What Programming Can I Watch on a High-Definition TV?

Most big-screen televisions sold today are capable of receiving high definition TV broadcasts, either through a built-in or add-on HDTV tuner. And don't worry -- that new HDTV set is still compatible with all of today's analog television programming. You can watch all the traditional television programming you want and then switch to HDTV for the new high-resolution broadcasts.

High Definition Programming on Network TV

One big question most consumers have about HDTV is when they'll be able to receive HDTV programming in their area. Viewers in most major cities can now receive digital broadcast signals from local stations representing the ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and PBS television networks. Most prime time network programs are simulcast in standard definition and high definition. Some sporting events are also broadcast in high definition, especially major games and events.

High Definition Programming on Local TV

Each local TV station is allocated two slots in the broadcast band: their original frequency, which is used for traditional analog broadcasts and a new frequency used solely for digital programming. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has allocated 19.39 Mbps of bandwidth for each station's digital channel, and this bandwidth can be used either for a single high-definition channel or for multiple sub-channels. This means that broadcasters can offer a variety of special data services over their digital channels, in addition to their normal high definition programming.

Most local stations use their digital channels to pass through their network's high definition programming. So your local ABC affiliate will broadcast ABC's HDTV programming on its digital channel. You may receive this signal over the air via a set top or rooftop antenna or over your local cable system, if you subscribe to the high definition programming package. It's also possible that your satellite service offers local digital channels as part of its programming package, depending on your location.

At this stage, few local stations have invested in high-def cameras and production equipment, though, which means that your local news shows are still in standard definition, even if they're shown over your station's digital channel. Look for this to change as we get closer to the 2009 analog-to-digital changeover date, and as the cost of high definition equipment decreases over time.

High Definition Programming via Cable

Most local cable systems offer some sort of high definition programming package, including your local digital television channels and a selection of national HDTV channels. For example, both HBO and Showtime offer high definition versions of their normal programming, as do ESPN and TNT. There are also several HDTV-only channels available, including HDNet, INHD, and Discovery HD Theater. All of these channels offer all-HDTV programming all the time.

Naturally, you have to subscribe to your cable's HD package to receive most of this programming. You may get your local digital channels for free, but most channels are part of a separate digital or HD programming tier. In addition, you'll have to rent a special digital or HD cable box to receive this digital programming since you can't receive digital signals on a standard analog set top box.

One other option is that some television manufacturers are adding CableCard slots to their HD sets. CableCard is a standard that lets you receive digital cable programming without a separate set-top box. You'll have to purchase or rent a small flash memory card from your cable company, but when you insert that card into your TV's CableCard slot and connect the cable directly to your TV, you get access to all available digital channels. This lets you use your TV's tuner (assuming your TV has an ATSC digital tuner) to change stations, instead of using the cable company's box. The only drawback to using CableCard is that it doesn't allow for two-way instructions, so you don't get the cable company's electronic program guide or the ability to order on-demand programming. But it might save you a few bucks each month.

High Definition Programming via Satellite

Both DIRECTV and the DISH Network satellite systems offer similar high-definition programming to what you get from your local cable system -- to a point. You'll get the same high-def HBO and Showtime feeds and the same HD-only channels (INHD, HDNet, and so on), but you may not get your local digital channels and the corresponding major networks.

The lack of local digital channels (in some areas) is a simple byproduct of bandwidth limitations. Both satellite systems are adding digital channels to their mix, but on a city-by-city basis. If you're in a major metropolitan area, chances are you already have local digital channels available. If you're in a smaller market, your local digital channels are likely to be added sometime in the near future.

Watching Standard Definition Programming on a High Definition TV

Even with all the current and upcoming high definition channels available, the majority of television programming today is in standard definition. Fortunately, you can watch SD programming on any HD television -- it just won't look as good as the high definition programming.

Every high-def TV sold today contains a traditional NTSC analog tuner. This lets you receive traditional standard definition broadcasts, as well as SD programming carried by your cable or satellite system. Note, however, that this SD programming might look a little blocky or fuzzy on a big HD television display. This is partly a function of size (that is, enlarging a low-resolution picture), and partly a function of the analog-to-digital conversion that takes place inside the TV, which isn't always perfect.

You also have the issue of how to view 4:3 aspect ratio programming on a 16:9 aspect ratio display. Some viewers prefer to watch 4:3 programming in its original ratio, with black bars on either side. Some viewers prefer to zoom into the 4:3 picture so that it fills the entire screen, while cutting off the top and bottom of the original picture. And still other viewers prefer to stretch the 4:3 picture horizontally, slightly distorting the picture to fill the screen.

Watching DVDs on a High Definition TV

Finally, you can also watch other forms of video programming on your new TV. DVDs look great on a big screen. Most movies today are presented in anamorphic widescreen, so they take full advantage of all the available space on a widescreen display.

Given the choice, opt for a DVD player with progressive scan output. These players convert the standard 480i signal to 480p, which looks sharper on a high definition display. Some high-end players can also convert the DVD signal to 720p or 1080i, for an even sharper picture.

For the best DVD picture, however, you need to upgrade to one of the two new high-definition DVD formats. Both HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc feature 1080i or 1080p output, for a true high definition picture. These competing formats are incompatible with each other, so you should chose the format that offers the most movies in which you're interested. And be prepared to spend some big bucks -- HD DVD players start at $500, while the first Blu-ray players are twice that price.

Michael Miller is a writer and commentator on technology and digital lifestyle topics.