The Official HP LC2600N/LC3200N/LC3700 thread - Page 10

Go to Walmart and they sell DVI (3ft) and HDMI (3ft) cables made by RCA or Phillips and they work just fine and they are real cheap in price compared to the "M" brand.

I have an LC2600N connected to an HDTV-DVR box from Cablevision with component cables. The box is configured to pass-through all formats to the TV (as suggested in the manual that came with box), and let the TV tuner do all the converting. Some others have suggested setting the box to convert the signal to 720p or 1080i. Any advice as to what is the best way to get the best possible picture?

I depends whether your box or the tv has the better scaler -- most likely it is the TV. You can always try both methods for awhile (even watch the same scene from your dvr both ways).

Can the Sharp's stand swivel like the HP's?

thanks

I just received my LC2600N from Amazon/J&R today 2/28/2006. I ordered it on 2/20/2006 and it took 8 days to get to California. I'm in the Bay Area.

This LCD rocks for a PC Monitor. I'm using an X800XTPE with a DVI-I cable using Digital PC In. I tried for a while to get the 1:1 ratio with 1360x768, but I couldn't get the screen to fit to my liking. I have not tried Powerstrip yet and probably won't. I'm using the 1280x720 resolution(720P) and letting the TV convert the rest. I have the Fonts set to large in the desktop properties and also in FireFox which I feel is optimal. Also, I ran a Pixel Tester and I didn't find any stuck pixels.

Edit: I used Powerstip to add a custom 1368x768 LCD resolution(post #280 for directions) on 03/01/2006. I am now running 1368x768 for 1:1 pixel mapping with all my games except Madden 06(post#322 is compiling a list of 1368x768 Compatible WideScreen games). I am also using Microsofts ClearType LCD Tuner which makes text much sharper and crisp. This allowed me to set fonts back to normal in desktop properties.

As far as how close one can sit, the Pixel size seems to wash out at about 22" for me. I am sitting 28" away and I DO NOT notice the pixels at this distance.

So far, I have Half-Life 2/Counter-Strike Source, Ski Racing 2006 and Far Cry installed. I have all of them running at 1368x768 and all games look amazing and have zero ghosting. I am now a Gaming Monster.

I went to Radio Shack last week and bought the U-75R UHF antenna and a 10 ft. mast to be ready for some OTA HD. My house is a 2 story and I installed the antenna on the roof. I am able to get all the local OTA HD channels no problem 44 miles out from the Sutro tower.

I have to say that OTA HD channels look awesome on this LC2600N. I just finished watching American Idol in HD. With standard definition TV, I couldn't notice that half of the girls have acne. I can see it all now. Pimples, make-up, stretch marks, razor bumps, you name it.

This is my 1st HDTV and I'm very impressed with it.

Hi,

For those who are using nVidia video card, please help me to figure out how to get 1368x768 with 1:1 pixel mapping on LC2600N. From my previous posts, I already explained what had happened to me so far. Basically, I don't have the Advanced Timing button on the ForceWare screen. I do have this button when I connect to analog PC monitor. Strange! When I use the custom resolution to set to 1368x768, the best I can get on LC2600N is a 1368x768 screen within a 1280x768 display. I have to move my mouse pointer to either side to scroll to the rest of the desktop. There are two black bars on both side of the LCD. I used the autosync function on the LCD, without any success. I even did the Advanced Timing stuff while connecting to an analog monitor based on the settings from another user here. Still no luck once I connect back to the LC2600N.

Can you tell me what is the settings on your TV and ForceWare? Any other setting besides the custom resolution in ForceWare that I need to beware of? Which particular video card you are using? Which type of cable you are using? If possible, the built-date of your LC2600N.

Your help will be much appreciated. The main purpose of this TV for me is to connect to computer with 1:1 pixel mapping to the native resolution.

Thanks

You made me worry about the News Tickers after reading your post, but I was pleasantly surprised when I stumbled onto this. I was fiddling with the 'Stretch Modes' and accidently hit an Arrow button and the 'Screen Adjustment Info Box' popped up.

After a little testing, I came to realize that when you are in any of the 'Stretch Modes', you can use the 'Up,Down,Right, and Left' arrows on the remote to adjust the screen position. This feature is awesome. I think HP should've told you about this function when you called them.

So, while in one of the 'Stretch Modes', if you need to see a ticker on the sides or top or bottom of the screen, adjust the screen accordingly by pressing the proper 'Arrow' button. I think you will be a happier camper now.

This LCD just gets better and better.

An update on this. The sliver of brightness on the edges of pictures where black-meets-something contrasty (such as black borders with a bright blue picture) was fixed by cranking down the sharpness. The magic number seems to be about -3 for my set. Between -2 and -3 you can literally see it disappear. I guess the sharpness was introducing some sort of artifacts that manifested themselves when a large variance in contrast was introduced. I'll try to snap some photos soon to demonstrate what's happening in case others are seeing similar issues.

What an amazing resource this forum/thread is! Thanks everybody for sharing your experiences. I have a Panasonic TH-42PWD8UK in the living room (very happy with it, not aiming to watch HD, so the performance for DVDs is important), and I just ordered an LC3200N for my bedroom, which will also double as a second monitor for my desktop PC. Cannot wait!!

So I have received a few PMs asking how I was able to achieve 1368 x 768 on the LC2600N. I decided to reinstall my video card driver and start from scratch so I could give step by step instructions with screen shots on how to get 1:1 mapping on the LC2600N.

You may remember, I had posted instructions awhile back on how to do this and it turns out they were wrong. I was going from memory before and when I was first trying to get 1:1 mapping set up, I tried all sorts of stuff and obviously got confused on which steps worked. The instructions below worked for me 10 minutes ago Sorry about the bad instructions before. I will go back and edit the old instructions to point to this post.

Anyway, let's try this again...

First off, I'm connecting to the TV via DVI. I'm using an old Radeon AIW and the latest Catalyst Driver but as you'll soon see, that doesn't matter.

1. TV Set up

On the TV go to Menu>Setup>Input Signal and set it to 1366X768. Scroll down to Option and make sure Input Select says Digital PC (although, you wouldn't see anything if it didn't). Hit the Aspect button on the remote and make sure it says Dot by Dot.

2. PC Setup

First, you're going to have to install Powerstrip. But don't worry, it's really easy to do what you need and once you get the resolution set up, you can uninstall Powerstrip.

DL Powerstrip from here

Once you have Powerstrip Installed (and the PC rebooted) copy the custom timing below to the clipboard:

1368x768=1368,80,56,280,768,3,5,22,85140,1

Launch Powerstrip. A screen will pop up telling you to click OK so Powerstrip can save the default settings. Click OK.

Then a screen will pop up with the default settings listed (see screen shot below. Don't worry about my numbers listed there, I took the screen shot after I already got everything setup). Click OK.

Screen shot 1

There should now be a Powerstrip Icon in the system tray. Right click it and select Display Profiles -> Configure. A screen should pop up that looks like the screen shot below:

Screen shot 2

Click on the button that says Advanced timing options...

All you have to do now is hit the Paste from Clip Board button (circled in red in the screen shot below) and this will copy that custom timing above into Powerstrip.

Screen shot 3

You will get a popup (see screen shot below) that says it has added the new resolution to the User-Defined list. Click OK.

Screen Shot

Click OK. Click OK again. Powerstrip says you need to reboot so go ahead and do it.

After the reboot, open Powerstrip again. Click on Advanced timing options, click on the Custom resolutions button...

Screen Shot

click on the User Defined radio button and select the 1368 X 768 resolution and then click the Add New Resolution button. You'll now get this popup

Screen Shot

Click Restart to reboot.

After the reboot you should be able to select the resolution in your video card driver. You also may be able to select the resolution in the Windows Display Properties (right-click desktop -> Settings tab). On my PC running Win2k SP4, I did not see the new resolution in the Windows display properties. I could select it in the ATI Control Center but it would not stick after a reboot. It would default back to 1280 x 768. To fix this, I had to update my monitor driver using the steps under Update Monitor Driver below.

So, if you're able to select the new resolution under the Windows Display Properties or in the video card driver, do that, then do a Auto Sync on the TV. It should now look great. Now reboot. If the new resolution stays then you're done. If not, you'll have to update your monitor driver.

Update Monitor Driver (may not be necessary)

Here's how I do it. Go into the Windows Device Manager, click on Monitor->Properties->Driver->Update Driver. Select the radio button that says, Display a list of the known drivers....etc. Click next and then select the radio button that says, Show all hardware for this device class and find the Sony GDM-W900. Click Finish or OK or whatever it says.

After you update the monitor driver, right click on the desktop, go to the Settings tab and then move the slider until you get 1368 x 768 and click Ok.

Finally, in the TV menu again, do an Auto Sync. You should be good to go now. The timings I used (that bunch of numbers above I had you copy to your clip board) worked for me. If the Auto Sync doesn't give you razor sharp and stable text, your TV may not like those timings. There are a bunch of 1368 x 768 timings out there on this site and on the forums on the Powerstrip site. Try as many as you can until it looks good.

Good luck!

You dont have to use a diff monitor driver, when you connect the PC to the TV what every rez that will appear that looks ok then you can proceed with the next phase. Run powerstrip and select 1368x768 LCD from its advance settings -> custom resolutions (Powerstrip). Add this and it will appear on your display settings option. Select the 1368x768 from the display settings. Then set the TV according to what is outlined in thread above (set TV to 1366x768 and digital PC) and do auto sync and thats it. DOT to DOT. Thats all I did with my HP3700 via an ATI 9700pro.

Once I tried to paste the custom timing, instead of seeing the changes as described, I got this message from a pop up error window:

The custom timing you have pasted from the clipboard is not suitable for the current resolution. It has been added to the list of user-defined timings in the "Custom resolutions" dialog box, and can be selected and applied from there.

So I went to Custom resolutions, click the user-defined radio button, select 1368x768, and clicked the Add new Resolution button. Then I click OK to confirm it and click Close button on the Custom Resolutions screen to return back to the Advanced timing options screen. Here is the problem now. The horizontal geometry is still 1280, instead of 1368. And I doubt all the other settings have been changed to the custom settings. And I believe that's why I always just get a 1280x768 screen on this LCD in DVI mode.

I am testing this with nVidia card. I will try to hook up a computer with ATI card and test it again.

Thank you very much.

Can you tell me which mode you are using to accomplish this?

I set the DVI input as user defined mode. Power Control/Power Management is Mode 2. Setup/Standby Mode is Mode2.

On my PC running Win2k, this didn't work for me. I did not see the resolution in the Windows Display Properties. I could select the new resolution in the video card driver but once I rebooted, it would default back to 1280 x 768. The only thing that allows me to keep 1:1 mapping after a reboot is changing the monitor driver.

Also, regarding using the stock 1368 x 768 timing included with Powerstrip, it was close but I still noticed some horizontal shimmering of text. The timing I provided gives me sharp and stable text.


Hey cdcooker, sorry about that. I forgot that step in my instructions. I just now added that part with screen shots.

I'm using Power Management Mode 2 and Stand By Mode 1.

Rhetoric,

Can you tell me whether your Advanced Timing options screen is showing the new custom resolution settings after you apply the custom resolution?

On my computer, after I apply your powerstrip settings, confirm it, close it, and reopen the Display Profile window, it is showing the custom resolution (1368x768) under Resolution, but if I click the Advanced timing options... button, the settings on the right hand side (horizontal geometry and vertical geometry) is still 1280 x 768, with other settings that aren't matching with the custom settings.

I am afraid this is the reason that I always get a scrolling and cropped desktop of 1368x768 within a 1280x768 screen.

I changed the TV to 1368x768, aspect to dot to dot. Auto sync.

Hmm, I'm unable to reproduce that. I get 1368 x 768 in the advanced timings section.

In Powerstrip, after you've selected the custom resolution in the user-defined list and click
Add New Resolution, it'll tell you to reboot. Did you reboot? After the reboot, you don't need to go back into Powerstrip. You can either select 1368 x 768 in the video card driver or the Windows Display Properties (right click desktop->Settings tab) and switch to the new resolution there.

Try that and let me know if it works.

Hey Rhetoric, thanks for posting(#280) a walkthrough for the 1368x768 issue. This helped me get the 1:1 ratio I was hoping for all along. The text is crisp and clean with no caffeine at this resolution. Yes, I was happy with the 1280x720(720P) stretched to fullscreen, but the text is sharper and a touch more stable now.


The way I did mine was like Tinker, except that I did install the Sony GDM-W900 driver before adding the 1366x768 LCD custom resolution. There was two choices for custom LCD resolutions. 1368x768 LCD and 1366x768 LCD. I chose the 1366x768 LCD resolution and added it. What I realized was that it still setup as a 1368x768 resolution in the properties. So, I guess 1368x768 is the standard PC resolution to use for the 1366x768 LCD panels for DOT to DOT.

Sing along everybody,"Happy Happy Joy Joy Happy Happy Joy Joy..."

Guys, help me out here. I just bought the Westinghouse 27" from BB this past week.

Since it has a native 1280x720 panel, it worked right as soon as I popped it into the PC (I'm using it primarily as a monitor, and will probably have my PS2 hooked to it as well. Instant 1:1 mapping.

However I've noticed that I just don't like the 600:1 contrast ratio. I'm trying to learn to live with it, but I keep telling myself that I could probably do better.

Is the Contrast Ratio on the LC REALLY 4000:1?? Thats darker than my DLP FP and that to me seems like dead on black. As usual with lots of colors on the screen the LCD panel seems fine, but when the screen is all black..itsnot, its grey...and that low-contrast grey that is kinda distracting.

i'm trying to decide if I can live with this, OR if an upgrade to the HP is in order.

Of course what I gain in Contrast Ratio, I may LOSE in 1:1 pixel mapping!

Is this 1366x768 panel easily pixelmapped via DVI? Like i said my current panel just fired up at the default 1:1 resolution. 1280x720. Plus that VGA would come in handy, and I'd be giving that up by going to the HP.

So....is the contrast really so much better than the 600:1 I'm getting right now?

Thanks

1:1 mapping isn't plug and play on the HP but it isn't that difficult and definitely doable through DVI.

I don't know what the true contrast ratio is on the HP but it uses a Sharp panel, which is better than most in that regard.

It's hard to say if the upgrade would be worth it if you already have the Westinghouse but I can say, I'm happy with the HP and don't notice a huge issue with blacks.

Hey SlyJavi,

I'm glad the instructions helped.

BTW, if you guys see anything that needs updating or clarification in the instructions let me know.

So long as its doable. Almost all the games I'd want to play have widescreen adjustments anyhow. HOWEVER...does this TV natively accept a 1024x768 signal? Mine does not..and its been a bit of a hassle...


True.

Thats the thing.....Westinghouse states 600:1.....this claims 4000:1....but 800:1 depending on wether or not you use its automatic Settings I guess? Either way,
I might have to give it a shot......its less than $150 difference....and I really dont care for the 600:1 contrast.


I didn't either until I saw some movie trailers with lots of blacks....guess I'll have to check it out and see.....plus, free HDTV tuner and cable card slot. And HDMI...impressive.

26" is pretty small for all that technology however...I'mr eally just after a good monitor.....as I move closer to $1000, I wonder if a $500 4:3 monitor isn't a smarter investment.
Hmmm.

DVI-D info box popping up
After almost 2 weeks of having the TV, and I do like it a lot, but might have to send it back unless you guys have some
concrete solutions for me
As I previously stated I run my HTPC to LC3700 thru DVI-D cable and picture it excellent however during a movie the bloody info box pops up, starts flashing trying to sync with the PC to the point where I have to either turn off the PC or TV and restart the movie. I've used the same PC for over a year on my second TV Sony RPTV no problem at all so I know it's not the PC or the cable. Other people on this forum reported they have a similar thing. HP tech support told me he has no resolve for it so how do you guys cope with this. This is a $3000 TV and LCD's been around for a while so it's not like the latest thing. HP is a computer company so they should have plenty of experience with LCD, DVI and timings. Tried 800x600x60hz, 1024x768x60hz and 1368x768x60hz same thing. The weird thing about 1368x768 and same for 1280x720 I get two black bars on top and bottom instead of left and right as it should be for 1368 is 2 pixel shorter than 1366.
Anyone has a resolution and timings where the info box never pops up?

Just got a LC2600N from J&R. Got one a few weeks ago but it was damaged in the delivery so J & R sent another one....so...

I just had comcast here today and they installed the cable card - but the channel set up is screwed up too??

The channels appear as 10.1, 10.2, 87.7, etc. instead of regular cable channel numbers

I called HP and they said that's how it works...is that true - cause that's a little disappointing...think I'm going to have to use a stb in my kitchen.

Anyone out there have a CableCard working with the regular cable channels??

Hey all,

Anyone use the Avia software on the LC3700N? Is it worth the time/expense? I am pretty happy with the default settings out of the box, running in STANDARD MODE. The colors look good on my Xbox 360. This is my first HD/LCD TV, so I am unsure.

Will I see much of a difference if I calibrate?

I am running everything through component at this point (720P?)

What resolution and refresh rate does the HP say you're running?
What resolution and refresh rate are you running on your PC?
Have you manually set the HP resolution?
Have you run the HP auto sync function?
Do you have RF inputs connected? Does disconnecting them help?
Tell us what you've done so far.

Since I've had the LC2600N (a couple of months now) the info box has popped up unexpectedly twice. I use mine as a computer monitor mostly and I'm on it all the time.

I wish I could help, I just don't have the issue.

Here's the timing I'm using if you want to try it:

1368x768=1368,80,56,280,768,3,5,22,85140,1

Rhetoric, have any games that so far wouldn't play nice?

on My westinghouse, i can't get BF2 to run, nor will the new demo for TimeShifter boot up. It tells me it can't find a 1024x768x32 driver, and bails on me

JasG,

Does the cablecard show actual Comcast channel numbers or do you get the digital fractions or frequency numbers like 87.7, 92.3 etc?

Have you run the auto sync function on your HP?
Tell us what you've done so far.

Yes, I run it for any reolution I set up. No, info box when running thru my component cables from my ATI, but DVI-D is better but has the info box coming on. This will happen like once or twice during a 2hr movie.