Dish HD not as good as Comcast HD

[mcd]

I just switched last week from Comcast to Dish Network. I have to say that I am disappointed with the Dish Network HD quality (Comcast was much sharper). I am running a Sony Grand Wega 60" Rear Projection LCD (purchased in Jan2005 from Circuit City). I am currently using the Dish HD-DVR receiver (I was using the Comcast HD-DVR receiver, but I don't know the model, but I had got it from Comcast back in June06) connected with my HDMI cable (PureAV).

Here's the difference I noticed:

With Comcast, my Sony screen was set to Normal, and the HDMI connection automatically filled the screen on HD channels. It looked great!! With Dish, I need to set my Sony to Full, which kind of zooms in and looks more granular (by the way, the Sony manual says the Full mode is the correct mode - go figure).

Anyone have any ideas on why there is a difference? I really don't want to go back to cable.

[stchman]

Originally Posted by mcd

I just switched last week from Comcast to Dish Network. I have to say that I am disappointed with the Dish Network HD quality (Comcast was much sharper). I am running a Sony Grand Wega 60" Rear Projection LCD (purchased in Jan2005 from Circuit City). I am currently using the Dish HD-DVR receiver (I was using the Comcast HD-DVR receiver, but I don't know the model, but I had got it from Comcast back in June06) connected with my HDMI cable (PureAV).

Here's the difference I noticed:

With Comcast, my Sony screen was set to Normal, and the HDMI connection automatically filled the screen on HD channels. It looked great!! With Dish, I need to set my Sony to Full, which kind of zooms in and looks more granular (by the way, the Sony manual says the Full mode is the correct mode - go figure).

Anyone have any ideas on why there is a difference? I really don't want to go back to cable.

I think you have some setting seriously messed up. I have DISH HD and it looks absolutely pristine. The colors are excellent.

I gather you are running either a 211 or a 622. Go to the HDTV setup of the DISH converter and select either 720p or 1080i and 16x9 aspect.

Next if you push the * key on the remote it will cycle through all the aspects of the STB. Leave your TV on automatic setting.

I prefer the leave the DISH box on normal as it will give OAR to the 16x9 HD including letterboxing 2.35:1 movies stuff and it will pillar box 4:3 programs as well.

Once you get these settings tweaked you will see remarkable improvment.

[mcd]

You were right.

My HD-DVR (622) box was set to 480i. I set it to 1080i and I noticed an immediate improvement. I think the installer must have missed that setting.

I would now say that the HD picture is as good as the one I got on Comcast (Boston area). I just pay less money now.

Thanks again for your help!!

[stchman]

Originally Posted by mcd

You were right.

My HD-DVR (622) box was set to 480i. I set it to 1080i and I noticed an immediate improvement. I think the installer must have missed that setting.

I would now say that the HD picture is as good as the one I got on Comcast (Boston area). I just pay less money now.

Thanks again for your help!!

Glad to be of help. My 622 was set to 480p and it looked like cr@p. I set it to 720p and all was right.

[gjh3260]

Originally Posted by stchman

Glad to be of help. My 622 was set to 480p and it looked like cr@p. I set it to 720p and all was right.

I have a Samsung 61" DLP. Is it better to have my 211 set to 720p or 1080i or is it just personal preference? I heard for fast moving action (football games) 720p would be better. I would prefer leaving it on just one setting and not switching back and forth. OR does the Samsung do the conversion depending on how the program is broadcast (720p or 1080i) regardless of how the 211 is set ??

[stchman]

Originally Posted by gjh3260

I have a Samsung 61" DLP. Is it better to have my 211 set to 720p or 1080i or is it just personal preference? I heard for fast moving action (football games) 720p would be better. I would prefer leaving it on just one setting and not switching back and forth. OR does the Samsung do the conversion depending on how the program is broadcast (720p or 1080i) regardless of how the 211 is set ??

Should not matter. I cannot tell a difference on my set. As far as the 720p vs 1080i setting this has no consequence on fast motion. If the sporting event uses 720p cameras then you will be fine.

[Roth]

Originally Posted by gjh3260

I have a Samsung 61" DLP. Is it better to have my 211 set to 720p or 1080i or is it just personal preference? I heard for fast moving action (football games) 720p would be better. I would prefer leaving it on just one setting and not switching back and forth. OR does the Samsung do the conversion depending on how the program is broadcast (720p or 1080i) regardless of how the 211 is set ??

I think your set is 720p native so it will display that with either 1080 or 720. So i would set it to what its native resolution is and thats probably 720p.

[passat25]

Hey MCD...I am glad you were able to figure out the aspect ratio because I was starting to think that you were hallucinating or something...Dish HD is pristine clear and way better than Comcast HD...

[daleb]

Originally Posted by Roth

I think your set is 720p native so it will display that with either 1080 or 720. So i would set it to what its native resolution is and thats probably 720p.

TRY BOTH!!!!!!!!! USE YOUR EYES!
Sorry to shout, but my set is 720p and the PQ is way superior with the 1080i setting of the 622.
The same setting does not work for everyone. The setting seems to work independent of what the native res of your
display, so at the risk of being annoying, TRY BOTH!

YMMV!

[Roth]

Originally Posted by daleb

TRY BOTH!!!!!!!!! USE YOUR EYES!
Sorry to shout, but my set is 720p and the PQ is way superior with the 1080i setting of the 622.
The same setting does not work for everyone. The setting seems to work independent of what the native res of your
display, so at the risk of being annoying, TRY BOTH!

YMMV!

Depends on the tvs scalling wether it does better scalling down from 1080 or up from 720(if you have a 1080 set) But ya see what works best but start with what the tvs native res is.

[daleb]

Originally Posted by Roth

Depends on the tvs scalling wether it does better scalling down from 1080 or up from 720(if you have a 1080 set) But ya see what works best but start with what the tvs native res is.

Exactly, and does not really matter what you start with, it takes 2 seconds to change.

[Roth]

Nothing but nit picking now i guess.

[gintzj]

Hi MCD When you get a new present the Dish HD Read the book.

I enjoy all the forums I am sell Dish systems

Thanks again Just READ book explains all.

[gintzj]

I am happy that you switched from comcast to HD Dish

Remember to read the book when you get something new

Dish send a good signal get the right receiver and you will see great picture have a great day Ps I sell the Dish Network

[mcd]

Hey passt25 -
I am no lover of Comcast, but I am not alone in thinking that Comcast HD (in the Boston area) is slightly better than Dish HD (I have the 622). Watching the football playoffs this weekend on my Sony 60" rear-projection LCD (using HDMI), a friend noticed far greater pixelization (when there was motion) now that I switched to Dish HD. I thought all HD was the same, but I'm not so sure now. I will NOT go back to Comcast (they are way too arrogant), but I wish I understood why Dish HD is not quite as clear (don't get me wrong, the Dish HD is very, very good -- especially DiscoveryHD & HDNET). Does anyone know?? Or do folks still think I'm crazy.

On a slightly different thought...

Reading another thread -- someone compared TW, DirectTV, and Dish HD and they thought DirectTV had the best HD image (I had TW when I was out in Rochester NY and I thought the HD was ok). This tells me that not all HD is equal (obviously). BTW, my TV is set to 720p - which was recommended to me for programs with a lot of motion (not sure if I can tell the difference between the 720p and the 1080i when watching football). I'm just hoping the 1080p TV's will be clearer (although I don't look forward to dropping another $3K for a TV).