Just stepped up to HD and throw myself on the mercy of better informed opinions. I've read that anyone who doesn't get a calibration DVD is a moron, and then I've read that anyone who spends money on a DVD to set up the TV is a bigger moron. Any strong opinions on this?
And then there's peripheral setup. The TV has: 2 HDMI, VGA, 2 component, 2 composite, 1 S Video. I have: DVD player (HDMI capable), XBOX 360, Wii, and PS2, regular (non-digital) cable. So the DVD player can go to the HDMI, the 360 into one of the component slots, but what to do with the other two systems?
And the guy at the store says no one should have one of these without a home theater audio setup. So I'm thinking that this is obviously his job to say, "you want to buy more stuff," but should I be saving for that next?
Advice?
Well. You can use your own DVD that has a calibration setup, such as Finding Nemo.
That being said, a calibration DVD isn't a terrible idea either. If you can find one at not too terrible a cost, I'd go for it. You invested a lot in your tv, why not make it the best picture possible.
THAT being said, the best picture possible would be by professional calibration. Which I think is going over the top a little too much unless you spent like ten grand on your tv.
I keep meaning to pick one of those calibration dvds up. I just want to get the best out of my tv.
Dont buy Monster cables.. Goto www.monoprice.com for you HDMI needs.
And then there's peripheral setup. The TV has: 2 HDMI, VGA, 2 component, 2 composite, 1 S Video. I have: DVD player (HDMI capable), XBOX 360, Wii, and PS2, regular (non-digital) cable. So the DVD player can go to the HDMI, the 360 into one of the component slots, but what to do with the other two systems?
Hook the Wii into the component, if you have the cables & run the PS2 into the S-Video. The picture will be much better than you expect for both of those, even if you can't use HDMI.
As far as the calibration, don't waste your money on a disc. As previously mentioned, use the calibration found on a Pixar or Lucasfilm disc. UNLESS you have a projection TV. Then have it professionally calibrated once a year. It's a real pain in the ass to do it yourself
The Wii isn't HD, so don't bother using an HDMI or component slot for it. S-video is fine.
Also, like it was said above, any Pixar movie has a perfectly good calibration option.
Componenet DOES improve the picture of the Wii considerably though. Zelda looks great.Originally Posted by Dan
Mine seemed pretty similar.
Really? I noticed a vast improvement.
Hey this is great. Thank you all for all the information. I have most of the Pixar DVDs, so I'm set there. Had no idea.
I just set up the 360, and put in 3 games to see how they looked: Gears of War, Rainbow Six: Vegas, and NCAA 08, and I always said, "Well, I know the picture's better, but come on, it's not going to be that much better. So today, I'm humbled to learn I'm an idiot, because the 360 is like a completely different machine. I actually called my wife in to look at how good the menu blades looked.
What about getting a component selector box? Does the signal degrade too much? I've used a composite selector box forever, but since it was composite on Standard TV, I didn't see any big loss. I'm guessing I would here?
And will the Wii actually look worse in HD? Sorry to be such a noob, but I really do appreciate the input.
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