hdtvmagazine_tips Digest #1225

----- HDTV Magazine Tips List -----

Richard,
I contacted OPPO and got an amazingly fast response (especially considering
it is "after hours" in California.) The fix is an Easter Egg sort of thing
available by pressing the SETUP key followed by entering 9210 which brings
up a "secret" menu where you can change the Region Code from the preset 1 to
0 which is "all region" code.
p.s. They couldn't "give" me the method for doing this but referred me to
Amazon.com and to search for OPPO Digital and a review of the player - go to
the 2nd or 3rd review and a reviewer provides the above solution.
So now I feel I have one of the most flexible players on the market and I
love it completely...It will do just what I want in my situation!
Thanks for your input, Richard.

John Devine
[email protected]
----- Original Message -----
From: "HDTV Magazine" <[email protected]>
To: "HDTV Magazine" <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, October 31, 2005 12:00 AM
Subject: hdtvmagazine_tips Digest #1225


> HDTV Magazine Digest #1225
>
> 1) Re: Sony 50"/60" SXRDs
> by Richard <[email protected]>
> 2) Re: Sony 50"/60" SXRDs
> by Richard <[email protected]>
> 3) Re: Sony 50"/60" SXRDs
> by Richard <[email protected]>
> 4) Re: Another cheap DVD Player for almost HDTV quality??
> by Richard <[email protected]>
> 5) Re: High Definition DVD: Who Needs It?
> by Richard <[email protected]>
> 6) Liquid Ceramic Cables
> by "Hugh Campbell" <[email protected]>
> 7) Re: Liquid Ceramic Cables
> by "Aaron W. Thompson" <[email protected]>
> Re: Lots of Good HD Info
> by Richard <[email protected]>
> 9) Re: High Definition DVD: Who Needs It?
> by Nicetry <[email protected]>
> 10) Re: Lots of Good HD Info
> by Nicetry <[email protected]>
> 11) Re: Lots of Good HD Info
> by "Jason Burroughs" <[email protected]>
> 12) Re: Lots of Good HD Info
> by "Hugh Campbell" <[email protected]>
> 13) Re: Lots of Good HD Info
> by Richard <[email protected]>
> 14) Re: Lots of Good HD Info
> by "Jason Burroughs" <[email protected]>
>
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>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message-ID: <[email protected]>
> Date: Sun, 30 Oct 2005 09:50:50 -0500
> From: Richard <[email protected]>
> Subject: Re: Sony 50"/60" SXRDs
>
> > I thought that I might still want to use the Lumagen to upconvert 480i
> > to 1080i for feeding standard definition to the Sony. I was pleasantly
> > surprised to discover that my HD Tivo via HDMI, direct to the Sony,
> > provided just as good, and a little sharper standard definition.
>
> Yup. As VCRs and SD camcorders go on the way side and internal scaling
> of receivers improve there are now a number of ways to tackle SD
> programming without buying an external scaler.
>
> My Samsung fairs quite well with SD using my Panny DVD recorder set at
> 480P. This is a very inexpensive scaling solution with a number of
> benefits a scaler can't provide. That said there is one hitch; no way to
> fill out letterboxed SD programming. Same problem with the Oppo DVD
> player. Fortunately there is little of that...
>
> Richard Fisher
> www.HDLibrary.com Published by Tech Services
> A division of Mastertech Repair Corporation
>
> Richard and Carrie Bray wrote:
>> ----- HDTV Magazine Tips List -----
>>
>> We've had several comments over the last couple months regarding the new
>> Sony SXRDs. I received my 60" SXRD 10 days ago and wanted to add my
>> direct observations.
>>
>> It replaced my 4 yr. old 55" Mitsubishi RPTV that had been ISF'ed by a
>> technician I've seen Richard recommend. I also used a Lumagen Vision to
>> provide acceptable SD. It had what I considered an excellent picture,
>> many thought the best HD they had seen. But, it took the ISF and
>> Lumagen to get it to that point.
>>
>> Out of the box, the Sony "blew it away". All I had to do was take the
>> set off "vivid", set it on "pro", set user controls on the Sony "dots"
>> (their recommended positions), and turn off the many controls for
>> "corrections". I have subsequently used Avia and DVE but they required
>> suggested only very minor changes for brightness. Color decoder per
>> Avia was "right on". Geometry and convergence screens show no problems.
>>
>> I thought that I might still want to use the Lumagen to upconvert 480i
>> to 1080i for feeding standard definition to the Sony. I was pleasantly
>> surprised to discover that my HD Tivo via HDMI, direct to the Sony,
>> provided just as good, and a little sharper standard definition. The D*
>> standard definition channels like Fox News and HGTV look very good. The
>> D* locals are very watchable; although better from my antenna.
>>
>> I can't imagine how OTA HD could look better. The very bright picture,
>> while retaining great blacks and color, is definitely in another league.
>> The blacks and shadow detail on this set must be seen to be believed.
>> Anyone who still maintains that only CRTs provide great blacks, needs to
>> see these sets. Watching Leno or Letterman shows the true potential for
>> these sets if given a good feed. I'm convinced that a 1080i feed from
>> the eventual Blu Ray will not leave me wanting a 1080P input.
>>
>> The video via HDMI from my upconverting Denon almost looks like HD on
>> good transfers. In fact I sometimes think it is as good as some of the
>> bit starved HBO movies on D*.
>>
>> I don't always think that what I spend my money on is the "greatest".
>> That's why I wasn't happy when I first received my Mitsubishi; and
>> worked hard, and invested quite a bit to get it to where it was good.
>> Before I got the Sony home, I fully expected to have it ISFed. I
>> presume it would help; but at the moment I'm so totally satisfied that I
>> don't think I'll bother. Plus, every day that I watch this set; I'm glad
>> that I didn't wait for next year's perfect set.
>>
>> Regards to all, Richard
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Anthony Rizzuto"
>> <[email protected]>
>> To: "HDTV Magazine" <[email protected]>
>> Sent: Thursday, October 20, 2005 9:20 AM
>> Subject: Re: seeking 40-50" HDTV advice
>>
>>
>>> ----- HDTV Magazine Tips List -----
>>>
>>> That is a little pricy in my book for a 50" set but to each his own.
>>>
>>> Anthony R.
>>> Orlando, FL
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: HDTV Magazine On Behalf Of
>>> Dave Hancock
>>> Sent: Wednesday, October 19, 2005 7:01 PM
>>> To: HDTV Magazine
>>> Subject: Re: seeking 40-50" HDTV advice
>>>
>>>
>>> ----- HDTV Magazine Tips List -----
>>>
>>> I stopped by my local Circuit City store today and they had the new Sony
>>> 50" SXRD (R50XBR1) 1080p set for $3499! I checked their (CC's) web site
>>> and they had the same set listed for $3999. The two reviews of the 60"
>>> version have been great! The set I saw was absolutely the best in the
>>> store.
>>>
>>> Of course, like the other 1080p sets, this one will not take 1080p
>>> inputs.
>>>
>>> Dave Hancock
>>>
>>> Anthony Rizzuto wrote:
>>>
>>>> ----- HDTV Magazine Tips List -----
>>>>
>>>> Jason,
>>>>
>>>> I still think the Aspect line from Hitachi would work for his price
>>>> range
>>>> and for image quality. I'm prejudiced in so far as I am a die hard
>>>> fan of
>>>> CRT RP. Also something in the regular Hitachi line would work. The
>>>> 51"
>>>> Aspect is 1,199.99 Model(51M200), Aspect by Hitachi 65" HDTV Display
>>>> (65M200) 1,899.99, Hitachi 51" HDTV (51F710S) 1,614.00, Hitachi 57"
>>>> HDTV
>>>> (57F710S) 1,709.00 with cable card and built in tuner (I know this
>>>> is more
>>>> than what you want for him but thought I'd throw it in the mix.} The
>>>> downside on these is that the only have either on HDMI, or DVI input.
>>>> Beautiful blacks and a very sharp bright picture though and an amazing
>>>
>>> price
>>>
>>>> point as well. All models listed available from Circuit City, not the
>>>> internet vendor Du Jour. To see details go to www.circuitcity.com
>>>> and type
>>>> Hitachi televisions in the search bar.
>>>>
>>>> Happy Hunting
>>>>
>>>> Anthony R.
>>>> Orlando, FL
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>> From: HDTV Magazine On Behalf
>>>> Of
>>>> Jason Burroughs
>>>> Sent: Wednesday, October 19, 2005 1:51 PM
>>>> To: HDTV Magazine
>>>> Subject: seeking 40-50" HDTV advice
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> ----- HDTV Magazine Tips List -----
>>>>
>>>> A friend of mine, who is not very discerning when it comes to video
>>>
>>> quality,
>>>
>>>> is looking for his first 'big' TV. His room is laid out in such a way
>>>> that
>>>> the TV will be about 8 feet from the sitting position, so doing some
>>>> math,
>>>
>>> I
>>>
>>>> come up with 42" - 50" as his best size choices (3 to 4 picture
>>>> heights).
>>>
>>> He
>>>
>>>> would like to spend $1500 to $2000 out the door, and does not need to
>>>> hang
>>>> it on the wall.
>>>>
>>>>> From the reading I've done, I feel that I should stay away from DLP
>>>>> due to
>>>>
>>>> screen door, lcd due to quality, and plasma due to burn in. I'm
>>>> thinking of
>>>> steering him toward JVC D-ILA, but I can't seem to find anything less
>>>> than
>>>> about $3500. the next best thing seems to be 3-chip DLP or LCD. I'd
>>>> also
>>>> like one with 2 digital inputs since he isn't likely to be buying a
>>>
>>> receiver
>>>
>>>> and surround sound setup soon. So it will be a simple system with an
>>>> upscaling dvd player and maybe hd cable or satellite for now.
>>>>
>>>> To summarize, I'm looking for a flat panel or thing rear projector
>>>> 42" -
>>>
>>> 50"
>>>
>>>> HDTV, no tuner required, 1280x720 or greater resolution (1080p not
>>>> needed).
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Any advice is appreciated!
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Jason
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> To unsubscribe please click: [email protected]
>>>>
>>>> To receive the digest mode (one email a day made from all posted that
>>>> same
>>>> day) send an email to:
>>>> [email protected]
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> To unsubscribe please click: [email protected]
>>>>
>>>> To receive the digest mode (one email a day made from all posted that
>>>> same
>>>
>>> day) send an email to:
>>>
>>>> [email protected]
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>> To unsubscribe please click: [email protected]
>>>
>>> To receive the digest mode (one email a day made from all posted that
>>> same
>>> day) send an email to:
>>> [email protected]
>>>
>>>
>>> To unsubscribe please click: [email protected]
>>>
>>> To receive the digest mode (one email a day made from all posted that
>>> same day) send an email to:
>>> [email protected]
>>
>>
>>
>> To unsubscribe please click: [email protected]
>>
>> To receive the digest mode (one email a day made from all posted that
>> same day) send an email to:
>> [email protected]
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message-ID: <[email protected]>
> Date: Sun, 30 Oct 2005 09:53:33 -0500
> From: Richard <[email protected]>
> Subject: Re: Sony 50"/60" SXRDs
>
> Steve,
>
> > Then there is the dynamic iris "feature" which again makes me cringe.
>
> My unerstanding is it can be turned off or on besides dynamic. The ON is
> great for dark rooms!
>
> > I can't stand the way a magazine will point out what to me is a glaring
> > defect and then make it sound like the inaccuracy doesn't matter or in
> > this case is "pleasing". Have you ever seen Day-Glo fungus on a tree?
>
> IT is disgusting isn't it! ARGH!
>
> Richard Fisher
> www.HDLibrary.com Published by Tech Services
> A division of Mastertech Repair Corporation
>
> Steve Martin wrote:
>> ----- HDTV Magazine Tips List -----
>>
>> My concern with the Sony SXRD's (if Widescreen Review is correct) is
>> the extremely off standard green primary.
>>
>> My Samsung HL-P5063 had a similar issue (although not as bad as the
>> Sony if the WR colorimetry graph is to be trusted) but fortunately the
>> primary and secondary colors can be calibrated on that set.
>>
>> The result is "neon" looking oversaturated greens and to some extent
>> yellows.
>>
>> The Widescreen Review said the following...
>>
>> "Colorimetry was exceptionally accurate for both digital and analog,
>> 1080i, and 480p; the exception was green, which was very saturated.
>> Although not accurate, this saturated green had a pleasing effect. ...
>> Green fungus on the trees was almost Day-Glo!".
>>
>> I can't stand the way a magazine will point out what to me is a glaring
>> defect and then make it sound like the inaccuracy doesn't matter or in
>> this case is "pleasing". Have you ever seen Day-Glo fungus on a tree?
>>
>> Then there is the dynamic iris "feature" which again makes me cringe.
>> Hopefully there is some way in the service mode to disable it so that
>> black and white levels won't be dynamic.
>>
>> The bottom line is that every TV these days has some flaw or another.
>> You have to choose your poison, unfortunately.
>>
>>
>> On Oct 20, 2005, at 11:18 AM, Richard and Carrie Bray wrote:
>>
>>> ----- HDTV Magazine Tips List -----
>>>
>>> We've had several comments over the last couple months regarding the
>>> new Sony SXRDs. I received my 60" SXRD 10 days ago and wanted to add
>>> my direct observations.
>>>
>>> It replaced my 4 yr. old 55" Mitsubishi RPTV that had been ISF'ed by
>>> a technician I've seen Richard recommend. I also used a Lumagen
>>> Vision to provide acceptable SD. It had what I considered an
>>> excellent picture, many thought the best HD they had seen. But, it
>>> took the ISF and Lumagen to get it to that point.
>>>
>>> Out of the box, the Sony "blew it away". All I had to do was take
>>> the set off "vivid", set it on "pro", set user controls on the Sony
>>> "dots" (their recommended positions), and turn off the many controls
>>> for "corrections". I have subsequently used Avia and DVE but they
>>> required suggested only very minor changes for brightness. Color
>>> decoder per Avia was "right on". Geometry and convergence screens
>>> show no problems.
>>>
>>> I thought that I might still want to use the Lumagen to upconvert
>>> 480i to 1080i for feeding standard definition to the Sony. I was
>>> pleasantly surprised to discover that my HD Tivo via HDMI, direct to
>>> the Sony, provided just as good, and a little sharper standard
>>> definition. The D* standard definition channels like Fox News and
>>> HGTV look very good. The D* locals are very watchable; although
>>> better from my antenna.
>>>
>>> I can't imagine how OTA HD could look better. The very bright
>>> picture, while retaining great blacks and color, is definitely in
>>> another league. The blacks and shadow detail on this set must be seen
>>> to be believed. Anyone who still maintains that only CRTs provide
>>> great blacks, needs to see these sets. Watching Leno or Letterman
>>> shows the true potential for these sets if given a good feed. I'm
>>> convinced that a 1080i feed from the eventual Blu Ray will not leave
>>> me wanting a 1080P input.
>>>
>>> The video via HDMI from my upconverting Denon almost looks like HD on
>>> good transfers. In fact I sometimes think it is as good as some of
>>> the bit starved HBO movies on D*.
>>>
>>> I don't always think that what I spend my money on is the "greatest".
>>> That's why I wasn't happy when I first received my Mitsubishi; and
>>> worked hard, and invested quite a bit to get it to where it was
>>> good. Before I got the Sony home, I fully expected to have it
>>> ISFed. I presume it would help; but at the moment I'm so totally
>>> satisfied that I don't think I'll bother. Plus, every day that I
>>> watch this set; I'm glad that I didn't wait for next year's perfect
>>> set.
>>>
>>> Regards to all, Richard
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Anthony Rizzuto"
>>> <[email protected]>
>>> To: "HDTV Magazine" <[email protected]>
>>> Sent: Thursday, October 20, 2005 9:20 AM
>>> Subject: Re: seeking 40-50" HDTV advice
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>> ----- HDTV Magazine Tips List -----
>>>>
>>>> That is a little pricy in my book for a 50" set but to each his own.
>>>>
>>>> Anthony R.
>>>> Orlando, FL
>>>>
>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>> From: HDTV Magazine On
>>>> Behalf Of
>>>> Dave Hancock
>>>> Sent: Wednesday, October 19, 2005 7:01 PM
>>>> To: HDTV Magazine
>>>> Subject: Re: seeking 40-50" HDTV advice
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> ----- HDTV Magazine Tips List -----
>>>>
>>>> I stopped by my local Circuit City store today and they had the new
>>>> Sony
>>>> 50" SXRD (R50XBR1) 1080p set for $3499! I checked their (CC's) web
>>>> site
>>>> and they had the same set listed for $3999. The two reviews of the
>>>> 60"
>>>> version have been great! The set I saw was absolutely the best in the
>>>> store.
>>>>
>>>> Of course, like the other 1080p sets, this one will not take 1080p
>>>> inputs.
>>>>
>>>> Dave Hancock
>>>>
>>>> Anthony Rizzuto wrote:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>> ----- HDTV Magazine Tips List -----
>>>>>
>>>>> Jason,
>>>>>
>>>>> I still think the Aspect line from Hitachi would work for his price
>>>>> range
>>>>> and for image quality. I'm prejudiced in so far as I am a die hard
>>>>> fan of
>>>>> CRT RP. Also something in the regular Hitachi line would work.
>>>>> The 51"
>>>>> Aspect is 1,199.99 Model(51M200), Aspect by Hitachi 65" HDTV Display
>>>>> (65M200) 1,899.99, Hitachi 51" HDTV (51F710S) 1,614.00, Hitachi
>>>>> 57" HDTV
>>>>> (57F710S) 1,709.00 with cable card and built in tuner (I know this
>>>>> is more
>>>>> than what you want for him but thought I'd throw it in the mix.} The
>>>>> downside on these is that the only have either on HDMI, or DVI input.
>>>>> Beautiful blacks and a very sharp bright picture though and an
>>>>> amazing
>>>>>
>>>> price
>>>>
>>>>> point as well. All models listed available from Circuit City, not the
>>>>> internet vendor Du Jour. To see details go to www.circuitcity.com
>>>>> and type
>>>>> Hitachi televisions in the search bar.
>>>>>
>>>>> Happy Hunting
>>>>>
>>>>> Anthony R.
>>>>> Orlando, FL
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>> From: HDTV Magazine On
>>>>> Behalf Of
>>>>> Jason Burroughs
>>>>> Sent: Wednesday, October 19, 2005 1:51 PM
>>>>> To: HDTV Magazine
>>>>> Subject: seeking 40-50" HDTV advice
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> ----- HDTV Magazine Tips List -----
>>>>>
>>>>> A friend of mine, who is not very discerning when it comes to video
>>>>>
>>>> quality,
>>>>
>>>>> is looking for his first 'big' TV. His room is laid out in such a
>>>>> way that
>>>>> the TV will be about 8 feet from the sitting position, so doing
>>>>> some math,
>>>>>
>>>> I
>>>>
>>>>> come up with 42" - 50" as his best size choices (3 to 4 picture
>>>>> heights).
>>>>>
>>>> He
>>>>
>>>>> would like to spend $1500 to $2000 out the door, and does not need
>>>>> to hang
>>>>> it on the wall.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>> From the reading I've done, I feel that I should stay away from
>>>>>> DLP due to
>>>>>>
>>>>> screen door, lcd due to quality, and plasma due to burn in. I'm
>>>>> thinking of
>>>>> steering him toward JVC D-ILA, but I can't seem to find anything
>>>>> less than
>>>>> about $3500. the next best thing seems to be 3-chip DLP or LCD. I'd
>>>>> also
>>>>> like one with 2 digital inputs since he isn't likely to be buying a
>>>>>
>>>> receiver
>>>>
>>>>> and surround sound setup soon. So it will be a simple system with an
>>>>> upscaling dvd player and maybe hd cable or satellite for now.
>>>>>
>>>>> To summarize, I'm looking for a flat panel or thing rear projector
>>>>> 42" -
>>>>>
>>>> 50"
>>>>
>>>>> HDTV, no tuner required, 1280x720 or greater resolution (1080p not
>>>>> needed).
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Any advice is appreciated!
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Jason
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> To unsubscribe please click: [email protected]
>>>>>
>>>>> To receive the digest mode (one email a day made from all posted
>>>>> that same
>>>>> day) send an email to:
>>>>> [email protected]
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> To unsubscribe please click: [email protected]
>>>>>
>>>>> To receive the digest mode (one email a day made from all posted
>>>>> that same
>>>>>
>>>> day) send an email to:
>>>>
>>>>> [email protected]
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>> To unsubscribe please click: [email protected]
>>>>
>>>> To receive the digest mode (one email a day made from all posted
>>>> that same
>>>> day) send an email to:
>>>> [email protected]
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> To unsubscribe please click: [email protected]
>>>>
>>>> To receive the digest mode (one email a day made from all posted
>>>> that same day) send an email to:
>>>> [email protected]
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> To unsubscribe please click: [email protected]
>>>
>>> To receive the digest mode (one email a day made from all posted that
>>> same day) send an email to:
>>> [email protected]
>>>
>>
>> --
>>
>> Steve Martin
>> Personal: [email protected]
>> Business: [email protected]
>> Smart Calibration, LLC
>> http://www.smartcalibration.com/
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> To unsubscribe please click: [email protected]
>>
>> To receive the digest mode (one email a day made from all posted that
>> same day) send an email to:
>> [email protected]
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message-ID: <[email protected]>
> Date: Sun, 30 Oct 2005 09:55:09 -0500
> From: Richard <[email protected]>
> Subject: Re: Sony 50"/60" SXRDs
>
> > The dynamic Iris can be set via the user controls to "off", "low",
> > "medium", or "high". I have my standard iris set at "2" out of 4 and
> > the dynamic Iris set at "low".
>
> I'm bummed... the FPTV version had a