HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

[robin3mj]

Re: Another HDTV questions info thread

Didn't work. Apparently Samsung PiP only works with QAM (un cable-box unencrypted digital cable) and ATSC (over the air Hie Def signals)...WTF. Those are about the two least likely inputs for a TV buyer to use, as compared to Components, HD Cable Boxes, etc...

[bigfnjoe96]

Re: Another HDTV questions info thread

Are you changing the Inputs on your remote when in PIP MODE? I have a HITACHI HDTV & can play my XBOX & get PIP from my HDTV Set-top box.(USING COMPONENT INPUTS) I can also watch a DVD MOVIE & get PIP from another source(XBOX/HDTV)


EX:
HDTV- INPUT1
XBOX- INPUT2
DVD- INPUT3

When in PIP MODE the blank screen means PIP is not on the right input mode. Change the PIP input to the device you would like to see.

If thaat doesn't work then I'm not sure what to tell you other then call Samsung Tech Support

[bigfnjoe96]

Re: Another HDTV questions info thread

does anyone have any info on the picture sound quality when using a dvi cable with the hdtv cable box? i have the dvi input on my tv and am currently using the component cables, but if it would look better with the dvi, i'd likely get the cables.
thanks

You should get a much better picture when using a DVI CABLE, simply because you are seding a DIGITAL SIGNAL to a Digital Device. Compared to Component Cables which are ANALOG & then converted to digital by your HDTV...

[mjb2124]

Re: Another HDTV questions info thread

Regarding PIP..... If my STB is connected to my TV with a DVI to HDMI cable, can I still use PIP? I thought I read somewhere that I couldn't. I haven't messed with it in a few months though.

What I did back then was splice the cable before it reached my STB (one end went to the STB and the other end went to my TV). However, I could only watch PIP when viewing TV from the input that went directly to my TV. In other words, I had to watch standard cable on both the PIP window and the main window. Of course that was unnaceptable so I didn't do that.

I just guessed that I couldn't utilize the PIP function when I had my STB connected with a DVI to HDMI cable.

[bigfnjoe96]

Re: Another HDTV questions info thread

Regarding PIP..... If my STB is connected to my TV with a DVI to HDMI cable, can I still use PIP? I thought I read somewhere that I couldn't. I haven't messed with it in a few months though.

What I did back then was splice the cable before it reached my STB (one end went to the STB and the other end went to my TV). However, I could only watch PIP when viewing TV from the input that went directly to my TV. In other words, I had to watch standard cable on both the PIP window and the main window. Of course that was unnaceptable so I didn't do that.

I just guessed that I couldn't utilize the PIP function when I had my STB connected with a DVI to HDMI cable.

You should be able too. Remember what controls PIP is your TV, not the devices attached to your TV...

I had a STB connect to my HDTV via HDMI(took the box back because of problems) & still was able to get PIP. What you need to know is when your STB is connected to your HDTV via an HDMI or DVI cable, it automatically de-activates your 1st component inpput on your TV.

EXAMPLE:

INPUT1- COMPONENT
INPUT2-COMPONENT
INPUT3- S-VIDEO/COMPOSITE
INPUT4- S-VIDEO/COMPOSITE
INPUT5- S-VIDEO/COMPOSITE.

If you have HDMI or a DVI hooked up to your HDTV, your INPUT1 will be automatically disable, so any other device would have be pluggged into INPUT2-COMPONENT if that's your TV's set-up..

Hope this is helpful

[mjb2124]

Re: Another HDTV questions info thread

You should be able too. Remember what controls PIP is your TV, not the devices attached to your TV...

I had a STB connect to my HDTV via HDMI(took the box back because of problems) & still was able to get PIP. What you need to know is when your STB is connected to your HDTV via an HDMI or DVI cable, it automatically de-activates your 1st component inpput on your TV.

EXAMPLE:

INPUT1- COMPONENT
INPUT2-COMPONENT
INPUT3- S-VIDEO/COMPOSITE
INPUT4- S-VIDEO/COMPOSITE
INPUT5- S-VIDEO/COMPOSITE.

If you have HDMI or a DVI hooked up to your HDTV, your INPUT1 will be automatically disable, so any other device would have be pluggged into INPUT2-COMPONENT if that's your TV's set-up..

Hope this is helpful

Thanks for the advice. I'll have to give it a try sometime tonight or tomorrow.

[Kramer5150]

Re: Another HDTV questions info thread

Hey fellas,I've got a couple of questions.I've read several sites saying to keep picture and brightness down to help with burn in.
I've got a 57 sony hd tv,and I counted the bars at the bottom for adjustment (there isn't any numbers) and I came up with 64 levels of adjustment.
I currently have both set to 28 or a little less than half, the problem I'm having is xbox games seem a little to dark....is this normal? I really didn't want to have to fool with setting up another mode if I don't have to.
I was tempted to put pic and brightness at half (32) or would I be taking to big a risk of burn in?
The last ? is this.......my tv has an optical out,so if I plug that directly to my receiver will the xbox be 5.1?
(I might get brave and make a 2 input optical cable since my receiver only has one input )
Thanks for any help fellas

[Heelfan71]

Re: Another HDTV questions info thread

Hey fellas,I've got a couple of questions.I've read several sites saying to keep picture and brightness down to help with burn in.
I've got a 57 sony hd tv,and I counted the bars at the bottom for adjustment (there isn't any numbers) and I came up with 64 levels of adjustment.
I currently have both set to 28 or a little less than half, the problem I'm having is xbox games seem a little to dark....is this normal? I really didn't want to have to fool with setting up another mode if I don't have to.
I was tempted to put pic and brightness at half (32) or would I be taking to big a risk of burn in?
The last ? is this.......my tv has an optical out,so if I plug that directly to my receiver will the xbox be 5.1?
(I might get brave and make a 2 input optical cable since my receiver only has one input )
Thanks for any help fellas

half way on your contrast and brightness settings will be fine. You can also buy an adapter for your optical cable that will allow you to plug in 2 cables into one jack.

I'm not sure if you can play xbox in 5.1 with the optical out jack on your TV.

[Kramer5150]

Re: Another HDTV questions info thread

half way on your contrast and brightness settings will be fine. You can also buy an adapter for your optical cable that will allow you to plug in 2 cables into one jack.

Dude...are you serious! damn,that would be awesome.
Where might I find this adapter? Radio Shack possibly?
So let me get this straight.....I only have one input on my receiver, I can get an adapter that will basically give me 2 inputs?
That just made my evening I'll have to give Radio Shack a call and get a price. Thanks again Heelfan

[bigfnjoe96]

Re: Another HDTV questions info thread

Hey fellas,I've got a couple of questions.I've read several sites saying to keep picture and brightness down to help with burn in.
I've got a 57 sony hd tv,and I counted the bars at the bottom for adjustment (there isn't any numbers) and I came up with 64 levels of adjustment.
I currently have both set to 28 or a little less than half, the problem I'm having is xbox games seem a little to dark....is this normal? I really didn't want to have to fool with setting up another mode if I don't have to.
I was tempted to put pic and brightness at half (32) or would I be taking to big a risk of burn in?
The last ? is this.......my tv has an optical out,so if I plug that directly to my receiver will the xbox be 5.1?
(I might get brave and make a 2 input optical cable since my receiver only has one input )
Thanks for any help fellas

Contrast-43
Brightness-45

This should be good in reference to your Settings.

[aholbert32]

Re: Another HDTV questions info thread

Regarding PIP..... If my STB is connected to my TV with a DVI to HDMI cable, can I still use PIP? I thought I read somewhere that I couldn't. I haven't messed with it in a few months though.

What I did back then was splice the cable before it reached my STB (one end went to the STB and the other end went to my TV). However, I could only watch PIP when viewing TV from the input that went directly to my TV. In other words, I had to watch standard cable on both the PIP window and the main window. Of course that was unnaceptable so I didn't do that.

I just guessed that I couldn't utilize the PIP function when I had my STB connected with a DVI to HDMI cable.

Qucik question. Is there really a big difference in picture quality between DVI and component cables. I have components and my HDTV looks great but I'm considering getting a DVI cable. Is it really worth the 60 bucks im gonna pay?

[bigfnjoe96]

Re: Another HDTV questions info thread

Qucik question. Is there really a big difference in picture quality between DVI and component cables. I have components and my HDTV looks great but I'm considering getting a DVI cable. Is it really worth the 60 bucks im gonna pay?

Yes you will see a difference. When you connect your STB via HDMI OR DVI you are sending a DIGITAL signal to your HDTV thru a DIGITAL CABLE.

When using COMPONENT CABLES you are sending an ANALOG SIGNAL to your HDTV thru an ANALOG CABLE.

DIGITAL 2 DIGITAL is always the best quality...

[mjb2124]

Re: Another HDTV questions info thread

Qucik question. Is there really a big difference in picture quality between DVI and component cables. I have components and my HDTV looks great but I'm considering getting a DVI cable. Is it really worth the 60 bucks im gonna pay?

I know we have the same TV so here goes:

When I had my HD STB installed, I connected both the DVI and Component and went back and forth checking both out. The cable guy was still around so I got 2 sets of eyes. Personally, I thought the DVI cable looked better. The cable guy thought the component cables looked better.

IMO the DVI cable was sharper and had a more vibrant color when viewing HD material. The cable guy thought component cables gave a more natural looking image. To me, component looked a little more washed out than the DVI.

So it seems it just depends on the person watching it.

[Kramer5150]

Re: Another HDTV questions info thread

Contrast-43
Brightness-45

This should be good in reference to your Settings.

This is some info I picked up of off hdtvarcade,
To prevent burn-in:
Burn-in is permanent, so all precautions should be taken to prevent it. The only way to repair burn-in is replace the CRTs, which usually can cost you more or less the cost of your HDTV. Most manufacturers will not warrant the repair for burn-in. Contrast plays a major role in Burn-in. Always turn down contrast to less than 50% to prevent burn-in.

This is the only reason why I question your settings. I do agree with you though,that in order to see the damn xbox, your settings would make more sense I just want to prevent burn in.

[bigfnjoe96]

Re: Another HDTV questions info thread

This is some info I picked up of off hdtvarcade,
To prevent burn-in:
Burn-in is permanent, so all precautions should be taken to prevent it. The only way to repair burn-in is replace the CRTs, which usually can cost you more or less the cost of your HDTV. Most manufacturers will not warrant the repair for burn-in. Contrast plays a major role in Burn-in. Always turn down contrast to less than 50% to prevent burn-in.

This is the only reason why I question your settings. I do agree with you though,that in order to see the damn xbox, your settings would make more sense I just want to prevent burn in.

NP, hopefully now you'll be able to see your gaming much better. Also lower your Sharpness Level to about 20-25 will help out with those Jaggies...