Sony WEGA LCD/Dish Network Standard Definition - how do I get better picture quality?

[Andrew4146]

I have a Sony WEGA 50 Inch LCD Projection High Definition Television. I have DishNetwork, and recently had high definition installed. High Definition channels are perfect - however, Standard Definition channels are very fuzzy; I notice that when I pull up the channel menu (the picture for the channel I am currently viewing is minimized to the upper right of my screen) the picture, while I am in the channel menu mode, is actually clear. I also noticed that on my TV settings, when I am on DishNetwork viewing TV, the screen size option for "Normal" is not available (it is available for DVDs, VCR, and so on) and the screen size option is set at "Full". Not sure why.

Any thoughts on how to get better picture quality?

[JQuinn]

Check out 57U's poor SD picture quality FAQ.

[labatt90]

Sony explains in the manual that if you are getting a high signal, like 1080i, regular viewing is "full" not "normal". Normal is only an option under regular analog 480i signals. This is a good thing. It means you are watching tv channels with better signals. James

[mfabien]

Sony explains in the manual that if you are getting a high signal, like 1080i, regular viewing is "full" not "normal". Normal is only an option under regular analog 480i signals. This is a good thing. It means you are watching tv channels with better signals. James

For HD viewing, "Full" and "Normal" are the same. If I attempt to select "Full", with my set, mode "Normal" will remain highlighted.

The aspect mode "Full" is for viewing 1.85:1 and anamorphic DVD's in 480 format (i or p). If used for normal SD programs, it becomes a zoom.

[steinej]

I have a Panasonic 50-in LCD and DishNetwork as well. I have both the 508 DVR and the 811 Hi-Def receiver. My 811's SD picture is very poor (fuzzy) and the HD channels are beautiful. The 508 DVR has an excellent SD picture. I'm hoping that the upcoming firmware update for the 811 will have an effect, but since the 508 is a DVR, I've ignored the 811's "problem video" and chose to watch the DVR.

FWIW.

John

[Andrew4146]

John / anyone, do you know when the firmware updated for the 811 update is coming?

It is good to know its not just me. I'm getting a separate antenna so I can pick up a bunch of local HD television channels, so I just plan on watching HD as much as possible on my 811, and, like John, watching my other television using my 508 DVR for other programming. It is frustrating that there is not an easy solution. I'm going to talk with the Dish folk and see if they have any suggestions for improving the quality, since I don't think it is my TV. If I find any useful info, I'll post it.

[steinej]

Just a quick reply. The DVR is connected to an S-video port on the same Panasonic TV. The 811 is connected via the DVI port. According the the Dish Network support forum, downloads of firmware version 284 were to start this week. If you've got an 811, be sure to leave it off and have updates set to automatic. If I recall, they said it could be a couple weeks before everyone's 811 got updated.

John

[kpeercy]

Guys,
I've had the 811 for a year (the television is a Panasonic 47" WS). There is no doubt that SD channels are horrible. To me, SD channels look very washed out and almost out of focus. It's a problem with the receiver, not the television. I notice that a few channels actually are pretty good. For example, the Disney Channel is really good PQ for a SD channel. In comparison, ESPN2 probably has the worst PQ of all of the SD channels.

[Rich]

So much for their claims to "dvd quality" television. What a joke.

[steinej]

Yesterday I noticed that my 811 received the P284 update. It appears that SD pictures are much improved. I wonder, though, about the placebo effect. Does anyone else with the newest download think the SD images are better? They still aren't up to the D508 PVR I'm watching via S-video, but they sure appear to be better than before.

John

[HDTVBob]

I had a Dish 811 box with component video connections through a Denon A/V Receiver to a Sony 60XBR950 LCD rear projection HDTV and had none of the poor PQ you folks are referring too. Maybe component connections make a difference but that's only a guess.

I just remembered this morning that I had local channels through Dish so all SD broadcasts that I watched were still digital which may be another reason. If you are watching SD channels off the antenna through the Dish 811 you may have the same problem I have now with the Comcast HD box which is a poor comb filter. The cure for the problem is to bypass the box and run the antenna connection directly to the TV. Change the input selection, when watching SD broadcasts and I wouldn't be surprised if your picture quality improves as it does for analog cable.