Difference in picture quality on LCD TV between satellite and VCR

[rudy45]

We bought a Sony Bravia KDL-46XBR2 LCD television recently. We get "regular" television via a DirecTV receiver. The input to the receiver is coax cable from the satellite, and the output from the receiver (and hence input to the TV) is S video and audio red/white.

Question: the family is complaining about the quality of the satellite TV reception. In testing things, I disconnected the satellite receiver and plugged in a VCR. Then I played a pre-recorded videotape. The family looked at the videotape and are happy with the quality. They think the quality of the video is better than the satellite TV, EVEN THOUGH the VCR uses RCA composite, and the satellite uses S video.

Is it possible the satellite receiver is bad? What else could account for the difference in video quality?

Also, to have HDMI-quality video from the satellite, do I merely need to get a satellite receiver with HDMI input? Or, do I have to upgrade my service in addition?

Thanks.

[ConservativeMind]

To get true HD quality, I believe you need HDMI-compilant equipment and cabling from start to finish. Sending it via S-Video won’t give you HD but should give you a top-quality normal image.

[kingu]

Most s-video inputs on LCD televisions are poorly shielded and cross signal loss is common. You likely would get much better video quality using component video. HDMI should just take using a HDMI cable so long as your receiver has HDMI output.

[rudy45]

Thanks.
To get HD quality on satellite, do I only have to get a n HDMI compliant receiver? Or, do I also have to get a “higher quality” signal (if that’s even possible)?

Also, it’s strange that the video quality of the VCR seems to be better than the satellite, even though the VCR uses composite video and the satellite uses S video.

Thanks.

[donna]

I don’t want a better picture - the actors are starting to get uglier and uglier!

[BreezyDog]

I threw all of my VCR’s away 7 years ago...

[BreezyDog]

I have the 46 XBR3, same TV except mine has the piano black bezel. The only cords I have plugged into the thing is a power cord and a HDMI that runs to my Denon 3808ci reciever. Thats the brain. Into the receiver I have my PS3 and XBOX 360 AND my computer network(5 pc’s). Thats all I need to play anything I want. In High Definition. The Denon upscales everything to 1080p. Absolutely stunning picture.

[BreezyDog]

Oh and I forgot my Comcast dual tuner HD DVR goes into the receiver too...

[GLDNGUN]

You need an\ DirecTV HD receiver. Then you have to have the HDMI or 5-plug (3 video + 2 audio) from the receiver to the TV. S-Video will NOT produce HD quality. Even then, only HD channels will give you HD programming.

[The Electrician]

It's possible that the problem is in the Sony TV instead of in the satellite converter (but that's just speculation on my part). I have a Sony XBR 36-inch CRT HD TV receiver, and it's clear to me that the engineers put most of their effort into getting a great picture in the HD mode or in SD, using component or DVI inputs, whereas the composite and S-video and rf inputs were added as an afterthought (and the picture quality is atrocious).

Nevertheless I'm surprised about the reports that the VCR output is better than the satellite. It may have something to do with quirks in the TV's built-in picture scaling circuitry.

[AbeKrieger]

I will continue to swear by my 1080P DLP set. Plus it’s user-serviceable. What a picture !!!!

[rudy45]

Suppose I get an HD compliant satellite receiver, and ANOTHER exact same Sony HD television and connect the two. Now I have a Sony TV connected to a non HD satellite receiver and a second Sony TV connected to an HD receiver. Suppose I view a NON HD television show on the two TVs. What differences if any should I see between the two TVs? In other words, will a non HD transmission nonetheless look better when sent through an HD receiver and viewed on an HD TV? Thanks.