Is picture quality relative to signal strength? I have Directv and I get signal strengths usually around 75. I used to get in the 90s before I moved. My picture quality(standard tv) seems fine. I am looking to upgrade to HD and was wondering if it would be worth it at these strength levels. Would I get the full benefits if HD picture quality?

Picture quality is not affected by signal strength at all with digital transmission unless the signal drops so low that you loose the picture altogether.

Ed

Is picture quality relative to signal strength? I have Directv and I get signal strengths usually around 75. I used to get in the 90s before I moved. My picture quality(standard tv) seems fine. I am looking to upgrade to HD and was wondering if it would be worth it at these strength levels. Would I get the full benefits if HD picture quality?

Signal strength is all relative. With the new hr20 (HD DVR) from Directv, excellent signal strength is average of 95 over 16 transponders on satellite 103(b0. Receiving the newest HD channels from Directv you will need to update system with new MPEG4 tuner plus a new 5 lnb dish, etc. You can get these items installed for $20 if you find the right person to talk with at Directv. By the way, the higher the signal strength, the better.

By the way, the higher the signal strength, the better.

This is a misleading statement and doesn't answer the question. As ekb said, don't worry about signal strength until it gets so low that you lose the signal. Above that threshold, there is no loss of quality at lower signal levels.

I think he might of been refering to the additional head room.

I think he might of been refering to the additional head room.

That is not what the OP was asking.

With a digital transmission you either get it or you don't. My OTA goes anywhere from 90 to 56 with no difference in picture quality.
However if it drops below 50 it will start to break up.

Great! Thanks guys. I've never had a problem losing channels except when there's nasty weather. I just wanted to make sure I would get the full effect of HD without the high signal strength.