Improving picture quality...

[Swift]

I know there is usually a problem when using a HD tv with a regular old Sky box, but can anyone reccomend me a good scart cable which can slightly improve the picture quality. I was looking at one of these and I wanted to know will it actually make a difference to the quality.

1 Metre Metal Plug, Gold Plated, OFC Scart Cable 1M: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo

I am currently using the scart cable which came with the sky box.

Thanks

[Smithy99]

Chances are it will not make any difference unless you are getting some interference via your existing setup.

[LightningMark]

Get a Tacima mains conditioning six way extension block from Maplin, £30.
And don`t route your scart cable alongside the tv power cable as it will pick up interference.

[Swift]

Thanks, I will try the latter

[Old_nick]

The only real way to improve the picture quality is to get an HD box and HDMI cable.

[Swift]

The only real way to improve the picture quality is to get an HD box and HDMI cable.

But will this improve the quality of standard definition channels aswell?

[Smithy99]

It does on mine, or at least I perceive it does. That's really the problem, a lot will depend on the TV and how it is setup in terms or colour/brightness/contrast etc, there are a lot more settings you can customise on most new LCD type TV's, also, if it is HD you will really see the difference on the HD content.

[dholdi]

It does on mine, or at least I perceive it does.

I agree, with a bit of fine tuning SD channels can look pretty good. I've found that newer programmes, flashforward on c5 for example, are pretty close to hd quality. Again this may be my perception, but I'm convinced that its probably the quality of the recording equipment that helps. I wouldnt be surprised if they had been recorded using hd equipment .

[Old_nick]

But will this improve the quality of standard definition channels aswell?

Well, I didn't think it would, but I was playing about the other day, and I switched my TV from HDMI to SCART, and there was a definite difference (HDMI was better).