Grey panel bar on Tivo HD for 480i programs I bought the Tivo Series 3, and then when watching 480i programs from Comcast, I can adjust the aspect ratio to "Panel" so that the screen is at the correct aspect ratio. However, the Series 3 also adds 2 vertical grey bars at the left and right side of the screen, instead of leaving it black... I wonder if Tivo HD does the same thing? (this only happens for 480i programs. 720 and 1080 are both in 16:9 so they don't have that problem). Any body knows how to get rid of it (or making it black?). Thanks! Grey panel bar on Tivo HD for 480i programs I bought the Tivo Series 3, and then when watching 480i programs from Comcast, I can adjust the aspect ratio to "Panel" so that the screen is... » Read More Grey panel bar on Tivo HD for 480i programs I bought the Tivo Series 3, and then when watching 480i programs from Comcast, I can adjust the aspect ratio to "Panel" so that the screen is at the correct aspect ratio. However, the Series 3 also adds 2 vertical grey bars at the left and right side of the screen, instead of leaving it black... I wonder if Tivo HD does the same thing? (this only happens for 480i programs. 720 and 1080 are both in 16:9 so they don't have that problem). Any body knows how to get rid of it (or making it black?). Thanks! « Show Less
1307502
Yes, I have a series 3 tivo so from TiVo Central select:Messages & Settings--->Settings--->Video--->;Letterbox Color--->select "Black" and you are set.
1307503
Greybar is default because it will prevent uneven wear on your HDTV when watching SD broadcasts. Unfortunately there are also network broadcasters that are taking 480P content and pushing it over a 1080i signal that tend to use black as well as highly luminescent static "bugs" or icons in the corner of the screens. The technical guys there are losing wars with the marketing guys -- to the detriment of the public.My recommentation is to stay with grey or to stretch or zoom the content.
1635509
I have the same problem. 16:9 takes the line away from HD channels but the SD channels have the line.When a commercial comes on, the line goes away. I suspect some compatibility issue with the Cable box.Is there a solution for this?
1918878
I've noticed that a few hd Chanel's offer hd but it seems they do so with either bars on the left right side or north south sides. Only way I've combatted that was to stretch the picture with the format button on the controller. Hopefully that helps :)
1682503
I have been tweaking my new set's picture for 3 days now. The high def is terrific but I only get 12 channels of HD. Since 50% of my viewing will be standard def cable channels, I am very disappointed that I can't get the SD picture to a level of acceptability. (I feel compelled to go to another room and watch non-HD programs on my old 36" CRT.) Any suggestions on setting changes for SD programs? A lot of the screen is blurry and pixelated (with or without the 120-Hz on).
1980855
Jennifer D.: In case you still have this problem, below are the steps of a workaround that worked for me, and hopefully will work for you too. It appears that the key step is to temporarily configure the DVR to output only a standard-definition TV signal. I found this after trying to debug a similar very frustrating problem with my Toshiba DR430 DVD recorder and Scientific Atlanta 8300HD DVR. 1. Disconnect the HDMI cable from the DVR to the TV. (Note that the only way my Scientific Atlanta DVR would enter the standard-definition setup wizard in step 2 below was with this cable disconnected. Originally, I did not disconnect this cable, and I suspect that as long as the DVR thought it was outputting a picture to an HDTV that it would override other configuration settings that I made.) 2. Configure the DVR to output only a standard-definition TV signal. (As per the user manual for my Scientific Atlanta DVR, start this process by simultaneously pressing the "INFO" and "GUIDE" buttons on the DVR while it is turned off. This was pretty easy to change and then undo later.) 3. In the DVR "Settings," set the "Picture Size" option to "Auto Fit." (It is also possible to quickly set this by repeatedly pressing the "#" key on the remote control.) 4. At this point, the aspect ratio in the DVD recorder was FINALLY correct and there were no bordering black bars. Hurray! Record shows onto DVDs as desired. 5. When I play a recorded DVD on the Toshiba unit the aspect ratio is correct and there are no bordering black bars. However, when I play a DVD on my Panasonic Blu-ray player, I have to set the aspect ratio on my Panasonic TC-P50VT20 Plasma HDTV to "JUST" to horizontally stretch the picture, but this is a very simple adjustment that is easy to change. Hopefully you can perform similar steps to workaround this annoying problem. Ron
1917615
Hey Brian,Have you resolved this yet? After using the TV more what I realize is that it doesn't matter which mode, which source, etc, but I get the side lighting only on gray scenes or backgrounds. Some examples are like loading screens in games, certain gray scenes in movies. It isn't a huge deal because it is only in certain situations, but still feel like it shouldn't do this for a TV this expensive. Also, this isn't a side-lit TV, so it shouldn't show more lighting on the sides anyway.I've also noticed a lot of bleeding in menus in general, like the TV menu and PS3 menu. Have you seen the same?Let me know what you have found out since your last post. Hey Brian,Have you resolved this yet? After using the TV more what I realize is that it doesn't matter which mode, which source, etc, but I get the side lighting only on gray scenes or backgrounds. Some examples are like loading screens in games, certain gray scenes in movies. It isn't a huge deal because it is only in certain situations, but still feel like it shouldn't do this for a TV this expensive. Also, this isn't a side-lit TV, so it shouldn't show more lighting on the sides anyway.I've also noticed a lot of bleeding in menus in general, like the TV menu and... » Read More Hey Brian,Have you resolved this yet? After using the TV more what I realize is that it doesn't matter which mode, which source, etc, but I get the side lighting only on gray scenes or backgrounds. Some examples are like loading screens in games, certain gray scenes in movies. It isn't a huge deal because it is only in certain situations, but still feel like it shouldn't do this for a TV this expensive. Also, this isn't a side-lit TV, so it shouldn't show more lighting on the sides anyway.I've also noticed a lot of bleeding in menus in general, like the TV menu and PS3 menu. Have you seen the same?Let me know what you have found out since your last post. « Show Less
2254920
This is an artifact of the digital distortion, like the way that the "black" areas around some flat panel TVs are not really black because of the leakage of light through the pixel layer. The best thing to do is to have a proper screen - one that is highly reflective - and dial the image in to fit the screen perfectly. The highly reflective surface will provide a level of contrast that will make the gray surround far less noticeable.
1552800
no, it does not. actually, I have had it over a year and it has never been used-apparently when the FCC mandated a completely digital signal after Jan. 31, 2009 it created a situation where the tuner does not "see" channels so they can be loaded. I also have a Toshiba machine with the same problem. This is a pet gripe of mine-none of the Tivos or cable co. dvrs contain a computer drive like these did; you used to be able to record to the hard drive, and then edit and save to a blank disc if it was something you wanted to archive. The fact that I PAY for cable and can't even do what I want with it makes me nuts!
2092389
I tested this with the HDMI connection. The owners manual, available publicly on the Philips site, indicates that the choice of upscaling format is available only on an HDMI connection, so I did not bother trying with component video. It seems component video supports only 480i/480p, or 576p to a PAL TV. The manual also indicates support for HDMI connections to DVI devices that support HDCP; I don't have such a device so I have not verified this. I hope shortly to have a 1080p TV to verify its behavior there.Thanks for the question. Although I saw it mentioned in a review or another forum question that upscaling was available only on HDMI, I realised after I wrote earlier that I should have included this detail. I tested this with the HDMI connection. The owners manual, available publicly on the Philips site, indicates that the choice of upscaling format is available only on an HDMI connection, so I did not bother trying with component video. It seems component video supports only 480i/480p, or 576p to a PAL TV. The manual also indicates support for HDMI connections to DVI devices that support HDCP; I don't have such a device so I have not verified this. I hope shortly to have a 1080p TV to verify its behavior there.Thanks for the question. Although I saw it mentioned in a... » Read More I tested this with the HDMI connection. The owners manual, available publicly on the Philips site, indicates that the choice of upscaling format is available only on an HDMI connection, so I did not bother trying with component video. It seems component video supports only 480i/480p, or 576p to a PAL TV. The manual also indicates support for HDMI connections to DVI devices that support HDCP; I don't have such a device so I have not verified this. I hope shortly to have a 1080p TV to verify its behavior there.Thanks for the question. Although I saw it mentioned in a review or another forum question that upscaling was available only on HDMI, I realised after I wrote earlier that I should have included this detail. « Show Less
34893
Sony's only answer to me was "some TVs do not have the capability of changing the aspect ratio when a 720P or 1080i signal is being received." Unfortunately, "some TVs" is this particular model. Sony goes on to say that some set-top boxes have an adjustable aspect ratio control and to "check the device" for that feature. I haven't been visited by Time Warner yet, but if their set top box doesn't permit the adjustment, I may have to upgrade this set to a Sony 3000 series, Toshiba or Samsung.
1613446
I share your pain. I have done many tests on this tv and also experimented trying to get the best picture. Here are the values I have found best and are currently using.Brightness 50Sharpness 3Contrast 36Black Level 55Color 50Tint 0Color Temp 0Light Sensor OffDynamic Backlight OFFNoise Reduction MiddleI am using this for Directv, PC, and PS3 all connected with hdmi cables. Looks great on ps3 and directv and although amazing on PC i had to turn the brightness down a bit because the white was sometimes too white. HOPE THIS HELPS! I share your pain. I have done many tests on this tv and also experimented trying to get the best picture. Here are the values I have found best and are currently using.Brightness 50Sharpness 3Contrast 36Black Level 55Color 50Tint 0Color Temp 0Light Sensor OffDynamic Backlight OFFNoise Reduction MiddleI am using this for Directv, PC, and PS3 all connected with hdmi cables. Looks great on ps3 and directv and although amazing on PC i had to turn the brightness down a bit because the white was sometimes too white.... » Read More I share your pain. I have done many tests on this tv and also experimented trying to get the best picture. Here are the values I have found best and are currently using.Brightness 50Sharpness 3Contrast 36Black Level 55Color 50Tint 0Color Temp 0Light Sensor OffDynamic Backlight OFFNoise Reduction MiddleI am using this for Directv, PC, and PS3 all connected with hdmi cables. Looks great on ps3 and directv and although amazing on PC i had to turn the brightness down a bit because the white was sometimes too white. HOPE THIS HELPS! « Show Less
1784483
With the wide setting in "Auto Aspect" mode, screen size will adjust to the Satellite/Cable content. Letterboxed movies on TCM or premium HD Channels will fill the 21:9 screen. A letterboxed movie on a station such as Starz, may stretch incorrectly because the logo in the bottom corner interferes with the Vizio's calculation of where the picture ends leaving a slight letterboxed and stretched image. I am happy to say that there is a vertical (and horizontal) adjust in the picture control menu that is not mentioned in the manual or any review I have read. This will able you to fine tune any aspect ratio error that the "Auto Aspect" setting encounters. With the wide setting in "Auto Aspect" mode, screen size will adjust to the Satellite/Cable content. Letterboxed movies on TCM or premium HD Channels will fill the 21:9 screen. A letterboxed movie on a station such as Starz, may stretch incorrectly because the logo in the bottom corner interferes with the Vizio's calculation of where the picture ends leaving a slight letterboxed and stretched image. I am happy to say that there is a vertical (and horizontal) adjust in the picture control menu that is not mentioned in the manual or any review I have read. This will able you to fine... » Read More With the wide setting in "Auto Aspect" mode, screen size will adjust to the Satellite/Cable content. Letterboxed movies on TCM or premium HD Channels will fill the 21:9 screen. A letterboxed movie on a station such as Starz, may stretch incorrectly because the logo in the bottom corner interferes with the Vizio's calculation of where the picture ends leaving a slight letterboxed and stretched image. I am happy to say that there is a vertical (and horizontal) adjust in the picture control menu that is not mentioned in the manual or any review I have read. This will able you to fine tune any aspect ratio error that the "Auto Aspect" setting encounters. « Show Less
176656
Depending on your setup, this is incorrect.If you have an HDMI cable out to your TV, any input signal is getting upconverted. That means if you have a composite cable at 480i going in, it's getting sent at the highest possible conversion. Of course, there's only so much you can do with a 480i signal, so it doesn't look all that much better - but yes, there is upconversion happening.
846914
It gives the same resolution on output as it gets on input. I used it for Comcast HD boxes, and all TVs have 16/9 HD picture. They only thing I don't like is that, when you change input of one output, all outputs go black for a few seconds.
488601
If you have analog cable, you will still receive analog signals after the conversion to digital broadcasting; the cable company will do the conversion. The Tivo box will work just fine. You will not be able to view HD programs without a HD cable box and a HD monitor.
1613447
Anyone got any other calibration settings. Ryans settings are great but I find the colors to be a little bit dead, also Netflix on PS3 does not look the best even on X-High compared to my 720p LG. Nvm problem solved they look nice its just some HD streams look worse then others. Also presume your not suppose to be standing right next to the TV while watching :o.I raised the color settings and lowered the black level to make the picture have more color.Thanks Ryan!
961846
Hi there! I have the 46D64U and I believe I have the answer for you. If you're watching HD content through the HDMI cable, you shouldn't have to watch it zoomed or stretched. With an HDMI connection your "view mode" options (the button is above the 3 on your remote) should be "Stretch, dot by dot, S.stretch, and zoom." If you are watching a true HD broadcast or source, you should select "dot by dot" as this will ensure that nothing is cut off or distorted. If, when you select "dot by dot," the image does not fill the entire screen (i.e. it looks like it's not widescreen, there are black bars flanking the image, etc.) then what you're watching isn't actually HD. Make sure the show you're watching is actually in HD; sometimes the channel guide will say it is even when it's not! I personally keep my settings on "dot by dot" regardless of content because I don't mind when non-HD content doesn't fill up the entire screen. I don't like having the image stretched and distorted as I feel it looks worse that way. You may have different preferences, but make sure that whenever you're watching true HD content you aren't stretching the image or zooming in. Hope this helps!