Minor problems with model D32D51

[billsrule920]

I bought a "refurbished" D32D51 on eBay 2 months ago for less than $600, and I'm really happy with it, except for a few minor problems with the picture. First, in 1080i mode, the top border slants slightly upward from left to right. Also, in 1080i mode only, the color red seems to be excessively bright, and causes slight shadows in the picture. Any help on this subject would be greatly appreciated.

[LeeS]

billsrule920,

Welcome to HDTVoice!

Take a look at this FAQ:

FAQ - What You Need To Do To Your New HDTV http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/showthread.php?t=1440

It the tilting at both the top and bottom of the picture? And you don't see it on the 4:3 images?

Zenith 32" Flat 4:3 HD set. http://www.zenith.com/sub_prod/product_display.asp?cat=9&id=26

Not sure what to say about the tilting yet. I'd use one of the setup disks with the color filters for addressing the reds. I use Avia.

I'm not an expert in this area, someone else can take the info and go with it :)

Good Luck,
Lee

[billsrule920]

The picture only tilts at the top, but also bows in slightly on both the left and right sides. This tilting also appears on 4:3 images.

[LeeS]

Really sounds more like a calibration issue not setup. The bowing at the sides is the pincussion adjustment. The tilting is most likely a calibration issue too.

Did the set come with any warranty?

Lee

[Ratman]

Many larger sets will usually have a user setting called 'Tilt'. This is caused by the earth's geo-magnetic force. Check around in the menus (or the manual?).

Lee is correct about the bowing. It is referred to as 'pincushion' or 'parabola'. Unfortunately this can only be corrected in the TV's "service menus". It is an easy fix though!

The excessive red must also be adjusted via a service menu. (Sometimes referred to as "red push") Be careful though... adjustment by a novice or uninformed tech can put all the color settings out of whack! (greyscale).

One 'workaround' that may be affective (I've read this elsewhere). If your 1080i problem is via component cables, you can try to add an 'inline attentuator'. Here's a link where can get -3dB attenuator.

http://www.part***press.com/webpage.cfm?webpage_id=3&SO=2&DID=7&CATID=39&ObjectGroup_ID=533

I would ask them if you can get some -1dB also (-3 dB may be too much!). Just remove the "RED" component cable. Replace with an RG6 coax and add the attenuator onto the cable. Start with small attenuator and work up (by cascading the attenuators if necessary) to where the you're happy.

BTW... you will need to also get some "F to RCA" adaptors.
http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&product%5Fid=278-252

Bet you didn't expect all that! ;)

Oh yeah... feel free to add some 'reputation points' for me! I'm only on a 'distinguished road'! :(

[LeeS]

You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to Ratman again. :(

Same for DoubleDaz, summerfun, spaciest, Hippie, sulo28, and a few other key contributors (IMHO) that don't come to mind at the moment.

But I try :)
Lee

[billsrule920]

I should mention that the "red push" only happens in 1080i mode. All other modes on my TV are fine.

[Ratman]

Clarify what 'you' mean by 1080i mode.
What input on the TV (component DVI)?
What is connected to that input (upscaling DVD, STB)?
HD programs only?
If there's an STB connected... does it upconvert SD to 1080i?

(not busting... just trying to understand!)

[billsrule920]

This only happens on HD programs.