A few newbie questions - Blu-ray Forum

Reznik · 07-10-2007, 04:42 AM

Hello everyone. This is my first post, though I have been lurking for a couple weeks.

Let me start off by saying that I don't know a lot about HD. For example, when you guys are talking about bitrates and codecs and such, I'm just completely confused. All I know is that Blu-ray is technologically superior to HD-DVD.

So, here goes.

I currently have a Samsung LN-T4061F 40" 1080p TV. (you can see it here: http://www.onecall.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=87209) ..or should I say, my parents have it.

I'm looking at purchasing a PS3 in the near future (price drop + me having a job + $100 Future Shop Gift Card = PS3), both for the gaming (I own a PS1 and PS2) and for the Blu-ray movies. Now, I'm just wondering what is required for the best viewing that I would have to buy seperately from the PS3. Also, I would like to know what certain settings need to be at, and what I should avoid doing in order to.. well... not break the TV. The TV manual says that it should be set to 'game mode' whenever playing video games. I'll quote it directly:

"When connecting to a game console such as PlayStation or Xbox, you can enjoy a more realistic gaming experience by selecting Game mode."

I've noticed, though, that it makes certain games really hard to see (I was playing Final Fantasy X and in a dark area that I could see fine in normally on my SDTV, it became way too dark to see in the HDTV in game mode). Will this be different on a PS3 with the proper setup? Do I really need to use Game mode anyway?

Sorry for all the (probably stupid) questions, but the whole HD package is a big investment so I want to make sure I don't screw anything up.

Thanks for the help!

Algernon · 07-10-2007, 12:01 PM

The first thing I found is quite non-technical, but essential ... this chart :

Algernon · 07-10-2007, 12:26 PM

This chart is really interesting ... because it means that - unless you intend to use the TV as a computer monitor, anything below 42" is pretty useless for HDTV ...

cawgijoe · 07-10-2007, 12:32 PM

I don't agree with this chart at all....it's complete BS.

I have a 34" Sony XBR800 set that I sit 10 feet from and I.....and anyone else in the room can easliy tell the difference between a standard 480p DVD and 720p or 1080i HD whether it's Blu-ray, OTA, or Directv.

The creator of this chart may want to visit his eye doctor.

Algernon · 07-10-2007, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cawgijoe

I don't agree with this chart at all....it's complete BS.

everyone is entitled to his opinion

Like I consider your post complete BS

regs, Algernon

Frode · 07-10-2007, 01:31 PM

I agree with cawgijoe - that chart is BS. You don't need to be at 1.5 screen widths to fully resolve 1080p.

As far as reznik's original question - get an HDMI cable, and it doesn't matter if it's an expensive or cheap one as the signal is digital. Use game mode for games, and turn it off for Blu-ray and DVD movies.

Algernon · 07-10-2007, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frode

I agree with cawgijoe - that chart is BS. You don't need to be at 1.5 screen widths to fully resolve 1080p.

in that case, it would depend on the person ... neither me, nor anyone else in my family (four people) could see any difference whatsoever between "normal" TV and HD at even 1.5 ... in fact we have rearranged the furniture now to be at about 1.3 the distance ... I may be a grumpy old guy with bad eye-sight, but not my kids

...

my theory is rather that people claim the chart is BS because otherwise they'd have to admit that their TV is too small ...

... and what they consider better pic is really not higher res but a better TV or better source material.

Even ordinary DVDs look much better on a hdtv with a BDP that does decent upscaling ... that doesn't mean you can resolve two pixels of 1080 on a 32" at 3 meter distance ... why do you think they don't even build 1080 at such sizes?

Shin-Ra · 07-10-2007, 01:39 PM

I think the game mode on your tv probably turns off as much unnecessary picture processing as possible to reduce smearing of fast-motion and to reduce latency between control input and the onscreen response. You may have never setup the brightness, contrast, color etc while in the game setting before so don't be afraid to do that if you can't see details clearly.

You'll want to buy an HDMI cable to connect the PS3 to your 1080p Samsung. When you first turn the PS3 on the HDMI cable will be detected and automatic picture setup should set the PS3's video output to 1080p. It's very easy to change this later if necessary.

Nothing else is required, but you may want to get an official Blu-ray remote for the most familar way of controlling Blu-ray playback. It also saves your controller battery from needing recharging so often as you'll probably forget to turn it off!

Memnoch · 07-10-2007, 02:03 PM

For viewing, get an HDMI cord from monoprice.com. If you are going to be watching a lot of BDs, grab the BD remote. You may want an extra controller for games. Amazon had them for $40 and free shipping. NetFlix'ing BDs is very convenient too.

If you want the best audio, try and grab an Onkyo 605 (JRs $400) or 805 ($600+) and another HDMI cord. I have a 605 and a friend with an 805. Both are the best HDMI v1.3 a/v receivers we could find.

Enjoy!

Reznik · 07-10-2007, 02:12 PM

Thank you very much for the help! Payday's on the 19th... I can't wait to pick up a PS3. I've been wanting one ever since release.

07-10-2007, 04:42 AM	#1
Reznik Member Member since:Jul 2007	A few newbie questions Hello everyone. This is my first post, though I have been lurking for a couple weeks. Let me start off by saying that I don't know a lot about HD. For example, when you guys are talking about bitrates and codecs and such, I'm just completely confused. All I know is that Blu-ray is technologically superior to HD-DVD. So, here goes. I currently have a Samsung LN-T4061F 40" 1080p TV. (you can see it here: http://www.onecall.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=87209) ..or should I say, my parents have it. I'm looking at purchasing a PS3 in the near future (price drop + me having a job + $100 Future Shop Gift Card = PS3), both for the gaming (I own a PS1 and PS2) and for the Blu-ray movies. Now, I'm just wondering what is required for the best viewing that I would have to buy seperately from the PS3. Also, I would like to know what certain settings need to be at, and what I should avoid doing in order to.. well... not break the TV. The TV manual says that it should be set to 'game mode' whenever playing video games. I'll quote it directly: "When connecting to a game console such as PlayStation or Xbox, you can enjoy a more realistic gaming experience by selecting Game mode." I've noticed, though, that it makes certain games really hard to see (I was playing Final Fantasy X and in a dark area that I could see fine in normally on my SDTV, it became way too dark to see in the HDTV in game mode). Will this be different on a PS3 with the proper setup? Do I really need to use Game mode anyway? Sorry for all the (probably stupid) questions, but the whole HD package is a big investment so I want to make sure I don't screw anything up. Thanks for the help!

Similar Threads
thread	Forum	Thread Starter	Replies	Last Post
Newbie Novice Questions	Blu-ray Players and Recorders	jeanjo	9	09-27-2009 02:52 PM
2 Newbie questions	Newbie Discussion	Jaynru	11	03-18-2008 11:54 PM
Few questions from a newbie!	Newbie Discussion	jambo_makaveli	7	01-15-2008 11:14 PM
Clueless newbie questions :-)	Blu-ray Technology and Future Technology	BluRoy	3	01-02-2008 11:25 AM
Newbie questions	Newbie Discussion	mdtulp	9	11-02-2007 06:40 PM

07-10-2007, 12:01 PM	#2
Algernon Active Member Member since:Jul 2007	The first thing I found is quite non-technical, but essential ... this chart :

07-10-2007, 12:26 PM	#3
Algernon Active Member Member since:Jul 2007	This chart is really interesting ... because it means that - unless you intend to use the TV as a computer monitor, anything below 42" is pretty useless for HDTV ...

07-10-2007, 12:32 PM	#4
cawgijoe Special Member Member since:Feb 2007 Trading Score:1	I don't agree with this chart at all....it's complete BS. I have a 34" Sony XBR800 set that I sit 10 feet from and I.....and anyone else in the room can easliy tell the difference between a standard 480p DVD and 720p or 1080i HD whether it's Blu-ray, OTA, or Directv. The creator of this chart may want to visit his eye doctor.

07-10-2007, 01:31 PM	#6
Frode Special Member Member since:Feb 2007	I agree with cawgijoe - that chart is BS. You don't need to be at 1.5 screen widths to fully resolve 1080p. As far as reznik's original question - get an HDMI cable, and it doesn't matter if it's an expensive or cheap one as the signal is digital. Use game mode for games, and turn it off for Blu-ray and DVD movies.

07-10-2007, 01:39 PM	#8
Shin-Ra Super Moderator Top contributor Member since:Feb 2007 Blu-ray collection:5 Trading Score:1	I think the game mode on your tv probably turns off as much unnecessary picture processing as possible to reduce smearing of fast-motion and to reduce latency between control input and the onscreen response. You may have never setup the brightness, contrast, color etc while in the game setting before so don't be afraid to do that if you can't see details clearly. You'll want to buy an HDMI cable to connect the PS3 to your 1080p Samsung. When you first turn the PS3 on the HDMI cable will be detected and automatic picture setup should set the PS3's video output to 1080p. It's very easy to change this later if necessary. Nothing else is required, but you may want to get an official Blu-ray remote for the most familar way of controlling Blu-ray playback. It also saves your controller battery from needing recharging so often as you'll probably forget to turn it off!

07-10-2007, 02:03 PM	#9
Memnoch Expert Member Member since:Jun 2007 Location:Northern VA 4K collection:185 Blu-ray collection:185 Trading Score:1	For viewing, get an HDMI cord from monoprice.com. If you are going to be watching a lot of BDs, grab the BD remote. You may want an extra controller for games. Amazon had them for $40 and free shipping. NetFlix'ing BDs is very convenient too. If you want the best audio, try and grab an Onkyo 605 (JRs $400) or 805 ($600+) and another HDMI cord. I have a 605 and a friend with an 805. Both are the best HDMI v1.3 a/v receivers we could find. Enjoy!

07-10-2007, 02:12 PM	#10
Reznik Member Member since:Jul 2007	Thank you very much for the help! Payday's on the 19th... I can't wait to pick up a PS3. I've been wanting one ever since release.

Best Blu-ray Movie Deals