HDTV Advice
 

I am looking to purchase a new HDTV or HD ready monitor coming up
pretty soon. The problem is I know just about nothing about it. So I
was looking for a little help. I am a DirecTV subscriber and I don't
want to change to cable...so I was wanting to connect my DirecTv to
the television and get an over the air antenna to recieve HD. My
question is this....is that viable, and if so....how does the the
DirecTV image look over a 16:9 widescreen? I noticed in my box there
is an option to output to 16:9...so would that keep everything from
looking stretched? My mom has a HDTV and comcast cable. She gets the
so-called hd channels over it and they look pretty good but the normal
channels look stretched. Also....I cannot decide if I should get an HD
Monitor and get a seperate reciever or should i get one with the built
in hd tuner? Are there drawbacks to one or the other? Any advice would
be appreciated!! I will probably have more questions.....

Thanks!
David Garner

David Garner wrote:

I am looking to purchase a new HDTV or HD ready monitor coming up
pretty soon. The problem is I know just about nothing about it. So I
was looking for a little help. I am a DirecTV subscriber and I don't
want to change to cable...so I was wanting to connect my DirecTv to
the television and get an over the air antenna to recieve HD. My
question is this....is that viable, and if so....how does the the
DirecTV image look over a 16:9 widescreen? I noticed in my box there
is an option to output to 16:9...so would that keep everything from
looking stretched? My mom has a HDTV and comcast cable. She gets the
so-called hd channels over it and they look pretty good but the normal
channels look stretched. Also....I cannot decide if I should get an HD
Monitor and get a seperate reciever or should i get one with the built
in hd tuner? Are there drawbacks to one or the other? Any advice would
be appreciated!! I will probably have more questions.....

I am in a similar situation. I have a widescreen (16:9) HDTV Monitor
(no built-in tuner) with Dish satellite and an OTA HDTV receiver. For
HDTV, it's perfect, as in the ratio fills out the screen. For watching
my Dish network satellite feed, I can either set the TV mode to put bars
on both sides (so it displays a true 4:3 image) or let it stretch it
out. A lot of HDTV monitors have a smart stretch mode that stretch the
4:3 screen in a non-linear manner (no stretching in the middle, more
stretching as you get to the edges). I'm pretty much used to that mode
now, so I just use that for 4:3 sources.

Of course if you go with a 4:3 (non-widescreen) HDTV, you'll have
full-frame DirectTV images, and when you watch HDTV, you'll get black
bars on the top and bottom. I mainly watch DVDs and HDTV on my setup,
so I wanted the widescreen (16:9) television. If you watch more
DirectTV standard TV feed than HD or DVDs, you may consider the 4:3
ratio screen. Although, even in standard definition, I noticed that
some of the stations I watch a lot are presenting shows in "widescreen"
(that is, letterboxed). For example, the new Stargate episodes on
Sci-Fi. So for those I can use a "Zoom" mode to fill out the 16:9 image
perfectly on my widescreen television. It's still only standard
(non-HD) TV, but it at least presents the ratio well on my screen.

Just some thoughts.

-Mike

"David Garner" wrote in message
om...
I am looking to purchase a new HDTV or HD ready monitor coming up
pretty soon. The problem is I know just about nothing about it.
(snip)


David,
Some comments/answers to your questions. Start here and followup later as
you wish: First a question: Where do you live? (and mom too; sounds like
she is not getting much HD viewing with her HD set). Needed so we can
figure out what OTA channels are available where you live. And ... How far
from the towers are you? (see antennaweb link below; tell us what antenna
type/color if you cannot estimate distance).


Now some comments to your questions:

- to get DirecTV in HD you will have to get a HD receiver (Hughes, Sony,
Samsung all make current DirecTV models). (older models available too from
those plus Mitsubishi, Toshiba, and RCA). They also have terresterial tuners
built in so knowing how far from the towers are helps to figure out what you
might see over-the-air (OTA). You may also have to upgrade your dish too.
(regardless do see the hardware link at AVS listed below)

- many HD viewers get by with an indoor antenna like the Silver Sensor
(which is UHF only). If your stations include VHF (ch 2 to 13) you will need
something else (RS makes a couple of indoor models; Channel Master, Winegard
and even RS make good/decent inexpensive outdoor antennas. Some UHF only
models like the 4-bay antenna from Channel Master may work for your high
band VHF channels (7 to 13). (general rule of thumb: antennas that look
like antennas usually work better than antennas that do not).

- HD via cable is definitely an option for many but it depends on your local
cable company and what HD channels they offer. Local stations may be on
cable; may not be. See the programming link listed below for an idea of what
might be available.

- watching 4:3 images on a 16x9 screen means you will either watch with
black black bars on either side (sometimes the STB can make that gray plus
many statios can change it to gray too). Gray is safer than black on a TV
using phosphor technology (CRTs or plasma). Stretch/zoom are ways to make
the image fit the widescreen if desired.

- built-in tuners offer flexibility, convenience; Firewire (maybe), and cost
more. If you don't need Firewire and know you will use DirecTV (or Dish,
Zoom, or HD via cable) then a tuner might be considered optional.

Reading/Resources:
- antenna guidance and tower info: www.antennaweb.org
- antenna guidance and programming info: www.titantv.com
- HD schedule grid/guide: www.hdtvgalaxy.com (not always accurate)
- 2003 Programming guide at avs:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...hreadid=294102
- HDTV Forum STB Synopsis - Fall 2003!
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...hreadid=179095

HDTV FAQs : not many good ones out there that I am aware of but forums do
provide good insight but do take more time. googling can help find them too.
There is a basic one at www.avsforum.com.. HDTV forums in my mind are good
because they archive posts for long periods of time and are searchable). My
favorites a

www.avsforum.com (be sure to check the HDTV Local HDTV Info and Reception
forum forposts from your area; the Hardware and the Programming ones)
www.hometheaterspot.com (great hardware site; free registration gives you
access to most items; donation gets you into the rest (it is a private forum
with limited advertising/sponsors).

Good luck
Bruce

backgrould: have had a widescreen Mits since 04/01; get HD from my cable
company (TWC) and OTA as well. HD cable box is a rented Scientic Atlanta
3250 and my terresterial receiver is an older Samsung SIR-T150 with Channel
Master 3021 UHF antenna (that works for Ch 8 too).

David:

You will need a digital tuner for Both Satellite HD &
for OTA (Over the Air) HD/Digital reception...
These two HD tuners are somewhat different..... and
also different from a Cable HD tuner....

IF Direct TV has that 'combo' tuner upgrade for almost free...
Do that....

By putting that HD tuner in the TV set... ups TV cost by $300+

IF you will be dumping Satellite... That might pay...

I have run my Sony with OTA HD for 3 months now...

Due to $7/mo Cable HD with 6 stations now available... I seldom
use OTA HD unless I want to discover more local HD stations
just coming on line.... My OTA HD is component In..
My Cable HD is DVI In....



David Garner wrote:

I am looking to purchase a new HDTV or HD ready monitor coming up
pretty soon. The problem is I know just about nothing about it. So I
was looking for a little help. I am a DirecTV subscriber and I don't
want to change to cable...so I was wanting to connect my DirecTv to
the television and get an over the air antenna to recieve HD. My
question is this....is that viable, and if so....how does the the
DirecTV image look over a 16:9 widescreen? I noticed in my box there
is an option to output to 16:9...so would that keep everything from
looking stretched? My mom has a HDTV and comcast cable. She gets the
so-called hd channels over it and they look pretty good but the normal
channels look stretched. Also....I cannot decide if I should get an HD
Monitor and get a seperate reciever or should i get one with the built
in hd tuner? Are there drawbacks to one or the other? Any advice would
be appreciated!! I will probably have more questions.....

Thanks!
David Garner

Dennis I have a RCA F38310 with the DirectTV and fully integrated line
doubler. Model is the JX4 I am watching that same model right now as I
have my webtv hooked up to in the vid-1 that is now svid-1. I am in the
full or stretch format right now, I am not used to it but the words are
forming on my true size 39" or 19.5"H x 34.25"W in screen measurement.


I know the F38310 as been discontinued but the guys in Direct view are
still snapping up the open boxes because of the 1280 x 1080 and the
DirectTV receiver with phone card already built in! I live in a
apartment that doesn't face west, so for me it's just excess baggage.
BTW on AVS I am the mispelled Bionic Manaus, although the sign up is
recent I had forgot my password from June of 2001 and had to start all
over again. :)

"Bruce" wrote in message r.com...
"David Garner" wrote in message
om...
I am looking to purchase a new HDTV or HD ready monitor coming up
pretty soon. The problem is I know just about nothing about it.
(snip)


David,
Some comments/answers to your questions. Start here and followup later as
you wish: First a question: Where do you live? (and mom too; sounds like
she is not getting much HD viewing with her HD set). Needed so we can
figure out what OTA channels are available where you live. And ... How far
from the towers are you? (see antennaweb link below; tell us what antenna
type/color if you cannot estimate distance).


Now some comments to your questions:

- to get DirecTV in HD you will have to get a HD receiver (Hughes, Sony,
Samsung all make current DirecTV models). (older models available too from
those plus Mitsubishi, Toshiba, and RCA). They also have terresterial tuners
built in so knowing how far from the towers are helps to figure out what you
might see over-the-air (OTA). You may also have to upgrade your dish too.
(regardless do see the hardware link at AVS listed below)

- many HD viewers get by with an indoor antenna like the Silver Sensor
(which is UHF only). If your stations include VHF (ch 2 to 13) you will need
something else (RS makes a couple of indoor models; Channel Master, Winegard
and even RS make good/decent inexpensive outdoor antennas. Some UHF only
models like the 4-bay antenna from Channel Master may work for your high
band VHF channels (7 to 13). (general rule of thumb: antennas that look
like antennas usually work better than antennas that do not).

- HD via cable is definitely an option for many but it depends on your local
cable company and what HD channels they offer. Local stations may be on
cable; may not be. See the programming link listed below for an idea of what
might be available.

- watching 4:3 images on a 16x9 screen means you will either watch with
black black bars on either side (sometimes the STB can make that gray plus
many statios can change it to gray too). Gray is safer than black on a TV
using phosphor technology (CRTs or plasma). Stretch/zoom are ways to make
the image fit the widescreen if desired.

- built-in tuners offer flexibility, convenience; Firewire (maybe), and cost
more. If you don't need Firewire and know you will use DirecTV (or Dish,
Zoom, or HD via cable) then a tuner might be considered optional.

Reading/Resources:
- antenna guidance and tower info: www.antennaweb.org
- antenna guidance and programming info: www.titantv.com
- HD schedule grid/guide: www.hdtvgalaxy.com (not always accurate)
- 2003 Programming guide at avs:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...hreadid=294102
- HDTV Forum STB Synopsis - Fall 2003!
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...hreadid=179095

HDTV FAQs : not many good ones out there that I am aware of but forums do
provide good insight but do take more time. googling can help find them too.
There is a basic one at www.avsforum.com.. HDTV forums in my mind are good
because they archive posts for long periods of time and are searchable). My
favorites a

www.avsforum.com (be sure to check the HDTV Local HDTV Info and Reception
forum forposts from your area; the Hardware and the Programming ones)
www.hometheaterspot.com (great hardware site; free registration gives you
access to most items; donation gets you into the rest (it is a private forum
with limited advertising/sponsors).

Good luck
Bruce

backgrould: have had a widescreen Mits since 04/01; get HD from my cable
company (TWC) and OTA as well. HD cable box is a rented Scientic Atlanta
3250 and my terresterial receiver is an older Samsung SIR-T150 with Channel
Master 3021 UHF antenna (that works for Ch 8 too).

Thanks for all the info!! I live in the metro atlanta area. I took a
look at the antenna.org site. Pretty much all my channels are coming
out of Atlanta it seems...and all fall in the yellow to light green
range. It looks like a large multi-directional antenna would do the
trick. I know nothing about that stuff either. I don't really care
about watching directv in hd at the moment...mainly because i don't
want to invest in a new dish and reciever to get only a few channels.
I may do that down the road. I was really more concerned how the
normal directv image would look on a widescreen tv. I may be reading
the antenna.org site wrong but I couldn't find my distances to the
tower...I know it can't be far....actually from looking at the street
level map it looked like they were really close. The television I was
looking to get is a 55' Samsung rear projection...the model # is
HCN-5527W and I was going to get the Samsung SIR-T351 for an OTA
reciever. Any thoughts on that equipment? I don't really know anything
about the reciever but the TV looks good side by side with a lot of
others...so that is how i decided on that.

Sounds like a workable choice to me. Just know that reception can be an
issue at times. I have a Samsung projection HDTV and a Samsung SIRT151 OTA
receiver it works on all channels but one. The 151 has the same electronics
as the 351. The 351 has extra outputs The antenna farm for all the feeds
are close to each other in my area and the antennas I use are pointed by
using a signal input meter and I still have difficulty getting the NBC feed
more often then not. I just live with it for now and am 95% happy with my
setup. I use DirecTV as my NBC feed [not hd] when I can't get a good signal
on the OTA system.. I may try a different brand of receiver in the future.
I am favoring a Zenith for now.




--

"David Garner" wrote in message
om...
"Bruce" wrote in message
r.com...
"David Garner" wrote in message
om...
I am looking to purchase a new HDTV or HD ready monitor coming up
pretty soon. The problem is I know just about nothing about it.
(snip)


David,
Some comments/answers to your questions. Start here and followup later
as
you wish: First a question: Where do you live? (and mom too; sounds like
she is not getting much HD viewing with her HD set). Needed so we can
figure out what OTA channels are available where you live. And ... How
far
from the towers are you? (see antennaweb link below; tell us what
antenna
type/color if you cannot estimate distance).


Now some comments to your questions:

- to get DirecTV in HD you will have to get a HD receiver (Hughes, Sony,
Samsung all make current DirecTV models). (older models available too
from
those plus Mitsubishi, Toshiba, and RCA). They also have terresterial
tuners
built in so knowing how far from the towers are helps to figure out what
you
might see over-the-air (OTA). You may also have to upgrade your dish
too.
(regardless do see the hardware link at AVS listed below)

- many HD viewers get by with an indoor antenna like the Silver Sensor
(which is UHF only). If your stations include VHF (ch 2 to 13) you will
need
something else (RS makes a couple of indoor models; Channel Master,
Winegard
and even RS make good/decent inexpensive outdoor antennas. Some UHF
only
models like the 4-bay antenna from Channel Master may work for your high
band VHF channels (7 to 13). (general rule of thumb: antennas that look
like antennas usually work better than antennas that do not).

- HD via cable is definitely an option for many but it depends on your
local
cable company and what HD channels they offer. Local stations may be on
cable; may not be. See the programming link listed below for an idea of
what
might be available.

- watching 4:3 images on a 16x9 screen means you will either watch with
black black bars on either side (sometimes the STB can make that gray
plus
many statios can change it to gray too). Gray is safer than black on a
TV
using phosphor technology (CRTs or plasma). Stretch/zoom are ways to
make
the image fit the widescreen if desired.

- built-in tuners offer flexibility, convenience; Firewire (maybe), and
cost
more. If you don't need Firewire and know you will use DirecTV (or Dish,
Zoom, or HD via cable) then a tuner might be considered optional.

Reading/Resources:
- antenna guidance and tower info: www.antennaweb.org
- antenna guidance and programming info: www.titantv.com
- HD schedule grid/guide: www.hdtvgalaxy.com (not always accurate)
- 2003 Programming guide at avs:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...hreadid=294102
- HDTV Forum STB Synopsis - Fall 2003!
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...hreadid=179095

HDTV FAQs : not many good ones out there that I am aware of but forums
do
provide good insight but do take more time. googling can help find them
too.
There is a basic one at www.avsforum.com.. HDTV forums in my mind are
good
because they archive posts for long periods of time and are searchable).
My
favorites a

www.avsforum.com (be sure to check the HDTV Local HDTV Info and
Reception
forum forposts from your area; the Hardware and the Programming ones)
www.hometheaterspot.com (great hardware site; free registration gives
you
access to most items; donation gets you into the rest (it is a private
forum
with limited advertising/sponsors).

Good luck
Bruce

backgrould: have had a widescreen Mits since 04/01; get HD from my cable
company (TWC) and OTA as well. HD cable box is a rented Scientic
Atlanta
3250 and my terresterial receiver is an older Samsung SIR-T150 with
Channel
Master 3021 UHF antenna (that works for Ch 8 too).

Thanks for all the info!! I live in the metro atlanta area. I took a
look at the antenna.org site. Pretty much all my channels are coming
out of Atlanta it seems...and all fall in the yellow to light green
range. It looks like a large multi-directional antenna would do the
trick. I know nothing about that stuff either. I don't really care
about watching directv in hd at the moment...mainly because i don't
want to invest in a new dish and reciever to get only a few channels.
I may do that down the road. I was really more concerned how the
normal directv image would look on a widescreen tv. I may be reading
the antenna.org site wrong but I couldn't find my distances to the
tower...I know it can't be far....actually from looking at the street
level map it looked like they were really close. The television I was
looking to get is a 55' Samsung rear projection...the model # is
HCN-5527W and I was going to get the Samsung SIR-T351 for an OTA
reciever. Any thoughts on that equipment? I don't really know anything
about the reciever but the TV looks good side by side with a lot of
others...so that is how i decided on that.

You can download a spreadsheet (US DTV SPREADSHEET) from:
http://www.dxfm.com/Content/spreadsheet_info.htm
and by plugging your latitude & longitude into the spreadsheet it will
give you heading (azimuth) and distance from your location to each
transmitter facility listed.


David Garner wrote:
"Bruce" wrote in message r.com...

"David Garner" wrote in message
.com...

I am looking to purchase a new HDTV or HD ready monitor coming up
pretty soon. The problem is I know just about nothing about it.

(snip)


David,
Some comments/answers to your questions. Start here and followup later as
you wish: First a question: Where do you live? (and mom too; sounds like
she is not getting much HD viewing with her HD set). Needed so we can
figure out what OTA channels are available where you live. And ... How far
from the towers are you? (see antennaweb link below; tell us what antenna
type/color if you cannot estimate distance).


Now some comments to your questions:

- to get DirecTV in HD you will have to get a HD receiver (Hughes, Sony,
Samsung all make current DirecTV models). (older models available too from
those plus Mitsubishi, Toshiba, and RCA). They also have terresterial tuners
built in so knowing how far from the towers are helps to figure out what you
might see over-the-air (OTA). You may also have to upgrade your dish too.
(regardless do see the hardware link at AVS listed below)

- many HD viewers get by with an indoor antenna like the Silver Sensor
(which is UHF only). If your stations include VHF (ch 2 to 13) you will need
something else (RS makes a couple of indoor models; Channel Master, Winegard
and even RS make good/decent inexpensive outdoor antennas. Some UHF only
models like the 4-bay antenna from Channel Master may work for your high
band VHF channels (7 to 13). (general rule of thumb: antennas that look
like antennas usually work better than antennas that do not).

- HD via cable is definitely an option for many but it depends on your local
cable company and what HD channels they offer. Local stations may be on
cable; may not be. See the programming link listed below for an idea of what
might be available.

- watching 4:3 images on a 16x9 screen means you will either watch with
black black bars on either side (sometimes the STB can make that gray plus
many statios can change it to gray too). Gray is safer than black on a TV
using phosphor technology (CRTs or plasma). Stretch/zoom are ways to make
the image fit the widescreen if desired.

- built-in tuners offer flexibility, convenience; Firewire (maybe), and cost
more. If you don't need Firewire and know you will use DirecTV (or Dish,
Zoom, or HD via cable) then a tuner might be considered optional.

Reading/Resources:
- antenna guidance and tower info: www.antennaweb.org
- antenna guidance and programming info: www.titantv.com
- HD schedule grid/guide: www.hdtvgalaxy.com (not always accurate)
- 2003 Programming guide at avs:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...hreadid=294102
- HDTV Forum STB Synopsis - Fall 2003!
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...hreadid=179095

HDTV FAQs : not many good ones out there that I am aware of but forums do
provide good insight but do take more time. googling can help find them too.
There is a basic one at www.avsforum.com.. HDTV forums in my mind are good
because they archive posts for long periods of time and are searchable). My
favorites a

www.avsforum.com (be sure to check the HDTV Local HDTV Info and Reception
forum forposts from your area; the Hardware and the Programming ones)
www.hometheaterspot.com (great hardware site; free registration gives you
access to most items; donation gets you into the rest (it is a private forum
with limited advertising/sponsors).

Good luck
Bruce

backgrould: have had a widescreen Mits since 04/01; get HD from my cable
company (TWC) and OTA as well. HD cable box is a rented Scientic Atlanta
3250 and my terresterial receiver is an older Samsung SIR-T150 with Channel
Master 3021 UHF antenna (that works for Ch 8 too).


Thanks for all the info!! I live in the metro atlanta area. I took a
look at the antenna.org site. Pretty much all my channels are coming
out of Atlanta it seems...and all fall in the yellow to light green
range. It looks like a large multi-directional antenna would do the
trick. I know nothing about that stuff either. I don't really care
about watching directv in hd at the moment...mainly because i don't
want to invest in a new dish and reciever to get only a few channels.
I may do that down the road. I was really more concerned how the
normal directv image would look on a widescreen tv. I may be reading
the antenna.org site wrong but I couldn't find my distances to the
tower...I know it can't be far....actually from looking at the street
level map it looked like they were really close. The television I was
looking to get is a 55' Samsung rear projection...the model # is
HCN-5527W and I was going to get the Samsung SIR-T351 for an OTA
reciever. Any thoughts on that equipment? I don't really know anything
about the reciever but the TV looks good side by side with a lot of
others...so that is how i decided on that.

"David Garner" wrote in message
om...
(snip)

Thanks for all the info!! I live in the metro atlanta area. I took a
look at the antenna.org site. Pretty much all my channels are coming
out of Atlanta it seems...and all fall in the yellow to light green
range. It looks like a large multi-directional antenna would do the
trick. I know nothing about that stuff either. I don't really care
about watching directv in hd at the moment...mainly because i don't
want to invest in a new dish and reciever to get only a few channels.
I may do that down the road. I was really more concerned how the
normal directv image would look on a widescreen tv. I may be reading
the antenna.org site wrong but I couldn't find my distances to the
tower...I know it can't be far....actually from looking at the street
level map it looked like they were really close. The television I was
looking to get is a 55' Samsung rear projection...the model # is
HCN-5527W and I was going to get the Samsung SIR-T351 for an OTA
reciever. Any thoughts on that equipment? I don't really know anything
about the reciever but the TV looks good side by side with a lot of
others...so that is how i decided on that.

David,
This site has info on Atlanta area HDTV including local reception
experiences: www.atlantadtv.org/index.htm I believe there are also an
Atlanta thread in the Local Area HDTV forum at AVS. Buried in the TitanTv
site; for your zip code you can find get a map (map station distribution)
that has a map with a bar scale for for estimating distance. A Silver Sensor
(available at Circuit City and Sears) might work but you might also need
more. I believe all your Digital Stations broadcast on UHF though three
probably remap to their VHF counterparts (WSB, WAGA, WGTV). [Remapping was
designed to make a digital station number show up as the VHF channel number
to avoid confusion so 39 might show up as 2-x]. If you need or want to go
with an outdoor antenna; check out the Channel Master 3021... it is about 20
x 40 x 6 inches and can be roof/chimney mounted rather easily.
(www.warrenelectronics.com/ and www.starkelectronic.com are sources of
antenna information and are mail order retailers if you cannot find one
locally.

Viewing SD/NTSC on a widescreen set can be aggraviting. The better the
display the worse it can look. Most widescreens are also large so you are
blowing up something with poor resolution to begin with. The line doublers
in virtually all HD displays do help. You probably will prefer your 4:3
NTSC on a regular NTSC set. Having said that; we watch quite a bit of
regular TV on our 55" Mits; either with gray bars or stretched... just
depends on what we are watching. Note that standard satellite channels have
lots of compression and may have lousy picture quality. Suggest you find a
retailer that uses DirecTV as a source of their HD material and check it
out.

Hardwa suggest you go to AVS (HDTV Hardware forum) and/or Hometheaterspot
(Samsung forum) and read other owner comments. Samsung makes decent ATSC
receivers and I would not hesitate to buy one. All STBs have issues and
none are perfect (hint: visit AVS and read user comments). Many seem to
prefer Samsung's Directv model (T-160). I don't know much about Samsung CRT
displays; I do know their higher end models... DLP models... are much in
demand and hightly thought about.

Last, be careful when comparing units in stores. While you might have gotten
a fair comparison you might not. Beware the "brightest" display in the
store; that is not always indicate it is best (just turned up more). (most
sets are sent out in Torch mode; brightness and contrast maxed out so they
can compete on brightly lit display floors surrounded by dozens of sets).
Better if you first set all the controls to neutral settings; tweaked them
for the best overall picture; turned the sharpeness down (say to 25%);
turned off any noise reduction; turned off SVM (if possible). Make sure all
(crt based) sets had their convergence tweaked and.... had the contrast and
brightness both turned down to about half.

Those are levels you probably will (or should) use at home. Lowered
contrast is recommended for CRT sets to help avoid burn-in (uneven phospher
wear). Once the TV is home it is recommended you tweak your picture
immediately (as above) and then to use a setup disk (like the one made by
Avia sold at Amazon and Best Buy).

Good Luck
Bruce

ps: burn-in should not be a problem if you keep the contrast and brightness
down and avoid brightly lit/high contrast network/station bugs (logos) and
avoid watching endless hours of programs with banners and other static
images (cable news channels are not good).