New TV config decissions

Ghoulish Delight · 05-15-2007, 10:52 AM

Our new 40" LCD tv arrived today, which means all I can think about sitting here at work is setting it up. I need some advice.

First off, we have no HD components right now. I refuse to commit to either BlueRay or HD-DVD, the Wii doesn't do HD, and we'd have to buy a pricey new TiVo. Reviews of the TV we bought said it does an excellent job of displaying an SD signal, so I'm crossing my fingers.

I'd like to make sure we get the best quality SD video on it. Right now our set up is as as follows:

Cable connected through TiVo via coax to the RF input of our TV
DVD player connected w/S-video
Wii connected with standard composite RCA video

I'm thinking I'll probably want to get away from the coax RF from the TiVo to the TV.

The new TV has several options. If I'm reading the manual correctly (won't be positive until I get home), it's got 2 composite inputs, 2 s-video inputs, and 2 component inputs. I'm thinking I'll stick with S-video for the DVD. I believe the player has component video out as well. Would I gain much going component instead? And can I get away with standard RCA cables if I do?

As for the TiVo, the docs online seem to indicate that it's only got either RF or composite, no s-video or component. That's unfortunate. If that really is the case I'll go with the composite, it should be a better signal than the RF.

Of course, the other consideration is an HD antenna. The TV's got a built in tuner. I've seen some reviews online for indoor antennas that make it seem like a viable possibility. And I could very easily locate the antenna upstairs for improved reception, possibly even in the attic if I get really ambitious. I'll just have to make sure that if we do buy an antenna, that there's a good return policy in case it sucks. Anyone one have any experience/recommendations?

05-15-2007, 10:52 AM	#1
Ghoulish Delight I Floop the Pig Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Alternative Swankstyle Posts: 19,348	New TV config decissions Our new 40" LCD tv arrived today, which means all I can think about sitting here at work is setting it up. I need some advice. First off, we have no HD components right now. I refuse to commit to either BlueRay or HD-DVD, the Wii doesn't do HD, and we'd have to buy a pricey new TiVo. Reviews of the TV we bought said it does an excellent job of displaying an SD signal, so I'm crossing my fingers. I'd like to make sure we get the best quality SD video on it. Right now our set up is as as follows: Cable connected through TiVo via coax to the RF input of our TV DVD player connected w/S-video Wii connected with standard composite RCA video I'm thinking I'll probably want to get away from the coax RF from the TiVo to the TV. The new TV has several options. If I'm reading the manual correctly (won't be positive until I get home), it's got 2 composite inputs, 2 s-video inputs, and 2 component inputs. I'm thinking I'll stick with S-video for the DVD. I believe the player has component video out as well. Would I gain much going component instead? And can I get away with standard RCA cables if I do? As for the TiVo, the docs online seem to indicate that it's only got either RF or composite, no s-video or component. That's unfortunate. If that really is the case I'll go with the composite, it should be a better signal than the RF. Of course, the other consideration is an HD antenna. The TV's got a built in tuner. I've seen some reviews online for indoor antennas that make it seem like a viable possibility. And I could very easily locate the antenna upstairs for improved reception, possibly even in the attic if I get really ambitious. I'll just have to make sure that if we do buy an antenna, that there's a good return policy in case it sucks. Anyone one have any experience/recommendations? __________________ 'He who receives an idea from me, receives instruction himself without lessening mine; as he who lights his taper at mine, receives light without darkening me.' -TJ
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