If you stop and think about it, anyone can get a bundle including over 200 channels including premium movie channels like HBO and Starz for about $100 dollars a month. That is less than you typically will drop for dinner and a movie. The latest and greatest in the pay TV market is HD, or high definition service. What should you evaluate when hooking up that new flat screen TV you just purchased?

Don’t forget that your standard cable TV or satellite TV service is not in HD. You must specifically buy a package that includes this type of programming. So where do you begin?

Call your current provider and find out exactly what they offer as far as hi-def service. Satellite television corporations DISH Network and Direct TV have been leading the pack as far as offering the most HD when you examine channel counts. Cable television providers like Comcast also have some nice offerings, such as HD on-demand. Ask exactly how much upgrading to HD will cost, and if you need additional equipment.

If what they offer is not what you want, its time to do a little comparison shopping. The latest offerings include an all HD package from DISH Network called Turbo HD. Direct TV sells HD service for only $9.99 a month. Prices vary with cable television companies across America, so you will have to call your cable company to see what the price is for HD service.

Another factor to consider is that most telecom companies now provide TV service. AT&T now provides their U-verse TV service in many areas along with telephone and high speed internet. Verizon is also selling television service, providing their fiber optic service FiOS in many neighborhoods. It is advisable that you compare services side-by-side, such as Direct TV vs AT&T Uverse. All of this is a great benefit to the consumer, as more competition encourages low costs in the end.