LCD/Plasma/CRT/DLP - questions

[Edame]

I have a Sharp LC42XD1E (from ED) due for delivery tomorrow, can't wait! I'll try and take plenty of pics

[themanwithapc]

I would of said if it was for PC use, then the samsung is the better one to go for. its specs look more geared towards it being a monitor. Get yourself a Vga cable and you have an ace 19" 360 monitor.

The Sony one may well have a cheap panel in it as those small combi sets often do. Unless you specifically want to watch Tv and use game consoles (which probably won't look great via the other connections) then I wouldn'y bother.

Cheers for the opinions mate.

I actually remember someone on these forums having the Sony screen (maybe it was andrewfee?) and got quite a positive review for all round usage on everything.

It's all academic though, I can't find it anywhere, so it'll have to be the Sammy. A quick question that might save me making a new thread. What resolutions does the 360 support via VGA? My console no longer displays VGA on my TV, so I can't hook up my cable and try it.

[EvilBoris]

It supports

• 640 x 480
• 848 x 480
• 1024 x 768
• 1280 x 720
• 1280 x 768
• 1280 x 1024
• 1360 x 768
• 1920 x 1080

[themanwithapc]

It supports

• 640 x 480
• 848 x 480
• 1024 x 768
• 1280 x 720
• 1280 x 768
• 1280 x 1024
• 1360 x 768
• 1920 x 1080

Cheers matey

[Flompy]

I have a few questions regarding the Toshiba WLT68, wonder if any of you lucky people can help:

1- What is 'cinema mode'?!

2- What is the difference between MPEG NR & DNR? I thought these were one & the same thing! I also realise they only show up on the Freeview setting, but do they apply to all settings (my VGA picture seems better with DNR off)?

3- Has anybody yet found any discreet input codes?!

Thanks very much, still loving the set

[EvilBoris]

Cinema mode applies I slight blur to the image to hide any jaggies (I think)

DNR reduces the grain effect/analgoue noise via the application of a small blur filter.

MPEG DNR reduces the blocking you get from low quality digital signals such as freeview and heavily compressed videos.

MPEG DNR is tolerable on low, but as it is essentially smudging everything, whilst making the image appear less blocky, is actually reducing the amount fo detail that can be seen. You'll notice that Skin becomes very waxy looking.
I'd just leave them all off.

[EvilBoris]

I got my subwoofer for the Tv today, its cool as I don't have the room for full sized system, but it convieniently sits on the back of the set. It is fecking huge! It sounds nice too.

For anyone interested, I got it from this guy on ebayhttp://cgi.ebay.co.uk/TOSHIBA-SUBWOO...em250064576050, £70 is a helluva lot better than the RRP of £150. £70 is still expensive, but it doesn't take up any additional room.

[SharkSkin-Man]

Would be interested in knowing what that sounds like EvilBoris, I'm getting a 37wlt68 next week and was thinking about the sub.

[The Cobra]

Right, need a bit of advice people. I've been looking at purchasing a new LCD for use primarily as a computer monitor, which can maybe double up for 360 use from time to time (will still be using my main 26" screen for most gaming). Question is, which one do I go for.

Has a look at this and this, but each comes with their problem. The Sony is impossible to find (although seems to be EXACTLY what I'm after) and the Samsung has no component and a very odd resolution (for non-PC use anyway). Anyone have any opinions on these sets, or recommend anything similar for me?

Not sure which size you want, but Dell does an ace monitor which supports 1080p. Only around ?400-500. Cracking set and would be perfect to use for a PC monitor and 360.

[themanwithapc]

Not sure which size you want, but Dell does an ace monitor which supports 1080p. Only around £400-500. Cracking set and would be perfect to use for a PC monitor and 360.

Thanks for the input. Is it this or this one? Unfortunately, size is my biggest problem, since 17" is the most desirable, but there don't seem to be many around that have dual inputs, let alone much else. That's the reason I'm settling for a 20" max, although it will probably crowd my room. I could be tempted to go for the cheaper Dell model, but both the Samsung and Dell have weird resolutions which is forcing me to hold off for a bit while I do my research.

[sj33]

With the recent semi-confirmation of the 360 HDMI, I'm looking into getting some sort of HDMI switcher.

There is a topic here that recommends this one http://www.octavainc.com/HDMI%20switch%203port.htm

That's quite a mighty price though.

Does anyone have any recommendations? I do not need fancy stuff like auto-switching, manual will do.

[EvilBoris]

Last night I watched Phantom of the Opera on HD-DVD. The Sub was awesome, I'm really chuffed with it.

[Daragon]

Anyone know what could be causing the distortion with my Farmer Component switch box? Was fine this morning, just loaded up my 360 and now I've got faint diagonal lines running across the screen

[EvilBoris]

If it is too close to a power cable or a speaker is the most common cause. I guess any cable beeing to close could cause it.

[krispyk]

For all those that are not aware CES 2007 kicks off tommorrow and where several manufacturers will be showing off their models for the year. Although they are US models hopefully the english models wont differ to greatly.

The Sharp press conference was today and heres a link to show what they have revealed -

http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/07/live-coverage-from-sharps-ces-press-conference/

Interestingly they have offered a range of TV's specifically for gaming.

It also appears that a number of LCD manufacturers are offering 100hz/120hz scanning in their new models. Toshiba have definitely set the trend this area by the looks of it and every one else seems to be following suit.

For those interested in seeing whats coming in the next few months check out either AVSFORUM or AUDIOHOLICS, both of which should have some good coverage of the event.