LCD HD TV Picture Quality Lacking


My Dad recently purchased a Sony Bravia LCD and my father-in -law just bought a Magnavox LCD. These are the 1st HD tv's I've had a chance to spend time viewing. Compared to standard televisions I find the color on both TV's to be unnatural (even after adjustments) and the pictures often lack clarity, and definition. They are fuzzy (cloudy looking). My Dad's Sony is connected to a digital HD cable box from the cable company. My father-in laws' LCD is still connected to a standard digital cable box. In the stores when I've seen true High Definition demos, like the NFL it is awesome. Are there any LCD televisions out there with natural looking color? (especially skin tones) Is this cloudy affect, lack of clarity and definition present on all these HD TV's or are there exceptions? Are there HD TV's that are clear in Non HD broadcasts? I do realize the source of the signal matters greatly, but why would my old JVC look clearer, more focused, and have more natural colors than these LCD tv's? Frankly before I shell out the cash, I want to see better performance than I saw from their TVs? Is this a question of something I heard about called "calibration."
Adjustments have been made to my Dad's TV by me and it still looks subpar unless it's an HD broadcast and some of those look unnatural too. Thanks for your thoughts.
foster_9
Flrnlamb I agree 100% with you on the Pioneer Plasmas. I shopped for close to a year before settling on a PDP 5080. It's a real joy to watch!
Makes sure the cable box is outputing 1080i or 720p. I know the Motorola boxes from comcast have an adjustment by pressing the power button and menun button on the box at the same time. Do a search with the model # on the box to make sure it's hooked up right. The standard def box will need to be replaced.

As for standard def, I have yet to see any hdtv look as good as my old Sony trinitron but my Sharp Aquos comes close.
Thanks for all the feedback. Not sure what model Sony Bravia it is. I'll try to check.
There is no question in my mind that Pioneer is the best out there. I did alot of research before I bought my 4340 which is a few years old and it still smokes the comp.My neighbor bought a 60 In. Pioneer last year and it is to say the least stunning. Just bought a bulb for my Runco projector . I hated to spend $900.00 for that bulb but what a difference . Every time we watch a movie I just say to my self Now thats what Im talking about Hey.