How do i know if my sharp tv is set on hd? i can't figure out how to get to the hd mode and i'm comparing a non hd channel and one that's hd and not noticing a difference

One way you can get free high quality digital channels is an HD antenna. In recent years, the government stopped broadcasting analog (non-HD) signals, and instead pumped out HD. They advertised their "converter box", that made it possible for people receiving their TV channels from antenna, to get HD.
If you currently have an antenna that you prefer to use, you can buy a converter box here.
But, the solution that in the end will get you more channels is a new HD antenna. They range from extremely powerful roof antenna's, to average tabletop antenna's. A roof antenna has more distance, but can be more hard to set up compared to the tabletop ones.
You can buy a variety of tabletop ones Here
Or, you can choose outdoor Here
You can learn to set it up Here
If your TV doesn't have HD capabilities ("HDTV") than you will need a converter box, which can buy at the link above ( or here.).
Hope this helped!
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Since this is an older first generation (1999) HD TV it may not be compatible with newer HDTV receivers because the standards back then were different - Make sure the HD cable box is plugged into the HD component inputs on the back of the TV (not the DVD inputs) and that the menu setting on the TV is set to DTV (not RGB) video. This TV will only accept 480i and 480p signals on the DVD input. Also the HDTV input will only accept 480i,480p and 1080i (it will not work with a 720p signal,make sure your cable box is not set to that mode)

Usually this happens to my set when I am in HD cable channel mode after being on a non-digital ANALOG channel.

I basically reset the TV by changing to a DIGITAL cable channel -- stay on that channel for ten-twenty seconds -- then I switch back DIRECTLY to a HD channel (key in channel number directly on remote).

TV works fine -- seems to be a glitch when the TV changes modes from Analog to HD

Unfortunately there is no listing. I suggest taking a little time to sit next to the television with an notepad to go through each channel one at a time to label what stations come in on what channel numbers. Sorry.

if you have a cable box then it is probably the resolution settings in the cable box, what type of cable box do you have

I had the exact same problem on a brand new Insignia 26 " LCD with DVD. Comcast tech was able to fix it by changing the Comcast box diagnostics. Here is what he did. Using the Comcast remote with the TV on - press power, cable, menu in that order. A comcast diagnostic srceen will appear. Select Additional HDMI options, then audio options. Change the audio options to L-PCM. Press power again to exit the diagnostics. That will fix it and you get to use the HDMI cable.

The aspect ratio (zoom) button on the cable remote had been changed. On Brighthouse the # button toggles through the zoom settings. It's not a tv issue, it's a cable fix.

no. that is not true. the person you spoke to obviously didn't know what they were talking about. you mean to tell me that everyone that has a cable or satellite box with a stereo or hd tv is not going to receive stereo sound? really,think about it. you only need a cable box( for now ) if you have premium channels (hbo,showtime etc). you can connect the cable line right into the tv if you only have basic cable. look at the back of your cable box. if you have a red, white, & yellow audio/video output, then the box is stereo.connect these outputs to your tv. this connection however is not hd.you will need a hd box with a hdmi cable for hd .To put the tv on stereo mode, there should be a way via the menu and/or the audio button on the remote to get it off mono and put it on stereo. your manual should at least show you around the settings of your tv.
wg

If your using a HD converter box, there is usually a blink when switching from an HD channel to a non HD channel. It is just adjusting from different pictures modes such as changing from a 480i channel/show to a 1080i channel. If this is the case, its perfectly normal.

Just bought a 52" Aquos TV 27000/1 newest model for 2008 my husband is putting it up and said the non HD channels don't look real good. Is there anything we can do to improve the picture on the non HD channels?

thanks,
Cathy