What Do I Need for Time Warner Cable's New HDTV?

To receive HDTV from Time Warner Cable, you first need a digital cable subscription from Time Warner. HDTV relies on digital technology, so a regular cable subscription won't suffice. You can subscribe to Time Warner Digital Cable online or over the phone. Digital cable is available in most Time Warner Cable service areas. There is no contract required and no fee for canceling services.

To receive the concentration of pixels necessary for HDTV, your present television set may not be adequate. You can find HDTV sets at any major electronics retailer as well as at large retail stores. There are no particular specifications required to view Time Warner Cable's HDTV service, so choose whichever HDTV set makes sense for you based on size and price.

You'll need an HDTV compatible set-top cable box or CableCARD from Time Warner Cable in order to receive HDTV. After subscribing to Time Warner Cable's HDTV service, you should receive a list of locations where you can obtain a cable box. Alternatively, you can set up an appointment to have Time Warner Cable come to your home and install the box for you.

All other extra items necessary for Time Warner Cable's HDTV are provided upon subscription to the service, unless you choose to procure them yourself. For example, component cables for connecting the cable box to your HDTV are provided by Time Warner Cable at no extra fee, but you can also choose to purchase your own component cables and use those instead.