So I Bought A LCD TV...Now What?

[s72450]

I took the plunge today and bought the following model. I've set it up, at least as best I can, but where do I go from here? I've noticed one thing and that is how some channels look distorted, like full screen on a wide screen television if that makes sense. Is this something I can correct or is this my cable service? I do not have HD programming because frankly I cannot afford it at this point. Could someone point me in the direction of some good tutorials on making my telvision the best it can be? Keep in mind that this is my first HDTV and I'm fairly clueless. Thanks so much!

http://www.walmart.com/Vizio-42-Clas...0p/ip/10993796

[crackinhedz]

Originally Posted by s72450

I do not have HD programming because frankly I cannot afford it at this point.

Get yourself an antenna for some free over the air High Definition channels!

[crackinhedz]

Originally Posted by s72450

I've noticed one thing and that is how some channels look distorted, like full screen on a wide screen television if that makes sense.

you probably have a "zoom" type button on your remote, try pressing it a few times...you might have standard 4:3 images stretched.

[HiDefRev]

Your cable channels are going to look like crap. HDTVs are made for HD signals, not SD. IMHO, you have 2 options at this point. (1) Get an antenna for your OTA HD channels. Plug it in and do a digital channel scan. You may be pleasantly surprised at the number of channels you can now receive. - - OR - - (2) If you hook your cable directly into your HDTV from the wall, do a channel scan for your cable channels. Your QAM tuner should be able to find anywhere from a few to several unscrambled HD channels in addition to the basic channels you now receive. Do whichever option you desire, or do both, and then decide which option suits you best.
Also, you need to calibrate your HDTV with a calibration disc, such as the DVE disc. You can find these online at www.amazon.com and often at local electronics retailers. This will assure you that your new HDTV is set up perfectly for your home environment.
And, finally, be sure to read your owner's manual thoroughly. It is your best friend.