So how exactly does HDTV work?

arcenite

Lifer
Dec 9, 2001
10,660
7
81
I just ordered myself an HDTV tuner and was wondering how to go about getting some good HDTV. I know comcast offers it but do I have to pay extra for the HDTV content or are certain channels always avail in Hi-Def? Would it be better just to try getting an antenna and getting those OTA channels?

Thanks!
 

LikeLinus

Lifer
Jul 25, 2001
11,518
670
126
Originally posted by: arcenite
I just ordered myself an HDTV tuner and was wondering how to go about getting some good HDTV. I know comcast offers it but do I have to pay extra for the HDTV content or are certain channels always avail in Hi-Def? Would it be better just to try getting an antenna and getting those OTA channels?

Thanks!

IT's something like 5.99 a month for the HDTV content. You have to have digital service though. It's well worth it!

OTA will only give you local channels. Comcast will give you TNT, Discovery, HBO, Showtime, Stars, INHD, INHD2, ESPN and others that I can't remember right now.
 

arcenite

Lifer
Dec 9, 2001
10,660
7
81
Originally posted by: LikeLinus
Originally posted by: arcenite
I just ordered myself an HDTV tuner and was wondering how to go about getting some good HDTV. I know comcast offers it but do I have to pay extra for the HDTV content or are certain channels always avail in Hi-Def? Would it be better just to try getting an antenna and getting those OTA channels?

Thanks!

IT's something like 5.99 a month for the HDTV content. You have to have digital service though. It's well worth it!

OTA will only give you local channels. Comcast will give you TNT, Discovery, HBO, Showtime, Stars, INHD, INHD2, ESPN and others that I can't remember right now.

Thanks!

 

Harvey

Administrator<br>Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
35,057
67
91
The only way to know whether it means enough to you is to see it. The picture resolution is far better than NTSC video, and it's in a 16 x 9 wide screen format so you get to see most or all of the frame when watching movies.
 

QED

Diamond Member
Dec 16, 2005
3,428
3
0
Originally posted by: LikeLinus
Originally posted by: arcenite
Originally posted by: Billhail
You can get hdtv content for free.

I am assuming you are referring to OTA?

That'd be the only way you get it free. Unless you and the comcast guy are friends..lol

Maybe it's a regional thing, but here in Cleveland you pay nothing extra for HD service through Comcast-- it's included in your standard digital service.

One of the first things you learn when you get HD service is that just because you get a channel in HD, not necessarily everything you watch will be actually broadcast in HD.

In fact, on your network channels, probably less than 15% of what they broadcast will be in HD.
 

spidey07

No Lifer
Aug 4, 2000
65,469
5
76
Originally posted by: LikeLinus
Originally posted by: arcenite
Originally posted by: Billhail
You can get hdtv content for free.

I am assuming you are referring to OTA?

That'd be the only way you get it free. Unless you and the comcast guy are friends..lol

Or just just plug into your basic cable and get their channels for free, provided you have a tuner.

while not technically free, if you have basic cable already you won't have to pay for HD content.

Depends of course on your cable provider.