You’ve probably heard about this new technology called high definition, also known as HD. Maybe you’ve even seen those “Broadcast in HD” announcements during your favorite shows.

If you’ve got an HD-ready TV, then congratulations, you’re one step closer to images 6x sharper than you’re getting on your TV now!

Charter is one of several national cable providers that offer HD services. If you’re already a Charter subscriber, the first step you have to take to avail of HD services is to avail of the HD receiver at only $5 a month. If your TV is a CableCard HDTV, you’ll have to lease a Charter CableCard to enjoy the service.

But let’s stop with the technical stuff. Chances are, the fact that you’re considering HD means you kind of understand how it works already.

Let’s move on to what you can watch on it.

Watching HD on Charter means not having to pay extra, aside from the technical equipment. That means all the top-rated networks and their local affiliates, plus 400+ shows and movies On Demand. If you want more than just the usual offerings, you can subscribe to any of the premium channels, and you automatically get their content in the sharpness and clarity of high definition and Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound.

Some premium channels that you can have access to in HD are HBO, Showtime, ESPN, Discovery, and a host of Pay-Per-View events and presentations.

Again, if you’re an existing Charter subscriber with an HD-ready TV, all HD will cost you for the basic channels is $5 a month.

Of course, when you get started and the premium channels are dangled in front of you, it’ll likely be more than that. Once you go HD, watching TV any other way will probably seem lame.