Purchased a Samsung 32" 1080p LED/lcd several days back, and hooked her to our DirecTV SD receiver model R16-300, using the Composite cable: I'm underwhelmed. Actually, after a few days of use and adjustment, things are looking better, but still - it's a long way from the picture I get from my Sony 1080p upscaling DVD player.
What I'm wondering is this: the R16-300 has Composite, and also has S-video - my new TV doesn't have S-video, so I'm using the Composite. As I understand, the TV is upscaling the (480i?) signal, but would the picture come closer to what I'm seeing from my DVD player if I were to use an outboard converter (say, S-video to HDMI - I'd at least get the gain of the S-video signal)? The current picture is a bit blurry/blotchy and stair-steppy from the R16-300, but beautiful from the upscaling DVD player.
Also, I see units online for under 100 bucks, but it seems they change the aspect ratio to 16:9, something I find unacceptable. For a couple bills I can get one which retains the aspect at 4:3 if I desire (aspect switchable)
Anyone here have experience with such units? See any real improvement?
I realize paying for HD from DirecTV is an option, but most of what we watch is not taped in HD, so don't see real benefit to paying extra monthly - hence checking into alternatives.
*(so far, the old 27" CRT looked better on SD than the new Samsung)
Thoughts?
