First to HDTV question

[dkehler]

I second the advice to get a disc like video essentials to properly calibrate your television. TVs are notoriously set WAY to bright out of the box (regularly referred to as "torch mode") so that they look good in brightly lit display rooms. This could easily be contributing to the problems with motion that you're describing.

 

[Alpha_Geek]

Your picture quality will be only as good as the source, and only as good as the connection method permits. Use the best from this list that both player and monitor permit.

Quality ratings for legacy device connection technologies:

Worst:
RF modulator/tuner (Coax)

Poor:
Composite Video (single RCA for Video)
S-Video (Mini-Din, looks like pe-usb mouse and keyboard plug)

Better:
Analog Component (Triple RCA for video)

Best:
Digital Component (Triple RCA for video)
DVI (Wide plug, many pins with a blade on one side)
HDMI (Looks similar to a USB Cable)

 

[CaptainHawk1]

Your picture quality will be only as good as the source, and only as good as the connection method permits. Use the best from this list that both player and monitor permit.

probably the soundest and most succinct advice yet.