LCD TV / Digital Cable Help Needed

Something must not be set correctly... I'd keep the 480p, 1080i, 720p settings, and make sure you selected the "widescreen" version of the 480 one as well (if you don't want the sidebars). Additionally, make sure again that you actually set it to "pass-through" on the advanced settings... it sounds like you have it set at "fixed" on 480p (or you didn't select 480 widescreen, in addition to 480 standard)

Also, make sure that your TV is set to change the aspect ratio automatically. (should be under your tv picture settings). This is especially important for when you connect your DVD player.

Now, try viewing ESPN HD, or any other HD channel, and see what it loooks like. Then, switch to a standard channel. There should be a slight "flicker", or "pause" while the aspect ratio changes from 720p (ESPN) to 480p (standard channels).

You're correct that some screens won't look as "good" on the setup... that's the inherent difference between HD and standard cable. If you had Dish, the 480 channels would look a little better, since everything there is true digital, whereas TW still has its basic channels as analog.

 

have u tweaked your picture settings?
you can go search the avsforums to see what people have as theirs and try them out.

standard tv is not going to look good. dont switch from comp and coax. its pointless.

 

Circuit City, actually.

Need to get a good upconverting DVD player, next. Would have bit on that Woot one but the wallet is still stinging.

 

oppoditigal.com is the best rated upconvert dvd.
else i would go for sony or panasonic. i think both go for $99.

 

Another question.

I got my TimeWarner HD box today and hooked it up. I have to do the setup thing up above, but one thing I'm noticing on the signal are these greenish/purplish bars across the picture. Is there any way to get rid of this or is it FUBAR'd?

 

Call in after 12:30am or before 3:30pm (so I'm not here to take your call ) and tell them you're getting tiling on your screen.

You can check the connections first, but they'll make you go through them again normally.


Make sure the cable from the wall to DVR is connected properly, if it's crosstreaded, or is loose in any way, it can cause even minor tiling. If it's making shows unwatchable though, it's likely a signal issue. Welcome to the TWC merrygoround!

 

???

are u using component? or hdmi?

maybe u need to make sure your connections are tight and that the colors are correct (sometimes if u switch the green with blue cable, the picture comes out wierd)

 

Aww, Miguel, I'm gonna call and ask for you now.

I'm using component (will probably go with HDMI soon) and all the connections are tight/colors are fine.

I switched with the 360 just to make sure it wasn't the tv, and it's not. Either signal, box or cables then.

Of course, if it is signal, there's not much I can do is there?

I accidentally got a regular HD box today but I meant to go with the DVR. I may take it in tomorrow and just trade both box and cable.

 

just to warn u, they've raplaced my hd dvr box about 3 times in about 1.5 years.

other than that, i recommend u go to frys and get the hd dvd add on. its awesome!

 

Well, I've kind of felt all along I'd wait to see how the whole format war thing goes before committing, though HD-DVD is apparently doing well.

I think I just may go the upconverting DVD player first.

Why did you have to keep taking the DVR box back?

 

the dvr kept screwing up, it kept saying disk full, which it wasnt.

dude, u dont need an upconvert dvd, the xbox360 upconverts if u use vga input.

 

Hmmmm....

Also, after fiddling around with this TV for the last few days, I'm actually starting to come around to your way of thinking. I actually find myself annoyed that all the stations haven't converted to an HD signal RIGHT NOW.

TW's current selection is pretty ****ty.

I also see that ATT will be up in this area...

 

http://www.xploder.net/xbox-360/new...aximum-1080i-via-component-1080p-VGA-only.htm

use vga for your x360

VGA:

*
* HD DVD - 1080p resolution and all others
* DVD - Upscaled as high as 1080p resolution and all others
Games - 720p games upscaled to 1080p, also supports native-1080p games in the future

Component:

*
* HD DVD - 1080i resolution maximum, limited by AACS
* DVD - Upscaled to 480p maximum, limited by CSS
Games - 720p games upscaled to 1080p, also supports native-1080p games in the future

 

EDIT. I see.

 

I think the ultimate problem is that your tv doesn't automatically adjust the aspect ratio depending on what sort of input it sees. You can still manually adjust those 4 options (standard, fill, panoramic, zoom), and see which one looks best... but search hard for anything that says "automatic".

Also, I've seen that "effect" on HD channels sometimes (but not often) where you get the bars on the top and the bottom (but it normally adjusts back to normal). Also, keep in mind that you will still get bars on left and right on HD channels that ARE NOT showing HD content (mainly the local channels), as well as when the HD channels are showing commercials.

In the end, analog channels will look crappy compared to HD. The digital standard channels (116 up) should look okay, however... but yea, until everything becomes HD, there will be room for improvement.

 

tinman, does this mean that if you get the HD DVD player for the 360 it will play Blue-Ray at 1080p also...or just HD DVD and then upconvert regulard DVD's to 1080p?

 

no blu ray. hd dvd yes

i think the 360 upconverts through vga standard dvds to 1080p if u have a 1080p tv (sony sxrds have problems with xbox360 1080p through vga, tho)

u dont need the hd dvd player to upconvert. but i do notice the drive is really really fast on regular dvds.

i get my new tv on monday (720p toshiba with vga, so i'll try it)

if u want upconversion not through xbox, then get an oppo or panasonic or sony dvd player

 

Somebody (tinman?) give me the short version on whether buying a 1080p HDTV is really worth the extra money or not. My goals for a tv would be watching HDTV and playing Xbox 360. Thanks.