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Best picture on plasma tv?

Plasma TV Question: What accessories do I need to get the best picture?

  • Just got a 50" plasma tv but don't have any accessories except the HDMI cable that connects to my Hi-Def DVD player. I have basic cable but plan to get digital cable very soon (next week). The tv has a built-in tuner to pick up HDTV but I'm not sure what that means? Don't I need an antenna for that? I've see an HDTV Digital Receiver at Best Buy - do I need one of those? Thanks for the help!

  • Answer:

    With a built-in tuner you do not need an additional box to receive over-the-air High Definition TV. Depending on your location you may receive all the typical broadcast networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, and FOX) in glorious High Definition with an amazing picture! There are no bandwith limitations with over-the-air signals. I have included a link below to a picture of the typical exterior High Definition antennae. Next I would recommend the DVD “Digital Video Essentials” and optimize your Plasma. Watching the DVD will teach you how to make the most of your picture quality. It’s only $19 from Amazon. If you’re using the cables that came with your equipment, they’re worth what you paid for them. Discard them and at a minimum buy cables from RadioShack with the correct impedance and shielding. For best results - I recommend the cables from BetterCables.com - reasonably priced high-end cables. Lastly the better your plasma - the more critical your signal source will be. You will probably find basic cable unacceptable and wonder if there is something wrong with your set. Strongly suggest you consider a Satellite PVR - Satellite costs less than cable with a better picture and High Definition PVR’s can record many hours of High Definition programming. Negotiate for the best deal prior to signing a contract. You are only a new customer once and can get incredible deals and equipment. I highly recommend the Dish Network 622 PVR.

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Having a built in TV tuner gives you the option of receiving over-the-air HDTV LOCAL broadcast (they're free) using an indoor/outdoor UHF/VHF antenna. If you're thinking of getting digital cable, make sure you also SUBSCRIBE to HD programming. Please note that digital cable is not the same thing as HDTV. Just because you have digital cable/digital box does NOT mean you have HDTV. HDTV is a separate subscription!!!BTW, you don't need to buy the digital receiver at Best Buy. Your Dish/Cable provider should provide this with installation.

☑ gDübb¹ ®

Here is my reccommendation. Go back to best buy and ask them why they didnt offer you the HD source when you bought it? Because if you use us (whoops, I mean them... hehe) Then that will save you an extra $100 on the TV! This wil cover the cost of a monster 4ft 600 HDMI cable to run from your new set top box from your HD cable provider to your tv. This should do everything you need

Home Theater Guru

I would like to add a bit of information to what has already been provided. If you are getting digital cable and do opt for HD service make sure your cable box has an HDMI connector as this will also give you the best possible picture. ( I sure hope your plasma tv has two HDMI inputs). If you don't have two, then I'd pick the source that you watch the most to hook up via HDMI and then use component video for the other one ( although it will be a compromise)

gkk_72

Your plasma already has the hdtv tuner built-in so you won't need a cable box. To get HD you need to subscribe to the HD service. The antenna is use to get free over the air HD signal but it's not worth it because there are not really anything to watch. You don't need a digital receiver either. All you really need is to sign up for a HD subscription, but be aware that many channels doesn't broadcast in HD yet. Most HD broadcasts are sports. Ask your provider for all info related to HD before sign up.

Ted B

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