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General discussion

Motorola High Definition Cable Box

Mar 7, 2005 10:54PM PST

May be a stupid question but....I recently bought a 50 inch Samsung DLP HDTV and was confused as to what setting I should select on my cable box. For stations/programs not broadcast in hi def and in 4:3 ratio I can select Stretch, 780i, or 780p. The user manual is not helping me and I was hoping for some input. I want to maximize the equipment I have purchased. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Discussion is locked

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give us exactly what type of TV you have...
Mar 8, 2005 12:29AM PST

give us exactly what type of TV you have, because unless we know the native resolution of your TV, it will be hard to help much. (& when I say native, I don't mean 4:3 aspect, I mean the resolution that your TV has if all the pixels are firing)

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Type of TV
Mar 9, 2005 1:50AM PST

It is the Samsung DLP TV HL-P5067W. Thanks for your help.

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Moto Box
Mar 9, 2005 11:32AM PST

It does not matter if the Cable box is set to 720p or 1080i, for the TV will Down-convert the signal to its native 720p anyway. I install Motorola HD boxes daily (cable guy), and I hope you're using a DVI connection to your TV...

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Question for Bob G
Mar 10, 2005 11:05PM PST

Is there a noticeable difference btn the component cables and the DVI cable? Also, is the DVI connection the one that will not allow onscreen graphics? Thanks for the help!

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Moto box
Mar 11, 2005 1:21PM PST

There isn't a HUGE difference, but there is a difference enough to warrant the use of a DVI over component anytime. In terms of it not allowing onscreen graphics, well it should, unless your TV isn't HDCP compatible. Trust me, get a DVI cable (not necessarily the most expensive one, say Monster). Hook up both at the same time and you'll see...