Please educate me about HDTV

[JTG51]

I have to buy a new TV. I'm thinking about an HDTV, but I don't really know anything about them.

Will I actually be able to watch any HDTV programming without buying more hardware and subscribing to a new cable service? Like ESPN HD for example?

If I get something in the 32" range, is a 16:9 screen going to be too small for regular TV? How will the size compare to a regular screen at say 27"?

I'd like to spend less than $1000. Any suggestions?

Anything else I need to know before I buy?