New LCD picture is grainy...

[Jack Hammer]

...So I went and bought a Vizio 37" LCD tv from Costco today. The picture is grainy looking, with both regular tv and OTA digital tv. Its kind of like when you stream a low resolution video over the internet. Also, I hooked up my dvd player (denon 2910) via component cables (through denon 2805 reciever) and the picture is not exactly stellar either. I tried Spiderman 2 superbit and it looks much worse than it did on my 36" tubed rca SD tv I just replaced.

Did I get a bad tv? or do I need to play with the settings more?

Its a 480p signal sent over component from the player. Would a HDMI cable make the picture better?

Thanks

Jack

 

[Brian_the_King]

Did it look better at the store... or was it not hooked up there?

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

How close are you sitting to the set? All LCD's are going to look grainy if viewed too closely. Are you getting grain on OTA HD signals? The Olevia is only grainy on HD feeds if I'm less than 5' from the set.

Also, make sure the sharpness and contrast aren't turned all the way up. Check the native resolution settings. It's possible they're set for showroom.

 

[Jack Hammer]

I called Vizio and they said I had a defective tv. So I took it back to costco and got another one. The PQ is much better. I'm still not happy with the picture overall. I think I'll keep this for a few weeks and then get something else. The colors are not vibrant with this unit. There is washed out kind out look with the colors no matter how much i adjust it. I noticed that Costco now has the VX37 instead of the L37. The L37 had great reviews. I couldn't find any reviews for the VX37. It's supposed to have a higher contrast ratio and has 2 hdmi instead of one.

It's odd that when I watch Starz! through the hdtv the picture has very good clarity and color, a little pale, but good overall. I watched the Life Aquatic and the picture was clear and sharp. When I play a dvd (denon2910) throught the component (480p) the picture looks poor. I think it was better with my old tubed 36" interlaced tv. Spiderman2 Superbit looks bland, lifeless and dull. It looked great on the old regular tv.

I noticed while at Costco that the picture on the display unit seems kind of pale compared to all the other lcds they carry. The other displays they carried had much nicer colors, I know, display modes. Vizio said the native resolution is 720 and not adustable. I thought maybe I had it set wrong. Also, I guess there is no advanced menu to access. An upgrade will be coming.

Jack

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Go with an Olevia. Find one locally with an honest return policy. I think you'll find the Olevia has the sharp picture with vibrant colors you're looking for.

 

[Jack Hammer]

Go with an Olevia. Find one locally with an honest return policy. I think you'll find the Olevia has the sharp picture with vibrant colors you're looking for.

I'll keep an eye out for a good price on that one. I don't mind keeping this until I find something better, Costco will take it back in a few months if I have to wait that long. I'm hesitant to buy online for fear of having a problem and then having to pay shipping and the pain of shipping. So it will have to be a local purchase.

I found out that Starz! HD is what i'm getting broadcast in 1081i, that's why it looks good. I ordered an hdmi cable today so I can view my dvds in 720p. Hopefully that will improve the picture to an acceptable level.

Jack

 

[dreese1313]

same problem differet tv

I just purchased a 46" LCD HDTV from Best Buy today, got home plugged it in hooked the cables up and was waiting for this amazing picture, and I got a picture, kinda grainy and snowy like...I can see everything fine but it looks worse than on my 1990 tv, Ive tried sitting further away, switching the cable cord with an HDMI cord, and nothing seems to make it any better, ive even played with the settings, sharpness, brightness, the movie, normal settings ect...and nothing seems to make even the slightest difference...What should I do? Did i buy a defective tv, and is RCA even a good brand to buy? I was looking at a LG but it was a little more expensive, but if thats what it takes ill spend the money, but this tv is not worth the money at all as it stands! HELP!!!! PLEASE!!!

 

[Nomo]

I just purchased a 46" LCD HDTV from Best Buy today, got home plugged it in hooked the cables up and was waiting for this amazing picture, and I got a picture, kinda grainy and snowy like...I can see everything fine but it looks worse than on my 1990 tv, Ive tried sitting further away, switching the cable cord with an HDMI cord, and nothing seems to make it any better, ive even played with the settings, sharpness, brightness, the movie, normal settings ect...and nothing seems to make even the slightest difference...What should I do? Did i buy a defective tv, and is RCA even a good brand to buy? I was looking at a LG but it was a little more expensive, but if thats what it takes ill spend the money, but this tv is not worth the money at all as it stands! HELP!!!! PLEASE!!!

Is the TV getting an HD signal? If not, that's your biggest problem.

RCA is not a top of the line TV. (you did ask)
Panasonic, Samsung, LG, Sony, even Toshiba have better quality .

 

[markw]

Are you using a DVD player of something else? If so, what?

A DVD player, even non blu-ray, should provide an excellent picture.

You're not using screw type "F" connectors* for any video signals, are you?

* Like they use from the wall to your cable box.

 

[AVRat]

RCA/Zenith owned by LG