Hey all, I'm going way outside my realm here so please forgive the newbie questions (usually I would just search this to death, but was hoping someone might just know).

I was wondering if an 'aftermarket' digital cable box will allow me to receive 480p SD rather than the pitiful 480i I'm currently getting with my Motorola DCT700 (also digital cable). This receiver has no S-video or component, only composite RCA *thumbs down*.

I realize SDTV is crap, especially on an HDTV, but the reality is that I just don't watch a whole lot of TV (I'm more of a movie/gaming guy). My girlfriend does, however. To upgrade to HDTV will cost me an extra $20/month (for around 10 HD channels, max). As the price is 40% more than I'm currently paying for SD, I will continue to refuse shelling out until the price comes down.

My provider is Cogeco Cable in Canada, Yamaha rx-v861 analog to HDMI set to 'through' to a Panasonic th42pz80. I've tried connecting the video directly to my TV and the picture looks basically the same (crap).

If anyone could help that would be superb =)

-Ex

You could get a Tivo HD STB. It'll convert your SD content to 480p. You may even be able to get a few free HD channels via the QAM tuner inside the Tivo, providing HD channels are in the clear in Canada like here in the US.

Thanks for the advice. I'm not really looking to convert anything. If I'm not mistaken, the cable coming from the wall should already be sending 480p, right? I'm hoping that an appropriate digital cable receiver would be able to pass this along to my TV, rather than the 480i currently.

-Ex

The signal from the wall is only 480i for SD. This is because not all tv's are able to display progressive scan video. The Tivo HD gives you the options to pass all signals as they are broadcast, convert SD content to 480p and HD content as broadcast or convert all signals to 720p.

Does anyone else have any opinions on this? Thanks.

-Ex

Get an HD capable cable box.
All 480i can be deinterlaced to 480p. Also, you may be able to get locals (in unencrypted) in HD (1080i/720p).