[jimtnc]

Question 1:
I just got a new Sharp LCD along with a new 3250HD cable box from Time Warner Cable. I was attempting to set up everything for the first time, but when I started to program the cable remote to the TV, the remote started doing what looked to be an auto process (presumably scanning all the channels). When I tried to press TV and Select simultaneously it would not allow me to program the TV code. Would removing the batteries allow me to complete this process, or what would I have to do? There is nothing in the instructions for restarting the process. Thanks.

Question 2:
I called T/W about hooking up the 5-cable r/b/g wire set, and they said to plug it into whatever Input number I wanted. I thought if I had an HD TV and HD Cable box all I had to do was select TV... but she said I would have to put it on Input 1 (or whatever) to see HD. Is this true, or should I be able to see HD as soon as I turn on the TV (if HD channels are on) without turning to a separate Input? Oh, I don't have a HDMI cable yet either. Thanks again folks.

[ScottGem]

Not sure about TW, but with my cable box and HD TV, any input will get me HD as long as I tune to an HD channel. I did find that HDMI gave thebest picture. But you have to turn to an input that is connected. For example, I have just about all the inputs on my TV. But I only have Coax and HDMI connected. If I tune to a different one, I get a blank screen.

As for the remote, call TW.

[jimtnc]

Regarding HDMI, I was going to hook up a HDMI cable, but I have HDMI terminals at Input 4, 5 and 6 and didn't know which one to connect, unless it didn't matter. I thought the HDMI was just for external devices.

So, if I just turn on the TV and start watching it, I may not have HD unless I turn to that hooked-up Input #? Please excuse my ignorance.

[ScottGem]

If your settop box provides access to HD channels, then however you connect the settop box to your TV you will get HD when you select the input that is connected.

The idea of multiple inputs is to attach different devices so you can switch between them. For example, I have my cable input split before it enters the settop box. One side goes direct to the antenna A input the other into the settop box. This allows me to watch no scrambled channels using my TV tuner while recording a scrambled channel on my DVD recorder.

When you power on the TV, it will generally be set to the input used when you powered off or to a default input. You then need to switch to the input you want to watch.

[jimtnc]

Thanks ScottGem. It makes more sense to me now. I went by and bought an HDMI cable for a better picture, so we'll see how that goes.

I'm still having problems trying to program my cable remote, though. It's new out of the sealed wrapper, but acts like it's faulty. I just can't seem to get it into program mode. The instructions say to hold select/TV at the same time for 3 seconds and the TV button should light up for 30 seconds... well the TV button does not light up at all, and it's driving me nuts. Anyway, I'll call Cable and see it they can help.

Appreciate your time Scott. Thanks.

[Stratmando]

Verify batteries are good and orientated correctly. Does the Led work at all?
Try again.

If you have an AM radio, tune around the bottom frequencies of the dial. Place remote next to radio and while pressing a remote button, tune around 6-8 hundred Khz. You should hear pulses.
It may be faulty. Good Luck

[jimtnc]

Okay, thanks folks. Finally got the remote to program. Had to call T/W and a soon as got someone on the line to help... the remote lit up. I had been trying fot 2 days to get it working and just like that it began cooperating. Go figure. Anyhoo, I'm okay now and thanks.

As a sidebar, does anyone know when the powers that be might be deciding which format for HD-DVD is going to reign surpreme? I'm waiting for that before I buy. Don't want to be one of those "Betamax" owners, if you know what I mean.