HD looking "too" digital?

Sam E. Torres · 07-04-2008, 01:03 AM

Hey guys,

My roomate just bought a Samsung 46" LCD and I tried to set it up for him by running the THX Optimizer on one of the "Star Wars" standard DVDs (plugged in with components). I noticed that the film almost looks like it was shot by broadcast cameras. The camera movements remind me of something I thought I'd never see again...dare I say it, pan and scan.

When he watches digital cable broadcast at 720p (component again), it has the same problems, even if it's not in HD.

So my question is, is this a problem with the TV? Is this a component vs. HDMI issue?
I'm sorry if this has been posted before. I tried to do a search.

Moderators, give me a link to a similar thread if it exists.

Thanks!

Ed Moxley · 07-04-2008, 10:21 AM

Try an HDMI cable, and see if it's any better.
Some tvs look better with HDMI, and some look better with component. See if his likes HDMI better. You can get an HDMI cable at Wal Mart. No need to spend $100 for one.

Might also want to try some video calibration. Brand new tvs don't have the best looking pictures right out of the box. Most Disney dvds have a THX Optimizer calibrating area on them. Check it out.........
Good luck!

GeorgeAB · 07-04-2008, 11:55 AM

Your roommate's first mistake was buying an LCD. He should take it back and trade it for a plasma or RPTV. LCDs all have problems with motion. The top of the line 120Hz models are a little better, but still lose resolution during program motion sequences. On 60Hz models (less expensive), resolution can drop as much as 60% during motion. There are also other problems with LCD panels in general, when comparing their image quality to other common technologies.

I don't recommend LCDs to my customers unless picture quality is a low priority, and they have a very specific reason for needing one- like seriously compromised viewing environment conditions. Do not be swayed by the increasing popularity of LCD flat panels. Picture quality is not the reason for their growing market share.

Best regards and beautiful pictures,
G. Alan Brown, President
CinemaQuest, Inc.

"Advancing the art and science of electronic imaging"

Ed Moxley · 07-04-2008, 12:38 PM

His roommate may be like me, and refuses to have a plasma in the house. If someone gives me one for free, I'll take it. But, I'll not spend hard earned money on one.

I despise the glass screen of a plasma. It reflects everything in the room so bad, like all the old CRTs. The new anti-glare screens aren't good enough either. Before, we didn't have a choice. Now we do. That, along with size availability, is why I'm gonna go with a DLP, when I can buy a new tv. Mainly going with DLP because they've quit making SXRD and D-ILA tvs, and I want a minimum of 60" screen.

I also see absolutely no sense in hanging a tv on the wall. That is a "designer" thing, instead of a practical thing. Ideal position is for center of tv screen, to be eye level, when sitting down.

Sorry to get a little off topic, but just as GeorgeAB doesn't recommend LCD, I don't recommend plasma, unless you're in an extremely dark room, with nothing in it, except the tv and your seat.

Alfonso_M · 07-04-2008, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ed Moxley

I despise the glass screen of a plasma. It reflects everything in the room so bad, like all the old CRTs. The new anti-glare screens aren't good enough either. Before, we didn't have a choice. Now we do. That, along with size availability, is why I'm gonna go with a DLP, when I can buy a new tv. Mainly going with DLP because they've quit making SXRD and D-ILA tvs, and I want a minimum of 60" screen.

To each his own, At this stage of the game I wouldn't recommend a DLP to any one, good luck with the bulb replacing routine, expect to go through the hassle once a year on average..

I own a 50" Panny setup in a 'Florida' room with windows all around and I can see everything perfectly without rolling down the shades.(looks better with shades rolled down of course but..)

If you stand in front of the screen one can't hardly make out your own reflection. Glass is good, Glass keeps the screen safe from children and pets and is easy to clean.

LCD panels always had that "Digital" processed look to them, to me everything looks like 'CGI' animations, yes, very 'bright' colors that pop out you, but is this natural? Is this how "Film" should look like?? Is this how the world looks like through your window??

Apparently the latest marketing hype against "plasma" is that this consume "Lots" of electricity. Many people are falling for this line.

My Plasma is on like 8-12 hours a day., and I haven't been able to attribute any extra electrical expense to the Plasma. In any case, I prefer a better image (and viewing angle) even if I can shave $5.00 a year off my electric bill with an LCD screen.YMMV

**HTF Ads**

Jesse Skeen · 07-04-2008, 06:49 PM

From the original description it sounds like you have one of the picture "enhancement" modes enabled- I've seen a lot of TVs in stores that make material shot on film look more like video. The effect is pretty amusing but of course that's not how it's supposed to look. I assume there's a way to turn it off.

Mark-P · 07-04-2008, 10:54 PM

You don't say which of the Star Wars DVDs you were viewing on it. If, by chance it was Episodes II or III, there is a good reason they don't look anything like film - There was no film as they were shot 100% digital.

MikeRS · 07-05-2008, 01:14 AM

I saw a Blu-ray demo at Best Buy.

Samsung 46" LCD.

Various clips from Batman Begins and Pirates 2.

Awful.

The Tumbler chase looked like an episode of "Cops" in HD (I am not exaggerating).The Kraken sequence from Pirates didn't resemble a cinematic image at all.

troy evans · 07-05-2008, 01:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alfonso_M

Glass is good, Glass keeps the screen safe from children and pets and is easy to clean.

LCD panels always had that "Digital" processed look to them, to me everything looks like 'CGI' animations, yes, very 'bright' colors that pop out you, but is this natural? Is this how "Film" should look like?? Is this how the world looks like through your window??

Apparently the latest marketing hype against "plasma" is that this consume "Lots" of electricity. Many people are falling for this line.

My Plasma is on like 8-12 hours a day., and I haven't been able to attribute any extra electrical expense to the Plasma. In any case, I prefer a better image (and viewing angle) even if I can shave $5.00 a year off my electric bill with an LCD screen.YMMV

I agree. I own a Samsung plasma and have been consistently dazzled by the image and I'm using a 720p model. I don't say this lightly, I would take the Panny and Sammy 720p plasmas over the 1080p LCDs of any company any day. I've seen friends setup their LCDs with THX Optimizer and they look like shit to me. THX Optimizer just doesn't cut it anymore. You have to invest in an Avia or DVE calibration disc or foot the bill to get a pro to calibrate it.

Nathan Eddy · 07-06-2008, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ed Moxley

I despise the glass screen of a plasma. It reflects everything in the room so bad, like all the old CRTs. The new anti-glare screens aren't good enough either. Before, we didn't have a choice. Now we do. That, along with size availability, is why I'm gonna go with a DLP, when I can buy a new tv. Main