I just got my first HDTV. It's a small 19" for my office area. I upgrade to an HD cable box and connected it using an HDMI cable. The picture on the HD channels is visibly, but not significantly better than the non HD equivalent.

Should I try hooking up component and see if that's better?

Ok dumb question, are you watching channels (and programs) that are broadcast in HD. I know on my cable system I have my local channel sin the lower range (2-13) then HD equivalent is like up in the 600's. If I switch from one back and forth there is a huge difference. Do not expect much of a difference on non-HD channels as cable boxes to not perform any level of upscaling. Hope that helps.

Yeah Dumb question ;) That's why I specifically mentioned HD channels and non HD equivalent. My system is similar, for example CBS is channel 2 and CBS-HD is 702. When I switch back and forth I can see the difference (though my wife and daughter claim they don't) but its not a huge difference. Don't know if it makes a difference, but I'm on digital cable.

Is it the silver colored Motorola box? If it is, try powering it off and pressing the Menu button within 3 seconds. You can change the output format from there, for HD as well as SD.

Tricks of the trade :)

Oh yeah, about the OP...

HDMI is supposed to be better quality, though I could never really tell the difference. Some HD channels just broadcast crappy quality anyway (The locals around my area come to mind, though NBC usually did a good job)

Try Discovery HD if you have it, it's one of the best looking broadcasts.

It's a Scientific Atlanta Box and the display shows when I'm on an HD channel (its 720P btw). I think I do have Discovery HD so will try comparing that with the non HD equivalent.

It is entirely possible the difference factor is not as great because of the screen size. Most small LCD screens actually look pretty good. The larger the screen generally the larger the difference (too a point. Sometimes stupid big can really look like crap). Be sure to calibrate the TV as well with an Avia disk. This is used by most professional installers and is readily available for purchase on line. I think like 30 bucks through Amazon. It can make a big difference.

Thanks Greg. I did call westinghouse and that's one of the things they recommended, calibrating using a such a disk. I wasn't sure what it was called. I have some contacts who may be able to get me a copy.