Don't dump your CRT RPTV! - Page 6

For CRT technology, it seems to me that this is really a question of whether the DVD or the TV's circuitry is superior at converting the signal to analog.

This is similar to the question of using a digital or analog output of a CD player to a home theater receiver.

For a fixed pixel display, HDMI should look superior, since you avoid extra digital-analog-digital conversions.

Regards,

Rob

Ahh ok thats what I thought was just making sure I did miss anything. As of now only way I would use HDMI is if and when I get a HD/BluRay DVD player.

Mr. Bob, this thread has inspired me to look into calibrating my Toshiba 57H81. I think this is year 5 or 6 for this set. I've never had a professional calibration, only me venturing into the service menu from time to time. I'd like to set up a professional calibration and cleaning. I think there was a thread a while back with a list of ISF'ers in different parts of the country - anyone know where that is? Or can one be recommended in the Metro Detroit area?

Thanks,
Matt

Also, does anyone know if the protective screen can be removed on my set? The glare really can be a problem at times.

6year old set? I can tell you Mr Bob would have a heart attack tearing that thing apart and making it a new beast But it would cost quite a bit to fly Mrbob out to your area for 1calibration, but still hes one of the best when it comes to CRT's

Bob,

What's nice about upscaling DVI/HDMI players is you can upconvert and not see scanlines. I HATE seeing scanlines on my Sony CRT RPTV. There is nothing more distracting than seeing scanlines. This is the reason I upconvert....to avoid them. My focus is very sharp on all three CRTs and I would have to sit 13 feet back to avoid seeing scanlines at 480p.

Bob,

Can you explain the "window-slat effect" and the DVDP a bit further?

I have a Sony CRT RPTV (KP-57WS520) and each input/scanrate was very well calibrated and ISF'd. I've tried a variety of players and yes, 480p is a bit sharper with all of the upconverting players I've tried (even the Denon 3910 and Toshiba HD-A1). However, resolution is usually slightly better with upconverting at 1080i...based on Avia 100 and 200 mhz patterns.

For me, it's picking my poison; slightly less sharper image or scanlines. Everything else "image-wise" seems to be equal.

[quote=DavidHir]I have a Sony 57" CRT RPTV (KP-57WS520)..their last model. I purchased it in December of 2004. I've had it fully tweaked and ISF calibrated....and it looks fantastic.

I have a Sony 57" KDP-57WS655 CRT RPTV, I purchased it around March 05. I think its a great TV set. It has internal ATSC/QAM tuners, optical output, 2 component inputs, 1 hdmi input. (as well as 3 S-Video/composite inputs). so far myself, 5 kids and wife have all enjoyed the new set very much.

currently sd-480i source material looks like arse in my eyes but i will live with it. however for DVD viewing i would like to upgrade to an upconvert DVD player. (until the blu-ray / hd-dvd thing settles) i figure and upconvert player would offer better pq then the $30 COBY 480p econo-player i have now. specifically i want to get one of the Sony players so i can use one remote for the whole system. (my receiver is a Sony STRDE698). from reading earlier posts should i be concearned with a loss of pq due to the hdmi input on a non fixed pixel display.

i recognize that you avs'rs maintain an idea of a certain quality level, so give a me your opinion on the core parts of my starter system.

a more detailed description of my system is here

[quote=BOBBY DIGITAL]
I would strongly recommend getting your display fully calibrated and ISF'd from someone with a strong reputation.

At minimum, buy Avia or DVE to calibrate user settings.

As far as DVD player, I would recommend the Oppo 971 as it probably gives the best bang for the buck as is a great alternative until the HD war settles down or at least until 2G players arrive. I've tried out A LOT of upscaling dvd players with this display, including the Sony H75, 3100ES, 9100ES, Denon 3910, Panasonic XP-30 (480p only), and Toshiba HD-A1. While some of these may be a little better than the Oppo, for the money, it cannot be beaten. Some of these other players provide a bit sharper image, but I have yet to see a player offer a more "filmlike," non-processed image than the Oppo.

This is a great thread. I often get the itch for a more modern display, especially for a Plasma or one the Sony SXRD's. But my 47" Panny CRT still has a great picture.

Bob,

Don't the newer Sony CRT RPTV use Panasonic CRTs?

[quote=Mr Bob]
The Oppo upscales only at DVI/HDMI.

[quote=DavidHir]
so in your opinion it would be better than any of sony options in regards to upscale through HDMI.

The DV-970HD upscales through component to 1080i per the specs at the Oppo site, unfortunately, the disclaimer is that if the DVD is CSS encrypted, it will default to 480 mode.
Guess one would need some sort of firmware hack, hmmm..

[quote=BOBBY DIGITAL]
The Faroudja deinterlacer in the Oppo 971 is much better than Sony's...this is easily seen on HQV test patterns...and to a degree in "real world" viewing. In addition, the 3100ES and 9100ES do suffer from some YC Delay and from some excessive high frequency noise (or edge enhancement which I could not remove) - none of which the Oppo suffers.

The two above mentioned Sony players do have a slightly sharper image. However, I still prefer the overall image of the Oppo. As I mentioned before, the Oppo has a very analog or filmlike look to it - very natural, detailed, yet smooth looking. The Sony players are still good players, but I think the Oppo is superior, overall. And, once you factor in the price of the Oppo compared to the Sony ES models, it's a no-brainer to me. By the way, the Sony ES players are vastly superior to the lower model Sony H75. Also, the 3100ES and 9100ES almost have an identical image (they both share the same deinterlacer and HDMI transmitter). If you get the 9100ES over the 3100ES, you are spending the extra $500 for better audio, build quality, and flagship status. If you do insist on buying a Sony, I suggest the 3100ES -- it's the best Sony player for price and performance (very slow loading time if that bothers you-- also the remote has a slow response, as well).

One thing to note about the Oppo --- I have seen hints of macroblocking on discs which has some compression issues. This is due to the Faroudja chip. Proper calibration eliminates almost all of it, however. Anytime I start to see it....I also see it on different players.

Backing up your commercial DVDs are another option.

Right now, my 61UWX10B is in for a very major overhaul. Every board in my set is being replaced with all original Hitachi parts under my warranty plan. If all goes well, I should have my CRT for at least 8 to 10 years, with tender loving care.

Even though I have a JVC LT40FH96 which has excellent picture quality, I still prefer the 61" CRT for watching DVD movies. The picture is true to life and while playing on my HD-A1, the picture is absolutely stunning.

Nothing can even come close to a fine tuned CRT.

Randy

In the industry, we call them cigarette burns.

But, just one quick question...

What are the choices by brand and model if you want to buy a CRT RPTV that is in production today? I've seen lots of recommendations for ones that are out of production...

I am a happy owner of a 2001 Toshiba 56H80, but I'm wondering what my choices are if I would want to get a CRT RPTV with HDMI.

Thanks,
Kent

Pretty much all of the current production CRT RPTVs have a DVI or HDMI input.

lol... poorly phrased question...

How about this.... what brands/models of CRT RPTVs are still in production?

Hitachi http://www.hitachi.us/tv/browse/proj...nt_index.shtml
Mitsubishi http://www.mitsubishi-tv.com/televisions/types.asp?id=6
RCA http://tv.rca.com/en-US/Home.html

Just off the top of my head

Do any B&Ms sell the Mits anymore? I only see the Hitachi.