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You are here: Experts > Home/Garden > Home Appliances > TV/VCR/Stereo Troubleshooting > We want great TV picture clarity, but not hi-def.
Expert: Nagy George
Date: 8/15/2008
Subject: We want great TV picture clarity, but not hi-def.
Question
Please help us solve this rather complicated scenario, and keep in mind that the main question that follows is whether or not we need to upgrade to a hi-def satellite receiver, even if we don't want hi-def programming.
OK!!
We want to replace our old tube TV with a flat-screen LCD TV - doing this in the belief that it will provide a better, clearer picture than our present tube TV.
The problems begin when trying to figure out how to achieve this goal, specifically the wiring of the primary components in the entertainment center - the hooking up of the satellite receiver, DVD, TV, etc., and any upgrading of components and cables that might be required in order to achieve the quality of picture we saw in the store (which they said was NOT in high definition.)
Compounding what might normally be a basic installation problem is the fact that we do not have any interest in subscribing to high-definition programming packages offered by our Satellite provider - DISH Network. That is, it seems almost impossible to talk to them about installing our new system, without them bringing up the subject of hi-def viewing and the accompanying purchase of an upgraded satellite receiver with the HDMI port that they claim is necessary.
The trouble is that one cannot simply buy or lease such a receiver without incurring a perpetual monthly charge. In our case, they would either charge us $10 a month for a package of hi-def channels we don't want, or they would still charge us $7 a month if we declined to subscribe to it - sort of a penalty.
So, I think the question becomes, do we really need to upgrade our satellite receiver (from our current standard type 301/311 receiver) in order to get the great looking, high-resolution picture that wowed us in the store?
Please bear in mind, I know that a new TV can be wired thru a "qualified" DVD player, but if one chooses this method, instruction booklets which come with new TVs don't seem to tell you how to wire your satellite receiver and satellite input cable, or whether a hi-def receiver is required.
Our current DVD player only has RCA type connection ports and S-video, neither of which is claimed to provide as clear a picture as DVI or HDMI connections and cables, so we DO have an incentive to get a new DVD player, not only for the sake of the picture clarity, but also for the Blu-ray capability.
On the other hand, we have no incentive to upgrade our satellite receiver, especially if it means having to deal with DISHnetwork.
thanks!!!
Answer
Debby,
This is one tough question simply because not only it is quite combined but I am answering without having a physical obseravtion.
I will try my best to put you on the right track:
1- You don't have any problems with sound so I won't discuss it but needless to say, digital is better than analog.
2- As far as picture (Video) the highest quality comes from HDMI (HDMI is DVi with digital audio) then by component (or so-called RGB which is video only so needs audio on top) then by composite (so-called AV and usually comes in RCA size)
3- Also the wires and connections do make a difference BUT I don't like the way you get pushed to buy very expensive wires unless you run a Studio or you do want Studio Quality
4- By the same token, TVs are not created equal, even when you say LCD, I have been researching the market for months, I finally made up my find to have a BIG 52", highest resolution on the market (1920 x 1080), highest brightness (50,000:1 contrast ratio) either in Samsung or LG, costing less than AUD$4000
5- I hope I am not confusing you more but if you ask me what I think, if you like the idea of a new TV (an LCD), I think it's a great idea, then good quality wiring and same satellite receiver.
6- As far as DVD, I think if it doesn't have component video at least (if not HDMI) it's not worth having (I think a $50 DVD will have component)
Please feel free to write back to me if any further help is needed
Good luck
N George
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