Disappointed With High Definition

rss · 02-09-2005, 02:50 AM

Hello forum,

Having heard how great high definition TV is compared to regular analog TV, I decided to buy the Panasonic CT-30WC14 high def monitor and Dish Network's PVR 921 high def receiver expecting razor sharp pictures especially in high definition mode. But boy was I disappointed! No matter what input I use or what mode the TV or PVR is in, the picture is not good, even in high definition mode.

Using the component connections and either the 480p or 1080i resolution, the picture looks a little fuzzy with small print and people's teeth or any other type of detailed reproduction. But there is no snow at all - just a slightly blurred picture with the detailed objects. Keep in mind that this is high definition mode using the component input while viewing either over the air high def broadcasts or the basic Dish package. I haven't yet ordered any high def packages from Dish because of my disappointment. Standard definition mode does the same thing only a little worse. DVD reproduction is very good, however, even using the composite input. I have also tweaked all of the TV's adjustments but it didn't help.

Please please, tell me what is wrong. Everybody else says their high def pictures are spectacular so why isn't mine?

Desperate in SC,
Roy

rss · 02-09-2005, 04:46 AM

I have attached a closeup snapshot of an anchorwoman as seen while viewing a high def newscast using a digital camera. For this picture I am using a rooftop antenna for an OTA CBS broadcast. It just isn't clear enough for me.

Please help,
Roy from SC

Mikekoz13 · 02-09-2005, 04:48 AM

Roy-

You're probably not watching hi-def programming. Much of the programming on Tv is still standard definition. Try tuning in to Discovery HD, or ESPNHD in the evenings when they are broadcasting in HD. You can also get an OTA and "tune in" your local channels to watch a LOT of Hi Def programming in the evenings on CBS, NBC, ABC, and FOX. You may be able to use an indoor OTA but if not an outdoor model will solve your problem.

I think may folks have this very same question when they first get their new HDTV hoked up. There's a lot of misunderstanding on people's part since all this HIDEF stuff is so new.

Mike

GRN · 02-09-2005, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rss

I have attached a closeup snapshot of an anchorwoman as seen while viewing a high def newscast using a digital camera. For this picture I am using a rooftop antenna for an OTA CBS broadcast. It just isn't clear enough for me.

News broadcasts are NOT in high-def, despite being on a digital channel. As a result, you get that type of picture which you included in your last post.

Almost all prime-time programming is in HD (i.e. CSI, Law & Order, Desperate Houswives), as well as The Tonight Show and many sporting events. Check one of those out to see the difference.

A common misconception is that because you tune into, for example, CBS-HD, ALL the programming on it is going to be in HD. That is an incorrect assumption. Only CBS' prime-time programming is in HD, and select sporting events.

If you're waffling on getting the DISH-HD package because of bad picture quality, that's a BIG mistake. Discovery HD Theater is HD 24-7, HDNet and HDNet Movies are HD 24-7, TNT-HD is HD 24-7 (albeit mostly upconverted), ESPN-HD has Sportscenter and its NFL games in HD (along with selected college, MLB and NBA games), and HBO-HD and Showtime-HD show most of its content in HD (all of its proprietary shows are in HD).

I will say this: that picture you included is horrendous. No matter that the newscast is in SD, it should NOT look that bad. Do you have the antenna hooked up to the TV or the back of the 921 receiver......?

GRN · 02-09-2005, 08:59 AM

FYI this is what an HD screenshot should look like......

old corps · 02-09-2005, 12:03 PM

Something is definitely NOT right. At the most, you MAY be getting a digital signal but it is NOT HD. Methinks it might not even be digital if you haven't activated the 921 yet. By all means get the HD pkg. when you hook up--you should either get 6 mos. free if you are a new Dish customer OR $5 off a mo. for 12 mos. if you are an existing customer but new to HD. A true HD picture should be like nite & day compared to analog or even SD digital!
ED

WebSpyderz · 02-09-2005, 02:44 PM

I agree with Mike and GRN. After rereading your post, it really seems that you may be watching an OTA digital signal but the particular program you are viewing is not HD. As mentioned, tune in during the evening for one of the hour long drama shows mentioned aboved (CSI, 24, Law & Order, etc...) these will all be in HD and should improve your picture exponentially.

Since DVDs look fine to you I would forgoe messing with the TV tuning options as the problem does not seem to be the TV itself, otherwise the DVD would look bad as well, which is not HD either by the way.

Anyway, Good luck and keep us informed.

intrac · 02-09-2005, 06:55 PM

rss - you said you have an antenna connected to the 921, and looking at a CBS OTA. A HiDef picture shouldn't look like that. As others have aaid, you may not have been watching an HD program. Also, I'm not familiar with that set, but there may be adjustments you have to make.

david Devonick · 02-09-2005, 08:11 PM

Play a DVD - if the picture looks better than HD than you definatly are not working correctly, or you may have a faulty component.

I don't know about the 921, but I had to "unlock" 1080i in the HD setup of the receiver before it did 1080i.

-David

rss · 02-10-2005, 02:02 AM

Thank you all for the informative responses. I'll update this post once I know for sure I have a high def program tuned in. I also plan to purchase the high def package from dish as suggested. Thanks.

By the way, the picture attachment I posted above did look a little worse than the actual TV picture of that anchorwoman because I think the shutter speed of the camera was not quite in sync with the refresh rate of the TV screen causing curvy little lines in the picture which were not in the actual TV picture. But the detailed objects did look a little blurred i.e. around the mouth and eyes. And smaller print.

rss · 02-10-2005, 11:00 AM

I ordered the HBO package from dish this morning which has one dedicated high definition channel (#9456) and I am very very pleased with the clarity of the movies on that high definition channel. The picture looks as good as the ones that GRN directed me to in his response. It is absolutely spectacular! Now I am glad I decided to upgrade from analog television to high definition television. So, thanks again for all of your guidance in this matter.

Roy from SC

PS Now I need to figure out a way to see if I can improve the PQ of SD.

bryan92 · 02-10-2005, 11:32 AM

You didnt get the package that included TNT, Discovery HD, HDnet, ect?
Those are the channels that are the best for HD. Not saying that HBO isnt good but most of it is upconverted and still is lacking IMO.

rss · 02-11-2005, 02:25 AM

Yes, and later that day I also ordered the high def package that included those programs you mentioned. HDnet was the most breathtaking for clarity.

The lady I talked to over the phone quoted the price for my next bill would be around $120 but I figured it should be around $75 since the monthly bill would have been $42 for America's Top 60 (including two receivers and local channels) plus HBO ($14) plus the high def package ($9.99) which should total around $75.

In other words, my bill has been $42 for several years with two receivers/local channels/Americas Top 60 (without the high def package and HBO which I ordered yesterday). So the high def package and HBO should have added only $24 to the $42 totaling $66. This does not include the new rate increase which should be a few dollars more.

So I can't figure how she came up with the $120. Is she going to skip a month and double up for the month after that? I haven't noticed any channels in the Program Guide that I didn't order either.

But I am very pleased with high definition now and am glad I have it.

Roy from SC

bryan92 · 02-11-2005, 08:41 AM

Now you see it.

After I got the HD pack the CSR used to tell me that my next bill would be 199.00 or close to that. I think it was because I paid by the year (wife doesnt notice it that way). Check your bill closely but it should work itself out. I would have also thought you would get a discount as a new HD subscriber. Like half off for 6 months or something like that.

rss · 02-12-2005, 01:40 AM

I don't believe I get the first six months of the high def package free because I am not considered a "new" subscriber which apparently means a brand new subscriber, one who has never before had any kind of Dish Network service.

But since my parents can now view all of the HBO package minus the high def channel on their analog TV in the living room (my TV is in my bedroom), they don't like it because of the unedited content of the movies (they had only the America's Top 60 previously where every movie has been edited for content, more family oriented). So I might see if I can cancel (for a $5 fee) all of HBO except for the high def channel, plus see if I can order only the high def channels from Starz, Showtime, and Cinamax since each of these packages have one high def channel included. I am only interested in the high def channels of these packages because after seeing TV in high def, I just can't be satisfied with SD anymore.

02-09-2005, 02:50 AM	#1
rss How can anyone watch standard def? Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 16	Disappointed With High Definition Hello forum, Having heard how great high definition TV is compared to regular analog TV, I decided to buy the Panasonic CT-30WC14 high def monitor and Dish Network's PVR 921 high def receiver expecting razor sharp pictures especially in high definition mode. But boy was I disappointed! No matter what input I use or what mode the TV or PVR is in, the picture is not good, even in high definition mode. Using the component connections and either the 480p or 1080i resolution, the picture looks a little fuzzy with small print and people's teeth or any other type of detailed reproduction. But there is no snow at all - just a slightly blurred picture with the detailed objects. Keep in mind that this is high definition mode using the component input while viewing either over the air high def broadcasts or the basic Dish package. I haven't yet ordered any high def packages from Dish because of my disappointment. Standard definition mode does the same thing only a little worse. DVD reproduction is very good, however, even using the composite input. I have also tweaked all of the TV's adjustments but it didn't help. Please please, tell me what is wrong. Everybody else says their high def pictures are spectacular so why isn't mine? Desperate in SC, Roy

02-09-2005, 04:48 AM	#3
Mikekoz13 HD DVD... to go please!!! Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Pa. Age: 49 Posts: 192	your picture quality Roy- You're probably not watching hi-def programming. Much of the programming on Tv is still standard definition. Try tuning in to Discovery HD, or ESPNHD in the evenings when they are broadcasting in HD. You can also get an OTA and "tune in" your local channels to watch a LOT of Hi Def programming in the evenings on CBS, NBC, ABC, and FOX. You may be able to use an indoor OTA but if not an outdoor model will solve your problem. I think may folks have this very same question when they first get their new HDTV hoked up. There's a lot of misunderstanding on people's part since all this HIDEF stuff is so new. Mike

02-10-2005, 11:00 AM	#11
rss How can anyone watch standard def? Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 16	Update - Very Pleased I ordered the HBO package from dish this morning which has one dedicated high definition channel (#9456) and I am very very pleased with the clarity of the movies on that high definition channel. The picture looks as good as the ones that GRN directed me to in his response. It is absolutely spectacular! Now I am glad I decided to upgrade from analog television to high definition television. So, thanks again for all of your guidance in this matter. Roy from SC PS Now I need to figure out a way to see if I can improve the PQ of SD.

02-09-2005, 08:59 AM	#5
GRN Think outside the Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Parts Unknown, NY Posts: 635	FYI this is what an HD screenshot should look like......

02-09-2005, 12:03 PM	#6
old corps High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 141	Something is definitely NOT right. At the most, you MAY be getting a digital signal but it is NOT HD. Methinks it might not even be digital if you haven't activated the 921 yet. By all means get the HD pkg. when you hook up--you should either get 6 mos. free if you are a new Dish customer OR $5 off a mo. for 12 mos. if you are an existing customer but new to HD. A true HD picture should be like nite & day compared to analog or even SD digital! ED

02-09-2005, 02:44 PM	#7
WebSpyderz PT-50DLD64 & RX-V750 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Tampa Age: 34 Posts: 37	I agree with Mike and GRN. After rereading your post, it really seems that you may be watching an OTA digital signal but the particular program you are viewing is not HD. As mentioned, tune in during the evening for one of the hour long drama shows mentioned aboved (CSI, 24, Law & Order, etc...) these will all be in HD and should improve your picture exponentially. Since DVDs look fine to you I would forgoe messing with the TV tuning options as the problem does not seem to be the TV itself, otherwise the DVD would look bad as well, which is not HD either by the way. Anyway, Good luck and keep us informed.

02-09-2005, 06:55 PM	#8
intrac High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 125	rss - you said you have an antenna connected to the 921, and looking at a CBS OTA. A HiDef picture shouldn't look like that. As others have aaid, you may not have been watching an HD program. Also, I'm not familiar with that set, but there may be adjustments you have to make.

02-09-2005, 08:11 PM	#9
david Devonick How can anyone watch standard def? Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: 07974 Posts: 19	do this test Play a DVD - if the picture looks better than HD than you definatly are not working correctly, or you may have a faulty component. I don't know about the 921, but I had to "unlock" 1080i in the HD setup of the receiver before it did 1080i. -David

02-10-2005, 02:02 AM	#10
rss How can anyone watch standard def? Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 16	Thank you all for the informative responses. I'll update this post once I know for sure I have a high def program tuned in. I also plan to purchase the high def package from dish as suggested. Thanks. By the way, the picture attachment I posted above did look a little worse than the actual TV picture of that anchorwoman because I think the shutter speed of the camera was not quite in sync with the refresh rate of the TV screen causing curvy little lines in the picture which were not in the actual TV picture. But the detailed objects did look a little blurred i.e. around the mouth and eyes. And smaller print.

02-10-2005, 11:32 AM	#12
bryan92 High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Statesboro, Georgia Posts: 46	You didnt get the package that included TNT, Discovery HD, HDnet, ect? Those are the channels that are the best for HD. Not saying that HBO isnt good but most of it is upconverted and still is lacking IMO.

02-11-2005, 02:25 AM	#13
rss How can anyone watch standard def? Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 16	Yes, and later that day I also ordered the high def package that included those programs you mentioned. HDnet was the most breathtaking for clarity. The lady I talked to over the phone quoted the price for my next bill would be around $120 but I figured it should be around $75 since the monthly bill would have been $42 for America's Top 60 (including two receivers and local channels) plus HBO ($14) plus the high def package ($9.99) which should total around $75. In other words, my bill has been $42 for several years with two receivers/local channels/Americas Top 60 (without the high def package and HBO which I ordered yesterday). So the high def package and HBO should have added only $24 to the $42 totaling $66. This does not include the new rate increase which should be a few dollars more. So I can't figure how she came up with the $120. Is she going to skip a month and double up for the month after that? I haven't noticed any channels in the Program Guide that I didn't order either. But I am very pleased with high definition now and am glad I have it. Roy from SC

02-11-2005, 08:41 AM	#14
bryan92 High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Statesboro, Georgia Posts: 46	Now you see it. After I got the HD pack the CSR used to tell me that my next bill would be 199.00 or close to that. I think it was because I paid by the year (wife doesnt notice it that way). Check your bill closely but it should work itself out. I would have also thought you would get a discount as a new HD subscriber. Like half off for 6 months or something like that.

02-12-2005, 01:40 AM	#15
rss How can anyone watch standard def? Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 16	I don't believe I get the first six months of the high def package free because I am not considered a "new" subscriber which apparently means a brand new subscriber, one who has never before had any kind of Dish Network service. But since my parents can now view all of the HBO package minus the high def channel on their analog TV in the living room (my TV is in my bedroom), they don't like it because of the unedited content of the movies (they had only the America's Top 60 previously where every movie has been edited for content, more family oriented). So I might see if I can cancel (for a $5 fee) all of HBO except for the high def channel, plus see if I can order only the high def channels from Starz, Showtime, and Cinamax since each of these packages have one high def channel included. I am only interested in the high def channels of these packages because after seeing TV in high def, I just can't be satisfied with SD anymore.