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Jeff123's avatar
Jeff123
New Contributor

Channel Resolution

I can't quite seem to get a straight answer on this. What resolution are Cox HD channels? 720P? 1080i? 1080P? A mix? I ask because I can't decide which setting to select on my Contour 2 box. For example, if everything is coming in at 720P I'm probably better off setting it there and letting my new TV upscale to 1080P vice the cable box. But if it's coming in at 1080P, why would the box be set at 720P? The box came set/default at 720P. Seemed like on the older box you could just set it to automatically select/send the current signals native resolution to the TV. I'm confused...

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  • Bruce's avatar
    Bruce
    Honored Contributor III

    A mix...minus 1080p.

    Cox doesn't establish the resolution and format of its programming.  Broadcasters (ABC, CBS, Fox) establish the resolution and format.  It's up to the broadcasters to choose which format to record and transmit their programming.  Cox only receives the HD signal and transfers it onto their network.  They may compress the signal to save bandwidth...I don't know.

    No television network (broadcast or cable) format their programming in 1080p.  It's either 480, 720 or 1080i.  You'll only receive 1080p programming via the Internet, such as Neflix, Hulu, Amazon, etc.

    Does your Contour 2 box only allow you to select 1 format?  On my non-Contour box, I selected all formats.  I haven't tried deselecting a format, 720p for example, to see what my TV would display.  If you can only select 1 format, leave it on 720p.

  • Jeff123's avatar
    Jeff123
    New Contributor
    Bruce said:

    A mix...minus 1080p.

    Does your Contour 2 box only allow you to select 1 format?  On my non-Contour box, I selected all formats.  I haven't tried deselecting a format, 720p for example, to see what my TV would display.  If you can only select 1 format, leave it on 720p.

    Correct. It USED to allow you to select multiple resolutions supported by your TV (Contour 1 box)-- my understanding was it would then send those resolutions unchanged. Now, however, you can only select "720P" *OR* "1080P"-- and since it's mostly not receiving 1080P, it must by upscaling to that setting? And if you choose 720P how is it handling 1080i signals?
  • Bruce's avatar
    Bruce
    Honored Contributor III

    I would leave it at the default of 720p.  If the rez of the program is 1080i, your TV will properly scale the image.