Do you really need an HD cable/satellite box in order for your HDTV to work?
Answer:
Well it depends what you mean by "need" and "to work".
It's not clear to me whether you currently have HD programming and one DISH box, or only standard definition satellite programming and just upgraded to an HDTV from SD (Standard Definition).
If you want to watch HDTV you have to deliver an HD signal. If you have one HDTV, to watch TV in HD you will need to upgrade the cable/satellite box AND pay for HD programming. If you already have the box and programming you can watch the same program on two two HDTVs by sending the signal to both TVs via a splitter (or watch separate channels if you buy a second box, or one that has a dual HD tuner (if available for DISH).
On the other hand, you can use the HDTV for SD programs but will likley get a worse picture than on your old TV. Or you can use it for HD when playing games or DVDs.
Or, finally, if you live near a city with HD broadcast you can use an antenna to receive HD TV directly from local stations (up to 75 miles or so). See the link for info on antennas and a listing of HD broadcast stations by city (See HDTV Station List on the home page).
Hope this clarifies the mud a bit.
In order to get the High Definition picture, you need to supply the HD video signals to it. Usually you just upgrade your sat package to a HD package. Then you will recieve both HD channels and non-HD channels.
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