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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go to walmart and get the HD system Selector they have for like $30. It works great and is a simple solution. Or get the large system selector pro for $80 at Fry's
 
[quote name='Santurio']I just clicked on the attachment and opened it to view. It is basically a shipment confirmation with the shippers name and order # and ship date.[/QUOTE]

There is no attachment.... hm....
 
I'm setting up my Windows Media Center PC to the Philips right now. The ATI DVI to Component Out Adapter is pretty cool. The first time I tried using it, I didn't look at any of the instructions before I tried it the first time, so I didn't realize the adapter was set for 480i mode only, and that's the mode that gave me problems seeing the whole screen. Now, I've got the adapter set to do 480p & 1080i, and I've also set it to 16:9 aspect ratio.

I am a little confused about all the talk of only Two High Definition Component Inputs on the TV. Is that AV1 & AV2? I thought AV4 was high def as well.

Still would like an Englsh Owner's Manual in PDF if someone could hook those of us without up.
 
the system selector is the pelican one right?
and my gamecube is a dol-101 so no components for that

and i read through this thread like 3 times this morning
are these the buy.com ones?
http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=90136364&dcaid=1688

i guess i'm have to spend like 50$ in cables and hookups

i was thinking bout one of those cables with 5 rca ends
my home theather in box doesnt have optical inputs so there is no was to get surround sound out of my xbox is there?(philips mx6050)
 
Well, I had some Monster Component cables from my older, non-HD set, so I used those for my DVD player. Those component cables from buy.com don't seem to bad at all for the price.

As for your home theater, greyzieoriental, I don't think so, as the Xbox HD pack only has an optical output (and a hard-to-find one at that!) I'm not sure if there's any kind of converter for optical/coaxial audio cables. Probably not, but I still can't see why both were invented, it just brings more confusion to the whole HT market.

I remember I was using the regular RCA cables with my older TV. Then, when I got my last TV, my Sony, I had to go buy S-video for all my consoles, and a new switcher. Now, I had to buy new cables AGAIN so I have all component inputs, and a new switcher. It's a hassle when you keep upgrading, but this should be the last time. Let's keep our fingers crossed.

I got the regular Xbox HD pack for around $20 at CompUSA, and the official PS2 component cables for $25 at Circuit City. And yes, the Gamecube component cables are a bitch to get, hence my lacking them. The selector works very well and is $25 right here: http://www.gamestop.com/product.asp?product_id=801888

And, as for my settings on my set, it's very different for everybody's television. My setting might look like ass on your TV. If you're using component cables, you won't be able to turn the sharpness down, you'll have to go into the service menu. I made a few posts about it a few pages back, if you want to. IMO, turning the sharpness to 0 will make the biggest improvement in gaming. The best way to do the settings it just to fiddle with them yourself until they look good to your eyes. If you want mine though, as a jumping off point: Brightness-40, Color-38, Picture-84, Color Temp.-Normal. And, keep in mind, brightness set at 0. With Component inputs, you can't adjust it, you have to go to the service menu, and it's usually set at the default of around 80-ish. I've never been good at setting this stuff on TV's anyway, but that's what looks best to my eyes at least. Good luck tweaking it all, it can get kind of stressful after a while :p
 
I got the regular Xbox HD pack for around $20 at CompUSA, and the official PS2 component cables for $25 at Circuit City. And yes, the Gamecube component cables are a bitch to get, hence my lacking them. The selector works very well and is $25 right here: http://www.gamestop.com/product.asp?product_id=801888

got to microcenter right now and get the HD selector pro. they have it for $50 and it is the silver one with the remote. I just got one today and there was one left .
 
After researching the topic a little I found out about this little unit right here: http://www.the-console-corner.com/shop/product.php?productid=6098&cat=10&page=1
The reviews on it from Lik-sang and Play Asia have been nothing but great, people say there's no signal degradation or anything, and it's only about $17.50 shipped from the console corner. (I've ordered from there before, they're based in Ohio so you get your stuff fast). I ordered one today, I'd say it's a nice alternative to the pricier component switchers.

reviews:
http://www.lik-sang.com/info.php?category=76&products_id=4088&&
http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-n-70-3cb.html
 
[quote name='russtophiles']After researching the topic a little I found out about this little unit right here: http://www.the-console-corner.com/shop/product.php?productid=6098&cat=10&page=1
The reviews on it from Lik-sang and Play Asia have been nothing but great, people say there's no signal degradation or anything, and it's only about $17.50 shipped from the console corner. (I've ordered from there before, they're based in Ohio so you get your stuff fast). I ordered one today, I'd say it's a nice alternative to the pricier component switchers.

reviews:
http://www.lik-sang.com/info.php?category=76&products_id=4088&&
http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-n-70-3cb.html[/QUOTE]
Definitely a cheaper alternative, Russ. However, I'll stick with my Pelican, just because I already have it :p But, also, it's got S-video inputs, which I'm using for my Gamecube (curse you Nintendo!) and my Dish DVR. Not to mention the built-it Ethernet switcher \\:D/

But, if you weren't gonna use both of those, go with the one Russ posted, as it's a bit cheaper and will basically do the same job.

:applause:
 
[quote name='modium']But, also, it's got S-video inputs, which I'm using for my Gamecube (curse you Nintendo!) and my Dish DVR.[/QUOTE]

Um, you do know that Nintendo's component cables can be ordered through their website, right?
 
with the Universal System Selector PRO(pelican)
will i be able to use my home theather(philips mx6050) with my xbox?
it says it has 3 optical inputs

i'm guessing that i can use the optical input from the xbox and plug it into the same one as i would plug my home theather? if thats possible i'll buy it right away

Features include:
* Inputs for seven components
* Seven composite video/audio inputs
* Seven S-Video inputs
* Seven component video inputs
* Three optical inputs
* Three network inputs
* Allows for simple management of entertainment system components
* Inputs are hidden from view by a easily accessed front-panel
* Available in silver or black
 
if you have the HD Pack for your Xbox that has the optical output then you should be fine. You will just need to buy an extra cable to connect from the selector to your receiver. But if you go to MicroCenter get the silver pro selector, it has 8 inputs and comes witha wirless remote to switch the components.
Link:HD system selector pro


I have all component cables for GC, PS2 and Xbox so they look awesome and will look amazing on this TV, but mu question is, Is there any way to get a better sound or actual surround out of the GC??
 
[quote name='flojomojo']Now out of stock. Bummer.[/QUOTE]

Yeah it shows in stock, but I've tried for a week or two with no success. Some people have got one though. It's possible they don't update on the weekend.
 
[quote name='scdoanintendo']Yeah it shows in stock, but I've tried for a week or two with no success. Some people have got one though. It's possible they don't update on the weekend.[/QUOTE]


Keep an eye out for the site to be down for maintenence. When I got mine this week, the site was down in the morning and they were back in stock when it came back on.
 
Got mine setup with everything except HD from Comcast yesterday. Disabled 720p in the Xbox setup, but left 1080i on. Wanted to check it out with Enter The Matrix, but couldn't find it. Maybe I traded it in... :(

In any event... I'm REALLY looking forward to seeing HD for the first time Tuesday when Comcast comes and installs it. Then I'll be able to report on the picture quality of this fully powered battle statio... I mean, TV. :D
 
I got a call earlier today ...................................guess what.........................I'm getting my TV tommorrow!!!!
Thank you Dafoomie!!!!
 
[quote name='Santurio']I got a call earlier today ...................................guess what.........................I'm getting my TV tommorrow!!!!
Thank you Dafoomie!!!![/QUOTE]

good sh#t I know i'm just the local noob but did anybody else get theres who just ordered ? mine should be here tommorow
 
:bomb: :bomb: :bomb: :bomb:
:censored: :censored: :censored: :censored: :censored:
I must have wanted this too much ...........or hated by Phillips.
I get home to find my set delivered not more than 10 minutes before I get there.
I exude excitement to almost uncontrolable levels, so I get a blade and go outside and think of how to get htis big ass box in the house. I say fuck it and open the damn thing outside, I see it and smile like little kid. My dad comes out to help me get in the house, while still wrapped in plastic we get it in the house and I remove the bag like as if I was performing magic and I had just got to the point where you yell Ta-Da
................well all I heard was a faint Haw-Haw (in a Nelson from the Simpsons voice). The damn thing was broken to shit. I noticed the screen was pushed all the way in and there are holes all in the front of the speaker grating, a big crack on the top of the set leading down the back and a huge whole in the back where the tube was sticking out right between the labels with the serial and model #'s. This thing is fucking useless. I have emailed customer support but for now I am stuck with this worthless square piece of metallic crap!!
:censored: :censored: :censored: :censored: :censored:
:bomb: :bomb: :bomb: :bomb: :bomb: :bomb:
 
[quote name='LinkinPrime']Anyone looking for a cheap system selector pro:

http://microcenter.com/game_room/games/game_hardware_single_product_results.phtml?product_id=184180

This one has Digital Audio outputs. I purchased one on ebay new for about the same price, it works great and you can hook up 7 units 3 with digital audio.[/QUOTE]


i just ordered this yesterday and today i got an email saying that its backordered and will ship 5/16/05 kinda sux but for the price its worth the wait

are you 100% sure this will come with the remote control? i dont see anything on the page saying so but since 2 ppl already got it with a remote i'm hoping it will.
 
[quote name='greyzieoriental']i just ordered this yesterday and today i got an email saying that its backordered and will ship 5/16/05 kinda sux but for the price its worth the wait

are you 100% sure this will come with the remote control? i dont see anything on the page saying so but since 2 ppl already got it with a remote i'm hoping it will.[/QUOTE]


I dont think the selector pro comes with remote. I got the black one and it was sealed w/no remote, if you are talking about the TV, yes I got the TV with remote.
 
[quote name='Santurio']:bomb: :bomb: :bomb: :bomb:
:censored: :censored: :censored: :censored: :censored:
I must have wanted this too much ...........or hated by Phillips.
I get home to find my set delivered not more than 10 minutes before I get there.
I exude excitement to almost uncontrolable levels, so I get a blade and go outside and think of how to get htis big ass box in the house. I say fuck it and open the damn thing outside, I see it and smile like little kid. My dad comes out to help me get in the house, while still wrapped in plastic we get it in the house and I remove the bag like as if I was performing magic and I had just got to the point where you yell Ta-Da
................well all I heard was a faint Haw-Haw (in a Nelson from the Simpsons voice). The damn thing was broken tho shit. I noticed the screen was pushed all the way in and there are holes all in the front of the speaker grating, a big crack on the top of the set leading down the back and a huge whole in the back where the tube was sticking out right between the labels with the serial and model #'s. This thing is fucking useless. I have emailed customer support but for now I am stuck with this worthless square piece of metallic crap!!
:censored: :censored: :censored: :censored: :censored:
:bomb: :bomb: :bomb: :bomb: :bomb: :bomb:[/QUOTE]


That sucks ass! You should try calling them, I emailed when I was asking for a tracking number and it took them about 2 days to reply. I called and they answered pretty quick. I'm sure that they will exchange it for you, just sucks that you have to deal with the hassle now. Good luck on your next set.
 
[quote name='greyzieoriental']i just ordered this yesterday and today i got an email saying that its backordered and will ship 5/16/05 kinda sux but for the price its worth the wait

are you 100% sure this will come with the remote control? i dont see anything on the page saying so but since 2 ppl already got it with a remote i'm hoping it will.[/QUOTE]
if you ordered from microcenter and it's the silver unit it comes witha remote and it works great. I have it hooked up and I love it, now I just wish my new TV wasn't busted up. I have a 20" Toshiba with component hookups so I am not hurting for a great picture but that TV would look nice in place of that small one.

[quote name='LinkinPrime']That sucks ass! You should try calling them, I emailed when I was asking for a tracking number and it took them about 2 days to reply. I called and they answered pretty quick. I'm sure that they will exchange it for you, just sucks that you have to deal with the hassle now. Good luck on your next set.[/QUOTE]

I tried calling but the person who answered the phone at the number they stick on the set was completely useless. They said I had to call the Phillips online store customer service which is only open Mon-Fri 8:00A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Eastern time.
So I have to wait until tommorrow.
 
well I went and picked mine up instead of waiting for tommorow . it just so happens the Eagle Global Logistics HQ is 2 blocks from me I ordered thursday been here since last night sunday. well mine is perfect and the remote works . picture is beautiful %100 satisfied THANKS CAGers
 
[quote name='BADAIM']well I went and picked mine up instead of waiting for tommorow . it just so happens the Eagle Global Logistics HQ is 2 blocks from me I ordered thursday been here since last night sunday. well mine is perfect and the remote works . picture is beautiful %100 satisfied THANKS CAGers[/QUOTE]

the only good thing I can think about this situation is that I got a brand new remote(no batteries) and a crisp new manual in english!! But that still doesn't help me any.
 
looks like I'm getting a refund. They don't have any to replace it with so they are picking it up and refunding my money. The rep said they are expecting to have a few in the next couple of days but I don't know if I want to reorder. Who knows, they can't send me screwed up TV twice............or maybe they will!!
 
Just hooked up mine and all I can say is "Sweet Zombie Jesus!" This thing is beautiful. Doom 3 480p widescreen is a sight to behold. The best part is the only thing wrong with the tv is some sticker residue near the upper left corner. Holy crappers folks!
 
[quote name='Santurio']:bomb: :bomb: :bomb: :bomb:
:censored: :censored: :censored: :censored: :censored:
I must have wanted this too much ...........or hated by Phillips.
I get home to find my set delivered not more than 10 minutes before I get there.
I exude excitement to almost uncontrolable levels, so I get a blade and go outside and think of how to get htis big ass box in the house. I say fuck it and open the damn thing outside, I see it and smile like little kid. My dad comes out to help me get in the house, while still wrapped in plastic we get it in the house and I remove the bag like as if I was performing magic and I had just got to the point where you yell Ta-Da
................well all I heard was a faint Haw-Haw (in a Nelson from the Simpsons voice). The damn thing was broken to shit. I noticed the screen was pushed all the way in and there are holes all in the front of the speaker grating, a big crack on the top of the set leading down the back and a huge whole in the back where the tube was sticking out right between the labels with the serial and model #'s. This thing is fucking useless. I have emailed customer support but for now I am stuck with this worthless square piece of metallic crap!!
:censored: :censored: :censored: :censored: :censored:
:bomb: :bomb: :bomb: :bomb: :bomb: :bomb:[/QUOTE]
The guys that delivered mine made sure it worked before they left, or they would have taken it back with them. At least they'll come to your house and pick it up, at their expense.

If you really want one, I'd reorder. What are the odds of it happening again? It would be funny if they gave you the same one back. Not for you, though.
 
Well, my HD got hooked up today, but I'm still not QUITE sure what to think.

Some of the HD stations come in, but it seems the picture "position" is too high. Others, the vertical position is good, but the left or right seem off. Anyone else notice this with Comcast?

Really, I'm dead tired after a long day at work, and the Sonics are killing the Kings, but not on HD, so I guess I'll look at it a little better tomorrow. Think I may need to go back through this post and find the instructions for the service menu.
 
Merk..I'm so sorry to have to tell you this. It seems that you've got a set with an overscan problem. There are a couple things you can do. You can call up Philips and tell them about it, and see if they could send a tech. out to your house or something. I don't know if they would even care enough to offer it to you, but it's worth a shot if it bothers you. Or, you could try to fix it yourself. It's very very risky, but you can follow my outline here http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?p=891672#post891672 (post #231) because I'm too lazy to type it out again. I'm still messing with mine here and there, and I've got it to where it's satisfactory. My skills with this kind of thing are very dulled, but I've got it to where I'm only missing a slight bit on the left side, but the right side is a little curved around the edges, but you can rarely notice it. I'm anal-retentive though. Just be careful if you decide to take this route.

Or, it could be your HD, I'm no expert. Plug a Progressive Scan DVD player into the slot and try it out with something that's 1.85:1 or 1.78:1, like newer TV shows that are filmed in Widescreen and have Anamorphic Widescreen DVDs. Then, see if that picture position is still too high. If not, it could just be Comcast, in which case, I'm sure they'd find a way to fix it for you if you complain enough over the phone.
 
Just got mine all set up. Looks great. Im a little confused right now as to what I should put the settings at. Like, if I set the format to auto, it cuts the picture in half. Is that normal? Is the 16:9 zoom the correct setting for movies?
 
[quote name='starman9000']Just got mine all set up. Looks great. Im a little confused right now as to what I should put the settings at. Like, if I set the format to auto, it cuts the picture in half. Is that normal? Is the 16:9 zoom the correct setting for movies?[/QUOTE]You should use whatever looks best to you. Obviously, use the 4:3 mode for regular non-letterboxed TV stuff. Keep in mind that Widescreen, Superwide and Auto WILL stretch the picture, and therefore, distort it. 14:9 and 16:9 zoom will just blow up the picture to fit the screen. I've found that 16:9 zoom actually zooms in a little too much, cutting off a sizable chunk of all 4 edges of a 16:9 frame. Personally, I stay between 4:3 for standard, and 14:9 for widescreen stuff. I'd avoid Auto at all costs, and I'd stay away from Wide and Superwide unless you like your picture stretched out, but that's just me.

Also, a couple more things I've noticed. If you're watching something in non-Progressive mode, you can switch between Auto, 4:3, etc. by hitting the left and right arrows on the 'D-pad' of the remote. And, if you're using one of the zoom modes, the up and down arrows will pan the pictue up and down, useful if you're watching a non-anamorphic picture with subtitles.

One last bit about programming the remote. My pal BADAIM asked me how to program the remote with his cable box, and I was able to help him out. At his suggestion, I'm posting the instructions here, so if anybody else is missing the manual, you'll be able to program your remote as well.
To set it, place the TV/VCR/ACC switch on the left side of the remote, to ACC. Press the REC./SAP button on the remote control and release. Press the SOUND button on the remote within 30 seconds, then release. Enter the three-digit Direct-Entry code number. The remote should be ready to send commands to the unit. Point the remote at the remote sensor window of the device, your cable box, then press the POWER button on the remote to turn it on. If this doesn't work, try it again. If after a second try it doesn't work, try another number, if more than one is listed for your device. If this doesn't work, you can try the Search method, which only works with devices equipped with channel display indicators.

Press the power button on the cable box to turn it on. Slide the TV/VCR/ACC button down to ACC. press the REC/SAP and SOUND buttons simultaneously and hold them down. The cable box will begin to change channels after the remote identifies the correct code. When the channels start to change, release the buttons. Don't let the device scan up more than five channels. If you do, the remote control may pass up the correct code and another two-minute search cycle will have to be done. If no channel change occurs within two minutes, try it again from the start. Should a channel change still not occur, the remote will not work with the cable box.

This is pretty much verbatim from the manual, so it should help, and if it doesn't, then your cable box probably isn'y compatible with the remote. Good luck.
Click to expand...
Obviously, you'll need to set the switch to VCR instead of ACC if you wish to program your VCR, but that much goes without saying. The Direct-Entry codes are unique to every different manufacturer, so if you want to try this method, let me know and I'll find your code(s) in the manual.
 
Well I ordered myself one back when it came back in stock (thanks for the deal by the way), and according to the tracking and the nice lady I talked to on Tuesday, the TV should arrive tomorrow. Unfortunately, I will be taking my finals until 4pm (three of them, wooooweee!), but my roommate doesn't work until later in the afternoon so he should be around to recieve it. I'm pretty pumped, it'll be a nice way to treat myself after stressing over these tests.
Well anyway, back to my all-nighter!
 
I never recieved the number, at least I couldn't find it, but what I did was I called Phillips, told them my order number, and asked them for my Eagle Global tracking number. The Phillips rep gave me the number (called the Waybill number), and you can go onto Eagle Global's website and type it in. It will give you an estimated arrival date.
 
on my sony tv for widescreen games or movies I Put the option "FUll" , so check to see if you have a similar option to do that . I have a zoom otpion also but that dosent give u the true 16:9 ratio.
 
[quote name='modium']You should use whatever looks best to you. Obviously, use the 4:3 mode for regular non-letterboxed TV stuff. Keep in mind that Widescreen, Superwide and Auto WILL stretch the picture, and therefore, distort it. 14:9 and 16:9 zoom will just blow up the picture to fit the screen. I've found that 16:9 zoom actually zooms in a little too much, cutting off a sizable chunk of all 4 edges of a 16:9 frame. Personally, I stay between 4:3 for standard, and 14:9 for widescreen stuff. I'd avoid Auto at all costs, and I'd stay away from Wide and Superwide unless you like your picture stretched out, but that's just me.

[/QUOTE]


Yeah, I notice the zoom cut off some of the picture. 14:9 and 16:9 Subtitles actually look the best. I dont quite understand why there is a widescreen and superwide mode. And the Auto is horrible.


Also, when I plugged in my antena it looked like I was picking up Conan in HD. (not HD quality, but I it looked widescreen) Is that even possible without an HD reciever or whatever?
 
[quote name='starman9000']Yeah, I notice the zoom cut off some of the picture. 14:9 and 16:9 Subtitles actually look the best. I dont quite understand why there is a widescreen and superwide mode. And the Auto is horrible.


Also, when I plugged in my antena it looked like I was picking up Conan in HD. (not HD quality, but I it looked widescreen) Is that even possible without an HD reciever or whatever?[/QUOTE]

Unless you have a digital cable HD box or a separate HD tuner box, no, you were not getting Conan in HD.
 
[quote name='starman9000']
Also, when I plugged in my antena it looked like I was picking up Conan in HD. (not HD quality, but I it looked widescreen) Is that even possible without an HD reciever or whatever?[/QUOTE]

Conan just started broadcasting in HD widescreen, this tv can't pickup an HD signal on its own, but you are picking it up in widescreen. You'll notice other shows & commercials like this occasionaly too.
 
Conan started broadcasting in HDTV on tuesday..so anything up until then was still standard def :)
 
Well they called today, and set up an appointment for Sat. between the hours of 10am and 4pm. Unfortunately, I head out on a flight at 1:45pm, so if they don't get here early, I gotta wait another whole week before enjoying my new set.
 
[quote name='rockhero']It's back in stock right now.[/QUOTE]

Now out of stock. They must really be flying off the shelves, did you go through the complete checkout?
 
[quote name='PhrostByte']My friend showed me this link the other day:
http://www.electronicsnation.com/en/products/flypage/prod_id/30PW850H

It is more expensive and I am not sure if they charge sales tax. Also, they are out of stock..

Anyway, I should be getting my TV today. Some time from 12-5. I have school until 3 but my mom and sister are home... luckily I don't have to work today. I'll let you all know what's up.[/QUOTE]

Thanks I'll keep an eye on it. If I'm not incorrect, it is the same model? Also is that site reliable.
 
Just as a side note :

At Walmart this morning I saw a very similar model to the Philips on sale open box for $575 from its normal price of $697.

So you guys basically got the same deal as Walmart is giving but for $200 less. :)
 
Some notes on my situation...

I bought Enter The Matrix used yesterday at Gamestop on the way home for $12.99 - 10% off. The disc was like new, with no scratches, and I got them to give me the display case, since it was an original and not a blockbuster one or something. :)

I wasn't convinced I could get the TV to do 1080i until I put the game in and saw the set go into that mode. Frankly, it looked GREAT. I dunno if I see a TON of difference compared to my "regular" set. I'll need to get another copy of the game and run them both at the SAME TIME to really compare them... but it looked pretty good to me. ;)

Then, I tried using my Windows MCE 2005 box to play a DVD. This computer is connected to my Logitech Z-680 speakers, so the sound was great as I strained to get the video working correctly. When I first started, MCE's DVD player was showing RED across the entire screen, so that SW:Episode 1 had no proper color. Maybe there was a setting I could tweak, but I couldn't figure it out. Windows Media Player 10 looked better, but I couldn't get the movie to fully expand to the sides of the screen. So finally I used WinDVD 6, and that worked great. Good color, filled the screen, and the quality seemed good. But I was only in 480p mode, since I haven't been able to get my PC to do 1080i on the Philips TV.

Overall, it seems like a nice set. But I'm waiting for a show I want to watch that's on "regular" broadcast TV AND HDTV at the same time. Then I'll turn on my Sony 27", the Philips 30" wide, and I hope to really "see" the difference. :D
 
Nice to see you're getting some nice results with your set Merk :) I wouldn't worry too much about doing side-by-side comparisons. I figure, as long as it looks good to me, it's fine. But, that's just me :p

If you're looking for good demo material, Dragon's Lair 3D is in 1080i on the Xbox. I picked it up at the CC $4.99 sale last summer, and it looks amazing on this TV. It really looks a lot like a cartoon come to life, pardon the cliche. I'm sure you could find it on the cheap if you want some more demo material. The game's merely decent, but damn, is it nice-looking.
 
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