garypen
03-14-04, 11:03 AM
I'm thinking of switching from E to D. However, as an HDTVer with specific technical needs, I have a few questions about the above mentioned receivers.
1. Same model.
It appears that they are all made by the same company, which I will assume is Goldstar (LG=Lucky Goldstar). The only difference I can find between the three is the absence of RF remote capability and less attractive front panel of the Hughes. Is this correct? (OTOH, the lower price is like a couple of cocktails. It makes it look prettier.)
2. Outputs.
I understand the SD outs are now simultaneously hot, for easier VCR recording. However, it appears that the HD outs are NOT simultaneously hot, with a hard switch required between DVI/RGB and component! Is this true? (One member told me yes, another said no.) That is just a stupid feature, and possibly a deal-breaker for me, as I have both an HDTV and HD projector, and need an HD signal to both without having to reach behind the rack and switch. (DVI to TV, Component to PJ).
How about the DVI and RGB outs? I see in the manual it says "DVI output takes precedence". What does that mean exactly? If both outputs are connected, does only the DVI work? That would suck too! (My projector also has a VGA/RGB input, so I would be able to use it instead of component.)
My 811 has all outputs hot, which is really the proper thing to do.
3. Program Guide.
-Do locals remap to the correct local channel numbers in the guide? Or, do they stay at D's 3 or 4 digit assigned number?
-Is there a PIP option in the guide, so I can still watch what's on the current channel while I browse?
4. OTA:
-Do OTA digital channels appear in the guide with correct program info? (With E*, it just says "local digital", no program info.)
-Do OTA channels remap properly to their PSIP numbers, and stay there? (On my E* 811, a number of them revert to their actual frequency numbers.)
-Are there any issues when switching between OTA and the EPG or satellite channels? (The 811 often locks up, must re-download the EPG, or re-acquires the sat signal, when doing this. Time consuming and VERY annoying.)
-Does "last channel recall" work between OTA and satellite channels. (Another thing that doesn't work on the 811.)
5. Caller ID. Does it have name/number on-screen caller ID display? (My favorite feature of the 811.)
6. Bugs in general. Any other issues you can share would be nice. I haven't really heard of too many with these models, other than some occasional lockups. But, I'd love to hear your experiences.
1. Same model.
It appears that they are all made by the same company, which I will assume is Goldstar (LG=Lucky Goldstar). The only difference I can find between the three is the absence of RF remote capability and less attractive front panel of the Hughes. Is this correct? (OTOH, the lower price is like a couple of cocktails. It makes it look prettier.)
2. Outputs.
I understand the SD outs are now simultaneously hot, for easier VCR recording. However, it appears that the HD outs are NOT simultaneously hot, with a hard switch required between DVI/RGB and component! Is this true? (One member told me yes, another said no.) That is just a stupid feature, and possibly a deal-breaker for me, as I have both an HDTV and HD projector, and need an HD signal to both without having to reach behind the rack and switch. (DVI to TV, Component to PJ).
How about the DVI and RGB outs? I see in the manual it says "DVI output takes precedence". What does that mean exactly? If both outputs are connected, does only the DVI work? That would suck too! (My projector also has a VGA/RGB input, so I would be able to use it instead of component.)
My 811 has all outputs hot, which is really the proper thing to do.
3. Program Guide.
-Do locals remap to the correct local channel numbers in the guide? Or, do they stay at D's 3 or 4 digit assigned number?
-Is there a PIP option in the guide, so I can still watch what's on the current channel while I browse?
4. OTA:
-Do OTA digital channels appear in the guide with correct program info? (With E*, it just says "local digital", no program info.)
-Do OTA channels remap properly to their PSIP numbers, and stay there? (On my E* 811, a number of them revert to their actual frequency numbers.)
-Are there any issues when switching between OTA and the EPG or satellite channels? (The 811 often locks up, must re-download the EPG, or re-acquires the sat signal, when doing this. Time consuming and VERY annoying.)
-Does "last channel recall" work between OTA and satellite channels. (Another thing that doesn't work on the 811.)
5. Caller ID. Does it have name/number on-screen caller ID display? (My favorite feature of the 811.)
6. Bugs in general. Any other issues you can share would be nice. I haven't really heard of too many with these models, other than some occasional lockups. But, I'd love to hear your experiences.