LCD HDTV probelm. Suggestions??
Question:
I have a Sharp Aquos LCD 1080P model #LC-42D62U. Pretty much everything on the TV looks worse than my orginal tube TV except a few local channels. All I have is regular basic cable. If I get digital cable will my channels look better? Right now all the channels except for 3 of them say they are analog. The other 3 say digital and come in a little better. Do I need to get satelite or stay with the cable company?? I know I need to order HD programming through one of the two but what about channels that are not broacasted in HD? What' Best?
Answer:
I understand your Predicament ENTIERLY!!
The Channels that are Digital, but not HD will still look Good on your Sharp Aquos LCD, but it will (And should) only use the Center of your Screen, as non-HD Broadcasting is in the Old 4:3 Format. They wont look as good as HD, but your LCD should aid better Image Conversion than the Older HDTV's.
If you get Digital Cable, you DO NOT have to get HD Programing, if you don't think its worth the Price.
You will get about 10 or More Free HD Channels with Digital Cable. Also, there aren't very many HD Channels, anyways!!
Even if you DID pay extra for HD Programing, only a Portion will actually be HD, as Alot of the Programing is still in Standard Definition.
For example, if you wanted to watch Star Trek: TNG, you would see it in Standard Def, in 4:3 because thats how it was Recorded!! Same with 90% of the shows on TV!!
However, if you really want extra HD programming, then you should switch to Direct TV. They offer more HD Channels than Cable, and Dish Network.
But, they will STILL have SD formats in the Mix of HD Programing. Like I said, not Everything is HiDef right now.
And Dont Stretch Standard Definition Channels, so that they take-up your Entire Screen. This is Really Dumb, because you are taking a 4:3, and Yanking it into a 16:9. LOTS of people do this, cause they want the larger Picuture in SD. But, it looks WORSE than NOT Stretching it!!
This may be why your Cable looks Worse!!
So if you can, set your Aquos to an Aspect Ratio that Identifies the Shape, so it can allow your Standard-Definition Channels to look 4:3, like they are Supposed too! They should leave the Sides of your Screen Blank, in what are called 'Pillar Boxes', when viewing old SD Screen Formats.
And if you have a QAM Tuner, then Use it!! It works better than your Cable Box (if you have one).
Here is my recommendation for best picture.
First choose your service provider:
If you happen to be lucky enough to be in an area where you can get the new telco TV services (Verizon FIOS or AT&T UVerse) get that. 100% digital channels over a land line connection.
If you are not in one of those areas you have a choice. Most cable companies broadcast only part of their channels digital, and the remainder in analog. (usually the "basic" package channels remain analog) (a few cable companies "re-broadcast" all channels digital, they will probably advertise that if they do). Satellite, on the other hand, is 100% digital. However your reception will vary with your dish location. If you can't get a direct shot (i.e. trees) or worse are under a flightpath then your signal will drop out a lot. And you will probably have issues during hard rain. So... your choice, better picture, with some drop outs, (Satellite) or less good picture that is always available (Cable). I had satellite, with a clear shot and no airplanes, I got a great picture with dropouts only when it rains hard. (I have UVerse now). My recommendation, if you are in a reasonably dry (less rain) area and can get a clear signal, go Satellite. If not, go cable.
Whichever provider you choose, get the HD service. HD channels look worlds better.
Second choose your connection:
Your picture quality will vary with your hook up. Pick the best hook up option you can. I would go HDMI, if you don’t have that option use DVI, then Component (Red Green and Blue RCA cables), then SVideo, then Video (one Yellow RCA cable). Spending more for the best cable / satellite box to get the better connections will make a difference.
Good Luck!
This line of Sharpe is an HD ready LCD. It requires a perfect high definition digital signal in order to perform. Nothing short of this will accomplish anything.
You have only two choices. Digital satellite or digital cable. Component up-converters will not work with these units.
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