HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

[grunt]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

If you have cable, yes you can do that. My Sony HDTV has a built in HD tuner, I have my cable split, goes into my HD DVR and my TV itself. I can watch non HD in my split screen and my HD Box in my other. Works beautiful.

What type of cables? My Samsung DLP will be here on Wednesday?

[ExtremeGamer]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

What type of cables? My Samsung DLP will be here on Wednesday?

Coaxial cable...as in the cable that comes from the wall into your cable box and/or TV.

[pb4201]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

If you use the internal tuner you might be able to. I use a HD DVR and with both the Sammy HL-R5067 and Sony SXRD I couldn't view two HD sources with PIP (meaning I couldn't view an HDMI and component connection together). I think most TV's do this. If you game via S-Video or composite, you shouldn't have a problem. Again, maybe using the internal tuner changes this.

Johnny,

Whats your thoughts on the Sony SXRD? Just got a 360 and want to get an HDTV? I see you have it? Do you have it with Directv? Impressions please

[JohnnytheSkin]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

Johnny,

Whats your thoughts on the Sony SXRD? Just got a 360 and want to get an HDTV? I see you have it? Do you have it with Directv? Impressions please

The 50" Sony SXRD is quite simply the best TV I have ever seen. The colors just "pop" off of the screen and viewing a 1080i show (properly deinterlaced by the Sony to 1080p) is absolutely stunning. The depth of the image is amazing and I really see the "3-D" effect that is trumpeted when people discuss HD vs. SD. I only wish I had the set during football season!

As for the nitty gritty technical details, the grayscale out of the box is quite close to accurate, which provides the best shadow detail and color fidelity. The color decoding is very close to accurate, with no visible red push and very little green push (blue decoding is "perfect"). There is an option to add red push using the "Color Corrector" option, which some feel enhances skin tones.

There are an astounding number of picture options, and two months later I'm still tweaking and fiddling to find the best, most accurate image (color, brightness, and contrast are fine...it's adjusting the sharpness and clarity). The SXRD properly decodes film based content with the "CineMotion" feature that utilizes reverse 2:3 pulldown. DVD's over HDMI at 1080i upconversion look better than I've ever seen (pop in Episode III or "The Incredibles" for amazing reference quality discs).

Gaming is excellent. I have both my PS2 and 360 connected via component and the picture is amazing. There is no lag to speak of, from any source, which surprised me since my wife is a huge DDR fan and the slightest amount of lag would cripple that game (as I saw on the Sammy DLP I exchanged). There is also no audio lag from any source as well.

Needless to say, I can't say enough good things about the set. I only wish I picked up the 60", though it would have been far too large for my room. If you have any other concerns or questions I would gladly answer them.

[pb4201]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

The 50" Sony SXRD is quite simply the best TV I have ever seen. The colors just "pop" off of the screen and viewing a 1080i show (properly deinterlaced by the Sony to 1080p) is absolutely stunning. The depth of the image is amazing and I really see the "3-D" effect that is trumpeted when people discuss HD vs. SD. I only wish I had the set during football season!

As for the nitty gritty technical details, the grayscale out of the box is quite close to accurate, which provides the best shadow detail and color fidelity. The color decoding is very close to accurate, with no visible red push and very little green push (blue decoding is "perfect"). There is an option to add red push using the "Color Corrector" option, which some feel enhances skin tones.

There are an astounding number of picture options, and two months later I'm still tweaking and fiddling to find the best, most accurate image (color, brightness, and contrast are fine...it's adjusting the sharpness and clarity). The SXRD properly decodes film based content with the "CineMotion" feature that utilizes reverse 2:3 pulldown. DVD's over HDMI at 1080i upconversion look better than I've ever seen (pop in Episode III or "The Incredibles" for amazing reference quality discs).

Gaming is excellent. I have both my PS2 and 360 connected via component and the picture is amazing. There is no lag to speak of, from any source, which surprised me since my wife is a huge DDR fan and the slightest amount of lag would cripple that game (as I saw on the Sammy DLP I exchanged). There is also no audio lag from any source as well.

Needless to say, I can't say enough good things about the set. I only wish I picked up the 60", though it would have been far too large for my room. If you have any other concerns or questions I would gladly answer them.

Johnny, thanks for great review of the TV. However, one thing that has me worried is the speakers. Some people call them the dumbo ears. So far I've only seen internet pics of this tv...i'm too scared to look at in person...i might walk out the store with it!!! Anyways is it really true that it adds about 10 inches to the TV.

I've been thinking about waiting for the next SXRD model to come out, which is suppose to be sometime this fall. Also the extra few months should give me more time to save for the 60 inch.

thanks,pb

[JohnnytheSkin]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

Johnny, thanks for great review of the TV. However, one thing that has me worried is the speakers. Some people call them the dumbo ears. So far I've only seen internet pics of this tv...i'm too scared to look at in person...i might walk out the store with it!!! Anyways is it really true that it adds about 10 inches to the TV.

I've been thinking about waiting for the next SXRD model to come out, which is suppose to be sometime this fall. Also the extra few months should give me more time to save for the 60 inch.

thanks,pb

You'll either notice the "dumbo ears" or you won't. I think it's really only a problem for a wall unit entertainment center (I have mine on a stand). Yes the width increase is there, and I was initially overwhelmed when I saw them in store. Now they don't even bother me. From what I've read, only the 60" or larger '06 SXRD's will be removable. I think the "ears" are here to stay, at least for another year.

[Jistic]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

I am a HDTV virgin. However I'm beginning my research now. I'm very interested in this model LINK
Can anyone give any advice or opinoins on this set or the features. It's right at my price range and seems a lot of bang for the buck. Thanks!

[koolbubbaice]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

I am a HDTV virgin. However I'm beginning my research now. I'm very interested in this model LINK
Can anyone give any advice or opinoins on this set or the features. It's right at my price range and seems a lot of bang for the buck. Thanks!

Wow.. I have no experience with Sharp DLP's.. I know their LCDS are first class..If you plan on buying a DLP You should see in first..Some ppl see the 'rainbow effect'. What is your budget? Will be TV be used mainly for gaming & sports?

[Jistic]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

Wow.. I have no experience with Sharp DLP's.. I know their LCDS are first class..If you plan on buying a DLP You should see in first..Some ppl see the 'rainbow effect'. What is your budget? Will be TV be used mainly for gaming & sports?

Well it got top choice for DLP in COnsumer Reports. It's on sale right now at Costco for $1799. So yeah I have to go there and check it out first. And yeah it'll be used for gaming, sports, movies. I have DirecTV though, not cable (if that makes any difference).

[JohnnytheSkin]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

Well it got top choice for DLP in COnsumer Reports. It's on sale right now at Costco for $1799. So yeah I have to go there and check it out first. And yeah it'll be used for gaming, sports, movies. I have DirecTV though, not cable (if that makes any difference).

I agree with the check for the "rainbow effect". Just know that you won't see it at Costco, and hopefully you can view a DLP in a more intimate environment.

The other thing to note is that Costco's models typically have the previous year's chips. I know the Sammy DLP they offer has the HD2+ chip, not the HD3+. Not a big deal since DLP technology is in it's third or so generation.

The TV sounds like a good deal! If you are looking for one now you could do a LOT worse. The only slight negative is the single HDMI, but again, reserve it for your DirectTV HD box and use component for gaming.

Be sure to post your impressions here if/when you pick up the display.

[Jistic]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

I agree with the check for the "rainbow effect". Just know that you won't see it at Costco, and hopefully you can view a DLP in a more intimate environment.

The other thing to note is that Costco's models typically have the previous year's chips. I know the Sammy DLP they offer has the HD2+ chip, not the HD3+. Not a big deal since DLP technology is in it's third or so generation.

The TV sounds like a good deal! If you are looking for one now you could do a LOT worse. The only slight negative is the single HDMI, but again, reserve it for your DirectTV HD box and use component for gaming.

Be sure to post your impressions here if/when you pick up the display.

The thing I like is Costco has a two week no questions asked return policy. So if it looks like *** I can return it. Let me ask you. Does the 360 look any different when connecting HDMI or component?

Thanks Johnny!

[GAMEC0CK2002]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

The thing I like is Costco has a two week no questions asked return policy. So if it looks like *** I can return it. Let me ask you. Does the 360 look any different when connecting HDMI or component?

Thanks Johnny!

I'm not Johnny, but I'll pinch hit on this one. In theory HDMI (or DVI for that matter) should provide the best picture. Whether or not it's noticeable when playing the 360, I couldn't tell ya.

I have a Toshiba DVD player that supports HDMI or component cables. I haven't noticed much difference between the 2.

[Jistic]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

Incidentally I'm also in the market for a new reciever. What do you guys think about something like THIS.

It seems to solve the one HDMI connection problem.

[Jistic]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

Incidentally I'm also in the market for a new reciever. What do you guys think about something like THIS.

It seems to solve the one HDMI connection problem.

UGH, second thought sounds pretty unreliable with real bad service. Maybe I'll just stick with Yamaha for the receiver.

[JohnnytheSkin]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

HDMI switching is going to be at a premium price point for the near future. The cheapest solution I found was at Best Buy, where you can buy a manual 2:1 switch (press the button to switch the source). It was around $150, but as long as you buy reasonably priced cables (search around online) the investment should be sound. I haven't tried it though, since I have two inputs on my SXRD.

As for image quality, the 360 does NOT currently support HDMI. This will likely change once the optional HD-DVD add on is released (barring a "miracle" in the copy protection talks). I have tried the 360 with both VGA and component and found component to be the better choice (more vivid colors and a clearer contrast definitions).

With upconverting DVD, HDMI is the CLEAR winner. I've seen the Samsung player that upconverts over component (via a remote hack) and the HDMI surpasses it in every way. I've noticed that when viewing cable signals that HDMI is a lot better with HD programming, but on SD signals I notice more noise then with component. Of course watching SD is kind of painful with a fancy new HDTV. Trust me, you'll find yourself watching nature shows and crap just to impress other viewers and even your own eyes at time (I've found 'R. Steve's Europe' on PBS HD to be a must-see TV program).

*EDIT: That Costco return policy is great, simply because it's more than the typical 30 days and your screwed (the DLP I had crapped out at 45 days and I was stuck with two months of customer service hell before I was able to get an exchange).*