First, this is my in-laws' setup and I could be off a bit with the model number of their dish network receiver. They have two Panasonic HD plasma televisions (720P native), one 42" and one 50". I have an older ED Panasonic 42" television with DirecTV and their HD DVR -- my picture absolutely blows theirs away in every format.

I went into the setup on both the TV and the VIP211, but no luck. My theory is that the VIP211 is trying to send everything in 1080i or 720p, and that the scalar is poor. Possibly the component cables they are using, though they tell me they paid a lot for them.

What should I check next?

~ Fred

I think you are correct on the model number. Its either the vip 211 or the 622. Try going into the 211's hdtv setup. Make sure the "tv type" is set to 1080i or 720p. Using the 211 remote hit menu, 6, 8 to get to the "tv type". Also, make sure that component cables are being used and not composite, or s-video.

I think you are correct on the model number. Its either the vip 211 or the 622. Try going into the 211's hdtv setup. Make sure the "tv type" is set to 1080i or 720p. Using the 211 remote hit menu, 6, 8 to get to the "tv type". Also, make sure that component cables are being used and not composite, or s-video.

Are you sure there is a "tv type" selection in the 211? I don't have one.

Are you sure there is a "tv type" selection in the 211? I don't have one.

Its on page 72 in the users guide. I was a little off on my previous post on how to get to the setup of HDTV. Hit the menu button, then #6, then #7 to get to the HDTV display setup. Here is a link to the manual. 211 manual (http://www.dishnetwork.com/downloads/pdf/user_guides_and_manuals/vip211_dish411/vip211_dish411_Chapter_11.pdf)

Fred,
One more thing to check is calibration. I bet your in-laws are using the factory settings on their set. I sugget you try the HDNet test patterns.

Thanks, everyone. When I was there I found the HDTV setup and switched it from 1080i to 720p since that is native for their Panny, but it didn't help. I also looked on the back and the only cables connected to the TV are the three components, plus the two audio. Could it be the cables? I mean, the picture quality isn't just a little bit better on mine -- it is so significantly better than theirs (and mine is an old ED Panny) that I feel like an ass for recommending the Panny to them. I'm pretty sure they don't realize it, but I know...

I'll try the calibration next time I visit them, but I'm in NH and they are in FL so that could be several months. I'll be sure to bring a known good set of component cables when I go.

If there are any other suggestions, I'd appreciate those too.

~ Fred

Could it be the cables? I mean, the picture quality isn't just a little bit better on mine -- it is so significantly better than theirs (and mine is an old ED Panny) that I feel like an ass for recommending the Panny to them. I'm pretty sure they don't realize it, but I know...

Cables would'nt make as big of a difference as you are saying there is. I'm thinking it has something to do with the tv. SD programing is not going to look great on HD tv's, but the HD programing slhould look great. What particular programming have you noticed that doesn't look right?

Thanks, Gater. You are right that SD looks awful. But what concerned me was the HD programming just wasn't sharp like it is on my (lesser?) TV. The best picture I achieved was from a non-upconverting DVD player.

I'll bring my Avia disc to calibrate the TV, along with some known cables, next time I go. And if that doesn't satisfy me I'll recommend they switch to DirecTV or cable. Thanks to all.

~ Fred