DVD5 Video Problems with Pioneer Kuro 141 Plasma

Posted by: Zo on 01 December 2010

I am trying to use a Naim DVD5 with Pioneer Kuro 141 Plasma monitor. The Naim dealer I purchased the unit from is no longer in business as a Naim dealer so I am not sure where best to seek proper support.

Naim HQ have confirmed that I have the latest software update installed.
The following codes scrolled on display when depressing remote "program" button for 5 secs:

D00.51
M00.07
C02.06
06.75
REG-0

If anyone can offer some guidance for the video set-up problems I am experiencing with both analog and digital video outputs it would be much appreciated. Thx in advance.

1. Using DVI output, I get only white snow when connecting to the monitor with both a dvi to hdmi cable and dvi cable. The Naim logo flashes for a fraction of a second before the white snow appears. I have also tried to route the digital signal through my DVDO EDGE scaler with no success.

2. Using the 5 BNC output connecting directly to monitor’s VGA input, I get a very slight dark grid pattern overlay in the background which is most easily visible on the light scenes. The picture would be acceptable if not for this background grid pattern, I’ve tried isolating all the set-up options on both the DVD5 and Pioneer monitor, but I have not found any of the settings to be impacting this phenomenon. I am using a Better Cables 2m 5BNC - VGA. I previously used this cable with a Camelot Technologies Roundtable DVD player and did not experience any similar video anomalies so I believe the cable is ok.

3. Lastly, I would like to use a DVDO Edge Scaler to upscale the DVD5s video to 1080P, should better results come from the DVI output (if I can somehow get it working?)or would the S-video (interlaced) output likely be better?

Other video sources work flawlessly with Pioneer, both PS3 and Roku via HDMI, and computer to VGA input.

Posted on: 02 December 2010 by badknees51

Had the same problem with my DVD5. The local dealer gave me a remote control key sequence to enter to change some internal setting and it fixed the problem. Unfortunately, I don't remember the sequence but maybe your dealer can help. The dealer also told me that the DVD5 is optimized for video through the component outputs, not the DVI output. I compared both on a Sony Bravia and actually preferred the picture quality through the component output using Chord leads. The 5.1 audio goes to an AV2 and I was very happy with this setup. I've since switched to Blu-Ray. OMG, night and day, but I still use the AV2 for audio using the optical input.

Posted on: 02 December 2010 by v_j_r

Have you checked your Pal/NTSC settings in the setup menus should be on Pal and/or auto?,it sounds like your TV is getting a NTSC signal hence the snow!.

I had the same problem earlier today using Kuro KRL37V after applying a control update today it put the output into NTSC.

Best Regards.

Posted on: 02 December 2010 by GreenAlex

A flatscreen unable to process NTSC via HDMI? I have to say, I doubt it.

Posted on: 04 December 2010 by winkyincanada

quote:
Originally posted by GreenAlex:
A flatscreen unable to process NTSC via HDMI? I have to say, I doubt it.

Yes, my understanding is that once a video signal is in HDMI transmission mode then PAL/NTSC issues and compatibility are irrelevant.

I have read on here that component video is the best way to go from the DVD5 anyway. Don't know why, but there you go.

Posted on: 04 December 2010 by GreenAlex

Well, afaik a lot of older flatscreens, at least plasmas, used to work with 60hz internally anyway. Any 50hz signal would be processed to 60hz.

I don't think this is the case with current tvs.

But I doubt any TV would have any problems with NTSC. Even some CRTs were able to play NTSC (mine used to and I'm pretty sure it was year 2k or older).

By the way, although component is said to be the best method for the DVD5, two important factors should be considered:
a) you need a really good and expensive cable. you can use a cheap dvi-hdmi cable for 20quid and get very, even extremely good results, but you will probably have to fork out 300quid for a decent chord component cable. so really not a fair comparison.
bang for buck the dvi is far better
b) don't forget your tv. i don't know any flatscreens with H/V separated. most are yuv, so only 3 cables. dvd5 is 5 and will suffer from joining the signal in the cable. plus you have to check how good the tv is with yuv.
my first plasma had some component bug. component signals had a almost invisible image error. but if you knew about it, you could see it. hdmi was flawless. so for that tv, no matter how good the source, hdmi was better.

Posted on: 05 December 2010 by Richard Dane

Zo, sounds like an HDCP handshaking issue with the HDMI input. Hopefully AV@Naim will seethis and advise further there.

Yes, I have found component to give a better picture, however it does require a top quality lead such as the Naim one (better than any other I've tried by far). The 5 BNC connection is OPK for anything that isn't Macrovision protected. However Macrovision screws up the H/V signal to prevent copying, therefore you should juyst use the 3 BNC connection.

As for external scaling you need to use an interlaced output such as s-video or RGB on SCART. The component output is always deinterlaced and not many scalers can handle this.

Posted on: 06 December 2010 by Zo

Thanks all for the suggestions. As it turns out, upon second inspection HQ identified that there is a software update that I am in need of. Hopefully this will be the simple fix for the video issues I have experienced.

Posted on: 07 December 2010 by Richard Dane

OK, that's great. HDCP can be a real problem. Pioneer have had their fair share of headaches, along with everyone else!

Posted on: 07 February 2011 by Zo

Has anyone installed the firmware upgrades at home, or does it require experienced support? I have been unsuccessful in my attempts to connect with local Naim support for past couple of months, so I was hoping someone with experience could provide some direction? Thx in advance.

Posted on: 08 February 2011 by Richard Dane

Zo, it has been a while since I updated the DVD5 but the instructions were very clear and easy to follow. Main thing was to ensure that the updates were applied in the correct order (seem to recall it was on 2 discs) and that you don't kill the power half way through!