Tuning With HDTV Tuners

Purchasing an HDTV-ready TV is just one step to getting near in experiencing the excitement of HDTV. However, to truly enjoy HDTV the TV must be hooked up to a separate HDTV tuner to watch digital broadcasts. While HDTV’s with built in tuners are already produced in masse, there are still many stuck with HDTV-ready TV’s and are not yet willing to again splurge for a new TV.

Consumers should not fret, as there are still a number of quality separate HDTV tuners available in the market. The following are some of the top selling HDTV tuners.

Samsung's SIR-T451

The Samsung SIR-T451 HDTV tuner enables viewers to constantly enjoy free-to-are High Definition broadcasts. Almost all of US households can access one digital TV signal and nearly 85% can access at least five stations.

 Specifications:

   »  decodes all free-to-air HDTV/SDTV formats
(when hooked to an HD-compatible antenna)
   »  customizable output resolution (1080i/720p/480p/480i)
   »  Electronic Program Guide
   »  1 set of A/V outputs ( S-video, composite and 1080i/720p/480p
component video)
   »  optical and coaxial digital audio outputs for Dolby® Digital
   »  multibrand remote control (operates most TVs)
   »  RGB output — D-sub 15-pin connector
   »  one RF input (Antenna)
   »  DVI digital video output with HDCP copy protection
   »  13-7/8"W x 2-11/16"H x 10-1/2"D
   »  warranty: 1 year parts & labor

DIRECTV H20 HDTV tuner

Enjoying high definition programming from HDTV is a snap when using the H20 tuner. This HTDV tuner can be connected to a HD-compatible antenna to view programs from local or free-to-air channels.

DIRECTV's HD line of program produces vibrant, lifelike images and surround sound that fills the room with sound. You only need to connect the H20 HDTV tuner with your HDTV-ready TV and audio/video system.

Specifications:

   »  HD-DIRECTV tuner — receives and decodes digital HDTV signals
from DIRECTV’s satellite broadcasts and local free-to-air broadcasts with
the use of a compatible antenna
   »  selectable 480i/480p/720p/1080i output via HDMI and component
video
   »  receives digital TV broadcasts in 480i, 480p, 720p, and 1080i
HDMI)
   »  optical digital audio output passes Dolby® Digital audio
   »  1 USB interface for future use
   »  phone jack
   »  2 sets audio/video outputs (2 composite, 1 S-video, 1 component
video, 1
   »  RF/IR multibrand audio/video remote (controls up to four
components)
   »  includes component video, S-video, and RCA audio/video cables
   »  built-in ATSC tuner receives over-the-air digital broadcasts
   »  searchable 7-day program guide
   »  on-screen caller ID (when connected via phone line)
   »  satellite and antenna inputs
   »  MPEG4-capable
   »  14-15/16"W x 2-13/16"H x 10-13/16"D
   »  warranty: 90 days

DIRECTV HR10-250

The HR10-250 HDTV tuner from DIRECTV will ensure that viewers will enjoy countless hours of High-Definition programming. The HR10-250 receives and decodes digital signals from DIRECTV’s high-resolution broadcasts. This tuner contains a hard drive digital video recorder that enables crystal clear reproduction of shows.

High-definition broadcasts from DIRECTV offer pictures full of detail and surround sound that fill an entire room. Just connect the '250 HDTV tuner to your HD-ready TV and home audio system, and be ready to experience home entertainment at its best.

Specifications:

   »  HDTV DIRECTV tuner — receives and decodes digital HDTV signals
from DIRECTV’s satellite broadcasts and local free-to-air broadcasts
with the use of a compatible antenna.
   »  can store up to 200 hours of standard-definition digital TV with
its built-in hard disk digital video recorder and up to 30 hours of
HDTV and
   »  can record two shows at the same time
   »  TiVo 14-day interactive program guide
   »  WishList™ keyword search of program listings
   »  Season Pass™ — record whole seasons of TV shows; first-run only,
or with reruns
   »  receives digital TV broadcasts in 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i
   »  manual timer recording by channel and time
   »  1 antenna input and 2 satellite inputs
   »  1 set audio/video outputs (composite, S-video, component video,
HDMI)
   »  selectable 480i/480p/720p/1080i output via HDMI and component
video
   »  dual ATSC tuners
   »  Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down buttons — ratings system from TiVo
   »  optical digital audio outputs pass Dolby® Digital 5.1-channel
audio
   »  phone jack
   »  remote control (multibrand for TVs and A/V receivers)
   »  2 USB interfaces for future use
   »  HDMI, HDMI-to-DVI, component video, S-video, composite video,
and telephone cables
   »  15-1/8"W x 3-5/16"H x 13-7/8"D
   »  warranty: 1 year