Starchoice Motorola DSR500 and Monster cables
I upgraded to near top of the line Monster component and S-Video cables ($169 or so each set at Future Shop) and connected both ways to my 34" Sony XBR800 (last year's model). I had been disappointed with the Sony's upconversion attempts on analogue broadcasts via satellite so I spent the extra money. I also went with Monster's premiere power bar to filter electronic noise.
The new setup allows me to watch regular TV via SVideo on Video 1 and HD via component on Video 5 (or 6 if you prefer). Interestingly, I quite often default to watching regular satellite broadcasts through the component Video 5 and I find the picture much more satisfying even though it doesn't appear in full widescreen.
Despite the cost of the upgraded cabling and power bar I feel it was worth the money. You might try cheaper component cables and determine your level of satisfaction and I definitely recommend watching regular satellite programming through the component outlets if your unhappy with your widescreen's upconversion attempts. This problem might be unique to Sony so I'm interested in hearing the comments of other posters.
The high def channels are brilliant and I'm looking forward to Starchoice's expanded service. The Motorola DSR500 is still a bit glitchy but they are continually updating so it's improving.
I hope this helps other Canadians out there, it's my first post and I recognize that it's a little wordy but I'd like to encourage other Starchoice subscribers to join in as HD expands and new hardware comes available.
Don
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