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Got Questions? Ask our resident expert, Robert Zohn

#91
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4/20/07 at 12:38am
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Re: Got Questions? Ask our resident expert, Robert Zohn

Quote:
Originally Posted by DaViD Boulet
1. Matrixing the two 1080p24 streams together in an "alternate frame" scenario into a single 1080p48 stream to be used with LCD shutter glasses

or

2. A BD player with two HDMI outputs, each feeding one of two projectors to be used with poloarized light (like we see at IMAX theaters).

This is a great idea. BD-3D.
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#92
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7/10/07 at 2:04pm
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Re: Got Questions? Ask our resident expert, Robert Zohn

Dear Robert Z
I am completely out of my depth as far as HDTV is concerned. I hope you will not mind answering what might be a dumb question.... I've just acquired a 46" Samsung LCD TV display unit. The pictures are very smudgy and blurred at the edges when I'm hooked up to a satellite TV decoder using the AV1 input. Passing the satellite receiver signal thru a JVC VCR/DVD recorder/player using component input, I get no picture at all. Playing a DVD thru an LG DVD player, using Component 1 output to Component 1 input, the pic. is a bit acceptable but still smudgy at the edges. Is there an up-converter that I must use? I realise that Samsung and LG may not be one of your stock items.... we're out in South Africa and your answer may be business related but I'm hoping you can give some advice.

Many thanks and looking forward to your suggestions and recommendations.
Sam (Ford)
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#93
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7/13/07 at 6:50am
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Re: Got Questions? Ask our resident expert, Robert Zohn

Sam,

It would be best to have a HD satellite set top box and connect the HDMI output directly to your Samsung HDTV. If you want to be able to record from Satellite to your DVD recorder, use the component video, Red/Green/Blue RCA cables and stereo Red/White RCA cables to get video and audio to your DVD recorder.

From the DVD recorder use component video/audio cables to Component video/audio 1 on the TV.

Most satellite boxes will output HDMI and component video/audio simultaneously.

-Robert
VE Advanced Digital Technology Dealer
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#94
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7/14/07 at 2:31am
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Re: Got Questions? Ask our resident expert, Robert Zohn

Hi Robert Z

Many, many thanks for the information. Is there any particular model set top box you would suggest/recommend - and would this also double as the sound amp or must I look at separates for the sound system?

Really appreciate your coo page and on-line help.

Best rgds
Sam
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#95
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7/16/07 at 5:41pm
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Re: Got Questions? Ask our resident expert, Robert Zohn

Sam, not sure what satellite services are available in your country. So check with a local provider to determine which service and equipment would match your system requirements best.

As far as integrating audio, you must get separate audio receiver.

-Robert
VE Advanced Digital Technology Dealer
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#96
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7/23/07 at 1:17pm
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Re: Got Questions? Ask our resident expert, Robert Zohn

Robert,

What can you tell us about the 3rd gen Samsungs? Specifically, their ability to pass Dolby TruHD, DTS HDMA, and PCM via hdmi.
There are three things I can't stand: 1) Intolerance; and 2) People who can't count.
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#97
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7/23/07 at 2:28pm
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Re: Got Questions? Ask our resident expert, Robert Zohn

Jaxon's Dad, not sure about DTS-MA, but Dolby TrueHD and PCM are included in the player. We have just began a sale on Samsung's BD-P1200 and some other high-definition optical players.

-Robert
VE Advanced Digital Technology Dealer
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#98
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7/24/07 at 3:15pm
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Re: Got Questions? Ask our resident expert, Robert Zohn

Robert:

Pleasure meeting you in person last week.

Do you recall (or know independently) how much memory the Toshiba players have available for storage of data such as the bookmark index points? I think Kevin C. said 256k?

Paul
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#99
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7/25/07 at 11:15am
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Re: Got Questions? Ask our resident expert, Robert Zohn

Paul, Every player is mandated to have 128mb of persistent storage. Not sure which player may have more storage. Bookmarking takes very little memory so even the minimum mandated 128mb would give you thousands of bookmarks.

-Robert
VE Advanced Digital Technology Dealer
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#100
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7/25/07 at 2:09pm
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Re: Got Questions? Ask our resident expert, Robert Zohn

Thanks, Robert. I'm looking forward to upgrading my D1 to the XA2 thanks to EMA!
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#101
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8/5/07 at 5:40am
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Re: Got Questions? Ask our resident expert, Robert Zohn

Hi, this is a fantastic idea for a thread!

I have a question. Is there site that has some side-by-side comparasions of what a movie on DVD looks like vs Blu-Ray/HDDVD?
Take a look at my DVDs/Blurays/Various Other formats for sale... If you're cool!a>
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#102
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8/8/07 at 6:18am
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Re: Got Questions? Ask our resident expert, Robert Zohn

Hi Robert, quick question before I take my dip into the HD DVD World...I'm considering the Toshiba HD-A2 player to use with my Sony 720p lcd. My question is what does the player do when you insert a 1080p movie. Does it downconvert it to 480p and then upscale it to 720p ?..or does every HD movie have a 1080i/720p track also?

Think before you speak....Peace always

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#103
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8/8/07 at 6:24am
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Re: Got Questions? Ask our resident expert, Robert Zohn

Anthony,

only the first Toshiba model erroneously downconverted to 480 then back up to 720, and Toshiba quickly (within a few months) released a firmware update which corrected the problem anyway.

You should be 100% fine with any Toshiba HD DVD player model, and if by chance you buy a product that has a older firmware, you can easily update it via a network connection that has web access.

Movies (from film) are encoded specifically at 1080p24 on both HD DVD and BD, and it's the hardware/player that produces the various output frame-rates and resolutions per your display:

1080p24 (native on disc)
1080p60
1080i60
720p60
480p60
480i60
Be an Original Aspect Ratio Advocate

Supporter of 1080p24 video and lossless 24 bit audio.
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#104
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8/8/07 at 8:30am
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Re: Got Questions? Ask our resident expert, Robert Zohn

David, thank you....now let's go spend some money !!!

Think before you speak....Peace always

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#105
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8/8/07 at 7:47pm
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Re: Got Questions? Ask our resident expert, Robert Zohn

Thanks David, excellent answer.

Anthony I assume you know the best retailer to go to?

-Robert
VE Advanced Digital Technology Dealer
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#106
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8/9/07 at 6:43pm
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Re: Got Questions? Ask our resident expert, Robert Zohn

Robert,

First let me say thank you for everything you do for the members here. I have read these threads with great interest and appreciate the insights. To that end, I wanted to see if you could help me with something. I am brand new to the HD world and I am trying to protect myself from the future as much as possible. I have settled on every component except a blu-ray/hd-dvd player. I see these new Samsungs coming out, one with something called HQV, one without. My questions are; What is HQV? And, is it worth waiting the extra month and paying the extra money? Also, what would be the future consequences of buying a non 1.1 compliant player like these vice waiting for a 1.1 compliant player? Thanks in advance for your help.

Justin
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#107
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8/9/07 at 10:12pm
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Re: Got Questions? Ask our resident expert, Robert Zohn

HQV Silicon Optix Reon video processor, which greatly helps to improve the SD up-converted picture quality.

BD profile 1.1 add persistent memory, BD live interactive dual video decoders and a network connection for BD players manufactured after 11/01/07.

-Robert
VE Advanced Digital Technology Dealer
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#108
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8/9/07 at 11:55pm
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Re: Got Questions? Ask our resident expert, Robert Zohn

Justin and Robert:

Quote:
Also, what would be the future consequences of buying a non 1.1 compliant player like these vice waiting for a 1.1 compliant player?
Quote:
BD profile 1.1 add persistent memory, BD live interactive dual video decoders and a network connection for BD players manufactured after 11/01/07.
Respectfully, I don't think your reply is accurate, Robert. Per "The Authoritative BD FAQ" segment on "What are BD-Video and BD-Live profiles?", it's my understanding that Profile 1.1 mandates 256Mb of "persistent" or flash memory and a secondary video decoder, both primarily with full BD-Java functionality in mind. Think PIP. The grace period the BDA granted manufs for compliance with this expires October 31, 2007.

We don't get into mandated Web connectivity (and the greater 1Gb memory requirement) until Profile 2.0, for which I have yet to see any compliance deadlines for.

So answering your question, Justin, involves speculation: we simply do not know yet what kinds of features the content providers may begin authoring for Profile 1.1 perhaps starting this fall. The manufs have been very tight-lipped about just exactly how much persistent memory current BD players have. I'd surmise that if they had the minimum 256Mb for 1.1 compliance, they'd state such. It is very likely that there may be content in the future that current machines (all of which are Profile 1.0 except for the announced Denon) will have playback issues with future discs that can not be resolved with firmware updates: if a player does not have a secondary video decoder, I'm not sure that is something that can be added via firmware upgrade--it depends on whether the spec requires a software or hardware decoder.

The PS3 is the most future-proof unit with regards to BD Profiles: its hard drive can be partitioned for use as flash memory; it has the necessary vid decoders; and it has the Ethernet port. All other current BD players are a gamble vis-a-vis their ability to play back all future Java (and BD-Live) content/features.

Caveat emptor.
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#109
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8/10/07 at 7:48am
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Re: Got Questions? Ask our resident expert, Robert Zohn

Paul speaks the truth:

Quote:
The PS3 is the most future-proof unit with regards to BD Profiles: it's hard drive can be partitioned for use as flash memory; it has the necessary vid decoders; and it has the Ethernet port. All other current BD players are a gamble vis-a-vis their ability to play back all future Java (and BD-Live) content/features.

while nothing is 100% certain, the PS3 appears to have the greatest possibility for future-proofing out of all available BD hardware devices at the moment.
Be an Original Aspect Ratio Advocate

Supporter of 1080p24 video and lossless 24 bit audio.
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#110
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8/10/07 at 5:15pm
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Re: Got Questions? Ask our resident expert, Robert Zohn

Thanks for the info fellas! It sounds like that unless I want to risk having a 500+ door stop, a PS3 or waiting are the correct options. Decisions decisions. Thanks again.

Justin
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#111
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8/10/07 at 5:48pm
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Re: Got Questions? Ask our resident expert, Robert Zohn

Robert, any projected street date for the Sammy p1400?

Thanx!

JD
There are three things I can't stand: 1) Intolerance; and 2) People who can't count.
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#112
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8/11/07 at 9:19am
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Re: Got Questions? Ask our resident expert, Robert Zohn

Paul S you are correct. Thank you.

JD, not sure, but we'll know by CEDIA.

-Robert
VE Advanced Digital Technology Dealer
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#113
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8/11/07 at 12:08pm
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Re: Got Questions? Ask our resident expert, Robert Zohn

Quote:
It sounds like that unless I want to risk having a 500+ door stop, a PS3 or waiting are the correct options.
Maybe. Again, we simply don't know what filmmakers and/or the (BD-supporting) studios may do with these technologies. It may prove underwhelming on the whole, with many esteemed 'older school' directors (Steven, Marty) preferring to simply do--hopefully in HD--what I have found to be amongst the sturdiest of supplements over the past nine years: a well-produced, non-EPK-ish production documentary.

Remember CD player subcode output? My first CD player, the Pioneer PD-M6, had such an output. It looked like a DIN plug and it was supposed to output to I think an external device to display data encoded on the CD, like track titles. It went no where, morphed into CD+G (CD+Graphics; remember Lou Reed's New York album?), then promtply went no where again.

More recently in the history, remember multi-angle functionality on DVD? A very cool but totally underutilized feature. Although my personal collection is hardly dispositive of the technology on the whole, Metallica's Cunning Stunts is one of the few DVDs I own that employs this.

I think ardent BD supporters have hopefully learned this lesson the hard way in the past year based upon the flawed rollout of the format: just because you build it does not mean they will come. In other words, technical spec superiority on paper is one thing. Implementation of that technology in a form factor is another. Launching the commensurate hardware product to market is still another. Having software that best demonstrates that product's capabilities at the same time the hardware first comes to consumers' attention is yet another.

For me, the release slates and upgrade-to-HD plans are already bordering on overwhelming. I personally would hate to wait, say, 18 months to start enjoying movies in high def for the possibility of a next gen technology to bear substantive fruit when its doing so is hardly guaranteed.
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#114
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8/11/07 at 2:07pm
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Re: Got Questions? Ask our resident expert, Robert Zohn

Paul,

I'm not sure I understand what your question to Robert really is.
Can you clarify?

Note, please, that this is not an ordinary discussion thread.


Cees
HTF Rules (uhm ... and has Rules)
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#115
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8/11/07 at 2:26pm
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Re: Got Questions? Ask our resident expert, Robert Zohn

Cees:

I take it that the statement of your third sentence is more the issue than the question of your second sentence. Duly noted, and I'll largely refrain from posting herein unless it's a question for Robert. Having said that, if a member is mulling issues related to a hardware purchase, possibly from Value, then I'd like to think that reasonable discussion about those issues would be seen as largely appropriate and within the thread's scope.

I didn't/don't think it was unclear that my post #113 sought to amplify on responses to the questions posed and related comments made by Justin in his post #s 106 and 110, respectively. With all due, I didn't think his very good, open ended question regarding the "future consequences of buying a non 1.1 compliant player [versus] . . . waiting for a 1.1 compliant player" got as thorough of an answer as it deserved. I related to his dilemma as it was an issue I grappled with prior to HME and wanted to share. Perhaps I overshared.

Paul
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#116
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8/11/07 at 2:39pm
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Re: Got Questions? Ask our resident expert, Robert Zohn

Perhaps.


Cees
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#117
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8/12/07 at 8:00am
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Re: Got Questions? Ask our resident expert, Robert Zohn

One post deleted.
Please use this thread as intended.

Thanks.


Cees
HTF Rules (uhm ... and has Rules)
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#118
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8/15/07 at 7:57am
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Re: Got Questions? Ask our resident expert, Robert Zohn

Hi Robert. I never had a chance to formally introduce myself at EMA, so we'll have to do it virtually until the next time. Also I'd like to say how great it's been to have your input, expertise and service come to this board.

Now my question: How prevalent would you say is the clouding or mura issue in LCD panels? I know the Sony LCDs have been plagued with this in a pretty extreme way and based on a casual observation of different hardware threads it seems that overall there's a 50-50 chance of getting some degree of clouding from any brand. It seems like users have varying opinions on the issue. Some see it as inherent limitation of the technology or that while it IS possible to have a cloud free panel, for whatever reason it is not so easy to create one and thus just accept it like one does SDE, SSE or RBE. Others are not so forgiving and say that since a cloud free panel is possible, then one should not accept otherwise. So what's your view?

Thanks.

He was one of those people who would be neither a follower nor a leader, but only an aspiring heart, impatient in the failing body which imprisoned it. -- T. H. White, "The Once and Future King"

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#119
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8/17/07 at 11:16am
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Re: Got Questions? Ask our resident expert, Robert Zohn

I quick request for Robert, please e-mail me a copy of my invoice for the HD-A2 I tried calling yet can't get through. I need it to send off for the free HD DVD offer, if you need more info let me know.

Samsung HL-S5688W 56" DLP
Panasonic TC-P50X1 50" Plasma TV (bedroom)
Toshiba HD-A2 HD DVD's
Panasonic BMP-BD60
Sony BDP300 Blu Rays (bedroom)

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#120
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8/21/07 at 11:47am
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Re: Got Questions? Ask our resident expert, Robert Zohn

Cameron, panels that exhibit ""clouding" have an inherit design defect in the panel. Sharp has done a good job in the manufacturing process to reduce the clouding issues on their panels.

Many LCD panels have some level of clouding, most are very minor and do not effect the image quality to any great degree. It seems to vary slightly from panel to panel even in the same model/brand.

Samsung and Toshiba panel have little to no clouding so it is possible to almost completely eliminate LCD clouding.

James, I'm back in Vegas a a major CE buying group show and will return this Thursday. My office is staffed with very limited resource as we have some folks out on personal issues. I'll get your receipt out this Thursday.

-Robert
VE Advanced Digital Technology Dealer
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