New HDTV owner...

[xynder]

Hey guys,

I recently purchased the Sony KD30XS955 television from best buy (18 months no interest, fortunately). I have a few questions.


1.) I have Cox Cable. When I got my set home, it found a few High Definition channels (local channels, like WB, Fox, NBC, PBS and CBS). I do not have a high definition programming package from Cox. How am I receiving these high definition channels? I think they are HD because the display info says 720p or 1080i, and the channels they are on have decimal places.

2.) Cox told me that cable cards look like garbage (PQ-wise) compared to the set-top box. Is there any truth to this statement?

3.) What is the best way for me to fine tune this machine?

4.) If I get a cable card and HD programming package from Cox, will there be any PQ improvement in the HD channels I think I'm already receiving (see question #1)

Thanks! I got that Oppo DVD player, which I hear is great.

[Joxer]

Thats normal to receive the unencrypted local broadcast HD channels that your cable system carries. Other HD channels are encrypted and require some digital package subscription. Its false that cablecards are worse quality, many report higher quality in some cases. But an external HD box offers features lacking in the cablecard - like a program guide, 2way communications for PPV ordering and Video-On-Demand features. Also an HD-DVR is very useful and only available as an external box - I recommend that, it allows you to access all the HD programming available no matter what hours its broadcast.

[Mrkazador]

When i had charter cable i was able to get all local channels + hbohd, showhd, hdmovie and discovery using the built in tuner of my 30xs955. I moved and now have Comcast and just get local channels in Hd. Finished watching Emperors New Groove on ABC a few hours ago and it looked amazing.

[kny3twalker]

1.) I have Cox Cable. When I got my set home, it found a few High Definition channels (local channels, like WB, Fox, NBC, PBS and CBS). I do not have a high definition programming package from Cox. How am I receiving these high definition channels? I think they are HD because the display info says 720p or 1080i, and the channels they are on have decimal places.

they are unencrypted HD channels


2.) Cox told me that cable cards look like garbage (PQ-wise) compared to the set-top box. Is there any truth to this statement?



total BS
in fact you could possibly have a better picture than when using the STB
as the decoder in my Sony XS955 is better than my direcTV box's decoder

3.) What is the best way for me to fine tune this machine?

use a DVD calibration disc(digital video essentials or AVIA) after the break in period
and during the break in period watch everything with no black bars


4.) If I get a cable card and HD programming package from Cox, will there be any PQ improvement in the HD channels I think I'm already receiving (see question #1)


no difference they are just not encrypted to your can view them for free