Poor DVD quality on my new Plasma

Componit cables may solve the problem for you just make sure they are connected properly. Funny I had the same problem with my d.v.d. player unwatchable picture using componit cables tried 3 different players then I tried a Denon with h.d.m.i. output now I have a stunning picture for some reason you have to try both cables set ups to se which is best for your set up , Also make sure your player is set to 1080I post back to us please and let us know what the problem was steweeeee

I also have a Denon (dvd-1730) for $150 that works fantastically on my 61" tv. Not quite HD level (tho sometimes damn close), but way better than anything else. Component connection was terrible, particularly color accuracy (wierd? and why?). So I use HDMI. I've read Samsung's upconverting players are not very good in more than one forum. Everyone talks about the Oppo, I think one with the Fajourda chip set goes for $200? Can you return your DVD player? Of course you can go bonkers and get the Denon with the Silicon Optix Realta chip set for $3800, hah, trillion computations a second?

Thanks all. I will try playing with it this weekend and report back. I'm a little worried that most of you seemd to have solved the problem by switching to HDMI from component while I'm already using HDMI. But we'll see.

My Sony 55" SXRD coupled with my Samsung upconverting DVD/VCR combo using the HDMI port actually took my breath away when I watched "The 5th Element" on an upconverted picture.

Some TVs do it better than others.

To make matters even more interesting I called Samsung this morning to see if they could help with the problem. They suggested that I try using the yellow video cable that came with the unit. To my surprise it actually reduced a lot of the graininess and completely eliminated the green shadows I was getting around faces and objects. However, I lost a lot of detail and crispness in the picture.

I tried connecting component cables and the picture is only marginally better than the HDMI. So it seems like my picture quality is improving as I downgrade my cables.

I've also tried playing with the Panasonic basic picture settings - Vivid, Standard, and Cinema. The picture is incredibly distorted on the Vivid mode with HDMI. When I select Cinema mode the graininess goes away even with HDMI. However, the green shadows are still there (although not quite as bad). Also, the picture is extremely dark, and I can't imagine the picture is supposed to look that cloudy.

Might something else be at play here or is the likely cause of my problem a bad DVD player? I don't think J&R will take it back!

I had the same problem until I bought a Denon 3805 with h.d.m.i. output and picture quality is outstanding good luck also see if you can tryu one out first to make sure that is your problem good luck steweeee

Fitch. I know you tried component 480p, but did you try component 480i as suggested by RR6? The more information you give, the more it sounds like a poor dvd player. Don't even use progressive scan. Try sending a 480i signal through component and let the tv do the scaling. Hard to imagine the 37" panny doing a bad job. Let us know how that works for you. After that, I agree that trying a quality dvd player would be your next step.

Well, I think you guys have convinced me that the problem is with the Samsung DVD player so I will try going with another model. What's the word on the street about the Panasonic DVD-S52S ($99)? Everyone who has reviewed the unit online has given it glowing reviews.

If I do get this unit, or another one, should I connect it to my tv with HDMI and then connect the audio out to the Samsung unit through the optical out, essentially using the Samsung as an audio receiver? I am actually very satisfied with the audio quality of the system.

ps. I think I'll also try using 480i as per misterguy and roadrunner6, but I'm not hopeful.

...you can take it back if you are not happy with the performance.

Yes, run the audio to the Samsung receiver using a digital coaxial or optical cable (they are the same performance, just make sure both the Samsung and the S52 have one of these connector types in common).

The video output goes directly to the TV using either HDMI or component, which ever produces the best picture quality. again try all possible routes.

For your refernce and to maybe get a price match at your local BB or CC:

http://www.pricegrabber.com/p__Panasonic_DVD_S52_DVD_Player,__19286888/sort_type=bottomline

RR6

Glad to hear the good news. I've learned that there can be many different reasons for grainy dvds. Bad film transfer, smaller film blown up for cinema, dvd player, and even the television. I use to own a plasma tv that was horrible with doing that. Here are a few simple things to try. You could try calibrating your tv with a calibration dvd. Dont just use the preset settings of the tv. Those are rough settings. Also, some of the better dvd players have adjustments that are great for this problem. Keep in mind that some of these adjustments may reduce the sharpness of your picture. Experiment with different settings and connections. Sometimes component looks smoother than hdmi for some people. In my opinion, you have a great tv with an ok dvd player. A better quality dvd player might help also, but would cost more money of course. Remember that its dvd and not hd. Hopefully you can try different suggestions from people and find a way to be happy. Good luck and enjoy your new setup.

Actually, I don't think you listed exactly what player you bought. Until you spend $200 or more I don't you will see significant if any improvement over the standard $75-$100 models.

A big factor as Misterguy mentions is the inherent quality of the DVD movie itself. They can range from outstanding to lousy in video quality. Check in the Sound and Vision Magazine website or other similar sources for movies that have excellent video quality ratings. Rent some of these and now see what you think. Several that come to mind for me are Hero (recent asian release, a gorgeous movie), Finding Nemo and Master and Commander.

Check out the picture settings from this review which is the 42'' version of your model. No ''vivid'' or ''dynamic'' picture settings please.

http://www.plasmatvbuyingguide.com/plasmatvreviews/panasonic-th42px60u-review.html

RR6