Digital TV question?

[glrae]

I just bought a used digital tv, my first. My direct tv receiver doesn't have hdmi connections. Can I just buy an adapter somewhere that goes from hdmi to regular connections?

[quackerback]

does your receiver have rca hookups or component cable hookups

[glrae]

It has both rca and cable.

[dc1986]

Call Direct tv and upgrade your box.

[cosmiccowboy]

I just hooked up the used high def set I got for the ranch with RCA cables.

[glrae]

The tv has both hdmi and rca outlets. My dvd player has rca only.

[glrae]

I will call direct tv and upgrade my box but I wanted something in the interim. If I upgrade with direct tv, do I have to upgrade all boxes or just the 1 digital? My other 2 tv's are still analog.

[Shake1]

Exactly, what types of inputs / connections are on the TV you just purchased?

What types of outputs / connections are on the back of your DirecTV receiver?

Once this info is laid out, we can help you.

FYI on types of TV connections:

HDMI = very best signal for picture (contains video and audio signal in one cable)
DVI = predecessor to HDMI cabling (video signal only)
Component - best to use if the top two are not available (red, green, blue RCA type cables)
S-Video = good picture quality (small 5 pin round connector)
Composite = worst picture quality (RCA connectors)

The top three are used for delivering HD signals to the TV. The bottom two are not high quality signals. Remember, just "because" you have an HD TV, does not mean you are "watching" an HD picture. "Everything" in the connection chain has to support an HD signal - so, the TV needs to be capable of displaying 720p, 1080i or 1080p pictures and the DirecTV receiver must also be capable of receiving / displaying HD signals to the TV (of course the DirecTV receiver must be connected to the correct DirecTV HD antenna, etc.). Of course, you have to have your DirecTV tuner on the "HD" channels as well (typically grouped together in the channel line up).

One last note - the actual material we watch on TV must be be HD material. Older movies and shows, typically are not filmed in HD, but are broadcast on HD channels. Most new shows and movies are available in HD format. Most sports on TV are shown in HD. You can tell a difference.

[innergel]

The tv has both hdmi and rca outlets. My dvd player has rca only.

Weird. It has HDMI and RCA, but no S-video or component inputs? What is the brand and model number on the TV?

[quackerback]

you can get an adapter for component to hdmi but not sure about rca

[quackerback]

you shou;d be able to just upgrade one receiever

[Shake1]

I went through this with my father when I gave him an HD TV for XMas a couple of years ago. We had to upgrade his DirecTV receiver and antenna as well, and get him a better DVD player. What is funny, to this day, I will go over there, and his DirecTV channel will be set to the older, non-HD channel. It's a memory thing with him. He cannot remember the HD channels and goes back to what he remembers.

It can be confusing to say the least.

[glrae]

Ok you guys are lots of help and I'm not that knowledgable on this subject. I have only looked at the tv for a few minutes yesterday. So lets see if I can describe what I have.

TV: Proscan 42LA30H
It has 2 hdmi connections, 2 rows of like 5 colored RCA type connections. The lady I bought it from just told me there are more connections on the bottom of RCA type.

Receiver: Regular cable type connections and red, yellow, white RCA connections

DVD Player: Red, yellow, white RCA connections.

Obviously I need to get Direct Tv to upgrade my junk too. I certainly need it by the Red River Shootout!!

I will try to go by the house in a little while and come back with better information.

[SPUD]

I went through this with my father when I gave him an HD TV for XMas a couple of years ago. We had to upgrade his DirecTV receiver and antenna as well, and get him a better DVD player. What is funny, to this day, I will go over there, and his DirecTV channel will be set to the older, non-HD channel. It's a memory thing with him. He cannot remember the HD channels and goes back to what he remembers.

It can be confusing to say the least.

You know that you can set your receiver to only show HD channels right?

[glrae]

WOW!! Just called Directtv and they will be out tomorrow to install new equipment. I couldn't believe it. I will still probably hook it up today to make sure all's good and so my wife can watch. I'm probably going hog huntin tonight!!