impulse purchase Philips FTR 9964

[robnec]

Hello. I've just made an impulse purchase on Ebay. I bought Philips FTR 9964.
I was hoping to have a switcher and transcoder in one box since the unit has a RGB output and two wide band component inputs. It was a shot in the dark because I really did not have too much information about this unit. I have NEC PG6 and 1031 projectors and currently using Key Digital transcoder which sucks.
I was wondering if anybody else is using this model for driving CRT projectors.
As always all input is welcomed and thanks for help. Robert

[Clarence]

Looks like it could be interesting...

Video inputs: 4 composite-video, 3 S-video, 2 component-video (1 HD), 1 each horizontal/vertical sync jacks, 1 RF

VGA output: 1

the E-Box offers a host of audio/video inputs and outputs (far more than your plasma display can fit in its slender chassis) and a wealth of picture-enhancing technologies to boot.
A plasma display panel is essentially just a giant computer monitor, which needs sources connected to it in order to display a picture. The E-Box provides a convenient way to manage your many home-entertainment audio and video sources. Among the features it extends to your display is two-tuner, split-window PIP (picture-in-picture) so you can watch two programs simultaneously, or watch one while recording the other to a PVR, DVD, or videocassette.

Line doubling with Digital Natural Motion (480p/1080i) brings interlaced sources like VCRs and non-progressive-scanning DVD players into the digital realm. Active Control Plus+ is a unique, intelligent, and proactive control system that continuously measures and analyzes the incoming signal 60 times per second to automatically and continually adjust picture settings for optimal quality. Just as importantly, Active Control Plus+ also uses a sensor to adjust for ambient room light, so as the room gets brighter, so will your picture.

When black bars are present on screen (either on the sides or the top and bottom), a feature called APAC (Automatic Phosphor Aging Compensation) imperceptibly moves the picture up and down or back and forth to help prevent the dreaded screen burn-in. Think of APAC as a screen saver for your plasma monitor. The E-Box also gives you seven viewing modes to provide broad choices in how you watch your programming. The format modes are: 4:3, Movie Expand 14:9, Movie Expand 16:9, Movie Expand 16:9 with subtitling, Super Wide, Widescreen, and Auto Format.

The unit's many inputs include everything from standard and high-definition component-video (for use with an external HDTV receiver) to an RF antenna input for NTSC reception or even a feed from an older VCR or cable box. A center-channel audio input can be matrixed into the stereo signal feeding your plasma monitor, and a front-panel headphone output affords private listening.

You can install the E-Box up to 33 feet away from your plasma display. A specially designed VGA-type cable (15-pin, shielded and included) connects the E-Box to the plasma unit.
(remote?) owner's manual PDF (http://media-server.amazon.com/media/mole/MANUAL000007105.pdf)

brochure (http://www.widescreen.philips.com/pdfs/FTR9964_50FD_US_leaflet.pdf)

http://www.homecinemachoice.com/testbench/Plasmas/Philips/Philips50PF9964.php

"it does come with a separate TV tuner in the form of the excellent FTR-9964 which is also supplied with the 42incher. As well as hosting a full range of connections the box carries out the process of converting interlaced video signals into de-interlaced VGA ones."

"Myriad connections are found at the back of the E-box. Video signals are fed to the plasma via a single 5m 15-pin VGA cable "

NTSC tuner/router for use with Philips 50FD9955, 42FD9934, 42FD9954, and 32FD9954 plasma TVs
4 composite-, 2 component-, and 3 S-video inputs, including 1 high-definition component-video for use with a DTV receiver
Feeds audio and video to and receives commands from your plasma monitor via shielded VGA cables (supplied)
Performs 2-tuner, split-screen PIP processing so you can watch 2 programs simultaneously
Enhances images with Digital Natural Motion (480p/1080i) line doubling, Active Control Plus+, and ambient light sensor

[Clarence]

lots of inputs... HD15 VGA output

[Clarence]

http://www.flattv.philips.com/p_ebox.cfm

[robnec]

Thanks for all info. I had no access to my computer for two days. I have checked all threads that were suggested but could not find what kind output it gives.Is it 1080i, 720p or something else. Maybe someone has a setup based on this unit and has more practical info and comments. Robert

[robnec]

Hello. I tried to post my problem in the plasma forum for some feedback. I learned that E box is for Philips display only. The company supplies the VGA cable. I am still thinking about using this unit form my CRT projector. It is remote controlled, all color and other adj., has two VGA inputs and Two component. One could have all in one box. I believe that there has to be a simple solution for the problem because connection to the display is analog VGA. Maybe internal service menu? Robert

[MarkW]

robnec,
Any luck with this thing? Local Tweeter has floor model for under $200 and was thinking of using this for my CRT until I saw this thread. Thanks....

[Clarence]

Mark-

Also check out the Samsung SIR TS360 OTA HD at BB & CC,

component input, HD 480p/720p/1080i scaler, DirectTV (not reqd)...
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=4048941#post4048941

Huntsville should have some HD OTA channels.

-Clarence

[MarkW]

Clarence,
Currently have a DTC-100 I picked up in an open box special and love HD over the CRT. I was kind of looking to the near future when I have the option of going with Cable box but have to have a transcoder and thought this might serve that purpose and then some. Might also work for DVD input better than the VB50 I use occasionaly for WAF.

[Ruffneck19111]

I bought two of these;
www.acevio.com (http://www.acevio.com/webstore/nfoscomm/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=32)

They work pretty well.

I have only seen problems with one of my local HD cable sports channels when the info blocks com on the screen.

[chriswdavis]

This may be too late as these posts are almost a year old, but I just hooked up an E-box, FTR-9955, to my pansonic crt projector. (Philips will tell you that the ebox can only work with certain philips plasmas, but the service manual clearly states that it can be hooked up to a vga monitor and therefore can be be hooked up to my panasonic crt projector which has resolution up to 1600 x 1200).

You need a remote and (the service code which I would I have to look up) to change the service menu options. If any one is still interested, I would be willing to look to see if I can find the service code. My email is chriswilliamdavis@hotmail.com. Be patient as I only read my emails about once a week.

The Ebox appears to only put out a 480p signal (line doubling) and my projector reports that the frequency is fH 31.5 KHz and fV 59.9 KHz, so make sure whatever you hook it up to is capable of displaying that frequency.

[jtnfoley]

I, too, am interested in the performance of this unit.

[robnec]

Please try to make it usable with the other displays. I have seen it working with Philips display. It is really a very good processor. Robert

[chriswdavis]

As it seems that a couple of people are still interested, this is how I accessed the service modes so that my e-box works with my CRT projector. I, however, am only explaining how I made my E-box work with my CRT projector. I IN NO WAY RECOMMEND THAT YOU DO THE SAME AS CHANGING THE E-BOX SETTING MAY VOID YOUR E-BOX WARRANTY, MAY DAMAGE YOUR E-BOX, OR MAY DAMAGE WHATEVER YOU HAVE HOOKED UP TO YOUR E-BOX. IF YOU CHOOSE USE THIS INFORMATION IN ANY WAY, YOU USE IT AT YOUR OWN RISK! That said:

First, I hooked my e-box up to my junk computer monitor so that if anything went wrong, I'd only harm junk. The monitor I used indicates when it is receiving a signal and when it is not. My monitor has a light that glows green when it is receiving a signal and amber when it is not. I discovered the service codes can only be entered in that short period when the e-box is sending a signal until it goes into standby mode. I found out that the reason the E-box goes into standby mode with computer monitors and CRT projectors is because the e-box is using pin 15 to detect whether the E-box is hooked up to a Philips flat TV. When the e-box does not detect the right model of Philips flat TV, it goes into standby mode (I was toying around with the idea of sending different types of signals through pin 15 to emulate a Philips flat TV and looked online to find any information on what type of signal was being sent when I discovered this solution).

Next, I hooked up my e-box up to a video source such as a DVD or VCR because the e-box appeared to go into standby mode faster if it was not receiving some sort of signal.

To do this, I turned the power switch on the e-box off (not on the remote) so the green light on the e-box goes out. I then turned the e-box on with the remote. In the 3 or 4 seconds before the e-box went into standby mode, I used the channel button on my remote to select the right AV input until I saw what was playing on my video source. This took a couple tries so I just repeated this step until I saw video.

I next practiced entering service codes using my e-box remote. The following are the four service codes I used:

Service Default Mode (SDM): 062596+Menu
Service Alignment Mode(SAM): 062596+OSD or 062596+Info
Customer Service Mode(CSM): 123654
Leave Service: 00

I found that the Service Default Mode prevents the e-box from going into standby mode so I could can enter into Service Alignment Mode. I also found that the Service Alignment Mode permitted me to change e-box system settings much like a computer set up mode. The Customer Service Mode is a diagnostic mode which reveals whether the e-box has reported any errors (Customer Service Mode was designed as a code Philips would provide end users to access e-box diagnostics when speaking with technical support without letting the end user make any system changes). The Leave Service code got me out of any service mode. One time, however, I had to turn off the e-box to get out of service mode.

I am not very fast at entering codes so I started with Customer Service Mode. That was the easiest code to enter and I used it to practice getting my timing of when the code needs to be entered.

I found that to enter the code, I first needed to get the e-box out of standby mode. To do this, I turned the power switch on the e-box off (not on the remote) so the green light on the e-box goes out. I then turned the e-box on with the remote. When the computer monitor indicated that the e-box was sending a signal, I entered the CSM code. With a little practice, I saw for a second or two the Customer Service screen, before the e-box went into standby mode. This led me to believe that I was on the right track.

Once I got the timing down, I used the same timing to enter the SDM code. When I entered the code correctly, the e-box did not go into standby mode and I saw a label on the screen indicating that the e-box was in service default mode. (Philips told me that they could not service my E-box unless I had the right Philips flat TV, evidently they were wrong. They also told me that I should have called Philips before I bought the E-box and asked them whether the E-box was compatible with CRT projector, even though Philips admitted that the E-box manual stated it had a RGB port without any indication that it would only work with Philips products. Philips also had the gall to disclaim any responsibility for the E-box's lack of compatibility and stated that I should not rely on their manual but I should call Philips before I buy any of their products (DVD players, VCR's, CD players, stereos, etc.) to determine if it is compatible. Needless to say I will not be buying any other Philips' products considering Philips admitted lack of compatibility and Philips otherwise substandard customer service. Sorry about the tirade, but I had to get that off my chest. Now back to our continuing saga. . . . ).

Next, I entered the SAM code. The first SAM code did not work for me so I tried the second with the info button as the last key. BINGO, I was in the Service Alignment Mode which let me change the setup.

I WAS VERY CAREFUL ABOUT THE SETTINGS I CHANGED BECAUSE I BELIEVED THAT CHANGING THE WRONG SETTING COULD CAUSE MY E-BOX NOT TO WORK AT ALL.

I then scrolled through the SAM menu until I found the following setting:

Stand alone unit: No.

I changed the No to Yes, saved my settings and exited the Service Alignment Mode by entering 00 on my remote. After making this change, my e-box no longer went into standby mode. Since my e-box properly displayed on my junk computer monitor which was lower resolution than my CRT projector, I figured it would be safe to connect it to my CRT projector. I now have all of my video components hooked up to my CRT projector through my e-box and it appears to be working great. Sorry about the long story, but I wanted to be as complete as possible. Let me know if you find anything interesting in my story.

[jtnfoley]

What of the reports that this proc only puts out 480p via RGB?

[chriswdavis]

I believe that all e-boxes, except the FTR9965, are only line doublers a thus put out only a 480p progressive scan signal. My FTR9955 only reports that it is sending a 480p signal. Certain info on the web, however, appears to indicate that the FTR9965 is a line scaler capable of putting out a 1080i signal.

[robnec]

Hello. I think that they put out better resolution. These boxes were mated with HD Philips Plasmas. It would make no sense to limit signal to 480p and display it on high resolution plasma. I am going to see my friend with Philips plasma to try to make the unit "stand alone' as explained by Chrisdavis. I will report on this later.
Chris, thanks again for your help. Robert.

[jtnfoley]

Bump . . .
Any report on PQ/performance in general?

[chriswdavis]

I am just telling you what the e-box is reporting that it is sending only a 480p signal and my crt projector is reporting frequencies which would indicate only line doubling. As to why the e-box does not support the full resolution of their plasma, I don't think you should expect any logic from philips. I have yet to see any evidence that philips is capable of logic. If you review the e-box manuals, you will note that they make no reference to the resolution the e-box is capable of displaying, but instead you phrases like "natural motion" or "pixel plus." Why? Do you think maybe they are trying to hide something?

I am not saying that the e-box is not enhancing my picture as there is a marked improvent over imputing through e-box instead of directly imputing to my projector. However, my dvd player is capable upcoverting to 1080i which I am now able to hook up through my e-box and the picture is much better upconverting through the dvd player.

[robnec]

Hello, Chris. I am a little bit confused. Are You saying that You run your DVD player at 1080i through E-box which output 480p to your projector and the picture is better? Maybe the E-box outputs 1080i and lets the upconverted signal to pass through. Could You check it again to let us know /480p is 31.47kHz and 1080i is 33.72/. Thanks again, Robert.

[chriswdavis]

Yes, I the ebox appears to let my 1080i signal from my dvd player to pass through and therefore I get a 1080i signal to my projector. When the FTR9955 ebox upconverts, I am only getting a 480p signal which is why the picture is probably not quite as good if I set my dvd player to output a 480i signal.

Additionally, I recently acquired a FTR9965 ebox. I was able to get into the setup menu and change the ebox to stand alone on the FTR9965 as well. After about an hour of use when set to stand alone mode, however, I lost what appeared to be the verticle sync, as the ebox only displays a horizontal line across the top of the screen. The remote for FTR9965 also will only turn on the ebox but will not turn it off. I think it is only coidence that this ebox stopped working about an hour after changing to stand alone mode, but ANYONE CHANGING TO STAND ALONE MODE SHOULD BE WARNED THAT SUCH CHANGE MAY BE HAZARDOUS TO YOUR EBOX.

My FTR9955, however, has been hooked up to my projector for over a month now with no errors and it appears to be an economical solution to 480p upconversion and hooking other component devices to my projector.

[jmiroc]

I just bought a Philips FTR9965 E-BOX on e-bay, waiting for it to be dilivered. I am going to try to use it for a sony 1270 front projector. I see you said the FTR9964 worked for over a month but the FTR9965 only lasted an hour but you think maybe it was a coincident. Is the FTR9964 still working? Has anyone tried the FTR9965 and will it stay working? When I receive the unit and set it up I will follow up with my findings. Thanks

[chriswdavis]

Actually it is a FTR9955 and yes it is still working for over three months. I would be interested in hearing if it is working for anybody else.

[DouglasHolub]

I bought an FTR9965 for my Panasonic TH-37PW5 plasma monitor, not knowing that Philips doesn't allow their box to talk to other monitors. Thanks for the info, Chris. I went into Service Allignment Mode (SAM) and selected "yes" for "stand alone mode" and the box and monitor are working great.

For my FTR9965, it is necessary to physically unplug the power cord from the box before you are able to enter the service codes. The sequence is:

1. Unplug the box for a few seconds.

2. Plug it in again.

3. Turn on the box with the front panel power switch. Wait for the green light to come on.

4. From the remote, quickly enter 062596 plus the info key.

5. A message comes on the monitor warning you that you could really screw things up if you don't know what you're doing, and do you really want to continue? If yes, hit any button on the remote. You only have a few seconds to respond.

6. The "stand alone" option is near the end of the "service" menu list. When you find it, change the "no" to "yes".

7. Go back to the main SAM menu, scroll down to "Store", and hit OK. I'm assuming this makes the "yes" selection permanent.

8. Enter "00" to exit SAM.

I used it for a few hours last night. If you don't hear from me anymore in this thread, you'll know that it continues to work great.

Thanks again, Chris. Good job.

Regards,

Doug Holub
Irving, Texas

[robnec]

Hello. I had started this thread and I am willing to close it. I am very upset. After setting my ftr to stand alone mode it worked good through my friend's Philips plasma. When I got home and tried to connect it to my PG6 it produce no output. I measured its rgb output and found out that there was no horizontal synch signal. I AM DONE WITH THIS UNIT. Brgds, Robert.

[Mike A.]

My FTR-9965 works fine now too with an LCD monitor after using the codes above.

Thanks Chris!

[AVnuB]

anyone know the dif between the FTR9955, FTR9964, and FTR9965?
ebay has the '65 for ~200, and the philips outlet has the former 2 for $240. I am interested in using it as a component switch/transcoder.

[chriswdavis]

Its difficult to say as philips does not provide specs but this is my best guess. The 9955 converts input to 480p vga output. The 9964 is the same as the 9955 with two tuners for picture in picture. The 9965 is the same as the 9964 but converts input to 1080i output.

[AVnuB]

thanks! does your model work with a universal remote? I'd like to buy one, but the cheap ones don't include a remote. I wanna make sure I can access the svc menu with a universal one.

[RGBHV]

So what luck has everyone had with their E-Boxes?

I picked up a 9955 to give a try, and seems to do well so far with DVD (480p & upscaled), but might have an issue with the DVHS deck ( which is also new to me). I think it will just need a bit more fiddling with. ( The DVHS deck looks ok on the TV in the living room as a test.)

If you are curious the issue seems to be a loss of sync on white burst scenes ( explosions and the like).

The service code to change to stand alone worked great! Thanks Chris for the instructions!

Has anyone tried the internal conversion from 480i to 480p? It has a rather interesting ... Effect.

Anyone find any thing else useful to tweak in the service menu?

Thanks!

Brian

[chrisherbert]

Does anyone have opinions on the quality of the Philips 99XX series for transcoding? The stand alone transcoders that I've used in the past have all had a lot of problems with with my Comcast HD cable box.

Also, though I know this had been asked before, does it work well with a universal remote? These boxes go for a song on Ebay, but don't typically come with any of the accessories.

[RGBHV]

In a couple of weeks I can probably give you an answer to the comcast question. But I will not be able to compare to any other transcoder, unless someone wants to send one my way to compare with. ;-)

I will also ( hopefully) pick up a newer DVHS deck to use with as well.

Brian

[chrisherbert]

Can you describe the problem with the DVHS deck? Might be the same as with the cable box. Generally transcoders gave me a dark picture, with a purplish tint that was especially noticeable in darker scenes. I found the image quailty to be totally unacceptable, and just use svideo now. The transcoders did work just fine for my Xbox and progressive scan DVD player though. Who knows.

[RGBHV]

I think the problem lied with the deck ( or hoping and crossing fingers). as the deck had other issues. ( tried eating one of my Dtheater tapes, and we cant have that. It had promptly returned from where it came.)

The problem i was having with it was that then you had a bright flash of a scene, ( like lightning, or explosions or other bright effect shots), it would lose sync for about half a sec. Now i don't have this problem with the DVD players even at the same 1080i resolution( dvd upscaled of course). it works quite well with the DVD players so far, quite happy there to be able to play with the sony recorder on the projector. :-)

the picture did not look dark to me from either the DVD or the DVHS deck.

what connection are you using to connect up to the ebox? also what model?

Brian

[chrisherbert]

That sync issue sounds weird, but not too serious.

I wasn't totally clear, but I don't actually have an ebox yet, I was just seeing if it would fit my needs. I'll probably go for the 9955, since they're usually cheapest. I don't really care that it upscales 480i to 480p rather than 1080i. Any upconversion of standard def would be handled by the cable box anyway. Just out of curiousity, what was the "interesting" effect that you mentioned when the ebox upconverted?

I'd connecting the cable box via component

[RGBHV]

I only tried it out with a few sample parts of Pirates of the Caribbean, when viewing from the sony (recorder) in progressive, it looked as expected. ( like film). letting the box do it. It looked like TV mastered in early HD video cameras. it had a weird feeling to it. ( but did explain much about the look of the philips plasmas in the stores.) ;-)

I am not sure I would ever call it better.

Brian

[chrisherbert]

I'm not sure that I understand. You watched a progressive source normally, which the ebox simply transcoded to RGB, then watched it as an interlaced signal deinterlaced by the ebox? In that case, I can understand why the interlaced then deinterlaced version was inferior!

[RGBHV]

It is a tough one to explain, but when you pick it up, give it a try. I'm sure you will quickly see what i mean. ( I would expect the issue/effect to show up the best on film originated movies and not something like a pixar movie.) Humm, maybe i should play with it some more.

the motion also seemed ... different as well. Makes me wonder what chip they are using. ( I looked, but could not see any thing off the bat, and many are caged in shielding. )

[AVnuB]

so, any news on the remote? I will jump on this if I can use it with a universal, even a harmony. I guess I can check the logitech website.

[RGBHV]

quick update, Comcast installed. Waiting to see how everything plays together. so far not bad. more soon!

Brian

[chrisherbert]

So, I bought a 9955. I've having some trouble with it, since it didn't come with ANY accessories. A standard power cable worked fine, but the remote may be an issue. I have an RCA universal remote that is able to turn the box on and off and change the channels, but I'm not sure that it'll handle the more advanced functions. The problem is that I can't get my monitor to consistently sync with the ebox. It'll show an image for a second then start clicking like it does when it's looking for a signal. To be fair, this is a really old monitor, circa 1992 or so, so I'll try a newer monitor before giving up completely.

[RGBHV]

You will need to enter the service mode for it to stay on. Then once in you can set it to be in stand alone mode.

This is the service code that worked for my 9955: 062596+Info

Just keep trying it after you power it on ( with the remote).

remember to save your settings before leaving service mode. ;-)

It is now well past my bedtime, so more updates tomorrow!

Thanks!

Brian

PS, I think i am already in love with HD!

[chrisherbert]

This is really frustrating. It doesn't look like my universal includes the "info" button functionality. So I can turn the 9955 on, change channels, etc, but can't use the info button to get into the service menu. The "menu" button does work, but 062596+menu doesn't do anything for me.

[RGBHV]

what remote are you using ? I do not have any of the universals, But maybe someone else here can help.

Either way, I think I am likely to see about getting a DVI input to my projector and move to a DVI switch.

The box I have is still sensitive to any twitches in the signal, some of the HD stations seem to be stronger than the others. ( HBO being one of the stronger ones, a resync or two a movie, and others can spend more time re-syncing more than stable.)

But is does work quite well for DVD! ( so for those interested, and the sync issues could very well be just my box.)

If we still have issues finding a way for you to get into the service menu, and I get the DVI input soon, we can see about letting you use my remote for a time.

Brian

[chrisherbert]

It's an RCA Universal, RCR815, I think. I also tried a cheaper Zenith universal, which actually seems to work a little better. It also has an "info" button that does something, but I don't know if it actually corresponds to the real remote's button. What does the "info" button do? I can see a screen briefly (VERY briefly) that says "automatic" in yellow text. Is that what comes up when you press info?

It's really hard, because it shuts off the signal after just a few seconds.

Also, are there any timing tricks that I'm missing? I turned the box off from the front panel power switch, turn it back on using the front panel switch, then use the power button on the remote. Then I immediately start putting in the codes, even before the monitor is able to sync the signal. Then I can see the OSD for just a second or two.

[RGBHV]

try this mode to at least see if you can keep it on.

Service Default Mode (SDM): 062596+Menu

In the other post, the user used this to allow for a longer time to put in the service code. also since it will use menu it should be easier than info. ( info when working will bring up a screen with just that, what input you are on, rez, etc.

Brian

[chrisherbert]

Okay, great! I finally got it working. Used the "service default" menu to stop it from turning off, then went into the 062596+info menu to set it to "stand alone." To ABnuB, this unit does seem to work with my cheapo Zenith universal, though at this point I still don't know if any important functionality is missing.

Thanks for your help, RGBHV! I'll post more impressions once I check this thing out.

[RGBHV]

What sources are you looking to use it with ?

I am curious to know if anyone else notices any issues with 1080i like I have.

And you are quite welcome for the help. I know I have learned so much with the help of others on this forum.

Brian

[chrisherbert]

So far I've looked at a DVD, through composite and interlaced component. It looked a little weird at first, like the motion was much "smoother" than a film ought to be. More like video, but it was hard to explain. I messed around with the picture options, and now it looks more like what I'd expect. Anyway, this seems to be a very powerful box, I'm impressed with the number of options.

I'll try to check out some 1080i content and let you know what happens.

[chrisherbert]

Okay, I've watched some 1080i shows, and I did lose sync a couple of times. It was very brief, and may have been due to my monitor, which doesn't handle 1080i very well. Since these boxes are meant for plasma screens, is it possible that it's some kind of protective measure? I suppose a very bright white flash could damage a plasma. Just a guess.

This is probably a stupid question, but is there any way to get the 9955 to pass an SPDIF signal? All my components use digital sound over coaxial, and it would be great to have the box switch the audio and the video signals. I was hoping that the digital signal would pass through intact, but I suppose the volume, bass, treble, etc controls in the 9955 are messing it up. Too bad, because this works fine with a purely mechanical video switcher. Oh well.

[RGBHV]

Ahh good so I was not the only one that thought that it made film look like something mastered on Digital vid. ;-)

when it loses sync you can tell when it is the box, as it will show on screen the AV4 or AV5 and 1080i for res.

No way that i can see for it to pass though digital audio.

I still find that it has allot of trouble on some channels enough to keep it from being watch-able. :-(

Guess I will be looking into a way to getting a DVI port in the projector ( or close to it).

Thanks!

Brian

[chrisherbert]

Well, I don't remember if I saw the OSD when it lost sync or not. I'll give it another try.

The deinterlacing is really weird, you're right, though adjusting the settings will fix that.

I think I've also decided that the Comcast HD box does a pretty bad job of deinterlacing SD signals. That or the SD channel just look really bad in the first place. They've even started simulcasting them all digitally, and they still look terrible. Maybe I can use the ebox for SD and the cable box for HD (since it does a fine job with that).

[chrisherbert]

I've spent significant time with 1080i content in the last few days, and I am definitely seeing the same thing that you are. It's really annoying, and makes certain content basically unwatchable. Actual HD programming is pretty solid, but when a station switches to SD (for news or commercials or whatever), the 9955 usually flips out after a few seconds. Sometimes it right itself until it gets a full, non-pillarboxed HD signal (ie, the commercial ends or the channel is changed to a real HD program).

There are some arcane settings in the service menu...do you think any of those might help? "Monitor type" was one, I think. I'd already turned off all the feautres that I assumed were meant to protect a plasma screen from burn in (dynamic contract, the ambient light detection, etc). Maybe I should turn them back on?

Overall I'm still happy with the unit, since I really bought it for 480p transcoding and input switching -- everything else is just a bonus. But now that I've finally seen properly displayed 1080i, I'm hooked! My display is an old 27", 4:3 NEC presentation monitor. The manufacture date is 1992, I think. So I assumed that there wouldn't be a big advantage to 1080i vs 480p. Wow, I was wrong. 1080i is far, far better. Actually the picture that I'm now getting out of this old thing is superior some real HDTVs that I've seen.

[chriswdavis]

With respect to universal remotes for the ebox, you need to one with JP1 pins and get a jp1 cable. I recommend the "One For All" remote URC-8810. You can pick the up on ebay for about $10. There are alot of web sites that sell the jp1 cable for about $15. With that remote, the JP1 cable, and freeware on the internet you can program your remote to do almost anything by using your computer. If you get set up, just let me know and I will email you the file so you can program the remote to use it with the ebox.

[chrisherbert]

I was able to get my ebox going with a standard universal remote, actually.

[AVnuB]

Thats good to know. I bought it for the same reasons as you, and will be using it with an old 29" monovision. I received my ebay'd 9965 over 10 days ago, and time has not permitted me to even power it on. I hope it works! :o
[QUOTE=chrisherbert]
Overall I'm still happy with the unit, since I really bought it for 480p transcoding and input switching -- everything else is just a bonus. But now that I've finally seen properly displayed 1080i, I'm hooked! My display is an old 27", 4:3 NEC presentation monitor.[/QUOTE]

[chrisherbert]

[QUOTE=AVnuB]Thats good to know. I bought it for the same reasons as you, and will be using it with an old 29" monovision. I received my ebay'd 9965 over 10 days ago, and time has not permitted me to even power it on. I hope it works! :o[/QUOTE]

I have a 9955, so your unit may not even have the same problems with 1080i. Good luck!

[AVnuB]

we'll see. I don't plan on using any 1080i with it, but I'll make sure and try it out & let you know.

[Darryl Henley]

I am considering getting a 9965 to use with a 4805. I sometimes use the 4805 for SD tv through a DMR-85H DVR and miss having PIP. I assume PIP would be awesome on my 106" screen. Would the 9965 work for this or would it be better to build a HTPC?

[chrisherbert]

I think I've figured out a way around the 1080i issues. I started using AV5 rather than AV4, and so far I haven't lost sync. AV5 doesn't accept 480i, only 480p, 1080i, and 720p. Maybe that's the difference?

I'll just stick my Xbox on AV4, since it's 480P.

[AVnuB]

argh, cant get into the svc menu on my 9965. I tried douglas' method, but the button does not turn green after I push the power button on the unit; I have to turn it on via the remote. I can get the customer service menu to come up tho. I think it may be due to the lag on my harmony remote. When I type in "062", it trys to change to channel 062. same with "596". I'll try another universal remote.

[RGBHV]

Can you to setup a macro ? you might be able to get a one button access to the service menu that way.

:-)

[RGBHV]

Also to note for those who are playing with these units.

Turn off the lumince setting under the service menu. I looks to do some weird gama settings.

Thanks!

Brian

[AVnuB]

well, thats an idea. but is it supposed to attempt to change the channel?

[RGBHV]

yes it will, just keep putting in the code. :-)

[chrisherbert]

As he said, it will change the channel while you enter the service code. Also, I found that entering the 062596+menu code made things easier to manage. Try doing that first (you can even use the "menu" button on the front panel, if you aren't certain that the universal remote is fully working). It should stop the unit from turning itself off, and you'll have all the time you need to get into the service menu.

Also I'm pretty sure that if you can get into the customer service menu, the lag isn't an issue.

[AVnuB]

argh, this is so frustrating. my harmony remote apparently does not have the "info" key built into it (the button that says info doesn't do anything). What is supposed to show onscreen when you press "info" when you're not trying to get into the SAM?

[AVnuB]

and what does the 062596+menu code show on the screen? When I try that (with the menu button on the front panel) it brings up what looks like a normal menu (same as what happens when you just press menu). The display does stay on after that though. I guess I'm just missing the time frame? do you HAVE to put in the codes within a certain amount of time after turning it on, or is any time ok?
My 9965 does not seem to function the same as douglas's. I have to power it on via the remote, or the green light never comes on.
I'll also try to pick up a different universal remote, cuz neither of mine work.

[chrisherbert]

My 9955 also needed the remote to turn it on, so I think that's normal.

And when I use the 062596+menu code, no menu comes up. It just puts some text on the screen ("service default," I think). It also prevents the machine from turning off. Sounds like your timing is just fine.

The problem is likely just what you think, your universal doesn't support the "info" function. I tried two universal remotes, and only would send the "info" command. Even more confusingly, it mapped the "info" command to the button labeled "menu" on the universal. So maybe your Harmony does support the info command, but mapped to a different button.

You'll know that the box has received the "info" command when it brings up a box describing the input/channel that it's tuned to. For example, when I use the DVD player:

AV5 | DVD | 4:53 PM


480P
(CC)
(i)

..or somthing like that. Hope this helps! If this isn't good enough, I could try to take a picture of the display when I press the info button.

By the way, the remote that correctly sent the info command was a very inexpensive, very basic Zenith universal, model # CL014. You probably won't be able to find the exact same model, but I'll bet that other zenith cheapos would work.

Good luck, and don't give up! It sounds like you're almost there, and the transcoding quality of this box is far better than the others that I've used.

[chrisherbert]

One quick question:

Has anyone gotten the VGA menu to work? It's described in the manual, but when I switch to the VGA input, all on screen menus are disabled.

[AVnuB]

thanks chris. I wont give up! the info about the info button helps alot. there is NO button on my harmony that displays what you said. I guess I'll dump 6 bucks on another cheapy at biglots/ratshack. I have a 15-2104 JP1 remote, but its been too long since I've messed w/ jp1 and seems a great deal more complicated than I remember.

[Darryl Henley]

The ftr9965 works very well with the 4805 projector. I had to get the m1 to vga adapter. The SDTV quality from this box is amazing and I love the two tuner PIP.

It converts SDTV to 480p, is this correct? It will pass the 1080i from my cheapo charter HD receiver to the projector.

[chriswdavis]

Actually JP-1 remote with excel spreadsheet is a pretty slick way to program a remote. Like I previously said, if any one wants the JP-1 file for the e-box I would be happy to provide it. My file has all the buttons including the info button which you can assign to any button on a JP-1 remote. While there may be other remotes, you can pick up a One for All urc-8810 on ebay for about $10. You can the program it to do all the functions of all the your equipment. For example, in addition to my ebox, my remote is programed to perform all of the programing functions for my panasonic crt projector pt-m1083u, which is no small feet considering I could not get much more advanced remotes to do the same thing.

[hut]

[QUOTE=chrisherbert]My 9955 also needed the remote to turn it on, so I think that's normal.

And when I use the 062596+menu code, no menu comes up. It just puts some text on the screen ("service default," I think). It also prevents the machine from turning off. Sounds like your timing is just fine.

The problem is likely just what you think, your universal doesn't support the "info" function. I tried two universal remotes, and only would send the "info" command. Even more confusingly, it mapped the "info" command to the button labeled "menu" on the universal. So maybe your Harmony does support the info command, but mapped to a different button.

You'll know that the box has received the "info" command when it brings up a box describing the input/channel that it's tuned to. For example, when I use the DVD player:

AV5 | DVD | 4:53 PM


480P
(CC)
(i)

..or somthing like that. Hope this helps! If this isn't good enough, I could try to take a picture of the display when I press the info button.

By the way, the remote that correctly sent the info command was a very inexpensive, very basic Zenith universal, model # CL014. You probably won't be able to find the exact same model, but I'll bet that other zenith cheapos would work.

Good luck, and don't give up! It sounds like you're almost there, and the transcoding quality of this box is far better than the others that I've used.[/QUOTE]

I am new to this threat, and I have followed the coding procedure for two frustrated hour on my 9965 but never had a luck to bring up service manu.
What did I do worng ? or I am just too idiom to deal with this machine ?

[chrisherbert]

[QUOTE=hut]I am new to this threat, and I have followed the coding procedure for two frustrated hour on my 9965 but never had a luck to bring up service manu.
What did I do worng ? or I am just too idiom to deal with this machine ?[/QUOTE]

Do you have the original remote? Have you tried 062596+menu first?

[daleeper]

I got a 9965, and was able to get to the service manual with these instructions. Stick with it and you will get there.

My question is, will the 9965 upconvert to 1080i, or just pass 1080i through from a source feeding 1080i? I have an sd signal hooked up to it, and my hdtv shows it coming through as 480p. I have found no way of setting the 9965 to 1080i, am I missing something in the menu or is it in the service menu somewhere?

Thanks for all the good information on getting this set up.

[RGBHV]

Unless is it has the PixelPlus option it will just do 480P.

[chrisherbert]

If the 9965 will only do 480i to 480p conversion, what's the difference between it and the 9955?

[daleeper]

Thanks for the suggestion RGBHV.

I have set it to PixelPlus, and my monitor still shows it receiving 480p. Anybody getting the ftr9965 to upscale sd to 1080i?

[RGBHV]

dual tuners. :-)

[hut]

[QUOTE=chrisherbert]Do you have the original remote? Have you tried 062596+menu first?[/QUOTE]

Hi chrisherbert,
Yes I have the original remote, and it was working on my ViewSonic VPW505 with image shift to let and no vertical sync from OSD timing. After asjust scale and I change channels, then the VPW505 never able to capture its image.
I am now using a LCD monitor to practice the code enter timing, but didn't have a luck.
I can complete all codes 062596+info (or menu) within 2 seconds, is this slow or too fast ? I also tried the 123654, tried input timing from completed within 1 seconds to 5 seconds, but never success as well.

Help Help

[chrisherbert]

[QUOTE=hut]Hi chrisherbert,
Yes I have the original remote, and it was working on my ViewSonic VPW505 with image shift to let and no vertical sync from OSD timing. After asjust scale and I change channels, then the VPW505 never able to capture its image.
I am now using a LCD monitor to practice the code enter timing, but didn't have a luck.
I can complete all codes 062596+info (or menu) within 2 seconds, is this slow or too fast ? I also tried the 123654, tried input timing from completed within 1 seconds to 5 seconds, but never success as well.

Help Help[/QUOTE]

I don't think speed is that important. Seems like I just went through the numbers carefully, but not at extreme speed. I'd just keep trying, you'll get it. Also, it helps to do the 062596+MENU code first.

[hut]

[QUOTE=chrisherbert]I don't think speed is that important. Seems like I just went through the numbers carefully, but not at extreme speed. I'd just keep trying, you'll get it. Also, it helps to do the 062596+MENU code first.[/QUOTE]

I finally get into the SDM and SAM mode through physically short pins of connector 0356 of my FTR9965.
Now I got new issue. I have select the "Stand Alone Unit" to Yes but my VPW505 still not capture vertical sync. I also tried to keep the "Stand Alone Unit" to "No", and select through different panel name (I guess) in "Monitors" section, like F19, F23, F24, F24SL..etc but my PDP still not able to capture vertical sync, which cause image scrambled if I change channel too fast or when I try to select different inputs.

Is there a twick trick of this issue ?

Thanks,

[hut]

[QUOTE=AVnuB]thanks chris. I wont give up! the info about the info button helps alot. there is NO button on my harmony that displays what you said. I guess I'll dump 6 bucks on another cheapy at biglots/ratshack. I have a 15-2104 JP1 remote, but its been too long since I've messed w/ jp1 and seems a great deal more complicated than I remember.[/QUOTE]

Hi there,
I am not sure if you are now able get into the SDM and SAM mode. If you still trying to access both modes, let me know. I can give you more details.

My FTR9965 never able access those modes through remote controller codes, so I searched the web and find a bit clue says there is a service pin 0356 on PCB which able to activate both SDM and SAM modes. I found it, tried, and successfully entered both modes.

However, my FTR9965 still outputs no vertical sync after change Stand Alone to "Yes".

[chrisherbert]

[QUOTE=hut]Hi there,
I am not sure if you are now able get into the SDM and SAM mode. If you still trying to access both modes, let me know. I can give you more details.

My FTR9965 never able access those modes through remote controller codes, so I searched the web and find a bit clue says there is a service pin 0356 on PCB which able to activate both SDM and SAM modes. I found it, tried, and successfully entered both modes.

However, my FTR9965 still outputs no vertical sync after change Stand Alone to "Yes".[/QUOTE]

That's strange, I'm able to get into the various service modes without any problem, and I don't even have the original remote. Maybe some of the units are slightly different?

Anyway, if you aren't getting a sync, how are you able to see the menu and change it to stand alone? Did you save the changes after you did this?

[RGBHV]

Try removing the jumper once you have the settings in place and saved.

That will be the way to know for sure the settings have stuck.

[AVnuB]

[QUOTE=hut]Hi there,
I am not sure if you are now able get into the SDM and SAM mode. If you still trying to access both modes, let me know. I can give you more details.[/QUOTE]
Still trying (well, from lack of time, not trying). I am not opposed to cracking it open.

[chrisherbert]

You know, if you have the real remote or a properly set up universal, entering the service menu should be pretty easy...

[hut]

Hi All.
I do have the real/original Philips remote for the FTR9965, a silver, metal & heavy one. Mybe my FTR9965 is a weired case that not accepting coding through remote controller.

My FTR9965 also not generating the vertical sync that can be recognized by LCD monitor and PDP (VPW505 by ViewSonic), however image still displayed, just very unstable, and OSD reads out "0" for vertical sync.
If I change TV channel too quick or change inputs, then my VPW505 will not capture the image (out of sync), then auto recapture images but scrambled. I will need to use hard power button to reset the VPW505 to get good picture back.

Maybe my FTR9965 is not outputing VESA compatiable timing or maybe it's outputing something like the old Mac's sync on green....I don't have a Mac compatiable monito handy, so just doubt. I even doubt my VPW505 and no brand LCD monitor not fully support VESA timing table, so caused my sync issue...anyway.

To physically access the 0356 service pin is just a 5-minute work or less.
All I had was a #0 3.0m/m flat head philips screw drive picked from precision screw driver set which almost all guys have it at home.

Here are the steps:
a. unplug all cables, powers to the FTR9965
b. use the 3.0m/m screw driver to remove the n=5 none-standard screws on the top cover of FTR9965. (n=2 on each side of box, n=1 on top of rear connections)
c. face to the front control panel, and look at rigth lower cornor for a "credit card" sized PCB with metal shielding case on it. This PCB is mount on black plastic housing. It's a 3D comb filter PCB.
d. remove the n=2 black none-standard screws (n=1 each on the side of the black plastic housing)
e. carefully remote the black plastic housing.
f. Look for a "white, 3-ping ,on board, male connector " labled 0356. This 0356 connector was convered/underneath the plastic housing that just removed.

Note: this 0356 connector/socket is like a Molex 2.54mm type of connector. The label has very small fonts printed on PCB, you almost can't see it, however it's the only white connector there).
Note: The 0356 sits right next to 0355 connector which is a drak brown colored 3-pin flat cable assembly that connects across two main PCB of the FTR9965.

g. put back your power cords, and cables/ for display and video source.
h. turn on FTR9965, either by hard button or through remote controller. No sequence here, just turn the device on.
h. use the #0 3.0m/m screw driver to short the service pins. I like to insert the flat haed inbetween two pins, then turn around for it to short those pins.
Note: short pin 1-2 for accessing SAM mode. (your display will pop out warnign message all warning message, and ask you to hit any number keys on remote to contine or powe off the device to exist)
short pin 2-3 for accesing SDM mode. (there will have an OSD label "SDM" display on the top right conor of display)
With face to the front of control panel, the first pin that nears you is pin 1, then pin 2 in the middle, then pin 3 the farest.

Then you just take time to play around each modes.

My finding is
1. SDM is to adjust image off-set/overscan caused by your display. Use the up/down/left/right disk on remote controller to adjust image position. For adjust ment convenience, I would suggest to use TV/cable TV singals, as it always jump to channel 2 or 3 while in SDM mode.

2. SAM mode has many things to play around. it even shows how long the FTR9965 been used and firmware version with dates. Mine was generated on NOv 19, 2003.
Nothing touched in the SAM mode will screw your display. but just remember to mark the value before you change it.
One thing to adjust is the IF lume value, it's default at "1" on my FTR9965. I turn it to "0" and get much detailed TV image.
I also adjust down the IF stength, which make my VPW505 not out of sync that often, but still not flawless.
Under the service option, I can find the "Stand alone" with "yes or no" selection.

3. To remove the jumpers (located on Video A main PCB, label 1 2 3 9) has no effect to the output timing or get me into another service mode. So I just leave them there.

4. To connect or disconnect 0355 3-pin flat cable assembly has nothing to service mode either.

[Tjnzski]

I bought an ebox (FTR9965) for my EDTV Philips Plasma (42FP9936/37) but can't connect the darn thing because the TV doens't have a VGA input. Only a DVI input. The e-box only has a VGA output. Is there a way to link up the two?

[chrisherbert]

[QUOTE=hut]
My FTR9965 also not generating the vertical sync that can be recognized by LCD monitor and PDP (VPW505 by ViewSonic), however image still displayed, just very unstable, and OSD reads out "0" for vertical sync.
If I change TV channel too quick or change inputs, then my VPW505 will not capture the image (out of sync), then auto recapture images but scrambled. I will need to use hard power button to reset the VPW505 to get good picture back.

Maybe my FTR9965 is not outputing VESA compatiable timing or maybe it's outputing something like the old Mac's sync on green....I don't have a Mac compatiable monito handy, so just doubt. I even doubt my VPW505 and no brand LCD monitor not fully support VESA timing table, so caused my sync issue...anyway.
[/QUOTE]

Yeah, these are a little weird. I don't if you've followed the whole thread, but RGBHV and I have had some trouble getting it to reliably transcode 1080i. It'll work for a while, then start flipping out (or, maybe, stop sending vertical sync...not sure). On the other hand, 480p transcoding is, in my experience, 100% rock solid. I haven't used it as a tuner much, so maybe that's also problematic?

[chrisherbert]

And I don't think it is a sync-on-green issue, because my monitor doesn't have a problem with that.

[hut]

I tried all three video processing mode when using the FTR9965 as tuner or video processor or both....Progressive, Picture (or Movie) Plus, and Pixel Plus all problematic.

My VPW505 timing meter shows "M17", whcih represents a not supported timing.

My 8 year old Sony VIAO CRT monitor (1024x768 max.) captures the FTR9965 perfectly, without the needs to enter any service mode. Flat panels with FTR9965 is really unstable.

I have a very early FTR9955 which works fine with all my CRT/LCD monitors, old 852x480 Sampo PDP, and LCD projectors....but 480P output and lack of Pixel Plus is not impressed.

[chrisherbert]

It's been a while since this thread's had any posts, but I wanted to relay my recent experience with my ftr9955. I recented upgraded from a Motorola 61XX box to a Comcast Scientific Atlanta HD cable box/DVR. All the 1080i problems have disappeared, and the picture is spectacular! I wonder if the problem all along was with the Motorola's 1080i signal, and not with the 9955.

Anyway, the SA box is far, far, FAR superior to the moto. More output options, extremely good upscaling of 480i content, proper zooming on 1080i content, and so on. Tuning may be slightly slower, but that's vastly outweighed by the box's good points. Even if you don't need or want a DVR, pay the extra $3/month and get this box.

[Yoder808]

Us guys over at Lumenlab are wondering what resolutions this outputs when in service mode. My monitor will only accept 1024x768(ugh) and 1280x1024(native). Will this box output 1280x1024?

[chrisherbert]

[QUOTE=Yoder808]Us guys over at Lumenlab are wondering what resolutions this outputs when in service mode. My monitor will only accept 1024x768(ugh) and 1280x1024(native). Will this box output 1280x1024?[/QUOTE]

I think it will only do 480p or 1080i, depending on the model. What kind of monitor only accepts three resolutions?

If you're using it as a transcoder only, it'll probably accept whatever resolution it gets. But that'll likely be 480p, 1080i, or 720p.

[Yoder808]

We (at lumenlab) build DIY projectors out of LCD monitors, and as such, we can (usually) only accept standard 4:3 aspects, in a 1024x768,1280x1240 resolution, although some only do 800x600, and some do 1080i native. I can't use a transcoder, because my panel only accepts 4:3 aspects, and won't scale or even accept 1280x720(that a transcoder would provide,I think). There is not a mode in the E-box to set a 4:3 resolution of 1280x1024... Damn, I thought this would be a good buy, as the price is only around $150 USD. Our other alternatives are the Nextvision N6 and Avermedia TV9, although niether are a perfect option. Do you know of any good multiple input scalers/procs that output VGA in 4:3 computer formats?

Thanks,
Yoder

[jtnfoley]

[QUOTE=Yoder808]We (at lumenlab) build DIY projectors out of LCD monitors, and as such, we can (usually) only accept standard 4:3 aspects, in a 1024x768,1280x1240 resolution, although some only do 800x600, and some do 1080i native. I can't use a transcoder, because my panel only accepts 4:3 aspects, and won't scale or even accept 1280x720(that a transcoder would provide,I think). There is not a mode in the E-box to set a 4:3 resolution of 1280x1024... Damn, I thought this would be a good buy, as the price is only around $150 USD. Our other alternatives are the Nextvision N6 and Avermedia TV9, although niether are a perfect option. Do you know of any good multiple input scalers/procs that output VGA in 4:3 computer formats?

Thanks,
Yoder[/QUOTE]

CanterStage CS1 is currently pretty cheap (I picked up one for $350USD delivered) and has VGA and DVI output, with highly tunable resolution output options.
The N6 (I've got one of these, too) can scale HD component, whereas the CS1 can only pass through VGA or DVI from another HD source.

[Yoder808]

Sweet god thank you guys, the CS1 is perfect. I am sure 1000 people at lumenlab will be snatching these up!

P.S.- Where did you find it for that price?

[LocalHoosier]

Awesome, this thread is still open. I've got the 9965, and have just been tooling around with it on old compaq monitor. I was wanting to connect this to my regular 30" widescreen CRT HDTV for my terrible dish network SD channels. I have 2 x component in and an HDMI. With this e-box only running a VGA out, do I need to put a separate transcoder in between the 9965 and my TV to do this? I've tried using a VGA to component cable and that was a no go. A very unstable picture. SD looks great on that old compaq monitor, but HD is very rapidly wavey. I don't know enough to know what is causing that. Also my ebox is not showing me what resolution the source is being upscaled to. Could this be a setting I have off? Thank you very much if anyone responds.

[chrisherbert]

[QUOTE=LocalHoosier]Awesome, this thread is still open. I've got the 9965, and have just been tooling around with it on old compaq monitor. I was wanting to connect this to my regular 30" widescreen CRT HDTV for my terrible dish network SD channels. I have 2 x component in and an HDMI. With this e-box only running a VGA out, do I need to put a separate transcoder in between the 9965 and my TV to do this? I've tried using a VGA to component cable and that was a no go. A very unstable picture. SD looks great on that old compaq monitor, but HD is very rapidly wavey. I don't know enough to know what is causing that. Also my ebox is not showing me what resolution the source is being upscaled to. Could this be a setting I have off? Thank you very much if anyone responds.[/QUOTE]

The box doesn't scale HD, it just transcodes it. The resolution is whatever's being fed into the 9965, either 1080i or 720p.

If your TV doesn't have a VGA input, then yes, you'll need an RGB to component transcoder.

If your display doesn't accept VGA, what's the appeal of the 9965? I thought that was it's main attraction.

[LocalHoosier]

I could be wrong, but I thought it scaled SD. My regular sat. channels look bad. My HD is great, I just wanted to scale the SD if possible. I was hoping to do something about it with this. That was my main attraction. I thought I had read that someone had done that in this thread. (scaled their SD that is) When I have it connected through my VGA monitor, the SD channels to look considerably better. But I guess that could also be because it's a smaller viewing area. (aside from the HD being "wavey", but I was going to leave that connected separately via HDMI directly to the TV anyway). The pixel plus feature says it gives you a "razor sharp" picture from any source. That's what it says in the product guide anyway. I also wanted to run my HTPC through it, so I would need a transcoder for PC anyway. My TV is also a Philips with 1 HD component in, and HDMI. I figured with this box I can run just about everything through it. AV5 has rapid waves though, going up and down in would is otherwise a perfect picture. And is only through an HD source and a DVD connect to AV5. Confusing. Thanks for the response. I'll update with whatever I end up doing with this thing.

[chrisherbert]

Yes, it scales SD, but not HD. So it's probably not the source of the wavy lines that you're getting on HD. I'd say that the computer monitor is probably the problem there. Maybe it doesn't like interlaced signals.

So the ebox does a better job scaling SD than your TV?


[QUOTE=LocalHoosier]I could be wrong, but I thought it scaled SD. My regular sat. channels look bad. My HD is great, I just wanted to scale the SD if possible. I was hoping to do something about it with this. That was my main attraction. I thought I had read that someone had done that in this thread. (scaled their SD that is) When I have it connected through my VGA monitor, the SD channels to look considerably better. But I guess that could also be because it's a smaller viewing area. (aside from the HD being "wavey", but I was going to leave that connected separately via HDMI directly to the TV anyway). The pixel plus feature says it gives you a "razor sharp" picture from any source. That's what it says in the product guide anyway. I also wanted to run my HTPC through it, so I would need a transcoder for PC anyway. My TV is also a Philips with 1 HD component in, and HDMI. I figured with this box I can run just about everything through it. AV5 has rapid waves though, going up and down in would is otherwise a perfect picture. And is only through an HD source and a DVD connect to AV5. Confusing. Thanks for the response. I'll update with whatever I end up doing with this thing.[/QUOTE]

[LocalHoosier]

Well, my TV (Philips 30pw8402) only has a 2D comb filter, and the e-box has a 3D. I'm interested in what the little extra filtering can achieve with the SD channels. My TV is supposed to have this "EyeFidelity" feature that is supposed to scale to 1050i...yes 1050i, from any source. And it is also supposed to be "user selectable", but I have yet to find this feature anywhere with any menu. The user manual is the most utterly vague thing I've ever read, so no help there. I know that some features are cancelled by default if you use any of the HD inputs, so maybe I have to also run my Dish Network through an S-Video or composite to obtain that particular feature. I haven't had time recently to mess with it. It could be nice to have the extra component inputs though via the 9965. I don't have a transcoder yet though, so I can't see if I get the same wavy lines on my TV as I do with a PC monitor. I took your suggestion about the interlaced signal, and changed to a 480p just to experiment. Wavy lines still, but with a different consistancy. Not quite as bad though. So I'm still at a loss. I'll still update though with how this thing is working out for what I'm trying to do with it. Thanks for the responses.

[Erik Garci]

[QUOTE=hut]I finally get into the SDM and SAM mode through physically short pins of connector 0356 of my FTR9965.[/quote]
Thanks for posting the detailed instructions, hut. I was finally able to access the SAM by shorting those pins, and then I set Stand-alone to Yes. I had tried many times to enter the codes with the original remote, but the unit would always go into standby. I have the FTR9955, not the FTR9965, so this method apparently works on both models. :)
[QUOTE=hut]One thing to adjust is the IF lume value, it's default at "1" on my FTR9965. I turn it to "0" and get much detailed TV image.[/quote]
I saw several settings that contain the word "lume". What is the exact name of this setting? :confused:

[chrisherbert]

It should scale over component as well, as long as the signal is 480i. That's what I used to do with my cable box. I connected it through component, and set it so that it output the regular channels as 480i and the HD channels as 1080i. That worked fine. Only one of the component inputs (AV4, I think) will accept 480i, though.

Honestly, I don't think that the ebox does that good a job scaling/deinterlacing 480i sources. It's okay, but make sure to turn off the "digital natural motion" or whatever it's called. It makes me seasick.

[QUOTE=LocalHoosier]Well, my TV (Philips 30pw8402) only has a 2D comb filter, and the e-box has a 3D. I'm interested in what the little extra filtering can achieve with the SD channels. My TV is supposed to have this "EyeFidelity" feature that is supposed to scale to 1050i...yes 1050i, from any source. And it is also supposed to be "user selectable", but I have yet to find this feature anywhere with any menu. The user manual is the most utterly vague thing I've ever read, so no help there. I know that some features are cancelled by default if you use any of the HD inputs, so maybe I have to also run my Dish Network through an S-Video or composite to obtain that particular feature. I haven't had time recently to mess with it. It could be nice to have the extra component inputs though via the 9965. I don't have a transcoder yet though, so I can't see if I get the same wavy lines on my TV as I do with a PC monitor. I took your suggestion about the interlaced signal, and changed to a 480p just to experiment. Wavy lines still, but with a different consistancy. Not quite as bad though. So I'm still at a loss. I'll still update though with how this thing is working out for what I'm trying to do with it. Thanks for the responses.[/QUOTE]

[Erik Garci]

I determined that the E-box is compatible with PAL. Specifically, I took a 576i50 YPbPr signal from a DVD player and connected it to the AV4 input, and the E-box produced a 576p50 signal on its VGA output. It can even do DNM on it. Although I haven't tried S-video and composite PAL signals, I suppose they would also work.

[LocalHoosier]

I purchased the RCA transcoder, but I couldn't get it to sync up with my TV. It's not guaranteed to work with every TV, so I hope that's the case. For the couple seconds at a time I could get a stable picture though, I thought I could tell a considerable difference. Looks like I'll be reselling this RCA one. I've order the Audio Authority transcoder because I've heard good things. We'll see how that goes. I'm wondering if I connect the E-Box to my DVD recorder...if it will improve the quality of my recorded DVD's from SD channels.....
Aside from that...how can you tell what signal the e-box is producing? My doesn't seem to say unless it could be a setting I have off.

[Erik Garci]

[QUOTE=LocalHoosier]Aside from that...how can you tell what signal the e-box is producing? My doesn't seem to say unless it could be a setting I have off.[/QUOTE]
I have the FTR9955, and it produces 480p59.94 output for NTSC input or 576p50.00 output for PAL input. Otherwise, if the input resolution is higher than NTSC/PAL (such as 480p/720p/1080i), it is merely transcoded to RGBHV (a.k.a. VGA), so the output resolution stays the same as the input resolution. I believe the FTR9964 and FTR9965 behave the same way, but the FTR9965 can also produce 1080i output for NTSC/PAL input supposedly.

[BoomerBrian]

Is anyone using the Philips FTR9964 with the Sanyo PLV-Z1 projector? If so, how is it working? I bought a Z1 last week and I was at looking at purchasing an N6 so I could watch TV with the pj but this box seems to be better than the N6.

[wmckendr]

The whole service menu trick worked... I did it on my Samsung LCD monitor. Too bad my Plasma screen lacks a VGA Input!!!!!

Anyway, I decided to sell this 1-day old FTR9955 on ebay. For $100 + $8 shipping to the US. Item #5854143294 - you can search it on ebay. I have already "unlocked" the unit to work with non-Philips TVs.

For those of you that may be hung up on the "Unlocking" (Standalone mode), it is tricky but can be done. I would recommend going to a friend's place that has a Philips for greatest ease, but for the most part, it took me a good 2 hours of devoted code entering to get to the service menu. Don't expect help from Philips tech support. They ultimately forwarded me to a local (20 mile away) authorized serviceman and I was told that Philips only replaced the units, they didn't offer service manuals for the authorized repair center. Weird, huh? Nonetheless, my ebox worked great on my Samsung monitor, but you can imagine how pissed off I was when I realized there was no VGA input on my Plasma. Ugh.

Thanks for the clear direction, by the way...

[Erik Garci]

[QUOTE=wmckendr]it took me a good 2 hours of devoted code entering to get to the service menu.[/QUOTE]
In my case, I spent hours entering codes (with the original remote even), but I was unsuccessful and eventually gave up. It was a huge waste of time.

Then I tried physically shorting the pins, and it worked perfectly. It takes just a few minutes to open the case, short the pins, and close it back up.

I took photos of the pins. If anyone expresses interest, I will post them.

[BoomerBrian]

Well I am seriously considering one of these. I am looking at the specs for the FTR9964 and the FTR9955. They look almost identical. Does anyone know the difference? Is the 9955 just newer? I am trying to figure it which one to get. I will be using it with my Sanyo Z1 lcd projector.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks,
Brian

[chriswdavis]

[QUOTE=BoomerBrian]Well I am seriously considering one of these. I am looking at the specs for the FTR9964 and the FTR9955. They look almost identical. Does anyone know the difference? Is the 9955 just newer? I am trying to figure it which one to get. I will be using it with my Sanyo Z1 lcd projector.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks,
Brian[/QUOTE]


The9964 has picture in picture and the 9955 does not.

[chriswdavis]

[QUOTE=Erik Garci]In my case, I spent hours entering codes (with the original remote even), but I was unsuccessful and eventually gave up. It was a huge waste of time.

Then I tried physically shorting the pins, and it worked perfectly. It takes just a few minutes to open the case, short the pins, and close it back up.

I took photos of the pins. If anyone expresses interest, I will post them.[/QUOTE]

I would like photos.

[rkenchel]

Chriswdavis and/or DouglasHolub,
Thanks for posting these service codes! I tried them on my FTR 9955 with some success, but ran into a problem. Any help you can offer would be most appreciated! I need to adjust the vertical frequency.

Here's what I did:

First when powered on the unit did not display anything, then went to standby after a few seconds.

So I tried CSM you supplied and briefly got what looked like a text menu and a graphic of what looked like four directional buttons. Then a few moments later it goes to standby.

Next I tried SAM and got the same menu followed shortly by my video source image - but no service menu. So I pressed 00 and powered off the unit. Tried the same thing again with the same result.

Finally I tried SDM, got what appeared to be the same brief menu then blank screen. Here's where I may have screwed things up! (I really don't know)...but I pressed the Input (TV/VCR) button thinking I'd look for my video source again. Saw no picture, so I pressed 00, then powered off.

When I powered on again, my monitor shows *Frequency out of range*. My monitor handles HF 30-70kHz and VF 50-100Hz. However, the 9955 is sending VF of 45.0 now (HF is 31.2kHz).

Any idea how I can *blindly* change the VF back to a visible range?

Thanks in advance!
Rog

-------------------
Service Default Mode (SDM): 062596+Menu
Service Alignment Mode(SAM): 062596+OSD or 062596+Info
Customer Service Mode(CSM): 123654
Leave Service: 00

[Erik Garci]

[QUOTE=chriswdavis]I would like photos.[/QUOTE]
Photo of the pins is attached below. See hut's post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6419679&&#post6419679) for detailed instructions.

[Erik Garci]

Photos of the SAM are attached below.

Before exiting the SAM, remember to save your changes by highlighting "Store Options" and pressing the "OK" button.

[rkenchel]

Erik,
Thanks! I tried Hut's solution and can get to SAM and/or SDM. However, SAM shows Error 066, Fast I2C Blocked. And it won't let me move to or select any menu item. SDM just says Service Default and Channel Not Available.

Also whenever I power on the unit it seems to be attempting to find a *correct* video mode or something. It constantly switches between a blank screen and six different ones. It cycles between images - three quick 0.25 sec gray screens then three longer 0.5 sec ones - each with about a 0.5 sec blank screen pause between them. On two of the longer screens I can briefly see the SAM, SDM or in normal mode - a setup menu asking for language selection.

Any ideas how to proceed?

[Erik Garci]

[QUOTE=rkenchel]Erik,
Thanks! I tried Hut's solution and can get to SAM and/or SDM. However, SAM shows Error 066, Fast I2C Blocked. And it won't let me move to or select any menu item.[/quote]
Have you tried exiting the SAM by entering "00" on the remote, and then entering the code "062596 Info" to return to the SAM, or entering the code "123654" for the Customer Service Mode (CSM)?
SDM just says Service Default and Channel Not Available.
I think that's normal.
On two of the longer screens I can briefly see the SAM, SDM or in normal mode - a setup menu asking for language selection.
Have you tried selecting "English" as the language?

[rkenchel]

Erik,
Yeah, tried all of those. In all modes it won't allow any movements along the menus. And the Error 066, Fast I2C item has me stumped. I've been trying to locate a service manual or error codes list to help, but haven't found one as yet. Please let me know any additional ideas you may have.

*** Anyone else, I'd welcome your advise as well!

[Erik Garci]

[QUOTE=rkenchel]I've been trying to locate a service manual or error codes list to help, but haven't found one as yet.[/QUOTE]
Google turned up a list of error codes (http://stsboard.de/ftopic3019.html), if that helps.

[macj2]

[QUOTE=hut]I finally get into the SDM and SAM mode through physically short pinsscrambled if I change channel too fast or when I try to select different inputs.

Hello to all. I tryed the remote and shorting of the pins and had no luck any other ideas out there?

[Erik Garci]

[QUOTE=macj2]Hello to all. I tryed the remote and shorting of the pins and had no luck any other ideas out there?[/QUOTE]
Do you see anything on the screen? It might be stuck in one of the service menus. Try pressing the 0 (zero) button on the remote control several times, which causes it to leave any service menu. Then try entering the codes or shorting the pins again.

If I remember correctly, I pressed the power button on the front panel to turn on the unit, but the green light did not turn on. Then, when I shorted the pins, the green light turned on, and the SAM appeared on the screen a few seconds later. I did not press the power button on the remote control at any time.

[GateMan]

OK here's a stupid question. Are the tuners in these e-boxes capable of receiving OTA HD broadcasts? I assumed since they were the tuner for the HD Plasmas that their tuners were HD capable. I have not been able to find anything that indicates they will receive a digital signal.

Thanks,
GateMan

[Erik Garci]

[QUOTE=GateMan]Are the tuners in these e-boxes capable of receiving OTA HD broadcasts?[/QUOTE]
No. It receives analog broadcasts only.

[jzh797]

I'm a bit confused about this box. Will it output a clean and crisp 1024x768 picture to the vga port of my projector (bought not built)?

[robnec]

Yes. It will transcode HD signal /1080i/ and double line SD signal. Robert.

[Erik Garci]

[QUOTE=jzh797]I'm a bit confused about this box. Will it output a clean and crisp 1024x768 picture to the vga port of my projector (bought not built)?[/QUOTE]
The Ebox cannot produce a 1024x768p VGA signal. It produces a 720x480p VGA signal, which your projector can probably scale to 1024x768.

[chrisherbert]

Has anyone been able to feed the ftr9955 a 720p signal? I get a blank screen when I try it from both my Xbox 360 and Comcast's SA8300. Are there any other comparably priced boxes that will do 720p?

[Erik Garci]

[QUOTE=chrisherbert]Has anyone been able to feed the ftr9955 a 720p signal? I get a blank screen when I try it from both my Xbox 360 and Comcast's SA8300.[/quote]
720p is always blank on mine too.

The E-box's manual states: "Note: This television is designed to accept high definition signal standards 480p and 1080i, as specified by the Electronic Industries Association standard EIA770.3. Set-top boxes from different manufacturers have the possibility of differing output standards which may cause difficulties for the television to properly display."

Since the Philips TV set does not accept 720p, I suppose the E-box itself does not accept it either.
Are there any other comparably priced boxes that will do 720p?
There are boxes called transcoders that convert signals from YPbPr to VGA. Some support 720p.

[chrisherbert]

Okay, thanks. I didn't even think to check the manual. I think I'll just stick to 1080i and the e-box. I've used several stand alone transcoders, and the quality doesn't begin to compare to what my 9955 will do.

I wonder if there's that much of a difference between 720 and 1080 anyway. My xbox 360 and ABC/FOX already look pretty great at 1080i.

[rupal]

Could someone please give me the univeral remote code for the FTR9964. I have a Universal remote but none of the Philips codes in the manual work.