What is the cheapest High-Def tuner out there?

I recall that I sold my Samsung for a song.

If you don't want a PVR, I'd say get a used one like that. Try ebay. I was VERY happy with that particular tuner, so if you can find that exact model, you'll probably be happy. It could tune terrestrial and DirecTV stations, and it worked FAST.

I have to say, though, that nothing compares to a high def PVR. My High Def DirecTivo is a godsend. Mine was "only" about $600.00 or so when I signed up for my new service here in Seattle.

How about for non-Direct TV tuners?

As far as I know, all DirecTV HD receivers can get HD OTA without needing a DirecTV subscription. Overall, they seem to be good units and are reasonably inexpensive 2nd-hand.

Recently there was a tuner on sale at Radio Shack with HDMI output for under $90, but I think they're sold out by now. I can't even find a link now.

That's correct, you can get the OTA HD and SD stations with the HD DirecTivo.

One thing to keep in mind, that makes the HD DirecTivo different from the Samsung unit I sold: The DirecTivo will only decode digital OTA stations. In the two places I've used the unit, that didn't make a difference because all the stations I cared about would dual-broadcast in analog and digital. But if it's critical for you to get analog OTA stations, then just know that the HD DirecTivo won't decode them and you've got to use the TV set's tuner to watch them.

You may want to look around for a Voom box as well. A FAQ on them is handy, make sure to pay attention to the part about how they can be used as an OTA tuner. Or, read this buyers guide for more detailed information.

It for me was the one benefit of signing up for Voom in the face of their problems. I payed $1 for the box, antenna and installation, then 3 months of service. Every subscriber in good standing got to keep their equipment to continue to receive off the air channels.

If Dish or DirecTV would get their act together, and move to Mpeg4, I'd be willing to part with mine. But both sides seem to be taking their sweet time, and I refuse to pay for a HDTV PVR twice in 12-24 months.