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How to Get HDTV? |
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As the NFL season comes to an end, the remaining games are split between Fox and CBS, with the Super Bowl airing on ABC on February 5. All of these games are airing in high-definition (HDTV). To see the game in HD, you'll need to have an HDTV and the ability to get the high-definition versions of those three channels. Depending on how you receive your HDTV programming, you may not be able to see all of the games in HD. Our quick guide to getting HDTV channels will help you make the most of that HDTV that you bought.
Choose your connection method: Cable | Satellite | Antenna
Cable
HD networks available: If you already get the standard-definition feeds of your local ABC, CBS, and Fox stations, you probably already get their HD versions as well.
Equipment needed: An HDTV or an HD monitor; an HD-capable cable box.
In the end: Cable offers the potential for the most extensive HD sports lineup, but HD channel availability varies widely among local cable systems. Make sure you have the proper hardware and channel lineup to watch the play-offs. You'll probably have to ask your cable provider for the channels to their HD programming.
Satellite: DirecTV
HD networks available: National HD feeds of ABC, CBS, and Fox are available in certain areas, while local HD channels are available in many major cities to customers with DirecTV's new H20 MPEG-4 receiver and five-LNB dish.
Equipment needed: An HDTV or an HD monitor; an HD-capable DirecTV receiver and a HD-compatible dish.
In the end: If you don't have the latest equipment, don't live in certain areas, or lack an antenna backup within range of the local HD broadcast, receiving the high-def feeds of the broadcast networks can be a difficult. If you don't already receive the locals in HD, call DirecTV to find out what your HD options are.
Satellite: Dish Network
HD networks available: A national HD feed of CBS is available in certain areas; other local HD stations will be available as of February 1, 2006 to Dish customers in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York who upgrade to Dish's new MPEG-4-capable receivers and dishes.
Equipment needed: An HDTV or an HD monitor; an HD-capable Dish receiver and a compatible dish.
In the end: Dish subscribers who don't have the latest HD equipment will be out of luck for anything not on CBS.
Antenna
Networks available: Varies by area, but usually it's ABC, CBS, and/or Fox.
Equipment needed: An HDTV with a built-in HD tuner or an HD monitor with an external HD set-top box and a compatible antenna.
In the end: High-definition programming over an antenna won't cost you anything, but at the same time, it could be unavailable in your local area.
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