 50inch model included in the sale and if so can someone tell me what the price is or just pm if it is against site rules to post the price. Didn't know if it was differant than the price listed on the costco site. Been in the market to move my 42 plasma into the bedroom and up to a 50 over the fireplace.

The coupon is for the 42" only. 50 inch not included

Big_Dom, are you sure that the 42x3 has an HDMI connection.? I only see a DVI connection on the manual. Is the information wrong? The specs are confusing, they say HDMI with HDCP, but it looks like a DVI connection to me. I want to run one cable for audio and video. Thanks

The dimensions of the box are 33"H X 52.5"W X 13"D.
It fit in the back of my A4 (4 door sedan) laid flat without a problem.

100% sure.

Well technically, the HDMI is a digital audio input.

Well you're not supposed to, but I wasn't worried about it. I've laid sliding glass doors flat in the back of a pickup and drove around construction sites where the doors have literally slammed against eachother and the deck, and never cracked. The glass on these panels is more supported and I have a smooth ride home. Unless the glass is REALLY thin on these panels, I would be more worried about the components inside than the glass cracking.

A question on SD -- those of you who have watched SD, what input are you using? VCR -> Composite, VCR -> S-Video, or Set-top box -> component?

I've seen some other TV's that have tuners that required a separate connection for SD vs HD.

I am using a settop box via component. SD displays with no problems.

How's the quality on the SD? Are you stretching it? Sorry if I sound like a broken record with this, but this is a consideration for us .

J-