But high-definition programming consumes four to five times that much space, so those shows can quickly fill up a hard drive.

That is one reason the networks are making no great effort to broadcast high-definition programming.

Moreover, most can show high-definition programming, which makes them particularly popular among sports fans.

Most have promised to show only a few hours of high-definition programming, principally movies.

But in the early days, at least, there will be no way to receive any high-definition programming transmitted by cable.

Within a year, it is expected to be responsible for 3,700 hours of high-definition programming annually.

But the satellite industry has announced no plans to offer high-definition programming.

As a result, satellite systems would have to reduce the number of channels they offer to provide high-definition programming.

Do viewers really need to watch high-definition programming while standard digital already looks so good?

All the major television networks will offer at least some high-definition programming.