KDF-55XS955 and Dish 811 - 1080i problem

[doubledsquared]

I purchased the Sony KDF-55XS955 about 2 months ago and I am having trouble with my Dish 811 receiver displaying 1080i through the HDMI input on the TV.
When I initially unboxed the TV and hooked-up the 811, I thought the TV was defective straight out iof the box. There was a dark screen and no sound with the 811 hooked-up to the TV using HDMI and the 811 set to 1080i (sound was hooked-up using red white audio cables).

I connected the 811 using component and I could get a picture in 1080i. I was then able to change the output of the 811 to 720p and I was able to get a picture and sound using HDMI. The problem with 720p and HD channels with the 811 on my KDF-55XS955, is that the picture looks no better than SD.

I have the Dish HD pack and the Voom package. ESPN-HD, HD-News are only a couple of the channels that look halfway decent in 720p, but all are improved slightly when using 1080i.

When I switch the 811 from 720p to 1080i (using the HDMI input) the onscreen display such as the Dish channel guide or channel info of the 811 will flash and look somewhat faded. If I shut off the TV and the 811 for awhile and then turn everything on, I'm stuck with a black screen and no sound through the HDMI input until I switch the 811 back to 720p.

I spent $70 on a new DVI to HDMI cable and I still have the same problem.

One bright spot, the SD channels look great with the 811 set to 720p or 1080i. The biggest problem is that my wife is not too thrilled that I dropped 3 grand on an HDTV that looks like SD.

[57U]

I spent $70 on a new DVI to HDMI cable and I still have the same problem.Is it possible to return the cable? See the HDTV FAQ "DVI/HDMI Information". You can buy cables from a lot of sites for $1-$20...

You stated you tried component video cables. How's the Picture Quality? Why not stick with component if that works well?

[Intimidator#3]

I have the 811 with the Dish HD and I have never tried going from HDMI to DVI. Most folks use the component for now with the 811 due to most folks think the component looks just as good. Right now I would say it's a 811 issue but next year Dish is comeing out with new MPEG4 receivers that will have a HDMI input. On SD channels with the 811 setting the 811 to 480p it seems to make the SD channels look better. Then on HD setting the 811 to 780 or 1080 looks better.

[doubledsquared]

Is it possible to return the cable? See the HDTV FAQ "DVI/HDMI Information". You can buy cables from a lot of sites for $1-$20...

You stated you tried component video cables. How's the Picture Quality? Why not stick with component if that works well?

Picture quality is similar with component compared to HDMI whether it's 720p or 1080i.
1080i without doubt gives the best picture.

One reason I chose the TV was due to the fact that it had 2 HDMI inputs and I could free up the component inputs for other devices.

I agree, I spent too much money on the cable and I do have a 30 day return option. I was initially using a DVI to HDMI adapter that I got on Ebay for $7. I wanted to eliminate the possibility of the adapter causing the problem so I got a little carried away with the new cable.

[doubledsquared]

I have the 811 with the Dish HD and I have never tried going from HDMI to DVI. Most folks use the component for now with the 811 due to most folks think the component looks just as good. Right now I would say it's a 811 issue but next year Dish is comeing out with new MPEG4 receivers that will have a HDMI input. On SD channels with the 811 setting the 811 to 480p it seems to make the SD channels look better. Then on HD setting the 811 to 780 or 1080 looks better.

I talked to Advanced Tech Support at Dish and they claimed they never heard of a problem with the 811 w/1080i and Sony TVs.
I can get 1080i through HDMI to work on the TV with some extra effort so the TV and the 811 somewhat work together. If I do a reset on the 811, I can get 1080i through HDMI without flicker. Once I shut everything off though, it takes another reset to get 1080i to work on HDMI again (or start at 720p, switch to 1080i, and then deal with the flickering on screen guides).

Does your Sony have HDMI inputs?

[57U]

For the HDMI "handshake" to work, it's always best to turn on the TV first, then the STB. Not sure if that'll help your cause.

[doubledsquared]

57U,

Thanks for the advice. I gave the TV a chance to turn on and warm up a little before turning on the 811, but 1080i still doesn't work through HDMI without jumping through hoops.

[Intimidator#3]

Yeah well I did not say that Sonys have issues with the 811 at 1080i. I said I have never tried going from DVI to HDMI on my set. The 811 only has a DVI and my old Sony had a DVI Input which I did try with the 811. When I did it seem to make the picture brighter is all. So I stayed with component due to I thought the picture was better in that the color was richer and not as bright. As far as I know their are no issues with Sony with the 811's but on this note Dish has said that they will be coming out with the 411 and 211 by the end of the month. 411 and 211 will replace the 811 and the 411,211 both have HDMI inputs plus their MPEG4. The only diffrence between the 411 and 211 is that the 211 has a ethernet jack.So overall most of the issues are going to be on the receiver end.