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Zenith Z50PX2D - Page 7

post #181 of 1733
12/17/05 at 3:54pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jaypb View Post

Anyone else running an HDMI--->DVI video input care to share some info regarding the audio connection?

Thanks

I run an HDMI connection from my D* HDTIVO to the TV.

The sound will come out through the TV's speakers because audio and video is carried on HDMI.

95% of the time, I just play all my audio through the 5.1 surround setup but ocassionally when just watching the news and stuff (or worrying about somebody messing with the Power amp knob) , it is nice to be able to get the audio right from the TV over that HDMI cable.

Hope any of this helps.
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post #182 of 1733
12/18/05 at 9:13am
To get back my earlier post. I replaced the "noisy" at CC yesterday. I still can hear the "humming" sound from the new one, but only within 5', I can live with that.

To Joe Q, I tested the AM radio interference by both panels, as mfan had observed, the interference appeared only within 4' of Z in both cases. I used a paperback book sized AM/FM/SW radio.

I also have a question about how to use Avia calibration DVD (not very user friendly to me): What aspect ratio should I use? It doesn't look right using 16:9 setting. Only the white and black levels make sence to me. Most likely, I will end up with using numbers post earlier on this thread.
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post #183 of 1733
12/18/05 at 1:23pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by vpass24 View Post


A) To get back my earlier post. I replaced the "noisy" at CC yesterday. I still can hear the "humming" sound from the new one, but only within 5', I can live with that.

B) To Joe Q, I tested the AM radio interference by both panels, as mfan had observed, the interference appeared only within 4' of Z in both cases. I used a paperback book sized AM/FM/SW radio.

C) I also have a question about how to use Avia calibration DVD (not very user friendly to me): What aspect ratio should I use? It doesn't look right using 16:9 setting. Only the white and black levels make sence to me. Most likely, I will end up with using numbers post earlier on this thread.

A) That is indeed very odd because I can not hear a peep out of mine. I did not know there was even a fan until I was told about it. I have to get right behind ther set and a few inches away to hear that fan.

5' is pretty far away considering that a lot of people like to watch a 50" HDTV at 8 or less feet.

Check this out:
http://www.myhometheater.homestead.c...alculator.html

Did you check out the Zenith at CC for the humming noise before you took it home?
I ask because I am wondering if you have a ground problem at your house.

I know I do. I have to use a 3 prong to 2 prong adaptor for the Power plug on my main amp otherwise I get a slight hum from it.


B) Thanks - that makes 2 that don't have a probelm with AM static and to me it is a big deal because i listen to talk radio a lot.
Could not listen to it for nearly 3 hours this morning as I was messing with Powerstrip on the component input trying to nail 1280x 720P

Not sure what if anything I am going to do about it.

C) I agree that AVIA is a PITA so I end up using VE or some high def color bar patterns that I have posted on my website.
If interested, go here:
http://southriver.web.aplus.net/

and choose the High Definition Calibration Pattern's" link
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post #184 of 1733
12/18/05 at 2:21pm
Just curious as to how is everyone changing inputs with the remote (i.e going from HDMI to DVD or internal tuner). Are you just using the remote and scrolling from Component to Component to HDMI etc...? Or is there an easier way that I missed in the manual? I'm only currently using Component 2/HDMI and the internal tuner and it's a bit of a pain to keep hitting TV/Video multiple times to get from the internal tuner back to HDMI when I go from local HD to D* HD.

The Samsung DLP that I returned before getting this TV allowed you to only have a choice of the inputs that currently had a signal, while a friends Sony allows him to "skip" inputs from a setting in the menu.

Thanks
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post #185 of 1733
12/18/05 at 3:56pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jaypb View Post

Just curious as to how is everyone changing inputs with the remote (i.e going from HDMI to DVD or internal tuner). Are you just using the remote and scrolling from Component to Component to HDMI etc...? Or is there an easier way that I missed in the manual?
Thanks

I did not bother with the manual since I use an MX800 to control all my HT gear.

I was able to find an MXF file for this TV on remotecentral.com that had discrete setting's for each input.

I took that and made more updates to my MX800 with everthing for the TV including,for example, a button that says "DVD" which will switch the input to component 1.

I am sure someone will chime in to tell you how to use the Zenith remote to do what you want but if you have a Pronto or a Home Theater Master MX series, I can give you my MXF file if you want.

I also have a setting called ServA and ServB that will put you into the the 2 service menus if you are intersested.
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post #186 of 1733
12/19/05 at 5:53pm
Joe Q,

If the grounding in your house is messed up that might explain the TV interfering with your AM radio more than others. Before reading your post about having grounding problems and having to float your main amp with a 3 to 2 adapter I thought that you might have a poor ground on the TV chassis.

Just a thought.

gby
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post #187 of 1733
12/19/05 at 11:19pm
Has anyone mounted their Zenith on the wall? Which mount are you using? Does it cover up the access to cable/wire connectors? Right now my TV is sitting on top of a dresser. We'll be moving in a month. I plan to mount it on the wall after the move.

Joe Q,
I know your Zenith is mounted on the wall. What mount did you use? Does it work well?

Thanks,
Mark
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post #188 of 1733
12/20/05 at 4:14am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mfan View Post

Has anyone mounted their Zenith on the wall? Which mount are you using? Does it cover up the access to cable/wire connectors? Right now my TV is sitting on top of a dresser. We'll be moving in a month. I plan to mount it on the wall after the move.

Joe Q,
I know your Zenith is mounted on the wall. What mount did you use? Does it work well?

Thanks,
Mark

I used the Ominmount Tilt 4 (I think it was the 4, it is the biggest that they make)

Mounting the TV covers up access to the top row of connectors but you can get to the power plug and the HDMI connector.

It is not so much that it covers them up but that there is not enough clearance to get back there once mounted. If you had hands the size of a 4 year old, I suppose you get get at them.

Future proof it:

I simply connected cables to EVERY connector back there and wire tied the unused ones into a loop that I put up behind the bottom of the panel but is hidden by the panel.


The mount I used works really well. It was simple to install and is VERY sturdy.

The hardest part was using the sonic stud finder to get to the exact center of the stud since the mount comes with Monster sized bolts and I did not want to hear the dread crack of splitting wood when I put them on with the socket wrench.

You find the stud edges with the stud finder and them use a nail to poke through the wall and find the edges of the stud and then run a square up the wall to draw a line over top of the center of the stud for a few feet,

Nice thing about installing this thing was that it did not matter how much marking or mess making you did because the bracket hides almost everything and the Plasma panel hides the rest
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post #189 of 1733
12/20/05 at 7:50am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mfan View Post

Has anyone mounted their Zenith on the wall? Which mount are you using? Does it cover up the access to cable/wire connectors? Right now my TV is sitting on top of a dresser. We'll be moving in a month. I plan to mount it on the wall after the move.

Joe Q,
I know your Zenith is mounted on the wall. What mount did you use? Does it work well?

Thanks,
Mark

Here is my set up. I was going to put the cables in the wall but I will probably just hang them in the middle and they won't be noticable.

My basement is still under finishing remodel, thus no doors, baseboard, etc.
LL
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post #190 of 1733
12/20/05 at 7:10pm
Is anyone else using a Samsung HD receiver with this TV? I tried setting up the remote using the Samsung code under "STB's" (only one code given in the manual) and it didn't "take". Anyone else run into any similar issues when trying to program the remote?

Thanks
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post #191 of 1733
12/20/05 at 10:05pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Red89gt View Post

Here is my set up. I was going to put the cables in the wall but I will probably just hang them in the middle and they won't be noticable.

My basement is still under finishing remodel, thus no doors, baseboard, etc.

Thanks for the picture. It looked like a good setup. What mount did you use? Does it work well?
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post #192 of 1733
12/20/05 at 10:09pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Joe Q View Post

I used the Ominmount Tilt 4 (I think it was the 4, it is the biggest that they make)

The hardest part was using the sonic stud finder to get to the exact center of the stud since the mount comes with Monster sized bolts and I did not want to hear the dread crack of splitting wood when I put them on with the socket wrench.


Thanks, Joe! I got a Sanus from Costco that I'm gonna try out. If it doesn't work, I'll try the Omnimount. Thanks for point out about the stud center.
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post #193 of 1733
12/22/05 at 5:55am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mfan View Post

Thanks for the picture. It looked like a good setup. What mount did you use? Does it work well?


Mount was great and pretty good quality for a universal application.

It was made by Peerless Industries.

I was happy with it.
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post #194 of 1733
12/22/05 at 6:31am
I ran across a remote code that gives access to what looks like a full calibration menu for the Z50PX2D that includes the standard items such as Brightness, Contrast, etc but also Red, Green, Blue gain, offset and horizontal, verticle size, position. I did a fairly detailed posting with the details in Joe Q's Zenith Z50PX2D 50" Plasma Settings thread where he first posted info about 2 other service menu screens which seems to give low level access to hardware/software details.

For those interested check it out.

For those who have programmable remotes and want to see this screen now:

EA is code that would be listed in the manual if it were listed. (= 234 decimal)
335 is the One For All/Radio Shack advanced code

gby

Joe Q's setting thread:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...23#post6769423
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post #195 of 1733
12/22/05 at 6:50am
If anyone's interested, I shot an e-mail off to Zenith regarding not being able to get the Samsung STB code listed in the manual to control my D* HD STB. Not sure I expected to ACTUALLY get a useful answer, but at least they do read the e-mails....

"Thank you for inquiring of Zenith Electronics. The STB function is simply 'SET TOP BOX'. If there is a compatible code for a DirecTV receiver then it should be listed. However, these are the only codes which we have available. If you do not find a compatible code, then we have no others, and the units will be incompatible. For further information or troubleshooting, you may contact us at 800-243-0000 for LG Customer Service assistance. An agent will be glad to assist you. Thank you again for contacting LG Electronics. Neil E-mail Administrator Customer Interactive Center LGEAI"
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post #196 of 1733
12/22/05 at 7:25am
I couldn't find the remote code for the Motorola DVR box initially. I ended up just trying the combinations from 000. If any one is interested, I think I got it at 074. Not too much work.
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post #197 of 1733
12/22/05 at 10:22am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jjsf View Post

I couldn't find the remote code for the Motorola DVR box initially. I ended up just trying the combinations from 000. If any one is interested, I think I got it at 074. Not too much work.

Yup, I find the last resort of using the "brute force" method usually works...

Thanks for sharing...
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post #198 of 1733
12/22/05 at 10:36am
Quote:
Originally Posted by gby View Post

I ran across a remote code that gives access to what looks like a full calibration menu for the Z50PX2D that includes the standard items such as Brightness, Contrast, etc but also Red, Green, Blue gain, offset and horizontal, verticle size, position. I did a fairly detailed posting with the details in Joe Q's Zenith Z50PX2D 50" Plasma Settings thread where he first posted info about 2 other service menu screens which seems to give low level access to hardware/software details.

For those interested check it out.

For those who have programmable remotes and want to see this screen now:

EA is code that would be listed in the manual if it were listed. (= 234 decimal)
335 is the One For All/Radio Shack advanced code

gby

Joe Q's setting thread:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...23#post6769423

Wow! That's great! Thanks for sharing your finding!

Pls educate a newbie like me... What are these remote codes you listed? What kind of programmable remote do I need to go get? Is there a thread/forum on programmable remotes for me to better acquaint with the various alternatives?

TIA!
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post #199 of 1733
12/22/05 at 11:07am
To find out more about the remote codes, go to www.remotecentral.com. The whole site is dedicated to remote controls ranging from the $20-$30 cheapie's to the multi hundred super fancy. They even have tons of reviews of individual remotes and a tool where you input your preferences including price and they make recommendations including links to their reviews.

Another good resource is a Home Theater Magazine article "Universal Remote Roundup" from September. Here's the link:

http://www.hometheatermag.com/accessories/905remote/


To play with these codes one of the best less expensive easier to use ones IMHO is the One For All brand that is also sold under the Radio Shack brand name. If you know their code (which is not the same number as that listed in the Zenith manual but which I gave you) you hit the SETUP key and then the three digit code and voila you sent it to the TV. Of course, you can also program it to a key but so far I don't think its a good idea to have calibration/service menus on remote keys!

Have fun!

gby
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post #200 of 1733
12/22/05 at 2:56pm
Mfan,
I agree with the advice that gby gave you plus his pointer to remotcentral is a good idea.

Remotecentral is just like avsforum but only for remote controls (friendly,lots of very knoweldgable people,etc.)

The one are that I may disagree is that if you you have a decent amount of HT gear, you may want to think about investing in a high end remote.

Personally, I am very biased towards the HTM line and have the MX800.
It is a hard button lcd type remote with the emhpasis on hard buttons.

You can use Pronto files in the HTM remotes and you can usually snag a great deal on an HTM on Ebay.
I think it is because a few of the models are really for custom installs and I guess the dealers get good prices on the few custom install models (MX700,800,1000) that they unload on the market.

I got both my MX700 and later, the 800 at a HUGE delta from the MSRP on Ebay.

I have an MXD file with all the features (plus some macros to simplify a few things) for the Zenith. It is part of my complete MXF file for all 10 of my variaous devices.
The one for the Zenith that was on remocentral was not so hot so I used a few items and then did the rest myself.

Have not gotten around to uploading mine to remotecentral.

On the subject of the service menu codes, I did snarf the * key out of a Pronto CCF file that I found on remotecental to use for my HTM since the HTM does not have that * key.

Sorry to go OT but:

To give you an idea of the HTM's versatility, after 9 months of owning my Nikon D70 camera, I found out that it had a remote that allowed remote firing of the shutter.
I was too cheap to spend the money on it plus I figured the HTM must be capable of doing that.

I heard that someone on remotecentral had taught (either the HTM or the Pronto as I forget now) the IR code for the NIkon D70 remote controller trigger.
As usual, I went to remotecentral, grabbed the code and now also use my MX800 to remotely fire the shutter on my camera.

A Home Theater remote being used to control a digital camera

If you have a digital camera with remote control capabilitiliy, look into the HTM as a possible alternative.
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post #201 of 1733
12/22/05 at 3:50pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Joe Q View Post

Mfan,
I agree with the advice that gby gave you plus his pointer to remotcentral is a good idea.

Remotecentral is just like avsforum but only for remote controls (friendly,lots of very knoweldgable people,etc.)

The one are that I may disagree is that if you you have a decent amount of HT gear, you may want to think about investing in a high end remote.

Personally, I am very biased towards the HTM line and have the MX800.
It is a hard button lcd type remote with the emhpasis on hard buttons.

You can use Pronto files in the HTM remotes and you can usually snag a great deal on an HTM on Ebay.
I think it is because a few of the models are really for custom installs and I guess the dealers get good prices on the few custom install models (MX700,800,1000) that they unload on the market.

I got both my MX700 and later, the 800 at a HUGE delta from the MSRP on Ebay.

I have an MXD file with all the features (plus some macros to simplify a few things) for the Zenith. It is part of my complete MXF file for all 10 of my variaous devices.
The one for the Zenith that was on remocentral was not so hot so I used a few items and then did the rest myself.

Have not gotten around to uploading mine to remotecentral.

On the subject of the service menu codes, I did snarf the * key out of a Pronto CCF file that I found on remotecental to use for my HTM since the HTM does not have that * key.

Sorry to go OT but:

To give you an idea of the HTM's versatility, after 9 months of owning my Nikon D70 camera, I found out that it had a remote that allowed remote firing of the shutter.
I was too cheap to spend the money on it plus I figured the HTM must be capable of doing that.

I heard that someone on remotecentral had taught (either the HTM or the Pronto as I forget now) the IR code for the NIkon D70 remote controller trigger.
As usual, I went to remotecentral, grabbed the code and now also use my MX800 to remotely fire the shutter on my camera.

A Home Theater remote being used to control a digital camera

If you have a digital camera with remote control capabilitiliy, look into the HTM as a possible alternative.


Thanks gby and Joe Q! I'll check them out.

I've been thinking of getting a Harmony remote for my HT system once I got it put together. I'm moving at the end of January, so everything is on hold for now. According to what I've heard, the Harmony is easy to setup and friendly to use for a newbie... How does it compare with the MX800? Is it as flexible? Does it provide the functions needed for accessing the Zenith service menus?

To everyone else not interested...Sorry for going a bit OT...
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post #202 of 1733
12/23/05 at 6:18am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mfan View Post

Does it provide the functions needed for accessing the Zenith service menus?

On all these learning remotes:
If it has the * key programmed into it like the One For All does then YES otherwise, you will simply need to get that hex code into it.

Like I said, it is not an issue with the HTM line because you can get the codes from remotecentral or even better - get the MXD files from me since I have every function (including 2 'button's called SERVA & SERVB) for the Zenith programmed
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post #203 of 1733
12/23/05 at 1:27pm
Just got my Zenith not too long ago and finally able to mount on entertainment center. So far i'm loving the Zenith for the money. It was between this or the panny but the $$ difference and also the panny did not support PC connections made it a no brainer. There is some red push on this display but that can be calibrated out I hope. Standard def is actually not bad but HD and DVD via HTPC is where it's at. Very happy so far.

Zenith Z50PX2D
Onkyo HT-S670
DVine HTPC-AMD/Nvidia Nforce/TheaterTek
Dish 811 Receiver
LL
LL
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post #204 of 1733
12/28/05 at 8:52am
I just bought this Zenith set 2 days ago. I am pretty new to this HD stuff and I hope someone can point me in the right direction.
I purchased an HDMI cable (mucho $$$) and hooked this TV up to my SA8300HD STB. Everything is fine except no sound coumes out the TV speakers when STB is tuned to the "standard" cable channels (Adelphia CH2-99).
Any advice you folks could offer would be greatly appreciated.
Currently I have the TV fed using component cables and it looks fine, I just assumed the HDMI cable would work better.
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post #205 of 1733
12/28/05 at 10:05am
As posted by DoubleDaz in this long post on the 8300:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...&&#post4682052

"Audio Out Using HDMI Connection. An HDMI>HDMI or HDMI>DVI connection will automatically select 2 channel stereo if your TV does not support Dolby Digital (DD). In order to restore DD audio out to your receiver, you need to change the automatic setting. Press the Settings button twice and scroll to Audio: Digital Out. Change the setting from HDMI to Dolby Digital. This will force DD audio to the HDMI, as well as the digital/optical audio outs."

Since you say you are receiving the proper signal with Digital content but no 2 channel analog with SD...something seems amiss in the setup. Have you tried running analog cables from the STB as well as the HDMI just to check? I assume you are connected straight from the STB to the set and are not using a receiver? In connection with the quoted section above, is there an STB pass through for Audio as well as Video? Sounds like you need it set to pass through as it seems fixed on digital.
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post #206 of 1733
12/28/05 at 10:30am
Thanks for the quick reply, I did read DoubleDaz's post and I thought this section was related to getting Dolby Audio rather than Stereo Audio out of the 8300STB. In any event, I did change the selection in the 8300 STB and it did not make a difference, no audio on CH2-99 through the HDMI.
I added audio cables and still could not get audio into the Zenith (but I had TV set to HDMI input - I didnt see a way to get video from HDMI connection and Audio from another). When I changed to the appropriate input I did get the audio (but obviously no video because that was coming on another input - the HDMI).

Someone at the store told me that you cant send analog signals through the HDMI and that Adelphia's CH2-99 are analog channels. That makes sense but what confuses me is that I DO get the video on those channels.

I guess I am wondering if anyone is using just an HDMI cable to get HD and SD audio and video into their Zenith.
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post #207 of 1733
12/28/05 at 12:28pm
I use HDMI cable and got both video and audio from all the channels. However mine is comcast service and the STB is motorola 3412. I read it somewhere about digital simcast of lower analog channels by comcast, but I haven't been following the cable technology these days, so I don't know.
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post #208 of 1733
12/28/05 at 2:34pm
I got video only.....I had to run a seperate set of audio cables next to the hdmi port on the set.

I have a comcast stb, don't know the model # of hand.

By the way, not too crazy about hdmi anyhow, too many glitches.......
I'm running all component.......

Check out the: not ready for prime time, on hdmi , 1st page
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post #209 of 1733
12/28/05 at 6:48pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by JohninTonawanda View Post

I guess I am wondering if anyone is using just an HDMI cable to get HD and SD audio and video into their Zenith.

I have my HDTIVO hooked up via the HDMI cable and being able to get the sound from the TV speakers is a bonus.

When my folks come over to visit, my father HAS to have a TV on.

Used to be a PITA keeoing an eye on him because he goofed up one time on my MX800 and floored the amplifier.
I was so po'd because I assumed he had to have blown a speaker besides giving us all a heart attack with a gigawatt sound output.

I got lucky that time,though.

Now, all I have to do is give him the Tivo remote which I also learned the Zenith volume control into.
Now I can leave all the Home Theater gear turned off and he can listen to Directv through the TV speakers.


I love HDMI (besides the cost of the darn cable)
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post #210 of 1733
12/28/05 at 8:51pm
Don't have to spend a lot of $$$ on a cable.........

Monoprice, excellent quality................
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