Television Picture Quality

[WaveDomer]

Here's a question that I think I know the answer to but I want an unbiased (read not from Directv) answer. Just upgraded my television to an LCD that has the capability to put up a 1080 picture. My old set was not bad, but it wasn't LCD. The old set had a good picture on every channel. My new set has a great picture on some channels, but other channels look like garbage. ESPN looks awful but PBS looks awesome.

I get Directv but I don't subscribe to the HD service. I've read that I need to get HD in order to fully use my new set's capability, like putting premium gas in a race car. But I read that from Directv's forum. Is this true? I think it might be because some channels are great so it shouldn't be the hookup.

Any insights would be appreciated.

 

[BestBIrish47]

Yes, in order to fully take advantage of the full resolution of your new TV you will want to do a few things.

1. Make sure you have a HD box and HDMI cable
2. If you want "Cable Channels" in HD you will need the HD box.

I can't stress number 1 enough.

Hope that helps.

 

[kmoose]

Here's a question that I think I know the answer to but I want an unbiased (read not from Directv) answer. Just upgraded my television to an LCD that has the capability to put up a 1080 picture. My old set was not bad, but it wasn't LCD. The old set had a good picture on every channel. My new set has a great picture on some channels, but other channels look like garbage. ESPN looks awful but PBS looks awesome.

I get Directv but I don't subscribe to the HD service. I've read that I need to get HD in order to fully use my new set's capability. But I read that from Directv's forum. Is this true? I think it might be because some channels are great so it shouldn't be the hookup.

Any insights would be appreciated.

1080 means that you have 1080 lines of resolution on your TV. Each picture is made up of 1080 different lines, from left to right. The more lines, the clearer the the picture can be. Standard Definition is broadcast in either 480 lines, or 576 lines, normally.

I liken it to a stereo that has preprogrammed equalization (rock, concert hall, jazz, etc), vs one that has a separate equalizer. The separate equalizer has more adjustments, so you can get better sound from it. But, depending on all of the other factors, the preprogrammed EQ settings can still sound great.

 

[Corry]

The only way you're going to see 1080 is through HD service. Some providers streach there none HD content to fit the whole screen and it really looks bad. Thats why I'm sure on some channels you'll see letter box (black sidebars) on the top or side of your screen. Your old tv more than likely was set up for 4:3 while your new tv is 16:9. Most providers offer free HD so upgradding is nothing more than requesting a new box.

Sorry for the typos I'm on my phone.

 

[WaveDomer]

Yes, in order to fully take advantage of the full resolution of your new TV you will want to do a few things.

1. Make sure you have a HD box and HDMI cable
2. If you want "Cable Channels" in HD you will need the HD box.

I can't stress number 1 enough.

Hope that helps.

Thanks for the response. I have both an HDMI and the HD box. I don't really care about HD, I just want a quality picture, but I'll get HD if that's what will get me a quality picture on every channel. I just wanted to make sure it wasn't something else before upgrading.

 

[WaveDomer]

1080 means that you have 1080 lines of resolution on your TV. Each picture is made up of 1080 different lines, from left to right. The more lines, the clearer the the picture can be. Standard Definition is broadcast in either 480 lines, or 576 lines, normally.

I liken it to a stereo that has preprogrammed equalization (rock, concert hall, jazz, etc), vs one that has a separate equalizer. The separate equalizer has more adjustments, so you can get better sound from it. But, depending on all of the other factors, the preprogrammed EQ settings can still sound great.

Thanks. I understand all that stuff in terms of resolution. Here's the example: I'll set the resolution to 480 and PBS is tits while ESPN blows. Set to 780 and it's the same. So why is PBS coming in awesome while ESPN coming in awful?

 

[UmphreakDomer]

Beyond lines of resolution is the MHz , or speed I'd the tvs refresh rate. This is necessary for sports, action movies, and video games.
The fastest refresh rate on the market is 600 and is only achieved with plasma. There are 1080 plasmas but a 720 with a 600 refresh rate looks fantastic with all platforms. And because plasma is a dying technology, you can get these for a fantastic price. And they still look great with blu-ray because of the speed.
Best picture and speed right now is 1080 240. But 1080 120 looks great too.

Your real question has been answered. Hdmi cable with a hd box and the box set to 1080.

 

[FightingIrishLover7]

Thanks for the response. I have both an HDMI and the HD box. I don't really care about HD, I just want a quality picture, but I'll get HD if that's what will get me a quality picture on every channel. I just wanted to make sure it wasn't something else before upgrading.

Yeah, you'll need HD service if you want to actually get a good picture.

 

[Buster Bluth]

Beyond lines of resolution is the MHz , or speed I'd the tvs refresh rate. This is necessary for sports, action movies, and video games.
The fastest refresh rate on the market is 600 and is only achieved with plasma. There are 1080 plasmas but a 720 with a 600 refresh rate looks fantastic with all platforms. And because plasma is a dying technology, you can get these for a fantastic price. And they still look great with blu-ray because of the speed.
Best picture and speed right now is 1080 240. But 1080 120 looks great too.

Your real question has been answered. Hdmi cable with a hd box and the box set to 1080.

Isn't Hz sort of logarithmic, in that going from 60 to 120 is very noticeable, but 120 to 240 isn't quite so noticeable. I'm not sure 600 Hz would be anything crazy.

The crazy thing is, in 10-15 years we'll be having this conversation about 4k TVs with 480 Hz that you can roll up like you would a map.

 

[UmphreakDomer]

Isn't Hz sort of logarithmic, in that going from 60 to 120 is very noticeable, but 120 to 240 isn't quite so noticeable. I'm not sure 600 Hz would be anything crazy.

The crazy thing is, in 10-15 years we'll be having this conversation about 4k TVs with 480 Hz that you can roll up like you would a map.

Correct and incorrect. Yes in that 60 to 120 is very noticeable. Not so much noticeable from 120 to 240. In fact so much so if you have a ethical sales person, they would tell you 240 is not necessary and is just "the new thing" to sell tvs.

Your misdirection might be that you can have a 720 with 600 speed and it looks as good as a 1080. An led or LCD can only push 240, and since we've already discussed that isn't necessary, the 1080 with 120 is still a higher price point than a 720 600'plasma that has just as good of a picture. That's what makes the 600 crazy. That's because of plasma being a gas not a tiny electric switch that fires the pixel. Also plasmas offer truer blacks than both led and LCD.

 

[RyCo1983]

Isn't Hz sort of logarithmic, in that going from 60 to 120 is very noticeable, but 120 to 240 isn't quite so noticeable. I'm not sure 600 Hz would be anything crazy.

The crazy thing is, in 10-15 years we'll be having this conversation about 4k TVs with 480 Hz that you can roll up like you would a map.

Ultra high definition television - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Sony 4K TV | 4K Resolution TV | Ultra HD - 3,840x2,160 Pixel Display | Sony Store USA

Everything but the map style tv is already being manufactured.

 

[UmphreakDomer]

Also ultra hd tvs might be "the minidisc" of home entertainment technology. The 4k another tv that is quite better and may replace the uhd before it even comes out.

 

[phork]

Just a side note, in regards to a set top box you can get the same picture with a component cable. (RGB + YR). For Bluray you want HDMI.

Once you go HD, full HD, you will never go back to regular TV and in fact you'll ask yourself how you lived without it.
Its so good, in fact, that the NFL is concerned about the picture quality keeping fans at home.

 

[Veer option]

Once you go HD, full HD, you will never go back to regular TV and in fact you'll ask yourself how you lived without it.
Its so good, in fact, that the NFL is concerned about the picture quality keeping fans at home.

Came here to say something like this. Upgrading to HD is definitely worth it.

 

[Buster Bluth]

Ultra high definition television - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Sony 4K TV | 4K Resolution TV | Ultra HD - 3,840x2,160 Pixel Display | Sony Store USA

Everything but the map style tv is already being manufactured.

But isn't remotely affordable. Thus, ten years.

 

[clashmore_mike]

My eyes bleed when forced to watch sports in Standard Def. Not sure how I even survived before HD came out.

 

[RyCo1983]

Also ultra hd tvs might be "the minidisc" of home entertainment technology. The 4k another tv that is quite better and may replace the uhd before it even comes out.

4k is already out...Sony has been manufacturing Projectors at that resolution for a spell now...something like 13,000 UHD theatres in the country.

Only recently has it been available in a television format...their only current model is 84" and costs a cool 24,999...
yup...25k.
They have a 65" and 55" model coming shortly.
And their resolution is a "Motion Flow 960".
Which is actually 240hz with a bunch of bells and whistles....480 is just bells and whistles on top of 240hz as well.

 

[RyCo1983]

But isn't remotely affordable. Thus, ten years.

Buster...25k isn't too much to ask!

It won't take 10 years for it to be affordable.

 

[anarin]

Yes, in order to fully take advantage of the full resolution of your new TV you will want to do a few things.

1. Make sure you have a HD box and HDMI cable
2. If you want "Cable Channels" in HD you will need the HD box.

I can't stress number 1 enough.

Hope that helps.

Couldnt have said it better. Companies say you will receive HD quality picture from their packages, but you have to actually have the HD service included to receive true HD quality. Then you'll be watching on completely different channels (regular espn is 26 for me, but I watch it on 126 for the HD quality). Also, if you decide to go with an HD box, I recommend getting a Tivo, it was the best choice for me by far.

 

[TDHeysus]

there is some really good info in this thread if you want to learn about HD/HDTV...I just want to re-iterate how important a high-quality HDMI cable is. Some will want to cut a corner with the cable, but my advice is to purchase the high-quality cables ($$$), they do make a significant difference.

 

[phork]

The problem with most providers is that all their channels are compressed to fit more in the bandwidth. When I switched from cable to satellite I almost fell over. The HD was superior in every way.

 

[RyCo1983]

there is some really good info in this thread if you want to learn about HD/HDTV...I just want to re-iterate how important a high-quality HDMI cable is. Some will want to cut a corner with the cable, but my advice is to purchase the high-quality cables ($$$), they do make a significant difference.

I use a Monster brand HDMI for my PS3 use, it is flawless.

 

[Grahambo]

While we are in this thread, any suggestions for a quality home entertainment system? My wife thinks a sound bar will be enough. Opinions?

 

[RyCo1983]

While we are in this thread, any suggestions for a quality home entertainment system? My wife thinks a sound bar will be enough. Opinions?

Grounds for divorce or banishment from the entertainment room!

Haha, I'm satisfied with 5.1 surround sound myself...I don't even need tremendous wattage.

But if I had an unlimited budget...I'd have shaker speakers in the seats (awesome for explosions) and at least 500 watts in a 7.1 surround system.

I have a buddy who is real big into his entertainment system...so I'd just have him show me what to get.


Also, if exposed wires concern you, there are many different covers and conduits made to hide them that you can paint if wanted to match your walls.

 

[dudesthisisthebest]

there is some really good info in this thread if you want to learn about HD/HDTV...I just want to re-iterate how important a high-quality HDMI cable is. Some will want to cut a corner with the cable, but my advice is to purchase the high-quality cables ($$$), they do make a significant difference.

This is actually very, very false. HDMI is a digital signal and will either show all the picture or none of it. Really the only thing to look for in and HDMI cable is what specification it is. You want the most up to date version which I believe is 1.4 so that it will work with higher resolutions once those become the norm.

Monster cables and 'gold plated' cables are all a waste of money. No need for anything over $10 or so unless you need a cable longer than 10 feet. Monoprice.com or amazon.com are your best bets.

Slaying the Cable Monster: Why HDMI Brands Don't Matter | PCMag.com

 

[UmphreakDomer]

we're in the market for a sound bar and wireless sub. the layout and size of the room lends itself to this option best. so, i would like to hear any opinions about this option? i understand the sub is omni directional, but just wondering about the bar and quality. not sure Bose would be in the budget in this 5 minutes but would be the selection if $$ werent a factor.

our next house, the screening room is already being planned. and it will be glorious!

 

[RyCo1983]

This is actually very, very false. HDMI is a digital signal and will either show all the picture or none of it. Really the only thing to look for in and HDMI cable is what specification it is. You want the most up to date version which I believe is 1.4 so that it will work with higher resolutions once those become the norm.

Monster cables and 'gold plated' cables are all a waste of money. No need for anything over $10 or so unless you need a cable longer than 10 feet. Monoprice.com or amazon.com are your best bets.

Slaying the Cable Monster: Why HDMI Brands Don't Matter | PCMag.com

This is actually true.
But the Monster came free with my PS3 when I purchased it, so I didn't pay a dime for it.

 

[WaveDomer]

Just wanted to bump and update this thread. Great info on here.

Called DirecTV yesterday and told them what the issue was. They did something via computer and had me reset the system. The problem cleared up for the most part. It's still not HD quality, except for my locals, but it's far far better than what I had going when I posted this thread.

I have Direct set in Native Mode and can see that most channels on Direct are in 480 but then my locals are either 720 or 1080. The locals look amazing. So I will probably end up ordering HD from Direct which translates into 10 bones extra a month. However, if someone is experiencing this type issue it could be something with your dish placement etc. Hence the bump.

 

[UmphreakDomer]

Just wanted to bump and update this thread. Great info on here.

Called DirecTV yesterday and told them what the issue was. They did something via computer and had me reset the system. The problem cleared up for the most part. It's still not HD quality, except for my locals, but it's far far better than what I had going when I posted this thread.

I have Direct set in Native Mode and can see that most channels on Direct are in 480 but then my locals are either 720 or 1080. The locals look amazing. So I will probably end up ordering HD from Direct which translates into 10 bones extra a month. However, if someone is experiencing this type issue it could be something with your dish placement etc. Hence the bump.

a little inside info--directv will not let you leave as a customer. they are always having unadvertised promotions. they also have "upgrade timeframes". so, you could be in line for an HD upgrade and dont even know it. ive upgraded to the $200 HD box twice in the past two years and did not pay the $200 either time. i paid $50 for the install guy. on top of that, in the last upgrade, we got the directv "movie box"...which is like having a cable on demand system. for free.

ABC--always be closing.

 

[WaveDomer]

a little inside info--directv will not let you leave as a customer. they are always having unadvertised promotions. they also have "upgrade timeframes". so, you could be in line for an HD upgrade and dont even know it. ive upgraded to the $200 HD box twice in the past two years and did not pay the $200 either time. i paid $50 for the install guy. on top of that, in the last upgrade, we got the directv "movie box"...which is like having a cable on demand system. for free.

ABC--always be closing.

Yeah, that's good to know. I just signed up, for the NCG in fact, and my box is HD. At least it says so on it, I just don't get the signal.

Maybe if I call them they'll offer me a set of steak knives.