HDTV Tuners

HDTV tuners are devices that receive and decode HDTV signals and then display them on the television. They may be an inbuilt tuner or they may be a stand alone device. They are also known as HDTV receivers or set top boxes. The HDTV and tuner are inseparable for HDTV viewing.

Many HD televisions do not have inbuilt HDTV tuners. But these tuners are essential to get the digital HDTV programs. Built in HDTV tuners are used mainly for over-the-air (OTA) signals. One problem with these is that you should be near the transmitter to receive the digital signature. External HDTV tuners are connected between the television and the antenna. External HDTV tuners are necessary when your TV does not have inbuilt HDTV tuner. HDTV external tuner is an extra device for your home entertainment.

HDTV Tuner Card

HDTV tuner cards are available, which give you a chance to capture free HDTV programs. This can be done by using an indoor or outdoor antenna. The tuner card also carries software that allows you to record the channels captured.

The companies that manufacture HDTV tuners are Samsung, Sharp, Panasonic, Mitsubishi, and others.

What Are Terrestrial And Extra-Terrestrial Tuners?

HDTV Terrestrial tuners capture signals broadcasted from land based antenna or cable network. Extra terrestrial tuners receive signals broadcasted through satellite. Some tuners can receive both terrestrial and extra terrestrial HDTV programs.

You can view the HDTV programs on a big screen by connecting the HDTV tuner to the LCD projector. A standalone ATSC HDTV tuner will prove to be of help in this situation. An OTA HDTV tuner receives signals in ASTC formats. They can receive different types of HDTV signals coming through different types of HDTV sources like the cable, satellite, OTA, digital-VHS recording, and others. USB HDTV tuner can receive free over-the-air HDTV signals and is small enough to fit inside a USB stick.

Cost

HDTV tuners are not every expensive. You can get a good tuner in the range $300-$500. But you can also rent them.

There are so many HDTV tuners available today that choosing becomes a baffling experience. Simply put, the choice depends on the HDTV programming you want to subscribe to. Each of the satellite and cable companies has its own HDTV tuner. Remember, HDTV tuner from one company does not suit the other.

You can buy HDTV tuners from local sellers or from the Internet. At local dealers and sellers, you can touch and hold the tuners, while online; you can only view the pictures and features. The product is intangible.

Remember to read the reviews before buying.