Even 1080p Projectors Lack An HDTV Tuner!

HDTV Receivers  Because even the best 1080p projector lacks a built-in high definition television tuner, you'll need to connect it to an external HDTV receiver to be able to view HD TV programming such as live television and sporting events.  [Surely you are going to want to be able to watch more than just Blu-ray discs and (HD) DVD movies on your projector!]  The purpose of a high definition receiver is to decode the digital TV signals from satellite dish HD programming service, local cable HD programming service, or free off the airwaves broadcast HD TV using a television antenna.

You should connect the audio/video outputs on the back of your HDTV receiver to the appropriate inputs on the back of your home theater / surround sound receiver.  If your home theater receiver features HDMI switching, along with the ability to upconvert all non-HD video input sources to 1080p output through HDMI, you should be able to connect the HDTV receiver to the home theater receiver with a single HDMI cable, then send a single (long) HDMI cable out from the home theater receiver to the projector.

There are at least four sources of high definition TV programming currently available to consumers, but most of it is not full 1080p HD resolution, so that's where 1080p upconversion comes in really handy on a home theater receiver.

1. Digital satellite dish TV service with HD programming package from DIRECTV or Dish Network.  Typically, the packages include installation for multiple televisions (and projectors) and you can lease the HD receivers / DVRs on your monthly bill, so there is no equipment to buy.  You will need to have a location outside where the satellite dish antenna can be aimed towards the sky and permanently mounted, such as an outdoor wall or roof of the house.  A drawback to going with a digital satellite dish is that bad weather may cause you to lose your TV signal.
2. HD programming from your local digital cable provider.  You can subscribe to an HD package from your local cable company (Charter, Comcast, Time Warner, etc.) to get premium movie channels and sports packages, and perhaps an HD DVR.  You may want to see if Verizon's FiOS TV is available in your area.
3. Free HD broadcasts from your local TV networks using an ATSC HDTV receiver like the Samsung DTBH260F HDTV terrestrial receiver pictured to the right, and HDTV antenna.  After the cost of buying an HDTV receiver, this option is basically free!
4. HD movies and content from the Internet, i.e. VUDU Box