Official Winbook 32T Thread

I went to Microcenter today and the sale's man told me they use Sony displays

That's funny, the salesman at my microcenter told me the Winbook's used LG panels. Didn't actually purchase one yet, but I was comparing them to the Olevia and both looked nice to me.

Hey guys I can tell you that the original powerspec and winbooks TVs used a Tatung lcd and the that Winbook with the clear laquer finish did use a LG lcd the new winbooks 40" and 46" use a samsung/sony lcd the new 32" and 37" I cant verify yet becouse I havent seen any come in for repair but they look like tatungs again.

I also picked up this TV a few days ago, [EDIT] with a $100 mail in rebate. The PQ on HD OTA is amazing. Much better than my 1 month old Olevia 37". The only con is that the remote sucks! Remote lag is almost unbearable.

After shopping for an LCD at every store in Dallas, TX, I saw a Winbook 32T1 at Micro Center that had been discounted because it had been returned by a customer. It had a $100 rebate and another $100 off for getting their credit card, which made this already inexpensive set RALLY inexpensive, so I decided that I would take a chance that I could calibrate it wll enough that I would be satisfied with a TV that didn't have quite the PQ as the others on display in the stores, and maybe in a couple of years when prices on higher-end, larger sets fall and technology has improved, I'll make this a bedroom set.

When I first hooked it to my Comcast STB (Motorola 6212), I was very disappointed, but it turned out it was the cable box rather than the TV that was the problem. (It took me half the night to figure out that I had to turn off the STB and then hit the menu button on the STB to change the output from 480i to 1080i, and then everything was fine). After adjusting the picture (just eyeballing it), I doubt I wil ever notice any difference between this set and some of the others I had considered that were twice the price- well three times the price considering the rebates. I have the sound go from the STB to an amp with surround speakers, but I did briefly try the TV speakers, and thought they were all right. The separate amp and surround sound really make watching HD movies a lot more theater-like than using the built-in speakers, though.

I do have two questions. First, the previous owner had set a PIN, which I don't have. The manual said if you forget your PIN, you have to use the RESET ALL feature on the settings menu, but when I tried to do that, it asked for the PIN. (The default of 0000 does not work). On the Winbook website, it mentions holding down a combination of buttons while powering up to reset their older TVs, but I couldn't find out anythhing that worked on the 32T1. I called MC, but they said I would have to COME IN TO THE STORE for help. Does anyone know of a way to reset the PIN, or to reset the whole set to defaults?

Secondly, the SD picture quality is just so-so using the DVI to HDMI cable. I have a Media Center PC with a non-HD tuner card, and I read somewhere that SD would look better if I used that for SD. It's not close to the TV so it is inconvenient to try it out, but if someone can verify that there is a benefit to doing so, I wouldn't mind rearranging a few things.

So my overall opinion after 24 hours of ownership is that anyone willing to read this forum to learn how to calibrate their set should not shy away from this model. Given it's low price and rebates, I think it is a good value.

David

I noticed after yesterday's post that my STB is a Motorola DCT-6412, not a 6212, and I still have a bit of a problem if I use the DVI to HDMI cable but it is perfect through component cables. Using DVI>HDMI, there is a small row of flickering random white blocks across the top of the image on SD channels, no matter what combination of setttings I use. This does not happen with the component cables. I also discovered that the poor quality on the SD channels is only on the low numbers, especially 2-6, and all of these channels are repeated above 100, where the PQ is not bad at all.

So after two days of ownership, I am EXTREMELY HAPPY with this set. I still haven't found out to reset the PIN, but that is only needed to scan channels, which I don't need to do using the cable box. I'd still like to figure out how to reset it, so I guess I'll try to pay Micro Center a visit this weekend.

MicroCenter's 800 number technical support came through with the reset procedure for the 32T1. Contrary to what is stated in the owner's manual, access the "system Information" screen, and enter 1,1,1,1 on the remote. A service menu will appear, where you can reset the TV tofactory defaults, thereby clearing any PIN. This caused the setup wizard to run, and I connected the cable to the RF connector and let it scan using the ClearQAM tuner. Found 387 channels, which all look even better than they did coming out of the STB.So I LOVE MY WINBOOK, and I don't think I would like any of the other sets I looked at better even at two or three times the price. Just read in this forum about calibrating your set and forget about trying to compare floor models in the stores, and you'll be a happy camper with a Winbook, an Olevia, or some other low-priced brand.

I have the 32T1 and was wondering what to use the Subwoofer output under Audio Out for. Does it need a powered sub? Is there anyway to defeat the Video Enhancer or Noise Reduction? Great set.

This unit is no longer listen on the website, does anyone know if Microcenter B&M still carries this model? Specifically the Santa Clara location?

Jeremyandnell, can you share with us how you connected the Mac mini? Did you use a DVI to VGA adapter, or are you using the DVI input on the 32T1? I'm planning on connecting my Macbook, but I haven't purchased the cable yet, so I'll just get whatever you used since I worked so well.

Thanks,

David

Since Google shows that there's 2 threads on the 32T1, I'll enter my opinions about this TV here too...

PROs:
1) The all black matte case looks good. Merely aesthetics but it gives the unit a nice clean finish.
2) Love the fact that the speakers detatch. Now looks more like a picture frame than a TV. (removal of the speakers were more difficult than what the manual says)
3) QAM tuner found all available free and clear digital channels from my cable provider (Insight, Champaign, IL)
4) Calibrated the TV with DVE and the PQ is awesome on DVD and HD feeds and an improvement for the SD.
5) Remote was able to control my wife's Sansui DVD/VCR box.

CONs:
1) Didn't look like Toslink was outputting Dolby Digital. It only stayed on the PCM stream even with HD content. Only pertains when using the ATSC/QAM tuner.
2) I don't use the built-in tuner for analog cable but I did notice when setting up the QAM that the analog doesn't show well on this TV. However, I was expecting that since traditionally, HD sets do struggle showing SD content. Going through the cable box (Moto DCT6412III) on the same channels have a drastic improvement.
3) Only time I noticed ghosting was with some content on the DVR from the local SD channels. I blame the cable box though cause the recordings don't default to the HD channel.
4) If I leave the input on HDMI and quit viewing for a while (guessing that the TV goes on a 'standby' while picture is off after a certain time), the cable box freezes when I resume viewing hours later. This is an issue not with the TV but with Insight Cable not upgrading the firmware or software on their Moto DCT6412III which may solve the issue previous.

Overall, I am very impressed with the TV. It surprised me out of the box 1) how big a 32" LCD was in my living room, and 2) how good the picture quality was for a bargain LCD TV. Now I hope the TV lasts a while since I didn't get the extended warranty.

Lastly, Micro Center has a great Low Price Guarantee program, especially if price of the TV goes down even after rebates.

If you live by a Micro Center and are looking at purchasing a 32" LCD, I recommend taking a look at the 32T1.
---Mark

Since I got my 32T1, I have missed being able to hit the "All on" button on my Comcast STB (Motorola 6412) remote to turn on the STB, Receiver/amp, and TV. I tried just about every way possible, but the Comcast remote just won't control the 32T1. Today I picked up a Philips Learning remote PM525S for about $13, and I was able to "teach" it all of the functions from the 32T1's remote, including changing the input source. It had everything for the Comcast box built in already except the "page up" and "page down" keys, but it learned those easily, and for the receiver everything works except the "advanced sound" key. I then I set it to the volume/mute keys go to the receiver no matter what device is selected. This remote doesn't support macros, so I still have to turn on each device separately, but at least it's all from one remote. The remote has nice large buttons, and although they don't light up, I really like using it. It took less than one hour to figure out how to program it and enter all three devices (it can support five, and I believe there is a 7 device version). Since my cable box is a couple years old, maybe newer remotes come with codes that will work., but since I've seen other posts around the net and here in the 37T1 thread from people looking for remote codes, I thought I'd share this really cheap method of controlling everything from one remote.

David

I saw somewhere in AVS Forum which manufacturer codes work the 32T1 for the Moto 6412. I have the 3rd version of that cable box and I can't recall whether I did end up using a code or if I just ran a code search on the remote, but my Moto remote works with the 32T1. Granted, I haven't researched whether all the functions are now covered with the Moto remote but I do know that 'Power' and 'Input' are some of the ones that work.

When I have time to look into it, I'll post what functions work and what code is controlling the TV.
---Mark

[quote=jeremyandnell]To use the 32T as a pc monitor, you need to use the VGA port. I don't believe that it has a DVI port (though the 32M did). That port was replaced with the HDMI port for the new model.

You are of course correct that the Winbook 32T has HDMI. I had a DVI-D to HDMI cable that I bought to use with the Motorola STB but was not using, and I finally made it to one of the two remaining CompUSA stores in the Dallas area and picked up an Apple miniDVI to DVI adapter to hook up to my Macbook. When I plugged it in and changed the Winbook's input to HDMI, I was absolutely stunned by the clarity and sharpness of the screen. The Macbook "just worked" and set itself to the proper resolution. I also bought a wireles keyboard/mouse, so I can "compute" from anywhere around the room. It makes an outstanding computer monitor for a Mac.

I also have a Windows Media Center computer with assorted video outputs, but so far connecting with VGA has been a little fuzzy. I haven't spent any time experimenting to try to improve it, but I would like to have one of the two set up to play back recorded TV.

David

I have the middle version of the Comcast Motorola 6412 box. I finally got around to trying the code search again. (Press TV, press & hold setup until TV blinks 2x, then alternate between "Power" and "TV" buttons, press setup again to lock code when device responds). I went a little slower this time, and after 48 cycles of the buttons, the Winbook 32T1 turned off. Checking the code reveals it is 0060, which matches up to some Toshiba and some Samsung models. Sure is nice to be able to use the "All on" button, and to be able to use the Comcast remote. I had everything programmed into a cheap universal, but it was hard to remember what buttons controlled various things.

David

The latest MicroCenter ad (rec May1 2007) is advertising this set again but they had none in stock at the KS store. The specs listed and reviews sound good. Does it have full set of Timers? I am planning on using it in the bedroom and want to use it as an alarm clock in the morning. Does it have sleep timer and On timer? An how about week day/daily settings?

According to page 38 of the User's Guide, it has 2 timers to turn the set on at scheduled times and leave it on for a specified duration, although I've never used this feature. It also has settings for the day ofthe week. There is also a regular sleep timer to turn it off. I'm still really pleased with my set.

David

Grabbed a 32T1 this weekend (Columbus MicroCenter) as a temporary solution until I get some things taken care of before I get a projector installed in my basement. So far I'm am very pleased. I didn't expect a lot from such an inexpensive display and it has really outperformed my expectations. Currently I'm using my PS3 on the hdmi and have my cable box on one of the sets of component in and both look pretty darn good.

I'm going to give the 0060 code a shot tonight since I have a similar Motorola box and would also like to get that all-on button working.

I was considering this TV for my room. Basically just for my xbox 360 and HD DVDs. The only thing that scares me about this TV is the low contrast ratio. Has anyone compared this TV to a bit higher end LCD maybe $300 more set? Id really like to pick up a HD LCD this weekend and Microcenter has the $100MIR going on.

I think those contrast ratio numbers can be misleading. When I looked at my 32T1 in the showroom, I thought the picture was a little washed out next to some of the other models, but so were some higher-priced sets. But after I got it home and adjusted everything, I'm completely satisfied with the picture. The only disappointment I have is that after I discovered that it is a superb monitor for my MacBook, which uses a DVI port to connect to an external monitor (in this case with a DVI-> HDMI cable), I now wish the 32T1 had two HDMI ports. For reasons I have yet to understand, my cable box converts the non-HD stations differently when connected with HDMI, and it would be great to be able to have both the MacBook and cable box connected that way so I could use the remote to switch back and forth. This might not be a consideration for your xbox and dvd player, but you might want to make sure you have all the ports you'll need.

hmmm...Yeah my brother had a 37" winbook for a while and I wasnt all that impressed. But it was only used with an upscaling oppo dvd player. He also didnt use DVE or Avia or do any kind of adjustments. I really like the gloss black frame though. Im going to check out the 32" after work today.

Can you think of any other cons, besides the single HDMI? I also remember on my brothers 37" that when you played something like halo 2, with two people on the that console(split screen) with other people on the network the video would lag. Its kind of hard to explain but it seemed as though if you wanted to move one way there would be a 2+ second delay before it actually happened. It was only on that TV it happened on. We tried different consoles too with the same result. Any gamers with this tv?