Do I have to have anything else other than Direct Tv to recieve HD broadcasts?

Okay so you have many questions I'll address them all:

Without knowing the specifics of your setup I can give you a generalized idea.

If you currently have a standard tv (not lcd or plasma), and a standard receiver from Directv you'll need a few things.

You need 5 things in order to get HD from Directv

1: A HDTV

2: A HD Receiver

3: The HD Signal

4: A HD Dish

5: HD Cables

Lets start with the tv. You'll need a HD tv capable of at least a 720i/p picture. 720 refers to the resolution of the tv. The i and the p, stand for interlaced (i) or Progressive (P) this deals with how the line arranged on your tv.

You will need to upgrade your receiver from directv to and HD compatible model it will be an H model. This has the mpeg4 chip required to read the HD signal.

You will need to subscribe to HD from directv this is an additional 10.99 a month regardless of how many receivers you have.

In order to get the hd signal to your house. You will need a satelite upgrade to a 5 lnb slimline. LNB stands for Low Noise Blockers, they are the little white knobs that stick out towards the dish. You need one with five. This will be free from Directv with the purchase of an upgraded receiver.

The HD cables you will need will come with the new receiver.

Keep in mind you'll have HD now but only the HD counterparts to the channles you already subscribe to. For example, if you get food network, you'll also get it in HD. If you do not then you will not get the HD counterpart either.

The Cost of upgrading with directv will reage in price from 99-299 dollars depending on what you want. It comes with a free dish and install.

Hope that helps- If I provided you with all you need, please select me as best answer. If you require additional info do not hesitate to email me. My email is in my profile.

By "Over the Air" I assume you mean without cable service. By February 2009 "All" television broadcasting stations will permanently change over to digital format and television reception that has been available all these years with the use of an antenna will no longer be available. Right now you can still watch stations that broadcast analog. Just hook up an antenna. For other stations you will have to subscribe to a service and have a receiver. In 2009 we will no longer have a choice and will be forced to "Pay" for television. We're trapped except for Internet television which is usually not live TV.

you can get high def from a UHF antenna over the air for free. or you will have to get an HD receiver from directv you will probably have to upgrade your dish also, not sure on the specifics of that.