HDTV Help Needed

#26
#26
I've learned a lesson about signal quality. I switched from cable to DirecTV and the quality of my picture has dropped in HD and on some SD.

On my LCD in particular, I'm seeing macro blocking and posterization especially in dark scenes. I don't know if it's an issue of signal compression or not.

Anyone have any advice to improve the DTV signal?
 
#27
#27
Get fiber optic signals if you can. They are by far the best native signal you can provide your TV. Also, a solid receiver will help clean up the images -- not a cheaper one with HDMI pass-through, but an actual nice one that will do things like upscaling, color correction, etc.
 
#28
#28
volinbham said:
I've learned a lesson about signal quality. I switched from cable to DirecTV and the quality of my picture has dropped in HD and on some SD.

On my LCD in particular, I'm seeing macro blocking and posterization especially in dark scenes. I don't know if it's an issue of signal compression or not.

Anyone have any advice to improve the DTV signal?
Click to expand...

D*TV is known to have some of the most compressed HDTV signals. That's one of the ways they are constantly adding more and more HD channels.

In other news, Comcast added a bunch of HD channels the last or two. Up to about 35 or 40 HD channels now with Comcast in Knoxville.
 
#33
#33
Nope. TN isn't in the Verizon service area. (this is the standard Verizon Communications, not Verizon Wireless... two different subs)
 
#34
#34
I have a sony bravia 40 in LCD and the picture is great after you learn how to set it properly. Many threads in video sites give their settings and you can try what they say works beat.
 
#36
#36
DrRosenRosen said:
I much prefer plasma sets over LCD. But, everyone has a different eye. Go to a specialty store if you have it and look at sets in realistic lighting. Worst case, go to Best Buy, etc. and see them there.

I'd recommend Panasonic plasma since they have about the best panels next to Pioneer Kuro sets. My Panasonic plasma hanging upstairs is a great set.

Vizio are cheaper and look good. If you aren't real picky about this stuff and want to save a few bucks, these sets will work great for you and look super.

LED DLPs are probably the best looking picture nowdays but you said you didn't want one of those. Fair enough.

Life expectancy of modern plasmas is around the same as CRTs you are used to. Burn in is possible, but technology gains over the last 10 years has GREATLY reduced the chances of this happening. Just don't pause a show and leave the tv on for a day or two. LCDs can exhibit image retention which is similar in appearance, so it's not like going that route will save you from this sort of problem.

For cables and a wall mount, hit up monoprice.com. You can pay <$10 for cables there or $70+ at Best Buy. You can get a wall mount for <$45 or pay $150+ at Best Buy. That's one of the biggest money makers for BB/etc. because they mark them up 300%+.
Click to expand...

I agree with most everything here. Especially the last paragraph and the fact that burn-in is pretty much a non-factor as long as you don't pause something for a day or two. Common sense there though. Not enough to sway someone away from getting a plasma.

My 52" Sharp Aquos is one of the better pictures I have seen. It is the U64 series or the "slim-line" series.

Dad has a 52" Samsung LCD that (in my opinion) has a better picture than his 42" Panasonic Plasma.

Anything up to a 42", I think 1080p is not needed. I had a chart somewhere that showed seating distance vs screen size and resolution.

resolution_chart.jpg
 
#37
#37
I've got a Samsung 40" LCD. LOVE IT!!! Only thing I hate is that my Vols have not won a game in HD yet. Sio this seasons curse is because of me.....wait, was UAB in HD? Don't remember.
 
#40
#40
Sony bravia 60" . HD through directv. Best picture i've seen on a big screen tv. They shoot most events on their camera's anyway. I'am happy with it. Panasonic was my alternative to the sony. But the bravia's picture sold me.
 
#41
#41
XBox Tiger Woods is incredible on the new screen. Will test football tomorrow. . .
 
#42
#42
I have the Panasonic plasma in my living room, and a Toshiba Regza LCD I got a hell of a deal from Amazon on in my bedroom. The plasma wins, hands down. Mine is about 3 years old now, and I picked it up from BB on BF for $999. You can get one routinely now for around $800, and the 50" for around $1k. It's not 1080p, but it doesn't matter on that size set, unless you sit 1 foot from the set.

The Samsung LCD's look very good. My dad has one, and the picture is great.

The Pioneer sets are unmatched.

Buy what looks good to you, at your price. There may be some big deals this BF.

Like mentioned earlier, NEVER, NEVER EVER buy cables and mounts from BB or CC. Monoprice or Blue Jean cables are the place for them.

When you turn your HD set on for the first time, it will bring a tear to your eye.

I'm not sure what makes me happier, HDTV or saline implants.
 
#43
#43
^ It depends on the manager, but I do this fairly regularly... But if you're doing anything else with the deal, i.e. surround sound, service plan, paying for installation, then the price of the cables and mounts can usually be haggled down.

Just to reiterate, POWER CONDITIONER and CALIBRATION. Time and again. Should be on the checklist for any new TV.
 
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