Struggling With HDTV

I am getting a DVI to HDMI adapter. Although right now I only have a composite connection from my sat. I found the veiwing is that bad (I have a 42" plasma). Recently I also bought a samsung dvd with upconversion, the only trouble is that I can set the resolution to 720p. So I will also have to wait for the DVI adapter.

Simply, most programming is sent in SD (standard definition), 480 lines. All the new HD TVs upconvert the SD to 1080i. This process causes the problems you are seeing. Some TVs do this conversion better than others, specifically the new Sony LCoS models.

We're all going to have to live with it until all broadcasters convert all programs to HD. But probably 90% of what we watch was originally taped in SD, all reruns and movies not HD will still look bad.

And here's another rub. Because of bandwidth limitations, very few broadcasters send HD in 1080i. Most are sent in 720.

Wayne

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First use the d.v.i. or hd.m.i output on your d.v.d. player and hi-def sat or cable box, right to your t.v. if you have only 1 d.v.i input on your t.v. then you can buy a Gifin d.v.i. switcher example I had a sony expensive d.v.d. player progressive scan unit with componit vidio output the picture was nasty so I bought a Denon 2910 player with d.v.i. output and now the picture is beautiful, I then ran d.v.i. output from my dish thru the switcher , in closing check out dish network I own there 811 hi-def system and its great I have basic+hi-def package and Voom for $46.00 per month also the 811 has a great over the air hi-def tuner I have a cheap outside antenna and pick up 18 digital channels 9 of which are in hi-def happy holidays stewart norrie

Most HDTV today are idiot proof, as far as there installation is concern. How good or poor the quality of the picture is subjective to the individual. If you believe the picture quality from both broadcast tv and dvd are worst then the quality you see in the showroom, then it could just be a bad set. The picture quality with broadcast tv can vary from place to place, but your dvd player quality should be fine (regardless how old). I would go back to the retailer and compare your picture quality with their floor model (or like model). If your is worst, I would exchange or return it.

Many complain about watching SD(analog TV) on HDTV sets, this kinda normal. Your set has a ATSC OTA HD tuner in it. Have hook up an antenna to it and watched any HDTV broadcasts?? Jay Leno is very good in HD.
You could get a video scaler. John
http://www.markertek.com/Product.asp?baseItem=TV1%2DV1280HD&cat=VIDEOEQUIP&subcat=VIDPROCESS&prodClass=SCALERS&mfg=&search=0&off=

When it comes to standard definition or HD shows, if you're using better cables, and the appropriate connections for the best image, then that may show some improvement.

Another suggestion in additon to the above is to get a smaller screen or sit farther away from your TV. I assume the one you bought is a 52 inch from the model number. Try a 42 or 47 inch TV. Bigger isn't always better.

You could buy the best DVD player made in the world, but it's not going to do you any good if you're connecting it to your HDTV using a composite video cable. A decent progressive scan DVD player hooked up with component cables is more than adequate.

You can do all of the above, but the fact remains that an HDTV set will exaggerate the poor quality of anything that is standard definition. Better quality HDTV's handle this a little better, though it's always going to be an issue.

I think that if you can't handle it, then scrap HDTV for now. Personally, I can't handle not having my HD and beautiful DVD movies, so I accept that the rest is what it is and look forward to more HD programming.