Warning! - SONY SUCKS FOR INPUTS!

JBLem

Point of reference: Samsung DLP HLP466 has:
HDMI + DVI + VGA + 3 COMPONENT INPUTS

Sony has NO HDMI, NO VGA, 2 Component inputs, EI861 DVI NOT compatable with Computers.

I now realize that the Sony Grand Wega KF50WE620/610 etc. are a LOUSY choice for anyone wanting to hook their PC/notebook up to their TV.

The DVI is NOT compatible with PC's so the workaround I had been told by the sales folks would work for my Notebook PC (simple VGA to DVI adapter) does *not* work at all !!!

The ony options are:

1) Use a Transcoder (about 180.00 US) and go from Notebook VGA to Sony Component inputs -which would leave no open component slots on my TV as the Sony only comes with a very spartan, 2 components in total.

2) Use a DVI-D cable to Sony DVI hookup from a specific Nvidia or ATi card in a dedicated HTPC (Notebooks don't have these video cards) - then go into the service menu on the TV and make numerous esoteric adjustments - then tweak some more on the PC - then hope the whole damndThing works .... oh, and yes, you've voided your warranty!!!

Bottom line - If they are so paranoid about PC's interfacing with their beloved Sony and perhaps gaining access to Sony entertainment content, then why didn't they simply provide a VGA input or even a generic memory card reader so users could at least view their digital photos through this TV

Looking for other LCD-RP solutions (any suggestions appreciated), IF I can find something that has as good a PQ AND has VGA inputs or memory Card reader, I'll be returning this TV asap!

rudyusmc1980

my dila has hdmi, and 2 component. no vga, also very spartan on the inputs. I guess that they think you will hook most of your stuff through a receiver, but that doesn't always yield great results. on the plus side, the inputs can accept multiple types, so my xbox component and ps2 composite share input 2. hd cable and component dvd still have to share the receivers switching inputs, because Cox hasn't turned on their dvi output. but since ps2 can do component, I am already out of inputs.

There are external switchers, but most don't have remotes, and are worthless because of that IMO. Gefen makes a dvi 4 to 1 switcher, it's 350 bucks though. they are also coming out with an hdmi 4 to 1, and both have remotes. they seem well thought out, as the remotes have 4 different sets of code built in so that you can cascade the switchers. I have not found a good component switcher with remote.
http://www.gefen.com/kvm/products/hd.jsp

any help finding a component switcher with remote would be greatly appreciated.

maximus

http://www.inday.com/

TyNorth

If you want to check out the Panasonic LCD RPTV you will find a unit with lots of hook-ups. I am getting my Panny 50LC14 tomorrow and it has the following:
HDMI
4 HD Component connections
3 Composite , 2 rear, 1 side
3 S-Video
2 analog D-sub, 15-pin RGB PC inputs, 1 rear, 1 side
I think it is the best buy on the market.
Good luck
Ty

Beastslayer1

It's not that Sony is afraid...it all has to do with that whole New Millenium Digital Rights Act passed by congress that prevents the copying of digital media...the DVI-D carries the anitcoying protection that prevents copying of digital HD media...so on that particular tv you'll need a DVI-D output on your laptop or PC...a simple VGA to DVI converter will not work b'c you're taking a analog output and converting it to an analog DVI...yes...DVI-I is analog and DVI-D is digital...be careful on which output you have...DVI-I or DVI-D...

TyNorth

I have a question. If a DVD-D is digital only, how will it work when I connect it to my Sammy SIRTIS 360 receiver and to my HDTV? Will it transfer only digital? How will I get the analog part of my receiver to come through if that is the case. Confused about this issue.
Ty

JBLem

TyNorth ...

not sure about your Sammy SIRTIS question, but I was considering the Panny 50LC13 when I bought the Sony. you're right it has great inputs. Does the 50LC14 have any major improvements over the 50LC13 other than larger speakers? Does it address any of the shortcomings/fan noise and bulb issues the odd user complained about?

A few reviews I saw stated that it wasn't as nice/bright a picture as the Sony and the two stores I visited didn't seem to show it well - could it have been a weak feed on purpose - maybe there's more margin in the Sony's and they pump em out

I'd love to be proven wrong as it has pretty much everything I wanted (although a PC DVI along with its HDMI would be very nice).

I have about 15 more days on this Sony till my 30 day trial runs out, so I'll be **VERY interested to hear how your Panny turns out:

1) How is the Fan noise?
2) How is the PQ?
3) How is the Screen pixel quality - any dead pixels?
4) How is Panny support if/when you have a problem?

I have seen a few people online griping about the issues above and that contributed to me going Sony, but I preferred the Panny from the start.

For whatever reason, the links I posted in my first post above were truncated and don't work so if these ones don't come out - it ain't me

Panny PT50LC13 USER Reviews (not much about the PT50LC14 yet):
http://www.ecoustics.com/Consumer/Reviews/PT-50LC13

I also notice that Hitachi's new 50VS810 in Canada has TWO HDMI's and comes with a USB Camera Hookup. No VGA input however so it would be back to trial and error to get VGA output working with it's HDMI input.

http://hitachi.ca/product_details.asp?PID=321&LID=10

Please let me know how it works out (I'm away from the PC this weekend but will watch for your posts when I get back)

Spending wads of money used to be far easier
The sales guys are gonna love me if/when I go back for my fourth TV (I'm on my Third one with this Sony)

anyway, I'm not dropping $4500 after taxes (I bought some other goodies as well) on stuff that doesn't cut the mustard

JBLem

Beastslayer ...

Knowing that I want to hookup my Notebook to my TV, and have adequate and flexible inputs for future expansion, what would you suggest as the best option/TV out there?

My faulty Sammy HLP466 had HDMI, PC compatible DVI, 3 components, VGA .

Is every other manufacturer going be hemming us into a tiny box more and more or what?

What other TV's offer PC DVI, or is the Sammy the only one?

TIA

maximus

I know for a fact Sony is not paranoid about PC interfaces, just look up Sony plasma displays.

Sony has always been one of the more generous manufacturers when it comes to inputs. Especially their XBR line.

hdtv4me2

Samsung has made their DLP's very easy to contect a computer to, I have the older HLN507W. In fact, the main menu has a PC section that allows you to set up your PC software, screen area, color (24 or 32 bit),....

maximus

LOL Sammy, he's been there twice already

Just curious hdtv4me2 why did you need to go into the service menu for your Sammy?

Beastslayer1

b/c your laptop only has PC out via VGA...Samsung HLP--63 series have a dedicated PC input, but you've had bad luck with those...and their HLP--85 series does as well...all other DLP manufacturers do not have PC input...as far as any LCD projection of this year's model...I don't know...I would say check out CRT projection...but...yeah...enough said on CRT projection...like somebody else said on this thread earlier, check out plasma...I've been out of the video loop for awhile, switching jobs my previous employer has moved me over to audio...

Beastslayer1

Oh...I almost forgot...RCA will be releasing a new DLP series called the Profile series...I'm not too sure if their mass market models offer a PC in or not, that is still in the preliminary stage...but pretty much every TV out there will not have a DVI-I for fear of copywright violation...

Beastslayer1

Oh...Misubishi WS--525 series has PC inpu as well, but I hear they will be coming out with a replacement here shortly with the same specs...

jojojojo57

Samsung is the most friendly to HTPC.