The NewsHour Goes High Definition

You will definitely have to get a set top tuner to receive HD off your cable. It is typically part of the new "digital" service you've probably seen advertised. Right now you will only receive the analog tier of the cable service, probably referred to as something like "basic cable". Although they are not bound by the same rules that apply to over-the-air broadcasts, eventually almost all cable systems will drop their analog service in favor of the new digital format. At that time any old analog sets will have to have a set top tuner (black box) plus your new HD set might need such a box to properly decode the cable signal even though it has a digital tuner built in. The built in tuner in the HD set will allow you to watch over-the-air broadcasts after February 17, 2009.

You should contact your cable service provider and inquire as to whether your cable is digital as opposed to analog. Most new HDTVs support digital cable but it is a question for your cable company whether a digital box is required. Some HDTV sets will also support analog cable. If you are seeing a signal on your new set and your cable company is analog you will continue to be able to watch SD (Standard Definition) television. However, if your cable is analog you will not be able to accept high definition and are therefore only watching an SD picture. For true HD quality images you will need to consult with your cable provider.