30 in Widescreen HDTV - $320-$388 shipped, Philips Outlet

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http://www.outlet.philips.com/b2c_r.../41907ABB9A6F008D00000000828BD472&shop=OUTLET
http://www.electronicsnation.com/en/products/show_product/category/2131

Electronics Nation will pricematch the Philips Outlet (they're an affiliate, or an authorized reseller, or something, and are reputable), and they offer extended warranties for extra cash.

Before you make a major purchase on an HDTV, do your research at:
http://www.avsforum.com/

Here are the pros and cons on the 3 major models usually found at Philips Outlet:

30PW850H: $359
0003784993574_215X215.jpg

Pros:
Fewer problems overall, more likely to get a working unit without any problems
2 component inputs
Has both the 3D comb filter and 'eye fidelity' (480i to 480p upscaling)

Cons:
No HDMI
Can not adjust aspect ratio except on 480i, non widescreen will be stretched.

Avsforum thread: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=366742&page=1&pp=30


30PW8420: $388
43361EBF325F00D700000000828BD472.jpg

Pros:
HDMI port
3D comb filter

Cons:
Somewhat more prone to certain issues, minor hum, geometry, and broken units
Only 1 component input
No 'eye fidelity' (480i to 480p upscaling)


30PW8402: $320-$350
118246-2212p147-4b.jpg

Pros:
HDMI port
2 component inputs
'Eye fidelity'

Cons:
Least reliable, most prone to problems, such as speaker interference with the screen, geometry, and DOA
No 3D comb filter

Other models:
30PW8520 - Picture in picture, 2 component inputs, no HDMI. Not often available
30PW9xxxD - Built in OTA tuner, but analog signals look like crap, often more expensive.


Don't take my word for it, DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH BEFORE YOU BUY! I will not be responsible if you are unhappy with your purchase, and neither will Philips Outlet. Their return policy on refurbs is 30 days, on site repair, shipping back to them at their expense if required, but no refunds, exchange for identical item only. They will only refund your money if they no longer have your model in stock.
 
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[quote name='mmn']THANK YOU for telling me that. You're going to save me $60!

After learning the Xbox didn't support 480p for movies I assumed the PS2 didn't either (I have a slim PS2). But after reading your post and looking in my PS2 manual I discovered that it does support 480p for DVDs.

Now I can return the Toshiba Prog Scan DVD player I got at Fry's yesterday and get the PS2 component cables instead for around $20 - $25, saving me a ton of cash.

Thanks again! :)[/QUOTE]
Get the official ones from EB in the morning for about 78 cents shipped, saved me about $25.
 
[quote name='dafoomie']Get the official ones from EB in the morning for about 78 cents shipped, saved me about $25.[/QUOTE]

Wait, what?
 
[quote name='mmn']THANK YOU for telling me that. You're going to save me $60!

After learning the Xbox didn't support 480p for movies I assumed the PS2 didn't either (I have a slim PS2). But after reading your post and looking in my PS2 manual I discovered that it does support 480p for DVDs.

Now I can return the Toshiba Prog Scan DVD player I got at Fry's yesterday and get the PS2 component cables instead for around $20 - $25, saving me a ton of cash.

Thanks again! :)[/QUOTE]

ahh no prob always here to help :D
 
[quote name='mmn']Thanks.

Question - did you order one a couple days ago or actually get one?

If you got one, is it the official Sony brand or is it a 3rd party? Does it work ok?[/QUOTE]
It should be here Monday. I heard someone else got the official one though.
 
[quote name='starman9000']So does the ps2 do progressive scan? Might be a good excuse for me to finally get one. (besides all of the good games of course)[/QUOTE]

jes eet duz:D
 
Just got back from my trip to have my TV waiting for me in a HUGE box (seriously, you could smuggle several people in this box). Got it all setup last night, and it works beautiful. Not a thing wrong with the TV I got. Very happy.
 
[quote name='Santurio']Are these any better than the monster cables? I got those at EB used awhile back and they were like $3 (misc sku) and they work fine, they are just too bulky.[/QUOTE]
I'd take either, its tough finding PS2 component cables at all, they're usually $20+.
 
First off, that Pelican Pro thing does not come with a remote. They were supposedly making a new model that would, but I don't think it's out yet. The PL-960 and 957 are the same except for the colors. What I think Pelican did was just make it the same model number (960) and change the box image to show what color is in the box (i.e. black image, black box). That's why some have stickers on the UPC. At least that's what I gathered from looking at several at a couple of Best Buys (price matching MicroCenter's price).

Secondly, this TV is mighty tempting. I have an older receiver that does not have component, but does have coax and optical. Would it be possible to connect the video signals from my DVD player and game consoles directly to the TV (to get best image) and the audio through the receiver (to get 5.1 sound)? Seems like I would have to do a lot of fancy wiring to get the best out of what I would have.
 
[quote name='Pasco']First off, that Pelican Pro thing does not come with a remote. They were supposedly making a new model that would, but I don't think it's out yet. The PL-960 and 957 are the same except for the colors. What I think Pelican did was just make it the same model number (960) and change the box image to show what color is in the box (i.e. black image, black box). That's why some have stickers on the UPC. At least that's what I gathered from looking at several at a couple of Best Buys (price matching MicroCenter's price).

Secondly, this TV is mighty tempting. I have an older receiver that does not have component, but does have coax and optical. Would it be possible to connect the video signals from my DVD player and game consoles directly to the TV (to get best image) and the audio through the receiver (to best 5.1 sound)? Seems like I would have to do a lot of fancy wiring to get the best out of what I would have.[/QUOTE]
Would not be an issue at all, in fact, its what I'm doing. Just have the video go into the TV, and the audio go into the reciever. You'll just need to remember to switch the reciever and the TV between devices separately.
 
[quote name='p00p']Just got back from my trip to have my TV waiting for me in a HUGE box (seriously, you could smuggle several people in this box). Got it all setup last night, and it works beautiful. Not a thing wrong with the TV I got. Very happy.[/QUOTE]

the box is huge, actually half the size of my car
i spent about 20 mins outside today cutting it up so the garbage man can come get it

and for the system selector pro i got from microcenter
even if the P-957 is the black one and the P-960 is silver
they sent me a black one with a sticker of P-960 over the original bar code
and some ppl already gotten the one with the controller so i'm sure its out already
at least if they were gonna ship me one without the controller they couldve sent the right color as described on their site.
Good thing is that someone at microcenter called me and said they will do all they can to get me the right one, so i'm glad they care about their customers
 
[quote name='Pasco']First off, that Pelican Pro thing does not come with a remote. They were supposedly making a new model that would, but I don't think it's out yet. The PL-960 and 957 are the same except for the colors. What I think Pelican did was just make it the same model number (960) and change the box image to show what color is in the box (i.e. black image, black box). That's why some have stickers on the UPC. At least that's what I gathered from looking at several at a couple of Best Buys (price matching MicroCenter's price).

Secondly, this TV is mighty tempting. I have an older receiver that does not have component, but does have coax and optical. Would it be possible to connect the video signals from my DVD player and game consoles directly to the TV (to get best image) and the audio through the receiver (to get 5.1 sound)? Seems like I would have to do a lot of fancy wiring to get the best out of what I would have.[/QUOTE]

I don't mean to be rude, but you are dead wrog on the selector. I can personally guarantee that the version with the remote does exist and it was on sale at microcenter. I picked it up at the store that same saturday and I love it. That little remote is about the size of a keyless car remote and it is a definite plus.
 
Well, I watched SW:Episode II through my PS2 last night. Wanted to see how DVD's looked at 480p, and it was very nice. Though I'm not 100% sure I was in progessive mode, as I couldn't change the video option in the PS2 menu to "480p" or anything.

I'm still not 100% sure about my total set config. Sometimes when I look at games or broadcasts side-by-side, it seems like the stuff on the philips is a little out of focus or something. I looked at the posts Modium linked to, and I don't think my issue is with 480i like some people. Guess I need to find my copy of Video Essentials and see if I can figure out how to "configure" my set correctly. I've never really done it before though, so I'm kinda clueless.
 
[quote name='merkman']Well, I watched SW:Episode II through my PS2 last night. Wanted to see how DVD's looked at 480p, and it was very nice. Though I'm not 100% sure I was in progessive mode, as I couldn't change the video option in the PS2 menu to "480p" or anything.

I'm still not 100% sure about my total set config. Sometimes when I look at games or broadcasts side-by-side, it seems like the stuff on the philips is a little out of focus or something. I looked at the posts Modium linked to, and I don't think my issue is with 480i like some people. Guess I need to find my copy of Video Essentials and see if I can figure out how to "configure" my set correctly. I've never really done it before though, so I'm kinda clueless.[/QUOTE]
Merk, a great way to be sure that it's Progressive is to see if you can change the aspect ratio with left and right buttons on the 'D-pad' on the TV's remote. If you can't, then it's Progressive. From what I've seen, the Progressive Scan games on the PS2 all require you to hold X and Triangle on the controller while starting it up, but I'm not sure if the same goes for DVD's.

And if you're kinda clueless about configuring your set, then I'm a fucking moron, because I'm so horrible at it, I assure you. :D I really just fiddle with it until it looks okay to me. I have no idea what I'm doing, but I've managed to get it at a decent spot. I'm really not sure what to tell you. If you're that unsure of your tuning ability, then maybe the Video Essentials disc is the way to go, I'm even considering picking one up myself, just to see if I can find that elusive sweet spot :p I'd hate for you to spend the cash on a disc, though, just to find out it's a flaw in the set or something. So just be sure before you take the plunge, nothing worse than a cheapass tossing money away, heh. From what I've heard, the discs make it pretty easy to use, even if you're a novice, so no need to worry about feeling clueless.
 
when i play dvd's there are colored squares showing up, is my component cable bad or is the dvd bad? i tried looking on google for an answer but i keep getting reviews of other tvs and stuff.

also when i watch a dvd in progressive scan the movie still has black bars on top and bottom but without progressive scan i can change the screen to 16x9 so that is fits. is it suppose to be like that or do i need to adjust my tv somehow or not use p-scan to get it to fit the screen?
I have set my dvd player to 16x9 and Component Output.

I also d/led the controller manual and i did find it a little useful to set my philips dvd player cuz it was changing the channels on the tv when i wanted to fast forward on my dvd player, i guess it changed the signal cuz now they both work seperately. but the manual for the other controller is basically the same info with different pictures

also can some ppl post their personal picture settings
I am really bad at telling colors, i'm kinda color blind

mines is TV : bightness 60 color 40 picture 80 sharpness 99
AV4: brightness 50 color 45 picture 99
probbaly not the best settings but i'm bad at this
 
[quote name='greyzieoriental']

also when i watch a dvd in progressive scan the movie still has black bars on top and bottom but without progressive scan i can change the screen to 16x9 so that is fits. is it suppose to be like that or do i need to adjust my tv somehow or not use p-scan to get it to fit the screen?
I have set my dvd player to 16x9 and Component Output.
[/QUOTE]


When the TV is recieving a digital signal you cant change the aspect ratio. So, if the dvd doesnt say "enhance for 16:9 tvs" (or something to that effect) you will have the black bars. It really sucks for games that arent in widescreen, because it will automatically stretch them and make them look like crap.

This is really the only thing about this TV that bothers me. The picture for dvd's looks great for me, and I havent even tried a prog. scan yet.
 
Heres a quick question for everyone. I have my xbox hooked up with the av pack and gaming looks fabulous. But I just recently hooked up my PS2 with an s cable and everything looks so bland on the screen and just not very clear. Does this tv not function good with s cable or do I need to adjust some of the settings or should I just get a PS2 component cable? If I do get the PS2 component deal then I'm assuming I need the system selector I see a few of you referring to. I don't play the PS2 much but it looked like a$$ even compared to a regular tv with s cable.
 
I highly suggest the component cable because that's the only one (between composite, svideo, and component) that will let you take advantage of the progressive scan.
 
[quote name='Pratt75']Thanks for the tip phrost. Will the component cables improve the picture quality of PS2 gaming?[/QUOTE]

Component is the best connection you can get for games, so yeah, it'll look better.
 
for those of you who want to adjust your TV color ,contrast, ETC.. but are clueless just bust out your copy of X-men on DVD it has a setup guide in the options menu it worked real well for me as i didnt know what every thing adjusted exactly hope this helps CAGers
 
To set up your tv correct I recommend getting Digital Video Essentials or Avia Guide to Home Theater. If you have netflix you can rent them from there if you don't want to buy.
 
[quote name='merkman']Wow. Really? First movie or 1.5? I'll definately have to give this a look...[/QUOTE]


the first X-MEN i dont have 1.5
 
[quote name='Pratt75']anyone know where I can get some PS2 component cables? EB doesn't seem to have them at the moment.[/QUOTE]

frys usually have em in stock or use outpost.com for $24.99

and my local wal-mart has em for $20.00 bucks you can also buy cheap component cables there Phillips brand for $10.99
 
[quote name='BADAIM']for those of you who want to adjust your TV color ,contrast, ETC.. but are clueless just bust out your copy of X-men on DVD it has a setup guide in the options menu it worked real well for me as i didnt know what every thing adjusted exactly hope this helps CAGers[/QUOTE]

Don't use those things....they work a little, but I heard each disc is different. I'm sure it's a good start though
 
[quote name='doubledown']Don't use those things....they work a little, but I heard each disc is different. I'm sure it's a good start though[/QUOTE]

this worked real good for me its a special feature called optimode it adjust and test your surround sound and video and it works on 4:3 and 16:9 .

Merkman go to the X-MAN special features pick the THX symbol (bottom middle)
and follow the onscreen instructions for what you want to test audio/video
 
Gotcha! I'll definately check that out soon. Heading out to dinner tonight, but I look forward to checking out the set and improving it if I can. Thanks man!
 
[quote name='8ballGuy']IS this back in stock yet? or when was the last time it was in stock?[/QUOTE]
If its not in stock now, it will be soon.

I also bought a Philips refurb boombox off the site the other day, not a bad deal either.
 
[quote name='dafoomie']If its not in stock now, it will be soon.

I also bought a Philips refurb boombox off the site the other day, not a bad deal either.[/QUOTE]

does it only come back in stock during the day (aka buisness hours) or even late at night? Because I been refreshing like a mad man all the way up till 3 AM)
 
[quote name='8ballGuy']does it only come back in stock during the day (aka buisness hours) or even late at night? Because I been refreshing like a mad man all the way up till 3 AM)[/QUOTE]
Why would you refresh? It doesn't tell you if its in stock on the product page, it tells you when you try to check out.
 
I stand corrected, and a bit miffed that I have the older version, since I really wanted the remote. I'll keep an eye out for the new version. Same model number? Maybe I'll give Pelican an email and ask them. Thanks for the info.


[quote name='Santurio']I don't mean to be rude, but you are dead wrog on the selector. I can personally guarantee that the version with the remote does exist and it was on sale at microcenter. I picked it up at the store that same saturday and I love it. That little remote is about the size of a keyless car remote and it is a definite plus.[/QUOTE]
 
[quote name='dafoomie']Why would you refresh? It doesn't tell you if its in stock on the product page, it tells you when you try to check out.[/QUOTE]

opps sorry dident mean refresh, I jsut try to check out, and always says OOS, so I dident know if it came in stock out of bizness hours
 
[quote name='8ballGuy']opps sorry dident mean refresh, I jsut try to check out, and always says OOS, so I dident know if it came in stock out of bizness hours[/QUOTE]
Try the morning, I don't think they'll get any in at 2am. They've been coming and going in stock about every day, if you really want one, I don't think you'll have a problem getting one.
 
8ball it will come back at random times, i ordered mines during the late nite, not business times. I checked for a week at all times, so once it comes in stock i think u should get it ASAP

found some other things wrong with my TV
the AV3 s-video input is messed up, flickers when i use it
tried the AV2 s-video input and everything was fine

and like before the AV1/CVI for component cable doesn't work either
Gonna give them a call, hopefully i dont have to send it back.
TV is great IMO, although i cant tell the difference from component/composite/s-video
knowing that its running 480p is what matters i guess

thinking about getting a refurbished Cube and getting component cables for it, but 30$ for those cables are pretty costly and thats not including shipping:(

anyone else that tested all their inputs have problems?
seems like all my composite inputs are fine though
 
TV is great IMO, although i cant tell the difference from component/composite/s-video
Click to expand...

You should see a large difference. What exactly do you have hooked up while testing? Try hooking up your DVD player with component cables, then toggling the progressive scan mode on and off on you DVD player if possible. If it doesn't look like someone wiped a years worth of dust off you screen when you flip it from interlaced to progressive, something is wrong with your TV.
 
nevermind i did what u said numsay and i see that its clearer when i switch on and off p-scan, so my TV is good

also like i said my CVI and s-video doesnt work
I called philips today and they gave me a place to call to get it fixed
the customer service isnt as bad as everyone says either that or i got lucky
but someone will be out to fix my TV on monday since i got work 2morrow(which is when they wanted to come)

and anyone in vegas who got the tv or anything from philips
the # is Video Audio Specialist 702-382-3333
very nice ppl and gots a girl answering the phone that sounds cute, but sounds can be deceiving she actually stayed on the phone to talk 2 me, kinda unprofessional but as long as they fix my tv i'm all good

very happy i dont gotta send it back, they actually wanted to refund my money back to my credit card cuz they said they dont got a replacement(this was in an email) but i decided to call or maybe i should get a refund??

if the xbox 360 really is supporting 1080i then i guess i dont need 720p tv
i really didnt see much difference in Enter the matrix though even in 1080i
 
[quote name='greyzieoriental']if the xbox 360 really is supporting 1080i then i guess i dont need 720p tv
i really didnt see much difference in Enter the matrix though even in 1080i[/QUOTE]

I'm sure it will support 480p like the current Xbox does. If so, you won't see a HUGE difference between 480p and 720p.
 
been trying 8-10 times a day for the pass 4 days, and still out of luck :(

* ANybody who notices it come back in stock and post it in this thread(PM is prefeared), I will give them 10$ via paypal instantly, because Im just not having any luck :(, would go gret with my free 6 months of blockbuster online
 
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