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Sceptre X37SV-Naga review - Page 4

post #91 of 3746
8/25/05 at 10:23am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ken Flick View Post

Would any of you lucky guys who have taken early delivery -- and so generously shared your first impressions -- answer a simple question for me. Then again, maybe it's not simple enough for the folks at Sceptre, since I have asked them twice by e-mail and once by phone (left message) and have yet to hear from them.

The question is: What material are the speaker grilles made of? From the photos at the Sceptre site or on costco's website, I cannot tell whether they are black fabric, perforated plastic, or (I have my fingers crossed for the quality approach) perforated metal.

Thanks for your reviews. I did not order mine until Monday 8/22, so I guess I have a bit of a wait ahead of me, but this one looks like a keeper -- as opposed to the 32" Proview RX-326, which I got on a recent Costco coupon deal . . . and which is going back to them if my Sceptre X37SV is as good as yours.

Now -- anyone else -- what's a decent, inexpensive video card that will output the 1920x1080 DVI signal that will make this monitor sing?

Thanks,

Ken Flick

The speaker enclosure is a solid hunk of black plastic with holes and simulated holes punched in the front of it. there are only real holes in front of the speakers, there are 3 speakers on each side, one hole looks to be 2" and the other 2 holes are 3"... you have to get real close to see the real holes from the simulated ones.

Basically it's good looking design with cheap as possible construction.

I think you can take apart each enclosure by removing screws and may be able to replace the actual speakers inside...

Dan K
Dan K
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post #92 of 3746
8/25/05 at 10:25am
reincarnate,

I don't understand how testing 1920X1080p on the HDMI input will test if the ATSC tuner supports 1080i. It's be clearly stated multiple times that 1920X1080p works and is sharp looking (in other words, it works in 1080p via the HDMI). Maybe you can elaborate a little more?

The "softness" on the ATSC tuner also depends on the source content, which we have no control over, unless one has a signal generator.

BTW, to anybody that got the unit so far, any QAM (digital cable) support on the tuner?

-eric
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post #93 of 3746
8/25/05 at 10:28am
Can someone do a proper calibration on this unit and see if it does the traditional red push on the CMO panel (like in the similarly used Westinghouse) and quantify it's black levels.
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post #94 of 3746
8/25/05 at 10:32am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by reincarnate View Post

The smoking gun test is to set ones computer video applet software to 1920*1080p @ 30fps or 1920*1080i 60fps. Use HDTV resolutions timings.
Nvidia drivers have had this feature for several months.

The optimal solution is a PCI card based HDTV tuner. Here one would get full 1920*1080p 1:1 pixel mapping.

It's definitely NOT scaling the HDMI input. It's definitely 1:1 pixel mapping.

After you play with the set for a bit, you realize that this set is actually 4 components.

1 - 1920x1080 Monitor just like on your PC.
2 - Computer that ties it all together, and runs the monitor, controlling contrast, brightness, backlight, remote control, source switching, OSD, aspect ratio.
3 - NTSC Tuner that's closely integrated with 2, possibly built into 2. It's completely controlled by 2.
4 - ATSC Tuner that's not closely integrated, basically its like having an external tuner with EPG that's on a 720p input into 2, this Tuner has it's own computer, and it's own settings and gui and look and feel. When you change channels, 2 doesnt even know what channel you're on, its just saying 720p, so the EPG thats built into the ATSC tuner pops up and tells you the channel info. When you select zoom aspect ratio, the ATSC tuner doesnt even know you've zoomed and it's EPG is zoomed off screen lol.

Dan K
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post #95 of 3746
8/25/05 at 10:32am
what about banding? anyone see that?
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post #96 of 3746
8/25/05 at 10:35am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by YNOS View Post

Speaking of the speakers... How do they sound? I had a 20.1" Sceptre PC monitor with built-in speakers that sounded awful. I'm hoping Sceptre spent a few more bucks on the speakers for this 37".

After playing with it overnight I really hate the speakers. They dont sound aweful on the TV side, but barely passable, but when using the PC input they really sound like junk. Muddy distorted junk. Most $10 PC speakers from taiwan sound better. Really.

Dan K
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post #97 of 3746
8/25/05 at 10:39am
well bad speakers arent too bad since I bet most people plan to use external ones. But how are the viewing angles?
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post #98 of 3746
8/25/05 at 10:48am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Zoglog View Post

well bad speakers arent too bad since I bet most people plan to use external ones. But how are the viewing angles?

Viewing angles are excellent. I'd say they are better than advertised. When I put my nose on one far end of the tv (top or side) I can still see what's on TV! I've never seen any viewing angles that approach that.

As far as the PC Monitor functionality of this system, I'd say it's perfect. I can't find any flaws with it. I'd go ahead and say if you're planning on plugging this thing into your PC and running it from there, and aren't too interested in using the built in speakers, just hit the buy button. You won't be dissapointed.

Dan K
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post #99 of 3746
8/25/05 at 10:49am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Zoglog View Post

well bad speakers arent too bad since I bet most people plan to use external ones. But how are the viewing angles?

I wasn't planning on using external speakers, but I certainly am now. I'm glad the included speakers are detachable.
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post #100 of 3746
8/25/05 at 10:50am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cyrano View Post

Here's an avs review of the Pelican Pro: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=363624
According to the review it now comes with a remote. Sounds good!

That thread also says it might degrade signals above 480p. The damage may not be severe, but you might not want something like that to affect the performance (and your judgement) of a new 37" screen.
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post #101 of 3746
8/25/05 at 10:51am
I have a few questions about this set:

1. What scaling/zooming options does this set have? Can it zoom in on a letterboxed 4:3 SD image to eliminate the black border? Does it accept a 4:3 480P input without stretching to 16:9?

2. What picture controls does the set offer? Does it have separate color decoder adjustments like on the Sharp LCDs? Are there separate picture settings for each input?

3. Any word on response time performance for fast moving images?
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post #102 of 3746
8/25/05 at 10:53am
I just purchased the Logitech Z-5500 speaker set from Newegg. Received yesterday, fairly impressed so far. They are not expert audio level but for $300, pretty good. Dolby Digital / DTS decoder with digital input (coax or optical), 500 watt RMS (total), with great interface unit and remote. I intend to use with MCE and this TV when (I hope not "if") I get it.

Ordered on 20th, no ship confirm yet.
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post #103 of 3746
8/25/05 at 10:58am
Quote:
Originally Posted by deeseeel View Post

That thread also says it might degrade signals above 480p. The damage may not be severe, but you might not want something like that to affect the performance (and your judgement) of a new 37" screen.

Thanks for picking up something I missed!

And, too bad about the speakers. I wanted something I could use as is. However it does sound like the speakers could be DIYed into something acceptable.

Also: I, too, am interested in the scaling capabilities of 4:3 material. Some TVs have a "Panoramic" or Zoom setting(s). These can range from good to awful, IMO. How does the Sceptre fare?
Thanks.
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post #104 of 3746
8/25/05 at 11:01am
Thread Starter 
I just got this email back from sceptre re: my question on why when using the ATSC tuner, the TV always shows 720p on the OSD.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sceptre Technical Support Group View Post

Dear Customer,

All resolutions displayed are sent from the signals of the provider. If
they send tv signals in 720p then your 37" will display at 720p. The EPG is
just advertising what the channel "should" be displaying at. The tv info
tells you what the TV is "REALLY" displaying at. The television has no
upconversion schemes nor is there any way to change resolution since the
resolution is provided by the signal which it is received thru the provider.
Another way to test the 37" TV is thru your dvd player or a game console
such as xbox or playstation 2. A dvd player with component cables should
display at 480p if the dvd player has progressive scan. Most xbox games
should also display at 480p. Playstation 2 games should display at 480i I
think.

Best Regards,
Sceptre Technical Support Group

Junk response as usual from Sceptre. Like a playstation can test the ATSC tuner.... The same channels that I get in 1080 on my Divco Fusion5, and my HDTV Wonder, It says 720p on the scepter.

Dan K
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post #105 of 3746
8/25/05 at 11:02am
Another quick question for the present owners (thanks btw!), if you have a PS2 hooked up with component inputs and the GT4 game, can you please play in 1080i mode and tell me what the panel selects for it's scaling. On the Westinghouse, it will scale to 1920x540. From all accounts it looks like the Sceptre will scale to 720p resolution, which is a bit better. I'm just trying to compare the electronics between the two, since they utilize the same lcd panel.
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post #106 of 3746
8/25/05 at 11:09am
Heh, I can't wait to get my set, i'm gonna put it through all the stuff with 1080p WMV files and XBox in 720p and 480p hehe

Thanks for answering my question Dan, looks like i'll be able to throw my karaoke parties without any worries about people not being able to see the screen =)
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post #107 of 3746
8/25/05 at 11:15am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by jpconard View Post

I just purchased the Logitech Z-5500 speaker set from Newegg. Received yesterday, fairly impressed so far. They are not expert audio level but for $300, pretty good. Dolby Digital / DTS decoder with digital input (coax or optical), 500 watt RMS (total), with great interface unit and remote. I intend to use with MCE and this TV when (I hope not "if") I get it.

Ordered on 20th, no ship confirm yet.

Heh, that's the exact setup I have now I love those logitechs.. that interface unit totally beats having some huge amp sitting on a shelf somewhere. I have it on my end table next to the easyboy, always at hands reach. I purchased some cheap stands on ebay, and attached them to it. Was a lot of work. If you do the same, be warned that if you take off the bottom stands on those logitechs the nut holding the screw on will fall inside, and you'll have to take apart the whole speaker. The screws holding them together are behind the rubber grommets that are used to hold the grills on. also there is some really sticky double sided tape holding them together even after you take out the screws. Took me a couple of hours to put them all on stands but was worth it. Actually I think the center unit cant be put on a stand easily, I put it on the table thats below my TV anyways.

Dan K
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post #108 of 3746
8/25/05 at 11:22am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by stranx44 View Post

Another quick question for the present owners (thanks btw!), if you have a PS2 hooked up with component inputs and the GT4 game, can you please play in 1080i mode and tell me what the panel selects for it's scaling. On the Westinghouse, it will scale to 1920x540. From all accounts it looks like the Sceptre will scale to 720p resolution, which is a bit better. I'm just trying to compare the electronics between the two, since they utilize the same lcd panel.

I don't have a PS2, but the set (so far as is presently known) only seems to scale ATSC tuner input to 720p. It doesn't appear to scale any other inputs.

Dan K
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post #109 of 3746
8/25/05 at 11:44am
Quote:
Originally Posted by deeseeel View Post

That thread also says it might degrade signals above 480p. The damage may not be severe, but you might not want something like that to affect the performance (and your judgement) of a new 37" screen.

I own the Pelican Pro and I see no degradation in signal quality with HD signals at 1080i or 720p. That switch has been a life saver for me the past year and a half, and at an amazingly low price. I'm even thinking of getting the new version that allows remote control.
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post #110 of 3746
8/25/05 at 11:57am
My Sceptre is out for delivery right now, so it will arrive today. The only question is if I'll be home in time from work to pick it up.

I have a bunch of different test cases I can throw at it that will hopefully answer most of our questions.

+ HTPC DVD playback @ 1920x1080p
+ XBOX games @ 1080i/720p/480p
+ Gamecube games @ 480p
+ Comcast HDTV cable output @ 1080i/720p
+ NTSC SD @ 480i
+ ATSC HD @ 1080i/720p/ 480p (DTV)
+ QAM from undecoded cable

Hopefully I'll have answers tonight or tomorrow.
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post #111 of 3746
8/25/05 at 12:00pm
Maybe the internal tuner generates 720p on all channels, because it looks better that way. If the internal scaler converts 1080i to 540p before displaying it -- which I suspect -- then maybe the 720p will look better. If the picture looks better when the tuner converts 1080i to 720p and the scaler converts 720p to 1080p, than when the scaler converts 1080i to 540p to 1080p, then maybe they locked the tuner output at 720p for a reason.

Just wild speculation on my part. But on my Westinghouse, I have often thought 720p looked better than 1080i sources (ironically).
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post #112 of 3746
8/25/05 at 12:02pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by bennynihon View Post

My Sceptre is out for delivery right now, so it will arrive today. The only question is if I'll be home in time from work to pick it up.

I have a bunch of different test cases I can throw at it that will hopefully answer most of our questions.

+ HTPC DVD playback @ 1920x1080p
+ XBOX games @ 1080i/720p/480p
+ Gamecube games @ 480p
+ Comcast HDTV cable output @ 1080i/720p
+ NTSC SD @ 480i
+ ATSC HD @ 1080i/720p/ 480p (DTV)
+ QAM from undecoded cable

Hopefully I'll have answers tonight or tomorrow.


Godspeed
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post #113 of 3746
8/25/05 at 12:04pm
Great! I am looking forward to your test results.

Quote:
Originally Posted by bennynihon View Post

My Sceptre is out for delivery right now, so it will arrive today. The only question is if I'll be home in time from work to pick it up.

I have a bunch of different test cases I can throw at it that will hopefully answer most of our questions.

+ HTPC DVD playback @ 1920x1080p
+ XBOX games @ 1080i/720p/480p
+ Gamecube games @ 480p
+ Comcast HDTV cable output @ 1080i/720p
+ NTSC SD @ 480i
+ ATSC HD @ 1080i/720p/ 480p (DTV)
+ QAM from undecoded cable

Hopefully I'll have answers tonight or tomorrow.
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post #114 of 3746
8/25/05 at 12:14pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by bennynihon View Post

My Sceptre is out for delivery right now, so it will arrive today. The only question is if I'll be home in time from work to pick it up.

If you miss your delivery attempt and have the tracking number, you can still pick it up from the UPS facility today. Just call them first by 5:30p (or after your delivery attempt) and ask for same day pickup. You have to be at the facility at a certain time (don't be late) but they'll pull it off the truck for you. Assuming your TV is being delivered to Sunnyvale, you won't have that much of a drive since their local facility is also in Sunnyvale, too.

Haha... I guess I want to see more reviews too.
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post #115 of 3746
8/25/05 at 12:14pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by stranx44 View Post

Another quick question for the present owners (thanks btw!), if you have a PS2 hooked up with component inputs and the GT4 game, can you please play in 1080i mode and tell me what the panel selects for it's scaling. On the Westinghouse, it will scale to 1920x540. From all accounts it looks like the Sceptre will scale to 720p resolution, which is a bit better. I'm just trying to compare the electronics between the two, since they utilize the same lcd panel.

Well, I hooked up my XBOX via component inputs, ran XBOX Media Center, and ran it from 480i all the way through 1080i, and I have to say that it looked absolutely perfect in every resolution. I would say the Component inputs (and DVI inputs) are perfect in every way. 10 out of 10. There is no visible dot crawl, it doesn't look muddy even in 480i. The display correctly displays the resolution of each setting. It looks MUCH better than any other display I've used... really blows away my panasonic AE700 as that projector using the same inputs from this same xbox has dot crawl all over the place, and the 480p on that looks real muddy in comparison to this. I'd say that as a monitor for DVI and Component this set is flawless.

Dan K
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post #116 of 3746
8/25/05 at 12:34pm
I'd say that as a monitor for DVI and Component this set is flawless.

Woo-hoo! HTPC heaven here I come.
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post #117 of 3746
8/25/05 at 12:36pm
Ok.. Mine was delivered at home today. I plan to go and test it. I have few very basic questions. This is my first Flat Panel TV. I have a zenith 318B DVD Player. What else do I need to get the best HDTV experience. I will need to upgrade my COMCAST to get HDTV. What else can I do to test the TV.

I am going to use it primarily as a TV and not as a PC monitor although I might do that at times.
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post #118 of 3746
8/25/05 at 12:43pm
Great. Sounds like they figured out how to improve picture quality on the 1080P LCD panels. Tuners and speakers can be worked around. What do you guys think of the build quality ? (speakers aside) Do you think the power supply will be still cranking in 18 months ?
Any uneven banding on the backlights like the early Westinghouse sets ?
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post #119 of 3746
8/25/05 at 1:17pm
Actually... here's another question that wasn't answered:

How noisy is the unit? Does it have any fans in the back? Does it sound like a turbine running?

-eric
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post #120 of 3746
8/25/05 at 1:18pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by dkelly View Post

Well, I hooked up my XBOX via component inputs, ran XBOX Media Center, and ran it from 480i all the way through 1080i, and I have to say that it looked absolutely perfect in every resolution. I would say the Component inputs (and DVI inputs) are perfect in every way. 10 out of 10. There is no visible dot crawl, it doesn't look muddy even in 480i. The display correctly displays the resolution of each setting. It looks MUCH better than any other display I've used... really blows away my panasonic AE700 as that projector using the same inputs from this same xbox has dot crawl all over the place, and the 480p on that looks real muddy in comparison to this. I'd say that as a monitor for DVI and Component this set is flawless.

Dan K

Gratz on the set dkelly, Can you try some 720p games on xbox when you have the chance? Tony hawk series, xmen legends, amped 2, soul caliber 2, any of these would work. I'm new to 1080p but I have a Samsung LNR LCD and in 720p the games look gorgeous. Would this set upconvert 720p games to 1080p?? If so, how do the 720p games look when converted? Thanks again!! I'm jealous.
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