In addition, Discovery, Showtime, HBO, HDnet, TNT, ESPN, and FOX Sports, have HDTV signal feeds. As a result, a growing number of cable systems around the country are now providing HDTV cable service, including systems owned by COX, Comcast, Cablevision, and Time Warner (Check with your local cable company for service in your area).
Also, the changeover from analog to digital-only television broadcasting in 2009, local stations are getting onboard with an increasing number broadcasting their local news programs in high definition.
The two main satellite service providers, DirecTV and DishNetwork offer HDTV channels as well.
However, although there is quite of bit of programming available in HDTV, currently accessing the programming can be frustrating for the consumer.
For example, local HDTV broadcasts are available over-the-air via antenna, but your local cable outlet may not be passing all those signals through your cable system.
In addition, although Satellite offers the most HDTV programming (via sport channels and movie channels), they may not offer much in the way of local or network HDTV programming. Although this is changing fast, which new channels being added on a periodic basis.
Then, there is the issue of pricing. Some cable systems offer some basic HDTV services for no extra charge, but most offer an HDTV tier of local channels and movie channels for an extra fee, but some often charge extra on top of that for services such as ESPN-HD and Discovery-HD.
HDTV is still going through a lot of growing pains, partly caused by government policies and partly caused by programming providers. There definitely needs to be some consistency offerings, pricing, and more strict timetables -- but be patient -- HDTV can currently be accessed via over 1200 television stations and most cable systems in the major markets. This trend will surely continue as more consumers buy HDTVs and demand better access to programming. Of course, by June 12, 2009, all analog television broadcasts are scheduled to be turned off, so all televisions stations need to be onboard by that time.
A very useful resource to find out what HD channels are available in your area, whether over-the-air, cable, or satellite, check out Where is HD?. Also, check out a comprehensive daily listing of what is being shown in HDTV.
Upscaling DVD Players, Blu-ray, and HD-DVD
In addition to HDTV television shows, another way to get the most out of your HDTV is with an Upscaling DVD player, or a Blu-ray Disc or HD-DVD player. Upscaling DVD players have the ability to match the pixel resolution of a standard DVD to that of your HDTV. Although this is not the same as watching your DVD in true high definition, you will see a definite improvement in the image quality of your DVDs when played on an upscaling DVD player through an HDTV. For more details on what DVD Upscaling is and how it works with HDTVs, check out my article: DVD Video Upscaling - Important Facts.
As mentioned in the above paragraph, as good as DVD upscaling is, what you really need to enjoy pre-recorded video in true high definition is a Blu-ray or HD-DVD player connected to your HDTV. For more details on this new way to enjoy to the most out of your HDTV - check out my articles: Blu-ray and HD-DVD - What You Need to Know, Blu-ray and HD-DVD FAQs. and Before You Buy a Blu-ray or HD-DVD Player.
