Digital Trends

RCA Scenium HD61THW263 April 7th, 2005 | by Dennis Barker

Setup and Installation

Connection was easy and straightforward.  Since I have one component with a DVI (LG LSS-3200A DirecTV HD Receiver) output, I used a Tributaries DVI to HDMI cable into the specific HDMI input (Video 5).  Video 1 and Video 3 include both composite and auto-detect S-Video inputs, and Video 2 and 4 are progressive component video inputs.  There also are optical digital audio outputs, twin IEEE 1394 connectors, 1 Ethernet connector (for web browsing with the supplied wireless keyboard), and 2 RF antenna connectors (designated Ant. or Cable).  A standalone RePlayTV PVR (Series 5500) was attached to Video 2 via component video.  All rear connections are located on the back left-hand side of the display, and hidden under a removable flap.

To calibrate this DLP set for optimal picture playback, I used a special DVD entitled Digital Video Essentials by Joe Kane Productions.  This special disc allows you to correctly set contrast, brightness, black levels, color, sharpness, and gray scale, among other video settings.  It also educates about different signals received, and helps in setting up your audio system.  Since this set has a built-in QAM HD tuner, I immediately received signals from Cablevision without their HD set-top box or even the CableCARD!  Cablevision, like other cable operators across the country, is sending their network and PBS HD signals, which are encoded in QAM, “in-the-clear.”  Sweet!  If I had received premium channels via cable, I would need the CableCARD to receive those channels.  However, since I receive premium channels via satellite, I did not have to obtain a CableCARD, nor pay extra for digital cable service.

RCA Scenium HD61THW263

My only complaint here is that the keys on their silver remote are a tad small; some are very tiny squares.  The illuminated remote is both universal with pre-programmed codes, and also has learning capability.  It certainly looks sleek.  Personally, I preferred the older ergonomic remotes that RCA used to make with larger color-coded rubberized keys of different shapes.  On the other hand, the keys are logically laid out with DVD/VCR/PVR transport keys located at the bottom of the remote for ease of use.