Rca Dlp Models

[tcerame]

Has anyone seen the RCA Dlp models yet, I was debating whether to get the samsung model when I saw the RCA model at a website. Does the picture compare to the samsung dlp models? No one in my area caries the rca dlp scenium models. It seems to both firewire and dvi connections and an ethernet port.

thanks
tom

[Ratman]

One 'gotcha' may make your decision easier...
From what I've read on another forum is that the RCA DLP sets do not accept 720p native input.

If you are an XBox user, the Sammy may be the one to choose.

[tcerame]

Ratman, I do play alot of xbox so I checked the specs on the rca site and it lists horizontal resolution 1280 x 720p, is this what you're referring to?

thanks
tom

[Ratman]

NO, not really.
It's a fact that is the maximum resolution (as all DLP's are today), which is okay.

The problem is that XBox HD games output a 720p signal. The video inputs of the TV will not accept a native 720p signal. So, no HD Xbox!

I do not know if this a 100% true, but only related what was posted on another forum and knowing RCA's reputation, I would tend to agree that it is a fact.

[57U]

I would find it really weird if a TV that displays at 720P cannot accept a 720P signal.

TC: Maybe you could post the model number and/or find a website that has the specs...

[halveb]

There is a huge thread about this topic on another forum. It seems that the internal tuner used on the RCA accepts 720p and doesn't convert it. It will also accept a 720p signal from firewire but if I understand it correctly it converts the signal to 1080i then back to 720p. It will not accept 720p on DVI period, the screen shows blank.

There is someone who appears to be an RCA rep that has explained RCA position and why they designed the set this way. Apparently their research indicates that most people will get a 720p signal from the internal tuner and it won't make a difference. This of course leaves out gamers and those getting ESPN HD in 720p over cable or DSS.

The RCA rep did mention that this short coming would most likely be addressed in the future. I know of no one that has seen the set but I would certainly like to see one as they are very feature rich for about the same price as a Samsung.

[tcerame]

The specific model numbers are HDLP50W151 OR HDLP61W151 if you go to rca.com there are some sped's posted but not near as thorough as some of the other manufactures. I saw the 61" set advertised on the internet for about $3800 plus s&h. that seems a bargain compared to the samsung. It also has a ethernet port, firewire and dvi. thats what makes so attractive. i'm not that crazy about the rca brand but it sure seems like a lot tv for the money. I wanted to find a model that offered both 1394 and dvi. If it really doesnt accept the 720p from the xbox how much will the picture suffer?

thanks for all the info
Tom

[57U]

Here's a link to a page with a few more specs. Interesting that it still says nothing about what it "accepts".

http://www.tvauthority.com/Plasma_TV_LCD_TVs_HDTV/product.asp?dept=42&cat=&prod=1274

The gamers would have to advise if 720P input is important - for some gamers it appears to be. If you're not a gamer, it shouldn't matter.

[kidslice]

I have the 50 inch DLP and the stupid thing does NOT take 720p over the DVI or component inputs. When connecting the DVI cable, the DLP actually indicates that it prefers 480p @ 16:9. I am blown away because the native resolution is 720p. Put 720p into it and you get a black screen. Go figure....

The Ethernet cable works but you need a special kepboard, which is extra $$, in order to really do anything nice (the remote lets you click links but there is no way to enter text - URLs). Its WinCE so I am curious as to how many plugins and etc., the IE browser supports.

1394 port works ok, except for some goofy thing they do with the DTCP algorithm, which may require you to turn the TV and/or source (e.g. STB) off/on.

The UI is nice and the guide is good too. Need to get a 1394 D-VHS to see how the VCR+ plus works with 1394.

QAM tuner did not tune to all of the 256-QAM 38.8 Mbps channels, not sure why. It found all of the 64-QAM channels with no problem.

The off-air tuners work good, found all NTSC and ATSC channels

Would be nice if the remote had dedicated input selection buttons so I didnt have to scroll through them all to get to the one I want.

[halveb]

Kidslice,

I have always wondered what constitutes QAM 64 vs. QAM 256. I know QAM is the modulation used by most cable companies. Is QAM 64 analog cable and QAM 256 Digital cable.

Off topic but since it was being discussed I kinda wanted to know.

By the way I recently saw the RCA and thought the picture was pretty good. I didn't notice the glare problem since I saw it at American TV where they have the large screen TVs in an area that isn't unbelievably bright. I checked out NTSC OTA channels and they looked bad but that was to be expected and I never watch so I didn't care. It was also tuning a few ATSC channels and those looked pretty good (only one of them was in HD the others were SD). They also had some sort of feed, don't know what it was but it looked pretty good too.

My only concern with this TV since I'm not a gamer would be how it would handle any future improvement in DVDs (i.e. going from 480p to something higher like perhaps 720p). Of course that is all speculation at this point.

Thanks

[kidslice]

64 & 256 are both digital. The difference is the number of symbols they can modulate per second (64 QAM = 5.05694 Msps and 256 QAM = 5.360537 Msps), thus the overall bandwidth is different (64 QAM = 26.97036 Mbps and 256 QAM = 38.8107 Mbps).

256 QAM allows for more programs per carrier. As an example, you can squeeze two 19Mbps HD programs down a single 256 QAM multiplex, where you can only get 1 HD plus 1 or more SD programs down a single 64 QAM multiplex.

I assume you know what QAM is, but here is a blurb from whatis.com:

"QAM (quadrature amplitude modulation) is a method of combining two amplitude-modulated (AM) signals into a single channel, thereby doubling the effective bandwidth... In a QAM signal, there are two carriers, each having the same frequency but differing in phase by 90 degrees (one quarter of a cycle, from which the term quadrature arises). One signal is called the I signal, and the other is called the Q signal. Mathematically, one of the signals can be represented by a sine wave, and the other by a cosine wave. The two modulated carriers are combined at the source for transmission. At the destination, the carriers are separated, the data is extracted from each, and then the data is combined into the original modulating information."

[HorrorScope]

Seems like an line to keep your eye on for the next model year.

1. Needs naitve720P. That is the standard for DLP and LCD's.

2. Improve internal tuner.

3. RGB Input.

4. Keep nice lead in the price over other DLP offerings.


Do this and I'm sold, unit has many NICE features, but 720P is really a crucial one imo for buyers. And in my case no RGB is killer, I have a HTPC and whatever I get there has to be input for a pc.

[JEFFDUBE]

Did you say RCA? You can't be serious?

[JEFFDUBE]

I have heard the RCA has a 30 day warranty and it covers all their sets 100%.......nobody has ever made a repair out of warranty with RCA..seriously they are as bad as it gets..I cannot beleive they are still in business...nothing works... ever.

[Ratman]

JEFFDUBE,
No need to come in with the guns cocked and loaded.
Agreed, RCA has poor quality control and has a bad track record for many of their products.

Be that as it may... they have the DTC-100 STB's that has
been around for a long time. The F38310 has it's known faults, but other than the Loewe Aconda, is the largest direct view HD set with a buit in ATSC tuner. Easily repaired...YMMV

Sony products experiece problems and failures also. From what I've read, it's seems almost a draw. And in a price comparison, RCA products provide features and functionality that is affordable to the general consumer not just paying for a "name".

BTW... speaking for the F38310's, the warranty is 1 year
parts and labor for the TV and 2 years on the picture tube.

IMO... that's a lot better than many other warranties that I've seen (average 90 days P and L, one year parts and many are not 'in home' service!).

Keep in mind... RCA may not be the best, but they are trying
to provide features/functionality that consumers want.

Hey... as long as you do your homework up front, know what you want, what to expect, cover your butt with the retailer and get an extended warranty, IMO... it's no different than purchasing any other product.

[JEFFDUBE]

The F38310 has had 2 major safety recalls, one for fires....It is the worst HDTV ever made. It's components are so poor they, on average, last less than 3 months. Also, Sony has 2 year warranties as well. I know all about this set. No one ever used this tube in the USA except RCA. It's distortion is so bad nobody else would buy it. Tell me one person who got a good set.

[Ratman]

Originally posted by JEFFDUBE
The F38310 has had 2 major safety recalls, one for fires
The recall was on the JX1 and JX2 series back in 1998 to 2000. The sets were recalled, refurb'ed and sold very cheaply by E-tailers in 2001 at approx. $1795 or less when the retailers were selling them at $2500. RCA is not the only company that has product recalls.

....It is the worst HDTV ever made. That's your opinion. Which I feel if wrong. Also... the Fxx310 is not the only product RCA/Thomson/GE manufactures. What the other dozens of models that no one complains about?

It's components are so poor they, on average, last less than 3 months.
The primary failures experienced with the JX3-YX5 series is due to two capacitors that are under-spec (rated at 85 degrees C) on the power supply card to the DM-1 module. This problem is easily fixed in under 20 minutes. Inconvenient? Yes... Earth shattering? No...
My set lasted for 2 1/2 years with no problems (caps replaced). Others have reported no problems at all. (The AVS forum is down right now. There is an F38310 "problem poll" for your edification. I will post the link later when the site becomes available)

Also, Sony has 2 year warranties as well.
Super!

I know all about this set. No one ever used this tube in the USA except RCA.
Perhaps... but I doubt it. Although no one in the US uses this tube, why is it that Loewe (quite a hgh end company) uses this picture tube in the Aconda model, which retails for ~$4500? (That's rhetorical... no need to answer!)

It's distortion is so bad nobody else would buy it.
I would have to disagree, again.

Tell me one person who got a good set.
Me!


Oh.... when (if) you check out the other thread.... you may also want to take a look at the numerous complaints in regard to Sony HD sets in the "Direct View" forum!
Some seem to be quite repetitive.... perhaps they use same the same components as RCA?

Bottom line is... you have every right to have an opinion and/or disagree about a product or topic. BUT... try to be a little more tactful with your response(s). There are always two sides. One should not assume that his/hers is always 100% correct. Some folks can become very defensive of their setups (like defending children), despite the known defecits

Here's the thread to which I referred to earlier:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=240989

[fuzzy]

I have the RCA Scenium DLP 50" television -- and I love and hate it.

I'm very happy with all of features and the picture quality. It does glare a bit where I have it, but the picture is amazing. I must admit that I am not a gamer and do not have any sources that put out 720p so I have not encountered that problem yet.

However, I do have a problem. Intermittently, the lamp inside the unit will not "power up". You can hear the wheel spin and something fire to attempt to light the lamp, but it doesn't happen. Most of the time if you let it keep trying for 1-5 min, it will come on. However, sometimes we've simply given up after 30 min or more.

I bought it from hhGregg, and they have been here 3 times. First time they were here, they did experience the problem first hand, but the unit did eventually come on and they called RCA with some codes. Said they needed a part. So, second visit was to install some $1000+ part. It worked when they left, but the problem returned. Third time he did nothing, just took some codes.

Now they claim they want to take it into the shop. I've spoken with Thomson and they said they wouldn't make me suffer like this, they would probably replace it. However, they have not called like they were supposed to.

Assuming that I have just unfortunately received a faulty unit and that it is isolated, then I highly recommend this television. Picture quality is outstanding.

[spaceman_spiff]

Here is the link to specs of RCA DLP Scenium HDTVs:

http://www.thomsonscenium.com/ProductsSpecifications/0,6901,CNUS-LNUE-GDC386168DC3C8F4E2E0339DFEEACCF4E2,00.html?gLevel=2&gID=0&gParent=0

Its interesting to note following excerpt:

DLP Light Engine (Digital Light Processing) - 16.7 Million Colors and 1,024 Shades of Gray - 2 times the contrast of traditional CRT Projection TV's.
Does this mean it has better contrast ratio than CRT RPTVs ?

This is the resolution: (Note the absurd way of describing it)
Horizonal Resolution (Picture Width): 1280 x 720p Fixed Pixel
Horizontal ?

[RICHARDHOBBS]

2 Questions.

The HDLP61W151 is a terrific product, but it can't be found anywhere, supposedly they are not making it anymore, or it will be in in two weeks.
The HDLP61W42 (known at best buys as HD61LPW152) looks almost identical and they have their warehouse filled with them, Circuity City too, both are 3900.00

1. RCA told me that the 720p does not work, so if the XBOX needs this, then it won't work, but what about a progressive scan. RCA said that some progressive scan DVD players go to 1080 and 720p. So be careful. My question is whether anyone can confirm this information regarding DVD players.

2. The web browser? I saw that it cost extra, or is the website poorly written. I have an internet network DSL service and thought it would be nice to browse the web while I'm watching TV. Does it actually cost more.

FINALLY, are there any other DLP's out there with these web browsing features. Its just too cool to go without.:usa1: :usa1:

[Qwackertoo]

:bow: well thanks to the wonderful information here, I think I will scratch this one off my list unless they introduce new models to address this issue by time I actually have the blessings to make my purchase! :love2:

[Ratman]

RCA HD sets do not accept 720p natively. So no, 720p XBox games will not work. They will work at 480p.

There are DVD players that can upscale to 720/1080 (Bravo, Samsung, LG, Momitsu). Improvement varies depending the TV and perception.

The RCA does have an ethernet port and web browsing functions.
Bottom line... it's not a PC. So beware! Also, you need a proprietary keyboard as an interface which I understand is VERY hard to come by.

AFAIK... no other DLP's with web browsing features.

[BatManTL]

I am on my 3rd RCA 50" DLP set in less than 3 weeks. Had a bulb blow 20 secs after 1st start up took it back for a new set and it lasted a week and a half, no inputs worked. On my 3rd set now. :(

I wanted a differant set but no one offers a DLP set that has the tuners built in so I gave RCA a 3rd chance. I'm praying this set last for 2 life times. What are the odds of having 3 sets of the same model go bad?

[Qwackertoo]

Oh my gosh! I'm still shopping & researching for the bedroom tv!

Deana

[LeeS]

What are the odds of having 3 sets of the same model go bad?
From the same store, in the same batch? Ummm, good?

There is really no way to tell, this one will probably go the two lifetimes and your grandkids will be watching it.

Good Luck,
Lee

[Ratman]

What are the odds of having 3 sets of the same model go bad?

Probable!
Do some searches on RCA F38310 problems. There are MANY stories of woe. Great sets when they work!

[JEFFDUBE]

RCA makes the worst TV sets on this planet.....I ask you this...why are they not illegal?? I know no one who ever had one that worked!! CC is carrying them AGAIN!!!!!!
I cannot believe it! Do they have a death wish?

[JEFFDUBE]

Ratman,

How much of a commission do you get from RCA???

[hawks066]

RCA used to be on of the best in the business years ago.. They did go through some tough times but it looks like they are finally trying to rebound with some nice looking sets.. When I see the RCA products, I do cringe a little though. I really think they will bounce back in the next few years.

Jeff, don't be so damn combative against others when they ask questions. Afterall you paid extra for a "name."

[hawks066]

Jeff, instead of coming in here and bashing a product, back it up with some facts and research.

[Ratman]

Ratman,

How much of a commission do you get from RCA???

None... I'll say anything to keep people from overspending their hard earned $$ on overpriced/overhyped Sony products. Especially that 40" 4:3 boat anchor they call an HDTV! :whistle:

[BatManTL]

RCA makes the worst TV sets on this planet.....I ask you this...why are they not illegal?? I know no one who ever had one that worked!! CC is carrying them AGAIN!!!!!!
I cannot believe it! Do they have a death wish?

I have sure had a bad time with them with these sets. I will say one thing when I went to look at the RCA set it was by far IMO the clearest HDTV there. Far better than any Sony I seen. The 2nd best set was a Samsung but it still didn't compare to the RCA.

[toml]

I've given up on using the internet access "feature" for our RCA DLP set. I've tried everything I can think of - an ethernet connection that works with my laptop never works with the TV. I always get a "can't connect" error message, even thought the jack shows a green light for a connection.

I've tried sharing with a laptop, a wireless router, and a wireless bridge with no success. I've tried assigning an address, using DHCP to assign addresses, etc. If I plug the connection into my laptops, the laptops connect to the internet with no problems.

This isn't a deal breaker for us - it's just a feature we thought might be handy to use. The set in general has been great with a spectacular HD picture. I've had a little problem getting the set to select inputs using a Harmony remote.

Any ideas?

[Ratman]

What happens if you connect the TV directly to the cable modem? (No wireless or router)

If it works... then you can focus on router/bridge settings.

[Big Al]

Is your set a 162 or a 165, the 162 has the ethernet port, but to youse it you have to download windows ce, the 165 has windows ce installed and ready to youse out of the box :patriot:

[Ratman]

youse???

Is that like, "yoots"?
Did you say "yoots"?
What's a "yoot"?

[tonelocdog]

None... I'll say anything to keep people from overspending their hard earned $$ on overpriced/overhyped Sony products. Especially that 40" 4:3 boat anchor they call an HDTV! :whistle:

That sony tv is pretty ugly :)

The Rca Scenium is a very good dlp. I narrowed down between my samsung a sony and the scenium. It has alot of good features for its price. Also, the scenium got very good reviews in sound and vision. And it got a lot of hype from other magazines, HDTV etc, The Perfect Vision. I see the tv at BB and CC and I am very impressed by it. Beside the fact about the 720p problems it has.

[cmspeer]

I recently picked up the RCA HD61LPW42 61" set at Costco for 2699 (If i remember correctly)

The price was too good to pass up for me, and with the Costco return policy, basically a no-brainer.

I too encountered the failing to power up problem where it took about 5 minutes to turn on, but it has only happened once in the few weeks I have had it. Happens more, then back it goes.

Happy with the picture, although I chose too big of a TV for the viewing distance I have which is about 12 feet, but I like a big TV! I notice some imperfections that would be un-noticed from 15-20 feet. The fact that it doesn't accept a 720P signal is not a problem for me yet, but may be when football season rolls around! Not as nice as my father's Sony WEGA 60", but I paid more than 1grand less than he did so I am happy with my TV especially with the Price Per Inch.

I also live in Charlotte and we get EVERY network channel in HD. I love it!

[lchdtv]

Originally Posted by CMSPEER
I also live in Charlotte and we get EVERY network channel in HD. I love it!

I love the set too, i wish i could have bought it sooner! :)

I live in San Francisco Bay Area, I can pick up 5-6 HD channels, but some of them come in as 4:3, and picture quality is not compareble to those come in with 16:9, and the bad ones do show both 720p and 1080i on screen, i wonder if you have similar problem? or anyone could help out please!

[Grayson73]

I have the HD50LPW42. I noticed that anything sent via 480P component ends up as 16:9. This is a problem when watching full screen DVDs and I have to switch to 480i.

Is there anything I can do about this? Will getting a 1080i upconverting DVD player solve this problem? Will 1080i accept 4:3 and 16:9 based on whether the DVD is full screen or widescreen?

[Grayson73]

Also, should I use Warm or Normal color temp?