[robert koerner]

I see quite a few comments about how SD looks worse on LCD/Plasma HDTVs (than it does on non HDTVs).

I this also true for SD from Dish equipment?

Other than buying a Tube HDTV, or EDTV, what are people doing with SD signals from Dish receivers?

TNX
Bob

 

[motts]

I see quite a few comments about how SD looks worse on LCD/Plasma HDTVs (than it does on non HDTVs).

I this also true for SD from Dish equipment?

Other than buying a Tube HDTV, or EDTV, what are people doing with SD signals from Dish receivers?

TNX
Bob

We are dealing with it. There is nothing you can really do, except make a wise television choice and connect through at least a component cable.

 

[tnsprin]

I see quite a few comments about how SD looks worse on LCD/Plasma HDTVs (than it does on non HDTVs).

I this also true for SD from Dish equipment?

Other than buying a Tube HDTV, or EDTV, what are people doing with SD signals from Dish receivers?

TNX
Bob

If sd looks worse on YOUR HD it will look worse no matter what source. CRT (tube) based, for example my 6 year old Toshiba, display SD source quite well. But so do many of the newer sets.

However failure to deliver the signal in the automatically in native mode (option mentioned, but not yet available on VIP receivers) normally mean that the picture has to be converted by DISH's average converters. In higher end HD tv's (or in most cases newer HD TV's) , the conversion is done better by your TV. And if your TV cannot display 480 without conversion (PLASMA, LCD, DPS, LCOS, etc) then this becomes very important.

 

[odawgx]

I see quite a few comments about how SD looks worse on LCD/Plasma HDTVs (than it does on non HDTVs).

I this also true for SD from Dish equipment?

Other than buying a Tube HDTV, or EDTV, what are people doing with SD signals from Dish receivers?

TNX
Bob

Bob,

I'll tell you what made the biggest difference for me in improving the picture of SD and even HD. I went and picked up a clean power surge protector. This one was from Monster cable and they sell it in Circuit City. Any products from Monster Power and advertise clean power should work. Just check out their website at http://www.monsterpower.com Edit: Here is the exact one I am using: http://www.monstercable.com/power/productPagePower.asp?pin=1900&LastPage=Home Theater Power

I normally don't like spending that much money but it did make a noticable difference.

Best of luck, and just so you know, DirecTV was the worst picture quality I saw on SD using the same set up as I have now.

 

[gooders]

Also SD tends to be better over S-video than HDMI or Component. I know it's a pain to switch between but worth considering...

But it's just not that good generally. In fact i think it's a conspiracy to make SD look so bad so that everyone upgrades to HD!!!

 

[ssmith10pn]

Turn the contrast down

 

[robert koerner]

In essence, I'm wondering what I have to give up, if I go with an HDTV and use it with a Dish receiver.

For national stations, I'll have to use "local" stations, which I record and view quite a lot. From what I see listed as HD stations on Dish, there doesn't seem to be much I'm interested in. So, it appears I'd be watching SD a lot on an HD TV. Or, I'd have an HDTV mounted over my current SD TV. :-(

Bob

 

[Ron Barry]

Bob,

I'll tell you what made the biggest difference for me in improving the picture of SD and even HD. I went and picked up a clean power surge protector. This one was from Monster cable and they sell it in Circuit City. Any products from Monster Power and advertise clean power should work. Just check out their website at http://www.monsterpower.com Edit: Here is the exact one I am using: http://www.monstercable.com/power/productPagePower.asp?pin=1900&LastPage=Home Theater Power

I normally don't like spending that much money but it did make a noticable difference.

Best of luck, and just so you know, DirecTV was the worst picture quality I saw on SD using the same set up as I have now.

This also was my experience.. I used a Monstor Power center 2500 I believe. I thought it was snack oil but figured I would give it a try. Maybe it was wishful thinking but it did seem to improve my SD PQ.

Others have mentioned using video... And contrast. I would have to go with make sure you TV is calibrated at a minimum with AVIA or some other calibration if possible. Also sharpness can be your enemy.

Like others have said. What you need to do really depends on your TV and what you consider exceptable. There have been posts saying that there was a drop in PQ going from a 510 to the 622. Anothers have not seen any.. I am sure this is a case of differing equipment and users.. Some are more sensitive than others to PQ differences.

I have a 60" Sony RP LCD and I feel my SD PQ is acceptable to watch.. Not great but then again.. My expectations are that with a 60" TV and SD it will not be.

I have OTA and and SD on OTA over the Digital channel is definitely a step up from SD Dish. So if you have OTA or are planning on OTA and watch mostly the networks then... I think it is a no brainer.

One other thing to consider. When you move to HD.. you then get the HD mixed with SD experience and I think one tends to notice the SD quality more since they are switching between HD and SD but that is just an opinion ofcourse with no evidence to support it.

Well my 2 cents on this issue. I would jump from a SD receiver to a HD receiver any day of the week but that is me.

 

[gooders]

This is a tiny bit off subject... but i was just wandering if anyone has experience with the calibration DVDs that are out there?? If so which ones and should I bother - or are there any other good techniques?

Since I got my HD plasma I have not stopped playing with the settings.
My old tube TV I set the settings once and never went back to, ever!! I just can't quite get satisified with the picture. I'm sure it's not helped by the different consistency of the PQ through dish. The locals are poor in SD, HBO is very good in SD, Dish HD is good, OTA HD is excellent etc...

 

[robert koerner]

Try here:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=9/