Sceptre X37SV-Komodo - Page 10

Thanks egravel This worked well. I am considering buying a monoprice hdmi switch for this. The ~$130.00 investment would allow me to run almost everything through the hdmi port. But this worked an I may hold off on that. The DVI picture is much clearer but this is pretty good.

Just got my Komono yesterday. Picture seems fine so far... but when I connected the cable wire into the ATSC port I am only getting a few channels (mostly are locals in HD). With this same cable connection when I plugged into my other tv's I got all the basic plus cable channels (ESPN, CNN, TBS ..ect ...). Could someone helps me on this? Thanks! I do not want to rent/buy another cable box. I have COX Cable (RI). I've also ordered the Sceptre Naga 37" and it's on the way. I will be able to compare the 2's side by side soon. I'll keep both if they can do the job for me. I need one for the computer and 1 for the bedroom.

I think this is 1080p downconverted to 1080i. This is why the picture is a little grainy. If you had bought a native 1920x1080, such as the Sceptre Naga, the picture (I suspect) would be clearer. The problem I have, is that I want to cruise the internet from 8-10 feet away from the TV. With the Komodo and the 1360x768, this works out well for me. Having the availability of downconverting 1080p is an added plus. However I think most 1080p devices (HD-DVD and Blue-Ray) will do this for you anyway. I have seen a few articles about the quality of this media and many say the improvements aren't too noticeable.

If you want the regular channels you need to use a splitter and connect the NTSC tuner as well. ATSC will only pick up the digital unscrambled channels.

When I tried this same cable connection on the NTSC port and do autoscan the Komono didn't pick up any channel at all. However when I plug it in my Samsung plasma then all the "basic plus cable" channels were detected ... Thanks!

Hate to say it, but if atsc tuner works, but nothing using ntsc tuner probably have a problem with the set???
Especially if the same cable works on another tv.

Hi TuanGiahy
From RI also. Cox is installing a HD digital box tomorrow. Right now I have just the basic. The problem with this TV is that it has to seperate inputs for TV (ATSC and analog). I switch cables when I want to watch HDTV, of the 15 channels I can get, WGBH is the only one worth watching in HD. One thing you may want to try is to take a "T" connector off the output of your box and run and input off of that to each of the Komodo's inputs. You would think that Sceptre would have done this internally, but maybe they did this for OTA HDTV and not cable. As I mentioned before, Cox is coming tomorrow moring with a HD digital box. I hope I can run it through the HDMI port. I am also going to see if the problems exist with audio inputs to the Komodo.

As for the Naga, I also bought both, the Naga is sitting in it's original box. I haven't opened it yet. I had purchased that one first(for $1500.00) then this one came available and I bought it. I was going to use the cost savings to buy an XBOX 360. After hearing all the QA problems this TV has had, I am somewhat worried about the quality. Either way, my Naga is going back. If I do decide to send this one back I may still purchase the Naga, but at the $1300.00 price. If I had the time and space I would do the comparison myself but I am just too busy. If you do, let us know what you think. I hope others that have returned this set and purchased the Naga also post a comparison in this forum.

One other reason I went with this set over the Naga, is that I would have to take the speakers off the Naga to fit in my cabinet. I have heard the Naga's speaker's are lousy, but these are ok for regular TV. Any other video and I turn my amp on. I really don't want to run regular TV through the amp. Just seems a little overkill.

Either way let us know how you make out.

Thanks Oside ... appreciated it. I will call tech support and see what they say. Is anyone having the same problem that I am having? Basically, my ATSC only pickup the local channels and my NTSC doesn't detect any channels at all on AUTOSCAN mode. Is there a certain setting that I have to use for the Komono to do a correct scan? AUTOSCAN should be fine, right? I am using the same cable connection that works perfectly on all my other tvs.

Are you scanning the NTSC channels using the cable box? If so try bypassing the cable box. That is how I have my now I get 60 or so basic channels.

Hi Duffman64,

Thanks for the response. Have you tried to connect the cable line directly into the ATSC and NTSC ports (without going through the cable box)? Do you having the same problems as I do (post #249). Also please let me know how the HD digital box work out for you after you have it installed. As for the Naga vs. Komono I think if you plan to also use the TV as a computer monitor I would think the Naga would be the choice since it's only $300 different between the 2's now instead of $500 and 1920 X 1080 makes a big different when compare to 1360 x 768 when using Windows. I can tell you much more once my Naga arrived.

You answred my question before I even posted it ... he he ... Thanks! My NTSC port may be bad

When I connect the cable jack (without a cable box) to the ATSC and select DTV using the "source pc" button, I get 15 HD channels. When I connect to the NTSC port and select "cable tv" with the "source av" button on the remote, I get 60 or so basic channels. I think this is the way Sceptre designed it. Don't know if other manufacturers do it differently.

As for the resolution, I was wondering how 1360x768 would look on the Naga. This wouldn't be the native resolution, but would be great for the distance I am from the TV (10 ft or so). I would prefer to keep this resolution rather then changing font sizes. If you get a chance, could you let me know how 1360x768 looks on the Naga through the DVI connection. This would probably be the deciding factor for me. Also the pc I am using is not the fastest. Playing games at 1360 is pretty good. I don't know if I'd want to speed up this pc to play games at 1920. Thanks

Mine arrived yesterday in SoCal. All is well. Hooked up to cable box (Motorola BMC 9012 -- Moxi dvr from TWC - formerly Adelphia)). I was surprised to see that the tv came not only with the component connectors but also with a dvi to hdmi connector, which is exactly what I needed. For now, I'm relying on just the tv's own audio, which works fine.

Some observations:
Channel switching is faster using component connections rather than dvi, but that's because of the cable box, not the tv. Hard to see the difference in pic quality between the two, but I'm using the dvi for now.

Settings: In the hour or so that I tinkered with the settings last night, I found it difficult to find settings that worked well on all the channels. The settings that looked perfect on the HD channels looked horrible on some of the non-HD channels (Fox News, CNN, local channel 13), in particular the darkness or contrast was inconsistent. Again, this is probably the fault of the cable box. Some of the factory settings ("nature" "cinema") are way too dark. I don't really want to have to switch the Picture setting every time I change channels.

Miracle: Somehow, the Moxi dvr remote automatically worked the power and volume controls of this tv. I was expecting to have to look up the spectre code in the Moxi book and find no entry, but it worked without having to input any code -- so I have that going for me, which is nice.

To the DOA's: keep in mind that Costco must be selling hundred of thousands of these tv's, and the reports of DOA sets numbering about a dozen in this forum is not an indicator that this set is terrible. Most people who have no problems don't bother to report that they have no problems. So you might consider giving the tv a second chance, and if the second one fails, you might consider triple checking that you know how to set it up.

Happy viewing.

My Naga shipped yesterday....that was quick, I placed the order on the 28th. Can't wait to get it, I hope everything is intact.

Does anyone know for sure that this is consistent with other TV's(major name brands)? I would assume so, but this is my first HDTV and was wondering if others had this TV and say a Sony. Is this "video problem" exist or do they somehow compensate or just implement it better than Sceptre?

Thanks

"As for the resolution, I was wondering how 1360x768 would look on the Naga. This wouldn't be the native resolution, but would be great for the distance I am from the TV (10 ft or so). I would prefer to keep this resolution rather then changing font sizes. If you get a chance, could you let me know how 1360x768 looks on the Naga through the DVI connection. This would probably be the deciding factor for me. Also the pc I am using is not the fastest. Playing games at 1360 is pretty good. I don't know if I'd want to speed up this pc to play games at 1920. Thanks" [/quote]


Sure, I will do that. My Naga was shipped today and it will be arriving on the 8th. I am only sitting 4-5ft away from the monitor so I think 1920 would be better for me when using Windows ... guess I will find out soon enough .

Update of my earlier problem with settings. I followed crywolf's posted settings on page 6 of this forum, for HDCP input, and now the picture seems perfect and consistent on all the channels. Thank you crywolf or whoever originally posted those settings. I also adjusted the sound to wide, and it sounds good enough. So far, I am very pleased with this tv.

I returned my damaged unit to Costco yesterday, I told them I did not even open the accessory box or plug it in.

To recap, when my box arrived by UPS, he left it outside our door, one of the straps were missing but other than a little ware it looked ok. One of the straps was still on so I don't think the box was open, the outer box was as I said scuffed up but no dings, I removed the outer box and the inner box was clean, sill looked like factory tape on the top so I removed the inner box. the bottom of the carrier was a bit ripped it seemed but the TV was held in place with foam which looked ok.. the TV had a plastic foam/film bag over it and a clear plastic protection over the Lcd. after removing the plastic foam bag my wife noticed the damage on the right side, 2 fairly good hits and scratchs' on the right side the upper corner was cracked and a small piece of metal was broken off, and the bottom right corner was broken..

I am suspecting this was a repack and I also suspect Sceptre is shipping anything they can find in the warehouse to keep Costco happy.

I tried to call Sceptre but got an answering machine, so I immediately called Costco and explained the issue.. and what I found, then I told them I was returning it to the Nashville store..

I took it in to Costco, the CR rep opened the box to make sure everything was there... and said ok, the full credit was put back on my card... Hence, Another Happy Customer!

I just want to warn you guys, check your TV's closely for physical damage, it seems like the bezel is quite weak.

Mine arrived yesterday -- box and unit pristine external condition (the box did arrive upside down as others have reported, but I think this may just be a package label error as a review indicated that Sceptre intentionally packs them that way). As soon as I plugged it in, I got the blue light (which per the manual means the set is "on") but no light on the screen, no sound, no activity generated by remote). I can't turn the tv "off" (which according to the manual would display a red light instead of blue) with the remote, and I know the remote works as I inadvertently turned my Sony off while trying to shut off the Sceptre. I've tried repeatedly unplugging and plugging it back in after both short and long delays, but no luck). It actually looks really nice externally, making this more disappointing.

Good luck to other owners.

What happens when you press the power button on the right side of the panel ptmlbsony ? Is the light still stayed on blue? Just wonder. Mine is working pretty good ... but then again I've only tested it as a computer monitor via DVI so far ...

Maybe someone will find these settings useful. They are for the HDMI input with a Dishnetwork VIP622 HD receiver. I used the HDNET test signals and the blue filter that comes with the Sound and Vision test disc to calibrate.

As you can see they are very similar to crywolf's settings with the exceptions of Tint, Gamma and Blue. With my equipment and Tint and Gamma set to 0 the red colors looked too pink. Changing only the tint caused yellows to look green. Changing Gamma to 4 fixed the problem with the yellow colors. I then had to recalibrate Contract and Brightness since Gamma 4 significantly darkened the picture. I also backed the color setting off by 4 to compensate for red push.

As always, these settings are with my equipment and what looks best to my eye so YMMV.


HDMI

Contrast 33
Brightness 25
Sharpness 5
Color 25
Tint +4
Color Temp user mode
2nd menu
Vivid: off
Skin: off
Green: off
Blue: off
Gamma: 4
3rd menu
Lamp: 0
DCI: Not available in HDMI settings


On a separate note. Like Davidki, mine also arrived with damage to the top right corner. It's not visible from the front but an inch long by half inch wide piece of plastic is broken off on the back. Both boxes are in good condition but the foam packing material is smashed like was dropped upside down and the foam compressed. Not sure if I am going to return it or not. I'm happy with the picture but knowing my brand new set is damaged is driving me crazy.

I am thinking of returning my 37 inch Sceptre Komodo for the Sharp LC-40C37U (aka LC-37D40U) which is on sale right now at Costco for $1500. The Sharp is on sale till Sept. 30th. I know you can find the LC-37D40U for around $1450 after tax and shipping, but the Costco warranty is worth a lot of piece of mind.

All I really care about is picture quality through the hdmi and the atsc tuner.

The one thing that really bugs me about the Sceptre is that everything in dark scenes tends to look green if not adjusted from channel to channel or input to input.

I was wondering if anyone had experience with both the Sharp and the Sceptre, and could campare them side by side properly calibrated.

One big plus for the Sharp is it has 2 hdmi.
It claims a better contrast ratio of 1200:1, and a faster response time of 6ms.

I just don't know if it is worth the extra $500.

Thanks to anybody that could help me out.

I'd have to say I am real happy with the Sceptre but I would not recommend it to anyone. The quality assurance problems they are having with this set is would steer me from saying the cost savings was worth it, even with Costco's return policy. The picture quality is excellent but takes a little tweaking to get it there. As far as the ATSC tuner goes, there is a popping sound through the internal speakers. I hadn't used mine often, but there was a Nova program on PBS I wanted to watch and the popping was noticable and somewhat annoying. Saturday, I had the cable company come out and install HD digital cable, and the picture is great without any annoying pop. The cable guy said my levels were amplified too high and we swapped my amp with one of theirs. Don't know if that cured the popping problem but can swap the cable to the ATSC tuner to see if it still exists.
The contrast ratio is high enough for my personal tastes and I haven't had problems with ghosting (I run almost everything in 720p).I am running my cable box through component 1, dvd player through component 2, PC through DVI(HDMI). The PC looks fine through the VGA port also, but I will most likely use it for XBOX 360 or do some swapping. I am not too sure if the extra hdmi port is really worth it.
Once again, the only concern I have is the quality assurance problems Sceptre is having. This forum is a small sample of the number being sold but the failure rate is very high. I think I would rather have a $1500 TV that lasts 5-10 years than a $1000 TV that last 1-2 years. I have a friend looking at buying a TV now. He asked about mine and I told him that I was very happy with the picture quality but told him I wouldn't recommend him buying this TV. I think I am going to keep my Sceptre, but if Costco changes its return policy (cust service rep says they may), I will be bringing this one back before they implement the change. Would love to hear from Sceptre as to what all the problems with this TV is. I really like mine and can work around some of the particulars but am concerned that the TV may not turn on in a month or two from now.

The problem with Sceptre is they have not figured out that their TV is such a problem, they don't answer the phone, when they do all they do is talk about how their TV is #1 in the LCD world.. I don't think so.. I think they have a long way to go and if the issues were seeing here on this forum is anywhere what is happening with other Costco customers then this is going to be a HUGE problem for Costco and Sceptre!

Last post here :-(. I returned my Komodo last Fri due to the sound issues I was having. Costco was wonderful as always but had to give me cash instead of crediting my card which scared me as the 6"4" guy standing behind me was staring at the Costo rep handing me the $1080 cash bills of $100s and $20s

Anyway, I was able to make it back to the bank and do a full deposit without being a robbery victim in the Costo parking lot but whats interesting is the returns guy did say they had already received 2 other sets making mine the 3rd set back to Costco (Sacramento, CA area) .The other 2 had come a day before so somethings definitely up on the build quality (and satisfation factor) of the Komodo.

For those who still have it, it'd be advisable to return the set promtply should Costco ever decide to change their return policy on TV's.

Peace Out
Fragster

I don't know why a couple of the previous posts are mentioning that you should return the TV before Costco changes their policy.

As I recall when costco changed their computer policy they would still accept computers that were bought before they changed their policy. I believe Costco would have to go the same route, because you bought your TV when the lifetime guarantee was still in effect.

That review is supposed to be ammended to address obvious errors commited during testing. One of the main problems reported by Robert Heron during his review was the bad PQ using the DVI output from a PC. Unfortunately he incorrectly used the HDMI setting instead of the DVI setting which affects the color scale and introduces overscan (both are by design).

He has acknowledged the error but for some reason has not yet corrected the review.

On the Sceptre website it says that the Komodo will be available again after Sept. 15th, so I guess that is when Costco will begin selling them again.
Also, in a previous post, someone mentioned that the Sceptre tech dept. kept saying how their 37" tv (Naga) was the #1 selling 37" lcd in the US. Well, if you go to the Vizio website they have sales figures that show that their 37" lcd is not only the #1 seller in the US, but it beats it's closest rival by 40%. Sounds like Sceptre has some explaining to do! I think they make up those statements in the same way they make up some of the answers to our questions.

If anyone has recently been to the Sceptre Home Office, did you notice any new 47" or larger lcd's that will be out soon. If anyone is planning on going there in the near future, can your inquire about any future products?

I would be very interested in knowing if this cleared up the popping sound. Did the cable guy swap out the audio amp inside the Sceptre or did he swap out a coax cable line amplifier? I am thinking the later.

Has anyone had this popping sound and then figured out a cure?

I have found several ideas that DIDN'T WORK (searching other Sceptre threads on AVS):

Using other speakers.
Turning the bass down or off
Trying the line-out to a receiver (No sound out on DTV or Video 1)
Plugging into the subwoofer out port to drop out low frequencies to the speakers

The popping does sound like the audio amp is being over driven. I seem to get the popping on sibilants during dialogue and even occasionally it follows the beat of background music. It seems to vary by station, from horrible on Fox to hardly there on PBS.