Hello everyone,

I recently purchased a Panasonic 42-in 1080p plasma tv. I have Comcast as my HD cable provider and they gave me a motorolla cable box. My question is- how should I connect the box to my HDTV to maximize the signal? Currently, I just have the coaxial going in and I must say, I'm not that impressed. Should I be using component cables? Something else? Any thoughts are greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

That would be because coax can't carry HD resolutions. You need to use component or HDMI/DVI depending on the output option on your STB. HDMI/DVI would probably be the better route for your type of display, check out monoprice.com for a cable, HDMI/DVI is digital, no need for an overpriced cable.

Hey, thanks so much for that. I figured I was doing something wrong. Also, strangely enough..my girlfriend is from North East, MD. Strange!

No problem, are you a fellow Marylander also? We seem to have a number of them here.

I'm actually from NJ but she grew up in North East. Thanks again for the help.

Which model Motorola cable box did Comcast provide?

If its the DCT6200 it only has DVI out so if your Panny has HDMI input you will need a DVI>HDMI cable AND an RCA stereo cable (R/L).

As an option you could use a component cable as well. I have used both and as many others have said the difference between the component verus a DVI>HDMI connection is often subtle. I prefer the DVI>HDMI even though, in my case, the HDMI re-synchs the handshake when switching between an SD and an HD channel creating a brief screen "splash".

As an added note if you do have to go DVI>HDMI I suggest you get a MALE>MALE HDMI cable and a HDMI>DVI adapter. This way you can just remove the adapter if your STB is ever upgraded to an HDMI capable box.

I second the recommendation of Monoprice.com for all cable needs.

P.S. Comcast did not provide at least a component cable with an HD cable box? Did they tell you that a coax from box to TV supported HD????