new to hdtv

[nismo604]

Hey guys, this my first post, great website and very informative. I have a few questions, first off I have a Sony KV30 HS510 with a motorola dct 6200 from my digital cable provider here in Canada. I have been experiancing micro/macro blocking for my hd channels when watching fast moving scenes, is this an issue with the hardware or the signal I'm receiving from my cable provider, is there anything I could do to improve it? Second question is I have the DVE calibration disc and DVD's look great but HD programs seem a little dark, should I just increase my picture level, is there a way to calibrate my display for HD, and for those who have experiance with this tv, which picture mode works best; standard, movie, or pro? I have been using pro setting since it says thats the mode with the least picture enhancements, but I feel sometimes it looks a little soft. Last question, which connection should I use? My tv has DVI, but I heard that since direct views are analog it won't make a difference between component, is this true? any input would be great, thanks

[akirby]

Micro and macro blocking on fast moving scenes only is typically due to too much compression (or not enough bandwidth, take your pick). That's usually the fault of the broadcaster (ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, ESPN, etc.) and not your cable company and there's not a thing you can do about it. If you get signal dropouts altogether then that might be a weak signal from your cable company or bad equipment.

You should get a great picture from component video but you'll need the DVI or HDMI connection for full HDCP compliance so I'd recommend DVI since you'll probably need it eventually anyway.

I'm sure Richard can answer the calibration question. Bottom line - if you don't like it then change it. Sometimes accuracy and personal preference are totally different.

[Richard]

Second question is I have the DVE calibration disc and DVD's look great but HD programs seem a little dark, should I just increase my picture level,

If they seem dark then you would need to increase the brightness rather than the contrast or picture.

is there a way to calibrate my display for HD

Apply what you learned and now experience with your imaging from using DVE.

I have been using pro setting since it says thats the mode with the least picture enhancements, but I feel sometimes it looks a little soft.

The enhancements are artifacts designed to be pleasing regardless of the fact they are also creating artifacts in the image. If you turn them off it is only natural the image would appear softer but that is the correct image, not the hyped up one with that stuff turned on.

Part of the calibration process is to get the different inputs to match so you do not have to provide unique control settings for every input. The way your display is designed and how many inputs you want setup will also determine the price for achieving this balanced response. Most concentrate on their DVD and HDTV sources and play with the controls for the other inputs.

I am curious if the education and experience you received with DVE makes you inclined to have an ISF calibration performed?

[nismo604]

I am curious if the education and experience you received with DVE makes you inclined to have an ISF calibration performed?

yes definately, the DVE disc I feel is just something to optimize my display till I get my set calibrated. Another question I have is since my display doesn't have separate video settings for each input, what is the best thing I could do when I switch off from DVD to HD since I will have to boost brightness. Also I have the DVI connect hooked up, but back to back test using the DVI and component resulted in a brighter picture with the component connection, which surprised me, it that normal? I use the DVE dvd to calibrate my system as you know, but my dvd only has component connects, I'm thinking because of that my settings are only optimize for component inputs, but even so you would think that you would think that the DVI would produce a brighter picture than the component.

[Richard]

since my display doesn't have separate video settings for each input, what is the best thing I could do

Recall movie, pro and sports? Those are presets that can be remembered for each input and each preset can be adjusted to what ever you want. You can

[nismo604]

thanks for all your help guys, I have checked you list, it doesn't include canada but I have gone to the ISF website and have got a couple of phone numbers for me to inquire about their services, will check back with you guys on how it goes.

[Richard]

check out Michael Chen

http://www.keohi.com/keohihdtv/isf/isf_calibrators.html