The most obvious benefit of HDTV is the remarkable picture resolution. The picture on HDTV is so crystal-clear you'll feel like you're right there. The evidence is in the pixels -- the small picture elements on your screen. Knowing that, consider the fact that a standard analog TV screen gives you a mere 210,000 pixels while HDTV packs in an astounding 2 million pixels. In other words, the viewing experience of HDTV is ten times more detailed than standard (or analog) television! HDTV is the difference between watching an ordinary sporting event and seeing the pure intensity of the game. HDTV makes you feel as if you're on the field with the goalie, seeing the sweat beads form on his forehead as he awaits the penalty kick. And of course the remarkable sound quality is undeniable with six audio channels of Dolby Digital 5.1. You'll be completely immersed in the sizzling guitar solo, as it ricochets around your living room.

As a side note, here are a couple of factors you'll want to familiarize yourself with if you're considering HDTV.

• Monitors and display technologies
• LCD -- Short for liquid crystal display. These liquid crystals are placed between glass plates, and produce different colors when small temperature changes are introduced to the area using electrical charges.
• CRT -- Short for cathode-ray tube. CRT is still by far the most commonly used display technology today. CRT uses a beam that scans lines onto the display screen.
• Plasma -- Plasma display technology is most commonly used in large, flat panel television. Plasma panels consist of tiny tubes that create images when charged with electricity.
• Shopping for a brand new TV can be fun and exciting, however, keep in mind, while all digital TV sets are capable of displaying a higher quality image than standard analog sets, only HD-ready or HD-capable television sets will display high definition.
• Once you purchase your new HDTV set you'll need to receive an HD signal to watch shows in High Definition (without the HD signal you'll be watching television in standard definition on your HD set). Models with built-in tuners (HD "ready") will allow you to watch over-the-air local networks, HD "capable" sets will require a separate over-the air tuner to receive local networks in HD, but in order to watch cable channels you'll still need a service subscription. The real advantage of digital cable is that there's no hassle of added antennas or bulky rooftop equipment. All you need to do is swap out your existing box for one that can receive HDTV and begin to experience the next generation of digital television!
• More and more shows are being broadcast in HD, check your local listings to find out which shows are broadcast in High Definition.
• Last but not least, don't forget, if you choose to go with a service provider rather than over-the-air reception method, you'll need to tune to a different channel location to view channels in high definition. (For example, if CBS is on Channel 2 in standard definition, it will be on Channel 702 on iO TV).

NOTE: With Cablevision, if you have an HD-ready television, you can request an HDTV cable box and receive all the HDTV programming available at no additional monthly cost (depending on your level of service).

Most satellite services, on the other hand, can charge you up to $400 to trade out your receiver and the dish on your roof just to watch HDTV. Some satellite services may also charge extra monthly fees of over $10 a month for HDTV programming.

Visit www.optimum.com/iO for more information.