why do some hdtv/blu ray player combinations look better than others?

Marc

I have been trying to set up a home theater (hdtv + blu ray player) system that will be eye catching, colors and graphics popping to the eye and with the best, sharpest resolution such that it would seem the person on the tv looks like he's in the same room with you. I have seen displays in Best Buys, Circuit City, etc. They were incredible, the colors popped out, the graphics and details of people were 10 times more life like then if they were in the same room as you.

I attempted to duplicate this quality. I bought an HDTV with what I thought were some of the best options you can choose - a Resolution of 1080P, a contrast resolution of 10,000 to 1, and I bought a Sylvania Blu Ray Player. I am also using the recomended HDMI Cable.

The picture is pretty good. However it is not nearly as fetching as the picture in the store. It has a grainy appearance at times (maybe because I'm sitting just 4 feet away from the 37 inch screen) The colors aren't popping as much, but more importantly, the blu ray dvds that I'm watching are not showing me a picture in which the people in the movie look 10x better than if they were in the same room with me (like how the one in the store appeared). I thought 10,000 to one was an excellent contrast ratio, and the TV is a Sharp, a name brand. I thought Sylvania (though not a name brand) was a good enough Blu Ray to deliver great picture. It has output capability of up to 1080P24.

The only things that I can think of are: maybe the setup in the store has an HDTV with like 5 billion to 1 contrast ratio? Does the brand name of the Blu Ray player make a significant difference?

Hope someone can help my nip thisone in the bud once and for all. Thanks!
I should also add that I have tested some of the best (recently made, visually stunning) Blu Ray DVDs in there and they don't look nearly as good as the store system on display.

Answer
There are a couple of things you could consider to get that picture quality you want.

Since you are 4 feet away from your TV, a 37" may be slightly too big, and I mean just slightly. Maybe a 32" would have been sufficient.

Also, I would have recommended a Samsung or Sony Blu-Ray player in terms of top quality Blu-Ray players over the Sylvania.

Is your Sharp Flat screen a Plasma or LCD? If its 10,000:1 contrast ratio on a plasma, you should be fine, I would have definitely recommended a minimum of 15,000:1 ratio if your TV is an LCD

Does your TV do 1080P @ 24 frames? You indicated your Sylvania Blu-Ray player outputs 1080p24, but does your TV display 1080p24? 24 frames per second is the film frame rate and most film sourced Bluray discs are encoded at that frame rate. 60 frames per second is the video display rate on most TVs. In simple terms, a 24p output into a TV that can display it, gives smoother motion for 99.99% of movies. That may be your artifact issues you are seeing in your poor picture quality.

One last thing, you might want to get your TV calibrated. That can get a bit expensive to get it professionally calibrated, but well worth getting it done in the end to get your TV to the EXACT color specifications to bring out the best picture quality.

Here's a link to some calibration techniques you can do for free: http://ezinearticles.com/?Give-Your-Flat-Screen-TV-Some-Calibration---For-Free!&id=862955
http://www.flat-screen-tv-guide.com/how-to.html

Why does my toshiba 720p 120hz tv not display blu ray in true 24p?

jtb012

i also have a Sony 40 inch 1080p 60hz tv downstairs which displays blu rays in 24p veery well. the motion is smooth. Why iis the motion not smooth on my Toshiba 720p 120hz tv? the 24p is enabled on the blu ray player.

Answer
The motion should be fine at either resolution. Try disabling the 24p and setting the blu ray output to 720p if you have it at 1080p. Maybe the tv isn't able to properly process those settings. Some tvs can and some older ones can't.

If you have tru motion enabled, try disabling that too.

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Blu-Ray Questions?

aftermathr

So...im in the market for a blu-ray player...probably a PS3 after the reviews i've read on it...and its versatility as an all in one unit. What can i expect resolution wise on my 720p Panasonic Viera Plasma when vierwing blu-ray? They are always demo-ing blu-ray on 1080p in the stores...so i cannot get a grasp on what i'm going to see on 720p. Am i looking at a big jump up from DVD? I know the frame rates are higher on Blu-ray...but i know true dvd is in 720p. I have my current setup broadcasting 720p over HDMI on a Harman Kardon DVD player and it looks pretty sharp. My TV's model number is TH-42PX80U. Thanks!

Answer
Ordered responses to your query:

-The PS3 is, in fact, one of the most affordable and yet still most versatile units. Highly recommended even if it will ONLY be used for blu-ray playback.
-Resolution depends on your personal preference. Your model supports both 720p and 1080i input resolution - though the native resolution more closely matches 720 pixel for pixel. There should not be a difference.
-I've seen demos of blu-ray on 720 native res LCD televisions for which the quality blows the full 1080 sets out of the water. The picture quality is dependent on more than just the number of pixels. Also, at more than a few feet away your eyes cannot see something that small, anyway - so the difference in sharpness will not be that noticeable.
-On this television (it is a 2008 model), the dynamic contrast is listed as 1,000,000:1 - though you will never ever see that in a motion picture. The native contrast is 30,000:1 - which is significant.
-As far as the jump from DVD - you should see a significant increase in quality even over up-converted DVDs. Dynamic range and color reproduction are much more significant in blu-ray (based on the quality of the transfer). If you are watching something like Commando or Predator - the comparison is not SO different that those not looking for it would see significant difference. However, try a movie like Casino Royale or 3:10 to Yuma and you'll see it even if you're half-blind.
-The frame rates on blu-ray are not higher. In fact, many times they are lower - but usually converted to 60Hz by the television. blu-ray is capable of 24p (fps) playback - which is the same frame-rate as film. The TV will generally convert that to it's native 60Hz by using a 2:3 pulldown method. Displaying one frame twice, then the next 3 times and alternating.
-Also, "true DVD" is not 720p - it's 480p. The native res of a DVD video is always 720x480 MPEG2. If you're getting 720p from your Harmon Kardon then it must be connected via HDMI or component.

Hope at least some of this info is helpful.

PS3 Blu-ray 1080i?

Falling Em

Ok, my dad got a PS3 for his birthday, but is returning it because he thinks that the Blu-ray (which is the reason he got it) won't be worth the $400 until he upgrades to 1080p from 1080i. Should he just keep it?
Note that he doesn't care about the games or the internet or even the hard drive. He considers those things extra. Right now I'm talking about whether the Blu-ray is so much different from a DVD at 1080i.

Answer
In regards to your initial question, I don't personally see any reason to return it - even if your TV was a 13-inch black and white set. At least that's one less purchase he would have to make - AGAIN - when he upgrades his display. IMO, yes he should just keep it.

In regards to your additional details, that is the same reason I purchased my PS3. I don't really care about the games, I wanted a blu-ray player and the PS3 is a nice price for a decent player and is noted as the fastest loading player. I bought a Sony standalone player in November and hated it due to the limited features and the fact that it took almost two minutes to load a disc - whereas the PS3 is pretty much instant due to the high-end processor. With the firmware update, it is now a profile 1.1 player. While I did only purchase it for movies, I also download game demos from the PS store and connect wirelessly to my internet connection - which is at least a nice feature if nothing else. Setting up media servers is a nice feature if I want to show someone a picture, watch a vid, or play some music without having to go to the computer to do so. I think after a little time and some experimenting w/ the system, your dad will probably end up enjoying all of the other features, as well. I already plan to purchase a few games and I have been off of the console gaming plateu for quite some time.

As far as the difference between 1080p and 1080i - not very noticeable to MOST people. The true picture quality difference will come from the HDMI 1.3 specification if both the source and the display have it. This means the POTENTIAL (hdmi specifications don't mean that the features included are mandatory) for deep color, x.v.YCC color gamut, high levels of color gradation, and 24p native playback w/o using 2:3 pulldown. THESE features will create a nice picture whether it's 1080i or 1080p.

This brings me to another point made by Miguel - who is correct, though most people would think not and I'm not sure if he even knows why. He says that flat panels are not interlace at all - which is true. They can pick up picture from interlace sources, but they are not interlace in the display. Most flat panels display the picture progressively and scan it diagonally, anyway - so the quality difference on a flat panel is even less noticeable. Just keep in mind that 1080i and 1080p are still both 1080 resolution - the primary difference noticed will be during fast motion - where interlace tends to blur slightly moreso than progressive. Hope this helps.

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why do some hdtv/blu ray player combinations look better than others?

blu ray player 24p setting image

Marc

I have been trying to set up a home theater (hdtv + blu ray player) system that will be eye catching, colors and graphics popping to the eye and with the best, sharpest resolution such that it would seem the person on the tv looks like he's in the same room with you. I have seen displays in Best Buys, Circuit City, etc. They were incredible, the colors popped out, the graphics and details of people were 10 times more life like then if they were in the same room as you.

I attempted to duplicate this quality. I bought an HDTV with what I thought were some of the best options you can choose - a Resolution of 1080P, a contrast resolution of 10,000 to 1, and I bought a Sylvania Blu Ray Player. I am also using the recomended HDMI Cable.

The picture is pretty good. However it is not nearly as fetching as the picture in the store. It has a grainy appearance at times (maybe because I'm sitting just 4 feet away from the 37 inch screen) The colors aren't popping as much, but more importantly, the blu ray dvds that I'm watching are not showing me a picture in which the people in the movie look 10x better than if they were in the same room with me (like how the one in the store appeared). I thought 10,000 to one was an excellent contrast ratio, and the TV is a Sharp, a name brand. I thought Sylvania (though not a name brand) was a good enough Blu Ray to deliver great picture. It has output capability of up to 1080P24.

The only things that I can think of are: maybe the setup in the store has an HDTV with like 5 billion to 1 contrast ratio? Does the brand name of the Blu Ray player make a significant difference?

Hope someone can help my nip thisone in the bud once and for all. Thanks!
I should also add that I have tested some of the best (recently made, visually stunning) Blu Ray DVDs in there and they don't look nearly as good as the store system on display.

Answer
There are a couple of things you could consider to get that picture quality you want.

Since you are 4 feet away from your TV, a 37" may be slightly too big, and I mean just slightly. Maybe a 32" would have been sufficient.

Also, I would have recommended a Samsung or Sony Blu-Ray player in terms of top quality Blu-Ray players over the Sylvania.

Is your Sharp Flat screen a Plasma or LCD? If its 10,000:1 contrast ratio on a plasma, you should be fine, I would have definitely recommended a minimum of 15,000:1 ratio if your TV is an LCD

Does your TV do 1080P @ 24 frames? You indicated your Sylvania Blu-Ray player outputs 1080p24, but does your TV display 1080p24? 24 frames per second is the film frame rate and most film sourced Bluray discs are encoded at that frame rate. 60 frames per second is the video display rate on most TVs. In simple terms, a 24p output into a TV that can display it, gives smoother motion for 99.99% of movies. That may be your artifact issues you are seeing in your poor picture quality.

One last thing, you might want to get your TV calibrated. That can get a bit expensive to get it professionally calibrated, but well worth getting it done in the end to get your TV to the EXACT color specifications to bring out the best picture quality.

Here's a link to some calibration techniques you can do for free: http://ezinearticles.com/?Give-Your-Flat-Screen-TV-Some-Calibration---For-Free!&id=862955
http://www.flat-screen-tv-guide.com/how-to.html

Blu-Ray Question? Help!?

Jose Q.

If I use Component Cables on my Blu-Ray Player will it look as good as if I were using an HDMI cable? Would there be a diference at all?

Answer
No and the only reason is the manufacture rolled over for the studio.

Component is very capable of carrying the full resolution of 1080p 24p 30p (not that different than 1080i 60i) but the studios want to make it inconvenient for you to slow down (not stop) pirates.

So it is not that the cable can't do the job just that the powers that be decided for you that HDMI is better. So that you would buy a new set that has HDMI. So that you would buy lots of cables and dink with loading a software update so they have an excuse to look at your network to find "contraband" material or software designed to copy DVDs ,etc..

If you value your privacy just use component at 1080i most will not see a huge difference since the frame rate is 60 interlaced vs. 30 progressive. If you are 20/20 vision or less you can not tell the difference.

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Blu-Ray Questions?

blu ray player 24p setting image

aftermathr

So...im in the market for a blu-ray player...probably a PS3 after the reviews i've read on it...and its versatility as an all in one unit. What can i expect resolution wise on my 720p Panasonic Viera Plasma when vierwing blu-ray? They are always demo-ing blu-ray on 1080p in the stores...so i cannot get a grasp on what i'm going to see on 720p. Am i looking at a big jump up from DVD? I know the frame rates are higher on Blu-ray...but i know true dvd is in 720p. I have my current setup broadcasting 720p over HDMI on a Harman Kardon DVD player and it looks pretty sharp. My TV's model number is TH-42PX80U. Thanks!

Answer
Ordered responses to your query:

-The PS3 is, in fact, one of the most affordable and yet still most versatile units. Highly recommended even if it will ONLY be used for blu-ray playback.
-Resolution depends on your personal preference. Your model supports both 720p and 1080i input resolution - though the native resolution more closely matches 720 pixel for pixel. There should not be a difference.
-I've seen demos of blu-ray on 720 native res LCD televisions for which the quality blows the full 1080 sets out of the water. The picture quality is dependent on more than just the number of pixels. Also, at more than a few feet away your eyes cannot see something that small, anyway - so the difference in sharpness will not be that noticeable.
-On this television (it is a 2008 model), the dynamic contrast is listed as 1,000,000:1 - though you will never ever see that in a motion picture. The native contrast is 30,000:1 - which is significant.
-As far as the jump from DVD - you should see a significant increase in quality even over up-converted DVDs. Dynamic range and color reproduction are much more significant in blu-ray (based on the quality of the transfer). If you are watching something like Commando or Predator - the comparison is not SO different that those not looking for it would see significant difference. However, try a movie like Casino Royale or 3:10 to Yuma and you'll see it even if you're half-blind.
-The frame rates on blu-ray are not higher. In fact, many times they are lower - but usually converted to 60Hz by the television. blu-ray is capable of 24p (fps) playback - which is the same frame-rate as film. The TV will generally convert that to it's native 60Hz by using a 2:3 pulldown method. Displaying one frame twice, then the next 3 times and alternating.
-Also, "true DVD" is not 720p - it's 480p. The native res of a DVD video is always 720x480 MPEG2. If you're getting 720p from your Harmon Kardon then it must be connected via HDMI or component.

Hope at least some of this info is helpful.

1080p24p/60p 120 hz confusion...?

chris00780

i'm looking into getting a new sony lcd WITHOUT the 120hz option. i noticed that the sony lcd im looking at ( KDL-40S4100) has a 24p input option with blu-ray. does this mean that since it has a 24p input option with the blu-ray player that the need for a 120hz lcd is pointless? i understand the need for the 3:2 pulldown when you have a 60hz tv trying to display 24fps film. im just a little confused about this option with blu-ray. if this is the case, does this hold true for upconverted dvd's or is that where the need for 120hz lcd's comes in to play. thanks!!!

Answer
There are two advantages to the 120Hz:

1) Uniform motion of objects in the picture is much smoother, eliminating "trails". This is true for both video (60Hz) and film (24Hz) sources. This is a result of the interpolation of the extra frame from 60Hz sources. (For 24Hz sources, see below.)

2) if the set accepts 24p input, that works out to exactly 5 120Hz frames per one 24Hz movie frame, and that eliminates "judder". Judder comes from the fact that to convert 24Hz to 60Hz, one 24Hz frame produces 3 60Hz frames and the next will produce only 2 60Hz frames (3-2 pulldown). This uneven duration of display time causes non-uniform motion display. In addition, the 5 120Hz frames generated from the 24Hz frames are "interpolated" so that film "jitter" (the jerky display because of the slow frame rate) is reduced greatly.

In summary, if you are getting blu-ray, especially if you plan to watch a lot of film-originated material. 120Hz is the way to go.

The 24Hz output of a DVD player, both blu-ray and standard, can be a perfect replica of the original motion picture frame sequence. This is because the frames are "flagged" when recorded on the DVD, so it is possible for the circuitry to identify which frame to output at 24Hz and not output identical frames in sequence. So the 24hz benefits apply to both upconverted standard and blu-ray DVDs (played on a blu-ray player).

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What's the difference between 1080i and 1080p?

blu ray player 24p setting image

Q. Can someone clarify the difference?

Answer
There are 3 1080 resolutions stipulated by the ATSC for HD material.

1080i 60i frames per second

1080p 30p frames per second

1080p 24p frames per second

The interlaced 60i will create a half image (every other line) every 1/60th of a second.

1080p 30p was developed for progressive displays that could not obviously display natively 1080i 60i.There is a little advantage in edge jitter, but this can make fast motion look somewhat blurry.

The big advantage to 1080p is the 24p scan rate. When using this with the right Blu-ray or Hd DVD player set to 24p the transfer has no 3/2 pulldown. The display progressively displays the movie the exact way it was transferred, at 24 frames a second.

Obviously edge jitter is reduced to nil with a 1080p set, but only with content in 1080p it does nothing for 1080i or other resolutions.

Given the small additional cost 1080p is the way to go.

Overall Which is better HDMI or Component?

logan

I have a existing video processor in my current set up that I am considering replacing, but I can find no information on frame rate comparison between HDMI and Component any thoughts?

Answer
Most manufactures will not tell you about frame rate, it will make the difference.

HD signals range the following

720p 60p or 30p frames
1080i at 60i
1080p at 24p or 30p

based on you previous questions the projector you have will accept any resolution. And given the processor you have I would stick to it vs. buying one that has HDCP and HDMI inputs. Your processor will interpolate the signal and make the progressive display output just as it already does, better than most players or sources are capable of. I would wager with the proper settings you would be hard pressed to see the difference between 1080p 30p vs. 1080i 60i.

Given that you decided agains Blu-ray you should just wait it out for somethign better, since it seems you are already happy.

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Blu-Ray Questions?

blu ray player 24p setting image

aftermathr

So...im in the market for a blu-ray player...probably a PS3 after the reviews i've read on it...and its versatility as an all in one unit. What can i expect resolution wise on my 720p Panasonic Viera Plasma when vierwing blu-ray? They are always demo-ing blu-ray on 1080p in the stores...so i cannot get a grasp on what i'm going to see on 720p. Am i looking at a big jump up from DVD? I know the frame rates are higher on Blu-ray...but i know true dvd is in 720p. I have my current setup broadcasting 720p over HDMI on a Harman Kardon DVD player and it looks pretty sharp. My TV's model number is TH-42PX80U. Thanks!

Answer
Ordered responses to your query:

-The PS3 is, in fact, one of the most affordable and yet still most versatile units. Highly recommended even if it will ONLY be used for blu-ray playback.
-Resolution depends on your personal preference. Your model supports both 720p and 1080i input resolution - though the native resolution more closely matches 720 pixel for pixel. There should not be a difference.
-I've seen demos of blu-ray on 720 native res LCD televisions for which the quality blows the full 1080 sets out of the water. The picture quality is dependent on more than just the number of pixels. Also, at more than a few feet away your eyes cannot see something that small, anyway - so the difference in sharpness will not be that noticeable.
-On this television (it is a 2008 model), the dynamic contrast is listed as 1,000,000:1 - though you will never ever see that in a motion picture. The native contrast is 30,000:1 - which is significant.
-As far as the jump from DVD - you should see a significant increase in quality even over up-converted DVDs. Dynamic range and color reproduction are much more significant in blu-ray (based on the quality of the transfer). If you are watching something like Commando or Predator - the comparison is not SO different that those not looking for it would see significant difference. However, try a movie like Casino Royale or 3:10 to Yuma and you'll see it even if you're half-blind.
-The frame rates on blu-ray are not higher. In fact, many times they are lower - but usually converted to 60Hz by the television. blu-ray is capable of 24p (fps) playback - which is the same frame-rate as film. The TV will generally convert that to it's native 60Hz by using a 2:3 pulldown method. Displaying one frame twice, then the next 3 times and alternating.
-Also, "true DVD" is not 720p - it's 480p. The native res of a DVD video is always 720x480 MPEG2. If you're getting 720p from your Harmon Kardon then it must be connected via HDMI or component.

Hope at least some of this info is helpful.

1080p24p/60p 120 hz confusion...?

chris00780

i'm looking into getting a new sony lcd WITHOUT the 120hz option. i noticed that the sony lcd im looking at ( KDL-40S4100) has a 24p input option with blu-ray. does this mean that since it has a 24p input option with the blu-ray player that the need for a 120hz lcd is pointless? i understand the need for the 3:2 pulldown when you have a 60hz tv trying to display 24fps film. im just a little confused about this option with blu-ray. if this is the case, does this hold true for upconverted dvd's or is that where the need for 120hz lcd's comes in to play. thanks!!!

Answer
There are two advantages to the 120Hz:

1) Uniform motion of objects in the picture is much smoother, eliminating "trails". This is true for both video (60Hz) and film (24Hz) sources. This is a result of the interpolation of the extra frame from 60Hz sources. (For 24Hz sources, see below.)

2) if the set accepts 24p input, that works out to exactly 5 120Hz frames per one 24Hz movie frame, and that eliminates "judder". Judder comes from the fact that to convert 24Hz to 60Hz, one 24Hz frame produces 3 60Hz frames and the next will produce only 2 60Hz frames (3-2 pulldown). This uneven duration of display time causes non-uniform motion display. In addition, the 5 120Hz frames generated from the 24Hz frames are "interpolated" so that film "jitter" (the jerky display because of the slow frame rate) is reduced greatly.

In summary, if you are getting blu-ray, especially if you plan to watch a lot of film-originated material. 120Hz is the way to go.

The 24Hz output of a DVD player, both blu-ray and standard, can be a perfect replica of the original motion picture frame sequence. This is because the frames are "flagged" when recorded on the DVD, so it is possible for the circuitry to identify which frame to output at 24Hz and not output identical frames in sequence. So the 24hz benefits apply to both upconverted standard and blu-ray DVDs (played on a blu-ray player).

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