Gas prices are at the highest levels ever, movie prices are increasing. And with all the great channels available on satellite television, many families are waiting until the movie comes on pay-per-view or a premium movie channel instead of going to the theater. What has led many families to pay the high ticket prices and outrageous prices at the concession stands is the quality picture and sound, that at one time, could only be experienced at the movies.

With the onset of high definition television, that has changed. There are many reasons as to why high definition channels and programs are superior and some explanations are too technical for most people. But simply, high definition brings sharper, more realistic cover, great sound and the ability to watch shows in wide screen, just like at the movies. Since the federal government requires all television sets to be HD compatible by February 2009, families are not only purchasing new sets but are also adding high definition programming.

High definition television channels offer more to the viewer including:

• The faces of elephants, fire cats and snakes up close and personal with amazing clarity on Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom broadcast on Animal Planet.

• Viewers feel like they are really on the scene of breaking news watching CNN in high definition.

• Football fans see the pigskin up close as it is snapped by some of the league's top players on the NFL Network.

• Chefs don't miss a single technique by their favorite cook as they master the latest recipe from the Food Network.