Sky HD + Spec me TV

arfur · 14 Jun 2007 at 12:08

alas I got Sky HD installed on Monday and it looks pretty good, but I've got a few questions

1) Does SKY HD try to up-sample all channels? there doesnt seem to be a huge difference between movies on HD and SD (non-HD filmed movies)

2) my TV is a 26" Samsung , whats the best setting 720 or 1080i?

3) Spec me a replacement TV for sub £550,

OCUK have a nice one (Hannspree) , the reviewer has given it 5 stars but complained about loudness and customer support...

I only use the TV speakers, otherwise the neighbours complain

4) Has anyone noticed that some channels on HD seem a lot quieter than others? never noticed this on SKY+.

thanks

DavidMarq · 14 Jun 2007 at 14:28

arfur said:
alas I got Sky HD installed on Monday and it looks pretty good, but I've got a few questions

1) Does SKY HD try to up-sample all channels? there doesnt seem to be a huge difference between movies on HD and SD (non-HD filmed movies)

If the box output resolution is set to auto then over HDMI SD content is 576p HD content is 1080i, over Component SD content is 576i (unless HDMI is also connected in which case it is 576p) and HD content is 1080i.

If output resolution is set to 1080i all SD content is up-scaled by the HD box to 1080i.

You may have to get quite close to a 26" set to really see the difference between HD and SD, The benefits of HD are far more pronounced on bigger screens.

2) my TV is a 26" Samsung , whats the best setting 720 or 1080i?

I use auto as with some TV sets there are aspect ratio switching issues if you don't and the scaler in my TV to my eyes does a better job on SD content than the HD box.

All HD content is broadcast in 1080i so setting to 720p requires the HD box to scale prior to output. However some users report better picture quality at 720p, you need to suck it and see.

4) Has anyone noticed that some channels on HD seem a lot quieter than others? never noticed this on SKY+.

thanks

This is down to whether the sound is DD (5.1) or DS (Pro Logic) or Stereo. Your Sky+ should have been the same on the DD enabled chanels.

Jumping · 14 Jun 2007 at 15:06

Sorry to hijack this a bit, but does the SKY HD make any difference to your current tv? Which I assume is a non HD tv since you want to replace it.

Also for you that have both the HD box and a HD tv is it worth the extra money? I got a SKY plus box which i have had for 3 years or so but my TV is getting on a bit (1998) so obviously I want a new flat screen TV with HD but would it also be worth upgrading to SKY HD?

DavidMarq · 14 Jun 2007 at 15:24

Jumping said:
Sorry to hijack this a bit, but does the SKY HD make any difference to your current tv? Which I assume is a non HD tv since you want to replace it.

I suspect his 26" Samsung is HD, just a little small for viewing HD content from any distance.

Also for you that have both the HD box and a HD tv is it worth the extra money? I got a SKY plus box which i have had for 3 years or so but my TV is getting on a bit (1998) so obviously I want a new flat screen TV with HD but would it also be worth upgrading to SKY HD?

It depends on your viewing habits. For me the HD is worth it for Premiership football alone. Other than that the content is quite limited at the moment.

I have had Sky HD since day 2 and would not want to be without it. Football in SD now is almost un-viewable.

arfur · 14 Jun 2007 at 15:29

yeh, the samsung is HD, Just 26". I've ordered a 37" Hyundai today from one of my suppliers for under £500 inc VAT + Delivery

Jumping · 14 Jun 2007 at 16:15

Cool stuff, I'll guess I will be looking into getting the SKY HD box once I got my old trusty Philips tv replaced with something newer and flatter

SoliD · 14 Jun 2007 at 16:50

thinking of getting sky hd as can fortunately get the box at half price. but was having a gander about and noticed the box has got an ethernet and sata cable! what are these for?

DavidMarq · 15 Jun 2007 at 01:53

SoliD said:
thinking of getting sky hd as can fortunately get the box at half price. but was having a gander about and noticed the box has got an ethernet and sata cable! what are these for?

At the moment the Ethernet and Sata ports have no use and are inactive as are the USB ports. There is speculation on possible future use, but nothing official from Sky.

SoliD · 15 Jun 2007 at 10:33

DavidMarq said:
At the moment the Ethernet and Sata ports have no use and are inactive as are the USB ports. There is speculation on possible future use, but nothing official from Sky.

I see, well got mine ordered now

cannot wait for it to turn up. just gonna need to sort an amp out for some half good sound.

DavidMarq · 15 Jun 2007 at 12:05

SoliD said:
I see, well got mine ordered now cannot wait for it to turn up. just gonna need to sort an amp out for some half good sound.

Nice one

Be aware though that there is no DD (5.1) output over HDMI you must use the Optical output to your AV amp.