PICTURE, QUALITY AND ISSUES

Fancy meeting you here again! This issue is the continuation of the previous article we have launched entitled, “Sony Plasma Television Inquiries: Answered! PART2.1”. So if you have read preceding article, then surely, you are ready to read this one

The Sony Plasma television picture quality and its High Definition Technology

Inferior picture quality may be more noticeable on a high-definition television (HDTV) with a large screen. However, the problem is most likely not with the TV; it is most often due to the display or up-conversion of a standard-definition (480i) signal.

Originally intended to deliver a picture to TV sets with screens no larger than 25 inches, the 480i format was designed to create a picture with 480 horizontal lines. These lines of resolution need to be enlarged to properly fill the screen now that there is more development of larger TV screens including the non HDTV. However, enlarging the lines makes it easier to see video noise or artifacts that interfere with picture clarity.

Upscaling is another factor that can play a part in picture quality. Many high definition televisions have the capability of upscaling a 480i signal to 720p, 1080i or 1080p resolution, which creates a picture with 720 or 1080 horizontal lines.

Furthermore, 480i signals are sometimes upscaled by broadcasters. Some upscaled signals may look fuzzy or slightly pixilated because of the differences in the number of lines. You will not get HD quality if it was originally recorded in 480i even if the program you are watching is being broadcast in high definition.

Picture quality on an HDTV is best when viewing a high definition signal for the above reasons. You may still be able to make the picture better by adjusting the sharpness or picture mode options on the TV although you will not be able to get an HDTV quality picture from a 480i signal.

You may see the television broadcast signal on more than one video input jack depending on how you have your home theater equipment connected. Make sure you are viewing the signal through the video input jack that is connected to the HD source such as Video 4,  Video 5 or, Video 6 when you are attempting to watch HD broadcasts.

Refer to the operating instructions of your television for the model specific information about adjusting the sharpness or picture mode options.