Last week I purchased a 37" Vizio, had an LG but it was doing weird stuff. Anyway went to Suddenlink and picked up the new Motorola DVR box and set up digital cable. Well the picture was not great, hooked up to other cable jack that previous CRT was on; picture is better. HD and digital channels are much better. But the analog channels that I watch the most are not good - which I know is possible. Then I disconnect the box and hook up TV to straight cable, my analogs are way better (clear), still get the local channels in HD plus some music channels. The DVR was hooked up via HDMI and component. So, what the hell do I need the box for? Any suggestions why it's not as clear? I set the DVR to 4:3 override, 480i and output on box to 720p. I'm pleased with the picture as is, so unless someone can convince me I'll be taking it back on Monday. Going out to pick up a Panasonic VHS/DVD recorder to transfer old videos and watch DVD's. Thanks, sorry it is so long. Nelson

Hook the box up by either composite or s-video for analog video and then it will look alot better.

Thanks. If I do S-video do i run seperate line for audio or does S cable do both? Thanks, Nelson

You need audio cables (red and white) in use with S-Vid output. It's not quite like an HDMI all-inclusive cable.

I just bought a Samsung LNT4071 two nights ago. I have a brand new Motorola DCH6416 from Insight in Pickerington (Columbus), OH connected to it via HDMI.

Here's my scenario: the HD channels from Insight look awesome with the TV on 16:9 and the cable box 1080i. The standard channels look grainy and terrible - much worse than my 32" CRT. The cable box 4:3 override is set to 480p.

How can I get the standard channels looking better than this? I'm considering taking the TV back if this is how it's going to look.

Any help is appreciated.

I also own a Samsung LNT4071, there are a couple ways you can improve the picture for standard TV:

1)Menu: Picture Settings: Detailed Settings - place dynamic contrast and black adjust on high.

2)Menu: Picture Settings: Digital NR on medium or high, helps smooth out signal noise and artifacts

3)Go to a thread on the avs forum for calibration on the LNT4071, this will help you dial in the clearest most accurate picture you can get for the set.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12852156

*Keep in mind that the standard signal you are looking at will cease to exist in just about a year's time. Might focus on the HD aspect of the TV as that's where it's at.