How do I get clear images in standard def on my new HDTV??

We got a 42'; high definition flatscreen a couple months ago %26amp; now we have high def cable with it... the standard definition channels look very blurry though! Can I adjust the TV so it looks better?How do I get clear images in standard def on my new HDTV??
No.





You are looking at video that was the limit of technology around 1948, but showing it on a high-resolution display.





That video was designed to fill a nine-inch screen and you are magnifying it to fill a 42 inch screen.





It's like magnifying a postage stamp - you see the flaws/grain/rough texture/smeared colors. There is nothing you can really do to make it look better.





Just watch the HD channels or upgrade to get your favorites in HD. If they are not available - write to the channel and tell them you wont watch their commercials until they offer their stuff in HD.





Only with this type of pressure will they upgrade.How do I get clear images in standard def on my new HDTV??
There are few options at this point in time. You can definitely see what options your cable/satellite company offers for HD programming.





Other options that might help include replacing the ends of your cable wire with a better quality connector, you can get them at some place like Radio Shack. Sometimes even the actual cable wire from your cable company needs an upgrade, especially if the wiring is more than 5 years old. You can adjust the screen size, which does not help much. The final possibility is that depending on the settings for your tv there is a power consumption option. If it is set to conserve power then it may reduce your picture quality.





The contrast ratio is the biggest thing that figures what is best. If it is less than 20,000 : 1 then the quality is just going to be deascont. A few of the previous ideas might help though.





I hope this helps some.