Hi,
My parents recently got a HD DVR. It was a package deal from
Suddenlink. High Speed Internet Access, combined with a HD DVR.

My question is that while they are watching the HDTV, I see no
picture difference. They have a Sony 61" HDTV. I know that some
channels aren't in HDTV.

Also My BIGGEST Question is that on the HDTV channels shouldn't
there be a way to select the setting or at least view it, so you
know what form of HDTV you are viewing (720p, etc)

I have no experience in this area and desperately need your help.

Thanks Guys....

Check the manual of the DVR.

Do you mean all channels (HD and non-HD) are equally good or they are all bad?

I am using Verizon FIOS and channels that are HD are very clear, colorful and life-like, while *some* of the non-HD channels are pixellated in my 42" plasma display.

Check the manual of your Sony HDTV. In my samsung TV, I can just press the "Info" on the remote and it will display the current resolution (720p, 1080i etc), picture mode, sound mode, V and H frequency.

How are you connecting to your source.

IE:

Standard cable line?
Component?
HDMI or DVI?

From what you are describing it's sound like you are feeding a analog source to the Sony TV.

If you were to use component connections or HDMI or DVI then will be able to see a difference between a standard digital channel and a HD channel.

Standard digital channels are usually 480p.

HD channels you will get either 720p or 1080i or 1080p which is just starting to come on line but is not mainstream yet.