HDTV for Digital Cable

[Agent007]

Ok all. I'm sure this topic has been discussed a lot, and a link to a past thread could be the answer to my question, but I've been gone a while, and didn't find anything directly applicable using the search...

I understand in theory the difference between HD-Ready vs HD-capable TV's. HD-ready has a converter installed in the tv and HD-capable does not.

But according to my soon to be cable provider RCN I will need to rent their HDTV box for $9.95 whether I have an HD-ready or HD-capable tv. Why? What advantage does spending more on an HD-ready tv give me?

Any recommendations on what to buy? Three of us are looking at spending $700-1000 combined on a CRT Flat television which we want to use to watch HDTV...

Thanks!

 

[next2naus]

you will have to use RCN? thats sucks. I really can't recall why you need the box however if you stop by J&R and ask for John B, he's been selling TV's for over 25 years. he will set you straight. I bought my 37" HD Plasma from him.

 

[Agent007]

Why - does RCN suck? I have a few friends that have it and they all seem to enjoy it...

Because we want cable in 4 different rooms, Time Warner wants about $180/month + Installation fees for phone/cable/internet and RCN wants about $120/month with no installation fees...

Our building is wired for both...

 

[Z06]

The HD ready tv is for picking up OTA (over the air) signals. To get digital cable, you have to rent the box. With TW, the cost of the HD box is the same as digital.