Generally, the higher the number in a resolution's designation -- like 480P or 720P -- the better the quality. The number indicates how many horizontal lines of information make up a video picture. The letter "P" indicates that the output is progressively scanned, rather than scanned in an interlaced format. Standard and enhanced-definition televisions have 480 lines, and high definition televisions have 720 or 1,080 lines. DIRECTV HD DVRs can output signal at many resolutions. When setting up your DIRECTV DVR, match the output of the DVR to the specifications of the television.
Step 1
Determine the television's specifications. This can often be in the marketing materials, or part of the model designation. For example, a television may be known as a "720." If you can't find the resolution on the bezel as part of the model, look it up in the manual that came with the TV. A television with an aspect ratio of 16:9 -- the elongated style -- is likely not to be 480P.
Step 2
Enter the "Video Settings" area on the DVR's setup menu and choose "Output Format: Current Setting" and choose "480P" or "720P" depending on the determination you made in the earlier step. The TV screen may flicker as you make the change. A dialog box may prompt you to change the type of cable you are using. For example, enhanced definition and high definition requires high definition cables like HDMI or component. The yellow, red and white-tipped AV cables won't work.
Step 3
Confirm the settings by following the prompts.
Tips & Warnings
- A 480P-designated television is considered an enhanced definition television. A 480i television is considered standard definition.
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privacy & security protectedReferences
- DIRECTV: DIRECTV HD DVR User's Guide
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