There are three ways of getting HDTV content, and all three ways will get you different channels and different HDTV resolutions. These options are listed below:

HDTV Reception Methods

HDTV over Satellite

A satellite company such as DirecTV or Dish Network will allow you to get high definition programming from them. If you go this route, you will have to pay a little extra to receive local channels if you wish to watch your local network broadcasts. Even if your local networks are broadcasting in High Definition, you will only get standard definition signals as DTV and HDTV take up too much bandwidth. Your HDTV channels will most likely include an east or west cost feed of CBS, HBO, Showtime, Pay Per View, HD Net and so forth. Look at the corresponding pages on this site to see which high definition channels each satellite company provides. If you decide to get HDTV programming from a satellite company you will have to:

• Get a subscription from the specific satellite company that includes HDTV programming.
• Buy a satellite dish that is capable of receiving HDTV signals from the satellite company you wish to receive high definition broadcasts from.
• Buy a Set-Top-Box that is capable of decoding High Definition channels and is compatible with the specific satellite provider you choose.
• Buy a High Definition TV to view the signals.

Cable companies are just starting to provide HDTV broadcasts, but many of them still don't offer the service. Two companies currently providing HDTV signals are Comcast and TWC. AT&T is in the process of rolling out HDTV as well. When exactly it is you will get HDTV from a local cable company, we don't know. If you decide to do this you will have to:

• Get a subscription from the cable provider who supports HDTV and drops a coaxial cable into your house.
• Buy or rent a Set-Top-Box that is capable of decoding High Definition channels and is compatible with the specific cable company you choose.
• Buy a High Definition Television to view the signals.

Many people are confusing Digital Cable with HDTV and DTV. These are two completely different things. If you get Digital Cable, this usually does not mean you are already set up to receive HDTV signals. (Though it is possible...)


HDTV reception Over The Air

OTA stands for Over the Air and is when you set up an antenna to get broadcasts from a local tower. If you get signals OTA you will not have to pay a subscription to a cable or satellite company and the programming is completely free. This does, however, limit you to only a few channels and is why most people receiving HDTV programming over the air also get programming from a cable company or satellite company as well. If you decide to do this you will have to:

• Buy an antenna that is satisfactory for your location compared to the broadcast towers near you. To find out what type of antenna you might need, visit AntennaWeb.Org
• Buy a Set-Top-Box that is capable of receiving and decoding High Definition channels over the air.
• Buy a High Definition TV to view the signals.

Of course, you can choose to get HDTV from multiple sources at the same time. Many people get both Satellite and OTA signals since OTA does not cost anything except the initial setup! Plus, if you are getting HDTV over satellite that may mean you already have a STB that can decode OTA signals too.

What We Recommend

How do we recommend you get your HDTV programming? It depends on your area and what is available. Many areas have exceptional OTA digital television broadcasts. However, in the case of OTA signals, you will not get all that many channels and you will have to set up an OTA antenna. Most people choose OTA as a second choice after getting cable or satellite as their primary TV reception method.

Only some areas are offering DTV and HDTV through the local cable companies. You can rent a STB for as low as $9.95 per month from many cable companies that offer Digital TV right now. This is a huge advantage when compared to buying a $400 to $900 STB that may be old and outdated in just a few years. However, the question remains: Does your area get DTV or HDTV through a local cable company? If not you simply can not make this choice at this point in time!

Then, there is Satellite. For most people this will be the best choice to make. You will be able to get satellite transmissions from almost anywhere. You will be guaranteed to get a lot of channels and you will not have to bother with setting up an OTA antenna. (Though you will have to set up a Satellite dish, which in many cases can be done for you with a simple installation fee.)