HD channels with non-HD TV

[nukejopa]

Can I receive HD channels with a non-HD TV if I buy a HD receiver?  I want the extra channels.  Can a normal roof antenna receive HD channels or do I have to buy a HD antenna?  I live in the city of Milwaukee

[Mark Strube]

Yep, If you're talking about cable, I believe all the HD boxes Time Warner makes available have S-Video and composite outputs for standard televisions. The same applies for most HD over-the-air receivers. And no, you don't need a special antenna.

[Nels Harvey]

If you purchase a set top box (STB), such as the Samsung SIR-T-151 like I have, you can view off the air HDTV programs on a standard definition TV.  The regular definition programs will fill your screen just like the NTSC channels.  

An HDTV signal will give you the letterbox appearance, with bands at the top and bottom, but you will see the program.  

Remember, even though the incoming signal is digital, your TV will not give you a significantly better picture.  The limiting factor is your TV.  You will possibly note a somewhat cleaner signal, or you might get no signal at all, because digital signals including HDTV signals are either there, or gone, as in 'go/no go'.  'Go/no go' also applies to receiving on a digital TV set.  

Good reception of digital signals is a function of the receiving antenna, location, and signal strength of the digital station.  Reception is a frequent topic in this forum and following the threads can be very informative.

Nels....