TV inputs and picture quality

[jhansman]

If I use a SD signal via an RF coax connector on an LCD TV (720p) I am considering for my bedroom, will my satellite picture completely suck, or will it be decent enough until I can make the switch to HD (months down the road)? I ask because while looking at the TV today in Best Buy, I noticed it was hooked up via the RF connector, as were all the 32" sets I was comparing. The picture was surprisingly good, and I didn't know if the store was somehow able to feed the set an HD signal via the RF connector. Any help is much appreciated.

 

[Modelworks]

If I use a SD signal via an RF coax connector on an LCD TV (720p) I am considering for my bedroom, will my satellite picture completely suck, or will it be decent enough until I can make the switch to HD (months down the road)? I ask because while looking at the TV today in Best Buy, I noticed it was hooked up via the RF connector, as were all the 32" sets I was comparing. The picture was surprisingly good, and I didn't know if the store was somehow able to feed the set an HD signal via the RF connector. Any help is much appreciated.

Satellite boxes do not output HD over RF connections. You need to use HDMI or component for that.
You can buy devices that will encode HD to ATSC for RF connections but those are thousands of dollars and mainly used for multiple displays.
The TV will upscale it the best it can but it still will be SD in quality.

 

[jhansman]

Yes, I under

Satellite boxes do not output HD over RF connections. You need to use HDMI or component for that.

Yes, I understand that. As I said in my OP, I don't have an HD signal coming into the house as yet.

You can buy devices that will encode HD to ATSC for RF connections but those are thousands of dollars and mainly used for multiple displays.

Ah, well this is likely what I was really looking, i.e., an HD image, as you say, encoded to work across an RF connection. In a sense, this is misleading on the store's part. Your average Joe would have to have the acumen to ask the salesperson about such things, if like me, they only have SD at home. Clearly, an HD signal will be better, but there's no way to know just how much better until you get the unit home and hook it up.

This then leads me to the assume that when you or I decide to get a new TV these days, we are pretty much forced to upgrade to HD. Not necessarily a bad thing, but my my satellite bill is high enough right now. Sigh...