How to Determine Received Bitrate and HD Resolution?

[ashgrov]

All the discussion on HD specs has me interested in finding out what I'm actually getting from the various sources I have access to (OTA, E*, Cable).
How do I determine for myself, technically not visually, if I am actually receiving "full" HD (1920 * 1080I or 1280 x 720P) or HD-Lite (something lesser than that), and also how do I determine the bitrate I'm receiving? Do I need any special equipment or software, and if so, what's the easiest (cheapest) way to do it?
Thanks

 

[Gary Murrell]

You are going to have to spend 900$ to 1000$ bare minimum to buy the needed equipment, software and having a capable PC to do basic stuff

-Gary

 

[rdinkel]

Gary, Are you keeping your chart current? Does not look like your update date has been changed for a long time. Thanks! Bob

 

[ashgrov]

You are going to have to spend 900$ to 1000$ bare minimum to buy the needed equipment, software and having a capable PC to do basic stuff
-Gary

Thanks Gary. Do you have a pointer to the stuff that's needed, or a list?
Dan