More and more people are going high-def. Even in a bad economy, HDTV sales continue to be a bright spot for electronics retailers such as Best Buy and Circuit City, based on their recent financial reports. In the first quarter, worldwide sales of just LCD displays -- almost all of which are HDTVs -- increased 45 percent over the same period a year earlier, according to the NPD Group.
A major reason is that U.S. consumers are switching to HDTVs in advance of the government-mandated switch to digital TV broadcasts in February. But people also just like to keep up with the times.
If you're new to HDTV, here's a guide to what kind of high-def programming is available for your high-tech viewing pleasure. To see specifically what's available in these categories in your area, visit the website Where Is HD? (www.whereishd.com).
Broadcast
This is the easiest option because it's essentially free, especially if you already have a decent over-the-air antenna. Even if you don't, a relatively inexpensive set-top antenna, such as the Philips PHDTV1 for $25, will do the trick. (Go to www.antennaweb.org to gauge reception quality for your address.) Fourteen broadcast channels offer some kind of high-def programming in the Twin Cities, but much of that content is restricted to prime-time shows and major sports events. About half of the programming on KARE-TV, Ch. 11, is in high-def, but the other network affiliates have no more than 20 percent, according to Where Is HD?
Cable
The high-def options broaden considerably with cable TV. Comcast (www.comcast.com), the Twin Cities' largest cable operator, offers 39 high-def channels, including networks that offer high-def shows virtually around the clock, such as Animal Planet HD and ESPN HD. In addition, Comcast has more than 400 on-demand high-def programs that can be watched at the viewer's whim. Of course, all of this comes at a price. It ranges from $20 a month for a basic package that includes just the local HD channels to $115 a month for everything, including the required HD receiver. (Otherwise, leasing the set-top box costs $7 a month.) Prices and selection might vary depending on where you live, your cable operator and promotional offers.
Satellite