I got a new HD Satellite Receiver and programming a few weeks ago. I started by using the CV (RGB) cables that were supplied with the new Receiver, and have had excellent picture quality in HD Programming. The Receiver does not have a HDMI output, it only has a DVI output, so I decided to order a DVI to HDMI conversion cable, so it would be cleaner, and maybe to see a little bit better picture, not that it wasn't already great!! Got the new Monster cable yesterday, put it on and took the CV cables off. I was certainly shocked to see that the picture quality was not as bright or as sharp as when I used the CV cables. Today, I took the DVI-HDMI cable off and put my CV cables back on, and the picture is back to it's old-self, a nice bright, crisp and clear HD picture.
I am wondering why this is so?? Is DVI an older technology that doesn't carry as good of a signal as CV cables? I guess the DVI signal just converts to HDMI to connect to the TV, but maybe doesn't boast a crystal clear picture??
What do you guys think? I am going to stay with my CV (RGB) cables and just purchase a higher quality brand to replace the stock cheaper ones that came with my Receiver.
Would this be normal for the DVI to HDMI to give me a darker, less clear picture than straight CV?
The short answer is that you are looking at 2 different inputs on the TV and each one typically has it's own user settings (contrast, tint, etc.). You'd have to calibrate each one to the same standards (using DVE or having it done professionally) to really compare them.
Not to mention the potential differences in scan rates and the more obvious digital->analog conversion (if you have an analog display).
Both inputs on the back of my TV have the same settings, they are both at the "standard" setting, both the HDMI and CV inputs. The TV is new, Bravia 1080HD. I was using HDMI #1 port for my DVD player, then switched it to port #2 and put the satellite into port #1, and still had that darker, less crisp picture. Seems funny that the CV cables are giving me a much better picture in HD programming. I thought that maybe the output from the satellite in DVI is a lesser quality digital information than is the CV output?
It doesn't matter whether you're using the "standard" settings or not - each input needs to be independently adjusted (potentially) to a specific standard using DVE or some other calibration DVD. You also need to make sure your receiver is outputting the same scan rate on both the HDMI/DVI and Component outputs.
At the end of the day, would I see a big difference going to the DVI (Satellite Receiver) to HDMI cable rather than good quality CV (RGB) cables?? I may hook up the DVI/HDMI cable again and try to use the "custom" setting on the TV to adjust picture, to get same or better picture as the CV. I checked my Satellite Receiver and the only output settings are set as I had before, for 16x9 Widescreen and 1080i. Those output settings are same for the CV and DVI outputs, I assume.
About ... just had a new HD Receiver { W/O HDMI } port installed ...
It MUST have been very old stock ! For many months now, new installations have had to be the much newer 5LNB antennas & associated HD dual tuner, hard drive Boxes - ie - VIP-722 if DISH.
Was it your decision or did the installer simply grab whatever was in the pile from his truck?
Not good - the older HD units / antennas can not "see" the latest satellites & therefore will not achieve the
,,,, " 85 all HD channels " ... as advertised !
Agree about the DVI interface - if it doesn't have HDMI then I would go back and demand a new one. The only big difference with Component is that it won't support HDCP so in the future you might be restricted to 480p on some shows. It's possible that DVI connection supports HDCP but not guaranteed either, so that may not help. A new receiver with HDMI is almost guaranteed to be HDCP compatible.
Do NOT just start tweaking the user settings by eye - you need a calibration dvd like Digital Video Essentials with test patterns and filters.
Both inputs on the back of my TV have the same settings, they are both at the "standard" setting, both the HDMI and CV inputs. The TV is new, Bravia 1080HD. I was using HDMI #1 port for my DVD player, then switched it to port #2 and put the satellite into port #1, and still had that darker, less crisp picture. Seems funny that the CV cables are giving me a much better picture in HD programming. I thought that maybe the output from the satellite in DVI is a lesser quality digital information than is the CV output?
You might be able to do a test with your DVD player. Your DVD probably has component output as well as HDMI. You can connect the DVD player up to the TV via the CV cables and the HDMI at the same time. Set your DVD player to output 480p and switch between the different inputs. If you see the component input looking better then it is probably your TV settings.
But, I agree with the other guys. There is no reason for you to have a DVI output only HD DVR! Make the satellite company switch it out.
You should have a INFO or DISPLAY button on the remote and that will tell you what input you are on and the incoming scan rate. Is HDTV showing up as 1080i?
Thanks for the help guys. Where will I get a DVE disc?? Also, I have emailed Bell ExpressVu, my satellite provider. As far as I know, the HD Receiver that I bought, direct from them, only offers DVI output. That is their latest model, the 6100. They do have an HD-PVR that they push really heavy on ads, maybe that has an HDMI output. If they do have a 6100 with HDMI, I will certainly ask for an exchange. Will let you guys know. When I got the receiver last month, they sent out a service man to replace my dish. It had to be a 20" dish that tilts. Bell has two satellites in the sky, Nimiq 1 and Nimiq 2 (the HD satellite). In Canada, when you buy from Bell or Star Choice, their own programming is all you get, unless you're into the illegal Free-Air dishes that rob signals, and are down more than up. Will let you know what Bell says, and I plan to try my conversion cable again, and tweak the settings if I can get my hands on a calibration DVD.
Sorry, yes, when checking the screen on the TV, it says 1080. I also double checked and the HD Satellite Receiver is set at 1080 output. Should I still buy a DVE disc??
