Multiple questions about the 57HX83...

[TxAg95]

Folks - I am new to the forum and have browsed the FAQs as much as I can, but still have some questions. I thought it would be easier to list them all here, than in multiple threads. Please help out if you can...Thanks in advance.

Background: Recently purchased the Toshiba 57HX83 HD Monitor, and have TimeWarner providing me my HD signal. I am using their receiver (Pace), with a DVI cable for the HD signals, Component from my DVD player and S-Video from my TiVo for most all other viewing. I then run direct cable into the TV and tune it with the TV whenever I have PIP needs...

I have NOT run the AVIA DVD yet...that will happen in the next day or so
I have NOT gotten an ISF technician (yet)...
My DVD player is NOT progressive scan...

Questions:
1) After the AVIA DVD setup, should I go with an ISF technician, or is that overkill...or better yet, after AVIA tuning - would I even notice the technician's tweaks?

2) When I want to watch HD channels (there are only 3 of them I have right now - DiscoveryHD, CBS and ABC), I change the input on the TV to HD (using the DVI connection), and then change the channels on my HD receiver to he HD channel I want - it works great. However, if I then change the channel to a 'non HD' (SD?)channel, the picture is crap. I was assuming that the DVI connection would be beneficial for even the SD channels...am I wrong? It seems that the S-Video cable from my Tivo provides a better picture quality than the SD channels from the HD receiver.

3) What are the picture size settings I should use for what channels? TW1, TW2, TW3, Full, Normal ==> What are the general rules?

4) Does everyone else's remote control have a high pitched 'mosquito-like' sound to it whenever you turn the back light on?

5) I read where you can remove the screen cover to reduce some of that glare - how involved is that and is it generally recommended here?

6) I noticed when I play a DVD, sometimes I see horizontal lines/striations in the picture. Is this a factor of the DVD player not being progressive scan, the cables I am using, the DVD itself, or something on the Toshiba end? Will the AVIA tweakings help this? I am a little disappointed in the DVD quality and am trying to figure out where the weak link is - my guess is the DVD player.

Once again, thanks for the help.

[57U]

1. If you're happy with the picture after AVIA, a calibration may be overkill. If you want the absolute best from the TV and don't mind spending the money, go ahead.

2. Some STBs do not do a good job of transmitting SD via HD cables. Connect the S-video cable from the STB to an open input on the TV and use it for SD viewing.

3. There are no general rules, it depends on what you're viewing. Reread the thread in the FAQ on widescreen stretch modes. I believe TW1 & 3 are non-linear stretches for 4:3 programming. Full is for anamorphic DVDs. TW2 is for widescreen programming or non-anamorphic widescreen DVDs.

I'll leave 4-6 for others to comment

[duffman]

I have the same TV and have been finding new things as I go cause the manual was of no help.

Answer to #1: I used a tune up DVD and really could not tell much of a difference. Basically all I did was lower the sharpness and turn off the ALS feature and then lower the Contrast to your preference.

#2:I didn't get HD till recently and when I did I asked for a splitter from the cable guy and then ran aone line to the box and used the Component wires he gave me(surprised they gave monster cable wires) to go to the HD input and ran the line off the splitter to the coax 1 input for my PIP useage.

#3:I have found that when watching the regular cable to just use the full setting and when you are watching you HD channels use the natural setting. The natural setting will show the program like it was intended. The TW settings are just a type of zoom and have not found a purpose for them yet.

#4:I would take the remote back to the store and have them look at it more than likely it should be under warranty.

#5: I'm sure that you shouldn't remove the cover for it would void your warranty but if yoiu must.

#6:Can't really give you an answer for this one but my guess would be the DVD. I don't have proscan either but have not experienced this problem.


Hope my answer could help and good luck.

[duffman]

One question how does the Tivo work with the TWC I live outside of Houston and have TWC and was wondering if the Tivo worked with cable. Always thought it was for sattelit only.

[57U]

The TW settings are just a type of zoom and have not found a purpose for them yet. TW2 is used for WS programming or non-anamorphic DVDs.

TW1 or 3 is to be used for 4:3 programming (it stretches the middle less than the sides in a non-linear manner).

"FULL" makes everyone look fat on a 4:3 programme. If you prefer "FULL", that's OK since some people do.

[TxAg95]

Always thought it was for sattelit only

No - it works for anything - OTA, cable or satellite.

I have had TiVo for 4 1/2 years now and have been on cable the whole time.

Now that I finally have a TV with multiple inputs...I have separated everything out - HD input, DVD input, cable, VCR and TiVo. This way, I can record one thing on TiVo, and watch something else on one of the other inputs - better yet, record on TiVo and go PIP to be really insane.

My goal is to find the best combination(s) of cables and TV settings for each, so I maximize the quality of what I am watching. Unfortunately, I am having to record TiVo programs with 'Best' quality, because with the S-Video connection and the 'Full' mode on the TV, the pixelization (or whatever you want to call it) is not that good.

Of course, Q1 2004 - the TiVo HD receiver is coming...