Converted SD to HD looks terrible compared to 1080i (soon to be 1080P) HD contect captured in 1080i, found on channels such as HDnet and HD Discover Theater. The difference between the true 1080i signal to the upconverted signal is as different as night and day. This is something that the average joe can see and tell a difference. Unlike, trying to see the difference of a $80 s video cable and the s video cable that is provided for free with the SD recievers.
I understand that we are all pawns in this here game, but when a cable guy gets on his high horse and starts point his finger at the satellite techs, that's when I want to throw a little bit back. And I have a lot to through back, this is just one thing that peeves me about the quality of video from our local cable providers.