Chat with video/audio consultant David Nigro about HDTV and Super Bowl XL

Welcome to our online chat with video/audio consultant David Nigro about HDTV and Super Bowl XL.

The chat took place on Thursday, January 26, at 1:30 PM and is now closed, but you can read the full transcript on this page.

Moderator: Welcome today to our chat about HDTV and getting set up for Super Bowl XL.

I’m Dave Toplikar, World Online editor, and our guest today is David Nigro, audio-video consultant with Kief’s Audio-Video in Lawrence.

We’re doing this chat from Kief’s at 2429 Iowa in south Lawrence.

David, thanks for letting us interrupt you today to answer our readers’ questions.

We’ve already have several questions ready to go, so we can get started.

David Nigro: Thanks for letting me have this time to talk to you about HDTV and answer your questions.

Kelly from Lawrence: Is the picture quality slightly better from an Over The Air HDTV signal versus a cable HDTV signal because some cable systems “compress” the signal? If so, what antenna/system do you recommend for receiving HDTV OTA in Lawrence? Thanks!

David Nigro responds to reader's questions online.

David Nigro: As far as quality from on air to cable/satellite the over air may have a slightly better picture quality. This is because the cable and satellite providers, compress the signal to save on bandwidth

David Nigro: As far as antenna systems, you really should talk to someone about where you live and what your expectations are. Antennas can be fickle in their reception, location plays an important role, in what you receive.

With HD over the air you either get the signal or you don’t no ghosting or fuzzy picture.

Matt, Lawrence: It is my understanding that Sunflower Cablevision’s feed of ABC in HD is offered in 720p, however over the air digital broadcast of KMBC is offered in 1080i. I am able to receive both – so I wondered which signal I should use to give me the best picture for the game.

David Nigro: Matt, when watching sports, in HD a 720p signal would be preferred, as the progressively scanned image renders motion much smoother. A 1080i signal gives a finer detail, but may blur with fast motion.

Dan, Lawrence: I’ve noticed an issue with CBS football broadcasts since I bought my HDTV. It was mainly on-field camera shots where reds are getting blocky when they move. This was most prevalent during Chiefs games. I have never noticed this on another channel (trust me, I’ve watched a lot of HD football games lately). Any idea what may be causing this problem?

David Nigro: I’ve observed this as well, I think that it could be one of two things or both, CBS uses a 1080i resolution, which may not render motion as smoothly. The other factor could be that they are compressing their feed a bit more than the other networks as well.

Renee’, Lawrence: I’m considering purchasing a projection HDTV with DLP technology. The newness of DLP bothers me a little. Is it developed enough that it won’t be more trouble than it’s worth. The price tag doubles to add this technology, is it worth it?

David Nigro: DLP has now been out for about 4 years. So far most of the TV’s I’ve seen have had a good track record. If you like the picture DLP offers, I suggest you buy one from one of the established brands, rather than some new company. If you are still uncomfortable with DLP, there are many other HDTV technologies out there, and I recommend you talk to a qualified salesperson about your TV needs.

Billy, Lawrence: HDTV, EDTV, LCD, Plasma, Digital Cable Ready, etc., is it all personal preference or is there really positive differences?

David Nigro: Billy, It is a matter of preference, DLP may have a smoother more natural picture, but LCD rear projection has a bit brighter more detailed image. ED and HD are different resolutions. I recommend, again that you speak with a knowledgeable sales person, to help you make your choice.

Dan from Lawrence: What is your opinion on the viability of 1080p technology both now and into the future? Is it likely to become the standard or will there continue to be a total lack of content in that format?

Merle Prairie Village: Is it a waste to buy a new 1080p set since there is no 1080p content? Am I just as well off with a good quality 720p set up-converted to 1080i?

David Nigro: Dan and Merle, I am going to address your questions together.

David Nigro: In the future there will be some 1080p content, I know of one DVD player on the market today that can deliver a 1080p image.

The main reason 1080p came about is for larger rear projection TV’s, to give them a smoother image and avoid what some critics call the “screen door effect”, which is really only visible when you sit too close

Gene, Topeka: Which is the most cost effective; buying your own set top box or renting one from your cable provider? Where does one buy a set top box? Thanks.

David Nigro: Over the long term buying the box is more cost effective, than renting, but if you have any troubles, remember it is your box, and your problem. If you rent, if something goes wrong, or you move, your cable company will provide you with a new box.

Todd Larry, KS: I already have HDTV, on a plasma, and it’s AWESOME! I am wired for surround sound, but my current system may be outdated. It’s not as good as it used to be. What can I do to either improve what I have or upgrade? Is it the receiver I need to upgrade, or the whole system?

David Nigro: Todd, sounds like you have things pretty well in hand. I would probably suggest starting with the receiver. Depending on how old you receiver is, it may not deliver equal power to all channels, like newer ones do. Also new receivers handle much more video switching, which may make your system easier to operate.

Bob, Lawrence: My TV has an integral HD tuner box. Can an indoor or outdoor antenna be used to receive an “over the air” broadcast as opposed to paying extra for network HD programming via cable or satellite? If yes, what antenna would you suggest?

David Nigro: Bob, you can use an antenna to receive the local HD programs, but you would not receive premium services like ESPN HD or Discovery, with an antenna. Again with antennas I recommend talking with someone who is knowledgeable, and can help you find the best antenna for your needs and location.

John – KC: We just bought a Samsung LCD tv and a Samsung home theater. How can we get it all to come together and work correctly? Have read all the manuals, but still can’t get it to work right. Waiting on the cable company to install a box, but thought if you had the HDTV, it automatically comes through HD? Thanks.

David Nigro: John, I would talk to the person whom you bought the system, for advice they should be able to help. You could also talk to a store about professional installation, they should be able to set it all up for you and then teach you how to use your system.

As for everything coming in HD, only programs recorded in HD, and being broadcast on one of the HD channels will be in HD.

Alice, Lawrence: I’ve seen some models that say that you can use a “cable card” to get digital cable without the box, or that they are digital cable ready. Will these work with the Sunflower-broadband signals? Seems silly to spend the big bucks for a super sleek tv and still have to have a boat anchor digital box to get HDTV.

Lou, Lawrence: I’m confused about a cable card and a QAM tuner for watching HDTV. Do you need both to see HD or just one or the other? And how does the cable box work into that equation?

David Nigro: Alice, and Lou your questions are pretty similar. So I will address them together.

David Nigro: The Cable card works with the QAM tuner in your TV, allowing you access to the HD content without the cable box. However, there is small disadvantage to the card, you will not be able to receive the cable company’s on screen guide, pay-per view, or video on demand services with the card.

Jeremy, Lawrence: Why do you think that the Voom! satellite service, the company that focused on HD by offering 20 exclusive HD channels, went out of business? Do you think it was due to the widespread ignorance about HD and how it works?

David Nigro: Jeremy, Voom was a good idea, but it may have been ahead of its time. I think HD awareness has increased greatly in the past year, but some people were reluctant to try a fledgling satellite provider, preferring to stick to the established providers.

Stoppel, Lawrence: Is LCD a sufficient for HD?

David Nigro: Stoppel, LCD TV’s come in many different styles. They can make good HD TV’s, but you need to be aware that many especially the inexpensive ones are ED TV’s.

Brooklyn: Is it true that Teri Hatcher has a bulging vein on her forehead that can only be seen with HDTV? Thanks.

David Nigro: Brooklyn, That I do not know. I don’t watch that show. I will have to ask my wife about it when I get home from work.

Moderator: That’s a good question to end on.

I’d like to thank all of our readers who posted questions today.

And I’d like to thank David for joining us in this online discussion today.

David Nigro: Thank you for giving me this chance to talk to you, and answer your questions. If you have further questions, I’d be happy to talk to you in person at Kief’s, or any of our sales people would be glad to help you.

Thank you!