If you take a moment and think about it, you can get a package including over 100 stations including commercial-free movie channels like HBO and Encore for about $95 dollars a month. That is less than you usually will drop for dinner and a movie. The latest technology in the pay TV market is HD, or high definition programming. What should you consider when hooking up that new Hi-def TV you just purchased?

Remember that your basic cable TV or satellite TV service is not in HD. You have to specifically purchase a programming package that features this type of programming. So where do smart shoppers start?

Call your current provider and investigate exactly what they can do as far as HD service. Satellite television companies DISH Network and DirecTV have been leading the pack as far as offering the most high definition when you look at channel counts. Cable TV providers like Cox also have some nice offerings, such as HD on-demand. Find out exactly how much upgrading to HD will cost, and if you need to buy additional equipment.

If what they are offering is not what you want, 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 per month. Charges per month are different with cable television companies across the country, so you will have to call your cable company to see what the cost will be for high definition.

Another factor to consider is that most telecom companies now offer TV service. AT&T now provides their UVerse service in many areas along with voice and DSL. Verizon is also selling television service, providing their fiber to the home service FiOS in limited neighborhoods. It is advisable that you compare services side-by-side, such as Direct TV vs Time Warner cable. These developments are a benefit to the customer, as more competition encourages lower costs in the end.