DirecTV 1080i vs Samsung 720p

[Shmackers]

I have DirecTV and want to take advantage of their $399 offering, but they can't guarantee me what receiver I will get. The Hughes appears to handle only 1080i, whereas the Samsung handles every format.

Is this a big deal? What will happen if I end up with the Huges and try to watch something in 720p?

[AdminJoe]

it will upconvert it to 1080i

[Shmackers]

The guy at Best Buy told me it would distort the picture. Is that true? I'm new to all this stuff, and my basic question is should I be overly concerned about getting a receiver that only handles 1080i?

[Mike71]

When I called I requested the Samsung, they said they can't take request so I told them if I got the Hughes I would refuse the order and they said that was fine. Luckily I got the Samsung. I would order it and if you get the Hughes (everyone I know of got the Samsung) , then don't accept the order.

[57U]

All STBs "handle" 720P. In addition to sending 1080i, some STBs allow the signal to pass through natively, then the TV will convert (if it accepts 720P). Others convert all signals to 1080i. This conversion is typically done quite well, typically without any "degredation".

There may, of course, be other reasons to get one STB over another.

[tneison]

I was in the same boat and really, really wanted the Samsung for the DVI output. Obviously they are consistent in stating that they have no control over which you get.

I asked the Directv sales person to put a note on the order anyway that my preference was Samsung (not sure if he did or not).

Turns out I got the Samsung - so I'm happy and I didn't have to worry about cancelling the order either.

The only problem I've had with the Samsung is having to unplug the unit to reset it - I'm not sure why I have to do that. I'm going to wait until I have everything set up completely (I'm only putting the Antenna in at this point until my install) before I treat it is a real problem.

Another very minor issue is that the remote is very touchy with the aiming. I can point my Tivo remote in practically the opposite direction and it works - the Samsung I have to point very directly.

I'm definitely not complaining though...

[Mike71]

I have never had to reset my receiver, but the remote thing is annoying. I have to aim at the receiver. It could be worse though. :rolleyes:

[Paul Mohr]

I was going to say the same thing 57U did basically. The question is, does your tv display 720p? If it does not, it is a non issue. My tv does not, so the stb (OTA) upconverts it to 1080i. I have not noticed any "distortion" to speak of. ABC broadcasts in 720p, and every other channel in my area uses 1080i. They all look the same to me. If anything the upconverted 720p looks a tad bit better me sometimes. I am sure it is program specific though because CSI on CBS is 1080i and it looks pretty darn good.

Given my choice though, I would rather have a tv that displays 720p and down convert everything else to that. I think the progressive scan images look "smoother", even in 480. It could all be in my head though:D .

I am sure both will look really great. I would be more concerned about getting the connections and interface options I wanted. Like whether you could control aspect ratios with a single button on the remote control or not.

Paul

[sanjar]

I went thru the same thing with Directv over the Hughes and Samsung units. I told them I'll return it if it's not a Samsung and they said OK. Luckily, I got the Samsung unit. I think because of the DVI demand they are mostly sending the Samsungs out.

I am very happy with the set and hasn't had any problem. I really like its menues over my other Sony STBs.

[Shmackers]

Thanks to everyone for their responses. The receiver just arrived and I got the Samsung!