Optimizing RTV recording quality: S, RCA or coax IN?

[bobade]

I have Comcast cable and am getting a first HDTV (as a replacement for an old, dying CRT TV). Since I watch RTV exclusively, and don't subscribe to any premium channels I don't need a cable box or cable card, and should be able to see HD on local programming if I want. What is more important to me is to optimize the quality of my RTV recordings.

Does anyone know: if I were to subscribe to digital cable and get a cable box, would that give me the ability to use S Video or standard video IN to the RTV, rather than using coax from the wall outlet as I am doing? Would S Video IN or standard video IN improve the quality of the RTV recordings?

Thanks!
Bob

[FarmBubba]

You would have to switch to component or svideo. S Video is usually much better, especially if there is text on the screen. How much improvement for your current setup depends a lot on how good your old coax signal was, and how bad they compress the picture for digital. If you analog cable has some snow or ghosting, then you will see a big improvement. If it is crystal clear, some people say that a great analog picture is better than a good digital one.

[Bigjohns]

Many people down-convert their HD using the Svideo output of a cable box.

Svideo is the best "input" to your RTV - I use it exclusively for my inputs.

[Cutrock]

Many people down-convert their HD using the Svideo output of a cable box.

Svideo is the best "input" to your RTV - I use it exclusively for my inputs.

Bigjohns, to be clear: down-converting from the HD cable box using Svideo from the box to the Replay...Will that allow the replay to record the signal from HD channels from the cable box?

[drlava]

Yes, S-Video isn't spec'd for HD resolutions, so it should pipe to replay nicely.

here is the order of quality:
S-Video (color and luminance separate)
Composite (color and luminance combined)
Coax (composite modulated on a RF signal, which then has to be demodulated back to composite internally)

[Bigjohns]

Svideo in from HD boxes is the number one way to get downconverted HD. I've seen some awesome quality stuff even in STD this way.

[Cutrock]

Great! I can't wait to try it. I guess I have to find out which provider carries an HD cable box with S-Video output. Anyone know who provides that configuration (Comcast, Dish, or Direct TV)? How do you deal with getting the replay to change channels to the right HD channel instead of the standard channel? Will the IR blaster work with the HD box?

[oceanman]

I just installed a West 42 inch 1080p Monitor with my 3000 series RTV. I am getting great (excellent in many cases) using s-video from my HD Box (Cable vision Optimum) and S-video to my Monitor. I have my Cable box format set to Pass Through. I swear at times my recorded shows look as good as the HD shows that I bring in direct from the Box to the monitor. The RTV recordings are at 720. I had thoughts of getting a DVR box from Optimum, but have decided againts it since my RTV is doing so well. We have an Optimum DVR on another HD LCD and there seems to very little difference in the recorded programs, at least to me. I am still tweaking my 42 inch monitor every day. I was pleasantly surprised at how well the RTV is handling recordings. I also recorded some HD programs last night and they look great too. Depending on the show recorded, some of the non-HD shows look as good as the HD shows. Again all are at 720.

:)

[whirly]

Great! I can't wait to try it. I guess I have to find out which provider carries an HD cable box with S-Video output. Anyone know who provides that configuration (Comcast, Dish, or Direct TV)? How do you deal with getting the replay to change channels to the right HD channel instead of the standard channel? Will the IR blaster work with the HD box?

The Dish Network HDTV receivers have S-Video OUT AND will output HDTV in 4:3 Letterbox thru it.

[Cutrock]

The Dish Network HDTV receivers have S-Video OUT AND will output HDTV in 4:3 Letterbox thru it.

Good to know! AT&T is running a promotion in my area: 12-month free Dish. Bye-bye Comcast.