Today folks are seeking to maximize their entertainment dollar. High gas prices, a slowing economy, and higher food prices are putting the squeeze on Americans. Luckily, one of the great buys in entertainment is your cable or satellite TV service.

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 Starz for about $75 dollars a month. That is less than you usually 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 consider when hooking up that new flat screen TV you just bought?

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

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

If what they offer is not what you want, do a little comparison shopping. The latest deals include an all HD package from DISH Network called TurboHD. Direct TV sells HD service for just $9.99 per month. Charges per month vary with cable television companies across America, so you will have to call your local operator to see what the cost will be for high definition.

Another consideration is that most telephone companies now offer TV service. AT&T now offers their U-verse TV service in many areas along with telephone and DSL. Verizon is also selling television service, providing their fiber service FiOS in some neighborhoods. It is advisable that you compare services side-by-side, such as DirecTV vs. AT&T U-verse. These developments are a benefit to the consumer, as more competition encourages lower prices in the long run.