CHUD.com Community › Forums › DVD, HOME THEATER, & GADGETS › Chewer Tech › HD/Blu Ray player advice
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

HD/Blu Ray player advice

post #1 of 45
10/22/10 at 7:35pm
Thread Starter 
So, I just made the upgrade to HD TV, cable and Blu ray, and I'm feeling like I'm not getting the most out of my system. It looks good and all, but not as good as I had hoped or have seen on other people's systems. What can I do to make it really pop? Any advice?
Reply
post #2 of 45
10/22/10 at 8:25pm
What TV did you get, what have you been watching on it, have you done any calibration of the settings?
Reply
post #3 of 45
10/22/10 at 8:31pm
I'm kind of in the same boat. I've got a Sharp 40" LCD and a Sharp BD-HP22U Blu-ray, and stuff just doesn't have that same pop I've seen on other HD setups. I've run calibrations, and on-screen graphics and stuff look really sharp, and live TV looks really good, but watching Blu-rays, I don't get that "live" look.
Reply
post #4 of 45
10/22/10 at 8:34pm
Thread Starter 
I got a Dynex 40" LCD 1080p. Lower-end cost wise (I realize that may be the issue right there). I calibrated the settings to the best of my abilities in the sets' menu. I've been watching cable through a coaxial cable and Blu Ray through regular video & audio cables. The blu ray (Sony, forget the model) looks better than the cable.

I've been doing some research, and I'm wondering: would switching to HDMI or component video cables make a significant difference in the picture quality?

Again, what I'm getting is by no means bad, it just doesn't "pop" like other rigs I've seen.
Reply
post #5 of 45
10/22/10 at 10:04pm
Samsung 32" HDTV, HDMI cables for both my PS3 and HD-DVD Player. The PS3 makes Blu-rays look GREAT. It upscales dvds really well too.
Reply
post #6 of 45
10/22/10 at 10:24pm
Thread Starter 
After cruising some forums, what I've found is --

HDMI cable for Blu Ray

Component for cable.

I'm going to try this set-up and see what happens.
Reply
post #7 of 45
10/23/10 at 12:25am
It can be so many various factors coming into play so I'll name some off the top of my head:

Type of TV
Sorry to say, some just don't cut it. It helps to have a good high contrast ratio. Calibration can be done on some sets. The refresh rate also can factor in.

Type of Blu-ray player
Really in terms of output, almost any of them will do, but if you have an eye for detail then the PS3 and the Oppos are my favorites. Also you have to play with some settings depending on the player to make it look good.

Type of Movie
Check out that DVD section of the forum with some blu-ray recommendations. Some discs are just flat out better than others.

Misc other advice:
Cheap calibration can be done using the THX calibrator on some movies. I used the Star Wars Episode III one.
Want to know the settings at a store? Go there, pick up their remotes and find the settings they use.
There's something important about seating distance and size of the screen. Wish I knew it off the top of my head.

edit: Didn't read all the posts
Yes HDMI will give you the father err pop you were looking for. Now upgrade your receiver.
Reply
post #8 of 45
10/23/10 at 12:32am
Thread Starter 
When you say "calibration", what do you mean? Tweaking the color and contrast, or is it more than that?
Reply
post #9 of 45
10/23/10 at 1:17am
http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-6463_7-5085739-4.html

A quick sum up of the process. Usually costs money, so sticking with adjusting what you can via a remote does wonders.
Reply
post #10 of 45
10/23/10 at 1:40am
I just got my second HD TV this week (a 55 inch Samsung LED model), and have been messing around constantly with the settings.

If you got to a site (like AVS forum) and look up your specific model, highly experienced AV geeks will usually post their preferred settings on their boards.

However, if those posted settings aren't satisfying you, I would recommend just messing around with your picture until you're satisfied.

Generally most TVs have a handful of preset PQ settings (my past couple of Samsung models have had "Dynamic," "Standard," "Natural," and "Movie"). First, I would recommend you browse through your preset settings until you find one that fits your taste the most. Then you can mess around with all of the more advanced individual settings until you have your picture set up exactly the way you like it.

But be warned, if you're obsessive compulsive like me, calibrating your picture settings can be pretty frustrating. I've changed my settings every night for the past seven nights on my new tv. I think I'm close to the point where I can accept my picture now.
Reply
post #11 of 45
10/23/10 at 1:57am
Thread Starter 
Yeah, I've done all of that. I haven't THX picture optimized it, and I've been using crummy cables. I got the cables, and I'm renting the AVATAR blu ray just to use the THX optimizer. I've also been reading a lot of articles on it since my initial post. We'll see how I do.
Reply
post #12 of 45
10/23/10 at 2:22am
Unless I'm mistaken, the Avatar blu-ray doesn't actually have the thx optimizer on it. When Cameron said "it's just the movie," he literally meant it's just the movie. The Toy Story blu-rays have Disney's equivalent of the optimizer on it, though.
Reply
post #13 of 45
10/23/10 at 2:22am
HDMI cables are definitely the best, but component cables come in close for picture quality. By all means avoid the standard red/yellow/white cables that come with the PS3 system.
Reply
post #14 of 45
10/23/10 at 2:26am
Thread Starter 
I got HMDI for the blu ray, component for cable TV. Shit's not cheap!

Good to know about Avatar. Don't really care to watch the movie again.
Reply
post #15 of 45
10/23/10 at 4:32am
Assume your cable box is an HD receiver? If no, upgrade! And yes, not using HDMI cables is your problem. They can be cheap, though. Don't buy that shit at Best Buy. I get mine here:

http://www.monoprice.com/products/su...02&cp_id=10240
Reply
post #16 of 45
10/23/10 at 5:20am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Richard Dickson View Post
I'm kind of in the same boat. I've got a Sharp 40" LCD and a Sharp BD-HP22U Blu-ray, and stuff just doesn't have that same pop I've seen on other HD setups. I've run calibrations, and on-screen graphics and stuff look really sharp, and live TV looks really good, but watching Blu-rays, I don't get that "live" look.
Not sure what you mean by "live", but I hear people commonly mistake that films on blu-ray will automatically look like their HD sports and television shows. Your blu-ray films should look like films, and they won't always have the same level of sharpness and pop that say a sporting event broadcast in hd would.

I am not sure if that is your expectation, but I hear that lament alot.
Reply
post #17 of 45
10/23/10 at 6:49am
T2 and Pixars films definitely have the THX optimizer. T2 has the less confusing one,though.

As for wires, component is fine for cable since even HD cable wont go past 720p resolution, which is as far as component can go. But for Blu Ray, HDMI is a must.
Reply
post #18 of 45
10/23/10 at 6:53am
My DirecTV receiver goes to 1080i, and the On Demand stuff from them is often 1080p.
Reply
post #19 of 45
10/23/10 at 6:59am
Thread Starter 
HDMI looks amazing, on both Blu ray and cable. Unfortunately, my Blu Ray player is shit. It's freezing up, then not reading the disc. When it works, it looks great. But I gotta return it. What sucks is that it's a wedding gift thru Amazon.
Reply
post #20 of 45
10/23/10 at 7:02am
Did you connect it to the internet and update the firmware? Do dat shit first.
Reply
post #21 of 45
10/23/10 at 7:06am
Thread Starter 
No I didn't. It shows me this folder when I start it up; I was thinking it might be the problem. WHAT DO I DO PHIL PLEASE HELP ME
Reply
post #22 of 45
10/23/10 at 7:08am


Plug that thing into the internet and see what it tells you. Also, what model player?
Reply
post #23 of 45
10/23/10 at 7:20am
Thread Starter 
Sony BPD S360

How do I hook that shit up to the internets? I've got wireless cable, Time Warner. HELP ME PHIL YOU'RE MY ONLY HOPE
Reply
post #24 of 45
10/23/10 at 7:25am
There's no ethernet port in the back of that motherfucker? You might need to buy a wireless adapter for the thing. I found this firmware update on your model:

http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/swu...55&mdl=BDPS360

But I don't know how to get it in there thatswhatshesaid. I plug my DSL into the back of my player and there's a firmware menu prompt.
Reply
post #25 of 45
10/23/10 at 7:27am
Read this and see if it makes sense with what you're looking at over there:

http://www.retrevo.com/pdf/23458dj98...=Sony+BDP-S360

Here's info about how to hook your shit up to the network:

http://www.retrevo.com/pdf/23458dj98...=Sony+BDP-S360
Reply
post #26 of 45
10/23/10 at 7:58am
Another option: You might be able to just burn the firmware update to a dvdr and put it in your player. I know some players/owners go that route.
Reply
post #27 of 45
10/23/10 at 8:13am
Yeah, the Sony site says also says you can burn the content to a CDR to install the new firmware (or request a disc from Sony). Although they seem to recommend hooking it up to a network if possible.
Reply
post #28 of 45
10/23/10 at 8:38am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Agent Z View Post
Not sure what you mean by "live", but I hear people commonly mistake that films on blu-ray will automatically look like their HD sports and television shows. Your blu-ray films should look like films, and they won't always have the same level of sharpness and pop that say a sporting event broadcast in hd would.

I am not sure if that is your expectation, but I hear that lament alot.
I think a lot of it has to do with the insane lighting and amped up settings you see in retail stores. It creates some unrealistic expectations.
Reply
post #29 of 45
10/23/10 at 9:25am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Phil View Post
My DirecTV receiver goes to 1080i, and the On Demand stuff from them is often 1080p.
That's satellite. Digital cable hasn't gotten to 1080p yet.
Reply
post #30 of 45
10/23/10 at 11:58am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Justin Clark View Post
That's satellite. Digital cable hasn't gotten to 1080p yet.


Oh well, I don't get AMC in HD. Guess that's the trade-off.
Reply
post #31 of 45
10/23/10 at 12:30pm
That and my picture doesn't shit itself whenever God so much as decides to fart in the wind outside.

I'm sorry. That was mean. I love you.
Reply
post #32 of 45
10/23/10 at 1:42pm
My satellite has crapped out three times in 5 years. I have a backlog of movies and the Dvr and I don't watch sports, so it's never been an issue.
Reply
post #33 of 45
10/23/10 at 3:06pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks dudes. Unfortunately, jacking it in to the modem is no easy feat 'cause I live in a huge apartment and the airport is on the other side of the room. I downloaded the firmware content but I haven't burned anything to CD for so long (except on itunes and the files won't load into there) I don't know if I have a decent CD burning driver anymore. Basically I'm a hot mess. I'll figure it out.

You can't just jack the player into the ethernet thru the cable box, can you? There's an ethernet port on the back of the box but I'm assuming it's an output.

Anyway, y'all have been super helpful. My shit looks great when it works!
Reply
post #34 of 45
10/23/10 at 3:15pm
No USB port on your blu-ray player either? I was thinking it might be possible to upgrade with a jump drive.
Reply
post #35 of 45
10/23/10 at 3:49pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Phil View Post
Assume your cable box is an HD receiver? If no, upgrade! And yes, not using HDMI cables is your problem. They can be cheap, though. Don't buy that shit at Best Buy. I get mine here:

http://www.monoprice.com/products/su...02&cp_id=10240
If you've got a Five Below in your area, some of those stores carry perfectly reasonable HDMI cables for, wait for it, five dollars.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Justin Clark View Post
T2 and Pixars films definitely have the THX optimizer. T2 has the less confusing one,though.

As for wires, component is fine for cable since even HD cable wont go past 720p resolution, which is as far as component can go. But for Blu Ray, HDMI is a must.
Component as an interconnect format is technically capable of supporting HD all the way to 1080p@30 - though a lot of equipment doesn't support it since Blu-ray/HD-DVD's odious licensing requirements don't allow it and there's not much else in the way of 1080p content. Those licensing requirements effectively cap component to 1080i@60 in the name of copy protection, thus ending Blu-ray piracy forever. Oh wait.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Richard Dickson View Post
I think a lot of it has to do with the insane lighting and amped up settings you see in retail stores. It creates some unrealistic expectations.
HDTVs, like SDTVs of the past, almost always look like complete shit in-store thanks to bad or no calibration.

Those looking for HD optimizers for your Blu-ray players, XBoxes, or PS3s should check out the free AVS HD 709 test pattern suite, available in several formats, at least one of which ought to work on whatever player you have. Caveat - the AVS patterns are no good if you have a CRT based HDTV, but those are rare beasts and getting rarer. I can verify this, a friend has an older 1080i CRT rear projector and the AVS patterns proved useless there.

Many sets have separate picture calibration settings for each input, and different devices may require differing calibration. For calibrating your cable or satellite box, if you've got a DVR you'd do well to record the HDNet test patterns and keep them on your DVR for future use. They came on today at 6:30 am ET; next airing is November 6 also at 6:30 AM ET. Instructions HERE.

Also, in a turnaround from the analog NTSC days, a fair number of digital HDTV sets in the US support direct PAL and 1080i@50 input - if you have a PAL to NTSC-converting DVD or Blu-ray player and PAL or 1080i@50 discs, you might be downscaling or format converting unnecessarily, sacrificing picture quality as a result. PAL/50Hz compatibility is rarely mentioned in manuals, and is occasionally explicitly denied in the manual even though the TV supports it in practice.
Reply
post #36 of 45
10/23/10 at 4:11pm
Thread Starter 
Updated firmware, player running great! It even recognizes the blu ray discs by title now, wasn't doing that before. Thanks again guys.

I will say this, I'm watching the player on component right now and HDMI is way better. There's no contest really.
Reply
post #37 of 45
10/23/10 at 5:39pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by reggie-wanker View Post
HDTVs, like SDTVs of the past, almost always look like complete shit in-store thanks to bad or no calibration.
It's just I see movies on some retail setups and they don't look like they're on film, they look like a live TV broadcast.
Reply
post #38 of 45
10/23/10 at 5:44pm
That would be called 120Hz/Sports mode. It is shit.
Reply
post #39 of 45
10/23/10 at 8:50pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by SAIRUS View Post
Want to know the settings at a store? Go there, pick up their remotes and find the settings they use.
Are you suggesting use the settings at the store? From my understanding that would be a horrible idea. Stores blast those settings up to compensate for the insane lighting, yes?
Reply
post #40 of 45
10/24/10 at 8:14pm
Well it depends on the model, yes certain models which are in fact good, look bad. I might of made a mean assumption that if Seb QB's TV looked better in store, he should copy the settings in store.
Reply
post #41 of 45
10/24/10 at 8:26pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Justin Clark View Post
That would be called 120Hz/Sports mode. It is shit.
One of the many things that makes me lose my shit. I shut it off on those in-store displays... but they keep turning them back on!!!
Reply
post #42 of 45
10/24/10 at 8:47pm
It'd be all well and good if they actually showed sports or, one of the things it is kinda cool for, games. But they use it on every new movie, and it makes every single thing from Avatar to The Godfather look like fucking Reboot.
Reply
post #43 of 45
10/24/10 at 8:49pm
Hahahaha, it's like some conspiracy to get our children... AND OUR CHILDREN'S CHILDREN!!! to accept misused calibrations!

The example I always use is that it makes Kingdom of Heaven feel like a History Channel redramatization.
Reply
post #44 of 45
10/27/10 at 2:18am
120 or 240Hz refresh = very good, you want this. What's evil is frame interpolation, which different manufacturers call different things like Sony's "Motion Flow". This is what gives everything that shitty video look - rather than repeating frames, new, artificial frames are generated based on the surrounding frames. 120Hz (and by extension 240Hz) allows for 24fps material to be displayed in proper cadence... more filmlike than a 60Hz display. I'll quote the blu-ray.com forums where it's broken down in greater detail:

Quote:
Third, there is a very high advantage of 120Hz LCD TVs. This is in that refreshing the screen 120 times per second allows for smooth, even "pulldown" of various video sources. 30 frames-per-second video comes in at an even 4:4 pulldown. 60fps comes in at 2:2 and 24fps (such as Blu-ray movies) comes in at 5:5 pulldown. Standard 60Hz TVs must do perform an uneven 3:2 pulldown which can incite increased motion "judder." 120Hz TVs cover all the bases and allow for smooth, natural video motion.
Reply
post #45 of 45
10/27/10 at 4:28am
Thats right. Just turn off all of the motion enhancement stuff and you will get true 24fps.
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Chewer Tech
CHUD.com Community › Forums › DVD, HOME THEATER, & GADGETS › Chewer Tech › HD/Blu Ray player advice