Sony Picture Quality?

HAIL2DSKINS

This is my first post and and Im in need of some advise. I just purchased a Sony KDF50E2000 TV, Sony upconverting DVD player with hdmi connection and a Onkyo receiver with HDMI connections. I am on the waiting list to get set up with the Directv HR20 DVR. So until I get the call from Directv I can only watch dvd movies. The problem I am running into is that the picture quality while playing a dvd is fair at best. I have ran the HDMI connection direct from the dvd player to the television as well as from the dvd player through the reciver and HDMI up to the tv with the same results, very disipointing picture quality. Am I doing something obviously wrong? I have a 37" Sony tube tv with a generic dvd player that gets much better picture quality than my new set. Is there something major I have overlooked? Please help with any suggestions.

Thanks, HAIL2DSKINS

freedre

Hi Hail'

Except for the Onkyo, I have the same setup as you, but my PQ is awesome.

Wait for the DTV setup and look at the PQ again - if it's still bad, I would suggest getting an Avia setup dvd (CC has them online for $39) and running through the setup process.

If it clears up, the problem is (duhh) with the DVD player - try a new one.

If that doesn't work - return the set, it's a clinker.

daleb

Are you sure you are not expecting an 'HD' quality picture from a regular progressive DVD player?
With the HDMI output you 'might' get a better picture on the best DVDs but it is still not close to high definition.
The Sony players generally put out a decent picture though.

__________________
Samsung PN50A650 plasma, Arcam AVR350, Dali Ikon6 (Vokal2&OnWalls), Outlaw Audio LFM-1EX sub, Anti-Mode 8033B, Oppo Digital BDP-83, Polk XM Tuner, Furman Elite power conditioner

HAIL2DSKINS

Mabey I am expecting to much. I will wait until I get my set up from Direct TV and then see what it looks like. I am going to try and find a good calibration disc while I am waiting. The only one I can find for local pick up is the Monster Wizard disc. Is this better than nothing at all?

Thanks

daleb

I've heard it is very similar to the others without as many extra service test patterns. Should work for your basic menu settings.

__________________
Samsung PN50A650 plasma, Arcam AVR350, Dali Ikon6 (Vokal2&OnWalls), Outlaw Audio LFM-1EX sub, Anti-Mode 8033B, Oppo Digital BDP-83, Polk XM Tuner, Furman Elite power conditioner

dabig25

Hail

try these settings out.......there from David Katzaiemer from Cnet.com.


I tried them after I took it out of the box & they did make a difference to me.

Again SD definition (analog) won't look great on this set, but to me they look very acceptable............................


What follows are the user-menu settings we found ideal for viewing in a completely dark room with a 1080i HDMI source, namely the Toshiba HD-A1 HD-DVD player (with its Enhanced Black Level turned Off). Your ideal settings will vary according to room lighting, source and personal preference. We have not listed settings that do not affect picture quality with this setup. See the full review for explanations as to why we chose these settings.

Picture menu:

Mode: Custom
Advanced iris: Min
Picture: 84
Brightness: 56
Color: 41
Hue: 0
Color temp: Warm2
Sharpness: 50
Noise reduction: Off

--Advanced Settings--

Black corrector: Off
Gamma: Off
Clear white: Off
Live color: Off
White balance: (see below)
Detail enhancer: Off
Edge enhancer: Off

--White balance--

R-gain: -2
G-gain: -1
B-gain: 0
R-bias: -3
G-bias: -2
B-bias: -1

Setup menu:

Color matrix: Standard
Power saving: On

__________________
Living Rm: 55"Sony SXRD KDS55A2000
OPPO OPDV971H DVD Player
ONKYO 7.1 HT-R530 SRS
Logitech 720 Remote
Bedroom:32" Sharp LC-C3234U
w/ Phillips DVP5982 DVD Player
AT&T U-Verse Customer

daleb

You would still want to run a cal disk after putting in those settings. Ambient light will affect brightness and contrast when you view the test patterns. Those numbers may get you in the stadium, but using the cal disk for the final tweak to your room and your eyes, will get you a seat.

__________________
Samsung PN50A650 plasma, Arcam AVR350, Dali Ikon6 (Vokal2&OnWalls), Outlaw Audio LFM-1EX sub, Anti-Mode 8033B, Oppo Digital BDP-83, Polk XM Tuner, Furman Elite power conditioner

dabig25

daleb

is this cal disc that your talking about like the one C.C. gave me, that came in the Advanced TV Performance Kit ?

__________________
Living Rm: 55"Sony SXRD KDS55A2000
OPPO OPDV971H DVD Player
ONKYO 7.1 HT-R530 SRS
Logitech 720 Remote
Bedroom:32" Sharp LC-C3234U
w/ Phillips DVP5982 DVD Player
AT&T U-Verse Customer

daleb

I only have experience with Avia and Video Essentials. I would think it is similar, as they basically all follow the same standard for setting up brightness/contrast/sharpness/color/hue.
There are some finite differences, and big differences when it comes to audio setups and some of the more advanced patterns.
But for your basic menu settings should work essentially the same.

__________________
Samsung PN50A650 plasma, Arcam AVR350, Dali Ikon6 (Vokal2&OnWalls), Outlaw Audio LFM-1EX sub, Anti-Mode 8033B, Oppo Digital BDP-83, Polk XM Tuner, Furman Elite power conditioner

HAIL2DSKINS

I appreciate all the replies. I have decided to order the Avia Guide To Home Theater disc instead of the Monster Wizard disc. I should have it in a couple of days and will see how it works.

Thanks again, HAIL2DSKINS