We have a 42" in the living room and a 24" in the bedroom. I can play movies from my laptop through HDMI connection which is fine and HD quality, or play DVD's through it too. Ripped DVD's are cheap, (some better quality than others) so there are ways that she (your Mother-in-law) can use the HD to the best if she wants. It's just for some reason the cable is rubbish in our house.. I think we are the last on the line, it has never been good, but when I ask my wife to sort it out, she says that the cable company dont want to do anything about it. Anyone know if using a sat dish is worth the investment and what can you pick up that way??