HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

**mjb2124** · 10-31-2005, 12:12 PM

Re: HDTV Questions and Answer Thread

Originally posted by ExtremeGamer

I have the same DVR, there is a 4:3 override. Trying to go off memory, but when the box is off, hold info and menu I think. That brings up the screen. You can set it to be 720p, 1080i, 480 override, etc.

Do you have the commercial skip set up on the remote? Best hack yet for that box. You can set it up for one button to skip 30, 60, 90 seconds, your choice.

I've been in that menu before so I'll have to look again.

I saw the commercial skip hack on the internet, but I think my remote is missing one of the buttons to get it to work? I thought I read that there are different remotes with that box. I tried this a few months ago so my memory might be fuzzy on what I did. Do you have a link to that hack?

I hate fast-forwarding through all the commercials and then always blowing right past the beginning of what I wanted to watch and then having to rewind.

**mjb2124** · 10-31-2005, 12:15 PM

Re: HDTV Questions and Answer Thread

Originally posted by FISH

Well, you might as well book a weekend to go through it, it's long. It is usefull but a little too time consuming to try and navigate through. You should have it though as it does provide a lot of info.

So would you recommend it in terms of improving the picture quality? I think my picture is very good right now so I'm kind of wondering if it's even worth it.

I tuned my picture to the 15 minute calibration screens they run on HDNET every Tuesday at 8am so I'm wondering how much better the Video Essentials DVD will make it.

**ExtremeGamer** · 10-31-2005, 12:18 PM

Re: HDTV Questions and Answer Thread

Originally posted by joeboo

I've been in that menu before so I'll have to look again.

I saw the commercial skip hack on the internet, but I think my remote is missing one of the buttons to get it to work? I thought I read that there are different remotes with that box. I tried this a few months ago so my memory might be fuzzy on what I did. Do you have a link to that hack?

I hate fast-forwarding through all the commercials and then always blowing right past the beginning of what I wanted to watch and then having to rewind.

I'll look for it later, I found it on avsforum.com. And you can map it to any button on the remote. Just an FYI.

I own an older copy of Video Essentials, I don't know if they ever made a new one, but it's incredible. And it does take awhile, when I calibrated by XBR960, it took me 5 hours. From using the blue film, to figuring out the right color tones, it's pretty in depth.

**mjb2124** · 10-31-2005, 12:27 PM

Re: HDTV Questions and Answer Thread

Thanks EG!!

I might have to pick up a copy of Video Essentials. It is only $20-some so I guess it might be worth it.

**fishepa** · 10-31-2005, 12:29 PM

Re: HDTV Questions and Answer Thread

If you have a really nice HDTV, I would recommend getting it calibrated by an ISF professional.

**FISH** · 10-31-2005, 12:33 PM

Re: HDTV Questions and Answer Thread

Originally posted by fishepa

If you have a really nice HDTV, I would recommend getting it calibrated by an ISF professional.

Ideally, however it is not cheap. But the results are outstanding from what I've heard.

**mjb2124** · 10-31-2005, 12:48 PM

Re: HDTV Questions and Answer Thread

Originally posted by fishepa

If you have a really nice HDTV, I would recommend getting it calibrated by an ISF professional.

Yeah, I even considered that. I think it costs almost $500 though. I can't justify spending that much for the amount of improvement I might get.

**JohnnytheSkin** · 10-31-2005, 01:16 PM

Re: HDTV Questions and Answer Thread

Originally posted by ExtremeGamer

I'll look for it later, I found it on avsforum.com. And you can map it to any button on the remote. Just an FYI.

I own an older copy of Video Essentials, I don't know if they ever made a new one, but it's incredible. And it does take awhile, when I calibrated by XBR960, it took me 5 hours. From using the blue film, to figuring out the right color tones, it's pretty in depth.

What's the best lighting setup to calibrate with? During the day my room is moderately lit, with no glare on the set. At night, usually a single room light (again no glare), and when I watch DVD movies, I only have a dim rear ambient light setup. Which of those situations should I calibrate too? Will I have to calibrate in all three lighting situations or is there a good all purpose setting?

When I tweaked it with the THX Optimizer, I did it in my DVD late night lighting and the picture still looked good yesterday afternoon during the Broncos game. Suggestions?

What's the hack for the commercial skip? I have record many of the shows I like (Housewives and Lost) and can't stand fast forwarding, much like Joeboo. Thanks!

**ExtremeGamer** · 10-31-2005, 01:20 PM

Re: HDTV Questions and Answer Thread

Originally posted by JohnnytheSkin

What's the best lighting setup to calibrate with? During the day my room is moderately lit, with no glare on the set. At night, usually a single room light (again no glare), and when I watch DVD movies, I only have a dim rear ambient light setup. Which of those situations should I calibrate too? Will I have to calibrate in all three lighting situations or is there a good all purpose setting?

When I tweaked it with the THX Optimizer, I did it in my DVD late night lighting and the picture still looked good yesterday afternoon during the Broncos game. Suggestions?

What's the hack for the commercial skip? I have record many of the shows I like (Housewives and Lost) and can't stand fast forwarding, much like Joeboo. Thanks!

I'll look for the hack, probably not till tomorrow with Trick or Treating tonight.

I did mine at night with no lights on, since when I watch a movie, it's usually pitch black except for 2 candles on either side of my TV for back ambient light.

**bigfnjoe96** · 10-31-2005, 02:58 PM

Re: HDTV Questions and Answer Thread

I personally used the AVIA HT disc. This is another gr-8 calibration DVD. I calibrated my set with a little light in the room.

As for the poster looking for reputable website's to order from. If you looking for 42' and better. I suggest www.uecweb.com. They are an official HITACHI Re-Seller & have gr-8 prices on TV's. Have heard nothing but good things about them.

**ExtremeGamer** · 10-31-2005, 03:04 PM

Re: HDTV Questions and Answer Thread

Here you go guys, the 30 second commercial skip for the Comcast Motorola HD DVR boxes.

Here is the exact procedure to program a swap or 30 second skip to the remote.

1) Press the "Cable" button at the top of the remote to put it into Cable Box control mode.
2) Press and hold the "Setup" button until the "Cable" button blinks twice.
3) Type in the code 994. The "Cable" button will blink twice
4) Press (do not hold) the "Setup" button
5) Type in the code 00173 (for 30 second Skip) or 00236 (for Swap).
6) Press whatever button you want to map the skip or swap function to

I have mine mapped to the lower right button on the remote next to all the numbers. I think it's a pound key on my remote. I would be lost without this feature.

**jpup** · 10-31-2005, 03:46 PM

Re: HDTV Questions and Answer Thread

Originally posted by bigfnjoe96

I personally used the AVIA HT disc. This is another gr-8 calibration DVD. I calibrated my set with a little light in the room.

As for the poster looking for reputable website's to order from. If you looking for 42' and better. I suggest www.uecweb.com. They are an official HITACHI Re-Seller & have gr-8 prices on TV's. Have heard nothing but good things about them.

Thanks for the site, I'll check it out. I don't know what size that I am going to get or even what type. I'm just starting my search. Any suggestions would be great.

**CWood2** · 10-31-2005, 08:49 PM

Re: HDTV Questions and Answer Thread

Originally posted by Heelfan71

it has nothing to do with non HD CHannels. If the tv doesn't support 1080i it will down convert the signal to 720p. I can't tell a difference between the 2.

I personally would go with the Phillips though. It is bigger and has a media card slot and also has 2 HDMI inputs instead of 1 like the Sharp.

Really, I've heard Sharp is second to none when it comes to LCDs. The Phillips does have Ambilight which is pretty cool as well as the same resolution...but how do the black levels and overall picture quality stack up?

**bigfnjoe96** · 11-01-2005, 01:27 AM

Re: HDTV Questions and Answer Thread

Originally posted by jpup

Thanks for the site, I'll check it out. I don't know what size that I am going to get or even what type. I'm just starting my search. Any suggestions would be great.

It depends on what size your looking for & what type. You will get different opinions when it comes to technologies. I preferably like CRT HDTV. The have the BEST Black Levels on the Market & when proffesionally calibrated it's picture is simply OUTSTANDING. They are not always the prettiest TV's when it comes to exterior looks, but it does give ya a nice picture.

You definetly are on the right track by doing your research 1st. GOOD LUCK with whatever you purchase.. Keep us posted... BTW if you like click my sig to take a look @ what I'm gaming on...

**koolbubbaice** · 11-01-2005, 01:45 AM

Re: HDTV Questions and Answer Thread

Originally posted by joeboo

Yeah, I even considered that. I think it costs almost $500 though. I can't justify spending that much for the amount of improvement I might get.

Why? You spent all that money on a great TV.. Why not spend a bit more to get the best picture possible?

HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

Recommended Videos

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment