Andrew Wirtanen is a usability specialist in Cary, NC More »

How to get HD Content

Did you just buy a nice new shiny HDTV?

If you have cable TV (e.g. Comcast), you can get HD content for free. Your TV needs to have a QAM tuner inside of it. You can also buy external QAM tuners. Best Buy or Comcast will not tell you anything about QAM tuners. In fact, I asked a Best Buy associate if a certain TV had a QAM tuner, and he tried to convince me that it was the same as CableCard (which I will talk about next). Basically, most cable providers send unencrypted HD channels over the cable line. You can pick these HD channels up with the QAM tuner. You will most likely only be able to get the network channels (FOX, ABC, NBC, UPN, WB, WGBH, etc.). You should not pass the cable through a set-top-box.

Some HDTVs in the US come equipped with a CableCard slot. The card is rented from your cable TV provider, and allows you to receive all of the HD channels. It should be given out for free, but in some instances you need to rent it for $5/mo. The drawback of CableCard is that it does not act like a set-top-box since you cannot order any pay-per-view channels. The positives of having a CableCard is that you do not have to deal with a clunky set-top-box and you can receive more HD channels than with QAM or an antenna. You will also need to pay for the HD channels though (usually an extra $5/mo. in addition to the CableCard).

If your HDTV does not have QAM or CableCard, then you could still receive the basic networks by purchasing a small antenna (bunny ears!). Your HDTV needs to have an integrated ATSC tuner. If you bought your HDTV at a store recently, it most likely has one. AntennaWeb.org will tell you what type of antenna you need to purchase. They do not recommend any brands, so you might want to head over to Amazon and Avsforum.com for more information on particular models.

If none of those options work for you, then you need to actually rent an HD box from Comcast. Since there is a monthly fee attached to the box, this is what the cable providers want you to do.

For movies, you can buy a Blu-Ray or HD-DVD player . These players cost about $500 and are currently only for the early adopters. I would advise avoiding these players until the prices come down and the technology is perfected.

Finally, you could also buy an upscaling DVD player. If you can find a good one, these players will make your DVDs look as good as possible on your HD set. I would recommend the OPPO Digital OPDV971H for under $200.

Andy,
What HDTV would you recommend that has this QAM tuner? Also, what HDTV would you recommend in general? Thanks
Chad

Good question.

The best bang for the buck right now are the Westinghouse (aka Westy) 27″ and 32″ models at Best Buy. The 32″ model was selling for $799 and both have QAM tuners. The 27″ was too small for me, and you needed to switch inputs to get the HD channels from QAM. The 32″ is what I currently have, but I am going to bring it back due to one dead pixel.

Keep in mind you won’t be able to get ESPN HD or any extra channels with the QAM tuner. You’ll have to pay for the box to get those.

However, Westy TVs will not give you the best picture quality. For the best quality LCD HDTVs, I would look at the Sharp Aquos line. Sony and Panasonic are also two names associated with good picture quality. I think all of the Sharp HDTVs 32″ and over have a CableCard slot. For the absolute best picture quality, you will need to look at the plasma TVs (which I have never done since I can’t afford them

QAM (or “Clear QAM”) is something that is not advertised in any stores. So, you’re going to have to do research to see what TVs have it. Typically, I found that higher model Sony and Westy HDTVs both have it.

When buying an HDTV, it’s really up to your own eyes. I would personally spend some time at avsforum reading what people have to say, and visiting all the local big box stores. Pay close attention to the black levels (how black the TV gets). Some people go as far as bringing in a DVD to stores and asking the clerks to play it.

Good luck!