The GadgetFAQs.com HDTV Checklist

[KenB]

If you're looking into getting HDTV service, here is what you'll need:

1 - An available source of HD programming. This can be via Cable, Satellite, Over-the Air (OTA) local broadcasts or fiber-based services like FIOS and U-Verse. If you can't receive HD programming from any of those sources, you also have the choice of disc-based content on BluRay or HD-DVD.

2 - An HD Television Set. Whether it by LCD, Plasma, DLP or CRT, you'll need a TV that can receive and display an HDTV signal. If you get your signal from cable, satellite or another multichannel provider, you won't need a built-in tuner unless the service doesn't provide your local channels. All you'll need is an HD-capable set top box for your particular service. Some services charge extra for this feature.

If you receive your television via an antenna (OTA), you'll want to look for a device with a built in HD tuner.

3 - The proper cables. You can't hook up your video signal the same way you used to with analog TV. In the case of OTA programming, you'll connect the antenna cable to the digital tuner input. This will look similar to the analog input of your old TV. If your TV doesn't have a built in HDTV tuner, you'll need a set top converter box.

Cable and satellite are quite a bit different, though. You'll need to use either component video (the separate red/green/blue cables) or an HDMI cable (a small digital connector that can supply both video and audio to your TV). HDMI is preferred since it supports potential encryption that may be used in HDTV signals. For multichannel services, don't use the old cable connector you used to use.

Some final thoughts:

Make sure you aren't using any stretch or expand modes on your TV when viewing HD content. Also, make sure you are viewing the HD version of the channel since some channels have both SD and HD feeds. Finally, be aware that not every program or channel is available in HD. When viewing SD content, you'll usually see either black or graphic bars on either side of the video image.

You can find a detailed article on this subject here: http://www.gadgetfaqs.com/audio-video/faqs/tv0015.html