Got a mate coming over Friday night about to update his TV and Id like to give him a nice demo of the image quality of my tv, a Panasonic 76PW200A.

I have a DVD player and only a Standard Definition set top box even though my television can display High Definition.

Can anybody suggest something I could burn onto a DVD that I could show on my Panasonic that would look great?

Apart from standard discs my DVD player (Pioneer 676A) can play raw MPEG files so maybe there's something I can download from the internet ...

Any advice appreciated, thanks.

Morris

Hi,

I very much doubt your DVD player will play HiDef files even in a raw MPEG stream my friend. YOu'd have to have a HTPC (or similar) set up to output to the relevant component/DVI connection for your display.

You'll just need to play some excellent progressive SD material from a DVD to show off the set. Try the home theatre threads here for good suggestions. Examples include: I Robot, Star Wars, Lord of The Rings, etc. Just choose one that matches your/his tastes in movies.

Without an HD decoding source (HD-STB or HTPC), you can't show HD.

Do what the shops do - Nemo, Shreks and Monsters Inc.

I wouldnt.. they are crap compared to "real" footage. e.g documentres, movie trailers. to name two.

hustler,

if you manage to get a HD input set up let me know... may be able to swing you some HD material to put it to good use Although i must say on a 76cm TV its still not going to show the best HD has to offer

http://www.dtvforum.info/index.php?showtopic=7219

check this thread on some great dvds and some fta stuf both hd & SD to really show off your TV

Thanks for the responses so far.

Somebody has suggested I could play High Definition WMV9 material from a PC.

Has anybody ever managed to connect a computer to their Panasonic tv?

Perhaps there exists somewhere a SVIDEO or Component to VGA adapter ?


thanks
Morris

I did see a Component to VGA adapter in one of the JBHIFI stores, not sure If its a product line in all stores, you will have to check it out in your local JBHIFI store. But make sure that you component In supports the PC Resolution you currently use.

I've got a kvhr32, so its not the same... but I have recently plugged my computer into it (via the component input), and it works brilliantly. Both ATI graphics cards I have (9600 and x800) came with the plugs, but then, both are VIVO cards. So I guess it depends a bit on which card you have. If it has DVI out, you should be able to get a converter.

Eg like this:
http://www.svideo.com/hdtvaiwr8500.html

Seems like a lot of hassle just to impress a mate! I'd just stick in a particularly snazzy DVD like the 5th Element...

With both the Panny 200A & 300A you have an option within the remote control's video output menu and with the set running with a SD input - DVD, VCR or HTPC (Composite / S-Video / YUV Component) to display either in 833i x 75Hz; 720 x 576p @ 50Hz or 720 x 576i @ 100Hz.

I have found that running DVDs made from interlaced PAL TV programs, look to me at least, better quality when run in 833i x 75Hz - DVDs made from film masters or progressive NTSC 480p discs look better on the Panny in 576p @ 50Hz Progressive mode. I rarely use the Panny's 100Hz mode as flicker isn't a problem for me, so far yet!

Cheers,
Jet :ph34r:

THX and DTS Demo discs are a good start.

I wonder if I could connect an Xbox to my Panny and use that to display High Definition material?

Hmm ...

I have the PW100a connected to my HT HD-box which shows a great picture.
Normal HD channels is enough for a good display

ak

just remember. If you have a full blown home entertainment system.....play "Saving Private Ryan"

ak