How Do I Go About Upgrading to HDTV?

[PacMan2006]

This is my TV:

http://www.tweeter.com/graphics/product_images/p802379reg.jpg

And when I bought it, it stated that it was HDTV upgradeable.

I'm not really in the know about this--all I really know is that if I can get a clearer picture, I'm all for it--so how does "upgrading" to HDTV work? Is it just some kind of cord plugged into the back to get a better picture? Some sort of box or receiver?

And how would I go about getting this upgraded? Do I just walk into a tweeter or circuit city and say "I want a HDTV upgrade?"

If I want to research this online, where do I begin as well?

Thanks guys!

[X]

A name and model of the TV would be a real good start.

[chipmac]

Well since it's not a Mits that will take the promise module upgrade you can go about it several ways. If your cable company offers HD channels you can get a set top box (STB) from them and just plug it in. Or if you have DirectTV or Dish Network you can upgrade your STB from them to a HD model. Finally if you're in an area that you can receive Over The Air (OTA) HD signals you can buy a STB for OTA only signals and an antenna to receive your local channels in HD. There is also a new comer to the HD small dish services called VOOM. They offer about 40 HD channels and some other SD ones but so far I haven't read too much on them yet since they're new. You can find out more about their offereings from their web site or from Sears since they're the only store selling the the equipment so far.

[Frank S]

If the TV is NOT HDTV Ready (meaning it is capable of displaying 1080i or 720p HD picture), then there is NO upgrade that will make the TV display High Def! If the TV is indeed a HD Ready TV then all you need is a Satellite HD receiver, Cable HD Box, or a OTA HD decoder (and local channels that transmit in HD) and you will be able to see HD.

The TV's model number is needed if you want any definitive answers though.

[chipmac]

We definitely need a make and model to be sure but lately manufacturers are using HD Ready and HD upgradable to mean the same thing. Basicly it's a HDTV without the HD tuner built in. Also something else to confuse the issue is that now there are these EDTVs that will accept a HD signal but can only display a 480p signal. So that means that the HD STB you're paying extras money for and the HD signals you might also be paying money for aren't even being displayed at their maximum resolution. They're being down converted so that they can be displayed at the lower 480p resolution of the TV.

[issues]

Here are the specs for that T.V.

http://www.tweeter.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1163072&cp=&searchId=10343228524&keywords=sony+xbr&parentPage=search