Why Doesn't my Cable Look Good on my HDTV?

An HDTV can't convert SD video to HD.

You need more than an HDTV to get HD channels in HD reception. You also need the right cables and equipment hooked up to your HDTV.

Receivers

You may need to replace your standard cable receiver for a newer model that can receive and transmit HD signals. If your cable box is more than a few years old, then it is probably not HD compatible, and you will need to contact your cable provider to get a new box that is.

Cables

Even if you have an HDTV and an HD receiver, you still need an HD-compatible cable to carry the video from the receiver to your television set, otherwise you'll be watching standard definition video. Most cable boxes and HDTVs have both component video and HDMI ports. Both transmit HDTV signals. When connecting to these ports, do not use traditional coaxial or composite video cables as they cannot transmit HD video.

Programming

Not all stations are in HD, and even if a station is broadcasting in HD, that doesn't mean that all of its programming is in HD. Many older programs are not in HD, and having an HDTV won't make them look like they are.

References

• Big Picture Big Sound: How to Hook Up that Fancy New HDTV - Part II: The Hook-Up

Resources

• Cnet: HDTV FAQ