Inferior picture quality may be more noticeable on a high-definition television (HDTV) with a large screen. However, the problem is most likely not with the TV; it is most often due to the display or up-conversion of a standard-definition (480i) signal.

The 480i format was designed to create a picture with 480 horizontal lines and originally intended to deliver a picture to TV sets with screens no larger than 25 inches. Nowadays, with the development of larger TV screens (including non-HDTV), these lines of resolution need to be enlarged to properly fill the screen. Unfortunately, enlarging the lines makes it easier to see video noise or artifacts that interfere with picture clarity.

Another factor that can play a part in picture quality is upscaling. Many HDTVs have the capability of upscaling a 480i signal to 720p, 1080i or 1080p resolution, which creates a picture with 720 or 1080 horizontal lines. In addition, broadcasters sometimes will upscale 480i signals. Because of the differences in the number of lines, some upscaled signals may look fuzzy or slightly pixelated. Even if the program you are watching is being broadcast in high-definition (HD), you will not get HD quality if it was originally recorded in 480i.

For the above reasons, picture quality on an HDTV is best when viewing a high-definition signal. Although you will not be able to get an HDTV-quality picture from a 480i signal, you may still be able to make the picture better by adjusting the Sharpness or Picture Mode options on the TV.

IMPORTANT: 

• Depending on how you have your set top cable box/home theater equipment connected, you may see the television broadcast signal on more than one VIDEO input jack. When attempting to watch HD broadcasts, make sure you are viewing the signal through the VIDEO input jack that is connected to the HD source.
• Depending on your geographical location, different format of standard-definition signal may be broadcasted by the service providers.

NOTE: 

• For model-specific information about adjusting the Sharpness or Picture Mode options, refer to the operating instructions of your TV. Instruction manuals are available online in the Manuals section of the Sony Support Web site.