Buying a LCD HDTV - Will a regular Digital signal look good on it?

Question

I am going to be buying a new TV in the next couple of weeks. I have looked at a Sony Bravia 32" TV. I really like the way it looked, and the price is good too. But I was wondering how a regular Digital TV signal through my cable company is going to look on it.

Answer 1

If you have a digital box, the picture you will see will be c**p. It will look no different than standard definition.

If you have basic cable only (which is very weird) you will get the local channels in HD (digital) for free.

To take advantage of a HDTV you really will need to suscribe to your providers HD package.

Answer 2

I have to agree - standard def looks bad on a modern, high def display.

People want to blame the TV but in reality - its the 1940's television standard that is at fault.

Usually the major TV channels in high def are included for free with basic cable. You may simply be able to plug the coax into the new TV, have it scan for channels and be good.

Some cable companies make you rent the cable box.  My cable co does this - but the box is a DVR which lets me setup recordings and pause/rewind things so it is well worth it.