Dvd Player

Dvd Player
Will the picture from a basic dvd player be seen better on a hd tv ?

I just bought a hd tv , and I have a standard phillips dvd player that I also just bought. I am wondering if i need a special cable to hook up the dvd player (which i know is not an hd dvd player) to the tv to get the best picture possible, or should I just use the a/v wires the dvd player came with. I havent set anything up yet, and I'm afraid I am setting expectations too high. Input is greatly appreciated.

Yes it should be noticable better. At least the newer TVs will allow you to change the aspect ratio. Wide, Normal, 4:3 etc.
Some TV's will upconvert the incoming SD signal for you.
HDMI cable, which carry video and audio is the best connection followed by Component, (RGB) ,S-video and then composite.
Best audio is optical or digital coax, for 5.1 surround.
L/R will only give you stereo output.

Dvd Player

How do I watch my dvd player with Direct tv?

My tv is old, and only has one set of plugs (which the direct tv reciever is plugged into). The direct tv runs off of the "video" setting on my tv, which is where the dvd player used to opperate out of. So I plugged my dvd player into the direct tv box, but can't get into the right imput mode (or something) to watch my dvd. Any suggestions?

Try a Video Switch.
Go to Radio Shack and ask.
Be sure the Video Inputs and Outputs are compatible, like Composite, S-Video, etc.
You connect the Video Out from your DVD and from the DirecTv box to the Switch. Then you need a cable to go from the Switch to the TV.

LG DN798 DVD Player