Why do SD channels look like c**p on HDTV?

Question

Why do SD channels (non HD channels; aka HD channels that broadcast non-HD content) look abs. c**p on HDTVs even w/ no picture adjustments (i.e. stretching to fit the full screen, etc)?

Answer 1

Standard Definition channels are only 480 lines of pixels going across. Since HD has more pixels, then HD must configure itself to strech it's boxy 4:3 standard definition into a widescreen and therefore showing pixels and dots that may go across the screen if you look closer. Trust me, HD will amaze you when you see it. It's not the TV, its just Standard Definition and it's crappy quality. I suggest getting Direct TV or maybe Time Warner Cable (more towards Direct TV because it has more HD channels).

Answer 2

SD signals are typically old style analog video that's been converted to digital.  So for starters, it's much lower resolution to begin with (480i).

Next, the typical HDTV is much larger than the old analog TV sets.  So, all the defects are much larger and more noticeable.

Add to that, cable systems and satellite must compress signals to make room for more channels.  Compression reduces resolution.  (BTW, this is why Over The Air almost always looks better than cable/ satellite).

The end result is pasty, fuzzy, ugly looking pictures.

I hope this helps.