Costco 60" AKAI Plasma - $2999

[wiebecj]

Went to our local costco today and they have the new Akai PDP6065TA 60" Plasma for $2999 - This is by far the cheapest that I have seen a 60" Plasma. I'm very tempted to pick one up. They were playing CARS on it, and it looked amazing (DVD). FINALLY there's an AKAI with 2 HDMI inputs

http://www.electrolineelectronics.com/_images/the_tv_store/akai_pdp6065ta_ebay_big.jpg
Here are the specs.



Display Type 60” Diagonal Plasma Display Panel
Screen Aspect Ratio 16:9
Resolution 1366 (H) x 768 (V)
Contrast Ratio 7000:1
Brightness 1200 cd/m2
Viewing Angle 160 degrees (H) & (V)
HDTV Compatible 480p, 720p, 1080i
PC Resolution Supporting 640 x 480, 800 x 600, 1024 x 768
Digital Comb Filter Yes
Film Mode Pull Down Conversion Yes
Color Temperature Control Yes
“GAMMA” Correction Yes
Wide Mode Yes
Tuner System NTSC/ATSC/Clear QAM TV Tuner

Connections

S-Video Input Mini Din 4 Pin x1
Composite Video Input RCA x1
Component Video Input RCA x 2 sets
HDMI Input HDMI Connector x2
Stereo Audio Input RCA x5 sets
Analog RGB Input D-Sub 15 Pin x1
Antenna Inpit F Type x1
Audio Output RCA x1 set
Digital Audio Output Optical x1

[Gegtik]

no 1080p :confused:

[wiebecj]

no 1080p :confused:

nope, it'll be a while till i get a hddvd player anyway :-)

[DanTou]

no 1080p :confused:

What good would 1080p do on this TV? The resolution is not 1920x1080...

This will drive the other TV's prices down. Good news!

I personnally think its a very good deal.

[jeffyjaixx]

What good would 1080p do on this TV? The resolution is not 1920x1080...

This will drive the other TV's prices down. Good news!

I personnally think its a very good deal.

Most 1080p's are 1920x1080 native :D.

[GYR8]

Just to add to this... The panel in this model is an LG, which seems to be the trend with the lower-priced plasmas. The closest thing that is out there that I could find quickly (in the exact same size) is this actual LG model from Futureshop:

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0770HDS0010080342&catid=23526

Not too shabby for $2000 less :cheesygri

GYR8

[iamalittlepepper]

60" you can definitely use 1080p

[decadent]

insert comment
insert comment

Good deal for a 60"

[moguy]

Wow, I can't believe how fast the prices are dropping on these.

For the guys asking aout 1080p, c'mon man, this is only 2999!

I haven' t seen a 50" 1080p for $2999.

I know the Akai's aren't the best brand, but the specs on this TV are better than what was available a few years ago (in this size) for $30K.

I wish I would have waited on my 42" purchase a year ago.

:)

[MrKat]

265lb box? wow :twisted:

[mart242]

FWIW, there's a hitachi 55hds69, 55" plasma, 3x hdmi, 3x component, pretty damn good picture quality. 2700$ - 2800$ at futureshop (bought one last month, not sure that they still have it however)

[Desolatax]

60" you can definitely use 1080p

You can't use 1080p o this display, its native resolution is only 1366x768, 1080p is 1920x1080. Just because it is 60" doesn't mean anything about the resolution. Those old 60" rear projection TV's most certainly are not 1080p

[wiebecj]

265lb box? wow :twisted:

Yeah, the box is MASSIVE!!!!!!

[MrKat]

Yeah, the box is MASSIVE!!!!!!

you'll need a crane to move that thing home lol. I hope you get it, then post pics. Ive never seen a 60'' plasma before.

[KurwaMasz]

good deal if u got 3k laying around, but i guess if u got 3k laying around u prob wont be on rfd's lol

[wiebecj]

good deal if u got 3k laying around, but i guess if u got 3k laying around u prob wont be on rfd's lol

You need to have 3K lying around to visit RFD on a regular basis. How are you going to get all the super hot impulse buy deals if you have no $$$ :twisted:

[MrKat]

Did you pick up this TV yet OP :lol:

[michelb]

good deal if u got 3k laying around, but i guess if u got 3k laying around u prob wont be on rfd's lol

It's 3k, not 30k - most of the people here with plasmas probably spent at least that much on theirs (even 2 years ago, 42" were a lot more than this) ...

[GYR8]

You can't use 1080p o this display, its native resolution is only 1366x768, 1080p is 1920x1080. Just because it is 60" doesn't mean anything about the resolution. Those old 60" rear projection TV's most certainly are not 1080p

I have the Akai 50" Plasma, which is also native 1366x768. Mine *does* however accept a 1080p signal off my Xbox360. When I get a chance, I will take some photos of the difference to help better show why being capable of supporting 1080p helps a bit, even though the resolution is lower on the set.

Having said that, I have not had a chance to see if the 60" Plasma accepts a 1080p signal yet. Maybe when I go back to work on Friday ;)

GYR8

[crimsona]

good deal if u got 3k laying around, but i guess if u got 3k laying around u prob wont be on rfd's lol

I disagree. See the buy-a-car-from-the-US thread. 30k easy right there.

Real estate buyers all over the finance buyer. 300k easy right there (in Vancouver)

[wiebecj]

Did you pick up this TV yet OP :lol:

Not yet... No way to get it home at the moment!

GRY8 - don't suppose the price will drop on this monster anytime soon eh :-) Just kidding

[GYR8]

Not yet... No way to get it home at the moment!

GRY8 - don't suppose the price will drop on this monster anytime soon eh :-) Just kidding

First off, it's 'GYR8' (GYRATE... My music production name ;)) :cheesygri

And actually the $2999.99 price *IS* a price drop, from a previous price of $3499.99 :twisted: This price change just happened a few days ago, so I would think that it will be a number of months before it happens again.

GYR8

[crimsona]

First off, it's 'GYR8' (GYRATE... My music production name ;)) :cheesygri

And actually the $2999.99 price *IS* a price drop, from a previous price of $3499.99 :twisted: This price change just happened a few days ago, so I would think that it will be a number of months before it happens again.

GYR8

Oops. I always read it as 'great'
:O

Nothing close to this price/size at FS/BBY...

[wiebecj]

First off, it's 'GYR8' (GYRATE... My music production name ;)) :cheesygri

And actually the $2999.99 price *IS* a price drop, from a previous price of $3499.99 :twisted: This price change just happened a few days ago, so I would think that it will be a number of months before it happens again.

GYR8

wow.... i always thought you were grrrrrrr8 (like tony the tiger!) - They must have just got the 60" in here in Winnipeg - I've never seen it before

[MrKat]

Not yet... No way to get it home at the moment!

GRY8 - don't suppose the price will drop on this monster anytime soon eh :-) Just kidding

Might have to rent a uhaul for that baby :lol:

[GYR8]

wow.... i always thought you were grrrrrrr8 (like tony the tiger!) - They must have just got the 60" in here in Winnipeg - I've never seen it before

Its funny cause I used to get that all the time when I had "GYR8" license plates! DOH! No worries though... :cheesygri

GYR8

[sachin1]

Anyone have any reviews for this bad boy? Currently I have a Toshiba 65H85 (65" CRT HDTV, 1080i), but want to go for something wall mounted as the crt is just too damn big now. Anyone know of any 65" or 70" around 5-7g's?

[sachin1]

Also, would want to hook up a HTPC to this thing, will it accept higher than 1024x768 via DVI (HDMI to DVI cable)? I am hoping that the resolution limit is only via VGA

[wiebecj]

Also, would want to hook up a HTPC to this thing, will it accept higher than 1024x768 via DVI (HDMI to DVI cable)? I am hoping that the resolution limit is only via VGA

I am assuming it'll run 1366x768 like the 50" plasma's do (or you can run at 1920x10xx - can't remember exact - 1080i)

[MrKat]

you finally get home with that tv wieb LOL. Need a forklift :lol:

[consumerPI]

That's just ridiculous.

I had a heck of a time wall mounting the 50 incher.

265lb box? wow :twisted:

[consumerPI]

Wrong perception.

good deal if u got 3k laying around, but i guess if u got 3k laying around u prob wont be on rfd's lol

[mart242]

That's just ridiculous.

I had a heck of a time wall mounting the 50 incher.

55" here. (hitachi). 3 guys to mount it, one at each end and one to make sure that it's hooked up properly on the support. Man these thigns are heavy. I've used a "triple stud mount" from monoprice with lag bolts. THat thing isn't moving... and hopefully it won't need to come down for many years!

[wiebecj]

Hate to drag up an old thread again, but I was just at Costco today, saw this TV again. I played around with it for half an hour, they had it set up next to the pioneer 50" Plasma. The picture on the 2 TV's are sooo similar!! Both are crystal clear, beautiful picture! Beautiful blacks and whites, nice polished (piano) finish. Couldn't believe that one was a "high end" tv and the other was a "low end"

[philelmo]

dumb question, but I need an example where I need 2 hdmi inputs for.., thanks

[wiebecj]

1 input - upconverting dvd player / hddvd player (or blueray if you prefer)
2nd input - ps3 or xbox 360 elite etc...
3rd input - satellite receiver :-)
vga input - computer

lots of things use hdmi now. I personally run everything through my computer, so at the moment I only use 1, but it's still nice to have an extra one

[wpgcabby]

It is a sweet one but the 60" might be a bit big for my bedroom :lol:

I'm hoping to take home the 42" Akai for $1099 tomorrow in the piano black as well :twisted: Gonna have to come over and play some 360 WeibeCJ :cheesygri

[HTPCUSER]

Price has dropped to $2699 in Calgary on this TV now!

[rogerrabbit168]

Price has dropped to $2699 in Calgary on this TV now!


damn, now its really tempting, if i only can convince my wife that we need another big screen, hehe

[msc_mp]

I see it also in Point-Claire for 2699. I would like to wall mount it. Any suggestion which wall mount should I get?

[ProfessorChaos]

wow....60" plasma for 2699....that is unheard of...

[wiebecj]

frack i want that TV so bad

[hp]

here in Toronto, I saw the TV today for $2899.

hp

[HTPCUSER]

Went back to take one more look at the tv and now its back up to $2899. I am torn as to whether or not to pick one up. I need to arrange for a van for to be albe to get it home anyhow so it wont be an impuse buy :)

[wpgcabby]

frack i want that TV so bad

Go and buy it then. It's only money you can always make more :lol:

[Colargo]

Can anyone comment on the picture quality when they took it home? Is it good? Great? Crappy? At sub 3k price, I'm tempted to buy one. :lol:

[GYR8]

Can anyone comment on the picture quality when they took it home? Is it good? Great? Crappy? At sub 3k price, I'm tempted to buy one. :lol:

This 60" Plasma uses an LG panel (as most 'non-brands' do). The image quality is fairly good, in the context of what it is. The limiting factors will be at what distance *your* eyes will start to less 'wall of colour' and more of the pixels that make up the image. Of course there will be people that will say "Oh its not 1080P" Well, DUH. Its not $9000 either :lol: If you want a HUGE screen that will hang on a wall, then it's a good tv, for about $1600 less than this LG 60" at Future Shop (http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0770HDS0010080342&catid=23526)

Now, the BIGGEST limiting factor out of this is one that many people rarely talk about. The signal quality will be somewhat more noticable due to the big size of the screen. We had the Live Earth concert running over the weekend and it was heavily compressed, to the point where is almost looked like lego in the background. Ugh. :evil: On the other side of the coin, a live baseball game in HDTV will look amazing! Or that 'Get Out!' tv show on Channel 221 here on Shaw in Vancouver. I only say that because it features hot ladys in bikinis :lol:

GYR8

[ChiGGz]

wonder if it has the ******** panoramic mode instead of zoom

[GYR8]

wonder if it has the ******** panoramic mode instead of zoom

I will try and remember to check it out tomorrow or Monday. I think it does though :( That panorama mode is SOOOOOOOO bad to the point that on this set it would make some people dizzy >:(

GYR8

[michelb]

wonder if it has the ******** panoramic mode instead of zoom

I will try and remember to check it out tomorrow or Monday. I think it does though :( That panorama mode is SOOOOOOOO bad to the point that on this set it would make some people dizzy >:(

GYR8

I really hope they have the ZOOM modes instead / as well as the panoramic mode - that's the feature that really bugs me about our 50" since there's no way to make 'letterbox SD content fit the screen). You're right that the panoramic mode on the 50" (maybe 42") was really bad - it works well on the Panasonic but the implimentation on the Akai is really bad and it pretty much unwatcheable. I actually tried to test it the when I saw the TV for the first time at our local Costco but I couldn't find the remote and didn't have time to look for / ask the attendant.

Another feature I'd like to see is the ability to go directly from one input to another (rather than having to go through each sequentially like on the 50"). It doesn't seem like much but if you use a remote like Harmony that allows you to 'pre-program' turning on and setting up all your devices, you need this feature to change to the right input.

Let us know if you can test.

[wiebecj]

I really hope they have the ZOOM modes instead / as well as the panoramic mode - that's the feature that really bugs me about our 50" since there's no way to make 'letterbox SD content fit the screen). You're right that the panoramic mode on the 50" (maybe 42") was really bad - it works well on the Panasonic but the implimentation on the Akai is really bad and it pretty much unwatcheable. I actually tried to test it the when I saw the TV for the first time at our local Costco but I couldn't find the remote and didn't have time to look for / ask the attendant.

Another feature I'd like to see is the ability to go directly from one input to another (rather than having to go through each sequentially like on the 50"). It doesn't seem like much but if you use a remote like Harmony that allows you to 'pre-program' turning on and setting up all your devices, you need this feature to change to the right input.

Let us know if you can test.


With this TV you still have to cycle through each input (and there is a LOT of them - 8 I believe) with a single button. It's the one thing I hate about this TV (and AKAI TV's in general)

[fooit]

With this TV you still have to cycle through each input (and there is a LOT of them - 8 I believe) with a single button. It's the one thing I hate about this TV (and AKAI TV's in general)

A small investment in a Logitech Harmony remote solves this issue.

[michelb]

With this TV you still have to cycle through each input (and there is a LOT of them - 8 I believe) with a single button. It's the one thing I hate about this TV (and AKAI TV's in general)

A small investment in a Logitech Harmony remote solves this issue.

Unfortunately, I don't believe that will help; as far as I can tell (and I've got a Harmony remote), the Akai simply doesn't have remote code for specific inputs and the only thing it offers is 'input next'. If anything using a Harmony makes this worse because Harmony's are designed to work in 'one button' mode where you just press the "activity" and it turns everything on for you but you have to manually add the 'input next' button to all "activities" or go into "device" mode for the monitor so that you can access the 'input next' button.

[wiebecj]

yeah, i have a harmony remote too, and it just cycles through the inputs to get the the correct one... If anyone has an idea on how to do "testing" on the harmony remote (send tons of signals and try to change inputs on the TV separately) or even better, the separate codes for the TV, that would be great!!!!

The hidef ota input has it's own separate button on the remote just fyi.. this helps me not as I am in winnipeg

[michelb]

yeah, i have a harmony remote too, and it just cycles through the inputs to get the the correct one... If anyone has an idea on how to do "testing" on the harmony remote (send tons of signals and try to change inputs on the TV separately) or even better, the separate codes for the TV, that would be great!!!!

The hidef ota input has it's own separate button on the remote just fyi.. this helps me not as I am in winnipeg

Unfortunately it looks like Akai just doesn't have distinct input codes for the plasmas. Somewhere on the net (might be Akai's support site), they have a PDF with the remote settings (modify NEC code or something like that) and they didn't have anything listed for those features. Also, on some remote forum, they had custom codes for Akai tvs (if I remember the link, I'll update this message) and again, the codes for the plasmas had all blanks for specific inputs so it looks like it just not a "command" the TV understands.

If nothing else, it would be nice to make it so that it could always go to the same input when it powers on (I had on old EDTV plasma that did this) and then it would just be a matter of programming it to skip to X inputs. If anyone figures out how to do this, let us know.

[ZestyMordant]

If nothing else, it would be nice to make it so that it could always go to the same input when it powers on (I had on old EDTV plasma that did this) and then it would just be a matter of programming it to skip to X inputs. If anyone figures out how to do this, let us know.

A Harmony remote CAN do all of this!!!

Unfortunately, programming the harmony can be a bit of a challenge just to find the right settings, but if your TV doesn' have direct input buttons, there is an option (somewhere) in the Harmony setup to have it cycle to the right input. It works GREAT for me on my N3752 viewsonic. Basically, the harmony remembers the last input the TV was set to. The TV should also stay on the last input it was set to as well. So whatever activity you choose, it cycles through the inputs to the desired one, and it does this fairly quickly.

Search around a bit in the Harmony menus and options... I think you'll find this feature when you are first setting up an activity that uses your TV.

Good Luck,
Zesty Mordant :cheesygri

[Aske001]

yeah, i have a harmony remote too, and it just cycles through the inputs to get the the correct one... If anyone has an idea on how to do "testing" on the harmony remote (send tons of signals and try to change inputs on the TV separately) or even better, the separate codes for the TV, that would be great!!!!

Go to the Harmony user web site and create a new "Test Drive" account (i.e., without plugging in your remote). When you add devices in Test Drive mode, it will give you a drop-down list of all the Akai devices that are actually defined in the Harmony database, as opposed to letting it pick automatically from the model number you enter. Select anything in the Akai TV family that you think might have discrete input codes.

Examine the Akai devices you have added and pick out any with discrete codes you want to test. Make a note of the exact model numbers.

Now go back to your regular account and add these Akai models to your remote configuration (or as many as you can at one time). Update your remote and test.

If you find one that works, you have 3 choices to add those commands:

1. Either use that device as your basic Akai TV type or add it as an extra device to all your TV activities.

2. Get a separate learning remote, learn those codes from your Harmony remote, then play them back into the device function set of your basic Akai TV device.

3. Call Logitech Harmony support, wait through the long telephone queue, and beg them to transfer those codes for you.

[wiebecj]

Go to the Harmony user web site and create a new "Test Drive" account (i.e., without plugging in your remote). When you add devices in Test Drive mode, it will give you an drop-down list of all the Akai devices that are actually defined in the Harmony database, as opposed to letting it pick automatically from the model number you enter. Select anything in the Akai TV family that you think might have discrete input codes.

Examine the Akai devices you have added and pick out any with discrete codes you want to test. Make a note of the exact model numbers.

Now go back to your regular account and add these Akai models to your remote configuration (or as many as you can at one time). Update your remote and test.

If you find one that works, you have 3 choices to add those commands:

1. AEither use that device as your basic Akai TV type or add it as an extra device to all your TV activities.

2. Get a separate learning remote, learn those codes from your Harmony remote, then play them back into the device function set of your basic Akai TV device.

3. Call Logitech Harmony support, wait through the long telephone queue, and beg them to transfer those codes for you.

Awesome - thanks!

[wiebecj]

A Harmony remote CAN do all of this!!!

Unfortunately, programming the harmony can be a bit of a challenge just to find the right settings, but if your TV doesn' have direct input buttons, there is an option (somewhere) in the Harmony setup to have it cycle to the right input. It works GREAT for me on my N3752 viewsonic. Basically, the harmony remembers the last input the TV was set to. The TV should also stay on the last input it was set to as well. So whatever activity you choose, it cycles through the inputs to the desired one, and it does this fairly quickly.

Search around a bit in the Harmony menus and options... I think you'll find this feature when you are first setting up an activity that uses your TV.

Good Luck,
Zesty Mordant :cheesygri

I did get my harmony working with the current setup, but the problem is that it takes SO LONG!!!! to switch between inputs (ie, to go from hdmi 1 to VGA there is 8 inputs in between, and it takes over 3 seconds to change inputs! That's almost 30 seconds by the time it gets to the right input.... seems REALLY stupid)

[michelb]

A Harmony remote CAN do all of this!!!

Unfortunately, programming the harmony can be a bit of a challenge just to find the right settings, but if your TV doesn' have direct input buttons, there is an option (somewhere) in the Harmony setup to have it cycle to the right input. It works GREAT for me on my N3752 viewsonic. Basically, the harmony remembers the last input the TV was set to. The TV should also stay on the last input it was set to as well. So whatever activity you choose, it cycles through the inputs to the desired one, and it does this fairly quickly.

Search around a bit in the Harmony menus and options... I think you'll find this feature when you are first setting up an activity that uses your TV.

Good Luck,
Zesty Mordant :cheesygri

I did get my harmony working with the current setup, but the problem is that it takes SO LONG!!!! to switch between inputs (ie, to go from hdmi 1 to VGA there is 8 inputs in between, and it takes over 3 seconds to change inputs! That's almost 30 seconds by the time it gets to the right input.... seems REALLY stupid)

Please elaborate on what you did to get this going. Does it get confused if you use the other remote to change the input ( as far as I can tell, there's no way for the Harmony to tell what input it's on other than knowing that it starts at 'X' and moving 'Y' inputs (i.e. if you change the input using another remote the Harmony won't know and will assume it's still on 'X')). That being said, if it works 80% of the time, it's still better than nothing - I'll have to play around with it.

Let us know. Thanks.

[wiebecj]

Please elaborate on what you did to get this going. Does it get confused if you use the other remote to change the input ( as far as I can tell, there's no way for the Harmony to tell what input it's on other than knowing that it starts at 'X' and moving 'Y' inputs (i.e. if you change the input using another remote the Harmony won't know and will assume it's still on 'X')). That being said, if it works 80% of the time, it's still better than nothing - I'll have to play around with it.

Let us know. Thanks.

Yes, I had to hide my other remotes so that ONLY the harmony was used - This way, it can keep track of which input it was last on, which device is on/off etc... But yeah, mine works basically all the time if I use only the harmony

OH - also, has anyone noticed if this TV has dropped in price from $2899 yet? Thanks!

[Atomic Chip]

Amazing deal. Costco is selling them like hotcakes.

A small investment in a Logitech Harmony remote solves this issue.

The Harmony ROCKS! ;)

[michelb]

Yes, I had to hide my other remotes so that ONLY the harmony was used - This way, it can keep track of which input it was last on, which device is on/off etc... But yeah, mine works basically all the time if I use only the harmony

OH - also, has anyone noticed if this TV has dropped in price from $2899 yet? Thanks!

Thanks for the info - I'll have to try the input thing with my Harmony.

As far as the price, it's been $2699 for a while in Ottawa.

[consumerPI]

$2899 at Scar Costco as of yesterday.

[aximrocks]

yeah, i have a harmony remote too, and it just cycles through the inputs to get the the correct one... If anyone has an idea on how to do "testing" on the harmony remote (send tons of signals and try to change inputs on the TV separately) or even better, the separate codes for the TV, that would be great!!!!


Have you tried the 'Device' button? It allows you to send IR command to your TV. look for discrete input command like 'InputHDMI', 'InputDVI' etc.

[wiebecj]

Have you tried the 'Device' button? It allows you to send IR command to your TV. look for discrete input command like 'InputHDMI', 'InputDVI' etc.

Yeah, it's totally lame - the only button in there is "inputnext" and a bunch of dvd crap from the original akai remote

[ZestyMordant]

I did get my harmony working with the current setup, but the problem is that it takes SO LONG!!!! to switch between inputs (ie, to go from hdmi 1 to VGA there is 8 inputs in between, and it takes over 3 seconds to change inputs! That's almost 30 seconds by the time it gets to the right input.... seems REALLY stupid)

You can tweak these settings on your harmony to speed things up. Trust me, the Harmony can do just about ANYTHING... except the dishes. :lol: Actually, if someone finds a firmware upgrade for this I'd appreciate a PM as I hate doing dishes!

No seriously, try this:
1) Login to your Harmony Account
2) Under devices, beside your TV click 'more options'
3) Now click 'Adjust the delays (speed settings)'
4) Ideally you want to adjust these delays as low as possible. You'll have to experiment a bit. For my viewsonic I have the power-on delay set to 8500 which is 8.5sec since that's how long it takes to warm up before it will accept a command from the remote. I think you are most interested in changing the 'inter-key Delay' and the 'Input Delay'. I'll bet you 'Input Delay' is set to 3000 (3 sec) if, as you say, it takes 3 sec to go from one input to the next. Try setting the inter-key delay to something small like 100 or even 0, and try setting the input delay to something like 500 or even 200.

Basically, if you find the smallest numbers that still successfully work with your set, then it will be very quick!

As for hiding your other remotes... this is essential. Once you have the Harmony tweaked to how you like it you won't need the other remotes anyhow. Since the Harmony is 'smart-state' technology, it has to remember what devices are in the 'On' state and which are in the 'Off' state, and what input they are set to. If you use the other remotes OR the buttons on the TV it will screw things up.

Good Luck with your tweakin'
Zesty Mordant :cheesygri

[wiebecj]

You can tweak these settings on your harmony to speed things up. Trust me, the Harmony can do just about ANYTHING... except the dishes. :lol: Actually, if someone finds a firmware upgrade for this I'd appreciate a PM as I hate doing dishes!

No seriously, try this:
1) Login to your Harmony Account
2) Under devices, beside your TV click 'more options'
3) Now click 'Adjust the delays (speed settings)'
4) Ideally you want to adjust these delays as low as possible. You'll have to experiment a bit. For my viewsonic I have the power-on delay set to 8500 which is 8.5sec since that's how long it takes to warm up before it will accept a command from the remote. I think you are most interested in changing the 'inter-key Delay' and the 'Input Delay'. I'll bet you 'Input Delay' is set to 3000 (3 sec) if, as you say, it takes 3 sec to go from one input to the next. Try setting the inter-key delay to something small like 100 or even 0, and try setting the input delay to something like 500 or even 200.

Basically, if you find the smallest numbers that still successfully work with your set, then it will be very quick!

As for hiding your other remotes... this is essential. Once you have the Harmony tweaked to how you like it you won't need the other remotes anyhow. Since the Harmony is 'smart-state' technology, it has to remember what devices are in the 'On' state and which are in the 'Off' state, and what input they are set to. If you use the other remotes OR the buttons on the TV it will screw things up.

Good Luck with your tweakin'
Zesty Mordant :cheesygri

Hi Zesty,

thanks for the info - quick question (and problem). When the TV gets to the over the air hd input (forget what it's called) it sticks for 3ish seconds - is there any way that I can change the timing "per input" because now I have to set the delay high because that 1 stupid input.

[ballers34]

I want to pull the trigger on this TV...I live in Regina and they have this Tv on for 2699.99...Has anyone bought this Tv and have any reviews on it.

[wiebecj]

I want to pull the trigger on this TV...I live in Regina and they have this Tv on for 2699.99...Has anyone bought this Tv and have any reviews on it.

I have it, really like it - totally worth it in my opinion :-) BUT, to be honest the difference in size between this and the 50" is not that big (I had a 50 before, upgraded to a 60, and didn't even really notice...) The SD content looks decent, not amazing, but good. The HD really looks fantastic!! Really nice color and contrast ratio, so I'd say go for it! I also have it wallmounted on a single stud, and it works fine

[consumerPI]

which harmony will work for the akai? All of them?

[Doc_]

All harmonys work with anything.

[mlc2000]

Hate to drag up an old thread again, but I was just at Costco today, saw this TV again. I played around with it for half an hour, they had it set up next to the pioneer 50" Plasma. The picture on the 2 TV's are sooo similar!! Both are crystal clear, beautiful picture! Beautiful blacks and whites, nice polished (piano) finish. Couldn't believe that one was a "high end" tv and the other was a "low end"

Costco isnt the place to compare...the lighting is too bright.
Anyways, I'd rather get something a little nicer....Panasonic 58" 1080p. $5000.

[mlc2000]

All harmonys work with anything.

You mean all harmonys work half the time, with anything.