Analog Signal on HDTV = Bad Picture? (1 Viewer)

[CraigD]

I recently bought a 27 inch HDTV (Samsung TXM2796HF). I am mostly wathcing regular cable on it. In a case like this would a non HDTV of the same size look better?

I ask because to me the picture looks bad. It is sort of blocky/pixelated especially in areas of solid colors. Kind of look looking at a picture on a computer monitor if you have it set on a low number of colors.

II read some stuff about HDTVs showing the problems in bad cable signals, but it looks pretty much the same when I am watching a DVD from a non progressive scan player(composite hookup).

So am I nuts thinking it looks bad? The salesman told me it should look better than a regular TV even on analog signals because of the line doubler?

The reason I ask is because I am thinking of returning the set and getting a flatscreen analog of the same size. Extra cost isn't a consideration since I bought this TV on an open box discount for only $450. So would I be better off with a 27 inch analog for the same price?

 

[Jeff Kleist]

Yes, a regular TV would hide the flaws. I'm guessing you have digital cable?

Personally, I find digital cable even worse than analog, the bitrate is pathetically low

 

[RichN]

My first question would be: Why was it an open box? Was it a customer return, a demo, or just because some salesman needed a remote for another customer? Have you tried calibrating the picture using a good calibration DVD? Even using composite inputs, you should have a good DVD picture.
RichN