A: Better television … crisper, cleaner and clearer pictures with much more detail than standard TV … you know, the kind you've been watching all of your life. The size of the HDTV screen is different, too. Instead of the square-ish TV you're used to, the HDTV picture is wide screen (a 16 X 9 ratio). The HDTV signal is also different. Your old sets are called "analog." HDTV signals are digital. But, remember, all digital signals are NOT High Definition! On February 17, 2009, there will no longer be analog (the old kind of) signals over-the-air; only digital. Be sure you know you can receive HD signals whether over-the-air or from a multichannel video provider … and you know you're on the right track using whereishd.com!

A: You will need (1) a high definition TV set; (2) an available high definition TV signal source (some signals may be available free over-the-air but will require a special antenna); (3) a TV show shot in [or at least converted to) high definition; and (4) a high definition TV tuner. The tuner requirement causes some confusion because some so-called HDTV sets are really only HDTV-enabled and need a special tuner (a sometimes separate component) or an HD cable or satellite set-top box. (NOTE: one can, of course, watch a standard definition TV signal on an HDTV set … but it won't look as good so don't be disappointed. Also, all DVDs look great on HDTV sets and HD-DVDs look even better. Some networks advertise themselves as "HD." But in fact provide little - or in some cases zero - programming in high-definition format. Instead they provide standard definition digital signals which have been "up-converted" to HD. To find out which networks provide the most HD format programming, enter your ZIP code and check out the listings by provider … the listings also show the percentage of time HD signals are available per day.)

A: Most cities have some HDTV over-the-air from their local major network affiliate stations. Many so-called cable networks also are available from your local cable TV system, perhaps from a second local cable provider, from satellite providers DISH and DIRECTV, perhaps from your local telephone company (either on the telephone system's special distribution facilities or from a satellite provider), or even from the large satellite dish known as 4DTV. The over-the-air signals are free but require a special antenna. All other sources charge some monthly fee for the programming, the set-top box or both. Just enter your ZIP code at www.whereishd.com to find out what's available at your home. You'll also see what percentage of each day's broadcasts is in HD. This information can help you pick the best service for your needs. The web site also has direct links to the HDTV signal providers for your convenience.

A: The numbers refer to the lines of information the TV set can display. Standard TV has 480 lines. While the more the better might seem obvious, it isn't. HDTV sets come in sizes ranging from 15" to, believe it or not, 105" and more! HDTVs also come in a bewildering array of technologies. One important point, though: they ALL look great! The 720p means that the set has 720 lines filled in a progressive scan technology (each line is filled in a continuous stream that looks smooth). The 1080i means the set has 1,080 lines filled in a technique known as "interlaced." And there is also 1080p (yep, 1,080 lines in progressive scan). All are good but the very best, if you are really, really picky and don't mind that most programming is shot in either 720p or 1080i --- well, 1080p is considered best. A lot of programming is also "up-converted" form standard to Hi-Def and, naturally, isn't quite as perfect (but still looks great). Flat panel sets and rear-projection sets are available in a number of screen technologies including plasma, DPL, LCD and more. Which one is best depends upon your intended use and your own viewing taste. For more detailed information, check out http://www.cnet.com/4520-7874_1-5137915-1.html on CNET (highly recommended) or http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/how-to-hdtv3.htm) from the Discovery Channel.

A: Remember way back before DISH and DIRECTV? Back yard satellite dishes were a lot bigger … 4DTV is the set-top box for Hi-Def signals for the large dish world.

A: Easy. Just click on the button in the middle of the bottom frame of the TV set at whereishd.com … enter your phone number and email address and someone will call you in just a few moments to answer your questions … as you are waiting for this free service, a short video will play informing you about some exciting Hi-Def programming services.

A: High Definition programming via your television can offer spectacular video qualities ... but that doesn't mean much if you don't have good programming, and a good variety of programming, to choose from on your television. While the amount of HD programming is growing every day, as of early 2008 the actual number of U.S. networks offering HD services was well under 100. To be sure, these services include some of the best known names in television (see the list below) but many of these provide only SOME of their programming in HD.

 Thus, for example, in January 2008 CNN HD provided only 30 percent of its programming in actual high definition; MTV HD offered just over half of its line-up in HD; and ESPN HD provided slightly less than 80 percent of its programming in HD.

 In addition to cable networks with HD services, many broadcasters provide free over-the-air HD programming. For example, in early 2008, Long Island showed 15 broadcast channels offering at least some HD programming. (It should be noted, of course, that some of this programming is duplicative ... that is two different feeds from ABC, two from NBC etc.) As with the cable networks, broadcast HD networks may offer anywhere from 1 percent to 100 percent of their programming in HD. Likewise, while all major networks offer HD programming, there is no guarantee that the local affiliate will choose to carry that programming.

 The below is a list of all known U.S. networks providing at least some programming in HD. Pay-per-view, Video on Demand, and seasonal sports networks are not included. HD availability for specific ZIP codes can be found at the following web site: http://whereishd.com.

A: Local Broadcast or 'over-the-air' requires a line-of-sight to the broadcast tower. Our search functionality does not take topography nor other obstructions such as tall buildings that may block line-of-sight into account. For an in-depth reception resource, we suggest using AntennaWeb.

A: Wikipedia has an exhaustive article on High Definition Television that can be found here.

A: No! The digital transition does NOT mean that you will start to receive HDTV. Absolutely, positively, NOT. Here's why: High definition television is a KIND of digital television just as a Maserati is a kind of car or caviar is a kind of egg. Obviously, a Maserati or a spoonful of caviar takes a great deal more time, money and materials or energy to produce than, say, a Honda or a hen's egg. In the world of digital television, HD is exactly the same: It takes more time, money and, in this case, bandwidth (the energy waves used to transmit TV) than regular digital television. Of course, regular digital television provides a sharper, clearer picture than the old analog TV just as high-def TV produces a sharper, clearer picture than regular digital television. To receive HDTV, you will still need to purchase a package of HD channels or get a special antenna for over-the-air reception.

A: Contact Robert Lehmann at (303)271-9960 or lehmannr@mediabiz.com and ask for details.

A: A: We've been talking a lot around here about that, and we've gotten to the point where we want to include channels that are HD Ready into the count to make sure we don't leave a programmer out that may have HD Programming tomorrow afternoon.  They are included because we feel confident that at some point they will have HD Programming.