Video Asylum

Posted by AbeCollins (A) on April 17, 2008 at 10:22:19

In Reply to: RE: Some Qs on the upcoming digital-conversion settop boxes. posted by clarkjohnsen on April 15, 2008 at 10:29:50

When they talk about DTV converters or set top boxes, these are also called DTV/HDTV tuners. I have an older Samsung DTV/HDTV tuner that will not only output to a "HD capable" TV but will also output 480i / 480p / and even composite or s-video.

So, in order to receive DTV/HDTV, you will need a converter/tuner and in some cases the device will also output the signal to an older TV via the composite or s-video ports. Of course, you won't get DTV or HDTV picture quality but you will still be able to watch TV on your old set.

The TV antenna in most cases will simply be a UHF antenna. I have $20 RadioShack UHF yagi that works great. You can also get smaller "patch" antennas thay aren't as ugly and they work fine too. If you're within a reasonable distance to the broadcast towers, an indoor antenna may also work.

If you're on Cable TV or Satellite, you don't need to worry about any of this. Your service will continue.

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