how do you get an HD picture?

You have to be watching an HD source. Otherwise it matters very little what cables you're using or how you hook it up. Other than upscaling, a standard definition source will still be... well... standard def.

For hookup choices, it depends on what equipment you're wiring to your television. HTPC (Home Theater PCs) are best hooked by HDMI (If avaible) or via DVI (there are also cables that have DVI on one end, and an HDMI on the other). If you chose DVI, then you'll need to rig the audio seperately to either the television or a reciever. For clarity:

1) HDMI. High Definition Media Interface. This connection streams both audio and video within one cable without compressing or converting the signal. This is always your best choice. If you want surround sound, you can always rig your audio seperately to a reciever while also using HDMI for the video signal to a television.

2) DVI. Digital Video Interface. This connection only supports video signals. Like HDMI, it does nothing to compress or degrade this signal, making it your second choice. Again, your video signal is equal in quality between HDMI and DVI. The only difference is that DVI doesn't carry audio information.

3) Composite. Requires three cables, one for each of the primary video color. It's an analog connection, meaning that a digital signal (from Blu-ray, certain video cards, DVD players, ect) are converted to analog... sent to your television... then have to be re-converted yet again by your television for display. Back in the day when analog televisions were king, this was your best choice. Since HDTVs are digital, this needless conversion makes this connection your third choice. High-Def imaging is certainly possible with composite despite the conversion--but again, you need to be watching a high-def source to begin with. As with DVI, it's a video-only deal--your audio will need connected seperately.

4) S-Video. Very similar to composite, but within one cable and with far less color bandwidth. Fourth choice. As with DVI and composite, it's video-only.

5) RCA Video In. One cable for all three primary video color information with even less availible bandwith. You have an HDTV. Don't bother with this one. It's doubtful you'll be happy with what you see.

Audio connections?

1) HDMI. Again, your best choice. Carries the video signal as well.

2) Digital Optical. One cable which can link either to your television (depending on the television) or a reciever. It'll carry surround-sound information quite well.

3) Digital Coax. Same as number two, and an equally good choice.

4) Stereo RCA. If you have no plans for surround sound equipment--and you're only going to use either a stereo system or your television--then these'll get you by pretty well.

No Blu-ray? You're not alone. There are many DVD set-top boxes that will upscale your DVD's image for HDTV, using the HDMI interface. These units work quite well (the image quality will never equal Blu-ray... but it's still the best a DVD's ever looked on an HDTV). HTPCs will also upscale (video cards have been doing this for a long, long, time), and can also be tweaked with software for an even better picture.

First you need to get either a component or an HDMI cable. these are the only two that support HD. then you need to hook your tv together using one of those cables to an HD source like cable tv that has HD programing and you will get HD. unless you order HD programming you wont get HD on your tv. Otherwise you could buy a high def disc player and get HD that way. And yes i know i said HD like a thousand times sorry :)

You need a high definition source first of all.

That's any of the following

1) Blu-ray Disc player or PlayStation 3 (most impressive)

2) HD channels from satellite or cable (2nd most impressive)

3) Downloadable or streaming HD content like MS or Apple offers (least impressive)

Then you need cables - component, DVI or HDMI.

The TV is only the first step.

well if you currently are plugged into your tv with an HDMI cord... then no. just make sure you have your ps3 set to to its maximum rez. you do this through the system settings area. but if your plugging your ps3 into your tv with the little yellow, white, red. plugs. then no you are not getting a hd picture. im not sure if the ps3 came with an hdmi cable but if it didn't then you would need to go out and buy one. i got mine a while back so i dont remember. any electronics store should have it. like radio shack or best buy, or wallmart.

You will of course need an HD subscription, and then you will need to use either an HDMI cable, or a DV-I cable. Be sure to use a thick screw-on coaxial cable as well.

U have 2 have hi-def subscription & hdmi cable

just buy it!/ =P

no