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Choose your HD service

Understand HDTV

Choose an HDTV

Optimize your HDTV

Choose your HD service

By John P. Falcone
(September 8, 2005)

TALKBACK

Which provider offers better high-def programming options: cable or satellite?

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Once you've chosen your HDTV equipment, you need to settle on how you'll be receiving HDTV programming. As with standard TV, you have three choices: cable, satellite, or an over-the-air antenna. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, as well as its own set of special equipment requirements and caveats.

Choose a connection method: Cable | Satellite | Over the air

	CABLE
	Pros: Wide variety of programming available, including cable HDTV networks and local HDTV stations. Many carriers will provide the set-top box, HD DVR, or HD package for less than $10 per month, if not free. Digital Cable Ready HDTVs need only a CableCard smart card, available from your cable provider, to receive all programming, including HD--no cable box necessary. Bundled broadband Internet access available from most cable providers. Cons: While more HDTV programming is available over cable than via an antenna, choices are still spotty. No cable access in many rural areas. Regular monthly charges still apply.

	What's available: Varies by area; lineup may include some or all of the following: ABC CBS Fox NBC TNT-HD PBS UPN WB ESPN-HD Universal HD TNT HD Discovery HD Theater InHD InHD2 HDNet HDNet Movies Additional independent stations Additional HD channels: HBO-HD* Cinemax HD* TMC HD* Starz HD* Encore HD*

	Equipment you'll need: Cable box method: You supply an HDTV or an HD monitor; cable company will supply an HD cable box or an HD DVR for a small monthly premium above the standard cable bill. CableCard method: You supply a Digital Cable Ready HDTV; cable company will supply the CableCard for a small monthly premium beyond the standard cable bill. (Note: Anyone wanting a DVR, a full on-screen programming guide, and/or video-on-demand services should go with the cable box method instead.)

	SATELLITE
	Pros: New MPEG-4 compression technology will bring dozens of HD networks and hundreds of local HD stations to satellite subscribers by the end of 2005. Satellite HDTV packages are often more affordable than cable counterparts. Cons: Existing subscribers must buy set-top boxes (STBs). Existing subscribers will have to upgrade their STBs to receive MPEG-4 transmissions. Current boxes require awkward over-the-air antennas to get local HD channels.

	What's available: DirecTV HD package ($11 per month): ESPN HD ESPN2 HD Discovery HD Theater HDNet HDNet Movies Universal HD YES HD Also available: High-definition PPV ($4.99 each) Showtime HDTV (for Showtime subscribers) HBO HDTV (for HBO subscribers) NBA TV (for subscribers) Select NFL Sunday Ticket games (for subscribers) HD feeds for ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC (certain areas only) Dish Network HD Pack ($9.99 per month): ESPN HD Discovery HD Theater HDNet HDNet Movies TNT HD Also available: CBS HDTV (certain areas only) Dish Network pay-per-view in HD ($5.99 each) Showtime HDTV (for Showtime subscribers) HBO HDTV (for HBO subscribers) NBA TV (for subscribers)

	Equipment you'll need: DirecTV: You supply an HDTV or an HD monitor; purchase and install a triple LNB satellite dish and an HD satellite box or a DVR. Service: 888/238-7177 or www.directv.com (or contact your local satellite installer) Dish Network: You supply an HDTV or an HD monitor; purchase and install a triple LNB satellite dish and an HD satellite box or a DVR. Service: 800/333-3474 or www.dishnetwork.com (or contact your local satellite installer)

	OVER THE AIR
	Pros: No monthly fees. HDTVs with built-in tuners need nothing more than an antenna connection to receive local HD programming. Cons: Many HDTV sets require expensive set-top boxes to decode over-the-air HD signals. Outdoor antenna required in most cases. HD signals won't reach viewers in outlying areas. No specialty channels such as HBO or ESPN.

	What's available: Varies by area; best-case scenario is: ABC CBS Fox NBC Pax Telemundo PBS UPN WB Additional independent stations

	Equipment you'll need: HDTV with built-in tuner: You supply the HDTV with the built-in tuner, as well as an antenna. You'll need to mount the antenna yourself and make the necessary connections. HDTV-ready TV or monitor: You supply the HD-ready TV/monitor, an external HD tuner, and an antenna. You'll need to mount the antenna yourself and make the necessary connections.