View Full Version : Now what?
Craig Ojala
09-08-2003, 05:23 PM
Just received my Motorola 5100 STB via Comcast. Do I need to go into the STB menu and adjust any settings? I only receive 4 or 5 HDTV channels (HBO,Showtime,etc.) and the picture looks no different then the regular channels. I'm using component cables. I've got a Hitachi 53" TV. Any advice would be appreciated.
tragedy
09-08-2003, 05:32 PM
The only thing I had to adjust was the tv aspect ratio. The tech guy did that. The regular channels will look the same, the box just gives you access to whatever HD channels they provide to your area.
I'm not sure how to access the menu since I don't have this box, but there are settings on the 5100. The STB will allow you to 'downconvert' to 480i, to let signal pass natively (480i/P, 720P, 1080i) or to convert everything to 1080i. The latter is typically recommended, although you could try the second one since your Hitachi can accept 720p and you can see if you prefer the "conversion" to be done by the TV or the STB. The downconversion option is useful to allow you to tape HD channels on a VCR/DVR (at 480i only of course).
You should notice a significant difference on HD channels when there's HD programming (they'll be 16:9 for one thing).
Craig Ojala
09-08-2003, 05:42 PM
Trajedy,
Do you see a big difference in your Hi-Def channels? Aspect Ratio?
mikehbkwm
09-08-2003, 05:46 PM
you will need to turn the box off.. then hit menu.... a menu will come up and you need to select 16:9, 1080i or 720p whatever your tv natively displays and then on all 480i programming i change it to 480p which it does look better.............. i have the same box as you do....
Craig Ojala
09-08-2003, 05:50 PM
57U,
When I am in my TV's menu, the 720p is "greyed out" so I can't select it. I do have some instructions to get into my STB menu, so I'm wondering about downconverting........I'm looking for the easiest way to watch the best quality HDTV, while continuing to enjoy decent non-hd channels. I really appreciate your advice!
Craig Ojala
09-08-2003, 05:51 PM
Thanks Mike. I'll try it.
Craig Ojala
09-08-2003, 05:55 PM
How do I know what my TV natively displays? And, how do you change from 480i to 480p? Is this a one-time change you can do in the STB or is it something I have to continually monitor - based upon what I'm watching?
Your TV can natively display only 2 formats - 1080i and 540P (there is a menu item for this under "picture" or something like that). The 540P option will not be available (it will be greyed out) if you have an incoming HD signal. It's only for non-HD signals.
On the newer Hitachis, you press the "info" button and it tells you the incoming signal. What model is the Hitachi?
mikehbkwm
09-08-2003, 06:03 PM
Craig Ojala
where it says 4:3 480i change it to 480p.... where it says 16:9 then 1080i change it to 16:9 and select 1080i...... i dont know what tv you have so im just giving you my default.........
mikehbkwm
09-08-2003, 06:04 PM
Craig Ojala
where it says 4:3 480i change it to 480p.... where it says 16:9 then 1080i change it to 16:9 and select 1080i...... i dont know what tv you have so im just giving you my default.........
you will not need to switch 480i/480p once its selected in the menu all 480i programming will be upconverted to 480p......
thats weird it double posted i didnt even do that either......
Craig Ojala
09-08-2003, 06:06 PM
It is a 2001 / 53". Not a wide screen. I'm not at home right now and I can't recall the model #. About the 480i vs. 480p switch - do I do this via the STB?
I don't think the 2001 Hitachis have the "info" feature that I mentioned earlier to tell you what the incoming signal is. I think we were also assuming you had a widescreen TV...
Craig Ojala
09-08-2003, 06:19 PM
How does not having a wide screen change any of the aforementioned advice? or does it? Thanks.
mikehbkwm
09-08-2003, 06:21 PM
well by not having a widescreen hitachi all HD programming will have black bars on top and bottom also the new hitachis upconvert 480i/p to 540p........ thats what 57u was asking......
You mentioned aspect ratios (I thought you were talking about the stretch modes on a widescreen set) Sorry. Between Mike helping with the STB info and me with the TV, you should be straightened out shortly.
Craig Ojala
09-08-2003, 06:22 PM
Okay thanks. What an education!
Craig Ojala
09-08-2003, 06:31 PM
A related question.....all of the movies on HBO & Showtime HD channels are not true HD are they? Isn't here a difference between something filmed in hi-def as opposed to a hi-def conversion? Or am I totally confused and out to lunch?
mikehbkwm
09-08-2003, 06:37 PM
some of the movies are presented in HD some are just upconverted just depends on what movie is being shown(some are still in a 4:3 aspect.... and yes you are correct these movies that are shown in HD werent filmed that way but are rerun through a HD process and you can notice a difference...................
kevinw
09-08-2003, 08:28 PM
Isn't here a difference between something filmed in hi-def as opposed to a hi-def conversion?
When using a HD camera it is video taped-IE "Sordid Lives"
Most movies are filmed then converted to HD tape for broadcast.
