OTHER TECH

Getting HDTV Shows Something to think about while you're shopping is where you'll get those gorgeous high-def images. Depending on where you live, you might have several options.

BY ANTENNA If you're near a large city, you can probably get at least some HDTV programming through an off-air antenna (provided you have a digital tuner either built into the TV or as an outboard box). Yes, this giant step forward in technology can be yours by using an old-fashioned antenna. This is definitely the cheapest way to get high-def shows, since off-air HDTV is free - just like regular TV. (See "Getting HDTV over the Air," page 100 of S&V's January 2005 issue.)

BY CABLE If there aren't any stations nearby, or you don't want to bother with an antenna, call your cable company and see if it offers high-def programming. You can get HDTV via cable in most major cities, and it's quickly becoming available elsewhere in the U.S. (See November's "Ultimate Guide to HDTV," for more about off-air, cable, and satellite sources.)

For a monthly fee - typically less than $10 - your cable company will provide you with a set-top box that can receive high-def shows. (Most current cable boxes have analog component-video outputs, but ones with DVI digital outputs are becoming more common. See "Plugging In" on the facing page for more about connection options.) Also, a technology called CableCARD, similar to the smart cards used in digital satellite receivers, is beginning to appear. The card lets you access premium channels without a cable box, but you can't use video on demand or the cable company's electronic program guide (see "Wild Card" in November).

BY SATELLITE Getting high-def signals via satellite is another option. Service is available nationwide - DirecTV, Dish Network, and Voom all provide high-def programming.

Even if you don't plan to do any high-def viewing right away, there are still two good reasons why you should buy an HDTV-capable set now. First, even if HDTV isn't yet readily available in your area, it will be soon. And a high-def set can make much of what you watch - especially DVDs - look better.

Shopping for something as high-tech as an HDTV can be daunting, especially when you consider that you'll probably use it every day. And the sheer number of models and options certainly doesn't make your choice any easier. If you start by deciding on a screen size and a price range, it will help narrow the field considerably. Then, armed with this knowledge and a few DVDs, you can head to the store confident you'll find a set that meets your needs. But no matter which HDTV you buy, rest assured that its picture will be a quantum leap over your old TV's.