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Sony Bravia and Motionflow

Posted: Fri Sep 18, 2009 12:03 pm
by fsense
We installed our new Sony KDL-46V5100 the other day and have been checking out the various features and see how things differ from our previous Samsung HDTV. The Sony advertises a 120 Hz frame rate and has a feature known as "Motionflow" which is supposedly related to providing less blur on fast motion scenes. The Motionflow feature has a couple of user-selectable levels (or you may turn it off) and it comes preconfigured at the "standard" level for all inputs. While testing with an SD signal from our DirecTV receiver, we noted a distinct vertical blurry line appearing in the center of the picture at times, seemingly related to motion on the screen. After trying several things, I determined that turning off the Motionflow feature for that input eliminated the problem. Testing with an over-the-air HD signal resulted in a similar effect, but noted that fast lateral motion, such as the camera panning a scene quickly, also resulted in quite a bit of stuttering (maybe better referred to as juddering?) of the scene. Again, turning off the Motionflow feature eliminated the problem entirely.

The set has the latest firmware level installed and I'm wondering if other Sony Bravia owners have seen a similar problem? Outside of the Motionflow problem, all is working well and the quality of SD signals is excellent.

Posted: Fri Sep 18, 2009 6:16 pm
by eliwhitney
Hello fsense ...

We have (3) different Sonys & there have been numerous others given to family as gifts plus I "assist" here locally with any that need it to switch from their CRT sets .... long story short, I have YET to ever use or leave ANY of those with the Motionflow other than " off!"

In a single instance, strictly on the input port for a new Blu Ray, did I ever observe a "better" display with it 'on.'

By-the-way . . . . there are SEVERAL others that also should be turned ' off ' or set to ' min.'

Lastly, I can't find within your post if the satellite service HAS been 'flipped' to a HD, with a corresponding, new HD box?

Very nominal added 'fee' and WELL worth it !

SUPER that you do have an outside antenna for those locals in HD!

eli

Posted: Fri Sep 18, 2009 8:41 pm
by fsense
eliwhitney wrote:Hello fsense ...

<<snip>>

By-the-way . . . . there are SEVERAL others that also should be turned ' off ' or set to ' min.'

Lastly, I can't find within your post if the satellite service HAS been 'flipped' to a HD, with a corresponding, new HD box?

Very nominal added 'fee' and WELL worth it !

SUPER that you do have an outside antenna for those locals in HD!

eli

OK - good info on the Motionflow. I tried all the inputs today and couldn't find an instance where it improved anything - even with blu-ray input. I sent a question to Sony "tech support - ha" and their reply just told me how to turn it off.

What are the other parameters you'd suggest setting to off or min?

We get something like 24 digital channels off the antenna here, with about half of those in HD. Right now I'm considering changing my satellite service to Dish, where I can get 100% HD channels (all the ones we watch included) for half the price of DirecTV in SD. That's now an unadvertised offering that you can order only by telephone and not over the Internet. Requires a 2 year commitment, but the low price continues past the 2 years.

Posted: Sat Sep 19, 2009 6:21 am
by eliwhitney
fsense ...

Good morning !

" IF " you do switch to DISH TV, a couple of points, pls ?

* DO insist upon a package or assortment of services which will use their VIP-722 only! {not their 'standard' HD Recorder/Receiver!}

* DO also get their ~ $5.99/monthly "home protection or extended" warranty ! .... otherwise, none of their equipment will be covered whenever they might go 'dead!' Plus, it provides for N/C or reduced-fee home Service Calls.

* Don't pay DISH TV their added fee for your local HD channels, obviously - just continue w/ your antenna. Sole disadvantage will be that you can not record them on the DISH TV set top box, of course.

* Make sure that your view to the 'low horizon' is free of obstructions - - - that all-new roof dish will be a much lower angle for HD.

Yes, for both satellite companies, anyone getting HD service must agree to a very-controlled / legally-binding 18 - 24 months contract! SO - please be mindful / NOT something to consider lightly in these days of unexpected or sudden unemployment!

About the 'other' settings . . . sharpness, noise reduction or MPEG noise reduction, are some.
By now, you must have already changed from "Vivid" to the other ...

You might care to consider getting / using a Blu Ray version of (1) of the various D.I.Y. Calibration DVDs .... performs what you are doing (manually) with filters, in a progressive sequence, etc..

MUST have an approved UL Surge Protector to avoid rendering that Sony Warranty 'dead!' I have used countless of the Philips units from SAMsClub @ $19.95 - great / appropriate as well as includes the customary "zillion dollar insurance IF" ...

{link} = http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/naviga ... +8+Outlets

Consider [Before the 59th day from the sales slip date] going to the www.sonystyle.com web site to price their maximum extended warranty plan .... the majority of the Sony sets which I have came via their "Outlet Store" which always offer that in a (5) year version as well as @ reduction - BUT - their regular four years plan does provide great value, too, IMO !

Available for purchase directly from Sony separately, irregardless of purchase store as long as it WAS an authorized dealer, of course!

(link) = http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/sto ... &langId=-1#

Good Viewing !

eli
P.S --

DON'T actually believe them via the telephone marketer . . . . Your monthly most-certainly WILL increase the first day after the 24th month is up!!

Posted: Sat Sep 19, 2009 6:32 am
by Richard
MUST have an approved UL Surge Protector to avoid rendering that Sony Warranty 'dead!
Only if the user has a known issue with lightning or power surges. Many do not use these products and it won't matter - they don't live in an area where this is a concern. Rather than key in on the protection I would note that most users likely need a power strip and your suggestion provides that along with lightning/power surge protection if installed properly at a very low price.

AC Surge/Lightning Suppressors
viewtopic.php?t=3497

Posted: Sat Sep 19, 2009 6:36 am
by eliwhitney
Morning Richard --

Absolutely true - - - HOW well I recall that endless thread from the recent past !

except that Sony has a binding, separate condition or stipulation in their warranty which makes one mandatory, regardless. And, certainly, one can & should always confirm that the outlet IS a proper sort, with the grounding terminal working!
eli

Posted: Sat Sep 19, 2009 7:12 am
by Richard
Can you provide a link to the warranty documentation?

Posted: Sat Sep 19, 2009 7:15 am
by eliwhitney
fsense ...

Another very important project for you to consider / research WILL be some sort of 5.1, etc., Surround Sound System !

From my experiences with many different Brands / Types, it IS at the very least ~ 50% of the total " HD " experience, particularly with those wonderful PBS Special Programs during the upcoming Fall & Holiday programing! { "Live @ Lincoln Center / New Years From Vienna / etc..} ...

eli

Posted: Sat Sep 19, 2009 7:22 am
by eliwhitney
Hi Richard ....

This IS an older {link} - but, this "mandatory" statement has always been also highlighted in their documentation to me in their (5) years paperwork as well on all the purchases, including the latest set in April - - - - http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/sto ... &langId=-1#

"Terms & Conditions - Part 2 - Power Surge & Spike ...

And, @ ~ $20, I shan't challenge it, for sure .....

eli

DISH is great.

Posted: Sat Sep 19, 2009 8:37 am
by stevekaden
I would like to offer a hurrah for DISH.

Despite having gone to FiOS - for the internet and more (but not all things), I was a happy subscriber to DISH for many years. I found them, especially of late to be an extremely good service, good support, with great set top DVR boxes, for the best price.

I am a big confused on the "be a much lower angle for HD. " I am under the impression that they - all video source and XM but not Sirrus - use Geo synchronous satellites. They all MUST be exactly at the equator, exactly 23,700 miles up (or close to that number). So I am not sure how HD could be lower? Perhaps a bit east or west of standard, but always the same elevation relative to your latitude.