What do I need for HD channels?

Question

What do I need to buy if I want free HD channels? I am going to buy an lcd tv. Maybe the Samsung 19" LN-T1953H.

Answer 1

Usually you can put up an antenna to get free broadcast HD channels. But your TV must include a tuner. Skip the TV if it is "HD Ready" as these do not have tuners.

Type your address into AntennaWeb and it will tell you how far away you are from the towers and what size antenna to buy.

A good indoor antenna is the "Philips Silver Sensor" for about $30.

Answer 2

I have to agree with what sirbobx said. But, to add to it, you should go to the source he mentioned, http://www.antennaweb.org It is very helpful. You enter your address and it shows a list of broadcasters in your area, their digital capability and distances in miles to your location. It gives you a great idea of the channels you can receive. If you click on the street map, it even draws out the directions so you know which way to point your antenna.

Second, the FCC, as of March 2007, requires that all TVs with a built in NTSC tuner must have a built in ATSC tuner. But, you always need to verify it has built in ATSC. It would be horrible to get an HDTV that you think is ready to receive over the air digital broadcasts and find out it doesn't have a high definition ATSC tuner built in.

Answer 3

You will need an HD box from your cable company or from your satellite company, and an HD compatible television. The television you listed is compatible, but if I were you I would get a larger one because when you see HD in 42" or larger, you will be amazed. A 19" television will have no justice.

Answer 4

I have 2 HD televisions and I have 2 HD boxes, you need a provider with a plan that offers HD and a box that provides HD. It really is a nicer picture

Answer 5

HD service (of course)
HD box
HD instalation (prefer Firedog myself)
and the sweetest 1080p(or I) TV you can afford.