How To Buy Guide - DTV Guide

Instead of buying a whole new TV, you can buy a device with a built-in DTV tuner. There are different types of these DTV Boxes – you’ll need to decide which one works best for you. Here are some things to consider when buying a DTV Tuner Box:

1) There are 3 Different Kinds

…and you’ll need to decide which one meets your needs. Want to watch and record DTV broadcasts? Look for a Digital Video Recorder or a DVD Recorder with a built-in DTV tuner. Want to upgrade your HDTV-Ready TV to DTV? Look for an HDTV Tuner Box.

Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) record video to a hard drive so that you can play it back later. They feature an Electronic Programming Guide (similar to digital cable boxes), allow you to pause live television, and often include a monthly charge.

If you want to record HD-quality video, you’ll need an HD-DVR. Otherwise, you can save considerably by buying a standard definition DVR.

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DVD Recorders (DVD-Rs) record video to recordable DVDs. Many of them also record to hard drives. Not all DVD-Rs can receive DTV signals, so be sure to look for one with a built-in ATSC tuner.

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HDTV Tuner Boxes don’t record, but can receive DTV signals and pass them on to your TV in HD quality. This is the best option for those with HD-Ready TVs, since your TV must be capable of displaying ATSC signals.

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2) There’s a Wide Range of Prices

If you decide to go with a DTV Tuner Box, you should plan on spending anywhere from $100 to $300, depending on which model you choose.

With DVRs and DVD-Rs, you can save considerably if you don’t need an HD quality picture. For DVRs, be sure and look for one with a big enough hard drive – an 80GB or smaller model will cost less, but you’ll be surprised how quickly you run out of space. For DVD-Rs, a hard drive is nice, but not completely necessary.

3) It's a Slightly Tougher Setup

You’ll need to connect the box between your antenna and TV. If you want your DVR or DVD-R to record from a different source, you’ll need to figure out how to best route the signal.

Because this is an external box, it works somewhat like a VCR or DVD player. You’ll leave your TV set on one channel and use the DTV box remote to change channels. If you want to eliminate some clutter and still have access to all the features, you may want to invest in a universal remote.

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4) Using the Right Cables = Critical

Using the right cables will make all the difference in the world with your picture quality.

For viewing HDTV, your best bet is an HDMI cable. Component video cables are the next best choice.

If you plan on connecting your DTV box to your analog TV, S-Video or composite video cables are your best bet.

5) Get the Right Antenna

If you can currently receive UHF channels (channels over 13), you should be able to receive DTV signals from the start with your new HDTV. If you live more than 10 miles from the broadcast source, though, you’ll likely need an amplified indoor or outdoor antenna (if you don’t have one already) and an upgraded antenna cable. Unlike analog broadcasts, with digital channels you either get a perfect signal or nothing at all. So if the digital channels aren’t showing up, you probably need a new antenna.

Check out AntennaWeb.org for more info on adjusting your antenna.

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