What will improve the picture quality?

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USZA

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I have a Samsung 40" Smart LED TV.

I just plugged it into my flat's tv socket but the picture quality is terrible; terrible as in some channels are snowy and some channels just totally lose signal. I'm trying to find the best way of either boosting the signal, or a decoder of some sort that would really bring out the qualities of the TV itself.

My options are as follows:
  • External aerial - This would boost the reception and consequently the picture quality but I'm afraid that it won't work 100%
  • DSTV compact - At least the TV will be getting a digital signal from the decoder
  • DSTV full bouquet with HD PVR, although the HD would only work for movies in HD

I'm not looking for a quick-fix; rather a long-term solution. If there's any other possibilities that does not involve a decoder, I'm quite open to it.
 
VernD said:
I have a Samsung 40" Smart LED TV.

I just plugged it into my flat's tv socket but the picture quality is terrible; terrible as in some channels are snowy and some channels just totally lose signal. I'm trying to find the best way of either boosting the signal, or a decoder of some sort that would really bring out the qualities of the TV itself.

My options are as follows:
  • External aerial - This would boost the reception and consequently the picture quality but I'm afraid that it won't work 100%
  • DSTV compact - At least the TV will be getting a digital signal from the decoder
  • DSTV full bouquet with HD PVR, although the HD would only work for movies in HD

I'm not looking for a quick-fix; rather a long-term solution. If there's any other possibilities that does not involve a decoder, I'm quite open to it.
Click to expand...

What do you need the TV for?

DSTV compact would give you an analogue signal from the decoder to the TV.

HD PVR would give you a digital signal, with improved SD quality.

Not sure what you mean by HD only working for movies in HD? There are different HD channels, albeit few.
 
PostmanPot said:
May I ask why you chose LED backlit LCD?
Click to expand...

I actually wanted the full LED Matrix TV but that was out of my affordability range. I already have a 22" full LED Matrix monitor and the picture quality on that is awesome; so I based the decision for a TV on that. Besides that, too much light in my lounge so LCD would've looked awful - too much glare.
 
To improve TV picture quality from DSTV, read here: (broadcast TV is a waste of time, crap picture and even crapper content)

Activating image upscaling on HD-PVR (works on all channels except 170-174)

MENU
5
9949
2
DOWN arrow to 2
-< (scroll to 1080i)
OK
OK
Exit
Exit

You will have to re-do this if MC issue a general reset after an upgrade. Default is “Original”
On 1080i, receiver's video circuit increases the pixel count sent to your TV
 
chrisc4290 said:
To improve TV picture quality from DSTV, read here: (broadcast TV is a waste of time, crap picture and even crapper content)

Activating image upscaling on HD-PVR (works on all channels except 170-174)

MENU
5
9949
2
DOWN arrow to 2
-< (scroll to 1080i)
OK
OK
Exit
Exit

You will have to re-do this if MC issue a general reset after an upgrade. Default is “Original”
On 1080i, receiver's video circuit increases the pixel count sent to your TV
Click to expand...

I would leave it on Original...
 
It's this one I think. The manual says that it's full LED matrix.

Bought it last year at Incredible for R2.5K; they just received it at that stage. Wanted to buy another one but I saw that the price has increased.
 
You can use an HD PVR (for the digital signal) without having to take out the full Premium package.
 
VernD said:
It's this one I think. The manual says that it's full LED matrix.

Bought it last year at Incredible for R2.5K; they just received it at that stage. Wanted to buy another one but I saw that the price has increased.
Click to expand...

Nothing on that site or Google indicates it's full matrix I would doubt it. Looks like the usual LCD with LED back/edge-lighting. You might be confusing Full HD with TFT active matrix?

Anyway, I suppose yours was the right choice for a bright room. :)
 
PostmanPot said:
Nothing on that site or Google indicates it's full matrix I would doubt it. Looks like the usual LCD with LED back/edge-lighting. You might be confusing Full HD with TFT active matrix?

Anyway, I suppose yours was the right choice for a bright room. :)
Click to expand...

I'm not going to argue; just repeated what the manual indicated although it did look LED backlit to me. And yes, there is nothing on that site to indicate that it is LED Matrix; maybe go check in stores.
 
VernD said:
I'm not going to argue; just repeated what the manual indicated although it did look LED backlit to me. And yes, there is nothing on that site to indicate that it is LED Matrix; maybe go check in stores.
Click to expand...

LCD matrix to my understanding is the layer of pixels in the panel that light passes through.

Full LED matrix means that the screen is not merely LED back lit LCD, it means the screen is actually made up of LEDs that shine R G and B. A different tech; proper LED tech.

Just saying...
 
PostmanPot said:
LCD matrix to my understanding is the layer of pixels in the panel that light passes through.

Full LED matrix means that the screen is not merely LED back lit LCD, it means the screen is actually made up of LEDs that shine R G and B. A different tech; proper LED tech.

Just saying...
Click to expand...

I know the difference between LED backlit and Full LED Matrix yes.

Also just saying . . . ;)
 
VernD said:
I know the difference between LED backlit and Full LED Matrix yes.

Also just saying . . . ;)
Click to expand...

Just saying there is no argument, just discussion.

Probably the incorrect marketing then that Samsung were sued for when they originally brought out "LED panels"? :D
 
VernD said:
Thanks. There is a God after all :D. I'm not to keen on DSTV so the less I have to spend on them, the better.
Click to expand...

Surely a normal DSTV decoder with DSTV easy view will give him a decent picture, especially seeing as he does not want to pay DSTV too much. And this for only R20 a month. Sure, it's only the SABC channels.
 
VernD said:
I know the difference between LED backlit and Full LED Matrix yes.
Click to expand...
The jury is still out on the practical benefits of Full Array LED. For instance Samsung believe they can match PQ performance/local dimming with clever light guide/distribution panel design & some sw trickery using edge-lit LED (at reduced manufacturing costs). Both systems are still prone to blooming due to the difference in granularity between the LCD matrix and the discrete LED illumination zones.
 
Last edited:
wily me said:
I am not with you Mike? Care to elaborate?
Click to expand...

HD PVR -> HDMI -> TV/receiver. That takes care of the signal.

You can then subscribe to any DSTV package - having an HD PVR does not mean that you're forced to subscribe to the Premium package.
 
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