Im ready for HDTV, now what?

[Deadman31]

Ok guys. Ive decided im gonna try some HDTV. After doing an unsuccessful search here, Ive decided to start a new thread. I have an HD ready TV(Toshiba 40H80). I have Direct TV. I know that I need the HD decoder, but what else do I need? Any details will be greatly appreciated

Mike

[palebluedot]

You are going to need a DirecTV reciever that receives HDTV like this one... http://www.rca.com/product/viewdetail/0,2588,PI640-CI344,00.html?

You need a set of component cables to hook it up to your TV.

You will probably need someone to come in and calibrate the HDTV on your TV. Everyone I know, including myself, that has an HDTV, had to have it calibrated becasue they just don't do it very well at all at the factory. If it's not under warranty it's going to run you a couple hundred bucks.

[Deadman31]

What about the Satelite dish itself? Someone told me I would need an eliptical one or something like that

[palebluedot]

Originally posted by Deadman31
What about the Satelite dish itself? Someone told me I would need an eliptical one or something like that

Oops, sorry about that, I assumed you already had it. You need a Multi-Satellite dish as well and yes it is oval in shape 24"x18" I think.

[Geofferson]

Originally posted by palebluedot

You will probably need someone to come in and calibrate the HDTV on your TV. Everyone I know, including myself, that has an HDTV, had to have it calibrated becasue they just don't do it very well at all at the factory. If it's not under warranty it's going to run you a couple hundred bucks.

Do you know what kind of calibration they did? I just got HDTV today and am happy with the 1080i picture I'm getting. However, I know it can be better.

I've been to www.hometheaterspot.com and know about some tweaks I can do, but am not sure if that is all that is out there???

Thanks.

[palebluedot]

Originally posted by Geofferson


Do you know what kind of calibration they did? I just got HDTV today and am happy with the 1080i picture I'm getting. However, I know it can be better.

I've been to www.hometheaterspot.com and know about some tweaks I can do, but am not sure if that is all that is out there???

Thanks.

My suggestion is to have it done by an ISF certified technician. They cost $$$ but it's totally worth it. There is a great one out of Canada, Michael Chen, who pretty much tours around the country doing TV calibrations. If he is in your area you can get him for around $400 or you can contact him and he will come out(of course you have to pay his expenses plus the fee).

I had mine done and the picture was like night and day from the factory and after it was "ISFed".

Otherwise check your area for a local ISF person. Go here (http://www.imagingscience.com/) to find one...shoot them an email and they will help you.

Of course not all TVs are poorly calibrated at the factory but most are. If you are happy with it and don't want to pay to have it done then I would suggest leaving it alone. If you are not comfortable doing tweaks then don't attempt it...no sense in screwing up the TV(not saying that you would).

[Movie_Man]

Originally posted by palebluedot
You are going to need a DirecTV reciever that receives HDTV

Not necessarily. Other options include a Dish Network receiver, or a simple OTA receiver.
I don't have (or want) satellite service, so I got the Samsung SIR-T150 which is designed exclusivesly for OTA from your antenna. The best part is there is no monthly fees! And the HD shows from CBS and ABC look great.