Wobbly picture with ATV2 - anyone else?

What were your "input settings"? I have a Sony plasma with DVI that is HCMP compliant. I am using a Monster HDMI/DVI adapter and am getting a wobbly picture.

I am having similar issues as outlined in other posts.I have a 6 year old Panasonic Plasma. I noticed on the panasonic technical support site for my TV that it lists 720P as PC connection only. I also saw this on other tvs from the same time period (4-7 years old). I would suggest making sure your TV supports 720P over HDMI. I am not an expert by any means just putting out some facts I learned.

This will be (I hope) a software update. My Panasonic TH-42PX20 plasma displays 480 and 1080, but not 720, and the picture is slightly wavy... annoying, but but not a deal breaker. I'll see where Apple goes with this.

Well folks, after spending way to much time on this topic reading post after post and trying every option possible, I have come to a conclusion. I am sending my ATV2 back today. I called Apple last night and requested a call tag for a full refund. All restocking fees are waved and they are paying for return shipping.

There is an ironic foot note. On the return packing list there is a space for "Reason for Return" and that was already filled out by the CS agent I spoke to "Customer Changed Mind". I lined through that and put, Apple made an incompatible device for my HDTV. Maybe next time Mr Jobs.

I heard that the upcoming jailbreak for ATV2 can manually override the display output via SSH to the proper resolution instead of trying to detect broken EDID from older TVs defaulting it to display at 480p instead of 720p. Since ATV2 menu does not have a dedicated resolution picker, the hacked version might be the only way to display the proper version, or until Apple updates the FW to fix the EDID bug and add a resolution picker in the settings.

I'm also experiencing this wobbly image issue, on one of my two TV's.
I have a 42" Panasonic TH42PD25 (I think that's the model) Plasma with an HDMI input. It's at least 5 years old (was a display model when I got it), and is the ED (enhanced definition) 720p model. This tv presents the wobbly image when connected to the ATV2. I also have a PS3 and a Motorola cable box that have been connected to this TV in the past via HDMI with no issues what so ever.

I also have a much newer LG 37" 1080i (model # unknown), about 3-4 years old, that has no issues with the ATV2.

The HDMI cable, used on both TV's to connect the ATV2, is brand new, shielded 3 foot cable. Again, works fine on the LG, not the Panasonic. As such, it would seem that this is not strictly related to an HDMI->DVI issue.

I have no idea if either TV supports HDCP, but I'm curious if there are other telltales, besides an annoying message that pops up on the screen, that the TV does not support HDCP. For example, could the wobbly aspect be one of those telltales?

I have the exact same 50" WEGA...rear projection (one bulb) TV with one DVI. Did you notice you can switch between screen modes, like others have mentioned, meaning the ATV isn't feeding the TV a full HD signal. If it did, it would lock to the "full" mode. The picture is actually watchable but I cannot settle for this...not from an Apple product. There should be a setting letting us set the resolution, plain and simple.

I tried using an HDMI switch and without, no difference (i.e. direct to TV using HDMI-DVI cable did not make a difference). My Motorola HDDVR didn't care how it was plugged in.

I tried plugging into my other Polaroid TV and it gave an error of an incompatible signal. I know the TV handles 720p.

My last resort in testing this thing was plugging into my 17" Sony LCD monitor. I do NOT get any wavy lines; the aspect ratio is off (LCD is 3:4) but it is crystal clear. Too bad the ATV can't adjust the ratio accordingly. LCD says I'm running 1024x768 (full res on this thing) at 60Hz.

After two weeks of anticipation, the last thing I will say is...totally disappointed.

Apple support told me the same thing about the component cable. It can be had online from most online retailers; it's a Sony (for the PS3) HDMI-component cable for $16 to $25 depending on where you get it and how long you are willing to wait for shipping. Best Buy sells it for $25 in store. I will purchase and pick up in store tomorrow and will follow up on results (unless it works and I get distracted watching ATV).

Same problem. Oldish Toshiba 34" supports 1080i and 540p. Connected new apple tv via hdmi to dvi, optical output to sony mini system. Nice sound but wobbly picture.
Works great on my other TV with hdmi to hdmi (no wobble).

It must be a 720p issue.

Euripides wrote:
Apple support told me the same thing about the component cable. It can be had online from most online retailers; it's a Sony (for the PS3) HDMI-component cable for $16 to $25 depending on where you get it and how long you are willing to wait for shipping. Best Buy sells it for $25 in store. I will purchase and pick up in store tomorrow and will follow up on results (unless it works and I get distracted watching ATV).

Looking forward to hearing about your results.

I have the Sony hdmi-component cable, and it will not work. The hdmi end of it is way to big. It is only for ps3, not standard hdmi size unfortunately.

Ditto. I've got a similar issue (wavy/wobbly screen with a purple cast) with my Philips 30PW8402/37B HDTV. The Apple TV works fine with new Samsung TVs I tried at Best Buy using the same HDMI cable. This Philips TV apparently does not support 720p natively... has 480 and 1080, but no love for 720.

http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2608502&tstart=0

This worked for me (ATV2 connected to Sony KF-42WE610 using monoprice switchbox). I also have DVR and u-versed box connected to the switchbox. I also had the pick "hue" and was resolved when switching between devices. And you are right about the _*BRIGHT LED's*_, wow, almost blinding, but I can deal with that. THANKS for the tip, I am good to go now!

Message was edited by: Jnfinley

Great news! Thanks for sharing! Specifically which monoprice box did you get?

this is the one that worked for me:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?cid=101&cp_id=10110&cs_id=1011002&pid=5557&seq=1&format=2

fyi, I bought different HDMI 4 port switch at Fry's first (i do not have the model number) it did NOT work.

Message was edited by: Jnfinley

Message was edited by: Jnfinley