Hr10-250 pic in hdtv looks same as SD

[kiddk1]

I had my HD DVR installed by a DTV installer he installed via component. the pic on HD and standard tv looks the same, I can tell a difference. I ordered an hdmi cable since none came with my dvr. Will this make a difference?

[TyroneShoes]

First, make sure you are using the correct output mode. The HR10 has 4 modes, 480i, 480p, 720p, and 1080i. If you are not outputting at 720 or 1080 (rtfm), you have effectively down-rezzed HD TV to the same resolution as SD TV, which would make it difficult to see any difference. When you get there, there will be no question.

The other thing is to make sure the DT station you are viewing is actually displaying HD content. It may register as 1080/16:9, but if the source is not HD, it also will not really be true HD.

[gfb107]

What output mode are you using? If 480i, then it's downconverting the HD to SD. If your TV supports 720p or 1080i try them and see which you prefer.

[phox_mulder]

Make sure you are looking at actual HD content.

HD on the big 4 networks doesn't start until primetime, and most "reality" shows aren't HD.


phox

[kiddk1]

I have it set to 1080i This (http://www.shopping.com/xPF-Sony_KF60WE610) is the tv I own. I have showtime and the hd package from DTV(promo), I was flipping between showtime HD and standard showtime. according to the guide the movie on showtime was being displayed in hd(it had the HD symbol on the guide). lmk what else may be wrong. thanks

[cp1966]

Are you sure there are component cables going from the HD DVR to either your stereo receiver or your TV and you have the correct inputs selected? Just double checking.

I have the same TV, and am waiting for my HD DVR to be delivered/installed next week. But when I watch my local network via OTA the HD is AMAZING!

[Dssturbo1]

the hr10-250 comes with a hdmi cable also. call the installer and have him give it to you.

usually if you calibrate your displays inputs the hdmi/dvi/component can look equally good.

[newsposter]

another instance of installer 'forgetfulness'....another poster was told by DTV that he'd have to send the whole box back to get a fresh one...sounds insane to me

the key here is to make sure you dont sign the dtv order until you confirm you have everything you are supposed to...it's in the front of the manual

[kiddk1]

another instance of installer 'forgetfulness'....another poster was told by DTV that he'd have to send the whole box back to get a fresh one...sounds insane to me

the key here is to make sure you dont sign the dtv order until you confirm you have everything you are supposed to...it's in the front of the manual
I am that poster, i was told to send the whole box back if I wanted an hdmi cable. I ordered one off of ebay, what is stumping me is the fact that the pic does not look good with component and it should.

[g0go15]

Your TV is HDTV Ready and not HDTV... are you using HDTV tuner?

[fjwagner]

I can tell very little difference between my component and HDMI. I use HDMI since it is "supposed" to be better. If you truly are not seeing HD, the something is wrong with your set-up as mentioned before. I read a stat recently that said that almost 50% of the people with HD tv's are not getting HD; just think they are. You are right to explore the reasons to your satisfaction. My post is not helping you, but encouraging you to sort it out. I went through this with my parents and turns out they were doing things like watching ESPN on 206 instead of 73. They also had some settings wrong within their H20 set-top box such as the aforementioned 1080i output. Dont rule out anything. Fred

PS: dumb question, but did D* actually give you the HD package.

[maharg18]

Your TV is HDTV Ready and not HDTV... are you using HDTV tuner?


The HR10-250 IS an HDTV tuner! :confused:

[AbMagFab]

So you're saying:
1) You have the Sony 60XBR1 1080p TV
2) You have the HD Tivo set to 1080i and plugged into the TV with component cables
3) You toggle between SHO HD and SHO and can't tell a difference

Then you're totally insane, and you should return the set as you'll get no use out of HD. That, or something you've said above is wrong. I have the same TV, and the HD picture is about 10x better than the SD picture.

Also, the HD picture should fill the screen, where the SD picture will be paneled. They won't look the same in any way.

[DubC]

Problem solving 101….visually check what the installer did, not what he told you he did.

What color are the cables?

Are the cables plugged into the correct output on the Tivo and into the correct input on your TV? (color coded)

Are the cables running directly from your Tivo to your TV?

Are there more than one set of cables running from your Tivo to your TV? If yes, make sure the cables are plugged into the correct input and that your TV is set to the appropriate input.


Sorry if you think these questions are ridiculous.

[bonscott87]

I am that poster, i was told to send the whole box back if I wanted an hdmi cable. I ordered one off of ebay, what is stumping me is the fact that the pic does not look good with component and it should.

Showtime isn't HD full time either. Both HBO and Showtime have HD channels but a lot of their movies and content are not actually in HD. So if you want to compare you need to make sure the program is actually in HD in the first place.

Try HDNet or Discovery HD which are HD 24 hours a day and then get back to us. ;)

Component vs. HDMI - You really won't notice a difference unless you are very picky with your video.

[DubC]

Does your TV have a HDMI input? Looks like it has DVI.

If you ordered a HDMI to HDMI cable you won't be able to plug it into your TV. You will need a HDMI to DVI cable.

[kiddk1]

I have the Sony Grand WEGA KF60WE610 TV. my tv has dvi I ordered hdmi to dvi cable, I will physically check the connections on the tivo box that the installer hooked up, he did hook up the correct ones on the tv b/c I told him where to put it. I content on showtime HD was in full screen where as on standard showtime it was letter box. I will do some more problem solving once I get home from work today and get back to you guys.

[emarnik]

Do you have the Tivo set to output in 720p? It could be set to 480p as mine was when I first got it. I know you said that your TV is set to 1080i(at least I believed that's what you said). Just something to check.

[kiddk1]

all connections are the way they should be and tivo is set to 1080i, I dont know what the problem could be, my hdmi cable should be in in a couple days, well see if that corrects things.

[smak]

First thing to know is what exact show were you watching. if the only HD source you have now is Showtime, the couple of programs you watched might not have been in HD.

Do you have any local stations OTA or via the Directv?

Do you have the HD package?

-smak-

[Steeldog]

Along these lines fellas I have a few questions. I just got my HR10-250 installed. They have 4 dedicated lines running to my 4x8 switch (smart box).

The tech said that if I wanted to add local HD, he has had some good luck in my area (Arizona-Phoenix area) with adding a small antenna that just plugs into the back of the unit.

1) Does that sound right? I thought the units to add local HD were much bigger? Is it a seperate box or is it just as simple as adding the attenna?

2) Second, so even with the local non-HD channels that I am already getting have a program that says "broadcasting in local HD where available", I still won't get it in HD without adding a local HD antenna correct?

3) Last question, once I do add the antenna for local HD, are those channels integrated into the GUIDE etc.. so that I don't have to keep flipping back and forth between HD local and no HD local?

[tbb1226]

These questions are not related to the thread, Steeldog. Not even a little bit.

1) You may be able to pick up OTA DTV with an indoor antenna, if you're close enough to the transmitters without a big building or mountain blocking your view. Try a Zenith Silver Sensor (available at many electronics stores) or a double-bowtie from Radio Shack.

2) Correct - the HD TiVo is not capable of receiving satellite HD locals, and I don't think Phoenix HD locals are on the satellite yet.

3) Yes, the guide data will include local OTA channels you receive, but you will have to go through the guided setup again to tell the TiVo you have an antenna.

[Steeldog]

These questions are not related to the thread, Steeldog. Not even a little bit.

1) You may be able to pick up OTA DTV with an indoor antenna, if you're close enough to the transmitters without a big building or mountain blocking your view. Try a Zenith Silver Sensor (available at many electronics stores) or a double-bowtie from Radio Shack.

2) Correct - the HD TiVo is not capable of receiving satellite HD locals, and I don't think Phoenix HD locals are on the satellite yet.

3) Yes, the guide data will include local OTA channels you receive, but you will have to go through the guided setup again to tell the TiVo you have an antenna.

Thanks for the answers and for watch dogging dude. Sorry, posted this in the wrong thread.

[DubC]

all connections are the way they should be and tivo is set to 1080i, I dont know what the problem could be, my hdmi cable should be in in a couple days, well see if that corrects things.

Have you tried watching anything else in HD (i.e. Discovery HD, local primetime shows on the X-1 channels, or any other HD content on channels 70-78)?

[kiddk1]

Did my post just get jacked? :)

yes I put it on discovery HD and I am really not impressed, it looks like standard tv to me. Yes I do have the hd package(free 4 month promo) HD locals in my area yet.

[Fahtrim]

You need some help. Where do you live?

[kiddk1]

You need some help. Where do you live?
Dearborn

[Fahtrim]

Dearborn
Maybe someone here lives in your area and can help you out. I wasn't sure what you meant by MOTOWN.

[kiddk1]

Maybe someone here lives in your area and can help you out. I wasn't sure what you meant by MOTOWN.
Detroit metro area

[Fleegle]

Did my post just get jacked? :)

yes I put it on discovery HD and I am really not impressed, it looks like standard tv to me. Yes I do have the hd package(free 4 month promo) HD locals in my area yet.

See, something's really wrong here! Even when I downrez to 480i or 480p, Discovery HD is incredible! Hell, i watched a whole hour-long show about badgers just becasue the picture was so amazing...

[stiffi]

See, something's really wrong here! Even when I downrez to 480i or 480p, Discovery HD is incredible! Hell, i watched a whole hour-long show about badgers just becasue the picture was so amazing...

I agree. Something is radically screwed up. The difference between HD and SD side by side (or at least flipping back and forth on the tv) is like night and day. It's like trying to look through glasses smeared with vasoline, and then cleaning them and looking through those same glasses.

As a last test, try a sports event. I don't care what it is. Even pool or bowling would look much better in HD. If that doesn't work, you need to get somebody in person to look at your setup.

[AbMagFab]

I think perhaps the OP is just being a PITA. He knows it looks better, but is just being difficult.

There's no way he could be viewing Discovery HD in any mode, including 480i, and not think it looks substantially better than SD.

He can't have it hooked up via SVid/composite/RF, since if it's indeed in 1080i, the SVid ports would be black. He must have an HR10/H20 since he couldn't be viewing Discovery HD without it.

Ergo, he's just being a pain.

[kiddk1]

I think perhaps the OP is just being a PITA. He knows it looks better, but is just being difficult.

There's no way he could be viewing Discovery HD in any mode, including 480i, and not think it looks substantially better than SD.

He can't have it hooked up via SVid/composite/RF, since if it's indeed in 1080i, the SVid ports would be black. He must have an HR10/H20 since he couldn't be viewing Discovery HD without it.

Ergo, he's just being a pain.
dude if your serious about this post then your an A** HOLE, I have better things to do with my time. If your post was just sarcastic no prob I can take a joke.

[tbb1226]

dude if your serious about this post then your an A** HOLE, I have better things to do with my time. If your post was just sarcastic no prob I can take a joke.If you stick around this forum long enough, you'll learn that AbMagFab does not joke - unless maybe his entire body of work here is included in the gag ;)

I work in your area. If you think you're still having an issue, I could maybe stop by after work one day and tell you whether your picture looks any different from what I'm used to watching on my HDTV. PM me if you want me to drop by.

[webini]

Hell, i watched a whole hour-long show about badgers just becasue the picture was so amazing...

"Badgers? Weee don't neeeed no stinking badgers!"

(Sorry, could not resist) :D

[newsposter]

i dont know if fab jokes or not, but he definitely comes off as brash (at least in the last few days in some other posts) and with negative tone...I do it myself at times (not usually on here) so i know what i'm looking for :)