HD PVR 2P - Upscaling

[greg_SA]

Hi,

I understand that the HD PVR 2P can output video over HDMI based on the source resolution (original / native)... So if DSTV broadcast in 720p, then a 720p signal is sent to your TV or is they broadcast in 1080i, then the 1080i signal is sent to your TV.

What happens on the SD channels? Is the 576i signal sent to your TV, or does the PVR upscale in this mode?

Thanks,
Greg

 

[Gambit]

The original option doesn't work, it is the same as the native option. Therefore it either sends out all video as the tv's native res or one of the manually selected resolutions. Therefore unless you manually select an SD res all SD content is upscaled.

 

[Roman4604]

So if DSTV broadcast in 720p, then a 720p signal is sent to your TV or is they broadcast in 1080i, then the 1080i signal is sent to your TV.

Currently, all HD channels/content is broadcast in 1080i. You can downscale the 1080i to 720p on the HDPVR, but I dont think its the same as 720p from source?

What happens on the SD channels? Is the 576i signal sent to your TV, or does the PVR upscale in this mode?

Yes SD channels are broadcast in 576i, but are upscaled to 1080i by the HDPVR, unless overridden by using the 720p or 576p options (there is no 576i).

 

[greg_SA]

Thanks very much

So, just to confirm, if I wanted my TV to do the SD upscaling, I would have to force the PVR output to 576p? Would my HD channels also be output as 576p then?

 

[Roman4604]

Thanks very much

So, just to confirm, if I wanted my TV to do the SD upscaling, I would have to force the PVR output to 576p? Would my HD channels also be output as 576p then?

Unfortunately yes, current firmware doesnt seem to do format/res switching. Here are the different HDMI output options and their results;

Original = all channels 1080i
Native = all channels 1080i (on my FHD LCD)
576p = all channels 576p
720p = all channels 720p
1080i = all channels 1080i

 

[greg_SA]

Hmmm...okay...

I was hoping to choose which device did the upscaling (PVR or TV) - In some scenarios it might be possible that the TV has a better upscaler...

 

[Roman4604]

In some scenarios it might be possible that the TV has a better upscaler...

Suppose depends on the grade/quality of the TV. I only have an entry-level 5 series 40" LCD and from my testing the best SD picture is to let the HDPVR do the upscaling to 1080i and the TV to display native res (only doing de-interlacing).

With HD channels, the best for me is 1080i, it just has a bit extra sharpness/clarity compared to downscaling HDMI output to 720p. Also makes no difference to motion quality, presumably cos the source signal is still interlaced irrespective of HDMI output format.

 

[LoneWolf]

just a quick question... what type of connection does the HD PVR use??? and how much is it to install?? i want to upgrade from SD to HD PVR. the distance from the dish to the TV is the whole length of my house... does this mean im going to pay over my head for the installation or, if its possible, move the dish to a closer point = cheaper installation costs?

 

[Roman4604]

i want to upgrade from SD to HD PVR.

By upgrade, do you mean stop using the SDPVR, or rather run both in an Xtraview configuration?

 

[LoneWolf]

By upgrade, do you mean stop using the SDPVR, or rather run both in an Xtraview configuration?

upgrade meaning that the SD decoder will be used completely separate in another building with its own dish, therefor i want the HD PVR in my house replacing the SD decoder.

 

[Roman4604]

upgrade meaning that the SD decoder will be used completely separate in another building with its own dish, therefor i want the HD PVR in my house replacing the SD decoder.

Then if its a HDRVR2P (newest small one), it should be a straight swap. Both only require a dual LNB (two cables from the dish).

 

[LoneWolf]

Then if its a HDRVR2P (newest small one), it should be a straight swap. Both only require a dual LNB (two cables from the dish).

i currently only have one cable coming from the dish... i heard that you have to replace the receiver on the dish itself as well?? is this true?? what will the installation cost be, roughly?

 

[Roman4604]

i currently only have one cable coming from the dish

Then most likely it would be best to get an installer to replace the current LNB on your dish (receiver as you call it) with a SatCR one, which allows the HDPVR2P to work properly with just one cable from the dish.

To save money you can try do it yourself, but the issue you may run into is alignment (one person on the roof on a cell call to someone looking at HDPVR's signal screen).