Which HDTV Receiver Is Best?

[joewagner501]

I am only interested in receiving OTA channels. Nothing fancy, just something that will allow me to watch the local HDTV without costing me a small fortune. Does anyone have any recommendations?

I already have an indoor antenna and I will be connecting it to a Sammy DLP.

Thanks in advance for the help.

Joe ->

[Paul Bigelow]

New STB:

Best : LG LST-4200A
Cost effective : US Digital DB-2010

Used:
A used, working Zenith HDV-420 may be a good buy.

[DTV TiVo Dealer]

Paul we absolutly agree. Without a doubt the new LG LST-4200A is the best ATSC STB.

[gecin]

I have Adelphia standard cable in VA. On the fence on upgrading to satellite for HD or waiting another pile of months for HD via Adelphia in my area...Have a Sony HS 10 projector that I use for DVD, but want to get hooked up for the olympics in HD. Local NBC is broadcasting HD. Will the LG LST 4200A handle both OTA and the standard cable(NTSC?). If not, is there a box that will?

[Otto Pylot]

From what I've read, the LST-4200A has a built-in NTSC tuner as a "new" feature. It's basically the 3100A with NTSC. I'm hoping that they will be officially announced next month so I can get one. I know that Cousins had them for sale but I hear they ran out. However, there's nothing on the LG site yet and LG sales has very little information.

[rdalcanto]

Who has the best price on the LG LST-4200A?

Thanks,
Rick

[joewagner501]

Thank you to everyone for the help. I will keep my eyes open for the LG receiver.

Joe ->

[musiclover408]

What is this LG 4200?? What's the difference between this one and the LG 3510? Also, where can you get one, and what's the price? Today I saw that Best Buy has the 3510 for $399. What would be the reason to get the 4200 over the 3510?

Thanks!

[Cucuy]

The 3510A has a dvd player that can upconvert to 1080i. I bought one since I was looking for an STB and with the DVD add-on I just improved my older dvd player (PS2). As I have read LG STB are one of the best if not the best on the market. I have not had any issues with this baby. The 3510A does not upconvert thru component though. It does when playing backups. Some of the early ones did but LG closed the hole and it's now shipping the new models with updated firmware.

[musiclover408]

Thanks! I did some more research and found that out. I tried the first Samsung DVD player with DVI output and wasn't impressed at all. I returned it as it was way over priced. So, I am wondering if this 3510 is worth $400? Does anyone on this board know where to get it cheaper? I searched eBay and nothing came up for this model. I currently watch my OTA HD content with an indoor antenna hooked thru my Dish 6000 HD receiver. What would be the benefit in going with this tuner?

Thanks again for your help.

[psblake]

and are near a sears check for the sylvania hdtv set top box. I bought mine for 107 plus tax and it works great! They are on closeout for 119 new in box but if you get the floor model they should knock off another 10%! It had been a fine box and I am very satisfied. Even has simultanious composite output for a vcr or regualr tv.

[STEELERSRULE]

My equipment used with the STB'S:
Zenith C27V36 HDTV monitor
Yamaha HTR-5590 Receiver
Polk RM7200 Speaker package
Panasonic RP-62 Progressive DVD player(built in FAROUDJA DCDi chip in this unit for BEAUTIFUL PROGRESSIVE DVD Playback.)

Here are my experiences with STB's.

The channels I receive from OTA: 3 are 14 miles away(NBC, ABC, CBS), 1 is 30 miles away(PBS), and the last is 50 miles away(KDKA/CBS out of Pittsburgh operating at full power. 1000kws. It is the only channel out of the above that is doing so).

Over the last three months I have had the Zenith HDV-420, Sylvania SRZ300 from Sears, the LG-3510A ATSC HD/DVD player, and finally the LG 4200A. The two that have now and will KEEP are the LG4200A and the Sylvania SRZ3000 which I will explain why.

Connections used was RF cable(analog and clear QAM) and OTA antenna(RCA indoor antenna with built in amplifier up to +25db. This antenna has two dipoles for FM/VHF reception and the round thingy in the middle for UHF reception. I also used a Silver Sensor which didn't work even REMOTELY as well as the RCA antenna. But it was used on three of the units in question before I got rid of it. POOR PERFORMANCE on the Zenith SS for me.
IMHO, this list is going from WORST to FIRST:

4. Zenith HDV420: Trust me, I was SHOCKED by the POOR performance of this unit, especially after all the RAVE reviews. The unit I got was on CLOSEOUT at Circuit City for $139. I already had the Sylvania SRZ3000, but was going to return it if this unit worked even better, which I THOUGHT it would. MAJOR DISSAPOINTMENT. The tuner( I used both the RCA indoor and then the Zenith SS. The RCA provided better overall performance than the SS. This was the first deathnell for the SS.) in the Zenith HDV420 ranged from MEDIUM(middle of bar) to ABOVE AVERAGE(in the lowest point of the good range) on OTA reception. I receive almost all(KDKA would come in and out. Lots of PIXELATING, BLOCKING, and STUTTERING, plus poor AUDIO reception. Delayed from video while connected to receiver.) of the channels that I could get. Closer ones came in the easiest obviously. Overall picture quality using Component connection was POOR compared to the other STB'S. Another SHOCKING development. While the direct access buttons on the remote(signal strength, aspect ratio) are nice, the OVERALL performance of this unit was POOR. Scale of 1-10 compared to the other boxes is a 3.5-4.0, and this is being generous. RETURNED THIS UNIT WITHIN 5 DAYS.

3. LG LST3510A: The OVERALL performance of this unit is OUTSTANDING, but it is the current PRICE as compared to the othe units which places it #4 on my list. Plus the DVD playback was not what I expected. It was a LITTLE disappointing. The OTA reception again, for some reason, from AVERAGE to ABOVE AVERAGE, but the picture was STEADY on ALL Channels despite this. This was while using the RCA amplified antenna. I tried the Silver Sensor with this unit, but it's reception capabilities were SO POOR I switched back to the RCA and all was well again. STRIKE TWO against the Silver Sensor for ME. The picture from OTA was GORGEOUS via component. Also learned that the CLEAR QAM helped me receive 3 more HD/digital channels. This unit also has direct access to signal strength, aspect ratio, and has OUTPUT RESOLUTION SELECTION on the front panel. ALL REALLY NICE FEATURES. But as stated above, the DVD playback(only used 480p playback and not the DVI 1080i upconversion) was VERY DISAPPOINTING. My Panasonic RP-62 does a BEAUTIFUL job of this. I was thinking on keeping this unit, therefore having ONE less component in my entertainment center(combined OTA receiver/DVD player therefore removing the CURRENT DVD player) but I could not get past the PICTURE quality of the DVD playback via Component. Also the PRICE! $399 plus tax. It was just a little to steep for me. Overall performance from 1-10 is between 7.0-7.5. Solid OTA receiver, average dvd playback though. Should have been MUCH BETTER IMHO for the price.

2. Sylvania SRZ3000. BEST OVERALL VALUE OUT OF THE FOUR. Best "BANG FOR THE BUCK" if you will. If someone can find this thing on closeout at Sears for $125+tax or less, I say GRAB IT. This unit is BOTH an NTSC/ATSC receiver. Picture quality via component output is GORGEOUS. Also has simultaneous 480i output through S-video or composite to a VCR, DVD Recorder, TIVO unit, etc.... This unit also BOASTS the STRONGEST TUNER RECEPTION BY FAR OF ANY OF THE UNITS. The antenna zone ranges from 0-100(which I liked more than just the bar on the LG/Zenith units), and once it locks on to a channel, the reception BARELY fluctuates. It scales up or down between 5-6 units in either direction without the quality of the picture changing. While attached to the Silver Sensor, the channels AVERAGED about a 70-80 reception. Good enough. But when it was attached to the RCA amplified indoor antenna, it was in the 85-95 antenna range. STRIKE THREE TO THE SILVER SENSOR. BYE BYE for me. NO AUDIO PROBLEMS AT ALL. NO DELAYS or ANYTHING when rrunning through the receiver via a COAX connection for 5.1 sound. But here is the rub. It only has ONE RF input, and CANNOT MAKE A CHANNEL list for BOTH ANALOG CABLE AND OTA ATSC HD/Digital channels. This is a big drawback to me, but to others it might not be a big deal. only a COAX cable output for Dolby digital sound(5.1 if available). Some people have receivers that only have OPTICAL inputs only. NONE available on this unit. Output resolution located on the BACK of the unit. VERY INCONVIENIENT. Outputs resolution at 480i/480p/1080i only. NO 720P. Picture resolution for NTSC Analog cable at either 480i/p was POOR at best, but this unit should be used for OTA HD/digital only. Access to antenna signal info as well as aspect ratio must be done through the menu ONLY. Going through three levels to reach each. Again MAJOR INCONVIENIENCE. But if the negatives don't bother you(they didn't bother me for the most part) this is a GREAT/CHEAP LITTLE HD BOX. If you can get one for the above price, SNATCH IT. On a scale of 1-10 this little box gets 8.5-8.75. OVERALL VALUE cannot be ignored, but some of the inconvinience's may be too much for some.

1. LG LST4200A. I have only had this unit for only a week, but WOW. Everything that the above units COULD NOT DO, this one DOES. And what each unit could do seperately from each other BETTER than another unit, this UNIT DOES THAT AS WELL. Silmultaneous 480i output through S-video or composite which can be connected to a VCR, TIVO, DVD Recorder, ETC... . Resolution selection on the front panel(and like the LG LST3510A has the most COMPREHENSIVE OUTPUT SELECTION AVAILABLE.) I use the NATIVE OUTPUT Selection. Depending on the signal it will output that signal to the TV. NICE!! It has Signal strength and ration control on the remote. again NICE!! This unit also has both the NTSC/ATSC tuner with a bonus. This unit WILL MAP BOTH NTSC OTA/ANALOG CABLE and then MAP CLEAR DIGITAL QAM signals. You can then map your LOCAL OTA CHANNELS in the EDIT Section of the Menu(this is one drawback which I will get too). Signal strength on QAM channels were just a SMIDGE below the halfway point of signal strength on the unit, but there are NO DROPOUTS, SIGNAL LOSS, OR BAD PICTURE. Constant and GORGEOUS. ANALOG picture is EXCELLENT. This is all via a Component output to the tv. All channels as I said are mapped, and this unit had a feature that the LST3510 does not. When editing channels on the 3510A, if you deleted say channel 79, the unit would then delete all the subchannels on channel 79 as well. So if you liked what was on 79-11, but not what was on 79-1 to 79-10, you were screwed. With this unit you can delete each INDIVIDUAL Sub-Channel on it's own. Again NICE!!! Now some of the not so good. I first connected this unit via the DVI cable that came with it. While the HD channels looked great, the SD channels looked Bad. I know it is SD, but I expected a little better quality. After switching over to component, ALL RECEPTION WAS VERY GOOD(SD) to EXCELLENT(HD). This unit also has ONLY 1 RF INPUT. So if you want to connect it to an antenna, you have to have an A/B selection switch to change between Cable and antenna. I hope Manufacturers get on the Ball and start making some of these ATSC/NTSC/QAM units with more than 1 input for both cable and ATSC, and stop frocing people to get the more EXPENSIVE units that have this, like the LG DVR LST-3410A(unless of course you have a satellite unit. I belive these have 2 RF inputs as well). This unit currently sells for $299 online. Right now(as of 8/23/04) most are not charging tax or shipping. While this is only $100 less than the 3510A, it offers much more on the OTA receiver side than that unit, at a lower price. On a scale of 1-10 on this unit this unit get's the highest rating 9.0-9.4 IMHO. It is currently the BEST UNIT out right now(as of 8/23/04). It does lose points for not having more than 1 RF input, but you can get an remote controlled A/B switch from Radio shack that can remedy that, but one SHOULDN'T HAVE TOO.

Whew!! Enough said on my STB/antenna adventures. Just one man's LONGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG OPINION.

Later

[newguru]

STEELERSRULE! Excellent writeup. Very comprehensive. I have been shopping around and it looks like the LG LST4200A is for me.

[DTV TiVo Dealer]

STEELERSRULE, great job, indeed!

[sonywaist]

1. LG LST4200A. I first connected this unit via the DVI cable that came with it. While the HD channels looked great, the SD channels looked Bad. I know it is SD, but I expected a little better quality. After switching over to component, ALL RECEPTION WAS VERY GOOD(SD) to EXCELLENT(HD).

In what way did the SD through DVI look bad, compared to component?

I have DVI through a LG LST-4200A from a Channelmaster 4228 antenna with screen removed in the attic. SD looks good.

[STEELERSRULE]

My SD through the DVI didn't just LOOK GOOD, compared to component.

I guess the best way to describe it is that it looked OVERLY SHARP. Even if I turned the Sharpness down to ZERO, it still didn't look very good.

With that being said, the HD Channels looked AWESOME!! But they also looked AWESOME through Component as well, while the SD Channels looked VERY GOOD on Digital and ranged from GOOD to VERY GOOD on ANALOG Cable.

This is with setting the selection output resolution to NATIVE through the component.

[STEELERSRULE]

EDIT WITH REGARDS TO THE LG LST-4200A:

The other day I decided to move around my antenna just for the hell of it. This is an indoor AMPLIFIED RCA ANTENNA with it connected to a Recton +10db amplified splitter which runs to both my receiver for FM reception and to my HD tuner. This was at NIGHT TIME with CLEAR SKIES between 8:30-9:00pm.

Anyway I should amend about the Tuner is this thing. UNREAL!!!!!!! I never thought about picking up any other stations. Normally I would pick up the local 3 networks(ABC, NBC, PBS) which are no more than 15 miles from me. The reception meter would go NO HIGHER than HALF WAY, but I would experience no dropouts either.

The furthest station I could receive was KDKA/CBS out of Pittsburgh which is 50 miles from where I live(at any time of the day, any weather conditions using my old Sylvania SRZ3000). This station is(I believe) the only one operating at FULL POWER(1000 kws or whatever it is) in my area. This one as well would only come in at(or a LITTLE fluctuation below) HALF strength. But again, NO DROPOUTS of PICTURE or AUDIO.

Anyway I decided to move my antenna and then SCAN for channels again. To my HUGE surprise now not do I only receive the above channels, BUT I also received 3 new ones. ALL OVER 50 MILES AWAY USING AN AMPLIFIED INDOOR ANTENNA!!! Couldn't believe it. These stations also, I believe, are NOT operating at full power like KDKA. While these stations would again come in at half strength(to fluctuate just below half strength) the tuner NEVER LOST THEM. The picture never DROPPED, PIXELATED, and no AUDIO loss. These new stations were out of Pittsburgh and were NBC, PBS, and FOX(THIS IS HUGE!!! FOOTBALL BABY!!!!) The WB and UPN channels registered a signal, but unfortunately not STRONG enough to receive these channels. And these stations I am sure operate at the ABSOLUTE MINIMUM on the POWER SCALE.

I have a 4-BAY UHF antenna connected to my chimney that was left by the previous owner of my house, but I have been too lazy to go up and reconnect it and then connect it to the tv's in my house(cable to antenna was cut. Would be a job. One I am not looking forward too, hence the procrastination.) But I am sure if I did connect it, and maybe add an indoor amplifier(which may not be necessary) I would receive ALL of those channels.

The point is that in my original post, I said that the Sylvania SRZ3000 had the STRONGEST tuner. BOY WAS I WRONG!! The Sylvania NEVER picked up those stations. EVER!! The LG LST-4200A has the STRONGER TUNER. Half strength and I get the ADDITIONAL stations.

I also need to amend about the channel lineup. You HAVE to get an A/B switcher(nice remote controlled one at Radio shack for $35. A bit pricey in my mind, but nice for LAZY people like myself) in order to receive BOTH cable and antenna. You first have to scan in the CATV/CADTV(or the DTV if you prefer. Does not matter.) and get the channels listed there through the RF(cable) input through the A/B selector, and then edit the channels you want and the one you don't. Then you switch the A/B selector to the ANTENNA port, and then go into the LG menu and select DTV EZ Scan and scan for OTA channels. It will receive NTSC channels as well, since it has a NTSC tuner in it. Then go in and INVIDUALY edit that list to what channels you want. I found the best way to do this was to go through each channel(especially the DTV/OTA channels) and check EACH channel individually(especially the strength meter. This is important because it may not lock onto a channel that is showing a signal and all you may have to do is move the antenna in order to get it.) and then ADD/DELETE the ones you want.

When that is all done your channel lineup on both inputs is set. When you switch back the A/B selector to your Cable input, and then switch back in the menu of the LG LST-4200A to CATV/CADTV it will tell you/ask you that you have ALREADY Scanned for channels and would you like to scan again. ALWAYS answer NO. If you say YES, you will have to EDIT your channel list all over again for that particular input(whether it is OTA DTV or CATV/CADTV.) I have done this and it is just time consuming and monotoneous.

Later

[mmccking]

I just got the last SRZ3000 from my local Sears after I returned my LG LST-3510A because I didn't like the DVD pq. The SRZ3000 HD picture looks great, as good as the LST-3510A even though I'm running the SRZ via component vs. DVI. The reception quality of the SRZ isn't as good as the 3510A. I used to get HDNET OTA with the 3510A, but I can't now with the SRZ.

But that leads me to a noob question:

I thought HDNET was a subscription service, not available OTA. If so, how was I able to pick it up with the 3510A?

[STEELERSRULE]

HDNET came via the CLEAR QAM tuner capabilities of the 3510A. The SRZ3000 does not tune in clear QAM(unscrambled digital cable if you will).

It(srz3000) can only tune either OTA digital/HD(ATSC), or OTA analog or cable analog(NTSC)

[fithian]

I have had the 4200 for about 10 days. Three of those days were without a HDTV. The last week it has been hooked up to a Sammy 5063. Before the Sammy arrived, I connected the 4200 to my Sony 32 inch using the S-video output.

I was able to experiment with reception of a good number of digital stations in my area. All in all I am able to receive 30 digital broadcasts, as well as the usual analogs.

My location is at a higher location with an antenna on a tower on the roof, about 35 feet above the ground. There is a broadband VHF antenna with preamp, and two UHF yagis with a preamp. A Channel Master rotator does the job. All equipment was installed 25 years ago, and, while fairly good Finco equipment, does need new cabling, which will improve the reception. I am not really anxious to climb the 35 feet required, since I am 65 years old.

There are only two digital stations broadcasting at 9 miles, direct sight of the transmitter, broadcastsing 500kW and 50kW. Quality is excellent no matter where the antenna is pointing. Two digital stations are 40 miles away 200kW and 100 kW. Reception is excellent.

There are a number of stations at 43 miles away, but the varying transmitter power allows me to only get a few. There are some trees and a distant ridge to consider, as well as overpowering of some of the upper UHF channels by one or both of the locals. The ones I can receive reliably are 770kW, 500kW, 1000kW. The ones that are really marginal and not easily watcheable are 500kW, 250kW, and 560kW.

My NBC affilate is 68 miles away with 907kW and excellent reception. Another at 53 miles is very reliable. A UPN affilate at 68 miles is also reliable.

It was necessary to add digital channels manually for some of these stations. This is done by entering the digital frequency of the station. If there is sufficient reception, the analog-hyphen channel will appear and it then can be added. For example, one station I added manually was WPVI-DT in Philadelphia, which is analog channel 6. The digital number for WPVI is 64. I entered 64, and it found a signal, which was listed as 6-1. It also found 6-2 and 6-3, but did not indicate those channels in this process. In editing the channel list, the other two channels appeared. You need to know the digital station assignments for this process. The manual does not describe how to do it.

After digital and analog stations have been added, pressing 6 on the remote will go to either 6-0 or 6-1, depending on which was last accessed. Scanning through channels using the remote goes through all of the analog channels, and then all of the digitals, then back to the analogs. The scanning starts from the current channel. You can also identify "Surf" channels, which are sort of like favorites. Pressing the surf button on the remote cycles through these channels. A nice feature, which works with subchannels.

My connection is with DVI, using the 12 foot cable supplied with the 4200. On the HD stations, the quality is excellent. A digital coax cable connects to my DD preamp. There is a problem either with my preamp or the 4200, in identifying the correct audio. On rare occassions, it is necessary to turn off power to the 4200 to be able to get audio on a DD broadcast.

I am considering using this with an upstairs analog set that has RGB in (480p) and buying the 3410 for my Sammy. The advantage of the 3410 is the PVR and the Firewire in/out which will allow me to record HD on my JVC 30000 DVHS. I just hope the tuner portion is as good.

[bobpaule]

I courteously disagree on the statement that the LG-3100A does not receive NTSC.

Mine does and it shows which channels are SD and HD.

Also i get a PBS-HD station from 70 miles away with an attic antenna and amplifier.
Had the Samsung box before which was a nightmare.

IMHO Zenith/LG make the best ATSC tuners out there. This is why i opted to get the XBR910 without tuner built in. The industry is crazy thinking that people will pay 500-800 quid more for some generic built-in POS tuner.

Of course if you live in the metropolis you'll pick up any signal but guys like me in the boonies have to watch closely.

[mmccking]

Originally posted by STEELERSRULE
HDNET came via the CLEAR QAM tuner capabilities of the 3510A. The SRZ3000 does not tune in clear QAM(unscrambled digital cable if you will).

It(srz3000) can only tune either OTA digital/HD(ATSC), or OTA analog or cable analog(NTSC)

Sorry for being such a newbie on this, but what does CLEAR QAM mean? I'm not using my cable feed on my SRZ (actually I didn't notice if I could).

After playing around with it a bit the other night, I was able to get HDNET by accessing 57-2 versus 4-2. Although, the tuner showed 4-2, if I punched in 4-2 on the remote, it didn't work, I had to actually punch 57-2. It worked several times until I turned off the SRZ then came back to it 20 minutes later. I haven't bee able to get it to work again :(

[keenan]

Originally posted by mmccking
Sorry for being such a newbie on this, but what does CLEAR QAM mean? I'm not using my cable feed on my SRZ (actually I didn't notice if I could).

After playing around with it a bit the other night, I was able to get HDNET by accessing 57-2 versus 4-2. Although, the tuner showed 4-2, if I punched in 4-2 on the remote, it didn't work, I had to actually punch 57-2. It worked several times until I turned off the SRZ then came back to it 20 minutes later. I haven't bee able to get it to work again :(

If you're in San Jose CA it looks like your were getting HDNET OTA on KRON's sub-channel, 4-2. If you have been trying to get it the last couple of days, Sutro Tower has been down on and off for repairs, some digital stations have not been broadcasting.

Jim

[Ursa]

I really wish they would have put an IEEE-1394 port on this box... :(

Later,
Bill

[mmccking]

thx Keenan, it looks like that was the problem since I was able to get it last night without problems.

[keenan]

Originally posted by mmccking
thx Keenan, it looks like that was the problem since I was able to get it last night without problems.

Cool. :cool:

Jim

[65T500]

All,

Can the LG LST 4200A be used with Direct TV if I choose to subscribe, or is it just for OTA?

Joe

[Vin]

Originally posted by 65T500
All,

Can the LG LST 4200A be used with Direct TV if I choose to subscribe, or is it just for OTA?

Joe
The LG LST 4200A is an OTA receiver.....not for D*.

[65T500]

Vin,

Thanks for the quick reply. I do see myself subscribing with Direct later so I can't see spending that much when I would have to buy another HD receiver to use with Direct.

Joe

[AudioJosh]

I am in the same boat as 65T500. I want to get the best OTA HD box I can so that I get the best picture from ATSC and analog broadcasts but want to leave myself open for future DirecTv subscription. Which D* box has the best OTA reception? Zenith? I am a bit clueless here, any help would be appreciated.

If it helps, I have a Antennas Direct 43 UHF Yagi, CM Rotator & CM Titan II amp. I live in Jersey City Heights and have a pretty much unobstructed view of Manhattan.

[cpcat]

I courteously disagree on the statement that the LG-3100A does not receive NTSC.

It is an ATSC (digital TV) and QAM (digital cable) tuner. An NTSC tuner receives analog TV (like the tuner in most current and older TV sets).

Just because it is SD doesn't mean it's not digital. A digital TV signal can be in multiple formats including good old SD 480.

The LG-LST4200a does have an NTSC tuner, which is the main difference in it and the 3100a.

[AudioJosh]

my dream tuner would be a HD PVR that had superior OTA and D* ability. Dreaming too much?

[STEELERSRULE]

Originally posted by AudioJosh
my dream tuner would be a HD PVR that had superior OTA and D* ability. Dreaming too much?

Doesn't this describe the new HD TIVO from Directv going for $999?

It has the HD PVR(Tivo), OTA antenna input(I don't know anything about the reception capabilities of this unit), and it is DirecTV receiver(D* HD as well) too boot.

[sham69]

I've had my 3510 for 2 months and all i can say is WoW!, i got it wired thru a 20 M monster DVI-400 i have only had one problem with this unit, the ota reception is incredible and the dvd is pretty awsome too, albeit in 1080i. The only problem i had is while watching the Sopranos dvd season 4 disc 2 episode 3, near the end of this show i experienced a freeze up on one scene, this happened all the time on this unit. When i called LG the csr told me it could be becasue of a dual layer dvd. Since then i have watched 83 dvds and have not had this problem again. In my conclusion i do believe that the 3510A is a very capable ota reciever with an exceptional dvd player, and you can pick up this unit now for 299.

[BarryO]

Originally posted by DTV TiVo Dealer
Paul we absolutly agree. Without a doubt the new LG LST-4200A is the best ATSC STB.

Does the 4200A have the "5th generation" receiver chip (the one that did so well in Mark Shubin's apartment)?

[AudioJosh]

Thanks guys... decisions, decisions.

[Otto Pylot]

I've been told that the LST-4200A has the LG3302 chipset which is 4th generation. 5th generation is the LG3303 chipset.

[keenan]

Originally posted by Otto Pylot
I've been told that the LST-4200A has the LG3302 chipset which is 4th generation. 5th generation is the LG3303 chipset.

5th gen is not available on the market yet.

Jim

[funwithstereos]

as per the post above about useing a switch to go between over the air and cable on the lg unit when i go into menu and switch between the two it wont let me out without doing the quick surf ,, if i exit out without doing a quick search it wont switch between the two ,,

are the two different LG machines different in that feature because it dosent tell me that i have cannels in here already do you want to erase

any thoughts
thanks


keith

[eknoo]

Does the LG LST-4200A have an event time or scheduler? I am looking for a unit that program to switch channels at certain time. Thanks.

[keenan]

Has anyone been able to compare the reception ability between the LG4200A and a Samsung TS160 for OTA? I'm curious if there is a significant difference.

Jim

[STEELERSRULE]

Someone in another post compared to a Samsung 351 and said there was no comparison.

The LG LST-4200A won hands down.

[keenan]

Originally posted by STEELERSRULE
Someone in another post compared to a Samsung 351 and said there was no comparison.

The LG LST-4200A won hands down.

Thanks, I think I'll grab one tomorrow and give it a shot. I'm in a deep fringe area and the Samsung shows me about 15-20 secs of the channel I'm trying to receive before it loses the signal. Hopefully the LG will do the trick.

Jim

[Big Al]

So where's a good place to get the LG LST-4200A from?

[TotallyPreWired]

Folk's,
Reading the threads here, I haven't been able to find a consensus on the best DirecTv HD receiver. I need it for both D* and OTA. I live over 50 miles from any transmitters, so I'm making a signal meter a prerequisite. I don't need TiVo. So, if you were to buy a new receiver today, what would it be, and what would be your 2nd choice?

Thanx,
....jc

[keenan]

Originally posted by Big Al
So where's a good place to get the LG LST-4200A from?

Good question, other than online, the stores in my area don't carry it and that includes, Good Guys, Best Buy, Magnolia and Circuit City. I would really like to buy locally because it is either going to work or not and if not I'd rather not hassle mailing it back to an internet company.

It may have been mentioned before, but does the 3510A have the same internals as the 4200A or is the 4200A actually a better receiver?

Jim

[DTV TiVo Dealer]

Originally posted by keenan
Good question, other than online, the stores in my area don't carry it and that includes, Good Guys, Best Buy, Magnolia and Circuit City. I would really like to buy locally because it is either going to work or not and if not I'd rather not hassle mailing it back to an internet company.

It may have been mentioned before, but does the 3510A have the same internals as the 4200A or is the 4200A actually a better receiver?

Jim

LG's LST-4200A is by far the best OTA decoder. TV Broadcasters buy this model exclusively. The tuner is very sensitive and selective to reject multi-path bounced signals. The 3510A and 4200A tuners are very similar, except the 4200A has an NTSC tuner for analog reception.

So where's a good place to get the LG LST-4200A from? Can you guess who my favorite on-line dealer is?

[keenan]

Originally posted by DTV TiVo Dealer
LG's LST-4200A is by far the best OTA decoder. TV Broadcasters buy this model exclusively. The tuner is very sensitive and selective to reject multi-path bounced signals. The 3510A and 4200A tuners are very similar, except the 4200A has an NTSC tuner for analog reception.

So where's a good place to get the LG LST-4200A from? Can you guess who my favorite on-line dealer is?

Yes I can. :D

You say they are very similar, are the ATSC sections identical, I have no need for NTSC or another DVD player.

Jim

[DTV TiVo Dealer]

Go with the LST-4200A, it does have a slightly better OTA ATSC HD tuner circuit.

[marcn]

I'm also considering the LST 4200A. It only has 1 coax input... So it's either cable OR OTA. Is there a way to mix both signals (OTA ATSC source from antenna) and eiher Analog NTSC or Clear QAM together into the single COAX input and have the tuner still discriminate?

MarcN

[littlesaint]

Originally posted by marcn
I'm also considering the LST 4200A. It only has 1 coax input... So it's either cable OR OTA. Is there a way to mix both signals (OTA ATSC source from antenna) and eiher Analog NTSC or Clear QAM together into the single COAX input and have the tuner still discriminate?

MarcN

I have a Radio Shack antenna that has a pass-through switch for a second coax source. You have to switch it manually - which means you actually have to get up off the couch :-)

[Otto Pylot]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by keenan
[B]Good question, other than online, the stores in my area don't carry it and that includes, Good Guys, Best Buy, Magnolia and Circuit City. I would really like to buy locally because it is either going to work or not and if not I'd rather not hassle mailing it back to an internet company.


Century Stereo in San Jose is an authorized LG dealer. They don't have any in stock as of last week but they can order it for you for $280. It's a long drive though.

[keenan]

Originally posted by Otto Pylot
[QUOTE][i]


Century Stereo in San Jose is an authorized LG dealer. They don't have any in stock as of last week but they can order it for you for $280. It's a long drive though.

Is this the place here?

http://www.centurystereo.com/index.html
Century Stereo

Jim

[STEELERSRULE]

Originally posted by marcn
I'm also considering the LST 4200A. It only has 1 coax input... So it's either cable OR OTA. Is there a way to mix both signals (OTA ATSC source from antenna) and eiher Analog NTSC or Clear QAM together into the single COAX input and have the tuner still discriminate?

MarcN

Use an A/B selector switch. Radio Shack sells a remote controlled one for $34.99(outrageous, I know). They sell ones that are manually controlled for about half that price, or even less. You would have to get up to switch it though.

As far as analog NTSC or Clear QAM together on the same list, you must be talking about analog cable. If you connect your cable into the RF input of the LG, it scans and maps a channel list for BOTH analog NTSC cable, and CLEAR QAM digital cable.

If you switch it over to the tv/dtv channel scan for Over The Air NTSC/ATSC digital(channels 1-69) it will again scan and map BOTH the analog and digtal stations into one channel lineup.

[HiHoStevo]

So every time you switch inputs the receiver has to go back and re-scan the channels to build the guide?

Steve

[Otto Pylot]

Originally posted by keenan
Is this the place here?

http://www.centurystereo.com/index.html
Century Stereo

Jim


Yes. In fact I'm going there on Saturday to see if they have any on the floor yet.

[STEELERSRULE]

Originally posted by HiHoStevo
So every time you switch inputs the receiver has to go back and re-scan the channels to build the guide?

Steve

No. After the first scan for both inputs(1.TV/DTV 2.CATV/CADTV) and after you have edited what you don't want, you won't have to rescan and remap.

The STB will ask you when you switch back and forth "Would you like to rescan and remap the channel guide, YES or NO." Always answer NO and you will have the same map in place.

What I do time to time is when I am watching my analog cable and CLEAR QAM digital is I will EZADD the channel map. What this does is it keeps the current guide in place and then looks for any NEW channels that might have been added via the analog cable, and more importantly the CLEAR QAM digital cable. Occasionally I will find I have another channel that I never got before, but not often.

[thumperxr69]

4200A comments: I tried out (bought for a month and returned) a Zenith 420 and a Samsung (I don't remember the exact model) last spring.

I have now taken the plunge for real on the LG 4200a. The best of both worlds IMHO since it has an ATSC tuner built in also. I live at least 20 miles from most of my towers. I have only a small looped antenna sitting on top of the STB. I kept the antenna in the exact same position as it was when I had the Zenith 420 and the Samsung. The tuner in this 4200a seems to be much better. Stations that would not come in unless I fiddled with the antenna are coming in fine without moving the antenna. The signal seems to be about 60% on all 4 digital stations but I didn't notice any dropouts which is the important thing. Now to get a better antenna up. To get more stations.

Minor Irritation: The volume control does not seem to work with my TV. I find the code for my TV and the STB can power off the TV but every time I change the audio so that it is variable and the STB will control the volume it goes *very* low. I can raise the volume through the STB remote but the increments are much smaller and if I changed from the STB output to another it would be extremely loud. Is there a way to normalize the volume??? I am not using an A/V receiver.


***Is there any way to get a channel changed on the STB in order to get a timeshifted event to send it to a DVD-Recorder or VCR???***

Right now my guide is not working because without a better quality antenna I cannot get the PBS station which I believe handles the OTA guides.

Thanks

T

[The Old Man]

Is the Samsung SIR-T451 any good for $250? This LG LST-4200A sounds like its top of the line, which I would gladly get for $50 more. I am an OTA noob who just wants to watch football and West Wing in HD. Do I need an HDTV antenna? I was thinking of getting a Pelican System Selector Pro because my reciever and TV inputs are all full from my DVD player and XBOX. Is there anything else I would need? Thank you.

[DTV TiVo Dealer]

I recommend the LG LST-4200A and you will need an OTA antenna (go to www.antennaweb.org) to determine what type of antenna you will need and how to point it. You may be able to use the Zenith Silver Sensor, cost $21.99.

You also need a DVI 4x1 switch. I like the Gefen 441 switch, which costs $449.

[Emillion]

Got the receiver last Friday and decided to use a RGB cable to my Sony PFM42B2 plasma TV.
On some digital channels I get darker images on 'Standard' and even darkest on 'Expand' while in 'Shrink' the brightness comes back to normal.
If I use an Component to RGB cable the problem doesn't exist.
The problem seems to be with the RGB output of the receiver. Called the store, and they told me that there is a known incompatibility issue between the RGB out of the LST-4200A and the RGB input of the TV ?!
Could anybody infirm/confirm that?

[medicalwaste]

[ You may be able to use the Zenith Silver Sensor, cost $21.99.
[/B]


i've been looking for silver sensor but i only see it on ebay.

i'd rather buy it locally in case it doesn't work out for me.

can you tell me which stores carry the item?

thank you.

i live in los angeles.

[STEELERSRULE]

I pretty sure that SEARS still carries these antenna's. You may be able to find them there or at Circuit City POSSIBLY. They(CC) may be out, but some Sears stores may not have any either.

STAY AWAY FROM THE TERK MODEL AT BEST BUY!! IT IS HORRIBLE AND USELESS!!

[keenan]

Originally posted by STEELERSRULE

STAY AWAY FROM THE TERK MODEL AT BEST BUY!! IT IS HORRIBLE AND USELESS!!

Yes, in fact I have seen it referred to as a Terrible Electronic Reception Kontraption. :D

Jim

[oryan_dunn]

Walmart carries the silver sensor. Its labeled as a Philips and costs something like 27 bucks. Not all walmarts have them, but most should.

[Cobra5wood]

Check out the Model #1880 from Radio Shack($40). I live 50 miles west of Chicago and get great signals in my LG3100A with this little antenna.

[joewagner501]

Unfortunately I had bought the Best Buy Terk model before finding out what a piece of junk it is. With that antenna I could only get 3 digital channels in my area which has 14 or 15 (I can't remember which).

Anyway, I went to Radio Shack yesterday, and bought the $40 model (on sale, I think it originally sells for $50 or $55). When I got home last night I plugged it in and had my TS360 scan again and it found 14 digital channels. I am about 30 miles from the antennas and live in an apartment on the first floor on the side opposite the antennas but the channels came in great.

Bottom line, forget Best Buy and go with Radio Shack.

[fithian]

Last weekend I received a digital signal from 265 miles away. Later in the day, I received another digital signal from 180 miles away with the antenna pointing in the wrong direction, 180° away from the station. Another station broadcasting at 50kW and 70 miles away. This tuner is amazing.

First channel was 27-1 (DT-50) WGNT from Portsmouth, Virginia.
Second channel was 5-1 (DT-36) WTTG (Fox) from Washington, DC.
Third channel was 33-1,2,3 (DT-36) WITF (PBS) from Hershey, PA
My home is just north of Allentown, PA.
Two stacked Finco UHF yagis with UHF 20 db preamp. CM rotator. 35 feet above ground.

[keenan]

Originally posted by fithian
Last weekend I received a digital signal from 265 miles away.

Wish I could get 1/4 of that.


Two stacked Finco UHF yagis with UHF 20 db preamp. CM rotator. 35 feet above ground. [/B]

What model number antenna?

Jim

[TotallyPreWired]

Originally posted by fithian
Last weekend I received a digital signal from 265 miles away. Later in the day, I received another digital signal from 180 miles away with the antenna pointing in the wrong direction, 180° away from the station.

Can you receive those stations on a continual basis, or is it 'atmospheric'? Where I'm at, it's a 'Hey I'm getting it!', 2 hours later, it's gone.

Two stacked Finco UHF yagis with UHF 20 db preamp. CM rotator. 35 feet above ground.

That helps to explain things a bit!

I finally found the D* receiver that I liked(LST-3100A), then I learned that it(and most others) had stopped production. Now it's either buy a used 1, or wait till I see what the new D* brand looks like:(

....jc

[SoonerCaniac]

I've discovered some people across the Internet have complained that the Samsung receivers (SIR-T351, SIR-T451) use gray bars as opposed to black bars when working with 16:9 images on a 4:3 screen and vice versa. I do understand that networks control the bars in some instances, but I'm talking about when the receiver itself has to modify a signal to accomodate the screen. Is there in an option in these Samsung receivers that allow you to change to black bars? Also, most importantly, what about the LG 4200A, does it display black or gray bars? I have done many searches in this forum and others and cannot find an answer so if I missed this information somewhere my apologies.

Also, despite the LG 4200A being the obvious favorite, and despite much research on the success of receiving OTA signals at my house, it still comes down to trial and error, and I'd hate to be stuck with a 15% or 20% restocking fee if I don't have any success. At the moment I'm contemplating trying a SIR-T451 when CC gets them in stock and if I have success returning it to order the LG 4200A online, which should be as good if not better at receiving the signals. Thoughts?

Thank you!
Josh

[SoonerCaniac]

Well, I found and downloaded the LG-4200A manual which mentions (multiple times) experiencing black or gray bars when playing with the aspect ratio, yet does not talk about how to switch from one to the other. I have to assume though that there is an option to do so based on the wording in the manual.

I tried to download the manual for the SIR-T451 but it is not online at Samsung yet and the SIR-T351 manual link takes me to a DirectTV HD receiver (why?), which explicitly explains how to change from black to gray and vice versa. Thus, it would make sense that the SIR-T3/451 would do the same, contradicting the user reviews I've come across (maybe they need to read the manual?).

I'm posting this in case someone has additional information or similar questions to my own.

Comments?
Josh

[TotallyPreWired]

Originally posted by SoonerCaniac
Also, most importantly, what about the LG 4200A, does it display black or gray bars?
I just went and checked, and unless there is an option to change the bar color, it seems to display gray. I checked several channels and the stations seem to be sending out black 'side bars'(except ESPN with their own graphics). However, if I change the ratio, the bars are gray. Of course, you can use 'expand' and eliminate the bars altogether. This is nice, because on my Mits, with an HD broadcast, you can't change the 'format' at all.


Also, despite the LG 4200A being the obvious favorite, and despite much research on the success of receiving OTA signals at my house, it still comes down to trial and error, and I'd hate to be stuck with a 15% or 20% restocking fee if I don't have any success. At the moment I'm contemplating trying a SIR-T451 when CC gets them in stock and if I have success returning it to order the LG 4200A online, which should be as good if not better at receiving the signals. Thoughts?

I did some testing yesterday regarding my Mits and it's integrated tuner and my new LSS-4200A. Disappointing. My Mits, using the same exact antenna, pulls in the signals better. Antennas, and getting them to pick up what you want, is a Black Art. Move the thing 5' one way, and everything gets better/worse. It all boils down to trial and error.

If you are looking at the 4200A, I suggest that you move! I only found 1 place that still had them. They stopped manufacturing them in about June!

....jc

[Otto Pylot]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by SoonerCaniac
Also, most importantly, what about the LG 4200A, does it display black or gray bars?

The 4200A displays black bars only regardless of what type of programming you are watching, SD/HD, 4:3/16:9. Before I got the LST I bought a Samsung from CC to see if I was even able to get HD OTA. The Samsung worked ok but I didn't like the gray bars because I'm used to black. I took it back and waited for the LST 4200A to come out. The LST is far superior, IMO, to the Samsung. It pulls in all of the stations availble to me and never loses the signal.

[TotallyPreWired]

Josh,
I found it. Ta Dah! There is a setting under 'Preferences' where you can choose the 'Matte' Color. Yup, Black or Gray. However, there are still Black bars on the sides of some of the pictures, and if you select the 'Shrink' ratio, THEN you can see the 'Matte'. It's kinda weird, from the center, Picture, Black Bars, then the Matte color. You can't change what the station is sending out.

....jc

[buellwinkle]

I have the LG 3510A with the DVD player and it works great. I'm selling it because I have 2 atsc tuners and only need one. The main reason I got this one is because I only had one HD component in on my TV so this allows me to have the DVD and ATSC tuner share one connection.

If anyone is interested, PM or email me.

[DTV TiVo Dealer]

Originally posted by TotallyPreWired

I did some testing yesterday regarding my Mits and it's integrated tuner and my new LSS-4200A. Disappointing. My Mits, using the same exact antenna, pulls in the signals better. Antennas, and getting them to pick up what you want, is a Black Art. Move the thing 5' one way, and everything gets better/worse. It all boils down to trial and error.

If you are looking at the 4200A, I suggest that you move! I only found 1 place that still had them. They stopped manufacturing them in about June!

....jc

I think you have your model # and information a little mixed up. The LG LST-4200A is a very new model and became available in September 2004. It is the latest technology and we have sold more than 300 in the last 2 months with unbelieved success. 100% of my customers absolutely love this HD STB and I agree. I have tested it throughly in our HD demo room/lab, with our antenna farm of 6 OTA antennas and many displays. The LST-4200A has the most sensitive and selective ATSC tuner on the market. It has the amazing ability to reject multi-path reflected signals.

I'm not sure if your talking about the LSS-3200A, which is a combo DIRECTV and ATSC tuner. That product was discontinued in July 2004 as DIRECTV has forced all manufacturers of DIRECTV STB's to cease building and distributing as DIRECTV is now controlling the set top box hardware manufacturing as well as the programming. I am sorry to say that I also don't agree with you on this one either as the LG LSS-3200A is the best DIRECTV HD STB ever made.

I don't doubt that your particular application gave you better results that the LG OTA performed and the only explanation could be one of two things; your LG STB is defective or as you said "it's black art" and some set ups require a little tweaking to get the best performance.

-Robert

[TotallyPreWired]

Originally posted by DTV TiVo Dealer
I think you have your model # and information a little mixed up.

Nope, I indicated an LSS-4200A, I didn't realize that the others were talking about the LST-4200A. What I indicated is my experience with it.

I bought it hoping that it would pick up some of the weak signals that are in Denver 53 miles away, that my Mits WS-65511 couldn't. The tuner in the Mits is superior. The LSS-4200A is a very nice unit, and I do like it, but that doesn't change the facts.

Perhaps, LG 'enhanced' the OTA circuitry in the LST-4200A. That would explain some things. I don't doubt your claims that the LSS-4200A was the best D* HD receiver ever made(My regional LG sales manager stated the same thing). That's why I bought it.

My reference to a 'black art' was a reference to antennas in general. There is not much someone can do to enhance the performance of a receiver other than the antenna.

....jc

[bobgcampbell]

Hi,

From what I have read, the LST-4200A implements the broadcast flag. This is a problem since my TV doesn't.

Will I only be able to see a down-resolution picture when the flag is turned on?

What OTA tuner should I get for best performance that does not implement the flag?

July 1st is coming quickly, and I don't want to get screwed.

Bob

[STEELERSRULE]

I'm not sure if there are any current STB'S that can be bought that don't implement the flag, any that are worth considering anyway(ones that are older and the reception/or picture is poor)

And since your TV doesn't have it, why not just use the component out instead of the DVI?

[bobgcampbell]

I thought that output to the "analog hole" would be displayed at the lower resolution, not just output to a non-HDCP digital connection.

Will the "analog hole" not be plugged? Will it be grandfathered in? Then why not grandfather in current DVI without HDCP?

Bob

[DTV TiVo Dealer]

Bob, As STEELERRULLER says and from what I understand, when watching a broadcast that has the copy protection flag attached, using the component video connection is the best solution for TV's that are not HDCP complainant.

jc, thanks for your update and as I said I do believe your Mits did a better job under the exact same conditions. However, I think it is possible that something may have been wrong with the LG STB or even more possible is that the signal may have possible been to strong for the very sensitive LG receiver and actually attenuating or a minor adjustment with the antenna may have corrected the problem and even given you superior results with the weaker signal that your Mits can't reliably receive.

I believe the LG model you are talking about is the LSS-3200A and yes you are correct, the LST-4200A has a improved ATSC tuner. However, the LSS-3200A (in it's class) is also the very best DIRECTV HD/ATSC OTA STB of all time.

The only reason I responded to your post is because I don't want anyone to think that the absolute best OTA/QAM STB is anything less than what it actually is.

-Robert

[flabingo]

I live in a golf course community and the neighbors suggest that the CC & R may not allow an outside antenna. I am told that there is a federal law that allows them to be installed. Could you point me in a direction. Thanks David

[bobgcampbell]

So, does component being the "best option" mean 1)SD or 2)HD resolution out the analog hole? Sorry for being slow, but I want to make sure I understand.

Bob

[kucharsk]

Originally posted by flabingo
I live in a golf course community and the neighbors suggest that the CC & R may not allow an outside antenna. I am told that there is a federal law that allows them to be installed. Could you point me in a direction. Thanks David Here you go... (http://www.fcc.gov/mb/facts/otard.html)

[TotallyPreWired]

Originally posted by DTV TiVo Dealer
jc, thanks for your update and as I said I do believe your Mits did a better job under the exact same conditions. However, I think it is possible that something may have been wrong with the LG STB or even more possible is that the signal may have possible been to strong for the very sensitive LG receiver and actually attenuating or a minor adjustment with the antenna may have corrected the problem and even given you superior results with the weaker signal that your Mits can't reliably receive.

My mistake, I do have an LSS-3200A.

Bob, you apparently, are so much in the world of 'Spin', that you won't(can't) accept the fact that my Mits receiver is doing what the LG receiver can't. I wish it wasn't true, after all I had hoped that the LG would get me a few stations that my Mits couldn't. Didn't happen. As far as signals being too strong, I'm 53 miles from the nearest Denver HD transmitter, and none of them is sending out more than 50% of their possible power. 90% of the people in Denver can't receive KMGH(channel 7 - ABC), but I can(Long story, see the Denver OTA topic). And, my LG does get that station, so it's not a case of 'minor adjustments' or 'strong signals'.

....jc

[DTV TiVo Dealer]

Bob, I am recommending HD through the component video output, which is also labeled Pr, Pb, Y and are RCA type connectors color coded Red/Green/Blue. Yes, component video is analog, but you should be happy with the pq.

Some broadcasts that are sent with the HDCP flag may down-res your signal and some may not. Not all of the dust has settled on exactly how broadcasters will use the copy protection scheme, especially when your are using the component output.

Other more technical members maybe able to provide more information. I left my TV broadcast engineering career in 1998, just as ATSC was introduced.

-Robert

[DTV TiVo Dealer]

jc, I only want forum members to know that unquestionably, the LG LSS-3200A and the LG LST-4200A are simply the very best STB's ever made.

[HiHoStevo]

Robert...........

So in your experience the LSS-3200A is superior to the new RCA DTC-210.. oops I guess I should have chatted with you more before I purchased one..

Oh well, not the first error I have ever made... what does the LG do better than the RCA??

Thanks,

Steve

(Oh by the way... the RCA showed up while we were out of town, but the neighbors picked it up for us)

[DTV TiVo Dealer]

Steve,

Better OTA receiver and a nicer front panel display. I did not send you one as they have not been available since July 2004.

-Robert

[Jagergeek]

I'm new to the HDTV scene...

Just picked up a Sony WEGA CRT and a one of those $198 OTA HD Tuners from Wal-Mart to "borrow" until I determine what I need.

The LG 4200A looks like the top choice for an OTA reciever right now.

But, I have a Series 1 Tivo that I would like to feed the 480i output into for the local channels.

Does anyone here know if that unit can/will control the LG properly for channel changes (via the infra-red emitters)....?

Thanks!

[thumperxr69]

Well I will chime in on the LG 4200A. I have had it for about 2 months and I love it. The surf feature is great and the tuner seems to be the best I have tried. Over the past 6 months I have "tested" 3 different HDTV receivers). This one is definitely the best.

T

[oryan_dunn]

Looks like Sylvania has an update to the SRZ3000/6900DTD.

The new one (model 6900DTE) looses the NTSC, but it gains a DVI connector, 720p support, Optical audio, and a Modular Antenna Control Connector: Smart Antenna Control (EIA/CEA909). Not quite sure what the modular antenna thing is about, and I'm not quite sure where you'd get one. If the price is right, it could be a nice box.

http://www.funai-corp.com/sylvania/img/products/to%20edit/6900DTE.jpg
http://www.sylvaniaconsumerelectronics.com/products/stb/stb.html

Ryan

EDIT: I've found some places on the internet that sell it, and the going price seems to be right around 300. Searching for the DTE model sometimes the dealers had the pic of the older dtd wtih specs that seemed to match. Not sure how to be sure you'd get the newer model. For the price though, I'd rather have the 4200A. If this sylvania box were 200 retail, then I'd say it would be a good buy.

[thegoldenhand]

Originally posted by STEELERSRULE
HDNET came via the CLEAR QAM tuner capabilities of the 3510A. The SRZ3000 does not tune in clear QAM(unscrambled digital cable if you will).

It(srz3000) can only tune either OTA digital/HD(ATSC), or OTA analog or cable analog(NTSC)

How do you use the CLEAR QAM capability of the 3510? Is there any special antenna you need to buy for this? When I do EZ scan, it finds some cable channels like ESPN, HGTV, USTV etc. But when I tune in to that channel it says no signal. I'm thinking it's scrambled or something. Please help. Thanks!

[LonnieG]

Why does LG still not have specs on the website for LST-4200A? Is it really that much better than the Samsung SIR-T451? I am considering going this route for OVA HDTV. I live on the southeast side of Indianapolis and would like to go with the attic antenna or indoor antenna route.

[oryan_dunn]

All of LG's Current lineup
http://us.lge.com/Product/prodlist.do?actCategory=tv&archivedYn=&actType=search&categoryId=0000000104&prodId=&parentId=0000000001&parent2levelId=0000000001&category_level=3

LST-4200A:
http://us.lge.com/Product/proddetail.do?actCategory=tv&archivedYn=&actType=search&categoryId=0000000104&prodId=1000000269&parentId=0000000001&parent2levelId=0000000001&category_level=3&totalItem=8&currentPage=1&perPage=10

These links will soon be added to the STB sticky thread.

[LonnieG]

Thanks. Thats what I get for looking at the "Global" LG site instead of the US one.

[buellwinkle]

Originally posted by flabingo
I live in a golf course community and the neighbors suggest that the CC & R may not allow an outside antenna. I am told that there is a federal law that allows them to be installed. Could you point me in a direction. Thanks David

I know the law favors antenas but their are exceptions. They could make you relocate the antena where it's less visible or paint it to match the house/roof/etc. They can prohibit it if you live in a condo where the outside of the property is common property. They absolutely can prohibit it if you rent (including co-ops).

[HiHoStevo]

CC&R's cannot "prohibit" you from or "interfere" with your ability to receive a signal. You may have to prove that the placement you have chosen is the only way you can receive the signal however.

That does not mean they will not threaten and bluster ... I saw this in my neighborhood that is "very" controlled..., but in the end they "cannot" keep you from receiving the signal...

I think in High Rise or multi-family units I believe they can avoid this if they provide an antenna and satellite access to the entire building.

[freeze]

I see the consensus is the best HDTV receiver is the LG LST-4200a. But I'm concerned about the 1 input for Antenna or Cable. I was looking at the Zenith HD-Sat520 because I could run my Comcast cable line and my antenna line and use the channel programmer to find stations on both OTA broadcasts and cable without using a A-B switch.

Has anyone used a ZENITH ZDS-5004 Digital Satellite Duplexer to combine or separate satellite (or OTA) and antenna signals into one signal. Its available at JR.com for $15.00.

Might solve my problem and let me use the LG LST-4200a for both feeds.

Any comments?

[jklaffen]

Does the LST-4200A have a fan? How quiet is the unit?
Thanks,
John K.

[jklaffen]

Does the LST-4200A have a fan? How quiet is the unit?
Thanks,
John K.

[keenan]

Not that I recall, it's dead quiet...

[DTV TiVo Dealer]

No fan on the LST-4200A.

-robert

[bruman]

4200A after trying the new samsung 451.......

4200A is a killer receiver! 451 didnt get as many channels (HD) as the 4200A. 4200A got them all.

not only that but the pic quality is better than my comcast motorola dct6200 box.

[HaloKnight]

How does the 4200 video output compare when using DVI versus component ?


Most reviews I've read seem to give a slight negative response to dvi versus component when compared side by side in most OTA STB's...

[DTV TiVo Dealer]

It mostly depends on the type of display you have and how the display is calibrated.

Fixed pixed digital displays, like DLP, LCD and Plasma might look slightly better with a DVI connection assuming the display is set up correctly.

Either way the LST-4200A delivers a terrific HD output.

-Robert

[arich]

Robert: it appears you still prefer the LG after reviewing that Humax unit. I thought you had a pretty favorable opinion of the Humax. Any further comment? Also, have you checked out the new Sylvania?

[DTV TiVo Dealer]

The Humax is a good ATSC tuner, but the LG LST-4200A is a terrific ATSC/NTSC and QAM STB and has more features.

I have not tested the Sylvania.

-Robert

[TotallyPreWired]

Robert,
I purchased an LSS-3200A receiver, which I had hoped would improve my reception. It did not. In fact the integrated tune in my Mits WS-65511 does a much better job of pulling in the stations than does the LG.

Since you are so high on the 4200A, would you be willing to send me a demo box to test? I will find a 3rd party to verify the test, and publish the results in this forum.

I live in a challenging mountain environment, and the Denver transmitters that I'm trying to receive are over 50 miles away, and they are broadcasting in low power.

We can figure out a method so that you don't think that I'm trying to rip you off.

....jc

[DTV TiVo Dealer]

jc,

I am sorry I can't lend you a demo LST-4200A as I do not have one to lend and I have done extensive testing at several locations and with more than 10 different antenna configurations. Also, thousands of very satisfied customers who have throughly used the LST-4200A and other ATSC STB's have already attested to it superiority.

The LSS-3200A and the LST-4200A share the same ATSC tuner. LST-4200A's have some different components to help eliminate multi-path, however, I'm not sure the little extra circuitry that the LST-4200A has would help in your application.

The best thing to help your ATSC reception is to improve your antenna system. Of course, elevation is the #1 key eliminate to reliable reception, very accurate pointing and a highly directional high gain antenna and pre-amp will give you the best results.

Sorry, I can not participate in a loaner, but I honestly don't think that upgrading your receiver is the best solution for you anyway.

-Robert

[keenan]

Originally posted by DTV TiVo Dealer

Also, thousands of very satisfied customers who have throughly used the LST-4200A and other ATSC STB's have already attested to it superiority.
-Robert

It is excellent, but when distance and/or terrain are excessive it wont help much at all. There really is no tuner that will solve those problems. It probably does well in an area with high multipath but that is generally much closer to the transmitters than being 50+miles away. As you've indicated, the best solution is to get the highest gain antenna available and put it as high as possible.

[TotallyPreWired]

Originally posted by DTV TiVo Dealer
The best thing to help your ATSC reception is to improve your antenna system. Of course, elevation is the #1 key eliminate to reliable reception, very accurate pointing and a highly directional high gain antenna and pre-amp will give you the best results.
My antenna situation is solid(177" Winegard, tower mounted, preamp, @8,900' with at least 20 miles of clear sky). And, I can pick up 1 station that 90% of the people in Denver can't. About the only thing that I could do to improve upon it, would be to utilize antenna stacking, and I'm not sure that it's worth the hassle, because, hopefully within the next decade Denver will go high power!

Robert, thanks for your response!

....jc

[DTV TiVo Dealer]

jc, great antenna configuration. If I understand correctly that you have a mountain blocking a direct line of site to the tower, you might want to try moving the antenna on the horizon to get reflected signals, which may work better than pointing directly toward the transmission tower.

I understand that this may sound silly, but please try it as I have seen this work very well in very similar situations.

It' my job to sell LST-4200As, but I still do not think that the LST-4200A will help you.

-Robert

[TotallyPreWired]

Originally posted by DTV TiVo Dealer
jc, great antenna configuration. If I understand correctly that you have a mountain blocking a direct line of site to the tower, you might want to try moving the antenna on the horizon to get reflected signals, which may work better than pointing directly toward the transmission tower.
Thanks for the info, but climbing the tower and moving the antenna, is a major hassle. And, if there are path obstructions, they are at least 20 miles out. I pick up a Cheyenne station that is 147 miles out, solid, and the Denver station that everybody is having problems with is about 53 miles out, and it's currently broadcasting at 1.91 kw! So, I must have LOS to it, otherwise I can't explain why I get it.

I may opt for 'plan 2', 'moving' to Denver so I can get future HD LIL.

Thanks,
....jc

[oryan_dunn]

Question: what does LIL stand for?

[keenan]

Originally posted by oryan_dunn
Question: what does LIL stand for?

Local in Local, usually associated with satcos providing local channels to the local area the stations broadcast in.

[keenan]

Originally posted by TotallyPreWired
My antenna situation is solid(177" Winegard, tower mounted, preamp, @8,900' with at least 20 miles of clear sky). And, I can pick up 1 station that 90% of the people in Denver can't. About the only thing that I could do to improve upon it, would be to utilize antenna stacking, and I'm not sure that it's worth the hassle, because, hopefully within the next decade Denver will go high power!

Robert, thanks for your response!

....jc

Do you have a rotor on that antenna? If not, you may want to give that a try, in fact I can't recommend it strongly enough, a rotor is a must have, especially in your situation. Just turning the antenna a few degrees one way or the other can make a huge difference in getting a signal.

[DTV TiVo Dealer]

Originally posted by keenan
Do you have a rotor on that antenna? If not, you may want to give that a try, in fact I can't recommend it strongly enough, a rotor is a must have, especially in your situation. Just turning the antenna a few degrees one way or the other can make a huge difference in getting a signal.

jc, this is excellent advise, just in case you don't really want to move to Denver.

-Robert

[TotallyPreWired]

Originally posted by keenan
Do you have a rotor on that antenna? If not, you may want to give that a try, in fact I can't recommend it strongly enough, a rotor is a must have, especially in your situation. Just turning the antenna a few degrees one way or the other can make a huge difference in getting a signal.
No, and I am hoping to avoid 1. Right now they are broadcasting from multiple locations, but the plan is to broadcast from 1 tower, which is on the same mountain as the other towers(that I want to receive). So, whenever the lawsuits are done, everything that I want to receive will be in the same area. And, at 53 miles, it isn't going to make much difference. And, again, my main problem is the low power broadcasts. Once they go to full power, I think that I'll be fine.

And, 'Moving to Denver', is just for my receiver(as far as D* knows), I'll still be right here. But, If the situation in Denver continues, I'm not going to go another football season w/o Fox!
....jc

[keenan]

Originally posted by TotallyPreWired
No, and I am hoping to avoid 1. Right now they are broadcasting from multiple locations, but the plan is to broadcast from 1 tower, which is on the same mountain as the other towers(that I want to receive). So, whenever the lawsuits are done, everything that I want to receive will be in the same area. And, at 53 miles, it isn't going to make much difference. And, again, my main problem is the low power broadcasts. Once they go to full power, I think that I'll be fine.

And, 'Moving to Denver', is just for my receiver(as far as D* knows), I'll still be right here. But, If the situation in Denver continues, I'm not going to go another football season w/o Fox!
....jc

I think you are making a mistake by not at least trying, even with all the signals coming from one tower that doesn't guarantee you will get all of them by leaving the antenna in one spot. OTA signals of different frequencies propagate differently. Here in the SF area, where 90% of the signals come from Sutro Tower, a rotor is SOP. Seriously, I can tell you from experience that moving the antenna a few degrees one way or the other is the difference in getting a signal or not

[bruman]

why i like cable HD and my LG-LST4200A :)

[TotallyPreWired]

Originally posted by keenan
I think you are making a mistake by not at least trying, even with all the signals coming from one tower that doesn't guarantee you will get all of them by leaving the antenna in one spot. OTA signals of different frequencies propagate differently. Here in the SF area, where 90% of the signals come from Sutro Tower, a rotor is SOP. Seriously, I can tell you from experience that moving the antenna a few degrees one way or the other is the difference in getting a signal or not
I don't discount what you are saying. But there are 2 things going on:
1. My video system was designed for fixed antennas(like a cable headend). Now, if I start moving the antenna around, what happens to viewers watching other channels?
2. There are some people spending tons of time & money trying to pick up these temporary low power signals. I'm not going to play the game, until everything in Denver is static(stations are broadcasting from at least 3 locations in town). Once everybody is broadcasting high power, I'll access the situation then.
....jc

[cpcat]

Originally posted by TotallyPreWired
My antenna situation is solid(177" Winegard, tower mounted, preamp, @8,900' with at least 20 miles of clear sky). And, I can pick up 1 station that 90% of the people in Denver can't. About the only thing that I could do to improve upon it, would be to utilize antenna stacking, and I'm not sure that it's worth the hassle, because, hopefully within the next decade Denver will go high power!

Robert, thanks for your response!

....jc

If you're willing to give up your VHF analogs or even separate the antennas and use the combo for VHF only, a CM 4228 will outperform the UHF section on the Winegard combo as will an Antennasdirect xg91. The 4228 will do slightly better than the xg91 below channel 40 while the xg91 will have the edge above 40. Both should be better than the combo throughout the uhf range.

I have a Winegard 8200p (and had a 4228) and can attest to this. You can also look at sregener's review of the xg91 and comparisons to the 8200p at http://www.geocities.com/Figbert/antennasdirect91xg.html

Whether the improvement will be enough to get you stable reception on all the digitals only trying will tell, though.

As far as stacking goes:

[keenan]

Originally posted by TotallyPreWired
I don't discount what you are saying. But there are 2 things going on:
1. My video system was designed for fixed antennas(like a cable headend). Now, if I start moving the antenna around, what happens to viewers watching other channels?

....jc

Well, yes, that would be a problem, I didn't know you were supplying multiple viewers.

[keenan]

Originally posted by cpcat


As far as stacking goes:

This is a nice setup. I have seen this setup with an additional rotor mounted sideways to change the elevation angle up and down. Acts sort of like a turret gun..:p

[TotallyPreWired]

Originally posted by cpcat
If you're willing to give up your VHF analogs or even separate the antennas and use the combo for VHF only, a CM 4228 will outperform the UHF section on the Winegard combo as will an Antennasdirect xg91. The 4228 will do slightly better than the xg91 below channel 40 while the xg91 will have the edge above 40. Both should be better than the combo throughout the uhf range.
cp, Thanks for the info. If I were a betting man, I would bet that at least 1 of the Denver stations will revert to their current analog frequency, once that NTSC broadcasting ends. So, until I see the final act of this ugly play, I'm gona stick with the combo.
I'm also in my 6 month sabbatical until football starts again, so I'm not going to get nervous about Fox until July!
....jc

[cpcat]

Originally posted by keenan
This is a nice setup. I have seen this setup with an additional rotor mounted sideways to change the elevation angle up and down. Acts sort of like a turret gun..:p

Boom..Boom..Boom. Nice mental image there.:)

[cpcat]

Originally posted by TotallyPreWired
cp, Thanks for the info. If I were a betting man, I would bet that at least 1 of the Denver stations will revert to their current analog frequency, once that NTSC broadcasting ends. So, until I see the final act of this ugly play, I'm gona stick with the combo.
I'm also in my 6 month sabbatical until football starts again, so I'm not going to get nervous about Fox until July!
....jc

The top 100 DMA's are supposed to have their digitals at full power for the "big 4" i.e. ABC,NBC, CBS,FOX by July so you should probably be o.k.
Also, many of the results of the channel elections are in. Go to http://www.tvradioworld.com/region1/co/tv_information.asp?m=den
click on "Complete FCC info" for the analog, then go to "application list" and click on the application "FRECT" for the channel selection.

[TotallyPreWired]

Originally posted by cpcat
The top 100 DMA's are supposed to have their digitals at full power for the "big 4" i.e. ABC,NBC, CBS,FOX by July so you should probably be o.k.
Ah, but you know not of the saga in Denver! The OTA topic is now in it's 3rd part(that many posts).
It's at: Denver OTA Part III (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?threadid=28456)

There's no doubt in my mind that D* will have Denver HD LIL long before full power hits the air in Denver.
....jc

[TotallyPreWired]

Originally posted by cpcat
Also, many of the results of the channel elections are in. Go to http://www.tvradioworld.com/region1/co/tv_information.asp?m=den
click on "Complete FCC info" for the analog, then go to "application list" and click on the application "FRECT" for the channel selection.
Cool, thanks for the pointer! I knew about the site, I just didn't know about this info.
There were a couple, that apparently didn't get filed, but 2 channels 7 & 9 are going to go back to VHF. The UHF/VHF big guy stays.
....jc

[cpcat]

Originally posted by TotallyPreWired
Cool, thanks for the pointer! I knew about the site, I just didn't know about this info.
There were a couple, that apparently didn't get filed, but 2 channels 7 & 9 are going to go back to VHF. The UHF/VHF big guy stays.
....jc

If you noticed in the pic I posted, that antenna on the bottom is an Antennacraft Y10 7-13.... just a thought. If you won't need low band, the sizes of your antennas can go way down if separate and still be high perfoming (and your combined performance on vhf and uhf can even be better overall).

Unfortunately for me, I now have a new digital on 4 (which will stay on 4) and another which has elected to return to 5 eventually so it looks like low band will have to be a consideration.

[keenan]

cpcat, that is a great site you listed above, thanks..

[darksaint]

whats the difference between my samsung t451 and this one LG LST4200A i get around 15 channels with my samsung am i going to get more with the
LG LST4200A

[bruman]

the LG is a better tuner.

I know when i tried the samsung I only got 3 HD channels over cable. are you talking cable ?

[darksaint]

yes cable and i only get 5 hd

[bruman]

maybe I got a defective samsung 451. the remote also wouldnt work very well.

5HD your doing good! thats all you will get. cant get scrambled HD channels. I know the samsung I tried only got 3 of the 5. picture quality on the LG is way better than the samsung too.

[kwill]

Totallyprewired,

you mentioned earlier in the thread about changing the "matte" color from gray to black, under the preferences setting of the LG4200A. I searched the manual and can't find the preferences or matte settings. Can you tell me where to adjust this setting?

[TotallyPreWired]

Originally posted by kwill
Totallyprewired,
you mentioned earlier in the thread about changing the "matte" color from gray to black, under the preferences setting of the LG4200A. I searched the manual and can't find the preferences or matte settings. Can you tell me where to adjust this setting?
Kwill,
I had confused the 4200A & the 3200A, so I'm not sure that the 4200A has the capability. But It probably does.

Try bringing up the Menu.
Under Preference, select Advanced.
Under Advanced, I've got got an option called Matte Color.

That is what needs to be changed.

....jc

[kwill]

thanks,

I will look for it when I get home- those gray bars sure are annoying.

[bruman]

very cool info....thanks guys.

how was this found out ?

[MacHound]

Originally posted by bruman
very cool info....thanks guys.

how was this found out ?

I take this as confirmation you got the grey bars to go away. Do they stay gone?

[bruman]

actually my 4200A does not have this option. nor do I have grey bars but thought it was interesting when I read this. what model does have this ? the 3510 ?

[TotallyPreWired]

Originally posted by bruman
actually my 4200A does not have this option. nor do I have grey bars but thought it was interesting when I read this. what model does have this ? the 3510 ?
The D*, now discontinued, LSS-3200A.
....jc

[MacHound]

Here is an issue I don't recall being discussed previously about the LST-4200A. Reading from the Owner's Manual, p. 49:

You can also receive the analog and digital over-the-air broadcasts, with the benefit of the Advanced Program Guide™ which is an integrated electronic program guide. The Advanced Program Guide™ provides program listings and information on analog and digital channels from over-the-air local stations as well as DIRECTV channels. You can easily navigate and tune to hundreds of channels from various signal sources with the Advanced Program Guide™.

If you don’t subscribe to DIRECTV® programming, however, the function of the DIRECTV HD Receiver will be limited to receiving signals only from ANT and/or CABLE. You can still enjoy HD services provided by over-the-air digital broadcast along with the conventional analog broadcast. Without the DIRECTV service, however, no electronic program guide is available.

So, no program guide unless you subscribe to DirectTV. It doesn't show PSIP information. That's definitely worth knowing before spending hundreds of dollars. I suppose there's a reason this box is called a "DIRECTV® HD Receiver." This is a disadvantage, but maybe it's tolerable given the other positive aspects of this box.

[Ken H]

Originally posted by MacHound
Here is an issue I don't recall being discussed previously about the LST-4200A. Reading from the Owner's Manual, p. 49:



So, no program guide unless you subscribe to DirectTV. It doesn't show PSIP information. That's definitely worth knowing before spending hundreds of dollars. I suppose there's a reason this box is called a "DIRECTVŽ HD Receiver." This is a disadvantage, but maybe it's tolerable given the other positive aspects of this box. It's an old issue. The first DirecTV HD STB was only PSIP enabled for local HD, which until last month didn't really work. DirecTV found a way to use the existing SD guide info for the local HD channels, and PSIP became a moot point.

[TotallyPreWired]

Originally posted by Ken H
...DirecTV found a way to use the existing SD guide info for the local HD channels, and PSIP became a moot point.
Moot, until you can receive a distant channel instead of a local channel!:p I can't receive channel 5 KOAA in C/S, but I can receive channel 5 KGWN in Cheyenne. My receiver(3200A) incorrectly indicates that it's KOAA.
....jc

[DTV TiVo Dealer]

Originally posted by MacHound
Here is an issue I don't recall being discussed previously about the LST-4200A. Reading from the Owner's Manual, p. 49:



So, no program guide unless you subscribe to DirectTV. It doesn't show PSIP information. That's definitely worth knowing before spending hundreds of dollars. I suppose there's a reason this box is called a "DIRECTV® HD Receiver." This is a disadvantage, but maybe it's tolerable given the other positive aspects of this box.

The quote of the LG manual you listed is from LG's DIRECTV LSS-3200A STB and not LG's OTA/Cable box model LST-4200A.

-Robert

[MacHound]

Originally posted by DTV TiVo Dealer
The quote of the LG manual you listed is from LG's DIRECTV LSS-3200A STB and not LG's OTA/Cable box model LST-4200A.

Indeed! It was careless of me not to notice I had downloaded the wrong manual. Sorry if I spread any misinformation here. The LST-4200A does appear to obtain local PSIP information for its Program Guide.

[iggymama]

I returned the LST-3510A to Best Buy (an open box) and bought the LST-4200 online because the 3510 didn't give me all the cable channels, and you can't delete sub-channels. Now that I have the good tuner of the 4200, I have discovered another problem that the 3510 did not exibit. When you set the DVI output to 720p or higher resolution, the SVideo and Video outputs automatically crop the picture. The 3510 had a default of squeezed on the SVideo output, so when I record on my Panny DVR, I can get a full widescreen image when I set my Sammy DLP to 16:9. But with the 4200, the 420i image is always cropped, so you lose the left and right sides of the image, which SUCKS!

LG would not admit that there is any adjustment, or service menu, and said they behave differently because they are different units. I don't understand why the default ratios for the 420i outputs would be different between the 4200 and the 3510, when the menus are so similar.

There is no way to set the ratio for the S Video output independently from the Component or DVI outputs. My only solution is to leave it set for 420p all the time, unless I know I won't be recording anything. This kind of defeats the purpose of an HD tuner!!!

I only have a few days to decide whether I want to get an R/A and pay for shipping both ways to replace the unit (almost $40), since LG won't admit it is a defect. Neither LG nor the online retailer have stb's that they can hook up and test.

If someone who owns a 4200 will please set their resolution to 720p and look at the picture coming out of the S Video or Video cables when a HD channel is broadcasting in widescreen, and tell me if the image is cropped, squeezed or letterboxed, I would REALLY appreciate it!

[oryan_dunn]

I have a 4200 hooked up to both my pc via S-Video and my HDTV via component. With this setup, the HD is full widescreen, but the S-Video is cropped for 4:3. Kinda sucks cuz i was using my old sylvania with simultanious outs to record shows in widescreen.

[iggymama]

I guess they really did design the LST-4200 to crop the SVideo output by default. Not good. :mad: Funny no one in the forums mentioned it. I wonder if anyone has figured out a workaround (aside from setting the resolution on the front panel to 480 and setting it to squeezed).

I'm going to buy another LST-3510 from Best Buy and test it out. If it crops the SVideo output, then I can only assume the previous owner of the original open box 3510 (that I returned) figured out how to get it to squeeze the SVideo output when the resolution on the front panel is set to 720p.

Does anyone out there in forum-land know of a hidden service menu on the LG stb's?:confused:

[TotallyPreWired]

Originally posted by iggymama
Does anyone out there in forum-land know of a hidden service menu on the LG stb's?:confused:
I've got an LG LSS-3200A, different beast, but the options may be similar. According to the manual, you have different output options depending on what your output format is.

So, try this:
Menu -> Preference -> Tv Aspect Ratio


You may find something that works for you.

....jc

[iggymama]

You change the aspect ratio in 480p/i to squeezed, then go back to 720p or 1080i and the SVideo output reverts back to cropped. That unit has a different menu system.

[iggymama]

Well, I hooked up the new 3510 (much newer serial number), and I am getting exactly the same ratio options, OSD and captions thru the SVideo output that I do with the DVI & component output, regardless of resolution! I can see the OSD (menus, ratios, etc) and closed captioning thru SVideo at all resolution settings. I really like these options. I can set options in the menu, delete channels, and see the ratios and channel labels thru my DVR (SVideo).

Neither of these nice features appliy to the 4200. Now, why did LG take that away from the 4200?

Regardless of what resolution I am in on the 3510, I get the same ratio options thru SVideo. At 480i/p, I get letterboxed, squeezed and cropped. At 720p and 1080i, I get wide, normal, zoom 1 & 2, and horizon. Nice! But the qam cable tuner sucks just the same as the first 3510. I only pick up 37 channels thru the cable, including music channels.

The manual for the 4200 says you get TEMPORARY aspect ratios in 720p/1080i of standard, expand and shrink when viewing HD content, and normal, wide, horizon, zoom and cinema when viewing SD content, which I verified. But the SVideo output ratio does not change when I hit the ratio button unless I set the resolution to 480i/p. I only see the OSD and closed captions in 480i, with really BIG letters! 720p and 1080i OSD and CC have much smaller fonts.

I want a hybrid between these boxes!!! The 4200 tuner, but with the SVideo output setup of the 3510. Waaaaa!!!!

Does anyone out there have a 4200 that can verify this behaviour (no change in ratio on the TV when hitting the ratio button, and no visible menu or other OSD information thru SVideo or Video, unless the resolution is set to 480i)???

[navychop]

I want to thank the posters in this thread. I was considering buying the LST-4200A or the USDTV from Wal-Mart. I will probably buy the LST-4200A now. I see prices of $250-$300 for this unit. Wally World wants $200 for their unit (no digital output). I also considered the HD DVR version of the LST-4200A but that's more like $700 & probably not worth it.

This unit will be connected to a 36" direct view CRT (NTSC). Any last minute suggestions?

[elocs]

As a soon to be ex-Voomer by choice and now by necessity I had been looking for a good ota receiver and somebody recommended the LG 4200A and after reading this thread it seems to be an excellent choice. I have 2 ota antennas--a Square Shooter that Voom put up which gets all my ota stations except NBC, which is in the opposite direction and about 58 miles away. I also have a Channel Master 4228 that I put up myself today and immediately got the NBC station, the one that the Voom installer said I would not get as he tried to talk me into going with Dish to get my hd locals. Would using an a/b switch on the single input work using 2 ota antennas like it would when using ota and cable?

[iggymama]

I haven't tried two antenna inputs, but I think you just use Channel Add when you switch. I would recommend shelling out the $30 on Radio Shack's remote controlled AB switch. I have mine programmed into my Harmony 676 remote. Now all I need is that discrete code for changing resolutions on the 4200... (?) That would be sweet!

I only got 37 channels, with Adelphia Van Nuys, with the 3510a, using IRC. Most of the were either music or junk channels. All I got that I care about are IFC, Bravo, Speed, and (somewhat) Discovery Home & Times, Nat Geog, TCM, Science, Outdoor, History, ESPN, and stuff I don't care about like VHI country, Military, Fox Soccer, BBC, and Toon Disney.

Now, I think I get all the non-premium channels on the 4200, although I haven't had time to map them out, but none of them are in HD! It's nice to have an extra cable box for the digital channels, like Bravo, Discovery Health, Sundance, and IFC, but I don't understand why channels 2-13 and PBS are not even in HD! They are maybe slightly sharper then the Adelphica box, but not HD.

Is anyone else with ADELPHIA getting HD from the cable input?

[navychop]

I just bought the LG LST-4200A from Value Electronics, a forum sponsor. See the boxes at the top of this page. They're knocking a few bucks off for AVS members who order. Not sure how long that will last. I should get it next week, with their normal shipping. I'm hoping this STB will pull in Baltimore stations, which is a dicey proposition with my ATI HDTV Wonder.

Perhaps I am over reacting, but here's how I see it. The LST-4200A is, by all accounts, an excellent ATSC tuner equipped STB, maybe the best, outside of the "mostly unavailable" fifth generation tuner. The only STB available now with the fifth gen tuner is the USDTV at Wal Mart, and it does not have digital out or certain other features. LG has stopped making the LST-4200A and has exited the STB business. This model is not likely to be available much longer, and there is no follow on LG STB. All manufacturers are in a holding pattern, waiting for the broadcast flag matter to be settled in the courts. Can't sell "flagged" boxes if the requirement goes away- makes the units too pricey. Does the LST-4200A have the broadcast flag software?

I have read in these forums that in 2006 it seems many manufacturers will produce only TVs with ATSC tuners, phasing out the no tuner monitor models. The STB market is not large today, and many have sold for $500 or more, limiting their appeal. When the dust settles, and STBs begin to sell in large numbers for the existing analog NTSC only TVs, the market will belong to the cheapest STB. The fifth generation tuner chip set is not likely to be in the cheapest STBs. So there may be a gap in time between this model and the mass market developing, when few models are around. Those that are may be pricey and not as good as the LST-4200A. I've read of no serious complaints with the LST-4200A, but it seems all the other STBs have a litany of problems: PSIP, sensitivity, etc.

So I view it as about a two month window to buy, followed by a year or two of reduced choices.

This tuner will work today with a fairly good NTSC TV that is about to become our "secondary" TV, since our new HDTV is about to be delivered. Later, I may move it to work with a large LCD computer monitor. I'll have a known good STB that I can use now and will still be usable after the transition, extending the number of years I can get out of what was a relatively expensive NTSC TV. Not widescreen, but at 36" letterboxing is not bad. I'm ahead of the curve, for once.

[cjv123]

quick ? about audio: does that LG tuner have optical audio out?

[DTV TiVo Dealer]

Originally posted by cjv123
quick ? about audio: does that LG tuner have optical audio out?

Yes,

-Robert

VE Advanced Digital Technologies Dealer

[ericlhyman]

Is the LG 4200 type 4th gen tuner used in any integrated HDTVs from manufacturers other than LG? How much improvement will the 5th gen LG tuner in their upcoming LCOS set offer compared to their 4th gen tuner?

[iggymama]

Hey, if anyone is interested, I got the Pronto Codes for the LG HDTV Tuners! I verified that 720p, 1080i and 480i resolution discretes work for the Harmony remote with an LG LST-4200a. NICE!

POWER ON
0000 006d 0022 0002 0157 00ab 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 05f3 0156 0055 0016 0e4d

POWER OFF
0000 006d 0022 0002 0157 00ab 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 05f3 0156 0055 0016 0e4d

SYSTEM OFF
0000 006d 0022 0002 0157 00ab 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 05f3 0156 0055 0016 0e4d

VARIABLE 1
0000 006d 0022 0002 0157 00ab 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 05f3 0156 0055 0016 0e4d

VARIABLE 2
0000 006d 0022 0002 0157 00ab 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 05f3 0156 0055 0016 0e4d

VARIABLE 3
0000 006d 0022 0002 0157 00ab 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 05f3 0156 0055 0016 0e4d

NATIVE
0000 006d 0022 0002 0157 00ab 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 05f3 0156 0055 0016 0e4d

1080i
0000 006d 0022 0002 0157 00ab 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 05f3 0156 0055 0016 0e4d

720p
0000 006d 0022 0002 0157 00ab 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 05f3 0156 0055 0016 0e4d

480p
0000 006d 0022 0002 0157 00ab 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 05f3 0156 0055 0016 0e4d

480i
0000 006d 0022 0002 0157 00ab 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 05f3 0156 0055 0016 0e4d

YPbPr
0000 006d 0022 0002 0157 00ab 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 05f3 0156 0055 0016 0e4d

VIDEO
0000 006d 0022 0002 0157 00ab 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 05f3 0156 0055 0016 0e4d

DVI
0000 006d 0022 0002 0157 00ab 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 05f3 0156 0055 0016 0e4d

RGB
0000 006d 0022 0002 0157 00ab 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 003f 0016 0015 0016 0015 0016 05f3 0156 0055 0016 0e4d

Enjoy!

[iggymama]

Duplicate post removed.

[NS324]

Thanks iggymama!

I don't have have either of these remotes, but this information certainly entices me to go out and get one. I'm using 3 LG HDTV tuners; this would really help.

[pretzelkid]

I have the 4200 and the 3410 and unfortunately those discrete codes operate both those boxes equally well. The codes are nice for macro's and such but not for individually operating one LG box over another. :)

[NS324]

You are right pretzelkid. The Zenith HDR230 would also be affected. I usually have my boxes in different rooms. Occasionally, I bring one to a room where I have another. It is such a pain to make sure that only one device is being controlled.

[iggymama]

I had the same problem with my Panny DVD player remote controlling my DMRE85H DVR, so I changed the remote control code in the DVR's Setup menu. I doubt LG's HD tuners are that smart.

[MacHound]

Thanks for posting the codes. I don't have a Pronto remote. Is it worth the $$$ to get one of these, versus all the other learning remotes out there? (Sorry to start a side topic.)

Returning to the main topic of this thread... I liked my LG 4200a so much I just ordered a second one. I hooked my 4200a up to a cheapo 17 inch LCD screen the other evening via the 4200's RGB port and the picture quality was phenomenal compared to other sub-$1000 LCD TVs, especially at 1080i. That output setting gives more flexibility for stretching or squeezing the picture to fit the screen. Obviously, the PQ is better on my 42 inch Fujitsu plasma. Still, for a kitchen counter TV this combination of 4200a + LCD display is more than acceptable.

Thanks, Robert, for making my two purchases with ValueElectronics a great experience!

[iggymama]

I have a harmony remote, but it can take Pronto codes.

[MacHound]

Wow! Those Harmony remotes are pretty slick. One of them might just slide its way into my shopping cart.

[elocs]

I got my LG LST 4200A a couple of days ago from Value Electronics and it is working great. It does have one big honking remote, most of which was no good for me.
Those Pronto and Harmony remotes are nice, but for $16 I picked up a Phillips Magnavox learning remote that took the place of my tv remote, my 4200A remote, my dvd recorder remote, as well as the A/B switch I use for the antennas to the 4200A. It is small and light and does what I need it to do.

[thepd7]

I just picked up a 5 week used LG 4200a for $190 plus a little shipping. I decided to go with this rather than the ~$100 US Digital ones (some go for that) becuase of the posts I have seen around here. My question is, I have comcast cable but not the HD box or anything. From what I understand the QAM tuner on this bad boy will find unencrypted HD signals. Does anyone know if it is likely that fox and the other majors will be unencrypted over cable? I just want to know if I need to find a good antenna or not. Also the guy is throwing in a OneForAll remote, know anything about this company? He said it is one of the remotes with the modems or something of that sort.

[STEELERSRULE]

Originally posted by thepd7
I just picked up a 5 week used LG 4200a for $190 plus a little shipping. I decided to go with this rather than the ~$100 US Digital ones (some go for that) becuase of the posts I have seen around here. My question is, I have comcast cable but not the HD box or anything. From what I understand the QAM tuner on this bad boy will find unencrypted HD signals. Does anyone know if it is likely that fox and the other majors will be unencrypted over cable? I just want to know if I need to find a good antenna or not. Also the guy is throwing in a OneForAll remote, know anything about this company? He said it is one of the remotes with the modems or something of that sort.

thepd,

A good way to find out is to go into the Local Hdtv forum, and ask people who live in your area.

There is a thread in there where they are listed in an index, so finding one for Dallas, TX will be NO Problem(you may even find one designated for Comcast customers located in your specific area of Dallas, TX.)

Ask if anyone is using a QAM tuner(that they bought) in your area for Comcast, and see what the results were. You can also ask what type of antenna type they use, and which would be best for you based on location, topography, etc...

With regards to MOST(not all) all cable co., they tend to UNENCRYPT their local channels that are Digital/HD, but encrypt everything else. So there is a good chance your locals will come in the clear.

But not always. Out where I am in NW Pennsylvania, Adelphia Cable has NO AGREEMENT with the Sinclair group which owns the local FOX TV station out here for their digital/HD signal(and I think they also own the local WB, and UPN station as well, but not sure because they do not carry any of these channels). So therefore I am SOL from getting FOX/WB/UPN through clear qam(which would be great). They carry the local stations from the Burgh which consist of ABC/NBC/CBS/PBS.

I receive the FOX(this is most important during football and baseball season for me) via an indoor antenna(a little crappy RCA amplified indoor job) and other locals(from OH). The FOX station is 50 miles away, and I can get it with an indoor antenna connected to the LST-4200A(which shows me it has a strong tuner in it).

But check in the local ota hdtv forum and look for the Dallas, TX link(and possible Comcast link under the Dallas,TX heading). You will find a ton of info there which should help you, and ask your specific questions to the needs you want met.

It should help.

[thepd7]

Thanks steelers, I actually found that thread a few minutes after I posted here. Its about 40 pages so I haven't gone through them all yet but even if I don't find the answer soon I will find out when I get my 4200. Thanks,
David

[plumeria]

> as well as the A/B switch I use for the antennas to the 4200A.
>
I have just put in an external antenna, since I could no longer live with the 4200a being unable to tune in PBS after 8pm.

Have you found an easy way to switch between cable and tv inputs on the 4200a? I have a remote A/B box so the 4200A has a single input which is sometimes from the antenna and sometimes from the cable.

The only way I cfound was by pressing about 9 menu/navigation buttons - going in to EZ Scan and pretending I wanted to do a scan, then switching from TV to Cable or vice versa and then cancelling the scan.

thanks

Peter

[iggymama]

Switch your A/B first. Go to EZ Scan, Select the signal source (TV/DTV or CATV/CADTV).
When the menu asks, “Do you really want to re-scan Antenna/Cable Channels?”. Select “No”, then press (SELECT).

It's about 8 button presses. There is no shortcut that I know of.

[plumeria]

Yeah - that's such a pain.. You'd think LG woudld have come up with an easier way, or even better still, two inputs.

I plan to buy a MX-700 remote control with macros so I can program this in a single button click.

Thanks for the reply,

Peter
p.s. posted as a separate thread to attract more interest rather than burying down here ;-)

[iggymama]

Hmm, I wonder if you can do that with a Harmony Remote?

[plumeria]

I don't see why not, if it can do macros... and either you know the codes, or teach them to the remote one-by-one via some kind of "learn" functionality.

Peter

[iggymama]

It doesn't really do macros, you have to input the commands quickly and hope it picked up each button press. Hit & miss.

[plumeria]

If it has a learning capability then you can map the LG 4200a navigation commands to numbers, so to move from TV to cable you inout a series of numbers like 56622055 (where "5" means the menu button, "6" is navigate right, "2" is navigate down, "0" is enter etc..)

peter

[mingus]

I just returned my USDTV box and recieved my new LST-4200A tonight. So far i think the picture on the USDTV box was better. Could be that the picture is just sharper with the LG box. I use an 42" CRT RPTV. At first I was able to get several different stretch modes including a "horizon" mode that seemed worth using to save my TV, now I can only get 3 ratios, with no Horizon mode. Info on all my SD digital channels shows 1080i or 720p. I deleted all the analog channels, since i get everything digital here.

When they say "Output Format" in the manual, do they mean out of the back of the box, or the broadcast signal? I do not see any setting in the box for output or TV aspect either.

All in all, the USD TV box was better. if only the digital out would of worked..

[oryan_dunn]

The output resolution determines the aspect options available to a certain picture. If the output is set to 1080i or 720p, only 3 options will be available for 16:9 content, while there are something like 7 for 4:3 content. If you have 480p or 480i, then there will be different options for 16:9 content. Make sure the box is in 1080i mode via the Display Format button on the front panel. If your set can handel it, make sure you have native selected, otherwise, use strickly 1080i or 720p. With either of these two options, you will have the horizon option for 4:3 content.

[mingus]

Originally posted by oryan_dunn
The output resolution determines the aspect options available to a certain picture. If the output is set to 1080i or 720p, only 3 options will be available for 16:9 content, while there are something like 7 for 4:3 content. If you have 480p or 480i, then there will be different options for 16:9 content. Make sure the box is in 1080i mode via the Display Format button on the front panel. If your set can handel it, make sure you have native selected, otherwise, use strickly 1080i or 720p. With either of these two options, you will have the horizon option for 4:3 content.

My box has never moved from 1080i on any channel. The display Format button gives me: DVI --> RGB or ----> YPBPR only. When I use the select button the only option is 1080i. I see no other options anywhere. I'm using the component output right now, tried DVI same thing. Thanks for any help on this.I do not see any Native option either.

Update: I called LG, they said I needed to hook up the ANT input even tho i wasn't using that input. I also added one analog channel to my list. Now I can get 3 or 4 channels to go Horizon mode. CBS, ABC and some other local channels here in LA will not give me Horizon mode. They all say 1080i 16:9 in the Info window.

To bad the box will not remember to leave the channels I want in Horizon mode. I thought it might have some sort of memory.

[STEELERSRULE]

Originally posted by mingus
My box has never moved from 1080i on any channel. The display Format button gives me: DVI --> RGB or ----> YPBPR only. When I use the select button the only option is 1080i. I see no other options anywhere. I'm using the component output right now, tried DVI same thing. Thanks for any help on this.I do not see any Native option either.


It should have a native mode. If it doesn't, something is wrong.

On the front panel, after selecting the connection which to output a signal(DVI, RGB, YpbPr), it should switch to resolution output.

Using the left-right arrow keys on the front panel, you should get choices of:
480i/p
1080i
720p
variable 1
variable 2
variable 3
native

If you can, select native and the resolution that particular channel is outputting and it will output at that level, whatever that may be(480i/p for digital, 1080i/720p for HD)

The only thing that is a bit of a pain is what the native resolutions are on your tv. You might want to choose one of the variables to output everything to the native resolution of your tv, so it doesn't have to convert the picture through the tv(the box does it for you).

[mingus]

Originally posted by STEELERSRULE
It should have a native mode. If it doesn't, something is wrong.

On the front panel, after selecting the connection which to output a signal(DVI, RGB, YpbPr), it should switch to resolution output.

Using the left-right arrow keys on the front panel, you should get choices of:
480i/p
1080i
720p
variable 1
variable 2
variable 3
native

If you can, select native and the resolution that particular channel is outputting and it will output at that level, whatever that may be(480i/p for digital, 1080i/720p for HD)

The only thing that is a bit of a pain is what the native resolutions are on your tv. You might want to choose one of the variables to output everything to the native resolution of your tv, so it doesn't have to convert the picture through the tv(the box does it for you).

Funny I called LG twice and they never gave me a clue to using the left/right to select modes. Will try Variable later - I need to get out the door. Would be nice if the box could remember different setttings for a particular channel.

Thanks again - at least I have a chance to make it work now.

[iggymama]

Hit the "display format" button until you find the output you want and hit select. Then hit the "display format" button repeatedly again until you find the aspect ratio you want and hit select.

At 720p/1080i you do get limited ratio mode options, and if you want to record to a VCR/PVR thru the S/Video outputs in squeezed mode and play back in 16:9 widescreen, you have to be in 480i/p when you record. I think Horizon is also available in 480i/p only.

Let me know if you need the Pronto codes for changing resolutions and aspect ratios.

Hope that helps!

[mingus]

Originally posted by iggymama
Hit the "display format" button until you find the output you want and hit select. Then hit the "display format" button repeatedly again until you find the aspect ratio you want and hit select.

At 720p/1080i you do get limited ratio mode options, and if you want to record to a VCR/PVR thru the S/Video outputs in squeezed mode and play back in 16:9 widescreen, you have to be in 480i/p when you record. I think Horizon is also available in 480i/p only.

Let me know if you need the Pronto codes for changing resolutions and aspect ratios.

Hope that helps!

On mine that didn't work. I had to use the left/right buttons. I looked at all the different output options and do not see anything that would make any difference. All the locals are broadcast in 1080i or 720p (even tho not HD of course) so no Horizon mode available. I use the Logitech Harmony Remote, if I could change easily with the remote that could come in handy.

[mingus]

Why does my new LST-4200A look grainy/noisy compared to my old USDTV box? Using a 42" CRT RPTV and component input 1080i. Could the DVI connection make any difference?

[thumperxr69]

If anyone is interested I am selling my LG 4200A HS receiver on ebay. I just bought an HD-TiVo.

4200a on ebay (http://cgi.*********/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5776910007&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT&rd=1)

I need to timeshift....

Thanks
T

[thumperxr69]

I guess ebay is a "four - letter" word here. :rolleyes:

Well anyway. I do have one out there. If you search by my ID.... "thumperxr69"

Sorry if I posted illegally.... :confused:

T

[iggymama]

[QUOTE=mingus]On mine that didn't work. I had to use the left/right buttons. I looked at all the different output options and do not see anything that would make any difference. All the locals are broadcast in 1080i or 720p (even tho not HD of course) so no Horizon mode available. I use the Logitech Harmony Remote, if I could change easily with the remote that could come in handy.[/QUOTE]

See my post dated 4/16/05 in this thread for the pronto codes that work with the harmony remotes. Let me know if you need instructions on programming them in.

[mingus]

[QUOTE=iggymama]See my post dated 4/16/05 in this thread for the pronto codes that work with the harmony remotes. Let me know if you need instructions on programming them in.[/QUOTE]

Very nice. If I decide to keep the LG box, I would need a couple pointers on how to get those to work with the Harmony Remote. My main issue is the Picture! It's just not as pretty as the old USDTV box was. more noise/grain. Other than that it works well. I tried both the DVI and Component outputs at 1080i, and looks the same to me.

The USDTV box is out, at least until they come out with a firmware update that will fix the digital audio out issue with my receiver. Still looking..

[spinoza_43221]

Are there any receivers that combine the LST-3410A and LST-3510A

High Def. Receiver

Upconverting DVD player

DVR capabilities



?

[cpcat]

[QUOTE=spinoza_43221]Are there any receivers that combine the LST-3410A and LST-3510A

High Def. Receiver

Upconverting DVD player

DVR capabilities



?[/QUOTE]


Not that I'm aware of.