Do I need HD subscription (w/ DirecTV) to get the best picture resolution?

I have a full 1080p Samsung (LNT4061F) with a basic satelite service with DirecTV. Per manual, the set comes with a built-in HD digital tuner, neither require set-top boxes nor subscription of HD broadcast. During the installation process, at first, I tried to by-pass the receiver box (by hooking up the coaxial cable directly to the IN terminal of the TV)... but it didn't have a signal. Then, I had to connect the TV through the set-top box (receiver). It finally worked, but the problem is... I still don't get the best picture quality/resolution that this baby is capable of. Did I miss anything or do I really have to get an HD subsription (which the manual indicated that HD subsription is not required)?

Answer:
You will need to subscribe to the HD service, and get the HD Directv receiver box BOTH. Your old receiver will not output HD at all. When you get your new box, the channel 3 output will not output HD, you will need to connect using the component or HDMI outputs to get HD. The digital tuner built into your TV simply means you can install and antenna and get the digital channels off air. Not necessarily HD either. People are getting the digital broadcast and HD confused. Digital may, or may not be HD. It just means it's a digital signal. HD is usually digital, but the two are NOT mutually exclusive. 1080p is not going to happen right now anyway, most 1080 signals are 1080i. The 1080p is on the horizon, just not yet for broadcast. HD-DVD and Blu Ray DVD can be 1080p, though.
The only way to get the best possible quality, you need to send an HD signal to the TV. 720p, 1080i or 1080p. Any analog standard definition stations will look blurry and fuzzy.

Yes, you need to subscribe to HD service.
In order to get the very best reception you need an HD receiver.
Yes, if you don't have HD signal you will get a digitalized picture that looks fuzzy.
Depending on where you live, you may be able to receive some HD programming over the air, without needing any equipment other than either an indoor or an outdoor antenna.

If you live in the U.S., this web site can help you decide what antenna to purchase:
http://antennaweb.org/

That is, you may be able to receive a good signal from nearby transmitters of your local ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and PBS affiliates, and possibly some independent channels.

To receive HD programming from subscription channels such as HBO or ESPN, you will need an HD receiver from a cable company or a satellite company such as DirecTV.

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