HDTV guru offers tips to newcomers

This industry analyst, reviewer and HD freak tested at least 150 HDTVs last year, presides over the trade publication HDTV Insider Newsletter and is launching a Web site for consumers called HDTVguru.com.A few questions for the high-def guru:What do most people not know about HDTV that they should?That there is a vast amount of free, high-definition programming available via a roof or indoor antenna, though one’s ability to receive it depends upon proximity to the broadcast antenna.Many stations multicast, turning a single digital channel into two or more.The extra channels can be more news or around-the-clock weather services, music videos or whatever the stations wants.What advice do you give people before they go out to a store to buy their first HDTV?Be aware of the distance you sit from the screen, the amount of ambient light in the room and if you plan to get your HD programming from the cable or phone company, satellite, over the air (with an antenna) or a combination.