Before the installation, I filled my E* HDDVR with selected HD recordings, intended to do a side by side comparison with D* HDs, before my E* receivers are returned. I focused on mainly HGTV and FOOD channels since that is the time I have for now.
I used my 50" Panasonic 1080p plasma, with both E* 622 and D* HR21 connected by HDMI cables. I then recorded the same shows on HR21, played them back on both receivers for as fair a comparison as possible (my 622 is already disconnected so only can do playbacks). Both HDMI settings on my TV are set at the same calibrated custom video mode.
I must say I was a little disappointed that the D* MPEG4 HD did not stand out clearly against E*'s counterpart. I heard all the braving about how much better D* HD looked after people switched from E*, maybe D*'s PQ has come down lately?
Both suffered visible artifacts/microblocking in fast motion. Though E* seemed to have less resolution so the picture is softer, and motion artifacts were more apparent than D*. D* picture also seemed to have a little more intense color. But none of the above would be very noticeable in a casual viewing condition since I was in an inspection mode. It is however very possible that on an LCD panel, the issues will be amplified simply because of the nature of the LCD. Unfortunately I do not have time to hook them up to my 32" LCD panel for testing.
My comparison actually validated my initial objective to switch from E* to D*, not for HD PQ, not even for the more HD channels, but simply that E* wanted over $500 for each additional HDDVR I wanted to add since they don't lease more than "four tuners" and D* has no such limitation and only charges one DVR fee per account.
So if you ask me unless there are specific HD channels you must have and E* does not offer, or you are like me need multiple HDDVR's, a switch may not be necessary. E* HDDVR is easier to use, with D* there were always a few more remote clicks to do the same things.
But then again with all the discounts D* is throwing at a new sub, that alone may justify a switch anyway.
I used my 50" Panasonic 1080p plasma, with both E* 622 and D* HR21 connected by HDMI cables. I then recorded the same shows on HR21, played them back on both receivers for as fair a comparison as possible (my 622 is already disconnected so only can do playbacks). Both HDMI settings on my TV are set at the same calibrated custom video mode.
I must say I was a little disappointed that the D* MPEG4 HD did not stand out clearly against E*'s counterpart. I heard all the braving about how much better D* HD looked after people switched from E*, maybe D*'s PQ has come down lately?
Both suffered visible artifacts/microblocking in fast motion. Though E* seemed to have less resolution so the picture is softer, and motion artifacts were more apparent than D*. D* picture also seemed to have a little more intense color. But none of the above would be very noticeable in a casual viewing condition since I was in an inspection mode. It is however very possible that on an LCD panel, the issues will be amplified simply because of the nature of the LCD. Unfortunately I do not have time to hook them up to my 32" LCD panel for testing.
My comparison actually validated my initial objective to switch from E* to D*, not for HD PQ, not even for the more HD channels, but simply that E* wanted over $500 for each additional HDDVR I wanted to add since they don't lease more than "four tuners" and D* has no such limitation and only charges one DVR fee per account.
So if you ask me unless there are specific HD channels you must have and E* does not offer, or you are like me need multiple HDDVR's, a switch may not be necessary. E* HDDVR is easier to use, with D* there were always a few more remote clicks to do the same things.
But then again with all the discounts D* is throwing at a new sub, that alone may justify a switch anyway.
