Newbie's 1st post - simple question

[Kevin_in_ga]

Hey, I just got the Toshiba 46H84 last week. I have already gone through the multipoint convergence, DVE optimization, and am using component cables from my progressive DVD/HT system. No problems with the DVD end of things.

Since this is my first post, I do have a question regarding SD picture quality. I currently have standard coax cable from Comcast - not digital, and no STB. I am using a composite connection from my HT system to the TV, and the picture isn't too bad (I also have a 15 dB amplifier in-line to boost the signal a bit, which helps).

Are there any specific tricks to getting the picture quality as good as possible? Probably the millionth time this has been asked ...

Also, does the 3D comb filter work on the composite input, or only on the RF ant inputs? Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Kevin

[kevinw]

Call comcast and get the HD box. There is no real improvement in SD picture untill you use a better connection like S-Video. You have done all you can at this point.

When you say multipoint is that the service mode or the 9 point?

[Kevin_in_ga]

If I am going to change my current service, I will look closely at satellite over Comcast digital. I have heard that there is no compression in the satellite feed, resulting in improved SD picture quality.

On convergence, I did the 56 (?) point convergence from the picture settings section of the menu (accessable from the remote). I think that's the service menu.

My guess is that the next significant thing I'll do, in a few months, is ISF calibration. I figure it's about the same cost as a few Monster 3 cables but the overall impact will be much more noticeable.

In fact, I am surprised that more people don't buy their cables on ebay, then use the savings to get ISF calibration.

Kevin

[57U]

I have heard that there is no compression in the satellite feed, resulting in improved SD picture quality.You heard wrong. There is significant compression of all digital stations, whether on cable or sat. The amount of compression by either service provider can determine the final PQ.

It often depends on the channel you're watching, as compression is higher on "less watched" stations while "premium" stations usually have less compression.

[Kevin_in_ga]

Thanks, that's good to know. I guess the only truly uncompressed signals are going to be from HD and DVDs for now.

My neighbor just got the 46" sony and upgraded to digital cable. His HD channels are exceptional, as expected,but the SD was worse than regular cable

[kevinw]

If I am going to change my current service, I will look closely at satellite over Comcast digital. I have heard that there is no compression in the satellite feed, resulting in improved SD picture quality.

On convergence, I did the 56 (?) point convergence from the picture settings section of the menu (accessable from the remote). I think that's the service menu.

My guess is that the next significant thing I'll do, in a few months, is ISF calibration. I figure it's about the same cost as a few Monster 3 cables but the overall impact will be much more noticeable.

In fact, I am surprised that more people don't buy their cables on ebay, then use the savings to get ISF calibration.

Kevin

I have DISH and OTA and I like it much better than cable. My neighbor has Direct and OTA and he also favors satellite. Where are you located in GA?

[57U]

Wrong again. HD is massively compressed. Typically by a factor of 50-60. The original information flow is over one Gbps. Typically cable and OTA send you 19.4 Mbps (if cable uses QAM 256 and two HD channels per 6 MHz). Satellite is slightly lower at roughly 15 Mbps, however, this usually doesn't affect signal quality.

As I mentioned earlier, the PQ of digital and analogue cable is very dependent on the service provider and your location. One simply cannot generalize on this subject, however, in the US, I've noticed that OTA/Sat seems to be "preferred" by quite a few people, if not for the PQ, also for the "service", but again, service provider and location-specific.

There are people on this forum in your area who should be able to assist you.

[Kevin_in_ga]

KevinW: Alpharetta.

57U. Thanks for the correction - still learning about this stuff, and I'll probably say some things that aren't right. But, hopefully I'll learn quickly and be able to help others soon.

[kevinw]

KevinW: Alpharetta.


Then you need to go OTA 9-10 digital channels with at least 5-6 doing HD
ABC, CBS, NBC, WB, UPN, FOX, TBS plus UNI, REL, PAX. Add a satellite and you gain HDnet, HDnetMovies, EspnHD, TNT and Discover HD.

Atlanta area is one of the best for OTA. No cable system offers all that can be had for the cost of a OTA tuner.