Pictur Quality without Squeeze Feature (1 Viewer)

[Chris_T]

I was in the market for a new 36" TV and was looking at the Panasonic 36HX42. I know this model lacks the squeeze feature that its predecessor had, but was wondering the following. Will the picture produced from a progressive scan dvd player, without the squeeze be equivalent or better than that produced by a non-progressive dvd player with the squeeze. I have an Sony 36" nonHDTV which performs the squeeze right now and was wondering if I would at least would get the same or better picture quality with my dvds. As a side note, I have focused in on the 36HX42 because it is the only 36" HDTV that will fit my entertainment center.

Thanks,
Chris

 

[Chris_T]

Just checking to see if the post is not closed.

 

[Jack Briggs]

Without the squeeze, the player will have to perform the downconversion routine itself to scale a 16:9-encoded DVD's picture properly, resulting in a net loss of more than 30 percent in resolution. Even if the picture is progressively scanned, you still lose information.

The only way to get the most out of a 16:9-encoded DVD is to be able to view it properly in a 16:9 window, with all 480 lines of resolution present and accounted for.

I'd opt for a set that can perform the "squeeze" from its user-control menu.

 

[Chris_T]

Thanks Jack, I appreciate the information.

Chris

 

[Jan Strnad]

Especially at that size of screen, the difference between interlaced and progressive is going to be minor.
If a 36" direct view is the only set that will fit your entertainment center, maybe you should put a motorized screen in front of the entertainment center and buy a front projector. The cost would be only a few thousand dollars more, and you can get a pretty good price on young children these days, if you have any.
Jan