tstarn said:
Okay, I just removed the HDMI cable and moved permanently to component, in a last ditch effort to try and smooth out my HR20 issues. Tired of head-banging, trying to force the HDMI use. HDMI should work, but the PQ difference I can live with, if it solves my problems.
Just trying to get a sense of HDMI vs. component out there. All I am looking for is two things, if you have issues or not (i.e., my HR20 is great, it sucks, or someplace in between) and if you are using HDMI or component. Also, you might want to report if you were using HDMI, had issues, and moved to component and the issues went away. This isn't a poll, just a trying to get a sense of how the connection issue shakes out.
Been using HDMI to my Sammy HL-R5667W DLP 720P since day one (before any upgrades, and all upgrades since, not a single problem relating to HDMI). In 4 weeks + I have had 3 minor issues, none requiring a reboot and all upgrades have gone fine. I have my HR20 HDMI output feeding a MonoPrice 5x1 HDMI switch, which then feeds the Sammy.
I also have the Component outputs of the HR20 connected to my Onkyo Integra Amp where it is switched for my DVD/Hard Disk Recorder (480p).
I have the S-video out of the HR20 connected to the S-Video in on my Sammy
I have the Composite of the HR20 connected to an RF modulator to send the signal into the basement TV.
So:
1. Yes, HDMI from the start, no problems
2. All Video and Audio Outputs from the HR20 are in active use (at the same time)
3. No MPEG-4/HD-Locals here.
I really suspect 4 commonalities affecting the presence or absence HR20 problems:
1. HDMI (not just video issues, some incompatibility in communications causing other wierd problems)
2. Presence or absence of MPEG-4/HD-Locals
3. How the box is being used (programmed recordings, configuration, etc.)
4. Hardware issues (both HR20 itself, and Dish/Cable installations)
There has to be an explanation for why a significant number of people have few to no major issues, while others are plagued by major problems. It just doesn't make sense with all of us using the same firmware. It's got to be some of the variables listed above, and all except #4 above can be solved in firmware.
On the Component vs HDMI:
Component produces an excellent picture on my Sammy. If that was all I had, I would be overjoyed with the picture quality. That being said, when I compare it to HDMI, the differences are discernable, but NOT dramatic. I would characterize them as "crispness". Doing this comparison with a 720p source shows the most obvious improvement (and again it is minor)....my theory being I have a fixed pixel 720p display, so everyhing stays in the digital domain if the source is 720p.
If I had problems and I thought there was ANY chance that Component vs HDMI was involved, I would:
1. Set my TV to view Component.
2. Disconnect the HDMI Cable completely at both ends
3. Reboot the HR20 (red button reset)
Keep an eye on things over an extended period of time and see if things are more stable.
Now....we are going to add another variable pretty soon (everyone seems to expect an update 'real soon now'), so that will complicate your efforts to futher isolate the problem(s). Please keep us posted!
