Standard Def Reception on an HDTV set

It's better to ask this question on the AVS Forum, try this link: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/index.php?s=7a55cd4bbf7db0de0458510d18f9c3b0
From what I've read, many seem to like SDTV transmissoins better on older analog sets. They claim that the newer, HDTV sets show so much detail, they make the older analog signals appear worse (garbage in, garbage out). I've read so many claim analog signals looking better on older analog sets, I've decided to wait until more stations broadcast in HDTV until I spring for a set. Maybe that's why stores won't display HDTV's with analog sources, at least the ones I've been in. They will gladly show you what's on the HDnet channel, or a DVD, but when you ask to see regular SDTV, I'm told they can't do it. The sets aren't hooked up to regular cable or sat. I was thinking of getting one for Christmas, but I think I'll wait. The AVS Forum has a wealth of video knowledge. Good luck.

Regards,
John

If the hdtv has a built in line dubbler (Not all do) it will make standard tv look better. If you have sat. or cable you will have a good picture anyway because they both offer digital picture, over the air and analog cable would be line dubbled, not as good as digital but better than standard picture.

The picture on a non digital set will be better with non HDTV signals. I just purchased a new house that had a built in cabinet for the tv and actually ended up getting one of Sony's last analog flatscreens and it was far better picture on Satellite non HDTV feeds than my 15k Seleco projector with DVDO line doubler, and my new Digital 53" HDTV Sony RPT. They both got smoked, frankly it's what I saw in the store, and the salesperson after I absolutely grilled him admitted that analog sets look best on analog and non HDTV pix. If you watch TV, then that's mostly what you're watching. I hardly ever use my Hidef receiver in HD mode. I guess it's a lot like audio, when you try to manipulate the signal digitally it entails making design/tradeoff choices and degrades the signal. What you really are doing is taking an analog signal, converting it to digital to send over satellite, then converting it from digital to analog at the receiver then your digital TV converting it to digital. Try that with an audio signal!

I'd stick with your xbr for a while longer. ditto on above threads.