According to a survey by the Consumer Electronics Association, more than 28 percent of Americans now own high definition (HD) television sets. However, many are not getting the programming they want, because many cable and satellite companies do not offer channels that broadcast in high definition at a price they can afford.

DIRECTV, America's leading satellite television provider, has 72 HD channels and plans to have 100 by the end of 2007. Currently, subscribers have a diverse lineup of movie, sports and entertainment channels available in HD including "The Weather Channel", "A and E", "Showtime", "Animal Planet" and "ESPN".

High definition television sets have become the hottest electronic item on the market as more Americans choose to watch movies at home and not go to the theater. The high definition television sets have features that create a viewing experience like the movies including:

• The best picture resolution, clarity and color available.

• Dolby surround-sound.

• Wide screen "movie-like" format that makes characters come alive.

Retailers are expecting strong sales of high definition television sets during the upcoming holiday season as prices continue to fall while demand continues to increase. During the 2006 holiday season, high definition television sets were priced at half what they were in 2004, according to Consumer Reports.

That means that more consumers will want satellite providers who provide channels in

high definition. DISH Network, another satellite provider, has 38 channels which customers can add to their lineup and that is still considered a lot in todays market. The new HD programming boom that people have been talking about for years is now becoming a reality. It also appears that satellite will be the direction most people turn to get the most out of their HDTV.