Poor analog reception on HDTV

I'm clueless and could use some advice. Should a HDTV display an analog cable signal at least as good as a standard analog TV?

My 13 year-old RCA TV quit working last week. I don't currently subscribe to Comcast's HDTV service, but decided I should replace the RCA with an HD capable set anyway. I didn't want to buy a set that would be obsolete within a few years. So, I bought a 30" Sony integrated HDTV (KD 30XS955). To my surprise, the picture quality via the analog cable signal was horrible. I mean horrible. Very, very "snowy", like I was trying to tune in an over-the-air signal from 100 miles away. It was completely unwatchable. However, I tried a DVD, and the picture quality was fine.

I tried different cabling to rule out a problem with the cable itself. An old spare TV I had stored in the basement works fine on this cable.

No one from the store could help me, so I returned it and got my money back.

Was this a bad TV, or is that type of problem to be expected when using a HDTV with an analog signal??

Thanks!

There are plenty of warnings and horror stories out there about poor SD "analog" reception on HDTV sets. However, I find that - at least in my experience - that the quality of the reception varies significantly from channel to channel. I think it depends on a ton of variables, not the least of which is the quality of the program being watched, the broadcaster, and how powerful the HD upconversion is. A grainy image seems to be a common complaint; there's little to be done about it. If you watch a ton of standard television, look for a good quality digital analog set to tide you over for a few years.


Remember, much of your experience depends on the quality of your TV set. if you still want an HDTV, I suggest a Sony with a Super Fine Pitch. These are becoming harder and harder to find, but they have excellent picture quality, even for SD programming. People get preachy about Sony, I know; but it's the truth: they make the best HDTVs around. Some channels aren't perfect on my cable, but I know it's not the set, which displays wonderfully. Many local network affiliates and many cable channels still have yet to convert to HD, and some haven't upgraded to even ED.

Everything should change in 2009, unless the powers that be force another needless extension for the total digital conversion.

I just asked about the very same thing recently, reast57. You should most definitely read this thread, http://www.highdefforum.com/showthread.php?t=2765. It not only describes the issue of poor SD picture quality on HDTVs, it does a great job of explaining the causes of the phenomenon.