You should alwise use the best connection that you have.
So S-video would be better than composit.
This seams to be one area that is NOT reviewed!! How well a HDTV will do on analog sources!!
NTSC analog TV is 320x240 in computer terms, so the HDTV in having to scan convert it up to 1024x768 or 1280x720.
Yes the DVD will look good since it is 640x480.
You may just have to try all the settings to find one that looks the best.
Some are buying scan converts, but they cost around $1000 so it is not a "easy" fix.
But when you get the HD package you connection should be componet or better so that should help. John
After weighing all the costs involved, and esp. living in Hawaii with limited availability, I decided to just go and get the Maxent 42-X3 42" Plasma at Costco yesterday.
The DISH Network guy is coming over today. To test the TV (which doesn't have a built in tuner), I used the RCA cables and hooked up a VCR and played a VHS tape. Also, I had an old DVR I used on the mainland and hooked it up also with the RCA cables.
The pictures from the VCR and DVR were HORRIBLE! I mean my mother in law's 10 year old Tube TV looked better. Jags everywhere, any slight movement looked like pixel heaven. I played a DVD and with the 16:9 format, at least that looked acceptable.
I plan on getting the HD package sooner or later, but in the meantime, I want to enjoy my non-HD digital feeds from DISH Network (esp. sports! - most sports programming doesn't do HD, only some ESPN broadcasts). The questions I have are:
1) Is this particular to my Maxent TV, and is this basically it is an inferior product, or is this kind of issue particular to all Plasma HDTVs?
2) Is there a setting (non-HDTV setting?) where I can get a better picture from digital satellite feeds?
3) Are there better cables to use (S video rather than RCA jacks) to make the picture less grainy and choppy?
4) If not big screen plasma, what is the best big (and hopefully flat panel) picture for digital, non-HDTV satellite?
Frustrated in Hawaii,
Will Lee
koreambear@yahoo.com

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