TiVo : TiVo HD Picture Quality Vs Freeview HD

[alexcopeland]

I have noticed that the Freeview HD picture quality is sharper than the output of my TiVo.

TV set is a Sony 55W805C.

TiVo is connected to TV via Onkyo AV receiver using HDMI cables. TiVo is set to output 1080i. Sony TV set to Full Pixel mode.

I thought the picture would be the same however flicking between BBC one HD on either platforms I see a sharper picture on Freeview HD and a smoother picture from the TiVo.

I have used recommended picture settings as per the avforums video on YouTube for my TV.

Can anyone else see this?

[toady]

My Freeview HD picture looks worse to me than the TIVO version

[alexcopeland]

To be honest it's also smoothing out on Netflix compared to the app built into the TV too.

[Mr K]

Have to say my Freeview HD quality is noticeably better than TiVo.

[nomadking]

The BBC is required to supply the same quality of broadcasts irrespective of provider(freeview, cable, satelite etc). Any differences will come from the TV itself via picture settings that are specific to the source of the images (internal freeview, HDMI etc). Eg my 3 year old Samsung has a "Game Mode" setting, which obviously doesn't apply to the internal Freeview picture.The option says that it may degrade picture quality. The TV may do the freeview decoding and upscaling in the same chip, which means the upscaling might be different between freeview and external HDMI source.

[Mr K]

Originally Posted by nomadking

The BBC is required to supply the same quality of broadcasts irrespective of provider(freeview, cable, satelite etc). Any differences will come from the TV itself via picture settings that are specific to the source of the images (internal freeview, HDMI etc). Eg my 3 year old Samsung has a "Game Mode" setting, which obviously doesn't apply to the internal Freeview picture.The option says that it may degrade picture quality. The TV may do the freeview decoding and upscaling in the same chip, which means the upscaling might be different between freeview and external HDMI source.

Same tv settings on both inputs, Freeview is better than Tivo. Just on HD, SD they're the same.

[nomadking]

Originally Posted by Mr K

Same tv settings on both inputs, Freeview is better than Tivo. Just on HD, SD they're the same.

The "Game Mode" setting on my TV is not in the picture settings. It is hidden away in the System, General settings.

[nodrogd]

Originally Posted by nomadking

The BBC is required to supply the same quality of broadcasts irrespective of provider(freeview, cable, satelite etc). Any differences will come from the TV itself via picture settings that are specific to the source of the images (internal freeview, HDMI etc). Eg my 3 year old Samsung has a "Game Mode" setting, which obviously doesn't apply to the internal Freeview picture.The option says that it may degrade picture quality. The TV may do the freeview decoding and upscaling in the same chip, which means the upscaling might be different between freeview and external HDMI source.

VM use the Astra satellites for most SD feeds, but HD channels are usually supplied direct to the Super Headend at Langley on an uncompressed fibre feed from the broadcaster.

[alexcopeland]

There is a noticeably softer picture from my TiVo STB and I find it unusual that all HD channels are not as good to watch via the TiVo when compared to Freeview HD.

[nomadking]

Originally Posted by nodrogd

VM use the Astra satellites for most SD feeds, but HD channels are usually supplied direct to the Super Headend at Langley on an uncompressed fibre feed from the broadcaster.

There is a (legal?) requirement that the BBC supply the same quality level on all platforms. Freeview, VM, Sky, etc will all be the same.

[nialli]

Some Freeview is in 1080p. Having said that, my Sony's BBC HD channels look better than my TiVo's. C4 looks better on TiVo. ITV is not notably better on Frreview unless it's a 1080p programme.

[kirk1690]

Of course you meant 1080i ,1080p broadcasts in the UK don't exist .

[alexcopeland]

I'm in two minds whether to try Sky and their new Q box to see if this improves my experience because I don't feel I'm getting good value for money paying out for kit that doesn't deliver a decent picture. Or wait for the V6 STB from Virginmedia.

[nomadking]

Originally Posted by alexcopeland

I'm in two minds whether to try Sky and their new Q box to see if this improves my experience because I don't feel I'm getting good value for money paying out for kit that doesn't deliver a decent picture. Or wait for the V6 STB from Virginmedia.

And possibly find that the "problem" is still there as it's related to whatever is plugged into the HDMI ports.

[alexcopeland]

Originally Posted by nomadking

And possibly find that the "problem" is still there as it's related to whatever is plugged into the HDMI ports.

True, there is a possibility.