Got my Westinghouse LVM-37W3 37" 1080p display today!

PC Connection.

I managed to get it after trying the power button like 100x, now it won't work again.

I don't know if I should return it for my money back or just RMA it through Westinghouse. I really do like the display though, it rules for playing HD-DVDs and the price tag was great. ($580)
 
Hello all :)

It's nice to see this thread revived after all this time. I've been vacationing in Europe all summer and missed my Westy tremendously. It was all alone in a storage shed and I was even afraid it'd get too hot or too humid in there.

Thankfully, nothing happened. One of the stuck pixels I had even unstuck. Ha! I'd started to become used to 17" monitors again so this beast once again looks huge. :D

Good to see (though it was predictable) so many Westys sold at such a low price, even if refurb. At that price, it MUST be bought regardless of risks.

I'm accepting suggestions for a version 1.1 of my FAQ, which is posted on the first page of this thread. :)

Have a good one!
 
God dammit. I just got a 360 with HDMI output and it won't let me select 1080p in the dashboard, it's greyed out. 1080i and 720p work fine. Component and VGA can both do 1080p... but not HDMI, wtf? Anyone know a workaround?
 
claudione314 said:
Good to see (though it was predictable) so many Westys sold at such a low price, even if refurb. At that price, it MUST be bought regardless of risks.
Click to expand...

No kidding. I thought the Westy was a bargain at $1k, and the fact that you can buy a refurb for roughly half that is a crazy good deal! Great for the masses, but not so great for me as I have considered downgrading to the Dell 2707 but I refuse to pay MORE money to go to a significantly smaller screen. :mad:

Nice to hear about your stuck pixel getting unstuck, though. I guess your Westy missed you as well! ;)
 
Blahman said:
God dammit. I just got a 360 with HDMI output and it won't let me select 1080p in the dashboard, it's greyed out. 1080i and 720p work fine. Component and VGA can both do 1080p... but not HDMI, wtf? Anyone know a workaround?
Click to expand...

Are you sure your TV can accept 1080p via HDMI?
 
My PS3 will let me do 1080p over HDMI, why not the 360? :confused:

edit: it's one of the SE's with the infamous LVM-42 firmware. So that's the root of the problem. Thing is, why does the PS3 allow me to force 1080p but the 360 simply greys it out, doesn't even give it a chance. Is there some service menu or secret setting to allow me to force 1080p? (doubtful I know)

In any case it's not a HUGE deal, just an infuriatingly stupid error on Westinghouse's part. My options as I see it are: 1) use 720p over HDMI, content that most 360 games run native 720p anyways, 2) use component to get 1080p, 3) pay $100+ to ship this thing to Westinghouse who will likely screw it up even more somehow, or 4) return it to Costco, get my $900 back and buy something else. I really love this set so returning it or shipping it and being without it for weeks doesn't particularly thrill me.
 
Use component. Its not like you want sound out of your TV anyways. Its a total myth that HDMI is magically better then component.
 
I returned mine to Costco about a month ago for a full refund and regret it to this day. Nothing in my opinion is really comparable to the 37W3 unless you want to go with the 42" version. So, here I sit staring at a 17" monitor STILL looking for a viable replacement for the 37W3. Really know that you want to return it if you choose to do so.
 
HDMI is obviously going to be better than component if you have an LCD because of the all-digital interface. For audio I currently use the TV's stereo outputs to an analog stereo receiver, but a real audiophile would be using a digital receiver with HDMI pass-through between the 360 and the TV (someday... someday... :D). But for my particular monitor and its firmware issues you're probably right, I should stick with component.
 
I'm sure its been brought up, but since my 42" Westy is going to be a computer monitor ONLY, a straight DVI to DVI connection is all that's necessary (DVI out on the graphics card to the DVI 2 port on the Westy)?

I can only assume that I really won't need a DVI to HDMI cable? As a computer monitor, there are no benefits using the DVI to HDMI cable.. Correct?
 
officermartinez said:
I'm sure its been brought up, but since my 42" Westy is going to be a computer monitor ONLY, a straight DVI to DVI connection is all that's necessary (DVI out on the graphics card to the DVI 2 port on the Westy)?

I can only assume that I really won't need a DVI to HDMI cable? As a computer monitor, there are no benefits using the DVI to HDMI cable.. Correct?
Click to expand...

dvi-dvi is good.
 
i've had my west37 for a few weeks now and the ecost ordeal has worked out perfectly.

i will re-iterate here once again. if you are buying this now refurbed or otherwise online, PLEASE PLEASE SHIP IT OVERNIGHT! the longer your expensive HEAVY gadget is in shipper's hands, the more likely it will be damaged! do yourself a favor and do OVERNIGHT!

anyways, a few observations:
1. i have firmware 1.11, and the hdcp works on dvi2 for sure. i know because i recently bought a dvi-hdmi cable for my HTPC and therefore relegated my dvi2 position to my motorola STB's dvi output (Comcast cable).

2. component vs. dvi/hdmi, it's very OBVIOUS that dvi is so much better. i have BOTH connections hooked up from my STB to my westy, therefore i can switch back and forth between component1 vs. dvi2. the first obvious thing is color, dvi is so much cleaner and has more color DEFINITION than component. second thing is sharpness, text/logos are much cleaner and sharper than component.

3. i still have yet to get the hdcp to work even on hdmi. does ati really suck that bad when it comes to hdcp implementation? i'm thinking about upgrading to 2600xt just because i desperately want to play hd dvd's right from disc with hardware acceleration. it's either that or i need to reinstall my windows xpp. i know the codex is a bit screwed up my install. i wish there was a way to start afresh in terms of video codex.

other than those things, this is definitely the best bang for the buck consumer electronics device i've purchased in the last few years! even lower-res downloads looks so much better on this display than my older dell 2001fp. it's such a big difference!!! =P.

i really dig it when it's connected to my HTPC. cable STB has a lot of blurring. are we all really sure the 3:2 inverse is working? will faroudja deint. work better?
 
T.E.K. said:
I returned mine to Costco about a month ago for a full refund and regret it to this day. Nothing in my opinion is really comparable to the 37W3 unless you want to go with the 42" version. So, here I sit staring at a 17" monitor STILL looking for a viable replacement for the 37W3. Really know that you want to return it if you choose to do so.
Click to expand...

a lot of great next gen lcd's will be at rock bottom prices this holiday season and will be even cheaper by next spring. So unless you have a problem with the minimum size of 42", waiting only guarantees you better products at the same price. Just don't keep waiting, otherwise you'll be forever staring at that 17"
 
Its not up and running (yet), but here is my 42" Westy.. When it's all up and running, I will snap some more shots..


DSCN8767.jpg



DSCN8768.jpg
 
hey officermartinez judging from the boxes only looks like you got a new unit. i am of course assuming that you ordered a refurbished unit.

anyway, i called pc connection and arranged a rma. they are going to call to arrange an appointment in which they bring a truck to my house to pick it up, and then once they get it they refund my credit card. im impressed by the service.

also, i ordered a dvi cable for my westy, but found out my old 26" tv has a dvi input. after about 10 seconds i was able to set up dual monitor running at 1680x1050 and 1366x768. not that bad
 
Not bad at all!!! As for my Westy, I ordered it from Newegg... http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16889234023

It says it's recertified. In talking to a Newegg rep, they explained to me that it basically means that Westinghouse serviced this monitor and replaced any part(s) that it may have needed. The rep even went as far as to say that some monitors only went back to Westinghouse to upgrade the firmware. But once it has been serviced, it can not be sold as a brand new item. Since the factory serviced it, that's why they call it recertified and not refurbished. It even comes with the standard 1 year warranty and not some 90 day warranty that I saw advertised on the "refurbished" models. I dunno.. he explained it very well and it sounded good to me, so I bought it.. LOL.
 
Blahman said:
My PS3 will let me do 1080p over HDMI, why not the 360? :confused:

edit: it's one of the SE's with the infamous LVM-42 firmware. So that's the root of the problem. Thing is, why does the PS3 allow me to force 1080p but the 360 simply greys it out, doesn't even give it a chance. Is there some service menu or secret setting to allow me to force 1080p? (doubtful I know)

In any case it's not a HUGE deal, just an infuriatingly stupid error on Westinghouse's part. My options as I see it are: 1) use 720p over HDMI, content that most 360 games run native 720p anyways, 2) use component to get 1080p, 3) pay $100+ to ship this thing to Westinghouse who will likely screw it up even more somehow, or 4) return it to Costco, get my $900 back and buy something else. I really love this set so returning it or shipping it and being without it for weeks doesn't particularly thrill me.
Click to expand...

Damn LVm42 firmware wills crew thigns up bad. That is why I suggested returning it. However I'm not sure the x-box is REAL1080p capable? Is it? http://gear.ign.com/articles/735/735860p1.html If they don't have a true DVI or HDMI cable then it may not work on the westy. Unless you have a TV that will actualy support 1080p via some other kind of connection. i don't think a VGA or component cable has enough bandwidtrh or something.
 
alexheinz said:
PC Connection.

I managed to get it after trying the power button like 100x, now it won't work again.

I don't know if I should return it for my money back or just RMA it through Westinghouse. I really do like the display though, it rules for playing HD-DVDs and the price tag was great. ($580)
Click to expand...

This is the old Firmware issue. An update would fix the problem. In the beginning of this thread somewhere it tells you the work around. I would return it / rma it.

Basicaly there is a "trick" to make it work every time but what a PITA! The trick involves power up the devices in a certain order and plugging in the connectors etc. Not really accceptable. Similar to this but this is nto the ink I was looking for. Monitor Firmware issue.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXefPf4m8Vo
 
Hey guys update: I was enjoying my 42inch tx-42 A LOT but I had a friend bring over an xbox 360 and it just looked horrible over component at 1080p so I ended up returning it.. (with a day left) It looked great over HDMI but I wanted everything to work correctly. Twice, i had to unplug it and plug it back in to make it working again. It had its small problems but overall the picture quality was amazing. I ended up buying an LG 24 inch with the 1680x1200 (I couldnt go back to a lower resolution.) Those smaller monitors are expensive!! (But I will see if this one has any problems soon enough)
 
qtfsniper said:
Hey guys update: I was enjoying my 42inch tx-42 A LOT but I had a friend bring over an xbox 360 and it just looked horrible over component at 1080p so I ended up returning it.. (with a day left) It looked great over HDMI but I wanted everything to work correctly. Twice, i had to unplug it and plug it back in to make it working again. It had its small problems but overall the picture quality was amazing. I ended up buying an LG 24 inch with the 1680x1200 (I couldnt go back to a lower resolution.) Those smaller monitors are expensive!! (But I will see if this one has any problems soon enough)
Click to expand...

Thats because component connection specifications are not made to support 1080p........ It was probably working fine. Good luck with yoru new monitor.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=675595
 
Justintoxicated said:
This is the old Firmware issue. An update would fix the problem. In the beginning of this thread somewhere it tells you the work around. I would return it / rma it.

Basicaly there is a "trick" to make it work every time but what a PITA! The trick involves power up the devices in a certain order and plugging in the connectors etc. Not really accceptable. Similar to this but this is nto the ink I was looking for. Monitor Firmware issue.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXefPf4m8Vo
Click to expand...

I thought it was that too, but that seems to be a HDMI problem. I could be wrong about that though.

Here is what I did to try and bypass that. I unplugged all connections (except power of course) and then tried to access the menu. It did the same thing as shown in my video. The tries in my video where I got a picture were very rare and specific only to that video.

Anyway I literally just helped load it onto the truck to return it. I'm looking at a Sharp 42D64U or similar.
 
alexheinz said:
I thought it was that too, but that seems to be a HDMI problem. I could be wrong about that though.

Here is what I did to try and bypass that. I unplugged all connections (except power of course) and then tried to access the menu. It did the same thing as shown in my video. The tries in my video where I got a picture were very rare and specific only to that video.

Anyway I literally just helped load it onto the truck to return it. I'm looking at a Sharp 42D64U or similar.
Click to expand...

Yes it a firware / HDMI issue. Must have been an older westy before the standards went into place. It could probabyl just have been flashed, unfortunately you probably have to return the monitor for them to flash it for you anyways heh.
 
I've been thinking about getting the TX-42F430S, but saw today that NewEgg has the LVM-42W2 in stock. Apparently it isn't a refurb either.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16889234002

Is this a better buy over the TX?

I seem to remember people saying there were issues with the 42" LVM models, that weren't present on the 37". OTOH, the TX thread on AVS is full of people complaining about that model also.

I just want a TV that won't break 2 months after I get it.
 
Justintoxicated said:
Thats because component connection specifications are not made to support 1080p........ It was probably working fine. Good luck with yoru new monitor.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=675595
Click to expand...

I don't think you understand. The TX-42 supports 1080P on ALL connections(and many tv's support 1080P over component). It was not working correctly. Also, remember, the 360 can output 1080P over component via the HD-cables. Some tv's do 1080P over component perfectly. I believe it might be just my particular tv as there are several people reporting it on AVSforums under the TX-series thread. Many say it looks fantastic also so mine was not the normal.
 
Justintoxicated said:
Damn LVm42 firmware wills crew thigns up bad. That is why I suggested returning it. However I'm not sure the x-box is REAL1080p capable? Is it? http://gear.ign.com/articles/735/735860p1.html If they don't have a true DVI or HDMI cable then it may not work on the westy. Unless you have a TV that will actualy support 1080p via some other kind of connection. i don't think a VGA or component cable has enough bandwidtrh or something.
Click to expand...

Yes of course the 360 can output 1080p over HDMI, VGA, and component. VGA and component definitely work at 1080p on my SE. It's just the EDID bug that's preventing me from getting 1080p out of HDMI. I'm sure its the same story with a HDMI-DVI cable, as its the exact same signal minus audio.
 
overkill said:
I've been thinking about getting the TX-42F430S, but saw today that NewEgg has the LVM-42W2 in stock. Apparently it isn't a refurb either.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16889234002

Is this a better buy over the TX?

I seem to remember people saying there were issues with the 42" LVM models, that weren't present on the 37". OTOH, the TX thread on AVS is full of people complaining about that model also.

I just want a TV that won't break 2 months after I get it.
Click to expand...

most of the ppl that had their sets die on them happened within the 30day period, mine for example is just over 2 months today
 
I have the lvm w3(almost a year now)and i love it,but next month im going for one of the new TX series,prolly the 42"(i picked one out for my folks and its amazing) my question is,without going through the 11ty 7 billion posts here,would some of you mind giving me some alternate places to buy Westinghouse other than Bestbuy,i like em,but im trying to find a better price if possible(although $1,079) aint bad
thx in advance for any replys :) :)
 
do they not make the 37 inchers any more cant seem to find them. also im planning on getting one after xmas this year or maybe xmas so how much are they and how much would u think i could get it with a sale?
 
GL finding the LVM W3,very hard to find due to HUGE demand for em,it makes for an insane pc monitor,but if u can find one,plan on spending around a grand for it,i havent used the new TX series for a pc display(yet) but I am getting the 42" one way or the other and for just over a grand,it cant be beat for the price,my only complaint with em is theres no dvi anymore
 
Is there a difference between the W3 and the W1? I found a refurbished W1 and I was considering jumping on it at the posted price... There were no papers for it on the westinghouse site, and reviews I compared for the W3 and the W1 were almost identical.
 
Yea, there are some differences...Not as bright contrast ratio...I can't remember everything else...But, it's not as good as the w3
 
9mmx19 said:
Yeah its officially been discontinued. ecost and onsale only have refurbished ones occassionally.
Click to expand...

Bummer. Why kill a good thing?

My question is, then, what's the replacement model, and is it as good/better. Anyone have experience?
 
[Retaliation];1031446954 said:
I have the lvm w3(almost a year now)and i love it,but next month im going for one of the new TX series,prolly the 42"(i picked one out for my folks and its amazing) my question is,without going through the 11ty 7 billion posts here,would some of you mind giving me some alternate places to buy Westinghouse other than Bestbuy,i like em,but im trying to find a better price if possible(although $1,079) aint bad
thx in advance for any replys :) :)
Click to expand...

You won't find a cheaper price than 1079. 1079 Is the employee discount price ( and occasional sale) This means cost + 5%. If they sell it for any cheaper, it's under cost and they're going to lose money (which isn't going to really happen since these things are selling fairly well)
 
Just was at BB today, and saw the 42" TX...Next to the $3500 Pioneer..

I thought the Westy would put up a good fight, but the blacks were all washed out on the 42". And while being extremely overpriced, the Pioneer did look delicious.

I have a 37" Westy, but it chills at my GF's

Oh yea, it was an Open Box sticker for $1099.=)
 
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