What is the optimal cable type to connect the Samsung UN55B8500 to a DirecTV HD tuner? Are there specific TV settings to use for this cable type

The screen resolution will automatically change based upon the resolution of the input signal.
Are you using an RCA connector? Perhaps an S-Video connector? NEITHER OF THESE ARE CAPABLE OF PRODUCING HD VIDEO!!!
In order to view HD video, you must use one of the following:

1. HDMI connector (optimal)
2. DVI connector (almost as good but requires a separate audio connection)
3. RGB video connector (also requires a separate audio connection)

If you are using one of the three connection types above, contact your DirecTV representative to find out how to switch your cable box output from SD to HD.

A converter box is necessary to pick up digital signals. Gopakumar Gopalan Google

Direct TV is compatible with all TV's. Just requires the proper cable connections

Tries tv and box unplug,replug back like an hour later.The box now should have it software updated and tv resetting itself.Tv shoud be working again.Still have the same problems,tv the cause main tv Tuner signal board is dying.Get an estamate from shops and get it repair.

Reset the Directv box,by unplug it,replug it and hour later to let the last software to update.Replaced the HDMI cable,goto ur tv menu,goto sound functions,go down to reset it back to the factory setting.After this the the sound functions should be stable,and work.Not,than ur Tuner signal board have some kind of intermittion short in the board.Than must replaced the Tuner board to solved this problems.

The only option you have with a standard DirecTV box is using composite or s-video connection to your TV. These are much better options than using the RF tuner input and will give you stereo audio. Please take a few moments to rate my answer. Thanks...

If your set is labeled as "HD ready" then it will accept HD signals from, for example, an external HD tuner or other source. The set can be HD Ready, as is my Samsung TV, but my set has only the older NTSC type tuner. I therefore use a digital stream HD tuner which works great to receive over the air signals. Also digital does not mean a set is HD. There are sets that are standard definition digital sets that can receive digital signals, but do not produce HD. If you are using cable, in most cases, you can continue receiving your cable as usual.

This is not an HDTV. However, that does not mean you cannot use it to view the HD channels with DirecTV, you just wont be able to view them in hi-def. Use the component inputs from the directv tuner and plug those into the proper component inputs of your JVC. Once you see the DirecTV picture on the screen, go into menu... setup (with the directTV remote) and make sure that the only resolution checked is 480i. DirecTV with 'downconvert' those cannels to standard def, and they will still look pretty good though the component connection...

... now, in answer to your next question: "What exactly do I need to view HDTV with DirecTV?"...

1. A television that will accept 720p or 1080i signals.
2. A DirecTV HD Tuner.
3. Any DirecTV service BUT you must purchase the HD pack so that they will 'unlock' the HD channels
4. The proper cables to hook in between your DirecTV HD receiver and your HD-capable TV/Monitor. You may use either HDMI or component video cables, so long as your TV will accept them. Tune your TV input accordingly. When using component video cables, you must also run a separate cable(s) for audio...

Take care,
Rob

ps. DirecTV HD tuners do not have an RF 'out'. ("coaxial or ch3/4 connection")

Direct tv, unless using there HD service will give a pretty crappy picture for high res displays. So if you spent the money on the set, spend the extra $9 a month for there HD service.. Is well worth it.

I also have directv.At this point,it is a video signal issue on their end.The up conversion is ok at best.Depending on the original video that is probably as good as it gets.The other problem is the wow factor from hd.It is hard not to be critical of the non-hd channels.