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Question

Samsung 55" LED Blurry Picture

Jan 23, 2015 9:06AM PST

My parents are in assisted living and the only TV connection available is by coaxial cable. The TV is so blurry that it is driving my father crazy. The assisted living facility suggested setting it the TV to Cable Analog. I can't find this setting and I thought all broadcasts were in digital format anyway. I haven't been able to get anywhere trying to find out who the provider actually is or even whether it is cable or satellite so I can't talk to them directly. Can anyone suggest a way to get a better picture?

Discussion is locked

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Answer
If the COAX is supplying Standard Definition.
Jan 24, 2015 1:56AM PST

This is far too big a TV as it will amplify all the warts and issues with 480i Standard Definition. Get a set the size or just slightly larger than before to avoid amplifying SD issues.
Bob

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Standard Definition
Jan 24, 2015 10:09AM PST

Can you offer a different solution? He is used to a 75" HDTV and downsized (reluctantly) to 55". Smaller is really not an option so is there a way to enhance/improve the definition?

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What you need is a HDMI input, not coax
Jan 24, 2015 10:22AM PST

As Bob suggests, using a coax for input means you have the old 480 lines per inch resolution that we had on the old CRT TVs before HD came out with up to 1080 lines per inch (1080P). Ask the landlord who the internet supplier is and whether you can set up your own separate account with a provider who can give you high def. Without that, you'll be stuck with the blurry picture.

Good luck.

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Cable Provider
Jan 24, 2015 1:10PM PST

I have been trying to find out for 10 days who the provider is and the only response I get back is to switch the TV to Cable Analog. Thanks though!

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You do realize...
Jan 24, 2015 2:20PM PST

...that cable providers are granted licenses in local municipalities to operate. Call the township to see who has been granted to provide service in their area. It's typically a monopoly arrangement in most areas. If you provide them with the address, you can start there.

There's the possibility that it's a really crappy (split, multiple times) sat feed too. YMMV.

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Cable/Satellite
Jan 24, 2015 10:24PM PST

I think it is actually a satellite feed. I'm going to try and find a maintenance person and ask them since I can't get an answer from the folks in charge. If it is a satellite feed, would it have to be DISH or DirectTV or could they just have their own satellite dish and no provider?

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'coax for input means 480i'
Jan 24, 2015 2:16PM PST

No, not necessarily. While many use a cable box, some providers/systems may still be configured (even in multi-unit buildings) to split the signal so it enters each residence only via a coax cable. And as we all know, coax can transmit HD in addition to SD feeds.

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HD vs. SD
Jan 24, 2015 11:02PM PST

Unfortunately, the assisted living facility says they only provide SD feed...

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75" downsized to 55"
Jan 24, 2015 12:30PM PST

Does that make any sense? Come on, someone must be in charge there. Talk to him/her. Until all the facts are in, your guess is just as good as mine.

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To me it does.
Jan 24, 2015 11:39PM PST

When my dad moved to an assisted living they had no HD at the time. He went with a modest size TV and it wasn't too bad.
Bob