Help! Films look like TV drama on Sony 870

[Spiderkid]

Hi guys, just bought an Sony RDRHXD870 and a LE32R87 and although I'm generally very pleased with the quality and the picture (didn't expect freeview to be perfect) I have one major problem... when I watch films, either on TV or via DVD the motion control gives a very odd effect. Basically it's like watching a high quality version of casualty.. ie the picture looks like a TV drama (lighting and motion) rather than a genuine film.

I've done a quick bit of reading and it sounds like either the TV or the DVD player (Sony RDRHXD870B) is overprocessing the picture to reduce the normal tracking judder that makes movies look like movies (ie. nice and smooth).

I admit I've not had a chance to fully play with the settings yet, and should also mention that until my HDMI cable arrives I've been using a SCART lead to connect the DVD player to the TV. I know that the Samsung is supposed to have some motion problems, but I've read enough comments saying how great movies look on it that I'm hoping this is a simple setting error that I need to correct. If I can't correct it then it's going back, as the main reason I bought it was to get that 'widescreen cinematic experience' from my TV.

Anyone else experienced this? Is the likely culprit the DVD recorder, the TV or the cables (or just my stupidity?!). Please help... right now I feel like it's all been a big expensive mistake!

 

[Gavtech]

It's the TV.

 

[Spiderkid]

It's the TV.

Ok, so I guess that means that other people don't get this trouble when playing films on the Sony 870? Trouble is I don't have another TV to test as a comparison. I'll go back and try and fiddle with the TV settings (perhaps changing the cable to HDMI will help as I've heard that you can't run progressive scan through a SCART lead?)

Ps. Any ideas what can be done to resolve the problem with the TV?

 

[ramjet]

if it is scart connected make sure you are using rgb 16:9 etc as your settings on line 3 output

also try some component out leads and check if that is any better , and as you say try an hdmi cable as they were both designed for this to be the best and most modern connection

you may have to alter settings on the tv to get the best from it , and this may also depend on which connections you use

ie:- the old rgb scart method , or component method , or hdmi method

and the fact you havent tested it on another tv etc means you cannot make comparisons which means neither can anyone else

if it were me I would try a different tv , starting with a portable crt , then a 20 inch lcd and maybe a 28 inch widescreen crt tv too

I would try different leads , s-video , composite , 21 pin rgb fully wired scart , component and hopefully a hdmi too

until you have identified the problem area , you cannot expect to complain or to get it put right , so its about trying everything until you know where it lies

 

[Gavtech]

An important point here is not to mix up sources.
There is enormous variation in underlying source qualities, and great variation in how the source material can tax the various TV systems.

You mention both TV and DVD showing this effect - but TV [assuming you are using a freeview source here] is already significantly compromised in this area and can have all sorts of artefacts associated with it. Especially motion issues which is what concerns you.
Eliminate it from the equation.

So if you want to get to the bottom of the cause don't use anything but DVD's and preferably the same DVD so you can get a repeatable effect.

Another problem rather glares out - if you'll forgive me saying so - of over-expectation. It gives the impression that the commercial 'brag-sheets' have lead you to expect more than can actually be achieved with the current technologies.

 

[Spiderkid]

An important point here is not to mix up sources.
There is enormous variation in underlying source qualities, and great variation in how the source material can tax the various TV systems.

You mention both TV and DVD showing this effect - but TV [assuming you are using a freeview source here] is already significantly compromised in this area and can have all sorts of artefacts associated with it. Especially motion issues which is what concerns you.
Eliminate it from the equation.

So if you want to get to the bottom of the cause don't use anything but DVD's and preferably the same DVD so you can get a repeatable effect.

Another problem rather glares out - if you'll forgive me saying so - of over-expectation. It gives the impression that the commercial 'brag-sheets' have lead you to expect more than can actually be achieved with the current technologies.

Thanks for the advice. Through other lines of enquiry I think the issue is with the TV as you first suggested, it appears that it's the 'Movie Plus' mode which is causing films to look odd by over-processing the picture, giving it an unnatural 'ultra-real' look which means that it actually looks like it's been shot on a set, rather than giving a slightly less well defined cinematic feel. Interesting that the obession with making things look sharper and more 'real' doesn't always extend to a better viewing experience!

I also take your point of over expectation - and although I always read the negative points of any review before the positive, there's always that deep desire to find the 'perfect TV'. And for £500 that's a lot to ask! Before this TV I've been watching DVD's via my computer on both CRT and flatscreen monitors and the quality has been outstanding on both.. but considering my last flatscreen monitor was only 19" it's not surprising that an image nearly 4 times bigger shows up more flaws..

Anyway, thanks for your help, I'll try changing the settings tonight and report back.

 

[Gavtech]

Anyway, thanks for your help, I'll try changing the settings tonight and report back.

Good luck