For All You Lg Owners ...

[dvduser]

http://www.theage.com.au/news/home-theatre...4152957353.html

Television manufacturer LG has failed to determine the source of a glitch in some of its televisions, which caused them to freeze when screening Nine Network's programs, despite being notified of the problem three weeks ago.

The manufacturer said 10 models in its television range were affected, but that as far as it was aware, the problem only occurred in Sydney and Melbourne.

A statement released by LG this morning said "LG has become aware that occasional 'freezing' problems were experienced with selected TVs when viewing particular network digital programming in metropolitan Melbourne and Sydney over the weekend".

But upon further questioning an LG spokeswoman admitted "LG became aware of of the issue three weeks ago, [but] did not have any data streaming recorded and therefore were unable to trace the problem".

LG said it was evaluating the issue to determine its cause.

It had narrowed the problem down to the following television models: 32LC2D, 37LC2D, 42LC2D, 42LC2DR, 42PC1DV, 42PC1DG, 50PC1D, 50PC3D, 50PB2DR and 60PC1D.

When asked if all or only certain Nine programs were affected, the LG spokeswoman said: "I am not sure which programs, I don't think [it was] particular shows."

She would not speculate why the issue appeared to only affect televisions produced by LG, but said "it seems that other manufacturers have also been affected".

However, there have as yet been no reports of the issue occurring in TV models produced by manufacturers other than LG.

A Melbourne newspaper first reported the glitch on February 26, saying LG had blamed it on Nine.

But in today's statement LG appeared to have changed its story: "This glitch is software related, with either the digital transmission stream, or the decoding of that stream affecting the television's operation."

LG said it anticipated being able to advise on the cause of the glitch in the "coming days", and said customers experiencing problems should unplug their TV at the power socket before trying to view the programs again.

LG's customer service centre can be reached on 1800 643 156.

A Nine Network spokeswoman was being sought for comment.

[latino]

Call customer service and they tell you nothing you dont already know. They dont provide any resolution.

Recall those models I say.

[COFDM MAN]

A fault in a studio during encoding will cause these issues. Many more of these sort of issues to come! At the TX site the stream is decoded and encoded again. If its only one channel and occurring from two separate TX's then its the program providers issue. But i'm sure LG will be made to jump hoops!

[brisbull]

Everyone is finger pointing, without really thinking about the problem.

The issue only occurs with LG TVs while watching CH9.

This means TWO (2) things:

There must be a problem with the CH9 feed, as other stations do not lock up the LGs

AND

There must be a problem with the LG televisions, as other TVs do not lock up on CH9.

This is a classic INCOMPATABILITY ISSUE. Using plain logic, it is easy to see there is an issue with BOTH CH9 and LG. To remedy the issue, either LG needs to fix the tuners to accept CH9 broadcasts (like all other tuners), or CH9 needs to make its broadcasts more consistent (like all other broadcasters).

The irony is that either company can choose to fix the issue, and hence remove the incompatability, but neither wants to take responsibility.

We have a catch22 of finger pointing, when really both parties are at fault.

[jpw23]

i have the lg 50inch plasma and since the freeze the other night on channel 9 i cant get a signal on ch7 at all i have spoken to the good guys and the are going to let me swap it over for the samsung do you guys think this is a wise move or should i wait and see what happens??? i have only had the tv for 9 days

[Anton-P.]

There must be a problem with the CH9 feed, as other stations do not lock up the LGs

AND

There must be a problem with the LG televisions, as other TVs do not lock up on CH9.

This is a classic INCOMPATABILITY ISSUE.

My speculation only -- it may not be INCOMPATABILITY issue but entirely due to the TVs.

Transmission standards may allow CH9 to include copy-protection codes in its signals, while other channels see no need to do it.

Is it possible LG "forgot" to cater for these codes?!

Talking about copy-protection I have experienced it. Tried to transfer a CH9 recording from pvr to a SONY dvd-recorder; repeatedly at one particular point the SONY just terminated recording mode with an error message like "can't be recorded".

[null_pointer]

Looks like LG have found a solution:

http://www.lghdtv.com.au/www/203/1001127/d...le/1024736.html

[audio_nutter]

Sweet, signed up now see how long it takes them

[audio_nutter]

i noticed lg had a link to this site on their web site

[dvduser]

http://www.theage.com.au/news/home-theatre...4153126015.html

Tens of thousands of LG customers will require a software upgrade for their TV sets, after the company identified the cause of a mystery software glitch that is causing them to freeze spontaneously.

LG says it will need to send technicians to every affected home to perform a "simple software upgrade" but won't be in a position to begin the mammoth task for at least another week.

"The problem is with the processing of the data within our decoder," said LG marketing manager Darren Goble.

He said "under very rare and random situations" certain LG digital TV processors and decoders had difficulty dealing with "the way that the data signal is packaged".

LG initially said the issue appeared to affect only Channel Nine broadcasts, but it has now admitted it could occur with the other free-to-air channels as well, depending on how the broadcast data was packaged.

The company has also revised the list of models that have been plagued by the fault from 10 to 16.

LG customers with defective units are being encouraged to register their details on the LG website (www.lghdtv.com.au/softwareupdate).

Mr Goble said he expected tens of thousands of people would require the free upgrade, but LG would only be "in a position to start [work] within the next seven to 10 days".

"It is a large job that is going to require work over the coming weeks and months to complete," he said.

Originally, LG said the problem was confined to Sydney and Melbourne, but yesterday admitted that it was affecting people nationwide.

Several readers of this website have written in speculating that the malfunction was caused by Channel Nine switching on encryption - to prevent copying - when screening shows in the high definition (HD) or wide screen formats.

This could explain why many readers who reported experiencing the glitch said it happened when they were watching prime time programs broadcast in the HD format, such as CSI.

One reader, who did not wish to be named, wrote: "It's most likely Ch9 [sic] encoding the HD payload within their ASI transport stream on their emission (transmitter) feeds at too high a bit rate for whatever feeble decoding chip set the LG uses in its tuner."

Another reader, who identified himself as Kieran, wrote: "The problem seems to be in LG's implementation of the DVB standard. Broadcasters can optionally encrypt the stream to prevent copying. Nine seem to have turned this on for some of their programming. This is causing problems with LG tuners."

Channel Nine is refusing to confirm or deny whether it has switched on encryption, and Mr Goble said he was not in a position to comment.

LG says 16 models in its plasma, LCD, rear-projection and CRT TV range with integrated digital tuners are affected.

The model numbers are LCD: 32LC2D, 37LC2D, 42LC2D, 42LC2DR; plasma: 42PC1DV, 42PC1DG, 42PX4DV, 50PC1D, 50PC3D, 50PB2DR, 60PC1D, 60PY2D; rear projection: 56DC1D, 62DC1D, 62DC1DA; CRT: 32FS4D.

"Only models purchased after August 2006 with serial numbers beginning with 608, 609, 610, 611, 612, 701, 702 or 703 are affected," LG said

[sail]

http://www.theage.com.au/news/home-theatre...4153126015.html

Tens of thousands of LG customers will require a software upgrade for their TV sets, after the company identified the cause of a mystery software glitch that is causing them to freeze spontaneously.

LG says it will need to send technicians to every affected home to perform a "simple software upgrade" but won't be in a position to begin the mammoth task for at least another week.

"The problem is with the processing of the data within our decoder," said LG marketing manager Darren Goble.

He said "under very rare and random situations" certain LG digital TV processors and decoders had difficulty dealing with "the way that the data signal is packaged".

LG initially said the issue appeared to affect only Channel Nine broadcasts, but it has now admitted it could occur with the other free-to-air channels as well, depending on how the broadcast data was packaged.

The company has also revised the list of models that have been plagued by the fault from 10 to 16.

LG customers with defective units are being encouraged to register their details on the LG website (www.lghdtv.com.au/softwareupdate).

Mr Goble said he expected tens of thousands of people would require the free upgrade, but LG would only be "in a position to start [work] within the next seven to 10 days".

"It is a large job that is going to require work over the coming weeks and months to complete," he said.

Originally, LG said the problem was confined to Sydney and Melbourne, but yesterday admitted that it was affecting people nationwide.

Several readers of this website have written in speculating that the malfunction was caused by Channel Nine switching on encryption - to prevent copying - when screening shows in the high definition (HD) or wide screen formats.

This could explain why many readers who reported experiencing the glitch said it happened when they were watching prime time programs broadcast in the HD format, such as CSI.

One reader, who did not wish to be named, wrote: "It's most likely Ch9 [sic] encoding the HD payload within their ASI transport stream on their emission (transmitter) feeds at too high a bit rate for whatever feeble decoding chip set the LG uses in its tuner."

Another reader, who identified himself as Kieran, wrote: "The problem seems to be in LG's implementation of the DVB standard. Broadcasters can optionally encrypt the stream to prevent copying. Nine seem to have turned this on for some of their programming. This is causing problems with LG tuners."

Channel Nine is refusing to confirm or deny whether it has switched on encryption, and Mr Goble said he was not in a position to comment.

LG says 16 models in its plasma, LCD, rear-projection and CRT TV range with integrated digital tuners are affected.

The model numbers are LCD: 32LC2D, 37LC2D, 42LC2D, 42LC2DR; plasma: 42PC1DV, 42PC1DG, 42PX4DV, 50PC1D, 50PC3D, 50PB2DR, 60PC1D, 60PY2D; rear projection: 56DC1D, 62DC1D, 62DC1DA; CRT: 32FS4D.

"Only models purchased after August 2006 with serial numbers beginning with 608, 609, 610, 611, 612, 701, 702 or 703 are affected," LG said

Latest from the AGE/SMH Blog...

As a broadcast engineer with the nine network for many years I can reveal (through a few phone calls to old mates) that "Yes" there is encryption being added and experimented with. For whatever reason I cannot imagine. Seems they may have some agreement with thier suppliers, keep in mind they are dealing second hand goods here !

Secondly, the 400 millivolt video and plus 4 dB audio on the nine spec is well within the published rating of LG product, which incidentally manufacture to within 2 percent component tolerance. Thats better than Sony or marantz for Christ sake !

Lg cant be at fault (as TCN engineers agree with me) but some idiot playing "protection" games.

The Nut.

* Posted by: Webnut at March 21, 2007 2:31 PM

[Hussla]

Encryption? what a waste of time and effort, considering encryption systems are consistently cracked and the bulk of these shows are ALREADY available got download anyway.

Typical it's Channel 9 been channel 9 again.

[automan]

Encryption? what a waste of time and effort, considering encryption systems are consistently cracked and the bulk of these shows are ALREADY available got download anyway.

Typical it's Channel 9 been channel 9 again.

This is BS.

Channel eddie should stop this rather than LG sending out techs to upgrade the tuners! This will take ages to complete!

[zak_stbernard]

who is to blame well...

Really it comes back to LG as it is their products that locks up for what ever reason.

Your HDTV is the receiver, and its the receiver job to decode play the stream, if u get something u not like then throw it and wait for next good sync.

Locking up hmmm maybe crashing is the right term ... and waiting for user intervention shows a serious flaw in their firmware.

Hope they find it and remedy it soon.

No doubt service agents will be making a lot of money out of this for product recall and firmware upgrade.

Although it seems the fault is only apparent in 9 broadcast, u have to ask y other brands aren't affected or are they ??? but they deal with it better and u get occasional minor freeze?

[maximusmax]

http://www.theage.com.au/news/home-theatre...4153126015.html

Tens of thousands of LG customers will require a software upgrade for their TV sets, after the company identified the cause of a mystery software glitch that is causing them to freeze spontaneously.

LG says it will need to send technicians to every affected home to perform a "simple software upgrade" but won't be in a position to begin the mammoth task for at least another week.

"The problem is with the processing of the data within our decoder," said LG marketing manager Darren Goble.

He said "under very rare and random situations" certain LG digital TV processors and decoders had difficulty dealing with "the way that the data signal is packaged".

LG initially said the issue appeared to affect only Channel Nine broadcasts, but it has now admitted it could occur with the other free-to-air channels as well, depending on how the broadcast data was packaged.

The company has also revised the list of models that have been plagued by the fault from 10 to 16.

LG customers with defective units are being encouraged to register their details on the LG website (www.lghdtv.com.au/softwareupdate).

Mr Goble said he expected tens of thousands of people would require the free upgrade, but LG would only be "in a position to start [work] within the next seven to 10 days".

"It is a large job that is going to require work over the coming weeks and months to complete," he said.

Originally, LG said the problem was confined to Sydney and Melbourne, but yesterday admitted that it was affecting people nationwide.

Several readers of this website have written in speculating that the malfunction was caused by Channel Nine switching on encryption - to prevent copying - when screening shows in the high definition (HD) or wide screen formats.

This could explain why many readers who reported experiencing the glitch said it happened when they were watching prime time programs broadcast in the HD format, such as CSI.

One reader, who did not wish to be named, wrote: "It's most likely Ch9 [sic] encoding the HD payload within their ASI transport stream on their emission (transmitter) feeds at too high a bit rate for whatever feeble decoding chip set the LG uses in its tuner."

Another reader, who identified himself as Kieran, wrote: "The problem seems to be in LG's implementation of the DVB standard. Broadcasters can optionally encrypt the stream to prevent copying. Nine seem to have turned this on for some of their programming. This is causing problems with LG tuners."

Channel Nine is refusing to confirm or deny whether it has switched on encryption, and Mr Goble said he was not in a position to comment.

LG says 16 models in its plasma, LCD, rear-projection and CRT TV range with integrated digital tuners are affected.

The model numbers are LCD: 32LC2D, 37LC2D, 42LC2D, 42LC2DR; plasma: 42PC1DV, 42PC1DG, 42PX4DV, 50PC1D, 50PC3D, 50PB2DR, 60PC1D, 60PY2D; rear projection: 56DC1D, 62DC1D, 62DC1DA; CRT: 32FS4D.

"Only models purchased after August 2006 with serial numbers beginning with 608, 609, 610, 611, 612, 701, 702 or 703 are affected," LG said

my serial number begins with 607 ,LG better not give me the run around, it has happen to me twice so far last night and about six weeks ago and it on prime at the time (makes a very loud bang noise too)

to fix it turn it, turn it off (thats the only thing you can do) and unplug antenna.

[JSmith]

Call customer service and they tell you nothing you dont already know. They dont provide any resolution.

Recall those models I say.

Recall?? Don't be daft, it's just a software update! It's not like there's a major fault with the products.

JSmith :ph34r:

[JSmith]

This rubbish about encryption is total BS... That's not to say nine didn't do this on purpose, but it aint any kind of HDCP or encryption.

JSmith :ph34r:

[lojo1]

From Lojo1

I have a LG 42pc1dg that freezes on Channel 9. I bought the unit 6 months ago in Melbourne. I have contacted LG service twice over the past couple of days. In spite of their telling me that their Customer Services Manager would call me back by COB yesterday. I am still waiting.

I also reported that my set:

1. Occasionally has no sound when I turn on the tv. This can only be corrected by switchging channels.

2.Loses 7sd and 7 hd from favourites for no reason, requiring them to be input time and time again.

3 Speech is out of sync with picture frequently.

I have told LG I would like to return the set for a refund from my supplier - but guess what? They were non responsive.

I have booked the TV under warranty for repair of all of the above. I am not confident that will fix them. Their authorised service centre stated that they shoulf be getting a software download from LG soon to fix the freezing problem on 9? Seems to confirm that it is LG's fault and not Ch9

As LG only provides a one year warranty on their set ( whilst other menufacturers provide between 2-5 years), it begs the question why LG are so stingy on their warranty. Is it because their sets don't perform, lack quality and are unreliable.

I am totally disappointed with my new LG TV. I am sure that I will never buy another one. The only option would seem to be to report my problems to Consumer Affairs or the Trade Practices Commission (or both) and request they do something about LG's quality and customer service.

[lojo1]

From lojo1

Subsequent to my previous comment. My 42PC1dg which I purchased in Sep 06 ( It is marked made July06 is affected by the freezeon Channel 9. Yet LG states only models 608 upwards are only affected. Can't LG even get their model product numbers right when something like this happens, The old saying goes - You pay peanuts and you get monkeys". There must be a lot of crushed peanut shells at LG. Does LG stand for "lousy goods or lemon goods"?

[Scatpac]

lojo1,

I too have the same problem as you with regards to point 1 & 2.

No trouble with point 3.

[Neon Kitten]

As a broadcast engineer with the nine network for many years I can reveal (through a few phone calls to old mates) that "Yes" there is encryption being added and experimented with.

Err, sorry, but your "mates" are having a lend of you.

Encryption on DVB free to air TV using the current system cannot be done. Firstly, it is not part of the DVB-T spec. Secondly, not one single tuner in this country can decrypt encrypted streams. Period.

[Neon Kitten]

Talking about copy-protection I have experienced it. Tried to transfer a CH9 recording from pvr to a SONY dvd-recorder; repeatedly at one particular point the SONY just terminated recording mode with an error message like "can't be recorded".

That's not copy protection. That's your DVD recorder mis-reading the WSS (widescreen signalling) in the broadcast as copy protection.

There IS NO COPY PROTECTION on Australian free to air digital TV. I doubt there ever will be.

[Joggle]

Hi everyone

i guess i got lucky i registered on the website on tuesday and got a phone call at 8pm tonight the technician was in my area and could he do the fix lol i said of course. He was in and out in 15mins.

Feel sorry for him he told me he has 10,000 tvs in brisbane to do and there are 2 of them

regards

john in brisbane