Why Does My Plasma "Pixilate"?

[Ga_Gamecock]

I have recently purchased the 50" Samsung (many of you helped me set it up) and i love the tv - its such a huge upgrade from what i had - but the one thing i dont like about it (im a TV snob now, BTW) is that when im watching a very cool HD program on NatGeo or Disc, sometimes they (the camera) will run after an animal or move abrutptly and then focus in on something very quickly ... when these two happen (the motion and the zoom in) the TV pixilates for about a 1/2 a sec then resumes crystal clear hi def ...

why is that?

my TV is a 720p/1080i

would this be a reuslt of the 'refresher speed' ??

http://www.overstock.com/Electronics/Samsung-50-inch-Plasma-TV/2923603/product.html?cid=123620&fp=F&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=11090976-000-000




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[gamecockphan]

Interesting, I thought Samsung only made LCD's. I'm no expert on HDTV's but I think that the higher the htz, the faster the refresh speed and less pixilation. I know that my Sony Bravia that is 1080P w/ 120 htz is clearer than my Samsung 1080P w/ not as many htz. Just a shot in the dark.

[GamecockSkip]

Yes, the higher the refresh rate, the less pixilation you will see in fast motion shots. Plasma's generally have less problems with this than LCD sets. The larger screens are more prone to this than the smaller screen models. Are you using an HDMI cable or componant video (or ---shudder---coax)? HDMI generally will give you a better signal which should help.

[Ga_Gamecock]

i have hdmi

the tv is great overall - thats the one flaw i can find

even then, its still outperforms most of the lcds i looked at during sports broadcast- which were top of the line and newer models ... the blurring during football games was much more evident to me on the lcd than the plas

from what the saleman was telling me (and this is my assumption), older plasmas were 8 ms, newer are 4 ms, and the very newest are 2 ms ... i think mine is 4 ms ... but for what i paid, i cant complain.

i didnt know if there was a setting or mode i could utilize to reduce this effect

thanks guys

[GamecockSkip]

No setting I know of. If you're happy with the overall, what's a few pixels among friends? Are you using a dish or cable? I often have pixellation problems even on my CRT set due to weak satellite signals. I have heard most LCD sets have problems in this area though. I'm sure by the time you need a new one, they will have figured out how to control this. Hell, I started out on a B&W TV, so this new stuff is totally amazing to this ole boy.

[CockRoche]

I notice it on mine and it's worse on different channels. I don't know if that means the channels have a 'better' feed that my TV can't keep up or if that means their HD feed is using a lower bandwidth. That's probably not the correct terms but that's the only way I know to describe it. The pixellation used to occur more on CBS(wltx) than the other stations and I am receiving mine via OTA signal. The newer TV's are supposed to have higher processing speeds.

[Ga_Gamecock]

No setting I know of. If you're happy with the overall, what's a few pixels among friends? Are you using a dish or cable? I often have pixellation problems even on my CRT set due to weak satellite signals. I have heard most LCD sets have problems in this area though. I'm sure by the time you need a new one, they will have figured out how to control this. Hell, I started out on a B&W TV, so this new stuff is totally amazing to this ole boy.

its hard to explain

im on comcast, and occasionally i get the "feed" pixilization and second or two of missed signal when the feed from comcast gets weak (i have had to call the a few times and get the signal reset) but the "zoom" pix is different - its like the TV (or the feed) - cant keep up with the data from the show ... thats how im interpreting it anyways ...

i guess im spoiled to a degree LOL. im so facinated and captured by HD that it sucks when the Zoom Pix happens, im not sure how to accurately describe it, but i was just looking for a 'fix' if available ...

I notice it on mine and it's worse on different channels. I don't know if that means the channels have a 'better' feed that my TV can't keep up or if that means their HD feed is using a lower bandwidth. That's probably not the correct terms but that's the only way I know to describe it. The pixellation used to occur more on CBS(wltx) than the other stations and I am receiving mine via OTA signal. The newer TV's are supposed to have higher processing speeds.

CockRoche

Ive noticed that too. IMO there are noticable differences in some channles (for ex:) A&E HD vs ESPN HD vs HiDef Theater or Disc HD ... the channels like "club 1080" seem to take it to another level ... and these are the channels that I notice the pixilation on the most.

Now - is it the feed or the TV or the fact that i am seeing such a clear ultra HD feed contrasted by the blur (and in effect this contrast "makes" it worse) .. LOL

[mpilot0705]

My mom had this problem at her house. The cable company actually had to come run new cables from the nearest pedestal to her house because even with an amplifier the hd cables did that. Check your signal strenth to the tv. My tv has a meter in the channel scan menu that tells you how strong the signal is and see if it is a problem with that first.

[cbx79]

I have a Sony 57 in and have none of that , my brother in law has the Samsung you have and has the same problem and has not been able to fix that and he is a geek, good luck

[dshocker]

A lot of the time this is a problem with your HD cable box. I recommend that you "reboot" it once a week; especially if it is a DVR model. Also, how far away from the TV do you watch it from. The general rule is that plasma is for 12 feet and farther viewing distance. The bigger the TV, the farther the distance. 12 feet might not sound a like a lot, but to average homes it is.

[Blitzer]

Does your cable box set the resolution to match the broadcast or does it convert all broadcasts to match one output? My box from TW will let you set your output to 1080i\720p\480p\480i. You will probably get best results by not converting the signal, but I got tired of the delay when my tv switched between the various display modes. I set mine to always use 720p because sports broadcasts work better with progressive display.

[dshocker]

Does your cable box set the resolution to match the broadcast or does it convert all broadcasts to match one output? My box from TW will let you set your output to 1080i\720p\480p\480i. You will probably get best results by not converting the signal, but I got tired of the delay when my tv switched between the various display modes. I set mine to always use 720p because sports broadcasts work better with progressive display.

That is an interesting statement. Check out my post on this thread on how to set resolutions.

http://www.cockytalk.com/showthread.php?t=49700

[Ga_Gamecock]

Does your cable box set the resolution to match the broadcast or does it convert all broadcasts to match one output? My box from TW will let you set your output to 1080i\720p\480p\480i. You will probably get best results by not converting the signal, but I got tired of the delay when my tv switched between the various display modes. I set mine to always use 720p because sports broadcasts work better with progressive display.
hmmm

i usually set it to 1080i on the box, but i chech it every now and then and usually its reverted back to 720p .. whichi used to find frustrating, but i got tired of fighting the box ... any way i can permanently change this? should i ?


A lot of the time this is a problem with your HD cable box. I recommend that you "reboot" it once a week; especially if it is a DVR model. Also, how far away from the TV do you watch it from. The general rule is that plasma is for 12 feet and farther viewing distance. The bigger the TV, the farther the distance. 12 feet might not sound a like a lot, but to average homes it is.
Shocker,

My den is long and rather narrow. I think i am about 9-10 feetaway from the TV (couch to tv)

My mom had this problem at her house. The cable company actually had to come run new cables from the nearest pedestal to her house because even with an amplifier the hd cables did that. Check your signal strenth to the tv. My tv has a meter in the channel scan menu that tells you how strong the signal is and see if it is a problem with that first.

Mpilot,

can you elaborate? i cant find a meter (built in to the tv)


Thanks Guys!!

[dshocker]

GA_Gamecock

The reason that your cable box switches to 720 is because that particular channel only broadcasts at that resolution. ESPN and Fox are 1080, I think CBS is at 720, but I am not sure. Your Cable box (and TV) cannot convert up to a better resolution because of the broadcast resolution. Likewise, most current cable boxes does not support 1080p even though your TV does. If a station broadcast in 1080p, the cable box would be able to receive it, but would convert it to 1080i and push it the TV. Nobody is broadcasting in 1080p as of now. You can only get this in Blu-Ray or HD-DVD.

Yours may not have a meter, you may want to contact your provider for them to test. The older the neighborhood, the more likely to have issue with HD signal.

[JAYBEZ]

While it very likely could be the cable company's fault, it sounds more like it is just motion blur. A TV thing, not the cable connection.

[dshocker]

Is the pixilation big (1" or bigger) or small? Big usually means cable, small is TV. Make sense?

[ShutTheSuccop]

This is a dumb question, but what is the difference between 720p, 1080i, and 1080p? I have two HDTV's that are 1080i (one LCD, one plasma), and I realize they are not as good as 1080p, but what is the difference (in layman's terms)?

[Ga_Gamecock]

p is better than i

p is progressive

i is interlace

essentially, "P" shows all horizontal line of resolution at once, so you get the total pic in each frame

i shows half of the lines, then the other half a slit seconf later

720/1080 is the amount of data coming through. 1080p is the best, or bluray quality, since the most data comes tghrough and all of it is shown 'at once'

hope that makes sense

correct me if im wrong. thats how i undestood the process

[gamecocks20023]

plasma sucks. You need a lcd

[dshocker]

This is a dumb question, but what is the difference between 720p, 1080i, and 1080p? I have two HDTV's that are 1080i (one LCD, one plasma), and I realize they are not as good as 1080p, but what is the difference (in layman's terms)?

The number represents how many lines are drawn on the picture. The more the better resolution.

P is for progressive and each line is updated 30 times a second.

I is for interlaced and every other line is updated 60 times a second which is still 30 frames/sec, but the frame is split, but your eyes cannot calculate that fast. Progressive is better for high moving feeds (i.e. sports).

So obviously progressive is better for action, no difference for slow moving film and the bigger number is a better resolution.

Does all that make sense?

[ultimatetailgater]

This is a dumb question, but what is the difference between 720p, 1080i, and 1080p? I have two HDTV's that are 1080i (one LCD, one plasma), and I realize they are not as good as 1080p, but what is the difference (in layman's terms)?
720p is 1280 horizontal lines of resolution by 720 lines of vertical resolution rendered progressively(at the same time).

1080i is 1920 horizontal lines by 1080 vertical lines rendered interlaced(horizontal then vertical) this means one set is rendered then the next just after it so its not fully in sync. Some people can't even detect the difference its just there on paper.

1080p is the same as 1080i expect the vertical and horizontal lines are rendered at the same time(progressively)

1080p is technically the best but its really up to your eyes and budget. If a 720p TV looks good enough to you and its more in your price range then there's nothing wrong with getting one.

[Ga_Gamecock]

plasma sucks. You need a lcd

i will disagree with that ^^^

depends on the use

i was sold on LCD due to the "brightness" or "pop" i saw in the stores, but for sports, you cant beat a plas

i researched it to death, and finally narrowd it down to a panasonic plas or samsung plas.

i went with samsung due to the brighter pic samsung offered compared to the panny

when i watched NFL in the stores, there was a noticable blur during hi speed/motion scenes (Kick off returns, etc) that wasnt there on a plasma

the flip side is if you are a gamer, i hear LCD is the way to go...

JMO

[ultimatetailgater]

nm lol I saw who you were replying too.

[ShutTheSuccop]

The number represents how many lines are drawn on the picture. The more the better resolution.

P is for progressive and each line is updated 30 times a second.

I is for interlaced and every other line is updated 60 times a second which is still 30 frames/sec, but the frame is split, but your eyes cannot calculate that fast. Progressive is better for high moving feeds (i.e. sports).

So obviously progressive is better for action, no difference for slow moving film and the bigger number is a better resolution.

Does all that make sense?

Thanks for the help that makes sense...I looked back at my tv manuals and they are both 720p/1080i. They are both panasonic...one a plasma and the other a lcd...thanks for the info from all you guys

[mpilot0705]

I disagree about the LCD not being good for football. Mine looks amazing. I also like how the newer TV's have the new digital ablities. For instance I'm watching the football game right now on the digital version of NBC. While it isn't true HD it is pretty close in quality from what I can tell.

As for the meter I go under my menu then setup then a manual channel scan and it has the channel listed with the strength under it.

[ultimatetailgater]

I disagree about the LCD not being good for football. Mine looks amazing. I also like how the newer TV's have the new digital ablities. For instance I'm watching the football game right now on the digital version of NBC. While it isn't true HD it is pretty close in quality from what I can tell.

As for the meter I go under my menu then setup then a manual channel scan and it has the channel listed with the strength under it.

Same here my new Samsung LNT4665F is clear as crystal on football not one bit of pixelation.

[NXS]

IMO which TV is best comes down to personal preference and where the TV is to be watched. If your room is pretty dark, then Plasma will be tough to beat. But if your room is bright with lots of windows, then LCD would be your best choice. Either way if it’s your first experience with HD format, then you will not be disappointed.

[RocketSauce!]

I have a 50" Panasonic Plasma. Mine does the same thing on channels that broadcast in 1080i. Doesn't happen on channels that broadcast in 720p.

[Ga_Gamecock]

I have a 50" Panasonic Plasma. Mine does the same thing on channels that broadcast in 1080i. Doesn't happen on channels that broadcast in 720p.


how can i find out which broadcast in 720p vs 1080i ?

[Cockadoo]

how can i find out which broadcast in 720p vs 1080i ?

You should have a status button on your remote, for instance I have a Pan 52" plasma and it has a info button on the remote which displays a bar at the top of the screen stating Channel, Audio (7.1, etc.), then it will show whether its being displayed as 720 or 1080.

[Ga_Gamecock]

my TV just freaked when the LSU confetti began ... good lord that was a lot of confetti ... it seems that when there is a ton of movement and its all over the screen and in the foreground as well as in the background, the processor (or whatever) has a tough time kepping up with all of the motion

when it calmed down the TV looked great again ...

[ultimatetailgater]

my TV just freaked when the LSU confetti began ... good lord that was a lot of confetti ... it seems that when there is a ton of movement and its all over the screen and in the foreground as well as in the background, the processor (or whatever) has a tough time kepping up with all of the motion

when it calmed down the TV looked great again ...



That wasn't your TV is was the HD Camera on FOX's end. That's why the panned over to the crowd