I live in RI and my local digital cable provider does not offer an HD channel for FOX or ABC.

I was wondering if there is an external antenna I can purchase that will hook into my HD ready TV to get the local HD programming? Or if there are any other options out there besides satellite programming that would make it possible to receive the channels in HD.

Not a problem at all, the only thing you need to make sure of is that your local channels are broadcast in hd. If they are not then you will have to go to satalite to get hd.

They do make antennas that receive a HD signal. They are roof mount and you should be able to find a few if you Google them.

Here is one of them,
http://ak.buy.com/db_assets/prod_lrg_images/624/202573624.jpg

I suggest try this first:
http://www.lumenlab.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=9613

If it works, let us know please.