Well I've never owned an HDTV, but im gunna hear a few weeks. My questions is what do I need to do to get HD channels. If it matters i have mediacom, a network in iowa. We have digital cable w/ two boxes in my house, and some of the channels say HD in the info, channels like ABC, SPIKE, ESPN, etc, but when I look on the mediacom website, it says we need to buy the HD pak, for another 10 bucks a month. IS this true, the tv will have a QAM tuner if that matters. As you can tell, I have NO idea what im talking about so any and all help is immensly appreicated.

You will need an HD box from your cable co to get any HD other than Local channels in HD. Everything else will more than likely be encrypted.

you may be lucky and be able to pick up a few channels in HD with the built in QAM tunner most likely only locals. maybe a few others.
but in most cases you will need to get a HD box from cable. as well as suscribe to any HD you'd get with them.

in most cases the few extra bucks a month is well worth it.
your seeing HD logos on some channels becase they are either showing the HD feed in SD or they are just advertizing that channel is avlabile in HD

You can hook up an antenna to your new HDTV and receive your locals. No monthly fee except the cost of the antenna.

Your other options are to get HD from your cable company or thru Directv or Dish Network.

Well I've never owned an HDTV, but im gunna hear a few weeks. My questions is what do I need to do to get HD channels. If it matters i have mediacom, a network in iowa. We have digital cable w/ two boxes in my house, and some of the channels say HD in the info, channels like ABC, SPIKE, ESPN, etc, but when I look on the mediacom website, it says we need to buy the HD pak, for another 10 bucks a month. IS this trueFor cable, try connecting the straight cable to the back of your shiny new HDTV. Then, go into the setup menu and do a channel scan. If you don't like the small number of channels you can get, you'll have to rent a box from your cableco and pay for the HD tier.

As others have said, your local broadcast channels can be received digitally for free - out of the air. All you need is an antenna suitable for your area, connected to the back of your HDTV.

The ways to get HD channels:


(1) Antenna - OTA Locals (FREE + equipment)
You would either use a set of "rabbit ears" antenna, or an antenna that you would mount on top of your house, or in the attic. You would only be able to pick up local stations! Also, you can only do this if your TV has an ATSC tuner built in.

(2) Cable Company - OTA Locals + National
You would just call up your cable company and let them know you want to subscibe to HD channels. You will need a different STB, which will cost a little more per month, and they may charge for an "HD Package" depending on the company. If you subscribe to any premium channels (HBO, Showtime, The Movie Channel, etc) then you will get the HD versions of those free.

(3) Satellite Company - OTA Locals (?) + National
Works pretty much the same way as a cable company.

(4) Phone Company - OTA Locals + National
So far, I know of Verizon doing this, but they offer their Fiber Optic service (FIOS), which works just the same as a cable company! There may be other phone companies doing something like this!