My LCD HD-TV picture quality isn't as good in comparison to my friend's TV's, what's wrong?

Question

So I have a 60" Sony Grand Wega KDF-60XBR950, you can see the specs right here

http://www.shopping.com/xGS-Sony_Wega_Kdf_60xbr950_Lcd_Projection_Tv~NS-1~linkin_id-8001687

I don't have an HD subscription channels yet, like ESPN for example, but CBS shows their NFL games in HD and my TV just looks like an average TV. I've been to a couple of friend's houses in the past few days that have LCD's or Plasma and their picture quality totally blows mine out of the water. Also when I watch a DVD, the picture quality isn't anything special either. I heard that all LCD TV's should be professionally tuned to the right setting, is this true? Basically what I want to know is what can I do in order to get my TV picture quality looking good? Did I not turn on a setting or something? Any help would be great, thank you!

Answer 1

Well, I would expect a Lo Def signal to look kinda crappy, especially if the Signal coming into your home is weak.

You didn't state what your friends use for signal....HD perhaps?

As for DVD, picture quality can depend on whether you are using HDMI or Component inputs....those are better than the RCA Video input with the Yellow Video Jack and the Red/White Audio....RF channel 3 for DVD is the worst of all of them.
Also, DVDs are only 480i or 480p at most...that's a Lo Def signal.

As for CBS....you GOTTA get that CBS signal thru a Hi Def TV station and have a Hi Def Box on your end, and that Cable/Satellite company has to also process that as a Hi Def signal too.....EVERYONE INVOLVED has to provide a HI DEF pathway into your TV to get HD.

There are no menu settings that will convert your Lo Def to a Hi Def signal....

You're set for the future, you have a good Brand name TV....just hold out until you can get HD into your home....

Good luck and patience my friend.

Answer 2

Lot's of TV's claim to be "HD" but a HD TV is just a normal TV if you've not got a HD source such as BBC HD or Sky sports HD. Another thing is that the quality of the screen depends on the TV's contrast ration. The Higher the ratio is then the better the picture is. For example 5000:1 is better than 800:1

Answer 3

First, you don't have an LCD TV, you have an LCD-projection TV. This is not bad, but don't compare your TV to your friend's LCD or Plasma. They probably paid much more than you did for a smaller size TV.

Just because you see the HD Logo during an NFL game, it does not mean you get an HD signal.

For HD reception you need either an off-the-air antenna (check www.antennaweb.org for recommendations), digital cable (and probably an HD subscription) or satellite (with an HD receiver).

Finally, make sure that if you have a set-top box, you use an HD-capable connection; HDMI or component. That yellow composite cable or S-Video are not capable of sending HD signals.

Answer 4

If you don't have HD subscription you won't be able to see HD even if it's being broadcast. Because of LCD higher native resolution, on most channel the picture quality is not going to be better on a normal cable, it's just amplify all the noise in the channel. To get the best possible picture on your tv you need to calibrate it. Hiring a pro can do it but it will cost you maybe a few hundred dollars. You can do it yourself by buying a calibration dvd like Avia or Dve. The cheapest way is to do it yourself. DVds like Star wars, The Incredibles,..... have a basic calibration program from Lucas Art on the disc. You can try them first to see if you can make an improvement. The calibration process is not hard, it's just a matter of setting the contrast, brightness, color,.... To get better quality on dvd viewing you will need a progressive scan or a upconvert dvd player, you also need to connect it to the tv either by component cables or HDMI.

Answer 5

If you're using the standard cable connector, you're not going to get the same quality. Focus on the different types of cable that you're using vs your friend. Standard RF (cable TV) is the worst. Composite video (RCA connector) is one step up from RF. Next, S-video is better. Finally, the new HD connectors give the best quality.

Answer 6

I'm getting a Sony LCD and i was told i have to spend £200 on cables ,one being from monster cable which filters noise giving a beater picture , but i wont to see a demo before buying.

Answer 7

It seems as though your fancy pants tv isn't as good as your pallys....poor you.