[hoosierred]

Hi all... I can't overstate how useful AVS has been in trying to navigate the world of TV technology. Thanks to all for your contributions.


I've been the proud & nervous owner of the 60" GWIII WE for a couple of days. March 2004 build. Everything seems to be working OK. Got a decent price and used American Express to double to Mfrs warranty.


Now my question...


OOTB the picture looked dark. It is especially dark in PRO mode. I have not yet done UMR's tweaks. I did play with VE and the user interface. However, In order to get a reasonably bright picture, I need to have the brightness just 3-4 ticks from Max level. Is this normal - or does this indicate I need a new bulb?


Thanks!

 

[BTDT]

The 60" WEs to my eyes are a bit dim, but a lot of this has to do with your viewing environment and personal taste. I don't think what you are seeing indicates a problem with the bulb. Your set may just take a little getting used to if you are comparing to a directview.


I personally went with the 60" XBR, which drives the bulb at 120 vs. 100 for the WEs. The picture looks are bright as the 50" WEs in that case. I don't remember what my brightness setting is off the top of my head, but it is a ways below 100%.


The UMR tweaks are certainly worthwhile, and may help you out here. You will have to break into the SM to make the Pro mode look appropriate. It is your best source for tweaking as it has the purest picture of all of the modes. What you are seeing in other modes are artificial enhancements of the picture.