It's still a bit of a "high end" market, but non DTV sets are rapidly become obsolete. We recommend that any set you purchase have "component" video inputs. Beter yet, look for sets that include "HDMI" inputs. For the lastest word, look for sets that include a slot for a "cable card".

Lately we have been seeing good quality DTV sets that include HDMI inputs for about $1000.00.

Be careful to read the fine print. "HDTV ready" sets do not include a DTV tuner. With this type of set you'll need to purchase an additional set top box to be able to receive DTV using your own antenna. This is not an issue if you will be exclusively connecting to a cable TV system or a satellite receiver. Unfortunately, it is not always easy to determine if a set includes a DTV tuner. In most cases the manufacturers website will provide this information -- but it may be coded in acronyms. "NTSC" refers to the regular analog TV signal that's been around for years, "ATSC" refers to the new DTV transmissions.

There is an excellent discussion of the technical and legal issues on the Home Theater HiFi site.

Eventually, this list will become pointless because all but a few lagging DTV stations will be on the air. For the moment we will attempt to stay current.

The following stations are fully outfitted and broadcasting scheduled programs. The 41 pioneers marked with "*" were ready to broadcast on "Day One" for DTV, November 1, 1998.

There are a few conflicts with the above list and other internet resources. Even the "official" station count varies depending on the "authority" we use. We collected the above from several sources. Each source has a slightly different list of stations. In some cases a list contains obvious data entry errors. Some stations will be on the air for a while, then go dark for weeks. Without traveling to each area with a DTV set (every day), we can't confirm the accuracy of any list. In addition, while the above stations are listed somewhere as being on-the-air, some are not running at full power or full programming schedules. In a few cases stations list themselves as being "on-the-air", however, there is no DTV broadcast transmitter, they are merely providing a DTV signal to the local CATV (Cable TV) operators. If you need absolutely accurate information, contact the stations in your area of interest and ask about their DTV schedule.

When possible we include a link to the station's DTV page. Note that these references are not always accurate. We find that stations change their DTV page locations or imbed them in such a way as to frustrate our ability to directly link to them. As time permits, we check these links, but if you discover an error or omission, please use our station data form to keep us up to date.

An FCC site lists fully licensed and partially licensed stations.

Need to find all the TV stations in an area? Go to the FCC TV Station Locator page.