With a Sony HDTV I receive signals 3 ways: cable, used with RoadRunner, DirectTV and antenna reception over the air. The best signal by far is over the air, A Bugs Life last night was just plain spectacular, next best is DirectTV, HD Net, HBO and Showtime HD is glorious and the usual non-HD channels vary but usually are very good. In comparison cable is so poor as to be pathetic. I have had the cable serviced and replaced by Time Warner at least 3 times, even replacing the cable service to the house- it made no difference.