Aug. 16: What's on HDTV today

What we're watching and why:

If you're in the mood for some intellectual and visual treats in high definition, Discovery HD is the channel for you tonight. It begins at 8 with "The Once and Future City: Chicago," which explores the history and future of the Windy City. Then there's "HD Getaways: Nature Beaches" at 9. It shows the "golden sand, sparkling ocean and tons of sun" of three beaches. Finally, "Secrets of Hawaii's National Parks" airs at 10: "Discover a land where the awe-inspiring, pyrotechnics of earth-in-the-making meets a tropical paradise." Sounds like a lovely night in front of your HDTV set, doesn't it?

Here are the HDTV programs showing on some selected networks today:

ABC: According to Jim (8 p.m.), Rodney (8:30 p.m.), According to Jim (9 p.m.), Rodney (9:30 p.m.), Boston Legal (10 p.m.)

CBS: NCIS (8 p.m.)

NBC: Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (10 p.m.), The Tonight Show (11:35 p.m.)

WB: Gilmore Girls (8 and 9 p.m.)

ESPN-HD: NFL Live (4 p.m.), SportsCenter (11 p.m.)