I'm in the market to buy a television & need assistance.

[SD_Eagle5]

the next level of cable.

I have a gray HD box with DVR from Comcast, is that HDMI compatible?

[Sgt PSN]

For your surround sound system, I've gotta pimp the Sony Dream System.  You can get it for under $400 and it's worth every penny.  I got mine about 2 years ago (so mine looks a little different than the one I posted) and I still love it.  Awesome sound and easy to use.  And since you've got a Sony television, your Dream System remote will control the TV as well. 

I know technology has improved a lot since I bought mine, but I did a lot of shopping around and I felt that it was the best bang for my buck.  Since you bought your TV at CC, they probably had them in stock there as well. 

[PoopyfaceMcGee]

the next level of cable.

I have a gray HD box with DVR from Comcast, is that HDMI compatible?

Genius idea alert... Look on the back to see if it has an HDMI output.

[General_Failure]

[Sgt PSN]

^^^^Uber geek for posting that.^^^^

[Dillen]

^^^^Uber geek for posting that.^^^^

Hooray irony.

[General_Failure]

Yes. I haX0r3d google image search.

[Sgt PSN]

Damnit. 

[SD_Eagle5]

the next level of cable.

I have a gray HD box with DVR from Comcast, is that HDMI compatible?

Genius idea alert... Look on the back to see if it has an HDMI output.

My next question is is it that much of an upgrade? A TV nerd I know said it looks better but not worth the $100.

[Seabiscuit36]

it depends on how much of a clarity geek you are.

[Cerevant]

I would say don't bother with HDMI/DVI for regular HDTV viewing.  If, however, you want to hook a PC to the TV, it is the only way to go.  If you use component, it never looks quite right...

Also, some general info for those who care: HDMI, DVI, Digital Audio (coax) and Digital Audio (optical) all have something in common: they are DIGITAL signals.  As such, there is no such thing as a "good" cable for these types of connections.  There is absolutely no reason to go beyond the basic generic cheap-o option for any of these cables - either the connection works 100% with perfect clarity and quality, or it will not work at all.  The only exception would be if you are running the cable more than 20'.

As for analog cables - get stuff that seems to have reasonable quality, but don't overkill.  Monster anything is overkill.  DO match the type of cable to the application: don't use audio cables for component video (especially HDTV), for example. 

[Susquehanna Birder]

Wise, wise words.

[SD_Eagle5]

Quick question for anyone that can help:

My buddy has the same TV as I (Sony Bravia XBR 40') and we both have Comcast. Only difference is his TV in 'FULL' mode takes up the entire screen where mine leaves about 3 inches of black space on the top and the bottom. Also, his picture looks slightly better. I was watching MNF over at his house tonight and I popped up his display and it said 1080i, I get home and mine says 480i. Anyone know what's going on here? Do I need a new cable box?

[mussa]

Can't you adjust to diff. display settings right on the TV? I don't think that has to do with cable box at all, although I could be wrong with the HD cable, but I think most of those settings can be adjusted on TV/remote control. 

[Susquehanna Birder]

I would think that the TV would auto-adjust to whatever you are feeding it. What programming did you have on when you saw 480i?