I can assure you, the problems that you have mentioned have nothing to do with the signal level, which is all that an 'amplifier' will increase. Based on the comments in this thread and elsewhere on this forum, my guess is that the problem lies with the TataSky HD+ set-top box. I myself have the older TataSky HD set-top box and I do not see the issues mentioned here. Thus in all likelihood the problem is not with the TataSky signal, rather the problem lies in the way the TataSky HD + set-top box is processing the picture. It may also be an issue with the HDMI ouput. As is commonly known, the TataSKy HD+ set-top box has an issue with not being able to transmit the DD 5.1 bitstream, thus the fact that there is a software/firmware problem with the HDMI output is already established and therefore it is very much possible that the firmware issues may also be effecting the HDMI video output.
PS: A washed out picture suggests incorrect HDMI 'black level' output from the set-top box. In case your TV has an option to select the 'HDMI Black Level', sewt it at 'LOW'. In case you do not have this option, then simpluy lower your 'brightness' settings and you should get a much better picture.
Sanjay, I agree that there are issues with HDMI output of this box, however even through component they are not disabling the scaling or improving on PQ. However hope you have noticed the difference in SQ as well especially on some of the Hindi channels like Zee, WB and all the DD D+ channels (when you compare with Dish HD).
We kept complaining of Dish HD not improving on their SD channels and service, however now I realize that the overall SD quality is far superior on most of the channels as compared with TS. Combined with better scaling, there is a day and night difference on some of the channels. Did you notice any deterioration after they added ESPN/Star HD?
Black Level setting is unavailable for TS+HD (setting is grayed out for this source). Seems its sending YCbCr which gives better color accuracy on my TV (no conversion from RGB). However I had compared with Dish HD (which is at "Low" setting - rest same calibrated ref 709 settings) and black levels match. So no black level issue should be there.
guys,
am not sure what is the hue and cry abt. Even i have the same TS HD + box. Pls note that the channels in SD format will be the upscaled version [So you wont see any diff as such from your previous TS box and TS HD box]. The diff you will see is with actual Tru HD channels like Nat Geo HD, Discovery HD and Star Crick HD]. Here you will see that actual HD video[1080p] and audio content. Offcourse, i do agree the the SQ is not that great for Tru HD channels in TS HD.
Hope this clarifies.
~Vince.
Vince, you might not notice however if I watch SD for 30mins on this box, switch to Dish HD on the same SD channel, my eyes heave a sigh of relief. Infact I feel the same for Audio when at times I could not hear the dialogs them-self. It gives my mind think that I need to clean my ears as the higher frequencies are quite sharply rolled off on several channels. They sound too muddy (other than HD channels which have other issues). If I compare with the hifi sound on Dish HD (though they seems to be boosting lower and higher frequencies), the difference is mind boggling. So even when they learn to flatten the sound (probably we should train them
, the sound should be close to CD quality (on upscaled and as you say "Tru" HD channels).
When watching SD channels my eyes keep trying to focus the "out of focus" effect created by the upscaling engine. This does cause FATIGUE to my EYES!
Hope you do realize that we are WELL AWARE of what we are talking about and do not need any clarification from you.
