I have DISH.

I pay for the HD programming (I have the Bronze HD package.)

I pay additional for local channels.

My local channels thru DISH are not HD.  If I were to use an Antenna, they would be HD.  This is an issue between DISH and the local stations.  I am not sure why. I knew it was this way when I signed up.

I can get local channels from the Wash D.C. markets.  They are broadcast thru DISH either as HD or not - both ways. 

Not sure what all the issues are - just sayin "that's the way it is" ...... *here*.