Do TVs work without cable

Yes, an HD television will operate without an HD cable box. Many will now receive HD signals using a built in tuner and will receive SD signals using the tuner as well.

If an HD television is purchased before an upgrade to an HD cable box, the television will accept SD signals from the existing cable box. The quality will still be SD - there is no increase in the resolution just because the television is HD.

When an HD box is obtained, the television will be ready to display HD signals.