Sky HD / VP50 info screen issue and a few Q's...

[Steve_B]

Hi,

Just got a Sky HD box to replace my SDI'd v1. Running via a VP50 v1.01 firmware

After loads of issues getting a picture when switching between SD & BBC-HD which only a factory reset seemed to cure???

On pressing the info button I get the window with the item headers but not what is being received etc So I have no way of telling if everything is set optimally...

A few side Q's (Apols to all if these are old news...)

Is it best to set the Sky box to Automatic for resolution selection? to avoid its internal processing.

Does the VP50 handle memorising the PreP setting when switching between 1080i and 576p on the same HDMI input?

Any recommended settings for the VP50 with SkyHD / 506XDE?



Cheers muchly

[StooMonster]

Originally Posted by Steve_B

Hi,

Just got a Sky HD box to replace my SDI'd v1. Running via a VP50 v1.01 firmware

After loads of issues getting a picture when switching between SD & BBC-HD which only a factory reset seemed to cure???

On pressing the info button I get the window with the item headers but not what is being received etc So I have no way of telling if everything is set optimally...

A few side Q's (Apols to all if these are old news...)

Is it best to set the Sky box to Automatic for resolution selection? to avoid its internal processing.

Does the VP50 handle memorising the PreP setting when switching between 1080i and 576p on the same HDMI input?

Any recommended settings for the VP50 with SkyHD / 506XDE?



Cheers muchly

Yes, set Sky HD to AUTO output.

Yes, VP50 remembers PReP for 576p and 1080i settings on same input, there are different memories and settings for different signals on the same input.

StooMonster

[-Hitman-]

I would also recommend upgrading to the lastest firmware 1.04.

Prep is used with progressive inputs, so will not used with Sky 1080i as de-interlacing will be on by defaut, probably best to use auto for both resolutions.

Whatever deinterlacing or additional settings you select for what resolution/input is a ways saved seperately for each.

Recommend settings for skyhd and xde, sky auto output to VP50, output from VP50 native resolution of xde (1366x768?) pixel mapped, acheived via analogue VGA port, for HDMI use 720P (closest to native).

Did you get the Sky, sd to hd blanking sorted out?

[Steve_B]

Many thanks to Stoo and the Dr!

When I initially plugged in the HDMI, I could see BBC-HD but on switching to SD to compare and switched back the blue light flashed and that was that. Switching off and on briefly showed the picture before the curtains closed to a blank screen for both SD and HD though sound was fine via HDMI. I reckon an HDCP handshake issue... Scart was fine.

Factory resetting cleared this and now VP50 re-syncs when switching between BBC-HD and SD channels. HD box set to Auto, VP50 set to output 720p-50 444 ColourSpace (as opposed to RGB) Turned PreP on for 576 SD channels.

Info window, sometimes is completed now, but only when choosing via the menu not the short cut button.

Since installing the HD box the menu's are sloooow, but from reading this is known issue fixed in 1.03/4 maybe this will fix the info window also? Upgrading tomorrow with any luck.

Picture on BBC-HD is simply stunning (just watched Hustle). Not sure PreP'd 576 HDMI is as clear as my old SDI'd V1, though much better than RGB scart.


Cheers again

[madgames]

Steve
I would be interested to know how you get on with your setup.
I have a 436XDE which i think is similar to yours and also have sky HD.
Im still running the firmware that shipped with the VP50 and am waiting for Gordon to come and put the latest firmware on for me and set it all up for me.
But if his schedule is too busy then i may have a go myself

[choddo2006]

If you use Barry Gordon's utility (and have a PC with a COM port!), upgrading the firmware is a doddle. Takes about 45 minutes though @ 57600. And 1.04 is very good.

Remember to note down all your settings. You will lose them going from 1.00 to 1.04.

[madgames]

yeah thats the thing choddo
not meaning to be think but Gordon ISFd it and i never go into the menus or mess with it at all
What settings would i write down , where do i find them
First port of call is to maybe locate the VP50 remote

[choddo2006]

hehe

You would need all the timing settings (under Output/Format)

You'd want the colour, brightness, sharpness settings

Input Overscan, deinterlacing settings.

and you'd need that for each incoming resolution (e.g. 576p vs 1080i for Sky, 480i/60 vs 576i/50 for DVD) and need to note down where display profiles are used. e.g. they're typically used to alter the output framerate to 48Hz for 60Hz film sources, versus 60Hz for 60Hz video sources (and 50Hz for 50Hz sources of course) all on the same input. So you have a 60->48/50->50 profile and a 60->60/50->50 profile.

The only way to get to each of them is to play content that matches the res, and then the menus will show you what it's currently set to.

[madgames]

Wow
seems abit daunting
Was gonna tinker with it this afternoon if i can bunk off but with all those parameters and the footy on tonight as well maybe ill leave it for Gordon
Would i be able to use a USB to Serial adapter from my laptop or does it have to be straight serial, im guessing i would also need a null modem cable ?

[-Hitman-]

Originally Posted by madgames

Wow
seems abit daunting
Was gonna tinker with it this afternoon if i can bunk off but with all those parameters and the footy on tonight as well maybe ill leave it for Gordon
Would i be able to use a USB to Serial adapter from my laptop or does it have to be straight serial, im guessing i would also need a null modem cable ?

Usb - serial converters are dodgey at best and only certain model/s are supported using the VP comms software.

I would suggest a straight serial connection, less hassel!

BTW. did you not get a free serial cable with the VP50?

[madgames]

No free cable when i bought it ,
Ill have to work out how im going to flash it then as only have a imac and a couple of laptops
None of which have serial

[choddo2006]

You can't be that far from me if Gordon did your ISF. I've got a slim docking unit for my laptop which has serial out on it. Happy to do a short drive to help out. PM me if you're interested & have Kronenbourg on tap

[madgames]

WOW Really
That would be most appreciated
Im in Kings Lynn , Norfolk
My dad owns a fuel station so im more than happy to refuel you so your not outta pocket ,
Thanks again

[togad]

If you need a USB>Serial cable, I can vouch for the following -

http://www.easysync.co.uk/index.html...arget=d12.html

I bought the "US232R-10 : Premium ** GOLD ** USB-RS232 Adapter cable" and it worked perfectly.

[choddo2006]

Originally Posted by madgames

WOW Really
That would be most appreciated
Im in Kings Lynn , Norfolk
My dad owns a fuel station so im more than happy to refuel you so your not outta pocket ,
Thanks again

Crikey,that's quite a way from Gordon, there's other people on here a lot closer to you I'm near Heathrow. Sounds like the plan may not quite come off!