Disappointing PQ on RDV-1050

[Stephan]

I recently got a great deal on an RSX-1056 and an RDV-1050. I'm totally satisfied with the receiver but the picture quality produced by the DVD-player is a real bummer. I have the european version and use a scart cable to connect the player to an RGB input on my Sony CRT. I also tried the S-Video cable with pretty much the same result. The picture on my 4 year old Pioneer DV-350 is way better. Did I get a lemon? Please share your experience.

[foeth]

You may want to try component video. I switched from scart (plus tuner, I admit for the plasma) to component and the quality was much better. I have no experience with that particular player though,

[Stephan]

Hi foeth,

Thanks for your reply. I don't think it will work for me though. My tv can't handle component signal. :cry:

[sirbogey]

did you try S-Video? I own the RDV1060, the picture quality is very similar and should be excellent. Try hooking it up to a differen TV as well.

[Stephan]

Hi sirbogey,

Did you do a comparison to the 1050? For all I know the 1060 has a 12 bit/54 Mhz video-DAC while the 1050 has a 10 bit/27Mhz. Therefore I doubt that the pq is the same on both machines.

[sirbogey]

You might be right. I haven't compared it myself with my own gear, but I saw the 1050 at a friends' place. He had it hooked up to a projector, like I do, and the quality was the same. We both use S-Video. To test stuff, I sometimes buy very cheap gear (around $100) on ebay, compare it to mine and sell it on. Why don't you take your 1050 to a friend's house and hook it up to his/her TV or borrow another DVD Player. Alternatively, bring it to any dealer to run a quick check.

But in majority of picture quality issues, it's the cables. Scart is really down the line, then there is composite, s-video, and the best is component. Of course, these days there are HDMI cables.

At least try to exchange the Scart cable.

[sirbogey]

on another note, how do you hook up your 1050 to your 1056? To my knowledge, the 1056 doesn't have a scart outlet.

[Stephan]

I got my player hooked up directly to my tv. The less interference in the video signal path, the better in my opinion. I use the scart connection because that is considered the best option, slightly better than S-video and far superior to composite. Component should be better than scart. But CRT tv's don't have component inputs, at least not where I live, so I haven't had the opportunity to test the component output (yet). It really surprises me that you classify scart as 'down the line'.

As for my scart cable. It's a reasonable, good quality cable which transports a great picture from my €199 Pio to my Sony CRT. The RDV-1050 just performs less, and that to me is disappointing for a €799 player.

Anyway, thanks for sharing your thoughts, very much appreciated :T

[Kevin D]

What are you seeing (or not seeing)? There may be some settings that can be tweaked. I know the sharpness setting needs to be on 1 or 2. 3 & 0 look terrible.

Kevin D.

[Stephan]

Hi Kevin,

You're spot on. It is the lack of sharpness that bugs me. I used the 'Digital Video Essentials' DVD to optimize my settings. The sharpest picture is when sharpness is set to level 3 and that's just not sharp enough. I would say a step or two extra would do it, but that's not an option

[Kevin D]

On mine sharpness 3 kills the picture and 0 is a lot worse. Trying running it on 2 for a bit and see if it's better. I guess what I'm saying is 3 is sharper then 2 but does something to the picture I can't stand.

Kevin D.

[Stephan]

I guess I'm gonna stick with the Pioneer DV-350, sell the 1050 and get a nice cd-player instead. It'll kill the 'looks' of my set though...

[weijst]

I have had my RDV1050ES (European version) for about two months now. At purchase I compared it extensively to a RDV1060. There was no doubt; the RDV1050 simply gave a superior picture. I came from a Marantz DV6400 and all I can say is, regarding PQ, the RDV10650 is at least on par with this player.

Bottomline, I am very happy with my RDV1050.

Maybe you got a faulty unit. I would try bringing it back to the store and ask for a new one.

Good luck

[Stephan]

Thanks! That sounds hopeful. How did you set up your player? Which output do you use? What kind of monitor, a crt tv, a projector? Progressive scan yes/no? I know, I know, lots of questions, but I'd very much like to get it right.

[weijst]

Actually I use none of the more advanced connection options; here goes:
- Output: SCART
- Monitor: 32" Sony CRT TV, 100 Hz (nothing special here)
- No progressive scan (can't wait to try this one out on a future LCD...)
- Sound: coaxial digital out

See, no surprises here. I really think you ought to consider changing your unit for another one...

For more info on the cables I'm using, see my public profile...

[Stephan]

Wow, you're exactly describing my setup. Thanks for your input. :T I'm starting to give in to the fact that maybe you're right about my 1050. I think I'm gonna have me a little chat with my supplierrrrrrr :evil: