What to Watch on Your New HDTV

So you just unwrapped your first HDTV, you've got it all hooked up to your cable or satellite box (via HDMI or component video, I hope), and now you're ready to impress the relatives. Here's a few channels that'll make their eyes pop.

• Discovery HD Theater: Have a jaded in-law who thinks the whole high-def thing is nothing but hype? Her jaw will drop—guaranteed—when she sees her first HD water buffalo lolling in the mud. Chrismas Day highlights: "Sunrise Earth" at 10 a.m. ET (a must-see in HD), followed by "Tank Overhaul" in the afternoon (because when I think of Christmas, I think of tanks), and then HD footage of the Goodwood Revival (period motor racing) in the evening.
• ESPN HD: Sports look phenomenal in HD, and there's nothing like a quick hit of gridiron to show off your new set. "SportsCenter" delivers plenty of highlights in high-def, and at 8 p.m. ET on Christmas Day, the Seattle Supersonics take on the Portland Trail Blazers.
• HDNet Movies: Nothing but movies, and good ones—the network is currently on a Hitchcock bender, and my wife had trouble sleeping last night after we watched "The Birds" in HD. Even better, HDNet Movies always shows flicks in their proper aspect ratios, so "scope" movies like "The Goonies" aren't cropped on the sides. Christmas Day highlights: "Chariots of Fire" at 6 a.m. ET, "2010: The Year We Make Contact" at 10:05 a.m., and "Oliver!" at 8 p.m.
• TNT HD: Any "Law & Order" fans in the house? TNT is pretty much the "Law & Order" network these days, and almost all of its old "Law & Order" episodes are presented in HD. You go, Jack McCoy! Also on Christmas Day: more HD "Cold Case" than you can shake a stick at.
• Food Network HD: You'll be craving some tasty vittles after watching the master chefs on the Food Network in HD, so make sure you have snacks on hand before watching. Christmas Day highlights: "Semi-Homemade Cooking with Sandra Lee," "Good Eats," and "The Great Adventure."
• National Geographic HD: You've never seen an erupting volcano or the interior of a nuclear submarine until you've seen it in HD; sadly, National Geographic's HD schedule for Christmas Day is pretty lackluster, unless you happen to be a "Dog Whisperer" junkie.

Note: Make sure to check with your cable or satellite provider before the big day, as some of these networks (such as Discovery HD Theater and ESPN HD) may only be available in a separate HD "tier" or package. And of course, you'll need an HD cable or satellite set-top box (check out Six Must-Know HDTV Facts for more).

And folks, that's it for me until January 2. Have a safe and happy holiday, and have fun with all your new gadgets. I know I will.