High Definition Tuners FAQ’s
Many people are led to believe that they will enjoy the HD experience just buy buying a High Definition TV. Well, that’s just salestalk. To truly get HDTV, you will need more than just the television itself. You will need to subscribe to HD programming, too, and will probably have to buy a few accessories, like HDTV tuners.
What is an HDTV tuner?
HDTV tuners are also known as HDTV receivers or HDTV decoders, precisely because these are the two main functions of an HDTV tuner. First, the HDTV tuner receives the HD signals, whether from your cable or satellite TV provider, Blu-Ray player or HDTV-capable video game console, then decodes and processes them so they can be displayed properly on your HDTV. If you do not have an HDTV tuner, you will only receive regular TV signals, which means you won’t get to enjoy the superior picture quality offered by your HDTV.
Is an HDTV tuner different from an HDTV tuner card?
An HDTV tuner is a separate, external device connected directly to your HDTV, which is why it is sometimes called an external or stand-alone HDTV tuner. It is also often called a Set-Top-Box since it is usually placed on top of the HDTV monitor. On the other hand, an HDTV tuner card is a smaller device – either USB or PCI – that can be attached to a computer, which, in turn, is the one connected directly to the HDTV. Many people prefer the HDTV tuner to the HDTV tuner card since it is easier to install, although it is not always capable of recording.
Is an HDTV tuner different from an HDTV converter?
If you already own an HDTV-ready television, you will need an HDTV tuner to receive HD signals and display them properly on your screen. If you still have a regular TV, though, as many still do, you might want to get an HDTV converter in order to convert digital signals to analog ones which your TV can receive and process.
Should I get an HDTV tuner?
An HDTV tuner is necessary to display signals with the superior picture quality that you expect so it is recommended for you to get one. However, some HDTVs already come with a built-in HDTV tuner. If you own one of these, then there is no need to buy any other kind of HDTV tuner.
How much do HDTV tuners cost?
The cost of an HDTV tuner depends on its features and its brand. Popular brands include Sony, Samsung and Panasonic. Prices range from $80 to over $400.
How do I get my HDTV tuner to work?
To make your HDTV tuner work, the first step is to physically connect it to your HDTV. There are several types of ports where you can connect your HDTV tuner, such as component-video ports, DVI-D ports, HDMI ports and even FireWire ports. You also need to connect it to your antenna for it to receive the High Definition signals or to any other HD-capable devices you plan to use. For details on how to set up your HDTV tuner, follow the instructions on the manual that came with it.
What HDTV tuner should I get?
Many cable and satellite TV providers offer their own HDTV tuners, which can spare you the trouble of shopping for your own. If yours does not, though, there are many for you to choose from. You can even buy your HDTV tuner online. To know which one, simply consider the features. The brand is important, too, not just so you can be assured of quality, but to ensure its compatibility with your HDTV. Take note that buying an HDTV tuner with the same brand as your HDTV is not required, although it is recommended if possible.
Edward McKellen is an HDTV expert who writes HDTV reviews for HDTVreviewlab.com. To check out the latest Pioneer HDTV reviews or learn more about HDTV please visit HDTVreviewlab.com