[PMCarey]

While we're on the topic, is there any reason to buy and HDTV when you don't have cable or satellite reception? We live out in the country and there are no cable providers and I don't want to spend money on a satellite system, so we simply receive the broadcast signal. Given that, is there any reason to go with HDTV?

[jhouston]

If you are more than 40-50 miles from the broadcasting source, do not bother with HDTV. The over the air broadcasts are great and all the networks now broadcast a majority of their prime time shows in HDTV.

DSS and Dish Satelite broadcasts have a very limited number of HDTV channels (DSS has only HBO and a dedicated HDTV chanel). Most cable companies now include HDTV broadcasts when they are available from the local broadcaster.

[Atlas Sneezed]

"While we're on the topic, is there any reason to buy and HDTV when you don't have cable or satellite reception?"

Many stations are broadcasting in HDTV already (although the source recording can be crappy quality). PBS stations in many areas have superb signals with special demo material (like travelogues, etc.) different from their normal programming.