Hey, PACE box tinkerers!

[passedpawn]

Have any of you guys with the PACE box verified that a DVD can be hooked to the box with component cables, then output to the TV as 1080i (upconverted)?

This would make calibration of that input easy. I've been wanting to get my AVIA DVD patterns on the HD inputs, but haven't found a way. I just posted this (http://tampahdtv.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&p=183&sid=6f19ad76fbc585a5aa737da5cccf5d76#183).

Half of those steps go away if the PACE box can do what the manual implies it can!

[FTBoomerIII]

http://www.pacemicro.com/products/manuals/DC550_spec.pdf

Check out description #1

[MTAS]

Have any of you guys with the PACE box verified that a DVD can be hooked to the box with component cables, then output to the TV as 1080i (upconverted)?

This would make calibration of that input easy. I've been wanting to get my AVIA DVD patterns on the HD inputs, but haven't found a way. I just posted this (http://tampahdtv.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&p=183&sid=6f19ad76fbc585a5aa737da5cccf5d76#183).

Half of those steps go away if the PACE box can do what the manual implies it can!

DVD component out ->Pace component in, Pace component out -> TV. Turn the Pace off and it will pass the signal through from the DVD player to your TV. Hope this helps.

[passedpawn]

DVD component out ->Pace component in, Pace component out -> TV. Turn the Pace off and it will pass the signal through from the DVD player to your TV. Hope this helps.
Thanks for the reply. However, what I am wondering is if the Pace box will upconvert the 480i (coming in on the component) to 1080i, back out the components to the TV. This would allow me to see the DVD pictures on my TV's HD input.

I think the scenario you described would result in 480i out, which would not be switched to the HD receiver in my TV.

[jaymer]

Hi have a Zinwell Brite View that I purchased for demo to local members.
It is an affordable scan converter that I intended to use for improving the SD image from the BHN Cable Box and SD from the SAT receiver/TIVO.

It can take 480i and output 720p or 1080i with no problem.

Unfortunately, the output from the SA3100 HD box is 480p, so I have to use S-Video from there, but I also need S-video from my TIVO, so already I'm out of inputs on the Zinwell (it has s-video in, composite video in, 480i component in, and outputs via DB15 monitor plug using RGB or component).

This would work well for people with a non-progressive DVD player, OR with just a Tivo OR Cable box using s-video.

PP _ don't you have a MyHD and HTPC _ then you should play the DVD out at 1080i. Actually, maybe you cannot. There was an ability for the HiPix to play DVD through its output, which would do what you want.

[passedpawn]

Hi have a Zinwell Brite View that I purchased for demo to local members.
It is an affordable scan converter that I intended to use for improving the SD image from the BHN Cable Box and SD from the SAT receiver/TIVO.

It can take 480i and output 720p or 1080i with no problem.

Unfortunately, the output from the SA3100 HD box is 480p, so I have to use S-Video from there, but I also need S-video from my TIVO, so already I'm out of inputs on the Zinwell (it has s-video in, composite video in, 480i component in, and outputs via DB15 monitor plug using RGB or component).

This would work well for people with a non-progressive DVD player, OR with just a Tivo OR Cable box using s-video.

PP _ don't you have a MyHD and HTPC _ then you should play the DVD out at 1080i. Actually, maybe you cannot. There was an ability for the HiPix to play DVD through its output, which would do what you want.
I don't have a HD card in my computer. I looked really hard at the MyHD, but I just can't justify the expense just to record HD. I'll wait a little longer for the HD PVRs.

Your BriteView sounds like just the thing, except it outputs video on a VGA connector as RGB. Ugh. My TV can't accept that. Double-ugh. I think that device is meant for fixed pixel displays (plasmas, LCDs) and front projectors.

[jaymer]

Your BriteView sounds like just the thing, except it outputs video on a VGA connector as RGB. Ugh. My TV can't accept that. Double-ugh. I think that device is meant for fixed pixel displays (plasmas, LCDs) and front projectors.

Yes, but thats why there is a simple VGA --> Component breakout cable - very cheap. I've always had to use one (in reverse) to go from my component out on the SA3100HD BHN Cable Box to my NEC LT150 Projector VGA input.

So its no problem at all, just flip the selector to output YPbPr and
purchase this (http://www.pccables.com/cgi-bin/orders6.cgi?action=Showitem&id=ID929374&partno=02806&search=HDTV&rsite=pccables.com)

http://www.pccables.com/images/02806.jpg

[passedpawn]

Yes, but thats why there is a simple VGA --> Component breakout cable - very cheap. I've always had to use one (in reverse) to go from my component out on the SA3100HD BHN Cable Box to my NEC LT150 Projector VGA input.

So its no problem at all, just flip the selector to output YPbPr and
purchase this (http://www.pccables.com/cgi-bin/orders6.cgi?action=Showitem&id=ID929374&partno=02806&search=HDTV&rsite=pccables.com)

My TV does not use the extra two conductors (I think they are the synch signals). I just have the standard 3-conductor components, where the sync is on the green one. Do you think it will work with my TV? If so, I am going to start begging.

[passedpawn]

Oops, I just followed the link and it said it works with 3-wire components. Is the Briteview available for demo?

[CANDY76MAN]

sorry passedpawn but the loop through is strictly that, a loop through....it's effectively the same as running a component cable straight from the dvd player to the tv when the cable box is off, it doesn't run the component signal through the pace box's scaler at all, the pace box would have to remain on for that to be the case...it just saves you from having to swap cables if your tv only has one component input.
just pick up a progressive dvd player, they's cheap these days :lol:

[jaymer]

candyman, PP wants to play his Avia disc while the TV is in 1080i mode... but even with a new progressive player, won't it still be in 480p?

if so, thats the point... how to play the test signals while the TV is in 1080i mode.

yes, the Zinwell is available.
We just tested it for over an hour today on a Pansonic 53 inch HD widescreen.
Signal improvement results:
1) standard DVD player - used composite and svideo - well, its definitely better than playing the DVD without the Zinwell, but for the money, you'd be better off to just buy a progressive out player - which we had and used as a reference.

2) Tivo s-video signal, via Dish receiver, into the Zinwell - provided a nice picture on the TV - examined 480p and 1080i modes - there WAS a difference between them, and the 480p looked better sometimes. But there was NOT enough improvement to warrant $375 for the Zinwell.

3) DirecTivo s-video signal - on my NEC LT150 projector does a great job of improving the picture - I will never watch Tivo again on my big screen without the Zinwell, this improvement has something to do with this being a projector, and the technology works better here somehow than with a rear-projection TV.

PP - to display your test pattern, sure it will work. But you'll have to check on your normal non-dvd viewing if it improves whats on your TV.

Please send me a mailing address - can have it in the mail at the airport tomorrow, so you can get it Sat.

[Max_Gator]

sorry passedpawn but the loop through is strictly that, a loop through....it's effectively the same as running a component cable straight from the dvd player to the tv when the cable box is off, it doesn't run the component signal through the pace box's scaler at all, the pace box would have to remain on for that to be the case...it just saves you from having to swap cables if your tv only has one component input.
just pick up a progressive dvd player, they's cheap these days :lol:

Actually, the manual says that the pass through is converted from 480i to 480p, otherwise it is unchanged.

So, does that mean I can use my pace box to in effect change my old dvd player into a progressive scan player?

I'm going to try it now!

[CANDY76MAN]

sorry passedpawn but the loop through is strictly that, a loop through....it's effectively the same as running a component cable straight from the dvd player to the tv when the cable box is off, it doesn't run the component signal through the pace box's scaler at all, the pace box would have to remain on for that to be the case...it just saves you from having to swap cables if your tv only has one component input.
just pick up a progressive dvd player, they's cheap these days :lol:

Actually, the manual says that the pass through is converted from 480i to 480p, otherwise it is unchanged.

So, does that mean I can use my pace box to in effect change my old dvd player into a progressive scan player?

I'm going to try it now!

I don't see how it could unless the internal scaler still has power and functions even when the box's power is turned off?...maybe it can though...I don't think it will look too hot though if it doesn't do 3:2 pulldown.

[Max_Gator]

Actually, the manual says that the pass through is converted from 480i to 480p, otherwise it is unchanged.

So, does that mean I can use my pace box to in effect change my old dvd player into a progressive scan player?

I'm going to try it now![/quote]

I don't see how it could unless the internal scaler still has power and functions even when the box's power is turned off?...maybe it can though...I don't think it will look too hot though if it doesn't do 3:2 pulldown.[/quote]

Ok - here's my noob question - what is 3:2 pull down?

[FTBoomerIII]

3:2 Pulldown.

I was going to try and copy\paste an explanation here, but they are too big. Go to www.google.com and type in "3:2 pulldown". There are tons of explanations.

Video uses 29.97 frames per second
Film uses 24 frames per second.

To convert film to video, you have to fill in the extra 5.97 fps.

Basically it is the conversion process of capturing 1 frame of FILM and converting that into 2 frames of VIDEO, the 2nd frames is put onto 3 frames of video. Back and forth.

At least, that's the way I understand it.

[FTBoomerIII]

How does everyone have there BHN HD box connected to their TV.

I have component out (pace) to component in (TV). In this configuration, I am watching everything thru the component and some channels (NBC) look horrible. I don't really want to continually switch inputs but it seems as though this is the only solution. I have S-Video out to the TV and this look better but if I switch to an HD channel, I have to hunt down the TV remote to switch to the DTV inputs.

Is this what everyone does or are you just content to get crappy PQ on non-digital channels?

[MTAS]

How does everyone have there BHN HD box connected to their TV.

I have component out (pace) to component in (TV). In this configuration, I am watching everything thru the component and some channels (NBC) look horrible. I don't really want to continually switch inputs but it seems as though this is the only solution. I have S-Video out to the TV and this look better but if I switch to an HD channel, I have to hunt down the TV remote to switch to the DTV inputs.

Is this what everyone does or are you just content to get crappy PQ on non-digital channels?

DVI for everything. I didn't want to switch inputs either.

[CANDY76MAN]

How does everyone have there BHN HD box connected to their TV.

I have component out (pace) to component in (TV). In this configuration, I am watching everything thru the component and some channels (NBC) look horrible. I don't really want to continually switch inputs but it seems as though this is the only solution. I have S-Video out to the TV and this look better but if I switch to an HD channel, I have to hunt down the TV remote to switch to the DTV inputs.

Is this what everyone does or are you just content to get crappy PQ on non-digital channels?
\


Try switching to "480i" in the display menu instead of "pass"...with that setting the picture via component should look exactly like the picture via svideo for sd programs...hd should be unaffected.

[Max_Gator]

I'm running only component right now (DLP coming and I will go to DVI then).

I've tried setting it to 480i but when I do that the HD broadcasts don't go through.

[CANDY76MAN]

I'm running only component right now (DLP coming and I will go to DVI then).

I've tried setting it to 480i but when I do that the HD broadcasts don't go through.

hmm...I haven't used the dvi outs but on my setup via the component outputs and with it set to 480i, hd goes right through and it also allows my tv to do the scaling of sd instead of the pace box doing it (badly)

[FTBoomerIII]

Thanks guyz, I switched over to 480i and that does seem to make a bit of a difference. I just can't explain to my wife why nbc looks great on our 20 inch, $100 dollar TV in our bedroom and the $2200 we spent on this HDTV looks like crap (nbc, cbs).

[CANDY76MAN]

Thanks guyz, I switched over to 480i and that does seem to make a bit of a difference. I just can't explain to my wife why nbc looks great on our 20 inch, $100 dollar TV in our bedroom and the $2200 we spent on this HDTV looks like crap (nbc, cbs).

Wow...your lucky...most women don't have a clue what a good picture looks like...much less care :twisted:

[Max_Gator]

I'm running only component right now (DLP coming and I will go to DVI then).

I've tried setting it to 480i but when I do that the HD broadcasts don't go through.

hmm...I haven't used the dvi outs but on my setup via the component outputs and with it set to 480i, hd goes right through and it also allows my tv to do the scaling of sd instead of the pace box doing it (badly)

Well, I guess I'll have to check that again. I could swear that the HD broadcast wasn't going through.

[ozric100]

2) Tivo s-video signal, via Dish receiver, into the Zinwell - provided a nice picture on the TV - examined 480p and 1080i modes - there WAS a difference between them, and the 480p looked better sometimes. But there was NOT enough improvement to warrant $375 for the Zinwell.

I am intrested in this comment. I want to get a ImageMate or BriteView for just this type of setup. I was going to hook s-video out of my A/V rec and pump my Tivo and maybe a VCR in. I thought this would let me continue to use my Tivo for a few more years, untill more HD recording options came to market. Was this the new Firmware, I hear that it corrects several issues with this unit.

[Max_Gator]

I'm running only component right now (DLP coming and I will go to DVI then).

I've tried setting it to 480i but when I do that the HD broadcasts don't go through.

hmm...I haven't used the dvi outs but on my setup via the component outputs and with it set to 480i, hd goes right through and it also allows my tv to do the scaling of sd instead of the pace box doing it (badly)

Well, I guess I'll have to check that again. I could swear that the HD broadcast wasn't going through.

I was wrong. If I set it to pass - the HD still goes through. Same thing for 480i. But, here's the interesting thing.

If I set the box to pass and then go back into the menu, it will tell me that it is set to 480p . . . yes 480p . . . if I'm on an SD station. Bizarre.

I've got my DLP hooked up via DVI and want it to do the scaling. I want my DLP to do the scaling.

[bdraw]

I was wrong. If I set it to pass - the HD still goes through. Same thing for 480i. But, here's the interesting thing.

If I set the box to pass and then go back into the menu, it will tell me that it is set to 480p . . . yes 480p . . . if I'm on an SD station. Bizarre.

I've got my DLP hooked up via DVI and want it to do the scaling. I want my DLP to do the scaling.

Your DLP still scales it to 720P.
Or is the real problem that you can't use your stretch modes?