OK I bought a 42" LCD TV and have had it hooked to regular DirecTV for the last couple of weeks. Seems to work fine. I will be having the HD version installed a week from today.

Is there anything I need to be aware of when they do this?

Be sure to get an HDMI cable for the connection from the box to the TV.

You can save a ton if you buy the HDMI cables online instead of a place like Best Buy.

Saw some on monocable.com for under $10.

If you plan ahead you can save a good amount of money.

I noticed that the HDMI cable were really expensive at Best Buy. Seems like they wanted $135 for one!!!

Well, I'll hve HD in the morning. I hope it is worth the effort.

It will be worth the effort. My Dad just bought his dream TV a 72" DLP 1080p Samsung and with the HD Box, Blue Ray DVD, and Bose system all put together it is one incredible system. I am still amazed at the quality of the picture and how that HDMI cable makes a difference in video and audio.

A good friend of mine advised me just to get a regular HDMI cable, even how much the sales person swears it will make a difference. Do not spend that much on the HDMI cable. The regular one in the not so fancy package will work just fine.

Best of luck!

Hmmmm! Surprise, surprise. The antenna is larger and heavier so they will only mount it to the roof. He said that they would be putting 6 bolts through the roof. NOT!

I told them what I had was good enough because I don't want holes in the roof to make my roof leak. I already get the local HDTV stations through my antenna.

I wish they had told me about the antenna and I could have saved the installers a trip!

The installers are professionals and do a good job. Mine is mounted closer to the overhang of the roof and doesn't jeopardize the integrity of the roof. Either way seems like you all could have come up with an alternative.

Going to be missing out on some of the other quality programming in HD (ESPN, Fox Sports, HBO, etc.)

You could always mount the pole on a custom made tripod and avoid mounting on the roof. There is always a solution!

Yea mine is mounted on the eave. I had to readjust it after the hurricane but it's held like a champ besides that.

you need get the HD receiver up, it is a must

The installer and his buddy were driving an old, beatup pickup. They didn't inspire a lot of confidence. They were real nice and told me that more than half of their upgrades ended up with folks refusing to allow them to affix the antennas to the roof. (I guess I am not the only one.) He did say there was talk of a new variety of antenna that didn't require holes in the roof.

He said that I might mount a 2 - 21/2 inch pipe in concrete and mount the antenna on that. I have been working with antennas for many years and this just doesn't appeal to me. I have a 135 foot tower in my back yard and I guess I could mount it there, but I think I'll wait. If the market calls for it they will come up with something.