New TV and Tivo setup query for SD

StockportGerbil

Folks :-
I've recently replaced an elderly HD ready TV with a new Full HD TV (a Panasonic TX-42AS500B) which is used to watch live TV via a Virgin Tivo box as I don't have an aerial connection. First impressions are that the standard definition picture from the Tivo is worse in some respects that the when it was with the old TV. HD however is fine.

I know I need to do some work in setting up the TV, in terms of making the picture a bit less bright and garish, but I'm a bit confused about how best to set up the combination of TV and Tivo.

I've currently got the Tivo configured to output 1080i (it doesn't support 1080p). Is the problem with the standard def picture the Tivo making a poor job of converting the picture to 1080i? If so should I revert the Tivo config to 720p output or is the TV mangling the standard def picture all on it's own?

Thanks

Kevin

almillar

If the TV is 1080, keep the Tivo box at 1080i - the less often you resize it, the better, and the HD stuff will be getting broadcast in 1080.
It's likely to be lots of 'clever' features working too hard to impress with the picture, and making it look artificial.
Different manufacturers have different names for all this stuff but do this first -
Change the 'mode' - if it's in dynamic it's awful - try cinema or normal. It'll look duller but you'll adjust to it.
Now you've done that, you might be happy enough. If not:
Go through all the display settings, and maybe other deeper settings, and turn off things like noise reduction, motion enhancement, 100Hz mode, make sure the 'sharpness' setting is in the middle (so that the TV leaves the picture alone, instead of sharpening or softening it).
Any settings you don't understand have a look in the manual or ask here.
I generally like to turn the brightness down a bit, the contrast up a bit and the colour down a bit AFTER doing all of the above. And usually a colour temp of normal or warm, rather than the cooler ones.

Pincher

https://www.avforums.com/forums/picture-perfect-forum-get-help-setting-up-your-tv.283/


TVs typically have a demo mode for display in shops, which is too bright. You probably just need to go through the initial set up sequence, and choose the Home mode.