External scaler to improve SD

badhobbit · 02-24-2006, 06:02 AM

I recently purchased a Sharp LC-45GD5U. I'm generally pleased with the set with the exception of the SD reception. I've read through several threads in this forum and I'm aware that this is a general problem with large HD sets. Owners have tried better cables, tweaks and adjustments, etc to try to make improvements with some reported success but I would really like to know it anyone has had success with an external scaler such as the DVDO iScan VP30.

I know that you can't make a "silk purse from a sow's ear" so if the sat/cable 480 signal is poor due to extreme compression or just bad source recording then it may be tough for a scaler to improve it substanitaly. Still someone out there must have tried this and I would be really interested in your experience.

FYI, I have tried feeds from 2 different satellite providers and 1 cable TV provider and the SD reception is equally poor. Either they are all compressing the hell out of their signals or the internal scaler on the Sharp is just not up to snuff (or maybe a bit of both).

Thanks

Allin4greeN · 02-24-2006, 06:52 AM

I'm also interested in seeing users comments regarding this. I'm currently considering going the external scaler route. In addition to possibly improving SD PQ, I'm wondering if there would be benefits to feeding my monitor native resolution (1:1 pixel mapping)? I was looking at the HD+, however, instead of the VP30.

mykal82 · 02-24-2006, 08:30 AM

I too recently purchased a 45 Sharp AQUOUS LCD TV (D7U). After going through the manual like a maniac I learned alot about this incredible Television. The unit will do a good job of upscaling the 480 signal but you will need to make sure it is set to upscale everything to 1080i and in the menu options you can try turning on the misquito noise reduction (2 settings high or low or off), 3d Noise reduction (high or low or off)
and make sure the quick shoot mode is enabled. It helped my sgnal , hopefully will help yours. I am finding myself with an ever growing DVD collection as I would rather watch this TV through the HDMI connection to my panasonic S97. Even when you put in a movie , you need to go to the menu and set it up to make sure your getting the best possible picture. Sometimes it seems this set defaults to cinema mode which makes things less alive. My advice is read the whole manual and be as one with your TV. If you bond enough you will feel when you should go into the menu and adjust the picture. Even the zoom, aspect ratio, video user mode, and other settings may need a tweak before you sit down and beak out the popcorn. Its a wonderful experience when you wake up your screen and the picture comes alive. I watched the new Wizard of oz (remastered) and I just sat there with my jaw dropped. Dorothy's Ruby slippers tripped me out and blew my mind. Well its early so Im gonna go have a long run and enjoy a shmoke and a pancake, then put on a flick. Enjoy your awesome TV and appreciate life.. Peace.

02-24-2006, 06:02 AM	#1
badhobbit What is HD? Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 1	External scaler to improve SD I recently purchased a Sharp LC-45GD5U. I'm generally pleased with the set with the exception of the SD reception. I've read through several threads in this forum and I'm aware that this is a general problem with large HD sets. Owners have tried better cables, tweaks and adjustments, etc to try to make improvements with some reported success but I would really like to know it anyone has had success with an external scaler such as the DVDO iScan VP30. I know that you can't make a "silk purse from a sow's ear" so if the sat/cable 480 signal is poor due to extreme compression or just bad source recording then it may be tough for a scaler to improve it substanitaly. Still someone out there must have tried this and I would be really interested in your experience. FYI, I have tried feeds from 2 different satellite providers and 1 cable TV provider and the SD reception is equally poor. Either they are all compressing the hell out of their signals or the internal scaler on the Sharp is just not up to snuff (or maybe a bit of both). Thanks

02-24-2006, 06:52 AM	#2
Allin4greeN Let's try this button... Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 858	I'm also interested in seeing users comments regarding this. I'm currently considering going the external scaler route. In addition to possibly improving SD PQ, I'm wondering if there would be benefits to feeding my monitor native resolution (1:1 pixel mapping)? I was looking at the HD+, however, instead of the VP30. __________________ Vizio P50HDTV10A\|Dell Inspiron 1720 w/BDD & HD DVD Add-on\|XBox360\|Toshiba D-VR5\|ViP622 \|Sirius S50-TK1\|RS15-1870 OTA\|Yamaha HTR 5750 (6.1)\|Yamaha NS-AP4400M 3-way mains\|Yamaha NS-AP4400E 3-way center w/2-way surrounds\|Yamaha YST-SW015 sub\|Belkin AP30800-10\|Harmony 676 \|\| Westinghouse LTV-32w1\|Samsung HD850\|ViP211

02-24-2006, 08:30 AM	#3
mykal82 #1 OZZY fan Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Northern Ca. Mountains Age: 45 Posts: 45	I too recently purchased a 45 Sharp AQUOUS LCD TV (D7U). After going through the manual like a maniac I learned alot about this incredible Television. The unit will do a good job of upscaling the 480 signal but you will need to make sure it is set to upscale everything to 1080i and in the menu options you can try turning on the misquito noise reduction (2 settings high or low or off), 3d Noise reduction (high or low or off) and make sure the quick shoot mode is enabled. It helped my sgnal , hopefully will help yours. I am finding myself with an ever growing DVD collection as I would rather watch this TV through the HDMI connection to my panasonic S97. Even when you put in a movie , you need to go to the menu and set it up to make sure your getting the best possible picture. Sometimes it seems this set defaults to cinema mode which makes things less alive. My advice is read the whole manual and be as one with your TV. If you bond enough you will feel when you should go into the menu and adjust the picture. Even the zoom, aspect ratio, video user mode, and other settings may need a tweak before you sit down and beak out the popcorn. Its a wonderful experience when you wake up your screen and the picture comes alive. I watched the new Wizard of oz (remastered) and I just sat there with my jaw dropped. Dorothy's Ruby slippers tripped me out and blew my mind. Well its early so Im gonna go have a long run and enjoy a shmoke and a pancake, then put on a flick. Enjoy your awesome TV and appreciate life.. Peace.