Just got my setup, Any tips?

[CrashCamomilli]

Just bought a RCA HD50LPW175 from BB.  

I have a samsung Progressive scan DVD player,
and a 7.1 surround setup.

I have had TWC digital cable service for a while, and my TV has a seperate attenna input than I just tossed some Bunny ears on for now.

fairly impressed, not sure what I can get form TWC yet, It sounds like it may or may not be worth getting their HD package, but I'm not a sports fan.

Not really sure what I get or don't get with each package right now.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated

Thanks-------Crash

[StarvingForHDTV]

If your TV accepts cable cards, you can rent a card from TWC instead of using a set top box.  If your TV doesn't accept cable cards, you can swap your digital cable box for an HD cable box.  You need that to view the HD channels like 505, 506, etc.

Depending on what type of antenna input you plugged in to, you may be watching analog on your set.  Does your set have a built in HD tuner for over the air?  If so, you can plug in an antenna to the correct input and try to get some local HD for free.

Good luck, and enjoy your new display.

[CrashCamomilli]

MY Set has a built in tunner, so yeah, I can get the local HD for free.
I can use a cable card, but i like the On-deman features, so I'll keep my box

I know I need an HD box, but I can't decide if the HD channels they offer are even worth it.


Does the HD box improve the digital picture on the non HD channels?

[Tom Snyder]

The only thing that will improve the digital picture on the non HD channels (13-99) is switching to Satellite.

[CrashCamomilli]

I prefer sat over cable, but its not an option right now :bang:


I'm a DVD fanatic, mostly bought it for the wide widescreen effect, more so than the HD, just trying to find out if the HD package is worth it for a NON-sports fan.

It seems like the local channels come in quite clear, so that narrows down the value of the HD package.

For those of you with both, how does the free air local transmissions compare with the HD locals from TWC.  Is it a significant improvement?

[CrashCamomilli]

The more I read the other posts, the more I think I'm better to wait until TWC has more to offer, I'll just use the OTA right now, it will do fine


Thanks, Guys

[Mark Strube]

The high definition local channels are not a part of the HD package, you'll get those for free if you get an HD box... which I believe costs just as much as any other digital box. (Maybe $1 more? I'm not sure since we don't have any standard boxes anymore.)

Also, I believe without subscribing to the HD package you get TNT-HD and DiscoveryHD. If you subscribe to either HBO or Showtime, you'll automatically get the HD versions of those as well. So it's worth it to at least swap boxes.

Unless you're low on inputs or really don't want to spend the extra $4 for a box, I'd recommend staying away from cable cards... they're just a hassle to get installed, prone to problems, and then you don't get the guide.

[gparris]

CrashCamomilli with your TWC digital package you will get Discovery HD Theater, FOX FSN, TNTHD, PBSHD, FOX HD, CBSHD, NBC HD and ABC HD in DD5.1.
The HD box is the same price as the other boxes-$7.95 a month including the remote control.
With no rabiit ears to battle with, you get 8 HD channels and you must remember to use the component outputs from the HD cable box to your HDTV inputs and a coaxial digital audio cable to the A/V system you said you had for optimal DD5.1 surround sound...does THIS assist you?

[CrashCamomilli]

YES, it does, that is exactly what I was looking to find out,

THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!!!!

   :hug:

[gparris]

You are very welcome...the thought of you getting all the HD and surround sound out of your 7.1 setup makes me very happy too!
Here is a link to your new HDTV set, if that helps you:
http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/article.asp?section_id=3&article_id=897&page_number=1
Nice set-enjoy!

[StarvingForHDTV]

Keep that antenna plugged in to pick up WB-HD and UPN-HD  Those aren't available on cable.

[gparris]

Quote: "Keep that antenna plugged in to pick up WB-HD and UPN-HD Those aren't available on cable."

Good point for you East Siders, the antenna farm is to your west - your set has a built in ATSC tuner-give it a try and use the outboard digital audio output from the RCA HDTV set into another input on your 7.1 receiver for the best sound.
TWC and Sinclair like to fight on these two HD channels for carriage.
Until September, when these two networks dissolve and become one as the CW network, try getting these two freebies OTA...good luck.