When you find out which DTV signals are available in your area you can now think about which type of digital TV you need. There are 2 basic paths to view HDTV:

 Integrated HDTV which combines a high-scan-rate display and an HDTV tuner in one package, The tuner can usually receive both digital and analog over-the-air broadcasts. As of mid 2004, about 50% of all new TVs with screens 36” and larger must include an over-the-air digital tuner, and in around 2007, all the TVs with 13" screen and larger must include a digital tuner, today most HDTV sets use the widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio.

HDTV-ready TV or HDTV monitor has the high-scan-rate display but must be connected to a separate HDTV tuner to receive digital broadcasts almost all HDTV-ready television sets include an NTSC tuner for regular analog programming while HDTV-ready TVs can have either the conventional 4:3 aspect ratio or the widescreen 16:9 ratio.

Is important to note that both HDTV and HDTV-ready tvs are available in flat panel and big screen rear projection. If digital broadcasts are limited in your area, or if you subscribe to satellite TV, you can get an HDTV-ready set, then add a separate HDTV tuner later.