Zenith C32V37 Settings (Standard and Service Menu)

[dman78]

Here is a place to post and discuss any settings related to the Zenith C32V37. This includes both standard picture settings (brightness, color, contrast, etc.) and settings from within the service menu. Also, feel free to discuss the service menu in general. My TV isn't getting delivered until Sunday, so I'll get my settings up as soon as I have them. For now, I'll get this started with a couple of good posts from the >>> Zenith C32V37 with integrated HDTV tuner - mini review <<< thread.

[dman78]

Originally posted by shroomus
OFA stands for One-For-All, it's a particular brand of universal remote that Radio Shack resells. It has a nifty feature where you can send discrete codes by number, and program arbitrary discrete codes to keys.

The four-digit TV code is 0178 as previously mentioned (Proton TV remote code, I think) and the discrete code that gets you into the service menu is 018.

I don't know if you can use the Zenith remote to get into the service menu, I doubt it.

Custom settings I used -- note that I don't have any real calibration DVDs or anything, so take with a grain of salt:

Raster,Center,H/V_Size
1. V-Position 27 -> 30 (note: big changes here tilt everything)
2. V-Size 29 -> 20 (eliminates nearly all overscan)
3. H-Position 36 -> 32
4. H-Size 52 -> 40 (eliminates nearly all overscan; note: values too small cause pincushion???)
5. UP-VLIN 0
6. LO-VLIN 0
7. Pin_Amp 39
8. Pin_Phase 29
9. Up_CPin 40
10. Lo-CPin 41
11. AFC-Bow 31
12. AFC-Angle 30

White-Balance
1. R-DRIVE 38 -> 31 (trying to reduce red push)
2. G-DRIVE 31
3. B-DRIVE 36
4. R-CUT 37 -> 31 (trying to reduce red push)
5. G-CUT 31
6. B-CUT 40

[dman78]

Originally posted by qqqqq
Sorry for the delayed response.

Here's the list of discrete codes I have. It's not complete and may have some errors. Shroomus I thought it was 014 that caused the reset to default, but I may have been clicking too fast and didn't notice it. I don't want to try again to check.

AR = Aspect Ratio
SM = Service menu

009 AR - Set by Program
012 SM - Picture Check
014 SM - Reset to Defaults *****DANGER ******
015 SM - Reset to Defaults *****DANGER ****** ???
016 SM - Sound Check
017 SM - Tilt
018 SM - EZ-Adjust Menu
019 SM - In-Start Service Menu
025 Caption Setting
034 Input - Component 1
040 Picture Menu
053 Power
054 Sleep Timer
055 Audio Button (Caption Lang)
057 Mute
059 Input - TV, Video Cycle Button
079 Digit ? Or Channel Diplay
095 Info
098 AR - Zoom
103 Sound Menu
108 Input - Component 2
109 Input - Video 2
110 CATV
111 Input - Front Video
111 Input - Front Video
113 Input - Video 3
116 Digit 4
117 Digit 0
118 Digit 6
119 Digit 2
120 Digit 5
121 Digit 1
121 Input - DTV
122 Digit 7
123 Digit 3
126 DTV Signal Strength
133 PiP related
134 AR - 4:3
135 PiP related
137 PiP related
138 AR - 16:9
164 Digit ? Or Channel Diplay
167 Menu
171 Menu
173 Ch +
174 Input - DVI
175 Vol +
176 Off
177 Ch -
178 Input - TV, Video Cycle Button
179 Vol -
181 Ch +
183 Vol +
185 Ch -
187 Vol -
197 PiP related
200 Freeze frame
201 PiP related
203 PiP related
231 Input - Video 1
232 Input - Component 1,2, DVI toggle
245 Digit ? Or Channel Diplay
246 Surf
247 Last
253 Input - Component 1

[dman78]

Originally posted by shroomus
Here's what I have for the OFA...

Non-LCD remote instructions:

A. To test a code:

# Press the device key
# Press SETUP (don't hold it)
# Enter the 3 digit code
# Check for a response from your equipment
# (Holding the final digit down is the same as holding the actual button down)

B. To program a code:

# Press the device key
# Press and hold SETUP (wait for two blinks)
# Enter 9-9-4 (wait for two blinks)
# (Optional) Press the device button the code is coming from
# Press SETUP (don't hold it)
# Enter the 3 digit code
# (Optional) Press the device button the code is going to
# Press the button to be assigned

C. To program a code (to a SHIFT key):

# Press the device key
# Press and hold SETUP (wait for two blinks)
# Enter 9-9-4 (wait for two blinks)
# (Optional) Press the device button the code is coming from
# Press SETUP (don't hold it)
# Enter the 3 digit code
# (Optional) Press the device button the code is going to
# Press SETUP (don't hold it)
# Press the button to be assigned

D. To delete a code:

# Press the device key
# Press and hold SETUP (wait for two blinks)
# Enter 9-9-4 (wait for two blinks)
# Press the assigned button - twice

E. To delete a code (from a SHIFT key):

# Press the device key
# Press and hold SETUP (wait for two blinks)
# Enter 9-9-4 (wait for two blinks)
# Press the assigned button
# Press SETUP (don't hold it)
# Press the assigned button

So, to send 018 you would make sure you're in TV mode first, then press and release Setup, then type 018.

Here's my list of discrete codes, between this and the other post I can't imagine what we'd have missed:

012
---
P-CHECK (Factory Mode)
1.CONTRAST: 25
2.BRIGHTNESS: 50
3.COLOR: 50
4.TINT: 0
5.SHARPNESS: 50
(exit this mode by hitting MENU)

014
---
discrete code for TV? went to channel 13?
maybe switching between antenna and cable?

015
---
factory reset??? turned audio back on!

016
---
S-CHECK (Factory Mode)
1.VOLUME: 0
2.BALANCE: 0
(exit this mode by hitting MENU)

017
---
tilt adjustment

018
---
Ez Adjust
1. Raster,center,H/V_Size ->
2. Pin-Cushion
3. Cut-off
4. White-Balance
5. Sub-Bright
6. Sub-Tint/Color
7. White-Pattern
8. DVCO-Set
9. AD9883A-Set
10. VPX3226
(exit this mode by hitting MENU)

019
---
IN-START
1. CXA2150AQ ->
2. CXA1875AM
3. UPD64083
4. AD9883A
5. AD9883A_NVRAM
6. HD2-Chip
Cpu Ver: 32V 3.03.1
Mic Ver: 01.10
(exit this mode by hitting MENU)

025
---
caption toggle

034
---
discrete code for Component 1

036
---
number 2 key

040
---
video setting toggle

053
---
power toggle

054
---
sleep timer toggle

055
---
audio mono/stereo/SAP selection

057
---
mute toggle

059
---
video source toggle

079
---
brings up just the little upper right box, but not the info button?

095
---
info

098
---
This feature is not available now -- ?

103
---
audio preset toggle

105
---
discrete code for Front Video

108
---
discrete code for Component 2

109
---
discrete code for Video 2

110
---
discrete code for TV?

111
---
discrete code for Front Video?

113
---
discrete code for Video 3?

116
---
number 4 key

117
---
number 0 key

118
---
number 6 key

119
---
number 2 key?

120
---
number 5 key

121
---
number 1 key

122
---
number 7 key

123
---
number 3 key

126
---
signal strength

133
---
discrete code for second PIP (scan) mode

134
---
discrete code for 4:3 aspect ratio

135
---
pipch - (This feature is not available now -- ?)

137
---
pipch + (This feature is not available now -- ?)

138
---
discrete code for 16:9 aspect ratio

164
---
Enter (brings up just the little upper right box, and a time display lower right?)

165
---
up arrow

167
---
menu

169
---
down arrow (when in menu, discrete code for time category)

171
---
menu

173
---
ch +

174
---
discrete code for DVI

175
---
vol +

176
---
discrete code for power off

177
---
ch -

178
---
video source toggle

179
---
vol -

180
---
up arrow

181
---
ch +

182
---
right arrow

183
---
vol +

184
---
down arrow

185
---
ch -

186
---
left arrow

187
---
vol -

197
---
PIP mode toggle

200
---
freeze

201
---
PIP input toggle

203
---
PIP swap

210
---
???

231
---
discrete code for Video 1

232
---
component/DVI source toggle

235
---
exit

245
---
number 8 key

246
---
surf

247
---
flashback/recall

249
---
number 9 key

253
---
component/DVI source toggle


And here are my original service menu settings (well, after 015 :-):

1. Raster,Center,H/V_Size ->

Raster,Center,H/V_Size
1. V-Position 27
2. V-Size 29
3. H-Position 36
4. H-Size 52
5. UP-VLIN 0
6. LO-VLIN 0
7. Pin_Amp 39
8. Pin_Phase 29
9. Up_CPin 40
10. Lo-CPin 41
11. AFC-Bow 31
12. AFC-Angle 30

same menu for 2. Pin-Cushion

no choices under 3. Cut-off

4. White-Balance ->

White-Balance
1. R-DRIVE 38
2. G-DRIVE 31
3. B-DRIVE 36
4. R-CUT 37
5. G-CUT 31
6. B-CUT 40

5. Sub-Bright ->

Sub-Bright
1. SUB_Bright 21

6. Sub-Tint/Color -> (warning -- tint changed on entry!)

Sub-Tint/Color
1. SUB_TINT 12
2. SUB_COLOR 19

no choices under 7. White-Pattern

no choices under 8. DVCO_Set

9. AD9883A_Set ->

AD9883A: Failed! 'CHECK INPUT IMAGE'

10. VPX3226 ->

VPX3226
Contrast(m) 31
Contrast(s) 31



You've already seen my custom settings, but just for completeness:

Custom settings:

Raster,Center,H/V_Size
1. V-Position 27 -> 30 (note: big changes here tilt everything)
2. V-Size 29 -> 20 (eliminates nearly all overscan)
3. H-Position 36 -> 32
4. H-Size 52 -> 40 (eliminates nearly all overscan; note: values too small cause pincushion???)
5. UP-VLIN 0
6. LO-VLIN 0
7. Pin_Amp 39
8. Pin_Phase 29
9. Up_CPin 40
10. Lo-CPin 41
11. AFC-Bow 31
12. AFC-Angle 30

White-Balance
1. R-DRIVE 38 -> 31 (trying to reduce red push)
2. G-DRIVE 31
3. B-DRIVE 36
4. R-CUT 37 -> 31 (trying to reduce red push)
5. G-CUT 31
6. B-CUT 40

[Q of BanditZ]

Heck, I am so happy with it I don't even think I'll need to fool with all this! I might buy DVE and call it a day! :)

[kevlo9]

THANKS!

This is a VERY useful thread!

posted mine and they are somewhere in this thread i think a page back

Contrast: 51 (high 40s is good)
Brightness:61 (60 is borderline)
Color:40 (you can go as low as 35 still looks great)
Sharpness: 39
Tint: R1
Color Temperator: Cool
Z View: On

And in Option I have tilt at +3

note: Color Saturation and Tint was a little itty bitty off in Service menus
You can set a Blue,Red or Green Filter in service menu 019 code, 018 code is for Over the air only!!!!

What is the difference in color temp. settings? Every setup dvd that I've used always says to set your tv to the warmest setting? Do picture settings differ with the different color temps? Also what does Z VIEW do? I did notice that the picture looked better with it on.

Thanks again.

[Q of BanditZ]

Not sure what it is, but I always have Z view on and I look the cool color temperature to keep those reds under control.

I can endorse Bremerton's settings here, except I didn't feel the need to go into the service menu, and I like the sharpness in the mid 50's.

[hdphil]

here is some values from service menu 019.
it's not complete yet,cut and paste in notebook, put your own values so you can save b4 tweaking.
descrete code 019
1. cxa2150aq

1. pic_on 1
2 R_ON 1
3 G_ON 1
4. B_ON 1
5. DCOL 0
6. WB_SW 0
7. GAMMA_L 0
8. PICTURE 63
9. BLK_BTM 2
10. HUE 32
11. COL_AXIS 2
12. COLOR 38
13. CTI_LEV 1
14. BRITE 21 33 (hdtv)
15. S_ABL 0
16. SHARPNESS 52
17. LTI_LEV 1
18. R_DRIVE 19
19. PLIMIT_LEV 0
20. G_DRIVE 16
21. ABL_MODE 2
22. B_DRIVE 29
23. CTI_MODE 0
24. SUB_BRITE 21
25. GAMMA 1
26. R_CUTOFF 15
27. LTI_MODE 1
28. G_CUTOFF 15
29. DPIC_LEV 2
30. B_CUTOFF 22
31. DC_TRAN 3
32. SUB_CONT 3
33. LRGB2_LEV 0
34. SUB_COL 20
35. SUB_TINT 12
36. P_ABL 8
37. ABL_TH 4
38. CB_OFFSET 31
39. AGING_W 0
40. AGING_B 0
41. CR_OFFSET 31
42. SYSTEM 2
43. Y_OFFSET 7
44. VM_LEV 2
45. SHP_FO 0
46. CD_OFF 0
47. SHP_CD 0
48. SHP_F1 0
49. PRE_OVER 0
50. VM_COR 3
51. VM_FO 2
52. VM_LMT 3
53. VM_DLY 3
54. AKBTIM 12
55. BLK_OFF 0
56. AKBOFF 0
57. UP_BLK 2
58. LO_BLK 5
59. V_SIZE 43
60. V_ON 1
61. EW_DC 0
62. V_POSITION 36
63. VSAWO_DCH 0
64. V_LIN 7
65. S_CORRECTION 2
66. H_SIZE 42
67. UP_UCP 0
68. PIN_AMP 35
69. LO_UCP 0
70. UP_CPIN 40
71. UP_UCG 1
72. LO_CPIN 41
73. LO_UCG 1
74. PIN_PHASE 32
75. UP_POL 0
76. VBLK_SW 0
77. H_POSITION 28
78. CLP_SHIFT 0
79. SYNC_PHASE 0
80. AFC_BOW 31
81. AFC_MODE 2
82. AFC_ANGLE 26
83. RST_SW 1
84. LEF_BLK 42
85. CLP_PHASE 3
86. RIGHT_BLK 20
87. CLP_GATE 0
88. HBLK_SW 1
89. V_ASPECT 31
90. ZOOM_SW 0
91. JMP_SW 0
92. V_SCROLL 28
93. VFREQ 1
94. UP_VLIN 4
95. LO_VLIN 1
96. V_COMP 5
97. H_COMP 5
98. VSAWO_DCL 0
99. VSAW1_DC 0
100. VSAW0_AMP 0
101. PIN_COMP 5
102. VSAW1_AMP 0
103. AFC_COMP 0
104. MP_PARA_DC 0
105. MP_PARA_AMP 0
106. HC_PARA_DC 57
107. ASP_SW 0
108. VDRV_SW 0
109. HC_PARA_AMP 45
110. HC_PARA_PHASE 31

CXA1875AM
1. REF 0
2. SW3 1
3. SW2 1
4. TILT1 1
5. TILT2 0
6. DFGAIN 60
7. DF PHASE 120
8. DAC2 0
9. TILT CTR 0
10. CS CTR 48

UPD64083
1. YAPS 3
2. COUTS 3
3. NRMD 0
4.KILS 1
5. MSS 0
6. NSDS 0
7. CLKS 0
8. EXCSS 1
9. PECS 0
10. MFREEZE 0
11. EXADINS 0
12. DYCOS 2
13. CDL 4
14. HDP 4
15. CPP 0
16. DYGAIN 9
17. DYCOR 2
18. DCGAIN 6
19. DCCOR 3
20. CNRLIM 1
21. CNRINV 0
22. CNRK 0
23. YNRLIM 1
24. YNRINV 0
25. YNRK 0
26. STOS 1
27. STIS 0
28. CL8OFF 1
29. ID1WOA2 0
30. ID1WOA1 0
31. ID1ON 0
32. LDSR 2
33. VTRR 1
34. VTRH 1
35. WSC 1
36. TT 0
37. FELCHK 1
38. TH 0
39. ID1DECON 1
40. WSS 0
41. VAPINV 10
42. VAPGAIN 2
43. YPFG 13
44. YPFT 2
45. SELD2FH 0
46. CLPH 0
47. COHS 0
48. CC3N 0
49. VEGS 2
50. V1PS 2
51. SELD1FL 0
52. KCTT 0
53. CSHDT 0
54. OVST 0
55. ED2OFF 1
56. YHCGAIN 0
57. YHCOR 1
58. CLKGT 0
59. CLKGEB 0
60. CLKGGT 0
61. CLKG2D 1
62. OTT 0
63. VCT 0
64. SHT 0
65. KILR 0
66. PLLFG 1
67. FSCFG 0
68. BPLLFS 0
69. HPLLFS 0
70. VSSL 3
71. HSSL 8
72. BGPW 7
73. BGPS 3
74. VTVH 0
75. FSCOFF 1
76. NRZOFF 1
77. NSDSW 0
78. ADPDS 1
79. ADCLKS 3
80. HIZEN 0
81. EXTDYCO 0
82. SYSPDS 0
83. ADCLPSTP 0
84. ADCLPFSW 0
85. HCNTFSYN 0
86. CNROFS 0


AD9883A


AD9883A_NVRAM

RED_GAIN 101
GREEN_GAIN 128
BLUE_GAIN 101
RED_OFFSET 51
GREEN_OFFSET 52
BLUE_OFFSET 61

HD2-CHIP
1.IN/OUT EXT/D1
2. WINOW ID M
3. XPOS 46
4. YPOS 8
5. W SIZE 720
6. H SIZE 480

[Bremerton]

It seems to me these settings are pretty UNIVERSAL which is really good, most HDTV sets differ very much in the service menu. We might actually make some very good progress here comparing these good idea!!

[kevlo9]

Where is the BEST place to get the OFA remote?

[Q of BanditZ]

Radio Shack, most likely. Circuit City. Best Buy. Any place like that.

[hdphil]

i use the radio shack 150-2116 with a LCD screen
TV code 0178
exit setup mode ,then press "P" then your discrete code
right and left arrows change your settings
have fun,
write down your values
be sure to let everyone know what happened!

[kevlo9]

AM I WATCHING MOVIES CORRECTLY?

I have my Toshiba SD-3800 dvd player set to 16:9....

should I watch movies in 4:3/16:9/set by program ratio?

THANKS.

[Bremerton]

hdphil you totally skipped 89!!! mind posting it or editing your post?

:p

[edogg]

kevlo,

16:9 but 'set by program' might work too i can't remember.

[kevlo9]

Is it better to have your dvd player set to 16:9 or 4:3? Or does it matter? I notice that when I have my player set to 4:3 widescreen and I watch a movie there are no double bars, but in 16:9 you can see the double bars.

[Wendigo]

Do all the OFA remotes have the ability to enter discrete codes? I'm thinking about the URC-6131, because it's really all I need for my other components.

[edogg]

since the dvd your watching isnt 16:9 or 1.78:1 its propably 1.85:1 or 2.35:1 you will see double black bars. if you sink the brightness enough they should go away.... almost. ;-)

[kevlo9]

since the dvd your watching isnt 16:9 or 1.78:1 its propably 1.85:1 or 2.35:1 you will see double black bars. if you sink the brightness enough they should go away.... almost. ;-)

So is it better to have your player set to 16:9 or 4:3?

THANKS.

[Jon7athan]

Configure DVD player to 4:3

In the menu of the DVD of your choice if you are give an option:

Choose 16:9 to watch title as originally shot, you will have black bars at top and bottom.

Choose 4:3 if you want to watch the movie filing up your set with no black bars

[edogg]

ithink that by using 16:9 mode on the dvd player and your zenith and using anamorphic dvd's you will be using more lines than if you viewed the same dvd using 4:3 on both the set and the dvd player. i think...lol

with 4:3 you don't have to see the double black bars though.

pick your poison....lower resolution or double black bars

i use 16:9

i believe it looks much better(though i hate the double bars!)

try both ways for yourself



I actually tried to mask the set using some black foamboard.,i've got way too much time on my hands..great results but really a pain with all of the different aspect ratios.

if you turn down the brightness to like 30 the two blacks blend pretty well.

[Q of BanditZ]

Whoah, whoah, slow down there.

Let me make sure I understand you.

DVD and the Zenith. The black bars don't bother me. Keep them and get best resolution?

I have the Zenith set to "let program determine aspect ratio." The DVD player will set at 16:9 all the way.

[edogg]

i'm sorry what is your question? i am confused.

[hdphil]

maybe this will help, 16:9 is like oil and 4:3 is like water they just don't mix .

[kevlo9]

Thanks for all the replies!

I thought I had mine setup correctly.

One more question...

When selecting the ratio on the remote, selecting set by program while watching dvds seems to be the same as 4:3 mode. Is that correct?

Anyways, I plan on buying the OFA remote this weekend and plan on doing some tweaks via the service menu. I'm sure that I will have MANY more questions. :D

Thanks again, youguys have been a BIG HELP!

[Q of BanditZ]

Cool. Just don't get too carried away. I find personally, that the TV is good enough that I feel no need to touch the service menu, and I think the remote it comes with is pretty darned good as is.

Select "Set by program" just means automatic. True HD probably will send you to the letterbox format, otherwise you should see 4:3.

Someone feel free to doublecheck me on that. ;)

[kevlo9]

What is VM? From what I've heard, it should be turned off. Is this correct?

[palebluedot]

I just got this set a few days ago and I have a problem with the VMoire settings. The vertical lines are perfectly straight, but the horizontals bow inward (more-so in the center). Anyone found a menu item that will help with this type of correction? TIA

[kevlo9]

I was wondering...

Since I watch MOST stuff(dvds & HDTV) in 16:9 mode should I go thru and setup the set again in 16:9 mode with a setup disc? Has anyone else done this? Is there a difference in the settings for 4:3/16:9?

THANKS.

[jakob1321]

"Set by program" won't work with 480p, because it only detects 16:9 at 720p & 1080i. thankfully, using the discreet codes, you can program all of this into a macro if you have a ofa remote. I feel like this is a huge oversight on zenith's part.



If you're not dealing with a loved one who's unwilling to hit a ration button on the remote, you should *always* use 16:9 on your dvd player.

If you use 16:9, your zenith gets the full resolution (854x480) and vertically compresses the screen draw. If you tell your dvd player to letterbox, it will only send a 4:3 signal with the widescreen image downrezed, so you're looking at 640x360 being sent to it, or only 56% of the information available on the dvd. By going with 16:9, your dvd player no longer has to dumb down the signal, and you should notice a huge difference in picture quality.

Hope that helps.

[Jon7athan]

I'll be damned. I always thought there was too much black bar on Widescreen DVDs. Kinda like when you backed up your DVDs with DVD shrink. The backed up copies are a compressed copy and you're not getting the original format or detail, a sacrifice to get the material on a 4.7GB DVD-R. Same with the 32v37 displaying 480p? But, the 16X9 output on 32v37 from the DVD player looks like Panavision or something. It's pretty much useless in detailed scenes like any of the 'Lord of the Rings' battle scenes. Just have to hope that the new DVI DVD players output in 720p or 1080i. This sux.

[Q of BanditZ]

Whoah. Should I just go ahead and set everything to default 16:9 then?

Help me out here: I have the c32v37 set for "Set by program."

The cable is set for 4:3 TV, 16:9 letterbox.

What else should I look out for here?

[Jon7athan]

Q,

Sorry, I have been scouring the DVD player thread since I found this this morning.:) I don't think that it's a problem unless you are putting out a 480p signal from a device. I've only noticed the problem from my Sony progressive scan DVD player. I'm going to have to check out my PS2 as well.:( I don't see the compression on my HDMI input from my Time Warner cable box. Though I can't find any documentation on the signal this STB is putting out and the info button doesn't work with the HDMI connector. I think I might have to put in an order for that Zenith DVB318 DVD player at that mom & pop store you shop at in Lima.:) The 1080i upconverting on component out feature of this DVD player should take care of the problem. Stinks that I have to spend another coupla hundred dollars to take care of this. Wonder if Zentith designed this so people would upgrade their DVD players?

[jakob1321]

I wonder that as well. You'll get the vertical stretching because it's not shrinking the output - I set my remote to switch to 16:9 when i switch over to component 1, so it's not much of a problem, though my kid's dvds require switching back to 4:3, so naturally my wife hates it.

I'll go ahead and say I tried the Samsung HD931, and as listed in the dvd player forum, it was truly awful looking with The Two Towers via DVI. So if you're looking for an upscaling dvd player, it ain't it. It was really nice to see that "set by program" finally worked, though. :)


I'm curious how many of you get better quality with 480p? I've tried it with a few different players, and while the colors seemed somewhat more vibrant with the progressive signal, I found the scaling with standard 480i too much of an improvement to overlook (to explain, if you don't know already: the z only stretches 480p, but upconverts 480i to 1080i).


I'm also looking forward to trying out the zenith. I can't really say that it's worth +$200 for an upconverting dvd player when the internal scaler is so good at it, though. I'm just hoping the DVI works correctly, unlike the Sammy. I'm hoping there's not a firesale when they come out and I can actually find one. My local Zenith dealer doesn't carry their dvd line.

[Q of BanditZ]

I have heard many complaints about that Samsung DVD player.

However, if you go into the DVD forum here, we have some folks in Canada who have been using the Zenith DVB318, which goes under the LG name there and they love it. It's expected to be a better unit in every way possible.

The DVB318 should be out in the next few weeks here in the States...

[jakob1321]

The sammy hd-931 really is just all kinds of awful. Maybe that's why all the ones at best buy were open box....

[kevlo9]

I'm curious how many of you get better quality with 480p? I've tried it with a few different players, and while the colors seemed somewhat more vibrant with the progressive signal, I found the scaling with standard 480i too much of an improvement to overlook (to explain, if you don't know already: the z only stretches 480p, but upconverts 480i to 1080i).

So I should set my dvd player to output the signal interlaced? Better picture quality? I have the Toshiba SD-3800 player and it's set to output a progressive signal. It stretches the 480p signal? I'm confused. :(

[Q of BanditZ]

It should be fine at progressive man. Don't worry! :)

[Bremerton]

Why wait for 720P and 1080i DVD players???

AS i have stated before if you have an XBOX you can already play upconverted 720p and 1080i DVDs on this set, **a cheap HDPC=XBOX**, In fact lots of people are buying xboxes as a cheap way to play HD Media, And you dont have to spend any money at all disabling the security of the Xbox (Macrovision etc.) via a software mod. Its completeley legal so long as you dont Play Pirated Software although you can!

Xbox Media Center is a Free Application for the Xbox that enables the Xbox to play DVDs and is the exact same thing as Media OSes like Windows Media Center in fact it does way more and get this-- without the dongle, as well as to name a few: Divx, AVI, SVCD, VCD, XVID, WMVHD, You name the format and the XBOX will play it. You can find a picture of it here:http://xbmc.sourceforge.net/imgs/xbmc_alpha/xbmc_alpha_screenshot_mayhem35.jpg and here is all the screenshots of this bad boy:http://www.xboxmediacenter.com/info_screens.htm

And let me say this a 480p DVD looks amazing and breathtaking upconverted to 1080i:D :D

Of course you must either buy a mod chip or better yet run the (free) Pheonix Bios loader exploit aka. Bert is cheating on Ernie exploit found here:http://www.sbeyer.netfirms.com/gouki/part1.html. I recomend doing the exploit as its just the same as if you had a Mod chip and best of all its all free and easy takes 5 minutes to do! just grab those files and upload it to the xbox with your favorite FTP app:D

Have fun and enjoy DVDs in 1080i and 720p I know I am :p

[Jon7athan]

Okay,

I think I figured out the issue with the 4X3 or 16X9 output from our DVD players. Unless you set your 32V37 to 16X9, you are wasting scan lines on the black bars filling up the screen. Using the 16X9 modes commits more scan lines to the image confined between the area of the Zenith's black bars. So, you get two sets of black bars on widescreen DVDs, losing screen real estate, but you have higher detail in the area being displayed. It appears this is an old service menu trick from Sonys & Toshibas that Zenith has turned into a feature. Another reason to like the Zenith.:) Unless of course the Aspect Ratio Control feature is a Sony feature I'm unaware of.

URL explaining anamorphic squeeze feature (http://www.keohi.com/keohihdtv/learnabout/definitions/anamorphicsqueeze.html)

[jakob1321]

Brem - It was my understanding that xbox media center doesn't support dvd's directly. Maybe i'm mistaken, but don't you have to browse to the files themselves to play the dvd? Not really a solution if you have non-tech spouses.

[cdcooker]

So, Jon7athan, you are sure Zenith C32V37 has anamorphic squeeze when playing 16:9 DVD or OTA HDTV? I haven't found any confirmation on the web regarding this feature. If it is true, then it is a great feature that I don't know why Zenith never advertize/emphasize on this TV. Also, when I hook up a progress scan DVD player using component cable, the ratio button on the remote is virtually useless. There is no way to watch the movie in 4:3 mode as tall and skinny mode. There is no way to zoom in the movie to fill out the 4:3 screen also.

[Jon7athan]

I have a Sony DVP-NC665P 5 DVD Changer. I originally recommended that you use 4X3 on the DVD player as well as the television. Well, with these settings, you are using all the scan lines of the tube. Just set the DVD player to 16X9. Set the Aspect Ratio setting to 4X3 for tall skinny mode. Set Aspect Ratio to 16X9 for anamorphic squeeze. There is no Zoom Aspect Ratio mode using my player like there is watching the OTA HDTV signal from Antenna 2 input. I only can choose between the tall & skinny mode & this version of anamorphic squeeze. I have the DVD player hooked up through Component 2. My Panasonic DVR is hooked up to Component 1 and the Aspect Ratio Correction settings stay the same while switching between component settings. I don't particularly like that but I'm very happy the set has this feature.:) I'll take the trade-off. Progressive mode looks particularly stunning using these settings. :) Sorry, LOTR is calling.:)

[busterlee]

I've read that most people set their contrast and brightness well below 50 for fear of burn in. Should that be a concern with a direct view tv? I would really appreciate any info on this matter as I am very new to HDTV.

[cdcooker]

It is not the fear of burn in, it is just too bright over 50.

[Q of BanditZ]

60 is my absolute max for video games. Otherwise it's cruising in the 50 range for sure. Trust me, that's all you need. ;)

[palebluedot]

Just threw this together using previous posts. Helped me out a bit, hopefully others will find it useful. Its just a simple, cheat sheet for discrete codes for the C32V37. If you notice mistakes, I'll try to fix them.

[bjcleaver]

I'm curious how many of you get better quality with 480p? I've tried it with a few different players, and while the colors seemed somewhat more vibrant with the progressive signal, I found the scaling with standard 480i too much of an improvement to overlook (to explain, if you don't know already: the z only stretches 480p, but upconverts 480i to 1080i).

I'm in the market for a new DVD player, but don't feel like dropping more than $250 right now on a "true" HD-DVD player. I just bought a c32v37. Is it even worth spending $100 on a progressive scan DVD player if the Z will already upconvert my regular ol' DVD player to 1080i?

[shroomus]

I'm in the market for a new DVD player, but don't feel like dropping more than $250 right now on a "true" HD-DVD player. I just bought a c32v37. Is it even worth spending $100 on a progressive scan DVD player if the Z will already upconvert my regular ol' DVD player to 1080i?

I have a very nice Yamaha DVX-S100 receiver/DVD player with Faroudja DCDi.
It is connected to my C32V37 both via composite (Video 1) and component (Component 2) connections, and the DVX-S100 lets you toggle progressive mode on and off easily.

I find that the component connection is noticeably better than the composite connection (although that looks quite good as well) but that there is virtually no difference between progressive and interlaced component video playback to my eyes. Perhaps the DCDi circuit just makes everything look good.

In any case I would say that trying a less expensive (SD) DVD player with component output first would make sense, whether or not it does progressive scan.

YMMV :-)

[Bremerton]

Or he can get an Xbox for 130 bux and watch 480P DVD in 1080i and 720p :p

[jakob1321]

bremerton - actually, the newer xboxes aren't software hackable. You have to go with a mod chip. So there. :p

[Bremerton]

Most people who have xboxes would have bought them by now its over 2 years old way before the super duper new ones this year came out but I was actually reffering to buying one for 130 bucks thats refurbished, Older motherboard can be had at gamestop, all new drive and hardrive. But even the newest xboxes can be software modded anyways! :D

But even a chip is only like 30 bucks, cheap solution to playing 1080i and 720p dvd movies without having to own a HTPC!

[Q of BanditZ]

I'd rather spend that money, not to mention save the effort and time, and leave my Xbox for games and just buy a decent progressive scan DVD Player. ;)

[busterlee]

My c32v37 looks terrible playing dvd's via progressive mode with component cables. It looks much better thru regular interlaced mode using composite hook ups. Does anyone else have that problem or do I have a defective model? Keep in mind that interlaced only looks o.k., not nearly as good as it should. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

[bjcleaver]

I do have an Xbox (about a year old) but have so far resisted the urge to hack or mod it. What does it actually get you?

[Q of BanditZ]

Nothing that a trip down the street doesn't get you.

;)

c32v37 should look awesome with progressive scan. Check your settings on something. I don't think it's the TV's problem, either.

[Jon7athan]

busterlee,

Try setting the DVD player to 16X9 and Aspect Ratio of set to 16X9. It commits television to Anamorphic Squeeze mode where more scan lines are committed to the 16X9 viewing area. It will sharpen the display area.

[bjcleaver]

This thread has me all confused. ;) I think I'm confused on all the upconverting.

I have an old Panasonic SA-HT75 HTIB that I'll be keeping for the time being. I assume DVDs played from this are 480i. They look pretty good to me. Unless a 480p DVD player makes a big difference in PQ (I'm going to pick one up at CC this weekend just to test it out), I guess I'll stick with what I have. Don't want to spend $$ on a HD-DVD right now.

Is my logic sound or am I missing something here? I guess I'm not clear on what the Zenith upconverts.

P.S. Mr. Comcast is coming today to set up my HD Cable Box w/my C32V37, can't wait to finally view some HDTV!

[bjcleaver]

Well, got the HD box from Comcast (Moto 6200)! I got the tech to leave my original digital cable box (a Moto DCT2224). So for now I'm going to try the following:

For HDTV/Live TV - use the 6200, component to HDTV. Could try optical audio to the TV since is has the input, but my HTIAB doesn't so probably not a lot of value there. Will use the Comcast remote for this.

For TiVo/SD cable - use the old Moto DCT2224 and the TiVo remote. Only downside is there's no S-Video out on the 2224, but I'm used to that. I'll cover up the IR receiver on this box since I use serial via TiVo to change channels. No interference from 6200 box.

I'm tempted to ditch the old box just to eliminate a component and some wires. But it might be nice for once to be able to watch premium channels live while recording a premium channel.

Anyway - ESPN HD, Big East Tourney, amazing! And I haven't even adjusted the video settings yet!

[cinemagotham]

Do the discrete codes in this thread mean that a fancy remote can be programmed to jump directly to a specific input without cycling through them all? I'd love that so much.

(edit: I have the Harmony SST-659 and would love to add this function to it)

[jakob1321]

I found that 480i looked vastly superior to 480p as well. The Zenith upconverts 480i to 1080i, but not 480p. That's the reason 480i looks better. It's literally not a bug, but a feature.


480i should look really, really, good though. Be sure it's set to 16x9 (as mentioned up thread) for best quality. You'll have to use the ratio button, but a small inconvience.


I got the norcent Lite-On clone, and found that was a really good match for this tv. I got tired of waiting on the Zenith 318.



but just about any dvd player with decent color output via component should get you going.


And yup - the discreet codes will get you access to a specific input. It's *such* a huge time saver. Although, if i'm on component 2, and i hit the "component 1 only" button, it cycles to dvi. Very odd.

[cinemagotham]

If the Z upconverts 480i to 1080i does that mean set by program will work for DVDs played in 480i? I guess I could just try it myself but that would be great.

Also, I'm psyched that the discreet codes will allow instant input jump. But how do you use them? What's the protocol? As I mentioned, I have a Harmony SST-659 which is a somewhat fancy programmable remote.

[jakob1321]

I doubt the discreet codes work for the harmony (I don't have one, so I wouldn't know). The ones listed are for the oneforall remotes. However, aren't the harmony remotes internet programmable? Clearly the button functionality is there, so hopefully it's downloadable. If not, you could always buy one of the dirt cheap oneforall remotes and use it to teach the Harmony.

And no, the set by program only works for sources that are 720p or 1080i, not stuff that is upconverted. I love this set, but not detecting widescreen at 480 is such a significant oversight that it seems ridiculous that they missed it. But there is another discreet code for setting 16:9, so you could do as I originally did and just set it as part of a macro for switching over to dvd.

[cinemagotham]

Except that a lot of DVDs are 4:3. Bleh. No fix for that.

Still, the discrete code for inputs seems like it might be doable. I've written Harmony's excellent customer service folk about it. We'll see what they say.

[cinemagotham]

BTW, for those with the OFA remote, what do you do to access the discrete codes? I can try it with the Harmony and see if it can do it...

[busterlee]

jakob,

Are you using component or composite? Component 1 or Video 1? Will the tv upconvert 480i to 1080i from component 1 or do you have to go thru video1 with composite cables? I am currently running thru video1 with regular composite hook ups. When I had it hooked up with monster cables thru component1, the pq was terrible. Should I try it again? Thanks in advance for your help.

[jakob1321]

There's a big list, which is posted in the v37 thread.

For the non-lcd oneforall remotes, you hold down set until it blinks twice, enter 994 as the device code, hit set again (it will blink), type in the code, and then the button you want to use, and then the remote will blink twice again to indicate that it accepted the input. I don't have the lcd remote instructions written down.

I'm not really sure what it does with the video 1 - 4 (front). I know it upconverts the component, and if you're getting horrible quality you may have a bad jack on an end of the cable somewhere. On my sony I got a horrible picture when I first plugged it in after I got the tv. I was really disappointed, and then I realized that the blue cable wasn't making a good connection on the Zenith.

It's depressing to think that it's likely upconverting video1-4. The only thing I have on those connections is DirecTV through S-video, and the picture quality is so poor I'm convinced DirecTV is running vcd's on the back end. I had to flatline the sharpness just to be able to watch.

[cinemagotham]

I just realized the Harmony SST-659 remote has these pre-programmed IR settings:

IR:Input Select
IR:InputComp1
IR:InputComp2
IR:InputFront
IR:InputNext
IR:InputRGB2
IR:InputS-Video
IR:InputToggle
IR:InputVideo
...
IR:Video/PC

Any guess what those are?

There don't seem to be enough (where are video 2 and 3? DVI? What's RGB2?) but they seem like a good clue...

[cinemagotham]

Figured it out. For those with Harmony remotes (something I highly recommend) I posted my findings here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=3529826#post3529826

[cdcooker]

On the regular menu, under video settings, there is a Z-View option. What is it?

[cinemagotham]

Anyone know if there's a discrete code for directly turning the speakers on and off?

[kevlo9]

I was wondering...

When using a setup disc to set the picture settings, should you have the 16:9 squeeze on? I setup with/without the squeeze. The only difference that I've noticed between the two is that with the squeeze on the brightness is set WAY TOO HIGH.

Anyone else mess around with this?

[Q of BanditZ]

I don't use squeeze or zoom on anything. The letterbox bars don't bother me and that assures me maximum picture integrity.

[Nashville Cat]

Originally posted by shroomus
OFA stands for One-For-All, it's a particular brand of universal remote that Radio Shack resells.

What is the model number for this remote? I don't see it on the Radio Shack web site.

[kevlo9]

I don't use squeeze or zoom on anything. The letterbox bars don't bother me and that assures me maximum picture integrity.

Then if you don't use the 16:9 squeeze you AREN'T getting the best picture...right?

[Jon7athan]

kevlo9,

Correct! Check post 40 of this thread on the 2nd page for a url that explains anamorphic squeeze.

Thanks,

7

[Jon7athan]

Nashville Cat,

8-in-1 Learning Remote with LCD Function Display (http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F003%5F007%5F000%5F000&product%5Fid=15%2D2116)

[Nashville Cat]

Thanks Jon7anthan. Looks promising.

[Q of BanditZ]

Awesome, Jon! I learn something new every day. Now, please tell me EXACTLY what to do, so I get this right! :)

If I understand you correctly, this is what I did thus far:

Went into the options menu of the Zenith c32v37. Set it to 16:9 instead of "set by program."

Went into the Time Warner Cable STB menu, choose 4:3, then choose 16:9 Squeeze.

Is this correct?

[cinemagotham]

Ah, I knew there was a misundertanding about 16:9.

This goes back to what I was asking about DVI and set by program not working:

If you use component and have your cable box set to 16:9 TV with stretch for 4:3 material and have the TV set to set by program the TV should adjust the 16:9 squeeze automatically for you in the way that Johnathan's link explained.

When I switched to DVI for cable I found that the set by program no longer worked consistently and I can have the TV set to 4:3 ->16:9 squeeze or 16:9 -> 4:3 stretch but neither triggers the set by program to work.

I just tested DVI and component and I'm right. Plus, for my cable box (pioneer 5310) the component looks noticeably sharper.

[Q of BanditZ]

So, should I just go ahead and keep it at 16:9 at all times with the Zenith and 16:9 squeeze on the STB? Just go 16:9 all the way and call it a day?
Like when I get my new DVD player that's progressive scan, set it the same way?

It does look better. I did notice that, and I noticed I didn't have the "second set" of letterbox bars. Better! :)

[cinemagotham]

Discussing this sort of thing is confusing without visuals. Like when you say there are no double bars... When you're properly watching a DVD that is wider than 16:9 (2.35 etc...) there should be double bars (the ones that are part of the image on the disc that make it wider than 16:9 and the ones created by the lack of image in the 16:9 squeeze on the TV). Now, you may not SEE both sets of bars, depending on how your brightness/contrast etc is set but they are there in theory.

That said, the ideal set up is (I believe): 16:9 on cable box and DVD (because, thanks to the 16:9 squeeze, this is in essence a 16:9 TV.)

The right setting on the TV is "set by program" which should auto adjust the aspect ratio for cable (and in theory a 1080i/720p DVD player, which I haven't been able to test yet). The only times you'd need to touch the ratio button should be:
- for a 16:9 DVD in a non 1080i/720p player because the "set by program" setting doesn't recognize 16:9 video at 480i/p (you'd set the TV to 16:9 for that)
-"Zoom" for an HD channel showing windowboxed non HD material if you want to get rid of grey sidebars (but this is optional really)

Any corrections?

[2gbj]

I completely agree with cinemagotham. The setup he suggests is the one I use. I don't ever "zoom" however, but this is a matter of personal taste. Note also that some stations, like ESPN HD, broadcast a stretched picture (rather than windowboxing) when they they're broadcasting a non 16:9 picture (yuck!).

[Q of BanditZ]

Absolutely true. My sister is stuck with a non-pro DVD player for a little bit longer, and this is exactly right. I have to set the TV to 16:9 in that scenario.

16:9 Squeeze is what everyone likes? I think I did see an improvement on the cable box with that. Nice! These settings clearly favor HD, which is great.

The only drawback to this whole thing is when you start watching non HD material. Say, you're watching UPN, for example.

That 16:9 squeeze setting on the STB seems to affect that picture and distort it. Either that, or it's my imagination.

Other than that: RAWK! :)

[Jon7athan]

Sorry guys had my video card go out on me today and have been performing surgery ever since.:)

"The right setting on the TV is "set by program" which should auto adjust the aspect ratio for cable (and in theory a 1080i/720p DVD player, which I haven't been able to test yet). The only times you'd need to touch the ratio button should be:
- for a 16:9 DVD in a non 1080i/720p player because the "set by program" setting doesn't recognize 16:9 video at 480i/p (you'd set the TV to 16:9 for that)
-"Zoom" for an HD channel showing windowboxed non HD material if you want to get rid of grey sidebars (but this is optional really)"

For some reason, probably some incompatibility, with the Pioneer 3510 hooked up via DVI the zoom doesn't function. These are the settings I've been using since the end of February when I stumbled upon that anamorphic discussion someone in the rear projection forum was having. Hunted down the url and it explained it to me where these settings make the most sense to me. I've noticed people with progressive scan DVD players complaining about the picture because they thought it should be sharper. And after explaining the squeeze mode they are happy.

Thanks,

7

[Jon7athan]

Sorry,

Have to amend my comments. The setting to use for the STB is 4:3 standard with 16X9 squeeze. That setting on the Pioneer 3510 instructs the STB how to display 16X9 material it pickups from the feed. Having the set using Set By Program should give you the best of both worlds Q. I'm not sure if other set top boxes have this mode but I would try and find it in your settings. And because my DVD player doesn't have this squeeze mode. I set the DVD player to use a 16X9 tv and use the ratio button on the set for 16X9 to get anamorphic mode.

Thanks,

7

[Q of BanditZ]

Cool. Sounds good, then. When I have a pro DVD it will be even better. :)

[pgran]

Anybody out there feeling generous enough to distill all this info into one set of instructions for the C32V37 using a prog-scan DVD player and component cables as well as a separate set of instructions for using DVI cables, if they are different? I am hella confused reading through the thread.

:)

[pgran]

Oops, I forgot to ask for info on setting the STB with DVI in the above scenario.

[Q of BanditZ]

I would think it would the same across the boards. Wouldn't you need the TV "set to program" and 16:9 Squeeze on the STB regardless of circumstance?

Your DVD player- I think you just set it to 16:9 and forget about it. 16:9 Squeeze if you have it. That's how I understood everything here.

Hopefully Jon will correct me if I am wrong.

[pgran]

So, if I've got this right:

STB, standard 4:3/16:9 squeeze, connected via DVI
TV, set by program
DVD prog scan, 16:9 or squeeze if avail., connected via component

Now, will this set up get me anamorphic mode on screen from DVD source or will I have to switch the aspect ratio on the TV as someone was suggesting above? Sorry if I can't follow the logic here. I'm also doing layout on a newsletter in MS Publisher *ick* and I think my brain has upconverted to mush. :p

[Jon7athan]

Sorry watching Conn vs Duke.:)

That is my setup exactly.

For Overkill, I have a 5 disc Sony DVD player and I hit the ratio button for 16X9 when I'm on Component 2 with the DVD player. Should be good to go.

L8R,

7

[Q of BanditZ]

Sounds good. Now, I wonder what's going to happen if I decide to connect my new DVD player via DVI, which I most likely intend to do. I wouldn't think any of this would change.

I did exactly what pgran did here, too. It does look better, and my sister was thrilled, because before this, she was quite disappointed with how her DVD's looked. Again, she's using a non pro until we get our new units. So, this was great! Thanks! :) :) :)

March Madness: Is it me, or is almost always the same teams every year? LOL! ;)

[pgran]

Unfortunately, the Pioneer 563A does not seem to have a DVI connection. I may look around a little bit more before keeping it, but I'd have to add a splitter in order to accomodate the t.v. Wonder why no one is making a unit with more than one DVI input?

In other news, BB goofed on my delivery today. :mad: They showed up with only the t.v. stand and said that the t.v. wasn't in the warehouse but I could have it on Wednesday. This after they gave me a 7:30 to 9:30 delivery time, brutal enough any day but esp. so after the time change. I'm pretty frustrated. Someone called to apologize and I asked to have it tomorrow only to be told they're already booked up. You'd think they would take care of their own errors (turns out all the Zenith's being delivered were still at the local store and had not been picked up) before handling other deliveries! Naturally, I asked for 'inconvenience compensation' and will find out tomorrow how they're going to handle that. Never hurts to ask. :)

[Q of BanditZ]

This is why I never buy my electronics from a place like that. I like to go to dedicated electronics dealers, like Tweeters, Sound Advice, or any place like that. I guess you couldn't find a Zenith dealership nearby either?

Sorry about this. I hope you get everything in good stead.

[pgran]

No Zenith dealer nearby. I agree with you generally, but they were offering 2 years, no interest financing which made the purchase more feasible for me. The sales guy I developed a relationship with also threw in the shipping at no charge. I'm sure they'll make good (eventually). Maybe I can talk them into crediting back to the internet price and call it even.

[Jon7athan]

Yeah,

you're right I'll bump the C32v37 settings thread.

[pgran]

So, now that I've got the thing in the house (am still amazed by the depth of color), I've got the set up we've been talking about. My DVD player offers the following settings when talking to the t.v.:

4:3 letterbox
4:3 pan & scan
16x9

It also offers the option of 'progressive' vs. 'interlaced'.

Tried the 4:3 letterbox and the 16x9 settings. The 16x9 is clearly better and results in little to no cropping of the image, whereas the 4:3 letterbox did. Also, setting to progressive is better than interlaced, but this would follow as the t.v. is progressive scan.

Just a confirmation of info. above and FYI for anyone with the same player (Pioneer 563A).

[Q of BanditZ]

Sounds good. Leave the DVD at 16:9. Just for laughs, and it should work, see what happens to that picture when you toggle the Zenith's "Set by Program" and "16 X9" option setting. It should be the same, meaning, I am expecting the Set by Program to work, and you never have to think about it again.

Enjoy! :)

[Q of BanditZ]

Let me add kind of a curiosity:

How's come the smaller Zenith's say they have a Faroudjia chip built in, but the larger ones like the c32v37 here, don't. Supposedly. Go to their site and see what I mean.

[pgran]

You know, I was curious about that too. Couldn't figure out why they would not have put the better chip into the higher-priced/higher-end models. Go figure.

On another note, cable was installed today and I'm not 100% happy with the HD PQ. Am noticing some motion artifacts I wasn't expecting, very similar to what you might see on an LCD screen. I didn't notice this at BB via whatever feed was going into the Zenith. Otherwise it's pretty good, though as expected, the analog channels are unbearable. The digital channels are better, but worse motion artifacts than HD.

Comcast brought the Moto 5100. I went into the set-up menu and have the following options:

TV: 16.9 or 4:3 letterbox, or 4:3 pan/scan
Component output: 1080i, 720p, 480p, or 480i
4:3 override: 480i or 480p

Right now I have it set at 16x9, 1080i, and override 480i.

What does the override do and where should I have it set? What about those component output settings? Does this mean that theoretically, I could improve the PQ by changing that around based on the signal I'm getting?

Also, could we clarify whether it's better to run the DVI from the STB to the TV or not? Seems like there is some conflict on that one. Right now, it's going through component cables as the Comcast tech said they were out of DVI cables.

Anybody out there ever try a video scaler/de-interlacer with a CRT to see if analog cable improves at all?

Thanks, as always, in advance.

[pgran]

Did some checking on the Moto 5100 thread and think have answered all my questions above related to that. Found quite a lot of useful info also on DVI vs component. It seems that it's six of one, half a dozen of the other between them. So I guess it's stick with what you can live with easiest. It would also seem that Motorola (in addition to actively searching through the forum here) is working to improve analog PQ via firmware updates.

Now, after trying a query or two in the search field I couldn't come up with any useful results so I'm going to go ahead and post this question though I'm sure it's been addressed somewhere already:

Can the C32V37 save user settings from input to input? Because the Moto 5100 and potentially the broadcast itself impart different raw qualities to the picture than say, a DVD, I now need to change the picture settings I calibrated with the AVIA disc to compensate. (There is noticeable increased red push through the STB.) I would hate to have to keep changing them around depending on which input is active.

BTW--I don't have a computer at home so can't go back and forth between the t.v., associated manuals, and this forum when working on issues. :)

[pgran]

Q--been meaning to ask you if you've got the cable feed split between RF and component so that you can watch analog vs. digital channels in their best resolution. If so, how would I go about doing that?

[cinemagotham]

The TV has different settings for each input (comp1, comp2, dvi, etc...), but if you're running multiple sources through a switcher or receiver all into one input then they'll share. Got that?

As for cable splitting, buy an RF splitter or something like that and run one feed directly into the TV and the other into your cable box. Then you can compare.

For example, I find that the analog channels straight from the splitter to the wall actually look sharper than the same channels from the digital cable box (although I rarely go that route, mostly because the channel numbers are totally different and I don't feel like memorizing two different sets of channels)

[Jon7athan]

I can verify that there are different settings for each input. I have the Pioneer STB and can't speak to the Moto box. But, I didn't realize how poorly my STB converted HD until I did a split screen with the OTA feed. You may find that a majority of your artifacts are related to the components that your STB are using converting your various signals to the output you chose in the setup menu. Best way to tell is invest about 20 bucks in a set of rabbit ears and check out the quality of the OTA feed.

Thanks,

7

[Q of BanditZ]

Originally posted by pgran
Q--been meaning to ask you if you've got the cable feed split between RF and component so that you can watch analog vs. digital channels in their best resolution. If so, how would I go about doing that?

I just got that $12 PIP cable splitter thingie from Radio shack. Real easy.

I think I have noticed, too, that the STB's picture quality, while very good, does show a difference vs. directly, although I didn't find the differences to be earth shattering.

Jon and I have the same STB. Hey John! I hear that Scientific Atlantic 3250HD box is new and is out. You know if TWC has any? Maybe we should upgrade to a better HD box!

[Jon7athan]

Q,


Couldn't take it anymore after watching the Masters this weekend. Put a call into TWC here in Columbus from work today. I have a service visit scheduled for Friday at noon. The artifacts and general quality of the Pioneer is just way disappointing. I did ask if there were any other HD STB that they had or if there was a firmware upgrade for the 3510. No to both questions. I'll keep everyone posted about the outcome of the visit Friday.

7

P.S. The CSR I spoke with said that the Pioneer is the only HD STB they are giving out at this time. They aren't giving the Scientific Atlanta out to customers here in Columbus any longer

[cinemagotham]

Wow, I haven't noticed any of the problems you're having and I have the 3510. I've used component and DVI (yada yada yada) and haven't seen these problems. Could be the quality of your signal or something? We'll see what the tech says.

[pgran]

Thanks for the answers all. I *duh* realized when I got home last night that there were indeed different setting via input. Sorry for wasting your time! Sometimes I get the trigger finger to ask before I can get home and check it out myself.

As for the signal quality component vs. DVI, somewhere in the Moto 5100 thread there are a couple of posts which describe what the outcome was using either. The bottom line seemed to be that DVI yielded a softer picture, but fewer motion artifacts while component yielded sharper picture and some motion artifacts. I think one person said that the DVI input also caused the picture to seem more pixelated, but don't quote me on that. Could be STB related but I do have the latest version with all the firmware upgrades.

Might try the splitter route and see what happens.

Oh, and that dreaded vertical bar..... Saw it right away on HBO last night. But I then realized I had also not adjusted the video settings. When I turned the contrast and brightness down to proper levels, I couldn't see it anymore.

[Q of BanditZ]

Jon, see if you can track down info about this Scientific Atlanta 3250 HD box. I Googled that and it's supposed to be forthcoming from a lot of cable companies.

You and I have identical service, and I don't have the drastic issues you seem to have, although I'd say there's a slight drop off in quality between STB picture vs. straight from the wall picture. Again, barely noticeable.

pgran, the splitter was only about $12. If you like sports, you'll enjoy that convenience right away. Can't hurt!

The Pioneer box I have is the 3500...not the 3510. Hmmmm...the plot thickens...

[pgran]

Indeed. Folks on Comcast have been complaining about the new Moto 6200 over the 5100. Think they were supposed to be identical except for firewire capability, but......

[Q of BanditZ]

I am displeased to report that I also have the reather loud chirping from the TV when viewing a 720p broadcast, independent of the STB.

What the heck is that?

[kevlo9]

Oh, and that dreaded vertical bar..... Saw it right away on HBO last night. But I then realized I had also not adjusted the video settings. When I turned the contrast and brightness down to proper levels, I couldn't see it anymore.

No, it's still there. You'll see it again. I did the same as you, since the set is brighter with the 16:9 sqeeze on. It worked for a little while, but I soon noticed it again. :mad:

[Q of BanditZ]

Yeah, the vertical bar and the rather lourd chirping at 720p independent of the STB are two issues that need to be dealt with. Quickly.

[Jon7athan]

kevlo9,

My Standard Menu Settings (post service menu fixs):

EZ Picture: Off
Contrast: 51
Brightness: 61
Color: 44
Sharpness: 39
Tint: G 1
Color Temp: Warm
Z-View: On

Let me know what you think and your settings.

Thanks,

7

[kevlo9]

Mine are a little different...

Contrast-45
Brightness-32(differs with the 16:9 squeeze on/off)
Color-36
Sharpness-40
Tinit-Red 1
Color Temp-Warm
Z View-On
VM-Off

I used the Sound & Vision setup disc.

Since I used some of your settings in the service menu I do notice a difference in picture quality and the RED PUSH is dialed down. GOOD WORK!

[pgran]

haven't had time but has anyone checked the sony thread re: the same vertical bar issue? wondering what the update is there. where's our trusty Zenith tech guy?

kevlo9--honestly, i haven't seen it since turning the brightness/contrast levels down. will look for it tonight.

[kevlo9]

i haven't seen it since turning the brightness/contrast levels down. will look for it tonight.

If you can't see it anymore, GOOD FOR YOU! Once you start to see it again, it will start to drive you nuts. If you look for it you will see it again. Try not to look. :)

[pgran]

Q--someone else complaining about chirping at 720p. Don't know if I saw that thread in one of the Zenith threads here or somewhere else.

[pgran]

kevlo---am afraid...... :eek:

[kevlo9]

pgran,

Curious as to what your standard picture menu settings are?

[pgran]

kevlo9,

looking now... am not at home so can't be certain. think were pretty close to what i posted in the Zenith Services and Settings thread, though I turned the brightness up a bit last night. Get back to you in a bit.

[pgran]

Oops, am in that thread. They were in the vertical bar thread.....

Settings:

White Level/Contrast=50 (still getting slight blooming so may turn down)

Black Level/Brightness=40 (the one setting I could accurately adjust)

Peaking-Detail/Sharpness=38 (had some trouble with this setting as nothing really seemed correct)

Saturation/Color=38
Tint=+3 Green
*These settings really require the ability to turn off all flesh tone control (i.e. the warm, medium, cool option) which I could not find a way to do through regular menus. Probably can turn off via service menu and re-adjust. Again, this set definitely pushes red and I could only get it to within 20% over a neutral setting. The AVIA disc felt this was a reasonable tolerance.

Have not gone into the service menu to make fine adjustments yet, but this seemed to be okay for the dvd input. Think I have the brightness closer to 45-49 for t.v. but otherwise, I think I've left everything else the same. Can't remember if I have Z-View on, but I think so.

[kevlo9]

Seems pretty good.

[cinemagotham]

For the record, I get the chirping too, although I almost never use the built-in tuner (only if I'm taping one thing and watching another, and even then it's never ABC, my only 720p station). But it is there. It's quiet enough that I can only hear it whent he sound's muted.

[Q of BanditZ]

I can hear it even when the volume is up in the 20's. That's unacceptable.

I have started using the tuner more because...the picture is a little better vs. the STB. Dang it!

I really don't know how you all can stand that sharpness down so low, but I guess everyone's eyes are different. I definitely recommend having EZ view on at all times under all conditions and leaving the temperature at cool. That helps a lot!

[pgran]

Q, visually, what do you experience with the sharpness lower? Have you gotten the AVIA or DVE disc yet?

[Q of BanditZ]

I am in process waiting for the DVE disc to show up.

If I turn that sharpness down to 38, I found some texts to be a little less than detailed and kind of blurry for my tastes. Vauge looking...

[pgran]

Hmm.... I don't experience that on DVD, but I did turn it up a little for tv viewing.

[Jon7athan]

Originally posted by Jon7athan
Q,


Couldn't take it anymore after watching the Masters this weekend. Put a call into TWC here in Columbus from work today. I have a service visit scheduled for Friday at noon. The artifacts and general quality of the Pioneer is just way disappointing. I did ask if there were any other HD STB that they had or if there was a firmware upgrade for the 3510. No to both questions. I'll keep everyone posted about the outcome of the visit Friday.

7

P.S. The CSR I spoke with said that the Pioneer is the only HD STB they are giving out at this time. They aren't giving the Scientific Atlanta out to customers here in Columbus any longer

Well,

TWC showed up for service call, actually on time too.:) And I showed the guy PIP feed comparison of OTA and cable feed of same station. It was pretty plain to see the loss of detail when he displayed a test menu from the Pioneer service menu. He brought up the service menu with a funky 4 finger button push I didn't quite catch. He brought up a signal meter in the service menu and said the signal looked excellent. Something he said he rarely sees. So, he called up another technician to bring out a replacement box, said the work order didn't specify HD or the Pioneer STB.

Well, the lack of color saturation and pixelation was markedly better in the replacement box. And as a bonus, Zoom now works with the Pioneer. Don't ask me the difference in the STB, I did scroll through the service menu and got a look at the firmware version of the original box while he was placing a call for the replacement box. Just haven't been able to break into the new box and see the version of code it's using. Will keep group posted.

Thanks,

7

[Q of BanditZ]

Intruiging.

Not sure if swapping STB's would really benefit me, but my signal is always at 100. Amazing signal.

Maybe my differences weren't as drastic as yours. It sounds like you really had something going here.

Was it the same Pioneer STB that got swapped out, or did you get something different?

If you call TWC, they give you this automated 866 number that I can't recall, that tells you how to do the 4 finger trick.

That info channel that they advertise I think, should also tell you.

[Jon7athan]

No, it was the same Pioneer 3510.

The menu is different from any menu I've seen before. After searching the net, I found out how to access it. I just couldn't remember the Voyager software version or firmware versions I had on the first box. Oh well.

He did say something funny though. He asked me how much my DVI cable was. I told him 22 dollars and he said people locally were paying 90 dollars. He asked me how long I had been using it and I said as long as I've had the box maybe a month and a half. I ordered the cables before I picked up the HD STB and had never used the component connections. He looked kind of quizzical and said that he had to upgrade the software on the boxes to make the DVI port work. He said it like I shouldn't have been able to use the DVI port on the box I had. He said it like I was using the port before they upgraded the STBs and enabled that connectivity. Oh well, this is kinda outside the Standard & Service Menu Settings thread so I will cease and desist. But, if anyone wants to compare Voyager or firmware dates on their 3510, private message me and I'll open a thread in the HDTV Hardware Forum with my settings and how I got access to the 3510 service menu. Gotta go watch the Yankees vs. Boston in HD on FOX.:)

Thanks,

7

P.S. The service menu had a signal reading that read something like -2 dBv and was more detailed than the reading you're talking about Q

[pgran]

Q,

when i ask the Zenith to check my signal I get an error message (essentially) saying I must be tuned to a digital station. How are you checking signal strength via your STB?

Thanks!

[Q of BanditZ]

I asked Jon to make the thread he referred to. There's a trick you have to do on the STB to get to that menu to see it... I don't know how to do it, either.

[Jon7athan]

New thread about Firmware for the 3510

Pioneer 3510 Diagnostic Mode (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=393962)

[pgran]

Will this likely apply to the Moto5100?

[lgmayka]

Are we absolutely certain that z-view enables/disables the upconversion from 480i to 1080i? I ask because for me, the most obvious effect of z-view is to darken the picture--i.e., to change the brightness and/or contrast. And I saw somewhere else that Zenith told a customer that that was what z-view did.

But if turning off z-view does turn off the upconversion, then certainly I'll leave it on.

Also, is there a consensus on whether to set a DVD player for progressive-scan to output 480p, or for interlacing to output 480i which presumably then gets upconverted (at least when connected via component video cables) to 1080i?

[Q of BanditZ]

No way! That Z-View does not affect upconversion at all. I have it on all the time and it works like a gem.

Set your DVD player to 480p, since that's the highest setting and will be the best picture.

Not sure what DVD player you are talking about, and I am not sure I am understanding your request clearly. Are you operating under the assumption that the TV upconverts? Because that is not true.

A DVD player, like the new Zenith DVB318, for example, will upconvert.

Am I just misunderstanding you? ;)

[2gbj]

My understanding is that the TV does not upconvert 480p, but it does upconvert 480i. I don't have a progressive scan DVD player so I can't comment on that. But I can definitely say that if I set my STB to output 480p the PQ is worse than if the STB outputs 480i.

[pgran]

2gbj---That is definitely true for me as well. I have my STB 4:3 override set to 480i.

As far as the other discussion, I don't think the Zenith or most HD CRT's upconvert 480p. However I feel like I've learned and half-forgotten so much since I started researching HD that I can't be certain. I think I tried setting the DVD player to 480i and it seemed the picture wasn't as good, so I put it back to 480p.

Is there any way to find out what Z-View does officially? The manual is pretty light on explanations of most of the features.

[Q of BanditZ]

Originally posted by pgran
2gbj---That is definitely true for me as well. I have my STB 4:3 override set to 480i.

As far as the other discussion, I don't think the Zenith or most HD CRT's upconvert 480p. However I feel like I've learned and half-forgotten so much since I started researching HD that I can't be certain. I think I tried setting the DVD player to 480i and it seemed the picture wasn't as good, so I put it back to 480p.

Is there any way to find out what Z-View does officially? The manual is pretty light on explanations of most of the features.

Maybe we should bomb zenithservice.com and send an email or something to get an answer to that question.

customerservice@lge.com

[pgran]

Done and done. :)

[Q of BanditZ]

Please let us know what the response is! ;)

[MrJitters]

dman78 you stated that on the ofa3161 remote to press setup then the code to access the discretes. While I was checking out the remote at BB i did not see a button labeled SETUP, but I did see one labeled SET. Can I assume that this is one in the same or am I looking at the wrong remote. Also, I am reading the tuner in the C32V27 has been known to tune in digital channels on cable. Can this be true? Regards, MrJ

[pgran]

Thank you for inquiring of LG Electronics. Your e-mail has been received.

With Z View on, it automatically adjusts the picture display for optimum quality.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any additional questions or concerns. Thank you again for contacting LG
Electronics.

"Think the Best and One Team Spirit"
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Kim
E-mail Administrator
Customer Interactive Center
LGEAI

Clearly, I have asked for specifics.

BTW, my born on date is February '04. Was hoping for March to see if any of these issues we've been discussing rolled over into the next production month.

[cinemagotham]

That is a ridiculous answer! I can't believe they think that that's useful. Write back and tell them that that's the wrong button and ask which one automatically adjusts for crappiest picture quality!

[Q of BanditZ]

LOL! Well, I do like EZ View on, but do write back and tell them you would like a much more specific and technical answer.

[pgran]

Oh lordy.... check this out.

-----Kim,

Thanks for your response. What exactly does 'optimum quality' mean? I'm looking for specifics.-----

Response

------Basically what it is referring to is the quality of picture you would see on the showroom floor.

Thank you.
Kim---------

Absolutely hilarious! I wrote back again, with the following:

----Kim,

Sorry, I don't mean to be a pest about this, but I'm really asking for detailed technical information about what settings the Z-View adjusts and exactly how it does this. Is there someone you could pass this along to for further assistance?----

We'll see!

[cinemagotham]

If it weren't so harmless I'd say it's downright Orwellian!

[Q of BanditZ]

<snickers>

Poor Kim! She seems to the be the only that answers at that email address! LOL!

She's pretty cool, though. I hope she gives you a "real" asnwer soon! ;)

[pgran]

No kidding re the Orwellian reference!

[ChrisPalow]

Overscan question. Eliminating the overscan in the service menu for normal channels (and CADTV) works great. Is there anyway to eliminate overscan on the DVI port? I'd rather just adjust it on the TV then have to adjust it on my computer with wierd resolutions inside of resolutions.


Chris

[Q of BanditZ]

Someone define what overscan means, please?

[hd_newb]

And to piggyback on Q's question about overscan, can anyone give some tips on how to test for overscan using DVE, and correct if necessary through the service menu.


Under title 12, chapter 17 on DVE, there is a 1.33 overscan pattern, but it shows in widescreen format on my c32v37. Is this the correct pattern to use to check for overscan? Using that, I can easily see the "5% safe action" line on top and bottom, but I cannot see it on the left and right side. Is this a symptom of overscan?

[raeshao]

Has anyone been able to figure out exactly what Z-View does?

[Q of BanditZ]

No. No one has bothered to write back responses yet on the issue. It doesn't help that Zenith's responses have been coy at best.

I just leave it on because it looks better. ;)

[sic0048]

hd_newb - I found the exact same thing on my set-up. DVE had the 1.33 overscan test, but it shows up widescreen. I have my DVD player set on 4:3 letterbox and the TV aspect set by program. I guess I need to play with those settings to see if I can get the 1.33 test to show as true 1.33.

I just got my DVE disc yesterday, but have some other questions concerning the whole calibration process:

My eyes could not pick up any discernible difference in the sharpness setting. It appeared to be the same whether it was set on 0 or 100. Everyone else seems to have their sharpness around 40-50. Any thoughts? DVE says to set sharpness as close to 0 as possible.

I also had trouble setting the brightness level because I couldn't make out blooming very well with the pin holes in the screen. Anyone else having trouble with this setting? I ended up setting it around 45 as this seemed to be what other people where doing.

I set my color at 42. This was the closest setting I could muster with the blue filter. I need to go into the service menu 19 and change the red and green settings as they are not close to reference with those filters.

I also found that I had a tremendous horizontal overscan (close to 10%), while the vertical overscan was slight. I fixed the overscan to 2.5% on both the vertical and horizontal.

[cinemagotham]

First thing you need to do is set your DVD player to 16:9, not 4:3. That is because when you hit the ratio button the TV it effectively becomes a 16:9 set, using all available resolution just on the 16:9 space and not wasting any on black bars (other than the thin ones that appear on 2.35:1 discs) The way you have it not the DVD player is wasting about 30% of the TV's resolution on drawn-in black bars. This will mean hitting Ratio when you watch an anamorphic DVD but the picture will be MUCH better!

ETA: I've posted this so many times I wish it would be a sticky! It's a crime that 4:3 HDTV buyers don't know about this. They're wasting their money if they don't use it!

[STEELERSRULE]

Originally posted by cinemagotham

ETA: I've posted this so many times I wish it would be a sticky! It's a crime that 4:3 HDTV buyers don't know about this. They're wasting their money if they don't use it!

I do it this way too, Master cinemagotham:D Please, be gentle to those who do not listen.;)

[cinemagotham]

Originally posted by STEELERSRULE
I do it this way too, Master cinemagotham:D Please, be gentle to those who do not listen.;)

Heh heh. I love those that do not know. I only wish to guide them! ;)

[sic0048]

Like I said, I'll need to try all the settings to see which works best. I know originally I had the DVD player set at 16:9 and it played on the TV as a full screen (no black bars) which meant that the sides where cut off. I'm sure it will end up that it did this because I had the TV set on the wrong setting, but when I played with it originally, having the DVD player set on 4:3 letterbox was the only way I could get a normal screen on the TV. Any other setting and it seemed to stretch or squeeze the picture, or cut of the edges as described above.

Anyway, any comments on the other settings (color, sharpness, etc) - picture size not withstanding?

[hd_newb]

sic0048,
You know, I thought exactly the same thing. But... I just followed Cinemagotham's recommendation, and everything seems to work perfectly now. I set my DVD player to output 16:9, and set my c32v37 to 16:9, and everything looks great. The 16:9 test patterns on DVE look right on.

Of course, if the kids put in a 4:3 dvd, I guess I'll have to set things back, but I can deal with that.

Cinemagotham,
Thanks for the post. You got me back on track.

[cinemagotham]

No prob! It's something the manufacturers do not properly explain but it really is an important feature of TVs like ours.

[koltz]

Ok, glad I found these threads. Just bought the TV this weekend at Best Buy, so far a great TV. I built a PVR system using Media Center Edition 2004 by Microsoft w/ an ATI 9700 Pro Gfx Card. I believe I will leave the setting at 1280x720 as I feel it is not so flickery as the 1920x1080. Anyway, my problem is that I am not seeing about 2 inches on the left and right sides of the TV and about half inch on the top and bottom. Do I use these service codes to adjust that? Also, When I just left the TV sitting at the XP screen for a bit, it started getting a dark spot in the lower left corner, after I did some moving around, ran the degausser, it cleared it up, but is that because of the rez I chose or ????

Thanks, Corey

[VIVOtheFURY]

Try ATI's Catalyst 4.5 Drivers. They have predifined resolutions with less overscan, plus let you define custom resolutions that allow you to tweak things a little better(Work well for component, not sure if that is true for DVI though....). If you want more than that, you need to get into the service menu to change the settings for hoizontal width and position. There is no pancea, you help yourself one place, and sometimes create problems elsewhere.

[koltz]

Thanks, I am hoping that ATI will release an overscan option for straight DVI soon, instead of the DVI to Component convertor option that seems to be required to do it.

[Zinthar]

I have a sorta off topic question regarding the C32V37. I just bought it and am loving the picture with both digital cable and my xbox.

Problem I have is that I have xbox connected to component 1 and a stereo system connected to the TV with the TV's audio out ports, but the stereo never plays sound from the xbox (or any of the component devices I tested) with the audio out ports. The TV is receiving the xbox's sound fine, as is the stereo when I have the xbox connected to composite or S-video ports. I am additionally confused as to what the 2 optical digital audio inputs & 1 optical digital audio out are supposed to do. Do they mean that if I were to use an optical cable from my xbox and/or dvd's optical output to the component optical input on the TV that I could then take another optical cable and connect it from the optical out on the TV to a surround sound receiver?? Would taking the first step allow for a component device's audio to be recognized by stereo thats plugged into the analog audio out? Or am I screwed in my present setup and need to use spltting cables with my xbox L&R audio connectors to give that signal to both the TV and stereo (although this definately is pushing me closer and closer to the brink of upgrading to surround sound)?

Has anyone else run into this problem and how was it solved? Or, at the very least, can someone give me a rundown of why the components wont adapt to the tv's audio out and what the purpose of the digital audio in/out are?!?

Thanks.

[Q of BanditZ]

Originally posted by Zinthar


Problem I have is that I have xbox connected to component 1 and a stereo system connected to the TV with the TV's audio out ports, but the stereo never plays sound from the xbox (or any of the component devices I tested) with the audio out ports. The TV is receiving the xbox's sound fine, as is the stereo when I have the xbox connected to composite or S-video ports.


I am additionally confused as to what the 2 optical digital audio inputs & 1 optical digital audio out are supposed to do.

Simple. You connect straight from one of those to the Xbox. Those replaces the red and white audios on the S-Video and composite. Same idea, different method, better sound.


Do they mean that if I were to use an optical cable from my xbox and/or dvd's optical output to the component optical input on the TV that I could then take another optical cable and connect it from the optical out on the TV to a surround sound receiver??

Yes.


Would taking the first step allow for a component device's audio to be recognized by stereo thats plugged into the analog audio out?

I have the Xbox with high def pack. I have optical from TV out to stereo, and the other optical goes straight from the Xbox into the TV into the matching optical input. That's all there is to it. Same goes for a DVD player or anything else. You don't use analogs at all. Digital all the way!

[tobegood]

Quick question after going through all the settings here (great info, thanks!) is there a "Convergence" somewhere in the service settings? It looks to me like I have a slight misallignment... but the non-ISF technicians I have had look at it say 'Great Picture' and 'Get a new antennae'... even when I show them DVE pluge screen with the very definate brightness difference from one side of the screen to the next. (i also have the horizontal bar, but I am doing my best to ignore it)

[sregener]

Please help!!!

I've fixed my extreme overscan issues with the service menu, but the geometry on my set is not quite right, and I'm having a bear fixing it. As soon as I go into the service menu, the video information in the background is blacked out - which is what I need to see what my adjustments are doing.

Anybody come up with a way to get a test pattern to show while working with the settings? (I've tried the recommended settings here and still have some fairly major pincushioning.) Worse still, it seems that just going into the service menu changed something because I can't get rid of the bowing, even if I revert to the original settings.

I'd really hate to have to spend $200-$300 just to get an ISF tech out here. The last time I did that, the guy ended up with a color grid worse than the one I'd managed with Video Essentials.

[jgs9455]

I thought this thread was supposed to be on User Menu and Service Menu settings? I need to take paper and pencil and jot mine down. Hopefully others can too.

Anyways, I had some serious overscan issues on DTV. Scores were being cut off on sports shows and on DVE I was missing things to the right and left. My DVD is set to 16:9 and my TV is Set By Program over DVI.

So I broke the first rule and went into the Service Menu and made changes without writing my defaults down. Opps!! But it looks like I got everything working okay, with no cropping now.

Remember, write down your settings first! The defaults and/or new settings of other users might not work for you. They did not for me.
:rolleyes:

[miahz]

There have been several questions about the Z View setting throughout this thread that have gone mostly unanswered. This is in no way "the official word" on the matter, only what i have observed. As lgmayka mentioned [post3719741], it does affect the brightness (black level). I believe Z View is dynamic black level correction. It basically locks the black level so that it sticks to the level you specify in the brightness setting. With Z View off, the black level "floats" and can vary depending on the whole scene intensity, which, if i'm not mistaken, is due to the nature of tube screens. I remember noticing this when i first set up the tv months ago, but had a hard time isolating it to find an example just now. The best i could find was on channels like TV Guide or maybe news channels that have solid dark vertical areas next to the "content" areas that change intensity. Music videos/movies and the like with black letterbox bars might also show it.

One note - turning on Z View appears to make the black level lighter (increasing brightness), so you'll want to check/adjust your brightness setting if you turn on/off Z View. This seems to be because when Z View is off, the black level varies, and the brightness setting is like the "max" or brightest that the black level can fluctuate to. You'd see that max level in a dark or completely black scene; lighter scenes seem to push the black level darker.

During normal viewing it's kinda hard to explain why it "just looks better" with Z View, but i guess the word i would use is consistent. Blacks stay black, shadows stay dark, and the other shades and colors remain more constant shot to shot, scene to scene. Of course, there may be more to it than just this - perhaps there's some other processing or enhancement going on as well - who knows? I'd certainly be interested to hear others' observations.

[jgs9455]

I'd guess you are on the right track. I noticed in the "Grey" test patterns on DVE, with Z View off the white->gray->black bars float over a black background. With Z View on, it floats over grey with black bars top and bottom (widescreen). I have not gone back and adjusted my brightness, as I am not done calibrating. Needed to turn off the auto play feature on the DVB318 to stop getting lost with DVE.

Does anyone know how to lock the source when going into the service menu? Mine will be on DVI, then when I make adjustments it switches to regular TV (not DTV) and resets your picture settings. Boo!!:mad:

PLEASE HELP!!

[Alexmm]

I am not sure if it has been said yet but I have a Philips remote that can access the EZ Adjust menu. I bought it at WalMart very early this year prior to me getting the TV. I never had any intention of buying a remote to get into the service menu but now that I did get in, I decided to read this thread.

Hmm, Philips doesn't even have my model of remote control listed. I guess it must be a discontinued one. Anyway, if you do have a Philips universal remote, do a code search and once you hit a working code, try out some of the special function keys.

[kenhdog]

Originally posted by hdphil
here is some values from service menu 019.
it's not complete yet,cut and paste in notebook, put your own values so you can save b4 tweaking.
descrete code 019
1. cxa2150aq

1. pic_on 1
2 R_ON 1
3 G_ON 1
4. B_ON 1
5. DCOL 0
6. WB_SW 0
7. GAMMA_L 0
8. PICTURE 63
9. BLK_BTM 2
10. HUE 32
11. COL_AXIS 2
12. COLOR 38
13. CTI_LEV 1
14. BRITE 21 33 (hdtv)
15. S_ABL 0
16. SHARPNESS 52
17. LTI_LEV 1
18. R_DRIVE 19
19. PLIMIT_LEV 0
20. G_DRIVE 16
21. ABL_MODE 2
22. B_DRIVE 29
23. CTI_MODE 0
24. SUB_BRITE 21
25. GAMMA 1
26. R_CUTOFF 15
27. LTI_MODE 1
28. G_CUTOFF 15
29. DPIC_LEV 2
30. B_CUTOFF 22
31. DC_TRAN 3
32. SUB_CONT 3
33. LRGB2_LEV 0
34. SUB_COL 20
35. SUB_TINT 12
36. P_ABL 8
37. ABL_TH 4
38. CB_OFFSET 31
39. AGING_W 0
40. AGING_B 0
41. CR_OFFSET 31
42. SYSTEM 2
43. Y_OFFSET 7
44. VM_LEV 2
45. SHP_FO 0
46. CD_OFF 0
47. SHP_CD 0
48. SHP_F1 0
49. PRE_OVER 0
50. VM_COR 3
51. VM_FO 2
52. VM_LMT 3
53. VM_DLY 3
54. AKBTIM 12
55. BLK_OFF 0
56. AKBOFF 0
57. UP_BLK 2
58. LO_BLK 5
59. V_SIZE 43
60. V_ON 1
61. EW_DC 0
62. V_POSITION 36
63. VSAWO_DCH 0
64. V_LIN 7
65. S_CORRECTION 2
66. H_SIZE 42
67. UP_UCP 0
68. PIN_AMP 35
69. LO_UCP 0
70. UP_CPIN 40
71. UP_UCG 1
72. LO_CPIN 41
73. LO_UCG 1
74. PIN_PHASE 32
75. UP_POL 0
76. VBLK_SW 0
77. H_POSITION 28
78. CLP_SHIFT 0
79. SYNC_PHASE 0
80. AFC_BOW 31
81. AFC_MODE 2
82. AFC_ANGLE 26
83. RST_SW 1
84. LEF_BLK 42
85. CLP_PHASE 3
86. RIGHT_BLK 20
87. CLP_GATE 0
88. HBLK_SW 1
89. V_ASPECT 31
90. ZOOM_SW 0
91. JMP_SW 0
92. V_SCROLL 28
93. VFREQ 1
94. UP_VLIN 4
95. LO_VLIN 1
96. V_COMP 5
97. H_COMP 5
98. VSAWO_DCL 0
99. VSAW1_DC 0
100. VSAW0_AMP 0
101. PIN_COMP 5
102. VSAW1_AMP 0
103. AFC_COMP 0
104. MP_PARA_DC 0
105. MP_PARA_AMP 0
106. HC_PARA_DC 57
107. ASP_SW 0
108. VDRV_SW 0
109. HC_PARA_AMP 45
110. HC_PARA_PHASE 31

CXA1875AM
1. REF 0
2. SW3 1
3. SW2 1
4. TILT1 1
5. TILT2 0
6. DFGAIN 60
7. DF PHASE 120
8. DAC2 0
9. TILT CTR 0
10. CS CTR 48

UPD64083
1. YAPS 3
2. COUTS 3
3. NRMD 0
4.KILS 1
5. MSS 0
6. NSDS 0
7. CLKS 0
8. EXCSS 1
9. PECS 0
10. MFREEZE 0
11. EXADINS 0
12. DYCOS 2
13. CDL 4
14. HDP 4
15. CPP 0
16. DYGAIN 9
17. DYCOR 2
18. DCGAIN 6
19. DCCOR 3
20. CNRLIM 1
21. CNRINV 0
22. CNRK 0
23. YNRLIM 1
24. YNRINV 0
25. YNRK 0
26. STOS 1
27. STIS 0
28. CL8OFF 1
29. ID1WOA2 0
30. ID1WOA1 0
31. ID1ON 0
32. LDSR 2
33. VTRR 1
34. VTRH 1
35. WSC 1
36. TT 0
37. FELCHK 1
38. TH 0
39. ID1DECON 1
40. WSS 0
41. VAPINV 10
42. VAPGAIN 2
43. YPFG 13
44. YPFT 2
45. SELD2FH 0
46. CLPH 0
47. COHS 0
48. CC3N 0
49. VEGS 2
50. V1PS 2
51. SELD1FL 0
52. KCTT 0
53. CSHDT 0
54. OVST 0
55. ED2OFF 1
56. YHCGAIN 0
57. YHCOR 1
58. CLKGT 0
59. CLKGEB 0
60. CLKGGT 0
61. CLKG2D 1
62. OTT 0
63. VCT 0
64. SHT 0
65. KILR 0
66. PLLFG 1
67. FSCFG 0
68. BPLLFS 0
69. HPLLFS 0
70. VSSL 3
71. HSSL 8
72. BGPW 7
73. BGPS 3
74. VTVH 0
75. FSCOFF 1
76. NRZOFF 1
77. NSDSW 0
78. ADPDS 1
79. ADCLKS 3
80. HIZEN 0
81. EXTDYCO 0
82. SYSPDS 0
83. ADCLPSTP 0
84. ADCLPFSW 0
85. HCNTFSYN 0
86. CNROFS 0


AD9883A


AD9883A_NVRAM

RED_GAIN 101
GREEN_GAIN 128
BLUE_GAIN 101
RED_OFFSET 51
GREEN_OFFSET 52
BLUE_OFFSET 61

HD2-CHIP
1.IN/OUT EXT/D1
2. WINOW ID M
3. XPOS 46
4. YPOS 8
5. W SIZE 720
6. H SIZE 480

Well, been lurking for a while and finally bought a DVB318 DVD and now a newly released Zenith C30W47 16:9 format Integrated HDTV.

Not really pleased with the picture right now, (more like disappointed) and being a tweaker that I am, checked and recorded my Service Menu 018 and 019 settings, interestingly most being very similar to the C32V37 defaults discussed here. (of course except V and H Pos and size settings)

Made some tweaks, but still am not impressed. My question is simple: which one of few of these mystery values/parameters corresponds to "focus"???

Be gentle, remember I am an audio guy.....(first post)

I want to tweak some more, (especially focus) but am really convinced that there is a defect. Have called the Service man in any case.

Who has the parameter decoder ring for the focus value(s) in the 019 menu?

Thanks in advance.:rolleyes:

[Q of BanditZ]

So, have we ever figured out or fixed the infamous white line at 1080i problem with this set or just pretty much decided to work around it and live with it?

[pgran]

I've been wondering that too. Is it verified that only the Zenith and some of the Sony models have had this problem? Curious if it could be a broadcast issue.

[pgran]

Originally posted by miahz
[B]There have been several questions about the Z View setting throughout this thread that have gone mostly unanswered. This is in no way "the official word" on the matter, only what i have observed. As lgmayka mentioned [post3719741], it does affect the brightness (black level).

Thank goodness someone finally got into this issue. About two months ago I posted the hilarious responses I received back from Zenith about this feature. My final email to them asked if the question could be forwarded to tech. I'm still waiting....:)

[raeshao]

Anyone find that the silver paint on the bottom section of the remote wears away a little too easily? We've had the zenith since May, and the bottom corners and sides are turning a white color where the paint has worn away. Yes I'm nit picking, but it does seem strange that wear and tear is showing so quickly.

Also, I'd agree that Z-View does help the overall contrast of certain scenes. It seems to work as some sort of a floating black level. The black level raises or lowers slightly depending on the brightness of the overall scene. You do need to set it to the ON position before you calibrate though. If you turn it on after calibration, it doesn't seem to do much to help the image. When calibrated with the Z-View on, you'll notice a couple of improvements. First, the second set of black bars you get when watching content with greater than 1.85:1 aspect ratios is a little darker and less noticeable. You also get greater shadow detail, and seemingly greater resolution in dark or B&W scenes because of this. The first time I really noticed the difference was when I was flipping channels, and stopped on a standard def airing of the Charlie Rose show. Of course he's got the all black background, and his guest was wearing a black pinstripe suit. The delineation between the outline of the suit and the background looked very realistic, and the pinstripes showed up with no problems. I decided to turn off Z-View and adjust the brightness and contrast back to their previously calibrated settings, and it seemed to crush all the detail. You could tell it was a pinstripe suit if you squinted, but there wasn't much difference between the background and the suit. It also seems to reign in really bright spots, again keeping the detail without letting the highlights blow out. The advantages are somewhat subtle, but I feel they're worth checking out.

Again these observations were done on a set that has been calibrated using the Avia disc, and the user accessible controls. I've been meaning to get into the service menu to correct the red push, and some minor convergence issues, but haven't felt the need to do so yet. Probably when it gets a little colder. :)

How about those Olympics? :)

[Q of BanditZ]

Definitely recommend Z-View being on. Not sure exactly what the hell it does, but...yeah, on. ;)

[Mike777]

Originally posted by raeshao
Anyone find that the silver paint on the bottom section of the remote wears away a little too easily? We've had the zenith since May, and the bottom corners and sides are turning a white color where the paint has worn away. Yes I'm nit picking, but it does seem strange that wear and tear is showing so quickly.

I think you are kind of nitpicking. That is the section of remote that rests directly against the palm of your hand. Especially in summer, it is going to get a lot of moisture in the form of sweat. I have an excuse since I hold my remote quite often when I exercise. I'm not bothered by this, as I would be way more concerned anything else on the remote wearing out, such as the text. The rest seems to be holding up just fine.

[jgs9455]

Has anyone else noticed where local HDTV channels seem to be cutting off the top and bottom parts of the broadcasts? I see this mostly on commercials, sometimes on sports broadcasts (the scores on the top of the screen are cut), and never on DVDs. I tried adjusting the horizontal and vertical settings in the service menu but no luck. Anyone??

[sixdoubleseven]

Just an FYI,
I stopped by Bestbuy on Friday and saw that they lowered the price significantly, it looks like they're trying to get rid of their stock. I can't remember the exact price, but it was less than 750.

[lgmayka]

So has anyone found a solution for (slight) horizontal pincushioning? The service menu has a specific entry for vertical pincushioning (PIN_AMP), but not for horizontal. UP_CPIN and LO_CPIN stretch or contract the top and bottom corners of the picture, but do not remedy concavity in the top-middle and bottom-middle.

[cinemagotham]

Anyone notice the slight distortion that runs horizontally across the screen right at the middle point? I only see it when watching SD TV, so it could be my cable box.

[Arkitech]

Is there a way to input the discrete codes using a Radio Shack 5-in-one remote (15-2103)? I'm experiencing extreme overscan and I'm trying to adjust the cropping through the service menu.

[Q of BanditZ]

C32v46 and 47's out yet or a date on them? Sounds like they're getting ready to make room for them...

My c32v37 remote is still in perfect condition, btw... :p

[jgs9455]

Originally posted by jgs9455
Has anyone else noticed where local HDTV channels seem to be cutting off the top and bottom parts of the broadcasts? I see this mostly on commercials, sometimes on sports broadcasts (the scores on the top of the screen are cut), and never on DVDs. I tried adjusting the horizontal and vertical settings in the service menu but no luck. Anyone??


Has anyone else noticed this? Anyone - please help!
It's starting to annoy me. Is it the broadcast channel not handling it correctly? If it is my tv, what setting in the service menu should fix it?
It does not happen on DVDs.

[sic0048]

Have you attempted to correct the overscan issue? I'm taking an educated guess here, but I bet the c32v37 has separate overscan settings for each input (I say educated guess because the color settings are different for each input, but I haven't specifically checked overscan on each input).

It may be that you fixed the overscan for the input that your DVD player is hooked to (using a calibration DVD), but not for the built in tuner (or cable box input - depending on your set up). You might have to go back into the service menu while on that input and play with the overscan setting. It won't be as easy to fix, since you cannot use the DVD to fix your built in tuner settings, but you should be able to eyeball it with good results.

[jgs9455]

Thanks for your reply.

Well the problem for me at least when I enter the service menu is that it always goes to one of the regular TV channels while you are changing the values. I don't have cable so this is a problem. There doesn't appear to me to be a way to switch to a DTV channel while adjusting the service menu. I now have the first two vertical values set at 29, but I might be cropping on the bottom now. Sheesh!! I'll keep playing with it.

[ChrisPalow]

I forget who said this but.. "You can set a Blue,Red or Green Filter in service menu 019 code, 018 code is for Over the air only!"

So 018 I think is only for cable, digital cable, and OTA digital. For component, dvi, etc etc you need to use 019. I found a setting in 019 That I think goes right after the red push it's called "Red offset" under " AD9883A" I set it to about 49-51 when it's default is 37. It gets erased everytime I change away from component 1. Oh well.

Chris

[jgs9455]

Has anyone put something together, like a FAQ, for our beloved Zenith service menu?? Is there somewhere I should look for this??

[Q of BanditZ]

I find that I still have that damnable chirping at 720p. Did anyone figure out the mystery to that or how to get it fixed?

Also, is the native resolution 720p or 1080i? I think it's 1080i...

[pgran]

Originally posted by jgs9455
Thanks for your reply.

Well the problem for me at least when I enter the service menu is that it always goes to one of the regular TV channels while you are changing the values. I don't have cable so this is a problem. There doesn't appear to me to be a way to switch to a DTV channel while adjusting the service menu. I now have the first two vertical values set at 29, but I might be cropping on the bottom now. Sheesh!! I'll keep playing with it.

I think you'll have to break into the service menu for your cable box. You'll need to tell the cable box you have a 16:9 tv (even though you don't), and then set the 4:3 override to 1080I. This should squeeze everything down into the viewing area.

[pgran]

Originally posted by jgs9455
Thanks for your reply.

Well the problem for me at least when I enter the service menu is that it always goes to one of the regular TV channels while you are changing the values. I don't have cable so this is a problem. There doesn't appear to me to be a way to switch to a DTV channel while adjusting the service menu. I now have the first two vertical values set at 29, but I might be cropping on the bottom now. Sheesh!! I'll keep playing with it.

Sorry, I meant the 4:3 override should be set to 480I.

[pgran]

Don't know if I've posted this already, but I can see only half of the scroll bar on channels like CNN or MSNBC. Any thoughts? I've tried adjusting everything I can adjust. Interestingly, it also seems to be tilted. Using the 'tilt' feature in the Zenith menus, I got it pretty even, but why should the screen be tilted off center in the first place? It's only noticeable when watching something like CNN with the scroll bar as you can see the letters dipping lower as they move across the screen.

[Q of BanditZ]

Originally posted by Q of BanditZ
I find that I still have that damnable chirping at 720p. Did anyone figure out the mystery to that or how to get it fixed?

Also, is the native resolution 720p or 1080i? I think it's 1080i... :p

[pgran]

Originally posted by Q of BanditZ
:p

1080I is the native resolution on the Zenith. As for the chirping.... when are you hearing it? Which stations are broadcasting in 720p?

[Q of BanditZ]

720p is Fox and ABC HD. Chirps like hell, regardless of volume of TV. The sound is NOT coming out of the speakers and is constant and incessant.

I'm using the coax cable from wall direct to TV, so this is straight up HD Tuner in the TV and a raw signal. No STB's or boxes of any kind.

[hd_newb]

Q,
I called Zenith back in May, before the 90 labor warranty was up. They gave me the number of a repair shop here in town. I called them, and they sent a man out. Right off the bat, I could tell this guy had no experience whatsoever with an HD set. He could hear the chirping on the 720P station (we only had one at the time). Said he would go back to the shop, contact Zenith and see what to do.

About two weeks later, they called back. They said Zenith had never had this trouble reported to them, and that it was probably caused by the station sending the 720P signal. They did offer to replace something in the set (sorry, can't remember what it was). I decided to let it go. I was much more concerned about them appearing to know nothing about HD sets, and I didn't want my Zenith set to be their "learning lab".

No question, the chirping sound is annoying, but I've gotten good at tuning it out. My wife has never really noticed it, so at least I'm not getting it from that side!

[Q of BanditZ]

Alright, so obviously I'm not crazy. My people here are very competent. I may just fire him off a quick phone call about it and see what he knows. Again.

[pgran]

Originally posted by Q of BanditZ
720p is Fox and ABC HD. Chirps like hell, regardless of volume of TV. The sound is NOT coming out of the speakers and is constant and incessant.

I'm using the coax cable from wall direct to TV, so this is straight up HD Tuner in the TV and a raw signal. No STB's or boxes of any kind.

Q--My sub-par cable system does not offer Fox in HD (nor TNT!), however I do get ABC. But I have no chirping via STB connections. Why are you running it straight from the wall, just curiously? I thought you were full-on with digital cable, etc.

[pgran]

Originally posted by pgran
Q--My sub-par cable system does not offer Fox in HD (nor TNT!), however I do get ABC. But I have no chirping via STB connections. Why are you running it straight from the wall, just curiously? I thought you were full-on with digital cable, etc.

Where IS the sound coming from, btw?

[Q of BanditZ]

1.) Sound seems to be coming from somewhere in the back of the TV itself.

2.) The cable was too expensive. We said the hell with it when the rebates ran out and got rid of all the STB's, too, so we could bring the costs down. I have a thread in the DBS area and HDTV hardware area about this and my plans to jump to satellite.

I remember when I was using an HD STB, the other problem a bunch of us had was a scrolling, vertical white line going from right to left via component 1080i broadcasts. That never got resolved, either, really. Now it's a moot point for me.

I wonder if I'll see that again if I get HD with D*. I will really be annoyed if I see that again.

[pgran]

Originally posted by Q of BanditZ
1.) Sound seems to be coming from somewhere in the back of the TV itself.

2.) The cable was too expensive. We said the hell with it when the rebates ran out and got rid of all the STB's, too, so we could bring the costs down. I have a thread in the DBS area and HDTV hardware area about this and my plans to jump to satellite.

I remember when I was using an HD STB, the other problem a bunch of us had was a scrolling, vertical white line going from right to left via component 1080i broadcasts. That never got resolved, either, really. Now it's a moot point for me.

I wonder if I'll see that again if I get HD with D*. I will really be annoyed if I see that again.

Was the chirping there via STB? I think I read somewhere in the thread titled 'vertical white line' that it was present on both cable and satellite. You might want to search that thead again and see.

[Q of BanditZ]

Originally posted by pgran
Was the chirping there via STB? I think I read somewhere in the thread titled 'vertical white line' that it was present on both cable and satellite. You might want to search that thead again and see.

That thread is so old, and if I remember, huge. How am I ever going to find all that? If I remember correctly, back when I was using cable STB's for the HD, I still was getting the chirping. This TV, for whatever reason, really hates 720p and hates 1080i from a third party source like an STB.

I have NO white lines of any kind with a 1080i straight up via the coax cable as is. I have no white lines even with DVD players upconverted to 1080i. There's just something about a "real" 1080i source via a third party STB that this TV simply doesn't care for. The white line only occured using component video, btw. DVI cleared it right up. 720p chirp was existent regardless of any scenario.

[pgran]

Q--you should be able to run a keyword search with multiple search terms to find the most relevant info quickly in that thread.

I have not had or noticed chirping of any kind. What I have noticed when watching ABC-HD is that sometimes the audio and video are out of sync and occasionally when there are two audio tracks broadcast simultaneously, that you can only hear one. Example--during an episode of Lost about three weeks ago I could hear the audio for the ambient noise (ocean waves, etc.), but not the dialog. Seemed to clear up by switching channels and coming back.

Do you know or have you heard of the problem I'm having with part of the screen being cut off at the bottom? Only bothersome when watching CNN.

[VIVOtheFURY]

Anyone else seen an occasional fade to a redish purple tint that on this TV? Doesn't happen often, but I have seen it with every input... Everything goes darker and redish purple, then comes back to normal. Could be the green gun fading out occasionally? What would cause that?

[VIVOtheFURY]

Finally have my set tweaked to the point it looks good on almost amy input.. even have most of the geometry issues worked out. Has only taken me 9 months!

Set really can do a spectacular job when tweaked..
TOO BAD Zenith did such a lousy job with the defaults.

Anyone interested in seeing the Service Menu the settings I'm using?

For people using an ATI card to connect(component) to their set.. the latest drivers(think 4.12b) and CCC have a 1360x1024(says 60Hz but doubt that..) mode that has perfect 4x3 aspect and looks fantastic when zoomed to full screen. Great for picture slideshows and DVD playback. Now use that instead of a modified widescreen 1080i modes

[jgs9455]

Originally posted by pgran
Do you know or have you heard of the problem I'm having with part of the screen being cut off at the bottom? Only bothersome when watching CNN.

pgran - I have mentioned this issue many times. I bet it can be fixed in the service menu, but it is such a hassle to work with. I know when I find a offending program in DTV and go into the service menu to fix it, the tv automatically switches to analog tv. This makes adjustments very hard.

I have tweaked my set to where it works most of the time, but then a few commercials will be cut off at the top and/or bottom. I guess the advertiser hasn't made their add 16:9 DTV compatible and is running out of spec? Because if I switch to 4:3 it looks ok.....not worth it to me for some crummy ads.

Anyone got a better idea?

[jgs9455]

Originally posted by VIVOtheFURY
Finally have my set tweaked to the point it looks good on almost amy input.. even have most of the geometry issues worked out. Has only taken me 9 months!

Set really can do a spectacular job when tweaked..
TOO BAD Zenith did such a lousy job with the defaults.

Anyone interested in seeing the Service Menu the settings I'm using?


VIVOtheFURY I would be interested in seeing your settings.

My settings below:

Ez Adjust Service Menu Settings
Raster,Center,H/V_Size
1.V-Position......29
2.V-Size...........29
3.H-Position......32
4.H-Size...........46
5.UP-VLIN.........0
6.LO-VLIN.........0
7.Pin_Amp........33
8.Pin_Phase......29
9.Up_CPin.........40
10.Lo-CPin........41
11.AFC-Bow......31
12.AFC-Angle....30

Pin-Cushion (Same as above)
All other service menu items untouched

Normal Menu Settings
VIDEO
EZPicture.........Off
Contrast..........60
Brightness........50
Color...............40
Sharpness........50
Tint.................0
Color Temp.......Cool
Z-View.............On

OPTION
VM..................Off
Tilt..................0

Do anyone see a huge problem with any of my settings?

[VIVOtheFURY]

Here are my "tweaked" values from the Service Menu

Before changing anything, you will want to copy your old values down just in case. My set may be different from yours.

Geometry was tweaked to reduce overscan for Component output from my Computer.

Good Luck! At least this is one place to start.. with all the options... I am sure there are many ways to get close to the same place.

cxa2150aq

1. pic_on 1
2. R_ON 1
3. G_ON 1
4. B_ON 1
5. DCOL 0
6. WB_SW 0 - Don't use 1 can cause screen to go dark blue Occasionally!
7. GAMMA_L 0
8. PICTURE 49
9. BLK_BTM 2
10. HUE 32
11. COL_AXIS 2
12. COLOR 41 Retuned 12/24/2004 = 38
13. CTI_LEV 0
14. BRITE 40
15. S_ABL 0
16. SHARPNESS 18
17. LTI_LEV 1
18. R_DRIVE 20 *Retuned 12/24/2004 = 15
19. PLIMIT_LEV 0
20. G_DRIVE 26 *Retuned 12/24/2004 = 25
21. ABL_MODE 2
22. B_DRIVE 49 *Retuned 12/24/2004 = 34
23. CTI_MODE 0 *Retuned 12/24/2004 = 1
24. SUB_BRITE 9 *Retuned 12/24/2004 = 8
25. GAMMA 0
26. R_CUTOFF 14 *Retuned 12/24/2004 = 14
27. LTI_MODE 0
28. G_CUTOFF 5
29. DPIC_LEV 2
30. B_CUTOFF 21 *Retuned 12/24/2004 = 13
31. DC_TRAN 1
32. SUB_CONT 9
33. LRGB2_LEV 0
34. SUB_COL 2
35. SUB_TINT 17
36. P_ABL 8
37. ABL_TH 10 *Retuned 12/24/2004 = 4
38. CB_OFFSET 31
39. AGING_W 0
40. AGING_B 0
41. CR_OFFSET 32
42. SYSTEM 3 *Retuned 12/24/2004 = 2
43. Y_OFFSET 7
44. VM_LEV 2
45. SHP_FO 0
46. CD_OFF 0
47. SHP_CD 0
48. SHP_F1 0
49. PRE_OVER 0
50. VM_COR 1
51. VM_FO 2
52. VM_LMT 3
53. VM_DLY 2
54. AKBTIM 10
55. BLK_OFF 0
56. AKBOFF 0
57. UP_BLK 2
58. LO_BLK 5
59. V_SIZE 26
60. V_ON 1
61. EW_DC 0
62. V_POSITION 43
63. VSAWO_DCH 0
64. V_LIN 6
65. S_CORRECTION 6
66. H_SIZE 30
67. UP_UCP 1
68. PIN_AMP 37
69. LO_UCP 1
70. UP_CPIN 37
71. UP_UCG 1
72. LO_CPIN 34
73. LO_UCG 1
74. PIN_PHASE 34
75. UP_POL 1
76. VBLK_SW 0
77. H_POSITION 30
78. CLP_SHIFT 1
79. SYNC_PHASE 0
80. AFC_BOW 30
81. AFC_MODE 3
82. AFC_ANGLE 34
83. RST_SW 1
84. LEF_BLK 60
85. CLP_PHASE 3
86. RIGHT_BLK 15
87. CLP_GATE 1
88. HBLK_SW 0
89. V_ASPECT 26
90. ZOOM_SW 0
91. JMP_SW 1
92. V_SCROLL 28
93. VFREQ 1
94. UP_VLIN 0
95. LO_VLIN 0
96. V_COMP 0
97. H_COMP 5(won't stay at anything lower..)
98. VSAWO_DCL 0
99. VSAW1_DC 1
100. VSAW0_AMP 0
101. PIN_COMP 7
102. VSAW1_AMP 0
103. AFC_COMP 0
104. MP_PARA_DC 0
105. MP_PARA_AMP 0
106. HC_PARA_DC 57
107. ASP_SW 0
108. VDRV_SW 0
109. HC_PARA_AMP 45
110. HC_PARA_PHASE 31

DISPLAY for HD

Contrast 77 *Retuned 12/24/2004 = 66 (High contrast bad for Resolution)
Brightness 79 *Retuned 12/24/2004 = 83 (compensate for lower contrast)
Color 59 **Retuned 12/24/2004 = 55
Sharpness 0 *Retuned 12/24/2004 = 17 (edge boost with lower contast)
Tint 0
Color Temp: Med or Cool *Depending on program
Z-View: Off

OPTION:
VM Low
Tilt 0

[jgs9455]

Originally posted by VIVOtheFURY
Here are my "tweaked" values from the Service Menu


VIVOtheFURY, can you (please) post your results when you enter the service code 018? It looks like you gave me 019 - I haven't messed with 019 at all yet. I haven't had any probs with my inputs to make me want to either!

BTW - What does VM do in OPTIONs?

Thank You

[Q of BanditZ]

Originally posted by pgran
Q--you should be able to run a keyword search with multiple search terms to find the most relevant info quickly in that thread.

I have not had or noticed chirping of any kind. What I have noticed when watching ABC-HD is that sometimes the audio and video are out of sync and occasionally when there are two audio tracks broadcast simultaneously, that you can only hear one. Example--during an episode of Lost about three weeks ago I could hear the audio for the ambient noise (ocean waves, etc.), but not the dialog. Seemed to clear up by switching channels and coming back.

Do you know or have you heard of the problem I'm having with part of the screen being cut off at the bottom? Only bothersome when watching CNN.

Wow. Never seen ANY of this. I'll deliberately check CNN here and see what I find...How bad is this cut-off?

[Q of BanditZ]

Originally posted by VIVOtheFURY

DISPLAY for HD

Contrast 77
Brightness 79
Color 59
Sharpness 0
Tint 0
Color Temp: Med(Cool better in some cases)
Z-View: Off

OPTION:
VM Low
Tilt 0

Wow, that Contrast and Brightness are AWFULLY high! Whew. And NO Sharpness??!

[jgs9455]

Originally posted by Q of BanditZ
Wow, that Contrast and Brightness are AWFULLY high! Whew. And NO Sharpness??!

Q of BanditZ, can you (please) post your results when you enter the service code 018? And your picture settings?

Thanks!!

[VIVOtheFURY]

Originally posted by jgs9455
VIVOtheFURY, can you (please) post your results when you enter the service code 018? It looks like you gave me 019 - I haven't messed with 019 at all yet. I haven't had any probs with my inputs to make me want to either!

BTW - What does VM do in OPTIONs?

Why would you use 018???
NOTHING good, at least that I can figure, happens there.. it forces the display back to SD before you even start to adjust anything. Take the Plunge and do it the right way.. In SM 019->cxa2150aq-> :cool:

VM adjust Velocity Modulation.. this speeds up and slows down the beam as it crosses the screen to make potentialy sharper bright to dark transitions... but can also cause some breathing effect in 16:9 mode.

Q of Bandit Z:

I believe that Everything you are looking for in terms of how to get to the Service menu is posted up at the top of this thread.

The default settings for brightness picture drive and many other things are way overboosted(that is the settings in the Service Menu) During my tweaking, many of these things were reduced and altered to get the right balance.. Hence the need for a little more brightness and contrast after tweaking. Like I said.. there are likely other combinations that get to where I am with very different settings.. the permutations are endless. I could go into optimization theory.. but Even I would get lost.. let's just say that optimization is not a 2D curve where you are looking for the highest point.. It is like trying to get to the top of the "tallest" mountain in a Big Mountain Range during a snowstorm.. having started in an uncharted valley. LOL

As for Sharpness... This is an AWFUL setting.. One of the reason most HD sets look awful on SD material is the overboosted Sharpness. Sharpness is an artificial creation increase the constrast at color and light/Dard boundaries. This works OK if you have a reall clean signal.. but really isn't needed for HD anyway. For SD it will exagerate and magnify any imperfection in the signal..

My $.02

[Q of BanditZ]

I'll experiment, Vivo. I wasn't sure about the instructions at the beginning of this thread. Do I HAVE to own one of those universal remotes to do this at all? I wouldn't mind playing around with this. I suspect there's a few things I could tweak here.

I also have an Onkyo DVD player with a remote that's essentially a universal. Could I do it with that? That's what I'm not clear on.



jgs, my picture settings currently, no service menu ever used, on all inputs, are:


Contrast 50
Bright low 50's. I jack it up to about 70 for videogames
Sharp 50
Color 40
Sharp 55
VM off
Z -View On
Tint 0
Color Temp cool

What the hell is Z-View, by the way? ;)

[VIVOtheFURY]

You need a universal remote that allows you to send "discrete" codes to the TV.

IE: you hit the button for "discrete" code.. then enter 019 to enter the service menu. Doubt that your "universal" remote will do that.

Really very little you can do to fix this TV without going into the Service Menu...

[jgs9455]

Originally posted by VIVOtheFURY
Why would you use 018???
NOTHING good, at least that I can figure, happens there.. it forces the display back to SD before you even start to adjust anything. Take the Plunge and do it the right way.. In SM 019->cxa2150aq-> :cool:


Originally I thought ServMenu 018 was the way to go, never heard about 019. Once I copy down all my settings I will thow DVE in and see about making some of those adjustments. I knew about 018 switching to SD, didn't know 019 was the answer!

VIVO (or anyone else), I'd still be interested in seeing your stock ServMenu 018 settings, I'm trying to get a base reference for Raster,Center,H/V_Size -

1.V-Position......
2.V-Size...........
3.H-Position......
4.H-Size...........
5.UP-VLIN.........
6.LO-VLIN.........
7.Pin_Amp........
8.Pin_Phase......
9.Up_CPin.........
10.Lo-CPin........
11.AFC-Bow......
12.AFC-Angle....

as I "try" to fix my vertical crop. See I originally made changes without writing my original settings down :( - very bad on my part I know. Any help appreaciated!!

[jgs9455]

Originally posted by Q of BanditZ
Used, mint condition Zenith DVB318 For Sale. PM for details.

Hey Q, are you getting rid of your only 318? What are you replacing it with? I bought the 318 based on your FAQ and I love it :)

[Q of BanditZ]

Originally posted by jgs9455
Hey Q, are you getting rid of your only 318? What are you replacing it with? I bought the 318 based on your FAQ and I love it :)

I do, too. I still think it's the closest thing to a giant killer out there. I simply upgraded to a higher end piece of hardware because I wanted an audiophile AND videophile caliber universal player.

[STEELERSRULE]

I came across a way on another forum on how to access this service menu using the tv and the rmote for the TV.

Now I am GUESSING this is the service menu, but I am not sure as I delved no deeper than the front menu and went no further for risk of damaging or destroying my tv. I am hoping someone who has more knowledge(a calibrating background would be nice) and the same tv(Zenith C27V36 HDTV Monitor) would be more daring than I.

This was NEW to me(just learned tonight). IT WORKS!! If people already knew about this, I apologize for the retread. My guess is that it will work on the C32V37 as well(no guarantee though).

At the end of this post I will add a link to the OFFICIAL C27V36 THREAD here on the forum so that we may carry on th disscussion there.

Here we go, Step by Step:

1. Open up the front panel.
2. PRESS AND HOLD DOWN the MENU KEY on the front panel of the tv.
3. WHILE HOLDING DOWN THE MENU KEY ON THE FRONT OF THE TV UNDER THE FLIP DOWN PANEL, PRESS and HOLD DOWN THE MENU KEY on your SUPPLIED ZENITH remote.
4. This will ACCESS what I think is the first menu of the Zenith Service Menu. Mine looked like this exactly letter for letter, symbol for symbol:

RC-032A VER.[M] 3.10

CXA 2150 DEF
OSD-POSITION: 14
CXA21501080i
RGB W/B ADJ
2150 EX0 ADJ
2150 EX1 ADJ
2150 EX2 ADJ
YPbPr ADJ


Now, the first line; CXA 2150 ADJ was "HIGHLIGHTED" with an Orange highlight.

I am assuming this means that by accessing that line brings you into a sub menu in that line of the service menu. This is only a guess, as I did not access any of the lines.

Nor did I attempt to move the highlighted line at all.

A guess would be that the channel up/down(on the remote? or front panel? Again, I don't know) would change the highlight up or down to whatever corresponding line you want.

Then either ENTER on the remote? or the volume up/down?(again I don't know) would actually enter the sub-menu of each line.

To change the value of the specifically desired thread if you will, might be the volume up/down button(remote or front panel?).

Anyone who may know this, chime in please.

Now to save the values one may have changed, I DON'T KNOW HOW TO DO THIS.

THIS IS ALL GUESS WORK ON MY PART. I NEED MORE INFO TO VENTURE FURTHER.

Now to exit service menu:

From the menu I showed at the top, I SIMPLY HIT THE EXIT BUTTON ON THE REMOTE AND IT VANISHED.

I hit the menu key again(remote or front panel, doesn't matter) and the tv's regular menu appeared(Color Temp, Contrast, SVM, Color, Brightness, Etc...)

Any one with further info please speak up.

IT COULD GREATLY BENEFIT PEOPLE WHO HAVE OWNED THESE TV'S TO WORK OUT THE LITTLE KINKS IN THEM.

[mrslacker]

I have found the threads here at avsforum extremely useful and I thought I'd contribute a little of what I've learned about using this set.

The first and most important thing to do when using this set happens to be the easiest: when using a DVD player or HD STB, set their outputs to 16:9 and set the TV's ratio to 16:9. This way you don't waste your TV's scan lines on blackness that would be sent as a signal from the DVD/STB.

Also, use 019 as the discrete code if you intend to configure the inputs. It would seem that 018 is just adjustments for the tuner picture. Presumably that's why it switches to a TV channel.

Write all the values down! I'm one of the people who decided not to and I wish I had. There hasn't been anything I couldn't correct, but I would like to have the opportunity to revert to the original settings. (I'm not sure 015 does this correctly).

Adjusting the overscan can necessitate other adjustments to get a normal picture. When you change CXA2150AQ settings 59. V_SIZE & 62. V_POSITION 36, there were some strange effects at the top and bottom of the screen that were corrected by adjusting 57. UP_BLK & 58. LO_BLK. The effect at the top was visible in 16:9 mode as the top of the window "unraveling" into the black where nothing should be drawn. UP_BLK fixed this. The effect at the bottom was a set of rainbow patterns stripping well into the bottom portion of the image. LO_BLK fixed this.

Adjustments to both H_ & V_ settings can create pin-cushioning that needs to be adjusted for. There are a number of settings (67-77) that fix these effects. I am still trying to figure out how to correct a slight dip and rise on the top and bottom, respectively, of a widescreen image. Someone else mentioned this. Was it V. Moire or vertical pin-cushioning?

Some settings in CXA2150AQ don't like to stick and are probably changed when the standard user menu is adjusted. Obvious ones are 14. BRITE & 16. SHARPNESS. Others like 18. R_DRIVE, 20. G_DRIVE, and 22. B_DRIVE seem change when the color temperature is changed. They may not move to absolute values but they still change, not surprisingly. If I want to adjust for "red push", I'd change values in AD9883A_NVRAM, namely RED_OFFSET. It doesn't need much adjustment for a noticeable change in picture. I don't know what 24. SUB_BRITE is, but it seems useful. Also, 25. GAMMA & 42. SYSTEM like to change, possibly when inputs are changed or maybe when things like Z-View are toggled. I like GAMMA at 1 and SYSTEM at 2. I don't know what SYSTEM is. My general approach is to set Z-View, turn off EZ-View, set Color Temperature to guide my service menu usage, maybe set tilt, and exit the Video user menu for good. That's in the case where I want to do most adjustments in the service menu.

Here's what I have found from Google in an effort to tweak this set's scaling settings:
CXA2150AQ - some kind of CRT driver apparently.
CXA1875AM (http://www.datasheetarchive.com/download.php?pi=232643) is an 8-bit I2C D/A Converter.
UPD64083 (http://www.ee.nec.de/_pdf/S15849EJ2V0DS00.PDF) (μPD64083) - NEC 3D Y/C separation and noise reduction chip. Does comb filtering and Y/C separation if using composite input. Might be better than your VCR's Y/C separation?
AD9883A (http://www.analog.com/UploadedFiles/Data_Sheets/40748254037653AD9883A_b.pdf) - Designed for capturing analog RGB and digitizing for output to a flat panel. Implemented with various picture (color) control adjustments. My guess is that this chip operates upstream of CXA2150AQ and downstream of μPD64083. Someone from Zenith is laughing!
Gain: Controls ADC input range (contrast) of each respective channel. Greater values give less contrast.
Offset: Controls dc offset (brightness) of each respective channel. Greater values decrease brightness.
HD2 (http://www.digiupdate.com/105_DLP_RPTV.html)-Chip - Maybe TI's Mustang HD2 chip designed for DLP??? If so, that would suggest a native resolution of 720p. Wild guess. Google didn't have anything else.

I still don't know what settings are most relavent to digital image processing like scaling, noise reduction, colorspace conversion, etc., but UPD64083 seems to play a big roll. Fortunately, most of it's settings are documented in the data sheet.

I am NOT an expert in any of this. I'm just regurgitating what I've found out. Please feel free to fill in the holes in what I said. Bremerton, you seemed to know alot about this and I'd value your input on the more cryptic settings, especially display/processing mode settings.

The DVE disc is in the mail, so I haven't settled on any settings yet. I'll post when I do.

[pgran]

Originally posted by Q of BanditZ
Wow. Never seen ANY of this. I'll deliberately check CNN here and see what I find...How bad is this cut-off?

It basically splits the horizontal scroll bar directly in half. Though it's not EXACTLY in half, as in, it dips lower as it moves to the left side of the screen. Adjusting the tilt seemed to help some, but I still can't see the whole scroll bar.

Do I need a universal remote to hack into the t.v. service menus and change the settings? Or can I do what someone else mentioned using the front panel buttons and the t.v. remote?

[pgran]

I realize this isn't relevant to the thread, but since we're all in the Zenith family perhaps someone can answer:

Any problems switching from a regular Comcast Moto STB to their new DVR enabled STB? Like a degradation in PQ or inability to hack into the service menu to set the aspect ratio, etc?

[VIVOtheFURY]

Picture quality for SD channels is degraded on DVR becuase all signals are converted to low bit rate(2Mbit/sec) MPEG2 video for timeshift capability. It actually encodes the analogue to MPEG2, then shows you the MPEG2 decoded signal.

Wish it was possible to change the encoding rate for SD to something Higher!

[pgran]

So, PQ even worse than on their regular digital STB? I was worried about that....

[VIVOtheFURY]

Why not just use the TV tuner for the SD channels.. it does a MUCH better job as I think it upscales the 480i SD signal to 1080i

[pgran]

Well, first, I would need a rooftop antenna or something to receive with. Then, there are all the other cable channels still in SD. So, did you find a degradation in PQ worse than the regular STB using the DVR? And how bad?

[Q of BanditZ]

Originally posted by VIVOtheFURY
Picture quality for SD channels is degraded on DVR becuase all signals are converted to low bit rate(2Mbit/sec) MPEG2 video for timeshift capability. It actually encodes the analogue to MPEG2, then shows you the MPEG2 decoded signal.

Wish it was possible to change the encoding rate for SD to something Higher!

This post may explain my earlier question about why, in general, I notice an obvious PQ drop from straight cable to wall vs using any STB on the Zenith.

[pgran]

Q--I'm already on the 6200 STB so was just worried that switching to the 6412 DVR that Comcast offers could be worse. I'm happy, generally, with the PQ I'm getting now but there is definitely room for improvement. Apparently Comcast is going to start converting all the analog stations to digital sometime soon, so that should help a little.

[Q of BanditZ]

Originally posted by pgran
Q--I'm already on the 6200 STB so was just worried that switching to the 6412 DVR that Comcast offers could be worse. I'm happy, generally, with the PQ I'm getting now but there is definitely room for improvement. Apparently Comcast is going to start converting all the analog stations to digital sometime soon, so that should help a little.

Maybe that's part of it.

But even now, on the same TV's, you reallly see a difference in PQ, even with cable, when you run with and without an STB. The STB invariably sees a decline in PQ.

BTW, I do have a bit of an overscan that I wouldn't mind adjusting. I guess I'm going to have to buy some univeral remote control to access the service menu?

[pgran]

Q,

Most likely, though didn't I read in either this thread or the other Zenith thread that we've both posted to a way of accessing the service menus without having the special remote? Actually now that I think about it, it was unclear whether you needed the remote or not.

[Q of BanditZ]

Originally posted by pgran
Q,

Most likely, though didn't I read in either this thread or the other Zenith thread that we've both posted to a way of accessing the service menus without having the special remote? Actually now that I think about it, it was unclear whether you needed the remote or not.

I'm suspecting the answer is "yes", but hopefully STEELERSRULE or ViVoTheFury can set us straight on that.

[VIVOtheFURY]

I have a Radio Shack Programable Remote(15-2116).. Can't say I've ever tried the other methods suggested elsewhere.

[pgran]

Seriously, though: someone posted instructions for getting into the service menu by holding down a button in the front panel then hitting a sequence on the t.v. remote (and maybe standing on your left foot with a roll of foil aimed northeast)......

[pgran]

Still waiting for anyone who has had the same problem with CNN/scroll bar issue. Obviously this is not limited to CNN and I am missing the bottom chunk of the screen on all, non-HD channels. Potential geometry issue?

I'm guessing I'll have to get that hopped-up Radio Shack remote after all. While I'm educated and a good self-teacher, I'm so NOT a tech geek for this sort of thing. Just not enough hours in the day. Can barely make it to the gym and make sure the bed is made before I head off to work.....

[Q of BanditZ]

Originally posted by pgran
Still waiting for anyone who has had the same problem with CNN/scroll bar issue. Obviously this is not limited to CNN and I am missing the bottom chunk of the screen on all, non-HD channels. Potential geometry issue?

I think I've got it. I notice that Fox News also sees some cut off. The best way I can describe it is like this:

If I had an option to "zoom out" maybe half a notch or so, it would be perfect.



I'm guessing I'll have to get that hopped-up Radio Shack remote after all. While I'm educated and a good self-teacher, I'm so NOT a tech geek for this sort of thing. Just not enough hours in the day. Can barely make it to the gym and make sure the bed is made before I head off to work.....

Me, too. I'm intimidated by the idea of fooling with that service menu, but I may do it if I have good guidance.

[mrslacker]

Very wise, Q of BanditZ! When you do, write down all the values. Which reminds me....

Could anyone who has access to the service menu PLEASE post their original values from AD9883A_NVRAM? I've been recording the values that I try, but I don't have my original values written down. Values from CXA2150AQ relating to color levels (CUTOFF and DRIVE), brightness, color, hue, etc. would be very helpful too! Thanks all.

[guacamole]

I have the C32V37 hooked up to my HTPC, with an Nvidia 5200 video card. The problem I'm having is, when I use the DVI input on the TV, there is a green tint to things. and actually, if i put a calibration screen on it w/color bars, the green bar's graduations are screwed up. I only have the problem with the green tint on the DVI input though.

Is there something maybe in the service menu i could use to fix it.
Or should I just use my Best Buy warranty to have it serviced?

I bought the TV open box, and i think it's been like this since I bought it, but today, my buddy was over and we swapped out and confirmed it wasn't my video card. He has the same TV and video card in his HTPC setup.

Thanks for any help or suggestions

[VIVOtheFURY]

Can definitely be fixed in the service menu if necessary, but that will bias all the other inputs as well. Better to do it in the regular menu if you can(those are stored per input).. and if not, to do the color calibration in your Nvidia control panel if that option is available. I've got a comcast STB going into the DVI and don't see any green bias. Also have ATI 9700 AIW hooked up to TV using Component input and get great picture quality!

Good Luck

[Q of BanditZ]

So, Vivo, is the best way to access the service menu still going to mean me going out and buying a universal remote to do it? And then I guess follow this thread?

[VIVOtheFURY]

I know other's have suggested another way, but most were based on the C32V36 or other Zenith TV's that have a different setup than this one.

All-in-One remote with "discrete code" capability is your safest bet.

Unfortunately, even with mine, with the best mapping I could find, it does not support enough to completely replace my Zenith Remote, so I am relagated to only using it to access the Service menu..

If I were a little more ambitious I might be able to get it to run my Soundblaster Extigy..

[Q of BanditZ]

Originally posted by VIVOtheFURY
I know other's have suggested another way, but most were based on the C32V36 or other Zenith TV's that have a different setup than this one.

All-in-One remote with "discrete code" capability is your safest bet.

Unfortunately, even with mine, with the best mapping I could find, it does not support enough to completely replace my Zenith Remote, so I am relagated to only using it to access the Service menu..

If I were a little more ambitious I might be able to get it to run my Soundblaster Extigy..

Well, if it's about $20 or so, that's acceptable to me if I can access that service menu and do some refinements, with help, of course. ;)

Can you recommend me a good one? Which discrete remote do you use?

[AndrewZorn]

OKAY SOMEONE PLEASE...

I was checking out the service menu, and went to YPbPr adjust where it has the RGB values that I was trying to fix, and the top one says 'Y Adjust' so I pushed it and all the values for R G and B Offset went nuts and now the colors are WAAAAAAAY off. Can someone tell me the approximate values for these, even if they are not defaults, so I can work from there? Because I'm not able to do much right now...

One more thing, I picked up the RadioShack remote today, got home, and found out I don't need it... or do I? I can get in through the MENU-MENU thing, can the other remote do it 'better' somehow, like do I get more options? Because else, I dont need/want a universal remote.

THANKS PLEASE RESPOND

also i have the v36 not v37 but i dont think it matters here

also, where can i get like a chart that tells me the decryption of what this all means? i know what i want done (especially fix the location of the corners), but it's all in abbreviations.

[VIVOtheFURY]

Originally posted by AndrewZorn
OKAY SOMEONE PLEASE...


also i have the v36 not v37 but i dont think it matters here

From what I've read V36 and V37 are significantly different in there internal workings and menu. That's just what I've read on the Forums here in the past.

[uthscsa19]

After finding this thread and reading through it I was glad to find out that the CNN/FOX/ESPN does the tilt off the screen like some said it did. However, I have TimeWarner cable, and when I saw this tv on display, and on my own tv at home, the discoveryHD sign in some cases seems to be missing the last two letters. I saw this with the display on several TV's at BB and Circuit City. Both of this same model had that cut off. Does everyone experience that, or it is a problem of overscan? It doesnt really bug me enough to want to buy a remote just to mess to fix that.

Also, I switched my dvd out of progressive mode, albeit its a cheap sony ($99) which most likely has a crappy progressive mode, but zeniths up-resolution to 1080i did a much better job and gave a clearer picture.

Also, I finally was able to connect my TW Pace settop box up through DVI. When I first got the box, for some reason, they were not supporting it yet. I tried it out yesterday just to see if it was not being supported, and to my suprise it worked. It may just be my imagination, but I was watching some HD on Discovery and it looked much cleaner with less noise and more vibrant color (and before someone says anything, I have both picture settings set at the same for both my Component1 and DVI ports). Anyways, I just want to thank you all for all of these posts, I have learned more about my TV in one day than I did in the past 9 months of ownership. And I am a very happy owner of this TV.
Steve M.

[VIVOtheFURY]

Originally posted by VIVOtheFURY
Picture quality for SD channels is degraded on DVR becuase all signals are converted to low bit rate(2Mbit/sec) MPEG2 video for timeshift capability. It actually encodes the analogue to MPEG2, then shows you the MPEG2 decoded signal.

Wish it was possible to change the encoding rate for SD to something Higher!

Have to correct what I wrote here.. I got the firewire output working to my computer. I still believe Comcast is enconding their Digital Channels 2Mbit/s, although they are encrypted now and I can't decode those streams on my computer. I am however able to stream the SD channels to my computer and they're showing up at 7+Mbit/second at 720x480... this is DVD type rates.. just not from DVD quality input. Not sure that the encoder they're using is very sophisticated.

[Q of BanditZ]

Originally posted by uthscsa19


Also, I switched my dvd out of progressive mode, albeit its a cheap sony ($99) which most likely has a crappy progressive mode, but zeniths up-resolution to 1080i did a much better job and gave a clearer picture.

What did an upresolution to 1080i? What TV do you own, the 36 or 37?