Hd tv (live, shop, bars)

[Rose2008]

We bought a new HD TV yesterday. We use Dish Network. The picture is not even as clear as our old TV (the big bulky one). We called the customer service of the TV seller. They said we need HD cable. He asked us to play a DVD instead of watching live TV and asked whether the picture is any better. The picture is better but still not as clear as our old TV. Is there anything wrong with the TV or do you think the CSR is right?

[CodyW]

If you're watching standard definition television on an HD television, then usually you LOSE picture quality over an SD TV.

Some tv's are worse than others. The only way to improve this is with HD programming.

Also, wrong forum.

[las vegas drunk]

Originally Posted by Rose2008

We bought a new HD TV yesterday. We use Dish Network. The picture is not even as clear as our old TV (the big bulky one). We called the customer service of the TV seller. They said we need HD cable. He asked us to play a DVD instead of watching live TV and asked whether the picture is any better. The picture is better but still not as clear as our old TV. Is there anything wrong with the TV or do you think the CSR is right?

I too just bought a new 1080p Samsung television yesterday. I noticed the exact same thing.

[hamham515]

You have to have HD satellite or cable as extra in your package, usually around $15 a month more.

Then it will be super clear.

[wit-nit]

I have a Panasonic Plasma 50 inch 1080IP hooked up to over the air antenna and get fantastic HDTV.
Note not all programs are broadcast out in HD yet. You should have a button to push to check if the station is broadcasting a particular program in 420, 720 or 1080. Most HD shows right now are in 720, with many popular shows and Football in 1080.
You do not need cable or satellite to receive HDTV. You just need the right hook up if you have a HDTV ready unit. Check you manual. There are many variables depending on your components connections.

[Lovegun]

CSR is right.

HDTV are so good that they pick up all the imperfections on standard televsions channels. Also, keep in mind, you are STRECHING the picture as the ratio is 4:3 and HDTV are 16:9. One thing you could do is change the aspect ratio for standard tv to 4:3, however it will show either black or gray bars on the side.

For your DVD player, make SURE your using component cables(They dont come with DVD players) and NOT the regular RCA cables.

With DVD players, your not going to get a HD signal but its a lot better then standard TV.

Here is a suggestion, get an OTA (Over the air) antenna , you can pick up all the local HDTV channels for free!

[las vegas drunk]

Originally Posted by Lovegun

CSR is right.

HDTV are so good that they pick up all the imperfections on standard televsions channels. Also, keep in mind, you are STRECHING the picture as the ratio is 4:3 and HDTV are 16:9. One thing you could do is change the aspect ratio for standard tv to 4:3, however it will show either black or gray bars on the side.

For your DVD player, make SURE your using component cables(They dont come with DVD players) and NOT the regular RCA cables.

With DVD players, your not going to get a HD signal but its a lot better then standard TV.

Here is a suggestion, get an OTA (Over the air) antenna , you can pick up all the local HDTV channels for free!

I agree with everything you said, except for the part I highlighted above. You mean HDMI cables, right?

[HX_Guy]

Sounds like a lot of people shopped on Black Friday.

Here is the lowdown...

Regular non-HD programing will look worse on an HDTV unit then your old TV box because regular non-HD programming is still a very low resolution signal. Think of it like when you try and print out a very small picture off your computer on a piece of paper and it looks all choppy. An HDTV is going to have to stretch out that regular non-HD signal to fit the screen...and that will really degrade the quality of the image.

Couple things you need to get the most out of your new HDTV...

First...you need HD programming from your cable or satellite company. If you have Cox, then the HD channels are "free"...but you need to get an HD cable box from them which I think is like $5 per month (they may not charge for it...only for the HD box with recording feature, not sure here).
If you have DISH, then it's $10 per month for the HD programming. A lot of channels are now in HD, about 80 of them, so most of the stuff you watch will be available.

Second thing you need is a Blu-Ray player. That is if you really want to take advantage of the HDTV's quality. A DVD player works too...but it won't look nearly as good. The good news here is that your old DVDs work on Blu-Ray players too so you don't have to replace them all with new disks.

Finally...you need the right cables. Either component (that's the Red, Blue, Green cables...then there are another two for sound, Red and White...so total of 5 cables here) or and HDMI cable which combines everything, video signal and sound, into one cable. You HAVE TO have either of these two to get HD....if you're using the Yellow (video), Red, White (sound) then it will not work.

It sounds a bit confusing but it's well worth it...if set up right, you should and will be amazed at the clarity.

[las vegas drunk]

I have always read that you need HDMI cables to get 1080p. As far as I know, HDMI is the best, and way better than component cables.

[Rose2008]

Thanks everyone for replying.