Ways to improve HDTV viewing

[pdtricn]

Hi,

After having HDTV now for six months, I feel a little "stagnant". I still can't easily even tell which programs are available on HDTV. Can't the newspaper place a little icon or symbol next to HDTV programs?  Now they are using "N" which they don't explain, I think "N" refers to new and not rerun, why not "HD" for HDTV?

Right now I go through your website and check Titan, etc. but there is no quick way to find the programs, or is there?

Other problems, I still get vertical white lines on my picture, this was mentioned in a previous thread but no definite conclusions were made.  Also, to switch from HDTV to regular viewing it is a lot of cable switching, does anyone make an RF/component video switch?

I have SONY HDTV XBR direct flat screen tube (non projection) and Time Warner cable. I spent a good amount of $$$$ and I feel maybe I am not optimizing my HDTV!!

Brian (newbie) :confused:

[sdn10s]

I don't subscribe to TV Guide, but I do know that USA Today identifies all programming that is HD in their listings.

[StarvingForHDTV]

Originally posted by pdtricn
Other problems, I still get vertical white lines on my picture, this was mentioned in a previous thread but no definite conclusions were made.  Also, to switch from HDTV to regular viewing it is a lot of cable switching, does anyone make an RF/component video switch?

I have SONY HDTV XBR direct flat screen tube (non projection) and Time Warner cable. I spent a good amount of $$$$ and I feel maybe I am not optimizing my HDTV!!

Brian (newbie) :confused:

Hi Brian,

You should not be satisfied if there are vertical white lines on your picture.  That is definitely not right.  If the problem is with the TV I would get it serviced or replaced.  If it's with TWC, I would have them fix it for you.

Also, I don't see why you should have to switch cables to go from HDTV to regular viewing.  Normally the Set top box will output standard definition and high definition from the same cable(s) (component or RGB or DVI)  If you happen to want to watch standard definition through S-video or composite instead of the previously mentioned cables, there should be a way on your remote to select a different input to view.  There should not be a need to physically switch cables.

Maybe I did not understand correctly.

Starving

[pdtricn]

Thanks.  I will try the different converter box, everything else on the TV seems fine so I can't imagine it is the TV if only HD signal does this.

I guess I can use the input select on my remote. I may not have stated the problem exactly, now that I think of it, it is actually the fact that DVD uses the component videos as well so switching from DVD output to TV  converter is the problem, that's what I really need to look for, some device that will allow both or else use a different set of cables for the DVD into TV, but I am running 20 feet lines so I'd rather stick with one line.

[Gregg Lengling]

I also had that problem as my set only has inputs for 2 HD units.  Input one allows DVI or Component, Input two is component only.  I have the SAT OTA box, DVD and my computer (HiDTV pro Card and playback recorded over the air).  So I bought a manual switching component box as I don't find it a problem to get up and select the computer vs DVD as I have to go to the computer to start a run or the DVD player to insert a DVD.  They also have infrared controlled boxes but for the extra money I went with the manual.  It is able to control up to 6 different devices (Component, SVHS or composite on each input) and output to a like output.

[kman]

It's not a Time Warner issue with the Direct View Sony XBR's.  It's your TV.  It occurs only in 1080i, and not in 780 or 480 mode.  

Pdtricn,

I have the Sony XBR also and had the same issue you did.  It occurs at least to my knowledge with the Direc View XBR 800 seriers both 40" and 34", plus I've heard it happen Sony 34" KV510.  The tv is the problem.   I posted here on the board with the same problem you had, but couldn't find an answer.  I did find the answer on the AVS forum.  There is a fix.  It's a conflict which occurs with most STB's and the XBR.  Becuase my tv was one of the first made XBR models, I needed a technician to come and replace a B-Board.  In addition, I had to go into my service menu on my TV and change a setting from a 1 to a 0.  If you have a newer model, you will only need to go into the service menu.  Also you will need to go in there any time you unplug your tv.  However, if you only turn it off with the power button, the settings still save.  This vertical line was so frustrating, especially when you expect a perfection with HD.  And the thought of dealing with Time Warner, ugh!  You will be relieved when your tv is fixed.

Here is the thread.  It's a long one.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=190083

Good luck, any questions feel free to respond.  I read this forum often.  It's a great place to get and exhange info!

[fabff]

I, too, wanted to know which shows are being broadcast in HD.  I e-mailed the editor of the TV section of the Journal-Sentinel and suggested that they identify shows in HD, the same as they identify the new (N) shows.

Sad to say, never got a reply--which doesn't surprise me.

[JoeK]

The link below is to the Audio Authority 1154 cable switcher I use.  It is automatic in that with connecting in the proper order you just need to turn on the DVD player and it will override the cable box input.  When you turn the DVD player off it will revert to the cable box signal.  Others on the forum are using this box also.

http://www.copperbox.com/lite/popinfo.php?lc_code=1154&uneek=49734&PHPSESSID=6cdcf5bcbc0a9f6dc9e628da027ac8c8

It is probably cheaper to run additional cables if you have the inputs.  I have three componet sources and only two componet inputs on this setup.

[pdtricn]

Here is an update, I got the Pioneer box and the problem is solved! So it MUST be the Scientific box.  Moreover, the other stations now come in wide-screen format (if not HD then "stretched"). I think I will just use the component video then, as it will probably be better quality picture than the RCA video (no RF-read on..).Only complaint is no RF output cable, so I'll have to use s-video or RCA cable when recording to VCR. Interesting that the commercials are not in widescreen. but who cares! The previous box would not do that, in fact, it reduced the image size (3:2 format) by about 20%. So you can imagine my first reaction after spending all this money and trying to show my wife how great my new set-up was-  then she saw a very tiny picture (if not the HD channels) and the HD channels had all these streaks of white. So what was the rush to spend thousands of dollars?  I feel a little better now.

Thanks everyone for your help- so many variables, so many things to learn!!!