Just got an HDTV, pixelated SD content

[RCBH928]

I got a laptop. I will see if I can find a VGA cable and see how that will turn out.

[RCBH928]

Ok , so here is an update:

1) My TV has a VGA input , but has NO VGA channel. I connected it to my macbook. My computer realizes there is another display and does the right configuration. I tried playing around the menus and looked up the catalogue but there is nothing that talks about VGA or PC mode. But there is a VGA port, and it has "Service Only" written on it. Any body got an idea how can I get the VGA working?
I get only these inputs : AV , Component, TV , HDMI , USB .

2) I connected my DVD player with component cables. The DVD menu screen looks pixelated a bit like with artifacts/tiny dots . I thought DVDs looked awesome with component cables. I tried few different DVDs same results. One DVD menu looked a bit pixelated. Not sure if this is supposed to happen or not.

[crux]

Service only is what it sounds like. It's to install software.

You will likely want to look at replacing your television if it's still an option (compare and contrast at showrooms, as has been suggested), but an HDMI cable is only a few scant dollars online, so you should get one to test with. Digital cables just need to carry 0's and 1's, so even cheap HDMI cables should perform adequately for your purposes. Remember to match the resolution of your source to the native resolution of your television when possible. You can't change the resolution of the television, but you can with most HD-enabled devices. Also, don't judge the DVD performance on the menu - the menu could be displaying a low resolution. Play a movie.

[AppleQueso]

A VGA port on a TV that doesn't actually accept VGA inputs is some serious BS. It's like a tease or something!

If his mac has a DVI port he could use one of those DVI to HDMI adapters and an HDMI cable. Shouldn't cost too much.

[isiolia]

I think he has a Macbook, which should have a mini DVI port. Can get an adapter to HDMI for $10 give or take.

2) I connected my DVD player with component cables. The DVD menu screen looks pixelated a bit like with artifacts/tiny dots . I thought DVDs looked awesome with component cables. I tried few different DVDs same results. One DVD menu looked a bit pixelated. Not sure if this is supposed to happen or not.

It's hard to say for sure without pictures to examine, but speaking in general, DVDs can vary a lot in quality. Not all of them will have well designed or produced menus. But, DVDs do use lossy compression as well. If you're mostly seeing things like compression artifacts in dark areas of the picture and that kind of thing, then it could be that your TV's picture settings are off.

[Zing]

DVD menus are software generated and will usually look poor. How do the actual movies look? Maybe you are just sitting too close.

I don't see where you mention the TV size. If you are watching SD content, you will need to be six or more feet away to not see the pixels, assuming a 32" or larger TV. I'd have to sit 12 feet from my 50".

[Anapan]

I'm guessing what you think is a VGA port is actually a Serial port (looks the same, but less pins) - used for ref-lashing the TV's firmware and/or getting diagnostic readout via a terminal.

[Hobie-wan]

I'm guessing what you think is a VGA port is actually a Serial port (looks the same, but less pins) - used for ref-lashing the TV's firmware and/or getting diagnostic readout via a terminal.

Good point. D shaped connector with 15 holes = VGA. D shaped connector with 9 pins = serial.

[RCBH928]

I am not sure what is this port , I got a VGA cable and it got connected to it. It seemed to fit well.

In good news, I connected my 64 and VHS and they looked really good! 64 was extra blurry/smooth but at least not jagged and pixelated .

Maybe I am sitting too close to the TV, its 42 and I am sitting about 3 feet away or so.

Overall not happy with the TV, but it will do for now. It was bought on the cheap for $464 .

Thanks for everyone's great help , the reason why I like racketboy

[theclaw]

I am not sure what is this port , I got a VGA cable and it got connected to it. It seemed to fit well.

In good news, I connected my 64 and VHS and they looked really good! 64 was extra blurry/smooth but at least not jagged and pixelated .

Maybe I am sitting too close to the TV, its 42 and I am sitting about 3 feet away or so.

Overall not happy with the TV, but it will do for now. It was bought on the cheap for $464 .

Thanks for everyone's great help , the reason why I like racketboy

You might have to invest in video mods and converts as needed.

As I was saying in another topic, HDTVs are more sensitive to source image quality.
They often display finer artifacts in lossy image sources that a CRT would hide. Avoiding RF or composite is easily the biggest potential step to improve old consoles on HDTV.