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HD-A2/PS3 Picture Qualities

post #1 of 5
11/18/07 at 8:15am
Thread Starter 
Relatively new to the HD game... recently purchased a Sony KDS-55A3000... after lengthy debate a Ps3 to handle blu-ray, and I couldn't pass up the price on the HD-A2 at WallyWorld. After comparing, the most surprising thing to me was of all the debate about quality and capabilities, the "best" picture, in my opinion, was received from the Hd-A2 on upconverted SD discs! Not a Hd-DVD on that same player, mind you, but a SD disc. The characters, especially when in motion, have what I can only describe as a more "3-D"ish appearance. This post is not intended the further stoke the debate fire, but moreso to get learned opinions on settings, etc. to make sure I have maximized my setup.hdmicables...HD-A2 producing 1080i.. Ps3.. 1080p/24hz. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
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post #2 of 5
11/18/07 at 11:22am

Re: HD-A2/PS3 Picture Qualities

Anthony:

First, when I added HD DVD to my system last year, I also wasn't immediately bowled over by the improvement in quality. As time passed, however, and I saw more HD DVD discs, I grew less and less satisfied with standard definition DVD--in detail, color resolution, and audio quality. (And this was clearly evident on both my 34-inch Sony HD tube monitor, the XBR960, and my 96-inch 720p front projector.) I'm now an HD DVD True Believer. I rarely watch SD DVD on my FP these days.)

So my first suggestion is to give it a little time and see if your opinion changes. My ultimate conclusion was that (especially on the FP) watching SD DVD is like watching a Big TV; but watching HD DVD is like going to the movies.

Next, buy a calibration disc (you can get a Digital Video Essentials HD DVD for under $20, I believe) and make sure your set is calibrated. You will reduce the resolution of the HD image if you tend to watch your Sony with the brightness/picture set a bit high, or if you have the sharpness pushed somewhat (which are fine things to do if you prefer that look for daily viewing. I'm no calibration monk, even though I personally calibrate my sets as precisely as possible. YMMV. ) A proper calibration might look a little dimmer at first, but eventually you'll realize you're seeing a more refined, detailed, and vivid picture.

And while your post is about image quality, don't overlook the audio advantage of HD DVD. The DD+ tracks consistently outperform the DD5.1 on SD DVD. If you can get the audio into a surround sound system, rather than through the Sony, I reccomend it.

Enjoy.
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post #3 of 5
11/19/07 at 1:14pm

Re: HD-A2/PS3 Picture Qualities

Anthony,

How big is your TV, and how far away are you sitting?

Honestly, I have to be thinking about it to notice a difference between a very good upconverted DVD and an HD disc (one that doesn't say "Pixar" on the box, anyway ) on my 65" (granted, I have not spent the time I should on calibrating the set).
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post #4 of 5
11/20/07 at 1:45pm
Thread Starter 

Re: HD-A2/PS3 Picture Qualities

Thanks for the replies guys. Its a 55 inch Sony rear projection. Actually I was fooling with the settings last night and I realized that "motion enhancer" is set to high. While more lifelike... I wonder if its "correct". I guess these things are subjective. Do you all turn off this feature?
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post #5 of 5
11/20/07 at 2:06pm

Re: HD-A2/PS3 Picture Qualities

I'm not a fan of the 120Hz motion enhancer for films shot at 24fps because it causes the motion to mimic material shot on video (at 30fps or higher) and just doesn't look like the same film that I saw theatrically. I lean to preserving director's intent, including opting for 24fps playback that doesn't smooth out the motion too severely.

Now, for watching games in HD, I don't find the 120Hz motion enhancer feature as distracting as it is with film. Play with the setting, and set it to whatever you and your eyes are comfortable with in viewing the material.
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