Sky SD and HDTV's

Gilson · 25-09-2007, 12:41

Firstly I have virtually no experience of Sky kit at all as I am a VM user.

Yesterday I visited JL as I am interested in a new LCD and have read good reviews and feedback of the Sony D series particularly for SD .

A bank of 37" 40" 42" and 46" displays was showing the cricket on Sky sports live. The pictures were dreadful with gross artefacts and smearing. Definition of the crowd was non existent.

I picked up the remote for the 40 "Sony D3000 and tried to do something about it but playing with the picture settings only seemed to make things worse (-100Hz/motionflow / vivid/ on/off, sharpness up/down etc.)

The feed from sky although SD was via component at 1080i which seemed stange to me? However comments please!

None of the displays (inc 1080p) was coping and all were fed in the same way. The Panasonic 37" plasma looked very slightly better. The smaller displays were not connected to the Sky input so could not be compared.

I returned home and watched the end of the match on Sky Sports via VM on my big CRT and the pictures were great, with the people in the crowd being well defined even in the longer shots.

Was the sky source the reason for the awful pictures if so what settings / connection should JL have been using?

Nigel Goodwin · 25-09-2007, 12:48

Was the source actually HD?, only a fairly small amount of Sky Sports HD programming is actually in HD.

Gilson · 25-09-2007, 12:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nigel Goodwin

Was the source actually HD?, only a fairly small amount of Sky Sports HD programming is actually in HD.

Regret I dont really know for certain. I dont think it was as the logo on the screen just said Sky Sports 1 with no HD logo. The feed however was 1080i or at least that was what the Sony said when AV3 the component input was selected.

GDK · 25-09-2007, 12:56

Sounds like the Sky Box was set to 1080i, rather than automatic, so the sets were being fed with that, even if the source was SD. Changing the setting on the Sky HD box to Automatic would probably help. That way, for SD, the TV would be doing the upscaling, not the Sky Box.

Also, on my Sony at least, there are more adjustments available when connected via HDMI.

Another factor might be that in the shop you were probably much closer to those screens than you are when watching at home. And maybe the shop screens were bigger than your screen at home, so revealing more of the SD defects simply because of size.

Having said all that, even the best LCDs and plasmas don't really give as pleasing an SD picture as a well adjusted CRT.

Gilson · 25-09-2007, 13:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by GDK

Sounds like the Sky Box was set to 1080i, rather than automatic, so the sets were being fed with that, even if the source was SD. Changing the setting on the Sky HD box to Automatic would probably help. That way, for SD, the TV would be doing the upscaling, not the Sky Box.

Also, on my Sony at least, there are more adjustments available when connected via HDMI.

Another factor might be that in the shop you were probably much closer to those screens than you are when watching at home. And maybe the shop screens were bigger than your screen at home, so revealing more of the SD defects simply because of size.

Having said all that, even the best LCDs and plasmas don't really give as pleasing an SD picture as a well adjusted CRT.

Thanks. I tried moving away 5-6 metres but the artefacts were gross and the crowd were just a blur. I have previously seen a range of SD capabilities on various sets but I could not believe that all the sets from 5 or 6 manufacturers were showing what were probably the worst SD pictures I have seen.

Nigel Goodwin · 25-09-2007, 13:26

When it's an HD broadcast you can see peoples faces in the crowd! - I find that's the most interesting part of a cricket or football match!

slacker17 · 25-09-2007, 13:32

Why are you looking at HDTV's, I thought you were happy with your CRT & VHS player?

GDK · 25-09-2007, 13:34

Another thing I thought of...

If some of the sets were actually 720 displays, you would be experiencing two lots of scaling - The SkyHD box upscaling from SD to 1080i and then the TV downscaling to 720(p).

bobcar · 25-09-2007, 13:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by GDK

Another thing I thought of...

If some of the sets were actually 720 displays, you would be experiencing two lots of scaling - The SkyHD box upscaling from SD to 1080i and then the TV downscaling to 720(p).

Which is one of the main reasons for not upscaling SD broadcasts on Sky HD - or upscaling DVD players for that matter. Though as always it's best to try it before deciding.

Nigel Goodwin · 25-09-2007, 14:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by GDK

Another thing I thought of...

If some of the sets were actually 720 displays, you would be experiencing two lots of scaling - The SkyHD box upscaling from SD to 1080i and then the TV downscaling to 720(p).

Except the sets aren't 720 - they are 768 - I don't know why odd people keep calling them 720?.

roddydogs · 25-09-2007, 14:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by GDK

Sounds like the Sky Box was set to 1080i, rather than automatic, so the sets were being fed with that, even if the source was SD. Changing the setting on the Sky HD box to Automatic would probably help. That way, for SD, the TV would be doing the upscaling, not the Sky Box.

Also, on my Sony at least, there are more adjustments available when connected via HDMI.

Another factor might be that in the shop you were probably much closer to those screens than you are when watching at home. And maybe the shop screens were bigger than your screen at home, so revealing more of the SD defects simply because of size.

Having said all that, even the best LCDs and plasmas don't really give as pleasing an SD picture as a well adjusted CRT.

Yes they Do!

parthena · 25-09-2007, 16:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by roddydogs

Yes they Do!

Could you be more specific please? Like with brands and model numbers? I'd be so grateful, I've been researching for ages and desperately need first-hand recommendations.

parthena

Jarrak · 25-09-2007, 16:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by parthena

I've been researching for ages and desperately need first-hand recommendations.

parthena

Pop over to AVForums, far more indepth forums for both technical and real life experience with displays.

Gilson · 25-09-2007, 17:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by GDK

Another thing I thought of...

If some of the sets were actually 720 displays, you would be experiencing two lots of scaling - The SkyHD box upscaling from SD to 1080i and then the TV downscaling to 720(p).

There was mix of 1080 and 768 displays and they all appeared equally bad. As I said the Panasonic Plasma was virtually as dire also.

I can only assume that this was something to do with the setting of the Sky box and was hoping that someone would say what that was.

The only other experience I have had of a Sky HD box showing SD sport was via HDMI to a Sony 32V2000 and that was pretty good.

Gilson · 25-09-2007, 17:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by slacker17

Why are you looking at HDTV's, I thought you were happy with your CRT & VHS player?

I do not use VHS or even S-VHS players except very occasionally. I use HDD and DVD although I find SP DVD recordings a bit disappointing.

I want to replace my CRT with a larger LCD(37-40") but it must have a reasonable SD performance - hence my interest in the Sony D series which on AV forums seems to get the best SD vote at the moment.

Unfortunately I could not assess the 40D3000 properly as the feed was as described and made all the sets including the other ones with good SD pedigrees look awful.

25-09-2007, 17:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gilson

Was the sky source the reason for the awful pictures if so what settings / connection should JL have been using?

My guess would be the numerous displays running off one feed. Not the ideal situation when you want to view an individual display.

Even though JL is one of the better stores to demo displays, you would be much better off going to a dedicated home cinema outlet, one that can give you a demo as close as possible to your home environment, this being one display being feed by a single cable directly from source, they may even have a demo room that would be much closer to your front room, not brightly light like the larger chain stores. Displays would also be connected and calibrated correctly.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gilson

The only other experience I have had of a Sky HD box showing SD sport was via HDMI to a Sony 32V2000 and that was pretty good.

Was this in a home environment or in another electrical outlet?

If your opinion is, it was only pretty good, then I can only assume it was poorly setup and again viewed somewhere like JL/Curry's.

I have HD fed to a 100" screen and it's definitely more than just pretty good, it's gobsmaking.

You need to look somewhere else and treat yourself to a decent demo.

Gilson · 25-09-2007, 18:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by TommyW

Was this in a home environment or in another electrical outlet?

If your opinion is, it was only pretty good, then I can only assume it was poorly setup and again viewed somewhere like JL/Curry's.

I have HD fed to a 100" screen and it's definitely more than just pretty good, it's gobsmaking.

You need to look somewhere else and treat yourself to a decent demo.

It was in a home environment but was not HD it was as I said SD. HD material is all excellent in comparison.

I have tried so called specialist shops round here and in local big towns and find that they are unable to give a decent SD demo and make excuses to show HD only.

Gilson · 25-09-2007, 18:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nigel Goodwin

When it's an HD broadcast you can see peoples faces in the crowd! - I find that's the most interesting part of a cricket or football match!

I can see that on SD on a CRT! But I am not saying that HD isnt better!

25-09-2007, 18:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gilson

It was in a home environment but was not HD it was as I said SD. HD material is all excellent in comparison.

Sorry, misread your post.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gilson

I have tried so called specialist shops round here and in local big towns and find that they are unable to give a decent SD demo and make excuses to show HD only.

Might be worth looking further a field for a company that will offer you the service you require, I find the home cinema specialists/installers offer the best service available.

parthena · 25-09-2007, 20:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gilson

I want to replace my CRT with a larger LCD(37-40") but it must have a reasonable SD performance - hence my interest in the Sony D series which on AV forums seems to get the best SD vote at the moment.

I could have written that myself (I think I have, so many times that I'm boring people) - except that because I shall be viewing from 7-9ft, I can't go to more than 32". And perhaps I would replace "reasonable" with "good" - please! I would have had a Sony D by now except that Digital Direct botched my order, now I've got cold feet again.

Have you tried Googling "home cinema specialists"? I've never seen one in the flesh.

It's so much easier if you have Sky or Virgin HD

parthena

Gilson · 25-09-2007, 21:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by parthena

It's so much easier if you have Sky or Virgin HD

parthena

No it isn't as there is very little HD other than sport on Sky and virtually none on Virgin apart from premium movies. If you want to watch ordinary channels then at the moment you have little option but to watch SD from whatever source. Even the proposed FTA BBC HD will be a restricted hours "selection" not even BBC1 HD.

parthena · 25-09-2007, 22:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gilson

No it isn't as there is very little HD

I just can't hold all the info at the same time. Of course I know that the people raving about their HD screens are the XBox and PS owners and those who watch TV via their PC. But I keep forgetting bits and pieces, I've been reading SO much for SO long

parthena

ntlhellworld · 25-09-2007, 22:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by parthena

Could you be more specific please? Like with brands and model numbers? I'd be so grateful, I've been researching for ages and desperately need first-hand recommendations.

parthena

Sure.

Samsung LE40M87.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-LE40...dp/B000O12E6S/

Best black colour reproduction of *any LCD*, and no loss of detail in fast moving scenes that alot of LCDs suffer from. The colours also seem far more natural (even compared to expensive sonys), it has 3 HDMIs and is full 1080p HD (most HDTVs are only 1366x768 resolution), so looks amazing with HD. But, imho standard definition is where it wipes the floor with other LCDs.

Sound quality is pants though, so to use it as a main TV you basically need some seperate speakers aswell.

-Chris

Gilson · 25-09-2007, 23:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by ntlhellworld

Sure.

Samsung LE40M87.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-LE40...dp/B000O12E6S/

Best black colour reproduction of *any LCD*, and no loss of detail in fast moving scenes that alot of LCDs suffer from. The colours also seem far more natural (even compared to expensive sonys), it has 3 HDMIs and is full 1080p HD (most HDTVs are only 1366x768 resolution), so looks amazing with HD. But, imho standard definition is where it wipes the floor with other LCDs.

Sound quality is pants though, so to use it as a main TV you basically need some seperate speakers aswell.

-Chris

Interesting

I cant say that I have seen this specific Samsung but have previously rated the SD performance of Samsungs as most definitely bottom of the "branded" LCD pile

lineartracking · 25-09-2007, 23:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gilson

Thanks. I tried moving away 5-6 metres but the artefacts were gross and the crowd were just a blur. I have previously seen a range of SD capabilities on various sets but I could not believe that all the sets from 5 or 6 manufacturers were showing what were probably the worst SD pictures I have seen.

Have a browse.

SD + plasma/lcd = shit.

What set you buy will vary whether its really bad or just ok from a distance,but unless you plan to get into HD in a big way I would avoid LCD or plasma for a while until you only spend a small amount of time watching SD.

There will be punters on here who reckon their lcd displays sd in "excellent" quality.

But take it with a pinch of salt.

You've seen the results.

While a different set or some adjustments may lower the level of shittiness ,the bottom line is still the same.

You'll have a great looking tv but when its switched on the sd pix are rubbish -is that what you want to shell out for

Within 12 hours of this post there will be the usual excuses.

"You are watching too close"

"Its not setup correctly"

etc etc etc.

You have seen how poor it is and you are not alone.

It seems that like absymal 100Hz pix some can tolerate it some cant.

If you decide to buy ensure you get a demo from a standard Sky setup so you can see what you will be watching.
Only then can you decide for yourself.

Of course HD is great.

But with sd you want to check your viewing distance because as crap as the sets are with sd,if you sit far enough away they can look half decent.

But dont do what a lots of punters do.

They listen to those here saying how great the pix are then dont realise it was all lies until they get the set home and then have to try and get answers on here to make things less worse.

Number One : Get a demo of what you will be watching.
Make sure they dont sneak in an HD demo instead

25-09-2007, 12:41	#1
Gilson Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 1,145	Sky SD and HDTV's Firstly I have virtually no experience of Sky kit at all as I am a VM user. Yesterday I visited JL as I am interested in a new LCD and have read good reviews and feedback of the Sony D series particularly for SD . A bank of 37" 40" 42" and 46" displays was showing the cricket on Sky sports live. The pictures were dreadful with gross artefacts and smearing. Definition of the crowd was non existent. I picked up the remote for the 40 "Sony D3000 and tried to do something about it but playing with the picture settings only seemed to make things worse (-100Hz/motionflow / vivid/ on/off, sharpness up/down etc.) The feed from sky although SD was via component at 1080i which seemed stange to me? However comments please! None of the displays (inc 1080p) was coping and all were fed in the same way. The Panasonic 37" plasma looked very slightly better. The smaller displays were not connected to the Sky input so could not be compared. I returned home and watched the end of the match on Sky Sports via VM on my big CRT and the pictures were great, with the people in the crowd being well defined even in the longer shots. Was the sky source the reason for the awful pictures if so what settings / connection should JL have been using?

25-09-2007, 12:48	#2
Nigel Goodwin Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: North Derbyshire Posts: 41,789	Was the source actually HD?, only a fairly small amount of Sky Sports HD programming is actually in HD.

25-09-2007, 12:53	#3
Gilson Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 1,145	Quote: Originally Posted by Nigel Goodwin Was the source actually HD?, only a fairly small amount of Sky Sports HD programming is actually in HD. Regret I dont really know for certain. I dont think it was as the logo on the screen just said Sky Sports 1 with no HD logo. The feed however was 1080i or at least that was what the Sony said when AV3 the component input was selected.

25-09-2007, 12:56	#4
GDK Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Wigan Posts: 4,892	Sounds like the Sky Box was set to 1080i, rather than automatic, so the sets were being fed with that, even if the source was SD. Changing the setting on the Sky HD box to Automatic would probably help. That way, for SD, the TV would be doing the upscaling, not the Sky Box. Also, on my Sony at least, there are more adjustments available when connected via HDMI. Another factor might be that in the shop you were probably much closer to those screens than you are when watching at home. And maybe the shop screens were bigger than your screen at home, so revealing more of the SD defects simply because of size. Having said all that, even the best LCDs and plasmas don't really give as pleasing an SD picture as a well adjusted CRT.

25-09-2007, 13:02	#5
Gilson Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 1,145	Quote: Originally Posted by GDK Sounds like the Sky Box was set to 1080i, rather than automatic, so the sets were being fed with that, even if the source was SD. Changing the setting on the Sky HD box to Automatic would probably help. That way, for SD, the TV would be doing the upscaling, not the Sky Box. Also, on my Sony at least, there are more adjustments available when connected via HDMI. Another factor might be that in the shop you were probably much closer to those screens than you are when watching at home. And maybe the shop screens were bigger than your screen at home, so revealing more of the SD defects simply because of size. Having said all that, even the best LCDs and plasmas don't really give as pleasing an SD picture as a well adjusted CRT. Thanks. I tried moving away 5-6 metres but the artefacts were gross and the crowd were just a blur. I have previously seen a range of SD capabilities on various sets but I could not believe that all the sets from 5 or 6 manufacturers were showing what were probably the worst SD pictures I have seen.

25-09-2007, 13:26	#6
Nigel Goodwin Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: North Derbyshire Posts: 41,789	When it's an HD broadcast you can see peoples faces in the crowd! - I find that's the most interesting part of a cricket or football match!

25-09-2007, 13:32	#7
slacker17 Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Essex Posts: 287	Why are you looking at HDTV's, I thought you were happy with your CRT & VHS player?

25-09-2007, 13:34	#8
GDK Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Wigan Posts: 4,892	Another thing I thought of... If some of the sets were actually 720 displays, you would be experiencing two lots of scaling - The SkyHD box upscaling from SD to 1080i and then the TV downscaling to 720(p).

25-09-2007, 13:46	#9
bobcar Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 14,718	Quote: Originally Posted by GDK Another thing I thought of... If some of the sets were actually 720 displays, you would be experiencing two lots of scaling - The SkyHD box upscaling from SD to 1080i and then the TV downscaling to 720(p). Which is one of the main reasons for not upscaling SD broadcasts on Sky HD - or upscaling DVD players for that matter. Though as always it's best to try it before deciding.

25-09-2007, 14:19	#10
Nigel Goodwin Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: North Derbyshire Posts: 41,789	Quote: Originally Posted by GDK Another thing I thought of... If some of the sets were actually 720 displays, you would be experiencing two lots of scaling - The SkyHD box upscaling from SD to 1080i and then the TV downscaling to 720(p). Except the sets aren't 720 - they are 768 - I don't know why odd people keep calling them 720?.

25-09-2007, 14:33	#11
roddydogs Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 6,353	Quote: Originally Posted by GDK Sounds like the Sky Box was set to 1080i, rather than automatic, so the sets were being fed with that, even if the source was SD. Changing the setting on the Sky HD box to Automatic would probably help. That way, for SD, the TV would be doing the upscaling, not the Sky Box. Also, on my Sony at least, there are more adjustments available when connected via HDMI. Another factor might be that in the shop you were probably much closer to those screens than you are when watching at home. And maybe the shop screens were bigger than your screen at home, so revealing more of the SD defects simply because of size. Having said all that, even the best LCDs and plasmas don't really give as pleasing an SD picture as a well adjusted CRT. Yes they Do!

25-09-2007, 16:38	#12
parthena Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: SW London, Crystal Palace Tx Posts: 2,769	Quote: Originally Posted by roddydogs Yes they Do! Could you be more specific please? Like with brands and model numbers? I'd be so grateful, I've been researching for ages and desperately need first-hand recommendations. parthena

25-09-2007, 16:47	#13
Jarrak Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Ilkeston Posts: 18,075	Quote: Originally Posted by parthena I've been researching for ages and desperately need first-hand recommendations. parthena Pop over to AVForums, far more indepth forums for both technical and real life experience with displays.

25-09-2007, 17:08	#14
Gilson Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 1,145	Quote: Originally Posted by GDK Another thing I thought of... If some of the sets were actually 720 displays, you would be experiencing two lots of scaling - The SkyHD box upscaling from SD to 1080i and then the TV downscaling to 720(p). There was mix of 1080 and 768 displays and they all appeared equally bad. As I said the Panasonic Plasma was virtually as dire also. I can only assume that this was something to do with the setting of the Sky box and was hoping that someone would say what that was. The only other experience I have had of a Sky HD box showing SD sport was via HDMI to a Sony 32V2000 and that was pretty good.

25-09-2007, 17:20	#15
Gilson Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 1,145	Quote: Originally Posted by slacker17 Why are you looking at HDTV's, I thought you were happy with your CRT & VHS player? I do not use VHS or even S-VHS players except very occasionally. I use HDD and DVD although I find SP DVD recordings a bit disappointing. I want to replace my CRT with a larger LCD(37-40") but it must have a reasonable SD performance - hence my interest in the Sony D series which on AV forums seems to get the best SD vote at the moment. Unfortunately I could not assess the 40D3000 properly as the feed was as described and made all the sets including the other ones with good SD pedigrees look awful.

25-09-2007, 17:52	#16
TommyW Posts: n/a	Quote: Originally Posted by Gilson Was the sky source the reason for the awful pictures if so what settings / connection should JL have been using? My guess would be the numerous displays running off one feed. Not the ideal situation when you want to view an individual display. Even though JL is one of the better stores to demo displays, you would be much better off going to a dedicated home cinema outlet, one that can give you a demo as close as possible to your home environment, this being one display being feed by a single cable directly from source, they may even have a demo room that would be much closer to your front room, not brightly light like the larger chain stores. Displays would also be connected and calibrated correctly. Quote: Originally Posted by Gilson The only other experience I have had of a Sky HD box showing SD sport was via HDMI to a Sony 32V2000 and that was pretty good. Was this in a home environment or in another electrical outlet? If your opinion is, it was only pretty good, then I can only assume it was poorly setup and again viewed somewhere like JL/Curry's. I have HD fed to a 100" screen and it's definitely more than just pretty good, it's gobsmaking. You need to look somewhere else and treat yourself to a decent demo.

25-09-2007, 18:13	#17
Gilson Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 1,145	Quote: Originally Posted by TommyW Was this in a home environment or in another electrical outlet? If your opinion is, it was only pretty good, then I can only assume it was poorly setup and again viewed somewhere like JL/Curry's. I have HD fed to a 100" screen and it's definitely more than just pretty good, it's gobsmaking. You need to look somewhere else and treat yourself to a decent demo. It was in a home environment but was not HD it was as I said SD. HD material is all excellent in comparison. I have tried so called specialist shops round here and in local big towns and find that they are unable to give a decent SD demo and make excuses to show HD only.

25-09-2007, 18:18	#18
Gilson Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 1,145	Quote: Originally Posted by Nigel Goodwin When it's an HD broadcast you can see peoples faces in the crowd! - I find that's the most interesting part of a cricket or football match! I can see that on SD on a CRT! But I am not saying that HD isnt better!

25-09-2007, 18:20	#19
TommyW Posts: n/a	Quote: Originally Posted by Gilson It was in a home environment but was not HD it was as I said SD. HD material is all excellent in comparison. Sorry, misread your post. Quote: Originally Posted by Gilson I have tried so called specialist shops round here and in local big towns and find that they are unable to give a decent SD demo and make excuses to show HD only. Might be worth looking further a field for a company that will offer you the service you require, I find the home cinema specialists/installers offer the best service available.

25-09-2007, 20:30	#20
parthena Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: SW London, Crystal Palace Tx Posts: 2,769	Quote: Originally Posted by Gilson I want to replace my CRT with a larger LCD(37-40") but it must have a reasonable SD performance - hence my interest in the Sony D series which on AV forums seems to get the best SD vote at the moment. I could have written that myself (I think I have, so many times that I'm boring people) - except that because I shall be viewing from 7-9ft, I can't go to more than 32". And perhaps I would replace "reasonable" with "good" - please! I would have had a Sony D by now except that Digital Direct botched my order, now I've got cold feet again. Have you tried Googling "home cinema specialists"? I've never seen one in the flesh. It's so much easier if you have Sky or Virgin HD parthena

25-09-2007, 21:22	#21
Gilson Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 1,145	Quote: Originally Posted by parthena It's so much easier if you have Sky or Virgin HD parthena No it isn't as there is very little HD other than sport on Sky and virtually none on Virgin apart from premium movies. If you want to watch ordinary channels then at the moment you have little option but to watch SD from whatever source. Even the proposed FTA BBC HD will be a restricted hours "selection" not even BBC1 HD.

DS Forums

Sky SD and HDTV's

25-09-2007, 22:10	#22
parthena Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: SW London, Crystal Palace Tx Posts: 2,769	Quote: Originally Posted by Gilson No it isn't as there is very little HD I just can't hold all the info at the same time. Of course I know that the people raving about their HD screens are the XBox and PS owners and those who watch TV via their PC. But I keep forgetting bits and pieces, I've been reading SO much for SO long parthena

25-09-2007, 22:55	#23
ntlhellworld Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 2,649	Quote: Originally Posted by parthena Could you be more specific please? Like with brands and model numbers? I'd be so grateful, I've been researching for ages and desperately need first-hand recommendations. parthena Sure. Samsung LE40M87. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-LE40...dp/B000O12E6S/ Best black colour reproduction of any LCD, and no loss of detail in fast moving scenes that alot of LCDs suffer from. The colours also seem far more natural (even compared to expensive sonys), it has 3 HDMIs and is full 1080p HD (most HDTVs are only 1366x768 resolution), so looks amazing with HD. But, imho standard definition is where it wipes the floor with other LCDs. Sound quality is pants though, so to use it as a main TV you basically need some seperate speakers aswell. -Chris

25-09-2007, 23:26	#24
Gilson Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 1,145	Quote: Originally Posted by ntlhellworld Sure. Samsung LE40M87. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-LE40...dp/B000O12E6S/ Best black colour reproduction of any LCD, and no loss of detail in fast moving scenes that alot of LCDs suffer from. The colours also seem far more natural (even compared to expensive sonys), it has 3 HDMIs and is full 1080p HD (most HDTVs are only 1366x768 resolution), so looks amazing with HD. But, imho standard definition is where it wipes the floor with other LCDs. Sound quality is pants though, so to use it as a main TV you basically need some seperate speakers aswell. -Chris Interesting I cant say that I have seen this specific Samsung but have previously rated the SD performance of Samsungs as most definitely bottom of the "branded" LCD pile

25-09-2007, 23:48	#25
lineartracking Banned User Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 128	Quote: Originally Posted by Gilson Thanks. I tried moving away 5-6 metres but the artefacts were gross and the crowd were just a blur. I have previously seen a range of SD capabilities on various sets but I could not believe that all the sets from 5 or 6 manufacturers were showing what were probably the worst SD pictures I have seen. Have a browse. SD + plasma/lcd = shit. What set you buy will vary whether its really bad or just ok from a distance,but unless you plan to get into HD in a big way I would avoid LCD or plasma for a while until you only spend a small amount of time watching SD. There will be punters on here who reckon their lcd displays sd in "excellent" quality. But take it with a pinch of salt. You've seen the results. While a different set or some adjustments may lower the level of shittiness ,the bottom line is still the same. You'll have a great looking tv but when its switched on the sd pix are rubbish -is that what you want to shell out for Within 12 hours of this post there will be the usual excuses. "You are watching too close" "Its not setup correctly" etc etc etc. You have seen how poor it is and you are not alone. It seems that like absymal 100Hz pix some can tolerate it some cant. If you decide to buy ensure you get a demo from a standard Sky setup so you can see what you will be watching. Only then can you decide for yourself. Of course HD is great. But with sd you want to check your viewing distance because as crap as the sets are with sd,if you sit far enough away they can look half decent. But dont do what a lots of punters do. They listen to those here saying how great the pix are then dont realise it was all lies until they get the set home and then have to try and get answers on here to make things less worse. Number One : Get a demo of what you will be watching. Make sure they dont sneak in an HD demo instead