Can a HDTV display normal DTV signals from cable?

Question

Can it recieve normal signals from cable TV? And does it look bad on a 42 inch HDTV?

Answer 1

Yes, all HDTVs are downward compatible so they will display the standrd definition picture signal.  On a 42 inch it will look pretty good.  I have a 65 inch HDTV and standard definition (Digital broadcasts) still look pretty good.  beware though, once you see what HDTV looks like on any TV set, you'll immediately be able to notice the difference between a standard definition broadcase and a HDTV one :)