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HDTV Tuners - Q & A's

By Edward McKellen

HDTV tuners are one of the most popular HDTV accessories. Before you buy one, though, here are some basic facts you should know about them.

What is an HDTV tuner?

In the simplest terms, an HDTV tuner is a device which receives HD signals and transmits them to your HDTV monitor. These signals can come from cable and satellite TV broadcasts, Blu-Ray players or even HDTV-capable video game consoles. Without an HDTV tuner, these signals will be displayed as regular TV signals, which basically means your HDTV will act just like a regular TV.

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?

An HDTV tuner is a device connected to an HDTV. It receives HD signals and allows them to be displayed properly on the HDTV. On the other hand, an HDTV converter converts digital signals into analog ones so that your regular TV can still process them and display them on the screen, though not with the same superior picture quality.

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 average price of an HDTV tuner ranges from $80 to over $400. This depends on the brand of the HDTV, as well as the features.

How do I get my HDTV tuner to work?

Installing an HDTV tuner should be relatively easy. The most important thing is to connect it properly to your HDTV. Depending on the type of tuner you have, you should be able to find a port at the back or the side of your HDTV to connect it to. You should also be able to connect it to your antenna or other sources of HD content in order to receive the HD signals for it to transmit to your HDTV. When in doubt, consult your manual.

What HDTV tuner should I get?

If your cable or satellite TV provider offers an HDTV tuner, it is best to buy that one so you can be spared the trouble of looking for one on your own. If not, though, there is no reason to worry, since there are many HDTV tuners to choose from. To narrow down your choices, look at the features, and more importantly, the compatibility of the tuner with your HDTV. If you want, you can buy an HDTV tuner with the same brand as your HDTV to guarantee compatibility, although there are many tuners that are compatible with several brands of HDTVs.

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