Check Your HDTV Tuner Before You Purchase HD Antenna

Ensuring your built-in HDTV tuner is the first step before an HD antenna purchase. Many TV sets in the market come as "HDTV-ready". HDTV-ready TVs are capable of rendering high definition video coming from your DVD, satellite or cable receiver. The problem is that HDTV-ready TV set can not be used for watching HDTV over-the-air (OTA) broadcasts 'cause it lacks a tuner. Without an HDTV tuner OTA HDTV broadcasts can not be translated and decoded into legible pictures. Having an HDTV tuner is a must for any individual who is interested in taking advantage of high definition television broadcasts. If you don't know whether your TV set has a built-in tuner, look for the RF antenna connector on the rear/side panel. If a TV has a tuner it must have a connector to plug in an off-air HD antenna.

If you have yet to purchase a high definition television, be sure to purchase one that includes a built-in tuner. The tuner is a critical piece of equipment that is necessary in the goal of watching HDTV broadcasts. Televisions equipped with internal tuners may be more expensive than one that lacks the tuner, but they are still less expensive than having to purchase an external HDTV tuner that may or may not work as well as the internal variety. Furthermore, ensuring your television set comes equipped with an internal tuner will save you the hassle of installing another piece of technological equipment.

However, if you have an HDTV-ready television or do not have a tuner installed for some other reason, you must purchase an external HDTV tuner in addition to an HD antenna. Make sure the tuner you choose supports HDTV, i.e look for an HDTV tuner! There are plenty of TV tuners in the market that do not support HDTV, especially on the low price end. Just like any piece of electronic equipment, you tend to get what you pay for, so be sure to do your homework before you buy. Typically, you can get a solid performer for $200-$300. One of the best candidates is Sylvania 6900DTE ATSC/HDTV Broadcast Set-Top Box Receiver. Excellent performance and reasonable price. It features Component, S-Video, DVI, and Composite output for video signals, which can be used simultaneously so that you can view and record different content at the same time. Audio outputs include Dolby Digital Coaxial, Dolby Digital Optical, and Stereo L/R.

Go to Step 2: Find HDTV broadcasts in your area, the color code and the required TV antenna type. --->

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Check Your HDTV Tuner Before You Purchase HD Antenna

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