Get HDTV > Choosing a Provider

Cable

Today, many of the nation's cable providers offer HDTV programs. The amount of channels varies greatly from market to market. A number of cable companies offer some of the local HD stations on their systems, as well as movie, sports and specialty channels in high definition.

If you choose a cable provider for HDTV programming you should also consider a high-definition television with a CableCARD slot. CableCARD allows you to view HDTV cable content without renting a separate cable box from your cable provider. A CableCARD equipped set is also more convenient to use because it eliminates the set top's remote control. All major cable systems are required by federal law to supply a CableCARD to subscribers that purchase a CableCARD-ready display. Most rent it for less than the cost of a high-definition set top box.

Contact Your Local Cable Provider:
www.timewarner.com
www.mediacomcc.com
www.comcast.com
www.cox.com
www.insight-com.com
www.adelphia.com

Satellite

Two national satellite providers carry high-definition content. They are DirecTV and Echostar's Dish Network. Each offers a set top box with built-in OTA HD tuners for reception of local channels. All offer a number of premium movie channels in high definition, such as HBO, Showtime and ESPN. Most offer specialty channels like HD Net and Discovery HD.

Contact Your Local Satellite Provider:
www.directtv.com
www.dishnetwork.com

Broadcast
According to the National Association of Broadcasters, there are currently 1,315 stations in the U.S. transmitting digital TV signals. Many of these stations broadcast high-definition content as well. HDTV is offered by many CBS, NBC, FOX, WB, UPN and PBS stations. All over-the-air content is free and can be received with an ordinary TV antenna. If you choose over-the-air reception, you should consider an integrated HDTV - a display with a built-in HDTV broadcast tuner. Over the air reception can also be obtained with a freestanding set top box.