[Jack_TN]

OK, maybe this is a dumb question For a plasma display with a built-in tuner, like the new Panny, would you get a decent SD picture feeding it from a satellite box through the RF output, watching it on channel 4 or whatever? I realize it wouldn't be like HD through component cables, but if you don't get a watchable signal through the tuner, what's the purpose for them including it?


Jack

 

[Descolada]

Jack,


I find the tuner on the new consumer ED Panny to be very watchable... with cable, the benefits include being able to watch analog cable if that's all you have, being able to at least watch analog cable if your cable box is down, and being able to utilize the tuner for PIP and split-screen functions.


I don't think you could use it with a satellite signal, though (anyone feel free to jump in if I'm mistaken)... but you could use it for local OTA channels in that case.


However, a lot of people do think that the built-in NTSC tuner is of dubious value, which is one reason why many might prefer the commercial model for the cost savings of a tuner they don't expect to use.


And not a dumb question at all!

 

[wblynch]

Using a direct composite or s-video connection straight to the video input of your plasma, instead of through the "RF" antenna input, should give you a picture that's at least twice as good.


The satellite box is getting a digital signal that's pretty clean, but when you send it RF, it gets converted twice more and most RF (radio frequency) is typically 280 lines. It's about the lowest quality feed you can use.

 

[Jack_TN]

Descola -- I know at least some satellite receivers have outputs where you can watch on channel 3 or 4, just like a cable box or VCR. You're right, I may have to use the tuner to receive local channels.


wblynch -- good point. I didn't consider the loss converting to RF. I'll have a set of component cables for the DVD player so I can try them on the satellite box before I buy more cables.


Thanks,


Jack