I'm connecting my HP Pavillion DV1000 laptop (I think the highest resolution I can get is 1280 X 768), using S-video cable to my Westinghouse flat screen that can get 1080p. The picture is always grainy whether I am watching a show off the laptop or playing a DVD. What can I do to improve the resolution?

Have you tried a different S-video cable? My experience is that the one that "came with the card" etc are flimsy, cheap garbage. You don't need to run out and buy one of those overpriced Monster cables, but something with gold plated connectors and shielding might work better. If your flat screen has a VGA input (as many modern flatscreens do), and your laptop has VGA out (for connecting an external computer screen), you might try that instead. Why shouldn't I put a question here?