HDTV noob

Hi all,

I just purchased a 40" Polaroid LCD HDTV at the Circuit City BF sale. I went ahead with it knowing that it was a good deal, but not quite knowing what I am getting in to.

I have no idea where to start in regards to getting an entertainment system up and running. We're currently on DirecTV and have a non-HD receiver, so I know that's the first place to start. But aside from that, does anyone have a noobie guide on how HDTV works, what's required in regards to cables, etc?

Thanks!!

BTW, here are the stats on the TV I bought, if it'll help at all:

Features

* 1080i/720p/480i/480p digital compatibility
* 181-channel cable-ready NTSC/high definition ATSC tuner
* Two-tuner Picture-in-Picture (PIP)*
* 3:2 & 2:2 pull-down with motion compensation
* Progressive scan
* Built-in speakers (15 watts x 2) with SAP stereo sound
* Simulated surround sound
* Pre-programmed tone controls (bass, treble, balance, EQ)
* Trilingual on-screen display (English, Spanish, French)
* Input and channel labeling
* Sleep timer, closed captioning
* Includes full-function universal remote control and detachable TV stand

*Note: Two different sources are necessary for viewing Picture-in-Picture (PIP) (1 NTSC, 1 ATSC).


Specifications

* Aspect Ratio: 16:9 widescreen
* Resolution: 1366 x 768
* Brightness: 500 cd/m2
* Contrast ratio: 1200:1
* Response time: 8 ms
* Viewing angle: 178 x 178
* AC 100 – 240 volts, 50/60Hz
* Unit dimensions (H x W x D): 29.3" x 38.9" x 9.4" (745 x 987 x 240mm)
* Unit weight: 61.7 lbs. (28kg)

Inputs/Outputs:

* 2 HDMI inputs (rear)
* 2 component video inputs (YPbPr) (rear)
* S-video input (rear)
* 2 composite video inputs (1 rear, 1 side)
* VGA (D-sub) input (rear)
* 2 TV/CATV coaxial RF inputs (rear)
* 7 audio inputs (6 rear, 1 side)
* Audio output (rear)
* Headphone jack (side)