[JeffB]

I just purchased a Sony 40" EX723.
I have the TV connected to a cable box over component cables.
The standard definition is being displayed using MPEG.  The effect looks a bit like streaming YouTube on my cell-phone.  The image is a bit better quality than my cell-phone, but nowhere near normal standard definition quality.
I have a similar setup in a different room, with an older Sony rear-projection LCD that looks great.
I tried disabling every software feature that I could(like smooth motion, etc.) and this did not help.

Last night, I also tried running the cable antenna straight into the TV, so I could see something in high-definition.
The TV did not recognize channel 2.1, etc.  It popped up a message telling me to run auto-tune.  However, I went through the entire menu system several times, and cannot find an auto-tune option.  I actually think it might have tried to start auto tune automatically, but immediately kicked out.

So, I am real close to returning this set, but I have some questions first.

1) Is standard definition over component being intentionally degraded to prevent copying?  If so, does every set now do this?
2) If I decide to upgrade my Charter cable to high-definition, does Charter automatically upscale everything, or will I still receive standard definition signals on non-HD channels.
3) Does anybody have last years EX720 that can tell me how to find auto channel tune?  Hopefully it is similar.

[JeffB]

I would like to note that I am not saying standard def looks bad compared to HD.
I am saying standard def looks bad compared to standard def I have seen my whole life.
I am also displaying a 4:3 image without zooming.

[GerryD]

I'm sorry that I don't know the answers to your questions, but I bet if you posted them on
http://avsforum.com you might get some useful answers.

[xr2]

I can't imagine that they would intentionally downgrade the analog signal of standard def tv.  Sounds more likely that the scaler in the tv is doing a poor job with the video feed.  Does your cable box have HDMI?  Can you use that instead?

You could also bypass the scaler by using a receiver to do the scaling instead of the TV.

[skunark]

Why don't you request a new cable box with an HDMI output?    There's no more SD channels, so it's up to the cable company how they want to compress it.     My advice though is to drop cable, get an HDTV antenna for over the air which will be better than what any cable provide can offer unless you are out of range.  Maybe even utilize the netflix or the amazon streaming services.

[Phil A]

Why don't you request a new cable box with an HDMI output?    There's no more SD channels, so it's up to the cable company how they want to compress it.     My advice though is to drop cable, get an HDTV antenna for over the air which will be better than what any cable provide can offer unless you are out of range.  Maybe even utilize the netflix or the amazon streaming services.

I'd second the above.  I'm not much of a TV watcher but I do have a decent antenna in the attic and no cable.  Several times over the years I've had people over they have asked me how come my cable reception looks better than theirs and they are usually shocked that I have nothing but an antenna.  Cable is dependent on the operator and their facilities and depending on their system where you sit on their food chain.

[JeffB]

Well, I finally found the channel auto-tune.

The HD looks pretty good, but I am pretty sure the TV is using MPEG to stream everything and I think the MPEG quality is not so good.

I am sure an OTA antenna, or a cable box with HDMI would improve things, but I have the exact box on an older Sony and that older Sony looks better.

The new Sony has better black levels, contrast, color, but the actual signal is somewhat fuzzier/blurry.  It is extremely noticeable in standard definition.  It is fairly subtle in high definition.

[Phil A]

It's likely the analog output of the cable box or possibly the analog input of the new TV.  I sold my old main system projector a few years back and didn't want to go real high end in the secondary basement system (leave room for a future upgrade) and the projector I got which is 720p like the old main system projector just is not as good taking a composite signal from LD.  I've since upgraded the receiver which upconverts it is HDMI and it looks better.

[youravhandyman]

There's a Lumagen VisionDVI up on Videogon for $250. Yes, it's mine   But it could help you with your standard def issues and the price is right if you weren't looking to upgrade your receiver yet.

http://cgi.videogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.pl?procscal&1306429852&&&/-Lumagen-VisionDVI-fully-updat

[Mag]

>>1) Is standard definition over component being intentionally degraded to prevent copying?  If so, does every set now do this?<<

Yes, you need to use HDMI with a 1080i input.

>>2) If I decide to upgrade my Charter cable to high-definition, does Charter automatically upscale everything, or will I still receive standard definition signals on non-HD channels.<<

You will still get standard definition on non-HD channels, but the picture quality is very good in progressive mode. The HDMI cable box provides the 1080i input, the TV then works in HD mode.

>>3) Does anybody have last years EX720 that can tell me how to find auto channel tune?  Hopefully it is similar.<<

I have a different model but with my remote, press input, move cursor to selected input channel, press Home, scroll to settings down to Initial setup, also scroll to HDMI input and enable.

I had mine connected by component at one time but I don't remember for sure, but IIRC the picture was fuzzy like you described, not clear like when connected to HDMI.

[Mike B.]

I am using a 50 Samsung 3D plasma set and Directv with HDMI connections. My best High def pictures come from a rabbit ear style antenna picking up local stations. The 480i stuff on Directv varies but is not that enjoyable to watch. It tends toward watercolor like definition. The local broadcast 480 stuff has much better definition IMO.

[viggen]

I second or is that third on getting a cable box with HDMI out.

Just gave my in-laws my Sony 46" LCD after purchasing a Sony 46" LED.  At first, the picture at their house looked like crap as you've described.  They swapped the cable box for one with HDMI output at the cable office.  It's free so don't hesitate!

I ordered an HDMI cable from monoprice, hooked everything up and now even standard def channels look decent.  About 50-60 HD channels are also available for free.  At my in-laws', you have to tune to channels 400-500 to view them though.  That's a bit confusing as my bro in-law still can't tune to the HD channels for some reasons.

At home, we only use OTA.  For what it's worth, my 2 year old LCD's tuner is better than my new LED's.