HDTV question?

[lost]

My HDTV has wonderful clarity,etc. on the HD channels, but the other channels, Lifetime,MTV,Sci-fi,etc. have a worse picture than what is on my analog set(the picture is kind of grainy). What is the solution to getting those channels to look better? Do I need to get digital or what? Thanks for any help.

[Dr Funkenstein]

Chances are that your new TV is larger than your analog TV? If so, then the poor quality in those channels will amplify with a bigger set and you'll see the results more. The digital channels are a bit better but not much.

[Daphne]

I seen what SD & HD channels looked liked on my tv before we purchased it and I didn't know much about them when we started shopping but by the days end I had some knowledge.

When I got to asking the same question as you are now my thoughts were why waste my money on a tv that I am only going to be able to get a few channels that look crystal clear and the rest look like crap. I was ready to walk out of the store and save my money.

The solution is there isn't one yet. You are stuck with the crappy channels until all networks go HD or do some type of upconversion of SD channels. We did shop around to see who had more HD channels, Directv only has a hand full of them, Dish Network has more than Directv but not channels that we watch, so we stuck with cable, because most of the shows that we watch are on the basic local channels. None of the satellite providers could offer me locals in HD.

[Chuck]

Chances are that your new TV is larger than your analog TV? If so, then the poor quality in those channels will amplify with a bigger set and you'll see the results more. The digital channels are a bit better but not much.

What he said &,,,

HD TV's do a lossy job of down converting to match the SD Channels stream. What needs to happen in this industry is an up-converter for SD TV channels but not likely to happen.

They do make an up converter for your SD DVDs. These players do an awesome job of up converting the video stream and well worth the $100 bux.

Bottom line is HDTV's are wonderful for HD Channels but fall way short on quality for non HD channels. This is way each and everyday I walk into the Limestone Cable Office and ask "What HD Channels are you adding today???" I hope they are getting the hint. LOL

(Just messing with you Jeff)

[lost]

What he said &,,,

HD TV's do a lossy job of down converting to match the SD Channels stream. What needs to happen in this industry is an up-converter for SD TV channels but not likely to happen.

They do make an up converter for your SD DVDs. These players do an awesome job of up converting the video stream and well worth the $100 bux.

Bottom line is HDTV's are wonderful for HD Channels but fall way short on quality for non HD channels. This is way each and everyday I walk into the Limestone Cable Office and ask "What HD Channels are you adding today???" I hope they are getting the hint. LOL

(Just messing with you Jeff)
So my understanding is that it is pointless to upgrade to prime digital in order to make those non-HD channels look better on an HDTV set?

[Chuck]

So my understanding is that it is pointless to upgrade to prime digital in order to make those non-HD channels look better on an HDTV set?

Correct. In my opinion. I don't thing the box will help any. But to be sure I will give it a try tonight and let you know for sure.

[dawg]

I have a Terk indoor antenna connected to a converter box connected to a non HD TV so I can watch the Lexington channels (I cannot get Lex. channels as my locals on Direct). I live on higher ground and all Lexington channels come in well with the exception of Ch. 27. Of the Cincy stations, Ch. 9 doesn't come in well. I like to be able to see live weather radar at times.

[lol]

Correct. In my opinion. I don't thing the box will help any. But to be sure I will give it a try tonight and let you know for sure.

my parents have the digital dvr from cablevision, i hooked a hdmi cable from it to the tv and the pic seemed to be better. maybe it was me as i dont watch their tv very often. all channels sd and hd!

just a thought!