HDTV Forum

I got a new HD Satellite Receiver and programming a few weeks ago. I started by using the CV (RGB) cables that were supplied with the new Receiver, and have had excellent picture quality in HD Programming. The Receiver does not have a HDMI output, it only has a DVI output, so I decided to order a DVI to HDMI conversion cable, so it would be cleaner, and maybe to see a little bit better picture, not that it wasn't already great!! Got the new Monster cable yesterday, put it on and took the CV cables off. I was certainly shocked to see that the picture quality was not as bright or as sharp as when I used the CV cables. Today, I took the DVI-HDMI cable off and put my CV cables back on, and the picture is back to it's old-self, a nice bright, crisp and clear HD picture.

I am wondering why this is so?? Is DVI an older technology that doesn't carry as good of a signal as CV cables? I guess the DVI signal just converts to HDMI to connect to the TV, but maybe doesn't boast a crystal clear picture??

What do you guys think? I am going to stay with my CV (RGB) cables and just purchase a higher quality brand to replace the stock cheaper ones that came with my Receiver.

Would this be normal for the DVI to HDMI to give me a darker, less clear picture than straight CV?

Thanks for any help to make me understand this.

Andrew

DVI/HDMI better than component?
viewtopic.php?t=4469

The short answer is that you are looking at 2 different inputs on the TV and each one typically has it's own user settings (contrast, tint, etc.). You'd have to calibrate each one to the same standards (using DVE or having it done professionally) to really compare them.

Not to mention the potential differences in scan rates and the more obvious digital->analog conversion (if you have an analog display).

Both inputs on the back of my TV have the same settings, they are both at the "standard" setting, both the HDMI and CV inputs. The TV is new, Bravia 1080HD. I was using HDMI #1 port for my DVD player, then switched it to port #2 and put the satellite into port #1, and still had that darker, less crisp picture. Seems funny that the CV cables are giving me a much better picture in HD programming. I thought that maybe the output from the satellite in DVI is a lesser quality digital information than is the CV output?

It doesn't matter whether you're using the "standard" settings or not - each input needs to be independently adjusted (potentially) to a specific standard using DVE or some other calibration DVD. You also need to make sure your receiver is outputting the same scan rate on both the HDMI/DVI and Component outputs.

I have a HDMI to DVI going to my Samsung from a sat box and get a great picture.

At the end of the day, would I see a big difference going to the DVI (Satellite Receiver) to HDMI cable rather than good quality CV (RGB) cables?? I may hook up the DVI/HDMI cable again and try to use the "custom" setting on the TV to adjust picture, to get same or better picture as the CV. I checked my Satellite Receiver and the only output settings are set as I had before, for 16x9 Widescreen and 1080i. Those output settings are same for the CV and DVI outputs, I assume.

Hi tomasulo -

About ... just had a new HD Receiver { W/O HDMI } port installed ...

It MUST have been very old stock ! For many months now, new installations have had to be the much newer 5LNB antennas & associated HD dual tuner, hard drive Boxes - ie - VIP-722 if DISH.

Was it your decision or did the installer simply grab whatever was in the pile from his truck?

Not good - the older HD units / antennas can not "see" the latest satellites & therefore will not achieve the
,,,, " 85 all HD channels " ... as advertised !

eli

Agree about the DVI interface - if it doesn't have HDMI then I would go back and demand a new one. The only big difference with Component is that it won't support HDCP so in the future you might be restricted to 480p on some shows. It's possible that DVI connection supports HDCP but not guaranteed either, so that may not help. A new receiver with HDMI is almost guaranteed to be HDCP compatible.

Do NOT just start tweaking the user settings by eye - you need a calibration dvd like Digital Video Essentials with test patterns and filters.

tomasulo wrote:Both inputs on the back of my TV have the same settings, they are both at the "standard" setting, both the HDMI and CV inputs. The TV is new, Bravia 1080HD. I was using HDMI #1 port for my DVD player, then switched it to port #2 and put the satellite into port #1, and still had that darker, less crisp picture. Seems funny that the CV cables are giving me a much better picture in HD programming. I thought that maybe the output from the satellite in DVI is a lesser quality digital information than is the CV output?

You might be able to do a test with your DVD player. Your DVD probably has component output as well as HDMI. You can connect the DVD player up to the TV via the CV cables and the HDMI at the same time. Set your DVD player to output 480p and switch between the different inputs. If you see the component input looking better then it is probably your TV settings.

But, I agree with the other guys. There is no reason for you to have a DVI output only HD DVR! Make the satellite company switch it out.

Good Luck!
David