I'm a long-time HDTV user. The best technique, I have found, is to buy a very high-quality component video cable, and send both HD and regular def signals through that. Your cable box, if indeed you use cable for your HD service, will allow for this in a menu.
If you use a mediocre component video cable, the regular def picture won't even look decent (I use Better Cables Reference Silver Serpent, and am trying to find a used or demo Tara Labs RSC Component cable).
P.S.--I have not tried this with DVI or HDMI, so I can't speak to using those options in the same manner.
P.P.S.--On my screen, reg def looks best when you allow the TV to go ahead and letterbox the sides. It does look a little distorted when stretched across, to my eyes. Your mileage may vary, of course.
If you use a mediocre component video cable, the regular def picture won't even look decent (I use Better Cables Reference Silver Serpent, and am trying to find a used or demo Tara Labs RSC Component cable).
P.S.--I have not tried this with DVI or HDMI, so I can't speak to using those options in the same manner.
P.P.S.--On my screen, reg def looks best when you allow the TV to go ahead and letterbox the sides. It does look a little distorted when stretched across, to my eyes. Your mileage may vary, of course.