I'm in the HDTV market, and I'm concerned about the statements Cox is making on their site:

What do I need to have in order to receive HDTV?

* Customers will need an HDTV-capable or HDTV-ready set and an HDTV receiver from Cox to receive HDTV.
* Customers must also subscribe to Cox Digital Cable.
* Some televisions sold previously as HD sets only feature a 720 signal. These sets aren't compatible with Cox's HDTV service, which requires a 1080i signal.

The last bullet is what really concerns me... I have no problem with this hardware requirement for a main living room TV (I plan on getting good stuff) -- but currently, I only plan to replace the arcane bedroom TV w/ something like a 26-32" set. Sharp makes a 32" 1080p, but it's a good chunk of extra cash to get into the 1080p spec.

Is Cox correct in stating that a minimum of a 1080i-capable set is required for anything to work correctly? Or is this site just trying to bump the economy somewhat? ;) I've seen PDFs from Scientific Atlanta for the 8300HD DVR (if I got the model right) that __looks__ like it'll pretty much take anything, but I wouldn't be surprised if Cox "tweaks" things, either. :\

Any insight into if/how 720p sets operate in Cox/Fairfax would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

That's probably not true. I have Comcast, which is very similar to Cox (they send their analog signals in the same way, HRC). I have 1 720p set and 1 1080p set, and both work fine with Comcast HD service. Probably would not have to worry, but I'll contact my friend down in Centreville (should be the same area). He has Cox and might be able to tell me.

I believe Cox is full of it (I think you know what I mean). To my knowledge, HDTV sets with built-in ATSC tuners all convert whatever format is being broadcast to its native format. My Panasonic 42" Plasma has a 720P native format. It automatically converts OTA HDTV 1080i to 720P. Again, Cox is full ot it.

All three bullets are BS:

* you don't need a Cox STB to get their clear QAM signals
* a basic sub is enough to get you the clear QAM HD signals
* all HD TVs convert whatever signal they get to their native resolution

The only TVs that "need" something are early monitor-only sets that have no tuner - for those an STB is needed.

biker19 is completely correct, Cox would like to take your money thats all. And if you aren't worried about ESPN-HD and what not, you will do just fine without a HD set-top box, using the built in digital cable tuner(QAM).

Thanks for the feedback, all. I had a feeling it was hogwash (to put it lightly ;) It also helped last night to look at other places like Crutchfield, Circuit City, etc. to see more _complete_ specs than Best Buy's site provides. Also, after re-reading Cox's statements (for probably the 10th time) I finally read it the right way, I think... It sounds like they're waving off owners of first generation (or so) HDTVs where even 1080i didn't even exist yet. Ya know, when the sets were over $10,000 or so. ;)

Thanks again!