SCV HD Set Top Box

[hwchoy]

does anyone know if you need a real HD TV to use the HD set top box? I have a PDP435 "HD-ready" TV, is it compatible?

[hii]

Garantee compatible no worry.

[hwchoy]

is it? you used already?

[hii]

no yet ..

But I read online info and asked a lot before bought my HD-ready LCD too. True HD is for Blue Ray technology... the signal from SCV won't go up to True HD resolution.

You can always visit any store or call starhub to check out the detail. I might be wrong.

[hwchoy]

why? Blue Ray is just a storage media format. there are at least two so-called HD formats with regards to resolution. anyway want to swap to digital set top box and since they offering the HD box for only $48 so might as well get it, IF my TV can support

[Quixotic]

HD can refer to one of the following formats: 720p, 1080i (i stands for interlace) and 1080p. True HD is actually the format referred to as 1080p, where 1080 represents the 1080 lines of vertical resolution and p stands for progressive scan images.

Blu-ray is just one of the technology to store high definition media. HD doesn't actually care whether it is Blu-ray, HD DVD or whatever technology being used. It is HD as long as the signals are in the said formats (720p, 1080i, 1080p), which can be from your cable broadcaster, high definition media players/discs, high definition video/digital cameras and so on.

I believe that the Starhub is adopting the 1080i format. So it is not true HD in the sense, but some people will argue that there is little difference between 1080i and 1080p formats. I don't know the difference, but I have seen the HD programs, and the difference between HD and normal broadcast is quite considerable. However, not too sure about the audio quality as the audio was projected over standard TV speakers.

Choy, did a quick check that the resolution of PDP435 is actually 1024 x 768, which would not qualify it as true HD. The format from Starhub is 1080i, meaning that this will be downscaled to fit the TV resolution, so there *may* be some distortions.

I actually managed to play around with HDTV set of 1024 x 768 and Starhub HD broadcast. There can be some distortions at times but nothing really major, pictures may just look a little weird. To work around that, you can actually adjust them by not using the default signal settings, but based on the native TV resolution settings (just that some top/bottom/left/right may be chopped off ). I am rather forgiving, so it looks fine for me.

However, HD programs offering by Starhub is rather limited. Currently, there is 3 fixed programming channels (including the new HD5), plus a HD showcase that is only available during specific major sports broadcasts. Not much is happening yet.

It is a different thing though if you decide to complement it with a Blu-ray player. You don't watch Blu-ray movies without HDTV, that's for sure.

In a nutshell,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-de...ay_Resolutions
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HD_Read...HD_ready_1080p

That's all the limited knowledge that I know about HD. There's a lot of resources on Wikipedia though.

[genes]

You will not be able to get sharper resolution using a HD ready TV and the digital/HD set box even if the TV program is of HD quality. You need to get a Full HD TV. This explains why the price between the HD ready TV and a Full HD TV differs so much. I think for a HD ready TV, you need to get some add-ons to convert it into a Full HD TV.

[hwchoy]

its OK I am not looking for full HD, I'm not such a visual junkie. I just need to make sure this TV works with the HD box.

[Simon]

The difference is visible on LCD above 40" between HD ready and Full HD. Your HD ready TV is guarantee to work with the SH HD box. Ultimately, we don't have enough channel to enjoy HD unlike korea, even commercial ads are HD :P.

Differences in resolution
1080p - 1920 x 1080
720p/1080i - 1366 x 768

But for the price of HD ready panels, I guess we have to be contend. Wait till Full HD prices drop to HD ready levels then I will consider switching over, right now happy with playing PS3/Blu-ray on 1080i panel.

Play a HD documentary on 1080i is ready an eye catching treat.

http://www.hometheatermag.com/gearworks/1106gear/
http://www.crunchgear.com/2006/11/09...80i-and-1080p/

[hwchoy]

yeah I figure the unit will down size the vertical to fit my 1024 resolution.

in any case I am not a serious visual junkie. even with hifi, I don't mind a less than hifiphonic recording as long as the playing sizzles, especially the legendary classical recordings from the mid 1900s.

I am quite disappointed with documentary these days, they are getting dumbed down and focus on visual gimmicks rathern than contents. I missed the old Natural World series which are much closer to the Richard Attenborough genre than the run of the mill Nat Geo and Discovery "documentary" of late.

[hwchoy]

oh while we are on this subject, what is a good DVR to buy? don't need super high capacity but I like one with good audio output. and no KTV features please.

[Simon]

choy, check out Blue planet. I don't enjoy DVD from my dvd player, the upscaler rather sucky compared to the PS3 upscaler which is better. DVD are 540p, so even on a 1080p it still look bad

[hwchoy]

I have blue planet if you have have a chance, check out The Chihuahuan Trilogy, the presentation in terms of script, narration and music is poignant and haunting. contents are deep and relevant, that's what I call documentary. aired many many years ago, could no longer locate it

anyone seen the Pioneer DVR LX70?

[Ian Lim]

If we are viewing Channel-U or SBC channels thru the SCV's HD box will there be much difference that justify for the upgrade? Can the HD set top broadcast SBC HD chanel too?

[Simon]

Ian, as long as the programme aint HD, it will look like 'normal' quality. The HD box/tuner allows viewing of HD programme. TCS channel 5 HD quality will be available soon on SCV, it is already available in Singtel MIO

[hwchoy]

ok so I got hold of the HD box. the good thing is that for 12 mth contract you buy the box for $48.15 but they give you back $40 robinson voucher.

plus, it works with the PDP435 EXCEPT that:

1. if you use RGB input to the TV, the TV knows the encoding and refuses to switch to 4:3 format even for non-HD channels *faint* now everything looks fat except HD contents.

2. if you use video input (yellow connection) the video quality is now crap and you have no program guide etc.

I am not using HDMI because the Pioneer only have one HDMI input and I am reserving that for the DVR.

[Ian Lim]

If using HDMI, will the picture have the same effect as RGB connection - stretch and fat?

[hwchoy]

have not tried but suspect will be the same as it should carry the encoding information.

[Ian Lim]

Looks like HD still need some more time for it to be fully ready for the mass user in SG. The StarHub $48.15 deal for the HD set top is really atractive but the video quality for non-HD programme does not warrant the upgrade for now, I am right to say that or should I just get the HD set top now and close an eye on the existing 'quality issue' for non-HD programme?

[hwchoy]

considering that you get it for hardly any real cash, just 12 mths contract, then I don't see why not.

does any one know if it is standard practice for them to turn on every channel initially (to entice you I suppose) when you sign up? I find that all the channels are enabled, including all the premium channels and sports pacakge.