just got Widescreen HDTV - not overly happy - tips?
 

I guess I was just not prepared for widescreen yet. 99% of the stuff we have watched so far is not in wide screen format, so the picture gets a bit distorted. and the stuff we have watched in widescreen still forced the letterbox so the viewable picture is tiny.

I am forced to change the video format to "stretch" to make the picture look OK, but then I lose the bottom and side edge of the picture.


any TV gurus out there want to give me some tips that I can do to get a better experience?

http://www.mitsubishi-tv.com/2003_20.../wt_42313.html

that is the model number

i'm guessing the widescreen stuff you've watched is on dvd. any chance that those dvds aren't 16x9 enhanced(or enhanced for widescreen tvs)?

TV/dvd combinations sometimes need some tweaking, as you have found. I would say it may take some fiddling with a few things... Set the mode for your DVD player output to be lettterbox or widescreen format, then possibly set your tv to do nothing. It should just display what you send it and not change it. It almost sounds like you are getting two conversions since you mentioned that the picture is tiny. Odd and interesting. For reference, what DVD or vcr do you have? That could help is hep you figure it out.

The image is only going to be as good as your source.

That said, let's look at a few things.

If it's the DVD you're not happy with, there are some options. First, are you using a progressive-scan DVD player? Using progressive inputs will make for a much cleaner picture. You'd need to be using component inputs, though. The DVD player should be set to widescreen mode. In this mode, viewing the image on a normal 4:3 TV would show you tall, skinny people. on your 16:9 TV, though (when the TV is in "expand" mode) it stretches the sides out to make it the correct dimensions. See page 60 of your manual.

Are you displeased with your cable/satellite? Assuming it's not an HD signal, you're options aren't that great. Check out page 61...

Your TV will really shine when you get an HD source.

Here's the deal.. I have an HDTV

You can watch it in normal aspect ratio. With a proper install of an HD receiver, if you change the channel to an HD channel, then the aspect will change automatically to wide.

Also, look very closely at your DVD player. Micah mentioned about looking at a progressive scan unit. I would concur. But, be certain that you have a unit that actually progresses the frames, not just double them. Look for something with a Faroudja DCDi or Silicon Image PureProgressive de-interlacer.

Like people have said, to get a good amount HDtv, you need a sattellite HD tuner, or an off air HD tuner. You can probably get the off air hdtuner for under 500 dollars. And you can use old style antenna outside of the home to get local channels in HD. That is all that I have to add...

Also for help with this and other HD concerns, check out www.avsforum.com.

I see you live in VA, not sure if you have Cablevision there but here in NY Cablevision has about 15 channels in HD. All the major networks as well as 2 sports channels and one for each movie channel.

Try the settings on both the TV and the cable receiver. some strech modes work better than others. My HD tv came with an Auto setting that automatically adjusts based on the signal. I found that to work better that the strech mode on the cable tuner.

check out Voom. Great no money up front deals right now. Although, some of their programming is gimmick stuff - it is still worth the money. I get 38HD channels. I have been a HD follower since the inception.

I do think we lost him.....

Plastic??? Plastic??? Are you out there?

Ever since one of my friends bought a $3000+ HDTV, I have had a natural hatred for them. Biggest ripoff ever. The quality was not THAT damn good. Not to mention it makes videogames look like ass. I couldn't stand it. I could get a nice car for that much.

You can't watch TV on a car....

Well, I think because most HDTV requires HDTV signals, and some educated setup. Without that, yeah, they can look pretty ok... Standard Comcast cable in analog for needs to go through some conversions before it is thrust upon the screen.
I have seen some demos (expertly set up) and it can look really awesome. The good part about all of this is: if everybody feels that the picture is just ok, then the price will drop and the rest of us can afford it.

Yeah, but you can buy a car and use the leftover money to get a 27" TV that doesn't look like shit. :)

-Lasereth

HDTV is nice, but you need to have HD package from your cable operator to get HD. When you get the HD package(not that expensive considering you bought an HD set), you will get a special box and controler which will allow you do adjust the size of the picture, to get rid of the distortion of real HD programs. The package comes with Discovery HD(the thing they show in the stores), local channels, and ESPN, HDNET and HDmovies. Cost is about $15. a month.

I am considering getting an HDTV, but there are SO MANY things to consider that I am thinking of holding off until there is more programming, etc. Is that wise, or am I just contributing to the problem by holding out?

As with everything the price always goes down. Getting one now, if you are a sports nut, then it is worth it. Movies in HD are nothing spectacular, in the HD pkgs. there are a couple of good stations.

Sheesh, holding out? I have had HD for 6 years now ; ) GO FOR IT!